Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five - 1807 Words

In Vonnegut’s novel Slaughterhouse-Five, he has a way of not only revealing truth but hiding it as well. Many view this novel as an anti-war book and with that one could infer that the main truth he would wish to reveal is the sadness, horror and truth of war. However, there are other smaller truths one come to uncover as they read on. This book becomes an analysis by one, and reading is when they analyze his words how they want. Here is how I see his truths, whether being revealed or hidden through symbols, characters or even events. First off, throughout the book, one comes to realize that Vonnegut has a way of making Billy Pilgrim seem more like a boy than a man in this book. The references like the too small of a coat or the†¦show more content†¦The dog thought he wanted the steak, but he ended up dead by the glorifying idea that he’d enjoy it. Even what one believes they can handle, it could tear them down in the end, and that is what one could believe is the truth Vonnegut is trying to reveal. To follow, the truths revealed in the book are more than just one could see. There are many ways to see the words Vonnegut writes and the next truth I believe another could see is hidden within the backwards film he plays. One reads, â€Å"American planes, full of holes and wounded men and corpses took off backwards (93),† as Billy starts watching the movie. It is a movie about war and Billy watches it backwards to see the bombs go from the ground back up to the plane and so on. The truth revealed by this simple scene he describes is that even if one wants to undo the suffering that was has created, they cannot. It has already been done and can’t be taken back. This ties in with how this book is viewed as anti-war. If Vonnegut is trying to reveal this large truth about the war while simultaneously revealing smaller truths, this fits in exactly. This is the same truth one could see with the horse’s hooves that Vonnegut has the reader visualize in the ninth chapter. He writes, â€Å"The Americans had treated their form of transportation as though it were no more sensitive than a six-cylinder Chevrolet (251),† to make you just realize how they had treated the animal.Show MoreRelatedKurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five 1490 Words   |  6 Pages4 April 2016 Vonnegut Reveals Suffering Through Billy Pilgrim Kurt Vonnegut was an American author who published a variety of works including novels, short stories, plays, and a few works of non-fiction. Kurt Vonnegut explains how war and the experiences that come with it can cause suffering to the minds of people that it affects. In his novel Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut uses his novel to focus on his anti-war stance by showcasing humanity s suffering due to war. Vonnegut reveals this sufferingRead MoreKurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five902 Words   |  4 Pagesanything to avoid memories of trauma, including inventing an alternate planet. 2. Billy, the main character in Kurt Vonnegut’s novel Slaughterhouse-Five, experienced firsthand the trauma of war during the firebombing of Dresden. After this event, Billy created Tramfaladore, the planet where time does not exist. B. Summary 1. In Kurt Vonnegut s novel, Slaughterhouse-Five, he waves a story of destruction, war, mental health, and time travel to demonstrate the effects of posttraumatic wartime experiencesRead MoreKurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five 1901 Words   |  8 PagesKurt Vonnegut developed his view of America through a history of personal loss and trauma that was largely endured at the same time by his characters. As a child, Kurt Vonnegut lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, which he would use in many of his later novels. His father was a prominent architect, while his mother came from the family of a wealthy brewer. After the depression hit, his father lost his business and gave up, his mother became addicted to alcohol and prescription drugs. In his teen yearsRead MoreKurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five1246 Words   |  5 PagesIn Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy Pilgrim becomes â€Å"unstuck† in time. The question here is, why? The fact of the matter is that he does not a ctually begin to time-travel. Billy â€Å"becomes unstuck† as a coping mechanism to deal with his traumatic experiences during the war. Billy attempts to reorganize his life’s events and cope with a disorder known as post traumatic stress (PTSD). â€Å"Post traumatic stress disorder is a debilitating condition that follows a terrifying event† (Marilyn 8)Read MoreKurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five1250 Words   |  5 PagesIrrational behavior is a huge part of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-five because Billy Pilgrim’s character and the plot line are shaped by it throughout the book. The spastic ordering of his life story and the thorough belief that he was abducted by Tralfamadorian aliens are what shape this book’s story and Billy’s way of life. Although unreasonable, his behavior can be considered justified because of the time he spent in World War II. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is common in veteransRead MoreKurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five Essay2221 Words   |  9 Pagesâ€Å"so it goes† is repeated 106 times in Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five. From â€Å"dead† champagne to the massacre at Dresden, every death in the book is seemingly equalized with the phrase â€Å"so it goes†. The continuation of this phrase ties in with the general theme on indifference in the story. If the Tralfamadorian view of time is correct, then everyone is continuously living every moment of their life and dying is not the end. However, if Vonnegut believed in this idea, then he wouldn’t have felt compelledRead MoreAnalysis Of Kurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five 1634 Words   |  7 PagesKurt Vonnegut once said, â€Å"So it goes† to describe the unavoidableness of fate. This aspect of seeing terrible things and being able to continue on would become a main theme in his novels. Vonnegut, as an author, received his essential voice by writing about his own experiences, using what would become his signature pessimistic yet humanist view. Vonnegut is described by Lindsay Clark as, â€Å"Worse than a pessimist†¦ he is an eternal optimist doomed to disappointment† (Clark, â€Å"Viewing Four Vonnegut NovelsRead MoreAna lysis Of Kurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five Essay2080 Words   |  9 PagesDraft Slaughterhouse-five War is a virus, a plagues our world and has experienced since the early ages of time. Once a war is cured a new strain begins stronger and more unforgiving as the last. Humans are creatures of habit which continue the violence. Kurt Vonnegut’s novel, slaughterhouse-five, is a deliberate and well developed statement against war as expressed through the tone, rhetoric, and characters, making anti war a prominent theme through the entirety of the novel. Slaughterhouse-fiveRead MoreAnalysis Of Kurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five1134 Words   |  5 Pagesmoment, but that the same person is just fine in plenty of other moments. Now, when I myself hear that somebody is dead, I simply shrug and say what the Tralfamadorians say about dead people, which is so it goes. This quote, from Kurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse-five, has always stuck with me. Looking at the world through a softly tinted glass can brighten the edges. All the difficult and low stretches of life could be such a small fraction, if we would look at things from perspectives other than ourRead MoreKurt Vonnegut s Slaughterhouse Five Essay1905 Words   |  8 PagesKurt Vonnegut reflects his life during World War II as a German prisoner through his character Billy Pilgrim in the novel Slaughterhouse-Five. While enlisted in the US Army, Vonnegut had life threatening experiences that were inspiration for his writing. Vonnegut was a young boy during the Great Depression and was raised through the hardships of the time. As a child, Vonnegut’s father worked as an architect, but during the Great Depression, the building industry was brought to a halt and Vonnegut’s

Monday, December 23, 2019

How to Become a Bow Hunter Essay examples - 723 Words

Bow hunting can be a fun and exiting sport to do. But first you must learn how to do so. There several steps involved becoming a successful bow-hunter. You must have proper equipment, good hunting habitat, and skill with a little technique. Have a nice bow with comfortable poundage that you can draw back easily fully dressed. Too much poundage will surely give you away. A compound bow or a recurve bow will both work well. Compound bows are more expensive and are require frequent tuning. Recurve bows are simple and quite. The choice is up to you. Bow hunting is relatively not a cheap sport to do. You must first purchase a tree stand with a ladder or some type of portable ground blind. Set your tree stand in an area you†¦show more content†¦Have thin gloves for shooting your bow and very warm boots since it will be your feet to get cold first. If you have a loose budget, there are a variety of Gore-Tex waterproof and scent-lok garments for the serious bow- hunter. If you happen to be very lucky and have an ATV this will assist you like no tomorrow. Any kind of ATV will help. As long as it has front and rear racks. These will allow you to strap your equipment down and scout larger plots of land. This will allow for finding that just right hunting blind. If you happen to shoot a deer the DNR does allow you to retrieve it using your ATV. This means you can enter the woods (off the trail) to retrieve your deer. If you have never dragged a deer, it is very hard. Your ATV will make things much easier. Having an ATV is not necessary, but they are a lot of fun.Older people who cannot walk well might appreciate these more than younger people. Try to select an area where the hunting pressure is not too high. Hunting in an area that is overcrowded is much harder. Having to compete for land and deer population will limit your chances to be successful in hunting deer. It is much easier to find a friend with private property. This way you can set up where you want and not have to worry about having a neighbor. Private property is also nice because the deer are not always running scared because the hunting pressure is not so high. WhenShow MoreRelatedGun Hunting Vs. Hunting1675 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican tribes and from when the first settlers arrived to the New World. While hunting is not needed for survival in today’s society every year thousands of hunters take to the woods in pursuit of their quarry. While many people think these hunters are all the same there are two main sects that make up the hunting community; gun hunters and bowhunters. While both methods of hunting are similar and share many common points, there are some key differences between the two as well. While bowhuntingRead MoreEvolutions Of Hunting And Hunting1383 Words   |  6 Pagesquestion on how the sport people enjoy so much today started. Many people just think of cavemen and old extinct animals such as mammoth when people think of the start of hunting, which yes, it was an early form of hunting but it also was survival for their family and others. It actually was not fun at all for the cavemen; it was one of the hardest things to do was bring down a big animal just with spears and other tools they needed to hunt in order to survive. Many hunters today wonder how the sportRead MoreEvolutions Of Hunting And Hunting1512 Words   |  7 Pagesquestion on how the sport people enjoy so much today started. Many people just think of cavemen and old extinct animals such as mammoth when people think of the start of hunting, which yes, it was an early form of hunting but it also was survival for their family and others. It actu ally was not fun at all for the cavemen; it was one of the hardest things to do was bring down a big animal just with spears and other tools they needed to hunt in order to survive. Many hunters today wonder how the sportRead MoreHunting Is The White Tail Deer Essay1270 Words   |  6 PagesMy Bow Hunting is very valuable to me, but the value is deeper than just hunting. There are so many aspects of hunting that I love. But I cherish my bow above all of them. Having my bow with me when I’m in the stand or when I’m at my neighbor’s house practicing, gives me a since of dominance. Also brings me pride knowing I’ve worked hard and stayed committed to something I truly love. There are all kinds of animals to hunt and different ways to hunt them. My favorite type of animal to hunt, isRead MoreHunting1108 Words   |  5 PagesHunting is a pastime that helps people become one with nature and frees them from their normal lives. When hunters get the chance to go hunting they are able to go to the woods where they can relax, and clear their minds. Hunting allows one to get back to the outdoors and experience what nature has to offer. â€Å"More than 38 million Americans hunt and fish.† (â€Å"Hunting Facts† 1). Location is the key to where b ig game and trophies are. To be a successful hunter one must prepare and utilize tools thatRead MoreShould Hunting Be A Code Of Ethics? Essay1305 Words   |  6 PagesMy Bow Hunting is very valuable to me, but the value is deeper than just hunting. There are so many aspects of hunting that I love but I hold my bow above all of them. Having my bow with me when I’m in the stand gives me a since of dominance, also brings pride knowing I’ve worked hard and stayed committed to something I truly love. Even though I would have liked to been given all my hunting needs, I’m proud of myself for going out and getting those needs by myself. While hunting in general I likeRead MoreWhy The Sport Of Hunting1282 Words   |  6 Pagesquestion on how the sport people enjoy so much today started. Many people just think of cavemen and old extinct animals such as mammoth when people think of the start of hunting, which yes, it was an early form of hunting but it also was survival for their family and others. It actually was not fun at all for the cavemen; it was one of the hardest things to do was bring down a big animal just with spears and other tool s they needed to hunt in order to survive. Many hunters today wonder how the sportRead MorePeople Have Hunted Throughout Human History1503 Words   |  7 Pagesanimal with the intention, or aim, of killing it. People often ask hunters why they hunt. Most say they hunt for three reasons: Food, to help balance wildlife, and to enjoy the challenge. People who lived thousands of years ago left clues about their lives. Some of these clues were pictures painted on the wall inside caves. Some showed animals being hunted. This proves that hunting has been part of society for many years. The first hunters may have trapped animals and beat them with clubs. Later on, theyRead MoreThe True Hunter1079 Words   |  5 PagesThe True Hunter Few passions can unite a group of people, globally, so tight. Hunting can often times be misconstrued as the murdering of animals for sport. This is not the case. Hunting can fairly be defined as a person, or group of people, tracking and harvesting an animal as a resource of meat and hide (or feathers). Hunting is rightfully supported by the government and is enforced by laws and specific regulations. Hunting makes providing for a family more self sufficient than buying processedRead MoreHunting Pros and Cons Essay1272 Words   |  6 Pagesthere are also benefits of hunting. Hunting controls the population of certain species. Hunting is one of the long time traditional ways of controlling the population of animas such as the white tailed deer. (Kilgo, Labis Fitzen) The money that hunters spend annually on hunting helps support the economy in many areas around the world. Many supporters are for and against hunting. The question seems to be whether hunting is good for our environmen t or is it destructive. The consequences of continuing

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Aspects of Belonging Notes Free Essays

English questions: -Explain how some of the specific events that are presented in your texts provide insight into belonging/ not belonging? -Relationships are integral to human beings feeling like they belong. Assess the truth of this statement in regard to your prescribed text and one other text. TODAYS LESSON: -Thesis statements for each aspect of belonging: -Acceptance -Understanding -Relationships -Notions of Identity -Experience -Landscape Write an introduction and conclusion for each of the questions at the top of the page. We will write a custom essay sample on Aspects of Belonging Notes or any similar topic only for you Order Now Acceptance: A strong sense of belonging within a community is reliant not only on the willingness to assimilate, but also on those already in the community to be accepting. †¢Feelings of acceptance can heighten a sense of belonging whereas rejection can alienate individuals. †¢An individual’s fear of alienation can lead them to think or act in ways that are not true to their ideology. Understanding †¢For an individual to feel that they belong to a particular person, place or group, they need to accept and understand the social expectations and behaviours of that community. Understanding the values of a person, place or group is the fundamental foundation for mutual respect that allows for a sense of belonging. †¢An understanding and appreciation of individual differences – even within a group – is essential for the smooth running of the society and thus is the origin of the sense of belonging or not belonging. Relationships †¢The need to belong to a group or community shapes our behaviour, attitude and actions. When humanity experiences a strong connection to a place the notion of belonging is strengthened and enriched. †¢When our relationship with a place is shaped by a narrow and biased view of the world, our notion of belonging can be questionable. †¢Connections with individuals, groups or places can nurture a sense of belonging through the relationship with that other person, group or place. †¢Relationships are the basis upon which an individual may feel a sense of belonging or not belonging towards a person or place. When significant relationships in life are fractured, often many other aspects related to an individual’s wellbeing will be negatively impacted. †¢Relationships come in many forms and can either allow an individual to experience a sense of belonging or hinder this sense of belonging. Notions of Identity †¢When your cultural identity is marginalised, you can feel dis located and displaced, and believe that you do not belong to your culture or part of the dominant culture. Our search for who we are is fuelled by a need to find a place in the world where we feel we belong. †¢Time and the passage of time can have a significant impact on our notion of identity and from that – to whom and to where an individual might belong. †¢An individual’s fear of alienation can make them act or think in ways that are not true to their ideology. †¢Our individual identity is greatly constructed by how others perceive us. †¢The community surrounding you impacts your opinion of selfhood, consequently moulding your identity. Experience We search for a place to belong, not realising that it is our perceptions and attitudes, not the place, that ultimately allows us to feel a sense of belonging. †¢Personal experiences shape our beliefs and values and hence contribute to their sense of self and ultimately where they belong. †¢Ex periences can have both positive and negative effects on individuals depending on the extent and power of the knowledge gained. †¢The way we view and assess the experiences of life can change overtime and thus impact how we establish the present and future. Place/Landscape †¢ Strong conclusion: Strong relationships nourish belonging, whilst damaged relationships may be detrimental to the experience of belonging† It is evident that both composers represent this interpretation, but in varying ways – while Romulus focuses more on so how relationships – and barriers to these – can hinder belonging, â€Å"other related text† focuses much more on the†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. and how these flourish and nourish one’s sense of belonging/ Although different, both composers effectively present their interpretation of relationships, and how these can either nourish or hinder one’s sense of belonging. OR In conclusion, both â€Å"† and â€Å"† show the various ways in which relationships with people and surroundings can impact an individual’s experience of belonging. Degrees of empathy, understanding, prejudice and sexual attraction, as shown in the examples above, clearly help determine the nature and strength of some of the relationships within the respective texts, and the extent to which they can and do impact on an individual’s broader sense of belonging or exclusion. Romantic, professional and cultural affiliation with others and his surroundings are integral to Romulus’ efforts to belong in his new country, Australia. How to cite Aspects of Belonging Notes, Essay examples

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Promoting Cognitive Development free essay sample

Everyone has a different opinion when it comes to raising children. Most parents do not look kindly on people telling them what they are doing is wrong. There are several different theorists that developed theories on how our children grow and develop. Cognitive development is one of the main categories studied by theorists and is still a leading area of study among people today. Jean Piaget, Burrhus Skinner (B. F. Skinner), Erik Erikson, and Lev Vygotsky are four of the leading psychologists that studied cognitive development. Each had their own theory about how children develop. Studying these theories can help us to understand and aid our children’s cognitive development. Jean Piaget is considered to be the first psychologist to make a â€Å"systematic study of child development† (McLeod, 2009). Piaget developed the theory of cognitive development. According to Piaget â€Å"children are born with a very basic mental structure (genetically inherited and evolved) on which all subsequent learning and knowledge is based† (McLeod, 2009). He believed that children developed in stages. These stages occur in succession and always in the same order and he suggested that â€Å"movement from one stage to the next occurred when a child reached an appropriate level of physical maturation and is exposed to relevant experiences† (Feldman, 2011, p. 142). Piaget’s stages were the sensorimotor stage (birth-2 years), the preoperational stage (2-7 years), concrete operational stage (7-11 years), and the formal operational stage (12 and up). In the sensorimotor stage of life Piaget suggested that babies know their surroundings by their movements and sensations. In this stage they develop the sense that when they do something they get a reaction such as when they cry they get picked up. Piaget discovered that babies learn through assimilation and accommodation. Piaget’s second stage, the preoperational stage, children learned language and symbolism. He believed children at this stage were egocentric and think only of themselves. The third stage is the concrete operational stage. In this stage Piaget discovered that children begin to think logically. They understand concepts like conservation. They also begin to develop reasoning. In Piaget’s fourth and final stage, formal operational stage, young adolescents begin to think abstractly. At this stage they also develop skills for thinking hypothetically. They develop more social, ethical, moral, social, and political reasoning and are able to theorize about issues. Piaget keyed the terms schemas, which is the â€Å"the basic building block of intelligent behavior,† â€Å"a set of linked mental representations of the world, which we use both to understand and to respond to situations† (McLeod, 2009). He believed we store schemas and apply them when the right situation occurs. Piaget believed that schemas were really important to cognitive development. He believed that certain schemas are genetically programed into us like the sucking reflex that babies have. Piaget’s theory on intellectual growth is through the process of assimilation and accommodation. Assimilation is the use of old schemas to deal with new situations. Accommodation comes next which is when the existing schema does not work we adapt it to make it work. Piaget was a pioneer in the study of child development. He changed people’s perspective on children in that they are not just less competent thinkers than adults that they actually think in different ways than adults and grow and assimilate new information. Burrhus Skinner was a behavioral theorist. He believed that it was more productive to study observable behavior rather than internal mental events. He did not believe in ages or stages instead Skinner believed that behavior is learned through causes and consequences of actions. He called his approach operant conditioning. Skinner used positive and negative reinforcements to affect behaviors. Skinner studied behavior modification which is â€Å"A formal technique for promoting the frequency of desirable behaviors and decreasing the incidence of unwanted ones† (Feldman, 2011, p. 24-25). He believed that behavior that is reinforced is more likely to be repeated and behavior that is not reinforces would be avoided. Skinner believed that information should be given out in small doses that way the responses can be reinforced. According to Skinner associations between stimuli, actions, and responses could explain nearly every aspect of human behavior and interaction. This is depicted in the social-cognitive learning theory â€Å"an approach to the study of development that emphasizes learning by observing the behavior of another person, called a model† (Feldman, 2011, p. 25) This theory states that modeling and imitation can explain why children behave the way they do. Such as when children watch a parent wash their hands after going to the bathroom the child is more likely to imitate the behavior and do the same. . Erik Erikson was a student of Freud. He believed in a lot of the same theories and principles that Freud did and like Freud and Piaget he based his theories on stages. He however developed the psychosocial theory which is â€Å"the approach to the study of development that encompasses changes in the understanding individuals have of their interactions with others, of others’ behavior, and of themselves as members of society† (Feldman, 2011, p. 22). He believed the culture had an effect on development. He put into play the importance of a more knowledgeable other, such as a parent or teacher as long as the other has more knowledge than the learner about a particular subject, task, or process. In today’s world however this more knowledgeable other can be something like electronic support devices such as leap pads. Erikson’s stages were based on social development rather than sexual development. Erikson believed â€Å"the ego develops as it successfully resolves crises that are distinctly social in nature. These involve establishing a sense of trust in others, developing a sense of identity in society, and helping the next generation prepare for the future† (McLeod, 2008). He took the stages and extended them adding three more past the age of 18 well into adulthood. Erikson’s first stage (birth- 18 months), was focused on t trust vs. mistrust in which the infant develop a sense of trust by getting their needs met or mistrust if they do not. The second stage (18 months- 3 years) was focused on autonomy vs. shame and doubt. In this stage children develop the no factor in which they are allowed to protest and say no. They develop self-sufficiency and exploration through encouragement from adults or they may develop doubt in themselves and lack of independence if they are not allowed to do things for themselves or have choices. The third stage (3-5 years) is the imitative vs. bguilt stage. In this stage Erikson believed children discover ways to start actions. Consequently they also develop guilt from their action and thoughts in this stage. The fourth stage in Erikson’s theory is the industry vs. inferiority stage (5-12 years). In this stage children develop feelings of competency or they may develop a sense of inferiority or lack of competence in themselves. The fifth stage (12-18 years) is the identity vs. role confusion. In this stage Erikson believe that adolescents develop an awareness for themselves and know their role in life. On the other hand they may be confused and not understand their role or place in life. His sixth stage (18- 40 years) is the intimacy vs. isolation stage. This stage is focused on love. Erikson believed adults found loving, sexual relationships and close friends or struggled with relationships and may develop of fear of personal relationships. His seventh stage is the generatively vs. stagnation (40- 65 years). In this stage we develop the sense that we contributed to society or that we did not. His eighth and final stage is ego-integrity vs.  despair (65+). In the last stage we contemplate whether we led a good life or we missed out on opportunities. Erikson believed that each stage posed a conflict or crisis that we must address and resolve. He explained that most issues were never fully resolved but were at least addressed and managed and carried over to the next stage in life. His research and thought are still widely used today. Mid-life crisis is a term that is commonly heard about adults around the age 40. This would be Erikson’s generatively vs. stagnation stage. He believed in Lev Vygotsky developed the sociocultural theory which is â€Å"an approach that emphasizes how cognitive development proceeds as a result of social interactions between members of a culture† (Feldman, 2011, p. 30). Vygotsky believed that children developed with reciprocal transactions between the child and persons in the child’s environment such as parents, teachers, or other significant persons. He was not a stage theorists like Piaget, Freud, or Erikson. He believed that social interactions and the environment shaped a person. Such as a child who grew up with extended family around all the time would have a different view of family than someone who did not. Vygotsky believed that social learning came before development instead of the other way around like Piaget. He believed that an individual’s development cannot be understood without referencing the social and cultural environment in which they developed in. Vygotsky developed the zone of proximal development. This principle is the concept that a child can do things that they might not be able to do independently but they can with a little help. Vygotsky believed most important in a child’s life. He believed in scaffolding, which is â€Å"the support for learning and problem solving that encourages independence and growth† (Feldman, 2011, p. 229). With Scaffolding children learn to solve specific problems but it also aids in the overall cognitive development of the child. Each theorist had their own views and opinions of how children develop cognitively. Piaget, and Erikson’s theories are largely based on stages of development. Each one defining a critical age in which children develop. They all listed a certain time frame for each stage. Piaget believed that children develop through direct motor behavior. Erikson views were that both society and culture shaped us and Vygotsky thought that children develop through social reciprocal transactions between family, teachers, and other significant persons and the child. Piaget would suggest the Jacksons have a sort of hands off approach. He believed in placing children in a rich environment and letting them explore it. He believed that children should not be praised very much because they may get hooked on the praise and they may put forth the energy to impress the adults instead of into learning. He would suggest that letting the child play around and explore the environment rather than making the child sit and listen to someone teaching them. Burrhus Skinner would suggest that the Jacksons use operant conditioning with Jasmine. He believed that in order to produce optimal learning and behavior Jasmine should be rewarded and punished appropriately. When she does something good or right then she should be rewarded or praised. Likewise if she participates in a behavior that is undesirable or is wrong she should meet with negative reinforcement or be punished accordingly. Erikson’s approach would suggest that the Jacksons that they let Jasmine participate in play with other children. Like Piaget he would suggest putting the child in a rich environment and letting her play and explore. Erikson might suggest that they let Jasmine plan activities and make up games. Also he might suggest encouraging Jasmine to initiate activities with others. This would help develop her imitative and make her feel competent in her decision making skills. He might also tell them to not treat any questions Jasmine may have as trivial or a nuisance. This can cause her to feel guilty and not want to seek information. Vygotsky might suggest that the parents keep Jasmine in a social rich environment. He believes that social interaction plays a major role in cognitive development. He would encourage them to place Jasmine in a preschool in which she would learn from the teacher directly rather than exploring everything on her own. He might suggest the use of specialized electronics or computer programs to assist Jasmine in learning. He would encourage the Jacksons to help Jasmine when she needed it and nurture her learning. Keith’s advice to the Jacksons would be dependent on which theorist he identified with. If he was a behaviorist like Skinner he would suggest praise and reinforcements for Jasmine. If he identified more with cultural learning such as Vygotsky he would suggest a cultural rich environment and helping her learn. Keith’s personal views on cognitive development would be suggested to the Jacksons for use. At the preschool age society and family play a major role in Jasmine’s development. She will most likely model what she sees her parents and other adults doing. She will adapt the traditions and morals of her culture. Her family could be the determining role for her learning abilities. If they nurture her learning and provide her with the tools she needs to learn and feel competent then she will most likely thrive. If they do the opposite she is more likely to reject learning. Jasmine will begin to model things she sees in life such as her parent’s behavior as well as things she sees on television or video games. Psychologically she will begin to develop the feelings associated with actions and consequences. She will develop the feeling of guilt. Her physical environment may affect her learning abilities such as a loud or noisy environment may cause her to have more troubles learning. Psychosocial influences such as family environment will begin to affect her learning abilities as well. A positive family environment will nurture her learning and a negative one may drastically affect her learning. Cognitive development has been an area of study for decades. From the first recognized cognitive theorist Jean Piaget to the present day theorist child development has been an important area of study. Each psychologist Piaget, Skinner, Erikson, and Vygotsky had their own ideas and opinions on cognitive development throughout childhood. Whether we know it or not we typically identify with at least one of these psychologist in our view of child development. Each one brought bright ideas and intelligent answers to the way we develop cognitively. Today research is still being conducted on the cognitive development of children. Play is still being studied and is regarded as an important process for children’s cognitive development. Some research suggests â€Å"social play opportunities promote social competence in a variety of ways including strengthening skills such as sharing, perspective taking, and negotiating. Social play opportunities also enhance conflict resolution skills and enrich self-concept† (Haney Bissonnette, 2011). Child development will be a subject studied and researched for years to come. The works of Piaget, Skinner, Erikson, and Vygotsky made unbelievable progress and laid the foundation for future psychologists and the study of child development.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Obesity and Health Essay Sample free essay sample

Fleshiness is a status of a individual that has extra organic structure weight in the signifier of fat. Harmonizing to most of the surveies. an corpulent individual has a BMI of 25 or supra. The Body Mass Index or ( BMI ) is a figure that takes into histories non merely weight but height to bespeak organic structure fat. These are the persons that are at hazard of developing physical complaints such bosom failures. shot. shortness of breath. back hurting and the likes. These are damaging to wellness therefore. it increases mortality rate. Due to the tremendous addition of figure of corpulent people in the United States. this becomes a national heath issue. How can a individual become corpulent? What are the lending factors? One of the obvious factors is one’s cistrons. Fleshiness is familial. If a individual is genetically corpulent it is really hard to lose a batch of weight and maintain it off for good. We will write a custom essay sample on Obesity and Health Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In this state of affairs. cutting off nutrient consumption. drugs. and exert entirely don’t solve fleshiness in long term weight loss. Obesity surgery like Gastric Banding. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty. Bariatric Surgery and others are the lone proven methods to let the badly and morbidly corpulent individual to make normal weight and keep it. Behavior is besides a factor to fleshiness. Due to discovery of engineering. there are things or appliances that made our life easier and faster and more convenient because they do the work for us. Peoples became lazy ; they have less exercising. less activity at work. Most of the clip people relied on fast nutrient bringings and about everyone seems to be acquiring heavier. In the article written by Arielle Bethlehem entitledObesity and Healthshe said that fast nutrient is frequently deemed the individual biggest ground Americans are overweight. † Environment can besides lend to fleshiness. The sort of communities an single belon gs. places. and workplaces can all act upon people’s wellness determinations. One’s calorie ingestion can find to his hereafter weight. Due to altering environment particularly in US. eating wonts and nutrient options has been broadened. Last there are some drugs that lead to deriving weight like steroids and improper usage of these drugs can do fleshiness. Some of the unwellnesss can besides lend to fleshiness. â€Å"Are medical research workers overemphasising the wellness hazards associated with being overweight† ?This is the subject I have chosen from the CQ Researchers Pro/Con nexus â€Å"Given that lasting weight loss is elusive for most fat people. the issue of fat and wellness is irrelevant. The lone true option available is to be every bit healthy as you can. regardless of your weight. ( Often times the wellness issue serves as a fume screen to warrant denying fat people their civil rights. The premise that fat people are unhealthy is frequently used to support favoritism in employment. educational chances. and lodging and acceptance privileges. Health issues should neer supplant one’s civil rights. ) The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance agreed to this statement. From â€Å"Dispelling Common Myths about Fat Persons. † adapted from stuff developed by Carrie Hemmenway. The cons represented by Michael Fumento said that â€Å"Since 1959. informations began to corroborate earlier intuitions that fleshiness is harmful. That’s when the first Build and Blood Pressure Study appeared. [ It ] found that. . . the fatter the individual. the more likely the individual was to decease prematurely. By the clip one reached 30 per centum over recommended weight. there was a 42 per centum greater opportunity of deceasing early. † I agree with National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. Sing fat people is merely an ordinary scene to my mundane life and every clip that happens. I ever think that it is merely a affair of pick. They choose to be corpulent. However it can non be denied besides that they are being criticized and discriminated. Our society sets the criterions of how people should look like. The intension of being sexy is the skinny-modeled typed for a miss and a hunk-type with perfect for male childs. Subjects about. diet. fittingness. fleshiness. weight control and the likes which are ever discussed in magazines are being overused now. I’ve known so many fat people who have made legion attempts and exhausted 1000s of dollars throughout their lives merely to lose weight and each clip regained the lost lbs plus a few more. The world is that fleshiness is like a â€Å"yo-yo phenomenon† . It is truly difficult to accomplish a lasting weight loss. If this happen to person who is seekin g to lose weight adequate times they will be dying at the chance of losing weight for fright of deriving back more than you lose. Peoples who experienced things like this will be disappointed and go hopeless so they will halt and merely make what they want and this will truly do them genuinely happy. Though Michael Fumento is right of stating that fleshiness is damaging to wellness but a individual is the 1 doing a pick for their ain lives. They should non be pressured on what sort of form of organic structure they should possess. â€Å"The difference [ between fat and thin people ] is non between the weak and the strong or the unprompted and the abstemious. but between internal ( rather likely innate ) controls that are set otherwise in different people† quoted by Kelly D. Brownell in her book. ( TheDieters Dilemma: Eating Less and Weighing More. 1982 Fleshiness is a wellness is a job. That is a fact but anybody can get the better of it. It should get down of holding a end to achieve and believing in 1s. ego that we can accomplish our ends. Peoples should non lose weight for the ground that they are being pressured by the society and the people around. Peoples should make it because they chose to make it and they are happy making it. It is merely head over affair as cliche . Bibliographies: Bettelheim. A. ( 1999. January 15 ) . Obesity and wellness.CQ Researcher.9. 25-48. Retrieved December 9. 2007. from CQ Researcher Online. hypertext transfer protocol: //library. cqpress. com/cqresearcher/cqresrre1999011500 Kelly D. Brownel. lThe Dieters Dilemma: Eating Less and Weighing More( 1982 ) . hypertext transfer protocol: //www. medscape. com/viewarticle/559644_6 hypertext transfer protocol: //www. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/contributing_factors. htm

Monday, November 25, 2019

Best Picture Oscar Winners at the Academy Awards

Best Picture Oscar Winners at the Academy Awards Since its inception, the Academy Awards has honored one film each year, calling it the Best Picture. The announcement of the Best Picture Oscar winner is often the highlight of an Academy Awards ceremony. Below is a list of every single Best Picture Oscar award winner.   * Please note that the years listed below are the years the films were created, i.e. the Academy Award ceremony that honored these films were held in the spring of the following year. The Best Picture Oscar Winners 1927-28 Wings1928-29 Broadway Melody1929-30 All Quiet on the Western Front1930-31 Cimarron1931-32 Grand Hotel1932-33 Cavalcade1934 It Happened One Night1935 Mutiny on the Bounty1936 The Great Ziegfeld1937 The Life of Emile Zola1938 You Cant Take It With You1939 Gone With the Wind1940 Rebecca1941 How Green Was My Valley1942 Mrs. Miniver1943 Casablanca1944 Going My Way1945 The Lost Weekend1946 The Best Years of Our Lives1947 Gentlemens Agreement1948 Hamlet1949 All the Kings Men1950 All About Eve1951 An American in Paris1952 The Greatest Show on Earth1953 From Here to Eternity1954 On the Waterfront1955 Marty1956 Around the World in 80 Days1957 The Bridge on the River Kwai1958 Gigi1959 Ben-Hur1960 The Apartment1961 West Side Story1962 Lawrence of Arabia1963 Tom Jones1964 My Fair Lady1965 The Sound of Music1966 A Man for All Seasons1967 In the Heat of the Night1968 Oliver!1969 Midnight Cowboy1970 Patton1971 The French Connection1972 The Godfather1973 The Sting1974 The Godfather Part II197 5 One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest1976 Rocky1977 Annie Hall1978 The Deer Hunter1979 Kramer vs. Kramer1980 Ordinary People1981 Chariots of Fire1982 Gandhi1983 Terms of Endearment1984 Amadeus1985 Out of Africa1986 Platoon1987 The Last Emperor1988 Rain Man1989 Driving Miss Daisy1990 Dances With Wolves1991 The Silence of the Lambs1992 Unforgiven1993 Schindlers List1994 Forrest Gump1995 Braveheart1996 The English Patient1997 Titanic1998 Shakespeare in Love1999 American Beauty2000 Gladiator2001 A Beautiful Mind2002 Chicago2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King2004 Million Dollar Baby2005 Crash2006 The Departed2007 No Country for Old Men2008 Slumdog Millionaire2009 The Hurt Locker2010  The Kings Speech2011  The Artist2012  Argo2013  12 Years a Slave2014  Birdman2015 Spotlight2016 Moonlight2017

Friday, November 22, 2019

SCM Virtual Gallery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

SCM Virtual Gallery - Essay Example When someone types keywords into the search engines, the search engines find the keywords in the SEO marketing articles that has been filled with keywords. However, many time search engines’ will pull up an article based on the meta-description. A meta-description is a small description usually about 150 characters to describe what the article is all about. Many website owners will make the meta-description contain many of the keywords pertaining to the article. The articles usually pertain to the website, and what the web site has to offer. A meta-description many times is used as a lead-in, to get someone to click on the website address. Whenever a needed description is filled with keywords, the search engines will locate the article based on the keywords in the meta-description. When a company wants to promote its website a company can make a small meta-description as an advertisement. Many meta-descriptions will tell those looking on the search engines what is on the websi te, or in the article promoting the website. So, a meta-description will be, a brief opening, and a description of what the article, our website contains. When a company uses a social network to promote its business, a company is relying on the users of the social network. Many companies will create a page for something like Facebook, and Facebook will promote the company’s web page by asking users to like, or unlike the website. Using a website to promote a company’s website is one of the most recent ways to market a website. Nearly all of the social networking sites have more than 100 million users, and a company is receiving exposure through this page that the company created on the social networking site through those 100,000,000+ users. There are not many companies who operate in the world today without having a page on the social network site. Pages on social networking sites are becoming the norm for advertising today. With a banner exchange the company creates a banner with its logo, and some important information on the banner. The banner is used to advertise the company by other website. Some banners are used to promote website that has similarities to the website that the banner is being used on. Whenever someone in charge of marketing wants a person to click on a banner ad the person expects that once someone clicks on the banner ad and goes to the website that the banner ad will turn the person into a sale. Converting every user into a sale is the most important, and main goal of all marketing today. Marketing campaigns are the only way that a company can advertise. If no one knows about the company, then no one will purchase products and services from the company.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Is the development of oilsands essential to Canadas future prosperity Assignment

Is the development of oilsands essential to Canadas future prosperity Give Pros and Cons - Assignment Example Oil sand is a composition of many substances including water, soil, sand and bitumen. The bitumen is the thick and vicious oil. For bitumen to gain importance, it must be subjected into a series of treatments (Alberta Energy 4). The Alberta’s oil sands are of immense importance to both Canada and the rest of the globe as it supplies energy is not only more stable than other energy sources, but also reliable. Alberta’s oil sands utilize the most advanced form of technology in the extraction of oil, in addition to being the most developed in the whole world. Alberta’s oil has very many uses. Some of the uses include use of oil in driving cars, manufacturing of cosmetics, bubble gums and other substances like toothpastes. Researchers and developers have estimated that Alberta’s oil sand deposits will sustain Canada for a period of over a hundred and fifty years. However, with the current rate of extraction of oil at Alberta, the period of sustainability may fall below the 150 years. Even with the high rates of extraction, it is estimated that only a portion of about 20% has been extracted and the rest, 80% is yet to be extracted because of the huge depth the oil lays (Albertas Oil S ands Economic Benefits, pars. 2-3, 4). The major method of oil extraction at Alberta oil sands is through steam injection. The steam is exerted to liquefy the bitumen, and water has to be pumped in to mix with melted bitumen, to facilitate it to flow the surface, from the underground. During the separation process, bitumen is obtained and the rest of the mixture is poured away. It is estimated that 75% of bitumen is obtained, and 25% is lost to waste during the separation process (Albertas Oil Sands Economic Benefits, pars. 2 & 3, 4). Alberta’s oil sands are a great source of future prosperity to Canada. Oil is a major driver of a country’s economy. It is evident that all oil producing

Monday, November 18, 2019

The Democrats and Republicans before the Civil War Essay

The Democrats and Republicans before the Civil War - Essay Example Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina severely beat abolitionist Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts with a cane after the latter made an impassioned speech about the deteriorating situation in the disputed state of Kansas, where hostilities had exploded around the issue of slavery (â€Å"Bleeding Kansas†). The Democratic Party platform (Cooper 36–39), resolutely promoting the interests of the Southern slaveholders, was explicit in its calls for limited Federal government powers -- in effect placing more authority in the hands of individual states. A portion of the opening statement that stated it would be â€Å"inexpedient and dangerous† for the Federal government to â€Å"exercise doubtful constitutional powers† left very little mystery regarding the remaining thrust of the document. Adopting a â€Å"strict constructionist† interpretation of the Constitution, the Democrats further posited that general powers were not granted to the central government in relation to commerce, to conduct â€Å"improvements,† or to assume debt for the individual states. Also addressed were the national administration’s right to disperse funds from public lands or to charter a national bank. All of the aforementioned matters had a direct bearing on the ultimate ability of the central government to exercise any overarching powers to control individual states, especially on the slavery question. A weak, non-invasive, decentralized government was exactly what Southern politicians desired. While the Democratic platform gradually worked up to addressing the issue of slavery directly, the Republican Party immediately got to the heart of the matter (Cooper 39–40). Right at the outset, their platform declared that Kansas should be admitted to the Union as a free state. Refuting the Democratic Party’s desire for a weak Federal government, the Republicans declared that the Constitution conferred sovereign power to Congress over the

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Cost Leadership Strategy For Tune Hotels Tourism Essay

Cost Leadership Strategy For Tune Hotels Tourism Essay As a business development manager of Tune hotel, I have been requested to propose and justify the implementation of an overall cost leadership strategy for Tune hotels.com. this proposal is consists of preparing a strategic service vision for Tune hotels.com by taking few aspects as a consideration into account, such as the target market segment, service concept, operating strategy and also the service delivery system as well. Besides that, I have been asked to identify what are the service dimensions in setting the benchmark for service qualifiers, service winners and service losers as well. Hotel overview Air Asia is a low cost carrier (LCC) airline, with the image of making flying feasible for everybody, where it is well known for the largest low fare and no frills airline, and Tune hotel is one of another luminous thought invented by the air Asias Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and also the founder of Air Asia as well, Datuk Tony Fernandes. Tune hotels have open its first no frills hotel branch in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman,Kuala Lumpur on 9th april 2007. Tune Hotel is currently operating in places such as Malaysia, Downtown Penang, Kota Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, KLIA LCCT Airport, Johor, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Indonesia and United Kingdom and London as well. Question 1 Target market segment As in the context of a business, target market segment is an essential element which is needed to be considered and it is important in facilitating and directing the business path in the market. Target market segment, which is targeting the audience, is very important to sustain the survival of a business or industry as well. Tune hotel which has been categorized under the service industry and it can be considered as the market leader in the no frills budget hotel in Malaysia and South East Asia. Tune hotel has implemented a creative and innovative concept to be used in Malaysia, and they differ from their competitors since no any hotel or company has claims to be in the same market segment. Tune hotel has used the geographic segmentation dimensions to influence the market opportunity, for instance, tune hotel at Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, which is known as the budget hotel which has the similar concept of no frills Air Asia Airlines,tune hotel also adapt the same concept where it is also the first no frills hotel in Asia as well. Tune hotel Kuala Lumpur are strategically located at the central of Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, whereby it is close to major shopping, food and beverage outlets and entertainment areas. Moreover, the location is also convenient and facilities such as LRT and bused as well. (Anonmous, n.d) Swot analysis of tune hotel Strength Tune hotel has a great strength whereby they have a reward system to those customers who have done an advance booking service through internet with them. By introducing this system, tune hotel will be able to attract more customers and maintain those loyal customers in future as well. Besides that, Tune hotel have a great central location with facilities such as LRT and buses and it is nearby shopping areas, entertainment areas, and food and beverage areas as well. This attracts and encourages those customers, especially foreigners to choose Tune hotel as well. Moreover, Tune hotel are attractive with their pricing strategies as well, in situation where most of the Air Asia customers are those tune hotels loyal customers. Weakness Tune hotel has a very limited number of customers in the region who are conscious of the Tune hotel. This could be one of the weaknesses faced by Tune hotel. Tune hotel should be able to work on their advertising method and emphasis more on their service provided. Opportunity In order to gain the competitive market and be the first market leader in service industry, Tune hotel can be able to attract more customers by improving their marketing strategy effectively to gain the customers satisfaction and their support as well in future. Threat Tune hotel receives a high competition in the service industry since it has been unique in the industry. High Competition among competitors is one the biggest threat to tune hotel to sustain in the market in the future. Outsourcing is also one of the threat to Tune Hotel since other Hotels do provide facilities which tune Hotel doesnt provide, for instance other hotels have basis necessities of customer such as the boiler, drinking water and many more, meanwhile Tune hotel does not provide all this. Service concept Source: http://www.xm-msia.com/xm/tunehotels/facilities.asp Tune hotel is unique in providing their service, compared to their competitors, and they operate a limited service concept, where they only offer single and double room for its customers. They have 5 star beds provided in each rooms feature high quality spring mattress beds with basic needs such as pillows, pillowcase and bed sheets. Each of the room consists of attached private bathrooms together with heated power showers with the minimal room rates. Tune hotel are have a central and convenient and strategic location which is nearby to shopping areas, ATM services to withdrawal purposes, food and beverage such as kopitiam outlets and entertainment as well. Moreover, Tune hotel has 24-hour security facilities as well whereby it is secure and safe to be in the surroundings of the hotel. Operating strategy Tune hotel makes use of the outsourcing as their operating strategy to save the operation cost and to improve and get better output and efficiency of the hotel. For instance, Tune Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the maintenance, Kopitiam, 7 eleven which is available for 24 hours, money changer kiosk, fast food outlets such as Subway, and CIMB ATM and bureau the change are certainly part of outsourcing. By implementing this operating strategy effectively, Tune Hotel have be able to save a huge amount of their cost and this eventually helped Tune Hotel to improve on better production and productivity effectively and efficiently of their hotel. ( Batcha, 2007). Service delivery system Source: http://www.scribd.com/doc/4089502/Tune-Hotel The service delivery system in Tune Hotel is overwhelming, and core and supplementary services provided are identified through the flower of service model. The service are divided into 2 main sections, where the information, order taking, billing and payment are categorized under the facilitating services, meanwhile consultation, housekeeping, hospitality and exception are categorized under the second section named as enhancing services. TUNE HOTELS STAKEHOLDERS Source: http://www.xm-msia.com/xm/tunehotels/about_us_3.asp Tune hotels sdn.bhd is 40% owned by Datuk Tony Fernandes, 30% by Dato Kamarudin Meranun, 25% by Dennis Melka and the rest 5% by Tune Strategic Investments Limited. Tune Ventures Sdn Bhd owns 72.19% stake in tune hotels, followed by Dato Kalimullah Hassan which now the chairman of ECM avenue which is one of the listed Malaysian investment bank owns 12.03% stake in tune hotels, Lim Kian Onn the chairman of ECM avenue, also owns the same percentage as Dato Kalimullah Hassan 12.03%, and lastly followed by tune hotels employee holding sdn bhd where the company is formely owned by the key employees of tune hotel owns 3.75% stake in tune hotels as well. Question 2 Service qualifiers Tune hotel is classified to be the service qualifier since it is providing a good service which meets the requirements of a consumer. For instance, tune hotel has a clean environment around, whereby they provide housekeeping services to make sure the consumers feels safe and clean with the surrounding environment. Moreover, Tune hotel are concerned with the safety as well, where they have the 24 hour security system applied, whereby they uses electronic key card to access into rooms, CCTV cameras services, round- the- clock on duty reception staff and no access to the main lobby without a keycard pass midnight.(anonymous, 2007) Moreover, tune hotel also has introduced tune hotel insurance only in Malaysia, and said to be globally soon. Those insurance are not only responsible for the lost of travel documents, but also has take the responsibilities of being cautious of guests personal accident, medical expenses and also delayed check in as well.(anonymous, n.d). Service winners Service winners are those competitive dimensions used to make the final choice among competitors, for instance is the price. The pricing strategy of Tune hotel is from the range of RM 9.90. Tune hotels price will be different during peak seasons, promotion seasons and also a different price range for the advance booking as well. Service loser When tune hotel fails to deliver the needs and wants of the customer, they might entitle to be the service loser. Service loser occurs when there is a failure to meet the expectations of what customer actually wants. Tune hotel should be able to implement new marketing strategy as Tune Hotel is having a high competition among its competitors which is a threat to them. Question 3 Porters generic strategies Source: http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/generic.shtml Tune hotel has adopt the cost leadership strategy overall. This cost leadership strategy mainly emphasis on the low cost producer in the industry. Setting price low sometimes might influence the way of thinking of a customer, where low price may give a negative perception of the quality and the brand image of the company itself. For instance, there are not many out there are aware about Tune hotel and its services, since it is new in the market. This is mainly because the strategy used to representation about Tune hotel is done ineffectively. Tune hotel should come up with an effective strategy to expose their brand name by having advertisement about its service and facilities provided to attract not only the Air Asias customers, but also to the locals and foreigners who travel frequently. Placing Tune hotel in a strategic location with the lower price is valuable, but it should also be a place where customers feel flexible and convenient with the environment as well. Tune hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman where it is a location which is popular with prohibited immigrations and place where they gather together. The place is nearer to the place where most of the time it is famous with prostitution, drugs and offense are indivisible. This might not guarantee the safety at times and it could be one of the main problem customers will have a choice to choose other hotels as their choice. Tune hotel can improve this by making a deep study and research about those place and plan the location as well to avoid those circumstances occur. Moreover, Tune hotel has limited services where they dont provide the basis necessities such as boiler, drinking water and so on. Tune hotel save cost on this, but yet it should not be limited in providing the services since its known as the budget hotel. Tune hotel can improve on their service provided to enhance the satisfaction of the customers and maintain its competitive advantage than its competitors. Conclusion Overall, Tune hotel has been taking the efforts to reach the audience by implementing the no frills concept hotel. Since it is still new in the market, Tune hotel should implement new ideas to expose its brand name and win the local consumers perception as well to adopt their name as well.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Using Technology in Sports :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

Using Technology in Sports The ball comes speeding over the net and slams down onto the face of the court landing just beyond the base line, the line running along the back of the court. I had called her winning point... "out." As I turned towards her, I could see the anger building in her eyes. We walked towards each other, and with only the net separating us, she began to confront me. She argued that, as she saw it, the ball was obviously in and that we should replay the point. I wanted this game as much as she did and we were both standing strong. I finally decided that there was no use in fighting. We had to resolve this argument between ourselves because there were no line judges to decide for us. We decided to replay the point and she won. I tried to convince myself that there would be times when a call would be questionable and that I should try not to point fingers. I still went home discouraged that night because I knew that the call I had made was fair. The next day I sleepily drifted in and out of my Ethics lecture, although, the teacher was able to catch my attention by an interesting question that he presented. What is morally correct? This got my mind going. I was bothered by the match the previous day and I began to question myself about my call. Was it morally correct or was I being partial to my own success? I reflected on that final call that I had made, the point that won the game. I was positive that I had made a fair call but a little hint of doubt kept ringing in my head. What if I had made a bad call? What if I saw the ball differently than everyone else? Questions like these continued to haunt me throughout the hour. One of my close friends, Sarah, noticed that something was bothering me. She asked me what was wrong, and I told her that I was upset about last night's match and was wishing that there was a way to tell for sure if the ball had been in or out. As soon as I had finished, an excited look washed over her fac e. Being a track star, she proceeded to tell me about a new technology that was being used for runners.

Monday, November 11, 2019

VIP remains a leader ‘Kal Bhi, Aaj Bhi, Kal Bhi’ with Strategic Changes

Established in 1971, VIP Industries Limited is the flagship company of the 200 million dollar DG Piramal Group. Its longstanding familiar Indian brand VIP is the largest luggage brand in Asia and the second largest producer of moulded luggage in the world after Samsonite. The first VIP suitcase was rolled out in 1971, and since then over 60 million pieces of VIP luggage have been sold around the world. In the organized Indian luggage market, VIP leads with a 60% market share, followed by Samsonite at 40%. In the international market Samsonite leads with 20% market share where as VIP follows at 6% with operations spread across 5 continents and in 27 countries. VIP’s product range includes a variety of hard and soft luggage – strolleys, suitcases, duffle bags, overnight travel solutions, executive cases, backpacks, and even school bags. Apart from the mother VIP brand, the company also owns other reputed brands such as Alfa, Footloose, Elanza, Buddy, etc. It also markets under license Delsey products in India. Moreover, it has acquitted the UK-based Carlton brand in a bid to penetrate the European market. VIP’s products reach over 8000 retail outlets across the country and over 1300 outlets across 27 countries globally. Ever since its launch, VIP has been an epic brand synonymous with luggage in India. Its products priced for masses, enjoyed a near monopoly till the mid’90s, and its sentimental, powerful, and long-playing advertising campaign ‘Kal bhi, aaj bhi, kal bhi†¦. ’ remained etched in public memory for years to come. However, the scenario started changing with the international leader Samsonite’s entry into the India market in 1997. After a few initial setbacks, Samsonite started cracking the Indian market and posing a challenge for VIP. Along with tha t, a gabble of unorganized players also started confronting VIP at the lower end. This propelled VIP to take stock of the situation and realign its strategies with the changing market situation. VIP discovered that while competition was heating up, the Indian luggage industry had also been growing owing to a number of favorable factors. Most importantly, steady economic growth had ed to an increase in people’s disposable incomes, thereby propelling the travel sector, which in turn had boosted the luggage industry. Frequent travel for business was also on the rise with organizations going global. This was also redefining people’s need for luggage. Convenience and variety in luggage based on specific travel occasions had started assuming prime importance. People no longer looked at suitcases as just a means of safeguarding and securing their belongings , but also cared for aesthetics, which increased the importance of soft luggage. Design, style, and attractive colors also guided people’s purchase decisions. Hence, luggage had transformed from being merely a functional product to a fashion or lifestyle statement. And people were no longer using the same suitcase for all travel requirements, but purchase had become more need-based with consumers buying luggage according to a particular type of holiday, trek excursion or business travel. Further, luggage in the premium segment had been growing the most. In the wake of these changes, the age-old leader in luggage segment, VIP realized that youngsters perceived VIP as a brand belonging to parents’ and grandparents’ era. In order to be in sync with the times, VIP decided to change this perception and reposition itself as a contemporary lifestyle brand, which catered to people who traveled widely and followed a particular lifestyle. On the product front, it rehashed its soft luggage portfolio since that was the category driving sales. Besides it also allowed the company to play around with styles, which were becoming a major criterion in luggage selection. In addition, VIP also started adding more variety, designs and colors to its traditional category of hard luggage. However, it reserved the hard luggage segment primarily for exports since VIP and Samsonite were the only two hard luggage brands in the world. In order to address varied traveler segments, VIP designed products for all travel needs, durations, and prices, be it a long haul journey, short weekend or daily travel, leisurely holiday or business travel. Its mother brand VIP was developed as a slick lifestyle brand that focused on comfort nd convenience for long-duration travels. Alfa provided reliable, good quality luggage for price-conscious consumers who otherwise had to make do with low-quality local luggage. Footloose focused on the daily or longer duration travel needs of the youth, while Buddy was a school bag brand focusing on providing fun, innovative and quality products in a segment that was dominated by cheap, local products. In order to reinstate its lifestyle p roposition, it also launched a collection for women called Aura and a business collection called Matrix in Nov’05. At the premium designer end, it offered ranges like Elanza and also marketed high-priced products costing Rs. 12,000 under its Delsey range. Thus with its extensive product portfolio with over 250 products matching different prices, VIP covered the entire luggage segment and has been constantly innovating keeping in mind travelers’ requirements. Following on VIP’s footsteps, Samsonite, which initially offered only high-end collections, also launched the American Tourister range for the mid-price segment in the range of Rs. 800 – Rs. 2,000 in 2002. VIP also aggressively promoted its prominent ranges to establish its new image. For example, the Alfa campaign conveyed both the importance of a better quality luggage as well as the affordable price points of Alfa. However, maximum promotional attention was showered on to the power brand VIP to position it as an all-encompassing, contemporary lifestyle travel companion. In 2002, its advertising campaign ‘Looking at me? ’ introduced some new lifestyle products as travel companions. The campaign informed consumers of the contemporized brand’s styles and colors, features, prices, VIP lounges where the brand was available etc. Then in 2003, VIP felt it needed to recreate the magic of its yesteryears with a more encompassing campaign that would reposition itself as a fresh, young, smart, and exciting brand. Thus, VIP launched a television ad campaign entitled ‘bye-bye’ emphasizing a major shift in its marketing communication strategy. The campaign, designed by Lowe, began by airing a montage film that showed people bidding bye-bye to their kith and kin at the start of their journeys – an elderly lady waving to a car making its way out of the gate; a doorman at a hotel waving to departing guest; a mother idding goodbye to her children; etc. A peppy ‘bye-bye, goodbye’ track played in the background and the film ended with the tagline, ‘Happy journeys began with VIP. ’ Other ads in the campaign presented more ‘bye-bye’ situations – people bidding bye-bye to Monday mornings, women bidding bye-bye to men and coolies since new VIP bags were light, etc. Given VIP’s heritage and iconic status, the underlying objective of the new campaign was to get VIP to own the travel space, rather than just the luggage space that it occupied earlier. The company hoped that this would increase consumers’ involvement with VIP during their travel planning process, rather than the brand featuring only at the far end of the process. The time of departure was chosen for portrayal in the ads since the agency felt that this was the time that caught a range of emotions – people bidding farewell to their dear ones, looking forward to the journey and to returning home, and being most closely involved with luggage. By depicting the happiness associated with the start of the journey; and through more vibrant, smart and youthful imagery such as a contemporary metro train in place of a workmanlike diesel train used in the ‘Kal bhiE’ campaign, or the bubbly bye-bye tune and situations; VIP tried to make itself relevant to a new generation of consumers, without alienating its traditional base of loyalists. VIP also has plans for a series of communications to the ‘bye-bye’ campaign that will portray its contemporary product range and strengthen its new stance as a travel companion. The ‘bye-bye’ television campaign was supported by an outdoor campaign as well, but the company refrained from any sales promotion activities in order to reinforce the new exclusive positioning. Below-the-line activities were only used to complement above-the-line communication in supporting new launches, addressing niche audiences or audiences difficult to reach by mass media, motivating trade force etc. For example, VIP ran an exclusive ‘Mystery Shopper’ program, which encouraged the shop salesmen to better demonstrate its product features. It also designed interactive games to convey the superior features of its Alfa brand. Media relation activities were also conducted, albeit in a limited manner, to break the news of product launches or new stores. On the other hand, competitor Samsonite’s campaigns are carried out by its global agency and it doesn’t have any India-specific campaigns, since it mostly caters to business travelers whose needs are the same the world over. For instance, in one print ad, Richard Bronson of Virgin Airlines testifies, â€Å"To me, business isn’t about wearing suits or pleasing stockholders. It is about being true to yourself, your idea and focusing on the essentials. Further, in order to retain its premium image, Samsonite too does not indulge in any sales promotion activities. Its distribution strategy is also selective with the company retailing only out of high-profile stores such as Shoppers’ Stop, LifeStyle and Witco. VIP’s distribution strategy also complements with its varied product range and new positioning strategy with the right products available at relevant outlets throughout the country. VIP suitcases are made available at convenient retail locations with a self-select approach and appropriate display showcasing the large range of VIP products in an in-store ambience set to attract. The company also has forayed into retailing by opening exclusive stores that showcase all its product ranges. It has opened stores called ‘VIP Lounges,’ which compete with the franchised ‘Samsonite Travel World. ’ Its ranges with products below Rs. 1,500 are also distributed through hypermarkets and malls. It also has an on-line store although online sales haven’t really picked up in India. Also, VIP’s distribution in the European market is primarily done for its premium Delsey and Carlton brands. The brand’s repositioning efforts have paid off by helping it retain its leadership position. Even today, the VIP brand enjoys 97% unaided brand awareness, one of the highest in the world and has over 65 million customers. Questions: 1. Can you identify VIP’s prime source of competitive advantage from this case? If yes, what do you think it is? 2. What strategy of segmenting and targeting the market has VIP followed? What segment(s) is the mother brand targeting? In what alternative ways can luggage market be segmented? 3. Identify the points of differentiation of the VIP brand from its prime competitor Samsonite. How sustainable do you think the differentiation is? . How was VIP positioned earlier in the minds of consumers? Why did it decide to reposition its image? Briefly state what steps it took to reposition itself and whether the attempt was successful. 5. What was the objective of VIP’s new communication strategy? Did the product, price and distribution changes complement this strategy? How cohesive do you think VIP’s new marketing mix is? 6. What was the difference between the ‘looking at me? ’ and ‘bye-bye’ campaigns? What objectives did they both serve? How did they complement VIP’s product-related decisions? . Comment on VIP’s distribution strategy. What message does it convey? Visit two-three outlets or exclusive stores selling VIP brands. Do you think they convey a message similar to the communication message delivered by the brand? Preethi Meets Venkat Through Shaadi. Com â€Å"I didn’t want to fall into the traps of a typical Indian arranged marriage; I believe it doesn’t give you the required time and opportunity to know and understand your would-be partner, especially with families breathing down your necks while calling for a decision,† said Preethi. And I always wanted to choose my partner myself,† concurred Venkat, adding, â€Å"That’s why Shaadi. Com worked for both of us. † Preethi and Venkat are among the 48% of Internet users who surf matrimonial sites for alliances. While traditionally the activity of matchmaking was left to the elderly aunts of the family, marriage bureaus, and newspaper matrimonials, with the advent of Internet and a change in youngsters’ preference s, online alliance search has taken off with a frenzy, especially with 60% of the online population in India being below the age of 25. With 12 million urban Indians undertaking online matchmaking, it is the 13th most popular online activity among Indian surfers. Although online dating is ahead of matrimonial searches as the 10th most popular online activity, it does not enjoy the high user loyalty and brand premium of matrimonial websites. This is because Indian culture has yet not fully accepted the concept of dating before marriage and people do not register on a dating site for finding a life partner. There is also a huge overlap between the two activities suggesting that people who date are also looking for a mate. Owing to a close-knit social structure of India, families and friends still have an important role to play in online matchmaking. Often parents are seen posting their children’s profiles, and while the final choice may be the children’s, parents extensively carry out activities like gathering information, filtering profiles, matching horoscopes, etc. Experiences of friends also guide in the decision-making. Online advertising as well as conventional television and print advertising are popular media choices for most portals. Advertising seems to be harping on factors like wide profile choices, relevant matches, and a joint selection process that satisfies the entire family (Figures 3. 23a-d). Smaller portals such as Simplymarry. com have also adopted viral tactics such as creating a website, rather a catchy microsite, for Mom-in-Law Day (Figure 3. 23e) on October 28 to promote its portal. The site has a collection of videos of interviews of people expressing their feelings and opinions about their mothers-in-law, text messages, tips, and a link to Simplymarry. com. One such communication triggered the dormant desire of finding a life partner for Venkat. While watching the film Metro, Venkat was exposed to Shaadi. com. The movie depicted Konkana Sen Sharma and Irrfan Khan getting older and feeling the need to find a life partner, and then turning to Shaadi. com for help. Sen Sharma was shown logging on to the website, and there were mentions of Shaadi. com in her conversations with Khan and even comical scenes in which the protagonists viewed some funny profiles on the site and enjoyed a good laugh. The movie propelled Venkat into online matchmaking. He believed that the biggest advantage of online matrimonial sites was their massive database, which offered people a wide choice of matches across both objective and subjective evaluation criteria such as education and career, religion, family background, location, personal preferences, personality, etc. He zeroed in on Shaadi. com after a little search, most importantly because the name had created a distinct impression in his mind through the movie. One of prospects he mailed was Preethi; the two of them hit it off and decided to marry. Preethi had chosen Shaadi. com as she was particularly impressed with its strict profile screening system, and the simplified search technology that increased the relevance of the matches. She also appreciated the portal’s attention to details through features like password-protected photographs that allowed members to maintain secrecy. Their choice was much like the rest of the consumers’; Shaadi. com and Bharatmatrimony. com were the two biggest websites in the online matrimonial space, each with 33% user preference. Another study by JuxtConsult pegged the websites’ shares at 28% and 29% respectively as on April 2007. A study by AdMomentux measuring ‘audience mindshare’ for television commercials, based on parameters like top-of-the-mind recall; appeal, likeability, relevance and comprehensibility of the ad; brand differentiation and preference created by the ad; etc. also showed similar results. Bharatmatrimony. com’s television commercial depicting how a modern boy and girl followed traditional rituals when it came to marriage, was the most effective, with 43. 8% mindshare. The television commercial of Shaadi. com showing the photographs of its various members received 36. 1% audience mindshare. Jeevansathi’s commercial came in third with 18. 4% audience mindshare. Yet another study marked Shaadi. com as the leader with 987,000 unique visitors in July’07. Convinced of Shaadi. com’s effectiveness after a month-long free registration, Preethi and Venkat had signed up a 6-month premium membership. When they found each other and finally decided to marry in a year, they posted their success story like many others (Figure 3. 4) who had also found the right partners through Shaadi. com. Questions: 1. Based on the case, identify the various cultural and social factors that influence the decision of match-making through online matrimonial portals. 2. What motivated Venkat to go for online matchmaking? Identify the cues that triggered him into action. Could there be any deep-rooted motives behind the apparent one? 3. What beliefs did Venkat a nd Preethi hold regarding online matrimonial portals? What was their attitude towards Shaadi. com? Why? 4. What communication factors seem to be reinforcing purchase decision? Do you think consumers should experience cognitive dissonance after subscribing to Shaadi. com? Visit Shaadi. com’s website and identify ways in which it may trying to alleviate any possibility of cognitive dissonance. 5. Why does most communication for online matrimonial portals harp on joint family decision-making? Do you see any attitude change strategies adopted by any of the websites in their communication? Explain. 6. Map the five-stage buying decision process for Preethi and Venkat identifying the internal and external influences that could have shaped their decision on choosing Shaadi. com.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Ecco’s global value chain management Essay

1. Describe the competitive environment of ECCO and determine how well ECCO is positioned (vis-à  -vis the competitors) to take advantage of changes in the industry. http://wulibraries.typepad.com/files/footwear.pdf 2. Analyze ECCO’s global value chain. How well does this configuration match the drivers in the industry? Analyze ECCO’s global value chain. High demand for quality and reduced lead times led the company to a self-sufficiency approach on streamlining its entire value chain from raw hides to finished shoes unlike its major competitors who only designed and marketed their products without in house manufacturing. In having a global network of tanneries, production facilities, research centers and distribution centers, ECCO is able to meet customer demands in specific geographic locations in terms of response times which lead to customer satisfaction. Additionally the firm accrues from benefits of lower labor and production costs and different expertise levels in different locations which can be in turn transferred down to the customers. http://www.pwc.com/en_GX/gx/operations-consulting-services/pdf/pwc-supply-chain-and-risk-management.pdf According to Porter’s value chain framework, ECCO utilized various strategies to achieve a balance of responsiveness and efficiency in their efforts to improve its global value chain . http://www.strategicmanagementinsight.com/tools/value-chain-analysis.html Specifically, the firm utilized: 1) Firm infrastructure In having a factory based in Slovakia, uncertainty and risk of political instability in Thailand could be mitigated by helping to drive up volume between plants and ensuring quicker delivery speeds to markets in Russia & Poland. 2) Human Resources Management ECCO ensured knowledge remained in the company through promoting workers from within and improving worker skills through trainings. 3) Technological Development R&D activities were relocated to the production sites where they could adequately support production processes and optimization of materials. The key competencies of the firm were in product development and production technology to ensure customer comfort in the shoe designs. 4) Procurement ECCO maintained high demands for quality and lead times for the vendors and worked only with experienced firms in building their factories. 5) Inbound Logistics and Outbound Logistics Streamlining of logistics was performed through location of tanneries adjacent to shoe production facilities in Indonesia & Thailand Distribution centers in United States and Denmark were strategically located to serve the market demand in order to match market needs. Appropriate modes of transport such as by sea, vans, freight planes and lorries were utilized depending on the nature and urgency of deliveries. 6) Operations The firm also accrued benefits of sustainability by having control over the entire value chain as it could directly tailor its R & D efforts into production and closely monitoring operations. The distribution centers adapted to changing business environments by expansion to meet capacity demands and closure of some warehouses when sales to the Danish market reduced. 7) Marketing & Sales Utilization of specialty outlets and multi-brand stores ensured ECCO’s shoes would be accessible to the target market of consumers focused on high quality rather than fashion and elegance. Establishment of sales subsidiaries and production units spread all over the world enable the firm to save in terms of labor costs and spread risk. ECCO’s marketing team screened samples and made forecast volumes and production styles before the set shoes were scheduled to be in demand. 8) Service The firm concentrated on utilizing special expertise to its advantage in the case of the Thailand firm producing complicated shoes due to the ability of the Thais to deliver first class workmanship. In addition to shoe manufacture, ECCO supplied leather to auto & furniture industries which offered an alternative market for the tanneries and generated more revenue for the firm. How well does this configuration match the drivers in the industry? Ownership of tanneries, factories and leather research centers  maintained the firm’s brand of commitment to quality and boosted the company’s ambition and confidence in delivering products that met customer expectations In reducing the number of vendors, the company was able to maintain high quality levels through close quality control measures and maintain its brand image of working to create the perfect shoe. The firm also made compromises to its approach in some cases by outsourcing its production for shoes that could not be nefit from its in-house technology. Most firms in the shoe industry outsourced production as a way to cut production and vendor logistic costs. 3. ECCO has a fully integrated vertical value chain. What are the pros and cons of this strategy? What economic and strategic factors should be analyzed to answer this question? Pros: Higher demands of quality can be achieved (e.g. through better quality control) supports the company’s vision of high quality products Core Technology stays within the company You have more price control (=> less exposed to price fluctuation) Eliminate the intermediaries (and obtain the margin of supplier / intermediaries) Higher economies of scale Ability to access leading expert knowledge about tanning Implement shoe and company specific Research & Development (for example less pollution => can be used for marketing) Potential for growth Access new markets  attaining market power => eventually monopolize the market Get into new markets (auto and furniture industries) => diversification => risk spreading Shorter lead times achievable Shows a high level of ambition and confidence Less transaction cost Easier coordination of all stages to reach the objective of customer’s satisfaction More control: You can have more influence on how the product is presented to the people and you can block competitors from getting access to scarce resources Reduce transportation costs if common ownership results in closer geographic proximity ECCO example: factory and tannery in China Increase entry barriers to potential competitors, for example, if the firm  can gain sole access to a scarce resource Cons: Difficulty of integrating the different stages into one entity It requires different skills It may decrease the focus on core competencies High organizational requirements => eventually costs too high It deepens the position in the same field => less flexibility for different variants => not responsive to changing wants of the customer e.g. ECCO is attached to leather shoes Maybe less quality because of lack of competition Strategic and economic factors that should be analyzed: How technology intensive is the market? What skills are needed? Do we fulfill these needs? Can we compete with other companies? Is there a market entry barrier? How much do we have to invest? How many distributors / suppliers are available? How competitive is their market? How big is their margin and market power? Will an integration result in less price fluctuation? Do we have enough resources to realize the organization of the whole supply chain? Do we really want to reinforce our position as a leather shoe fabricant? Or do we want to achieve higher flexibility to open chances to enter new markets? Do we generate a higher supply chain surplus with a vertical strategy? Are there laws or political issues to be considered? Are current suppliers unreliable, expensive or cannot supply the required inputs? References: http://www.strategicmanagementinsight.com/topics/vertical-integration.html http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-vertical-integration-strategy-20987.html http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/vertical-integration/ 4. Is ECCO following the inside-out or outside-in strategic perspective? What are the implications of this choice and how can ECCO increase their sales/marketing efforts? ECCO is following the inside-out strategic perspective. Inside-out strategic perspective definition: â€Å"You pick your own brand direction. You take a stand, confidently go out to the world and declare, â€Å"This is what we stand for and the way we are going.† A combination of gut instincts and sheer courage is enough to create the conviction that your brand strategy will resonate with your target audience. You believe with all your heart that by sticking to your guns, you’ll win a loyal following.† http://thefinancialbrand.com/1162/inside-out-vs-outside-in/ Evidence supporting this perspective in the paper: â€Å"most wanted brand within innovation and comfort footwear – a position that can only be attained by constantly and courageously researching new paths†¦Ã¢â‚¬  – Company Vision Statement â€Å"Evidently, trends in the market it terms of fashion and elegance were important, but usability was ECCO’s highest design priority.† This indicates that ECCO has chosen their brand direction, and even though they do follow market trends, they are maintaining their current course. â€Å"ECCO is not a fashion brand and it never will be. We do not sell shoes where the brand name is the most important and quality is a secondary consideration. Primarily, we sell high-quality shoes and that is where we seek recognition.† – Soren Steffensen (Executive Vice-President, ECCO) A â€Å"fashion brand† would be a good example of a company utilizing an outside-in strategic perspective. Steffensen also addresses ECCO’s brand direction in this quote. Implications of following the inside-out strategic perspective: Often not enough market research is done by companies following this strategic perspective because they are supremely (over) confident in their vision. Inside-out strategic perspective leads to undifferentiated brand strategies like â€Å"excellent usability†, â€Å"high quality†, or â€Å"great value†. An inside-out brand strategy really doesn’t take into account wants/needs of customers. Instead, ECCO attempts to dictate what these wants and needs should be. Ways to increase sales/marketing efforts: ECCO can increase sales by shifting more from â€Å"inside-out† to â€Å"outside-in† in their strategic perspectives. This means instead of simply saying â€Å"X is our priority and Y and Z are our goals†, the company should take customer wants/needs and market trends more into account and tailor their brand direction around this target market. Even though Soren Steffensen states that ECCO is essentially a shoe company focused on utility, perhaps sales would increase with a greater focus on fashion. A company with a greater  emphasis on fashion would probably be a company utilizing an outside-in strategy. Companies based on an inside-out strategic perspective usually require more extensive marketing efforts than companies founded on an outside-in perspective. This is due to the fact that inside-out companies are creating products that the customer has less input in. With this less input, the customer needs to be convinced to purchase the product. 5. How is family ownership affecting ECCO? Comment on the corporate ownership structure and its implications for strategy-making and implementation. What alternatives exist?

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

An Outline of the Basic Concepts of Narrative Therapy Essay Example

An Outline of the Basic Concepts of Narrative Therapy Essay Example An Outline of the Basic Concepts of Narrative Therapy Paper An Outline of the Basic Concepts of Narrative Therapy Paper Essay Topic: Narrative Michael white and David Epston are best known for their use of narrative in therapy. According to white individuals construct the meaning of life in interpretive stories which are then treated as truth. Adopting a postmodern, narrative, social constructionist view sheds light on how power knowledge and truth are negotiated in families and other social and cultural contexts. Key concepts Focus narrative therapy involves adopting a shift in focus from most traditional theories. Therapists listen respectfully to clients stories to search for times in the clients lives where they were resourceful, use questions as a way to engage clients, avoid diagnosing and labeling clients, assisting clients in mapping the influence a problem has had on their lives and to assist the client in separating themselves from the dominant stories they have internalized so that creation of new stories can occur. The role of stories the stories we live our lives by shape our reality in that they construct and constitute what we see, feel and do. Clients tend to be the victors or heroes of their own stories and the therapist is privileged to be a part of this unfolding process. Listening with an open mind All social constructionist theories place an emphasis on listening to clients without judgment or blame, affirming and valuing them. Therapists can encourage their clients to reconsider absolutist judgments by moving toward seeing both â€Å"good† and â€Å"bad† elements in situations. Narrative therapists aim to help clients create new meaning from the stories clients share. As the client tells their story the therapist is able to listen for opportunities where the client was able to overcome difficulties in the past thus highlighting the clients own strengths. One of the therapist’s roles is to remind the client that they are able to capable of managing and overcoming the problems they face even when the client is not able to see this. Another important role the narrative therapist undertakes is to separate the problem from the client by listening and responding. Narrative therapists do not assume an expert stance and clients are the primary interpreters of their own experiences, thus the process of change can be facilitated but not directed by the therapist. The therapeutic process There are several steps in the therapeutic process but it is important to remember that they do not follow a linear progression. Create a mutually acceptable name for the problem with the client Personify the problem and attribute oppressive intentions and tactics to it Investigate how the problem has been disrupting or discouraging the client Invite the client to see his or her story from a different perspective Discover moments when the client wasn’t dominated by the problem Find historical evidence that the client was able to overcome problems in the past As the client to speculate about what kind of future could be expected from this new competent person who is emerging from the newly constructed story Find or create an audience for perceiving and supporting the new story It is more realistic to consider events happening in a cyclical progression containing the following elements; Move problem stories toward externalized descriptions of problems Map the effects of a problem on the individual Listen to signs of strength and competence in an individual’s problem saturated stories Build a new story of competence and document these achievements Therapy goals a general goal of narrative therapy is to invite the client to describe their experience in new and fresh language. In doing this the client explores new possibilities and enables clients to develop new meanings for problematic thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Narrative therapy almost always includes an awareness of the impact of various aspects of the dominant culture on human life. Therapists function and role Act as active facilitators. The concepts of care, interest, respectful curiosity, openness, empathy, contact and even fascination are seen as relational necessity. A main task of the therapist is to help clients construct a preferred story. White and Epston both start with an exploration of the client in relation to the presenting problem. From there they would attempt to separate the client from the problem and in doing so objectify the problem as external to the client. Therapist adopts a not knowing attitude through language choice and avoids diagnosis and pathologising. There are no set formulas or recipes for the practice of narrative therapy. The process will vary with each client because each person (and their stories) is unique. The therapeutic relationship great importance is placed on the qualities the therapist beings to the therapy venture.