Langston Hughes: 3 Poems Essay

Expression of racial pride is a concept that has surfaced through history quite often. Due to the nature of colonialism, slavery and it effects, the idea of racial pride under pressure, with people creating their own racial identity within a different cultural setting, is often one of alienation and loneliness. During the critical eras such as the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement, we find the work and effort of many of the great African-American writers like Langston Hughes, whose work often covered the topics of racial pride and the outcry against racism and injustice. We will look at three of his poems which reflect a different aspect of the historical African-American situation. ‘Theme for English B’ This is a poem that explores the time when Langston Hughes was in college, and had to write about anything that came from the heart. In true style, searching in his soul, the poet finds an expression that reflects circumstances and perceptions that focus on the self, and existence as an African-American. Hughes runs through such normal activities such as going home and listing what he likes and what he wants. He raises an interesting crux then: I guess being colored doesn’t make me not like the same thing other folks like who are other races. So will my page be colored that I write? Being me, it will not be white. But it will be a part of you, instructor. You are white – (25-31) This is an interesting statement in that it draws the distinction between being white and being colored, a persistent issue that crops up often in racially oriented writing. It reflects on the instructor of the class being white and ‘instructing’ a colored man. Although there is no real evidence to support a cause for resistance or defiance to this, the fact remains implied that Hughes makes this distinction, but without promoting resentment, states that he likes what â€Å"other folks like who are other races† (26). The lines that follow reserves the right to have pride in being colored, without submitting to wanting to be what like other races. Hughes cements this notion in lines 32-38, stating a communal, patriotic element of cooperation: yet a part of me, as I am a part of you. That’s American. Sometimes perhaps you don’t want to be part of me. Nor do I often want to be part of you. But we are, that’s true! As I learn from you, I guess you learn from me – ‘Afro-American Fragment’ This poem comes from a period of Hughes’ life that explored the idea of Africans displaced from the African continent. He effectively simulates a sense of longing by drawing from the idea of an unexplained feeling, of songs that come from far away. He advances the idea that Africa leaves its imprint even long after the people have been moved from there, cementing the echo thereof with three lines (1-3, 21-23): So long. So far away Is Africa. Another interesting thing that he recalls here is the last line, 24, that expresses his connection or kinship with Africa, even after all the time separated: â€Å"Dark face.† Hughes promotes the idea here that, although the African-Americans find themselves becoming culturally part of American society – in some form or another, the call of Africa had imprinted itself on all the African-Americans who could trace their history to the dark continent, leaving an permanent effect. â€Å"Democracy† With this poem we find Hughes focusing on the essence of democracy, of the system that is supposed to uphold the freedom and individual rights of every human being, irrespective of skin color. This poem draws strongly on the period of American history demarcated by the Civil Rights Movement, and Hughes is quite firm in his sympathetic beliefs here, stating rights equal to that of any other human being. This is expressed most clearly in lines 5-9: I have as much right As the other fellow has To stand On my two feet And own the land. The essence of land can be compared to the idea of African-Americans having been displaced, taken from their past and their homes. Equal rights would entail that African-Americans would also be able to own land in America and thus become part of American society – be part of the collective whole, just as every other American is, regardless of skin color or race. The urge to compel their rights, and the struggle that would invariably be necessary, is encapsulated in lines 15-18: Freedom Is a strong seed Planted In a great need. Hughes furthers and finalizes the argument of equality, the demand to be heard and accepted, as well as the need for individual freedom not based on race through lines 19-21: I live here, too I want freedom Just as you. In closing The contributions made by Langston Hughes, not only in poetry but also in other forms of writing, have become a written testament to the troubling times that African-Americans underwent before they finally secured the equal rights they sought so hard to achieve. Hughes reflects every facet of growing up and living as an African-American in a marginalized, mostly white environment. The poems discussed show Hughes’ pride in his race, and his refusal to submit and be subverted. Where there is a fairly everyday feel to ‘Theme for English B’, we find a core focus that explains unity, rather than forcing division by showing that white and black Americans are so very different. In ‘Afro-American Fragment,’ Hughes explored the unconscious aspects that shape the longing of African-Americans, the yearning back to Africa, and in ‘Democracy’ we return again, with a little more force and directness, to the issue of equality and integration. It should be argued though, as Hughes was wont to point out, that this integration would not be accomplished through subversion, but on terms that make space for the African-American, or any other race to thrive and flourish in a unified, collective whole, without prejudice or injustice.

A Reaction Paper On A Country Doctor English Literature Essay

Franz Kafka ‘s A state physician is a narrative about a physician who is called upon in the center of the dark to go to to a earnestly sick immature adult male.Hampered by deficiency of conveyance agencies and utmost conditions conditions, the physician is at strivings to come up with solutions to his jobs. This essay paper will try to consistently analyze the challenges and defeats that the physician encounters as the narrative unfolds. This essay will besides reply the inquiries as to why the narrative may be referred to as a incubus every bit good as explore the major subjects brought out in this artistic narrative that is so a reproduction of Franz Kafka ‘s coevals and the current modern society. Challenges and Frustrations The physician is in a quandary He is challenged by the fact that he has no agencies of conveyance to take him to the place of the gravely sick immature adult male, 10 stat mis off. The physician ‘s Equus caballus had died due to the icy winter. â€Å" My ain Equus caballus had died the old dark as a consequence of overexertion in this icy winter. † The physician is frustrated at this point because no one inA A the small town was willing to help him. â€Å" My servant miss was at that really minute running around the small town to see if she could borrow a Equus caballus but it was hopeless-I knew that. † Out of defeat the physician hazards aching himself by kicking the pigpen ‘s door. â€Å" I kicked my pes against the chapped door of the pigpen which had non been used for old ages. † The terrible conditions conditions pose a challenge to the physician excessively. He has to digest the chilly blizzard to travel and go to to a patient. The physician says, â€Å" A terrible blizzard filled the infinite between him and me. † The physician does non conceal his quandary when he says, â€Å" I stood there useless, progressively covered by snow, going all the clip immobile. † After handling the ill immature adult male the physician attempts to do his manner place but the one time strong and fat Equus caballuss are old and tired, they move at a slow rate at which the physician feels he will ne'er make place. See, â€Å" We dragged easy through the snowy desert like old work forces. † The physician is obviously frustrated when he says, â€Å" I ‘ll ne'er come place at this rate. He becomes sad when he thinks of his place which was occupied by the Groom. â€Å" In my house the disgusting groom is bringing mayhem, Rosa is his victim. † The 3rd challenge that the physician brushs is the Groom. The physician does non cognize how to cover with this alien. First, when the groom viciously bites Rosa on her cheeks, the physician merely threatens the groom with words and quiet down at one time because he wanted to borrow a Equus caballus from the groom. At that minute, the physician is about the groom ‘s slave. The groom finally offers his Equus caballuss to the physician but decides to remain with Rosa alternatively of going with the doctor.A The physician is hence at hamlets. He does non cognize whether he should remain and protect Rosa from the barbarous groom or travel in front and go to to the earnestly sick Youngman. The physician chose the later. However, as the narrative unfolds the defeats of the physician refering this determination go evident. See, â€Å" I had to give Rosa every bit good, this beautiful miss, who lives in my house all twelvemonth long and whom I barely notice-this forfeit is excessively great. † The physician is challenged by poorness and excessively much work. He has dedicated his life to functioning the territory but is ill paid. See, â€Å" I am employed by the territory and my responsibility make my responsibility to the full, right to the point where it is about excessively much. Badly paid, but I am generous and ready to assist the hapless. † The physician has merely one Equus caballus, when the Equus caballus dies the physician lacks agencies of conveyance to enable him execute his responsibilities expeditiously. The physician is obviously overworked. He is called at midnight to go to to patients. It seems he seldom sleeps since his dark bell was ever rung by villagers. When executing his responsibilities the physician is under force per unit area from the villagers. They want him to immediately bring around their patients. The physician is frustrated by this when he says. â€Å" I am non a universe humanitarian. † Subjects The first subject that has been good brought out is the subject of agony. At the beginning of the narrative, the physician suffers psychologically because he has no agencies of conveyance to enable him make the place of a earnestly sick adult male. â€Å" I was in great trouble. An pressing journey was confronting me.A earnestly sick adult male was waiting for me in a small town 10 stat mis distant. † The physician ‘s Equus caballus had died and he was worried because no villager would impart him a Equus caballus. â€Å" Of class, who is now traveling to impart his Equus caballus for such a journey? † The utmost icy winter made the physician to endure. First his Equus caballus dies in the winter go forthing him without agencies of conveyance and secondly the physician has to digest the chilly conditions to go to toA A the patient. â€Å" I stood there useless, progressively covered by snow, going all the clip more immobile. Rosa suffers when the groom bites her on the cheeks. â€Å" On the miss ‘s cheeks are ruddy Markss from two rows of dentition. † Rosa further suffers when the physician leaves her to remain with the evil groom against her will. â€Å" No, screams Rosa and runs into the house with an accurate foreboding of the inevitableness of her destiny. † The ill immature adult male suffers excessively. The immature adult male suffers from a deathly lesion that is infested with worms. See, â€Å" On his right side, in the part of the hip, a lesion the size of the thenar of 1s manus had opened up. † The immature adult male holding lost hope of life Tells the physician, â€Å" Doctor allow me decease. † The 2nd subject found in this narrative is blasted. The physician blames his failure to go to T o a earnestly sick patient on his deficiency of a Equus caballus. See, â€Å" But the Equus caballus was missing- the Equus caballus. † The physician further blames the villagers for unnecessarily citing him to go to patients who harmonizing to the physician were merely shaming unwellness. He blames the villagers further for non helping him in clip of demand. See, â€Å" My servant miss was at that really minute running around the small town to see if she could borrow a Equus caballus but it was hopeless. † The state physician as a narrative constantly topographic points blame for his failure on others, on the deficiency of Equus caballuss, on the groom, on the villagers, on the immature adult male. His narrative attitude is one of ; if I have failed it is non my mistake, but instead the mistake of others ( Grey 2009 ) Exploitation is another subject found in this narrative. Exploitation is unjust intervention of person or usage of a state of affairs in a manner that is incorrect in order to acquire some benefit ( Wikipedia, 2009 ) the groom appears at a clip when the physician is need of conveyance agencies and takes advantage of the state of affairs to take Rosa against her will. â€Å" I see how in add-on she chases down the room seting all the visible radiations in order to do herselfA impossible to happen. † The subject of treachery is besides apparent in this shortA A narrative. The physician betrays his house aid when he leaves he in the custodies of the barbarous groom. â€Å" I had to give Rosa every bit good, this beautiful miss who lives in my house all twelvemonth long and whom I barely notice-this forfeit is excessively great. † He witnesses the unmarried man force himself upon the house maid but instead than remain to entree and demilitarize the alien, the physician allows the steeds to transport him off as the shriek of his maidservant reverberation through the winter dark. ( Hemphill 2009 ) This short narrative may be called a incubus. The physician concludes that the ill immature adult male is shaming unwellness after a brief scrutiny. The physician merely observed the pulse of the patient. In his concluding the patient was merely seeking attending that he was non ill. The physician in this narrative does non run the manner physicians in existent universe operate. Alex Hemphill observed that Franz Kafka ‘s – A state physician is written in a watercourse of consciousness and includes all the devising of a incubus ( 2009 ) When the physician kicked the door of the pigpen at that place emerged the groom and the two Equus caballuss cryptically. This is absolute phantasy and can non go on in a existent world.. â€Å" Two Equus caballuss, powerful animate beings with strong wings shoved their manner one behind the other. † A state physician can be read as fulfillment phantasy motivated by self excuse ( Grey 2009 ) Decision The physician in Franz Kafka ‘s -A state physician is a contemplation of some people in the society who sacrifice their lives to function everyone but their attempts are barely noticed by anyone. They are the unobserved heroes of national development who would instead decease than fail responsibility. Though frustrated by environment and a society that does non appreciate them, such people do non fear to meet the challenges that lie in front of them. Possibly the physician sums everything in his narrative by asseverating that, â€Å" To compose prescriptions is easy but to come to an understanding with people is difficult. †

Coffee and Starbuck Essay

Summarize the overall strategy of Starbucks Management in its effort to create and develop a new concept and a rapidly expanding company. The overall goal of Starbucks Management was to create an American version of the Italian coffee bars that Howard Schultz had experienced first-hand in Milan. He believed that Starbucks should function as an important part of the community, as a meeting place for its customers. He wanted Starbucks to become an experience that would differentiate itself from its competitors. One of their key strategies in meeting this goal is a focus on customer service in order to create an experience for its consumers. Another one of their strategies is to ignite their emotional attachment with consumers. They also have a commitment to improving their business through better training, tools, and products and to give attention to store-level economics and operating efficiency. All of these are prongs to their strategy that will allow Starbucks management to turn Starbucks into a location where people don’t just go to grab coffee, but to experience the atmosphere of an Italian coffee shop. Another prong to their strategy is to offer many different products and to distribute them among a variety of distribution methods. Which one of the five generic competitive strategies discussed in Chapter 5 most closely approximates the competitive approach that Starbucks is employing? There are five generic competitive strategies that can be employed and they are low-cost provider strategy, broad differentiation strategy, focused low-cost strategy, focused differentiation strategy, and best-cost provider strategy. The strategy that Starbucks uses is broad differentiation where they seek to differentiate their product offerings from rivals’ with attributes that will appeal to a large variety of consumers. The key market characteristic for the strategy of differentiation to work is that buyers’ needs and preferences are very diverse and cannot be satisfied with a standardized product offering. This is an evident characteristic of the market because consumers all have different preferences on the way they like their coffee. Which is the reason why Starbucks offers many different product options like lattes, skinny lattes, coffee, iced drinks, blended drinks, etc. They also offer fruit cups, water, and bakery items to provide even more options for their consumers. If a differentiation strategy is successfully implemented the firm will be able to do one of the following: command a premium price for its products, increase unit sales, and/or gain buyer loyalty to its brand. Starbucks has some of the highest prices for the type of products they offer and people tend to be extremely loyal to whatever coffee they are used to purchasing, because they trust the quality. Methods to enhance differentiation 1. Create superior product features, design, and performance Starbucks has a superior knowledge of coffee and a commitment to providing customers with quality coffees. Providing top-quality, fresh-roasted whole-bean coffee was the company’s differentiating feature and a core value since the beginning of its founding. Couches, fireplaces, newspapers, drive-through windows, kiosks in supermarkets and other public places were added to locations depending on what would add value to their consumers. Due to their focus on providing a different experience depending on the location of the store, their international strategy is a multi-domestic approach. The core characteristics of each new store was based on local materials and craftsmanship, a focus on reused and recycled materials and exposure of structural integrity and authentic roots. Most important of all they believed that coffee should be central and that distractions should be removed. They believed that the combination of all these elements should tell a story that would engage the consumer’s five senses and provide them with flexibility to meet the needs of the many different consumers that would be attracted to Starbucks. 2. Improving customer service or adding additional features When Howard Schultz first became part of the company he realized that one key problem Starbucks was having was that first-time consumers often felt uneasy about their absence of knowledge about high-quality coffee. An additional problem was that the employees came off as arrogant and unapproachable. He then worked with employees to teach them about friendly customer service and created a pamphlet to teach new customers about coffee. He also began to offer part-time employees health insurance and a stock option plan for all employees, because he believed that if a company treated their employees well, then they would in turn treat their consumers well. The additional features that Starbucks offers are fireplaces, couches, music, Wi-Fi access, ability to use paid sites and services like Wall Street Journal’s site, exclusive content and previews, free downloads, local community news, and activities. 3. Pursuing production R&D activities Starbucks is constantly brewing new flavors and blends to offer their consumers a variety of coffee to try. Flavors are rotated daily or weekly to offer constant variety. They also test new product offerings like Frappuccino’s, Lattes, Skinny Lattes, and seasonal drinks. 4. Striving for innovation and technological advances One way that Starbucks was able to constantly strive for innovation was by controlling the cost of opening and renovating stores by centralizing buying, developing standard contracts and fixed fees for certain items, and consolidating work under those contractors who displayed good cost-control practices. Starbucks retail operations group outlined the minimum amount of equipment each store would need. This meant that standard items could be ordered from vendors in volume at 20 to 30 percent discounts. The items would then be delivered to the site from a warehouse or from the vendor. A technological advance was that they used computer software to build store layouts that would calculate costs as the design progressed. This cut costs by a significant amount and shortened the process of opening a store to 18 weeks. 5. Increasing intensity of marketing and sales activities Originally, Starbucks didn’t spend a lot of money on advertising, because they relied mostly on word-of-mouth. In 2008 McDonald’s stepped up their advertising to highlight their McCafe coffee drinks. In order to counter this Starbucks undertook the largest advertising campaign ever. 6. Seeking out high-quality inputs Starbucks promotes environmentally sustainable practices in coffee cultivation methods and have specific guidelines they follow called Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices that help farmers to grow high quality coffees in environmentally beneficial ways. In 2000 they began purchasing their coffee organically and a growing percentage of their coffees were grown organically as well as Fair Trade Certified. 7. Improving employee skill, knowledge, and experience Starbucks has a commitment to training their employees so that they are better able to serve their customers. All partners and baristas receive at least 24 hours of training in their first two to four weeks on topics such as coffee history, drink preparation, coffee knowledge, customer service (for a total of 4 hours), and retail skills. Baristas in particular are required to learn how to grind beans, steam milk, pull perfect shots of espresso, memorize recipes, practicing how to mix drinks, and how to customize drinks. Sessions also include how to operate the cash register, clean the milk wand, explain the Italian drink names, and making eye contact with customers. Management trainees are required to attend classes for 8-12 weeks and learn about store operations, practices, and procedures. When a new store is opened a Star Team of experienced employees are sent to make sure everything runs smoothly. From time to time, Starbucks conducts special training programs, including a coffee masters program, leadership training program, and career programs for partners in all types of jobs. When does a differentiation strategy work best? A differentiation strategy works best when buyer needs and uses of the product are diverse, there are many ways to differentiate the product or service that have value to buyers, few rival firms are following a comparable differentiation approach, and technological change is fast paced and competition revolves around rapidly evolving product features. Starbucks’ actions to differentiate their product line They have expanded their product offerings along many different distribution channels by capitalizing on their growing brand name and awareness. First they were able to market their product to restaurants, airlines, hotels, universities, hospitals, business offices, country clubs, and select retailers. United Airlines, Hyatt, Hilton, Sheraton, Radisson, Westin hotels, and Wells Fargo all began to serve Starbucks coffee. A joint venture with PepsiCo came with the sale of a bottled version of the Frappucino drink and Starbucks Doubleshot espresso drinks. In 2008, they partnered with Suntory to sell ready-to-drink Doubleshot drinks in Japan. In 2010 a partnership with Arla Foods spread Doubleshot products and Starbucks chilled cup coffees into retail stores in the UK. A 1995 partnership with Dryers created a new line of coffee ice cream under Starbucks names that was later disbanded in 2008. At this time the rights to manufacture, market, and distribute Starbucks ice cream was given to Unilever. In 1998 Kraft Foods began marketing and distributing whole bean and ground coffee to supermarkets in the US. Tazo Tea was acquired by Starbucks in 1999 and in 2005 they acquired Ethos Water. A partnership with Jim Beam Brands created Starbucks Coffee Liqueur in 2004 and Starbucks Cream Liqueur in 2005. In order to offer healthier options they began offering skinny lattes, banana walnut bread, fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, a farmer’s salad, and smoothies in 2008. Also in 2008, Starbucks responded to customer’s wishes to have a blend of coffee that was always in stores. They created the Pike Place Roast in order to satisfy these customers. 2009 saw the introduction of VIA instant coffee. In 2009 the retail sales mix of Starbucks was 76% beverages, 18% food items, 3 percent coffee-making equipment and other merchandise, and 3% whole bean coffees. What are the key policies, practices, business principles, and procedures that underlie how Howard Schultz and Starbucks’ management have implemented and executed the company’s strategy? Key Policies, Practices, Business Principles, and Procedures The key policies that have been implemented can be broken down into five groups. First is how the company goes about expanding the number of Starbucks stores. The second is their international expansion practices. The third group is their staff training. The fourth is their principles towards ethical business practices. Fifth, is their coffee roasting practices. Store Expansion Starbucks management’s approach to store expansion is using a hub city approach. After a suitable demographic area is chosen Starbucks begins to open up stores in a large city that serves as its hub. After about 20 stores are opened in this hub city, they will then move on to the surrounding areas that are the spokes. This expansion strategy serves to create buzz and brand recognition for the company in an area that has a high amount of foot traffic before moving into a location that has less customer traffic. When a new area was selected for expansion a group of professionals were sent to facilitate the opening. Starbucks also had zone vice presidents who would oversee the expansion process and instill the culture of Starbucks in the new stores. International Expansion When expanding internationally Starbucks has two options; they either open company-owned and operated stores or license to a company that has a good reputation and the knowledge of retailing in that area. Starbucks prefers to license, rather than franchise because licensing provides more assurance of quality control. When they move into foreign markets one of their practices is to use a partner or license to help recruit individuals for employees, set up relationships with suppliers, find store locations, and learn how to cater to local market conditions. For stores that were licensed Starbucks would receive a license fee and a royalty on sales. Companies that were licensed to supply Starbucks coffee were required to follow their detailed operating procedures. Not only that, but managers and employees were required to attend the same training as employees at company-owned stores. Staff Training As mentioned previously, employees are put through an extensive amount of training to learn daily practices and how to treat customers. They are put through this training because customer service is so integral to their organization. Some of the things that baristas learn in their 24 hours of training are coffee history, drink preparation, coffee knowledge, customer service, retail skills, and beverage preparation. Beverage preparation includes grinding the beans, steaming milk, pulling a perfect shot of espresso, memorizing the recipes, practicing the drinks, and learning how to customize drinks. Finally, partners were trained on cash register operations, how to clean the milk wand, how to explain Italian drink names, how to sell espresso machines, making eye contact, interacting with consumers, and taking responsibility for the cleanliness of the store. Not only that but they had many rules that needed to be learned as well such as: milk needs to be steamed to 150 degrees Fahrenheit but not more than 170 degrees, an espresso shot not pulled within 23 seconds needs to be thrown out, coffee can’t sit in the pot more than 20 minutes, and disgruntled customers were given a coupon for a free drink. Managers were required to go even more in depth with their training. Ethical Business Principles Starbucks purchases products that are Fair Trade Certified, meaning that farmers make a fair amount of money for their products. They are very involved in Corporate Social Responsibility and take a number of measures to reduce, reuse, and recycle. They are also committed to purchasing from companies that use environmentally sustainable growing practices. Coffee Roasting Practices Coffee recipes are put together by the coffee department once all components have been tested. In order to be sure of consistency computerized roasters are used. Trained personnel are required to monitor the process by using hearing and their sense of smell to check when the beans are perfectly done. There are extremely exacting standards that must be met and the color of the beans is tested in a blood-cell analyzer and if it doesn’t meet the requirements the batch is discarded. Directly after roasting and cooling coffee is vacuum-sealed into bags that are guaranteed to preserve freshness for 26 weeks. However, policy says that after three months they need to be used. Once opened the shelf life is seven days. What â€Å"values† does Starbucks have? How well do they connect to the strategy and to the manner in which the company conducts its business? Are they successful in implementing to them? The values that Starbucks consider important are included in their mission statement and those are: 1) Coffee: They are committed to providing their consumers with top-quality coffee that is ethically sourced, and to improve the lives of the people who grow the beans. They do this through a variety of methods. First is their Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices (C. A. F. E Practices). These practices specify product quality, that the price received by farmers/growers is fair, that safe and humane working conditions are being used, and that the methods of growing are environmentally responsible. Second, they do not add artificial flavorings to their coffee beans. Third, they have Farmer Support Centers in Costa Rica and Rwanda. These support centers were staffed with agronomists and experts on environmentally responsible coffee growing methods and worked with coffee farming communities to promote best practices in coffee production They also worked to improve coffee quality and production yields. 2) Partners: In order to better care for their employees Starbucks has a health care plan available for all employees, a stock purchase plan, employee training, and employee recognition. Some of their employee recognition awards include Coffee Master awards, Certified Barista awards, Spirit of Starbucks awards, Manager of the Quarter, Green Apron awards, Green Bean awards, and Bravo! Awards, 3) Customers: They value connecting with customers and uplifting the lives of consumers by providing the perfectly made beverage and going the extra mile for their customers. Employees are trained to take heroic measures to make customers happy. 4) Stores: Starbucks management’s goal was to create the stores to be a haven where customers belong and meet with friends. They do this by creating a store ambience, having interesting music playing, leather couches to sit and read newspapers in, and they make sure that nothing overpowers the smell of coffee. 5) Neighborhood: Their stores are part of its community and to be a force of positive good in the area. One way they do this is by using local materials and craftsmanship. They are also extremely involved in Corporate Social Responsibility. The commitment to do the right thing has been a significant part of how Starbucks operates as a company ever since Schultz became CEO. Starbucks has been named to Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s list of â€Å"The 100 Best Corporate Citizens† for the 10th time in 2010. 6) Shareholders: Starbucks is committed to getting all of the above values right so that they can help everyone that is involved and affected by Starbucks thrive. What is your evaluation of Starbucks social responsibility strategy? How much does it help to create their public image? Starbucks CSR strategy has four main parts which are: 1) Ethical sourcing of products: They do this through their C. A. F. E Practices, purchasing Fair Trade Certified products, and buying from manufacturers that have a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. 2) Community involvement: Starbucks has several organizations to foster community involvement. First, is the Starbucks Youth Action Grants which involves young people in community involvement projects. Second, is their program to give medicine to people suffering from HIV in Africa. Third, is the Ethos Water Fund where they donate 5 cents every time somebody purchases a bottle of Ethos Water. Fourth, they donate money to the Starbucks Foundation which was the fund that was started in 1997 to handle all the Starbucks’ philanthropic actions. 3) Environmental Stewardship: In order to achieve this goal they have several methods. First, they focus on increasing recycling and reducing waste which they do by giving discounts to people who bring in their own mugs, coffee grounds are donated for use as a soil amendment, they take part in Earth Day activities, they purchase paper products with recycled content and unbleached fiber, and they encourage their suppliers to provide energy-efficient products and eliminate unnecessary packaging. They also have commitments to be more energy efficient, use renewable energy sources, conserve water resources, use green facilities, using environmentally friendly building materials and energy-efficient designs. They also have plans to achieve LEED certification globally. In 2009 they became part of the Businesses for Innovative Climate Change and Energy Policy coalition. They have also collaborated with the Earthwatch Institute and work on replanting rain forests, mapping water resources, and biodiversity indicators, and sharing sustainable agriculture practices with coffee growers. 4) Farmer loans: They provide funding to organizations that make loans to coffee growers. Their goal for 2015 is to donate $20 million dollars to these funds. They have also committed money to hurricane Rita and Katrina victims, as well as to help the devastation after the earthquake in Haiti. Having a strong CSR campaign adds to the value of Starbucks’ products if consumers know that they are involved in these activities. It lets consumers know that part of the money they are spending is going to a good cause. By getting on the Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s list of â€Å"The 100 Best Corporate Citizens† for the 10th time in 2010, it increases the knowledge that people have about their CSR strategy. Compare the US and International share of yearly revenue, revenue growth, and operating income/revenue. What do these ratios tell you? What is your overall assessment of Starbucks’ financial performance during fiscal years 2005-2009? Explain the performance of Starbucks stock. Exhibit 1 Comparison of Starbucks’ Financial Performance in the US and Internationally| | | 9/27/2009| 9/27/2008| 9/30/2007| 10/1/2006| 10/2/2005| Yearly Revenue ($ millions)| | | | | | | United States| $ 6,572. 10 | $ 6,997. 70 | $ 6,590. 20 | $ 5,495. 20 | $ 4,359. 50 | | International| $ 1,608. 00 | $ 1,774. 20 | $ 1,437. 40 | $ 1,087. 90 | $ 852. 50 | Revenue Growth ($ millions)| | | | | | | United States| -6. 08%| 6. 18%| 19. 93%| 26. 05%| | | International| -9. 37%| 23. 43%| 32. 13%| 27. 61%| | Operating Income/Revenue ($ millions)| | | | | | | United States| $ 531. 80 | $ 454. 20 | $ 1,005. 20 | $ 955. 20 | $ 818. 50 | | International | $ 92. 90 | $ 110. 00 | $ 137. 70 | $ 108. 50 | $ 82. 30 | These ratios tell us that overall they have been increasing their revenue growth by significant percentages of an average of 20% internationally and 12% domestically. Domestically the amount of revenue growth per year slowed down in 2008 and went negative in 2009. Revenue growth also went negative in 2008 internationally. This makes sense because 2008 was the beginning of the economic downturn which affected the company’s bottom line. Operating income has fluctuated quite a bit since 2005 and since its peak in 2007 ($1,0005. 20 million) has decreased significantly to $531. 80 million. Internationally it has remained steadier at an average of $106. 28 million. Again these numbers make sense because it was in 2008-2009 that the economic downturn occurred and Schultz instituted strategic initiatives and revamped strategy execution efforts to fix these financial problems. One reason that the economic downturn affected Starbucks’ bottom line badly is because it was considered a treat to go to Starbucks and to get coffee that wasn’t brewed at the home. Less people were indulging in coffee by the cup. In 2006 and 2007 Starbucks reached its peak growth in the period displayed in exhibit 1. This is represented in the stock chart because it is also when their stock performance reached its peak at 40. The lowest point on the stock chart was in 2008 which makes sense because this is when the economic downturn occurred so many people were selling stocks. In 2008-2009 Schultz’s measures to institute strategic initiatives and revamp strategy execution efforts began and clearly worked because in the period of time from 2008-2010 stocks returned to almost 30. What are the key elements and your evaluation of Howard Schultz’s transformation agenda for Starbucks during 2008-2010? What do you think of the letters shown on page C-364 and C-365? Has Schultz done a good job since his return as Starbucks’ CEO? Why or why not? Elements of the Transformation Agenda Howard Schultz’s transformation agenda during 2008-2010 had several key elements. First, he planned on slowing new store openings to 73 internationally. Second, 900 underperformed company-owned stores were closed in the United States. The goal of this action was to raise sales and traffic at nearby sales. Around 75% of these stores that were considered underperforming were within three miles of an existing store which shows that their strategy of having a Starbucks everywhere was cannibalizing their sales. The third element of the transformation agenda was raising the projected return on capital requirements for proposed new store locations. This is a way for Schultz to be more particular about new store placement and to have a better chance of making a significant amount of profit and not losing traffic to existing stores. Fourth, he planned on revamping the company’s locations in Australia with a focus on Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney as the hub cities. He planned on closing 61 under-performing locations in order to do this. Fifth, it was important to Schultz that there be an emphasis on developing new store designs in order to promote a refreshed customer experience. In order to do this the character of each store would be a reflection of the area it was in to make the customers feel more at home and to make Starbucks the center of that community. Sixth, customer experience would be heightened through a variety of methods. The first method was by removing warmed sandwiches from the menu, because it inhibited the aroma from the coffee. Second, high-quality baked goods and pastries would be offered at the store along with new menu items for healthy eating on the go. For example, fruit cups, skinny lattes, yogurt parfaits, salads, smoothies, and healthier bakery selections were all a result of this step in Schultz’s transformation agenda. The seventh part of the agenda was to create a program to share best practices in stores globally, this would promote quality control and improve customer service, which was one of the things that Schultz had found lacking when he became CEO again. Eighth, Schultz thought it was important to provide resources and tools for store employees such as laptops and internet-based software for scheduling. Ninth, there were cost-containment initiatives put in place in order to improve the bottom line that included a reduction of 1,000 people in staffing. Finally, the last part of the agenda was to renew the attention placed on employee training in order to reignite the enthusiasm to please customers that is vital to the mission of Starbucks. Evaluation The goal for 40,000 stores worldwide as a long-term objective and the rapid expansion that Jim Donald began led to a decrease in customer traffic in the US stores, new store openings that continued at a rate of 6 per day worldwide, and the emphasis on increased store operations efficiency put financial strain on the company and led to a decrease in customer service. Good customer service is one of the cornerstone values of Starbucks and was a central idea during Schultz’ leadership. Schultz’ return to CEO and his strategic initiatives mentioned above will help to return Starbucks to the values it originally held as very important and to return it to profitability by slowing down on expansion to focus more on the three main themes Schultz saw as important to his strategy. These themes are: strengthening the core, elevating the experience, and investing and growing. Before he can focus on growing the company, they need to have a strong base of employees and a focus on the experience that Starbucks is meant to provide its consumers. Letters from Schultz The letters that are shown on page C-364 and C-365 of the case show that Schultz is dedicated to his shareholders, which is one of the values in their mission statement. He is being extremely open and upfront the concerns of shareholders and about the actions that will be taken to address those issues. The first letter is addressed to customers and he explains that he has come back to Starbucks as CEO in order to ensure that the customers receive the experience that he believes Starbucks is known for. This letter shows that he truly cares about the thoughts and concerns of consumers. The second letter is to the employees of Starbucks. In this letter Schultz addresses them as partners in the path to revitalizing Starbucks’ mission. He even says, â€Å"I am proud to be your partner†¦Ã¢â‚¬  By treating his employees like this he is able to foster accountability for the actions that everybody can take in helping to turn around Starbucks to what Schultz’ vision for it is. Evaluation of Schultz’ work. Schultz has done a good job by creating strategic initiatives in order to return Starbucks to where he thinks the company should be. His vision includes becoming the authority on coffee, engaging and inspiring Starbucks’ partners, igniting the emotional attachment with customers, expanding global presence and making each store the neighborhood’s heart, being a leader in ethical sourcing and environmental impact, creating innovative growth platforms, and delivering a sustainable economic model. Every one of these visions is addressed in some way in his agenda, which shows he has a clear idea of where the company should go and how to get it there. In 2008-2009 the company experiences five quarters of deteriorating sales, but from 2009-2010 had five quarters of improving sales, which shows that Schultz’ transformation agenda has been working. What issues confront the company as of mid-2010? What should Starbucks’ management be worried about? What are the challenges in expanding internationally? Issues as of mid-2010. 1) Oversaturation of the market: With the â€Å"A Starbucks Everywhere† approach and the rapid expansion steps taken by Donald, there was a decrease in customer traffic at the stores, resulting in a loss of profit. 2) Lack of emphasis on customer relationships: The emphasis on increased efficiency in store operations led to a decrease in good customer service. 3) Drifting away from the original values of Starbucks: Starbucks was built with an emphasis on high-quality coffee, good customer service, and a commitment to creating an experience for customers. However, when Schultz became CEO again he noted that this was lacking. 4) Offering high-quality products: As Starbucks moves into new locations in order to draw attention away from local popular spots they will need to offer a product that is of high enough quality to keep consumers coming back. 5) Differentiation: Again, as they move into new markets they will need to do significant research to find out what those consumer’s value. They need to be able to give it to them in order to achieve their goal of being the heart of the neighborhood. 6) Coffee prices: Coffee prices fluctuate significantly due to weather, economic, and political conditions in the countries where they are grown. What should management be worried about? Management should be worried about offering high-quality products. If they cannot prove that their product is better due to quality or differentiating features then locations that sell coffee and consumers are already loyal, they will have issues drawing consumers away. However, Starbucks does have an extremely strong brand image and hype associated with their name, which is an asset for them in entering new markets. International Challenges Some challenges that Starbucks will face internationally are: 1) Adapting their stores to fit the location they are in 2) Creating partnerships and licensing agreements with reputable companies to offer their products abroad 3) Regulations on foreign businesses moving into their country 4) Having enough control over the quality in the international stores that are licensed. 5) Higher production costs Starbucks has chosen to follow a multi-domestic approach to international expansion, meaning that they customize their product offerings to match the tastes and preferences of local buyers. The main challenge that Starbucks will face in entering international markets is knowing what that group of people wants and prefers. Another problem is that they will need to make partnerships and licensing agreements with reputable companies in order to be sure that the culture of Starbucks is continued to their new stores. Finally, they will have the issue with tailoring their stores to fit the environment they are in, because they will be unable to use a set design which could raise production costs. What recommendation would you make to Howard Schultz to sustain the company’s growth and support continued strong financial performance in the years ahead? Consider both the US and International strategies. Recommendations * Coordinate with suppliers to address consumers’ needs better: By coordinati.

WRITE AN ESSAY ON BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME BY RICHARD WRIGHT

WRITE AN ON BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME BY RICHARD WRIGHT - Essay Example He embarks on using fragmentation and unique perspective to help reinforce and focus on the themes of the poem.  Combining all these things makes Wright’s works on the poem potent (Harris 95-102). It is about a man who experiences the death of the victim by staring at his burnt skeleton. The reader experiences deep regrets and sadness for the victim after the initial reading. It is only after reading the poem severally that the reader gets to know the author’s real meaning. It is common for man to view tragic occurrences with remorse and pity. People cannot understand the situation unless they give it a view from the victim’s perspective. The theme of the poem becomes apparent when the central character mentally experiences the sufferings and death of the victim. Wright’s poem starts with the protagonist walking through the woods and comes across a human-like burnt-to-ashes skeleton on a tree. The initial scene represents how people and society view tragedies. The society position is of viewing adversities as terrible misfortunes. People are deeply saddened by such circumstances, but they lack the understanding of the victims emotions and viewpoint. The world remains separated from the victim until when people understand the victim’s emotions and prospective that results from the incident (Harris 95-102). As the poem continues, the protagonist view of the victims demise with an outsider’s view progresses. The protagonist experiences cold pities because of the life experienced as he continues to view and think about the death of the victim. The details of the death become apparent to the protagonist after the cold pities. When "the dry and hard bones stirred, lifted, rattled, melting themselves" into the body of the protagonist, the character now realizes the victims situation and pains. When the protagonists change to be a victim by imagination and mental processes, what the victim went through

Bulgaria and the European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Bulgaria and the European Union - Essay Example Although Bulgarian has implemented significant institutional changes, it still must overcome its past and some important domestic hurdles. This research paper will explore the accession of Bulgaria into the ranks of the European Union through an analysis of the process, as well as the challenges this country faces within the EU framework. This is important, not only for Bulgaria and current EU member states but also for future EU enlargement. Accordingly, accelerated Europeanisation will be discussed with reference to the Bulgarian case in the European Union (Richardson 2001, p. 44; Nugent 2003, 23-33; see Warleigh 2004). The EU is a supranational body composed of constituent member states, found largely on the European peninsula. Democracy, negotiation, and collective decision-making through multilateralism are all inherent attributes of the modern EU. As a multinational organization, the EU represents various national interests within an overarching political framework. The EU is an international organization which operates on the basis of negotiation between member states and relies on collective decision-making to achieve its ends. ... Although there were initially only five members of the precursor to the European Union (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands and West Germany), there are presently 27 countries in the EU and they are, in alphabetical order, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and finally, the United Kingdom. Countries currently seeking membership in the EU include parts of the former Federal State of Yugoslavia as well as Turkey. A political and economic powerhouse, this intergovernmental organization is estimated to account for up to 30% of the world's total Gross Domestic Product (see Warleigh 2004). Although it has not always been the case, modern-day Europe is characterized by a unifying democratic political culture. While the concept of democracy originated on its shores, the philosophy of democratic governance was challenged in 20th century Europe by authoritarian political movements, including fascism (expressed by Nazi Germany & Mussolini's Italy), and communism (as exemplified in Eastern Europe during the Cold War). With Allied victory in World War II and the recent collapse of the Soviet Union, democracy - in varying degrees- is now a universal trend amongst European states. In fact liberal democracy, best expressed by the states of Western Europe with entrenched democratic traditions, is quickly becoming the standard for the continent. Democratic norms and rules have subsequently been established

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Computer Network Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

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Sport Training Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Sport Training - Essay Example However, when lactate production is excessive, it accumulates in the muscles and the blood. Meanwhile, if the glycogen stores of the muscles and blood decrease, the exercises slow down and when the aerobic procedures undertaken are not sufficient, the exercise can not be maintained (Astrand & Rodahl, 1987; Fox, Bowers, & Fos, 1988; Weineck, 1986). Lactat is accumulated in the organism after all kinds of muscle exercise having maximal and supramaximal workload. It can even be observed within ten minutes workload (Jacops et al, 1983). The measurements of lactate in the muscle and blood are being done to determine these processes. Lactate measurements during exercise yield information on the intensity of the workload and on its duration. The measurements carried out after the exercise yield information on the frequency of workload and on its scope, that is, on resting-recovery process (Bueno, 1990). Babij found that, after an exercise of 10 minutes where maximal oxygen consumption rate was 50%, there was no accumulation of venous blood, and that, after the same exercise where oxygen consumption rate was 76%, lactate of the venous blood increased up to 5 minutes and then started to decline (Babij et al, 1983). The number of infantile and juvenile competitions has significantly increased over the past two decades (Bar-Or O. 1996; Colantonio et al, 1997; Kemper, 1995; Matveev, 1996), which has favored world records to be broken by 14-year old athletes. One knows well metabolic and functional responses to exercises in adults, whether normal or with impairments (Del et al, 1985; Negrao et al, 1998) but there are many issues that are yet to be solved regarding physical training of children and adolescents (Bar-Or O, 1996). Aerobic fitness is instrumental for children and adolescents, not only for healthfulness8, but also for the practice of a number of sports (McArdle et al, 1996). Human capability of performing mid and long-duration exercises chiefly depends on aerobic metabolism. Thus, one of the main indices used to assess this condition is the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), known as aerobic power (Denadai BS, 1995; Kiss MAPDM, 2000). According to literature, in maximum exertion tests, swimmers (S) and water polo players (WP) typically present VO2max values close to 69.012 and 55.513 (ml.kg-1.min-1), respectively. In judo practitioners, it has been observed, from four consecutive Wingate test bouts for upper limbs that oxygen uptake (VO2) in the first bout was lower than that in the second, but there were no differences from the later in the third and fourth bouts, showing a tendency to stabilization. For swimming and water polo, when comparing two consecutive Wingate test bouts for upper (ARMS) and lower limbs (LEGS), and specific tests at the pool, there was good correlation only for ARMS (r = 0.85, p In spite of evidences about mean VO2max values at exercises in which aerobic metabolism prevail, it is interesting to observe its behavior in exercises in which anaerobic metabolism prevail. VO2max may be defined as the highest oxygen (O2) uptake accomplished by an individual breathing air at sea level (Astrand PO, 1952). This variable is one of the main items examined in endurance studies, in spite of the use of the expression oxygen peak uptake (VO2peak) to describe O2 uptake values from any

Writing to show Cause and Effect Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Writing to show Cause and Effect - Essay Example cally unfit individuals in the population; thus, increasing the probability of this population suffering lifestyle diseases such as heart conditions (Herbert). Good eating regimes and frequent exercise are not only touted to be effective in increasing wellness, but also in managing stress. The following paper will focus on exercise, eating well, and increasing fitness as strategies of managing stress and increasing wellness. World health organization has identified stress as a major problem in the current world that is affecting both mental and physical health (Varvogli & Christina 76). Exercise is known to trigger a relaxation reflex on the brain that enables relief stress. Therefore, it is clear that exercise is a better way of reducing stress other than using pills and alcohol that people resort to when trying to hide from stress. The best exercise known to reduce stress is geared towards improving focused breathing, blood flow to the brain and muscle, and mindfulness meditation, all which are geared towards relaxation of mind. Good eating regimes are key to stress relieve and wellness of the body. Good eating habits and strategic exercising helps pregnant mothers and terminally ill people to regain their health easily and maintain normal body function optimally (Parker & Samson 10). Nutritional balance can be achieved by checking what people eat in the morning, lunch, and supper. Nutrition is a key component of the livelihoods on individuals, and if not observed well, then people are destined to fall sick. Currently, there are many obese children in the society signaling the relaxed nature of the upbringing system that no longer recognizes the need to keep fit. The stigma usually geared towards these obese kids usually stresses them unnecessarily. The terminally ill people in the society including cancer and HIV/AIDs patients have been shown to be the people under the highest degree of stress. A breakfast rich in cereal meals is known to counteract stress in

NO TEXTING ON YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING Essay

NO TEXTING ON YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING - Essay Example Such interactions bear consequential instances if they are not used in a responsible manner. Texting messages while driving has been an on-going debate since number of years. The school of thought that disagrees with texting messages while driving consider it so severe that they want the action to be given the status of a crime while others take don’t give much importance to the issue. In the light of the adverse effects of texting while driving, it should be banned to promote road safety for the people. 2. Driving While Texting Driving is a task that requires utmost attention and concentration of the driver. Quick reflexes are often needed to keep safe from any accident whereas texting messages causes the occupation of one’s hand and mind. Caird, Scialfa, Ho and Smiley (2005) stated that texting messages while driving impairs the reflexes and affects the reaction time of the individual thereby making it difficult to regain control of the vehicle if an unforeseen incide nt arises. Foundation for Traffic Safety (2009) conducted a survey that concluded that 9 out of 10 drivers consider texting messages as a danger to themselves and others on the road. It is often argued that the activity of text messaging has been presumed to be dangerous at an unrealistic level since there are numerous other activities that cause distraction and makes the driver lose focus, for example loud music, attractive billboards and advertisements etc. The argument stands partially valid since the mentioned factors also prove to be a hindrance for a driver. However, none of these mentioned factors compel the drivers to use his hands, alongside looking at the small screen to read the text. The fear of being ceased by the traffic police often makes the driver keep the phone lower that requires him to bend his head down (off the road) to read the message. Needless to say, that getting one’s head off the road even for a few seconds can result in life altering situations. A gency Group (2011) reported that around 5,500 people lost their lives and 0.5 million got severely injured in 2009 in different accidents due to distracted individuals driving cars. Magid (2009) provided useful information about the level of distractedness that becomes apparent from driving while text messaging; such drivers are recorded to depart from their lanes 10 times more than a regular driver. The advocators argue that a skilled driver can never be affected with such distractions and is able to possess control of the car in all situations even if he is texting. Firstly, some drivers might be skilled enough to handle multitasking while driving but their texting gives a wrong message to the youngsters who are more active in this activity. Magid (2009) quoted some other research findings; 46 % of the teenagers accept the fact that they text while driving. Secondly, a skilled driver might have full control of the car but he cannot judge the level of control that is possessed by s ome other driver (who might be texting) on the road that might cause turbulence on the road for everyone else. Road safety can only be achieved if all the drivers drive their cars safely, rather than just a few. 3. Conclusion Texting while driving is a dangerous activity that can prove to have consequential factors for others, as well as oneself. The process of texting while driving reduces the reaction time of an individual and affects the individual to make decisions instantly. The advocators of

Customer Insight for Competitive Advantage Essay

Customer Insight for Competitive Advantage - Essay Example Apple Inc. is a renowned multinational business corporation which deals with manufacturing, designing along with marketing broad assortment of products related to consumer electronics, personal computers and computer software among others. According to the present day context, the organisation is considerably regarded as one of the major global brands in terms of achieving higher customer value and brand loyalty through its offering of quality products (Apple Inc., 2011). In relation to identify the role of customer insight to an organisation, the paper intends to briefly discuss the major roles and significance of customer service within the organisation of Apple Inc. The paper will also highlight the major contribution of customer service that supports the organisation towards achieving competitive position. Moreover, the paper will further involve the impacts and consequences that could affect on organisational reputation of Apple while adopting poor customer service initiatives. Therefore, appropriate recommendations have also been discussed about how Apple might enhance its customer service for the motive of increasing its productivity as well as profitability, business reputation and most significantly sustainable competitive advantage. Main Findings Role of Customer Service Excellence Revealing insight about the consumers is incessantly becoming one of the major elements for the organisations in order to develop their different products as well as services that deliver superior value to the final customers and generate substantial profit. The idea of customer insight is typically viewed to be the collection as well as the interpretation of valuable information that ultimately facilitates a business to develop and most importantly to retain their valuable customers. It significantly involves certain major features such as gaining comprehensive knowledge about the customers’ requirements along with their behaviours that eventually raises the brand l oyalty and facilitates them to accomplish competitive advantage by a significant level (Michel, 2003). In relation to determine the role of customer service excellence, it has been apparently observed that the excellence related to customer service that adopted by Apple are significantly focused upon delivering superior value oriented services to each of its customer segment. In this regard, the organisation significantly considers the offering of superior quality products as customer service excellence initiatives towards its global standing. The organisation involves effective strategy of offering value-based service with its decent product lines through understanding customers’ requirements. The customer service excellence of the organisation is considered to be one of the prime aspects for the organisation to maintain its dominant position in the global technological business market (Arthur D. Little, 2011). With regard to the customer service excellence of Apple, it has been observed that the organisation took the initiative of AppleCare Service Excellence

Fiction-writing mode Essay Example for Free

Fiction-writing mode Essay Rhetorical modes are methods for effectively communicating through language and writing. Complete the following chart to identify the purpose and structure of the various rhetorical modes used in academic writing. Provide at least 2 tips for writing each type of rhetorical device. |Rhetorical Mode |Purpose – Explain when or why |Structure – Explain what organizational |Provide 2 tips for writing in | | |each rhetorical mode is used. |method works best with each rhetorical mode. |each rhetorical mode. | |Narration |The purpose of a narration is to| | Start with asking yourself if | | |tell stories. Narrations can be |Chronological order, which is a method of |you want to write a factual or | | |factual; story based on events |organization that arranges ideas according to|fictional story. Next, make a | | |as they happened in real life, |time, is the best organizational method for |plot summary, which is a | | |or fictional; made up or |narration. |paragraph or outline that | | |imagined | |describes only the main events | | | | |that drive the story forward. | | |The purpose of an illustration |Order of importance, which is a method of |First, decide on a topic that | |Illustration |is to clearly demonstrate and |organization that arranges ideas according to|you are interested in writing | | |support a point through the use |their significance, is the best |about. Secondly, vary the phases| | |of evidence. |organizational method for illustration. |of illustration you use. This | | | | |way, readers will stay engaged | | | | |in your writing and ideas. | |Description |The purpose of a description is |Spatial order, which is a method of |Does your writing follow a flow?| | |to make sure the audience is |organization that arranges ideas according to|Good writing is focused. Is | | |fully immersed in the words on |physical characteristics or appearance, is |writing written for a purpose? | | |the page. The writer describes |the best organizational them. |Good writing is grammatically | | |his or her world through sensory| |correct a

Report About 3G And 4G Technologies

Report About 3G And 4G Technologies Write a report about 3G and 4G technologies. Your report should cover: The main (both in definition and technically) differences between 3G and 4G. Are they both addressing the same things? The main attributes and differences between WiMax and LTE. Which kind of companies are implementing which type of technology? Under what circumstances would one be preferable over the other? Dependence on underlying infrastructure. You must submit the assignment via safe assign under blackboard and also via the registry. Introduction Wireless communication is part of todays world and is greatly in demand as such resources are preferred in todays world and so the sales are increasing day by day with equipment which involves wireless communication. The G which means generation, in the technology today amongst phones covers the technology improvement in the last few decades. The first mobile phone technology started with 1G which involved analogue technology. In the early 1990s the next generation of communication developed named 2G which was in a digital technology which also had text messaging with the idea of SIM cards coming into practice. SIM is short for (Subscriber Identity Module). Other technologies that evolved were CDMA(Code Division Multiple Access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication). The next generation which followed made the data carrying better, making it potential to carry information such as websites as how they were originally. In 3G technology the iPhone has become the latest. As of today the agreement of 4G technology has not yet been established. It has been planned to have fast transfer speeds and should have good security. Something else that the 4G technology should meet is that it should reduce blips in transfer of the device when moving between different networks. The 4G mobile network should also be able to use the networks like the ones on the internet with IP addresses. 4G mobile is not yet implemented as an approved set of standards, so its characteristics are at present simply goals rather than requirements. As well as considerably desired increasing data transfer speeds, 4G mobile as well as should use improved security measures, When a device moves one place to another place between this area covered by different network reduce the blips in transmission is the another goal .4G mobile networks should also use a network based on the IP address system used for the internet. Two major systems using 4G technologies are WiMax and Long Term Evolution. WiMax began testing its 4G technology in Baltimore in 2008. The opposite system LTE was expected to be ready to be tested in 2010 and is expected to be ready for use in 2013. All this information above is described in detail in this research. All the topics covered above are broadened below. 3G 3G technology comes with better features than previous mobile network technologies. It has transmission which is at high speed, better multimedia access as well as connection globally.3G used with mobile phones a connects the phone with the internet and other IP connections which allow voice as well as video calls to be accessed. Not only this but also helps to download and surf the internet. From lower mobile technologies, 3G technology has higher data speed, better audio and video access, video calling support, Web use at quicker speeds and TV through the Internet. In 3G networks the transfer speed is between 128 and 144 kbps for devices that are fast and 384 kbps for slower ones. Wireless fixed LANs have a sped beyond 2Mbps. W-CDMA,TD-SCDMA, WLAN and cellular radio, among others are some of the technologies that 3G includes.[1] WCDMA The third-generation Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) will be able to deliver high data rates of up to 384 kb/s at widearea applications or even 2 Mb/s indoors . This is achieved by using wide-bandwidth signals with Code-Division for Multiple Access (W-CDMA). The user data are multiplied by a fast pseudorandom spreading sequence before phase modulating the radio-frequency (RF) carrier. The resulting signals which are then broadcast have a bandwidth of approximately 4.5 MHz. Parameter W-CDMA Uplink 1920-1980 MHz Downlink 2110-2170 MHz Access DS-CDMA Duplex procedure FDD Modulation QPSK Pulse shaping Root-raised cos, Chip rate ÃŽÂ ± = 0:22 User data rate 384 kb/s; 2 Mb/s Bandwidth/channel 5MHz Max. output power 21 dBm (Class IV) TD-SCDMA It was proposed by the China Wireless Telecommunication Standards group to the ITU in 1999.60MHz has been reserved for CDMA2000 and UMTS, but TD-SCDMA has reserved 155MHz.In common with UMTS-TDD,TD-SCDMA does not require separate uplink and downlink and offer speeds from as low as 1.2kbps up to 2 Mbps. Uplink and downlink traffic can be transferred in the same frame but in different time slots, and there can be up to 16 codes allocated per slot, more time slot can be devoted to downlink transfer than in the uplink. This allocation of time slots is dynamic and if a symmetric allocation is required, which is usually the case for a telephone call, then this will also be allocated the required resources. The minimum frequency band required for this system is 1.6 MHz and the chip rate is 1.28Mcps.it does not have soft handover mechanism but has a system similar to GSM where the mobile device are tightly synchronized to the network, and it is from here that the term syschronous is derived. it is designed to work with a GSM core network is similar way to WCDMA and can also use the UTRAN signalling stack when it is deployed as a complementary technology. The frame is 5 ms rather than 10ms in WCDMA and split into seven slot. [2]. 4G The future system technology of 4G should bring something that is very enchancing when compared to the previous technologies. 4G yet does not have a meaning as it has not yet been established. However the current targets for it are as follows: system interoperability:-flexible interoperability of the various kind of existing wireless network, such as satellite, cellular wireless, WLAN, PAN and system for wireless access to the fixed network. It ability to roam between multiple wireless and mobile standards. Due to the interoperability of different mobile and wireless network through the same terminal we can identify the three possible configuration. There are 1.Multimode terminals:-this is obviously achieved by incorporating multiple interfaces to the terminal, one for the access methods of every different kind of wireless network. The ability to use many access methods will enable users to use a single device to access the 4G network irrespective of the particular access method used. 2.Overlay network:- In this architecture user will access the 4G network through the Access Points of an overall network. The AP will perform protocol translation and Qos negotiation for the connections. Since APs can monitor the resource used by a user, this architecture supports single billing and subscription. 3.Common access protocol:-this choice calls for use one or two standard access protocol by the wireless networks. A possible option is for the wireless networks to use either ATM cells with additional headers or WATM cells. Terminal bandwidth and battery life:- Future generation network will be covering a large range of banwidths from about a couple of kbps to about 100 Mbps or above. The battery life is expected to be about a week. This will happen with a reduction of the size of the battery. Packet-switched fixed network.:- This 4G technology will use wireless IP based fixed networks which will be able to connect the mobiles with the wireless networks effectively. Varying quality of bandwidth for wireless access:- Having a range of networks together will cause it to overlap with other networks. Due to where they are, the user will be abl to use different qualities of wireless by the change of bandwidth. Distribution layer: This layer of the network will be able to help with digital video as well as broadcasting and due to a good coverage will cover all areas. Cellular layer: This layer of the wireless network will give a load of capacity providing many users as well as provide good coverage in highly populated areas. It will allow data sizes of over 2 Mbps. The cell size will also be small compared to the distribution layer, and will support good mobility. Hot-spot layer: This layer will help with good service over a short distance. It will include WLAN systems like IEEE 802.11 and HIPERLAN. This layer will not provide great coverage in particular as it is a short distance however roaming should be available. Personal network layer: This layer will include wireless connection however in short ranges say through the use of Bluetooth. Mobility will be less but roaming should be available. Fixed layers: This layer uses an access system which is fixed. Advanced base stations: In the future for networks, the new smart antennas will make the capacity bigger as well as base stations having self-configuration not needing the need for employment. This would reduce costs. They will include a good range of terminals. High data rates: The 3G system will be changed using what it has already to form the new 4G generation. The 4G generation will offer higher speed than the 3G generation. The introduction of 4G needs specific targets which are named above. To get to these targets, 4G needs the basis on how to achieve this which is explained in detail below.[1]. How 4G works: In the networks which have the 4G wireless technology, each one will be given an IP address which will have a home IP address and an address which represents its real location. When the computer in the Internet wants to communicate with another device perhaps a mobile phone in the wireless network. The computer will be able to send packets to the IP address of the 4G technology getting to know the home address too. To the phones address, the directory will send the packet through a tunnel, or a mobile IP, whilst on the meantime the directory server would also let the computer know that the phones address is correct. After this the other packets can be sent. The use of4G-IP address (IPv6) is that it will be able to carry more info than in the past with the IP address (IPv4). In this IP address, software can use them to tell the differences between services and to communicate with network areas of different sorts. This could be with the computer and the phones network. An example includes Moreover which uses 4G technology not only has this transmission way but also uses OFDM, MC-CDMA, LAS-CDMA, UWB *7 and Network-LMDS.[4] Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing abbreviated as OFDM, passes on figures on a great quantity through a radio wave. Changing the radio signal into many small signals then transferred at the same time through different frequencies to the receiver is the method in which this is carried out. OFDM is a digital technology through modulation which increase strength of these signal; this is good for high digital data transition. This is a great digital technology method in which through the process of modulation increases the strength of the signal and is good for a transition of high quality digital data.[2] Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing simple function In this time, users might have a good question about how theses waves targeted the correct destination. A OFDM makes the radio wave target the right place though a couple of devices which are wireless, which make a connection tunnel when they start communication. After connecting the target, the radio wave splits into smaller signals which have the correct direction towards the target. MS-CDMA stands for Multi-Carrier Code Division Multiple Access, which is actually OFDM with a CDMA overlay. The users are multiplexed with orthogonal codes to differentiate users in MS-CDMA and single-carrier CDMA systems. It allows flexible system design between cellular system and signal cell system. However, in MC-CDMA, each user can be allocated several codes, where the data is spread in time or frequency. LAS-CDMA the shortened form for Large Area Synchronized Code Division Multiple Access, is made through by LinkAir Communication which is basically wireless technology through the developed 4G technology. LAS-CDMA makes voice capacity better, with high speed and the latest original solution called Code-Division Duplex (CDD) which combines the LAS-CDMA technology with the greater data transmission type of Time-Division Duplex (TDD). This combination makes Code-Division Duplex to be very spectrally efficient as well as having high speed available today as a great system. LAS-CDMA is seen as being the great 4G technologys World Cell. If two wireless devices for instance are a quite big distance apart then using this protocol which has IPv6 to create the connection. In the 4G world, UWB radio which solves the multi-path weakening matters through its clever use of electrical impulses which has all frequencies at one time. Due to its low-power condition though, this UWB cannot be used outside of being indoors or underground. UWB should be used however with OFDM which cal transfer digital data on a large scale. This is positive though as the UWB would be running insides equally as the OFDM runs outside which means that the signal can stay strong. UWB also needs to be used in small distances inside the buildings through 4G technology. The broadband technology which is wireless used to carry video, data Internet as well as voice in 25 GHz is the Network-LMDS Local Multipoint distribution system. This method makes sure all these things are carried together at once, and this can be the result in the fading issue locally. [4] Differences between 3G and 4G: The main factors in which 3G and 4G technologies vary is due to their services, their ways of transmission, access to the web, the rates of transfer, security as well as quality. 3G technology can only carry upto the speed of about and up to 2 Mbps however 4G technology can go much higher to a better speed. 4G technologies can provide global connection whereas for 3G markets it is difficult to roam globally. Technology which uses 4G can provide global roaming at a lower price. 3g is based on the notion through circuits and packets through things like WCDMA, CDMA and TD-SDMA. However 4G uses the use of packets. As mentioned above about the differentiation between the 3G and 4G, this has been broadened in the tab le below. Feature 3G wireless technology 4G Wireless technology Speed Up to 2Mbps Full-mobility: up to 100Mbps Low-mobility:up to 1Gbps Service Difficult of global roaming Expensive good for voice transmission roaming smoothly inexpensive good for any type of transmission Core Network Wide-area concept Circuit and packet switching broadband IP-based Entirely packet switching Technologies WCDMA CDMA TD-SDMA All access convergence Main: OFDM MC-CDMA LAS-CDMA UWB Network-LMPS Wimax Wimax which stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access was made to give a ordinary structure for wireless connectivity in permanent, moveable, and mobile environments. WiMAX is a wireless technology intended to give high throughput over a distance. It gives the quick broadband of link. It also provides wireless access which reduces costs which involves the fibre and making buildings. It has a range that goes beyond WiFi. A WiMAX uses two hardware components a WiMAX tower as well as WiMAX receiver. This tower covers a 30 mile radius. The tower joins to the Internet using a wide connection through a wireline, or it offers a wireless link to other WiMAX towers with Line Of Site (LOS for short) microwave links. The receiver could be anything. NLOS (non-line of sight in full) connections join devices to the tower using a frequency range of 2-11 GHz as low wavelength signals are strong. LOS connections however do not cover as large area but covers and area of 4-6 miles. QoS is the aspect in a technology to deliver high bandwidth services. Examples of such include VoIP and IP video services as well as other services as such. To provide such QoS service, the WiMax need to make sure they have a low latency.[4] WiMAX security is defined in the Privacy Sub-layer in the MAC Layer, as specified by WiMAX standards. Fixed WiMAX (802.16-2004) typically uses X.509 certificates for authentication and 56-bit Digital Encryption System (DES), while Mobile WiMAX (802.16e-2005) uses EAP for authentication and Advanced Encryption System (AES) for encryption. Both employ Privacy Key Management (PKM) for authentication between base station and subscriber station.[5][9]. LTE Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a 4G wireless broadband technology made by the Third Generation Partnership Project. LTE has many benefits for not only the consumer but also the workers too: Performance and capacity one request that the LTE is to provide downlink rates of a minimum of 100Mbit/s and needs the technology to allow for speeds that are over 200Mbit/s. Simplicity 1. From below 5MHz up to 20MHz, LTE supports carrier bandwidths. LTE also supports both FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) and TDD (Time Division Duplex). Ten paired and four unpaired spectrum bands have so far been identified by 3GPP for LTE. it is easiest to deploy 10MHz or 20MHz carriers, and eventually deploy LTE in all bands. 2.plug-and-play, self-configuration and self-optimization will simplify and reduce the cost of network roll-out and management. 3.LTE will be deployed in parallel with simplified, IP-based core and transport networks that are easier to build, maintain and introduce services on. Wide range of terminals- LTE supports hand-over and roaming to existing mobile networks, all devices can have ubiquitous mobile broadband coverage from day one[6].[9] COMPARSION BETWEEN WIMAX AND LTE Aspect Wimax LTE Access technology Downlink(DL) Uplink(UL) OFDMA OFDMA OFDMA SC-FDMA Frequency band 2.3-2.4GHz,2.496-2.69GHz ~2GHz Bit-rate: DL UL 75Mbps(MIMO 2TX 2RX) 25Mbps 100Mbps(MIMO 2TX 2RX) 50Mbps Channnel bandwidth 5,8.75,10MHz 1.25-20MHz Cell radius 2-7km 5km Cell capacity 100-200 users >200 users in 5MHz >400 users for large BW Spectral efficiency 3.75[bits/sec/Hz] 5[bits/sec/hz] Mobility: Speed Handovers Up to 120km/h Optimized hard handovers supported Up to 250km/h Inter-cell soft handovers supported Legacy IEEE802.16a through 16d GSM/GPRS/EGPRS/UMTS/HSPA MIMO DL UL No. of code words 2Tx X 2Rx 1Tx X NRx(Collaborative SM) 1 2Tx X 2RX 2Tx X 2Rx 2 Standardization coverage IEEE 802.16e-2005 PHY and MAC CN standardization in Wimax RAN(PHY+MAC)+CN Roaming framework Wimax forum Auto through existing GSM/UMTS [7].Verizon has devoted to using Long Term Evolution starting by soon, ensuring to deliver ten times the data throughput of 3G technologies in the current time. Others, including NTT DoCoMo in Japan, France Telecom, Vodafone in the UK, ATT, and T-Mobile have said also they will use LTE rather than WiMAX. Meanwhile, Sprint, Clearwire, and Comcast in the U.S., UQ Communications in Japan, and Yota in Russia are all competitively using 4G networks suitable for mobile networks using todays edition of WiMAX, 802.16e (2 to 10 Mbps), in inner-city markets where they will without doubt compete with 3G (and later, LTE) sources. The WiMAX Forum declares that 504 operators in 145 countries have organized WiMAX, but many use older 802.16d technology that however cannot provide mobile services, and many are small operators in developing countries or pastoral areas.[8] Conclusion:- In every generation, when there is a default, the next following generation gets rid of this and a new idea or notion is found as a result. However at some points this may be difficult to happen due to several reasons. The world is looking forward for the most intellectual technology that would bond the full earth. New ideas are being introduced by researchers throughout the world, but new ideas introduce new challenges. There are several issues yet to be solved like integrating the mobile world to the IP based core network, resourceful billing system, and smooth hand off mechanisms.

Organisational processes in the Walt Disney Company

Organisational processes in the Walt Disney Company According to De Wit and Meyer (2010) Organisational processes refer to the arrangements, procedures and routines used to control and coordinate the various people and units within the organisation. This can be both formalized processes that span the entire organisation, or more informal organisational processes. The first category can be processes such as business planning and control procedures, final budgeting and reporting. Other control and coordination processes are more limited in scope, such as new product development meetings, yearly sales conferences, weekly quality circles, web based expert panels and quarterly meetings with the board of directors. Informal organisational processes are more about personal networking and influencing decision-making through factors such as informal negotiation. The case of Walt Disney: Control and coordination mechanisms: Corporate governance guidelines: One of the internally control mechanisms in the Walt Disney Company is the supervision done by the board of directors. According to the Walt Disney Company web site, the responsibility of the board of directors is to supervise and direct the management of the company in the interest and the benefit of the companys stakeholders. The board act directly through committees and have the following duties: Overseeing the conduct of the companys business to evaluate whether the business being properly managed Reviewing/approving the companys major financial objectives, plans and actions Reviewing/approving major changes in, and determination of other major issues respecting the appropriate auditing and accounting principles and practices to be used in the preparation of the financial statements Assessing the major risk factors Regularly evaluate the performance and approving the compensation to the CEO. And with the advice of the CEO, evaluate the performance of principal senior executives Planning for succession with respect to the position of CEO and monitor management succession planning for other executives Delegate the authority and responsibility for managing the business in relation to guidelines (Disney Web page). The corporate administration of the company: Another control and coordination mechanism is The Walt Disney Company corporate team, who support services to the business units and affiliates of the Walt Disney Company. The individual responsibilities in this group can be strategic, tactical, diverse and specialized. It can span the whole organisation or focus more on the corporate division. This team work collectively to analyze potential opportunities, assess results and recommend future direction. The corporate planning and control group of the administration is divided into five units: Corporate controllership: This unit is responsible for overseeing the financial statements of the company and also other finance reporting and control functions. Tasks included for this group is developing presentations to senior management and the Audit committee of the board of directors concerning the financial performance of the company, as well as update of significant accounting standards. In addition to this, they work closely with investor relations and corporate communications departments with respect to financial communication. Management audit: The Partners with financial, operational and IT executives to understand their internal control environment, risk and risk mitigation activities. They develop and execute a plan to address key risks and also promote an overall risk and control awareness in the company. Enterprise Finance Processes: Is responsible for optimizing the companys finance and accounting operations. This is done through process improvement, finance system sustainability controls and data governance. As a result, they partner with controllership, planning and financial system support teams to maintain the ongoing efficiency of the financial systems and reliability of data. They also support the finance processes, reporting and system improvements for the company. Operations Planning: The focus and responsibility is on company-wide operating, long-range and capital planning, quarterly and annual earnings and cash flow forecasting. Furthermore all major capital projects and monitoring and assessment of all segment/business unit operating performance. Moreover they are evaluating the financial impact on key business decisions and alternatives, and projects aimed at improving the financial performance of the company. They also make proposals to the board of directors concerning these matters. Accounting Shared Services: Their mission is to provide exceptional service, low cost processing and value added information/consulting for enterprise vide accounting and HR functions. The group work with all the business units to consolidate and optimize transaction oriented processes. Corporate synergy and special projects: This unit under corporate administration of the company develops plans and strategies to foster collaboration across all business units. This department work with identifying, communicating and supporting the annual company-wide marketing and synergy initiatives and partners with the different divisions in order to drive those priorities into their business. Corporate Strategy business Planning and Technology: Work with business units to optimize their strategies at the segment level. One can also say that the end result of an organisational process is an organisation. In other words a whole consisting of unified parts acting in harmony to execute tasks to achieve the goals both effectively and efficiently (http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/The-Organizational-Process.topicArticleId-8944,articleId-8875.html). It can be said to be the process of the product life cycle. In The Walt Disney Company and its Media and Broadcasting segment, the company has established a culture were innovation is encouraged. As stated, Since our brand is innovative, entertaining and inviting, we create a similar learning environment that encourages employees to learn and develop in engaging and developing ways (http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/learning.html). As a result of this, the company offer a variety of training programs and learning opportunities. In addition to this the company recognize and reward their employees both individually and in teams (http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/rewards_and_recognition.html). This can also be said to be part of the organisational processes of the company.

Persuading their Mistresses in The Flea and To His Coy Mistress Essay

Persuading their Mistresses in The Flea and To His Coy Mistress Examine the ways in which the poets in The Flea and To His Coy Mistress try to persuade their mistresses. Both "The Flea" by John Donne and "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell are seduction poems, written by the poets to seduce their mistresses. Both have three stanzas and a basic couplet rhyming structure. Donne and Marvell are metaphysical poets from the 17th century. They have taken simple ideas and stretched them far - for example, using a flea as a symbol of union. They have made philosophical poems about simple facts of life - for example, the fear of death seen in "To His Coy Mistress". The similarity seen between these poems is quite surprising - the use of imagery, enjambement and variation in rhythm and rhyme to relate their ideas, and the way they put forward their arguments to seduce their mistresses. In "The Flea", the flea is used as a symbol of their love, or his love for her. The word 'flea' has many connotations and denotations, but interestingly, when spoken sounds the same as the verb, to 'flee'. In addition to perhaps suggesting the fleeting nature of love, the word also connotes danger: "to run away as from danger; to take flight; to try to escape", is the Oxford English Dictionaries definition. It can also connote an abrupt ending "to run away from, hasten away from; to quite abruptly, forsake (a person or a place, etc.)". This insight would give an added dimension to Donne's use of a flea in his poem. The OED also provides us with the definition "a small wingless insect well known for its biting propensities and its agility leaping." The finding that fleas do not have wings could be quite significant, because ... ...blood, and that sex with him will take no more from than the flea did. Marvell's first persuasion tactic is a romantic one - that he loves her so much she should have sex with him, the second persuasive argument is that if she doesn't have sex with him, time will pass and she will die a virgin. His last is again one of time - that they should take hold of time how they can, and make "him [Marvell personifies time in his poem] run". The imagery in "To His Coy Mistress" is very effective, and the use of a flea as a symbol in a love poem holds together quite well, even if it is a rather surprising choice. The enjambment in both poems really gives the poems meaning, creating a tone in each of them, and whether the mistresses they were trying to persuade were every actually persuaded or not, it is clear that the poets went to great lengths in their attempts.