Memorable Moment Essay

Growing up I’ve had many memorable and important experiences. A lot of these situations have led me to become a better person. I can say that I have had my share of bad experiences as well, but all have led up  to making me the person I am today. One experience that sticks out among them all is one a little over nine years ago. when I learned a valuable lesson. The most memorable childhood experience I have recalled is when I was nine years old. I grew up with my mom, dad, two sisters and a brother. Being the oldest, I always played as a babysitter for my parents .  One day my parents were getting ready to take my brother and baby sister to the doctor. They went through their precautionary measures before they left like ; locking all the doors, windows, leaving their numbers on the fridge, and so on. before walking out the door my dad told me to do my homework and watch my sister. As they left I decided to disregard everything said and not do my homework or even keep an eye on my sister. I started playing Playstation, I got the new Ratchet and Clank game a week earlier and didn’t want to waste any time in beating it. As the day progressed and I was getting further in the game, I started thinking about when my parents were going to get home. So I paused the game for a little to call them. Getting a hold of them was pretty hard considering my parents never answer their phones, but I eventually got through to my mom. During our conversation my mom asked if I did my homework, tensing up and scared to say no, I replied yes, then she asked about my sister. I had no clue where she could be but I again I replied with a hesitant,† y-y-yes mom she’s in her room sleeping†. Already at lie number two, I swiftly rushed to my sisters room. Slamming the door open in urgency, I quickly scanned the room for any sign of my sister. nowhere to be found, I yelled out â€Å"CELINE! † multiple times. Getting no response, I ran down stairs hastily in search for my sister, thinking about the worst possibilities. Coming to a conclusion she’s not in the house, I hurried to the backward. seeing no sign of her I decided to get my shoes on and go outside. ith still no clue to where she could be, I started knocking on the doors of my neighbors and asking in desperation. ironically my aunt lived a couple houses down, and when I asked her she got a little worried, and replied â€Å"no, why?! Is everything alright?! â€Å". I answered with a simple â€Å"yeah khalte, every thing is good. My mom said she was going to bring Celine over to play with Zeinab and I was wondering if she was still here. â€Å". Lie number three. My aunt being her usual self called my mom as soon as I left, to see what was really going on. Heading back home a while later I saw three missed calls from my mom and I didn’t know what to do, what to say that would get me out of this day trouble less. I called my mom back, wasting no time she started questioning me and asking about my sister. I told her everything was fine and it was just a misunderstanding, lie number four. she bought it, but said they are leaving the doctors. running around frantically I didn’t know where to look and what to say to make this all end. making another round through the house, I noticed my parents just pulling up. y dad walked in first calling my name. I threw in the towel, with nowhere to turn and no one to blame but myself, I went to my dad crying. Taking none of it, he asked â€Å"where is Celine? â€Å", not being to answer with a definite answer I told him, â€Å"I don’t know where she could be baba, I looked everywhere†. Yelling at me for being so irresponsible we both started looking for while my brother, s ister(Adina), and mom were just walking in. my dad went straight to the second floor, looking through room after room, closest after closest, with no luck. On our way down the stairs we saw my baby sister in my mom’s hands sleeping. Awed in belief, I asked my mom where she found Celine? She answered with a calm, â€Å"under the kitchen table†. My dad asked, why I seemed so worried, if I was supposed to have everything under control. Explaining to him, I lied to mom and that I’m really sorry. He then asked if I finished my homework, seeing what the lies did to me before, I answered with an honest, â€Å"No Baba†. He then told me, â€Å"yallah baba, finish it so I can take everyone out to get some ice cream†. This has become a life lesson and an important milestone in my childhood. Up until this point I would lie unconsciously to get my parents, teachers, friends off my back. Thanks to this experience I stopped all the unnecessary lieing. Realizing that first lie I told my mom was putting my sister in jeopardy and not my self. If something had happened to her I would never be able to live that down. that’s why I have tried to implement a strict â€Å"No lying† policy in my life. This is only one of the many memorable experience I have had from my childhood. All making me the man I am today.

Memorable Moment Essay

Intro: My experience entering University Kuala Lumpur when I arrived on campus Body: 1. Feeling of emotions 2. The place of building 3. Meet friends Conclusion: Hard moment to say goodbye to family One of the most memorable moments is the first time that I had through on January 09, 2013. It was the first day of my new life, the life that I was going to spend 3 years at University Kuala Lumpur Business School that formerly known as International School of Entrepreneurship (ISE). As people said, college life is a life of freedom but for me college is starting of a new life. For the first time, I felt so many emotions in my heart that makes my heart beat so fast. I was no longer being a girl but a woman who had to stay far away from home and family. I had begun to think myself to be a woman with lots of spirit to end of my study without any problem. When I entered my college for the first day, I looked around with a much more of various feeling. The stately building is what people always talked a campus in the middle of city. I entered the college with my best friend Nurulikma that I meet from old college when I take Diploma. Firstly I was going to Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (MIIT) University City Campus for registration. We need to fill up a few of letter form to get our dorm key. But finally after everything was taken care of we got to go to set up my belongings in my dorm. Never the less, when my family and I finally got up to the room and opened the door, I was very excited, I met my roommates, they are really friendly. We introduced ourselves. Unfortunately my roommates were from different states but for me it was okay even though we had some problem in communication. The room looks nice that I got to spend my first semester. I chose my bed near the plug as I need to use electricity sometimes. After I was settled in, my family and I had a nice lunch and wish them goodbye. That was the saddest moment because I need to live far from my family. (348 words) Read more: Proud Moments in Life

Scarlet Letter and Crucible Letter

In 17th century, there was a group of Christians, known as puritans, in Massachusetts. One item that was different about puritans was that they had very strict rules, especially sins. The two famous works, one by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter and second by Arthur Miller, The Crucible, say a lot about puritan lives during this time period. The Scarlet Letter took place in Boston, Massachusetts, and The Crucible took place in Salem, Massachusetts. Both of his works deal with sin, its effects on different characters, people's reactions, each character's conflicts, and their resolution to the conflicts. Dimmesdale, who is one of the main characters in The Scarlet Letter, and John Proctor, who is in The Crucible. Dimmesdale is more about his respect than anything, while Proctor respects truth than his respect. We can get evidences by looking at their motivations, conflicts, and conflict resolutions, which differ the same way they do. Both, Dimmesdale and Proctor, are different men, but their external conflicts make them the most different. Dimmesdale and Proctor, are two of the main characters from books The Scarlet Letter and The Crucible respectively, who goes through many external conflicts. The conflicts that both characters undergo are different from each other. For instance, Dimmesdale has an external conflict with Chillingworth, his lover's husband, who wants to give a lot of pain for committing adultery with his wife, Hester. â€Å"His fame, his position, his life, will be in my hands. † (Chillingworth, Page 65). On the other hand, Proctor has an external conflict with Abigail, his lover, who wants to live with him for whole her life and kill his wife, Elizabeth Proctor. â€Å"Goody Proctor always kept poppets. † (Proctor, Act 2). Both characters have conflicts that led them a series of problems. Dimmesdale doesn't know that Chillingworth is Hester's husband, and so keeps him as a doctor for him. Chillingworth takes advantage of this and keep giving Dimmesdale wrong medicines, which results in more and more pain for Dimmesdale. Thus, Dimmesdale have to suffer pain due to Chillingworth. John Proctor, character from The Crucible, however, has a different kind of problem. Abigail tries her best to get Proctor, which also includes accusing thirteen people from the town with Elizabeth Proctor. When he confesses about adultery with Abigail in court, nobody listen to him. â€Å"I have made a bell of my honor! I have run the doom of my good name – you will believe me, Mr. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when se saw one! † (Proctor, Act 3). Dimmesdale have to suffer the pain of his heart, while Proctor has to go to jail. In other words, Dimmesdale have to go through inner pain, while Proctor has to go through external pain. Dimmesdale's conflict with Chillingworth and Proctors conflict with Abigail are their primary external conflicts, but they also have some internal conflicts. Dimmesdale and Proctor have their internal conflicts, which are totally different from each other's conflicts. For example, Dimmesdale is becoming sick day by day due to the internal conflict that, which is the guilt of the sin of adultery. â€Å"It is for the reason that the minister keeps his hand over his heart! † (Pearl, Page 148). On other hand, Proctor has an internal conflict over confessing of committing adultery for the good of his wife or not. â€Å"(trembling, his life collapsing about him): I have known her, sir. I have known her. † (Proctor, Act 3). Both of these character's conflicts led them to problems. Because of Dimmesdale's internal conflict, he become very sick and at the end died on the scaffold. He was feeling so much guilt that he couldn't live and so one night he goes to the scaffold and stands with Hester and Pearl. There is one ironic entity about his sickness. As he became sicker, his popularity increased in the town. Proctor, however, doesn’t go through a lot of pain. He have problem with his wife due to Abigail and also during confessing in the court, he became very nervous. Proctor had to choose life of his wife or his own. In other words, if he confessed his wife would be saved, but if he doesn't than he will be saved from public humiliation. Thus, both had different internal conflicts and also different effects due to those. Dimmesdale’s internal conflict due to his guilt and Proctor’s internal conflict of confessing or not are different, but their motivations in the books are also different. The characters Dimmesdale and Proctor have motivations for acting in a certain way in books, The Scarlet Letter and the Crucible respectively, which are different. For instance, maintaining his respect in the town motivates Dimmesdale. â€Å"Hester, here is a new horror! Roger Chillingworth knows your purpose to reveal his true character. Will he continue, then, to keep our secret? What will now be the course of his revenge? † (Dimmesdale, Page 162). On other hand, Proctor’s motivation is the love for his wife. â€Å"These are my friends. Their wives are also accused-I come not to hurt the court: I only-† (Proctor, Act 3). Both characters are motivated in different ways to act the way they are acting in the book. Because of Dimmesdale's motivation, he keeps his guilt inside. He doesn't confess. Pearl even asks him to stand on the scaffold with Hester and her, but he refuses her. Thus, his motivation led him to suffer his pain and not confess. However, Proctor is motivated by the love for his wife. He took evidence with him that proved that Abigail is wrong in saying that his wife is witchcraft, but the judges ignore him. After trying that, he confesses of committing adultery with Abigail, but due to his wife's attempt of saving him, the court doesn't believe him this time either. He goes to jail and is hanged at the very end in attempt of saving his wife and of witchcraft. Dimmesdale's respect and Proctor's love for his wife are motivations that lead them to act in the way they do are different, and they also have different conflict resolutions. As Dimmesdale and Proctor's conflicts are different, the ways they resolved it are also totally different. For example, Dimmesdale tries to solve his conflict by confessing on the scaffold, but doesn't work. â€Å"Then, down he sank upon the scaffold! Hester partly raised him, and supported his head against her bosom. (Hawthorne, Page 209). John Proctor's way of solving his conflict was different from Dimmesdale's. He tried by confessing the contraption that was not right, but also didn't worked. â€Å"†¦. A man will not cast away his good name. You surely know that†¦ A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything, I know it now. I beg you, sir, I beg you – see her what she is. † (Proctor , Act 3). They both have different ways to resolve their conflicts, which came to same result, a fail. Due to Dimmesdale's confession, he fall down and died immediately. His partial reason for his death is Chillingworth's torcher and also his internal conflict. He cannot see his reputation going down and so dies. On Proctor's side, it is different. He goes to the court and tries to save his wife with different ways, but at last when anything doesn't work, he confesses himself to prove Abigail Williams wrong. After this, the judge called Elizabeth Proctor to conform the statement that his husband said and the first time in her life, she lied. This way, the judges don't believe him and sends him to jail for practicing witchcraft and going against the court. Dimmesdale’s resolution of dying and Proctor’s resolution of confessing for the good of his wife and children were the last entity proving that they are different. In conclusion, the reader can interpret that Dimmesdale and John Proctor are entirely different men through their motivations resulting in conflicts and the ways of handling their conflicts. Dimmesdale and Proctor both have a great respect in the town, but made mistake of committing adultery. While, they have the similar situation, but handles it with different ways. John Proctor believes that his reputation is because he is a truthful man. â€Å"How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul: leave me my name! † (Proctor, Act 4). He said this after telling that lie of being witchcraft because he doesn’t want people to say him a liar, and want to teach his children a good lesson of saying the truth. While, Dimmesdale thought that it is good to ignore the truth to maintain his respect. He doesn’t confess until the end when he was going to die. So, the reader can conclude that everyone doesn’t think in the same direction by looking at Dimmesdale and Proctor.

HP's strategic choices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

HP's strategic choices - Essay Example In the process of discussing the major accomplishments and failures made by Florina, the student will evaluate her decision-makings and the effectiveness of her strategic choices in terms of being able to cut down the operational costs of HP. One of the business strategies that Florina implemented together with the company’s business executives is not to reward employees their annual bonuses in case they fail to meet their profit target each year. (Information Gatekeepers, 2002) Even though holding on employees’ bonuses could save the company a large sum of money at the end of the year, this strategy could de-motivate some of deserving employees within the business organization. Given the fact that some of HP employees were disappointed with the top management’s decision not to release their annual bonuses, the work performance of HP employees may suffer. Back in 2002, Florina was behind the actual merger that has occurred between HP and Compaq Computer. Aside from the fact that merger between the two companies could result to cutting down its operational costs through economies of scale as it increases the market opportunity on the part of HP, some analysts have argued that it was a mistake to pursue the merger between the two companies since this strategy made HP lost some portion of its market shares in some areas. (LaMonica, 2005) Upon analyzing the situation, it is possible for HP to lose some of its market share in certain areas when the top management fails to develop a single organizational goal and business objectives which could align the employees coming from the two separate companies. When there is a miscommunication or internal conflict arising between the two groups of employees, there is a higher possibility for the quality of HP products to decrease due to miscommunication and other technical errors. One of the best ways of maintaining the competitiveness of HP in the global

How White Lies Can Be Good For Your Marriage Research Paper

How White Lies Can Be Good For Your Marriage - Research Paper Example In translating this idea into a more academic realm, this literature review is going to analyze research on the importance of trust and communication in an interpersonal relationship. What happens when white lies are told? Is it better to always tell the truth or to safeguard the feelings of your significant other by telling them a simple, unassuming lie? The aim of this literature analysis is to determine if the practice of telling white lies can lead to more serious transgressions of trust within a relationship. The following ten journal articles will divulge this argument of white lies in a relationship to determine whether or not they help or harm a relationship. In order to discuss the literature surrounding this argument, this analysis will review articles about trust and deception within relationships. Analyzing the positive and negative components of white lies against these relationship ideas will help to determine the effect that minor lies can have a romantic connection. B eginning with trust in relationships, Fletcher and Simpson’s 2000 journal article on the Ideal Standards Model discusses what components are necessary for the makings of a good relationship. In placing the ideas of truth and honesty into the loyalty category, it is evident that truth plays a vital role in a relationship. While one can argue that people show their devotion and commitment to one another by demonstrating continuous truth and honesty in a relationship, the question also arises of protecting feelings.... The Ideal Standards Model contains three categories of warmth-loyalty, vitality-attractiveness and status-resources. In placing the ideas of truth and honesty into the loyalty category, it is evident that truth plays a vital role in a relationship. While one can argue that people show their devotion and commitment to one another by demonstrating continuous truth and honesty in a relationship, the question also arises of protecting feelings. According to Fletcher and Simpson, showing your partner compassion and being attentive to their needs for respect and intimacy will increase the chances of a successful relationship. As part of this notion, one can argue that in showing respect for your partner you support them in whatever endeavor they are choosing to follow. In the cases of situations where opinions are not vitally important, such as choosing a movie, going to a concert or picking a new color for an upstairs bathroom, if one person in the relationship truly has their heart set o n one idea, is it really worth arguing over? According to Fletcher and Simpson, a couple in a successful relationship will take opportunities such as this to allow their partner to be happy by telling an insignificant white lie by just agreeing with their choice. As Fletcher and Simpson highlight the components of truth in a successful relationship, Charles Smith’s 2007 article concerning deception highlights its role within the context of a partnership. According to Smith, deception is something that can happen on multiple levels within our lives. We can be deceived by how we perceive things are connected or in the ways they may be mysterious. For example, we can deceive

Waste Management Strategy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Waste Management Strategy - Research Paper Example The basic aim was to derive the analytical framework guiding different phases of this Project. Goals of Project (Week 1): The project performed a business simulation on the T5 programme using important theoretical study features resulting in the following hypothesis to be tested as per current progress: the T5 programme is on schedule and within the project management scope of costs, time and budgetary constraints. The sub-goals of the project were identified in terms of research goals: Results presentation (Weeks 1-2): A detailed planning made for of different areas of interest for T5 programme: 1. Reviewing current status at T5; 2.Analysing the research questions; 3. Discussing basic methods of waste management being employed; 4. Points to be kept in mind for design e.g. software such as Autodesk; 5. Recycling methods (85% recycling results); 6. Environmental concerns/legislative actions.; 7. Operational risk management study; 8. Other aspects such as finances, etc. The author's main purpose in presenting all possible result areas, was to achieve a reasonable amount of self-sufficiency in tackling any future challenging projects (provided they meet funding criteria) and to develop a solid career in this emerging field. 2. Literature Review Raw Data sources (Weeks 2-5): During this phase, the author researched different learning materials (both research as well as case studies) to determine whether the T5 construction project was being handled efficiently (Refer Week 1 hypothesis). The literature sources varied from BAA brochures to various data collected from field sources. A significant deficiency in this proposal was the lack of primary data (interviews). Since the T5 project is currently under construction, it was proprietary and classified information not available in public domain. Upon a request to consultants dealing in recycle strategies as applied to design and development, most declined to comment on the exact nature of these strategies, especially the financial parts and the underlying methods in isolating key materials being used. The best guess was to look into a case study approach based on inferential and exploratory data from secondary sources. Development of data sources (Weeks 5-9): The most important phase of the project, the main aim was to build up the state of the art in relation to T5

What is magic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

What is magic - Essay Example magic; about the perils of inviting magic into your life; about the magic that can be found in the mundane world, and the distant, fearful, changeless magic of Elfland (Dunsany xii). Indeed magic took varying form during the course of the novel and assumed different meanings. In the beginning of the novel, magic meant the folly of the people of Elk when they demanded that magic should rule them. The Lord of Elk cannot help but raise concern about the folly of this demand for magic to rule them yet he cannot refuse the demand because it was coursed through its parliament. What was more interesting was the manner on how the magic will be acquired. That is, â€Å"To wed the King of Elfland’s daughter. . . She was a princess of the magic line. The gods has sent their shadows to her christening, and the fairies would have gone, but that they were frightened to see on their dew fields the long dark moving shadows of the gods, so they stayed hidden in the crowds of pale pink anemones, and thence blessed Lirazel†(Dunsany 2). They acted with hubris that it was as if the Kingdom of Elfland was under their command to demand marriage of a princess just to serve their whim of being ruled by magic. The lord of Elk did not hide his disgust with the folly of his people saying that; "My people demand a magic lord to rule over them. They have chosen foolishly,. . . and only the Dark Ones that show not their faces know all that this will bring: but we, who see not, follow the ancient custom and do what our people in their parliament say. It may be some spirit of wisdom they have not known may save them even yet† (Dunsany 3). Naturally, Alveric, the son of the Lord of Erl was helpless but yield to it for it was a demand of the parliament and from then on, magic became a part of the everyday life of the city to the point that they have magic more than what they can handle. When magic became just too much for the kingdom, magic is no longer an amusement but a source of

New American Vision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

New American Vision - Essay Example For many modern day individuals, those of whom will have grown accustomed to the present state of the market and the working world, it can become quite easy to forget the earlier days of how things such as cars and utilitarian items, would have been produced. A classic example of the evolution of production, would have been the assembly line perfected by automaker Henry Ford. Due to his creative thinking, American consumers were able to possess the opportunity to have an automobile at the fraction of the time it would have taken prior. In this case, "The Industrial Revolution was a transformation of human life circumstances that occurred in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries (roughly 1760 to 1840) in Britain, the United States, and Western Europe due in large measure to advances in the technologies of industry," ("Industrial Revolution", p.1). It would be this revolution, that would lead to changes in production measures that would result in a shift in the modern work force. Where previously the workforce had been predominately individuals themselves, it would now become a scenario in which machines would be able to alleviate a level of the strain, so that it would be a mixture of man and machine. American families would be impacted by such changes in the workforce. Mainly in such areas as, the ability for the heads of the household to be at home more, rather than spending the vast majority of their time at work. This would give way to the stronger sense of the modern American family. The family that would be able to eat meals together and also interact with each other on levels previously not had, had it not been for the adjustments made to the workplace in conjunction with the boom of the technological advancement age. From a business standpoint, it would enable business owners to lower wage costs by having fewer employees on the floor at the same time. Such cost savings would in turn, be able to be transferred to the customers of their products, in the form of decreases in the cost of products purchased. Further assessing the automotive aspect of the revolution, "For American automobile workers, one relatively constant feature of their daily factory lives was this simplified, monotonous, and degraded work. Although work tasks, work situations, and work routines varied considerably from automobile firm to automobile firm and from one shop or department to another, the work tasks of assembly line workers were the simplest, most boring, and most degrading," (Meyer, p.1). For those individuals that sought to achieve the basic needs of life as they saw them, the advancements in the production line, courtesy of the increases in industrialization, would seem as a saving graces of sorts. The opportunity to have work environments that were simple. Many who were a part of the workforce, worked in factories that resided in their respective towns. " As in Britain, the United States originally used water power to run its factories, with the consequence that industrialization was essentially limited to New England and the rest of the Northeastern United States, where fast-moving rivers were located," ("Industrial Revolution", p.19). With such limited presence in the modern world, the ability of transferring created goods to a broader grouping of people, would prove to be quite difficult. The vision of a modern America, would be hindered in that, at this point, only a

Managing Projects College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing Projects College - Essay Example Calculation of WACC is not a simple task as many would think, this is because the only part which is simple is calculation of the debt a firm has, these debt include the bank loan and other borrowing, however this is usually the beginning of the hard task since it known that the equity finance is usually more expensive than cost debt finance, this is due to the fact that equity finance has complex computation of the risk premium making computation of WACC complex. This computation of WACC is made more complex when determining which debts or equity should be used to increase the returns on capital of the share holders. The inclusion of corporate tax- rate in this computation adds more trouble while calculating WACC in view of the fact that interest payment is taxable. From the above facts, I would not agree with the statement that calculation of the WACC is the easiest thing in the world because even though the formulae appears simple it cannot be interpreted in lay mans language, e.g. the total finance includes all the trade credits and current liabilities which are reflected in the balance sheet of a company, but for the accountants who calculate the investments alternatives and evaluate critically the account of a company whose objective is to maximize the investment returns, it may not be a hard thing. But I would conclude by disagreeing with the statement. Q2. Determining the replacement of maximus limited machinery using equivalent annual cost: year capital investment running cost scrap value gross value present value factor present value 1 9999 0 9999 9999 1 9999 0 2985 5040 2055 0.909091 1868.182 present value 11867.18 2 9999 0 9999 9999 1 9999 0 4015 3100 -915 0.909091 -831.818 0 4015 3100 -915 0.826446 -756.198 present value 8410.983 3 9999 0 9999 9999 1 9999 0 8970 1080 -7890 0.909091 -7172.73 0 8970 1080 -7890 0.826446 -6520.66 0 8970 1080 -7890 0.751315 -5927.87 present value -9622.26 From the above calculations the machines should be replaced on the third year, this is because the net present value of the machine in the third year is negative (-9622.26) as compared to the other years where the net present value is positive. A negative present value means that the machine has negative value. This is a good measure of investment because it considers the time value of money and particularly useful for selection of a mutually exclusive investment and instrumental in achieving the objective of financial management, however one major factor that needs to be considered while selecting the better investment project is that, this is an absolute measure in that it favors the investment with higher NPV but it is likely that this project has a higher investment cost therefore, its doesn't give best results. Another factor to be considered is the whether the machines have different lives. 3. MARKET EFFICIENCY AND SHAREHOLDER WEALTH MAXIMISATION ARE TWO SIDE OF THE SAME COIN. Market efficiencies is defined as a market in which all the participants have all the information in the market, that is, all buyer and seller have know the prices concerning all the products whereas

Theme Duality in My Papa's Waltz Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Theme Duality in My Papa's Waltz - Essay Example The initial reading may make people comment that y Papa's Waltzis simply a delightful childhood incident a tender moment between father and son. While another interpretation is the that the boy in the poem is being abused by his father that is the child ancesunwillingly. Whether the poem is a about a positive or negative relationship between a father and son, Roethke goal as an author is clear. He wanted to write a poem in which the reader can just as much part in determining the theme as the author. Meaning and theme of any piece of literature is partly determined by the author and also by the audience. y Papa's Waltzexemplifies the situation in which personal and past experience determines the ultimate theme. Due to the various discussions over the meaning of the poem, the reader neglects the grace and skill of the writing. Roethke creates this split meaning poem by skillfully using a number of literary elements. Roethke in y Papa's Waltzemploys the use of contrasting images, allit eration,and meter to create the poem's dual theme. y Papa's Waltzis poem about a ancebetween a father and child. Roethke uses the metaphor of the waltz as a way to show the relationship between a father and child. The waltz is a dance between two people, like all dances someone must lead and someone must follow. This is true in all parent child relationships. The drunk father and son dance in the poem knocking over items, bumping into things while the mother looks on disapprovingly. The father dances the son right into the bed. However, the poem is not that straight forward. There are several components of the poem which are not light hearted or fun. It is obvious that t

Theater and war Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Theater and war - Essay Example The play starts off in a club, in Vietnam, and it was during a period before the Americans were removed from Saigon. The main theme that was brought out in the play was love. A seventeen year old orphan by the name Kim was working in the club, and there she met the engineer. At the same time, other ladies are preparing themselves for the nights show. The Americans knew that they were leaving Vietnam soon, and they were enjoying themselves with the prostitutes (Behr and Mark 95). Through the persuasion of John Thomas, Chris Scott who was a sergeant met Kim. He could be able to tell that Kim was a naive girl, but he dragged her in a room. Chris lamented on why God allowed him to meet Kim as they were almost leaving Vietnam. He persuaded her not to sell her body in the club because he wanted to marry her. Despite the risk that Saigon would be taken over by Vietnamese Chris was left behind and he traded a visa for Kim to move to America. Eventually, Chris married Kim in a wedding ceremon y (Behr and Mark 101). All my sons theatrical play The play all my sons are articles written by Arthur Miller, which describes betrayal to the American by Joe Keller. These events took place during the World War 2, where Joe Keller allowed his company to trade unworthy aero plane cylinders to be used by the United States armed forces. This caused the death of the American pilots who were more than twenty. Steve who was a business partner to Joe had noticed the unworthy parts, but Joe went ahead and allowed the shipment of the faulty parts. It was for this reason that the pilots died, and the two were arrested. However, Joe managed to release himself and the blame shifted to Steve. One of the main characters in the play is Kate Keller. She took part and the title mother in the play. She was described as the wife to Joe Keller and a mother to Chris and Larry. She lost her son Larry in the war and despite the fact that she had a successful man and another son she could not forget her s on Larry. She demonstrated more great issues than grief for the loss of her son, which was shown by her self-denial and delusions (Miller 7). She took her husband’s secret as a burden and still tried to show a clear conscience of an untroubled woman to the world. She tried to hide suspicion and nervousness, and this led to her suffering from nightmares and severe headaches (Miller 10). She had a character of self-preservation which developed her fantasies towards Larry. She still had hope of the return of Larry and feels threatened when someone close to Larry failed to share her confidence. Stage make ups and war plays A stage makeup is the mode of painting the stage to bring out the message in the play. It entirely involves the paintings, drawings and the costumes of the actors. The stage makeup plays a very major role in bringing out the appearance the actors want to portray. It also helps the public in understanding the message behind the play. The paintings and the drawin gs at the stage should be designed such that they explain the message of the play in a simpler way that will enable each and every person to understand. War plays are plays that are constructed to preach peace and reconciliation especially in regions that have recently faced warfare. The stage makeup

Media Coursework Essay Example for Free

Media Coursework Essay For my GCSE media coursework I have been asked to write about a television soap or series. I have chosen to write about the popular soap, Eastenders. Eastenders is a fictional drama soap about a small community living in East London. First I shall explain what a soap is. A soap is a television program that is all about peoples daily lives and the events that happen. Soaps are ongoing, contemporary dramas. Contemporary means that the plots and storylines are all based on on real life events that can and do happen to real people. Ongoing means the plot of the soap is held out over the episodes. Soaps can be split into different categories such as, countryside soaps, city soaps, or police soaps. Emmerdale is an example of countryside soap, Coronation Street, Eastenders, as city soaps, and The Bill as a police soap. The reason television soaps are called soaps is because the soap used to be advertised on the side of soap packets. Soaps always end with a cliffhanger. When I say cliffhanger, I mean that at the end of the episode the main plot finishes half way through. This leaves the viewers wondering what will happen next, so they watch the next episode. On the other hand, series have a different way of keeping the viewers interested. At the end of the episode they show you a sneak preview of what will be happening in the next episode. I dont think this is a good way to make sure you keep your viewers because its spoils the surprise. A series has a new main plot for every episode, the plot is introduced as the episode begins and finishes as it ends. Series always have smaller plots. The idea for these is for you to keep in the back of your mind, so you keep watching. The smaller plots are carried on over two or three episodes, like in soap. Another way they keep people watching is by letting newspapers and magazines inform their readers of the future storylines. I dont think they should be allowed to do this because most people would rather watch the soap without knowing what will happen next. It makes the soap or series more enjoyable. By doing this, it means more people watch so they get more money. Another Eastender makes its money is by merchandising. In other words, Eastenders produce product which have a connection to Eastenders and try to sell them. On the Eastenders website (www. bbc. co. uk/eastenders) they sell items such as, mugs, T-shirt, books etc. All of which have some connection to Eastenders. They may have a picture of a character of Eastenders written across it. Series are not ongoing. They usually have about 12 episodes, then switch with a different series. Series also have different categories, such as, city and countryside series, relationship series, police, crime and prison series, comedy series, and hospital series. Both soaps and series exaggerate the plot to make it more interesting and attract more viewers. We know that it doesnt really happen like that in life but we except and believe it to make the soap work, if we didnt they would be no point in watching. Like in Eastenders, the characters live in a fictional city called Albert Square in East London. We all know this place doesnt exist but we believe in it. Julia Smith and Tony Holland created Eastenders as a rival for Coronation Street. The first ever episode was transmitted at 7pm on the 19th February 1985. For the first eight years, Eastenders was shown twice weekly but on the 11th April 1994, it was changed to three episodes per week. Now, in the year 2002, the standard yearly output with four episodes a week is 208 episodes plus the omnibus repeat on Sundays. However, there are often additional episodes filmed throughout the year, increasing the figure to between 210 and 215 episodes. I think one of the reasons it was changed to four times a week is because that is how many times Coronation Street is shown. Eastenders is one of the most successful BBC programs in history and to date is topping the charts with viewing figures of 11. 2milion viewers per weekday episode, which is equal to 53% share of television viewing. Eastenders is mostly watched by people aged 25- 45 with 34% of the viewers fitting in that age group. Closely following is the under24s which make up 24% of the viewers. The remaining 42% of the audience are the over 45s. Over half of the viewers are female whilst only 33% are male and 12% of Eastenders audience are children. The reason for such a low percentage of children, I think, is because Eastenders is on our screens at round about 7:30pm or 8:00pm and stays there for roughly half an hour. Most children would be in or going to bed. Eastenders is transmitted for our enjoyment, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday with a repeat every Sunday. I timed an episode of Eastenders. The viewing time was 27:06:92 minutes and the credits were 00:31:38 seconds, which together, give a total o 27:38:25 minutes. This is slightly over the target length for Eastenders, which is 27 minutes and 15 seconds. The maximum is 27:40:00 minutes. I also timed an episode of another popular soap, Coronation Street. I found out that Eastenders is on our screens for about 1 minute and 30 seconds longer than Coronation Street. The reason for this may be that, Coronation Street has a commercial break, which Eastenders doesnt have. A plot is the main storyline of the program. It usually involves two or more of the characters. Currently, the main plot of Eastenders includes Phil Mitchell, Peggy Mitchell, Sonja Jackson, Jamie Mitchell, Lisa Fowler and her and Phils baby, Louise. In a recent episode, Lisa took her baby and fled to Portugal. Phil wasnt happy about this; after all she had taken his child. Phil followed her to find his daughter. In the last episode, Phil pulled up in a taxi and climbed out with Louise. The viewers were then expecting Lisa to get out, but then the taxi pulled away. Phil had returned. Without Lisa. People were very suspicious and refused to believe when Phil lied to them saying that he and Lisa had came to an agreement. He said Lisa was suicidal and they had agreed it was best for Phil to take the baby. We found out that this was a complete lie when Peggy, was unpacking for Phil and she came across two passports. One was Phils and the other was Lisas. Peggy knows he is lying but she refuses to believe it and keeps quiet about it. This is the main plot at the moment, it only involves a few characters, but it is interesting to watch. Other issues that have been in the plot of Eastenders include, rape, abortion, teenage pregnancy, homosexuality, drug addiction, prostitution, divorce, extra marital affairs, unmarried mothers, mixed marriages, murder, gambling, adoption, teenage runaways, Alzheimers disease, HIV/AIDS, drink driving and euthanasia. I think that it is a good idea to broadcast these issues because all these subjects happen in real- life and it helps people to learn about it and how to cope if it should ever happen to them. These issues could also be involved in the sub- plot. Sub- plots are just like main plots but they involve fewer characters and are just there for us to keep in the back of our minds. If soaps only had one storyline, it might not involve your favourite character so you might not be interested in watching. The most recent sub- plots in Eastenders are involving Ian and his wife, Laura. Laura is pregnant, but we all know it isnt Ians child because he has had a vasectomy. Steven, Ians son has found out that Ian is not his real dad and that his real dad doesnt even live in England or know he has a son. Sonja made her boyfriend Jamie, sneak into Phils pub to find Lisas passport. Soaps usually have about three or four sub- plots. This means only about half of the cast is actually involved in one episode. They are roughly 35 different characters in the cast, two of whom have been in Eastenders since the first episode. The two characters that have been in Eastenders since the first episode are Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale and Wendy Richard, better known as Pauline Fowler. Adam Woodyatt is my favourite character. He is 34 years old and was born on the 28th June 1968. He was born in Walthamstow. Adam is one of the few cast members to actually come from the East End of London. Ian Beale is my favourite character because he is a very believable character. This is because if you combine Adams wonderful acting with the skill of the scriptwriters, it creates a real, believable character. Also, Ian is nearly always written into the script. So far, Ian has been through divorce more than twice, bankruptcy, his wife tried to murder him, he has slept with a prostitute, told his old fianci e, Mel, that his child was ill just so she would marry him and his most recent plot is that his current wife, Laura, is pregnant but the child is definitely not Ians. Ian Beale comes across as a sneaky, sly, wimp and he likes to get his own way. He always seems to be plotting something but his plans never work. He is a bit of a failure. As a businessman, as a husband and as a dad. His business failed when he went bankrupt, he has been married three or four times and his son has left him, to go see his real dad. Ian does not seem like a nice man. The reason I like him is because I feel quite sorry for him. Everything goes wrong and I think he deserves something nice to happen. Underneath, I think he is really sensitive. He cries a lot, I must have seen him cry about 5 times, usually to do with his children. Ian is a character I definitely wouldnt like to be, because he has a hard life. However, the character I would love to be is Janine Butcher. The actress Charlie Brooks has the task of being Janine Butcher. Charlies date of birth is 3rd May 1981 and is originally from Barmouth, North Wales. Her first appearance in the soap was on 22nd June 1989 when she was only eight years of age. She was the third actress to play Janine Butcher. Janine is a fairly pleasant character although she is awful to the people she dislikes. I think she is greatly misunderstood. She likes to get her own way, and if she doesnt she really can be a frightful person to be near. She is also uses people. She once made friends with a man called Terry, just to get her hands on his money and have a job and a place to stay. But, I would still like to be Janine because she knows how to have fun and is very witty. Janine also knows how to take care of herself. These are the reasons I admire her. On a whole, I think Eastenders is really realistic because they dont exaggerate the issues too much unlike other soaps. It is also fun and easy to watch. It doesnt matter if you miss one or two episodes because it is so easy to catch up on the plot. I really enjoy watching Eastenders along with 53% of television viewing and I think it is one of the best soaps to watch.

Starbucks Competition and Strategy Analysis

Starbucks Competition and Strategy Analysis Executive Summary As coffee drinkers of all ages and sizes increase around the world, Starbucks amongst fierce rivals continues to experience unsurpassed growth sales. Their upscale coffee outlets that deliver pleasing to the eye dà ©cor and brand uniqueness at locations scattered nationally and internationally, their distinct aromas and scents, Starbucks has been able to differentiate themselves from all competitors. The aforementioned characteristics that is Starbucks, has enabled the coffee retailer to increase profitability, expand globally, and attract new customers. With an estimated 17,000 outlets in approximately 55 countries, Starbucks boasts as the largest coffee outlet chain in the world. In North America alone, Starbucks employs nearly 11,000 full-time and 60,000 part-time employees. Additionally, the chain employs over 7,000 outside its United States borders. Through providing top quality coffee beans and distinctive varieties (aforementioned), Starbucks has led the way in revolutionizing the market industry. The chain not specializes in serving coffee, but also teas, juices, pastries of all kinds and now even coffee-flavored ice cream brands that deliver pleasing to the taste and thirst of many loyal, and soon-to-be new customers. Since 1994, Starbucks has enjoyed measurable success through clever mergers and or acquisitions. A few successful ventures include Seattles Best coffee chain now offers a small line of its premium brands on commercial Delta airlines flights and thanks to the ever-increasing Wi-Fi market, Starbucks continues to connect with customers. In 2010, after extensive market surveying, Starbucks introduced three new ice cream coffee-free flavor brands. Starbucks continues to face stiff competition and only through strategic planning hinged upon finding new and creative ways to be innovative will the firm continue to diversify its financial portfolio while enabling its ability to cover liabilities. Introduction Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Starbucks is an international Corporation (www.Starbucks.com) whose stocks are traded on the NYSE under the SBUX ticker symbol. Starbucks is the largest coffee outlet in the world, with close to seventeen thousand shops in approximately fifty countries or provinces, eleven thousand in America alone, over one thousand in Canada, eight hundred in Japan and seven hundred Coffee Shops in the United Kingdom. Starbucks in 2003 was listed as a Fortune 500 firm, ranked 465. By the end of 2010, they were ranked 241. Background Howard Schultz gained control of Starbucks in 1987. Starbucks was founded by three colleagues in 1971 in Seattle who were inspired by a mutual acquaintance Alfred Peet, an established businessman. By 1980 the company had grown to four locally owned stores that turned a reasonable profit every year. It was in 1981 when Howard Schultz, then Vice President of U.S operations for Swedish Kitchen and Coffeemaker equipment decided to visit Starbucks out of curiosity as to how and why the Starbucks was so successful with selling his companys products. Managerially, Schultz was impressed with the company. After much persistence, Schultz landed his first job with Starbucks as head of marketing and research. Overflowing with ideas for the company, Howard Schultzs biggest inspiration and vision for Starbucks future came in 1983 while on a business trip to Italy and the idea of Espresso Bars came fell upon him. After failing to convince Baldwin for the expansion of business, he initially left Starbucks in 1985 and started the Il Giornale coffee bar chain in 1985 and the coffeehouse was very successful. In 1987 after buying out the former owners Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker, Schultz began to quickly begin to realize his full dream for Starbucks and quickly expanded business operations in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Chicago, Illinois, of the same year. By 1992, Starbucks then a recognized publicly traded company on the stock market had expanded nationally to 165 shops. In 2009, Starbucks succeeded by opening about nine hundred additional shops outside the Continental United States. Mission Statement (Actual per www.starbucks.com, accessed on 20 February 20, 2011) Establish Starbucks as the premier distributor of the best coffee on the planet without compromising principles on quality of growth. 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. We care deeply about all of this; our work is never done.(2, 7) Our Partners Were called partners, because its not just a job, its our passion. Together, we embrace diversity to create a place where each of us can be ourselves. We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard, ensuring the latest technology is implemented for producing superior products to our loyal customers. (4, 8, 9) Our Customers When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers-even if just for a few moments. Sure, it starts with the promise of a perfectly made beverage, but our work goes far beyond that. Its really about human connection. (1) Our Stores When our customers feel this sense of belonging, our stores become a haven, a break from the worries outside, a place where you can meet with friends. Its about enjoyment at the speed of life-sometimes slow and savored, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity. (6) Our Neighborhood Every store is part of a community, and we take our responsibility to be good neighbors seriously. We want to be invited in wherever we do business. We can be a force for positive action-bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day. Now we see that our responsibility-and our potential for good-is even larger. The world is looking to Starbucks to set the new standard, yet again. We will lead. (3) Our Shareholders We know that as we deliver in each of these areas, we enjoy the kind of success that rewards our shareholders. We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks-and everyone it touches-can endure and thrive. (5) Customer Products or services Markets Technology Concern for survival, profitability, growth Philosophy Self-concept Concern for public image Concern for employees Mission Statement Analyzed   I consider this to be a fairly good, and accurate statement although per my rating (based on research), the mission statement lacks two (2) important components: Technology and Concern for employees. The company must evaluate whether it is technologically advanced and even though the companys vision is of concern to its employees, it still should be added to its mission statement. Vision Statement (Actual per www.starbucks.com, accessed on 20 February 20, 2011) To establish Starbucks as the most recognized and respected brand in the world and become a national company with values and guiding principles that employee could be proud of. The vision statement clearly describes the dream or the future of the company that is to be the worlds most well known coffeehouse and also to be the most appreciated and positively graded brand by all levels of people around the world. Finally, the company focuses emphasis in the value of employees and their loyalty, and strives to create a happy work environment. The opportunity for entry of new competitors shows a balance between different firms competing in a market and subsequently, they can be looked upon as a threat to already established firms. One of Starbucks staunchest competitors is McDonalds McCafe which is really catching on globally. Competition is real due to entry level start up costs which can be extremely low and or offered at a bargain price to gain a competitive edge. This probably can explain why Starbucks has recently decided to partner with Burger King which I personally consider a very positive move. Starbucks Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) is illustrated below and compares the coffee firms internal and external factors, based upon strengths (superior or 4.0), against weaknesses (1.0), against its current, and projected market competition. Used effectively, it will give management clear idea about the firms strengths and weaknesses and aid in plotting a way forward that is healthy and most importantly, profitable. Anything in between can be rated from fair, to average to above average to superior. From the illustration below, Starbucks fares a little above average when compared to Dunkin Donuts, yet well below McDonalds. Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) In the External Factor Evaluation or EFE, only external factors, that is, opportunities, and threats, are evaluated. From the illustration below, the following info can be drawn: Gourmet coffee consumption tied in to drinkers educational levels. The higher the level of education the more gourmet coffee on average was consumed, by as much as seventy-one percent. Trends showed sixteen percent of U.S. adult population consumed specialty coffee on a daily basis; sixty-three percent only occasionally. The growth in popularity of specialty coffees has increased, as only thirteen percent and fifty-nine percent of people reported daily and occasional consumption, respectively, in 2002. Also, trends over the past ten-years showed consumers requesting more organic coffees which influenced retailers on the growing environment of coffee beans. Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are looking for sweats and snacks that are low in carbohydrates / sugar and calories. International market has a stronger economy and accordingly, consumers would be able to pay premium price for specialty or gourmet coffee. With regards to threats, the 2007-2009 economic recession adversely affected the specialty coffee industry. Recently, trends show consumer concern with nutritional value. Volatility in the stocks and coffee price could impact the purchasing power for the buyers. Smaller competitors are expanding their markets as well as their product line offerings. In conclusion, competitors such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts are becoming stronger in offering specialty coffee along with other complimentary products. This may explain why SBUX has recently announced a partnership with Burger King who has long lagged behind McDonalds, especially in the breakfast arena to start offering Seattles Best coffee products (a subsidiary of Starbucks), in efforts to further close the gap between itself from its the conglomerate that is McDonalds Corporation. External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix Gourmet coffee consumption rose with the drinkers educational level. Those who finished college bought forty-nine percent more gourmet coffee on average, and those with some postgraduate education bought seventy-one percent more Sixteen percent of the U.S. adult population consumed specialty coffee on a daily basis, whereas sixty-three percent indulged occasionally The growth in popularity of specialty coffees has increased, as only thirteen percent and fifty-nine percent of people reported daily and occasional consumption, respectively, in 2002 Another trend that has surfaced in the past decade has been consumer requests for organic coffees, and more emphasis was placed by retailers on the growing environment of the beans Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are looking for sweats and snacks that are low in carbs / sugar and calorie International market has a stronger economy and accordingly, consumers would be able to pay premium price for specialty or gourmet coffee Threats The 2007-2009 economic recession adversely affected the specialty coffee industry Recent trends shows consumers are concerned about the nutritional value of coffee products and are demanding nutritional info be posted on the products even in retail outlets. Volatility in the stocks and coffee price could impact the purchasing power for the buyers Smaller competitors are expanding their markets as well as their product line offerings Competitors such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts are becoming stronger in offering specialty coffee along with other complementary products Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix is a summary step in conducting an internal strategic-management audit used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a business, and provide a foundation for identifying and evaluating relationships founded upon those areas. Looking at key Internal Factors, Starbucks most advantageous opportunities lie in expansion in ever-growing Markets like Brazil, Russia, India and China or the BRICs as they are commonly referred. Of note, Starbucks doesnt appear to show any interest in marketing its products through advertisings as much as focusing on the quality of its coffee and that power alone to retain, and attract new customers. Key Internal Factors Strengths Starbucks expects to add approximately 20 net new stores to its global store base in fiscal 2009 by closing approximately 425 company-operated stores in the United States and adding of approximately 60 company-operated stores internationally The company plans to open approximately 65 net new licensed stores in the United States and approximately 320 net new licensed stores internationally Capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 are expected to remain unchanged, at approximately $600 million. Licensing revenues increased primarily due to higher product sales and royalty revenues as a result of opening 438 new licensed retail stores in the last 12 month Strong marketing and promotional campaign such as product placement in major TV series Starbucks also provides electrical outlets and, in some stores, wireless access, for customers who might need to use their MP3 players or laptop computers Starbucks products can be found in convenience stores, grocery stores, department stores, movie theaters, businesses, schools, and even airports Starbucks is rated by Fortune as one of the best top 10 places to work Starbucks also encourages the use of its Web site where customers are able to register their Starbucks cards, receive nutritional information about Starbucks products, shop online, search for careers, and much more Weaknesses 47 percent drop in earnings in one year (2008) For the 26 weeks ending March 2009, Starbucks revenues decreased 7 percent to $4.95 billion and net income decreased 72 percent to $89.3 million Moodys Investors Service recently downgraded Starbucks credit ratings The U.S. company operated retail business continued deteriorating trends For the second quarter of fiscal 2009, U.S. total net revenues were $1.8 billion, a decline of $131.5 million, or 6.8 percent, due to decreased revenues from company operated retail stores Many of Starbucks International operations are in early stages of development that require a more extensive support organization relative to the current levels of revenue and operating income in the United States International total net revenues were $433.7 million for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2009, down $59.7 million, or 12.1 percent, compared with the same period last year, primarily due to the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound and Canadian dollar Global Consumer Products Group (CPG) total net revenues decreased by 2 percent to $94.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009, due primarily to lower margin on sales of packaged coffee as a result of discounting, as well as lower volume to the trade The Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis is an effective to that when used properly, gathers, analyzes, and evaluates information which helps firms identify strategic advantages/disadvantages. SWOT Strategies Opportunities Gourmet coffee consumption rose with the drinkers educational level. Those who finished college bought 49 percent more gourmet coffee on average, and those with some postgraduate education bought 71 percent more Sixteen percent of the U.S. adult population consumed specialty coffee on a daily basis, whereas 63 percent indulged occasionally The growth in popularity of specialty coffees has increased, as only 13 percent and 59 percent of people reported daily and occasional consumption, respectively, in 2002 Another trend that has surfaced in the past decade has been consumer requests for organic coffees, and more emphasis was placed by retailers on the growing environment of the beans Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are looking for sweats and snacks that are low in carbohydrates / sugar and calorie International market has a stronger economy and accordingly, consumers would be able to pay premium price for specialty or gourmet coffee Implement product development by introducing organic coffee and disclosing the nutritional content to the consumers (S1, S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, O1, O2, O3) Continue opening more retail stores overseas where coffee is in demand and market has not been saturated by competitors (S1, S2, S3, S4, S9, O6) Develop new products with better nutritional value (S6, S8, O1, O2, O4, O5) Develop a marketing strategy such as Starbucks Combo by offering combination of gourmet coffee and cookie / cake or 2 for 1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the patrons can purchase coffee on Tuesday and get free refill on Wednesday (W1, W2, W3, O1, O2, O3) Establish joint venture with hotels, airlines, and retailers for having mini-Starbucks locations or for serving premium Starbucks coffee in the hotel rooms or during the flights (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, O1, O2, O3, O6) Threats The 2007-2009 global recession negatively affected the specialty coffee industry Recent trends have shown that some of the consuming public is concerned about the nutritional value of such products as those offered by the specialty coffee sector and have even challenged the correctness of the labeling and calorie information posted on the products available at retail outlets. Volatility in the stocks and coffee price could impact the purchasing power for the buyers Smaller competitors are expanding their markets as well as their product line offerings Competitors such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts are becoming stronger in offering specialty coffee along with other complementary products Implement market penetration strategy by promoting additional licensing retail deals. This minimizes the risks and capital expenditures for Starbucks (S2, S3, S4, S5, T1, T4, T5) Lower prices of popular drinks by $0.50 and promote the price decrease through aggressive advertising (S6, S7, S8, T1, T4) Penetrate market by appealing to a wider variety of consumers (W6, T4, T5) Cutback on some of operating expenses such trying to improve purchasing power and getting better prices from the suppliers and vendors (W4, T4, T5) Create Promotional Strategies Such As Starbucks Combo Or Reduce The Price By $0.50 Per Drink On Popular Drinks Develop New Products With Better Nutritional Value Expand Internationally By Opening Additional 100+ License Retailers Through Joint Ventures Portfolio Analysis: Starbucks BCG Matrix (The Worlds Most Innovative Companies Their creativity goes beyond products to rewiring themselves. Business Week and the Boston Consulting Group rank the best. Accessed and referenced on 20 February 20, 2011 at http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_17/b3981401.htm) The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix is enhancing a multidivisional firms efforts to formulate strategies. The BCG allows a multi-focused firm to manage its portfolio by examining relative market share position and the industry growth rate each division relative to all other divisions in the organization. The Starbucks BCG matrix below shows four (4) divisions which include Question Marks, Stars, Cash Cows, and Dogs. Quadrant I shows low relatives market position, high growth industry. Cash needs versus cash generation are high and low. Quadrant II or Star Division identifies best long-run opportunities for growth and profitability. Quadrant III or Cash Cows with high relative market share position but compete in a low growth industry and finally, Quadrant IV or Dogs identifies relatively low market share position and compete in a snail or no market growth industry. Starbucks Income Statements shows steady increases between 2003 and 2005. The revenues on the year 2003 were $4,075,000, while $2,191,000 in year 2004, $6,369,000 in year 2005. Also, the firms growth sales rate for 2004 and 2005 was 56.3%. In conclusion, Starbucks were identified in Star division which means its long-run opportunities for the growth and profitability is overall good. Recommendations Starbucks coffees price are much more expensive than other market competitor products because Starbucks purchases the highest quality coffee beans which means and price-war advantage for its competitors in these challenged economic times. Develop series of new coffee, tea and fruit drinks with better nutritional values for health conscious customers. Initially, enter selected market with predatory pricing strategy and then move to larger market. Starbucks is showing signs of change and that the change has started to work. For the first time in eight quarters, the company posted positive earnings. In fact, all US company operated stores reported positive growth in their sales. For the last few years, the company over-expanded by opening too many stores and some too close to each others. Now, they have done an impressive job restructuring itself and returning back to being profitable by closing some stores and slimming down its workforce over the past few years. They further eliminated excessive waste in their operations and have been trying to be leaner in their day to day business processes. Leading the way in technological media, Starbucks innovative nature has enabled capitalization on the social networks like Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, Starbucks even has an iPhone application (accessed at Why Starbucks Has Room to Improve. http://www.minyanville.com/businessmarkets/articles/starbucks-growth-upgrade-profit-price-hikes/1/22/2010/id/26485 20 Feb. 2011.).

A cultural framework

A cultural framework Abstract This report is about how a cultural framework can affect a project success. What is meant by this is that you need to have a good project manager and project team in order for a project to meet deadlines and stay on budget. This report analysis and critiques what has been found in the article was conducted by Korin Kendra of Detroit and Laura Taplin of Canada. They analysed the data that was found form a Standish Group survey on project successes and failures this was conducted in the year 2000. The survey found that overall there is a project failure rate of 72 percent. Of the 28 percent it was found that 92 percent of these successes were due to assigned project managers, 58 percent used a defined measurement system and 46 percent used a project management methodology. The study concluded that the main reason for failure was due to the lack of good working relationships. Kendra and Taplin conducted their study by collecting data using an interview protocol they explored the organiz ations design elements, social and technical structures in the proposed success model developed in this study. From the information that they gathered they managed to draw out 5 main themes/conclusions these are, Theme 1: Project Management competences exist at the project manger level in the organization. Theme 2: Project success requires the employment of management process from the project management, system development, supplier management and business planning to be successful. Theme 3: Organizational structures at the project team level are the key to project success. The project structure is important to the success of the project because it determines the project manager level of authority, skills and competencies of the team and the dynamics of the group. Theme 4: Performance measurement systems metrics are defined at the individual, project and organizational level to evaluate project success. Theme 5: Organizational culture determines the importance of project manager com petencies, performance measurements, business process that are employed to perform project work and project organization structures to project success. 1. Background The topic for this article is project success in a cultural framework. This article was written by Korin Kendra of Detroit and Laura Taplin of Canada in April 2004. This report main point is how a cultural frame work can affect project success. What is meant by a cultural frame work is the background and the work ethics of the people involved of the project. This article was conducted to analysis the data that was found form a Standish Group survey on project successes and failures this was conducted in the year 2000. The survey found that overall there is a project failure rate of 72 percent. Of the 28 percent it was found that 92 percent of these successes were due to assigned project managers, 58 percent used a defined measurement system and 46 percent used a project management methodology. The study concluded that the main reason for failure was due to the lack of good working relationships. This conclusion left was question of what is required in a good cultural framework to mak e a project successful. Kendra and Taplin choose to investigate this question and wrote this article. The authors definition of a project success in the IT industry is that a project must have numerous success factors that contribute such as the project being on time, within budget and of good quality. 2. Method Data was collected using an interview protocol they explored the organizations design elements, social and technical structures in the proposed success model developed in this study. The inquiry focused on the organizations culture, project manager competencies, organizational structure design, performance measurement systems and the supporting business process employed in the change efforts to adopt project management. All interviews were conducted in the year 2001 and reflected past, present and future change efforts. The data was the analysed qualitatively using a grounded theory approach and inferential coding to identify the common themes and cultural values that form linkages between project manager competencies, performance measurement systems, process and structures. 3. Critique 3.1 Data are gathered in a scientific manner Data was gathered using an interview process to me this is not a very scientific manner although it is still a very good data collecting technique. They still gathered all the information that was required for the study. 3.2 Underlying assumptions are clear From what I had read the authors didnt really have many assumptions. All the data that they used was already gathered so assumptions were not necessary. Although their main assumption would have been that a cultural framework can affect a project success to which this assumption was very clear and easy to understand. 3.3 Overall Conclusions 3.3.1 What conclusions are drawn by the authors In this article the authors describe five main conclusions/themes that they have discovered. In their research, Kendra and Taplin (2004) established Theme 1: Project Management competences exist at the project manger level in the organization Theme 2: Project success requires the employment of management process from the project management, system development, supplier management and business planning to be successful. Theme 3: Organizational structures at the project team level are the key to project success. The project structure is important to the success of the project because it determines the project manager level of authority, skills and competencies of the team and the dynamics of the group. Theme 4: Performance measurement systems metrics are defined at the individual, project and organizational level to evaluate project success. Theme 5: Organizational culture determines the importance of project manager competencies, performance measurements, business process that are employed to perform project work and project organization structures to project success. 3.3.2 Are these conclusions valid Yes in my opinion is think that all these conclusions are valid as they all hold the main requirements for a project to be successful it is important to note that theme one and three are very important as they both hold valid points of how a team need to form together in order for a project to be successful. 3.4 The authors have some academic or professional standing Korin Kendra is a professor in the college of Management at Lawrence Technological University. She has a masters in industrial engineering and information systems, also has a PHD in organizational development. Kendra is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) Laura Taplin has her masters and PHD in organizational development she is also a certified Management Consultant (CMC). In this article both authors are highly qualified and have gained qualifications in relevant fields to their research. 3.5 The writing is clearly and correctly references its sources This article is very easy to read and explains most things in great detail. All information that refers to other persons work its referenced correctly at the bottom of the paragraph or inserted citations. I found that this piece was easier to read due to most information was grouped into topics rather than all together. 4. References Kendra, K., Taplin, L. (2004). Project Success: A Cultural Framework. Project Management Journal, 30-45.

A Soldiers Home :: essays papers

A Soldiers Home The willingness to risk failure-as difficult as that can be-often leads us to remarkable discoveries about ourselves and our world. But on the other hand, not taking risks can save us from amounts of devastation and heartache. I think that was a major principle for Krebs in the short story, "Soldiers Home." After going to hell and back, it's almost inevitable that anyone under the circumstances would be completely overwhelmed by all that Krebs had experienced and risked. He risked his life, and was then thrown back into a society that he had been absent from for years, and finds that its all the exact way that he had left it, except he says, "Nothing was changed in the town except that the young girls had grown up." In Krebs case, after returning from war, he had become a completely different person. Distant, quiet and depressed. He didn't want to risk any complications. He didn't want to risk any part of himself ever again. He didn't want to work for what he wanted, he had worked hard enough and had been through a lifetime of disaster. All he wanted was to sit back and just live. Not enjoy life, not experience new and better things, he just wanted to live without any complications and without taking any risks. He mentions that he would like to have a girl, or more so wouldn't mind. But he doesn't want to work to get her, or do anything drastic to get her attention. It would just all be to complicated. He wants no commitment, no strings attached. "He did not want any consequences. He did not want any consequences ever again. He wanted to live without consequences. Besides, he did not really need a girl. The army had taught him that." For Krebs, asking out a girl would be a risk and lead to complications whether good or bad. And taking that risk just wasn't worth anything. Krebs was dead inside. Not intentionally, but subconsciously. He knew not of what he was doing.

Breaking Barriers: An Intersection of the Institution and the Information Superhighway :: Essays Papers

Breaking Barriers: An Intersection of the Institution and the Information Superhighway What it is all about Distance education. What is it? Barry Birnbaum has cited a feasible definition for it in his book, Foundations and Practices in the Use of Distance Education. The definition is according to a study done by Moore and Kearsley in 1996. Birnbaum quotes, â€Å"distance education is defined as planned learning that normally occurs in a different place and requires a well-defined system of delivery that includes modified teaching techniques, alternative modes for communication (i.e. computers), as well as alternative administrative and organizational components.† (Birnbaum, 2001, p. 1)[1] Then, again in 1996, another researcher by the name of Keegan assigned 5 criteria in his definition of distance education. These 5 criteria are: â€Å"a.) Separation of teacher and learner throughout the learning process, b.) The influence of the organization in the planning and preparation of learning materials, c.) The use of technical media to unite teacher and learner, d.) The role of two-way communication, and e.) The separation of the learning group during the process.† (Birnbaum, 2001, p. 2)[2] Bearing these two definitions in mind, let us proceed. I. How it was all started A man named Isaac Pitman started the whole concept of distance education in England around 1840.(Birnbaum, 2001, p. 10)[3] He wanted to create an opportunity for people to learn shorthand that would otherwise, not be able to do so due to work constraints or other everyday obligations. According to Birnbaum, since this period of time, the primary utilization of distance education has been in the field of foreign language. However, other institutions opt to employ distance education as well. For example, the armed services have found that technical training can be provided to a large number of military personnel in a cost-effective manner through distance education course delivery modules. (Birnbaum, 2001, p. 11)[4] Large corporations such as Best Buy also use e -learning in order to deliver quick, effective training to their employees in lieu of having an actual time reserved for training the employees.

Morality and Generally Good Morals Essay

Morals, values and beliefs are all very similar in a way even though they may have different scientific definitions. Everyone in the world has morals, values and beliefs, although they may differ and have different roles in each other’s lives; theses three things all have an impact on how we choose to live our lives in some way. According to the online Merriam Webster dictionary, a moral is defined as something â€Å"concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character. † How we act in certain situations is often based on our morals. With morals, the way one was raised plays a big factor on whether or not that person makes morally right or wrong decisions. More often than not, someone who had a stable and well-rounded upbringing will make more morally right choices in their life compared to someone with less family influence or support. Sometimes there are exceptions with this, but generally good morals are usually instilled in people at a young age which can last a lifetime. A moral can also serve as a lesson or theme which is why the phrase â€Å"the moral of the story† exists. With that being said, it is possible for someone to gain moral values through learning lessons through personal or others’ life experiences. By learning lessons through experiences it allows us to have a better understanding on how to act if a similar experience arises again. One moral value that my parents always stressed me to have was to be honest with everyone. They taught me that with honest actions comes more respect and trust from others, which will be very beneficial in my personal and professional life. Value is defined as â€Å"the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something† by the online Oxford Dictionary. Values are the components of peoples’ lives that they find important and meaningful. People’s values often change throughout their lives as their circumstances change. Personally, my values are education, family, friends and money. All of these are important aspects to me which I find necessary to be content with my life. If I didn’t find education valuable to me I would not be enrolled in school right now. Also, without my family and friends, I would not be who I am today since they serve as a great support system and offer value to my life. Money is important because without it I would not be able to support myself while away at school . For example I would not be able to buy necessary items such as books and supplies to give me the best chance at succeeding in college. As time goes on these values may change to my career, my children and more things that would be more meaningful to me as I get older in age.

Essay – University Entrance Requirements

Essay 1. University entrance requirements are much more lenient than they used to be – some university courses are prepared to accept students without any A-levels. Last twenty years was a time of ongoing changes in the higher educational institution. One of the most controversial and criticized idea was the withdrawal of the entrance exam at all universities. It had caused a serious debate about the importance of high standard on the one hand and the equality in obtaining educational levels on the other hand.However, there are three main reasons why university entrance requirements are much lenient that they used to be. These are education reform, population decline and economy. Firstly, the politics decided to carried out an education reform. Their motivation was to facilitate the access to higher education and control better student’s improvement. As a result, there were no more entrance exam and the matura exam started to be the most important test which decided whe never student have a chance to go into university or not.This strategy should create an equal possibility, because the exam has very strict rules, procedure and it’s the same for all Polish students. Unfortunately, when we creating an ideal exam for everybody we need to consider that the level is always lower than it used to be on the entrance exams. Consequently, it is easier to get into university. After the huge education reform, another problem occurred. The predicted population decline has come out and created unstable situation in educational institution. The great amount of students, that teachers and professors were used to, suddenly had vanished.Year after year, there is even less students to teach. Consequently, less teachers are needed and everybody is afraid of losing their job. Because of this, universities change their strategies by lowered the level of entrance requirements and accept almost everyone. It create a situation when not only the brightest can entere d into higher education but also the lazy ones who doesn’t even care about learning. The last reason surely dominates the education system. Nowadays, it is the money which rules higher education and let everyone who pays to gain a master degree.As I mentioned before, there are less students, but universities need them to exist, because each learner is a certain amount of money. As a result, some courses accept even more students that they should. In that case, universities are constantly cheating on their clients and just churn out obedient students. What is more, there exist many private school which offer the same courses as on the university, but often don’t require positive matura results or good grades. If you pay the rent, the possibility to obtain quickly a bachelor or master degree is almost certain.In general, it is much more easier to get into university that it used to be. However, it is the only positive point of it. Unfortunately, our education system isnà ¢â‚¬â„¢t appropriate for this century. The equal matura exam took all the power from entrance examiners at the universities. The small number of students destroyed all the competitiveness in obtaining higher education. Also, the economic issue create a situation when an university degree is so easy available that people with a Bachelor or Master degree aren’t respected enough. In other words, universities should focused on the quality not on the quantity.

Electronic media and education Essay

Electronic media is continuously expanding and is now to the degree where it has become a part of everyone’s life, not just in the Western world, it is starting to take hold worldwide.To define electronic media, it is a type of media that reserves and disperses electrical information through sources such as television, radio, and computers. Companies advertise to make consumers acquainted with the products or services provided and the only better way of performing this is through advertising on electronic media. Thus this essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of advertising through electronic media. To commence with, the major drawback of advertising through electronic media is that in the marketplace sometimes, electronic advertisement method convey a negative implication. Internet users typically find the ads unwelcomed to their online experience. Text ad and banners frequently are placed in the center of content, which obstructs the reader. The user cannot view the whole page as pop – ads appear over content, thus causing them to remove the ads. Audiences are so deluged with spam email and banner ads that they have begun to ignore electronic advertising just as much as ads on traditional media. Furthermore, advertising through electronic media has another stumbling block in its path. Electronic media is rather recent in comparison to print media and traditional broadcast but despite the ability to accumulate data and track users its prime technique for dispatching electronic advertisements remains evasive. To avoid pop-ups in the mid – the 1990s, these ads were disinclined. Currently, firms attempt to seize attention with richer media implements. A common example would be streaming audio and video advertisements. Financing money in media with insufficient years of knowledge and research is a challenge faced by them. Moreover, advertising through electronic media is high-priced and does not guarantee results. This advertising is acquired by an enterprise and stationed on the World Wide Web in key spots. For example, an electronic advertisement for air conditioning equipment may pop up alongside searches for air conditioning installation firms. For per click, it is paid in a click-through advertisement. Plus, the advertisement placing business sustains a levy when someone views the ad by clicking on it and the user is taken to the business website. People access these advertisements for free, even if they are not actually interested in buying the services or products. Clicking on these ads can be costly without a promise of a sale. Furthermore, viewers accessing a page with click-through advertisements click on the ads only 1 or 2 percent. Therefore, if just clicking on the ad is paid, it can result in a huge waste of money. On the other hand, there are also some benefits of advertising through electronic media. The Internet’s tremendous reach can enable promoters to contact altogether a larger number of individuals than traditional advertising media at a small amount of the cost. Electronic advertising is perfect for organizations with a national or worldwide target market and extensive scale appropriation capacities. When in doubt, the more individuals the business serves, the most cost-proficient electronic advertising can be. This can likewise be more focused than some customary media, guaranteeing that all the messages are seen by the most pertinent groups of audiences. As indicated by an article distributed in the New York Times, 96.7 percent of American families possess TVs. This adds up to more than 300 million individuals who approach the ads. Furthermore, advertising through electronic media offers the best creative opportunity among the traditional media. It has visual components like print and sound like radio, yet it likewise has dynamic development. Promoters frequently attempt to tell stories inside their advertisements that affect the group of audiences. Innovativeness can give more meaning intending to a brand past its basic product. For example, with TV, you can target passionate associations, consolidate characters that the audience can identify with and offer multi-tangible interest. To add on, advertising through electronic media empowers advertisers to be open for business all day and all night without stressing over store opening hours or additional time installments for staff. It has a benefit of 24/7 availability. Offering advertisements on the electronic media is likewise convenient for customers. They can browse the advertisement whenever makes them free to do.

Three major Sociology theories

There are three major sociology theories known as functionalism, conflict theory, and interactionist perspective. Symbolic interactionism is the use of symbols and is face-to-face interaction. Functionalism has to do with relationships between the parts of society and how the aspects of society are adaptive. The last, conflict theory is the competition of scarce resources and how the elite control the poor and week. The symbolic interactionist perspective which is known as symbolic interactionism directs sociologist to consider the symbols and details of everyday life, what these symbols mean, and how people interact with each other(1).George H. Mead Introduced this perspective to American sociology in the 1920s. According to this theory people attach meaning to symbols. An example of symbols are wedding bands, vows of life-long commitment, a white bridal dress, a wedding cake, a church ceremony, and flowers and music. These are all examples of symbols explain in the theory. Symbolic interactionist may miss the larger issue of society by focusing too closely on the â€Å"trees. † An example would be focusing too strongly on the size of the diamond in the wedding ring rather than the â€Å"forest,† which would be the quality of marriage.The functionalist perspective, known as functionalism, is when each aspect of society is interdependent and contributes to society’s functioning as a whole. This was brought to sociology by Emile Durkheim. The government, or state, provides the education for the children in the family, which in turn pays taxes on which the state depends to keep itself running. Functionalists believe that society is held together by social consensus, or cohesion, in which members of the society agree upon, and work together to achieve, what is best for society as a whole.Durkheim suggested that social consensus takes two different forms, mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity. Mechanical solidarity is a form of social co hesion that arises when people in a society maintain similar values and beliefs and engage in similar types of work. Organic solidarity is a form of social cohesion that arises when the people in a society are interdependent, but hold to carrying values and beliefs and engage in varying types of work.Karl Marx was the originated the conflict perspective, which focuses on the negative, conflicted, and ever-changing nature of society. Unlike functionalists who defend the status quo, encourage social change, and believe rich and powerful people force social order on the poor and the weak. Conflict theorists find social conflict between and groups in which the potential for inequality exists: racial, gender, religious, political, economic, and so on.This constant competition between groups forms the basis for the ever-changing nature of society. I agree most with interactionist perspective because it fits me and what I believe. I believe at looking at the big picture not little stuff in the way. It is important to concentrate on the bigger picture. They are all good theories and each are made for different people I’m sure people agree and disagree with all the theories but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good in their own way.

Race and Color Discrimination Essay

Who are the major people that had made a different in the race and color movement? What as society done to improve the way to perceive other people that do not have the same color or race as us? This are all major questions people have in mind when trying to solve Racism affects people lives in many ways depending on race, gender, & class though gender usually goes with sexism. Though there have been many efforts to reduce its power it is still in life. Today there are still efforts being made and some have been successful such the racial boundaries Barack Obama has crossed despite being biracial and how many people are taking a stand. Racism today seems to affect mainly African Americans as some people are very prejudiced against them such as the Ku Klux Klan whose power may not be as strong as it once was still exists. The other ways that African Americans are affected are stereotypes. There countless even for other races for example me. I have mistaken to be Indian a lot of times and sometimes still am even though I am Bangladeshi. Some stereotypes for other races would be the Chinese and Japanese they are sometimes expected to be smart, have squinty eyes, and be a workaholic while they may be not. I know someone who is partly Japanese she does not seem to have squinty eyes nor is she a workaholic. Racism also comes to everyone’s’ lives through the way we exposed to it. For example go to some place and then be shut out because of the color of your skin or be cast out because you’re Asian, African-American, or even middle eastern. For now that is all I can say but if you’re not satisfied please leave a message on my bio page and/or improve it yourself in anyways you can.

Toyota Cars Recalls Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Toyota Cars Recalls - Research Paper Example Finally, the purpose of this academic paper is to possibly recommend applicable solutions based on conflict management principles that would address the identified problems encountered by the Toyota Motor Corp. To further understand, how and why Toyota ended up with the Toyota Recall incident it is necessary to have knowledge on the background of the company and how it operates in the field of the automobile manufacturing industry. Toyota Motor Company Early Beginnings In 1933, Toyota did not out rightly start as an automobile manufacturing company. Actually, the family that started it was initially engaged with just spinning and weaving textiles and looms under Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, a small division, which was under the direction of Kiichiro Toyoda. It started to manufacture vehicles when the Japanese government at war with China encouraged this company to manufacture the needed domestic vehicles. (â€Å"History of Toyota†, 2011). A Window to Toyota Motor Corporation ( TMC) Today The CEO Who is running Toyota Motor Corporation today? â€Å"Akio Toyoda is the present President and Representative Director of the company. He is the grandson of the late Kaiichiro Toyoda, who operated the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, a company devoted to manufacture automobiles during the 1930’s. Akio Toyoda was elected to the said positions in 2009 replacing Katsuaki Watanabe.† (â€Å"The President†,2011) TMC’s Domain â€Å"TMC’s domain belongs to the automotive industry and thus, its main product is the automobile. However, TMC today has expanded to other non-automotive business activities to include financial service business segments† (â€Å"Toyota Company Overview†, n.d.).Their stakeholders include: customers, business partners (dealers and suppliers), investors, consumers, nongovernmental organisations government, community, stockholders. Vision & Philosophy â€Å"Since its foundation, Toyota has been using the Gu iding Principle which says: to produce reliable vehicles and sustainable development of society by employing innovative and high quality products and services† (â€Å"Vision & Philosophy, 2011). Guiding Principle: â€Å"TMC’s guiding principle is to produce reliable vehicles and sustainable development of society by employing innovative and high quality products and services† (â€Å"Guiding Principle†, 2011). Toyota Global Vision 2020 â€Å"Toyota promotes efforts towards finding balance between the cycles of nature and the cycles of industry. Toyota commits to the ideals being pursued for People, Society and the Global Environment through the combined energy of people and technology† (â€Å"Toyota Global Vision 2020†, 2011). Employment: 320, 590 (Total in affiliated companies) Date Founded: August 28, 1937 Capital: 397.05 billion yen (as of March 31, 2010) Note: Information current as of June 2010. The number of employees includes those dis patched from other companies as of March 31, 2010 (â€Å"Company Profile†, 2011) TMC’s Organizational Structure â€Å"We have a fairly flat organization, which allows for ease of communications and flexibility. Within departments the organization divides into groups and teams, this team structure is a key element of the Company’s effectiveness.†