Wednesday, December 25, 2019

A Biography of Richard the Lionheart

Richard the Lionheart was born on September 8, 1157, in Oxford, England. He was generally considered to be his mothers favorite son, and has been described as spoiled and vain because of it. Richard was also known to let his temper get the better of him. Nevertheless, he could be shrewd in matters of politics and was famously skilled on the battlefield. He was also highly cultured and well-educated, and wrote poems and songs. Through most of his life he enjoyed the support and affection of his people, and for centuries after his death, Richard the Lionheart was one of the most popular kings in English history. Early Years Richard the Lionheart was the third son of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and although his eldest brother died young, the next in line, Henry, was named heir. Thus, Richard grew up with little realistic expectations of achieving the English throne. In any case, he was more interested in the familys French holdings than he was in England; he spoke little English, and he was made duke of the lands his mother had brought to her marriage when he was quite young: Aquitaine in 1168, and Poitiers three years later. In 1169, King Henry and King Louis VII of France agreed that Richard should be wed to Louiss daughter Alice. This engagement was to last for some time, although Richard never showed any interest in her; Alice was sent from her home to live with the court in England, while Richard stayed with his holdings in France. Brought up among the people he was to govern, Richard soon learned how to deal with the aristocracy. But his relationship with his father had some serious problems. In 1173, encouraged by his mother, Richard joined his brothers Henry and Geoffrey in rebelling against the king. The rebellion ultimately failied, Eleanor was imprisoned, and Richard found it necessary to submit to his father and receive a pardon for his transgressions. From Duke to King Richard In the early 1180s, Richard faced baronial revolts in his own lands. He displayed considerable military skill and earned a reputation for courage (the quality that led to his nickname of Richard the Lionheart), but he dealt so harshly with the rebels that they called on his brothers to help drive him from Aquitaine. Now his father interceded on his behalf, fearing the fragmentation of the empire he had built (the Angevin Empire, after Henrys lands of Anjou). However, no sooner had King Henry gathered his continental armies together than the younger Henry unexpectedly died, and the rebellion crumpled. As the oldest surviving son, Richard the Lionheart was now heir to England, Normandy, and Anjou. In light of his extensive holdings, his father wanted him to cede Aquitaine to his brother John, who had never had any territory to govern and was known as Lackland. But Richard had a deep attachment to the duchy. Rather than give it up, he turned to the king of France, Louiss son Philip II, with whom Richard had developed a firm political and personal friendship. In November of 1188 Richard paid homage to Philip for all his holdings in France, then joined forces with him to drive his father into submission. They forced Henry—who had indicated a willingness to name John his heir—to acknowledge Richard as heir to the English throne before he died in July 1189. The Crusader King Richard the Lionheart had become King of England; but his heart wasnt in the sceptred isle. Ever since Saladin had captured Jerusalem in 1187, Richards greatest ambition was to go to the Holy Land and take it back. His father had agreed to engage in the Crusades along with Philip, and a Saladin Tithe had been levied in England and France to raise funds for the endeavor. Now Richard took full advantage of the Saladin Tithe and the military apparatus that had been formed; he drew heavily from the royal treasury and sold anything that might bring him funds—offices, castles, lands, towns, lordships. In less than a year after his accession to the throne, Richard the Lionheart raised a substantial fleet and an impressive army to take on Crusade. Philip and Richard agreed to go to the Holy Land together, but not all was well between them. The French king wanted some of the lands that Henry had held, and that were now in Richards hands, which he believed rightfully belonged to France. Richard was not about to relinquish any of his holdings; in fact, he shored up the defenses of these lands and prepared for conflict. But neither king really wanted war with each other, especially with a Crusade awaiting their attention. In fact, the crusading spirit was strong in Europe at this time. Although there were always nobles who wouldnt put up a farthing for the effort, the vast majority of the European nobility were devout believers of the virtue and necessity of Crusade. Most of those who didnt take up arms themselves still supported the Crusading movement any way that they could. And right now, both Richard and Philip were being shown up by the septuagenarian German emperor, Frederick Barbarossa, who had already pulled together an army and set off for the Holy Land. In the face of public opinion, continuing their quarrel was not really feasible for either of the kings, but especially not for Philip, since Richard the Lionheart had worked so hard to fund his part in the Crusade. The French king chose to accept the promises that Richard made, probably against his better judgment. Among these pledges was Richards agreement to marry Philips sister Alice, who still languished in England, even though it appeared he had been negotiating for the hand of Berengaria of Navarre. Alliance with the King of Sicily In July of 1190 the Crusaders set off. They stopped at Messina, Sicily, in part because it served as an excellent point of departure from Europe to the Holy Land, but also because Richard had business with King Tancred. The new monarch had refused to hand over the bequest the late king had left to Richards father, and was witholding the dower owed to his predecessors widow and keeping her in close confinement. This was of special concern to Richard the Lionheart, because the widow was his favorite sister, Joan. To complicate matters, the Crusaders were clashing with the citizens of Messina. Richard resolved these problems in a matter of days. He demanded (and got) Joans release, but when her dower was not forthcoming he began taking control of strategic fortifications. When the unrest between the Crusaders and the townfolk flared into a riot, he personally quelled it with his own troops. Before Tancred knew it, Richard had taken hostages to secure the peace and begun constructing a wooden castle overlooking the city. Tancred was forced to make concessions to Richard the Lionheart or risk losing his throne. The agreement between Richard the Lionheart and Tancred ultimately benefited the king of Sicily, for it included an alliance against Tancreds rival, the new German emperor, Henry VI. Philip, on the other hand, was unwilling to jeopardize his friendship with Henry and was irritated at Richards virtual takeover of the island. He was mollified somewhat when Richard agreed to share the monies Tancred paid, but he soon had cause for further irritation. Richards mother Eleanor arrived in Sicily with her sons bride, and it was not Philips sister. Alice had been passed over in favor of Berengaria of Navarre, and Philip wasnt in either a financial or military position to address the insult. His relationship with Richard the Lionheart further deteriorated, and they would never recover their original affability. Richard couldnt marry Berengaria quite yet, because it was Lent; but now that shed arrived in Sicily he was ready to leave the island where he had tarried for several months. In April of 1191 he set sail for the Holy Land with his sister and fiancà © in a massive fleet of over 200 vessels. Invasion of Cyprus and Marriage Three days out of Messina, Richard the Lionheart and his fleet ran into a terrible storm. When it was over, about 25 ships were missing, including the one carrying Berengaria and Joan. In fact the missing ships had been blown further on, and three of them (though not the one Richards family were on) had been driven aground in Cyprus. Some of the crews and passengers had drowned; the ships had been plundered and the survivors were imprisoned. All of this had occurred under the governance of Isaac Ducas Comnenus, the Greek tyrant of Cyprus, who had at one point entered into an agreement with Saladin to protect the government hed set up in opposition to the ruling Angelus family of Constantinople. After having rendezvoused with Berengaria and secured her and Joans safety, Richard demanded restoration of the plundered goods and the release of those prisoners who hadnt already escaped. Isaac refused, rudely it was said, apparently confident in Richards disadvantage. To Isaacs chagrin, Richard the Lionheart successfully invaded the island, then attacked against the odds, and won. The Cypriots surrendered, Isaac submitted, and Richard took possession of Cyprus for England. This was of great strategic value, since Cyprus would prove to be an important part of the supply line of goods and troops from Europe to the Holy Land. Before Richard the Lionheart left Cyprus, he married Berengaria of Navarre on May 12, 1191. A Truce  in the Holy Land Richards first success in the Holy Land, after having sunk an enormous supply ship encountered on the way, was the capture of Acre. The city had been under siege by Crusaders for two years, and the work Philip had done upon his arrival to mine and sap the walls contributed to its fall. However, Richard not only brought an overwhelming force, he spent considerable time examining the situation and planning his attack before he even got there. It was almost inevitable that Acre should fall to Richard the Lionheart, and indeed, the city surrendered mere weeks after the king arrived. Shortly afterward, Philip returned to France. His departure was not without rancor, and Richard was probably glad to see him go. Although Richard the Lionheart scored a surprising and masterful victory at Arsuf, he was unable to press his advantage. Saladin had decided to destroy Ascalon, a logical fortification for Richard to capture. Taking and rebuilding Ascalon in order to more securely establish a supply line made good strategic sense, but few of his followers were interested in anything but moving on to Jerusalem. And fewer still were willing to stay on once, theroretically, Jerusalem was captured. Matters were complicated by quarrels among the various contingents and Richards own high-handed style of diplomacy. After considerable political wrangling, Richard came to the unavoidable conclusion that the conquest of Jerusalem would be far too difficult with the lack of military strategy hed encountered from his allies; furthermore, it would be virtually impossible to keep the Holy City should by some miracle he manage to take it. He negotiated a truce with  Saladin  that allowed the Crusaders to keep Acre and a strip of coast that gave Christian pilgrims access to sites of sacred significance, then headed back to Europe. Captive in Vienna The tension had grown so bad between the kings of England and France that Richard chose to go home by way of the Adriatic Sea in order to avoid Philips territory. Once again the weather played a part: a storm swept Richards ship ashore near Venice. Although he disguised himself to avoid the notice of Duke Leopold of Austria, with whom he had clashed after his victory at Acre, he was discovered in Vienna and imprisoned in the Dukes castle at Dà ¼rnstein, on the Danube. Leopold handed Richard the Lionheart over to the German emperor, Henry VI, who was no more fond of him than Leopold, thanks to Richards actions in Sicily. Henry kept Richard at various imperial castles as events unfolded and he gauged his next step. Legend has it that a minstrel called Blondel went from castle to castle in Germany seeking Richard, singing a song he had composed with the king. When Richard heard the song from within his prison walls, he sang a verse known only to himself and Blondel, and the minstrel knew he had found the Lionheart. However, the story is just a story. Henry had no reason to hide Richards whereabouts; in fact, it suited his purposes to let everyone know that he had captured one of the most powerful men in Christendom. The story cannot be traced back any earlier than the 13th century, and Blondel probably never even existed, although it made for good press for minstrels of the day. Henry threatened to turn Richard the Lionheart over to Philip unless he paid 150,000 marks and surrendered his kingdom, which he would receive back from the emperor as a fief. Richard agreed, and one of the most remarkable fund-raising efforts began.  John  was not eager to help his brother come home, but  Eleanor  did everything in her power to see her favorite son return safely. The people of England were heavily taxed, Churches were forced to give up valuables, monasteries were made to turn over a seasons wool harvest. In less than a year nearly all of the exhorbitant ransom had been raised. Richard was released in February, 1194, and hurried back to England, where he was crowned again to demonstrate that he was still in charge of an independent kingdom. The Death of Richard the Lionheart Almost immediately after his coronation, Richard the Lionheart left England for what would be the last time. He headed directly to France to engage in warfare with Philip, who had captured some of Richards lands. These skirmishes, which were occasionally interrupted by truces, lasted for the next five years. By March of 1199, Richard was involved in a siege of the castle at Chalus-Chabrol, which belonged to the Viscount of Limoges. There was some rumor of a treasure having been found on his lands, and Richard was reputed to have demanded the treasure be turned over to him; when it was not, he supposedly attacked. However, this is little more than a rumor; it was enough that the viscount had allied with Philip for Richard to move against him. On the evening of March 26, Richard was shot in the arm by a crossbow bolt while observing the progress of the siege. Although the bolt was removed and the wound was treated, infection set in, and Richard fell ill. He kept to his tent and limited visitors to keep the news from getting out, but he knew what was happening. Richard the Lionheart died on April 6, 1199. Richard was buried according to his instructions. Crowned and clothed in royal regalia, his body was entombed at Fontevraud, at the feet of his father; his heart was buried at Rouen, with his brother Henry; and his brain and entrails went to an abbey at Charroux, on the border of Poitous and Limousin. Even before he was laid to rest, rumors and legends sprang up that would follow Richard the Lionheart into history. Understanding the Real Richard Over the centuries, the view of Richard the Lionheart held by historians has undergone some notable changes. Once considered one of Englands greatest kings by virtue of his deeds in the Holy Land and his chivalrous reputation, in recent years Richard has been criticized for his absence from his kingdom and his incessant engagement in warfare. This change is more a reflection of modern sensibilities than it is of any new evidence uncovered about the man. Richard spent little time in England, it is true; but his English subjects admired his efforts in the east and his warrior ethic. He didnt speak much, if any, English; but then, neither had any monarch of England since the Norman Conquest. Its also important to remember that Richard was more than the king of England; he had lands in France and political interests elsewhere in Europe. His actions reflected these diverse interests, and, though he didnt always succeed, he usually attempted to do what was best for all his concerns, not just England. He did what he could to leave the country in good hands, and while things sometimes went awry, for the most part, England flourished during his reign. There remain some things we dont know about Richard the Lionheart, beginning with what he really looked like. The popular description of him as elegantly built, with long, supple, straight limbs and hair a color between red and gold, was first written nearly twenty years after Richards death, when the late king had already been lionized. The only contemporary description that exists indicates that he was taller than average. Because he displayed such prowess with the sword, he could have been muscular, but by the time of his death he may have put on weight, since the removal of the crossbow bolt was reportedly complicated by fat. Then theres the question of Richards sexuality. This complex issue boils down to one salient point: there is no  irrefutable  proof to support or contradict the assertion that Richard was a homosexual. Each piece of evidence can be, and has been, interpreted in more than one way, so every scholar can feel free to draw whatever conclusion suits him. Whichever Richards preference was, it apparently had no bearing on his ability as a military leader or a king. There are some things we  do  know about Richard. He was very fond of music, though he never played an instrument himself, and he wrote songs as well as poems. He reportedly displayed a quick wit and a playful sense of humor. He saw the value of tournaments as preparation for war, and although he rarely participated himself, he designated five sites in England as official tournament locations, and appointed a director of tournaments and a collector of fees. This was in opposition to numerous decrees of the Church; but Richard was a devout Christian, and diligently attended mass, evidently enjoying it. Richard made many enemies, especially through his actions in the Holy Land, where he insulted and quarreled with his allies even more than his foes. Yet he apparently had a great deal of personal charisma, and could inspire intense loyalty. Though renowned for his chivalry, as a man of his times he did not extend that chivalry to the lower classes; but he was at ease with his servants and followers. Although he was talented at acquiring funds and valuables, in keeping with the tenets of chivalry he was also notably generous. He could be hot-tempered, arrogant, self-centered and impatient, but there are many stories of his kindness, insight and goodheartedness. In the final analysis, Richards reputation as an extraordinary general endures, and his stature as an international figure stands tall. While he cannot measure up to the heroic character early admirers depicted him as, few people could. Once we view Richard as a real person, with real foibles and quirks, real strengths and weaknesses, he may be less admirable, but he is more complex, more human, and much more interesting.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Essay about The Voice of the Chimney Sweepers - 1180 Words

William Blake (1757-1827) led a relatively happy life. At an early age, he claimed that he could see God, Angels, and other important Italian figures. Blake’s parents encouraged him to keep a record of all the masters he claimed to keep in contact with. Blake’s father, James Blake, gave him casts and engravings to keep this record. At the age of ten, Blake started at a drawing school named Henry Pars’ Drawing School. Three years later, he was apprenticed to a Master Engraver, James Basire. Blake worked with Basire for seven years, and then attended the Royal Academy School to further his study in drawing, painting, and printmaking. After his studies, he started out engraving and producing illustrations for magazines. In 1783, he happily†¦show more content†¦Children were sent off the squeeze into small places day after day. Limbs could break. Soot was inhaled. The poisonous chemicals in the chimneys caused hazardous situations, and thus medically, the ch ildren were hindered. Children worked anywhere from six to eight hours a day, and were expected to get up bright and early the next day to show up for work. On the occasions that they were allowed off from work, they went home to abusive families or foster homes. Business owners claimed that putting them to work, the children were able to care for themselves, and their poor families. Still, many thought that the hours and dangers heavily outweighed the value of a few coins. Blake was not the only Poet of the time who fought for the rights of the children, but he was one of the few who publically showed his detest for such labors, through his poems, â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper-Songs of Innocence 1789,† and â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper-Songs of Experience 1794.† Blake was able to shed light on the cruelty of society of the work ethic of children, while also promoting what he hoped would help children realize that there is hope in the cruel world. Innocence could be defined in many different ways. Blake defined it as a genuine love, and a trust toward all human kind. Children are particularly susceptible to this definition of â€Å"innocence.† They do not know any better than to trust. This is why theyShow MoreRelatedAn Unfolding of William Blakes quot; the Chimney Sweeperquot;691 Words   |  3 PagesAn Unfolding of William Blakes The Chimney Sweeper. William Blakes poem The Chimney Sweeper gives us a look into the unfortunate lives of 18th century London boys whose primary job was to clear chimneys of the soot that accumulated on its interior; boys that were named climbing boys or chimney sweepers. Blake, a professional engraver, wrote this poem (aabb rhyme), in the voice of a young boy, an uneducated chimney sweeper. This speaker is obviously a persona, a fictitious character createdRead More Oppression and Spiritual Deterioration in William Blakes Poem London1154 Words   |  5 PagesNear where the charterd Thames does flow, 2 And mark in every face I meet, 3 Marks of weakness, marks of woe. 4 In every cry of every Man, 5 In every Infants cry of fear, 6 In every voice, in every ban, 7 The mind-forgd manacles I hear: 8 How the Chimney-sweepers cry 9 Every blackning Church appalls, 10 And the hapless Soldiers sigh, 11 Runs the blood down Palace walls. 12 But most thro midnight streets I hear 13 How the youthful HarlotsRead More William Blakes The Chimney Sweeper Essay672 Words   |  3 PagesWilliam Blakes The Chimney Sweeper William Blakes The Chimney Sweeper, written in 1789, tells the story of what happened to many young boys during this time period. Often, boys as young as four and five were sold for the soul purpose of cleaning chimneys because of their small size. These children were exploited and lived a meager existence that was socially acceptable at the time. Blake voices the evils of this acceptance through point of view, symbolism, and his startling irony.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  BlakeRead MoreThe Chimney Sweeper : A Little Black Thing Among The Snow1659 Words   |  7 Pagesthe times, and often give a voice to the marginalised and oppressed. As well as this Poets would also made arresting comparisons to children in there poems, they believed children where exceptional due to the poets beliefs that they were innocent and uncorrupted, but also had an affinity with nature. A poet which did so was William Blake, whose poem ‘The chimney sweeper: A little black thing among the snow’ I will be comparing and contrasting to ‘The chimneys sweepers complaint’ by Mary Alock inRead MoreSolemn Soot and Social Despair In the Transformative World of William Blakes The Chimney Sweeper and London817 Words   |  3 Pagesthe Transformative World of William Blake England was changing. The rolling green shires and inspiring scenery that was fixed in the earliest memories of the Romantic poets was quickly vanishing. There was a trade off happening. Rivets for rocks, chimney stacks for trees, locomotives for carriages and steal tracks for cobblestone. Piece by piece England’s quaint agricultural backdrop was being replaced by a stern industrial one. Progress! Some shouted. The greater good! Others exclaimed. ExpansionRead MoreThe Chimney Sweeper And The Tyger878 Words   |  4 Pagesis viewed very differently in â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† and â€Å"The Tyger.† In â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† god is a source of hope and control. If you do your job and stay out of trouble everything will be okay. In â€Å"The Tyger† God is questioned how could someone who made the gentle lamb also make the creature like a tiger. â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† paints God in a light that if you keep your head down and do what you are told everything will be okay. The author uses the voice of a child to represent the innocenceRead More Comparing William Blakes The Tyger and The Lamb Essay1246 Words   |  5 Pagesthe different ways in which people actually experience the world. In â€Å"Songs of Innocence† the language is simple and repetitive, the lines are kept short and the rhymes are obvious. A childlike vision is conveyed through Blakes clever use of voices with their varying perspectives and questions. The poems reveal particular states of being and ways of seeing which the author is not saying are the whole truth. The poems have a joyful quality but they contain a subtle awareness of sorrow. â€Å"SongsRead MoreInnocence and Experience Essay1422 Words   |  6 Pagesthe two versions of â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† and political and social matters raised in the two versions of â€Å"Nurse’s Song† during the Romantic period. First, the two versions of â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† discuss serious problems about religious beliefs in 1800. Back in 1800, there have been misuses of church spiritual power to gain profits out of people’s misery. On the surface, the innocence version of â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† tells of a young boy, who works as a chimney sweeper, get a visit in his dreamRead More Explorations of Childhood and Duty in â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† and â€Å"Casabianca†1786 Words   |  8 Pages Although Blake wrote â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† featured in Songs of Innocence before Felicia Hemans was ever born, issues relevant to first-generation Romantic authors still pervaded the literary scene when second-generation authors like Hemans finally took the stage. â€Å"Casabianca,† published in 1826, and â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper,† published in 1789, both address a central question: What does it mean to be a child? Both poems examine the dut ies that children have to society as a whole. While there isRead MoreEssay on Explication of William Blakes Poem London1706 Words   |  7 Pagesuse as in sadness or weeping (cry). The word â€Å"every† (5-7) is repeated throughout the second stanza. â€Å"Every† (5-7) is used to place an emphasis on the occurrence of the happenings in this stanza. The speaker sees in â€Å"every† â€Å"man,† â€Å"voice,† and â€Å"ban† â€Å"mind-forged manacles† (5-8). Manacles by definition are handcuffs, Blake uses the handcuffs to symbolize a restraint (Manacle). In the â€Å"cry of every man† (5) and in â€Å"every Infant’s cry of fear† (6) the speaker see restraints. He also

Monday, December 9, 2019

Me myself and I Essay Thesis Example For Students

Me myself and I Essay Thesis JUST-IN-TIME INVENTORYIntro/Background: The management of inventory is a problem common to all business organizations. Basically, inventory is a resource idle for the present but useful for the future. If it is for the future, then why store it now physically and incur costs? Why not procure it only when needed? These questions lie behind the philosophy of Just-in-Time (JIT). JIT is a process for achieving excellence in a manufacturing company based on the continuing elimination of waste, and waste is considered to be anything that does not add value to the product. The principle of JIT is to eliminate sources of manufacturing waste by getting the right quantity of raw materials and producing the right quantity of products in the right place at the right time. In an effort to control costs during fiscally challenging economic times, the JIT system was developed in Japan after WWII. Many Japanese companies in the post-war era were challenged to find a way to meet the needs of customer s and businesses while utilizing as few resources and as little capital as possible. The Japanese developed these set of techniques in order to control production, limit unnecessary products and reinvest the valuable capital left from the savings back into the business structure. Taiichi Ohno first adopted JIT for Toyota manufacturing plants, and he was named the Father of JIT because of its success. By the mid 1970s, JIT gained extended support and became widely used by many companies. JIT is a management philosophy that strives to eliminate sources of manufacturing waste by producing the right part in the right place at the right time. Waste results from any activity that adds cost without adding value, such as moving and storing. JIT, also known as lean production or stockless production, should improve profits and return on investment by reducing inventory levels or increasing the inventory turnover rate, improving product quality, reducing production and delivery lead times, an d reducing other costs such as those associated with machine setup and equipment breakdown. In a JIT system, underutilized or excess capacity is used instead of buffer inventories to hedge against problems that may arise. JIT applies primarily to repetitive manufacturing processes in which the same products and components are produced over and over again. The general idea is to establish flow processes by linking work centers so that there is an even, balanced flow of materials throughout the entire production process. To accomplish this, an attempt is made to reach the goals of driving all queues toward zero and achieving the ideal lot size of one unit. JIT is not about automation. Instead, JIT eliminates waste by providing the environment to perfect and simplify processes. JIT is a collection of techniques used to improve operations, and it can be a new production system used to produce goods or services. The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) has the follow ing definition of JIT: a philosophy of manufacturing based on planned elimination of all waste and continuous improvement of productivity. It encompasses the successful execution of all manufacturing activities required to produce a final product, from design engineering to delivery and including all stages of conversion from raw material onward. The primary elements include having only the required inventory when needed; to improve quality to zero defects; to reduce lead time by reducing setup times, queue lengths and lot sizes; to incrementally revise the operations themselves; and to accomplish these things at minimum cost. JIT is best suited for repetitive production environments. However, JIT principles can be applied to all parts of an organization including order-taking, purchasing, operations, distribution, sales, accounting, design, etc. The goal of JIT is to eliminate any function in the manufacturing system that causes overhead, slows productivity, or adds unnecessary exp ense. JIT allows for the elimination of inventory stockpiles and inefficiency and waste; raw materials arrive just in time for production and finished goods just in time for sale. When JIT principles are implemented successfully, significant competitive advantages are realized. The Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory system was developed in Japan after WWII, in an effort to control costs during fiscally challenging economic times. The challenge that faced many Japanese companies in the post-war era to find a way to meet the needs of customers and businesses while utilizing as few resources and as little capital as possible. The Japanese developed these set of techniques in order to control production, limit unnecessary products and reinvest the valuable capital left from the savings back into the business structure. Much of the success of many Japanese corporations over the past four or five decades has been was linked to the principles of JIT. Cultural Diversity in Business EssayCompanys like Bose Corporation of Framingham, MA, have recognized the significance of developing JIT systems within their company, and have also been central to the development of JIT II, a concept that hopes to reduce costs and save time in transactions with suppliers. JIT II is based on the reduction of lead times by increasing designs and responding more quickly to the needs of customers through a customer supplier partnership. This theory is an extension of the JIT I systems, though the difference between the two systems is significant. While JIT I systems are based on the supplier meeting the immediate needs of the customer, JIT II requires participation by the customer in order to promote faster returns. When this system was first developed by Bose, it was expected to dramatically change the cost structure and time involved in the day to day transactions between customers and suppliers. JIT II calls for presence of a full-time sales represe ntative within the customers company structure. The partnership comes because the representative is paid by the supplier, but works within the customer company in order to reduce the delays inherent to order systems and inventory retrieval. The development of JIT I and JIT II have changed the face of supplier/customer relationships since their introduction in the U.S. in the early 1980s. Japanese companies that have opened plants within the United States continue to utilize the principles of JIT systems in their business structures. At the same time, American companies are recognizing the benefits and transitioning their common practices of mass-production in order to reduce overhead, decrease costs, and allow for the utilization of capital that is available because of lower inventory expenditures. JIT II has come as a natural extension of processes that save time and money for many companies. The utilization of an in-house sales-representative available to promote and distribute product lines while also decreasing lead times has had a monumental impact on business structures. The trend appears to moving towards the minimization of inventory procedures rather then remaining steadfast in mass production. JIT systems have led the way in creating a more streamlined inventory processes across the globe. References:Anonymous (1996, May). The New Supplier Partnership: An Inside Story. Nations Business, vol. 84(5), pp. 21. Chhikara, J. Weiss, E. (1995, May June). JIT Savings Myth or Reality? Business Horizons, vol.38(3), pp. 73-78Manoochehri, G. (1988, October). JIT for Small Manufacturers. Journal of Small Business Management, vol. 26(4), pp. 22-30. Pragman, Claudia (1996, July August). JIT II: A Purchasing Concept for Reducing Lead Times in Time-Based Competition. Business Horizons, vol. 39(4), pp. 54-58. Waguespack, K. Cantor, B. (1996, July). Oil Inventories Should be Based on Margins, Supply Reliability. Oil Gas Journal, vol. 94(28), pp. 39-41. References: www.inventorysolutions.org http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ncwsa/pg3a.htm http://www.freequality.org/Training%20Slides/JITmanufacturing.ppt http://sunny.crk.umn.edu/courses/mktg/1100/ppfolder/CHAPTR17.PPT http://www.freequality.org/Training%20Slides/Just-In-Time%20by%20Steve%20Spangler.ppt Words/ Pages : 1,900 / 24

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Product Launch in German Market

Introduction Launching a product into a new market is often challenged with a mixed reaction from potential customers. Often, early adopters form only the narrow apex of market segment triangle consisting of competition, divergent preference, and different lifestyle controlled by a customer’s purchasing power.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Product Launch in German Market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, before an entry bid into a new market, several preset conditions must be fulfilled from recommendations of a researched sales projections and market behavior. As a matter of fact, success of a product launched in a new market will be determined by the management decision rationale, market segmentation, pricing, existence of competitors, buying motives, magnitude of risk, and uniqueness of the said product. Beauty industry has been experiencing constant metamorphosis. Reflectively, new products and modifications on old products are the order of the day as businesses across the globe attempt to cut and maintain a niche in the crowded market. Management Summery Management science is critical in modeling and transforming a blue print of ideas into a reality. Management involves research, design, production, sales, and efficiency as means of maximizing profits. As a matter of fact, a successful management team should be put in place especially in marketing, logistics, and follow up to determine success and sustainability in the volatile fragrance market characterized by pop culture and celebrity endorsement. Therefore, the management team for Tunner spar spray will consist of the marketing manager, logistics personnel. The marketing manager has the responsibility of monitoring progress, managing risk, and studying consumer behavior. Periodic finding will be important in product modification and packaging to meet demands of customers in the highly volatile Germany. Target Group In product market, our life style defines the activities we are involved in, beliefs, opinion, health aspect, and interests. As defined in the â€Å"Activities, Interest, and Opinion†, life style directly dictates purchasing behavior and preference. Germany population consists of many literate women who have continued to be more conscious of health matters and beauty.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Specifically, the cosmopolitan Deutschland city has a comfortable percentage of high market women who have fully embraced beauty and natural attractiveness. Besides, they tend to associate with sophistication and have money to spend. The middle and high social classes women are the key target this product. This groups are heavy spenders in beauty products especially those that promise unique aspects and have unique features. As the issue of need for safety and prevention of cancerous infection penetrate beauty industry, German women have increasingly grown shy from synthetic cosmetics and prefer natural products. The target group has a peculiar buying motive for beauty product. The main reason for purchase of beauty products is to try the best possible (Longenecker, Petty, Palich and Moore, 2009, p.34). Besides, a good percentage of sales are generated by referrals from satisfied customers. Beauty products are bought for use in skin care and protection form harsh climatic conditions. Product Development Success of a product launched in a new market will be determined by the management decision rationale, market segmentation, pricing, existence of competitors, buying motives, magnitude of risk, and uniqueness of the said product. Beauty industry has been experiencing constant metamorphosis across the globe. Sweet Tuner spray is a beauty product that gives clients a glowing natural skin texture. This product is developed from assorted rich Ecocert DHA elements and fragrances with active tanning ingredients. At 8.45%, this product is the best among others for that rich olive tone and golden glowing skin. Through selective research about the potential customers that can access other beauty products in this class, and by eavesdropping on the celebrity preference talks, the resultant product is tailored and encrypted with a personal tag of quality and affordability (Butterworth-Heinemann Byrnes, 2009, p.13). The fragrance is quite resilient and can withstand harsh sunny environment. Besides, it also has a portable stylish container bottle and some variants offer multiple customized properties thus making it easier to apply, doing away with the need for constant application as common with other products with limited adjustments flexibility.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Product Launch in German Market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This product has minimal ef fect on nearly all types of skin and has received approval from the pharmaceutical organization of Germany as having a clean bill of health. All different variety of this product emits a unique identifier fragrance regardless of the type. Most of potential clients seem to suggest that this product is the best invention in the beauty industry (Laudon and Laudon, 2007, p.45). Besides its unique package and affordable price tag, this 200ml bottle of skin turner offers quality against money considering the fact that it retails at $5 while most of other products in the same class trade for a higher value. Also, the product comes in different fragrance to fit different occasions and customer preference. Market Launch Risk Beauty industry majorly functions on product identity and class affiliation. As a matter of fact, some beauty products have penetrated the market and have worn several customers who often identify themselves with these products (Zahra and George, 2002, p.23). Women in Ge rmany observe strong cultural practices that at times contrast modern perception of beauty and pharmaceutical usage. They believe in traditional beauty products that have been tried and approved by many users. In Munich, there are many natural and herbal therapeutic beauty agents who discretely offer the alternative beauty skin care. In a hybrid between the traditional and modern beauty, German women try several alternatives. Adoption of a beauty product mainly depends on a recommendation by a relative or friend. Potential customers often source for traditional or household beauty products in this class from neighborhood stores. Then, they turn to the traditional beauty experts and market for further recommendations. If the find a positive response, their trust is worn otherwise they proceed to mainstream pharmacy to buy over-the-counter skin care medication as suggested to by friends (Erricos and Cristian, 2007, p.46). This trend present a real challenge in the launch of this produ ct since the first impression and convincing traditional beauticians may prove difficult. Besides, existing products have cult like following and change might be resisted. In addition, the opportunity cost of balancing the target and actual accomplishment is directly associated with success of the launch. Cultural competency is necessary to for success of this skin product. In many cases, acceptability depends on perception of the targeted consumers. While well intentioned, this scenario erects more barriers to communication. Firstly, due to generational gap, an adult does not readily share all their intimate discomforts with a product like young generation does ( Maness and Zietlow, 2005,p.67).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Secondly, distortion of context can occur for concepts are culture-specific. Culturally, German communities are very social sharing household with multigenerational variance (Baskerville, 2004,p.17). Therefore, a mere approval might not necessarily translate into sales and success. Rereference List Baskerville, R 2004, International e-business marketing, Alabama: Cengage Learning EMEA. Butterworth-Heinemann Byrnes 2009, Management and the Arts, 4th edn, Focal Press. Erricos, J. and Cristian, G 2007, Optimisation, econometric and financial analysis, London: Springer-Verlag. Laudon, K., Laudon, J. P 2007, â€Å"Using internet tools to increase efficiency and productivity†, Essentials of Management Information System, vol 8, pp. 300-410. Longenecker, G. J., Petty J W., Palich E. L. and Moore, W 2009, Small Business Management: Launching and Growing Entrepreneurial Ventures, USA: Cengage Learning. Maness, T., and Zietlow, J 2005, Short-term financial management, New York: Thomso n Learning. Zahra, S., and George, G (2002), International Entrepreneurship: The current status of the Field and Future Research Agenda in Strategic Entrepreneurship creating a new mindset, Oxford Uk: Blackwell Publishing. This essay on Product Launch in German Market was written and submitted by user Uriah R. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Filipinos Are The Asian Primos of Latinos Professor Ramos Blog

Filipinos Are The Asian Primos of Latinos Link: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/dear-filipinos-hispanic-latino-southeast-asian To this day, people of Filipino and Mexican backgrounds have similar cultures in a way. They are seen and heard through their language, their attitudes, and their culture seen in television, media, food, and religious faiths. But while that may be, the similarity of the culture and background between Filipinos and Mexicans shows a connection between the two based on some factors. One being that the Filipinos had a connection with the Spaniards during the time when the Spaniards took over the Philippines, the revolutionary war between the Filipinos and the Spaniards, the pronunciation of certain words in the Tagalog and Spanish language, and the behavior, attitudes, and beliefs that are shared between Filipinos and Mexicans. Link: https://www.buzzfeed.com/kevinnadal/fil-am-history-facts Contents: The Philippine Revolution1900s to 1940s The U.S. Immigration of Filipinos and World War IIFilipinos in the 1960s, 1970s, and NowBehavior, Culture, Language, and Other Similarities Shared Between Filipinos and LatinosA Summary and ConclusionAnnotated Bibliography 1. The Philippine Revolution In the late 1590’s, the Spaniards began their rule in the Philippines. During those times, the Spaniards influenced the Filipinos with their culture, especially with the religion of the Roman-Catholic faith. But as it may be, the Filipinos saw the abuse of power within the colonial rule of the Spanish. When tensions between the Spaniards and the Filipinos were strains due to the Spaniard’s abuse of power, the Filipino clergy saw nothing but corruption of â€Å"the Spanish monopoly of the Roman Catholic church† (â€Å"Philippine Revolution† 1). In the year 1872, there came the Cavite Mutiny. The Cavite Mutiny was a day that was meant for the deaths of three Filipino priests - Josà © Burgos, Mariano Gà ³mez, and Jacinto Zamora. With their deaths, this gave the Filipinos â€Å"an excuse for renewed Spanish repression† (1). In other words, it was the time for the Filipinos to rise up against the Spaniards for the oppression they had faced while unde r their rule. In due time, rebellions were created against the Spaniards with â€Å"a wave of anti-Spanish sentiment† (1). Filipinos during the Philippine Revolution. (Link: https://www.batangashistory.date/2018/03/blanco.html As the Philippine Revolution was rising, there came significant figures that lead the way for Filipino independence. In order to highly motivate the Filipinos to fight for Filipino independence, a significant figure by the name of Dr. Josà © Rizal showed the Filipinos the â€Å"corruption of the Manila Spanish society† (â€Å"Philippine Revolution† 2). After Rizal was captured and executed by the Spaniards, the mantle of leadership was passed onto Emilio Aguinaldo. Although his leadership skills were moot which resulted in the Spaniards dominating the rebellion and Aguinaldo and his forces faced exile. But in 1898, the U.S. intervened and the Spanish were pushed back and the colonial rule of the Spaniards in the Philippines had dissolved. After a certain period, the Filipinos later fought for independence against the U.S. but later lost. From this, Aguinaldo called for all Filipinos to â€Å"cease fighting and accept U.S. sovereignty† (2). Left: Josà © Rizal (Link: https://www.batangashistory.date/2018/03/blanco.html) Right: Emilio Aguinaldo (Link: bayaniart.com/emilio-aguinaldo/emilio-aguinaldo-2/) 2. 1900s to 1940s - The U.S. Immigration of Filipinos and World War II After the war between the United States and the Philippines, the Philippines was one of the colonies under the rule of the United States. This is specifically due to the â€Å"cultural Americanization of the Philippine population† (Becker et al. 4). Since then, the Filipino immigration rates to the U.S. was increasing at a meager rate. At that time, Filipinos came to Hawaii to work at its sugar plantations; Alaska working as fishermen catching salmon; and California working in its agricultural fields. When World War II was came, the Philippines became allies with the U.S. in the fight against the Japanese. In turn, some Filipinos who served during World War II were rewarded the chance to immigrate to the U.S. for their dedication in working with the United States and fighting against the Japanese. In 1946, more than 100,000 Filipinos (Roces 3) migrated to the United States. Filipinos during World War II. They are preparing for the war in Luzon, Philippines. (Link: https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/daily/wwii/guerrilla-war-on-luzon-during-world-war-ii/) Prior to World War II, the Filipinos that migrated to the United States were mostly consisted of males. From this, it meant that they were barred from marrying white females (Roces 3) due to laws that prevented Filipinos from starting an interracial marriage and family. This resulted in Filipino males marrying a woman of a different race in order to start a family. Those laws that barred them from doing so were later dissolved after World War II. Although, the flow of Filipino immigrants coming to the United States came to a halt due to the Luce-Celler Act of 1946. But after 44 years, the immigration rate for Filipinos coming to the United States rose up once again when the Immigration Act of 1990 was passed. At that point in 1946, the colonization of the U.S. in the Philippines that happened after the Philippine-American War later brought in â€Å"the era of globalization† (Becker et. al 3). In other words, a significant influence of Filipinos soon came to the United States once the war was over. Left: Filipino-Americans living their lives in Hollywood during the 1940s. (Link: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/85005511695320517/) Right: A Filipino family during the 1990s. (Link: https://www.tenement.org/blog/hyphenated-and-good-filipino-american-heritage-month/) 3. Filipinos in the 1960s, 1970s, and Now Twenty years after World War II and after the immigration rates of Filipinos had significantly dropped, Filipinos faced high rates of hate and racism along with the Mexicans who did so. In time, those Filipinos were a part of the Civil Rights Movement and began to combat against racism and oppression. A specific example would be the Filipinos that faced the same racism that the Mexicans did in Delano, California over the lower wages that they received. Soon, they too were a part of the Civil Rights Movement and fought back against the oppression they faced. In the 1980s, the population of Filipinos in the United States increased due to two factors: one factor being that Filipinos migrated to a different country, then migrated to the United States under their citizenship of the country they migrated to prior to coming to the United States. Then, in the 1990s, the rate of immigration between the Philippines and the United States increased once the Immigration Act of 1990 was passed. W ith that, the Filipino population in the United States increased. Today, there is a total of â€Å"over 3 million Filipinos in the United States† (Roces 4). Left: Larry Itliong, leader of the AFL-CIO. Middle: Filipino farm workers protesting.Right: A Filipino protestor.(Link: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/09/16/440861458/grapes-of-wrath-the-forgotten-filipinos-who-led-a-farmworker-revolution) During the Delano Grape Strike in the 1960s to the 1970s, Larry Itliong made history with his alliance and connection to the Latinos that protested during the Delano Grape Strike by working alongside with Cesar Chavez and leading the Filipino farm workers to equal civil rights and an end to the discrimination that the Filipino and Latino workers faced in Delano. Itliong was the head of the AFL-CIO - Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee - and the co-founder of the NFWA - National Farm Workers Association. In one moment that was recalled by a certain individual during his youth, his father participated in a meeting called by Itliong. According to Guillermo, he stated from that individual account, â€Å"He recalled watching his father, Bob a Filipino laborer make the motion to strike in the meeting called by Iltiong, then the head of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AFL-CIO)† (3). From this meeting that was called upon by Itliong, they started their prote sts which soon caught the attention of Cesar Chavez. At that point, Itliong and the NFWA soon made an alliance with Cesar Chavez and later created the United Farm Workers Union. From this collusion, this event â€Å"brought together Filipinos and Mexicans,† (Guillermo 5) and made the protest movement a greater force against their oppressors. Cesar Chavez, left, and Larry Itliong, right. (Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/19/us/larry-itliong-forgotten-filipino-labor-leader.html) 4. Behavior, Culture, Language, and Other Similarities Shared Between Filipinos and Latinos As it may be, there is a connection between Filipinos and Latinos on some levels. One shared factor is that â€Å"80% of U.S. immigrants migrate from Asian Pacific or Latin American countries† (Tseng and Fuligni 2). Another factor being that there is a conflict in some Latino and Filipino families in which children and adolescents would get into conflicts due to the usage of English in conversations between family members. According to Tseng and Fuligni, it is shown that â€Å"adolescents who preferred English and who were less proficient in their parents’ native Spanish or Asian Pacific languages also reported greater conflict with their parents† (4). On the contrary, there are some Latino and Filipino families that have no conflicts over the usage between their native language and English. This is the case for that type of family since those types of parents â€Å"have close relationships with their English-speaking children† (5). According to a study b y Tseng and Fuligni, there is a balance between the Filipino and Latino families that speak both their native language and English. Specifically, 20% percent of Filipinos and 21% of Mexicans speak both of their native languages and English. (Tseng and Fuligni 16). Another connecting factor between Filipinos and Latinos are the words that are shared in the Spanish language. Specifically, both sides share the same pronunciation in numbers, foods, and other words. The only different being how their spelled. For example, calle (â€Å"street† in Spanish) would translate to kalye in Tagalog; sayote - an edible vegetable - would translate to chayote in Tagolog. In terms of grammar and spelling, an example from Tagolog is the word gusto which has the same roots as the Spanish verb gustar which means â€Å"to like†. The only difference between Tagolog and Spanish is how they’re used based on grammar and spelling. According to Erazo, the mix of Spanish and Tagalog resulted in the idea of Filipino Spanish which â€Å"contains many Mexican Spanish words of Nahuatl† (4). The Catholic is shared by both Filipinos and Latinos alike. The reason being that â€Å"Filipinos and Latinos really love baby Jesus† (8). Finally, th ere are some last common last names shared between Filipinos and Mexicans - Santos, Reyes, Cruz, Garcia, Mendoza (Erazo 8), and other last names. An example of a Mexican-Filipino family would be the Latino popstar and singer, Enrique Iglesias (left), whose mom, Isabel Preslyer, is a Filipina (middle) and dad, Julio Iglesias Sr., is of Spanish descent (right). Left photo: https://nycmonthly.com/article/concert-spotlight-interview-with-enrique-iglesias/ Middle photo: http://ethnicelebs.com/isabel-preysler Right photo: https://compareceleb.com/388-julio-iglesias-sr.html 5. A Summary and Conclusion From the late 1590s, the Spanish colonized the islands of the Philippines and later created the Asian versions of themselves - Filipinos. That being said, the influence of the Philippines was became another version of Spain which was later colonized by the United States after two revolutionary wars. In turn, the presence of Filipinos in the United States rose once some people made their way through to the United States. But after World War II and the 1990’s, Filipinos made themselves more known in the United States and show to the Latinos that were present in the United States as well. Today, the connection between Filipinos and Latinos still grows because of the Spanish colonization and American colonization. 6. Annotated Bibliography Becker, Gay, et al. â€Å"IMMIGRATING FOR STATUS IN LATE LIFE: Effects of Globalization on Filipino American Veterans.† 3rd ed., vol. 14, Elsevier Science Publishing Company, Inc., Sep. 2000. EBSCO Host, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=sihAN=3663243site=ehost-live. Accessed 24 March 2019. The authors bring the readers statistics and and summaries of Filipino veterans that immigrated to the US after World War II. That being said, Becker and the following authors will mention how lives were for the Filipinos ever since they immigrated to the US; what they had done during their time here in the US; and much more. This source will be used to show what Filipino veterans had done ever since they immigrated to the US and lived their lives here. Moreover, I will use this source to prove a connection between Filipinos and Mexicans. Gay Becker and the following authors are all professors from the University of California, San Francisco. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. â€Å"Philippine Revolution.† Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., 5 Aug. 2016, www.britannica.com/event/Philippine-Revolution. Accessed 17 March 2019. This article summarizes the whole story of the Philippine Revolution and how the Philippines came to be under the colonial rule of the Spanish and the rule of the United States afterwards. Specifically, the article mentions critical events and figures that led up the Philippine Revolution, such as the Cavite Mutiny, Dr. Jose Rizal, and other topics. This article will be used to discuss the history between the Filipinos and the Latinos in the late 1590s, how the Spanish culture came to terms with the Philippines and its inhabitants, and what exactly made the Filipinos what they are based on their culture and background. The Britannica has been the major hub for historical topics and figures by giving a summary of those topics. Erazo, Vanessa. â€Å"10 Reasons Why Latinos and Filipinos Are Primos.† Remezcla, 2015, remezcla.com/lists/culture/film-10-reasons-why-latinos-and-filipinos-are-primos/. Accessed 17 March 2019. Vanessa Erazo gives a quick rundown and correlation to why Filipinos are the Asian counterparts of Latinos. In doing so, she compares Filipinos to Latinos based on the language, religion, food, culture, and other factors that are shared between the two. This source is used to better support the connection between Filipinos and Latinos and explain why they are connected. Vanessa Erazo is a film and TV Editor for Remezcla - a news hub for entertainment and media regarding Latinos in films, television, music, and social media. Guillermo, Emil. â€Å"Eclipsed by Cesar Chavez, Larry Itliongs Story Now Emerges.† NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 8 Sept. 2015, www.nbcnews.com/news/ asian-america/eclipsed-cesar-chavez-larry-itliongs-story-now-emerges-n423336. Accessed 24 March 2019. Emil Guillermo raises the history and persona of Larry Itliong, a leader for the Filipino farm workers who protested for the same goal that Cesar Chavez wanted for him and the Mexican farm workers - equal civil rights and higher pay. With the accounts of few people who saw Itliong firsthand, Guillermo used those accounts to show what they saw and how those events led up to the formation of the United Farm Workers Union. This article will be used to discuss and give evidence about Filipinos in the 1960s and 1970s and their connection to the Latinos by talking about Itliong’s actions in the Delano Grape Strike. Emil Guillermo graduated from Harvard University and is a journalist and commentator. Roces, Mina. â€Å"Filipina/o Migration to the United States and the Remaking of Gender Narratives, 1906-2010.† 1st ed., vol. 27, Wiley-Blackwell, Apr. 2015. EBSCO Host, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=sihAN=101556321site=ehost-live. Accessed 24 March 2019. Mina Roces talks about how feminism has evolved over time for the Filipinas. She talks about how religion has been the foundation for all Filipinas as well as what has changed for them. This is source is only used to mention the history of the Filipinos in the United States. Mina Roces is a professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. She received her PhD from the University of Michigan. Vivian Tseng, and Andrew J. Fuligni. â€Å"Parent-Adolescent Language Use and Relationships Among Immigrant Families With East Asian, Filipino, and Latin American Backgrounds.† 2nd ed., vol. 62, May 2000. EBSCO Host, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=sihAN=3162481site=ehost-live. Accessed 24 March 2019. The authors Tseng and Fuligni mention the observations of the behavior of Latino and Asian families. In a sense, there is a correlation as to how youths would interact with their parents based on the connections to their cultural background. This source will be used to correlate the connection as to how similar Mexican and Filipino families interact. Tseng is a professor from UCLA and Fuligni is from the William T. Grant foundation.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Your complete guide to landing a job in retail

Your complete guide to landing a job in retail When you think about it, retail is kind of a choose-your-own-adventure career, like those old kids’ books. There are so many ways you can go (working in a traditional store, working in online fulfillment, being a behind-the-scenes logistics person, or providing valuable services), and so many options for doing it (part-time, full-time, short-term, long-term, seasonal). Whether it’s your right career or your right-now career, retail can be a great growth option. So how do you get started? One of the best things about working in retail is that you don’t need to complete years of education before you begin, and introductory training is often offered on the job. If you have the skills and the commitment, you can start in one place and work your way up to management, or take those developed skills and bring them with you to whatever path you take next. And if you’re just getting started in retail (or thinking about it), we’ve got you covered.Is retail ri ght for you?The first step is deciding whether retail is your next step. And let’s be honest- it’s not for everybody. If you hate the idea of talking to the public or your major philosophy in life is â€Å"my way or the highway,† well, then customer service might not be for you. Start by taking an honest look at your skills and goals- as well as some of the hard truths about working in retail- and see if that retail choice is a good fit.8 Skills You’ll Need for Your Future Retail Career6 Job Skills You Need To Be A Sales Associate10 of the Most Annoying Things about Working in Retail What You Need to Know to Succeed in the Retail IndustryAnd if you don’t happen to have some of these skills just yet, don’t worry- you can certainly start working on them, with the retail job goal in mind.How to find retail jobs  Once you’ve decided to go for a retail job and narrowed down your skills, it’s time to look for the right opportunitie s. Start by researching companies you want to target, based on your location or the type of retail you want to focus on. If you need some ideas for starting points, we’ve got information on some of the best retail jobs out there, and how to ferret them out.A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Different Types of Retail JobsTop 5 Less Crowded Sites to Look For Retail JobsTop 70 Customer Service Jobs That Are Hiring Today10 of the Best Jobs in Retail Nationwide8 Best Jobs in Retail (And How to Get Them)Because retail is one of the industries that changes quickly with the times, be sure to consider all of your options- both traditional and digital.Top Opportunities in the Online Retail RevolutionIf you start thinking beyond the store, so to speak, you may find that there are retail jobs that wouldn’t even have occurred to you before.How to score retail jobsLike any job search, the core elements of your retail job search will likely sound familiar: resume and interview. The per fect retail resume showcases your skills, even if you don’t yet have tons of experience.How to Create a Perfect Retail ResumeHow to Write a Perfect Cashier Resume (Examples Included)How to Write a Perfect Sales Associate Resume (Examples Included)After your resume has scored you an interview, make sure you’re ready to rock it by preparing for certain types of questions ahead of time.5 Questions to Expect in a Retail Job InterviewThe Most Popular Macy’s Interview QuestionsHow to get a seasonal retail jobIf you’re not looking for a long-term retail option or you’re seeking to break into the field as a newbie, seasonal retail work can be a great, flexible option. Many stores bulk up their staffs during busy seasons, like back to school or the holidays. The hours may be crazy (and so might the customers), but in a month or two of chaos, you’ll be making connections, building necessary retail skills, and making extra money.3 Essential Steps to La nding a Seasonal Job10 Summer Retail Jobs- And How to Get Them6 Supercharged Strategies to Finding a Seasonal JobEverything You Need to Know About Working During the HolidaysHow to level up in your retail careerIf you’ve already got some retail experience under your belt or you’re figuring out if the career path has long-term potential for you, it’s important to know where you can go in the future with your retail skills, leadership experience, and know-how.How to Move Up the Retail Ladder Without College5 Great Career Paths You Can Take if You’re Working in RetailRetail Management: Your Complete Guide to Starting Your CareerWhether you’re just starting out or starting to think about what your retail future looks like, we’ve got the resources you need, from our Resume Library to our comprehensive job search. Good luck!

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Sustainablility practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Sustainablility practice - Essay Example nd, that the recent growth in tourist related number is adversely impacting not only the local culture endemic to the land, but is also causing irreparable harm to the environment. As such, sustainable tourism activities, such as the one describe herein, are essential to the future of the country, in addition to the necessity of meeting the current needs of the people and land. The objective of this report is to highlight sustainable tourism operations in Thailand and to illustrate the critical need to further develop this endeavour in order to protect both the land and the environment of this Southeast Asian nation. This objective was primarily accomplished by researching currently literature related to sustainable tourism in Thailand, as well as conducting an in-depth analysis of the Thailand Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website. It was discovered that, while sustainable tourism is on the rise throughout the nation, there is still far too much reliance on international projects, which are creating harm to the land, the people, and the culture. In the future, more focus is needed in terms of developing tourist operations that are directly impacting the people of Thailand, while doing little to no harm to the environment in which they live. Throughout time, tourism has been in a constant state of change, and along with it has come a consistent need to look towards the future. For tourism to be sustainable, and for it to have a positive environmental effect for future generations, companies must look for ways to protect the lands in which they operate. The average tourist today has different expectations that have been evolving over the years. While the tourist industry has struggled at time to keep up with global demand, it has largely performed brilliantly across various sectors (Hamzah & Hampton, 2011). The flip side of this, however, has bough about grave environmental concerns that, left unaddressed, will completely alter the tourist landscape of

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Motivation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 24

Motivation - Essay Example He was even of the idea that the productivity levels of the worker were more dependent the pay and they produce more if a piece rate pay system is used (Milkovich, 1991). This means that workers produce more and worker hard in order to earn higher wages. Adam Twidell of Private Fly has adopted various aspects of the motivation theory provided by F.W. Taylor. Firstly, Twidell is following Taylor’s advice regarding the rewards that motivate employees. Taylor stated that it is the pay that motivates employees and even Twidell believes that workers are motivated by extrinsic rewards such as monetary benefits and cannot be motivated through intrinsic ones (Daft, 2011). Due to this Twidell uses the monetary rewards of stock options to those pilots who have been working with the organization for more than one year. Taylor is of the idea that workers are not self-motivated to work and decisions need to be made at the top level management and then these decisions are followed by the lower level of employees (Furnham,2005). Twidell is even following the same rule and he is the one making the decisions for his organization and is delegating tasks to different employees and pilots. Taylor even proposed that the employers have to break do wn jobs into tasks and award those tasks to different employees along with train and that motivates employees to work. In case of Twidell, he states that there are various procedures to be carried out by the employees working on a plane and these procedures need to be divided amongst employees in order to ensure that all the procedures are carried out correctly. Elton Mayo is another theorist who has provided a theory regarding the motivation of employees and he proposed that in order to motivate employees to work the employers need to meet the social needs of the workers (Miner, 2005. He contradicted Taylor’s

Sunday, November 17, 2019

The American School System Essay Example for Free

The American School System Essay Education is what keeps a society thriving; its what enables a society to thrive and create productive individuals who can keep the educational process on-going. The whole purpose of education is to enlighten us with truths, and create knowledgeable people. We must ask ourselves, what is the point of creating knowledgeable people? We answer this with a question in return; where would we be without knowledgeable people? In The Republic, Plato extensively analyzes these questions, and helps us come to the conclusion that without education, people would be as clueless as inanimate objects. We can come to the consensus that knowledgeable people are the ones who prosper in life, and overcome lifes harsh obstacles. How do they do it? They are able to do it because they have the ability to think and evaluate. We also asked ourselves where does one receive this knowledge? In todays world, one would receive it through â€Å"education. † And where does one receive the education? At school. Plato had a vision that the attaining of knowledge should be one full of thought, opposing ideas, and intricate study. With that said, I believe that Plato would not think too fondly of the current American public school system! â€Å"Unless a man is able to separate out the idea of the good from all other things and distinguish it in the argument, and, going through every test.. you will deny that such a man knows the good itself, or any other good? † Plato is saying that unless a person is able to distinguish right from wrong, he or she will not know good itself. This ties in with the role of education because education should help us achieve that according to Platos view. Education should assist us in distinguishing right from wrong, good from evil. American public schools arent doing this, and I know this because I go to one. In American schools, its all about memorizing facts, and more facts. Nowhere in between are we taught how to tell from good and evil; how to tell if were being taken advantage of. Its almost as though teachers are scared to teach us this; as though they are confined to teaching us what has been approved by others. Plato states that students and learners should be exposed to many opposing ideas. This is what creates intellectual thinkers. Because American public schools dont offer an environment where students can analyze opposing ideas to their own, Plato would not be satisfied with our educational system. Throughout his allegory, Plato talks about how dialectic is supposed to be introduced to learners in order to challenge them with opposing views and ideas. â€Å" the power of dialectic alone could reveal it to a man experienced in the things we have just went through † Plato is saying that education through the form of dialectic is the most prosperous and intellectual way to learn and teach. American public schools dont offer a lot of dialectic seminars, so Id have to say that Plato would show great disapprobation to the way American public schools are run. Hed think that American public schools are run in a very prosaic manner. Kids inputs are not really valued, resulting in students who are not very ardent towards school. This may be the explanation for why kids are dropping out of school at all-time highs. Plato would also find disappointment in American public schools due to the lack of conspiracy theories, or interfering ideas. Plato was extremely vernal about the teachings of opposing ideas, and conspiracy theories fall directly under that category. Plato would be shocked to see that students believe everything that is taught to them at schools. He would wonder if any of the students had the capacity to think for themselves, and be able to analyze data and determine according to their own accord whether it is truth of false. I know conspiracies are not being taught at American public schools for a fact because whenever I head up to a teacher to talk to them about the possibility of 9/11 being an inside job, they closed their mouths and dare not to say anything. Plato would be astonished that societys very own educators are scared to include conspiracies or other forms of opposing ideas in their teachings. Although there are quite a few reasons for why Plato might think poorly of the American public school system, theres also reason why he might praise it. â€Å"Well then, the study of calculation and geometry and all the preparatory education required for dialectic must be put before them as children.. † Plato is stating that mathematics, and other forms of calculation, are fundamental to education. In todays age, we do place a big emphasis on math. I believe that Plato would be impressed by this. I believe its safe to say that Plato would be quite disappointed with out current public school system. Hed be wondering why the system doesnt place a large enough emphasis on dialectic and the teaching of opposing ideas, or in other words conspiracy theories. I couldnt blame Plato. I agree with most of his points made. I strongly feel that schools should offer new ways of teaching, and new material to teach.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Ainmal Rights Essay examples -- essays research papers

Animal Testing   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Animals have been used in testing of various products for many decades. Products are usually tested somewhere before they are marketed to humans. These products vary from medical supplies to just make-up. Many animal rights activists, such as the PETA organization, have argued to get laws passed which makes such use of animals unlawful. This question of animal’s rights has been debated for many decades with out coming to any common ground between the two sides. The importance as well as the necessity of testing products on animals is not proven, so there is no way that one can say whether or not animals should be used for the testing of products. Animals should have some sort of right to not be tested on if it is detrimental to their health, or not very significantly important to medical advances.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is also difficult to establish just how many rights should be granted to animals. Testing of cosmetic products on animals has been the center of many arguments for animal rights groups. Groups such as PETA have argued that animal testing is in humane and pointless. What gives humans the right to use animals to test these products on animals? These products that are only for our vanity, could cause the illness or death of the animal? This is not fair to the animal; the animal is going to endanger its health just for our vanity. So, should the animals be granted some right to protect themselves against suc...

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Business Strategy And Economics

Abstract This paper is focused on the importance of disruptive innovation as described in the teaching of Professor Clayton Christensen.The first part of the paper introduces a business report of Christensen’s theory on disruptive innovation. The focus is on major assumptions of this theory, as they are applied to the performance of one of the leading European airline companies, Ryanair. Moreover, the second part of the paper outlines a plan that clarifies how the professor’s teaching enhances the potential of individuals to move forward to a sustainable and successful future based on the model of disruptive innovation. Introduction The theory on disruptive innovation has gained adequate importance in the global business environment. Introduced by Professor Clayton Christensen, this theory emphasises that companies should refocus their capacities and resources on technology in order to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage and growth in particular market segments (Christensen et al., 2008). Disruptive innovation is a powerful tool to drive the expansion of companies that are concerned with the attainment of long-term success (Christensen, 1997). The objective of this paper is to provide a business report on the theory of disruptive innovation as applied in the case of Ryanair, as well as to outline a plan of how the professor’s teaching can lead to developing of a sustainable and successful future, as human beings. Business Report In The Innovator’s Dilemma, Clayton Christensen (1997) introduced his distinct concept on disruptive innovation. Disruptive innovations are usually initiated as versions of products and services that already exist in the market, but they are identified as less desirable due to the aspect of lower quality. However, such products and services tend to improve with time and thus gain recognition among major customer population (Christensen et al., 2008). The conceptual framework of disruptive innovation is based on opportunity recognition, which is associated with the generation of useful ideas through implementing a past, present and future approach. The importance of considering past events have been acknowledged as a way to understand the specificity of how certain innovations have occurred (Cortez, 2014). Awareness of current trends in a particular business sector should be maintained in order to demonstrate disruptive innovation. Moreover, presenting possible scenarios is ano ther essential step of this approach that could help companies gain a strong competitive advantage (Christensen, 1997). Disruptive innovations can be perceived as ‘factor changers’ in the sense that they shape the markets into which specific products and services are introduced (Govindarajan et al., 2011). Therefore, disruptive innovations can refer to any product or service that has successfully altered dimensions of behaviour or technology in a particular market. It can be indicated that disruptive innovation usually characterises as low-end innovation and new market innovation (Christensen et al., 2008). Low-end innovation takes place when leaders tend to implement a strategy of over-supplying the needs of their customers with substantial technological capability or services that they may not actually need. As a result, a vacuum is created within such low-end market, which in turn reflects in a situation where customers with low demands are more likely to achieve their goals at lower cost (Jang, 2013). This aspect illustrates the validity of the theory on disruptive innovation consider ing the numerous examples of successful companies that have relied on this strategy, including Apple, Ryanair, and Rolls Royce. The second type of disruptive innovation, new market innovation, is focused on the formation of a new niche of customers by the introduction of new products or services. Individuals can be facilitated to complete certain procedures or processes that have been previously identified as challenging or quite demanding in terms of requiring a wide range of skills and knowledge (Christensen, 1997). However, established organisations usually demonstrate a trend to ignore the growth of new markets because of the prevailing conception that such markets are low margin. Similarly to low-end disruptive innovation, new market innovation indicates the importance of enhancing product offerings and expanding product niches (Habtay, 2012). Emphasis is put on attracting customers away from recognised or established products and services. Substantial disruption takes place as a direct result of this process, as the newly introduced products and services have the power to change the existing market on a permanent basis (Maldonado, 2014). The theory of disruptive innovation is valid because of the focus it maintains on the capacity of companies to refocus on technology advancements to optimise their performance. An example of the theory on disruptive innovation in practice can be found in the business operations of Ryanair. In the 1990s, leading airline European companies in the industry decided that the opportunities arising from the implementation of a low-cost strategy do not present a substantial threat to their market (Paton, 2013). Yet, newcomers in the European airline industry, such as EasyJet, applied the example of Ryanair’s point-to-point strategy. A direct outcome of this initiative was the creation of a low-cost niche market, which led to significant shifts in market behaviour as well as technology utilisation (Maldonado, 2014). It can be suggested that such niche of customers have realised the importance of Ryanair’s strategy even though they have not been identified as regular flyers. In addition, the low-cost and no frills strategy soon started to attract a considerable number of business travellers, who demonstrated a rapid switch from high-cost airline compani es to low-cost airlines (Christensen et al., 2008). This has been done with the assumption that low-cost airlines have significantly improved their service as a result of the implementation of disruptive innovation principles (Habtay, 2012). Such aspect demonstrates the validity of the theory considering its successful application to expanding companies’ growth in new markets. Ryanair has succeeded in the creation of a new market of budget travellers, which represents an example of the theory on disruptive innovation. The basic of such success was to offer routes to customers that no other airline did at rather competitive, affordable prices. The main aspect of disruptive innovation is to refocus technology use (Paton, 2013). This has helped the airline to maintain a close contact with its customers through optimisation of the internet use, commitment to quality, and safety maintenance and adequately focused criteria for growth. Ryanair has achieved its objective to reduce its operation cost through maximising its use of technical advances, as it introduced the options of booking of tickets and issuing of boarding cards online (Schmidt and Druehl, 2008). This airline company has provided a relevant example of how its operational teams and processes are brought together to deliver innovation in specific target niches. It has been assumed that the innovation introduced by Ryanair is desired by the target niche market (Habtay, 2012). Therefore, it can be argued that innovation levels should be maintained in balance in order to achieve the company’s initially presented goals for growth and expansion. As illustrated in Professor Clayton’s theory on disruptive innovation, an emergent strategy that organisations should adopt should be based on essential principles. Initially, companies that consider the option of disruptive innovation should incorporate elements of learning into their strategy plan (Paton, 2013). Furthermore, organisations should be focused on finding relevant information that can guarantee that they move in the right direction, similarly to what Ryanair did in the European airline industry through its adherence to the disruptive innovation model (Schmidt and Druehl, 2008). As a result, this type of innovation can produce long-term catalytic change, as illustrated in the example of Ryanair. The way in which a new technology addresses the demands presented in an existing customer segment is an important condition for success. Existing customers have been found powerful to affect an organisation’s resource allocation process (Christensen et al., 2008). The basic idea behind the application of disruptive innovation in practice is to introduce new functions or attributes, as Ryanair introduced a low-cost strategy and flexible fares to its customers (Petrick and Martinelli, 2012). A significant assumption can be provided in relation to new market disruptive innovation in the sense that it is more likely to prosper among customers that companies have not been addressed previously. As implied in The Innovator’s Dilemma, Professor Clayton’s theory of disruptive innovation illustrates both the strengths and weaknesses of using financial ratios to measure business performance in both the short-term and long-term (Christensen, 1997). The strengths associated with using these ratios refer to the capacity of companies to use specific financial information to advance their business operations. Weaknesses of these ratios include improperly maintained focus or irrelevant or inaccurate financial details. The most important ratios with regards to Professor Clayton’s theory are the following profitability ratios: Return on Capital Employed (ROCE); Current Ratio and Acid Test Ratio (Christensen et al., 2008). The ratio of RONA presents a comparison of net income with the specific net assets. The ratio of ROCE provides significant information about the returns that an organisation achieves from the capital it employed. In the case of Ryanair, the company’s ROCE ratio indicated a significant increase from 6.86% in 2011 to more than 10% in 2013 before tax (Paton, 2013). The formula for calculating the current ratio is to divide current assets and current liabilities. Therefore, Ryanair’s current ratio in 2013 is 1.97:1. Acid test ratio is obtained through subtracting current assets and inventory and the result is divided with current liabilities (Habtay, 2012). The acid test ratio in 2013 is 1.97:1. These ratios indicate that the company performs well in its niche target market as a result of the introduction of disruptive innovation. Plan Professor Clayton’s teaching provides fundamental business ideas that can help individuals move forward to a sustainable and successful future, as human beings. His concepts reinforce the potential of professionals in the business world to bring about a substantial change that can alter positively their lives (Christensen et al., 2008). When human beings are confronted with new technological innovations, they tend to explore the numerous opportunities associated with such technology advancements that can help them become more successful in their operations. Sustainability emerges as an essential dimension in Clayton’s teaching on disruptive innovation (Petrick and Martinelli, 2012). By finding new markets for new technologies, individuals can help companies move in the right direction through adhering to the model of disruptive innovation (Christensen et al., 2008). Technology is the key to a sustainable and successful future for human beings considering the emphasis on improvement in product performance. There has been always a drive to seek improvement of products and services in any market segment. Clayton’s teaching motivates individuals to restructure their thinking and present distinct inferences regarding the application of disruptive innovation models in practice (Chandra and Yang, 2011). In fact, the model suggested by the professor indicates a proven path to achieving a sustainable and successful future based on the concept of disruptive innovation. The ability of human beings to innovate is leading in the contemporary business world, which is oriented towards long-term success. Clayton’s ideas are focused on presenting a realistic framework according to which sustainable is achievable as well as new innovations address current needs and expectations identified in different markets (Christensen et al., 2008). As Clayton a rgued, market leaders are responsible for embracing such innovations and exploit the numerous advantages of technologies. As a result, this would contribute to the emergence of a high level of sustainability in the dynamic business environment (Maldonado, 2014). The model introduced by Professor Clayton provides managers with an opportunity to offer relevant insights into the most appropriate way of utilising disruptive technologies. The professor presents his arguments in a clear, consistent manner, which helps individuals understand the specificity and applicability of his theory (Christensen, 1997). The emergence of particular value networks is in line with the basic idea to refocus on technology through the distinct model of disruptive innovation (Petrick and Martinelli, 2012). Moreover, Professor Clayton emphasises the necessity to discuss different managerial decisions, which contribute to enhanced sustainability in the business world. Moving to a sustainable and successful future may be challenging for human beings, but they can make a sense of all activities pertaining to disruptive innovation and apply them in practice. This can help individuals realise the potential and practicalities of the ideas shared by Professor Clayton (Habtay, 2012). Emphasis on the learning cycle shows that both individuals and companies can embrace the concept of change, which may contribute to expanding sustainability not only in the organisational context but also in society (Christensen et al., 2008). The professor’s teaching is intended to clarify any misunderstanding related to business performance in the contemporary world. His ideas suggest that sustainability and business success are attainable through the simple realisation of companies’ potential (Christensen, 1997). In addition, the development of new capabilities as related to specific organisational boundaries may be a relevant solution to overcome problems i n a company’s performance. Conclusion This paper discussed Professor Clayton Christensen’s theory on disruptive innovation, which has been recognised as a significant tool in driving the growth of many organisations (Christensen et al., 2008). The paper also provided arguments pertaining to the successful implementation of the theory in practice. Ryanair was referred to as an example of company, which adheres to the model of disruptive innovation (Paton, 2013). It has been concluded that Ryanair’s low-cost strategy has brought substantial success to the company. Moreover, the paper discussed details on how the professor’s teaching is inspiring for human beings in the process of moving forward to a sustainable and successful future. References Chandra, Y. and Yang, S. (2011). ‘Managing Disruptive Innovation’. Journal of General Management, vol. 37(2), pp.23-50. Christensen, C., Johnson, C. W. and Horn, M. B. (2008). Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns. New York: McGraw-Hill. Christensen, C. (1997). The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail. Boston: Harvard Business Review Press. Cortez, N. (2014). ‘Regulating Disruptive Innovation’. Berkeley Technology Law Journal, vol. 29(1), pp.175-228. Govindarajan, V., Kopalle, P. K. and Danneels, E. (2011). ‘The Effects of Mainstream and Emerging Customer Orientations on Radical and Disruptive Innovations’. Journal of Product Innovation Management, (1), pp.121-132. Habtay, S. R. (2012). ‘A Firm-Level Analysis on the Relative Difference between Technology-Driven and Market-Driven Disruptive Business Model Innovations’. Creativity & Innovation Management, vol. 21(3), pp.290-303. Jang, S. W. (2013). ‘Seven Disruptive Innovations for Future Industries’. SERI Quarterly, vol. 6(3), pp.94-98. Maldonado, E. R. (2014). ‘How to Identify Disruptive New Businesses’. Global Conference on Business & Finance Proceedings, vol. 9(1), pp.510-520. Paton, M. (2013). Ryanair Profits Soar 21% [online]. The Motley Fool. Available at: http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/01/28/ryanair-profits-soars.aspx [Accessed: 14 August 2014]. Petrick, I. J. and Martinelli, R. (2012). ‘Driving Disruptive Innovation’. Research Technology Management, vol. 55(6), pp.49-57. Schmidt, G. M. and Druehl, C. T. (2008). ‘When Is a Disruptive Innovation Disruptive?’ Journal of Product Innovation Management, vol. 25(4), pp.347-369.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

A Small Place

Jamaica Kincaid's A Small Place focuses on her cynical views toward politics, poverty and tourism in Antigua. Kincaid begins by telling the readers about the island's natural beauty: the sunny sky and warm weather, and the picturesque nature.  Ã‚   She then, encourages the reader to look beneath the island's beauty to discover and get to know the real state of the people and their culture.The reader is addressed as you all throughout the book.   Kincaid would like the reader to understand the people's poverty and their culture, which is highly influenced by the English colonizers, and the political system riddled with corruption.   She challenges the reader to look beyond the natural beauty of the island to discover and acknowledge its ugly side.   All throughout the book, the author's opinions, views, criticisms and comments regarding these three issues are apparent.The author's narrative is laced with bitterness and sarcasm, particularly when relating about the island's col onial pasta and the present's dependence on tourism as a source of income.   Kincaid's tone changes when she recalls memories that are precious to her as a child.   But predominantly, she writes with indignation.This paper will discuss Kincaid's narrative and criticism against tourism, poverty, and politics through the book's content, setting, theme, major characters, and symbolism.ContentA Small Place is not strictly divided into titled sections.   Instead, there are four untitled sections that tackle different aspects.   In the first section, the narration was about being a hypothetical tourist in Antigua, the author's birthplace.   Antigua is then described as an island of great, natural beauty.As a tourist, you only see the beautiful sights and the positive aspects of the people and the island.   You don't program your mind to think of the natives other than the usual warm and welcoming hosts, and as the people to serve your needs.The narrative in this section is lac ed with insider knowledge, often about the harsh reality that a tourist doesn't see.   These include the poverty of the people, the corruption and unlawful activities of some of the islands mansion owners who Kincaid claims are drug lords, and references to why most of the cars in the island are Japanese made.   This section ends at the hotel and the author's opinion about a tourist's moral ugliness.In the next chapter, the author brings back memories of the â€Å"old† island, which she described as a colony of Great Britain.   The author highlights the racism in the island and how the locals loved the English culture.   One of this section's main points is the author's derision against the fuss the people made over Princess Margaret's visit when Kincaid was just a child.The colonial mentality of the Antiguans was criticized.   For the Antiguans, the author says, bad behavior is not bad so long as it was an Englishman who committed it.   At the end of the section, the author relates colonialism to the present impoverished state of Antigua.It was in the second section that Kincaid asked â€Å"why people like her can't forget the past†?   She calls the reader's attention to the British colonial system, and condemns the human trading in the past.   Her ancestors, she said, were dragged to Antigua as chained slaves.   According to Kincaid, slavery will never be forgotten because institutional reminders remained in the island.   The Barclays bank is an example of trading firm that made its fortunes from bartering humans like they were goods.After amassing wealth through the sale of slaves, the Barclays went into banking and continues to be prosperous up until the present.   What's more ironic to Kincaid is the fact that Barclays is a major financial institution in Antigua that provides loans and fundings to the descendants of the slaves they traded years ago.   While the slaves made them rich, it is their descendants who are ma king Barclays continue to be rich.