Saturday, August 31, 2019

Why Mlb Should Have Instant Replay

Installing Instant Replay in Major League Baseball Purpose: The purpose of this speech is to persuade my audience and MLB to install instant replay in the game of baseball. I. Introduction *Introduce Self* A. Attention- First I am going to start off with a video of a prime example of why they should have instant replay in baseball( the replay is of a blown call by Jim Joyce that would have ended the game and preserved the 21st perfect game in baseball which major league baseball was founded in 1869 so it doesn’t happen that often B.Purpose: To persuade my audience to agree that if instant replay was in baseball that baseball would be a better sport. C. Main Points- In my speech I will be talking about what is instant replay, different ways major league baseball can use instant replay and then why Major league baseball needs instant replay. Transition: Some of you maybe asking to yourself what is instant replay and I am about to tell you. II. Body A. What is instant replay? 1. Instant replay is the replaying of video footage of an event very soon after it has occurred. 2.There are different forms of replay including slow motion, multiple camera angles, freeze frame and frame by frame review. 3. The invention of instant replay is credited to Tony Verna Transition: The one major reason why people are against using instant replay is that they say it will slow down the game of baseball and it is already slow. B. How baseball could have instant replay without slowing the game down sufficiently? 1. Such like college football where they have an official that sits in a booth and looks at every play after it is played that looks for any error that is made by an official well they could have this in MLB . Just like the NFL, where the head coaches get a red challenge flag that is good for one challenge of a play well they could have this in baseball too 3. Both of those ways have worked in football and they wouldn’t take that long so I feel baseball should us e it too.Transition: After telling you ways that they could do instant replay in MLB I am going to tell you why MLB should have instant replay. C. Why MLB should have instant replay? 1. I feel like the most important thing in baseball would be to get the call right on each and other play. . I feel like it would make baseball a better sport to watch 3. Finally I feel like baseball is the last sport not to have instant replay so baseball should join the 21st century and have instant replay too. III. Conclusion A. During my speech I told what instant replay is, how they could use instant replay to not slow the game down even more and why MLB should use instant replay in the game of baseball. B. I am going to conclude with a memorable quote â€Å" Hindsight is 20/20†. * Thank Audience*

Friday, August 30, 2019

Government Regulation of Tobacco Products Essay

Read the Government Regulation of Tobacco Products Discussion Case at the end of Chapter 8 in your text. In one to two pages, supported by evidence from your text and from other research, answer the following questions: Would you describe the orientation of Reynolds toward tobacco regulation as cooperative or at arm’s length? How about the attitude of Altria? What do you think explains the differences between the two companies’ positions? What public policy inputs, goals, tools, and effects can be found in this discussion case? Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment. Make sure you schedule dedicated study time every day. Even though you may find other things to do, make sure to find time to study. Promise yourself that you will study for one hour each day. If you feel confident in your understanding of the subject, you should still use that time to study. This smart habit will help you to stay focused when your workload gets heavier later in your college career.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Hispanic Identity

Hispanic Identity Tammy Simpson University of Phoenix Hispanic Identity Names are very important and when discussing the differences between racial or cultural, it is very important to remain culturally sensitive. Explaining the differences between Hispanics, Latino, Chicano, and Mexican American may give you a better understand of why some people choice what they want to be called. Because people should be able to choose how he or she is called and names disempowered can have serious repercussions. Hispanic or Latino Americans are categorized as a group of people made up of distinct characteristics.Every group should be allowed to choose their own name as well. When individuals or groups are called names that we do not wish to be called they can become upset or even annoyed. Some want to be called Hispanic and others Latinos, so how do you vary or distinguish. Well Chicano is just too narrow, encompassing only members of the Mexican-American community or anyone else of Mexican herit age. The word â€Å"Chicano† was once considered derogatory when it first emerged, but later generations of Mexican-Americans have since considered it acceptable and embraced the term, at least unofficially.The Term Chicano was thought to have originated as slang that described immigrants from the Mexican revolution, but later evolved to define the uprising of Mexican American reformers. The Chicano Movement changed Mexican Americans’ lives in the United States’ economy. It was a movement that secured these people in the economy with civil rights and economic opportunity. They used tactics such as civil disobedience as an influential way to make it known that â€Å"change† was inevitable.Marches, hunger strikes, and litigation were methods that they used. Mexican Americans consist of the largest Hispanic group within the United States. Their history has covered over 400 years within America, varying in different regions. In such states as California, Texa s, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada, great portions of Mexican Americans subsist there. (â€Å"Mexican Americans,† 1997-2007) The word â€Å"Hispanic† is more worldwide then â€Å"Chicano†. Historically, areas that were conquered by the Spaniards were considered part of an area called Hispania.Countries that traced their history to Spain are considered to be Hispanic and include Mexico, Central America, and most of South America where Spanish is the prime language. Latino is extremely close in meaning to Hispanic, but is also includes other countries such as Brazil. Latino was popularized during the social movements of the 1960’s. While â€Å"Latino† may be politically and socially correct, it is still better to be ethnically aware of a person’s heritage then referring him or her to the broader term Latino.Descendants of pre Columbian populations from Latin America and most of those from parts of the United States who were part of the Spanish Colonial Empire are considered Latinos/as. However Native Americans, United States citizens who are of pre –Columbian derivation, but whose ancestors lived in areas outside what constitutes United States territory today are not considered Latinos/as. The children born in Latin American from Spaniards are considered Latinos/as, but Spaniards themselves are not (Latinos or Hispanics?A Debate About Indentity, 2003) Hispanic population today has expanded immensely over the years. The growth rate of the Hispanic community has grown faster than any other racial and ethnic group in the nation. The Hispanic community and culture has populated around the United States, and introducing new traditions and customs. Hispanics or Latinos are defined as people of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Spanish speaking cultures and if you travel to different cities in the States we will see a wide spread of Hispanic communities.For instance in New York the Puerto Rican culture is dominated , and in Miami the Cuban culture is populating the area (Cattan, 1993). Hispanic groups are known in the social economic, politics, labor force, and religion. Spanish culture has an effect on a variety of areas such as music, food and language. Learning about others culture is always good, especially when visiting other countries. Our differences are what make us fascinating and such a diverse country. Hispanics in the United States have significantly contributed to much of our society’s culture and way of life for centuries.Ranging from politics, public service, military, business, science, organized sports to even the entertainment industry, you can find their imprint everywhere if you take a closer look. It is quite a wonder as to the many historians whom have not acknowledged Hispanics’ impact on history, as they are just as woven into America’s history as any other race or nationality. Many of our folklore and achievements are given credit to them. The Unit ed States is a major representative of all immigrants of the world into the symbolic â€Å"melting pot† that we are known for today. â€Å"Contributions of,† n. d. ) The Hispanic group adds to that diversity. A survey of the community conducted last year by the Per Hispanic Center of Washington found that nearly all people from Spanish speaking backgrounds identify themselves primarily by their place of national origin (Latinos or Hispanics? A Debate About Indentity, 2003). When the Mexican Americans came to America in search of the American dream they never thought the lack of education would stop them from advancing to a higher paying job. But in the labor field Mexicans are getting fair pay.There are both positive and negative views on parts of the economy pertaining to the Hispanic culture. The more we spend has a positive effect on the economy and the employer benefits from the cut cost on labor by employing Hispanics for lower pay. There is a downside to employin g workers for lower pay is the impact on government debt. Because workers are using government programs and schools but not paying taxes it depletes government spending. Marketing and consumer behavior is becoming increasing important in the Hispanic-American culture in the United States.Cuban Americans do not have rights in and liberty and flee to the United States not as immigrants but political refugees seeking freedom. Cuban Americans had the highest rate of business ownership among Hispanic groups, with approximately one ethnic-owned enterprise for every 16 Cuban Americans (MSN, Ecarta). Cubans are generally Roman Catholics; however, it has been greatly modified to â€Å"syncretism† by large amounts of support since Catholicism’s early introduction into Cuban’s history. (â€Å"Religion in,† n. d. Mexican Americans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans and El Salvadorians are just to name a few who are a part of the Hispanic group. But each and every one of these gr oups shares a part of their Hispanic culture with one another, but they also vary in distinguished ways. Although they share the Spanish language the dialect can be different and the words pronounced the same many have different meanings, which gives them the distinctiveness within their group. Hispanic Americans, on the basis of language have a rich cultural identity (Noble, J and LaCasa, J).Being able to speak the Spanish language gives you a competitive edge in the job market. Being bilingual is imperative to the Unites States economy. The Hispanic culture is becoming more involved in the politics. I believe many Hispanics follow the Republican Party more so than Democratic. Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans prefer liberal nominees in national and state elections. Hispanic Americans cultural variety is imitated in the different groups as well as in the foundations of the individual cultures.Hispanic culture has been known to be swayed to different degrees by many customs, but t he Cuban Americans stay within the culture tradition and stern values. Hispanic families raise their children to realize the importance of values, ethics, and respect for their elders and authority. The church plays a significant role in the quality of life and the greater part of the Hispanic community is Roman Catholic. I feel that is one of the Hispanic’s group strong point is the balance of spiritually and how it important to the family way of life. Hispanics are becoming a large part of the economy in the America and its community.The Hispanic culture is as unique and special as any other, and should be treated with the correct hospitality as anyone else. From pop music to food to political campaigns and corporate marketing the Hispanic community has made very strong present in the United States. I think as the years goes by we see that the Spanish community will become the majority, instead of the minority. I’m really drawn to the Hispanic ethic group. I admire t heir traditions and how they are very family oriented. The overall Spanish culture has brought a lot of traditions and culture to add the American diversity.Although current terms such as â€Å"Latino† and â€Å"Hispanic† function both as forms of self identification and also to mark Latin American populations in the United States as recognizable civic bodies, these terms, in their current popular manifestations, not only â€Å"refer to different dimensions of collective social experience,†(Flores, 2000,p. 194) Hispanic is pragmatic, because no matter what one says Hispanics first and foremost applies to Spaniards and this can be used to refer to Latin Americans and Latinos/as only secondarily or derivatively.Not only does Hispanic imply derivatively Spanish, but in many places it is associated with negative qualities: for example laziness, lax morals, lower class, deficient education, and so on. (Garcia, 2000)References www. wisegeek. com/what-is-the-difference -between-latino-chicano-and-hispanic. htm http://webhost. bridgew. edu/lasociedadlatina/articles/latinos%20or%20hispanics. pdf http://www. encarta. msn. com/encyclopedia_761587500/mexican_americans. html http://www. opensecrets. org/pubs/cubareport/roots. asp

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Career of Advertising and Marketing Managers Research Paper

Career of Advertising and Marketing Managers - Research Paper Example All the components of marketing mix must be considered while making marketing decision B. Marketing manager 1. Role of marketing managers in product development 2. Marketing manager as the head of marketing department C. Knowledge, skills and abilities of a marketing manager 1. Required knowledge of a marketing manager 2. Skills required for one to become a marketing manager 3. Required abilities of a marketing manager D. Tasks and activities of a marketing manager 1. Occupational tasks of a marketing manager 2. General tasks of a marketing manager 3. Specific tasks of a marketing manager Conclusion To succeed in marketing, organizations have to employ the assistance of a qualified marketing manager. The manager, on the other hand, should be willing to apply the necessary knowledge and skills to market the ideology of the organization to potential customer. However, organizations have to be willing to provide the marketing manager with necessary resources to enable them execute their duties effectively. Introduction Eddie Robinson asserts that "The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence† (Eddie Robinson para 9). ... One of the myths about marketing is that an organization needs to understand marketing in order to succeed. On the contrary, business is all about people, and thus the organization needs to understand the people other than marketing itself. Another myth of marketing is that mass marketing is the best form of marketing. Conversely, there are other more effective marketing methods such as personal exposure, face-to-face marketing and direct marketing (Laidlaw para 8). These other forms requires proper planning, a role carried out by the marketing manager. Marketing has taken a very new dimension, leaving the old methods and adopting modern forms that yield better results. With the advancement in technology and the expansion of customer-product awareness, organizations are now reviewing their marketing strategies. This creates the need for acquisition of qualified workers to adapt to the changing world. According to the Direct Marketing Association, for instance, mobile direct marketing spending is expected to grow by 51% in 2011 and by 39% in the following year. As a result, the spending will reach $31.3 billion in 2011 and 35.4 billion the following year (Kaye para 1). Advertising agents and website designers are also aligning themselves to this new development. Nearly forty percent of companies in the United States use internet for marketing purposes, as indicated in the graph below (Kagan para 1). Graph 1: Online marketing statistics Source: Kagan 2011 Marketing as a career has a great potential for advancement and in return promoting high revenues to the organization. Over the last few years, marketing has taken a new dimension, with marketers embarking on online marketing and other contemporary forms of marketing. Myspace.com website, a

Information System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Information System - Essay Example Essentially, ICT ensures people are freed from restrictions of personification, leading to advanced solution. As a matter of fact, Information and Communications Technology levels the playing field. Nonetheless, the relationship between information technology and access is remarkable. As innovations become smaller, quicker and less expensive, technology becomes simpler to utilize and obtain. Nevertheless, the information and communications technology gap is not about accessing technology, but the deeper hidden implications of access. At the end of the day, the politics of IT is that access to IT is more than a divergence between of "haves" and the poor. For example, despite the fact that Information and Communication Technology is ordinarily associated with access and inclusion, modernization of technology can create isolation of individuals, making particular types of social segregation. Discrimination can happen in subtler ways. ICT, for example, benefits specific ways of living, which are founded in standardizing, societal, communal and monetary practices, further advanced in the structu re, production, showcasing and usage of technology. The internet, specifically, seems to offer the guarantee of free-streaming worlds where character, exemplification, and subjectivity can be designed and refashioned without restraint (Goggin and Newell, 2003). In online connections, the postmodern individual can decide to possess distinctive sexual orientations, racial foundations, and sexualities. Bodily properties, as well, can be deliberately made in online connections – permitting people to gain and, naturally, shed them. The postmodern Internet then gets to be all the more a decision than a fixed reality. Accordingly, information technology guarantees new realities where substantial confinements can be risen above, and new flexibilities discovered mostly for individuals with handicaps, who are viewed as exceptional recipients of technology (Goggin and

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Proof reading 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Proof reading 5 - Essay Example The sampling represents health workers in Saudi Arabia, while the instruments to measure leadership styles include organization culture and quality management practices. Data collected will be analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The research design is meant to guide the researcher on how to carry out the research and the methods used. Once the purpose of the research has been identified, the researcher knows why data has to be collected, and also what data to be collected and how it should be collected. This is necessary to develop the theoretical framework. While there are several methods or approaches to conduct a research, the qualitative and the quantitative methods are the two most common methods. A quantitative approach is primarily deductive and is best suited to prove or disprove a hypothesis, according to Cooper and Schindler (2003). This study proposes to use the quantitative approach because quantitative analysis is ideal for single-subject analysis. It has also been found to be more co-relational than the use of qualitative analysis. This study intends to incorporate different variables’ (leadership styles on practices of quality management) correlation in the proposed model, and hence a co-relational design that focuses on a mathematical based approach is ideal (Cooper & Schindler, 2003). Besides, quantitative approach can measure the relationship between variables systematically and statistically (Cassell & Symon, 1994, p.2). A cross-sectional survey design will be used to conduct this study (Fink, 2003) and the survey instrument will be a self-administered questionnaire, which is a commonly used method of data collection in survey research (Bourque & Fielder, 2003). The most commonly used instrument for data collection is the self-administered questionnaire (Schwab, 2005) which is

Monday, August 26, 2019

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 178

Assignment Example 2. Monopolistic competition is a term used to refer to that state of a market in which there are several buyers of a product or services, but the number of sellers of that product or service is low and these suppliers differentiate their goods and services on the basis of differentiation technique (Hall 321). In a monopoly there is only one supplier, while in monopolistic competition there is more than one seller. In monopoly there is no competition taking place, but in monopolistic competition firms compete against each other. The barriers to entry in monopolistic competition are lower than that of a monopoly. 3. Firms that operate in under the state of monopolistic competition experience both productive as well as allocative inefficiency. They experience productive inefficiency because they produce at a level that is lower than the level of MR (Marginal Revenue) is equal to MC (Marginal Cost) (Hall 324). This means that they experience productive inefficiency because they produce less than the amount of goods and services demanded in order to increase their profitability. They experience allocative inefficiency because they have more capacity to produce goods and services and they are involved in the process of producing lesser goods and services as compared to their capacity. 4. Firms that fall in the category of either monopolistic competition or firms that are even recognized to be operating in a state of imperfect competition are involved in producing lesser goods and services than the amount of goods and services they can actually produce and this situation has been regarded by economists as excess capacity (Hall 325). In monopolistic competition, organizations compete on the basis of differentiation and target specific consumers while firms in this form of competition produce similar kinds of goods and services. In order to target a few and charge premium prices they produce less than what the overall

Sunday, August 25, 2019

In what ways does the Philosophical Investigations differ from the Essay

In what ways does the Philosophical Investigations differ from the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus - Essay Example He then, in the early paragraphs of the book, subjects a series of doctrines of the Tractacus to sustained criticisms. Although the Tractacus is only occasionally mentioned explicitly, the critiques in the Philosophical Investigations certainly read like a dismantling of the most characteristic ideas of the earlier opus. Because of this, the attitude arose that the Tractacus should be regarded as of largely historical interest and that many of its deepest insights were in danger of being completely overlooked and lost. In light of these, the differences in the Tractacus Logico-Philosophicus can be seen in the discourse of concepts such as ‘confusion† and â€Å"consciousness† as well as in terms of the issue of continuity of Wittgenstein’s philosophies. There was also a radical shift in his conception of language. The Tractacus is considered to be a classic of Western philosophy. In a sense it can be seen as representing both the zenith and the nadir of certain philosophies. It was taken up by the logical positivists as representative of their work. The Tractacus, wrote, Milbank, Pickstock and Graham (1998), embodies the philosophical desire to explain the world, to be able to break it down into analytical parts, whether non-composite simple objects, elementary propositions (elementals), or logical structures. (p. 66) The Philosophical Investigations meanwhile is usually viewed as radically altering Western analytical philosophy, ushering in the â€Å"linguistic turn.† In an attempt to present a synopsis of the thought, Milbank, Pickstock and Ward point to the usual suggestion that it refutes the picture theory of language and its metaphysical explanation while examining various metaphysical problems by dissolving them through an examination of the language used to generate them rather than trying to resolve any of them. (p. 68) The Tractacus is a carefully constructed set of short propositions

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Rhetorical essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rhetorical - Essay Example The ad that caught everybody’s attention read â€Å"Wanted: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. P.O. Box 91 Ocean View, WA 99393. Youll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. Safety not guaranteed. I have only done this once before† (Trevorrow, 2012). Curiously, a young intern name Jeff Schewensen (Jake Johnson) who works at a magazine based in Seattle embarked on an investigative mission to find the author of the strange posting. He assembled the oddest team with her friends Kenneth (Mark Duplass), Arnau, and Darius. Darius found out that the source of the ad came from Kenneth Calloway and so she made contact with Kenneth and from there, the story took unusual turn that made it interesting. It has to be noted that The idea of time travel in the film ‘Safety Not guaranteed’ is obviously not feasible and the film’s narrative is not meant to elucidate with using some technological discovery or marvelous science but to make the audience smile with how the odd characters in the film reacted with such technological possibility with each with their own agenda that reveals human nature. Thus, the story is told not from the logos or logical point of view but rather from pathos or emotional appeal to make the film entertaining (albeit not necessarily believable). Synthesizing the film through the lens of rhetorical devices made one realize that the film is not trying to convince or persuade the audience of any argument or some position of the author. Looking at it from the point of logos, the film does not make sense because time travel is not possible (at least in real world application but only in theory) and its technological possibility is not even explained. Even the sequencing of events such as placement of an ad that invites time travel with no safety guarantee to Darius and Kenneth’s trysts are just improbable in

Friday, August 23, 2019

Leadership Interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Leadership Interview - Essay Example We kept in touch through email, and that is how I contacted them for the interview. X gave me a recommendation on my resume last year, and it was very complimentary. With X, though, you never think that she is giving a compliment just to be nice. There is something very real and genuine about her leadership, and although she didn’t say as much during the interview, I suspect it’s because X doesn’t view nursing leadership as a role to play like an actor: she is just herself, and it works. â€Å"Whereas traditional authority clearly is inherently conservative, the rise of a charismatic leader may well change.† (Ritzer, p. 129). X is not a very conservative leader. In defining effective leadership, there is the problem of defining universal traits in relation to an organizational environment that is built primarily on the differentiation of individuals. That is, research regarding leadership strategies may show that there is no one clear set of characteristics that defines people-oriented leadership like the kind used by X, because there is so much variance in individuals. â€Å"There are no universal traits that predict leadership in all situations. Rather, traits appear to predict leadership in selective situations. Traits predict behavior more in weak situations than in strong situations† (Robbins, 2003, p. 315). X tends to be charismatic and use her naturally attractive personality to get along with clients and coworkers in her position as a nursing leader. This puts a â€Å"fresh spin on the issues, engendering a feeling of hope and even reverence in the charismatic leader’s followers and the public. Innovations and changes intended to improve patient outcomes. These same technological advances require nurses to demonstrate knowledge† (Dawes, 2000). One point that X made during the interview was that technology has changed since we were coworkers, and she stated that it was more important than ever for nurses to be

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Factors of foreign policy Essay Example for Free

Factors of foreign policy Essay In the first place the size of a states territory as well as it’s population greatly influences its foreign policy. Generally the leaders and people of countries with small territory and population do not expect their country to carry great weight in international affairs. On the other hand the leaders and people of large countries are ready to assume special responsibilities. However, sometimes even small states which have rich resources also leave a deep impact on world politics. For example, Britain, a small country, played leading role in world politics in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. In our own times the oil-rich countries of the Middle East, though small in size are playing a significant role in international politics. On the other hand large states like Canada and Australia have not been able to pursue effective foreign policy. Commonwealth of Independent states (CIS) which came into existence after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, though quite large in size, is not able to play an effective role in contemporary international relations. The geography of a country, including its fertility, climate, location in relation to their land  masses, and water-ways etc. also influence the countrys foreign policy. It is a major factor in determining self-sufficiency of a country. Generally land-locked countries, nations in the tropics and those bordering a superpower are less self-sufficient in comparison to the countries which have access to warm-water ports or are located in the temperate zones and far removed from superpowers. For example in the nineteenth century USA adopted isolationist policy chiefly on account of its geographical location. Though the importance of geographic factors is acknowledged almost at all hands, its importance has considerably declined due to technological and scientific developments. For example, due to improvement in the means of transport and communication the world has greatly shrunk and the perception of large bodies of water as natural barriers to military attack has greatly diminished. But still geographical location of a country has a deep impact on the determination of its foreign policy. India adopted policy of non-alignment because of geographical location. The presence of two major powers on its borders (USSR and China) deterred it from joining power blocs. 3. Culture and History. The cultural and historical traditions of a country also deeply influence the foreign policy. Generally people possessing a unified common culture and historical experience can pursue an effective foreign policy because of the support of all sections of society who share the same values and memories. On the other hand, a country which is culturally and historically fragmented cannot pursue an equally effective foreign policy. According to Prof. Roseau the influence of cultural factors is not limited to the impact of societal unity upon the formulation and implementation of foreign policy. Equally important are the processes through which the contents of Shared norms and practices of society, as distinguished from the degree of unity that supports them shape the plans that are made and the activities that are undertaken withrespect to the external world 4. Economic Development. The stage of economic development which a country has attained also has its impact on its foreign policy. Generally the industrially advanced countries feel more deeply involved in relations with other countries because they have to import different kinds of raw materials and commodities from other countries. They are also on the lookout of latest knowledge and technical know-how. Therefore they maintain intimate trade relations with their trading partners. All this leads to intimate links between the groups and people of one country with their counterparts in the other country. Again, an industrial country is expected to have a higher gross national product (GNP) and can devote greater funds for external purpose, economic aid programme, military ventures and extensive diplomatic commitments. On the other hand, industrially backward countries are not able to actively involve themselves in external affairs. The lack of scientists, engineers and other specialists in the country prevents them from taking advantage of the technological break-through abroad. In recent years United States has been able to pursue more vigorous foreign policy and secure its national objectives, mainly on account of its high degree of economic development. It has made liberal use of foreign aid as an instrument for the promotion of its foreign policy goals. It is a matter of common knowledge that in our times the industrially developed countries (popularly known as G-7) are playing an effective role in international politics as compared to other developed or under-developed countries. This is but natural in view of fact that economically developed countries possess greater military capability than the less developed countries, and can exert greater influence on international relations. In our own times the decline of Russias economic power has considerably undermined her political role in the international arena. 5. Technology. Advancement in technology, which affects the military and economic capabilities of a state, also exercises profound influence on the foreign policy. However, this factor influences the foreign policy only in an indirect manner, by influencing other sources of foreign policy. It has been observed that countries which possess advance technology are able to provide technical knowhow to less developed and developing nations and thus exert necessary influence on their foreign policies. Roseau has rightly observed Technological changes can alter the military and economic capabilities of a society and thus its status and role in the international system. The dominant role which countries like France, China, Germany and Japan have been able to play in recent years is largely due to excellent technological developments in these countries. 6. National Capacity. The national capacity of a state also exercises profound influence on the foreign policy of a state. National capacity of a state depends on its military preparedness, it’s technological advancement and economic development. It is well known that United States which continued to pursue policy of isolation till the beginning of the present century got deeply involved in the international arena in the present century mainly due to tremendous increase in her national capacity due to rapid economic development. Similarly, the foreign policy of Britain underwent great transformation in the post World War II period, mainly due to decline in her national capacity. 7. Social Structure. The social structure of a society also exercises profound influence on its foreign policy. A society which is sharply divided on the basis of wealth,  religion, regional imbalances, etc. cannot pursue effective foreign policy on account of division and lack of co-operation among various groups. On the other hand a homogeneous society possessing strong sense of national unity can pursue a more effective foreign policy. It is well known that Britain stood as one person under the leadership of Churchill during the Second World War and the people gladly suffered all kinds of hardships to preserve their unity because of social solidarity. 8. Public Mood, Public mood is another important determinant of a countrys foreign policy. Though public mood usually follows rather than guides the foreign policy making process, it can exercise lot of influence on the determination of a foreign policy if the basic realignment in the prevailing great power structure takes place and the state becomes more involved or more isolated from the world affairs. It may be noted that generally in an authoritarian system the public mood does not influence the foreign policy, but in a democratic system based on political accountability considerable weight has to be accorded to the changing public mood and sentiments. Political Organization. The political organization found in a country also greatly influences the foreign policy. Generally under authoritarian system quick foreign policy decisions are possible because the decision making power rests with an individual assisted by his clique. But as the leaders under this system are isolated from the operational environments and the subordinate policy makers provide the information which is perceived by the superiors, there is every possibility of a discrepancy between the psychological and operational aspects of the foreign policy. Further, under this system undesirable opposition can be suppressed through censorship and promulgation of regulations. On the other hand in a country possessing a democratic structure the citizens can freely express their opinion on the domestic as well as foreign policy which naturally leave its impact on the foreign policy of the country. Under democratic system there is very little discrepancy between what the officials want to believe about the state of world politics and the actual position because the subordinate policy makers make available critical and detached information. Within the democratic system itself the difference in a political structure has its impact on foreign policy. For example, under a parliamentary system of government based on co-operation between the Legislature and the Executive, the cordial relations between the two wings have an impact on countrys foreign policy. On the other hand under presidential system based on the principle of separation of powers, the relation between the two wings are likely to be more strained, which affect the ambiguity or continuity of foreign policy. Similarly, different foreign policy is likely to emerge under bi-party system and multi-party systems. Generally under bi-party system the government is likely to have a clear-cut majority and conduct itself in a more decisive manner regarding the conduct of foreign relations. In contrast of this, under multi-party system conflicting view points and interests may have to be reconciled. This may lead either to the avoidance or postponement of the decision. 10. Role of Press. The press also plays a vital role in the foreign policy formulation process. The press contributes to this process by supplying factual information on the basis of which the people take decision by publishing specialized articles on current international developments which enable the people to understand the significance of developments in their country in relation to the past developments and by analyzing the policy of the government in regard to foreign affairs. The press also plays an important role in publicizing the foreign policy of the country. The role of the press, however, depends on the political system prevailing in the country, the rate of literacy as well as the attitude of government. The nature of political accountability prevailing in a system also greatly influences the foreign policy of the country. Generally in an open political system, the demands of citizen and groups get articulated and transmitted to foreign policy formulators. The framers of foreign policy cannot ignore these demands. In fact quite often the policy formulators anticipate these demands while formulating the foreign policy. On the other hand under a closed system the public reactions are neither available nor given much importance. The leadership also plays a vital role in the shaping of a countrys foreign policy. According to Rosenau: A leaders beliefs about the nature of international arena and the goals that ought to be pursued therein, his or her peculiar intellectual strength and weakness for analyzing information and making decisions, his or her past background and the extent of its relevance to the requirements of the role, his or her emotional needs and most of other personality traits—these are but a few of the idiosyncratic factors that can influence the planning and execution of foreign policy. No doubt, the qualities of leadership have a deep impact on the countrys foreign policy but their role is greatly constrained by the governmental and social structure. Further the role of leadership is not identical in all countries. In less developed countries their role is greater as compared to industrialized societies. In industrialized societies the individuals enjoy very limited discretion in high governmental and non-governmental positions. Posted 2nd July 2012 by Ken Ngeny

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Cyborgs Unplugged Essay Example for Free

Cyborgs Unplugged Essay Firstly, it is necessary to note that the author provides rather interesting and extraordinary interpretations of human comparing them with cyborgs. In such a way, he wants to show that humans are similar to machines and their thinking is similar to that of the cyborg’s. The author assumes that nowadays people are more and more becoming electronic cyborgs as they are more exposed to electronic technologies. He explains that being a cyborg doesn’t me to have wires and chips; cyborgs are defined â€Å"in more profound sense of being human-technology symbionts†. Therefore, he state that humans are â€Å"thinking and reasoning systems whose minds and selves are spread across biological brain and non-biological circuitry†. Furthermore, the author admits that cyborg is a product of 21st century. The author tries to re-shape the image of a human, to explain the features of human intelligence as well as to discuss complex relationships. Nevertheless, the article isn’t devoted to new technology; it simply tries to explain human way of behaving and thinking on the base of using technological language and examples. The article, actually, discusses the nature of human brain, mind, culture and biology. One of the most interesting moments is author’s description of a human working day and drawing comparison wit that of an electronic cyborg. The author asserts that people are blinded by Western prejudice according to which human mind is â€Å"deeply special and distinct from the rest of the natural order†. The author defends the idea that it is cognitive machinery that should be paid more attention nowadays, because he thinks that machinery is housed with skin and skull of a human. Consequently, the brain is a complex and important part of cognitive machinery, though it is not considered a part of mental machinery. Therefore, the author tries to explain how the brain, technology and body are able to improve problem-solving machine. However, people are not thinking about themselves as natural-born cyborgs. Therefore, the question is: should people consider themselves electronic cyborgs? References Clark, Andy. (2003). Natural-Born Cyborgs: Mind, Technologies and the Future of Human Intelligence. New York: Oxford University Press.

Importance of Supportive Communication

Importance of Supportive Communication EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Communication is an everyday activity. There is nothing that can be done without communication. However this essential of life can be very damaging if not use it properly or accurately. It is every body’s wish that all people behave, act, think, response, move, learn and communicate just as he/she was made off. As a result of inequalities and imperfection of human nature, all of us cannot act the same. It is often and always easier to communicate good news and happy moments to our love ones, work mates, school mates, family members etc. however the moment of truth is when to communicates the opposite to those that are close to us, colleagues, family members etc. and when not handled properly can ruin a hard fought relationships cultivated over the year. This is because we are inclined by nature to receive good news than the bad news though it might be the fact. Therefore cultivating the skills of supporting communication an inevitable tool for every person irrespective of the level of responsibility one finds itself. Supportive communication seeks to preserve or enhance a positive relationship between you and another person while still addressing a problem, giving negative feedback, or tackling a difficult issue with such person. There are numerous benefits associated with companies which ideologies the concept of supporting communication that companies who does not as carried by various surveys. In such context one can be an asset to a group, work environment, family when he/she is able to communicate supportively to the up build of the group, work and family and in this direction I chose to work on my supporting communication skills. Before I read and participated in the classroom on this skill, my skill assessment score was below the mean quartile in comparing with 5000 students who undertook the same assessment. My score after reading and class participating almost threepuled above even above the highest quartile. This does not mean that I can skillfully applied supportive communication. Practical steps have been put in place to apply this knowledge into full use. These steps includes; by asking two same case study group to assess my reaction when giving counsel on performance of a group member, a planned friendship with those who their attitudes and behaviors I disguise so much and finally being asking my children to note down whenever I get angry in the process of giving the feedback. INTRODUCTION Communication is an everyday activity. And is the ordinary interaction that occurs between coworkers, friends, acquaintances, or intimates on daily bases. Communication comes in different forms. Verbal communication which includes sounds, words, language and speaking whiles non-verbal communication involves physical ways of communication like, tone of voice, touch, smell and body language. The quality of communication and how communications are evolves and is maintained are the basis of whether a relationship amongst individuals are stable, become more intimate when appropriate and if additional information is shared between individual reflecting trust between the both parties in every facet of human life. Ineffective communication may lead individual to dislike each other, be offended by each other, lose confidence, refuse to listen and disagree to each other as well as causing a host of other interpersonal problem. (Whatten Camaron, 2011) Normally positive interpersonal relationships results when always things are going on well and people do what they are expected and suppose of them. However, when communicating to an individual who has a negative attitude, such as a personality conflict with coworker or hasn’t perform up to expectation, the risk of putting the employee on the defensive is very high. Individual often react defensively if they feel they are being punished or threatened by communicating, and thus they devote attention to identify counter arguments rather than listening. Thus communication is more productive when it is done constructively or done supportively. SUPPORTIVE COMMUNICATION Supportive communication is interpersonal communications that help individuals to communicate accurately, especially in difficult situations and times. Supportive communication seeks to preserve or enhance a positive relationship between you and another person while still addressing a problem, giving negative feedback, or tackling a difficult issue. It allows you to communicate information to others that is not complimentary, or to resolve an uncomfortable issue with another person but, in the process, strengthen your relationship. Supportive communication builds and strengthened relationships when delivering negative feedback or when you have to point out few shortcoming of another person. It thus seek to preserve or enhance a positive relationship between two people whiles still addressing issue. It allows communicating information to others that is not complementary but rather that strengthen the relationship. Companies fostering supportive communication enjoy higher productivity, faster problem solving, higher quality outputs, and fewer conflicts and subversive activities than groups or organizations where relationships are less. (Robbins Coulter, 2007) it goes on to present a survey conducted with conclusion, that companies with presence of good supportive communication between managers and subordinate were three times more powerful in predicting profitability in major cooperation’s over a five year period than the most powerful variables – market size, firm size and saves growth rate-combined. There are arguably eight attributes of supportive communication of which all other research shared the same thought as far the scope of this research is concern. This indicates that to communicate supportively one must adhere to these characteristics when communicating. ATTRIBUTES OF SUPPORTIVE COMMUNICATION Problem oriented, not person oriented. Problem-oriented communication focuses on a problem that can be solved rather than the person who is responsible for the problem. Person-oriented communication puts the listener on the defensive and focuses the attention on blame rather than on avoiding or solving future problems Congruent, not incongruent. Congruent communication conveys what the speaker is thinking and feeling. There are definitely situations where discretion is a more appropriate choice than full disclosure of what we think and feel. However, in most communication situations, we communicate more effectively when were candid. If we arent honest, listeners wont trust what we say. Descriptive, not evaluative. Evaluative communication expresses judgment of the listener, or his or her actions. To be an effective constructive communicator, we should objectively describe problems rather than speak in an evaluative manner. Evaluative communication puts the listener on the defensive. Validating, not invalidating. Validating communication helps people feel understood, valued, and accepted. In contrast, invalidating communication treats people as if they are ignored, worthless, or alienated. Invalidating communication is superiority-oriented, rigid, impervious and/or indifferent and its avoid treating the listener like a lesser person. Specific, not global. There are two key drawbacks to global statements of problems; theyre often too large to be resolved and they tend to oversimplify and misrepresent problems. Conjunctive, not disjunctive. Disjunctive communication takes at least three forms; not letting the other party speak, long pauses, and switching topics. Disjunctive communication can result in the other party thinking that their input is not being considered. Owned, not disowned. When we own our communication, we take responsibility for our statements and acknowledge that we are the source of the ideas conveyed and not someone else. We disown communication when we search for third parties to attribute our comments to. Listening, not one-way message delivery. Explains, effective listening is actively absorbing the information given to you by a speaker, showing that you are listening and interested, and providing feedback to the speaker so that he or she knows the message was received. Effective listening is often taken for granted, but its a valuable managerial tool. PERSONAL ASSESSMENT SUPPORTIVE COMMUNICATION In order to be sincere and able to know my managerial shortcoming in this skill area, I assessed myself based on the following questionnaires before and after reading and participating during lectures. The evaluation of these questionnaires is as a result of weakness observed when learning this skills and much effort is needed to overcome these shortcomings as comparing myself to 5000 students who also took the same assessment. Rating Scale 1. Strongly disagree 2. Disagree 3. Slightly disagree 4. Slightly agree 5. Agree 6. Strongly agree Assessment Pre Post Questionnaires 3 6 When I give feedback to others, I avoid referring to personal characteristics and focus on problems or solutions instead 2 6 I always link negative feedback to a standard or expectation that has been violated 2 5 When I try to correct someone’s behavior, our relationship is almost always strengthened. 1 6 I am descriptive in giving negative feedback to others. That is, I objectively describe events, their consequences, and my feelings about them 3 6 I always suggest specific alternatives to individuals whose behavior I’m trying to correct 3 6 I reinforce other people’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem in my communication with them. 2 5 When asking questions of others in order to understand their viewpoints better, I generally ask â€Å"what† questions instead of â€Å"why† questions 2 6 I don’t dominate conversations with others. 1 6 I hold regular, private meetings with people with whom I work and with whom I live. 2 5 I strive to identify some area of agreement in a discussion with someone who has a different point of view Table # 1: supporting communication questionnaires and responses. SKILLS ASSESSMENT INTERPRETATION The first five questionnaires are in respect of how I can effectively communicate negative feedback, the higher the scores the better for one to communicate effectively negative feedback than the lower scoring. Whereas the last five questionnaires are also in respect of how I can be effective in communicating supportively, and again the higher the scoring the better than the lower scoring. The total scoring before the reading and class participating as shown above was 21 scores as compares to an average 5000 student mean quartile scores of 45 out of possible 60 scores and my score after was 57 out of possible 60 scores. This indicates better understanding and knowledge on how I can effectively communicates negative feedback to someone in a supportive manner. PRACTICAL APPLICATION – SUPPORTIVE COMMUNICATION The above after reading and acquiring the knowledge does not make me a better person to be effective in supporting communication, is just acknowledgement of how critical supporting communication is in every facet in one’s life. It takes several practices and on the field application of this knowledge that one become effective communicating supportively. However since practice make man perfect; the following are planned practical steps activities to help me to communicate supportively. First in the MBA program, working in groups are integral part of the program, hence supporting commununication is very important at all level of group activities. That is from group formation, sharing of responsibilities, embarking on assigned group assignment and holding rehearsal presentations within the group. To put supportive communication into practice, I have asked two group members to assess me whenever is my turn to communicate feedback to a group member who has presented during group rehearsals on his/her weakness as well as whenever is my turn to be counseled after my presentation. Two different will let me know objectively about the assessment. I will also purchase a voice recorder so that I can listen to it after group discussion. Secondary I have planned to be friend with those who generally I don’t associate better due to their character traits, race, culture and religion. Trying to form friendship with such people will always help me to improve on my supporting communication skills. The reason being that since I have a perceived mind already regarding them, accepting them as friends will be a real challenge, however that will also help me improve on not always dominating but also welcoming others viewpoint in discussions which is one of the eight attributes of good supporting communication. Finally in the house since children are active when ever decisions goes their way, I will ask each of them to count the number of times I get angry and why when am having discussions with them or in dealing with each individuals in the house. This will help me to work on my anger level since it will be difficult for someone with high level of anger to be supportive in communication especially when communicating negative feedback. REFERENCES Whetten, D., Cameron, S. (2011). Developing Management Skills (8th. ed.). Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall. Vucaj, I. (2013). Managing human resources. Blog at wordPress.com. Robbins, S P., Coulter, M. (2012). Management (11th. ed.). Pearson education. Schmidt, J., Uecker, D. (2007). Increasing understanding of routine/everyday  interaction in relationships. Communication Teacher, 21, 111-116.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Paula Fass Outside In Essay -- Teaching Education Essays

Paula Fass' Outside In In Outside In, Paula Fass asserts that the form and function American education has been determined by the equilibrium between two predominate goals and ideals of education— to create a unified society with common values and beliefs (ecclesiastical objective) and to nurture the individual potential of each student by observing the individual needs and desires that students bring to public instruction (liberal objective). . The author aims to illuminate the tension that exists today between these two objectives by exploring how American education served â€Å"the other† throughout the first half of the twentieth century. Fass’s definition of the â€Å"other† includes those groups â€Å"outside the power networks that organized school systems and ran school organizations†(9). Outside In focuses on four groups in particular—immigrants, blacks, women, and Catholics. The experience each group brings a unique perspective to the evolving state of American education during this time period. Fass places most emphasis on the role of immigration and industrialization in the development of the aspirations, tensions and paradoxes of American education. In many ways, the problem of the immigrant at the turn of the 20th century gave birth to the ecclesiastical and liberal objectives of education. Before the development of the industrial age, an individual’s employment provided an important socializing experience. Industrialization greatly expanded employment opportunities, but the work was often brute manual labor with little educational value. Fass summarizes the reformist opinion of the time to be that â€Å"industrial labor failed to fit an older framework of socialization and did not serve as a force for social cohesion†(18).... ...sts discovered when they tried to cater to the individual needs of immigrants, to emphasize one objective is to sacrifice the other. The plight of blacks and women in the first part of the 20th century suggests that even the noblest of philosophies are not guaranteed to serve individuals in practice. Further, federal intervention into education, such as with the No Child Left Behind Act, should give educators pause to question what educational oversights would cause the federal government to intervene in its historical role as protector of the overlooked and unnoticed. Finally, the success of Catholic schools in the 1950’s and 1960’s is suggestive of the value of a standard, academic curriculum, but one must remember that Catholic schools enjoy the luxury of choosing the students they educate. Works Cited: Fass, Paula. Outside In New York: Oxford Press, 1989

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Longest Memory :: essays research papers

Whitechapel is the focal character of D'Aguiar's novel, The Longest Memory however, the author has used a great many other characters whose stories also stand-alone. Why has D'Aguiar structured his novel in this way and how does it lead the reader to an understanding of the impacts of slavery? D'Aguiar's central purpose is to make us reflect upon American society during the slavery era and to acknowledge its realities so that we understand the capability for evil that exists in society. D'Aguair has used Whitechapel and his memories to encapsulate the brutality and inhumanity of slavery. The succeeding narratives further our understanding of the society and these are presented in a manner that forces the reader to accept D'Aguiar's judgements. The characters represent all of the voices of the society including people from different races, social status's and both genders so that the reader can see the position society imposed upon all citizens. The forms of the individual narratives help us to understand the reality of society because they allow the characters to emerge as individuals, telling their own stories with undisguised honesty. The Longest Memory is told from the oldest to the youngest character showing how society instilled its ideals on each generation in an unc ompromising manner and so the stories overlap and intertwine, to illustrate this D'Aguiar has used an overwhelming tone of sadness and despair to emphasise the negative feelings that society created. Whitechapel's narrative focuses on the symbolism of seeing; the reason for this is to give the reader a sense of the extent to which society enforced its beliefs upon people and how much it effected them. Whitechapel has lived a very long time and has finally realized the truth about his enslavement and the extent to which he is dehumanized; this is emphasized by his regretful tone and demonstrates his disgust. The dehumanisation that has occurred is over his philosophies that as a slave he could earn respect through hard work and loyalty; this is rejected when his son is killed. The repetition of the phrase, 'I am nobody'; acknowledges that as a slave the society could not reward his loyalty or hard work because he had no status. Various narratives have been put after each other so that the reader can compare two characters to see the different impacts that society had on them. This Juxtaposition is used to confront the reader with the inhumanity of the views of some characters such as Sanders Senior, the placement of Cook straight after shows that contrary to Sanders seniors disgusting beliefs she is quite human and is dramatically effected by his beliefs, the societies beliefs.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Essay --

I mere end hundrede à ¥r har byen optaget sociologer, lige fra Georg Simmel (1858-1918) til nutidens spanske sociolog Manuel Castells . Disse sociologer har anskuet byen med en modstridende fà ¸lelse. Storbyens fascinerende men pà ¥ samme tid, skrà ¦mmende stà ¸rrelse, komponeret med dens evne til, at udvikle fà ¦llesskaber men ogsà ¥ skabe fremmedgà ¸relse for det enkelte individ. Her vil jeg dykke ind og se pà ¥ de to sociologers teorier, Zygmunt Bauman og Georg Simmel. ZYGMUNT BAUMAN OG HANS TEORI Zygmunt Bauman er en polsk-engelsk sociolog, som blev fà ¸dt i 1925. Baumans teori er, at byens rum er et koncentreret billede, som er en afspejling af samfundets forandring. Hans interesse for byen kom virkelig i centrum, da han skrev bogen †Globalisering – de menneskelige konsekvenser† – hvori han skriver om rummets skiftevis globalisering og lokaliserende karakter, agorafobiens fremkomst og den urealistiske moderne aspiration . Bauman mener, at byens fysiske indretning og organisation afslà ¸rer de moralske và ¦rdier som samfundet har. Han er stor fortaler for det à ¥bne rum, det offentlige rum og inkluder...

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Handstar Inc Essay

Handstar Inc. was created a little over four years ago by two college roommates to develop software applications for handheld computing devices. It has since grown to ten employees with annual sales approaching $1. 5 million. Handstar’s original product was an expense report application that allowed users to record expenses on their handheld computers and then import these expenses into a spreadsheet that then create an expense report in one of five standard formats. Based on the success of its first product, Handstar subsequently developed three additional software products: a program for tracking and measuring the performance of investment portfolios- a calendar program, and a program that allowed users to download their email messages from their PC and read them on their handheld computers. The two founders of Handstar have recently become concerned about the competitiveness of their offerings, particularly since none of them has been updated after their initial launch. Therefore, they asked the directors of product development and marketing to work together and prepare a list of potential projects for updating Handstar’s current offerings as well as to develop ideas for additional offerings. The directors were also asked to estimate the development costs of the various projects, product revenues, and the likelihood that Handstar could retain or obtain a leadership position for the given product. Also, with the increasing popularity of the Internet, the founders asked the directors to evaluate the extent to which the products made use of the Internet. The product development and marketing directors identified three projects related to updating Handstar’s existing products. The first project would integrate Handstar’s current calendar program with its email program. Integrating these two applications into a single program would provide a number of benefits to users such as allowing them to automatically enter the dates of meetings into the calendar based on the content of an email message. The directors estimated that this project would require 1250 hours of software development time. Revenues in the first year of the product’s launch were estimated to be $750,000. However, because the directors expected that a large percentage of the users would likely upgrade to this new product soon after its introduction, they projected that annual sales would decline by 10 percent annually in subsequent years. The directors speculated that Handstar was moderately likely to obtain a leadership position in email/calendar programs if this project were undertaken and felt this program made moderate use of the Internet. The second project related to updating the expense report program. The directors estimated that this project would require 400 hours of development time. Sales were estimated to be $250,000 in the first year and to increase 5 percent annually in subsequent years. The directors speculated that completing this project would almost certainly maintain Handstar’s leadership position in the expense report category, although it made little use of the Internet. The last product enhancement project required enhancing the existing portfolio tracking program. This project would require 750 hours of development time and would generate first-year sales of $500,000. Sales were projected to increase 5 percent annually in subsequent years. The directors felt this project would have a high probability of maintaining Handstar’s leadership position in this category and the product would make moderate use of the Internet. The directors also identified three opportunities for new products. One project was the development of a spreadsheet program that could share files with spread-sheet programs written for PCs. Developing this product would require 2500 hours of development time. First-year sales were estimated to be $1,000,000 with an annual growth rate of 10 percent. While this product did not make use of the Internet, the directors felt that Handstar had a moderate chance of obtaining a leadership position in this product category. The second new product opportunity identified was a Web browser. Developing this product would require 1875 development hours. First-year sales were estimated to be $2,500,000 with an annual growth rate of 15 percent. Although this application made extensive use of the Internet, the directors felt that there was a very low probability that Handstar could obtain a leadership position in this product category. The final product opportunity identified was a trip planner program that would work in conjunction with a PC connected to the Web and download travel instructions to the user’s handheld computer. This product would require 6250 hours of development time. First-year sales were projected to be $1,300,000 with an annual growth rate of 5 percent. Like the Web browser program, the directors felt that there was a low probability that Handstar could obtain a leadership position in this category, although the program would make extensive use of the Internet. In evaluating the projects, the founders believed it was reasonable to assume each product had a three-year life. They also felt that a discount rate of 12 percent fairly reflected the company’s cost of capital. An analysis of pay-roll records indicated that the cost of software developers is $52 per hour including salary and fringe benefits. Currently there are four software developers on staff, and each works 2500 hours per year. Which option should they choose?

Friday, August 16, 2019

J Edgar Hoover

In Washington DC Parents Anne Merle and Dickerson Analogy Hoover Sin filed until he was 43 Competed in debate team (against women voting and the abolition of death penalty) Nicknamed speed (stutter) and was applauded by his cool and relentless logic Father suffered from mental illness and was institutionalized â€Å"Instead of sympathizing†¦ Wasn't kind o his father†¦ Couldn't bear imperfection least of all in the humans around him especially those who he was closest too† Summers Education Bachelor of Laws from George Washington University Law School in 1916 Masters ofLaw in same university 191 7 Early Work When he was 18 he accepted his first Job; an entry level position as messenger In the orders department In library of Congress Interest lay In areas with access to Immense amounts of Information â€Å"This Job†¦ Trained me In the value of collating material. It gave e an excellent foundation for my work in the FBI where it has been necessary to collate infor mation and evidence† J E. Hoover Clerk at Justice Department July 1917 Hoover Joined Justice Department as a clerk on legal staff 1917 Wilson had given the Justice Department authorization to apprehend and detain enemy aliensHoover exempt from conscription with Job Put in charge of gathering information of enemy aliens By late 1917 with spreading of Marxism due to Russian Revolution Hoover began monitoring radicals and communists who supported Bolsheviks Library Job helped him In organizing Information â€Å"He made sure he was valuable to the people above him† Sue Responded Character Puritanical â€Å"He was a tyrant about other things. There was still a strong streak of the puritan in him† Gentry Importance of a good name Concerned about good name (himself/DOS) â€Å"In Washington, during the Harding Administration, the DOS had become known as he Department of Easy Virtue.After a time Hoover simply said he work for the government† Gentry Dedicated profes sional â€Å"Scrupulousness and loyalty to superiors† Thermals and Cox â€Å"Hoover gave every evidence of being a dedicated professional† Thermals and Cox â€Å"Hoover convinced Stone of the Bureau's Improved professionalism† Thermals and Cox Hover's Attitude TO work Long hours Fastidious Collected ‘ever growing files' Obsessed by files and how to exploit them â€Å"Hover's own genius was not in innovation but in recognizing good ideas and finding ways to implement them† Theories and Cox Rise To Power Under Attorney Generals A.Mitchell palmer 1919-1921 Hoover appointed as special assistant to Attorney General General A Mitchell Palmer instructed Hoover to establish the General intelligence Division Aimed to crack down on the growing momentum of US radicals, socialists and communists arising from Russian revolution Known as ‘radical division' Core of anti communist crusades Collected incrimination information June 2nd 1919 Anarchists mailed ex plosives to 36 prominent business magnates following may day riots These were successful across 12 cities including Palmers home In response theDepartment of Justice decided on a massive round up of foreigners (32 cities) Hoover the Bureau of Investigation's resident expert on aliens was put in charge Hoover was given carte balance by Palmer to bring the bombers to Justice and round up all radicals Hoover used his filing skills to record info, including hearsay, rumor and fact on individuals on 450 000 index cards By October 1919 he had collected 60,000 names of people who allegedly radical and potentially dangerous organizations â€Å"He helped develop a card system on individuals and organizations and collected this information to scientifically study people who are radicals† Responded 7th November 1919 was chosen date for nationwide raids After arresting thousands of suspects, 249 radicals sent to Ellis Island for processing Deportees included 51 anarchists, 184 members of FOUR and 14 aliens Hoover and boss saw it as a resounding success for Justice Department of Justice handed 3000 blank warrants 2nd January 1920 Further raids took place and agents under Hover's supervision entered homes and organizations Arrested over 10,000 people over 33 cities Raids saw many innocent people being treated terribly by agents (beaten, deprived f food, contained in horrible cells, forced false confessions) Public outcry â€Å"Lawless acts of a mob† senate condemned â€Å"FBI had no place in immigration matters † Theories Hoover â€Å"wrote himself out† Responded â€Å"Hoovers files were very self protective as much as they are possible tools for aggression† Claire Potter Harry M. Daugherty 1921-1924 â€Å"He made himself indispensable to the new attorney general† Gentry Had established congressional base of his own Hoover flooded Daugherty with memos and intelligence on radical activities On 22nd August 1921 the new director of the Bureau William J. Burns appointedHoover assistant chief and in charge of 346 investigators Harlan Fiske Stone 1924-1925 Herbert Hoover recommended hiring Edgar to run Bal Stone dissolved KID and prohibited Bureau wire tapping â€Å"The activities of the bureau are to be limited strictly to investigations of violations of law' Stone Stone wanted to reduce size of Bureau by hiring more professional agents â€Å"Unlike Daugherty and Burns, Hoover gave every evidence of being a dedicated professional, which point had been repeatedly emphasized by Stone† Theories December 1924 0 Stone ended his prohibition and appointed him permanent erector â€Å"A man of exceptional intelligence, alertness and executive ability' Stone Why Hoover Remained in Power He belonged to no political party (never voted) He demonstrated loyalty to superiors He was highly qualified for his role Director of the Bureau Reshaping Hoover accept Job with certain conditions: Bureau divorced from politics Promo tions only based on ability (not seniority or nepotism) Bureau was only responsible to attorney general â€Å"He came to an agency known for its apathy and corruption and transformed it into the most sophisticated and best know investigatory agency in the world† PhillipsHoover instructed by Stone for the Bureau to only investigate violations of federal law and to reduce staff by firing incompetents and only lire people with legal or accounting backgrounds â€Å"[Stone was] impressed by Hover's industriousness and success in recruiting higher quality agents and imposing more rigorous standards of performance† Theories Hoover imposed discipline and accountability through chain of command Divided country in 53 unequal parts with office in each with special agent in charge (SAC) To ensure compliance and Inspection Division was created Hoover created standardization of work practices Printed form for interview reports Dress code similar for all agents Agents became intercha ngeable Follow of rules and instructions of Hover's Manual of Investigations Hoover modernizes National registry of finger prints Training course for new agents (assisted with public image which was at all time low in 1924) In 1932 he opened the Bureaus first crime lab Extensive filing system was used New powers 1934 Congress passed 9 crime bills now under federal Jurisdiction Agents could carry guns and make arrests Kidnapping made Federal Offence after Lindbergh case 1933-34 CERN-en wave Frank NashKnown as most successful bank robber in USA during ass's On 17th of June 1933 he was murdered along with 4 law enforcement agents in a gangs attempt to free him from his prisoner status Union Station, Kansas City Massacre George â€Å"Machine Gun† Kelly Gangster in prohibition era Nicknamed for favorite weapon Most famous crime was kidnapping businessman oil tycoon Rescuer in July 1933 and getting $200000 ransom Rescuer and Kelly both left considerable evidence for FBI investigati on and he was arrested in Memphis on 26th September 1933 John Dillinger Bank robber during depression era His gang robbed 24 banks and 4 police stations Escaped from Jail twice Charged but not convicted with murder of Indiana police officer Eventually shot by Purview' men and Purview received mass amounts of publicity for this angering Hoover who eventually made him resign Charles â€Å"pretty boy' Floyd Bank robber His criminal exploits gained a lot of media coverage in asses Killed by policeman Part of Kansas City Massacre Bonnie and Clyde Outlaws and bank robbers during depression era with their gang Their exploits caught attention of public About a dozen bank robberies but Clyde preferred smaller stores and petrol stationsGang killed police officers and several civilians Ambushed and killed by police officer in 1934 Creepy Carpi's Alvin Carpi's was part of Carpi's-Barker gang The gang were one of most notorious during the asses Killed anyone who got in their way even innocent b ystanders Spent 26 years in Electoral Prison Ma Barker Mother of several criminals in barker gang Was killed in shoot out with FBI Hoover described her as â€Å"the most vicious, dangerous and resourceful criminal brain of the last decade† Lindbergh Case 20 month old toddler of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped from home n East Mammal New Jersey on 1st of March 1932 Over 2 months later his body was found near the home death by electric chair Bal used their lab to compare ransom notes with Heptagon's handwriting Bal conducted illegal searches on Heptagon's home Used this case as example of their successes in modern scientific policing FBI Response â€Å"The whole of the Bi's main thrust was not investigation but public relations and propaganda to glorify its director† Sullivan Hoover chose to systematically eliminate the glorified gangsters who were defaming the government and its laws During the rime wave the public bean to understand the greater need for federal law enforcement to deal with localized crime issues This led to further acts becoming federal offences (see rising power) Hoover In The Media A comic strip depicting Hoover was sanctioned by him, it reflected his venture into popular culture and the shift in the publics perception of federal police work Public becoming increasingly interested in Hover's private life (eating habits and home life) Hollywood interpreted Hoover in gangster film in 1935 and his FBI agents were known as government men or G-men 65 movies in 1935 made positive reference to FBIAll these movies, comics and radio from time demonstrated the US societies acceptance of the growing role of FBI and its positive role in shaping society Projected them as the good guys Reporters hyped up their image in praising articles Walter Trojan 0 spread writing with elements of high conspiracy in FBI and wrote particularly about incompetence and negative aspects of Hoover and Bureau Role Of FBI Dung Roosevelt Chosen atto rney general was Homer Cummings Cummings published a public enemies list that directed against crime wave Hoover left to own devices since Cummings didn't FBI under attack from conservatives 0 FBI associated with new deal and growing power of federal governments Investigated American Nazis and right-wing critics â€Å"Hoover now welcomed Roosevelt initiative as providing formal presidential authorization for radical investigations† Theories â€Å"FBI expanded tremendously in authority, Jurisdiction and size during Fads first 2 administrations† Gentry In 1936 FED instructed Hoover to keep him informed of all fascist and communists in USA (subversive activities) FED wanted Hoover to discreetly provide this informationHoover used this to increase his surveillance and his ‘Custodial Detention List' people who should be rounded up in event of war By 1939 Hoover revived his General Intelligence Division Hoover established a school to train linguists Secret intelligence Service Created in 1940 Collected information about German espionage activities in central and south America Censorship Arranged to have all mail open from certain individuals Filed information for personal use (without president or attorney general knowing) The ZOOS and Donovan William Donovan appointed by FED to head the Office of Coordinator of Information later named the Office of Strategic Services (ZOOS)) Granted the power to gather information from overseas ZOOS reported directly to Roosevelt Hoover saw Donovan as threat to power so launched investigation in attempt to discredit him Hoover wanted to expand FBI Jurisdiction to be the only US intelligence agency in world Hoover lobbied for ZOOS to be disbanded after war FED wanted FBI and British Intelligence to have close relationship but Hoover found the British to support Donovan ZOOS eventually wound down but FBI didn't get to expand into foreign intelligence OtherWithin 72 hours of Pearl Harbor attack in December 1941 the FBI arrested 4000 Japanese, German and Italian aliens Mass internment of more then 70,000 Japanese American citizens â€Å"The war helped his reputation as America's Watchdog – always alert and on guard† Denned and Dixon Post War â€Å"Hoover was more powerful than tan the presidents he served† Painter Harry S Truman 1945-1953 (D) Didn't have good relationship Truman didn't want personal contact, only though attorney general or aide Truman fired Donovan and abolished ZOOS Consequently Hoover suggested expanding FBI overseas (Truman had no intention of his) Truman tried to cut back the FBI budget in 1946 and limit power White House leak Someone in white house leaked information to press about talks between Harry Hopkins and Stalin Truman turned to Hoover to discover culprit FBI set up series of wire taps Republican party had control of congress Truman barred congressmen from FBI files Hoover ignored ban and leaked information to congressmen who wanted to advance anti-communist cause (information acquired illegally) Communism and Spies â€Å"Make America a great and decent place to live in† Hoover Hoover wanted to show angers of communism and that Truman wasn't equipped â€Å"Communism in reality is not a political party, it is a way of life, an evil and malignant way of life† Hoover Hoover convinced there was a communist conspiracy to overthrow government Senator McCarthy Accused some of the most influential Americans of being communists â€Å"if there is one communist in the state department, that's one too many' McCarthy McCarthy used Hoover as a source of information to support accusations Hoover used McCarthy as tool to advance his regressive agenda McCarthy was getting out of control 0 began to Ritchie Eisenhower for being to soft on communists McCarthy revealed letter from army Hoover denied sending the letter Hoover ended McCarthy career whilst preserving own In 1954 Hoover complained to president that McCarthy was im pending the Ibis investigations of communists 0 Hoover cut McCarthy off from any FBI support McCarthy fell quickly and the senate voted to sanction him â€Å"Hoover didn't like him, because McCarthy had supplanted the FBI director as the nations chief enemy of communism† Delilah Dwight D Eisenhower 1953-1961 (R) Good relationship â€Å"He gave Hoover anything he could have wanted† Powers Hoover sided with Eisenhower (5 star general in oval office) when McCarthy was hunting out communists in army Mafia Denied existence of crime organization claiming they were disconnected groups which local police could deal with Mafia involved in gambling and horse racing which Hoover partook in It is believed his denial stemmed from mobsters (Costello) who gave him tips on fixed races â€Å"No one would ever know how many raced I had to fix for that bastard† Frank Costello â€Å"Hoover was in our pocket, he was not someone we needed to fear† Carmine Lombardi CONTINENTAL Counter intelligence program established 1956Aim to infiltrate and disrupt activities of communist party in US Series of covert and often illegal projects conducted by FBI 85% of CONTINENTAL resources were used on infiltrating and disrupting suspected subversive groups Other 15% used on marshalling white hate groups Directives issued by Hoover Methods used: infiltration, psychological warfare, harassment, extra-legal force, illegal surveillance John F Kennedy 1961-1963 (D) Kennedy reappoints Hoover as director Good relationship with Kennedy (long term relationship with father) Robert Kennedy was new Attorney General (boss) Tense relationship Bobby wanted to fight organized crime Hoover maintained there was no national crime syndicate Clashed in view of Afro-Americans and civil rights Assassination of JEFF Hoover called bobby to deliver news There is evidence that FBI had information on both Oswald and Jack Ruby which they failed to pass on to secret service or Warren commission Hoov er ordered some key files in FBI Dallas office to be destroyed LB] asked Hoover to complete report Lyndon B Johnson 1963-1969 LB] waved compulsory retirement age for Hoover â€Å"the nation cannot afford to lose you† LB] Hoover was extremely loyal to LB]FBI used to collect political information on Lbs. enemies and to disrupt activities of any groups LB] saw as threats Hoovers inability to change with time was damaging Life magazine cover â€Å"emperor of FBI† Social Unrest â€Å"Civil rights movements grew under Johnson and Hoover saw it as a threat to the American way of life he knew and loved† Denned and Dixon â€Å"Hoover directed massive investigations of radical violence and he forestalled more violence by disrupting and destroying murderous Klan† Powers Hoover used CONTINENTAL to fight these Martin Luther King Hoover installed illegal wire taps and had king under surveillance (revealed king paving an affair) â€Å"King was the most notorious liar i n the country' Hoover As king rose in stature as a black leader, the FBI increased surveillance â€Å"That's when Hoover starts playing not law enforcement but manipulator of the societies processors† Blakely Hoover initiated campaign to deter people from associating with King Hoover forced to take case of assassination in 1968 (largest manhunt FBI history) Richard M Nixon 1969-1974 â€Å"Onion's staff considered Hoover a tired old relic who lived entirely in the past† Beardsley Series of leaks regarding North Vietnam 0 led to protests Nixon asked Hoover to find source of leak and gave information of suspects Radical student groups taken over university and set off bombs FBI unable to control Source of tension between Hoover and Nixon 1971 a citizens commission of FBI broke in FBI office in Pennsylvania Stole hundreds of documents of surveillance and wire tapping of suspect groups Public outraged 0 senator Kennedy called for Hoover to resign Hoover dismantled CONTINENT AL and kept low profile Nixon asked Hoover to resign but Hoover refused Nixon froze out Hoover Death 2nd of May 1972 (77) White house immediately tried to find is private filesHis secretary Helen Candy (1918-1972) hid them in her office then his basement, then destroyed Nixon delivered eulogy Significance and Evaluation Bal instruction manual Bureau chain for command Personal efficiency records Fingerprint registry 1924 â€Å"Centralization of fingerprints, famed FBI laboratory, scientific analysis†¦ Branded him as the father of modern day law enforcement† Delilah Agent education 1928 Crime laboratory 1932 â€Å"Hoover gave America on of the world's greatest law-enforcement organizations† Denned and Dixon â€Å"FBI internationally respected for its competence and efficiency' Painter FBI & Hoover In Media G-men Magazines Comics Hollywood Homosexuality?Finding the â€Å"real† Hoover Little known of real life Hoover had few friends Hoover ordered destruction of files 3 sets of files Official and confidential 0 contained derogatory information on private lives of presidents, congressmen, senators, government employees and famous people (only ones left) Personal and confidential Bureau files â€Å"The issue of whether or not Hoover and Tolstoy were intimate is not only superficial but a smokescreen to hide Hover's gross dereliction of duty and hostility to the deals he was sworn to protect† Rosenberg Evaluation Super patriot Portrayed himself as patriotic hero saving USA from gangsters, Nazis, communists, Klan Took credit for making FBI internationally recognized Questions of surveillance and deceit during dictatorship *Dover reflected the assets and liabilities that flow from one person having so much power† Denned and Dixon The FBI Book – Max Allentown 1850 Exposes FBI activities Includes claim Hoover was secretly aiding HUGH Hoover attempted to prevent publication and denied claims Had agents go to bookshops and ask not to sell Got Journalists to write unfavorable reviews Commercial failure but useful for historians Sensationalism Journalists in early ass claimed FBI was a kind of Gestapo Hoover might have taken bribes from millionaires Some claimed Hoover ignored warning from British about pearl harbor â€Å"Hoover was a homosexual and a transvestites†¦ Was being blackmailed by the mafia† Summers â€Å"He became a symbol of violations of civil liberties and hostilities to civil rights, and that is a tragedy because there was great potential in that man† Powers â€Å"His legacy leaves a great deal to be proud of and a great deal to be ashamed of† Powers

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Education Is the Most Important Thing Essay

Education is the most important thing we can offer to our children and the generations to come, yet it is one of the topics that we struggle with the most. With the choices between local, state and federal authorities, who should have control over education? It is my belief that the control should lie with the federal authorities because they are able to maintain a complete situational picture over all the states. Many of our founding fathers of the United States feared that leaving education in the hands of private families, churches, local communities or philanthropic societies would not guarantee the survival of a democracy. (Pulliam & Van Patten, 2007, p. 122). In this paper I am going to defend my opinion of why the federal authorities should have control of education. How programs they have developed have flourished, and even how some of their programs could be run better. I currently serve as an instructor for the Navy teaching junior Sailors how to do their job better thus pr otecting the ship for harm, however; I am not the only one who teaches these classes, so to ensure that all Sailors are taught the same information all of our learning sites fall under one controlling entity. The education of our youth should be run the same, and if education was to be allowed to be completely run by local or even state entities, then the education opportunities may not be the same throughout the cities and even states. One of the best programs I have seen is the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2002. NCBL is a United States Act of Congress that was originally proposed by the administration of President George W. Bush immediately after taking office. The House of Representatives passed the bill on May 23, 2001, and United States Senate passed it on June 14, 2001. President Bush signed it into law on January 8, 2002. NCLB is the latest federal legislation that enacts the theories of standards-based education reform, which is based on the belief that setting high standards and establishing measurable goals can improve individual outcomes in education. The Act requires states to develop assessments in basic skills to be given to all students in certain grades, if those sta tes are to receive federal funding for schools. The Act does not assert a national achievement standard; standards are set by each individual state.(â€Å"No Child Left Behind Act of 2001â€Å", 2006) Not only does the NCLB Act standardize learning for the students it also is used for standardization of teacher qualifications. For decades, local policymakers and school officials turned a blind eye to a set  of vexing problems in public education. In practice, there was a situational definition of teacher quality. No one thought anything about, as one principal said, scheduling â€Å"a physical education teacher to fill in for one class of history.† It was a common practice for middle school principals to employ elementary certified teachers because it provided the principals maximum flexibility in assigning teachers to classes, whether or not the teachers were qualified to teach those classes. (Hayes , 2003) As stated earlier, I believe that all children should not only have the same opportunity to get an education, but should also be entitled to the same education as every other child. If control of our educational system was given to the local or even state authorities this would probably not be the case as each state would want to do it â€Å"their way†. The No Child Left Behind Act ensures that all children no matter race, religion, or financial status is given the same opportunities for education, and educated children are our future. References: Hayes , M. (2003). NCLB: Conspiracy, Compliance, or Creativity?. Retrieved from http://www.middleweb.com/HMnclb.html No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. (2006). Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2006/02/02062006.html Pulliam, J. D., & Van Patten, J. J. (2007). History of Education in American (9th Edition). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Columbus, Ohio.

Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento

Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento Composed by: Giovanni Paisiello Nel cor piu non mi sento Brillar la gioventu; Cagion del mio tormento, Amor, sei colpa tu. Mi pizzichi, mi stuzzichi, Mi pungichi, mi mastichi; Che cosa e Questo ahime? Pieta, pieta, pieta! Amore e un certo che, Che disperar mi fa. Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento Giovanni Paisiello was the most popular comic composer of his time. His operas (of which he is known to have composed 94) abound with melodies, the graceful beauty of which is still appreciated.His church music was very voluminous, composing of eight masses, besides many smaller works. He also produced 51 instrumental compositions and many detached pieces. As the eighteenth century operatic scene that surrounded and influenced Mozart emerged into clearer view, Giovanni Paisiello was recognized as one of its most significant shapers. He began composing opera as soon as he left the Conservatory of San Onofrio in Naples in 1763. In Naples, he soon became established as a popular local composer.He was noted for simplifying operatic style in the interests of getting more quickly to the plot and keeping it moving. His tendency towards concision was even greater strengthened when he accepted employment in the court of Catherine the Great of Russia in 1776. She demanded that productions in her theater last no more than an hour and a half. He strove to make his melodies more appealing, his orchestration more colorful, and make the music help illustrate the plot. This is clearly apparent in â€Å"Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento. This upbeat aria is one in which includes comic relief as well as a fast paced rhythm and mood. Well under two minutes, it is concise. Paisiello was known for his short compositions. This song does a great job of attracting people’s attention and keeping that attention, no matter how short or long the piece may be. â€Å"Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento† comes from â€Å"L’Amor contrastato, produced in Naples in 1789. It was perfo rmed throughout Europe for many, many years. In other cities, the opera was sometimes called different names.Nevertheless, this aria in general became immensely popular. Famous stars sang the elaborate piece, as Beethoven wrote piano variations of it. Audiences remembered â€Å"Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento† because it was simple. Also, it was repeated many times throughout the scene in the opera. It is sung by Rachelina, then by a tenor suitor, Colloandro, and the ending is repeated as a duet. Its short and quick rhythmic sound stuck in people’s minds in which contributed to the great success of this song.As for the character of this song, it is best shown through the actual character(s) it was written for. The scene of the opera takes place within Rachelina’s home in the countryside near Naples. Rachelina is described as â€Å"a rich mill-owner and imprudent in love. † In the scene, she is working; something that women in earlier operas seldom did. Sorroundi ng her I assume would be common items found within a home. I expect that she may be in her kitchen cleaning somewhere. As for what she wants, can be compared to what we all want. True love!Love has been driving her crazy and she does not feel as well as usual. She, like most of the world, does not understand how love can make us so crazy at times. Learning about a character that is already discovered and developed, it is almost easier to express emotion into this song. I believe this is because I am a woman and I can relate to how Rachelina is feeling. Also, I try to place myself in her shoes, and truly exert her emotions through my voice. It is a rewarding experience when you allow yourself to become another character. That’s what makes music so much fun!

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Act Local

Disneys fabled studio entertainment unit has an illustrious history in both animation and live-action features. The Lion King, released in 1994, is the highest grossing animated film of all time. More recently, Disney has enjoyed massive hits with live-action features. These include Pirates of the Caribbean and its sequels as well as classic American fare such as the TV show High School Musical. However, despite high worldwide awareness levels of the Disney brand, as of 2006 only 25 percent of the companys revenues came from outside the United States. Historically, the Disney team has created products at its headquarters in Burbank, California, and then exported them to the rest of the world. Now, as the company targets China, India, South Korea, and other emerging markets, it is departing from its one size fits all approach. One factor driving the strategy change: the first-year visitor count in Hong Kong fell short of the target figure of 5. 6 million people. This prompted company executives to step up efforts to educate the Chinese about Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and other Disney characters. As Bill Ernest, managing director, told the Financial Times, If you havent grown up with the brand, the stories, or the theme, you are not quite sure what you are walking into. In Hong Kong, Disney officials were slow to recognize that Chinese vacationers who live on the mainland often book package tours. Tour operators choose restaurants, shopping opportunities, and other destinations that generate the highest fees and commissions. At first, Hong Kong Disneyland didnt offer a tour package that included dinners. A new dining with Disney program was quickly rolled out. To round out the promotion, individual tour operators were offered a 50 percent individual discount as an incentive to visit Disneyland personally so they would have first-hand experience at the park. Disney has learned that they cant impose the American will— or Disneys version of it—on another continent. Theyve bent over backward to make Hong Kong Disneyland blend in with the surroundings. 47 Dennis McAlpine, media and entertainment research specialist We have been U. S. -centric forever. We realize that if were going to be a global network, then we need to solicit material from around the world. 48 Gary Marsh, Disney Channel Worldwide, commenting on Disneys new programming divisions in the UK and Japan Disney also went to great lengths to capitalize on an astrological coincidence: According to the traditional Chinese calendar, 2008 was the year of the rat. In Hong Kong, Mickey and Minnie Mouse wore special red costumes as Disney proclaimed 2008 to be the Year of the Mouse. Because the Chinese government tightly controls television and motion picture standards, Disney emphasized affordable consumer products such as plush toys and Disney-themed clothing to generate awareness and interest in the Disney brand. In 2009, amidst the global economic downturn and ongoing challenges at Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneys Parks and Resorts division announced plans for a new $3. 6 billion park in Shanghai. The proposed park will be owned jointly by Disney and the Shanghai municipalgovernment. Consisting of a theme park, hotel, and shops, the development would create 50,000 much-needed jobs. Shanghai Disneyland is an important element in Disneys strategy for penetrating the local market. However, the proposal does not address Disneys need for increased media exposure; company officials believe that a Chinese Disney TV channel is essential to build awareness of the Disney brand and interest in the new theme park. Disneys other divisions are also pursuing a more localized approach in key emerging markets. As Jason Reed, general manager for Walt Disney Studios International Productions, noted, Weve been very successful with our big global productions, such as Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure. But we think theres a natural way to supplement these films in areas like China, Russia, and India—areas that have built-in film traditions. For example, in India Disney is abandoning its go-it-alone policy and partnering with local companies such as Yash Raj Films. One new Hindi-language show, Dhoom Machaao Dhoom, concerns a girls quest for identity after living in the United States; another show, Vicky and Vetal, concerns a boys friendship with a 300-year-old ghost. The new approach is clearly paying off. In 2008, Disney released Roadside Romeo, its first animated feature developed specifically for India. The film was box-office gold, with the best opening weekend of any Disney feature in India. Disney is hoping to appeal to Indias family-oriented middle-class consumers; core themes include believe in yourself, express yourself, and celebrate your family. Because the number of cable television subscribers is increasingly rapidly, Disney launched the Disney Channel and Toon Disney. In addition, the company acquired Hugama, a childrens channel. Disney is also making Indian versions of its hit movie High School Musical. One challenge in India is the number of languages and dialects. Roadside Romeo was released in Hindi, Tamil, and Teluga. Future projects may be produced specifically for southern India where movie preferences are markedly different than in the north. Disney is going native in other emerging markets as well. 2009s Book of Masters was the companys first live-action film for the Russian market. A Russian version of High School Musical is also in the works. Next up: the Middle East. As Disneys Jason Reed says, Theres a really strong affinity between the strong family values in the region and the Disney brand. We want to go out and try to make a film that will play to families from North Africa to the Gulf States. Discussion Questions Why is it necessary for Disney to build braid awareness in China and other emerging markets? Do you agree with Disneys decision to pursue a localization approach in emerging-markets? Why is High School Musical~so successful in global markets?