Maximizing Naitonal Security Through Foreign Policy

Foreign policy can be understood as a set of political goals that aims to outline how a particular state will interact with others For Beach (2012), â€Å"Foreign policy actions can be undertaken using a variety of different instruments, ranging from adopting declarations, making speeches, negotiating treaties, giving other states economic aid, engaging in diplomatic activity such as summits, and the use of military force†. No matter which instruments are used, the primary objective of states in outlining their foreign policies is to maximise their national security. As such, states go about maximising national security through different means such as by military force, economic prosperity and/or the welfare of its people. However, it has been†¦show more content†¦States within the international system are said to be existing under the same conditions as there is no effective overarching authority mediating disputes between nations (Waltz 1979). Realists argue that st ates are compelled to seek power in order to ensure their own security. They posit that the primary national interest of all states is national security. Though there have been different strands of realism within IR theory, they are all united in their subscriptions to the concepts of survival and self-help (Dunne Schmidt, 2011). Due to realists depicting the international realm as anarchic, the first priority of state leaders is to ensure the survival of the state. Because there is no guarantee that states can ensure their safety from external threats, the use of force which can escalate to war is seen as a legitimate tool of statecraft – such force can be used to start wars or be used as an element of coercive diplomacy (Art Cronin, 2003). For realists, the possibility of states using force against one another is ever-present, generating insecurity between them. But anarchy is not the only factor that generates insecurity between states. First, most states possess some form of offensive capability which they can use against rivals. Second,

The Role of Computers in Medical Procedures Free Essays

We all live in an age of science and technology. The appliances of science and technology have revolutionized our way of life. There is nothing that has influenced our lives more than a computer. We will write a custom essay sample on The Role of Computers in Medical Procedures or any similar topic only for you Order Now There can not be any field that is devoid of the influence of computer applications. From agriculture to rocket science, computers have significant roles to play. The demand of computers has always been on the increase for some time in many fields. Among the fields that have made tremendous advances in the twentieth century due to the advent of computers, medicine stands out from the rest. Computers are used in medicine in almost all areas. Whether it is diagnosis, treatment, research or data management, computers have there own applications. Whatever we enjoy today in terms of our health may not be possible without the invaluable contribution of computers. Therefore, my endeavor is to discuss how significantly computers have contributed in the field of medicine. Diagnosis helps to determine the nature of a disease. Without a proper diagnosis, a disease can not be treated effectively. Before the advent of computers, physicians merely guessed at what caused certain diseases. Consequently, many patients either ended up in getting treatment for something that they did not require treatment for or losing their lives. This unfortunate situation does not exist at all now. Thanks to computers, physicians can diagnose a disease with astonishing efficiency nowadays. Modern diagnosis consists of three main steps. Taking of patient’s health history, examining the patient physically and conducting laboratory or radiological examinations are the three main steps. In all three steps, computers are used invariably. Instead of guessing the causes for a disease, the physicians just have to enter the symptoms of a patient into the computers. With the help of artificial intelligence, they get a crystal clear picture of the disease. For example, Twenty years ago, doctors relied on conjectures to determine the causes of heart attacks. But now, they use chemicals, nuclear imaging devices and databases they diagnose heart attacks with great accuracy and treat them with tremendous success. Telemedicine is a novel idea that can play a great part in diagnosis. In telemedicine, arrangements are made to see patients via video or computers links. When a specialist sees a patient through computer links, the specialist can provide diagnosis for the disease and help to obtain a proper treatment. Computers are also being used to produce patterns to help physicians diagnose problems of the brain. Research has revealed that a certain pattern of stripes can be painful to look at for some people. â€Å"The pattern resembles a circle filled with alternating black-and -white vertical stripes. At a viewing distance of forty-three centimeters, this grating has a spatial frequency of three cycles/degree of visual arc and a Michelson contrast of about 0.7.† As mentioned earlier, computers are used in medical treatments as well. Computer aided surgery known, as CAS can be a well-known example. Initially, CAS meant a technology of surgical simulation using three-dimensional organ models reconstructed by medical imaging using a computer graphics technique. There is a notion among the public that CAS completely replaces surgeons’ hands with robots. This is not the purpose of CAS. Invention in CAS is always to support surgeons but not replace them. Decision-making is the most important process in surgery. Only the surgeons should make decisions regarding a surgery. CAS can provide a lot of new styles of surgery that we have never imagined. Endoscopic surgery is good example. Modern surgery is to remove or replace legions, but rapid progress in laser surgery or radiological treatment may make it unnecessary in the future. Thanks to computers, surgery without operation has become reality. The Role of Computers in Storing and Processing Information Computers have been used as storage of medical information for many years. Electronic patient records called EPR are good examples to prove the worth of computers as information storage. Due to startup and running costs, training staff motivation, obsolesce, poor function possibility for abuse, risk of loss of confidentiality, EPR were not used very much in the past, but now they are very common. They have become almost indispensable. They have many advantages â€Å"Faster and simpler access to notes, maintenance of more detailed notes over longer periods, reduced staffing levels, ease of booking, investigation orders and results, health updates, reminders, integration with telemedicine, ease of integration of non-hospital based care, increased ability to collect health information.† Computers are used for scheduling and appointment keeping. They are used to keep track of patients’ visits. With the help of word processors, letters are typed and sent to patients reminding them for follow-up appointments. Accurate keeping of detailed patient records is extremely important to the medical practitioners. Therefore, medical practitioners have to rely on computers heavily in order to be efficient and successful in their profession. Exchange of medical information among the medical professionals has become a common thing now. With the help of computers, they are able to share valuable information with a high level of confidentiality. Computer conferencing is an effective way of achieving this purpose. The Role of Computers in Medical Research and Education The life span of human beings gets increased with the passage of time. This has been possible only owing to the concerted efforts effort’s of medical scientists. They have to conduct researches not only to find out the causes for different diseases and ailments, but also to explore new cures for those diseases. Computers are very much utilized in research and education. Modern computer is capable of designing drugs these days. At first, a scientist must find the molecular structure of the targeted virus or bacterium, and then a computer helps find a magic bullet drug to combat it. Incredible equipment from chemistry, atomic energy, and basic physics research help biologists find the structure of molecules. Radioisotopes are used to track molecule through any living organism. Chromatography is used to separate and identify chemicals. Through a computer nuclear magnetic resonance (N MR) produces images, that show charges in the living organism as they happen. Tiny electrodes monitor the movement of material in and out of a cell. Then the exact structure of a molecule is seen by an X-ray crystallography. Once the structure of the molecule is seen, the data is put into a computer and the image of the molecule appears on screen. The image can be turned around to view at all possible angles. The purpose is to design another molecule that will fit the disease organism. The new molecule will be an effective drug. â€Å"A drug designed in this way has a good chance of being effective and safe† Three-dimensional computer models of the human thorax, lungs, heart, arteries, and veins are already available to help train medical students. This allows students to be able to perform dissections or surgeries on the models instead of on real human cadavers. These major achievements in medicine have greatly helped people around the world. It has made life easier for us. Further more, computers are becoming an essential tool in medical education. They are used to enhance the learning process. The ability of a computer to incorporate text, graphics, animation, and sound all at the same time improves the presentations of materials better than a textbook. In addition, a concept known as a hypertext system helps the student to understand a specific topic better. A hypertext system allows the user to browse through other materials related to the user’s topic. Also, software-based programs are used for tutorials and multimedia textbooks. The Advantages of Computers in Medicine After the introduction of computers to medicine, we have witnessed an abrupt abundance of new technologies and discoveries in this field. However, computers are also beneficial in medical education and its practice. As new developments are made in medicine, the medical literature continues to grow. There has not been such a huge explosion of new information in history than these past few decades. â€Å"It is estimated that that the quantity of information is doubling every two years.† Yet, our brain capacity stays the same. The ability of a computer to incorporate text, graphics, animation, and sound help students to understand and retain more information. Also, a computer can link the students to other areas related to the subject of their studies. This application of computers to incorporate more text and graphics is known as the use of hypertext and/or hyper media. This is very advantageous because more of the senses are engaged, increasing the chances to recall the information presented. Another matter to keep in consideration is that the information can easily be updated and immediately distributed to those concerned. This allows students and physicians to obtain current information to serve their patients better. In the practice of medicine, doctors have been relieved of the small manual tasks they must perform. For example, doctors no longer have to be bothered keeping manual records of patient visits. There are fewer chances of losing or forgetting an appointment and it so the information can easily be retrieved. In maintaining billing, the computer is very accurate when performing mathematical tasks. In addition, it allows doctors to keep very organized and detailed patient records. Also computers provide assistance in decision-making situations. In making a diagnosis, the doctor simply has to enter the patient’s symptoms and the computer provides him or her possible diagnosis and therapies. If a doctor wishes to consult with other doctors, he contacts them through E-mails. The computer also allows doctors to keep with current news and differentiate which alternative therapies have scientific basis. Overall, computers have helped doctors in serving their patients to the best of thei r abilities. The Disadvantages of Computers in Medicine Where there are benefits, there are also problems. The negative impact of computers on people in our society is that people can become over-dependent on them. They rely on the computer to do everything. When the computer fails to work out a problem, they become distraught. Computer reliance is a big downfall for many people. Computers do not always give correct answers. There are occasions where the computer will make the wrong diagnosis, which can result in the worsening of a patient’s condition. Another problem with computers is that they are prone to viruses and breakdowns. If a virus enters a computer, it has the potential to destroy every file in it. Then, all patient records are lost. Computer breakdowns and power shortages prevent the doctor form accessing patients’ records and files. However, scanning the computer for viruses and making backup hard copies can prevent this. Computers can never mechanize the art of medicine. Neither can they eliminate the need of human beings. What they can do is help us bring relevant and timely information to bear on our care of individual patients. They can also help run the medical offices or hospitals in a way that makes good business sense. That is why many physicians have embraced the computer and made information technology an integral part of their approach to patient care. That is why they have been able to meet the increasing needs of the patents remarkably well. How to cite The Role of Computers in Medical Procedures, Essay examples

An Unexpected Gift Essay Example For Students

An Unexpected Gift Essay Marisol walked into the large highschool building. There were people socializing in little groups all the way down the long main hall. She glanced at her schedule and headed tward her first class. On her way she passed people she would have waved to in middle school, people that wouldve smiled were they not so obsorbed in themselves now, they didnt notice her. In her first class of the day, which was English, she sat in the corner behind a group of cackling girls. They girls passed notes to her, but only for her to pass on. They girl who appeared to be their leader, spoke with a lisp, and when shed swing her head around almost hitting Marisol with her hair, shed apologize and claim shed forgotten anyone was behind her. Marisol wasnt suprized; Marisol thought the girl hat probably forgotten her own name at times. The rest of the day was just as eventful; people shoving past her in the hall, groups of guys and girls passing notes and she was invisable. At the end of the day, Marisol hung up a picture of her mother in her locker. She cried soft tears quietly, as she painfully remembered the night her mother took her last breath, which had only been weeks ago. Thoughts of her mothers smile, laugh, voice, and kind words made her heart ache. Marisol! Ive been looking all over for you! Tamera, Marisols best friend, interupted her mournful thoughts. Tamera was a short medium sized red-headed girl, with a big smile on always. Oh, honey, are you okay? Tamera embarrassed Marisol. Yes Im fine. Marisol replied solumnly. Okay, good. I found this little piece of paper in our locker this mourning. It had your name on it, but I didnt think youd mind if I read it. Tamera handed the magled note, which clearly had been folded neatly at one time, to Marisol. It says like, all this stuff about angels watching you, and that, like, you should smile, and all kinds of stuff. I think youve got an admirer! Tamera smirked and waited as Marisol unfolded the note, whos previous sharp folds had been forced into an odd uneven square. The handwritting looked beautiful, and it was printed in green ink. Each word seemed specially chosen and made her heart fill with joy. As her eyes passed over each word she felt lighter and happier than she had all week. She couldnt help but smile. Marisols first day of highschool started out so poorly earlier, shed thought shed go home and cry. After reading the words of someone, some amazing person with an angels mind who obviously loved her very much, Marisol no longer felt invisable. In fact she knew she wasnt invisable and couldnt be if there was someone out there that she inspired to write those beautiful special words that were written only for her.

System Investigation Essay Example For Students

System Investigation Essay System Investigation The Crack Monkey Bookstore has been in business for about six months and wants to expand to the Internet to help move inventory. This bookstore will be dealing in collage schoolbooks only, both new and used. We will start to implement this system by following the Systems Development Life Cycle by starting with the System Investigation. Feasibility StudyPresently we are a local bookstore located in Mesa that has to rely on both word of mouth and local advertisement for business. The books are stored in the back of the building on bookracks in alphabetical order. The Crack Monkey Bookstore has been approved for a 150,000-dollar loan form the government to make these and other improvements. Some of the other improvements are: enlarging the warehouse, redesigning the front of the store and changing the display area. We are hopping to both increase sales and help maintain a more accurate inventory of our books, which will increase our productivity and cash flow. Organizational Feasibility This proposed system would help the store, by increasing the sales and maintaining a more dynamic inventory. With this system in place the hopes of the owners are to be able to expand through out the valley. We will write a custom essay on System Investigation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Economic Feasibility This system will help in the moving of books to decrease on hand inventories. It will also reduce manpower needs with a more accurate inventory system. No need of a large filing cabinet system to keep track of paper flow. With the new system we will be able to reach more customers there by increasing revenues. Technical FeasibilityThis would put the bookstore in competition with other bookstores that are already on the web, but with our bookstore being local there will be a faster delivery time. Getting the hardware or software to start this is not a problem with todays technical knowledge. Operational FeasibilityBeing that this is a small business and the owners run it, the acceptance of the new system by the employees should be no problem. Management will support this new system with open arms, being that this is what they want. Suppliers will like the new system for receiving new orders, and the customers will be able to shop from home to get books instead of going to the bookstore. These things found in the investigation are just a few things that are needed to decide whether to up grade their current system or not. System Analysis The organizational analysis or the information systems requirements of the company will be broken down into the needs of the various departments. Then the system will be networked together to integrate the company as a complete information system. Present System Currently there is no E-business system at the bookstore. That is one of many reasons that the Crack Monkey Bookstore is looking into E-business systems. Most of the stores information is a paper trail that requires a lot of time and effort to either find or go back and fix any errors. At the warehouse, along with all the books, is file cabinet after file cabinet, which keeps all of the records for the warehouse inventories. In the accounting/personnel office, there is two file cabinets: one for employee records and the other for accounts receivable and accounts payable. There is another filing cabinet in the store which contains customers records such as addresses, phone numbers, etc., so we are able to conta ct them when either the order is filled or when we find a requested book. Management is designing the new system with emphasis on ease of use so that the labor-intensive duties of everyday filing and bookkeeping are both easy and more efficient. Functional Requirements AnalysisThe new system will consist of five main sections: 1 Warehouse2 Accounting3 Internet4 Point of Sale5.ResourcesWarehouseThe warehouse shall be the center of most activities. Duties range from receiving and shipping inventory to properly identifying storage locations for easy retrieval. This function includes the shipping and receiving not only of new stock, but also of customer point of sale activities. It must be fast, accurate and efficient in order to maintain a sharp business edge over competition. Inventory management has two sections: stock picking / inventory replacement and shipping / receiving. Both will require inventory software as

Hierakonpolis (Egypt) - Largest Predynastic Community in Egypt

Hierakonpolis (Egypt) - Largest Predynastic Community in Egypt Hierakonpolis (City of the Hawk and known anciently as Nekhen) is a large predynastic and later town site located 113 kilometers (70 miles) north of Aswan on a 1.5 km (.9 mi) stretch of the west bank of the Nile river in Upper Egypt. It is the largest pre- and proto-dynastic Egyptian site discovered to date. Hierakonpolis was first occupied at least as long ago as the Badarian period beginning about 4000 BC. The predynastic part of the site includes cemeteries, domestic areas, industrial zones and a ceremonial center, called prosaically HK29A. The city contained multiple complex settlements, with dwellings, temples, and cemeteries. Most of the Predynastic occupation of the site dates between about 3800 and 2890 BC, during the periods known as the Naqada I-III and the first dynasty of Old Kingdom Egypt. It reached its maximum size and importance during Naqada II (Naqada is sometimes spelled Nagada). Predynastic Chronology Terminal Predynastic (Naqada III or Proto-Dynastic) (ca 3300-3050 BC)Late Predynastic (Naqada II or Gerzean) (ca 3650-3300 BC)Middle Predynastic (Naqada I or Amratian) (ca 3900-3650 BC)Early Predynastic (Badarian) (ca 5000-3900 BC) Buildings at Hierakonpolis Perhaps the most famous building in Hierakonpolis is an elaborate Gerzean period tomb (3500-3200 BC), called the Painted Tomb. This tomb was cut into the ground, lined with adobe mud brick and its walls were then elaborately paintedit represents the earliest example of painted walls known to date in Egypt. On the tomb walls were painted images of Mesopotamian reed boats, attesting to Predynastic contacts with the eastern Mediterranean. The Painted Tomb likely represents the burial place of a proto-pharaoh. The more typical residential structures at Hierakonpolis are partly intact mudbrick-constructed pottery kilns and post/wattle-construction houses. One particular rectangular Amratian house excavated in the 1970s was built of posts with wattle and daub walls. This dwelling was small and semi-subterranean, measuring roughly 4x3.5 m (13x11.5 ft). Ritual Structure HK29A Discovered in the 1985-1989 excavations by Michael Hoffman, HK29A is a complex of rooms surrounding an oval open space, believed to represent a predynastic ceremonial center. This set of structures was renovated at least three times over its uselife during the Naqada II period. The central courtyard measures 45x13 m (148x43 ft) and was surrounded by a fence of substantial wooden posts, which was later augmented or replaced by mud-brick walls. A pillared hall and a tremendous number of animal bone suggests to researchers that feasting took place here; the associated refuse pits include evidence of a flint workshop and nearly 70,000 potsherds. Animals The wild animals found in and around HK29A include moslluscs, fish, reptiles (crocodile and turtle), birds, Dorcas gazelle, hare, small bovids (sheep, ibex and dama gazelle), hartebeest and aurochs, hippotamus, dogs and jackals. Domestic animals include cattle, sheep and goats, pigs, and donkeys. While ceremonial feasting almost certainly did occur within the halls of KH29A, Linseele et al. (2009) argue that the presence of large, dangerous and rare animals suggests a ritual or ceremonial presence as well. Additionally, healed fractures on some of the wild animal bone indicate they were held in captivity for a prolonged period after their capture. Cemetery at Locality 6 The Pre-dynastic cemetery at Locality 6 in Hierakonpolis contains not just Egyptians but a wide variety of animal burials, including wild anubis baboon, elephant, hartebeest, jungle cat (Felis chaus), wild donkey, leopard, crocodile, hippopotamus, auroch and ostrich, as well as domesticated donkey, sheep, goat, cattle, and cat. Many of the animal graves are near to or within larger tombs of the human elite of the early Naqada II period. Some were buried deliberately and carefully in their own graves either singly or groups of the same species. Single or multiple animal graves are found within the cemetery itself, but others are near architectural features of the cemetery, such as enclosure walls and funerary temples. More rarely, they are buried within a human tomb. Some of the other cemeteries at Hierakonpolis were used for burying elite personages between the Amratian through Protodynastic periods, a consistent use of almost 700 years. By about 2050 BC, during Egypts Middle Kingdom, a small community of Nubians (called C-Group culture in the archaeological literature) were residing at Hierakonpolis, and their descendants live there today. A C-Group cemetery at Locality HK27C is the northernmost physical presence of Nubian culture identified in Egypt to date. Excavated in the early 21st century, the cemetery has at least 60 known tombs, including a few mummified individuals, within an area measuring 40x25 m (130x82 ft). The cemetery shows distinctive architectural features of Nubian society: a stone or brick-ring around the burial shaft; the placement of of Egyptian and hand-made Nubian pottery above ground; and remnants of traditional Nubian dress, including jewelry, hairstyles, and fine colored and perforated leather garments. Nubian Cemetery The Nubians were enemies of the Middle Kingdom elite Egyptian power source: one of the puzzles is why they were living in the city of their enemy. Few signs of interpersonal violence are evident on the skeletons. Further, the Nubians were as well fed and healthy as the Egyptians living at Hierakonpolis, in fact both males and females were more physically fit than the Egyptians. Dental data supports this group as being from Nubia, although their material culture, like that of their home country, became Egyptianized over time. The HK27C cemetery was used between the early 11th Dynasty through the early 13th, with the most burials dated to the early 12th Dynasty, C-Group phases Ib-IIa. The cemetery is to the northwest of the rock-cut elite Egyptian burials. Hierakonpolis and Archaeology Hierakonpolis was first excavated in the 1970s and 1980s by the American Museum of Natural History and Vassar College under the direction of Walter Fairservis. An international team led by Renee Friedman has been working at the site, detailed in  Archaeology  magazines  Interactive Dig. The famous  Narmer palette  was found in the foundation of an ancient temple at Hierakonpolis, and is thought to have been a dedicatory offering. A life-sized hollow copper statue of Pepi I, the last ruler of the 6th Dynasty  Old Kingdom, was discovered buried beneath the floor of a chapel (Illustrated in the photo). Sources By all means, see the  Hierakonpolis project site  for detailed information about ongoing studies at the site. This article is part of the guide to the  Egyptian Predynastic period. Friedman R. 2009.  Hierakonpolis Locality HK29A: The Predynastic Ceremonial Center Revisited.  Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt  45:79-103. Friedman R, Judd M, and Irish JD. 2007. The Nubian cemetery at Hierarkonpolis, Egypt. Results of the 2007 Season.  Sudan Nubia: The Sudan Archaeological Research Society  11:57-72. Hoffman MA. 1980.  A Rectangular Amratian House from Hierakonpolis and Its Significance for Predynastic Research.  Journal of Near Eastern Studies  39(2):119-137. Irish JD, and Friedman R. 2010.  Dental affinities of the C-group inhabitants of Hierakonpolis, Egypt: Nubian, Egyptian, or both?  HOMO - Journal of Comparative Human Biology  61(2):81-101. Linseele V, Van Neer W, and Friedman R. 2009.  Special Animals from a Special Place? The Fauna from HK29A at Predynastic Hierakonpolis.  Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt  45:105-136. Marinova E, Ryan P, Van Neer W, and Friedman R. 2013.  Animal dung from arid environments and archaeobotanical methodologies for its analysis: An example from animal burials of the Predynastic elite cemetery HK6 at Hierakonpolis, Egypt.  Environmental Archaeology  18(1):58-71. Van Neer W, Linseele V, Friedman R, and De Cupere B. 2014.  More evidence for cat taming at the Predynastic elite cemetery of Hierakonpolis (Upper Egypt).  Journal of Archaeological Science 45:103-111. Van Neer W, Udrescu M, Linseele V, De Cupere B, and Friedman R. in press.  Traumatism in the Wild Animals Kept and Offered at Predynastic Hierakonpolis, Upper Egypt.  International Journal of Osteoarchaeology.

American Revolution - Early Campaigns of the American Revolution

American Revolution - Early Campaigns of the American Revolution Previous: Causes of Conflict | American Revolution 101 | Next: New York, Philadelphia, Saratoga Opening Shots: Lexington Concord Following several years of rising tensions and the occupation of Boston by British troops, the military governor of Massachusetts, General Thomas Gage, began efforts to secure the colonys military supplies to keep them from the Patriot militias. These actions received official sanction on April 14, 1775, when orders arrived from London commanding him to disarm the militias and to arrest key colonial leaders. Believing the militias to be hoarding supplies at Concord, Gage made plans for part of his force to march and occupy the town. On April 16, Gage sent a scouting party out of the city towards Concord which gathered intelligence, but also alerted the colonials to British intentions. Aware of Gages orders, many key colonial figures, such as John Hancock and Samuel Adams, left Boston to seek safety in the country. Two days later, Gage ordered Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith to prepare a 700-man force to sortie from the city. Aware of British interest in Concord, many of the supplies were quickly moved to other towns. Around 9:00-10:00 that night, Patriot leader Dr. Joseph Warren informed Paul Revere and William Dawes that the British would be embarking that night for Cambridge and the road to Lexington and Concord. Departing the city by separate routes, Revere and Dawes made their famous ride west to warn that the British were approaching. In Lexington, Captain John Parker gathered the towns militia and had them form into ranks on the town green with orders not to fire unless fired upon. Around sunrise, the British vanguard, led by Major John Pitcairn, arrived in the village. Riding forward, Pitcairn demanded that Parkers men disperse and lay down their arms. Parker partially complied and ordered his men to go home, but to retain their muskets. As his men began to move, a shot rang out from an unknown source. This led to an exchange of fire which saw Pitcairns horse hit twice. Surging forward the British drove the militia from the green. When the smoke cleared, eight of the militia were dead and another ten wounded. One British soldier was injured in the exchange. Departing Lexington, the British pushed on towards Concord. Outside of the town, the Concord militia, unsure of what had transpired at Lexington, fell back and took up a position on a hill across the North Bridge. The British occupied the town and broke into detachments to search for the colonial munitions. As they began their work, the Concord militia, led by Colonel James Barrett, was reinforced as other towns militias arrived on the scene. A short time later fighting broke out near the North Bridge with the British being forced back into the town. Gathering his men, Smith began the return march to Boston. As the British column moved, it was attacked by colonial militia which took up concealed positions along the road. Though reinforced at Lexington, Smiths men continued to take punishing fire until they reached the safety of Charlestown. All told, Smiths men suffered 272 casualties. Rushing to Boston, the militia effectively placed the city under siege. As news of the fighting spread, they were joined by militia from neighboring colonies, ultimately forming an army of over 20,000. The Battle of Bunker Hill On the night of June 16/17, 1775, colonial forces moved onto the Charlestown Peninsula with the goal of securing high ground from which to bombard British forces in Boston. Led by Colonel William Prescott, they initially established a position atop Bunker Hill, before moving forward to Breeds Hill. Using plans drawn by Captain Richard Gridley, Prescotts men began constructing a redoubt and lines extending northeast towards the water. Around 4:00 AM, a sentry on HMS Lively spotted the colonials and the ship opened fire. It was later joined by other British ships in the harbor, but their fire had little effect. Alerted to the American presence, Gage began organizing men to take the hill and gave command of the assault force to Major General William Howe. Transporting his men across the Charles River, Howe ordered Brigadier General Robert Pigot to directly attack Prescotts position while a second force worked around the colonial left flank to attack from behind. Aware that the British were planning an attack, General Israel Putnam dispatched reinforcements to Prescotts aid. These took up a position along fence which extended to the water near Prescotts lines. Moving forward, Howes first attack was met my massed musket fire from the American troops. Falling back, the British reformed and attacked again with the same result. During this time, Howes reserve, near Charlestown, was taking sniper fire from the town. To eliminate this, the navy opened fire with heated shot and effectively burned Charlestown to the ground. Ordering his reserve forward, Howe launched a third attack with all of his forces. With the Americans nearly out of ammunition, this assault succeeded in carrying the works and forced the militia to retreat off the Charlestown Peninsula. Though a victory, the Battle of Bunker Hill cost the British 226 killed (including Major Pitcairn) and 828 wounded. The high cost of the battle caused British Major General Henry Clinton to remark, A few more such victories would have shortly put an end to British dominion in America. Previous: Causes of Conflict | American Revolution 101 | Next: New York, Philadelphia, Saratoga Previous: Causes of Conflict | American Revolution 101 | Next: New York, Philadelphia, Saratoga The Invasion of Canada On May 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia. A month later on June 14, they formed the Continental Army and chose George Washington of Virginia as its commander-in-chief. Traveling to Boston, Washington took command of the army in July. Among Congress other goals was the capture of Canada. Efforts had been made the previous year to encourage French-Canadians to join the thirteen colonies in opposing British rule. These advances were rebuffed, and Congress authorized the formation of the Northern Department, under Major General Philip Schuyler, with orders to take Canada by force. Schuylers efforts were made easier by the actions of Colonel Ethan Allen of Vermont, who along with Colonel Benedict Arnold, captured Fort Ticonderoga on May 10, 1775. Located at the base of Lake Champlain, the fort provided an ideal springboard for attacking Canada. Organizing a small army, Schuyler fell ill and was forced to turn command over to Brigadier General Richard Montgomery. Moving up the lake, he captured Fort St. Jean on November 3, after a 45-day siege. Pressing on, Montgomery occupied Montreal ten days later when Canadian governor Major General Sir Guy Carleton withdrew to Quebec City without a fight. With Montreal secured, Montgomery departed for Quebec City on November 28 with 300 men. While Montgomerys army had been attacking through the Lake Champlain corridor, a second American force, under Arnold moved up the Kennebec River in Maine. Anticipating the march from Fort Western to Quebec City to take 20 days, Arnolds 1,100-man column encountered problems shortly after departing. Leaving September 25, his men endured starvation and disease before finally reaching Quebec on November 6, with around 600 men. Though he outnumbered the citys defenders, Arnold lacked artillery and could not penetrate its fortifications. On December 3, Montgomery arrived and the two American commanders joined forces. As the Americans planned their attack, Carleton reinforced the city raising the number of defenders to 1,800. Moving forward on the night of December 31, Montgomery and Arnold assaulted the city with the latter attacking from the west and the former from the north. In the resulting Battle of Quebec, American forces were repulsed with Montgomery killed in action. The surviving Americans retreated from the city and were placed under the command of Major General John Thomas. Arriving on May 1, 1776, Thomas found American forces weakened by disease and numbering fewer than a thousand. Seeing no other choice, he began retreating up the St. Lawrence River. On June 2, Thomas died of smallpox and command devolved to Brigadier General John Sullivan who had recently arrived with reinforcements. Attacking the British at Trois-Rivià ¨res on June 8, Sullivan was defeated and forced to retreat to Montreal and then south towards Lake Champlain. Seizing the initiative, Carleton pursued the Americans with the goal of reclaiming the lake and invading the colonies from the north. These efforts were blocked on October 11, when a scratch-built American fleet, led by Arnold, won a strategic naval victory at the Battle of Valcour Island. Arnolds efforts prevented a northern British invasion in 1776. The Capture of Boston While Continental forces were suffering in Canada, Washington maintained the siege of Boston. With his men lacking supplies and ammunition, Washington turned down several plans for assaulting the city. In Boston, conditions for the British worsened as winter weather approached and American privateers hampered their re-supply by sea. Seeking advice to break the stalemate, Washington consulted artilleryman Colonel Henry Knox in November 1775. Knox proposed a plan for transporting the guns captured at Fort Ticonderoga to the siege lines at Boston. Approving his plan, Washington immediately dispatched Knox north. Loading the forts guns on boats and sledges, Knox moved 59 guns and mortars down Lake George and across Massachusetts. The 300-mile journey lasted 56 days from December 5, 1775 to January 24, 1776. Pressing through severe winter weather, Knox arrived at Boston with the tools to break the siege. On the night of March 4/5, Washingtons men moved onto Dorchester Heights with their newly acquired guns. From this position, the Americans commanded both the city and the harbor. The next day, Howe, who had taken command from Gage, decided to assault the heights. As his men prepared, a snow storm rolled in preventing the attack. During the delay, Howes aids, remembering Bunker Hill, convinced him to cancel the assault. Seeing that he had no choice, Howe contacted Washington on March 8 with the message that the city would not be burned if the British were allowed to leave unmolested. On March 17, the British departed Boston and sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia. Later in the day, American troops triumphantly entered the city. Washington and the army remained in the area until April 4, when they moved south to defend against an attack on New York. Previous: Causes of Conflict | American Revolution 101 | Next: New York, Philadelphia, Saratoga

Muslim World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Muslim World - Essay Example In other words, Muslims are not at liberty to re-interpret the meaning of the Quran in order to support a religious reformation which embraces the modernization dictated by the twenty-first century. Indeed, as Schuon stresses, the Quran is eternal and its meaning transcends time and space (45). Its meaning does not change subject to our lifestyles or trends but, is unchanged throughout time. The implication, therefore, is that the methodology for interpreting the Quran is consistent, irrespective of the century for which and in which it is being interpreted. Consequently, Muslims today, as in the past and the future, should not question the method by which they can interpret the Quran for greater consistency with a particular century but, the correct methodology for uncovering both the esoteric and exoteric meaning of the Quran, irrespective of any particular century. Moslems should not try to delude themselves into believing that the meaning of the Quran can be adapted to suit the d emands of any specific time but should have faith in God and abide by the timelessness and eternity of His Message through an acceptance of the interpretations of religious scholars. The Quran is the basis of Islam and, as Schuon explicitly states, it is the Furqan (39). The implication here is, and as may be inferred from Schuon's discussion, the Quran is a book of Divine Laws and, as such establishes the difference between the moral and the immoral, the correct and the incorrect paths and, more so, differentiates between believers and non-believers. Indeed, as the Furqan, the Islamic laws and principles which it clearly communicates, and fully explicates, cannot be regarded as subject to flexible interpretations which are dictated by the lifestyles of a particular century. They are timeless and applicable to all ages. For greater emphasis on the virtual impossibility of justifying the modernization of Quranic interpretations for the establishment of greater harmony between the principles, lifestyles and believes particular to the Muslim and the Western worlds, Schuon emphasizes three points. Firstly, the Quran is eternal, written for all times and equally applicable to the past as it is to the present, and shall continue to be in the future. Secondly, the Quran is not subject to modernization, implying the imposition of new trends upon the Quran. Thirdly, given the first two, it is incumbent upon Moslems not to adopt practices that are un-Islamic and subsequently seek their religious legitimization through their supposed Islamicization. Such Islamicization efforts are dependant upon the re-interpretation of Islam in light of modernism and its demands (Schuon). The point that Schuon is making here is that the eternal and Divine nature of the Quran effectively de-legitimize any efforts to argue its irrelevancy to the twenty-first century or to re-interpret it in light of the values and practices that the Muslim world is constantly borrowing and adopting from the West. Largely agreeing with Schoen, Corbin adds his voice to the strictures against Quranic interpretations according to the whims and desires of a people and a particular time. It is, as Corbin emphasizes, the Word of God and, therefore, by the very nature of its Being, Eternal and timeless. It is the basis, the very heart and core of Islam and, more so, is the foundation upon which the unity of the Muslim people is built upon. Attempts to

Analysis of a advertising campaign for lexus cars Essay

Analysis of a advertising campaign for lexus cars - Essay Example f the ad design, not only can the careful observer learn much about the company, but can also assess how the advertisement is impacting or contributing to the general thought and behavior of society as a means of assessing the campaign’s overall effectiveness. These elements are also used to help unite an advertising effort across a variety of media to emphasize a given message. This examination of the signs of a given advertising campaign is what Roland Barthes referred to as semiotic analysis. This process of looking at an advertisement for its deeper cultural meanings and associations enables us to gain a better understanding of the relationship that develops between the product or the advertiser and the viewer or consumer. After examining a little bit about what Roland Barthes meant by semiotic analysis, this process will be applied to the 2010 Lexus advertising campaign to determine what Lexus is attempting to communicate and how this message changes from one form of adve rtising to another. Roughly speaking, semiotics refers to the process of analyzing the ‘signs’ of a given culture for indications of meaning at varying levels. â€Å"Semiology therefore aims to take in any system of signs, whatever their substance and limits; images, gestures, musical sounds, objects, and the complex associations of all these, which form the content of ritual, convention or public entertainment: these constitute, if not languages, at least systems of signification† (Barthes, 1964). Thus, semiotics refers to language, image, color, shape, expression, placement and a number of other contextual clues that combine together in some unique way so as to convey a sense of meaning to a particular cultural group. To discuss these various elements, Barthes and others have provided us with specific terms that help to keep things within an understandable framework. The primary elements that will be concentrated on in this study include signifiers, signified and sign. The

Sizing up the Matter about Matters on Size Essay Example for Free

Sizing up the Matter about Matters on Size Essay The article by Roy Johnson was concerned about the sport open-wheel racing. The author noted that there are new policies regarding the weight of the vehicle, which included the weight of the driver. A lot of women are involved in such races, including those who were least expected—the modeling type of women. By being so light, there is an advantage in a race, both on and off the track. With lighter weighted drivers, it is almost expected to have the cars run faster. However, it is not just the weight that defines the speed of the driver. It also challenges the skills and knowledge of the driver about the sport. In this regard, when a model type women run through the races, and if her experience and knowledge lacks in comparison to those plus sizes, then who exactly has the greater advantage? The article also included that she is able to attain ranks in races wherein women never reached that almost equal levels with men. But after the many attempts and races she experienced, she was still lacking in excelling in this sport. In the end, does the size and gender really matter in attaining the most victorious position in any race? The first placer and grand price? Perhaps there are sports wherein people would have to accept that only men, or only women, can perfectly excel in a certain sport. I do no believe that it is being spiteful of sexes, or within sexes. Should the women really be that skeptical about their weight? With these said, he only answer that this paper could suggest is to keep in mind that sports do not only measure physical strength. It also involves skills and knowledge. Work Cited Johnson, Roy. â€Å"To the IRL, size matters. † Yahoo Sports. 28 March 2008. 11 April 2008 http://sports. yahoo. com/top/blog/roy_s_johnson/post/To-the-IRL-size-matters? urn=top,73900.

The Fifty - First Dragon Essay -- essays research papers

â€Å"The Fifty - First Dragon†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Settings: The first setting is in a knight school where Gawaine is taught how to be a knight. It also takes place in the forest where he beheads all the dragons and is almost fooled into being eaten.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Plot: This story is about a student becoming a knight with no spirit at all named Gawaine le Coeur-Hardy. He was considered the least promising of all the pupils. The headmaster of the school thought he make better of Gawaine. He discussed about Gawaine with the Professor of Pleasaunce about how to make him more enthusiastic about training as a knight. Then they thought about training him as a dragon slayer. They knew that slaying dragons was dangerous but they knew they could find someway to trick him. The headmaster said that after Gawaine’ s training he would give him a magic word. He trained for a few months using papier-mà ¢chà © and wooden dragons using a battle-ax as a weapon. Gawaine felt that it was going to be a lot harder to behead a dragon later on. When a dragon ate the lettuce patch, they skipped his test and gave him his diploma, his battle-ax, and his magic. The magic word was Rumplesnitz. The headmaster said that if he says this word befo re slaying a dragon, he would be perfectly safe. When he goes to slaughter his first dragon, the dragon rushes towards him quickly, but he has enough time to say the magic word and he beheads the dragon. He goes out slaughtering many dr...

Housing and Habitability Essay

Question 1: You are an environmental health inspector asked investigate problems at a local low-income and poorly main apartment complex. There is lead-based paint peeling from the walls, and mold growing on the walls. Living in a room that has lead-based paint peeling from the walls and mold growing on the walls has certain health complications. The two factors are considered to be the worst indoor air pollutants and its effect can be seen after repeated exposure or soon after exposure. Occupants of an apartment with such conditions are exposed to such risks whether children or old people. Lead-based paint peeling from the walls has a number of health complications to low income family members especially children (Stewart, 2001). Excessive exposure to lead can cause damage to nervous system and the brain making it hard for the victim to have good health. Other main health problems include high blood pressure, headaches, and muscle pain, difficulties during pregnancy and digestive problems. Control of lead-based paint from peeling off the walls is a major challenge for low income earning family living in a poorly maintained apartment. The following measures can be taken to control lead paint health problems;  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cleaning up paint chips once they peel off.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Washing children’s hands more frequently and items they play with such as toys.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Planting grass to cover soil with high levels of lead  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cleaning painted surfaces weekly and rinsing the cleaning tools thoroughly.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Keeping children from chewing painted surfaces Molds are other major health hazards as they are invisible organisms that grow on walls under suitable conditions such as light, water and air. Health problems associated with molds include breathing problems, asthma, and irritation of skin, eyes, sneezing, nausea, headache and fatigue. Control of molds requires the application of simple measures such as opening the windows to let fresh air flow inside the building (Strang, 2003). With enough sunlight and clean air, humidity inside the rooms is decreased hence eliminating growth of molds. Question 2: One of your goals is to protect the health of swimmers at a local recreational pool. Discuss two methods that have been used to treat swimming pool water, ozonation and chlorination. The health of swimmers is usually at risk as the water is in most cases contaminated. There are two commonly used methods to treat swimming pool water such as ozonation and chlorination. Any swimmer has high chances of contaminating swimming pool through sweat, urine, mucous, skin flaks or hair ointments. These contaminants can be treated through the use of ozonation which proves to be the most beneficial and advanced method of treating swimming pool water (Ball, 2006). Ozonation works by injecting ozone on the filter then coagulant is added. Once filtration is done chlorine product is added as a residual concentration. Once the chlorine mixes with ozone, the level of chlorine reduces making the process one of the best treatment method. The ozone reduces large molecules into small molecules which are easily decomposed by the filter. Ozonation has a number of benefits which include increase in the quality of swimming water as the level of chlorine is reduced. Another benefit is oxidization of organic and inorganic matter without formation of by-products and clearing away of chlorine scent which might have some health problems. Chlorination is another method used to treat swimming pool water whereby chlorine is used as a disinfectant.   Routine chlorination is used to kill harmful microorganisms which act as health threat. Chlorine reacts with organics and produces nitrogen trichloride and chloramines which are dangerous chemicals. As disinfectant, chlorine prevents the growth of bacteria or algae making the swimming pool water safe. Ozonation is the best method of treating swimming pool water compared to chlorination. Ozone is used as a purification agent while chlorine is used as a disinfectant (Goldstein, Martin, 2002). This means that there are no harmful by products produced through ozonation while chlorine produces dangerous chemicals which are harmful to swimmers.

LOUIS VUITTON enter CHINESE MARKET Essay

Luxury product sales boost in the emerging marketing like China, which has extraordinary growth and strong potential consumers for the development of luxury goods in the China market. With gradually lower and lower increase of revenue in the European countries, Louis Vuitton (abridged as LV in the following sections) commits itself to set up more stores in China. However, LV is faced with the problems of declining profits in China, which urges it to adjust its entry strategy into the China market. In this case, this report will focus on distinguishing the factors that influence LV’s development in China and laying out schemes for LV’s entry into China market by initially examining the internal and external environment for LV; analyzing the operational plan for LV’s entry into China based on the environment examination, and generating an action plan for LV’s entry strategy at the end of the report. Introduction Louis Vuitton (abridged as LV in the following sections) is planning to set up more stores in the China market. However, it is now faced with the problems of declining profits in China, which urges it to adjust its entry strategy into the China market. In this case, this report is to lay out schemes for LV’s entry into the China market by distinguishing the internal and external factors that influence LV’s development from the perspectives of country factors and internal advantages of LV with reference to the SWOT analysis model; analyzing the operational plan for LV’s entry into China based on the environment examination and including suggests on firm strategy, organization structure and management, entry strategy and modes, manufacturing management, marketing plan, and accounting as well as finance management; and generating an action plan for LV’s entry strategy at the end of the report according to the specifications of the business operational plan. Research Methods The research method of literature searches is adopted to generate this report. This method is chosen because there are plenty of existing studies  on the development of luxury goods, which makes it possible for abundant literature searches. Also, there are a great many resources on the annual reports of Louis Vuitton available which offer insights into the financial performance of this company. Anyway, luxury goods are indeed possessed by the majority of people, which makes direct interviews or surveys less available. External and Internal Environment The internal and external factors that influence LV’s development will be examined in this section from the perspectives of country factors and internal advantages of LV. A SWOT analysis will be involved in this section, which aims to find out the strength, weakness, opportunity and threat of the company according to analysis on the internal conditions of the company and the external environment the company is faced with (Johnson & Scholes, 2002, p122). External environment: Country factor analysis The external environment for LV’s entry into China will be discussed in terms of the politics and government policy of China, the economy and the China market, the social culture and transportation of China, and will be concluded from the perspectives of opportunities and threats for LV’s entry into China. In terms of politics and government policy, China is now actively opening up to the world and enhancing trade relationships with world brands since the reform and opening up policy. In terms of the economy and the China market, according to Yuval and Vinay and Cathy (2011), the analysts of Mckinsey quarterly, China has increasing booming urban cities including the second- and third-tier cities and the world second-largest GDP which means strong purchasing power the China consumers for luxury goods and great market potentials (para 8). They also pointed out that by 2015, Chinese consumers will account for more than 20 percent of the global luxury market. On the other h and, the large market potential has drawn a host of luxury-goods companies to enter the China market, which makes the competition fiercer and fiercer. And it is troublesome for LV that there are plenty of fake goods imitating LV’s style prevailing in China, which are actually not likely to reduce LV’s high-end consumers, but would exert negative influences on consumers’ impression and awareness of LV. I  terms of social culture, for one thing, the China consumers are attracted by middle- and high-end products and somehow more attracted by French luxury goods, and they believe that the higher the price, the better the quality (Yuval, Vinay and Cathy, 2011, para7) (Exhibit 1). For another thing, the traditional virtue of thrift is rooted in the mindset of the Chinese, with which some of the rich in China indicate that they would not spend a large sum of money to get a product. (Exhibit 1) In terms of transportation, airlines are increased like the Emirates group which launched air routines in the main cities of China, and railway transportation as well as road transportation is more and more available, making it convenient and fast for cross-national transportation. Therefore in conclusion, the opportunities for LV’s entry into China can be concluded as China’s encouraging policies on foreign brands’ entering into China; China’s booming urban cities and increasing middle- and upper- class consumers with strong purchasing power; Chinese consumers’ purchasing preference for French high-end products; and the more and more convenient cross-national transportation in China. While the threats for LV’s entry into China entail the fierce competition from the peer companies and brands; the trouble coming from increasing produced counterfeit products imitating LV in China; China consumers’ cautious traditional views on luxury goods purchasing. Anyway, when it comes to China consumers’ rational attitude towards luxury goods purchasing, it may be an opportunity for LV if it succeeds in drawing out their desires and needs for LV’s products, otherwise it may turn out to be a threat for LV’s expansion in China. Internal environment based on national level The advantages of internal environment for LV on national level lie in the its preference and prospect to greatly expand its business in China, its experiences of operating in China market for about twenty years, and its strong influence on and temptation to the China consumers, as well as customer loyalty for it. On the contrary, the disadvantages lie in its high price which will greatly influences China consumers’ will to purchase the products, and in its could-be easily imitated appearance and style which is made used of by some China manufacturers in producing fake goods. Internal environment based on firm level The nature of LV’s products Dubois and Czellar and Laurent (2001) delineated Luxury goods as products with extraordinary quality as well as high price, rareness and uniqueness, aesthetic appeal, respectful long history, and the sense of being superior to others (p156). Yacine and Johnathan and Motohiro (2004) argued that luxury goods manual crafting and diligence should be involved into the manufacturing and designing of luxury goods (para 2). Based on these studies, the nature of LV’s products can be abstracted as unique, rare, and excellent-quality, and extraordinary. I ndustry characteristics of luxury goods Kapferer (1996) suggested that luxury industry distinguishes the needs and demands of the wealthy people like prominent social figures, and produce unique superior products for them, which acts like a status symbol for the rich (p251). While Heine (2010) stated that the luxury industry is also fashion-oriented and high-quality guaranteed. And it is closely associated with the needs of the wealthy. Judging from these studies and the advancement of luxury products nowadays, the industrial characteristics of luxury products can be concluded as extraordinary quality with high guarantee, extremely personalized with unique designed style, strong brand recognition and customer loyalty, and highly profitable sales based on its high price. Advantages and disadvantage of internal environment for LV on firm level The advantages of LV on firm level mainly lie in its good brand image, abundant product portfolio, wide expansion in the China markets covering most of the first- and second-tier cities, and its control on the designs of products. This can be told from the following aspects. Above all, LV enjoys a good reputation of high quality and excellent services that it has occupied the first place of the 2012 Hurun Ranking of the Top ten luxury brands in the world (see Appendix 1), in which LV beats Hermes, the second in the list by nearly 43%. Also, LV offers manual crafting designed products which are special for certain customers. What’s more, it offers permanent after-sale serves to its customers (Paul, 2012, p79). The disadvantages of LV mainly lie in its lower production rate and high price which leaves it less price elasticity. It possessed relatively lower production rate, for it takes certain time and manual efforts to make a high-quality products (Jill & Glenn & Taro, 2009, p122). It sets high prices for its products based on the quality and meanwhile aims to distinguish market segmentation, which however makes the price too high from the perspectives of the majority of China consumers. Marketing potentials In recent years, the China government has made adjustments towards Foreign Direct Investment. It cancelled the extra bonus policy which had existed since the 1980s when China actively encouraged investment on foreign enterprises (Dan, 2009, para1). Anyway, the general tendency of attracting foreign companies to enter into China is still unabated. Therefore, government policies and regulations are still positive for LV’s advancement in China, which indicates that China remains great market potential for LV if it adjusts itself to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages according to the environment. Based on the external and internal environment analysis, an operational plan to help LV enter and compete effectively in the China market will be generated in the following section, which includes consideration to firm strategy, organization structure and management, strategy and modes of LV’s entry into China, manufacturing management, overall marketing plan, and accounting and Finance management of LV facing the entry. Corporation strategy helps direct the future development of firms, including differentiation strategy and low cost strategy (Gerry & Keven & Richard, 2008, p245). The firm strategy suggested for LV to compete in the China market is to differentiate itself from other luxury companies and brands, and the strategy to lower its costs. Apart from the regular introduction of new products or the quality control of products like most luxury companies may do, LV is supposed to give extra care to its customer services, delivering extraordinary experience to customers, like regular special consultancy for every customer to lead the their needs and help them realize personal values relative with LV’s values. As for methods to lower costs,  it can be achieved through managing the operational cost of LV and through cost control in the supply chain of LV. For example, to integrate its resources and improve its supply chain by cooperation with fixed partners who professionally manage logistics in order to get a price discount, which may lower the costs of transportation and save time for product updates. Organization Structure and Management Organizational structure management is for accomplishing certain goals effectively Gerry & Keven & Richard, 2008, p137). For LV as an international company, the organization form of departmentalization is rather appropriate. With human resources gathered and organizational structure formed through departmentalization, the process of delegation is to be introduced. Delegation is to delegate certain authority and responsibility to the staff and achieve harmony and trustworthiness among leaders and staff (Robbins & Mary & Nancy, 2005, p165). LV has a big number of stores in China, and it will be better if the headquarter delegates authority for the managers in the branches in China, who are then able to manage the stores more practically and efficiently. Based on the managing form of departmentalization and the method of delegation, the form of decentralization can be adopted. If the business of a company is in fast pace and tend to change quickly, and is operated in diversified different areas, it should choose the form of decentralization (Robbins & Mary & Nancy, 2005, p165). As an international luxury company with operating areas in all geographic parts of China, LV values timeliness and adaptability towards the quickly changing fashion world, which makes decentralization suitable for LV’s development in China market. Entry strategy and modes The entry modes for international companies entail strategic alliance, exporting, licensing or franchising, joint venture, a new wholly owned subsidiary, and acquiring established enterprises (David & Cynthia, 2004, p147). As for LV, a luxury brand which is positioned as high-end, unique and high-price, it would be better for it to establish its own stores in the targeted country (Giacalone, 2006, p33). Since LV has its own stores in China, it adopts the wholly owned subsidiary method of entry so as to hold  its characteristic of unique and independent, and to pursue global standardization. Where to enter into is essential for LV’s operation in China. LV has already set up stores in all the geographical areas of China (Exhibit 2), and most of its focus is the first-tier cities and less second-tier cities. For example, nearly 33% of LV’s stores in China are located in Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan (Exhibit 2), while there are a great many second-tier cities where many wea lthy people inhabit in mainland China. According to the table of index of China’s cities for luxury product operation (Exhibit 3), second-tier cities like Shenyang, Dalian, Hangzhou, and Chengdu have great potentials for luxury product operation. Moreover, second-tier cities like Dalian, Hangzhou and Chengdu are among the most popular tourism cities in China, where tourists are more likely to purchase luxury products when they are in their pleasant holidays with planned shopping lists. Also, the renting rate of second-tier cities is much cheaper than first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai. As for LV, whose stores often cover a large amount of space, second-tier cities will save it considerable amounts of costs. Therefore, second-tier cities should be the primary choices of LV’s operation in China market. Manufacturing management Manufacturing management is associated with production for global markets, outsourcing and logistics management (Philip & Gary, 2009, chap13). As for LV, its production is unique and enjoys good reputation among consumers for they are produced in France, labeled as high-quality and high-level. Therefore in this case, production activities of LV are supposed to be located in France. In terms of logistics, it will be better for LV to outsource the management of logistics to companies that are professional in this field, for LV has no experiences in logistics and it should focus on the production and sales of products instead. Marketing plan Marketing Strategy can be formulated with references to the following aspects: Product attributes, Distribution methods, communication approaches, and pricing strategy (Alan and Simon, 2012, p399). Apart from the four aspects listed above, marketing strategy is influenced primarily by market  segmentation (David & John, 2012, p102). With regards to age, socio-cultural factors, economic development and the psychological factors, LV narrows its target market in China to the young and adult generations who are under the age of forty. Anyway, the primary focused consumers are adults. In this case, LV is supposed to give more care to the young, who are the right future potential customers for LV. Besides, the young of the rich families in China can often easily win parents’ compromise and financial support to purchase luxury products. Therefore, emphasis on unique products for the young is highly profitable in return and may also bring vigor to the growth of LV. In terms of product attributes, it is critical for the development of products, for it the product attributes satisfy the customer’s needs, the product will definitely boost sales (Alan and Simon, 2012, p399). LV’s product attributes as products with extraordinary quality as well as high price, rareness and uniqueness, aesthetic appeal, respectful long history, and high-class awareness greatly meet customers’ needs for supreme experience and extraordinary taste. Therefore, it should focus on product designs that can differentiate its products from those of other brands to keep its customer loyalty. As for distribution methods, LV should stick to its strategy of selling its products directly to consumers through its stores, for it has independent stores and distribution system. Anyway, it is possible for LV to set up online stores under the circumstance of the China market. In terms of internet shopping, which is now prevailing in China, and the electronic commerce of China is gradually become mature. Amazon and China’s T-Mall online shopping has reached high turnover in recent years (The Economist, 2011). In terms of China consumers, who prefer to shop online especially the young and the adult, with internet becoming more and more available for the Chinese people, China online market has high potential for LV’s attempt at online stores. In terms of communication approaches, LV is involved more in direct selling, and advertising. In terms of direct selling through stores, it creates opportunities for deepening the communication between consumers and the staff of LV. In terms of advertising, LV focuses on delivering its value and product attributes to consumers and it choose its spokesperson cautiously. Selecting spokesmen for LV is quite a good choice for the development in China, especially for attracting the young. For example, the newly selected and the only spokesman  for LV in China, Bingbing FAN is quite appropriate for the disposition of LV, unique, independ ent and elegant, which has become a big piece of news in China and has intensified the public focus on LV recently. Therefore, the right choice of spokeman will benefit LV in the China market. Anyway, the country-of-origin effect takes effects on the Chinese people who deeply believe in French luxury products (Glamheden, 2006, p35). In terms of pricing strategy, it will be better for LV to keep the same price in different countries, which means the amount of money consumers spend in a LV store in China is the same as that in France in value. This is because that some Chinese prefer to fly to France to get the LV products for it’s cheaper in France. In order to boost sales in China market, it’s better to apply the same pricing strategy. Accounting and finance management As for accounting management of LV in China, LV has to pay great attention to the inflation conditions of the China market, which has been rising in recent years both in food and non-food prices (Jay and Azhar, 2011, para2). LV should adjust its pricing strategy and accounting management according to the inflation conditions of China, for if inflation goes high, assets will be depreciated and the original price cannot represent the real value of LV’s products (Mankiw, 2011, p643). Mankiw states that inflation results to the value depreciation of money, which will benefit the export of the home country and make it disadvantageous for the import from foreign countries’ import to the home country. This explains the significance for LV to adjust its price according to the inflation conditions in China market. In order to create and maintain a competitive advantage, LV’s financial management should be involved financial control and money management (Alan & Simon, 2012 , p423). Now that LV has already decided to invest in the China market, financial decisions and the money management are to be focused on. In terms of financial decisions, according to Alan and Simon’s theory (2012) on financing decisions, LV may prefer local debt financing in the China market, where local currency has recently depreciated. In terms of money management, LV should try to reduce the transaction costs, which is generated when a firm transfers cash from one currency to another (Alan & Simon, 2012, p433). Recommendations- action plan With the help of the discussion of the China market environment for LV, and the analysis and conclusion of the operational plan for LV’s entry into China in the previous sections, recommendations for action plans for LV will be given as follows. As for formulating firm strategies, LV is supposed to take the differentiation strategy by distinguishing itself from other luxury companies by emphasis on high quality and exclusive customer services, and to adopt the cost reducing strategy by integrating resources of its supply chain and reducing transportation costs through the long-term cooperation with professional partners of logistics fields. As for organization structure and management, the organization form of departmentalization with a combination of functional forms, product, consumer service and geographic area is recommended. Next, the method of delegation can be introduced for LV so as to delegate authority for the managers in the China stores. Last but not least, it will be better for LV to implement the form of decentralization, which will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of LV’s operation in China. As for entry strategy and modes, with wholly owned subsidiary, LV should cautiously select its targeted locations in China. Apart from the first-tier cities, second-tier cities where there is considerably strong purchasing power and lower renting costs would be appropriate for LV to set up new stores. As for manufacturing management, production activities of LV are supposed to be located in France, for effect of country-of-origin works on China consumers who believe that goods produced in France would be more reliable and high-end. In terms of logistics, LV is supposed to outsource its management of logistics to companies that are professional in this field. As for marketing plan, LV should continue to highlight its product attributes like high quality and exclusive design to consumers, to apply the communicatio n approach of advertising using the spokesman strategy, and to keep price nearly the same in different countries without dramatically change. As for accounting and finance management, LV should adjust its pricing strategy and accounting management according to the inflation conditions of China, and to focus on its financial decisions, and money management decisions. Specifically, LV may adopt local debt financing in the China market, and try to reduce the transaction costs. References Alan M. & Simon C. (2012). International business. London: Pearson. Dan H. (2009). Foreign direct investment in China-the times has changed. Retrieved from: http://www.chinalawblog.com/2009/04/foreign_direct_investment_in_c_1.html David C. & Cynthia M. (2004). Corporate strategy. New York: McGraw-Hill. David J. & John F. (2012). Foundations of marketing. New York: McGraw-Hill. Dubois, B., Laurent, G. & Czellar, S. (2001). Consumer rapport to luxury: analyzing complex and ambivalent attitudes, Retrieved from: http://ideas.repec.org/p/ebg/heccah/0736.html Gerry J., Kevan S. & Richard W. (2008). Exploring Corporate Strategy, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, p245-p266. Giacalone, J. (2006). The market for luxury goods: the case of the Comità © Colbert, Southern Business Review, 32(1), 33-40. Glamheden A. (2006). Country-of-origin effects and consumer attitudes towards luxury brands, Doctoral thesis. University of St. Gallen. Retrieved from: http://www.gbv.department/ Heine, K. (2010). The personality of luxury fashion brands, Journal of Global Fashion Marketing, 1(3), p88. Jay H. & Azhar I. Does China have an inflation problem? Wells Fargo Securities. Retrieved from: http://www.realclearmarkets.com/blog/ChinaInflation_03292011_final%5B1%5D.pdf Jill G., Glenn B. & Taro I. (2009). Art, fashion and architecture. New York. Publisher: Rizzoli. Johnson, G & Scholes, K. (2002). Exploring corporate strategies. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Kapferer, J. (1996). Managing luxury brands. The Journal of Brand Management, 4(4), 251-260. Mankiw G. & Mark P. (2011). Economics.2nd Revised ed. UK. New York: Cengage Learning. Paul G. P., (December 1, 2012), Louis Vuitton: the birth of modern luxury. U.S.A. New York: Abrams. Philip K. & Gary A. (2009). Principles of marketing. U.S.A. Washington: Pearson Education. Robbins p. & Mary C. & Nancy L. (2005). Management. 8th ed. Canada. Washington: Pearson Education. The Economist Journal, (2011). E-commerce in China: the great leap online. . Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/node/21540260 Yacine A., Johnathan A. & Motohiro Y. (2004). Luxury goods and the equity premium, The Journal of Finance, Vol. 6, No. 6, p46. Yuval A., Vinay D. & Cathy W. (2011). Tapping China’s luxury-goods market. Mckinsey quarterly. Retrieved from http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/Tapping_Chinas_luxury-goods_market_2779

Carlson Companies

Carlson Companies Carlson Companies comprise of a set of organizations that deal in travel, hospitality and marketing fields. It aims at serving both large companies and customers through the above-mentioned groups.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Carlson Companies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Carlson Companies resolve the complicated ways of handling large corporations and clients through their efficient team that oversees such problems. For instance, there are Carlson Wagonlit Travel and Carlson Leisure travel services. In this essay, we are going to look at the various hospitality ventures it offers, the brand names of its companies and their details. There are several hospitality ventures offered by Carlson Companies. For example, it focuses on the comfort of its customers through luxurious facilities and other first rate services. In addition, the Carlson Companies have powerful and efficient delivery systems that are able to serve its wide world customers found in more than 69 countries. Furthermore, the Carlson Companies have a client-focused strategy that only concentrates on the significance of its customers, which also works as the basis of their business model. Apart from the comfort of its clients and efficient delivery systems, the Carlson Companies also inject new ideas through creative ventures that favor its customers and clients. In order to maximize profits and boost sales, the company conducts evaluation of their various operations, which aim at establishing global brands. On the other hand, Carlson Companies are divided into different sets that serve clients and corporations efficiently. For example, the Carlson Marketing Company acts as a world agency that serves leading organizations that intend to establish lasting contacts with their customers. The marketing company also engages in creative and persuasive ideas that aim at serving both global corporations and customers spread in the d ifferent parts of the globe. In addition, the marketing companies of Carlson build world brands through calculated measurements that boost sales and maximize on profits. Furthermore, there is Carlson Wagonlit travel that dedicates its various activities to different cities across the globe. For, instance, the Wagonlit travel involves itself in planning and reservation for their global clients through traveler support services. In addition, it facilitates conferences or meetings that involve groups or individuals interested in using their facilities.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Wagonlit Companies also ensures the information provided by its customers is secure through their data integrity and intelligence centers. This branch of Carlson companies also participates in strategic procurement of services that aim at serving their clients on time. Additionally, t he Wagonlit travel engages in constructive assessment of the current travel activities through proper management to cut costs. The Wagonlit companies also help organizations in marketing their tourism services around the world to reach out to all their customers. Carlson Wagonlit travels offer these services assisted by its braches such as the Carlson leisure travel services and Carlson vacation and Business travel services. In conclusion, Carlson Companies as a global agency with about 959 properties scattered across 69 countries should be recommended for global customers. The services offered by Carlson Companies such as marketing, efficient delivery systems and creative methods of attending to different organizations and clients across the globe give it an edge over other companies. Finally, the various subdivisions of Carlson Companies such as the travel, hospitality and marketing areas is key in putting their clients first in the form of world class services.

Business Writing vs. Academic Writing

Business Writing vs. Academic Writing Recent college graduates often struggle with the difference between academic and business writing. The University of Houston’s Academic Center recently published a good article that delineated key differences: Writing at work focuses on problem solving. Work-related writing targets multiple audiences with different perspectives. Writing at work may be read by unknown readers. Writing produced at work can be used indefinitely and can be used in legal proceedings. The format for work documents varies greatly from the format for academic documents. There is one other very significant difference not listed in this article: business writing needs to be clear and concise. Academic writing, by contrast, is more often focused on development of thought, and length is encouraged. Students are often rewarded with higher grades if a paper is longer, uses an impressive vocabulary, and/or complex sentence structure. Business writing is different: one should write to express, not impress. This does not at all mean business writing should be â€Å"dumbed down.† Writing clean, short documents is harder. As Blaise Pascal wisely stated, â€Å"I’m sorry this letter is so long. I did not have time to make it shorter.†

Isaac’s Storm, by Erik Larson Research Paper

Isaac’s Storm, by Erik Larson - Research Paper Example (Isaacs Storm Erik Larson Book Review.). Symbolizing the storm, Mr. Larson quite clearly suggests his thesis as confluence of human error; arrogance and politics were the root causes that made the way for such a catastrophe. The writer, Thurston Hatcher rightly comments about the book that it is not a disaster book on the other hand it is a cautionary tale about an era in which great technological progress created a flawed sense of invincibility. One of the main points that Larson wants to boost through his work is that technological hubris will always place us in trouble with nature. Thurston Hatcher further comments that human beings are much concerned about the complacency that new tools can bring but at the same time he fails to give the deserving attention to the disaster that may happen one day. (Hatcher, 2000). In Isaac’s Storm Erik Larson tells the story of Galveston, its people and the hurricane that devastated them with the help of an effective blending of science and history. In narrating the whole episod e the author keeps the tempo rising in pace with the wind and waves. The personal account presented in this work attributes a realistic touch and promotes the reader’s credibility. The only fault that one could find is a lack of photographs because on a number of occasions Larson refers to old black and white photographs that he had seen during his research for this book, but he forgets to share these with his audience. Considering all these factors this is a great work worthy to be