Cemex

Read the management Focus on Cemex and then answer the following question: a. Which theoretical explanation, or explanations, of FDI best explains Cemex’s FDI? b. What value does Cemex bring to a host economy? Can you see any potential drawbacks of Cemex’s inward investment in an economy? c. Cemex has a strong preference for acquisition over greenfield ventures as an entry mode. Why? d. Why do you think Cemex decided to exit Indonesia after failing to gain majority control of Semen Gresik? Why is majority control so important to Cemex? e.Why do you think politicians in Indonesia tried to block Cemex’s attempt to gain majority control over Semen Gresik? Do you think Indonesia’s best interests were served by limiting Cemex’s FDI in the country? Answer: a. The theory that best explains Cemex’s foreign direct investment (FDI) activity is that of internalization due to limitations of licensing or also known as the market imperfection approach. Cem ex wanted to expand horizontally because it wanted to reduce its reliance on its home market and provide some stability in the demand for their product.Also, they saw opportunities abroad and it could provide their service, which required building very personal relationships with the distributors and the builders themselves. Lastly they had spent a lot of time working on their information technology system that allowed them to control their supply and it was part of their competitive advantage. Due to their unique business model, they would not be able to get the same value by licensing their business thus they had to internalize the business abroad and directly set up business abroad. b.

Northern Renaissance Art

The epoch of Renaissance in general was an age of humanism characterized by a new spirit of freedom, a new sense of the individual, a new realism in visualizing nature and the emergence of the artist as an individual creator. The Renaissance art traditions developed in Italy and then traveled to the north of the Alps and there became known as â€Å"Northern Renaissance†. Though the Northern Renaissance displays some differences from that of the South, it shares with the Italians in the three essential Renaissance qualities, namely, â€Å"a new interest in the world of fact, a new acceptance of that world as having independent value for artistic creation irrespective of any super sensuous presuppositions, and the separation of the several arts†. (Rowley, Sarton, Schevill and Thompson, 111) However, these qualities exhibited themselves in the north and south in quite different appearances because of the fundamental differences between the Gothic and the Classic traditions. Italy's climate, customs, and racial tendencies would never permit to assimilate the Gothic tradition, and the northern countries could never forget it. For example, in northern tradition we cannot find the mathematically exact perspective to reveal the space and volume, as well as the interplay of light and shadow is replaced by the scrupulous work with light and colors. North Renaissance portraits became living entities through the new realism which could render the detailed peculiarities of the individual and courtly approach and this trait derives from Gothic style. For example, Jan van Eyck's realism led to an examination of the details of actuality, so that he painted portraits that are convincing likenesses. To illustrate how the concept of Art Nova was reflected in the works of northern artists it would be appropriate to discuss some of them. In general the realism of the north as Rowley and his colleagues put it â€Å"was more discursive and more minute than that of the south†. (114) Jan van Eyck's painting of Arnolfini and his wife is packed with incidentals, the dog, slippers, pillows, fruit, fly whisk, chandelier, and the mirror which repeats them all again, inscription on the wall of the richly furnished room recording that Jan ‘was here’. The new element of light, which seems diffused through the room, is regarded as illumination for each separate object. Jan van Eyck gives us a realism that is more than real. In Eyck's Virgin and Child with Chancellor Rolin realism showed itself in a microscopic examination of objects. Each hair and each pore of the skin was scrutinized so carefully that the visual unity of the whole was lost in the focus upon small detail. The study of surfaces results in the qualities of things, the masterful use of light and color hues affected by light which makes the work different from Italian Renaissance. The most surprising characteristic of northern realism is the absence of movement. After the dramatic gesticulation of Giotto’s compositions and the Internationalists, the figures of Van Eyck, seem to be absolutely frozen. Perhaps much of the â€Å"sanctified mood† (Rowley, Sarton, Schevill, and Thompson, 116) of Van Eyck's paintings is created by the fact that his people never look at anything, which gives them a curiously removed quality. Another artist of the period, Robert Campin, was one of the earliest and greatest masters of Flemish painting. Characterized by a naturalistic conception of form and representation of the objects of daily life, Campin's work marks the break with the prevailing International Gothic style and prefigures the achievements of Jan van Eyck and the painters of the Northern Renaissance. One of his masterpieces is the Mà ©rode Altarpiece, a triptych of the Annunciation with the donors and St. Joseph on the wings. The Virgin is portrayed in a setting of bourgeois realism in which interior furnishings are rendered with the frank and loving attention to detail traditional to the Art Nova of Flemish art. Campin's passion for the natural and domestic world dominates his picturing of the sacred story. This feature to depict sacred motives within mundane context also testifies to the difference between South and North as regards Renaissance. Campin meticulously depicts even the tiniest trifle in a technique which combines semi-transparent oil overlay on water-based opaque pigments that results in the creation of space. Yet Campin’s work includes several symbolic elements like the brass laver or lily flower, both referring to Mary's purity. The innovations of the Northern Renaissance were apparent not only in painting but also in sculpture art. Thus Claus Sluter was the influential master of early Netherlandish sculpture, established highly individual monumental, naturalistic forms. The grandeur of Sluter's forms can only be paralleled in Flemish painting by the van Eycks and Robert Campin discussed above. The works of Claus Sluter infuse realism with spirituality and monumental grandeur. Sluter was an innovator in art, and thus it would be just to apply the concept of Art Nova to his works too. He moved beyond the prevailing French taste for graceful figures, delicate and elegant movement, and fluid falls of drapery. His sculptures are weighty, massive, dominantly large and balanced forms. The six-sided Well of Moses, presents six life-sized prophets holding books and scrolls. The head and torso fragment of Christ from the Calvary reveal a power and intensity of restrained expression that conveys overwhelming grandeur. Suffering and resignation are mingled, a result of the way the brow is knitted, though the lower part of the face, narrow and exhausted, is calm and without muscular stress. The figures of the composition dominate the architectural framework but also reinforce the feeling of support that the structure provides through their largeness of movement. Sluter's latest preserved work is the tomb of Philip the Bold consisting of forty figures, each about 16 inches high and made up the mourning procession. Sluter conceived of the figures as weepers, of whom no two are alike; some are openly expressing their sorrow, others are containing their grief, but all are robed in heavy wool, draping garments that occasionally veil a bowed head and face to convey a hidden mourning. Sluter epitomized in sculpture the growing awareness of an individualized nature with an enduring grandeur. Reference List: Harbison, Craig. The Mirror of the Artist: Northern Renaissance Art in its Historical Context, New York: Abrams, 1995. Rowley, George et al. The Civilization of the Renaissance. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1929.      

How does work Guide the Development of the Self Essay

In man’s existence today, various concepts exist which if learnt and adhered to, can change the very quality of life itself. This is admirably conveyed by Emerson in his essay on self reliance and also deduced from chapters seven and eleven of Thoreau’s book on Walden. In chapter seven, the author narrates the story of an impoverished farmer who toils on his farm from sunrise to sunset, while in chapter 11, Thoreau dwells on the qualities of the inner person. After reading these essays, one is convinced that the most important attribute in life is that which is gained from knowledge of our true being as intended by the creator. Beginning with Emerson’s work, self trust is shown to be the key to self reliance because man’s true nature is that which is within him. We are all individuals in the eyes of providence, each with our own place which we must learn to accept and respect. It is only when we exercise self trust in the abilities given to us, that we will be able to improve as human beings. The author goes on to say that when we cultivate a respect for ourselves, we reject that which is external and which we spend every waking moment looking for. What is important is not the acquisition of material wealth, but rather, internal spiritual wealth. It is only when we place our faith in GOD, who is the most trustworthy and sits in our heart, that we gain self trust. He then works through our hands and predominates our beings. When you are in conformity, this undercuts your self reliance because it scatters your forces, and the real you cannot be detected. You tend to do things as everybody does. It is therefore important to be your own individual and your uniqueness will be evident. Consistency, on the other hand, enslaves us to our pasts because we are constantly judging our present with 2 tandards from the past. We fear to be contradicted by our peers and are therefore less and less self reliant. Self reliance is evident from the bean field chapter of Thoreau because the farmer was rewarded for his hard work with a harvest of twelve bushels. He did not have the benefit of modern farm implements or labor, yet he loved his work and was rewarded for it. This is a demonstration of self reliance born out of necessity. Instead of discouragement at the prospect of toil, the farmer confronted the ordeal happily and with spiritual calm. Additionally, he gained much more than money. He earned the respect of his neighbors, confidence and experience from his work. John Fields is another impoverished farmer who has a wife and a family to feed. Unfortunately, he is in a situation where survival dictates that he works for a wage as someone’s employee. For this very reason, he cannot be self reliant. Additionally, in order to change his lifestyle, he faces the prospect of being unable to afford the necessities of everyday life, for example, tea, coffee, meat and clothes. He also seems unable to find the time to contemplate his spiritual wellbeing which may help him look at his life afresh. However, the concepts conveyed by Thoreau’s higher laws can prove invaluable to him. One of them is that, â€Å"Man flows to GOD when the channel of purity is open†. This means that Fields must seek GOD who will give him an inner calm. This will enable him to identify that for which he is best suited to do and treat himself with respect. Additionally, he will be able to find that which identifies him as an individual, thereby helping him to excel. The kind of wealth that is described in Emerson’s â€Å"wealth† essay is very foreign to John Field’s understanding. According to Emerson, wealth is the application of mind to nature. This requires that one draws a benefit from the labors of the greatest numbers of men, and also do what his creator intended him to do. Unfortunately, Fields is a laborer who is employed on a wage. He does not even understand the concept of business, let alone begin to fathom how he can employ others. Additionally, he may be in the wrong career and needs to re-evaluate it if he is to enjoy the fruits of a better lifestyle. When Frederick Douglas goes to the north, he discovers that work, unlike in the south, is done with pride and actually creates wealth without the need for slave labor. It also dawns on him that freedom of the mind is the perfect breeding ground for economic progress, which he sees in even former slaves. Additionally, with a free mind comes the possibility of improving the intellect through reading. The common thread running through these readings is that the mind and spirit come first before the body. Nature can only be conquered by the spirit and the best way to enrich the spirit is by accepting that GOD has a purpose for each and every one of us. He has given us individual qualities which we must strive to nurture. We must recognize these qualities and use them according to his will. If we do not see the advantage within our hearts, then we will, as individuals, continue to move in a crowd, and our uniqueness will not help us or humanity. Wealth is first and foremost, that of the heart and spirit.

Woody allen's films Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Woody allen's films - Essay Example aracters’ problems too easily and therefore, his humor serves a detrimental purpose in draining away the potential value that his films could represent. This is opposed to the view of Nangy Pogel who affectionately refers to Allen as the â€Å"little man† and views his humor as a cartoonic representation of the Director. Girgus sees a more serious purpose behind Allen’s view and is of the view that it serves to deepen the intricacy of the narrative rather than detract from it. In his criticism of Allen’s films, Carney therefore differs from these other two authors in that he views the humor in Allen’s films as an element that detracts from the real value that his films could have. Carney is critical of Woody Allen’s use of humor in the context of the real problems that the characters in his films may face. He points to the example of Hannah’s drug problem in the film Hannah and her sisters. Holly has a serious problem of drug addiction, yet it is never presented as such in the film, although the problem is mentioned in almost every scene in which the character of Hannah appears. Her muddled state and her pleas for money while in a drug induced state are presented in an endearing rather than a frightening manner. She is openly shown taking drugs in only one scene, when she goes on a date with Mickey (played by Allen). Yet the scene that ensues after she takes drugs is full of gaffes and jokes and it ends up with Hannah being cured of her drug problem. This is another aspect that Carney is critical of – the manner in which serious problems are often revealed only at the end and then miraculously cured through the use of humor. In the film Annie Hall, when Annie is almost being induced to try drugs, the character of Alvy tries the drug and sneezes the powder all over the room, thereby dispelling the frightening moment when Annie could have slipped into that dangerous state in a puff of powder humor, and the problem ends right there and the time bomb is

Experience paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Experience paper - Essay Example This Basilica had been here since 1718.and what makes it more interesting is the fact that Pope John Paul II had visited this Cathedral in September 1987. The next thing that I seemed to register was the beauty of this immense structure. It is known to be one of the famous landmarks in New Orleans and had steeples that majestically looked over the green of the church compound. The sculpture of General Andrew Jackson was situated just outside the entrance of the church. The floor was marked with black and white tiles of marble and was flanked on either side by the pews that held the Bible, for all those who wanted to use them. The entrance of the Basilica had the sculpture of an angel holding a bowl of ‘Holy Water’, on either side. I saw some people dip their fingers in it and made a sign of the cross on their forehead with the water. Very soon, the pews were filled with people who maintained a peaceful silence before the proceedings could begin. The participants were mos tly between the age group of 40 – 80 yrs. There were also some younger people who came to attend the service. Most of the people were dressed in formals but there was a minority who wore casuals too. In the center facing the audience, was a huge altar that was aesthetically decorated with flowers and candles on silver candle-sticks were placed on a beautiful laced altar cloth. Surrounded by scented white flowers was a huge Bible that was edged in gold. Chandeliers were lined over the pews and there were many sculptures of Apostles in addition to an idol of Jesus on the Cross. The ‘celebrant’ for the day was Father William Mastry, who began the solemn mass with the words - ‘The Lord said, â€Å"At the end of the world behold I come to do your will O’ God. Hallelujah. He requested the Almighty for forgiveness for all the sins that we have committed. A reading was done from the book of Prophet Isaiah. The next reading was from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. The intercession was followed by a very interesting sermon by the priest about living in a world of celebrities. He explained that A celebrity is someone who is ‘famous for being known’ for things that may be good or bad. A good majority of people spend a lot of money and resources, just so they can be visible in the public eye or in the limelight. There is a constant fear in people for being ‘old news’. He states that for those who fear obscurity should take a look at Mother Mary, who was unknown and from a small place but yet, was chosen by God to bring Jesus into the world. He stated that Mary was strong enough to be obedient. Obedience means to listen, to hear†¦ Many marriages and friendships fall apart and die because people these days are not humble enough to listen to the other person. He said to give God a human face, in whatever we do and wherever we are, be it a hospital, prison or at home. Following the sermon, the mass proceed ed into the offering of ‘Bread and Wine. The bread is believed to be the body of Christ, while the wine is the blood of Christ. The priest blessed these gifts with prayer and the congregation participated by answering the prayer. After blessing, communion took place with people coming to the center in lines and receiving the bread given by the priest on their tongue. They returned with their heads bowed and continued their personal prayer of thanking God for his blessings. The things that had been used for

Ralph Eubanks Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ralph Eubanks - Research Paper Example He was also one of the first coloured students to attend the integrated school. In describing his experiences, he has highlighted his acute embarrassment and feelings of isolation upon being the Eubanks has also mentioned the State Sovereignty Commission and says that this institution was empowered to do any and all actions that would help to preserve the sovereignty of the state of Mississippi, so that she could continue with her racist policies without any interference from the federal Government. As a result, while the other states in the Union flourished through increased representation of black students in integrated schools, colleges and Universities, the state of Mississippi lagged far behind. Eubanks sums up the purpose of this organization as being in effect, working to â€Å"instill fear in Mississippians like my parents: well educated, progressive thinking African-Americans, more commonly known as uppity niggers.† (Eubanks Xiv). Finding his own parents names on the Commission’s list – as people who needed to be spied upon and watched, in order to ensure that they did not interfere with the segregated fabric of the state, was a shock to the au thor. One of the people that Eubanks spoke to during the course of his self discovery and discovery of his past was Horace Harned, the Chairman of the Commission. This was a man who had wielded a considerable amount of power in the small farming community where his father and mother lived. At one time he had been a member of the Ku Klux Klan and was strongly in support of segregation and the standard of life that he and his contemporaries had enjoyed by rigidly maintaining the structure of the segregated society. In speaking to him, Eubanks was told that most certainly, the fact that his parents’ names had been on the list would suggest that they were always in danger of actions being taken against them by people Harned described ad rednecks. He described himself as the firebrand of the

Legalization of Marijuana in America Final Drft Essay

Legalization of Marijuana in America Final Drft - Essay Example Lately, discussion and push for legalization of the drug by pro-marijuana activists has intensified to an extent of triggering serious political interests. This has manifested through the recent comment by President Barrack Obama that marijuana is just like cigarette and alcohol with a promise that Federal government will not interfere with marijuana laws established by individual states. Moreover, governors and state legislatures have publicly commented alongside declaring their positions as far the discussion about the legalization of the drug is concerned. Apart from initial introduction of marijuana in America in 1545 by Spanish, marijuana laws began to exist as early as 1920s. Michael and Renee (2003) attribute the wide spread popularity of marijuana in 1920s to the prohibitive laws established during the Prohibition Era. The era saw the outlaw of alcoholic drinks and people had to resort to marijuana that came from widespread hemp plant. The laws restricted the use of recreational marijuana to the jazz musicians who only took the drug when in dance clubs entertaining people. According to Pfeifer (2011), between 1850 and 1942, the government of USA listed marijuana in Pharmacopeia, and prescribed for conditions like nausea, labor pains and rheumatism. During 1850s through to 1930s, marijuana gained popular use as an intoxicant. Another marijuana law called Marijuana Tax Act came into force in 1937 (Hart & Ksir, 2011). The purpose of the law was to levy tax of one dollar on all growers, importers, buyers, sellers, veterans, physicians and any person prescribing it, using commercially or possess it. Failure to adhere to the Act and handling o marijuana without tax stamp of the Treasury Department would attract a fine of up to $2000, five year imprisonment or both (Michael & Renee, 2003). Regulation 1 later inserted in the Marijuana Tax Act required the Bureau of Narcotics and police of the Treasury Department to conduct inspection and monitoring the use,

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 110

Discussion - Essay Example It will be vital to mention in this regards that corporate culture impose positive as well as negative impacts on organisational change. Concerning the positive aspects, the impact can be felt in explicitly comprehending the business procedure. Conversely, concerning the negative aspects, the impact can be apparently observed in the form of inappropriate allocation of valuable resources (Nadler, 1998). The various elements of organisational change that commonly encompass structure, processes and systems, are used in a change initiatives for clarifying what changes are required to be made, rewarding business or operational systems as well as supporting the same and appropriately utilising the available resources (Nadler, 1998). Apart from these, as per the observations made by Nadler (1998), the above-identified elements are predominantly used in the context of change initiative with the intention of mitigating risks that emerge while incorporating changes and applying innovative technological advancements accordingly. As apparently noted, the elements of structure, processes and systems are used in a change initiative by the modern organisations for obtaining several benefits. These benefits principally comprise improving profitability along with productivity and most significantly, making important decisions within the stipulated time (Nadler,

Sit-Coms(American History) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sit-Coms(American History) - Research Paper Example Archie Bunker: Now thats where I got you, wise guy, theres a black guy who works down at the building with me, hes got a bumper sticker on his car that says Black is Beautiful so whats the matter with black beauties? M.A.S.H.: This show was based on three army doctors. This is recognized to be one of the dark comedies as it deals with very grave social issues which include race, and the various absurdity of life. The sitcom has dealt with women and their issues in life in a relatively lighter manner. The show has a number of dialogues to show how serious issues in those days have been dealt with and moved into a comedy as well. The dialogue below: Margaret, "Whats wrong Frank?" Frank, "Oh, those guys make me SO mad.........theyre always fooling around and nobody seems to care except you and me! Margaret, "I know Frank, theyre a disgrace! Not one of them is a respectable officer like you, they certainly dont deserve to wear those bars." FRANK SWELLS UP Margaret, "Theyre always conniving to make you look bad. Its time to do something about them Frank! Lets go call General Hammond right now and tell him what theyre up to. Ill bet hell put you in charge and get rid of those jokers, then WE can run this camp like it should be!" Frank puffing his chest out, "Youre right Snookems, lets go do that while theyre busy!" Margaret, "Oh Frank, I just love it when you take control." Wes Gehring "MASH turns 30: the TV series dark comedy was a paean to the ludicrousness of war. - Entertainment - television program review", USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), FindArticles.com, 06 Sep, 2009,

Authors, journalists,and artists throughout the Modern Chinese Essay

Authors, journalists,and artists throughout the Modern Chinese - Essay Example The reporting of incidents and occurrences using the invented methods like writing and picture taking improved journalism and made it advance to the level it is in the modern days. This paper will give a clear analysis on two pieces of journalism and literature that have become impressions of art In reviewing the works of Ah Cheng, he gives out his ideas about journalism, art, and literature in China. Ah Cheng came to the public and became famous in the 1980s. The period saw him as a member and one of the ‘seeking roots’ literary movement. In the movement, he was with other writers such as Han Shaogong and Mo Yan. Before Cheng became involved in writing and started writing fiction articles, he was fond of helping his father, Zhong Dianfei, who was a film critic. His father had composed the article, ‘The Art of Cinema’. Both Cheng and his father used ideas and influences that originated from Karl Marx, Hegel, the philosophies and ideas of Confucianism as well the classical Chinese literature writings such as the ‘The Book of Changes’. In the Festival by A Cheng, he draws inspiration from Kansha’s Observing Decapitation and Join the Crowd of Onlookers by Weiguan to depict different scenes in his work. Cheng uses vivid descriptions in his works to bring the reader closer to his scene in ways that place the reader as part of the events. The author takes his time to bring out even the minute details such as the description of drying up gun powder using iron skillets (Cheng 128). Cheng does not just mention that the individuals were drying up gun powder, but rather delves into the details to outline the process and bring the reader closer to the event. Such depictions are taken in positive light especially when the scene regards positive attributes that the society holds dear. In drawing a similarity to Kansha’s Decapitation, the festival has vivid descriptions of scenes that draw negative attitudes due to depictions of violence and

Learning Organisation Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Learning Organisation - Case Study Example In addition to other initiatives, each employee was given '100 towards any (approved) learning of their own choice - inside or outside the organization. Such learning could incorporate ballroom dancing, driving lessons, flower arranging or whatever. This was viewed as being proof of commitment but also as a means of generating "the learning habit". All learning is registered (on a central database) and rewarded (not in financial terms). Employees are given some time within working time to use the open learning centres - but more learning occurs in the employees' own time. Employees are reinvigorated both in terms of evaluating their own learning and in terms of their work -employees on the production line have a "right" to stop the line - at large cost - if they feel something is wrong. Evidence suggests that whenever, as in this case, employees feel cherished they respond accordingly. There is no headstrong stopping of the line. Clearly, this all sounds very simple and naive. Change is never easy - and cultural and attitudinal change is the toughest of all. In the Rover case, the main people were a small number of "change agents" -people with the skills of interviewing, counselling, coaching and convincing - whose role was not to establish the nature of change but to make it happen. They are required at various levels to act as catalysts, sounding boards, motivators, and sources of feedback, monitoring and control. If you can recognize suitable change agents, you are half way to success. They don't have to be people in the line structure - it is possible to ascertain practises which allow them to work outside of the line structure using the "authority" of an overall, senior co-ordinator. Critiques of the Learning Organisation Concept In spite of the extensive interest in the notion of the "learning organisation" as is shown by the proliferation of research literature as well as popular books, it is a difficult concept and, indeed, a contested one (see, in particular, the critiques of Brown and Keep (2003) and Fischer (2003), who provided source material for the Cedra learning organisation project). There is censure among many sociologists and researchers in adult and community education but also in the occupational education and training (VET) community, for example in Germany (Fischer, 2003). They see the idea of the learning organisation as being seated in a normative or prescriptive business-school management concept that is founded on pitiless American/Anglo-Saxon economic principles of organisational effectiveness. They disapprove of the use of sophisticated cultural and psychological theories by modern management to maximise benefits for the company without paying a big deal of attention to ensuring personal learning benefits for employees or workers. This analysis is reinvigorated by a feeling of being disappointed by the non-fulfilment of the hopeful forecasts in the 1980s regarding the emergence of more human-centred workplaces in the post-Tayloristic period that would improve the quality of working life for everybody (see

Job opportunities in performing arts Essay Example for Free

Job opportunities in performing arts Essay The below information is a rough guide based on the information from the jobs4you website. There are over 500,000 people that work in the creative and cultural skills area of work, there are over 62,000 creative businesses in the UK, and 94% of the businesses only employ 10 people a year, so being an arts administrator is a very competitive area of work to get into. There are opportunities throughout the whole of the UK, in public and private organisations. You can get a job in theatre, concert halls, galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals, etc. Jobs for admin are advertised in the local and national press, and through magazines such as the Arts Professional and The Stage. Qualifications Most of the employers ask for GCSEs at A-C in English and Maths, also it helps to have some relevant work experience. Some arts administrators have gone on to complete a degree, there are many degrees that offer relevant experience, for example business studies, arts management, music, drama or visual arts. The degrees normally last for 3 years, entry for a degree is normally at least two A levels. Entry for adults is a bit harder, so relevant work experience is required, for example: Administration or secretarial work, marketing or public relations, finance, performing arts, for example as a dancer or performer. Access courses are available for people that dont have the relevant qualifications, and who would like to study a degree. In this job, many people train on the job, but they can take short courses to help develop or to produce new skills. There are many NVQs and SVQs that are relevant, these include: * NVQ/SVQ levels 3 and 4 in business and administration * NVQ/SVQ levels 2,3,4 and 5 in cultural heritage. A promotions manager in the music industry is specialised in finding any opportunities in publicity, this can be for all types of artists, for example a singer or instrumentalist. promotions managers may work with record labels and individual musicians or bands.

Ludwig Van Beethoven Composer History Essay

Ludwig Van Beethoven Composer History Essay Beethoven has always been one of my favor composers. I have heard a lot about him. I used to go to the opera house in Manhattan each time they had something about Beethoven. I listen to his music from NPR at nights. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to fully research this musician. It is just something about his music that I admire, especially symphony # 5 (Emperor Concerto, 1809). I never knew what it is about, but I know that I like it. It is a privilege to finally have the opportunity to research Beethoven. I like classical music. In fact, this is the reason why I took this class. In this research, I will give a brief illustration about Beethovens life, his works, deafness, sickness, and his death. According to Encyclopedia of the Age of Industry and Empire, 2006, Ludwig van Beethoven was a composer and a musician. He was born in December 16, 1770 in Bonn, Germany. He later died in March 26, 1827 in Vienna, Austria. Beethoven was born in a family that was musician. His grandfather was a musical director at a court in which his father was a singer there. In fact, Beethoven has the same name as his grandfather. Therefore, it was in his genes to be a musician. Consequently, the source stated that his family began to train him to be a court musician as well. Beethoven became a composer not just by his own will but, by following his familys foot step. According to World Eras 2002, (Vol. 9) his parents wanted him to start music lessons at the age of 4. He rejected that idea. World Eras 2002, (Vol. 9) also stated that Beethoven did not have any motivation for music in his early childhood. Nevertheless, he took music classes and proceeded with his duties at the court as his parents had wanted him to. At the court, Beethoven had many duties and responsibilities as he proceeded with his musical professional there. His responsibilities included to play viola in the orchestra and organ in the chapel. For opera performances, his job was to accompany rehearsals and coaches singers. Beethovens passions for music began to develop. As a result, in 1787, Beethoven decided to advance his career. Consequently, he went to Vienna, Austria to study music with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Within a short period of time of being there, he founded himself in an unpredictable situation. He had been informed that his mother was ill. For that reason, it was essential for him to return to Bonn due to his mothers illness. At the age of seventeen, Beethoven got greater responsibilities then just learning about music. He had to grow-up fast and become an adult. World Eras 2002 stated that after the dead of his mother, his father became an alcoholic. As a result, he had to take care of his two younger brothers. Nevertheless, Beethoven never let any of his obstacles impair him from becoming what he wanted to be in his career. By the age of twenty one, he produced two cantatas, three piano sonatas, and three piano quartets (piano and strings). He was on his way to become the greatest musician and composer of all time. In November 1792, Beethoven left Bonn again and went to Vienna. He stayed there for the rest of his life. In Vienna, he worked as a pianist. He gave piano and composition lessons. He conducted and performed his music at private and public concerts. He sold his composition to publishers in Vienna, Germany, later in England and Paris as well. He also composed on commission too. According to World Eras 2002, by 1795, Beethoven was the world most popular composer and pianist in Vienna. His concerts were very financially successful, which help him to tour other cities in Europe as well. He sold a lot of his pieces to publishers. People were even competing to buy his works. World Eras 2002, confirmed that at one point, Beethoven didnt have to negotiate for prices any more. He just had to say his prices and that was it. People would purchase his music for whatever prices. Beethoven had a passion for what he did. He went behind financial success. His enthusiasm was not just about money. He was obsessed with his music. He was able to compose pieces after pieces. World Eras 2002 stated that Beethoven lived completely for his music. He would produce three to four pieces at the same time. In addition to Beethovens passion for music, he also had an obsession for drinking alcohol. According to the Macmillan Encyclopedia, Beethoven was born in an alcoholic family. His father and his grandmother both died from alcohol. So, for Beethoven, I think drinking alcohol was a genetic behavior for him. In Beethovens later years of life, it is reported that he used to drink very heavily. He used to drink every single day. In fact, the article indicated that Beethoven would drink at least one bottle of wine with his diner. So, the drinking problem started to manifest itself by attacking Beethovens health. Consequently, his doctor advised him to stop drinking or drink in moderation. However, Beethoven never stopped. Therefore, his health was at risk. He started to get sick. Unfortunately, Beethoven health started to be his biggest enemy. He was chronically ill. World Eras 2002 also stated that Beethoven was diagnosed with gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder, headaches, and rheumatism. The worst part of his sickness was becoming deaf. For a musician, I think it is a major obstacle. Ludwig van Beethoven was a determine person even deafness couldnt stop him from what he loves to do. In fact, this is when his music was at its best. Yes, he had to wear hearing aids, but that did not affect him until he got to the point of no return. This is when he went completely death. His hearing never got any better even when he tried home remedies that friends had suggested to him. By the time he conducted his ninth symphony in 1824, he was totally deaf. The obstacle of been deaf and been a conductor was overwhelmed for Beethoven. Nevertheless, he managed to continue his work. The Macmillan Encyclopedia 2003 reported that Beethoven used to place his ear near the piano when he was playing so that he can sense the vibration of different notes. Beethoven hearing problems started when he was 28 years old. Sadly, the problem got worst and left him completely deaf by the age of 44. In the medical field, hearing loss or deafness can be due to several aspects such as loud noise, loud music, and genetic disorder, injury to the ears or the head. However, in Beethovens case, Medical Historians were not certain of how Beethoven became deaf. Some article such at Deafness and Hearing Loss believes that it was due to nerve damages and damages done to the bones in his ears. By the time Beethoven conducted his ninth symphony, he was totally deaf. According to a lot of people, the ninth symphony was one of his greatest successes of work. According to The Macmillan Encyclopedia 2003, His symphony # 9 was a combination of his work from early 1793 and late 1823. He combined these pieces to create a master piece. This master piece took him almost 6 years to finish. During the performance of this symphony, he was never aware of the audiences reaction. In fact, one of his soloists had to make him turn to face the audience so that he can see all the applauses from the audience. The audience was mesmerized by his work. This was in fact Beethovens last piece of work. Beethoven suffered with many illnesses before he died. One of the major medical problems that he had, which was visible to the public eyes was distended abdomen. Abdominal distention is the swollen of the abdomen that make it big and hard. So, Beethoven was eager to seek for help. Consequently, he went to extensive operations to relieve the fluid out. However, none of those operations were successful. On March 24, 1827, Beethoven went into a coma. By March 26, he was death. According to Francois Martin Mai (2008), some believe the cause of his death was due to liver disease. Others believed it was lead poisoning, syphilis, infectious with hepatitis, and the list goes on. According to Beethovens autopsy, which was done by Dr. Johann Wagner on March 27, 1827, it was understood that the composer died of cirrhotic and shrunken liver. According to Medical Surgical Nursing 2013, cirrhotic is a disease of the liver. It is due to chronic reaction to hepatic inflammation and necrosis. The book stated that the most common causes for cirrhosis are hepatitis C, D, alcoholism, and biliary obstruction. Nevertheless, people were still debating that his liver damage was due to heavy drinking of alcohol. Back then, alcohol was believed to be contaminated with heavy metals. However, many researchers today belied that Beethoven died of sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder of unknown cause that can affect any organ of the body, Medical-Surgical Nursing 2013. According to Dr. Tom Palferman a rheumatologist and an amateur cellist, who reported in the Sunday Times, this is the cause of Beethovens death. The newspaper stated that Dr. Tom had spent over 10 years researching the cause of Beethovens death before he came-up with this diagnosis. He believes that Beethoven died of sarcoidosis disease, which affected hearing and destroyed the liver. As a nursing student, I do see the correlations between the two factors. However, In Dr.s Tom report, there are no evidences to persuade me enough as of these two are the only final facts. There are several types of sarcoidosis such as pulmonary, occult, verrucous, nodular, and fibroblastic sarcoidosis. He never stated what types of sarcoidosis he found in Beethoven. Moreover, sarcoidosis always has some kind of effect on the lungs. The patient might have minor signs and symptom s such as coughing, but there will be something of that nature due to the lymph nodes that the disease attacks. In fact, any system of the body has the potential to suffer the effect of sarcoidosis. In addition, chemical study of Beethoven hair tends to direct people that he had died of lead poisoning. According to PR newswire October 17, 2000, a group of researchers from Hearth Research Institution conducted a four year research to solve the mystery of Beethovens death. The article stated that the researchers had found high level of concentrated leads in eight strands of Beethovens hair. The American Beethoven enthusiasts purchased Beethovens hair in 1994 through the Sothebys in Lyndon for that purpose. The organization proceeded by hiring a high qualify doctor by the name of Dr. William Walsh for the analyses. Dr Walsh was also the director of the Health Research Institution where the analysis was conducted. The result of this analysis was about to become a huge matter in the history of the cause of Beethovens death. In fact, Dr Walsh decided that a press conference was the best way to announce the results. As he proceeded with the conference, he started by informing the public of the signs and symptoms that Beethoven had prior to his death. According to independent analysis, it is proven that Beethoven death is due to plumbism. Plumbism is another term for lead poisoning. But, the analysis did not believe that lead poisoning was the cause of Beethovens deafness. On the other hand, some believe that lead poison was never a cause of his death. According to the New York Time, May 29, 2010, lead poison experts from Mount Sinai school of Medicine in New York tested Beethovens skull. The skull that they tested happened to be the same piece that has been tested in several occasions. The researcher, Dr. Andrew C. Todd report showed that Beethoven skull had no more lead than in the average persons skull. He stated that Beethoven was not exposed to long-term high level of lead. He concluded that Beethoven did not die of lead poisoning. In fact, Dr. Todd suggested that people should stop looking at lead poisoning as a major factor in Beethovens death. So, the question remains, what really killed Beethoven? Regardless of what killed him, Beethoven remains one of the most famous and influential musician and composers of all time. The role that he plays in music can never be replaced. He still plays a crucial figure in the transition between classical and romantic eras in western art of music today. I like Beethoven because his works represents the symbol of strengths, courage, and power. How can you compose music when you cant hear it? This is the power of faith in him. It was unfortunate that he had to die prematurely. Nevertheless, his works will live for evermore. Beethoven was not perfect. He had faults just like other people. As human beings, this is what we do. Unfortunately, some of us choose the wrong path of life without thinking of the consequences. The reasons why people do those thing sometime is unpredictable. A lot of researchers will continue to predict why Beethoven used to drink heavily, why he did a lot of the things he did. But, no one will never really know the true behind any of those things.

Examining Theories On Deviance And Deviant Behavior Criminology Essay

Examining Theories On Deviance And Deviant Behavior Criminology Essay The conditions under which deviant behavior exists have presented an enduring question for researchers. Within the literature the majority of definitions of deviance share one commonality: that social norms and values subjectively label behaviors as deviant. Similar to the number of theories of deviance there exist a number of motivations why individuals choose to engage in deviant behavior. Existing theories-general strain, anomie, labeling, control, and learning-examine these factors and attempt to clarify the hows and whys of deviant behavior. The most common factors which facilitate individual deviance include personal strain, social disorganization, a lack of self-control, and the perception that the benefits for engaging in deviance outweighing the potential costs. Because of these variations there is currently no universally-accepted theory of deviance. Introduction An urgent question in contemporary social sciences is how and why certain behaviors, attributes, or classes of individuals come to be defined as deviant.  [1]  Since social groups make the rules, deviant behavior results from individuals who fail to adhere to said rules. When behaviors are defined as deviant it is assumed that they will either promote or inhibit individual motivation to engage in such acts and will evoke certain social responses which serve to influence subsequent behavior by those within said society.  [2]  A number of theorists attempt to identify a commonality to the different types of deviant behavior. The underlying theme is that this type of behavior offends societys normative order and deviance becomes a theoretical construct of this consensus. There exist a number of theories which seek to define how individuals and their behavior are identified as deviant. Definitions of and Motivations for Deviant Behavior Despite a wide variety of definitions of deviance there is consensus that deviance refers to behaviors or attributes manifested by specified kinds of people in specified circumstances that are judged to violate the normative expectations of a specified group.  [3]  This consensus perspective serves to promote collective agreement as to what core values, norms, and goals should be. Behavior that falls outside of the specified parameters are deemed deviant. The degree of deviance is directly correlated to the perceived serious of the punitive response it elicits. Many questions abound as to individual motivations to engage in deviant behavior. Fundamentally, if one anticipates that satisfaction will ensue from engaging in the behavior then he will do so. Hirschi (1969) asserts that the motivation for deviance is always present and that research should examine the circumstances which permit individuals to act on these motivations.  [4]  In another view, Merton (1938) argues that societal strain increases motivation for deviance in order to achieve certain unattainable culturally-sanctioned goals.  [5]  Where the majority of individuals will embrace conformity as a response to strain others resort to deviance. Similarly, Tittles (1995) control balance theory assumes that individuals have a strong need to exercise control over themselves and to escape having control exerted over them by others while Katz (1988) argues that the motivation to deviance occurs to protect ones self esteem, encourage a desired reputation, establish autonomy, [ or] demonstrate competence, for example.  [6]   These theories all share the presumption that deviance is motivated by the need to adapt to psychological distress which results from the failure to achieve desired goals through conventional means. Accordingly, when pushes, or psychological impulses which compel an individual to engage in deviant behavior, and pulls, or the attraction of deviant opportunities, interact then motivation for deviance increases.  [7]  Deviance results from individuals motive to engage in deviant behavior being stronger than the motive not to amidst the existence of the opportunity to do so. Theoretical Foundations There are two primary types of theories to explain deviance: structural and processual. Structural theories are labeled sociological theories while processual ones are termed social psychological theories due to the differences in goals and scope.  [8]  Structural theories emphasize the relationship of deviant behavior to particular structural conditions within society and attempt to explain why deviance is higher in certain areas, such as those with lower socioeconomic status.  [9]  On the other hand, processual theories seek to describe the processes by which people engage in deviant behavior by attempting to explain the conditions which lead to the commission of deviant acts.  [10]  With respect to scope, structural theories address the epidemiology, or distribution in time and space of deviance and processual theories focus upon the etiology, or specific causes, of deviance.  [11]   Specific Theories of Deviance General Strain Theory (GST) GST addresses the interrelatedness of strain and its emotional response, individual coping mechanisms, and deviance.  [12]  As a theory it focuses not upon strain itself but upon individual responses to strain and seeks to identify those characteristics which enable non-deviant responses amid strain. Sharp, Brewster Love (2005) argue that certain types of strain create certain actions which influence delinquent behaviors. Anger, for example is an emotional response which has a high likelihood of encouraging deviant behavior. Therefore, where there is a strain-particularly one perceived as unfair-low social control creates pressure which, in turn, causes deviant behavior.  [13]  Research indicates that gender is a strong predictor of strain-induced deviance with males more overt in their responses than females who tend to internalize strain. GST has been used considerably in the study of juvenile deviance. Repeated exposure to stressful life experiences has been found to both escalate and accelerate juvenile delinquency and depending upon when during ones life-course trajectory the strain occurs different implications ensue. The literature suggests that involvement in delinquency begins to increase during early adolescence, peaking around age 16 and 17, and followed by a decline in such behavior.  [14]  Agnew (1997, 2006) claims that this life-course trajectory highlights that adolescence is a period of high transitions, that adolescents perceive their environment as negative more so than adults, and that there is an increased propensity for juveniles to react to adversity through deviant behavior.  [15]  The lack of useful coping mechanisms in juveniles makes it difficult to react to strain more effectively. Anomie Theory According to anomie theory-much like GST-deviance results from social disorganization in that elements in society promote deviant behavior by making such behavior a feasible adjustment to society. Where the earliest form of this theory hypothesized that anomie results from a failure to achieve positively-valued goals Agnew (2001) expanded upon this theory by including that anomie can also result when positive stimuli are removed and when negative stimuli are applied.  [16]  One criticism of anomie theory is that it assumes universality in what should be defined as deviant and how most individuals should behave; however, in reality, deviance is a relative concept so this universality is erroneous.  [17]   Labeling Theory Labeling theory presents an interactionist perspective to the study of deviant behavior by stressing the importance of the processes through which society labels a particular act as deviant and the subsequent negative social sanctions which influence the individual to engage in further deviance.  [18]  Becker (1973) claims that deviance is a consequence of the application by others of rules and sanctions to an offender.  [19]  Therefore, while the act or the person may not be inherently deviant, existing social controls create deviance by defining acts that the majority believes to be so and, consequently, labeling individuals who engage in such acts as deviant. This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy by amplifying the very phenomenon that it is intended to suppress.  [20]  Of primary importance is that subsequent events serve to reinforce the deviance because an individual internalizes the label attached to him by societys stigmatizing and creates secondary, or tertiary, deviance. The labeling itself serves to ensure that every society has a percentage of deviants which is critical to maintain the majority consensus.  [21]   Control Theory Control theory is similar to anomie and social disorganization theories to the degree that deviance results from the lack of social controls on individual restraint to engage in deviant behavior.  [22]  Durkheim (1933) asked why people conform to social norms instead of why they engage in deviant behavior. Under this theory it is assumed that everyone would engage in deviant behavior if given the chance, that a small amount of social controls will increase deviance, and that there exists a central value system which defines deviance in society.  [23]  There are four components of an individuals societal bond which serve to prevent deviance: attachment to specific groups through affection, respect, and socialization; commitment to accepting conforming behavior; involvement in non-delinquent behavior; and a belief in the dominant value system of any particular group.  [24]  When social bonds are reestablished or strengthened then the deviant behavior ceases. Accordingly, individuals who engage in deviant behavior do so due to low self-control. Under this theory low self-control is comprised of six personality traits: anger, impulsivity, preference for simple tasks, risk-seeking, being more physical than mental, and being self-centered.  [25]  Gottfredson Hirschis (1990) self-control theory asserts that inadequate child-rearing results in lowered self-control which facilitates a predisposition to engage in deviant behavior.  [26]  They also claim that individuals who engage in one type of deviant act will commit other deviant acts. Learning or Socialization Theory These theories suggest that deviance is a learned behavior similar to how non-deviant individuals learn conforming behavior. By attempting to distinguish variations in behaviors theorists assume that differences in rates of deviance among various groups can be determined. One of the most widely-cited learning theories is Sutherlands (1947) differential association theory which postulates that deviant behavior results from normative conflicts in neighborhood structures, peer group relationships, and the organization of family in society.  [27]  The fundamental tenets of Sutherlands theory are that criminal behavior is learned, that learning is a result of personal interaction, that primary learning occurs in intimate group settings, that people learn that socially-normative attitudes are either favorable or not, that deviant behavior results when conditions favorable to deviance exceed those unfavorable to violating the law, and that deviant behavior cannot be explained by general needs and values.  [28]  Accordingly, an individual learns various motives which are favorable to engaging in deviant behaviors as well as rationalizations and techniques for achieving them. While the behavior may be defined as deviant to the rest of society, within a particular individuals in-group the behavior may adhere to the groups norms. Akers (1985, 1989) expanded upon Sutherlands work by adding that deviance results when a person learns definitions that portray some conduct as a desirable, even though deviant, action.  [29]  If an individual is rewarded for a deviant act by his in-group then he becomes socialized to continue the behavior under the expectation of similar positive experiences for subsequent acts. Other Theories Deterrence theory asks whether the expectation of certain, severe, and swift punishment for engaging in deviant behavior would deter such behavior.  [30]  Rational choice theory addresses an individuals anticipated cost-benefit ratio of acting on deviant impulses. A greater expected or perceived benefit increases the likelihood that the individual will commit the act. Finally, conflict theory asserts that the development of formal social controls and laws are legitimized by the more powerful societal groups.  [31]   Conclusion The wide variation of social psychological theories of deviant behavior seeks to answer why individuals become motivated to engage in deviant behavior, how behaviors and attitudes are defined as deviant, what factors facilitate deviant behavior, why some deviant behavior is escalated, and what consequences exist.  [32]  Despite the number and variety of theories of deviance the commonality is that this concept is a socially-defined construct utilized to maintain a societys normative values. The disparities in definitions of deviance among societies make it difficult to establish an all-encompassing theory to explain the existence of deviant behavior in contemporary society.

Impressions of Aging and the Elderly in Country Music :: Music Media Research Papers

Impressions of Aging and the Elderly in Country Music Abstract This paper examines recorded country music from about 1920 to 1990 as a source of popular impressions of aging and old age. A sample of 100 songs, primarily from Billboard's Top 40 charts are content-analyzed and the data categorized into image areas. Overall, as expected, the images of aging in the lyrics of country music, both as a process and as a demographic category, are positive; however, interesting variations appear when gender and specific image category are controlled. One important measure of the perception of the aging process is the manner in which aging and old age are depicted in various cultural forms. The condition of old age in primitive and prehistoric societies has been described by the folk tales and cave drawings of that have survived to the present (Fisher, 1978). Likewise, it is possible that current societal views of aging may be illuminated through the impressions created by contemporary agents of socialization. And while it is difficult to determine whether stereotypical images are derived from reality or if, if fact, such images create reality (Clark, 1980), it is possible to investigate how and to what extent certain institutions reflect various images of the aging process. In the last decade, a number of social scientists have investigated the ways in which informal agents of socialization provide or support current stereotypes and attitudes held toward the elderly. A review of previous studies in the area indicates that researchers have examined aging in jokes (Davies, 1977; Palmore, 1971; Richman, 1977), birthday greeting cards (Demos and Jache, 1980), television drama (Harris and Feinberg, 1978), poetry (Clark, 1980; Sohngen and Smith, 1978), newspapers (Bochholz and Bynum, 1982) and literature (Janelli, 1988; Loughman, 1977; Sohngen, 1977). Of particular interest and importance to this study is the recent work of Cohen and Kruschwitz, (1990) which examines printed sheet music from 1830 to 1980 for impressions of aging and old age. While their search for popular sheet music is admittedly "nonsystematic" and their selection of image categories was "inductive," the authors have, in our view, made a significant contribution to the popular culture analy sis of aging and the elderly.Research to date suggests that the elderly have been portrayed in contradictory ways with some images being negative and passive and others positive and active (Buchholz and Bynum, 1982). The question still remains as to what cumulative picture of aging and the elderly is painted by American music.

Destiny, Fate, Free Will and Free Choice in Macbeth - Fates Triumph Es

Fate's Triumph in Macbeth       Shakespeare a fatalist in Macbeth? It would seem so, given the observation that the Macbeths capitulated totally to the evil suggestions of the witches. We shall clarify the concept of fate in this drama.    Blanche Coles states in Shakespeare's Four Giants the place of Fate in Macbeth's life:    Then, like a cog slipping naturally into its own notch, his thoughts turn to the Witches and their prophecy, and he concludes that he has defiled his mind for the descendants of Banquo he has murdered the gracious Duncan for them; he has poisoned his own peace of mind and given his immortal soul (eternal jewel) to the devil, the common enemy of man - all this to make the descendants of Banquo kings! Rather than face such an outcome, he challenges Fate to enter the lists with him against Banquo and champion him to the last extremity, even though that extremity be death itself. (57)    Macbeth: "If Chance would have me king, why, Chance may crown me without my stir." A.C. Bradley in Shakespearean Tragedy references Fate in the play to the Witches' prophecies:    The words of the witches are fatal to the hero only because there is in him something which leaps into light at the sound of them; but they are at the same time the witness of forces which never cease to work in the world around him, and, on the instant of his surrender to them, entangle him inextricably in the web of Fate. (320)    In Fools of Time: Studies in Shakespearean Tragedy, Northrop Frye stresses the connection between the witches and fate:    The successful ruler is a combination of nature and fortune, de jure and de facto power. He steers his course by the tiller of an immediate past and by... ...uin Books, 1991.    Coles, Blanche. Shakespeare's Four Giants. Rindge, NH: Richard R. Smith Publisher, Inc., 1957.    Coursen, H. R. Macbeth: a Guide to the Play. Westport, CN: Greenwood Press, 1997.    Frye, Northrop. Fools of Time: Studies in Shakespearean Tragedy. Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1967.    Knights, L.C. "Macbeth." Shakespeare: The Tragedies. A Collectiion of Critical Essays. Alfred Harbage, ed. Englewwod Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1964.    Mack, Maynard. Everybody's Shakespeare: Reflections Chiefly on the Tragedies. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press, 1993.    Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Macbeth. http://chemicool.com/Shakespeare/macbeth/full.html, no lin.    Wilson, H. S. On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy. Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1957.

A case study of Amazon on its supply chain management Essay

INTRODUCTION Every company has their own supply chain in order to sort or produce goods. However, the company needs to manage supply chain to maximize its highest benefits. By having effective supply chain management, the company can ensure that the right product or service will be available at the time to the right place and at the right price (Kamal 2007). Amazon is one of the companies that have best supply chain practices in order to respond high level of responsiveness for the customers. Thereby, this paper explains about Amazon Company, analysis of Amazon’s supply chain, recommendations and barriers to implement will be discussed. Company background Amazon is an American commerce company based in Seattle, Washington, USA. The company used to be only a bookstore, but now it diversified into difference type of products. The goal of Amazon is to provide one stop shop experience where the customer can find everything on Amazon as earth’s biggest selection (Warman 2012). Amazon operates as a pure internet retailers that does not have retail store at all while the delivery will be done through Amazon’s networks of distribution centres. This operation makes the company is able to provide wider range of goods and lower cost of products with high quality. Moreover, it is also increase customer satisfaction as it supports customer convenience. An effective supply chain strategy makes the company is able to respond high level of responsiveness. Amazon balances between cost of distributions and level of services by having the efficient distribution centres and multi-tier inventory networks. However, there is a competition from substitution brands that provided the same service as Amazon, which are eBay and Walmart. Currently, eà ¸ ºBay is pushing shipping fee to the seller in order to reduce cost for the buyers while Walmart introduced free shipping to the customers but buyers have to pick up the item at the store (Amazon strategies 2010). ANALYSIS OF AMAZON SUPPLY CHAIN Most of the companies need successful supply chain management to create sustainable competitive advantages. There are various benefits from having an effective supply chain management such as inventory reduction, delivery service improvement and shorter product life cycles (Fawcett et al 2008). This part provides the scenario of Amazon’s supply chain strategy, how Amazon manages in wider context, factors influencing its supply chain, and strategic and operational implications will be evaluated. Supply chain strategy of Amazon Strategic fits According to Chopra and Meindl (2007), supply chain strategy and competitive strategy should have aligned goals. Amazon has identified their customers as highly responsiveness. In order to respond with high uncertainty demand and availability of products, the four main components drive the outcome of Amazon are having several distribution centres as a storage facilities, multi-tier inventory management, highly efficiency transportation and implement information systems to provide real time information within its supply chain. All of these factors explain how both strategies of Amazon are fit together and that makes Amazon’s supply chain successful. Inventory outsourcing The advantage of outsourcing is to help the company to focus on its core activities and cost savings (Bucki N.D.). Amazon is one of the companies that need to gain those benefits from inventory outsourcing. However, there is another side of outsourcing deals as well. Chandra (2008) argued that the company should not outsource even it was not their core activities when the demand level is increasing. The company is able to optimize the service if the stock is owned and managed efficiently. So Amazon decided to outsource only some part of its inventory in order to mitigate risks and optimize services. The products that are frequently purchased or popular were keeping and managing in-house while other products are stocked by distributors. The products will be shipped after Amazon has requested. The company acted as a trans-shipment centre (ICMR India 2003). It was a right decision for Amazon and the company is able to reduce the cost of holding large amount of  inventory while the cus tomer service is better as it shipped faster. Managing the supply chain with its wider context and organization context Price differentiated customers Dispatch and delivery options were used to divide customers into each category based on responsiveness because difference customers need difference service levels and difference prices. Amazon has provided many types of deliveries in difference costs such as free super saver delivery, one-day delivery, First-class delivery and etc (Amazon 2013). Each type of delivery reflects how fast the delivery is. It means if the customer needs very high responsiveness, get the products by tomorrow, the buyers are willing to pay more. So Amazon divided customer segments to match with its distribution systems and inventory strategy in order to control cost and service level. The company also received increased flexibility (Duran et al 2006). Moreover, there is a membership programme called Amazon prime. It provides unlimited one-day delivery for one year and it costs 49GBP. Once the buyers are member of prime, buyers will get discount if the buyers want to get express or evening delivery. The memb ers will also able to borrow kindle books for free (Amazon prime 2013). Push-pull strategy Amazon has started with pull systems. There is no inventory, no warehouse and no overhead. The company acts as a middleman who taking the orders and it will be filled by Ingram book group (Simchi-levi et al 2007). When the time has passed, the growth of the company has forced Amazon to hold some inventory in order to respond customer needs by having several distribution centres. So the strategy has changed to push-pull. The inventory is hold using a push strategy while orders are shipped using a pull strategy. The decoupling point of Amazon is distribution centres. However, some of slow items are still used pure pull strategy as there is no inventory. By having several distribution centres, the holding cost for Amazon is increased as well. Inventory segmentation The inventory network of Amazon is multi-tier inventory management. This will help the company plans and offers real time optimization service that  allows Amazon to have minimal amount of inventory needs to achieve its service level (One network N.D.). By having this network, Amazon is able to offer nearly unlimited selection. Nonetheless, the problem is each tier treats separately while not concerns about inventory of another echelon. Then bullwhip effect occurs which is inventory holding higher in each tier because there is no sharing information across the tier (Lee 2003). Amazon’s multi-tier inventory is composed of three tiers. The first tier is Amazon distribution centre. The inventory will be aggregated in distribution centres, which enables the company to hold fewer inventories. The second tier is wholesaler and partner DCs. If the products are not available from Amazon’s DC, the company will use IT systems to search for this product in partner inventories in order to assign which party will be responsible for this order. By doing this, the customer service will be high as there is no stock out experiences. Lastly, publishers, manufacturers, vendors and third-party sellers are included in third tiers. All these parties help the company to fulfill unlimited selection of goods offer in Amazon (Chiles and Dau 2005). Factors influencing Amazon’s supply chain configuration now and future Transportation Amazon provided many choices of delivery to balance cost of transportation and level of service. The company does not have large scale to contact full truckload. So the company provides free shipping in order to achieve longer lead-time of transportation. This will help company able to reduce cost and achieve economy of scale (Robinson 2010). However, the company is provided highly responsiveness options as well, which is cost company a lot. Even though the customers are willing to pay higher price to get the products faster, it should not cost anything from Amazon but it is not like that. Amazon cannot utilize its highest benefits of its transportation systems. That is why the company needs to design its supply chain networks to minimize the costs. Order sourcing The challenge of Amazon is to make decision which internal warehouse or  external partnership should be the one who responsible for this customer order. Once the order has been places via website, customer is expected to get products on time. Finding the lowest solution in short period of time is the hardest things when there are many items located in difference places and it needs to deliver in single delivery. So, the company decided to implement technology such as warehouse management systems to get real time and single view of inventory for effective sourcing (RedPrairie N.D.). Evaluate strategic and operational implications Supply chain network Amazon operates eight distribution centres within United Kingdom (UK), which are Rugeley, Hemel Hempstead, Marston gate, Doncaster, Petreborough, Dunfermline, Gourock and Swansea. Locations are selected base on distance to markets, Close to transportation mode such as Motorway and main rail link, Airport and river (Amazon Location 2013). According to Melendez (2013), several DC would help the company provides quicker deliver, lower transportation costs and easy access. Furthermore, sometimes transportation hubs, also known as injection points, were used to reduce the cost of transportation in high customer demand areas. The products will be shipped from DC to transportation hubs with full truckload. Then the inbound trucks will be unloaded the packages and load into outbound trucks which runs by a smaller carrier partners such as UPS, DPD and Hermes (Amazon Carriers 2013; Chiles and Dau 2005). Moreover, Amazon adopted drop shipment approach. The order will be picked, packed in Amazon package and delivered by supply chain partners, which are manufacturer, wholesaler and third parties. By doing this, the company is able to survive from its huge losses but it caused negative effects as well. It is about 33 percent of Amazon’s single orders are multiple products. Nonetheless, it needs to pool specific goods from difference location and ships the collective goods as one delivery, which takes time and causes a delay that leads to customer dissatisfied. (Pilai and Dutta 2004) Transportation The most difficult factor of transportation is to gain efficiency due to large numbers of small order from customers, so the company cannot gain advantage of the scale at all. Amazon used transportation hub to reduce the cost of transportation. The hub is acted as a cross docking to transfer goods to last-mile delivery. Amazon will aggregate the demand and ship it to transit hub together in order to achieve less than truckload or full truckload. Nevertheless, it needs to accumulate in term of region zone. So it takes longer time to complete this strategy. Hence, the company has introduced difference delivery option such as free super saver delivery in order to get longer lead times/ available to promise day. By doing this, Amazon is able to achieve economy of scale which is lower its cost and the customer satisfaction stays on acceptable level. However, sometimes goods are not available to the customer on time because the time spent on accumulate took longer than it should be and whe n the demand is high (Amazon 2013; Chiles and Dau 2005; Robinson 2010; Barzeski 2009). Technology As Amazon does not have a storefront, so it needs to provide the perfect visual store experience to compensate the touch of products. The company utilizes from its own technology innovations to differentiate itself from other e-commerce. The innovation includes A9 and one click ordering. The former aspect is a subsidiary company, which provides product search engines and search inside the books whereas the latter aspect is used to speed up ordering process, and introduce product recommendations, which determine customer interest from previous purchases (A9 2013; Curtis 2013). Amazon also needs an innovation to support back-end supply chain integration and execution. The company have advance warehouse management systems to support order sourcing, labour management, load balancing, process alternative and supplier collaboration. All these factors make an efficient process to support multi-tier inventory of Amazon (Chiles and Dau 2005). Besides, Amazon has been critiqued about unbearable working conditions, mandatory overtime and using human as a robot which is pushing workers to physical limit. Employees within its DC walked more than 15 miles a day to look for products and every move has checked by computers. Therefore, the company decided to use Kiva robot to deliver shelves stocked with  merchandise to DC workers instead of workers to walk around and find products. There are 1,400 kiva robots in three DC. By having these robots, Amazon can improve productivity and reduce cost up to 50 percent annually in area of warehouse efficiencies (Soper 2011; Kais er 2013). Nevertheless, this robot costs Amazon large amount of money. It is more cost effective if Amazon just hires human workers. Is it worthwhile to invest for? Wagstaff (2012) argued that the benefit of this investment for Amazon is outweighed. The company will have better publicity, improve reputation about ethical and avoid lawsuits. In addition, Amazon also launched prime air, also known as drones, which is able to delivery goods to customers within 30 minutes after buyers place the orders. The process of prime air starts from packages pass on a conveyor belt and drone will lift it off with the package and go straight to customer’s address. However, this innovation has not allowed to use nowadays. The fastest possible will be around 2015 (BBC 2013). RECOMMENDATIONS The problem is Amazon depends on courier such as UPS and FedEx too much in order to reduce the cost of transportation and make it efficient. Recently, this courier causes negative reputation for Amazon that cannot deliver the products on time when the demand is high and the customer satisfaction is decreased (Jayakumar 2013). Hence, the company should run its transportation with their private fleet in last-mile delivery because responsiveness is a crucial factor for Amazon. According to Hirsch (2010), the benefits from using private fleet is not only better customer service and greater visibility but also hold 100 % control of driver for safety, enhance branding and no driver shortage during high season/demand. Besides, private fleet will become a true competitive differentiate point as it is a connection point to customers (Schulz 2010). Furthermore, bullwhip effect is another issues. This issue happened because there is lacking of integration along the supply chain. The current stage of Amazon and its supply chain partner is cooperation. So the company should  raise the relationship to be coordination with its suppliers or become the best scenario which is collaboration. Besides, all companies along supply chain should share their information and communication in order to reduce barriers, reduce excess inventory and enhance business synergy (Cao and Zhang 2010). BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS As the writer’s recommendations, the obstacle to implement this suggestion are fluctuate demand and highly investment. Because of demand uncertainty, the company cannot know for sure what exactly amount of goods must be deliver for this area in this month. So the private fleet might not worth the cost of investment. Moreover, there is highly investment on private fleet. The cost of truck is expensive but it can be lease instead of buy to reduce the cost of maintenance as well. The cost of workers and training are another factors. The company needs to train driver to drive with manner. Lastly, the company needs to check on mile-drive and fuel every day in order to prevent fraud which takes time a lot. When the problem happened, the driver might have an excuse not to responsible for the problem. So many companies have decided to install GPS to track each driver but it costs large amount of money as well (Lynch 2007; Liccardi 2013). CONCLUSION Supply chain management plays a crucial role on Amazon’s successful. The company’s primary goal is to offer one stop service that customers can find everything on Amazon’s website and it will deliver it to buyer place within a promise time. In order to do this, the company needs to have cooperated with partner to do multi-tier inventory systems to provide nearly unlimited goods. Moreover, it needs an effective distribution networks to deliver merchandise to the customer on time. All of these are reflect the main strategy of Amazon to provide high responsiveness to the customers.

D1Influence Tha Different Stakeholders Exert in One Organisation

In this case study I have chosen one of the following organisations from my previous task â€Å"McDonalds. † I have chosen McDonald’s because they are a very popular worldwide fast food restaurant and also they have a various amount of stake holders. Owners: Owners want to prosper and make money. They also need to care about how the business is running and how it will be more successful by investing money. If McDonald’s wasn’t as successful as it is today then owners wouldn’t be as confident to keep their service running.Customers: Customers play a huge part in the business of McDonald’s an0d how it is run because without customers a business will not be successful. Customers have given McDonald’s the name it is today by going in and buying the products to keep the business running and also they can help owners make improvements. Suppliers: Suppliers of McDonald’s will be out of business if McDonald’s were not as popular as they are today and McDonald’s wouldn’t have been as successful if they didn’t have suppliers and their products to sell.Employees: Employees are as important as Owners in McDonald’s because they attend work and help the business achieve its goals by making the business successful also without employees, McDonald’s would be a lost cause because most employees run the business because they are usually set out in different departments to help customers focus on who to ask for assistant. Trade unions/ employer associations: Trade unions play a big role in McDonald’s because they are the people that make it happen for employers by giving them a job and without trade unions employees will not know what’s right and what’s wrong.Employer associations have an huge aspects in the role of business because without staff in a business a business will not be successful and staff make a business a business and would not be one without them . Local and national communities: Local and national communities are important to McDonald’s because they are a famous international fast food store and without their local and national communities they would have never been where they are today.They are usually concerned if the business is being successful and has no risks to bring them down, they can help and participate because they can give in good words to the business world about how McDonald’s should be run. Pressure groups: McDonald’s will do everything to avoid pressure groups because they have an huge impact in the world being run in different continents they need to make sure they do not lose the publics trust and the publics face or then pressure groups will be involved in McDonald’s business.Pressure groups are usually interest groups and can take over the business if it loses its face. Government: McDonald’s need the government in their business because they receive taxes, the more mo ney McDonald’s makes the more the government make, so they will go out of their way to make sure that McDonald’s are successful and reaching their goals because it they fail then the government will not be getting their moneys worth.

Comparison and Criticism

Countee Cullen is one of the most famous African-American poets who has won more literary prizes and recognitions than any black American has ever won before. He came into prominence quite early in his life. Becoming quite famous already in the high school he has been recognized as an outstanding poet before he was 25 when he published such poems as â€Å"I Have a Rendezvous with Life† and â€Å"The Ballad of the Brown Girl† (Johnson). So, â€Å"The Medea† and â€Å"The Lost Zoo† which I am going to compare and criticize in this paper are during his late period (in the age of 37 and 31 respectively).I am going to argue that both poems are still valuable today because of their didactic nature. By writing them Cullen attempted to express and somehow summarize his ideas of that what is good and what is bad, as well as about morals and proper behavior. They are all written for children, even if those children believe themselves to be adults. Since 1934 Cullen taught English and French at the Frederick Douglas Junior High School. He has been offered a position of a lecturer at the Fisk University in Nashville which he declined. Thus he has chosen a career of a teacher, not a lecturer and scientist.His interest to work with children and writing for children later clearly revealed when he wrote â€Å"The Lost Zoo†, yet it can be traced already in the â€Å"Medea and other poems†. Why among numerous Greek tragedies has Cullen chosen to translate exactly â€Å"The Medea†, and why has the translation been accompanied by a set of Cullen’s own verses? The answers can be found after reading this poetry collection and comparing its themes and motifs to the ones of Euripides. The original myth of Medea, as it has been told by Euripides, is a story of an aggrieved woman who has been driven to a disastrous path by her passion and despair.Cullen provided a modern translation of Euripides story (Corti 202) and the other poem s included to the collection can be viewed as Cullen’s commentary to the problem. Medea’s fate is reflected in â€Å"The Magnets† in which Cullen writes of â€Å"The straight, the swift, the debonair† who â€Å"are targets on the thoroughfare†. This passage can be viewed as a personal reflection, yet in the light of â€Å"Scottsboro, Too, Is Worth Its Song†, another Cullen’s poem, it can be interpreted in a broader social context, as a vision of an entire nation driven to the wrong pass.Cullen begins the poem by imagining poets who will sing and their cries â€Å"Their cries go thundering Like blood and tears†. The period when Cullen wrote this poem was marked by a deep spiritual crisis following the Great Depression, so Cullen observes that in the world â€Å"Is all disgrace And epic wrong† and wonders why the poets have not eventually risen their voices against this wrong. This poems is to put a rhetoric question but n ot to give an answer. Cullen attempts to make his readers themselves concerned with the moral descent, to awaken their own minds and conscience.Otherwise they are likely to repeat Medea’s mistake. This was Cullen’s teaching method: he has not expressly developed own philosophy and preferred to teach through parallels and comparison (Nelson 91). It can be observed that Cullen’s teaching and moralization is not only for children, but for adults as well, perhaps more for adults than children. His â€Å"The Lost Zoo† published in 1940 is for the â€Å"young but not too young†. Although this writing may seem childish, in it Cullen once again (after â€Å"Black Christ†) rises to the Biblical heights in his poetry (Nelson 90).In â€Å"The Lost Zoo† Cullen tells tales of animals that for some reasons could not get onto Noah’s Arc thusly teaching his readers certain life lessons (Silvey 3). Squilililigee’s story is a warning both against teasing and against excessive susceptibility, while the story of a Snake-That-Walked-Upon-His-Tale is a warning against arrogance and false vanity (See: Cullen, Pinknee 1991). In fact, neither of the lost animals was fated and each of them could be saved in case they themselves behaved in a proper way. The conduct of the lost animals ruins them because they attempt to be that what they are not. This is a typical mistake of all times.Cullen is a man of his time, yet his verses are of universal everlasting value. They are topical in our days same as in the days of Cullen. When Cullen wrote both â€Å"Medea† and â€Å"The Lost Zoo† he played a role of a teacher rather than a poet and he was able to teach not only children but adults as well. Human passions never change, and so Cullen’s poems will never lose their importance, just like â€Å"Medea† by Euripide and the Biblical story of an Arc have not lost theirs. Each generation understands and inte rprets them in their own manner just as Cullen interpreted the Bible and Medea. Works Cited: 1. Cullen Countee. The Medea and Some Poems.New York: Harper & Bros. , 1935; 2. Cullen, Countee; Pinknee, Brian J. The Lost Zoo. Silver Burdett Pr. , 1991; 3. Corti, Lillian. The Myth of Medea and the Murder of Children. Greenwood Press, 1998; 4. Nelson, Emmanuel Sampath. African American authors, 1745-1945. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2000; 5. Silvey, Anita. The essential guide to children's books and their creators, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2002; 6. Johnson, Clifton H. About Countee Cullen's Life and Career. 27 May 2009 http://www. english. illinois. edu/MAPS/poets/a_f/cullen/life. htm 7. Countee Cullen 27 May 2009 http://www. harvardsquarelibrary. org/poets/cullen. php

Great Gatsby Essay, Character Corruption Essay

Throughout the novel of The Great Gatsby corruption is a prevalent and reoccurring theme and lies within most characters. They become overwhelmed with their own self desires and goal to gain material possession that it blocks their true vision of innocence and morality. Daisy for example is introduced into the book as an innocent dedicated wife to Tom but as the book progresses there is an evident change in her character as she becomes increasingly corrupt. By the end of the book Daisy is selfish, destructive and careless as she handles the situation between her husband, Tom, and her ex lover, Gatsby. For example of her being careless, she lets Gatsby take the blame for her killing of Myrtle Wilson which eventually leads to Gatsby’s death which she seems to show no concern. She is destructive by cheating on her husband while having no real intentions of leaving him for Gatsby. Tom from the beginning of the novel was always seen as corrupt when he has an ongoing affair with Myrtle to satisfy his own needs and leave those needs and feelings of Daisy behind him. He focuses more on monetary value of things and his own self appearance than to the care which Daisy requires out of him as a husband. Tom is also a hypocrite in a way when he catches Daisy and realizes what she has been doing behind his back, he becomes fierce and angry with her while at the same time he has been doing the same behind her back for years. Jordan Baker is also extremely corrupt because of her dishonesty and her need to gossip. She is a social climber who will cling to anyone who means anything or has money for her to grasp onto. She will do whatever it takes to win or get her way, as shown when she cheats in her round of golf to win the tournament. Everything she does is for show and has no regard for other people or their feelings. She goes to Gatsby’s parties with no real concern for who he is while showing no gratitude or thanks for having the party. She is constantly looking out for herself and only herself trying to figure out ways in which she can be seen and become popular in the West and East Egg community. When Daisy was having her affair with Gatsby, Jordan supported her and was behind her during the whole thing, another example of corruption within Jordan. The people of West and East Egg are also all corrupt and consumed with themselves. This is shown when Gatsby dies because only two people show up to his funeral Nick and his father. These people attending his parties have no care for him or his house while they’re there and cannot even pay respect to a man that has died and has given every one of them more then he needed to. Gatsby himself is also a corrupt character in the book yet not nearly as blatantly as the others. Gatsby is corrupted by love and his dream to be with Daisy. Everything he’s ever done in his life such as the money he’s made and the parties he throws are for the slightest chance of him becoming reacquainted with his lost love, Daisy. He is constantly being used by everyone in West and East Egg as an outlet to their everyday lives. They have no regard for who he is and nor do they care. The people come and go as if it is routine for these parties and show no thanks to Gatsby. He has no true friends besides Nick in Egg. Gatsby, over the time of becoming rich has become overwhelmed and brought into the world of expensive material things all to impress Daisy, who previously could not be with him because he was not wealthy. All he can do is show that off so that in the slight chance she comes to one of his parties he can show her is wealth and what he has become. Gatsby is so drawn into and brain-washed over Daisy that she is all he can think about and all he sees is that green light across the bay, dreaming of the time when he and Daisy can finally be together again. This dream is crushed though because he cannot compete with Tom. Tom being categorized under ‘old money’ while Gatsby is categorized under ‘new money’ and big distinction in the communities of West and East Egg. He has devoted his life to becoming an exclusive member to the ‘old money’ people in Long Island but will never be able to reach that goal which corresponds to his goal of end up with Daisy. Corruption is an over arching theme throughout The Great Gatsby and all characters seem to reveal it in their own way with the exception of Nick who stays true to his midwest routes. Nick is never consumed in the material world or has the desire for anything greater than which he already has while all the other characters are always greedy and have desire for more things. They are all absorbed in their own world and worries that they have no time to see what others are doing or how they feel which is an easy way to lead to a corrupted lifestyle.

African American Movie Essay

Out of all the great African-American films out there, I decided to write on a film, which is still considered to be a classic to this day, â€Å"Cooley High. † The film takes place in Chicago, 1964, and centers on a group of lower-class black kids, including Preach, a smart student, and his close friend, Cochise, a great athlete who’s on the verge of getting a scholarship. This film has been compared to be the black version of George Lucas’ â€Å"American Graffiti†; the film has a lot of energy and substance to easily overlook that fact. There are many funny moments, including a scene where the boys joyride with Preach behind the wheel; a scene where the boys cut class and head to the zoo, ending with a hilarious encounter with a gorilla; and a scene where Preach hides from some hoodlums in an bathroom that is occupied. There’s also romance in the film, as Preach attempts to woo classy beauty Brenda; the two even lose their virginity together in a truly tasteful scene. The movie ends in tragedy, and since the characters have depth, we feel the loss. â€Å"Cooley High† set the standard for African-American film excellence when it was made. This film plays on various emotions, and you definitely feel for all of the characters. Sure, some of the acting is a little wooden, but fortunately, those parts aren’t pivotal. The music is sensational, with classic songs from Motown and the tearjerker hit single, sang by then Motown’s newest recording artist, G.  C. Cameron â€Å" Its So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday†, which was later released in 1991 by the group Boys II Men, in honor of the movie. Even though â€Å"Cooley High† may not have inspirational or depict a positive role model, it’s a part of my life that brings back memories of just having fun and â€Å"obeying no laws expect for the ones of caring† (Preach). This film is truly a classic from the 70’s until the years to come.

Proposal for primary research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

For primary - Research Proposal Example The study considers whether having a standardised international marketing strategy, relevant for all international cultures, is effective for multi-national companies. The study tests whether convergence or the antithesis, divergence, is the prevalent decision-making phenomenon when comparing different national cultures. In order to determine whether ethnocentrism still dictates consumption decisions, the study takes a quantitative approach to research, utilising a survey constructed with a Likert-type scale which measures the level of ethnocentrism in five countries: The United States, Japan, Mexico, Sweden and Hong Kong. Questions provided in the survey include, â€Å"It is always best to purchase American products† and â€Å"Americans should not buy foreign products because it hurts American business and causes unemployment† (Keillor and Hult 1999, p.71) assists in determining whether global convergence is a legitimate phenomenon. The article finds that ethnocentrism is still present in some nations whilst in other nations with unique cultures, divergence in cultural identity is still prevalent. The study found that the U.S., Mexico and Hong Kong maintain high ethnocentrism when making product decisions whilst in Japan and Sweden, there is divergence of ethnocentrism that is not aligned with other evaluated nations. The study is further important as it suggests implications for today’s multi-national company marketers that using standardised marketing strategies will not be effective and refutes the notion that global convergence is a legitimate fact. This indicates that marketers operating in foreign nations should develop marketing communications that are sometimes aligned with existing cultural norms and preferences. This article lends support for the notion of global convergence as a result of cross-cultural exposure in India. The research study is important as it illustrates that Indian cultural