International Citizen

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International Citizen

            In my opinion, international citizenship is the aspect of connection between individuals on earth regardless of their background, as well as the obligation of learning from others and teaching them consecutively. From an individual perspective, citizenship is outlined as part of identity whereby an individual is defined by relationships with others thus, defining an individual socially and politically among others. With this in mind, one can depict that, an international citizen is one who influences global decisions and acknowledge behavior that are congruent with decision. In essence, an international citizen has variety similar meanings, frequently referring to an individual who carries both responsibilities and rights globally. International citizenship is applied for the entirety of citizens of their constituent countries coalesced. Therefore, at this level, citizenship is a secondary concept where rights derive from nationwide citizenship. To qualify, most countries require a passport, which is a document that is issued by the national government to certify the reason of international identity, travel, and nationality of its holder. In this case, a passport contains a message that requests the bearer to be allowed to pass freely in addition request the applicant to be granted further assistance. In most cases, when an individual moves from one place to the other, he is bound to face changes because of culture differences. It is natural to experience difficulties while adjusting to anew culture borne in mind; interpretation of ideas may be different from different cultures. This implies that, to understand culture differences is vital in enhancing equality despite culture differences. From a personal experience, I have articulated that, differences in cultures can be difficult for an international citizen as they adjust to new surrounding. For instance, one may encounter unfamiliar weather, clothes, different people and school, and food. With this in mind, I have depicted the importance of dealing with differences in an attempt to adjust and interact with people from other cultures.

Being an International Baccalaureate student, I have acquired high quality programs for international education to the global community. During the course, I have gained a high reputation for academic standards that develop future citizens to create a more peaceful world through addressing culture differences. Typically, IB enhances the international mildness whereby students from different countries easily communicate and work with one another regardless of difference in culture background. Through IB, I have developed the intellectual, emotional, personal, and social skills to learn, live, and work in rapidly globalizing world, and enhancing an understanding of differences that occur between different cultures. This has created a platform to learn from different cultures, and in turn teaching them about culture.

With no doubt; I credit my school which in endlessly effort has ensured that we had students from different countries, and as a result, we could easily communicate and work with one another. This has inspired me to reflect on what should be done to address culture differences in different instructional design process. I found that, interacting with people from different cultures is the key to address culture differences and learning from one another. For instance, in the school, we have had different interesting discussions about culture differences in project teams. This appeal to be important bearing in mind many instructional require to support audiences and students across international boundaries. Conclusively, I believe it is feasible to develop resourceful instruction for people who come from different cultures during international citizenship. Communicating and working with one another regardless of culture differences, is the key to address culture differences as discussed in the paper.

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Business, Seventh Canadian Edition

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Seventh Canadian Edition

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  1. 1.      What are the various corporate-level strategies that a company might use? Which of these corporate level strategies did Seagram use under Edger Bronfman Sr.? Under Edgar Bronfman Jr.? Which strategy is Warner music group using now?

There are various corporate-level strategies that a company uses to establish a competitive advantage over competitors. These include Cost leadership, differentiation, focused on low costs, using differentiation strategy, and focused differentiation.  Under Cost leadership, companies compete for wide clients based on prices whereby cost may be lowered to effectively be cost leader to attract more clients. In differentiation, worth is provided to clients inform of high quality features and product innovation that eventually, attracts many to purchase the product.  Under focused low cost, companies not only struggle on prices but, penetrate to small segments of markets to attract more to buy the product. However, under focused differentiation, companies choose a small segment of the market to distribute goods and services.  In other words, this strategy aims to meet the needs of a specific customer segment. Finally, under differentiation strategy, companies use this strategy to discover new skills and technologies.

With this in mind, Seagram used differentiation strategy under Edger Bronfman Sr whereby he focused on production of wine and distilled spirits with distinguished brand names such as Chivas Regal, Crown royal, and Absolute Vodka. Under Edgar Bronfman Jr, differentiation can be outlined whereby, worth is provided to clients inform of high quality features and product innovation that eventually, attracts many to purchase the product. As depicted, under Edgar Bronfman Jr, there was product innovation whereby there were efforts to convert a French water as well as, utility of the company into media conglomerate. On the other hand, Warner music group is focused on low cost and increasing sales of music download from cell phone and web networks.

  1. 2.      What is involved in each of the four functions of management? Which of these four functions caused Edgar Bronfman Jr. the most difficult when he was CEO of Seagram?

For a smooth running of an organization, there are four functions of management that include leading, controlling, organizing, and planning. In facts, leading involves inspiring and influencing people to perform better on their respective duties and responsibilities. In doing this, managers create a positive working environment that pick up work performance and boost employee’s morale. As the name suggests, controlling entails imposing certain standards for employees and constantly evaluating employees’ work performance to ensure they track on the company’s goals. Organizing involves identifying various roles, delegating duties to employees, and choosing best people on various job positions. Finally, planning involves identifying the organization’s goals, and eventually developing various strategies that can be applicable to achieve goals. From the four functions of management, Edgar Bronfman Jr. is said to experience difficulties whereby the company got into trouble when stock price dropped penetratingly. In this context, Edgar Bronfman Jr encounter difficulties in planning where he failed to identify identifying the organization’s goals and strategies that would be applicable to achieve company’s goals.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. 3.      How do you tell if a person is a good manager? Is Edger Bronfman Jr. a good manager?

In facts, for to be a good manager, he or she should possess various qualities for effective management. First, a good manager should generate a productive environment, which can be achieved by enhancing team work, increasing employee satisfaction that eventually boost morale and work performances, and at times using financial incentives to stimulate productivity. Secondly, a good manager should define success by making it clear to employees what the company wants to achieve and actions that can enhance such achievement.  Thirdly, to be a good manager, one should enjoy interacting with his employees to obtain feedbacks of what is going and suggestions of what can enhance success. Fourthly, an effective manager should augment employee satisfaction by building morale by giving employee’s a sense of importance to the company.  Finally, a good manager should have a structured mindset, and be ready to learn from mistakes for company’s growth. With this in mind, Edger Bronfman Jr is a good manager who had a clear vision and insight to the company so that it could capitalize on major trend. However, he failed to generate a productive environment that would both attract employees and investors.

 

 

 

 

  1. 4.      What skills do manager need to be effective? In what skill did critics say Edgar Bronfman Jr. was weak? Explain.

It is articulated that, there are various skills that manager should possess for effective management. In essence, there are four paramount skills that managers require to master; Leadership, communication, building trust, and motivation skills. Under leadership skills, a manager should influence others to accomplish goals and objectives by clearly sharing vision to his employees. At this point, a manager should create an environment that ensures that all team members exercise the duties and potential for company benefit. A leader should effectively communicate to his employees in meetings, and anticipating any suggestion or question that employees may have in mind. With no doubt; building trust results to successful outcome, whereby a manger may build trust by demonstrating ability, expertise, commitment, and competence. In other words, employees should count the manager to get job done. Lastly, a manger should give employees the support required in getting work done because, motivating employees build morale and satisfaction, which eventually improve productivity. In this context, critics believe that Edgar Bronfman Jr. was weak in motivation skills whereby he failed to motivate his employees to work on the goal he had set.  At the end of the case study, critics believe that Edgar Bronfman failed to plan on what would enable the company to pick up on stock exchange.

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US Disaster Relief

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US Disaster Relief

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Globally, millions of people are threatened by various disasters that demands intervention. Studies articulate that, natural disasters results to death cases globally, and leave millions of people homeless (Miskel, 2008). With this regard, a majority of States have disaster relief with significant role in disaster response as well as, preparedness.  US Disaster relief is typically an example of an agency that synchronizes disaster relief and planning. In all levels, the US Disaster relief work diligently to ensure that they meet the needs attributed by disasters. This agency has made goals and objectives to ensure the purpose of meeting human needs is achieved. It borne in mind; the US Disaster relief aims at meeting different needs caused by different disasters. It works in hand with different organizations to ensure effectiveness of their plans and greater prevention of the projected relief. In this context, experts have called for a greater need on prevention, and having this in mind, the US Disaster relief has initiated plans to improve disaster management. Often, the state has initiated technology such as satellite and radar technologies to detect the probable potential disasters. With this regard, this paper seeks to discuss the US Disaster relief, and in doing this, I will design its version from a high level.

It is documented that, the United States Red Cross offers extensive help on disaster mitigation, recovery, and management (Stratton, 1999). In particular, this consists of large number of individuals who works in the community to consult disaster cases and humanitarian. Focusing on this, the American National Red cross is designated to provide disaster relief, emergency assistance, and training on preparedness on disaster. In addition, they offer community services, deal with health and safety issues, dispensation and allotment of blood products.

Although the American National Red cross is designed to meet various needs, the core purpose is to offer disaster services. At this point, the agency grants disaster relief to more than seventy thousand disasters including earthquakes, floods, explosion, transportation accidents, tornadoes, and other man-made and  natural disasters. Despite not being a government agency, the American Red cross aims at meeting disaster caused needs, and when tragedy strikes, they provide food, shelter, mental, and health services. Typically, the agency works conscientiously to provide training on how to avoid and face any tragedy that strikes.

Terrorism being the core disaster that affects many nations, the American government accounts to provide help to the staggering terrorism rate. In this case, the country has reduced disaster losses through advanced information from technology that offers mechanism that establishes a disaster network. The staggering crime being on higher rate in the United States, the disaster relief has seen it beneficial to apply technology tools that respond in ways that detect crime and provide better ways to intervene. For instance, Federal bureau of investigation, which is an American centre for disaster relief aid to detect any crime. The Cost of responding to the disaster cannot be underestimated hence, for the sake of generalization; this agency seeks to detect crime, through surveillance cameras. This assists in the investigation of crime thus, preventing the possible causes of disaster (Stratton, 1999).

For many years, the US disaster relief has been designed to provide disaster intervention and potentials measures that prevents disaster occurrence. The foundation of the US Disaster relief is vital in tackling disaster issues to meet people’s needs. At this point, successful implementation of disaster relief is mandatory in disaster response, preparedness, and prevention, and thus, cannot be underrated.  Therefore, this paper has discussed the US Disaster relief.

 

 

References

Miskel, J.F. (2008). Disaster Response and Homeland Security: What Works, What Doesn’t.           New York: Stanford University Press

Stratton, R.M. (1999). Disaster relief: the politics of intergovernmental relations. California:          University Press of America

 

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Tyco International Accounting Issues

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Tyco International Accounting Issues

 

There is compelling evidence that past performance records at Tyco did not reflect the actual picture of the company’s status. Multiple reports have given strong indications of irregular accounting practices. The revenue and profit reports were inflated by some strategic accounting practices that falsified reports about the fiscal status of the company with the view of showing some kind of consistency in the company’s general performance. According to some analysts, the reports posted by the company would show significant variations if the accountants were to adopt conventional accounting practices.

One of the most notable accounting malpractice employed by the company involved the low attrition rate, which were written off at a remarkably slow pace. The consequence of this accounting misnomer was a significant inflation of the profits as reported in the company’s financial records. A consistent pattern of this accounting practice had the effect of giving the shareholders the wrong kind of impression regarding the performance records of this company (Maremont, M and, Laurie Cohen 12 a).

The markets were also deluded into believing in the falsified accounting records of the company. According to financial analysts, the amount of money involved in the slow attrition accounting practice was the major driving factor. For instance, it was reported that the company spent large sums of money in purchasing accounts from dealers. An estimate of 1.3 billion dollars has been given as the amount of money used by the company to purchase the accounts in 2001. Major discrepancies have also been seen in the mismatch between the posting of assets acquired and the selling prices that were attached to the same. This aspect has often been cited as a case of deliberate falsification of information intended to paint an artificially positive picture about the performance of the company (Bragg 23). One such case involved the purchase and sale of Anglo Seal division.

Anglo Seal was bought for about 20 million dollars according to the information posted in the company’s accounting records. In the space of time of one year, the same asset was sold off at a price of 111 million dollars. Some analysts argue that the real losses incurred by Tyco could be even much higher given the fact the team of accountants and lawyers who worked through the companies records overlooked or could not access some sensitive omissions and commissions due to weaknesses of evidence (Maremont and Laurie 10 b).

According to analysts, it is not practically conceivable how an asset could appreciate to nearly eight times its purchase price within the short time of a year. The obvious intention was to bring down the value of expenses, while adjusting upwards the level of sales and revenues. As a result, the company presented itself as particularly robust in terms of growth. The danger of such accounting practices is that they are not sustainable in the long run. They tend to shield the company’s failings from the shareholders and the markets.

According to some analysts, such practices have the capacity of bringing down companies because all safeguard measures are rendered useless in the face of irregular and cosmetic accounting practices. The irregular practices often shield the companies from the indicators of possible slump of a slackened performance. Defenders of Tyco’s book-keeping methods have argued that any alternative ways of accountancy could not significantly alter the state of accounts as reported by the company (Maremont and, Laurie  12 c )

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They rely on the reports of internal auditors who argued that few things would change in terms of performance regarding the company’s overall growth strategy. It would be appropriate to consider the weaknesses of the irregular accounting practices in comparison to similar practices that often ended up in total failure. The collapse of Meryl Lynch and other famous firms were attributed, in part, on the reliance on cosmetic accountancy aimed at boosting the standings of the companies on the stocks market. One of the aspects of aggressive accounting was the deliberate manipulation of revenues to reflect higher figures than the actual picture. There were also indications that Tyco accountants engaged in accounting malpractices by relying on the financial reserves to meet non-business related expenses. The accounting reports also indicated that the company accountants did not report on some specific expenses (Maremont and Laurie 3 d).

The failure, according to analysts, should not be treated as cases of oversight or errors of communion. Rather, the analysts contended that the failure to post the expenses was a strategy to increase the profit levels of the company by manipulating the levels of expenses incurred. Other accounting malpractices included irregular bonuses awarded without regard to the set out rules and procedures. In the long-term, these errors had the effect of portraying misleading information about the company’s profit margins.

Multiple reports showed that the deliberate misinformation of information about the company’s financial performance was generally aimed towards retaining a high profile on the stocks market. In this manner, the company sustained a trend of cosmetic growth that could not be backed up by empirical assessment. In the laws of accountancy, it is important to consider the value of timing in the determination of matters of accuracy. Such issues revolve around recognition of revenues and the posting of losses. Reports produced by multiple financial analysts showed that the accounting practices at Tyco were specifically designed to offer aspects of aggressive accounting.

The desire to report higher practice margins and give an impression of consistent growth encouraged the cultivation of irregular accounting practices, which were particularly designed to offer competitive advantages to Tyco. As a result of these practices, Tyco’s market prices maintained a consistent growth as the market bought into the effects of the strategies devised by the irregular accounting practices.

It is important to consider the fact that some of the issues detailed in the financial reports were strong indications of the fact many of the issues of related to financial practices are marred in inconsistencies. Lack of consistencies and irregularities reported by the various financial analysts on the matter indicate that it is particularly necessary for standardization of financial practices in order to streamline the practices. In such a manner, it would be possible to detect aspects of improper accounting practices in line with their potential to create adverse effects on financial establishments and financial systems.

Furthermore, it is possible to place the aspect of poor documentation within the general aspect of accounting malpractices. Poor documentation makes it difficult for audits to be conducted on some of the suspected fraudulent on improper aspects of financial management.  Further analyses on the levels of irregular financial accountancy at Tyco showed that the levels of growth of the company should be assessed in light of the levels of consistency with the accounting practices. Within the periods that the company experienced inconsistencies in the level of growth, certain features of growth have indicated a growing preference for systems that emphasize on conventional approaches. Market pressure has been cited as one of the driving factors that lead firms to succumb to the pressure of financial malpractices.

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According to reliable estimated, the financial malpractices at Tyco cost the company close to 1.2 million dollars. The loss is attributed majorly to the fact that crucial information on losses was concealed in misleading details. Some analysts have argued that it is not entirely easy to determine the real extent of financial improprieties that took place within the company because most of the issues outlined were not included in the probe. As such, it remains imprecise to explore the real magnitude of the financial irregularities. In mitigation, Tyco has variously insistence on the fact that its financial practices could not be regarded in the strict sense as financial fraud. Instead, the company has insisted that the alleged financial irregularities in its systems are largely born out of the fact that it engages in flexible accountancy.

The issues raised by critics could be expanded to give a bigger picture on some of the unconventional practices that often occur in the corporate world, and which are meant to offer cosmetic information to concerned groups and the outside world. However, questions that remain unanswered revolve around the level of regulations that must be injected in the corporate world (Maremont and Laurie 16 e). For instance, the standardization of accounting practices has often been regarded as the most appropriate safeguards that could be used in forestalling such unconventional accounting practices. In essence, it is possible to regard the past happenings at Tyco as an indication of the possibilities of high-level malpractices that could impact negatively on the corporate sector. In the global business environment, financial systems are often interlinked in ways that determine stability, performance, and consistency. A disruption at any point within the global chain of business will often create far-reaching ramifications to other related systems.

 

This would imply that the shortcomings in Tyco’s accounting practices could have adverse impacts on the market particularly with regard to the level of confidence of the investors. The challenge lies in the fact that multinationals and conglomerates such as Tyco operate in very complex business environment and varied geographical spaces that are governed by a great diversity in their accounting practices. The standards of assessing merit or detecting improprieties are therefore difficult and could have a mismatch of methodology. It is in line with this challenge that Tyco has sought to defend its practices as an aspect of diversity in international trading practices.

Confounding accounting practices have the potential of weakening the markets by bringing down the levels of investor confidence. In the specific case of Tyco, recent reports have shown that the company has suffered significantly on account of market confidence. Such effects often create negative impacts on a wider scale and make competitors to eat into the company’s niche market. According to some financial analysts, failure by governments to create sufficient safeguards to check against tendencies of irregular accounting procedures could result in the kind of financial crises such as happened in recent financial meltdown. However, such observations come into direct conflict with the discourse of liberalization whose central theme is the lessening of regulatory mechanisms on companies and businesses.

 

 

Works Cited

Bragg, Steven. Accounting Best Practices. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2010

Maremont, Mark and Laurie, P. Investors in fear of the enron effect: WALL STREET: Mary chung says the collapse of the energy giant has prompted a closer look at accounting practices. Financial Times, 2002. Web. 13 Oct. 2012.

Maremont, Mark and, Laurie, Cohen. Probe of tyco’s accounting hits its stock. Wall Street Journal, 2002. Web. 13 Oct. 2012.

Maremont, Mark and, Laurie, Cohen. Tyco’s internal inquiry concludes questionable accounting was used. Wall Street Journal,2002, Web. 13 Oct, 2012.

Maremont, Mark and, Laurie, Cohen. Business: Not guilty, your honour; tyco. (2003, Jan 04). The Economist, 366, 54-52. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/224038299?accountid=10181

Maremont, Mark and, Laurie. Questioning the books: Tyco is likely to report new woes. Wall Street Journal, 30 Apr. 2003. Web. 23 Oct. 2012.

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Trends in Beauty, Fashion, and Commerce

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Trends in Beauty, Fashion, and Commerce

                                                              Introduction

Beauty, fashion, and commerce are characterized by changing trends with time. In the beauty industry, numerous changes occur due to the wide range of products being created each day. Two trends that characterize the beauty industry include launching of new brands of products and technological advances. The trends in the fashion industry include runway shows and shopping trends. Trends in the commerce include customer service and digitization. This paper focuses on how different trend in the beauty, fashion, and commerce industries affect the socioeconomic, market trend, product adaptation, packaging, consumer communication, and macro consumer aspects. Additionally, the paper will analyze hos the trends affect consumer behaviors and discuss the future prediction of the trends.

Trends in the Beauty industry

The beauty industry is not static but keeps changing, in the recent past numerous changes in the brand of products and in technology involved in manufacture of beauty products have changed the socioeconomic, market trend, product adaptation, packaging, consumer communication, and macro consumer aspects. In the recent past, several small beauty companies grew rapidly due to invention of several new products. The need for more effective beauty products has led to involvement of profession from different field in the research Professions such as estheticians, dermatologists, makeup artists, and fashion designers are increasingly becoming interest in beauty industry (Vinkin 70-75). This has led to invention of better beauty products, which have gained global acceptance. Economically, completion has increased in the beauty industry with large profits being witnessed. The beauty industry has thus become an important component in several countries. The increased completion has resulted in improve packaging by different manufacturers. Socially, beauty products have become widely recognized. People in different social classes can access beauty products since manufactures are now capable of making products that suit the financial status of persons in different social classes. The Market trend has change. There is change in marketing strategies and increased advertisement (Bailie Web).

Technology is another trend that characterizes the beauty industries. The devices being used in the beauty industry are more complex. Additionally, there increased use of communication technologies in advertisements. Moreover, development in computer technology has changed the market. Aspects such as online sales of beauty products have become a common phenomenon.        Advancement in technology in the beauty industry has led to change in packaging of products with minimal ingredients being used in the manufacture. Socially, technology has led to manufacture of products such as anti-aging ingredients, which has change perspectives about beauty. In macro consumer sector, technology has led to rapid changes in how the beauty industries are operated (Vinkin 7-12; Derrick Web).

Trends in the Fashion Industry

The trends that characterize the fashion industry include reinvention of runway shows and shopping trends. The persons influencing the runway shows have changed. The social media has greatly transformed the backstage and front row. Additionally, direction of runway shows has changed and has become more cinematic. Additionally, the runway shows have become more globalized. Economically, more people have been employed in the fashion industry to help in improving the way runway shows are conducted. Socially, fashion has become an important aspect, which acts as a mark of different eras. Economically, fashion industry influences several other industries such as the media. Additionally, development of technologies such as 3D focuses on improving the fashion industry (“Global Foresight, Inc. 2006 Report on Industry Trends” Web).

The other significant trend in the fashion industry is the shopping trends. Online shopping has become a significant feature in the fashion industry. New developments in fashion shopping trends include pre-ordering from the catwalk. Economically, shopping strategies such as online shopping have globalized the fashion industries. People can order goods such as clothing and shoes from anywhere in the world (Kim and Fiore 8-12). This has contributed to globalization of the economy. Change in purchase trends have changed the marketing trends since the marketing strategies are supposed to focus on the shopping trend of different consumers depending on their geographical location and age. The packaging strategies have changed with more emphasis on branding. The consumer behavior differs with age with most young people engaging in online shopping. In future, the fashion industry is expected to grow rapidly, especially in technology. The designing of runways will become an important aspect governing the fashion industry (Kim and Fiore 2-6).

Trends in Commerce

Trends that characterize the commerce industry include social commerce systematization and customer service. In the recent past, there has been a lot of focus on the use of social media as well as other electronic forms of communication to market and sell products. Most attempts have been on trial and error bases. Social commerce systematization is facing a lot of criticism. However, several companies are still working towards its success. Economically, social media plays a major role in commerce industries especially in the contemporary world (Mennecke and Strader 12-17). Social media has become a significant marketing strategy. Companies are spending more money to reach potential customer using social media. Additionally, companies have to design ways of packaging their products to make them more appealing to online shoppers. They thus have to embrace new technologies to gain competitive advantage in online marketing. Socially, companies are creating online programs to market their products and create awareness on different brand. Online marketing has thus become a component of commerce industry. Social sharing between product manufacturers and consumers is thus a crucial aspect that is expected to shape the future of online commerce.

Another trend that characterized commerce industry is customer service. Customer service is a dynamic component of commerce industry. With changes in selling and marketing strategies, there has been modification, which has led to improved customer service. With digitization, purchase and delivery of products have been enhanced. Additionally, digitization has enhanced globalization of companies since it has become possible to conduct business globally. This has contributed to improved economy. Additionally, companies have to improve on their communication by setting up customer care service stations. Changed customer service has altered consumer communication with less face-to-face interaction between consumers and manufacturers (MarsdenWeb). Companies have to adapt their marketing strategies to suit the digital platforms. This involves change in branding and packaging to improve on how they present their products. Changed customer service has enhanced online marketing. In future, there is a possibility that use of phones for online shopping will replace use of credit cards. People will make transactions using mobile devices such as smartphones. This will lead to invention of new applications to enhance online commerce transactions using mobile phones (Mennecke and Strader 70-73).

Conclusion

The fashion, beauty, and commerce industries are characterized by certain trends that affect the socioeconomic aspects. Additionally, the trends are significant in socio-economic, macro consumer, market trend, product adaptation, packaging, and consumer communication and consumer behavior. The trends are not static but change with time to suit the changing behaviors and need of consumers. Such trend includes technology, customer service, and shopping trends.

 

Works Cited

Bailie, Lauren. GlossyBox: Discover The Latest Trends In beauty. 11 June 2012. Web. 25 Oct 2012. <http://www.fashionotes.com/content/2012/06/glossy-box-discover-the-latest-trends-in-beauty/>.

Derrick, Julyne. Trends in the Beauty Industry Over the Past 10 Years. 2012. Web. 25 Oct 2012. <http://beauty.about.com/od/makeuptrickstips/a/beautrend.htm>.

Global Foresight, Inc. 2006 Report on Industry Trends. 2007. Web. <http://www.doe.mass.edu/cte/frameworks/trends_ov/fashion.pdf>. 25 0ct 2012.

Kim, Hyejeong and Ann Fiore. Fashion Trends: Analysis and Forecasting. New York: Berg, 2011. Print.

Marsden, Paul. “Next Big Trends in Commerce: Distributed Marketplaces & Ownership Revolution?” Social Commerce Today 5 Sep 2012. Web. 25 Oct 2012. <http://socialcommercetoday.com/next-big-trends-in-commerce-distributed-marketplaces-ownership-revolution/>. Web.

Mennecke, Brian and Troy Strader. Mobile Commerce: Technology, Theory and Applications. New York: Idea Group Inc (IGI), 2003. Print.

Vinkin, Barbara. Fashion Zeitgeist: Trends and Cycles in the Fashion System. New York: Berg, 2005. Print.

 

 

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The Things They carried

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The Things they carried

            The Things They carried by Tim O’Brien narrated in first and third person is a book about American soldiers in the Vietnam war. In great thoughts, the author brings into light on Vietnam War and its legacies. The book compasses of characters that are both figurative and literal and carry heavy emotional and physical burdens. The war affected many physiologically and survivals carried grief, confusion, and guilt. The collection of the O’Brien stories captures readers to comprehend about Vietnam War. The boo account weapons that the soldiers carry both intangible and tangible. The book contains comprehensive information that influences and continues to shape the public memory of the war. This essay is a review that answers the following questions.

  1. 1.      What can historians learn about the Vietnam War and its legacies from the book?

The book presents war memoir and exhausts its presentation by creating fictional protagonist that shares the narrator name. Throughout the book, the author highlights the series of events of men whom he served and highlights memories of his service into Vietnam War. His writing captures the legacy of the Vietnam War as well narrates stories of men who fought, departed as a result of the war. In the introductory, the author describes Lt. Jimmy as an ill-equipped and inexperienced director of the Alpha Company and later accounts how both spent an afternoon recalling those who died after the war (O’Brien 5). The War affected those in battle and on the veterans that fought for the America from 1950s to 1970s. The chemical used during the war had undesirable health effects on the veterans attributed by the exposure of the Agent Orange and other herbicides.

The book gives an account of American soldiers who carried many things from their homes. For instance, Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carried letters from his lover Martha whom he often daydreamed about her, and this distracted him from his duties as a soldier (O’Brien 5). Most men in the platoon carried objected that defined their personalities. For example, Henry Dobbins carries extra food and Dave Jensen carries toothbrush and soap for the disease prevention. Sanders Mitchell carries condoms, Norma Bowker a diary, and Rat Kiley a comic book. In this case, the author creates a platform to understand different personalities of soldiers who carry as much as they can during the war for protection and entertainment.

O’Brien recalls his friend’s death and his fellow soldier Kiowa with whom he had a strong connection. He describes Kiowa, as a soft-spoken American and the scene of his death becomes the basis of the novel’s vignettes. This creates intense feelings of the challenges encountered by American soldiers during Vietnam War. The majority of soldiers death occurred on the first six months as many died from common diseases such as dysentery, trench foot, and ad malaria. It was extremely difficult for soldiers to survive in that of the 3, 000, 000 soldiers over 58, 000 died and many injured. Many experienced harsh mental conditions and almost a quarter of them diagnosed from stress disorder. O’Brien describes the Bowker’s difficult in adapting to the civilian after the War and his wish to see a documented story of the Vietnam War.

Conclusively, the book outline that there can be no generalizing of the way since the truth is horrible (O’Brien 82). Being in the midst of the war creates confusion and worry due to the traumatic effect brought by the war. Throughout the book, the author highlights the impact of the war on soldiers and people all over the World. From the book, one grasps the concept that, the Vietnam resulted to loss of lives and resources. As mentioned earlier, soldiers encountered challenges in their attempt to end the war. With this in mind, this remarkable book outlays the legacy of the Vietnam War and its effects.

  1. How has the accounts from the book influenced and continue to shape public memory of the war

Following the above analysis, the account of this book continues to influence and shape the public memory of the war by exploring information that relate to the effect of the war. With no doubt, the book lays a strong foundation to articulate the immerse effects of the War to the soldiers and other people. The introductory of the book captures readers’ attention to grasp on the psychological effects brought by the war. The war traumatized many and those who survived carried grief, confusion, and guilt. For instance, Jimmy cross discloses to O’Brien that he is guilt for Ted Lavender’s death while Norman Bowker fear driving aimlessly on his hometown. O’Brien shares how Bowker inspired him to write a letter explaining the effect of the war. These collections of stories create an understanding of the danger of War, which in turn continues to shape the public on the memory of the war. From this book, one comprehends the effects of war thus; discourages many from initiating war. Now, this continues to influence the public on the memory of the war in the sense that, the book underlines series of events that took place during and after the Vietnam War. For instance, the preparation of soldiers prior to the War, challenges encountered by American Soldiers and its effect on the loss of lives and properties. In this regard, the book documents a great lesson to the public on the series of war events and their outcomes.

Typically, the narrator chronicles platoon’s life in Vietnam, highlighting their emotion, death, and dark humor. O’Brien narrates a tale that is exemplary war memoir. The author felt the need to explain why America went to Vietnam War arguing that, it was for an endeavor to maintain their colonial power. They were involved because they desired to eradicate the spread of communism. The war attributed to the loss of lives and ruined properties thus; becoming an expression memory of the War. This information is essential for it dismisses the U.S participation in the War. The narrator gives readers an opportunity to comprehend the United States contribution in the war explaining challenging moments that the soldiers encountered. O’Brien objective is to stimulate readers on the soldier’s experience in the war, thus creating a platform to articulate war related issues. Often, literature is a tool used to understand the history of post-war moment. The book highlights how Veterans struggled for recognition to air the problems of post-traumatic disorder and guilt that many veterans suffered. The book highlights Veterans such as, John Delvecchio, Al Santoli, and Tim O’Brien who maintained public discourse of the war (O’Brien 30). In this context, the book shapes public memory of the U.S involvement of the war.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work cited

O’Brien, Tim. The Things They Carried. Collins, 1990. Print.

 

 

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The Pentagon of Police Leadership

 

 

 

 

The Pentagon of Police Leadership

 

 

 

 

 

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31st, July, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abstract

Given the demanding realm of security and policing, leader should have strategic mechanism that pursues effective organizational performance. Leadership is not an inherent ability but a learnt trait which the society should embrace. In police department, effective leadership is a significant tool that can yield remarkable results as poor leadership create scandals. Police leaders are in the challenging position of achieving and defining their success and assisting others to focus on their success for the betterment of public security. Following this, police leaders should understand the key areas that evaluate and examine the pragmatic job skills. The pentagon of police leadership is a model that impact police leaders.

Effective leadership is paramount in any given organization. As argued by Souryal (1981), police leaders are obligated to perform their duties effectively to enhance positive results to the public. The public has high expectations with the police department and when expectations are not meant ends into frustrations. There is no one model of leadership since the leadership style utilized by an individual may not work effectively for another. In facts, people lead in different ways based on various factors such as personality, task imposed, organization, and desired outcomes. Therefore, it should be the leader duty to determine the leadership style that enhances success. For effective police leadership, Haberfeld (2006) presented a model the pentagon of police leadership to enforce future leaders. In essence, the pentagon comprises of five topics which this paper seeks to explore.

The five solid topics include selection, recruitment, supervision, discipline, and training. In his model, Haberfeld (2006) argued that, under recruitment and selection police agencies should only hire qualified applicants who eventually create a competitive organization. There should be rules and regulations governing the recruitment and selection process to ensure that the selected applicants are qualified and competent. If an organization has a vacancy to fill, it should find the right applicant suited for the position whose knowledge and skills improve the organization. Though interview session appear the definitive moment to choose the right applicant, making the précis choice begins prior to the interview. To Velz (2006), recruiting success depends on how leaders prepare themselves for the process, publicize it along with screen the applicants. This ensures that the interview meets the best and right candidates. Police leaders should ensure that all applicants understand their position to avoid waste of time in rejecting and examining unsuitable and unqualified applicants.

Training component obligates employees to obtain leadership training to equip them to being future leaders. According to Baker (2010), training moulds employees’ thinking as it augment quality performance. This process occurs after orientation and never ends as it enhance capabilities, knowledge, and skills of performing task and becoming effective leaders in future. Training process is crucial for police organizational success and development because an employee tends to become more productive and efficient when he is well trained. When an employee is trained as per his skills, his productivity and efficiency increases and this also increases confidence in becoming an effective leader who adds value to the company. Police department should provide the leadership training that an individual requires to develop into an effective leader. This ensures that individuals comprehend the necessities of being an outstanding leader who makes a difference in the organization.

Lastly, discipline and supervision are components required for advanced management training. A study by Velz (2006), found four aspects of competence common to management training.  These areas include the management of trust, meaning, attention, and self. The first one entails building confidence, focus, consistency, and reliability. This is required in advanced management training to communicate to followers as why they should do what instructed. The second aspect is the ability of communicating a vision to followers to align and emulate the leader. The third aspect is the aptitude of managing and maintaining attention of others through an agenda, vision, or a dream. Eventually, this creates trust as followers understand their skills and the requirements of being effective in future. The final aspect entails using one’s skills effectively to boost growth and develop courage, competence, and character. As argued by Baker (2010), courage entails both moral and physical courage which include the potential to develop good judgement, self discipline, self-control, and giving hope in hopeless and desperate situations. Competence ensures that does the job as instructed while character requires one to be self-discipline, loyal, admit mistakes, and willingly sacrifice to change for the betterment of the organization.

Conclusively, as discussed in this paper one can practice, learn, and measure leadership abilities through seeking out the above mentioned criteria’s. This paper has outlined the model pentagon of police leadership which seek to enforce future leaders. The model consists of five sections which are selection, recruitment, supervision, discipline, and training (Pell, 1967).  To implement effective leadership in future, there should be a successful selection and recruitment to obtain right applicants for the position. This ensures that the applicants suit their position as they work towards establishing growth. Training is paramount in educating employees on what is obligated towards accomplishing the set goals. Educating employees on the necessities of becoming effective leaders is paramount as it enforces them to being exceptional leaders in future.  Lastly, supervision and discipline are core elements in advanced leadership training as it creates a strong foundation to articulate the key elements in police leadership. This summarized in four components which are management of trust, meaning, attention, and self. First, trust creates confidence and focus while meaning emphasizes on communicating the vision effectively. Secondly, attention entails keeping attention on the vision and dream imposed while self involves sacrificing towards the successfulness of the organization. With this in mind, this paper has discussed the pentagon of police leadership that seeks to enforce future leaders.

References

 

Baker, T. E. (2010). Effective Police Leadership: Moving Beyond Management. New York:           Looseleaf Law Publications

Haberfeld, M.R. (2006). Police leadership. New York: Pearson Prentice Hall

Pell, A. R. (1967). Police leadership. Springfield, Ill: Thomas.

Souryal, S. S. (1981). Police organization and administration. New York: Harcourt Brace             Jovanovich.

Velz, M. (2006). Leading to Scandal: A Case Study. California: ProQuest Publisher

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The Law of Karma and the Existence of God

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The Law of Karma and the Existence of God

Samkhya Philosophy is one of the philosophies that exerts a profound influence on Indian and Asian cosmology. It is also regarded as one that has the most controversial appreciation in Indian metaphysics. Some ancient influences such as the Baghavadita and Upanishads are tied within the philosophy of Samkhya (Sinha 32b). The major defining aspects of Samkhya are connected to its marked departure from claims of deity and its insistence on the existence on the connection between nature and human action. The Samkhya philosophy locates all essence of reality in the Prankriti (Larson 40), which equates to the unintelligible creative cause. This would imply the power of being and the controller of the universe lies in nature.

The Prakriti according to this philosophy does not have its creator (Sinha 131c). It is uncreated and contains the creative force of all things except the soul. However, the philosophy acknowledges that this form retains a special kind of relationship with different life forms in a way that determined that actual being of the soul. In a complex way, this theory attempts to elaborate the various kinds of laws that determine the relationship between the soul and nature. Nature effectively takes the place of the creative power, as other philosophers would assume of God. In essence, it becomes the ultimate substitute of God (Kumar 56). On the other hand, Purusha takes the place of the individual soul.

This philosophy must work together with the creative qualities of the soul in order to achieve meaning. It is in this regard that the creative element of the soul acquires yet importance significance as a co-creator of reality. Within this conception, it becomes important to consider the Purusha as part and parcel of nature’s creative force. It might be argued that the natural creative abilities are only brought out in terms of some coordination between the forces the two coordinates. According to the fundamental tenets of the principle, the creative force is governed by 24 principles (Sinha 47a). These principles must work together in creative harmony in order to achieve the ultimate creative force that would be requires to produce meaningful results.

The different qualities of these principles, according to these principles, would in turn produce the necessary creative power that would enable the systems of creation. Remarkably, the philosophy sought to assemble all the creative abilities usually reserved for the deities to the two creative forces. The creative forces include Mahat, which they equate to the great principle. This particular one could effectively take over the assumed position of the deities as the creative forces of the universe. This would mean that the creative abilities have been exempted from all possible deities and assigned to the combination between Purusha and Prankiti. It would be necessary to consider this special aspect of power as the ultimate power that moves things resides in the combination between these two deities. Some of the issues that are normally associated to the deities include matters of omnipotence and omnipresence.

Other matters that relate to the will of God and his powerful potential are equally captured within the creative abilities as brought out in some of the attributes that the Samkhya philosophy attaches to the deity. It might be assumed that the deities have effectively captured part of the creative potential of the Gods. It would be appropriate to assume that the issues that the Samkhya religion addresses directly attaches to the issues of creation. Matters about infinity are addressed ways that relate closely with the claims of other religions and bodies of knowledge but differ by ways of factual representations.

Determining the connection between other explanations on the existence of God with Hindu philosophy could provide resourceful associations about the existence of God. It is important to consider the fact some of the issues that relate to the central tenets have very close relations with other arguments that attempt the same. In general terms, the many different arguments are in harmony concerning the existence of some fundamental force. Another important aspect in all the various arguments is that they attempt to locate the destiny of man and the nature of the soul.

While other philosophical arguments link the control of the soul to some kind of supreme control. Samkhya categorically denies such claims instead providing explanations about the indestructible nature of the soul. This would imply that the various aspects of the soul must be represented within the major arguments as established in the central concerns. In this manner, the approaches differ while the major concerns concur. Perhaps it would be appropriate to investigate whether there exist a missing explanation that explains in great details the mysteries that give force and harmony to this creative force. Such power should unite the all other elements of these philosophies in a harmonious continuum.

Such a harmonious existence should be investigated together with the possibility of the existence of any weaknesses that could hint at any internal disharmonies and weaknesses. In the event of any presence of such weaknesses, then one possible conclusion could be that the great force might have a greater cause who could be God. In such a manner, it becomes necessary to investigate some of the claims that have been adduced to explain the possible fallibilities of this deity. The first is that it falls into the trap of other philosophies that tend to insist on the possibility of an uncaused cause. The uncaused cause, which the Samkhya philosophy equates to the combination between nature and the supreme creator, is the vital force that gives vitality to all that is being.

An acknowledgement of a greater power in itself provides the most decisive break from any arguments that seeks to negate the presence of God. This philosophy would, in fact feed and fit into other philosophies that seek to equate God and nature. To many of philosophers the power and presence of God is to be found in the presence and forces of nature. This would be, indeed consistent with the Samkhya’s philosophy that seeks to equate the five elements of water, fire, earth, ether, air, to Mahabbhutas.

Although this philosophy attempts to reduce the destiny of man to the logical connection between man and nature, it still leaves grey areas as to the place of human will and his connection to the very nature. Further, it does not explain the discrepancies that occur between man and nature and, which defy the scheme of things in the universe. On this score, the philosophy would give room for the explanation of the presence of a Greater Being whose natural characteristics would be equal to God. This explanation would then empty the philosophy of its power to defend the lack of a God. An interesting aspect of the philosophy lies in the belief in the existence of the immortality of the soul (Buley 66). The philosophy acknowledges that soul existed before any other things and that it will continue to exist. As such, the immortal nature of the soul challenges the possibility of God since no being can create that which is immortal.

It follows, therefore, that the Samkhya philosophy effectively dislodges all arguments for the existence of the soul. If such a thing were possible, other philosophers have argued that its real nature would be ultimately indeterminate. This would mean that the firm claim professed by Samkhya about the real nature of the soul would be either incomplete or outright not factual. As such it would be argued that much of the arguments brought out by the Samphya could only be compared to other arguments in order to provide a multiplicity of perspectives but not as a complete argument for the presence or absence of God. Ultimately, it would be added that the Samkhya philosophy remains both neutral and unequivocal t the metaphysical question of whether or not God exists. In essence, the question for or non-existence of God would then remain marred in multiple philosophical interpretations with strengths and weaknesses.

Samkhya represents some element of perfection as relates matters of knowledge. Its power lies in the combination of the ideal and the real. It actively advocates for knowledge about the fundamental aspects of reality. On this perspective, it tends to contradict the tenets of creation, which leans largely on belief as opposed to other systems of knowledge. It is on this account that it may be qualified as theoretically opposed to the existence of a Supreme Being even as it emphasizes on the creative power within its power. Philosophically, the belief in God must go alongside the belief in the supernatural aspects of the maker. However, Samkhya appears to emphasize more on the natural qualities of the Supreme Being or the creative force as opposed to the supernatural powers.

The clash between the supernatural and the natural would automatically imply Samkhya’s opposition to Gods creative potential. One of the defining aspects of Samkhya is that its application necessarily ties in with the Yoga philosophy. According to some philosophers, Yoga is the kinetic element of Samkhya. Yoga makes the whole philosophy operational. Yoga works by providing the practical and spiritual means by which humans could connect to the creative powers as provides in the Samkhya thinking.

However, there is also a sense in which the philosophy of Samkhya appears to tie in with alternative philosophies, which also profess in perfect force. One would link it with the Hegelian concept of dialectical movement. The movement from the thesis to the antithesis and finally to a synthesis is regularly considered as Hegel’s conception of God as the final element of Perfect Knowledge. Since Hegel offered such a possibility in the existence of God, then it would naturally follow that Samkhya arguments are also suggestive of the existence of the deity.

Another interesting knowledge turn of Samkhya is its opposition to the ideals of science by denying the creative power of atoms. According to this philosophy, the atoms are so rough as to mould anything that is subtle. On this account, Samkhya contests the fact that the atoms are the primary building blocks of anything that exists. Such qualities can only exist in the Prakiti; the subtlest of all things and the most unintelligible (Keith 121). By this argument, Samkhya contests the central scientific claim about creation. Therefore, it denies both the religious aspect of a creative deity and scientific tenets of the same. Some thinkers contend that Samkhya offers the middle ground alternative. Be refuting both claims of science, Samkhya effectively centers the Prakiti as the creative force of all things. It also ties the values of love, ignorance, and others into some aspect of the Prakiti.

However, Samkhya does not go far beyond portraying the Prakiti as the creative element of all things. Instead, the argument stops at assigning some general concepts of creation to the Prakiti. In fact, some philosophers argue that the Samkhya actually challenges other alternative definitions that have sought to establish separate alternative forces of creation. It seeks to replace alternative claims about the creative force by offering convincing and factual arguments that are backed by syllogistic and logical claims. In this manner, it fills in the gaps left by other religions about the possibility of a creative force. Logically, it challenges unsubstantiated arguments about such matters. One of the claims that have been made with regard to the Prakiti is that it contains both the constructive and destructive abilities of all things. Instead, it promotes the idea of separate powers that operate on various levels with each power being assigned to complete some specific task.

On this level, it might be important to consider some of the claims that have been made by Prakiti as the alternative equivalents of God. It would be important to consider some of the basic tenets made in the Samkhya philosophy as fundamental to the general Asian conception of reality (Collins 93). Along this line of thought, some thinkers have argued that some of the major Asian philosophies are essentially guided or infused with the philosophies of the Samkhya. In some respect, it could be argued that the philosophies of the Samkhya represents a cultural shift from the western philosophical thought as reflected in the dominant Judeo-Christian beliefs and other ancient regions that were foreign to the Asian cosmology.

The Prakiti works in complex ways that represent the numerical aspects of nature. By sticking to the numerical aspects, it might be argued that Samkhya defies all beliefs. Nearly all bodies of knowledge, religious and metaphysics attach some aspect of belief in the existence of God. Only a few have attempted to make a decisive break by attempting, by pragmatic means, to explain the essence of God or ultimate creator. On this score, it follows that the Prakiti is essentially opposed to all possibilities about the existence of a supreme being. As such the Samkhya seems to make a cautious argument about the existence of some supreme forces without actually reducing such forces into a God (Garbe 67; Joshi 78). In this way, it might be argued that the Samkhya appears to propose some alternative creative forces beyond those proposed by science and beyond those advocated by the laws of science. There still remains various unexplained areas in its alternative proposition because the manner of existence of the original force; the Prakiti still remains as puzzling as the original forces claimed in both religion and science.

Works Cited

 Buley, Mikel. Classical Samkhya And Yoga: The Metaphysics Of Experience. New York: Taylor & Francis, 2006.

Collins, Randal. The Sociology of Philosophies: A Global Theory of Intellectual Change. Harvard: Harvard University Press, 2000.

Garbe, Richard. The Philosophy Of Ancient India. New York: Kessinger Publishing, 2004

Joshi, Dinkar. Glimpses Of Indian Culture. London: Star Publications, 2005.

Keith, Arthur, B. The Samkhya System, a History of the Samkhya Philosophy. London: Hard Press, 2012.

Kumar, Raj. Essays on Indian Philosophy. New York: Discovery Publishing House, 2003.

Larson, Gerald, J. Classical Sānkhya: An Interpretation of Its History and Meaning. New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 1998

Sinha, Nandalal. The Samkhya Philosophy. New York: Kessinger Publishing, 2010

Sinha, Nandalal. The Samkhya Philosophy; Containing Samkhya-Pravachana Sutram, with the Vritti of Aniruddha, and the Bhasya of Vijnana Bhiksu and Extracts. New York: General Books LLC, 2009.

Sinha, Phulgenda. Samkhya karika of Kapila: rediscovering the original text of Samkhya philosophy. New York: India Heritage Press, 2000

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Hotel Rwanda

Hotel Rwanda

The film Hotel Rwanda, as directed by George Terry, is a potent illustration of how multiple issues of politics, governance, negative ethnicity, poor policies and inappropriate responses of international community led to one of the horrific massacres in human history. The film shows that the genocide could have been averted or contained at the earliest stage had the international community acted with speed and decisive force without the superficial rhetoric of diplomacy and politics of sovereignty (Arendt). This film encompasses multiple themes that contribute towards a comprehensive understanding of the tragedy and weaknesses of democratic institutions in the developing world. Essentially, the film begs the question as to the place, relevance, suitability and application of democratic processes in a multi-ethnic background. In essence, a proper understanding of this film could include an assessment of historical factors at the core of conflicts that often visit the once peaceful communities of the African continent.

Challenges of nationalism in an ethnic environment are highlighted alongside the theories of the failure of the African state in light of Europe historical miscalculations, and the west’s influence and lack of understanding of the dynamics of the African state. It would be important to focus on the details of this film in totality instead of isolating the exact problem and assessing it as a one-time occurrence. Particularly, this should be explored in light of some of the theories that have attempted to explain the phenomena of genocide as caused by systematic and structural mistakes that develop at the subliminal level and, which eventually come to the fore at the supreme moment of ethnic tensions. From one perspective it is possible to explain the Rwandan genocide as a creation of the west. The hostile communities have no structures that could guarantee a proper balance of power within the context of democracy.

The structures of governance, which were left behind by the colonial masters do not provide any power-sharing formula that could reign in tendencies of ethnic balkanization. As such, the genocide could be viewed as a structural problem, which heightened negative aspects of ethnicity. Historically, the creation of the African state was done in accordance with the strategic interests of the colonial masters. There was no specific regard of the internal loyalties and pre-existing chieftains and political structures by the natives. The colonial masters encouraged the division of ethnic groups in order to weaken their power of collective bargaining on matters of independence. As a result of these divisions, the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups remained adversaries whenever it came to political power. In the film, this reality is evident when the Hutu leaders of genocide consistently refer to the Tutsi as insects.

At the psychological level, the ethnic competition appears to take on a struggle for superiority as the militia attempt by every means possible to intimidate their rivals. The psychological techniques used include rape and torture. From yet another perspective, the film portrays in clear light the manner in which the rich people in the Rwandese society exploited the poverty of the majority towards the ends of genocide. Most of those killed in the genocide were the poor people in the countryside. The poor were conditioned psychologically to believe that their main problem of adversity could be solved by eliminating the Tutsi. This film also shows the cost of genocide at individual and family levels. Intermarried couples between the Tutsi and the Hutu were the most affected as they had to undergo the psychological torture of watching the death of loved ones and incurring the label of traitors.

Works Cited

Arendt, Paul. Hotel Rwanda. Movies. 20 Feb. 2005. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2005/02/17/hotel_rwanda_2005_review.shtml>

 

China and Japanese Responses to Western Imperialism

Historical studies and cultural analyses have shown that Japan and China responded differently to western imperialism in the 19th century. The evidence adduced from multiple studies show a combination of issues of cultural differences, the discourse of race, issues of governance, territorial rivalries, strategic partnerships were at the core of the responses (Barr 2). Historians and sociologists agree that the Chinese culture, as compared to the Japanese is more reclusive. By nature, the Chinese do not open up to opportunities of cultural relationships. This made it difficult for them to engage in discourses that could imply an opening up to the western culture. Practices and policies of the Chinese were largely aimed at shielding their culture, institutions and social practices from all forms of foreign influences.

Strict legal structures and restrictions on socio-cultural practices enhanced the rigidity of the systems, hence leading to a systematic closing up of all avenues of interaction with the imperialist west. In response, the western imperial powers adopted competitive policies, which were meant to expose and challenge the internal systems of the Chinese. Through proxies and shadowy organizations, the west consistently impressed upon the Chinese establishment to adopt liberal policies that would grant its citizenry increased rights, freedoms and liberties. At some points in history, strategic sanctions and controls were introduced in order to force the Chinese regime into ceding to some of the demands made within the context of democracy. In its quest to spread its influence, the west adopted policies that identified the Chinese political leadership as the “other.” Opportunities were sought in multiple discourses to destabilize the Chinese regime.

Consistently, the west sought to exploit controversial and sensitive issues such as the clamour for Taiwan’s independence and the problematic relationships with The Dalai Lama towards fostering processes aimed at weakening the Chinese state. Further, the west provides free avenues for the migration of dissidents into its metropolis. The effects were equally felt within the establishment. In the rest of the world, the west signed pacts and agreements with many nations, which had the impact of isolating China and its policies (Barr 4). On the other hand, the Japanese embraced the west’s policies for strategic reasons. By cooperating with the west, Japan sought to grow economically in order to earn a vantage point in regional political power balance.

Analysts observe that the major intention of Japan’s association with the west was aimed at protecting its interests and disputed territories from the expansive and threatening regime of China. For instance, Japan enjoys strategic military alliances with the United States, which include protection pacts. Technology sharing has also helped Japan to increase its lead in many aspects of business. Japan’s ability to contend with the imperialist west lay in its flexible policies that made it possible for obtaining some synergies from western powers to protect, safeguard and advance her own interests on various fronts. On the other hand, China sought to align itself with the Soviet Union, an arch-rival of the western bloc. The eventual collapse of USSR spelt hard times for China, and a weakening of its presence in international discourses. These challenges were compounded by the collapse of communism, which effectively isolated China from vast parts of the world that had bought into the capitalist ideology and the policies of democracy.

Works Cited

Barr, Michael. How Chinese Identity Politics Shapes Its Depictions of Europe. Review of European Studies, 4 (3). <http://www.doaj.org/doaj?func=abstract&id=1064314&q1=china&f1=all&b1=and&q2=europe&f2=all&recNo=10&uiLanguage=en>

 

 

Origin and Character of Militant Islam

Historical analyses and case reviews have attached various factors to the origin and changing character of militant Islam (Brykcczynski 3). Some of the issues readily explored include cultural factors, religious intolerance, ideological indoctrination, anti-Semitism, anti-Americanism, economic factors, and historical challenges. The same studies have shown that militant Islam has continued changing in structure, motive and composition. In the past decades, militant Islamism was largely restricted to anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism. Equally, the people involved in radical Islamism have changed from pockets of disgruntled and disorderly militants to include intellectuals and professionals who use their skills and talents to further the cause of terrorism.

The manifestation of radicalism and the tools involved have also grown in sophistication. Many scholars have attempted to situate the growth of radical Islamism in the opposition of the Arab world to the state of Israel The desire to redeem some of the territories such as the disputed west bank, the Gaza strip and the Golan Heights which were annexed by Israel for defence and strategic reasons in past conflicts is one of the driving factors that fuel radical Islamism (Brykcczynski 4). Another important factor that has often been cited includes the rise of formal support from established government to militant groups. This has often meant increased funding and steady supply of weapons to the militant organizations. For instance, groups such as Hezbollah have enjoyed the support of the Syrian and Iranian governments, which use them as proxies to launch wars against Israel.

Such groups also offer established governments opportunities and alternatives of fighting Israel without incurring the blame of the international community. The rise of radical Islamism has also been linked to improvements and innovations of information technology. The internet has provided the most convenient forum for indoctrination and recruitment of members across vast geographical spaces (Brykcczynski 2). As a result, the composition of these groups has become amorphous as various groups even outside the Arab world buy into the philosophies propagated on the internet. Discourses of globalization and improvements in transport and communication have also made it easy for the militants to travel faster to regions beyond their areas of origin for the purposes of spreading their messages and carrying out missions in line with terrorism objectives. Naturally, radical Islamism has grown together with global terrorism.

The changing nature of global terrorism is informed largely by conditions which afflict some segments of humanity in different places but in the same manner. Culturally, radical Islamism has been explained as a characteristic of frustration, which resulted from loss of cultural power in the wake of globalization, democratization, and the conquest of traditional systems by emergent powers. Defenders of old structures of governance and culture have recourse to radicalism as a way of expressing their distaste for emergent structures, which seek to abolish and replace the old order. Over the times, the feelings of radicalism have transformed to narrow religious extremism to take on a more sophisticated approach that include political and economic sabotage. In this sense, it becomes necessary to examine radical Islamism as an evolving global phenomenon that takes on new forms in according with emerging realities.

Works Cited

 

Brykcczynski, Paul. Radical Islam and the Nation: The Realtionship between Religion and Nationalism in the Political Thought of Hassan al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb. History of Intellectual Culture, 5 (1). <http://www.ucalgary.ca/hic/issues/vol5/4>

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Story Hotel Distribution Channels

Story Hotel Distribution Channels

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Story Hotel Distribution Channels

Story Hotel Distribution Channels comprises of multiple online products that are often regulated through a network of connections that ensure efficient dissemination of information to the target clientele. The Hotel engages in strategic marketing strategies that are designed to attract the attention of various levels of clientele. Strategic segmentation ensures that various forms of information are delivered to the clientele in good time for the purpose of reducing the amount of time that it would require for the targeted clientele to engage manual systems in search of the right kind of information about the hotel. For instance, through its website and other internet-based social networking sites, the hotel offers online booking services, reservations, customer care services, and coupon rewards. This enables it to connect with the clientele in real-time over the virtual space.

Theorists of distribution channels agree that the essence of a reliable distribution channel lies in its capacity to spread information about the nature, value, and quality of products to the specific markets (Ranchhod & Gurau, 2007). In the hotel and hospitality industry, the goods and services may vary in range, complexity, value and quality. Similarly, the kind of targeted clientele often vary in line with the variables of geography, locality, gender, socioeconomic status, race, culture, and many other variables. At the same time, changes in time and lifestyles often affect the nature of preference and the demands of the market. The strategies adopted by Story Hotel are meant to make use of these aspects of business by utilizing the synergistic aspects of the positive forces while developing strategies to overcome the stifling influence of negative forces.

Macroeconomic factors determine the manner in which a distribution channel impacts on the targeted clientele (Ranchhod & Gurau, 2007). In the case of Story Hotel, the impacts of global economic crisis must be evaluated in terms of its negative repercussions on the distribution channels. It would also be appropriate to assess the level of impact of technological innovations in terms of how it has affected the capacity of the distribution channel to connect the Hotel and the market. Essentially, Story Hotel’s multiple distribution channels are designed to attract two broad categories of customers. These include leisure and business customers. The market reach of the distribution channels is flexible in the sense that it spurns from the local clientele to the international groups.

One of the strengths of the distribution channel as controlled by Story Hotel is that it is able to attract and retain customers by regulating its distribution channels in a manner that portrays its competitive advantage on the market. This strategy makes it possible for the hotel to maintain and increase the volume of clientele locally and globally, besides breaking into new market segments previously controlled by competitors. The Hotel also relies on a system that enables it to break into unexplored market segments at the local and international arena. For instance, the regulation of prices has made the hotel a favourite choice of people from across the socioeconomic ladder. Story Hotel markets itself as a favourite destination both for the domestic customers and those from across the space.

Through the internet resources, the Hotel disseminates the right kind of information that would be of value to customers who want to make their travel budgets ahead of the journey. Some of the information relayed to customers includes issues of location. The internet distribution channels provide resourceful information, which would help the targeted clientele to make informed decisions as to matters of convenience. The strategic location of the hotel, according to the information supplied from the online sources, offers vantage opportunities for the customers to access other services and amenities around the city (Story Hotel, 2012). The information also includes details of transport networks, the nearness to facilities such as rails, major roads and airports. The information also contains other favourite places of entertainment, attraction, and famous shopping destinations around Stockholm. This enables a first time visitor or a prospective visitor to weigh his or her options appropriately in a manner that would offer him the best alternative from the available range of choices.

Many customers require internet-based distribution channels to offer important information regarding the inventory of services and issues of competitive advantage that would help them plan ahead of their visit. Story Hotel is a budget Hotel. Most of the information relayed on the internet-based distribution channels is especially suited to the idea of cost-effectiveness. Story Hotel bills itself as a cost-friendly facility. It offers precise information on pricing and gives examples of surrounding hotels that are much more expensive than it. For instance, the online resource mentions hotels such as Bern’s Hotel, Nobis Hotel, Scandic Anglais, Lydmar Hotel, and Hotel Diplomat. Generally, this hotel includes features that are appropriate for the customers, who are aware of the economic pressure on matters of lifestyle.

The general strategy in the marketing technique is to obtain a balance between leisure and expenditure. The strategy is a marked departure from the usual connotations that often associate hotels and other touristic amenities with ostentation, frivolity, luxury and extravagance. It is for this reason that the marketing strategies include details about the specific aspects of leisure. The entertainment spots within the hotel are described with specific details, which would attract the interest of revellers. In terms of utility, the hotel markets itself as having the capacity to offer various services that range from those of a professional nature to others of a purely entertainment nature. For instance the information on the distribution channels indicates that the hotel can serve as a favourite meeting point (Story Hotel, 2012). Such a facility would necessarily attract the interest of corporate clientele. In this respect, it might be argued that the information contained in the online distribution channels about Story Hotel has been created with sufficient precision that allows for easy flow of information from one point to another along the chain of distribution.

The value of a good distribution channel lies in its capacity to connect the point of source to the point of consumption (Doyle, 2008). Story Hotel engages in online strategies that help in providing the targeted clientele with the right kind of information about the available goods and services. To this level, the hotel maintains healthy connections with the clientele in a manner that seeks to attract and retain them. An effective distribution channel should have the capacity to attract and retain the clientele. This would serve the long-term and short-term objectives of the firm in ways that seek to sustain and increase the flows of revenues. The dynamics of demand and supply have significant effects on the distribution channels in the hotel industry (Rogers, 2001). This business reality often combines with market competition to determine the level of effectiveness of any distribution channel. Story Hotel adopts strategies that are sensitive to the fluid nature of the markets and the fluctuations of seasons in order to optimize on conditions as they occur.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Doyle, P. (2008). Value-based Marketing: Marketing Strategies for Corporate Growth and Shareholder Value. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Ranchhod, A., & Gurau, C. (2007). Marketing Strategies: A Contemporary Approach. New York: Financial Times Prentice Hall.

Rogers, S., C. (2001). Marketing Strategies, Tactics, and Techniques: A Handbook for Practitioners. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Story Hotel. (2012). Story Hotel Home Page. Retrieved http://www.storyhotels.com/

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