Digital Fortress Chapter 35

Becker stared in shock at Rocio. â€Å"You sold the ring?† The woman nodded, her silky red hair falling around her shoulders. Becker willed it not to be true. â€Å"Pero†¦ but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She shrugged and said in Spanish, â€Å"A girl near the park.† Becker felt his legs go weak. This can't be! Rocio smiled coyly and motioned to the German. â€Å"El queria que lo guardara. He wanted to keep it, but I told him no. I've got Gitana blood in me, Gypsy blood; we Gitanas, in addition to having red hair, are very superstitious. A ring offered by a dying man is not a good sign.† â€Å"Did you know the girl?† Becker interrogated. Rocio arched her eyebrows. â€Å"Vaya. You really want this ring, don't you?† Becker nodded sternly. â€Å"Who did you sell it to?† The enormous German sat bewildered on the bed. His romantic evening was being ruined, and he apparently had no idea why. â€Å"Was passiert?† he asked nervously. â€Å"What's happening?† Becker ignored him. â€Å"I didn't actually sell it,† Rocio said. â€Å"I tried to, but she was just a kid and had no money. I ended up giving it to her. Had I known about your generous offer, I would have saved it for you.† â€Å"Why did you leave the park?† Becker demanded. â€Å"Somebody had died. Why didn't you wait for the police? And give them the ring?† â€Å"I solicit many things, Mr. Becker, but trouble is not one of them. Besides, that old man seemed to have things under control.† â€Å"The Canadian?† â€Å"Yes, he called the ambulance. We decided to leave. I saw no reason to involve my date or myself with the police.† Becker nodded absently. He was still trying to accept this cruel twist of fate. She gave the damn thing away! â€Å"I tried to help the dying man,† Rocio explained. â€Å"But he didn't seem to want it. He started with the ring-kept pushing it in our faces. He had these three crippled fingers sticking up. He kept pushing his hand at us-like we were supposed to take the ring. I didn't want to, but my friend here finally did. Then the guy died.† â€Å"And you tried CPR?† Becker guessed. â€Å"No. We didn't touch him. My friend got scared. He's big, but he's a wimp.† She smiled seductively at Becker. â€Å"Don't worry-he can't speak a word of Spanish.† Becker frowned. He was wondering again about the bruises on Tankado's chest. â€Å"Did the paramedics give CPR?† â€Å"I have no idea. As I told you, we left before they arrived.† â€Å"You mean after you stole the ring.† Becker scowled. Rocio glared at him. â€Å"We did not steal the ring. The man was dying. His intentions were clear. We gave him his last wish.† Becker softened. Rocio was right; he probably would have done the same damn thing. â€Å"But then you gave the ring to some girl?† â€Å"I told you. The ring made me nervous. The girl had lots of jewelry on. I thought she might like it.† â€Å"And she didn't think it was strange? That you'd just give her a ring?† â€Å"No. I told her I found it in the park. I thought she might offer to pay me for it, but she didn't. I didn't care. I just wanted to get rid of it.† â€Å"When did you give it to her?† Rocio shrugged. â€Å"This afternoon. About an hour after I got it.† Becker checked his watch: 11:48 p.m. The trail was eight hours old. What the hell am I doing here? I'm supposed to be in the Smokys. He sighed and asked the only question he could think of. â€Å"What did the girl look like?† â€Å"Era un punki,† Rocio replied. Becker looked up, puzzled. â€Å"Un punki?† â€Å"Si. Punki.† â€Å"A punk?† â€Å"Yes, a punk,† she said in rough English, and then immediately switched back to Spanish. â€Å"Mucha joyeria. Lots of jewelry. A weird pendant in one ear. A skull, I think.† â€Å"There are punk rockers in Seville?† Rocio smiled. â€Å"Todo bajo el sol. Everything under the sun.† It was the motto of Seville's Tourism Bureau. â€Å"Did she give you her name?† â€Å"No.† â€Å"Did she say where she was going?† â€Å"No. Her Spanish was poor.† â€Å"She wasn't Spanish?† Becker asked. â€Å"No. She was English, I think. She had wild hair-red, white, and blue.† Becker winced at the bizarre image. â€Å"Maybe she was American,† he offered. â€Å"I don't think so,† Rocio said. â€Å"She was wearing a T-shirt that looked like the British flag.† Becker nodded dumbly. â€Å"Okay. Red, white, and blue hair, a British flag T-shirt, a skull pendant in her ear. What else?† â€Å"Nothing. Just your average punk.† Average punk? Becker was from a world of collegiate sweatshirts and conservative haircuts-he couldn't even picture what the woman was talking about. â€Å"Can you think of anything else at all?† he pressed. Rocio thought a moment. â€Å"No. That's it.† Just then the bed creaked loudly. Rocio's client shifted his weight uncomfortably. Becker turned to him and spoke influent German. â€Å"Noch et was? Anything else? Anything to help me find the punk rocker with the ring?† There was a long silence. It was as if the giant man had something he wanted to say, but he wasn't sure how to say it. His lower lip quivered momentarily, there was a pause, and then he spoke. The four words that came out were definitely English, but they were barely intelligible beneath his thick German accent. â€Å"Fock off und die.† Becker gaped in shock. â€Å"I beg your pardon? â€Å"Fock off und die,† the man repeated, patting his left palm against his fleshy right forearm-a crude approximation of the Italian gesture for â€Å"fuck you.† Becker was too drained to be offended. Fuck off and die? What happened to Das Wimp? He turned back to Rocio and spoke in Spanish. â€Å"Sounds like I've overstayed my welcome.† â€Å"Don't worry about him.† She laughed. â€Å"He's just a little frustrated. He'll get what's coming to him.† She tossed her hair and winked. â€Å"Is there anything else?† Becker asked. â€Å"Anything you can tell me that might help?† Rocio shook her head. â€Å"That's all. But you'll never find her. Seville is a big city-it can be very deceptive.† â€Å"I'll do the best I can.† It's a matter of national security†¦ â€Å"If you have no luck,† Rocio said, eyeing the bulging envelope in Becker's pocket, â€Å"please stop back. My friend will be sleeping, no doubt. Knock quietly. I'll find us an extra room. You'll see a side of Spain you'll never forget.† She pouted lusciously. Becker forced a polite smile. â€Å"I should be going.† He apologized to the German for interrupting his evening. The giant smiled timidly. â€Å"Keine Ursache.† Becker headed out the door. No problem? Whatever happened to â€Å"Fuck off and die†?

How to Write a Research Paper Essay

â€Å"This should be sent to a journal† â€Å"Very good work, but I’m not sure why Alan Bundy hasn’t written this? † Anonymous review: â€Å"Clearly the author fails to understands Walsh’s previous work on this topic† †¢ 1st Lesson †¢ Don’t lose heart †¢ Even if you do everything right, reviewing is imperfect Good papers will be rejected But try to learn from your knock-backs! †¢ †¢ Why you? †¢ Academic career †¢ Publish or perish †¢ Have an impact †¢ †¢ Communicate your results Many have not had the impact they deserve for being bad writers †¢ Writing is fun! Outline †¢ How to get your paper rejected †¢ There are many traps even experienced researchers make Myself very much included †¢ †¢ Hints about how to write a paper †¢ Writing is a craft not a science! How to be rejected †¢ Submit over-length †¢ Blind man: send in 7 pages even though the instructions clearly say 5 Once they see quality of work, they’ll be pleased you sent in more material †¢ How to be rejected Submit over-length †¢ †¢ Diplomatic immunity: put extra 2 pages in appendix Appendices clearly don’t count Similarly, bibliography doesn’t count †¢ †¢ How to be rejected †¢ Submit over-length †¢ LaTeX hacker: †¢ †¢ †¢ change from 11 to 9 point font squeeze inter-line space †¦ †¢ No one will ever notice How to be rejected †¢ Submit late †¢ †¢ †¢ Deadlines are meant for everyone else Review schedules have plenty of slack Your paper is worth the wait! How to be rejected †¢ You don’t have room for space wasters like: †¢ Motivation, Background, Related work †¢ Why do review forms always have these on them anyway? How to be rejected †¢ Annoy reader/reviewer †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Proof is trivial, when it isn’t Prove the trivial Fail to cite their work Only cite yourself How to be rejected †¢ Annoy reader/reviewer †¢ Don’t bother to spell check †¢ What do computers know about spelling anyway? †¢ Use all the old cliches †¢ â€Å"There has been a lot of interest recently in global constraints. † How to be rejected †¢ Annoy reader/reviewer †¢ Be pompous, boring, †¦ †¢ This is science not literature guys, who said it should be fun? †¢ Be overly formal †¢ Theorems and formulas add weight How to be rejected †¢ Annoy reader/reviewer †¢ Make them really work †¢ After all, these are dif? cult concepts and it took you some time †¦ †¢ Ignore reviews †¢ Just keep sending paper in, eventually it will be accepted How to write a paper †¢ Hints about how to write †¢ †¢ †¢ Preparation Writing itself Ethics Preparation †¢ Read, read, read! †¢ To learn how to write, read a lot †¢ I spend over 20% of my time reading †¢ 1 day/week in library Read, Read, Read †¢ Related literature †¢ †¢ †¢ So you can cite it So you don’t re-invent wheels So you know what others think are important research questions Read, Read, Read †¢ Other conference/journal papers where you intend to publish †¢ †¢ So you learn the â€Å"house† style So you can place your work within the bigger picture So you learn how to ask good questions †¢ Read, Read, Read †¢ Any sort of literature †¢ Magazines, novels, biographies, †¦ †¢ Writing is a skill, learn from others †¢ I read approx one novel/week as a way of trying to learn how to write And I have the luxury of writing in my own language! †¢ Review, Review, Review †¢ Review as much as you can †¢ †¢ †¢ So you see good/bad writing So you see the newest results (but see ethics) So you ask yourself good questions †¢ What is the contribution here? What are the weaknesses? †¦ Write, Write, Write †¢ The best preparation to writing is to write †¢ †¢ Writing gets easier the more you do it Writing is easier if you’ve drafted much of what you already need Writing is the best way to organize your thoughts Writing is a good way to record what you have done. †¢ †¢ Writing †¢ Work out the timetable †¢ †¢ †¢ Rushed papers frequently rejected Late papers are almost always rejected If you always write to deadlines, writing will seem more painful than it is Writing †¢ Work out the message †¢ You should be able to convey this in one sentence †¢ â€Å"We propose a new global constraint, provide a ? ltering algorithm and show it useful on some standard benchmarks† Writing †¢ Work out the message †¢ You should be able to convey this in one sentence †¢ â€Å"We identify an important class of symmetry, and show how to break it† †¢ Write to the message! Writing †¢ Distribute the work †¢ †¢ Play to your strengths If you have a native speaker, have them write intro/conclusion †¦ †¢ Write to length †¢ Brutally cut papers are frequently rejected Writing †¢ †¢ Structure paper before you write it I write template for paper with sections and subsection headings ? rst †¢ Intro, Background, Theoretical results, Empirical results, Related work, Conclusions Writing †¢ †¢ Start where you are most happy Often write from the middle outwards †¢ Theoretical results, Experiments, †¦ , Conclusions, Introduction, Abstract Writing †¢ †¢ Rule of Three Say everything 3 times! †¢ †¢ †¢ Introduce idea (introduction) Develop idea (body of paper) Summarize result (conclusions) †¢ But don’t copy verbatim the same text! Title †¢ Make it meaningful and brief †¢ †¢ Don’t make a joke Remember someone reading reference needs to be able to work out likely contents Good: the TSP phase transition Bad: Easy Problems are sometimes Hard †¢ †¢ Abstract †¢ Executive summary †¢ Try for one sentence or so on: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Motivation Method Key result Conclusions Introduction †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ What is the problem? Why is it interesting? What are your contributions? What is the outline of what you will show? Introduction †¢ Lure the reader in a with a good ? rst sentence †¢ Bad: There has been a lot of work recently on phase transition behaviour†¦ Good: Global constraints are central to the success of constraint programming†¦ †¢ Background †¢ Often need to set scene †¢ †¢ †¢ De? ne formalism Get reader up to speed Identify research problem Body of Paper †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Derive theoretical results Propose new algorithm Describe system engineered †¦ Results †¢ Bullet proof paper †¢ Theoretical results †¢ Experiments only provide a limited view †¢ Experimental results †¢ Theory doesn’t show if results are useful in practice. Related work †¢ Has many purposes †¢ †¢ †¢ You give proper credit to prior work You are not re-inventing wheel You can compare what you do with what has been done before Conclusions †¢ †¢ Remind reader of what you have done Place work in wider context †¢ â€Å"What general lessons might be learnt from this study? † †¢ Flag all the exciting open research directions Acknowledgements †¢ Thank all who have helped you †¢ Provided code, data sets, †¦ †¢ Thank ? nancial sponsors Writing †¢ Keep it simple! †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Active, not passive Present, not past or future Long words Short sentences Writing †¢ Avoid temptation to include every result you have †¢ †¢ †¢ Paper needs to be coherent Paper needs to be understandable Many papers are rejected for having too many results! Ethics of Writing †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Authorship Citation Submission Publication Authorship †¢ Who should be an author? †¢ Anyone who has made a signi? cant contribution May not have written any text! Always err on the side of caution †¢ †¢ Authorship †¢ Who should be an author? †¢ †¢ †¢ Ask! You’ll be surprised how often people refuse You can be sure they’ll not work with you again if they feel they should be Authorship †¢ Should my advisor be an author? †¢ †¢ †¢ In ? rst few years of thesis, probably yes .. Once you graduate, you should (be able to) write papers on your own Again, ask! †¢ Citation †¢ Cite all relevant work †¢ †¢ †¢ Reviews always ask about Related Work You’ll want them to cite you It’s central to the scienti? c method †¢ We stand on the shoulders of others Citation †¢ Do I cite myself for a blind review? †¢ †¢ †¢ Yes! You must credit all previous work Either cite [Author, 2004] Or write â€Å"As Walsh has shown previously [Walsh 2004] †¦ † Submission †¢ Can I submit to multiple conferences? †¢ What’s the deal with the disclaimer (†This paper is not under review ..†)? †¢ Can I submit to a journal immediately? †¢ †¢ No hard and fast rules My rule, once reviews are back and paper is effectively in press †¦ Publication †¢ Can I publish my conference paper as it is in a journal? †¢ Probably not, even though conference is not archival Most journals ask you to extend conference paper substantially †¢ †¢ Proofs, more experiments, †¦ Final words †¢ It takes time to learn how to write †¢ Don’t be put off if at ? rst your have papers rejected All of us have papers rejected †¢ †¢ Spend time learning how to write †¢ It will be worth the investment.

Managerial Functions

The management functions according to Henry Fayol are planning, decision-making, communication, organizing, leadership, motivation, control and coordination. These functions are important for all types of organization whether it is small, medium or largeOr whether they are private or public organizations. The success or failure of any organization is primarily depends on how effective these functions are carried out in an organization. This particularly true in the current dynamic economic, technological. Social and political climate of the 21st century. In addition it is becoming very vital the success or failure depends on how the above managerial functions are carried out in a global economic environment and challenges of environmental issues and climate change.The Distribution center of Walmat serves 120 stores and it is a hub, which ensures the stores have the correct products with appropriate quality and as well it ensures the stocks, arrives at stores in time and there is an a dequate stock to serve the customers in the respective stores where the distribution center is responsible. Say I am working as a Supervisor for a section, which is responsible to the distribution to Super Centers in a given area. I am directly responsible to the Distribution center chief manager.The planning function gives an organization direction and sets the objectives as an organization as a whole and also objectives for the sub-units. It also is a tool to use limited resources to use effectively and efficiently and reduce waste so that the  organization is competitive and meets the goals consistently in the short and in the long term. In this regard as a Supervisor I have to schedule the day to day work load and have a contingency plan if some staff do not come in a day and how I can reschedule the activities so that I can meet the deadlines and ensure the stocks arrives at the Super centerIn time.   In this manner I have to plan activities and implement the plan on a day- to-day basis to meet the objectives of the Distribution center my responsibilities in accordance with procedures and policies of the center and the directions of my manager.  Decision-making refers to the question of what to produce, how to produce, when to produce, how to distribute to plan, organize and control activities. As a Supervisor forSuper centers I have to allocate staff for different activities and I have to make decisions regarding the allocation of staff, As well to schedule tasks I have decide the how I can control the workflow with limited interruptions and improve the time taken for each activity as well to make decisions the timing of processing the orders from the Super Center. As well I have to arrange and use transport to deliver the stocks to the Super center and decide the timing and the type of transport needed. That is I have to make decisions in regards to planning, organizing, control and motivate staff to meet deadlines and ensure a smooth workflow with little interruptions.In any organization the organization uses capital, natural resources and above all human resources or manpower to convert raw materials in to value added products. To  accomplish this the organization must recruit the appropriate people in terms of skill, personality and values compatible with the organization, train them if necessary to upgrade skills, motivate them to use their maximum potential by identifying intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors.As a supervisor I have to ensure adequate staff to perform the activities monitoring the demand for each activity and inform the chief manager on a regular basis to recruit staff for a particular area of work and inform the manager the training needs of staff if identified any inadequacies of their skills observed and in performance evaluations and recommend staff for promotion to the chief manager of the Distribution center.Managers have to communicate with internal staff above them and below them as well as to external bodies. In my day-to-day work I have to communicate with my staff to motivate and to direct them and allocate the resources they need to perform their tasks as well have to communicate and report the progress of my section to the chief manager in written form in accordance with procedures and policies.I have to deal orally and writing with the suppliers and with the Super Center to plan and control activities to ensure the schedules are revised and activities are reorganized and the work processes and the logistics in the Distribution Center is reengineered to improve efficiency in consultation with my chief Manager within my work responsibilities.Organization means the organizational structure such as Authority and responsibility, line of communication, internal control systems, decision-making mechanisms, and logisticsTechnological and information system infrastructure, management culture and style, types and number of divisions and departments, levels of management , procedures and policies regarding particular activities which are routine by nature as well as General code of conduct and policies relating to human resource management and other important functions.As a Supervisor I must know my Distribution center organizational structure and how it fits with Wal Mart so that I can work and know how my work is related with other divisions within the center and know the computer and other internal control systems to work in accordance with such procedures and to enable to use decision-making mechanism tolls computer and other tolls to plan and organize and control activities within my responsibility and to report in accordance with the chain of command and to go beyond my official authority without prior permission.As well I have to organize activities by allocating tasks to my staff and ensure they work in accordance with procedures and policies applicable to their work and apply my managerial style compatible with my staff profile and compatib le with the managerial style of my Chief Manager and with the Wal marts managerial style acceptable to the management culture.Motivation is an important and complex function of management in all levels including the low level management. Motivation means providing appropriate incentives monetary and non-monetary reward systems to maximize the use of the potential of all staff.Have a performance evaluation system to enhance performance and provide carrier opportunity to staff, which has the initiative, ambition, skill and appropriate values personality, which is compatible with the organizational culture. As a Supervisor as discussed above I have to understand the complexity of motivation and must identify the motivational factors and provide incentives and give meaningful tasks to staff to motivate  them to perform and use their full potential and to retain skilled staff which is a scarce resource and vital for the competitive edge of the organization as a whole.Managers also must show leadership qualities such as knowledge providers, mentors and facilitators for the staff working for them and to harness their skill and upgrade their skill  and shape behavior so that the staff meets the goals of the organization not goals that are not compatible organizational goals as a whole. As mentioned above as a Supervisor I will act as a role model, a mentor a facilitator and a knowledge provider and always tries  to upgrade there energy level in a high level and maintain them so that their effort level  is high and their morale is high.Coordination is necessary to work with other divisions and with external clients to meet the goals set for the Distribution Center with the Overall Objectives of Wal mart. As a Supervisor I have to coordinate with suppliers, with other divisions with the Distribution center to plan and control activities to maximize the efficiency of the distribution center not by unit alone in the expense of the distribution center but also add value to the Wal mart as a whole as I acknowledge different divisions may have different objectives and  Ã‚  they are not always compatible and one has to strike a balance between technical objectives, human objectives, sales objectives and cost objectives to plan and control activities.Control processes are important as it gives feedback on the results of operations to the managers in the form of reports quantitative and qualitative or regular feedback to managers immediately above on a regular basis so that they can adjust the plan or improve the processes and control cost and rectify weaknesses in operational efficiency  and innovate new products on a continuous basis to survive and grow in the short and n the long term.As a Supervisor for Super enter delivery I will give feedback on how to improve efficiency by improving work processes and system and application of technology and better decision making and information system within the organization  as well prepare reports in accordance with procedures to measure the performance of the Divisions to control cost and to improve productivity and innovation within the distribution center.The Chief manager of the Distribution center has to plan for the operation as whole and revise plans based on the feedback from the divisional managers and have to plan for capital expenditure and investment decisions which will improve efficiency within the budget and also plan for man power and budget for expenditures and logistic plans within  the distribution center. In staffing the chief manager has to make decisions of the best method to recruit staff, best reward system, promotional policies and assessment systems  training of staff.In relation to decision making he has to make decisions how to plan effectively using technology and other methods, determine best logistic planning and scheduling the activities, cost control methods, make decisions as how to control quality and quality control processes and syste ms, how to motivate staff, effective methods of coordination of different systems, best feedback mechanism and frequency, appropriate management style.He has to communicate with finance department, Information technology department, suppliers and stores he is responsible and with other distribution center managers on a regular basis as well as with divisional managers and staff. In controlling activities he must establish feedback mechanism and regular reports to identify problem areas and to identify causes and improve efficiency of the processes and systems and to improve the performance to meet the objectives of the Distribution center.In motivating staff he must identify the intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors and provide incentives and by enhancing the work of staff and supervisors and providing meaningful work. As the external environment is dynamic and in a global economic environment the Walmart must become more adaptable and there fore the work and duties of all ma nagement will become more complex and they must revise their systems and processes on a faster face than ever before and must become a team oriented organization than functional and become more flexible in their work practices in the future.BibliographyCarrol.Archie.B. (1993), Three Types of management Planning: Making Organization Work, Management Quarterly, 34, 1, Retrieved February, 15, 2007, from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002194623Divisions (n.d) Retrieved February, 15, 2007, fromhttp://corporate.walmart.com/?id=10Korman.Abraham. K & Kroat.Allen.I. (1999) Evolving practices in Human Resource Management: Responses To a Changing World, London Manel (ed), Retrieved February, 15, 2007 from https://www.questia.com/read/107266673/evolving-practices-in-human-resource-managementSchirmer.F. (2002), Lower-Level and Middle-Level Management as the Recipients and Actors of Human Resource Mnagement & Organization, International Studies of Management, Retrieved 15, 2007 from https:/ /www.questia.com/read/5000141068

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING - Essay Example The paper also analyses the significance of the food industry and major factors forming and regulating the industry and the environment under which it experiences its gradual but continuous growth. The present study also makes SWOT analysis of the topic under study keeping in view cultural factors and global phenomenon within which the industry observes significant boost during the last century. The future trends and dimensions of the industry have also come in the fold of present study. International marketing refers to the carrying out and management of marketing activities in more than one country. In other words the term refers to the commercial transactions of the product of a company in international market for the consumers of other states along with the country where the product is being manufactured. The world has been transformed into the global village in the contemporary age where the activities in one part of the world are monitored and taken into account in all other parts of the globe too with keen interest. These activities have introduced new trends and dimensions in the changing market scenario. The companies also present their products for the consumers abroad by launching comprehensive campaigns regarding marketing and advertising to introduce before them the benefits these products contain. Western nations and especially the United States rely on thousands of independent enterprises to convert resources into desired goods and services. Moreover, these enterprises provide most of the initiative for improving and adapting the flow of goods and services to new wants. (Newman & Logan, 1976:1) Hence marketing research and plans have become essential parts of strategic analysis. ABC Food Company is one of the famous food brands of the USA, which has grown in an environment of perfect competition. The USA is famous for holding world-class food brands including McDonalds, KFC, HFC,

The changing demographics in Texas have transformed electoral politics Essay

The changing demographics in Texas have transformed electoral politics - Essay Example The public policies and traditionally conservative politics of the state, together with the domineering responsibility of a leading structure, are entrenched in these cultural patterns (Zuczek, 2006). This paper will look at how the changing demographics in Texas have transformed electoral politics. Texas has diverse demographics. There has been a significant rise in the general population, with considerable increases among Asian Americans and Hispanics. Hispanics went beyond 35% of the Texas population in 2010. It is also estimated that they will have reach 41% by 2020. In addition, African Americans were approximately 30% of the Texas population during the Civil War, but are now almost 12%. Also, there is a small Native American population made up of three tribes; the Kickapoo, the Tigua, and the Alabama-Coushatta, making up 0.6% of the population. In addition, Asian Americans are approximately 2.7% of the existing population and are anticipated to rise to almost 4.2% by 2020. Angl os make up almost 52.5% of the population and are estimated to decrease as a percentage of the entire population in the next 30 years. In the first quarter of the 20th century, Texas will have a majority minority (Maxwell, Crain & Santos, 2013). The line between San Antonio and Texarkana in effect splits the subcultures of Texas. A large number of Anglos who settled west and north of this line were from the upper South and tremendously influenced by the individualistic subculture, which prefers limited government. Anglos who settled east and south of the line were by large from the lower South and fashioned by its traditionalistic culture (Zuczek, 2006). Politics in Texas is basically fashioned by the racial and ethnic makeup of the population, and, even though the concerns of minorities were historically overlooked, they are now getting increased consideration. This consideration can be accredited in part, to the rising number of minorities elected to local and state offices. Over the last ten years, the population of Texas has risen much quicker than the national average. Between 1990 and 2000, the population of Texas rose by approximately four million people (Maxwell, Crain & Santos, 2013). Movement from other states of the country with stout Republican Party traditions has played a significant part in the transformation of Texas’ conventional one-party Democratic political system into a two-party system. In spite of the sense of wide open spaces and size, Texas is an urban area, with almost 85% of the people living in urban areas. The rise in population presents new requirements on all levels of government, as will the rise in the average age of the population of the state (Maxwell, Crain & Santos, 2013). Almost 10% of the population in Texas was over 65 years old. This number is estimated to rise to 17% by 2030. In addition, significant differences in income levels and wealth exist in the state, leading to political benefits for people who have sig nificant financial resources. Therefore, the economic class has turned into a political subject and income is evidently associated to ethnicity and race, African Americans and Hispanics are more probable to get incomes lower than $15,000. Moreover, there are also significant diffe

Online Educational System Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Online Educational System - Lab Report Example This will offer the facility to effectively meet the requirements of students, teachers, and management. In addition, this will also offer the better fulfillment of needs of the online communication, data transfer, security, and privacy. The University of Grantham online system needs to be based on the number of groupware applications. In the development of these applications, each development team needs to work on a specific area of the overall system development. In this scenario, the inter-communication among all teams is really essential. However, at the time of the system merger, we can face some compatibility problems. These problems can emerge due to different development style, programming approach, and a communication interface. Therefore, when these groupware applications have combined the problems regarding the combined operational compatibility could arise. In this scenario, to resolve such problems we need to offer a better and enhanced communication interface to all development teams of the groupware applications. In this way, the inter-communication will offer effective management of the major compatibility problems. For the development of the University of Grantham online distant learning system, we will require a lot of groupware applications. The main groupware application is email based communication application. This will offer the communication facility to all the users of groupware application. Then the next main groupware application we will require is about the newsgroups and mailing list. This will facilitate the presentation of current events regarding the education. This will also provide the facility of distributing any current news to the students and teachers. Another groupware application that is required is about the video communication.  This will offer the facility to share the video lectures at the online website for the students.  

Standing in the Shoes of a Renaissance Maste Essay

Standing in the Shoes of a Renaissance Maste - Essay Example The saturation of the object colors also diminishes; the objects color move towards resembling the color of the background, which is mostly light blue. The image illustrates Ariel perspective in various ways. The size of the trees (objects) becomes smaller with increase in distance. Superimposing is also illustrated because the front trees cover the background trees to indicated distance impression. The objects, trees, in between space become more clustered together. The color intensity is great near the viewer; however, it tends to becomes greyer and bluish as the distance increases. Liner perspective has been employed in the painting to form space and distance illusion on the flat surface. In the linear perspective, the artist should imagine the painting as open window for observing the painting work. Straight lines are indicated to represent horizon, and also the visual rays directing the viewer’s eyes to a distance point. In the above painting, the horizontal lines are indicated in the area where the sky seems to meet the ground. The vanishing point in the painting is located near the middle of horizontal line. The vanishing point represents the location where parallel lines that are directed towards horizontal line seem to meet in the distance. Orthogonal lines represents visual rays which enables viewers eyes to see points around edges to vanishing point. These lines are used in the painting to align edges of the hills or ridges. Leonardo Da Vinci was trained during the period of renaissance and eventually turned out to be the master of craft. It was his amazing power of observation and his distinctive skills as an illustrator that helped him to recreate all the different aspects of nature. He is known for adding a special kind of liveliness in his paintings. He was always curious to know the depth of the things and that is what made him observant. He had this constant urge to explain what was in his mind and what he saw in his

Digital Marketing Techniques Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Digital Marketing Techniques - Essay Example Apart from this, the report will also try to illustrate a suitable communication strategy by which the company can satisfy its needs through the use of digital media. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Introduction 5 Market Analysis 6 Market Research 6 Competitors Comparison 8 Target Segmentation 9 Management Issues of Mobgets 10 Communication Strategy and Rational 11 Brand Awareness 13 Driving web traffic 13 Conversion 13 Budget Breakdown and timeline 14 Conclusion 15 References 16 Bibliography 21 Appendix 1 24 Appendix 2 25 Appendix 3 26 Appendix 4 27 Introduction Digital marketing can be defined as the process of marketing by which the product is placed on the digital platform and making it available for the millions of users. In other words, digital marketing way of promoting products and services via online distribution channels to attain the customers cost-effective and timely manner (Mobilestorm, n.d.). It is also known as internet marketing (Miller, 2012, what is digital m arketing). The world of digital media is revolutionizing at an inconceivable velocity. It is transforming the way we intermingle and communicate with each other (Jones & Ryan, 2012, p.viii). People are accepting the digital technology in order to communicate in ways and are flawlessly integrating it into their daily lives. In digital marketing companies promote their brands by making the use of social media, Television. Internet, radio, search engines and other forms as well. In the context of smartphones, they are also mobile phones but built on a mobile computing platform (Artilib, 2011). Smartphones are characterized by the advanced ability of computing and strong internet connectivity (Psypost, n.d.). Companies hugely make use of the digital marketing in order to sell the applications of a smartphone. A mobile application is a software which is used by the operators for different applicative functions (Reif, Wang & Nieto, 2009, p.194). Mobile applications generally help the user s by linking them to internet services. In order to do a market analysis of the company SWOT will be used as the tool to showcase the present market situation of the company as it offers many benefits (Hartline & Ferrell, 2012, p.122). Market Research Marketing Research is a procedural design, collection, evaluation and presenting the data and findings into a meaningful information (Dutka, Breen & Blankenship, 1998, p.7).

Fundamental Reasons For Lobbyist Reform Term Paper

Fundamental Reasons For Lobbyist Reform - Term Paper Example TBTF banks, GM, Chrysler, AIG, and other important American companies received aid from the Treasury in the form of stimulus money intended to address the root causes of the problem in losses stemming from the real estate melt-down. After review, it is believed that the undue lobbyist interest by the same companies that received financing from these programs, as well as from the Federal Reserve directly via Quantitative Easing, may have influenced or even corrupted the process through which legislation was written concerning their own industry. Furthermore, the same influences were also seen during the process during which the Health Care Reform was passed. These issues point to a larger cause in the need for lobbyist reform. The most fundamental reason for this is to remove the possible conflict of interest in legislation, but this issue may also be seen as protecting the greater democratic system as well as making the administration’s own work more effective in legislation and reform. 1. In the examples of the Wall St. Rescue Package, TARP, and the stimulus packages implemented to assist the economy, Time magazine reported, â€Å"the legislation, which would bring more change to Wall Street than anything else enacted since the New Deal, was a Super Bowl for lobbyists.† (Brill, 2010) In analyzing the way that lobbyists from Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, Citi, and other TBTF banks contributed soft money to the political process to buy influence in legislation, it reflects badly on the Administration and democratic process in America, and through this, encourages the Administration to support reform of lobbyists in Washington. 2. In the example of Financial Sector reform, the same companies and others, including major leaders in the industry, finance, and banking have influenced the process unduly.

Do corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports provide shareholders Essay - 7

Do corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports provide shareholders and stakeholders with useful information on corporate soci - Essay Example The gaining momentum of CSR activities is evident from the fact that many mergers and acquisition dealings are also viewing investments in such activities as a factor for consideration prior to finalising the deal. Despite such growth in the value of CSR activities, the question as to why managers find it important to undertake these activities and whether there is any need for engaging in these activities apart from maintain good public image (Font et al., 2012). There are multitude of problems in the business world which include accounting frauds and corporate irregularities and graver concerns like environmental issues and social obligations. In this regard, the paper discusses the importance of engagement of companies in a socially responsible behaviour and also illustrates reasons behind non engagement of few organizations in the same. The paper discusses evidence of non compliance and lack of belief in CSR initiative in firms and concludes in discussion of relevance of such CSR initiatives in today’s world. Importance of Engaging in a Socially Responsible Behaviour CSR reporting that are now being mandated in firms by various controlling bodies are an attempt to legalise the concerns business activity while making it comply with various environmental, social and ethical issues. It is argued that voluntary as well as compulsory CSR reporting ensures competitive advantage of firms over those who do not engage in CSR reporting (Mahoney et al., 2013). The melamine contamination case of China was a shock for the entire world. It highlighted the need for investors to respond to a corporate social responsibility of companies towards its consumers. It is argued that a firm’s financial performance has direct bearing with consumer buying and selling activities and such immoral behaviours drop sales by drastic measures. In the similar way, the case of Coca Cola and Cadbury contamination brought forth an alarming situation of quality standards and norms that were practiced within the company. These events tarnished the brand name to such large extent that it required years to gain back reputation and hence sales. Hence it is critical to understand the direct linkage between CSR performance and financial results (Kong, 2012). The importance of engaging in CSR activities can also be studied in light of most important financial decisions like a merger and how it impacts the decision and impact on shareholders during such events (Deng, Kang & Low, 2013). In support of shareholder’s value maximisation in engaging in a merger, the role of CSR activity has been explained as a trust building action among the stakeholders (Jo & Harjoto, 2011). This argument thus establishes that high socially responsible firms have greater support of shareholders and stakeholders which in turn contribute towards firm profitability and long term efficiency in contrast to firms that maintain somewhat weak socially responsible image (Jensen, 2001). Evi dence of dismissal of view of CSR Corporate governance requires that companies make their activities more transparent, their activities more accountable and their business more socially responsibly. It is argued that companies engage in business ethics, corporate governance and social responsibility merely to gain legitimacy in business activities and they do not really care about what possible impacts these could have on their business activity (Brennan & Merkl-Davies, 2013). According to views of Milton Friedman, social

Ghost Solders Essay Example for Free

Ghost Solders Essay The book â€Å"Ghost Solders: The Forgotten Epic Story of World War II’s Most Dramatic Mission† tells the story of the American raid that happened in January 1945 on the Japanese prisoner of war camp at Cabanatuan in the Philippines to rescue allied prisoners. The accounts come from interviews conducted by the author of the participants, both rescuers and prisoners. With these interviews the author was able to give the reader an insight to the concentrations caps and of the prisoners lives as well as the rescue mission with first hand details. There are three points this book was able to show and the first is about the individuals the second is of survival and the human spirit and the third is the success of the mission. It is a compelling work of history on the war with Japan. It focuses on the experiences of a few individuals but never loses sight of the bigger picture, the American war against Japan. Hampton Sides tells the true story of a daring mission to rescue American and Allied soldiers who had been incarcerated for more than three years behind enemy lines. These men roughly 500 were from an army of 100,000 who had surrendered in April 1942 and endured appalling conditions and acts such as the crushing of ailing prisoners with tanks, random decapitations and the use of exhausted troops for bayonet practice. Many of their comrades died during the Death March that followed their surrender. Sides reminds us how shocking it was for the Americans to witness suffering indiscriminate cruelty from the Japanese guards without being able to do anything about it. The story opens in December in the year 1941 with the Japanese invasion of the Philippines Islands, the American retreat to Bataan and Corregidor, and the surrender of the American and Filipino forces to the Japanese in April and May 1942. By January 1945 very few allied prisoners had survived the Bataan Death March and remained in the Philippines. Many died because of the three years of neglect, hunger, disease, and torture from the Japanese. With the summer of 1944, with Americans moving nearer to the Philippines many prisoners were shipped out to the Islands on what were called â€Å"Hell Ships bound for Japan or Formosa. With the allied invasion of the Philippines in October 1944, the fate of the surviving prisoners of war became even more uncertain. This was because of reports of Japanese troops murdering prisoners before retreating and just before American forces was able to save them. To prevent another massacre, a small force of 121 men from the U. S. Army’s 6th Ranger Battalion that slipped through the Japanese lines on January 28th 1945, engaging in one of the most daring rescue mission of the war. The object of the raids was to rescue 513 American and British POW’s in the Japanese camp near Cabanatuan on the Island of Luzon. â€Å"Ghost Story† is the story of the rescuers as well as the rescued. The author details the raid from beginning to end, intertwining the story of the prisoners in the camp with the story of the rescuers that give emotions to the reader on the event. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci, a West Point Graduate and the commanding officer of the 6th Ranger Battalion, was selected to lead the raid. Mucci could not take all 800 of his Rangers, so he took the C Company commanded by Captain Robert Prince, and a platoon from F Company to undertake the mission. There were 121 men total for the mission. Early in the morning on January 28th the rescuers began a 30 mile march to the camp at Cabanatuan. Sides detail the march through the jungle. He also deals with the concerns when it was discovered that the camp was a major transshipment point for retreating Japanese and almost 8,000 Japanese troops might be in the area. There were also details on the logistical, intelligence and combat contributions of the Filipino guerrillas as well as the planning, reconnaissance and execution of the assault on the camp. The author does an excellent job with these descriptions along with the emotional and gripping withdrawal of the prisoners back to American lines. Sides bring the story to life in a very exciting and very gripping manner and to me he captured the moment. He details the day to day suffering of the prisoners and tells the story of the dangerous work done by the resistance forces before and after the rescues. Many of the Filipino citizens helped the prisoners and the Rangers risking death. They supplied the Rangers with food and carts. They even fought along side of the Rangers. The book is very well written and is a must read for any WW II historian as well as the average reader. It gives a detailed look into human behavior during war and at a time when people are usually at their worst. â€Å"Ghost Soldiers† is a remarkable book, not least because Sidess heroes were ordinary solders and humans who somehow found the resilience to endure unimaginable horrors. The account of the raid itself is the stuff of high adventure, but where Sides excels is in persuading the survivors to recall their experiences in such powerful, candid detail. Reference: Sides, H. Ghost Solders: The Forgotten Epic Story of World War II’s Most Dramatic Mission. New York: Doubleday (2001).

How to prevent pitching Injuries Essay Example for Free

How to prevent pitching Injuries Essay Throwing a baseball is one of the most strenuous motions a person can put their body through. When you throw a baseball it puts large amounts of pressure on your arm which can cause very serious injury over an amount of time. The shoulder and elbow joint were not designed to throw a ball overhand. The natural way to throw a ball would be to throw it underhand. If you are going to be a pitcher, you need to be aware of the effects that throwing a baseball can have on your shoulder and elbow. You also need to know what you can do to prevent these injuries from happening. If your arm is going to withstand the strain that throwing has on your arm, you are going to need to know the stretches and exercises that will strengthen the arm muscles so that your arm is strong enough to take the pressure. Before you pick up the baseball you have to be absolutely sure that youre arm is thoroughly stretched out. The amount of time a person needs to stretch is going to vary, so you will have to be the judge about when you are good and stretched. When you are beginning to stretch you want to focus on getting the blood to penetrate to the arm. You accomplish this by moving your arms in a circular motion. You are going to want to rotate your arms fifteen times forward and fifteen times backward. Once you have gotten the blood flowing to the arms you are ready to begin throwing the baseball. When you first start out throwing you want to throw at a short distance, and gradually work your way back as your arm begins to get loose. When warming up you never want to start throwing as hard as you can right from the beginning. The arm needs time to get loose before you can start throwing at full speed. Now that you have warmed up, and your arm is ready to throw in a game, you need to too put a long sleeve jacket or sweatshirt on so that your arm stays warm. If you do not do this the blood that has rushed to your arm will begin to leave, which will prevent your arm from staying warm. Now that you know what to do when you are warming up, now we will go over on what to do when youre done pitching so that your arm will recover faster. After a pitcher has thrown, the joints and muscles in the arm have gone through a great deal of wear. The muscle tissue in the arm has actually started to bruise, which eventually creates lactic acid. This is a chemical in your body that helps heal these bruises, but it does not heal the arm very quickly. Instead of these acids helping your body to re-cooperate the pitcher is going to ice his shoulder and elbow (which are the main points of wear). This will help the swelling in the muscles because this ice will cause the swelling to go down. After you are done icing the pitcher is going to go on a long distance run. This long distance run helps to get the blood flowing back through the arm which causes the lactic acids that are still in your arm, to get washed out of the elbow and shoulder. For your arm to recover from pitching as quickly as possible, you are also going to need to do arm exercises until the next time that you are going to be pitching again. These exercises are also going to help prevent major injuries to your elbow and shoulder. The exercises that the pitcher will do will be done with a three foot piece of surgical tubing. With this piece of tubing you are going to strengthen the small muscles that hold your rotator cuff together and the tendons in your elbow. The tubing will be tied to an object such as a fence, and the pitcher is going to pull the tubing away from the fence creating resistance against the small muscles and tendons. These arm exercises are vital if your arm is going to withstand the pressure of throwing the baseball. Pitchers put there shoulder and elbow in a situation to have major injury. If a pitcher is going to survive through the strains of throwing a baseball he is going to need to do everything he can to try to prevent these injuries from arising. Even by doing the stretches and exercises covered in this essay, you may still go through a serious arm injury, but at least you know that you did everything that you could to try to prevent serious injury.

The Strategic Positioning Of Ikea Marketing Essay

The Strategic Positioning Of Ikea Marketing Essay An analysis of the strategic position of IKEA has shown that IKEA has different strategic positions in different markets. This assignment will analyse IKEAs strategic position, identify and evaluate various strategic options. While IKEA does not form government policies or make legislation it is important that IKEA understands their implications (Lynch 2009). Take India for example, 100% FDI by a full ownership single brand retailer is not permitted. IKEA could therefore, consider entering into joint venture with local furniture retailers in countries which it wants to expand into or consider other options such as franchising or licensing (Cavusgil et al 2008). IKEA could also consider working with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to get governments of potential markets to relax legislation and policies as a long-term plan as changing policies and regulations is a process which takes time. China for example has already committed to relaxing regulations since joining the WTO in 2004 and IKEA continues to expand in this market (EmeraldManagementXtra 2007). As there are significant political legal barriers as well opportunities in markets such as Asia and Eastern-Europe which are in the Introduction or Growth Stage of the Industry Life Cycle (Lynch 2009) [Appendix C] and have not yet been dominated by other global furniture companies it is imperative that IKEA move fast to find a way round barriers if it plans on maintaining its position as a global brand in future. Economic, Socio-cultural Technological Continual increase in GDP in the BRIC nations and other markets (NexisUK, 2010) outside Western Europe and North America makes these markets an attractive option and IKEA could expand into these markets going forward. On the contrary increase in GDP may pose a challenge rather than an advantage is it may mean increased competition. Moreover, it may also pose a challenge to IKEA as it may mean that raw materials become more expensive (Coulter 2009) as these countries are also large suppliers of raw materials for IKEA (ScienceDirect 2008). Despite the fact that consumer income expenditure in Western markets dropped significantly since 2008 and they are in the mature stage of the industry life-cycle (Lynch 2009), exiting these markets might not be a good option for the future. Mintel reported that consumer expenditure will increase significantly by 2013; hence IKEA could seek to maintain its position. Furthermore, looking to the future, buyer behaviour could change in favour of IKEA due to economic pressures as customers who previously would have opted for more expensive furniture are likely to opt for reasonably priced furniture. Suggesting a limitation to the Industry Life Cycle model as IKEA is operating in a dynamic environment the factors which caused a market to be mature or in decline can change unexpectedly and IKEA itself can instigate change (Lynch 2009). Increase of life expectancy in markets such as Japan, North-America and Western Europe (Mintel 2010) could mean IKEA must look towards focusing on a different market segment in future as IKEAs target market is currently young middle class. Furthermore, research by GMID, 2010 has shown that the aging population (silver-surfers) in Western-Europe prefer online-shopping due to the convenience of having bulky items delivered at home (Appendix B). IKEA could take this as an opportunity, by widening its internet services it can use the technology to broaden its reach and tap into this market segment in the future. This will not only increase market share and profits in can also be used to enhance customer loyalty as internet purchases can be a good tool of monitoring buyer behaviour (Mintel 2010). On the other hand, IKEA might opt not to take advantage of this social change and technological influence as the store experience is essential to IKEAs competitive advantage and becoming well-known as an e-shop might change its image. That being said, even IKEAs current target market is internet savvy and ignoring such a significant factor may be risky as it is necessary to be adaptive to sustain competitive advantage. . Environmental Green issues are increasingly a large concern for IKEA. Rise in green consumerism (Mintel 2010) has seen IKEA paint a picture to the public that its designs are eco-friendly and it must maintain this image as consumers have become more aware and concerned about the environment. While IKEAs designers are conscious of designing eco-friendly products (Johnson et al 2008), its suppliers may not necessarily practice eco-friendly manufactures. With a large network of suppliers in mostly developing nations some suppliers do not source raw materials through legit channels. The consequences of green-issues are inevitable and in order to maintain competitive advantage IKEA is could to work hand in hand with suppliers and local governments as Corporate Social Responsibility to see that global carbon-footprint is minimised, to avoid backlash from environmental pressure-groups. Comment on Analysis Given that the environment in which IKEA operates is dynamic, IKEA must think fast and move fast on all counts in order to obtain first mover advantage and gain competitive advantage. On the other hand, because the environment is very dynamic, IKEA might move fast in areas where there is less risk and wait for competitors to move first in other areas thus taking advantage of gaps on their strategy. Outcome of Five Forces Analysis The analysis revealed that the industry is more favourable in some markets than others with Asia and Eastern-Europe appearing to be more favourable to a greater extent than others. Competitive rivalry is the key element to consider as it is most likely to have more influence on the future. Bargaining Power of Suppliers IKEA has a large network of suppliers thus there in hardly any threat posed by suppliers. Five-Forces Analysis suggests that suppliers as part of the environment pose a threat which is one of the limitations of this method of analysis as the environment does not have to be a threat; it is possible for IKEA and its suppliers to engage in closer cooperation (Lynch 2009). Cooperation with suppliers would be important for IKEA as it is likely to need to work with its suppliers to tackle green issues if IKEA wants to keep these suppliers which allow it to be a cost-leader. Bargaining Power of Buyers Outcome of Five-Forces implies that buyers have little power which would make the industry favourable. Buyers have little power according to 5-Forces Model, yet there is evidence that IKEA consistently aims to satisfy buyers. Lynch 2009 argues that this is a limitation to the model as the organisations interests do not necessarily come first and the buyer is more important than other aspects of strategy development in this model hence cannot be considered and equal aspect in such an analysis. . Threat of Substitutes This is a key element which makes the low-cost furniture industry unfavourable as threat of substitutes is high particularly in developed markets (Lynch 2009). IKEA is therefore likely to react by widening its online services, in order to protect and expand its market-share. IKEA could consider re-thinking the locations of its stores in order to tackle the threat posed by retailers such as TESCO and Walmart (GMID). To tackle retailers it may also consider backward integration (Johnson et al 2008) as these retailers also have easy access to suppliers and can achieve scale benefits. However, backward integration might prove difficult as IKEAs network of suppliers might be too large to control. Extent of Competitive Rivalry Markets in Developing Economies Competitive rivalry is key because of influences in the macro-environment, that is, (i) increase in GDP in BRIC markets, (ii) barriers to trade in growing markets which are potentially extremely lucrative. IKEA stands a good chance of doing well in these markets, and could take advantage of opportunities through joint venture or franchise as they have already got experience in this region, hence IKEA can maximise on increase in consumer expenditure and change of lifestyle in this region. It would need to be a first mover in untapped Asian markets as rivalry is intense (Cavusgil 2008). Competitors (existing local firms in the industry) are likely to attempt to imitate IKEAs product they might have home ground advantage. To counter this IKEA must be highly differentiated (Lynch 2009). Intense competitive rivalry in BRIC could imply that IKEA must look to other markets such as Africa and the Middle East. North-America and Western-Europe Markets are unfavourable to a greater extent with well established competitors and economic-crises all intensifying rivalry. Target-market is not growing in comparison to other parts of the world, such as South America, Asia and Eastern Europe again intensifying rivalry. On the other hand, Mintel reported that consumer expenditure will increase significantly by 2013. Possible solution therefore is not to exit this market but acquisition of competitors and making sure the product differentiated. Strategic Capability Critical Success Factors (CSFs) IKEA meets most of its CSFs effectively. IKEA provides a unique shopping experience space, childrens camp) which no other competitor offers; as a result IKEA has gained competitive advantage. The exception is delivering and assembling products. While Mintel 2010 suggests that this is an advantage as customers do not have to stay home waiting for a delivery man, and can assemble goods in their own time, GMID 2010 argues that IKEA is missing out on sales as this CSF is not met yet some competitors provide the service. IKEA could opt to maintain this stance in a bid to cut costs or could look into partnering with a company which provides the delivery and assembling service. Unique-Resources and Core-Competencies (Resource Based View) Taking into consideration that resources and competencies may be vague (Lynch 2009) IKEA are well positioned in order to exploit their unique-resources and core-competences for the long term. IKEA is well positioned to exploit its unique resources long term in comparison to a number of its competitors due to experience (Johnson et al 2008). (For IKEAs position on the experience curve see appendices) Furthermore, IKEA is extremely well positioned because whilst competitors can attempt (with difficulty) to imitate other core-competencies and unique-resources, they cannot imitate IKEAs culture. Stakeholder Mapping Placing IKEAs stakeholders on the power/interest matrix is difficult as the matrix has limitations (Johnson et al 2008). Shareholders IKEAs shareholders are a small secretive trust. Little is documented about them hence it is difficult to position them thus determine whether there is need to reposition or maintain their position. It is however probably safe to assume that they have high power and interest. Pressure groups Pressure groups particularly environmentalists and human rights groups (child labour) have moved in recent years from low power to high power thus likely to be blockers of strategy and must be repositioned to become facilitators. IKEA is could reposition them through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) working hand-in-hand with them for their causes. Improving towards environmentally friendly manufacturing as well as suppliers and being transparent about these procedures in the future as the public have caught on to the green-wash (Mintel 2010). Governments Local governments have repeatedly proven to be blockers of strategy. IKEA could take one of two options to reposition them. First option could be to make them an offer, which is profitable in the long term as development is mutually beneficial (Cavusgil 2008). Second option could be working with the World Trade Organisation to tackle unfair trade policies (however, this may take years). China has already changed most the policy it was asked to change by the WTO since 2004 (BusinessSourcePremier 2010). For any strategy to work is important that the implementers of strategy are onboard hence some key employees who are against the strategy might have to be repositioned preferably by involving the gatekeepers in the implementation (Mullins 2006). Repositioning shareholders will result in increased market share, increased profits, increased access to resources, increased competitive advantage as well as increased competition as competitors are likely to react to IKEAs actions (Johnson et al 2008). Strategic Group Analysis Mapping of strategic groups (Appendix F) reflects that IKEA does not fall into a specific group. IKEA is not just a retailer, it is also a manufacturer. IKEA has created its own niche. For the long-term, this might mean focus on maintaining its strong brand image and protecting the niche. Moreover, mapping of strategic groups reflected attractive strategic spaces (Johnson et al 2008), for example there is room for a global-brand which sells bespoke furniture on a global scale. IKEA might want to take advantage of the strategic space long-term perhaps by starting a new brand which targets the gap (Johnson et al 2008). It could also cover strategic space by entering geographical regions which other low-cost global brands have not yet entered such as Africa. PART B IDENTIFICATION OF MAJOR STRATEGIC OPTIONS FACING IKEA STRATEGIC CHOICE IKEA has a low-cost base and reinvests in low price and differentiation, simultaneously seeking differentiation and price lower than that of competitors as evidenced by added value, store design, durability and functionality of products at a low-price. IKEA therefore follows a hybrid strategy (Johnson et al 2009). Hybrid strategy is appropriate for IKEA because there is opportunity for economies of scale and cost reduction and IKEA seeks to enter new markets such as Asia where there are existing competitors (Johnson et al 2008). In addition, Hybrid strategy is recommended as an entry strategy into markets which have established competitors (Johnson et al 2008) therefore it would be highly appropriate for IKEAs future as IKEA seeks to enter markets in Asia and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, Hybrid fits IKEAs core competencies, thus allowing IKEA to sustain competitive advantage. STRATEGIC OPTIONS STRATEGI DIRECTION IKEA competes in different geographical regions, therefore may opt for different strategic options in different regions. North America Northern and Western Europe Consolidation in most of Northern Europe could be an option as there is little or no room for growth. Differentiation strategies when defending market share in order to build customer loyalty and switching costs are often effective (Johnson et al pg.260 2008) Market Penetration is an option in North America and Western Europe (mature stage) as there is opportunity to gain market share, for instance in the USA IKEA has 2.7% market share (Appendix G). Market penetration in this case could be done via acquisition of an existing competitor or merger. Market Development could be a strategic option for IKEA in the UK as life expectancy has increased. Increased ageing population could be opportunity by IKEA to use its core competencies to enter a new market segment. Entering into new market segment could be done by developing a new brand which serves new market segment [existing product offered to new market] (Johnson et al 2008). Methods which could be used to execute this are organic development or merger. Developing Economies Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Middle East and South America Market Development entering new territories is an option. IKEA has a proven track record on entering new markets therefore it could take advantage of the growth opportunities in markets such as Eastern-Europe and other potentially lucrative developing economies (Johnson et al 2008). IKEA could pursue market development through acquisition, merger, franchising or licensing depending on the various macro and micro environmental influences (Cavusgil 2008). All regions Product development as a strategic option could work globally. For example, IKEA could use its existing competencies to sell electrical appliances to its existing customer base (Johnson et al 2008). Diversification on existing competences or capabilities is another strategic option which IKEA could opt for. IKEA could start Training and Development, (training on management and teambuilding) as it is renowned for good operations management and teamwork. Consultancy on entering foreign markets could be another route as IKEA has vast experience in this area. IKEA already designs modern style low-cost furniture and could take advantage of this to change the Interior Decoration Industry as this service is usually only afforded by an elite few. IKEA could change this by offering this service at a low cost. The various diversification options could be done through organic growth as suggested diversification is based on existing competences and resources. PART C Evaluating Strategic Options. Consolidation Suitable in Northern Europe as the market is declining (see appendix D) and there is little of no room for growth. Likely acceptable to stakeholders as it is low risk and aims to protect current market share. Consolidation is feasible as no new key resources and core competencies are required in order to execute it. Market penetration This option is suitable given that there is little room for growth in North America Northern and Western Europe. In addition, there are several significant barriers to trade outside the West hence North America, Northern and Western Europe remain important markets for IKEAs future, thus penetration is suitable. Furthermore, gaining market share will help maintain scale advantages which IKEA currently exploit, which is essential to IKEA as a cost leader (Johnson et al 2008). On the other hand, established competitors are likely to in retaliate. Moreover, legal constraints may come into play; for example, in the UK, the Competition Commission can investigate any merger or acquisition which would account for more that 25% of the market (Johnson et al 2008). It is likely that this option will be acceptable to stakeholders as no new competencies or resources are required. The same reason makes it feasible (Johnson et al 2008). Market Development Market Development would be suitable as most major current markets are saturated and at the moment there are new opportunities for entering new segments (UK, ageing population) and new geographical locations (developing nations). Furthermore, it fits well with IKEAs resources and competencies. Market development in the UK is likely to be acceptable to stakeholders as due to low risk. The UK economy is more stable than most and there is political stability. However, market development in regions such as Africa or Asia is likely to be deemed unacceptable as soft currencies pose high financial risk and so does political instability. It can be said that market development would indeed be feasible in any world region as IKEA could carry it out without developing new competencies and resources and has the experience. In a dynamic environment IKEA has little choice but to exploit its existing resources and competencies. On the other hand, feasibility can be questioned due to lack of infrastructure in developing in some nations Product Development (Electrical appliances) Option is suitable. IKEA has the facilities to offer existing customers new products (majority of IKEA stores are large). In addition, it is an opportunity for IKEA to exploit existing knowledge of customer needs of its existing customers. On the other hand, IKEA is known for furniture, introduction of new products risks changing brand image in the customers perspective; hence it might be an unsuitable option. Stakeholders are likely to deem it acceptable because it can be done in existing stores, is low risk and could have a high return. Product development is feasible, as long as IKEA has the resources and competencies. Product development based on new resources and competencies could be challenging for IKEA. Diversification Over the years IKEA has developed several competencies and gained resources which can be applied in other industries. IKEA could provide diversification options at low cost because of existing competencies (e.g. skills) and resources (e.g. employees). These diversification options done through organic development would be feasible as IKEA already has competencies and resources hence other methods such us merger would be of minimum benefit to IKEA This method and option would be suitable because current markets are saturated in major existing markets and it is based on existing resources and competencies. In addition, it is a low risk and low revenue investment; hence likely acceptable to stakeholders. Recommendation IKEA is already a global brand and could work towards expanding as a global brand through Foreign Direct Investment. Market Development in developing economies particularly South America could be seen as the best option out of all the options mentioned. There is political stability in the greater part of this region and the economy is growing at a steady rate in most of South America. IKEA targets young families and students and demographic studies in South America show that this population is not in decline. Many governments in this region welcome investors, thus it is likely to be favourable which will work in IKEAs favour as it already has a significant amount of experience dealing with foreign governments. South American market has not yet been dominated by other global furniture retailers which IKEA competes with. In addition, in comparison to other new markets such as Africa and parts of Asia, South America has better infrastructure making it an even more attractive option (MINTEL 2010). Acquisition or merger would be an appropriate method based on the points mentioned. Market Development in developing economies, particularly South America would therefore be suitable, feasible and most likely acceptable. While other methods such as Franchising and Licensing may be low cost, they are not recommended as it may be challenging to train on culture to outsiders. Moreover, IKEA is the only furniture retailer which provides the unique shopping experience hence the risk of that the franchisee or licensee may take advantage of acquired knowledge is likely to be one not with taking in a potentially large market such as South America Cavusgil 2008). Acquisition or merger would therefore be more suited to exploit IKEAs key resources and core competencies during market development. APPENDIX Appendix A PESTEL ANALYSIS Political Legal Barriers to trade tariffs, taxes, bound to enter into joint venture with local business in China Russia government intervention on rates India government wants to limit IKEAs growth rate in India Politics influences legislation hence Barriers to trade tariffs, taxes, bound to enter into joint venture with local. Economic Economic down turn Subprime crisis, recession Foreign Currency Risk Increase in GDP in Asian some markets ( particularly China India) Socio-cultural Aspirations of middle class to have good quality furniture in the markets in which IKEA competes Demographic aging population in some markets, eg UK Technological Increased use of the internet Environmental GREEN CONSUMERISM Increased concerns regarding environment (eco-friendly) influence manufacturing. Environmental pressure groups Global carbon foot print of suppliers is constantly under question by the public. Appendix B Source: Global Marker Information Database Inter IKEA Systems BV in Retailing World July 2010 Appendix C Industry Life Cycle Industry life cycle is more useful as an analysis tool in some markets that others, as suggested by Dhalla Yuspeh, it has its limitations. Competitive forces change over time, the impact of effects of the five forces therefore varies depending on the Industry life cycle (Johnson et al 2009). The use of the Industry Life Cycle as an analysis tool will therefore be used to analyse the competitive forces in markets which are at the initial stages of the cycle, that is, introduction growth. It will not be used in US UK markets as it is unclear whether these markets are in the decline or mature stage. It will be applied to Aisan and Eastern European Markets as it will allow us to identify the dynamic factors that are shaping IKEAs future. Source: Online Western Europe Mature. North-America and Western-Europe Mature or Decline? Asia, Eastern Europe, South America and Africa Growing. (Competitors attracted to enter market and maximise on advantages of early entry / expansion as other global furniture companies have not yet dominated these markets. Appendix D Market Growth Trend Source: Global Marker Information Database Inter IKEA Systems BV in Retailing World July 2010 Appendix E Porters Five Forces Analysis Bargaining Power of Suppliers Raw materials account for a large portion of IKEA s costs yet power of supplies remains low regardless. There is no or little possibility of forward-integration hence power of suppliers can be said to be low as (Lynch 2009). Little to no possibility of forward integration (mastering the key competencies of IKEA is likely to be a daunting task for suppliers). LOW Supplies/raw materials account for a large portion of IKEAs costs. Raw materials are mostly sourced from. HIGH Buying Power Buyers Low switching costs would increase the power of buyers yet in IKEAs case it does not count as other factors are more significant. Price is important to IKEAs target market and IKEA competes on price hence buyers are unlikely to switch which lowers buyers power. Moreover, there is little or no possibility of backward integration again lowering power of buyers. Little to no possibility of backward integration (buyer competition threat). LOW Low cost of switching. HIGH Price is important to IKEAs market. IKEA is consistently works to have lower prices than several competitors, hence customers are unlikely to switch. LOW Threat of Entrants The market in which IKEA competes, economies of scale are important, hence it is difficult for new-comers to enter as it is likely to take a long time before they can achieve economies of scale. Which in turn makes access to supply channels is likely to be difficult for entrants. Moreover, the furniture industry requires high revenue investments and entrants might find difficulty in raising such funds. In addition, IKEA has differentiated its product also making it tougher for new entrants as it is difficult to imitate. Economies of scale are important it is difficult for new comers to achieve economies of scale. LOW High revenue investment / High capital requirements. New comers might find it difficult to raise such funds. LOW Cost of switching is low. HIGH Access to supply or distribution channels. Differentiation. IKEAs product is highly differentiated. LOW Threat of Substitutes Increasingly high as retailers such as TESCO and Walmart are increasing their furniture ranges (GMID 2010). Furthermore, internet sales on sites such as Amazon are growing and are likely to continue growing in developed markets thus encroaching on store based sales. Product for Product Plenty competition in all markets, low cost of switching HIGH Retailers such as Tesco Walmart are increasing their furniture ranges With the growth in internet retailing sales likely to retain its momentum in developed markets and encroaching on store-based sales eg Amazon HIGH Extent of Competitive Rivalry Western-Europe and North-America as markets are in the mature stage of the Industry Life Cycle thus intensifying rivalry as there is little room for growth. Furthermore, competitors in North-America are equally as big as IKEA Companies such as Nitori in Japan and PPR in Europe are increasingly matching IKEA in offering attractive designs at low-prices through economies of scale and efficient logistics thus gradually eroding IKEAs competitive advantage and intensifying rivalry. Fixed-costs in Russia which is an important Eastern-European Market are high Decline stage of Industry Life Cycle in European Market increases rivalry INTENSE Rivals such as Nitori in Japan and PPR in Europe can increasingly match it in these areas. INTENSE High fixed costs in Russian market INTENSE Competitors of equal size in US market INTENSE Competitors Attracted to enter Asian market as it is growing. Evidence suggests that 1st movers have strategic advantage INTENSE With the growth in internet retailing sales likely to retain its momentum in developed markets and encroaching on store-based sales eg Amazon INTENSE Appendix F Strategic Grouping Mapping of strategic groups reflects that IKEA and some competitors do not fall naturally into one group. Furthermore, it reflects that IKEA is not at the bottom but its not at the top either and has a large geographical coverage. IKEA competes with both local competitors and global competitors hence it does not fall under one specific strategic group. IKEA competes on price, design, product range and geographical coverage. Furthermore, one of its core competencies which is difficult to imitate is, the idea of the shopping experience. IKEA has created its own niche. Appendix G Home and Garden Specialist Retailers Top 10 Global Companies by Value, 2006-2009 Company 4-year trend 2006 2007 2008 2009 Home Depot Inc, The Æ’Â ¨ 1 1 1 1 Lowes Companies Inc Æ’Â ¨ 2 2 2 2 Inter Ikea Systems BV Æ’Â ¨ 3 3 3 3 Kingfisher Plc Æ’Â ¨ 4 4 4 4 Leroy Merlin Groupe Æ’Â ¨ 5 5 5 5<

The Important Role of Skeletal Muscles in the Human Body Essay

Skeletal muscles play a huge role in the way our bodies function because without muscles, our bones would not properly be held together. Most of the body’s muscle tissue is skeletal muscle. It interacts with the skeleton to move body parts. It’s long, thin cells are called fibers and they have more than one nucleus. Their structure gives them a striped look. The muscles are considered voluntary, which means that the contractions can be controlled. A skeletal muscle contains bundles of muscle cells. Inside each cell are threadlike myofibrils, which are divided into sarcomeres, the unit of contraction. They are bundled together by connective tissue that extends past it to form tendons. A tendon is a strap of dense connective tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone. Tendons make joints more stable by keeping the adjoining bones appropriately aligned. The human body has more than six hundred skeletal muscles. One end of the muscle is called the origin, which stays relatively motionless during contractions. The other end is called the insertion. It is attached to a bone that moves mostly while contractions occur. When a skeletal muscle contracts, it pulls on the bone it’s attached to. Because skeletal muscle exerts force only when it contracts, a second muscle, a flexor, is needed to flex or bend the joint. Muscles attach very close to muscle joints, and are arranged in either pairs or groups. Some of the muscles work in reciprocal innervation, or opposition. That is, when one muscle stimulates, no signals are sent to the other group. Therefore, it does not contract. Other muscles work in a synergistic role. That is, it supports and the contraction adds force or helps stabilize another muscle. The body has two basi... ...aracter plays a boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who is sent to live at the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled. He is only able to move his right hand, but befriends his roommate, who has cerebral palsy. In conclusion, the make up of our bodies relies on the health and stability of the muscular system, most importantly, our skeletal muscles. Without these muscles, our bodies would not be able to move and contract, which causes some of our everyday movements, such as flexing, and walking. Our bodies are actually more delicate than we are thought to believe. We were taught that our bodies are strong and that nothing can stop us. In reality, a single muscle can cause our entire body to diminish, proving the invalidity that our bodies are invincible. With that, we must learn to take care of our entire bodies, not just the outside, but the inside as well.

Edward Teach aka Blackbeard the Pirate Essay -- biographies bio biogra

Edward "Blackbeard" Teach was undoubtedly one of the most feared and most despised pirates of all time. Edward Teach is thought to have lived in England before his pirate career, although his exact origins are unknown. He was named "Blackbeard", for his large black beard that almost covered his entire face. To strike terror in the hearts of his enemies Blackbeard would weave hemp into his hair, and light it during battle. Edward Teach was an unusually large man, carrying two swords, numerous knives, and pistols- he was feared by his own crew. At the sight of this pirate, many of his victims were quick to surrender without a fight. If they did, he would often times just take their valuables, rum, and weapons— allowing them to sail away. However, if the vessel resisted capture, he would either kill the crew, or maroon them. Blackbeard needed to maintain his devilish image in order to maintain the respect of his crew (very few members of the crew doubted that he was the devil himself, very few didn’t fear him, and therefore they obeyed him). Blackbeard began his pirating career sometime after 1713, as an ordinary crewmember aboard a Jamaican sloop commanded by the pirate Benjamin Hornigold. In 1716, Hornigold supplied Teach with a small crew, and a small captured vessel to command. By 1717 Hornigold and Teach were sailing in alliance, and together were feared throughout the seas. In November 1717, Hornigold and Teach were able to capture a 26 gun French vessel called the Concorde (recent research has shown that the vessel had originally been built in Great Britain). Blackbeard’s pirate partner, Hornigold, decided to take advantage of a recent offer of general amnesty from the British Crown- and retire in comfort. Teach rejected t... ...ks running in blood. The battle could have had a different ending, Blackbeard had ordered one of his crew to blow up the powder magazine if the boat was taken, and fortunately for the survivors one of his less determined shipmates stopped him. The battle was over. It was rumoured that Blackbeard’s headless body ran amok and jumped into the water swimming around the ship. Whatever the truth of these tales, Maynard sailed home with Blackbeard’s head on a pole. Blackbeard had captured over 40 ships during his piratical career, and had been the cause of the deaths of hundreds of people. Although Blackbeard's lawless career lasted only a few years, his fearsome reputation has long outlived him. The death of Blackbeard and the trial of the remaining crew were seen as the beginning of the end of the years of buccaneering glory, and a big coup in the war against piracy.

An Innocent Man Wronged in Oleanna Essay -- David Mamet

Sometimes there are events in our lives that we cannot control. These events occur, more or less, due to our own actions. Sometimes, however, we must come to terms with our inability to handle certain situations and also to reach our goals. These events are facts of life everyone: some people can't run as fast, or lift as much, or write as well. It is during these times that we must focus on what we can do well, and try to direct our goals around those features that make us good at something. In David Mamet's Oleanna, John loses his job and his house due to Carol's ignorance, lack of self-confidence, and overall inability to come to terms with her own short-comings as a student. This play epitomizes an act of complete degradation based solely on one individual's failure to accept that she just might not be good at school--or at least John's class.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In an attempt to help a young student named Carol, a professor named John loses his house and his job. All of the blame rests on Carol's shoulders, for it was she that allowed her delusions of grandeur and success (being without the necessary skills to attain them) to ruin the life of man who has dedicated his life to helping students do just that. Carol's ignorance plays a big role in this tragedy. From the very beginning of this play, it is apparent that Carol does not understand the information given in class, but it is her unwillingness to even try that makes her at fault. "People who came here. To know something they didn't know†¦To be helped†¦So someone would help them (12)." Carol is begging John to understand that she is stupid. She doesn't want help in the sense that someone might want help writing a paper. She wants it hand fed to her, and education is a process that involves the teacher pointing the way, not carrying someone to the end. Carol' s misconceptions of how college is supposed to work can only be result of not having been exposed to the realities of higher education, but I believe that she just doesn't have the skills she needs to succeed. "Nobody tells me anything. And I sit there†¦in the corner. In the back (14)." This is an example of the total lack of motivation that Carol has to learn. Her ignorance leads her to believe that a college education is supposed to hand fed. She just sits there, in the back, without an attempt to even try to learn on her own. We all need help form time to tim... ...hool. They have lived their lives fearing that the system of education has decided that they are failures. This group has only one goal, and that is to succeed. Their success, however, has a price. Those people who stand in the way re their enemies. John's fate was a result of Carol finding this group, and allowing them to use her as a pawn in their own sick, twisted agenda. All the members of this group suffer from the same illness that ails Carol: ignorance, lack of self-confidence, and an ability to cope with their own shortcomings as students.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Carol represents a group of people that are the destruction of the higher education system. Their complete disregard for societal structure cost a good teacher his job and his home. It seems that today, when we are unable to get what we want by earning it, we have to destroy and tear down the barriers in our way. This is exactly what Carol does, and the manner in which she executes her plan would leave most students to wonder: why even try? Works Cited Mamet, David. Oleanna: A Play in Two Acts. The Best Plays of 1992-1993. Eds. Otis L. Guernsey, Jr. and Jeffrey Sweet. New York: Limelight, 1993. 150-164

Film review of Romeo and Juliet Essay

Tears, laughter, fear and desperation. These are just some of the emotions you’re guaranteed to endure whilst viewing the epic tragedy that is, â€Å"Romeo and Juliet†. This classic love story was first written by William Shakespeare in 1591, it was adapted for screenplay by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce. This version was first released in 1996, Baz Luhrmann, the critically acclaimed director of the film, brought a modern, energetic and unforgettable quality to a fantastic theatre piece. With a budget of $14,500,000 and making $46,400,000 in the box office, â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† was an immediate hit. This was highlighted in awards ceremonies where the film achieved 3 BAFTA’s and 2 Oscar nominations proving its heartbreaking brilliance. â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† begins with the knowledge that two ‘star-crossed lovers’ have taken their lives due to constant bickering and fighting between two dignified and highly respected families, The Montague’s and The Capulet’s. At the start of the film, we are taken on a whirlwind tour of Verona beach, where the movie is set, we can see that a high proportion of the businesses are owned by either the Montague or Capulet family. During the appearances of the Montague and Capulet families, we can see a significant difference immediately. The Montague’s wear bright Hawaiian shirts and board shorts, whereas the Capulet’s look a lot more sophisticated, wearing mainly black/brown western styled outfits. This makes you think that perhaps the Capulet’s are a lot more serious and noble than the Montague’s in the younger generations. The movie takes us through Romeo and Juliet’s story, from a fairy tale meeting and a lustrous affair, to true romance and passion that eventually leads to their deaths in one of the most moving scenes in film history. With a cast of stars, including Leonardo De Caprio (Titanic, The Beach, The Talented Mr Ripley) playing Romeo and Claire Danes (Polish Wedding, Stray Dogs) playing Juliet, the film was always sure to shine. The tears Romeo cries appear to come straight from the heart of De Caprio, this leaves you wanting to solve his problems and see that Romeo and his Juliet are together forever, which they of course are. Baz Luhrmann was born in Australia but grew up in Northern New South Wales, he first began film productions in 1985 after attending the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney. The first well-known film that Luhrmann independently released was â€Å"Strictly Ballroom† (1992) surprisingly â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† was only the second major film he released, in 1996. This was followed by the enchanting and mesmerising â€Å"Moulin Rouge†(2000), which was an immediate hit, boasting one of the most astounding soundtracks ever made. The music in Luhrmann’s films seems to revolve around a theme of amazing orchestral pieces building up to climaxes that make your hair stand on end. In both â€Å"Moulin Rouge† and â€Å"Romeo and Juliet†, Luhrmann uses singers to give you goose bumps, that are superior to any previously heard. Besides his ability to give you singing voices that will fill you with tears or joy, Luhrmann also achieves this with his perfectly selected sets. During one of the final scenes, in which Romeo finds Juliet, the family tomb is filled with candles, the dim light shed from these gives the perfect romantic yet tense atmosphere that the scene requires. Before the final tragedy occurs, Luhrmann draws you into the puppy love apparent in Juliet and Romeo, portraying them as ‘Loves Young Dream’. This only makes it worse when you witness their dreams being shattered. The circumstances of their deaths were always going to be heart-wrenching, but Luhrmann breaks your heart, as Romeo gently walks through the dimly lit tomb to his ‘dead’ lovers side. Their last kiss is almost as traumatic as the deaths themselves, to see the fear and desperation in Juliet’s (Clare Danes) eyes, knowing she’s lost her first love. It’s at points like this, that you can see how talented Luhrmann is at raising the anticipation up to a level at which you actually need to know more. Throughout their (Romeo & Juliet’s) final kiss, you find yourself praying Juliet wakes up, even though you already know she wont. Even though this is the film’s most tearful moment, the most spectacular scene is the confrontation at the petrol station, which gives you an idea of the rivalry and sheer hatred between the two families. The line â€Å"Peace, I hate the word, like I hate†¦. and all Montagues. † Spoken by Tybalt, a Capulet, this shows how forbidden Romeo and Juliet’s love would have been. However, there are points at which the delivery of lines is somewhat impersonal, for example in some scenes involving Juliet and the nurse, its almost as if the characters don’t actually know what they’re saying in modern English, and have purely learnt the lines without pursuing the issue further. Yet, with other characters, such as, Romeo and Mercutio, you actually feel that this is the language they normally use, the delivery of lines is in such a way that the actors appear to be deeply involved with their character. MERCUTIO is such an effective Mercutio, he brings comedy to every moment, even when he is dying he would make the audience giggle, if they were not so emotionally torn by emotional pain at the same time.