Debenhams Strategy Analysis

A recent improvement in the wider market has boosted the retailer by almost 30% since the start of 2012, taking the shares towards the upper band of the downward channel. On 8. Xx earnings the valuation remains undemanding, but the relative valuation in comparison to the sector has narrowed recently. Furthermore, it doesn't have the tangible asset backing relating to property that many of the other major retailers have. Recent restructuring has reduced their net debt to IEEE. Million, but this still represents almost half the market capitalization.Many analysts are forecasting little pre-tax profit growth over the next few years and given the vulnerable technical outlook combined with possible downside macro-economic shocks, which is believed to be a stock to avoid in the short-term. Despite this environment, Deadbeats has taken market share in all of the major clothing categories as customers have responded favorably to the changes made to the design, quality and value of their prod ucts and the improved in- store environment. Overall, share of Deadbeats of the total clothing market increased by 0. %.Yips Triangle Internationalization – might be defined as a geographical dispersion activities across national borders or world widely connection. For instance, products that have been made or purchased abroad and been sold at home country. Industry Globalization Drivers * Cotton price rises * Growth potential in a market * Consumer uncertainty over Job cuts and income prospects share from Arcadia, Deadbeats and Next * M;S took * Multi-channel retailing Increase in market share * Declining conversion rates the new store acquisitions successfully Departure of key personnel and failure * to attract or retain talentFailure to develop and implement roll out or Industry Globalization Drivers – According to Yip (1992) there are four sets of factors such as cost, market, government and competitive drivers which affect company and drive the business towards th e internationalization. Deadbeats' Industry Globalization Drivers: * Cost Driver – Increased cost of product development relative to market life. For example, in 2010 Deadbeats has played down fears that its clothing will cost more because of cotton price rises.Floods in China and Pakistan have severely hit crops, pushing up wholesale prices to a 1 5-year high. According to chief executive of Deadbeats Pl. Rob Templeton cotton prices are only part of the equation. Prices are up 4% and volume is down 2%. What is driving inflation is Force (currency markets). Although high street retailer Deadbeats tried to calm fears, saying the harvest in India – the world's second biggest cotton producer – was expected to be very good, the company started looking for alternatives. * Market Driver – Growth potential in a market.Recently company has been very focused on looking at Deadbeats' price points. So what they have been doing over the last few months is consolidati ng some of Deadbeats' supply chain, reviewing where they are buying room and how they buy and, in some cases, lowering cost prices. In addition, high street retailer has revealed half-year pre-tax profits of El 20. Mm, a rise of 17. 9%. The boost to figures has helped by the opening of four new stores and the acquisition of Denmark leading department store chain Managing du Nor. Government Driver – Consumer uncertainty over Job cuts and income prospects. In 2010 September, Deadbeats were cutting prices by up to 25% rather than waiting for the traditional end of season sale. The main reason for those reductions was that Government spending cuts were still shaking consumer confidence. The BRB (British Retail Consortium) warned the growth figures were flattered by a dismal performance in August 2009 – the worst in the second half of that year. Even though, company was pushed to look for a place in other markets. Competitive Driver – Rise of ‘lead' companies. In 2002, Deadbeats shares fell 10 to IPPP as the market was slightly disappointed with the company's current trading figures where like-for-like sales grew by PC for the first six weeks of the second half. According to Luck Evenhanded, M&S chairman and chief executive during February and March M&S outperformed everyone else on the high street. The company took share from Arcadia, Deadbeats and Next. This situation pushed Deadbeats, which has 97 stores, to open another four in the next financial year.Global strategic levers look at strategic decision making process via which company participates in the global market. This model includes the latter market participation, variety of products and services, location of value added activities and competitive moves. Multi-channel retailing Deadbeats makes use of multiple retail channels to reach the end market. Besides the brick-and-mortar stores, Deadbeats offers its merchandise through an online store, www. Beams. Com. In the first half o f 2011, the company introduced a Euro- denominated website for the Republic of Ireland.Management and Organizational Factors Departure of key personnel and failure to attract or retain talent Recently Deadbeats faces significant delays and prevent achievement of business plans. In order to attract and retain talent, both succession and personal development plans are in place throughout the organization. In addition, target-led, performance-related incentive schemes exist. Even though, skilled and well-educated labor is not that easy to get, so Deadbeats are forced to develop and look for it in different sectors. Annoys MatrixMathematician and business manager Igor Annoys looks at alternative corporate growth strategies, which examines a company's growth opportunity from both market perspective and product or service perspective. Market penetration * Despite the current economic climate and competition, Deadbeats maintains and is expanding clothing space and productivity ( own, desig ners label and concession) between 2009/10 and 2011/12 through refurbishments and acquisitions both in the I-J and abroad (franchise and delivery services), competitive pricing (drastic sale promotions), advertising (Multiplicand – websites, APS and TV

Choose two scenes from Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ Essay

At the outset of this scene, we are able to ascertain due to the careful sculpturing of Shakespeare’s, that Lady Macbeth is a practical kind of women from what is emanated from her soliloquy, who is imbued with an aura of insecurity full of consternation for her husband’s dangerous ploy. She is ever weary of the â€Å"fatal bellman† who would signal the demise of her husband with the â€Å"stern’st goodnight† however here we can see the interwoven theme of death occurring with the allusion to the toll of the bell rung outside the cell of those condemned at Newgate Prison. This would also appeal to those in Jacobean times due to the current fixation with treason and the Gunpowder plot to eradicate the king, serving as a focusing device to grab the audience’s attention. As Lady Macbeth waits, the dramatic tension builds even once Macbeth enters the chamber, as he cries â€Å"who’s there?† At this point, she could be pacing the room, looking apprehensive also in the dark, which would further contribute to the effect when Macbeth enters trying to establish where she is. This would also serve in the general panic of the scene, as Lady Macbeth is held in suspense for the outcome of the murder, the audience focusing solely on her. Also in order to eliminate the need of special effects, this scene could be off stage until Lady Macbeth bursts in and meets Macbeth. The language used would add to the general confusion and tantalising suspense with Lady Macbeth and Macbeth trying to affirm what happened as succinctly as possible using words such as â€Å"when† and â€Å"how†, adding to the further dramatic tension caused from Macbeth’s return. Macbeth here is depicted as frightened, for case of arousing those who would sound the alarm, â€Å"hark† he cries. However as Macbeth tries to denigrate himself by saying â€Å"this is a sorry sight† reflecting on his hands we can see the bolstering of spirit by Lady Macbeth who dismisses it as a â€Å"foolish thought†. Here again as at the outset of the scene we can see Lady Macbeth’s practical character being manifested, which is also seen further on when she returns the daggers, the determination, which she exemplifies, is also seen in Act 1. Scene 5, where she pacifies Macbeth saying â€Å"leave all†¦ to me.† Macbeth by contrast is asphyxiated with the thought of sleep another theme invoked thought a characters actions, seen in this scene, as Macbeth’s feels due to his actions, he wont be able to sleep the â€Å"innocent sleep.† This theme is further emphasised by the repetition of â€Å"sleep no more†. Also religious issues are aroused disallowing him to say â€Å"Amen† which under the Divine Right Of Kings should be uttered freely. Due to his contravention of the Right, he is despised of the reverential features. These two features culminate to show the slow disarray of the psychological state in Macbeth in a gradual downward spiral in mental degradation as he tries to control his ways however is adamant to look on murder again â€Å"I dare not.† Lady Macbeth is then faced with returning the daggers, with residual feelings of vexation for Macbeth. She dismisses his excuse using a metaphor â€Å"are but as pictures† pertaining to the fact that his fears are figments of the imagination like someone in â€Å"childhood† really trying to humiliate Macbeth for who he is. Lady Macbeth uses words such as â€Å"gilt† and â€Å"grooms† which would infer a marital sense being eluded to in the breakdown of relationship and the overlaying of something new, however the words are used here in a negative sense. Despite Lady Macbeth’s plausible efforts to banish all evidence from their presence in taking the daggers back, she in fact relinquished herself with the killing of Duncan with the blood on her hands. We can see the effects later on in the play when she is sleep walking she cries â€Å"out damned spot† this could only point back to this scene, which is a turning point from which she never escapes, and Macbeth and Lady Macbeth almost amalgamate into one. Again we have in the latter part of this scene a knocking which not only is used as a dramatic device in a quiet scene but also as a â€Å"knell† to show from now on they must suffer the consequences for their actions. The stage would be dark and quiet with a loud muffled pounding on the door resonating throughout the stage, the audience being caught up in this climatic suspense, trying to emulate what the two were feeling. Not only do we have this dramatic device used but also the theme of blood further intimated to â€Å"wash this blood† would further magnify the overall tension. We can see further allusion to blood in Act 2. Scene 3, â€Å"badged with blood† which is a predominate theme running through this scene. As the knocking grows ever closer Lady Macbeth keeps her composure and is not shaken by the knocking she seeks to disembalm them from the murder she says â€Å"a little water† which would usually signify purity. This is an example of dramatic irony, in water being used to cleanse them from their part in this deed, despite the abhorrence of such sin in the sight of purity. She is a stark contrast in character portrayal to Macbeth who is fretting for fear of being found out along with the settling apprehension of what he’s done as he say’s of Duncan he would wake him â€Å"would thou could’st† portraying to the audience a change of mind within Macbeth who seeks to resurrect King Duncan however has to face the solemn fact he can’t. At the outset of this next scene I wish to look at we see Lady Macbeth and Macbeth for the first time depicted with their elevated social circle enjoying those with whom they associate with in a banquet to commemorate their regal status. Macbeth tries to paint this false faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ade in an attempt to stop any animosity from being portrayed but then jeopardises his ploy at being the â€Å"humble host† a subtle use of alliteration, by using the word â€Å"play.† This would infer a temporal state pertaining to a change as we can see in the latter part of the scene. A theme of appearance and reality is intimated here due to Macbeth’s appearance being a complete inverse to his inner thoughts, in seeking to veto Banquo’s life yet trying to proclaim himself in an unostentatious way. Which also could be perceived as dramatic irony. Macbeth at this early stage in the scene is fairly composed, however we can observe a gradual change as he meets with the murders, he then asks if Banquo has been â€Å"Dispatched.† Shakespeare’s ingenious use of the word could allude to two things, which is also linked with Act 1. Scene 5. In this instance it is used ostensibly to discern whether Banquo has been killed, however it is used earlier in the play in the sense of being efficacious in the ploy of Lady Macbeth, as regards to the demise of Banquo. This initial part of the scene could be staged with Macbeth consulting with the murders, behind an opaque screen which the audience could see, but not those at table, alluring to the secrecy of the situation contrasting with the revelry going on round the table. This would also draw the audience’s attention away from the table focusing them on Macbeth who is the pivotal one in this scene. Macbeth’s innate fears are seen in his speech saying: â€Å"I’m cabined, cribbed, confined bound in to saucy doubts and fears† Macbeth has no consolation, he is alone in his distress without the help of his wife on whom he so heavily relied, floundering for what to do next. The use of alliteration would make it even more emphatic, like a caged animal who has no hope, and it is here we are able to discern the pressure amounting infused with a weakness of mind, heralding the decline in mental degradation. It is then we have the entrance of Banquo’s ghost, a dramatic device building up tension even before Macbeth notices. In a modern day theatre to resemble a ghost would be a lot easier than in the Jacobean times, due to exquisite special effects which would captivate a modern audience, than those in afore times. Due to the lack of equipment to super impose, a ghost possibly couldn’t have been staged save for some one dressing up, however today’s sophisticated lighting could produce a realistic effect which would further add to the aura of tension emanating from this scene. Whilst Macbeth is in a quandary about where to sit, he is trying to banish this horrific sight from his mind he cannot abstain from saying; â€Å"Never shake they gory locks at me†, he simply cant tolerate the image any longer, whether this arose from the â€Å"heat oppressed† brain it is ambiguous, however Macbeth is firmly convicted of this terrible apparition which has come to taunt him. It is here Lady Macbeth steps in dismissing his accusations as â€Å"very paintings of your fear†; we can see again the practical side co-insiding with the portrayal in Act 2. Scene 2, alluring to the fact she is the dominant one in their relationship trying to bolster Macbeth amidst such breakdown Another theme of blood is made manifest in Macbeth’s speech here and later on when Banquo’s ghost reappears â€Å"blood hath been shed†, however he is bemused using metaphorical language there is a ghost saying â€Å"The brains were out†¦then man would die†¦an end.† Macbeth fails to grasp the concept of raising an apparition once a person has died. This however is an allusion to the further submergence in mental ruination as Macbeth elapses further into an irreparable state of mind. The ghost then makes a second appearance, more dramatic tension, filling the audience with a further sense of fear building up to a crescendo when Macbeth confronts the ghost. However we also see some dramatic irony emanating from his speech as he uses animal imagery, â€Å"armed rhinoceroses.† This is quite strange, as animals would symbolise a harmonic state of things, where as the thing Macbeth is describing is of a total contrast, used to emphasis the detrimental sight of Banquo’s ghost. The scene then draws to a close, alluring to the Divine Right Of Kings, along with religious issues invoked â€Å"blood will have blood.† This would also link back to the old Hebraic saying â€Å"Man who lives by the word will die by the sword† Macbeth has slighted the ways of the universe, the equilibrium has been altered, â€Å"Stones have been known to move† the hierachery of the heavens has been changed by false means in the demise of Duncan. Macbeth will have to reap what is sowed linking back to Act 2. Scene 2. Also mystics are pertained to in Macbeth’s speech â€Å"Understood relations by maggot-pies†, who had premonitions for the future beholding it in birds. Also reference to biblical saying â€Å"dust to dust† could be pertained to by reference of â€Å"maggots† referring to earthen things and ultimately death, which Macbeth will have to face. This would really captivate the attention of those in Jacobean times more effectively than those of the modern day, as they believed the supernatural, Shakespeare integrating it to focus the audience on Macbeth. The scene culminates in a theme of sleep linking back to Act 2 Scene 2, in Macbeth thinking this is the root of this â€Å"self abuse† however he say’s â€Å"young in deed† would reflect his mentality that he has further obstacles to clear to stop them hampering his seemingly aspiring progress, despite such denigration.

HMO versus Personality and Psychological Assessments Essay

HMO versus Personality and Psychological Assessments - Essay Example â€Å"gut feeling† to evaluate the state of mind or personality characteristics of another, objective personality tests increase the accuracy of a personality test, and decrease the bias of an observer and or tester, from confounding the results of the test. Studies consistently show that individual judgments are sensitive to error based on socio-cultural, biological, personal, environmental and other contextual influences. At an unconscious level, the human observer filters information (i.e., perceives it) though biases created through personal belief systems, values, attitudes, incomplete knowledge, and distractions in the environment (PAN, 2005). However, this does not imply that personality tests are able to take the place of the professional judgment of the therapist/analyst. The personality test is not usually completed in isolation to other measures to determine aspect of the personality, as well as other sources of information (e.g., personal interview, GP diagnosis, input from family and friends, other psychometric tests). Personality tests can be assured of their validity and reliability when they have been professionally designed, and scored and interpreted by individuals trained to do so. Though these measures, a professional therapist/analyst is able to draw informed conclusions in a holistic manner, about the whole person, at this point in time. With ensured high accuracy and consistency in scoring and outcomes, a fairer personality test allows an employer to increase the likelihood they will recruit personal who align with their job role, and the employer is better able to determine training needs, to proved the most appropriate form of training, and is able to evaluate the training methods as well as the hired and trained personal (PAN, 2005; Perry, 1992). This is the result of years, sometimes decades of empirical research testing and retesting the construction, reliability and validity of the test. A study by Vujanovic, Zvolensky, Bernstein,

Discuss how Market-Led Strategies can Help Business to Drive Growth Essay

Discuss how Market-Led Strategies can Help Business to Drive Growth and Sustain Competitive Advantage - Essay Example Every business company is constituted by the large number of departments pertaining to marketing, finance, operations, human resources and the like. Again the business company in order to exist in the region or stated market need to operate based on some clear-cut objectives. The objectives of the business in total are required to match the objectives of the different departments or business units operating in the particular company. Thus the different business units are departments are required to operate and work out their policies in such a manner as to help in meeting the objectives of the concern as a whole. Hence if the business leader of the company focuses on devising strategies that would help in gaining a larger market share and profitability growth the work of the production, finance, marketing and operation departments needs to be streamlined in such direction also. Thereby it is found that effective orientation of the business policies of each of the several departments or business units would help the company to achieve its stated objectives (Graham, H., 2008, p8). Use of Market Led Strategy in Different Businesses Market United States Market Harrah’s Entertainment is a United States based company operating in the Casino Game sector. The company is found to operate on a business strategy that focuses on the changing demands of the consumers in the market. Harrah’s Entertainment that operates based on a set of 26 casinos spread around 13 states is found to take resort of a customer loyalty program help gain the advantage of a niche consumer base. A through market research was conducted by the company to help gain information about potential consumer needs in order to design the loyalty program accordingly. The business through the devising of its customer loyalty program gained the potential of both business growth and profitability where only around 26 percent of the consumers contributed to 82 percent of its total business revenues (Cravens, D.W. and Piercy, H.F., 2006, p.133). European Market In regards to the European market the case of Toyota can be traced where the company during the 1990s was facing heavy downturn owing to its sedentary and dull image. The company focused on its competitor, Volkswagen decided of

Sentencing and the Eighth Amendment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sentencing and the Eighth Amendment - Essay Example clearly states that if a person is convicted more than two times for minor offenses, the third strike will either lead to a 25 year jail term or life imprisonment (Schmalleger, 2006). It was unfair to jail a person for life because he stole a bottle of vitamins. Furthermore, the court viewed the matter as a petty theft due to hunger, but the law had to be applied. Similar cases of certiorari denial will probably appear in future. This is due to the recent increase of offenses all across America, California included. Shoplifting is not something new, and the trend appears not to be dropping soon (Schmalleger, 2006). According to the California courts, the three strikes law will always apply to offenders with more than three criminal records. This can only be changed if the courts decide to amend their law. The three strikes law should apply only to severe and serious crimes. The same case applies here. It is rare for a court to go against its laws and judge a case out of common sense (Schmalleger, 2006). Hence, if a case such as Riggs is heard in the future, then the verdict will still be the same. This could only change if the courts decide to amend their

Hershey's Sweet Mission Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hershey's Sweet Mission - Personal Statement Example This paper tells that active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. Workers that are active listeners are able to communicate better with their colleagues. The new appraisal system must identify traits that are important in the performance of a particular employee. The company will monitor other personality traits of the employee that can impact performance. Diversity can be spread further into a corporate culture giving minority jobs in which they have to perform a supervisory role. Diversity in team activities has the benefit of fostering creativity among team members. Creativity helps workers provide better ideas and alternative solutions. As a Hershey, employee my perspective and motivation would be to comply with the vision and mission of the company. The first value that I would apply in my everyday interactions with my co-workers is teamwork. â€Å"Teamwork occurs when group members work together in ways that utili ze their skill well to accomplish a purpose†. In the corporate environment of the 21st-century, teamwork has become a critical success factor for corporations. Teamwork can help Hershey create an environment of trust and mutual respect. My mentality as a Hershey employee would be to cooperate with my colleagues at all times. Teamwork and cooperation are two desirable work outcomes. I would maintain good communication with my supervisors and with the other employees of the company. The employees of Hershey represent the corporate image of the company. It is important for them to behave properly with the utmost moral values during both their work and personal time. A second trend that is going to impact human resource professionals in the future is an increased dependency on technological tools. One of the HR practices gaining popularity in the work environment of the 21st century is empowerment. â€Å"Empowerment is increasing in popularity because it helps firms reduce their administrative expenses† (Worldbank, 2011). The employees at Hershey would benefit from empowerment because more responsibility will be given to them. The moral of the workers also improves due to the use of empowerment. Hershey is an enterprise with a global workforce. The use of empowerment can help streamline the work and reduce beaurocracy. The motivation of the employees also increases as a consequence of the use of empowerment. Giving greater responsibility to the employees of Hershey should provide valuable work experience to the workers. Empowerment is also beneficial to a company because it frees up a lot of managerial time that can be used in more productive practices such as strategic planning. The use of empowerment also increases employee satisfaction. Employees that are happy at work produce at a higher level. The use of mentoring is an HR practice that can benefit Hershey in a variety of manners. The mentoring relationship is composed of a mentor and a protege. The protege receives training and knowledge from the mentor. The training the mentor provides will help the protege achieve his daily activities for the company. Mentorship is an efficient and cost-effective way to help in the developmental process of an employee. One of the drawbacks of using mentorship to develop the skills and abilities of employees is that the technique is limited to the amount of managerial time at disposal.  

Competition and financial stability Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Competition and financial stability - Essay Example The competition is always seen as a requirement necessary for efficiency of the banking system. Although varied theoretical and empirical studies have attempted to argue that monopoly offer banks higher incentives to improve their financial performance, competition in the banking sector have also enabled banks to compete favorably; thus enabling banks to achieve their demanding needs effectively (Schinasi and International Monetary Fund, 2006). This is because of the notion that vulnerability and restraints on competition are necessary for preserving the stability of the banking system in the current financial market; therefore, the essay offers a critical assessment of the trade-offs between competition in the banking system and financial stability. Advantages of Competition Competition is desirable in the banking system because it contributes to increased competitive business performance across the banking sector (Marinc, 2012). The charter-value for competition stability theory as sumes that the more concentrated and less competitive banking systems, the higher chances of becoming more stable. The contrasting perspective to this theory is that a more concentrated banking structure may lead to more bank frailty. Boyd, De Nicolo and Jalal (2010) argue that market control in banking system increases profits, but bank steadiness ignores the prospective impact of market powers for banks. The authors argue that the higher interest rates in the banking sector may induce the banking industries to assume greater risks; hence, they find a positive relationship between concentration and bank fragility (Kohn, 2003). Many banking system support competition feebleness and this had significantly contributed to financial volatility in many banks across Canada and the UK. Therefore, the less bank rivalry, the less credit rationing and higher chance of malfunction in case loans are subjected to multiplicative reservations. Competition and higher level of concentration in the b anking sector can also create a positive impact on liability menace. Boyd, De, Jalal and International Monetary Fund (2009) argue that less competition in banking system can contribute to more financial stability in case information about the probability distribution of liquidity of the depositor is private. Allen, Carletti, Gale and Centre for Economic Policy Research (2011) assert that it is crucial to prevent banks from taking excessive risks in the competitive markets. Hence, the deposit interest rate ceilings are vital even with capital requirements. Beck, Beck and World Bank (2008) argues that concentration is not a consistent rivalry signal in the banking sector; thus, the bank illiquidity can augment in any fiscal market structure. Therefore, lower competition in the banking system is crucial because it enables banking relationships to endure for a long period. Drawbacks of Competition Competition in the financial market can impact steadiness in the banking system in diverse ways; first, competition can impact financial stability is through the interbank market system and through the payment system channels. Allen and Gale (2000) argue that perfect competition can prevent banks from offering liquidity to other banks that have been strike by short-term liquidity shortage. Therefore, there is no bank that will have adequate incentive to offer liquidity to the banks that have problems in case all banks are price takers.

In the near future,cities will need to become increasingly energy Essay

In the near future,cities will need to become increasingly energy efficient. Outline at least three strategies for energy efficiency and their advantages for modern cities.Refer to one or more cities - Essay Example It is leading the world by example in energy efficiency despite being the home of one of the best mass rail transit networks, holding dense urban population and a high-tech neon-lit lifestyle. Their wide usage of electric heat pumps (EHP) gives them the ability to maintain low carbon emission profile. Furthermore Tokyo also utilizes water and thermal energy using EHP, which is broadly accessible around Tokyo districts. If things go as planned, Tokyo could possibly be among world’s lowest carbon emitting cities. Tokyo’s energy efficient ways are different and somewhat better than western conventional simulations (Hitoshi & Yoshitaka, 2008. Page; 1). This small essay looks at various methods employed by Tokyo which is one of the most populated cities of the world. And looks more closely at some selected methods those stand out from the rest that Tokyo incorporates to save energy. First one is the reduced consumption of gasoline and reduction in greenhouse gases. The second factor for energy efficiency is Thermal Power production and the last factor in this essay is the Lifestyle of the people of Tokyo. Tokyo is a jam packed city and this is a compliment. The city is well equipped with railway transit system which considerably reduces fuel consumption; people either use public transport, ride a bicycle or simply walk to their work. Preference to buy a house near railway station is significantly high and apartment prices drop if they are located far away from such public facilities. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is well on its way in Tokyo. Moreover the structure of buildings is such that it accommodates more people by occupying less space. Road network throughout Tokyo is dense and is made for the primary purpose of walking. People of Tokyo are accustomed to this style of life which enables them to efficiently use their energy resources (Hitoshi & Yoshitaka, 2008, page; 2). Other factor that contributes to energy efficiency is Tokyo Metropolitan

Critical Review of Related Literature Essay Example for Free

Critical Review of Related Literature Essay The economic system is the the method in which a country produces, distributes and consumes goods and services. An economic system must answer four basic economic questions that will direct a nations economic activity (Pride, Hughes and Kapoor, 2010): †¢ What goods and services- and how much of each- will be produced? †¢ How will these goods and services be produced? †¢ For whom will these goods and services be produced? †¢ Who owns and who controls the major factors of production? Four types of economic systems have been formulated and implemented throughout human history. These are: traditional economy, command economy, capitalist/free economy and mixed economy. Traditional economy is based on culture, tradition and rituals. This type of economy, which developed gradually characterized by slow productivity and low rising capital-labor ratios, usually consist of agriculture based societies (Mokyr, 1989). Command economies are economies in which the government owns and controls major factors of production. Also called centrally planned economy, the government decides on all issues regarding labor, mode of production and what goods and services to produce. Socialist and communist societies are examples of command economies. However, most leaders of these forms of government realized that although it was based on the principle of equality, the system was inefficient leading to shortages or surplus of products which usually resulted in political unrest (Taylor, 2007). Capitalist economic system is a system wherein individuals and private enterprises own and operate the major factors of production. Based on the lassiez-faire theories of Adam Smith in which individuals are given the freedom to utilize resources as they deem fit. The role of the government is limited to regulation and creating economic rules. This system promotes competition and prices of goods and services are determined by the mechanisms of supply and demand (Pride et. al. 2010). The last type of economy is the mixed economy wherein the advantages of capitalism or free market economy is combined with some of the principles of a command economy. In this economic form, goods and services are exchanged between households and firms. The government, on the other hand still regulates and imposes rules, but i\an important responsibility of it is to collect taxes from business owners and its citizens, which will enable to also provide goods and services such as education, infrastructure and security (Pride et. al. , 2010). In this context, the market (producers of goods) answer the â€Å"wants† while the government provides the â€Å"need†. Economic Shift These economic systems have created economic shifts that determined the primary products of that economic era and the modes of production. In the traditional economies, agriculture was the main form of industry. In fact, economists estimate that the British economy in 1760 was comprised of almost 90% agriculture industries (Mokyr, 1989). However, the advent of the Industrial revolution changed the economic landscape from agriculture to industrial. The introduction of machines, technological innovations and assembly lines in to the modes of production shifted the economy form producing agricultural products to manufactured products. Post-World War Two and increasing globalization would witness another global economic shift. Again, technology played key role in the rise of service economies. Service economies are not directly engaged in manufacturing but is involved in the â€Å"provision of human value added in the form of labour, advice, managerial skill, entertainment, training, intermediation and the like† (OECD, 2000). The rapid development of information and communication (ICT) technologies have allowed companies to tap on the knowledge and intellectual properties of economies packaging them as a distinct economic output. This form of economy has bled into different industry sectors such as ICTs and healthcare, as companies are pressured to â€Å"concentrate on core competencies, reduce costs, exploit external, specialized expertise, giving rise to business process outsourcing companies. This has enabled foreign companies to tap into other foreign countries labor providing much needed jobs especially for developing countries. The shifting of economies, the development of technology and the success of mass production has led to the commodification of products and services. This has stripped away the personalization of products and services, mutating relationships into an exchange relation or as Karl Marx (1978) called it â€Å"callous cash payment†. Pine and Gilmore (1999), point out that although commodification has led to cost-savings, it no longer breeds growth and profitability. Thus, they reveal that there is another aspect of economy that has not fully been explored and tapped by businesses. They labelled this new approach as the Experience economy. Companies that identify experience as a distinct â€Å"economic output† are given new horizons to expand their businesses. Experience= â€Å"Economic Output† The concept of an experience economy is rooted in the principles of creating â€Å"sensations† between the consumer and the product creating â€Å"memorable† experiences (Pine and Gilmore, 1999). This economic strategy engages the customer, customizing products and services according to their needs and wants, turning the them into not just passive users of products but as important factors in the creation and marketing of the product. Pine and Gilmore (1999) refer to the coffee bean as a perfect example of the effect of experience as an â€Å"economic output†. The coffee bean is a commodity that if manufactured and sold as a good in a grocery sees a jump of between 5-10 percent in ts price from a raw commodity to a manufactured and packaged good. However, when a cup of coffee is sold in cafes and coffee shops, its effectively jumps to 100-300% percent of its raw price and people are still willing to pay for it? Why? Pine and Gilmore attribute this willingness to the â€Å"experience† factor that cafes and coffee shops add to the cup of coffee. The added experience of an ambiance of comfort, relaxation and satisfaction effectively raises the value of the cup of coffee. And yet, customers are willing to pay for that expensive cup of coffee because the drinking of one is no longer focused on the coffee itself (although the quality of the product still has the biggest percentage in the satisfaction criteria) but on the whole experience of drinking it. Experience itself is not a new concept, but economists and producers of goods have , in the past, attached it to the delivery of services that its power is largely unappreciated and tapped (p. 2). However, Pine and Gilmore (1999) reiterate that â€Å"experiences are as distinct from services as services are from goods† (p. 3). When a person buys a service, he purchases a set of intangible activities carried out on his behalf. But when a buys an experience, he pays to spend time enjoying a series of memorable events that a company stages-as in a theatrical play- to engage him in a personal way. (p. 2) It is through this concept of a theatre and stage that the authors initially frame the concept of experience economy. The consumers are the actors in theatres, stages and plays which are prepared, scripted and planned by companies. Thus, for the experience to be truly credible and believable, manufacturers and suppliers must change their perspective from merely providers to â€Å"stagers of events†. Customers and clients are no longer viewed as just but are treated as guests. The stagers of events must therefore be flexible, ready to adapt to the demands of their guests. This relationship between the stager and guest is much more deeper than â€Å"the callous payment of cash† referred to by Marx (1978) but actually creates a relationship between both parties building on trust and quality service. Although experience economy have primarily been associated with the entertainment industry, with the efforts of theme parks and movies to deliver realistic and truly interactive attractions through the use of 3D technology, surround sound and, in the case of Walt Disney theme parks, productions that immerse the â€Å"sights, sounds, tastes, aromas and textures† of their guests (Gilmore and Pine, p. 3). However, other industries have taken notice of this approach. Service industries such as restaurants are investing on ambiance and in services that engage all the sensations of their guests to create unique dining experiences. IT companies are racing to create much more powerful processors to create ICT experiences that are â€Å"interactive and life-like† (Grove, 1996). It has also been adapted by parking lots, department stores, appliance repairmen, and increasingly by businesses themselves to create much more dynamic and productive workplaces by bringing employees and the products closer. Evidently, the experience economy has become a philosophy for companies that seek to distinguish themselves from the competition. In this light, what industries have been greatly transformed by this philosophy? What strategies did they create in order to provide their guests with unique experiences? Did the adoption of this philosophy bring about positive effects? Or did it further lead to consumer alienation? This paper will attempt to answer these questions by reviewing cases of experience cases and provide a picture of the effect of this strategies. A critique of the philosophy will attempt to reveal its strengths, weaknesses and limitations when applied in the real world. Review of Related Literature The Cruise Ship Experience A doctoral dissertation study by Hosany and Witham (2009) focused on the cruisers experiences and analyzed the relationships between tourists experiences and personal evaluation of satisfaction and feedback. Based on the conceptualization of tourism experiences by Oh, Fiore and Jeoung (2007), the study hoped to contribute on the experiential concept of tourism by enhancing its theoretical progress and advancing important implications for cruise markets (Hosany and Witham, 2009). Oh, Fiore and Jeoung (2007) conduced a study that sought to provide empirical evidences of the experience economy as posited by Pine and Gilmore (1999). Using the setting of a Bed and Breakfast Inn, which has been identified as highly experiential in nature (McIntosh and Siggs, 2005), guests were asked to measure their lodging experiences. Utilizing a rigorous and methodologically sound approach to scale development, Oh et. al. (2007) were able to create a sound and valid scale which measured tourism experiences. The main objective of Hosany and Whithams study therefore was to validate the measure developed by Oh et. al. (2007) by applying it to the context of cruise tourism. This main objective was supported by two specific objectives: †¢ to identify the underlying dimensions of cruisers experiences †¢ to investigate the relationship between cruisers experiences, satisfaction and intention to recommend The study chose to examine the cruiser experience since these trips offered â€Å"total escape, safe transportation to exotic destinations, Vegas style entertainment, luxurious pampering service, quality food and beverage, innovative onboard features and awe-inspiring aesthetics among others† (p. 5). Cruise vacations are chosen because of their promise of luxurious care and entertainment (Cartwright and Baird, 1999) and are laden with experiential benefits that engage tourists in a unique social experience (Kwortnik, 2006). Employing survey method, the Oh et. al. (2007) tourism experience scale was reworked in order to apply to the context of the study. Variables such as: cruisers experience, memory, arousal, overall perceived quality, intention to recommend and satisfaction were measured along with other variable of interest such as demographic variables that included: gender, age, travel companion, number of past cruises taken, and nationality. The four dimensions of experience: education, entertainment, aesthetics and escapism were represented with four statements and were rated using a 7-point scale ranging from [1] strongly disagree to [7] strongly agree. Variables such as arousal and memories about the cruise experience were also measured using 7-point scales. Overall perceived quality and overall satisfaction were assessed through two items each (poor/excellent and inferior/superior, and extremely dissatisfied/extremely satisfied and terrible/delighted respectively). Finally, respondent;s intention to recommend were measured using the question â€Å"How likely is it that you would recommend this cruise to family and friends or family members† and through a scale of [-3] extremely unlikely and [+3] extremely likely. Data collection was done aboard the cruise ship â€Å"Rhapsody of the Seas† which is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line. It was achieved by approaching the cruisers less than hour after disembarking from the ship and while waiting for their coach transfers. All in all, 169 questionnaires were accomplished out of the 1859 guests onboard. The study established the validity and generalisability of the Oh et. al. (2007) measure for tourism experience. Data also revealed that the four realms of experience (education, entertainment, aesthetics and escapism) can be applied in the context of cruise experiences and still be proved reliable and valid. Although the four dimensions varied in their importance in explaining the variable outcomes of arousal, memory, overall perceived quality, satisfaction and intention to recommend, the results were similar with Oh et. al. (2007) which identified aesthetics as the main factor in experiential outcomes. This also agrees with Kwortniks (2008) conclusions that a ships design and ambient features affect cruisers emotions and behaviors. Hosany and Withams (2009) findings on entertainment contradicted Oh et. al. (2007) in that it was found to be the second strongest determinant of outcome variables. The study attributes this to the reputation of cruise ships as entertainment havens. Education and escapism dimensions were found to be of little consequence to the cruise ship experience. The study also found out that the four dimensions of cruisers experiences have direct impacts on passengers intention to recommend. Overall, Hosany and Withams study provide tangible and empirical findings that back-up the concept of experience economy posited by Gilmore and Pine (1999). The studys initiative to investigate the concepts application on an industry that has yet to be fully explored but is a perfect setting for investigating experience economy is the its greatest strength. The literature review of the study provides rich, background detail on the concepts of experience economy and other recent studies on the cruise ship industry. However, the sample of the study barely scratched the population of the its main study. The time constraint (two weeks) and the focus on only one cruise ship could be seen as the greatest weaknesses of the study. It would have been interesting to see a comparison of experiences between two cruise ships that ply the same cruise route. A lack of the effect of cruise ship employee behavior on the overall experience is an area that should have been investigated but was overlooked. This should have been an important factor for the study since Gilmore and Pine reinforces the importance of the companys interaction in setting the feel for the â€Å"stage of experience. † the study also did not take into account the sociological aspect of the cruise, such as the effect of other cruisers behavior on the whole experience. Despite these, the findings of the study that revealed its greatest contribution by proving the validity of Oh et. al. s (2007) tourism measure. This is a giant step for the further investigation of experience economy by providing a reliable test that can be applied in different tourism contexts. Experience Economy in the Rural Context Isaac Kwamena Arthurs (2008) paper entitled â€Å"Conceptualisation of Experience Economy as Competitive Advantage for Rural Food Industry and Rural development† sought to introduce a framework which can be applied to the rural food industry in order for it to attain a competitive edge in an experience economy. The paper presents evidences that point to the positive implications of experience economy on business profits and community development. Studies have proven that experience economies add value to rural businesses (Fiore et. al, 2007), its usefulness in industries such as tourism (Richard, 2001; Hayes and Macleod, 2006; Oh et,al. 2007), small city development (Lorentzen et. al. , 2007) and its implication on the development of urban sports and recreation settings (Howell, 2005). Despite most experience economists identifying its products as â€Å"competitive† (Lorentzen, 2008) and providing a higher degree of â€Å"customer satisfaction and profitability† (Sims et. al. , 2007), they do not present any framework or theory to guide firms in maintaining this competitive advantage. Thus, Arthurs paper sought to provide a deeper understanding of experience economy through the presentation of strategic approaches that can be adapted by rural food industries to maintain competitive advantage. Guided by the research question: â€Å"what is the experience economy and what strategic approaches exist for experience producers in the rural food industry to utilize in achieving competitive advantage? † (Arthur 2008, p. 2), the paper analyzed different views on strategic management concepts while adapting on Gilmore and Pine (1999) concept of experience economy. Employing an extensive literature review, Arthur (2008) explores the concepts of experience economy and its applications drawing mostly on the works of Gilmore and Pine (1999). he reveal that although earlier authors have identified the concept of â€Å"experience industries† (Toffler 1970, p. 221), it was Gilmore and Pine that â€Å"indicated a new orientation of experience, which is central to creating events around products† (Arthur 2008, p. 3). This idea of creating events around products therefore create experiences (such as an educational show on how a product is manufactured) which becomes the package in which products are marketed and sold. In applying the experiential economy concept on rural food industry, Arthur (2008) focused on the two forms of experience realms: customers â€Å"passive† or â€Å"active† involvement and the level of â€Å"immersion† or â€Å"absorption†. These two forms delineate the individuals participation in the experience and the bond that is created between the consumer and the experience (Gilmore and Pine 1999, p. 30-31). Arthur (2008) then enumerates different examples of experiential economy at work in the rural food industry, such as the local food producers organizing food processing festivals wherein consumers can watch how food products are prepared. For further immersion, Arthur (2008) suggests educational tours that introduce consumers to the inner workings of food processing plants and by encouraging their participation in some of the processes. The escapist realm of experience can be attained by customers â€Å"being engaged in the production and processing of their product† (Arthur 2008, p. 5). He also suggests the creation of theme parks and utilization of venues where consumers can purchase various food products in order to engage the aesthetic realm of experience economy. In discovering a framework for maintaining competitive advantage, Arthur (2008) first defined the parameters of competitive advantage. He cites Besanko,et. al. (2007) definition as his basis for identifying competitive advantage as the â€Å"firms specific abilities to do or achieve things which are superior over their competitors in the market (Arthur 2008, p. 7). Arthur identifies three models which can be utilized to attain competitive advantage in the rural food industry: five Force model, resource-base view, and the relational view. The five force model identifies an industrys profitability (Porter, 1985; Grant, 2002 and Xu et. al. , 2006) and offers an understanding that competition is not merely between competitors but involves the whole process of production and its players. The identification of these five forces are attributed to Porter (1985, p. 4): †¢ threat of new market entrants †¢ threat of substitute products or services †¢ bargaining power of suppliers †¢ bargaining power of buyers †¢ rivalry among competitors The resource base view looks at the â€Å"internal organizational resources and capabilities to achieve competitive advancement in a selected environment† (Douglas and Ryman, 2002). This framework looks at how a firms uniqueness can give it an edge against its competitors (Grant, 2002). Various management literatures identify relational view as the â€Å"inter-firm relations† which gives rise to a firms profitability (Dyer and Singh, 1998; Duschek, 2003; Douglas and Ryman, 2003). It sheds light on the importance of networking in creating competitive advantage. In combining these three models, Arthur (2008) provides a framework for rural food industries that builds upon the five force understanding of the prospects of obtaining competitive advantage through experience offerings in the rural food industry, strengthened by the firms identification and utilization of its capabilities and resources according to the resource base view model, and finally, through a seeking out and building of strategic alliances (based on the relational view model) to cement its position in the industry. Although Arthur (2008) was able to identify the contribution and importance of experience economy in different industry sectors,it was not able to provide new insight on the topic. This can be attributed to the methodology adapted by the study and its heavy reliance on the works of Gilmore and Pine (1999). However, it was able to achieve its both its objectives with the discovery of a framework for maintaining competitive advantage in rural food industries by reviewing and combining three strategic management models. This is the study greatest strength since it pioneers initiatives towards the creation of frameworks which cater to the performance of industries in the experience economy. But, its the studys greatest strength is also its biggest pitfall. With the absence of a real data gathering research methodology and reliance on previous works, Arthurs (2008) suggested framework remains a hypothesis and not yet a valid theory as it remains to be tested and operationalized within the context of the rural food industry. On a positive note, the author does plan to test his conceptual framework in a empirical case study of the Thisted food industry in Denmark. Exploring the Inner Sanctum of Experience Mark van Doorn of Philips Research presents a fresh look at the concept of experinec economy in his paper entitled An Inside Story on the Experience Economy (2006). In this paper, Doorn (2006) explores the concept of experience as a cognitive process that shapes the individuals consumption behavior and answers the need for â€Å"psychological self-determination and well-being† (p. 1). An analysis of literature leads Doorn (2006) to cite Turners Literary Mind which explains that top understand the mind, one must dwell on the body and the â€Å"primitive underpinnings of the mind† (Doorn 2006, p. 2). Turner gives importance to the story or â€Å"narrative imaging† as the main component of â€Å"thought, crucial for planning, evaluating, explaining, for recalling the past and imaging the future† (Turner 1996, p. 4-5). Turner reveals that the human mind engages in experiences by creating narratives to explain even the simplest of acts (p. 13). This follows with Cognitive Science Theories that state that experiences are absorbed by the senses and processed by the mind. Doorn (2006) also explores the concept of ambient narratives wherein individuals are immersed in an interactive experience created from a mixture of virtual and real world concepts which they can change according to their own experiences. Doorns (2006) analysis of experience economy is such a departure from the usual studies on the topic. His paper reveals the connection between economics, psychology and literature by dispelling normal academic notions of experience economy as rooted in the delivery of personalized and highly specialized products and services. He posits that the melding of literature and performance with business and technology can actually lead to a much more interactive and effective experiential economy. However, Doorns (2006) analysis only reveals these connections and yet ends up with more questions regarding the creation of a â€Å"grand unification theory† (p. 10) that will answer and describe the cognitive processes of experience economy. Impacts of Experience Most studies undertaken under experience economy seeks to measure the â€Å"experience†, overlooking the impact of â€Å"experience economy† on the society in general and its effects on tourism. Joanie Willet answers this dearth of literature in her study entitled Cornwalls Experience of the Experience Economy; Longitudinal impacts (2009). The paper will investigate the impact of experience economy on a selected area by evaluating socio-economic changes which have resulted from regional experience strategies and the impact of experience economy discourses on the area. Cornwall, England will be the case study of regional economies that really heavily on tourism. The paper is guided by the following objectives: †¢ Review the Key Tenets of the Experience Economy according to Gilmore and Pine (1999) †¢ Discuss experience economy with regards to Cornwall †¢ Trace socio-economic changes in Cornwall brought about by experience economy Findings of the study reveal that underneath Cornwalls image as a wealthy tourism destination is a society plagued by â€Å"severe inequalities and deprivation† (p. 10). Government efforts to create an idealized English setting to promote tourism has constrained the economic opportunities in Cornwall. Willet (2009) reveals that efforts to create a unique English â€Å"experience† for tourists have led to sociological impacts detrimental on the Cornish locals. However, Willet (2009) discovers that Gilmore and Pine (1999) provides a provision wherein the personalization of â€Å"guests experiences† require locals to adopt advanced skills and educational assessments which will balance out the detrimental effects of the experiential economy. Willets (2009) study provides a holistic picture on the true sociological impacts of the rise of experience economies. This study revealed that the ideals of Gilmore and Pines (1999) of customized services and unique services does not necessarily lead to the development of both the consumer and producer. However, the study would have yielded deeper empirical evidence by employing research methods a such as surveys with both tourists and locales ad interviews with the key players in the Cornwall micro-economy. But overall, Willets study is a cautionary tale that reveals the two-sides of economic ideas. Lise Lycks lecture on Experience Economy as an Instrument to Create Economic Profitability presents the other side of Willets study. Employing case study to describe the hotel economic landscape of Copenhagen and analysis on three frontrunner hotels in Copenhagen, the investigation sought to answer two primary objectives: â€Å"Shall hotels invest in experience economy? † and â€Å"How do risk and business cycle development influence decision-making and profitability? † The methods revealed that with the construction of the Oresund Bridge brought a large influx of clients in accommodations for Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmo, Sweden. This led to an expansion in the number of hotels in the Oresund region, totaling to 196 hotels with 19,036 rooms in total. This economic expansion has led to hotels banking on a delivery of unique accommodations through the employment of experience economy. The case study focused on three hotels in particular: Hotel Fox (formerly Old Park Hotel), Hotel Skt,. Petri and Guldsmeden Hotel. The utilization of unique marketing techniques, innovations in core values and hotel concepts and the focus on consumer behavior have indeed turned the hotels adoption of the experience economy into profits and the establishment of new and better images. The case study also revealed that there was a dependency to business cycle development, which guided the creation of a framework that was specifically catered to the investment in hotels. This model, when applied to the case studies, rendered useful decision-making insights in the context of experience economy investment projects. This study presents another framework that is useful in the application of experience economy in real world situations. The study was able to demonstrate that through innovative industry practices and a full commitment to the delivery of unique experiences can indeed yield profits especially for service sectors such as hotel chains. Once again, this study blurs the distinction between the delivery of service and experience. Is is however evident that in the context of hotels, the delivery services are much more effective and appreciated when packaged as an experiential product. Research Proposal The review of related literature revealed the different aspects in which the economics of experience have been investigated. The manner in which experience economy was investigated mirrored an outward spiral model in which early studies focused on the description, distinction and investigation of the â€Å"experience† itself. Studies that focused on these were able to reveal the importance of consumer behavior in influencing the type of experience to be delivered. Most early studies also sought to prove or disprove the initial principles posited by Gilmore and Pine in their assertion of the experience as a separate â€Å"genre of economic output† (Gilmore and Pine, introduction) â€Å"distinct from services as services are from goods† (p. 2). However, recent studies on the topic have led to a widening of horizons, and stepping out from the core of the spiral model of experiential economic research. These studies, such as Willet and Lyke, explore the socio-economic impacts of the real world implementation of experience economy. These studies have revealed the positive and negative impacts on businesses and communities, both cautioning and encouraging economic policy-makers and decision-makers. Useful data culled from the review of related experience economy literature for the research proposal would be the tourism experience measure of Oh et. al. (2007) discussed and adapted by Hosany and Witham (2009) in their own investigation of cruisers experiences. The study can utilize and adapt this tool in measuring tourist behavior and satisfaction towards Thai indigenous tourism products. Although Arthurs study is merely a proposal, its ideas on the local implementation of experience economy and its framework for competitive advantage can be applied on the case study of the Four Seasons hotel and the Rose Garden Hotel. The numerous case studies presented in the review of related literature can provide a useful guide for analyzing the economic viability of experience economy in the context of Thai tourism. Especially of value is the last case study of hotels in Copenhagen which provided a framework and guidelines in the implementation of investment projects based on experience economy. The research proposal can then prove or disprove the validity of the framework by applying it to experience economy investment projects in the context of Asian countries. References: Taylor, John. (2007). â€Å"Economics. † Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. Mokyr, Joel (ed. ). (1989). â€Å"The Economics of Industrial Revolution. † Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. Pride, William, Hughes, Robert and Kapoor, Joey. (2010). â€Å"Business. † Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (2000). â€Å"The Service Economy. † Science Technology Industry. OECD. Gilmore, Jim and Pine, Joe. (1999). The Experience Economy: Work is Theatre and every Business is a Stage. † Aurora, OH: Strategic Horizons LLP. Grove, Andrew. (1996). â€Å"Keynote Speech: Comdex computer show. † November 18, 1996.

Family Essay Example for Free

Family Essay Every time we have a family gathering in our house, informal debates are always part of the â€Å"program†. My family and I are delighted to involve talking about current issues especially that concerns the humanity’s welfare morals. It will start from simple talks and later become a big debate amongst our family members. It sounds funny but that is how we have our family gatherings. In fact, discussing current issues make our spirits alert and alive but if there is none, our gathering will become boring and seems incomplete. I personally really like exchanging ideas and point of views from others. Through them, I can learn many insights and know their position regarding the issue, whether they are pro or not. This kind of characteristic really runs in my veins. I am a kind of person that will truly stand for what I believe is right. I will never concede to a perverse beliefs and ideas. Even though I have this kind of attitude that like to debate even on simple issues, I do still have my friends that stick with. There are times that we argue on nonsense things that sometimes lead us to a â€Å"fight†. I can still remember one incident that I and one of my closest friends had a fight over on one issue and that is upholding the good morals. I know we have different views when it comes to that matter. She is quite liberated but I am a reserved and quite conservative type of person. So if we talked over on morality, our ideas always clash and it is not new to me at all. Yes, we are friends but I do not do what she does and she does not do what I do because of our opposite views when it comes to morality. The argument started when she confessed to me that she and her boyfriend had indulged into premarital sex several times. My initial reaction was shocked. I was not able to talk for a moment because of her confession to me. I was shocked with her confession not because the idea itself is new to me but because I was not expecting them do it. I trusted her boyfriend very much that he will not do anything wrong to my friend because I expect him as a person who wants my friend to be preserved even we are in this perilous times where our morals are already deteriorating. I am not against on the idea of having sex because it is a gift of God to be enjoyed by individuals specifically for the married people but doing it outside marriage is a very big â€Å"no, no† to me. And I don’t even say that I want her to be like me because I do believe on individualism. All I want to see is, she will learn how to respect her own self and not allowing anyone, not even her â€Å"beloved† boyfriend, abused her body and take advantage on her. In this modern world, several people either young or old, of legal age or not are into it. It becomes a trend of our society. If you don’t experience it, people will regard you as â€Å"loser† and coward but if you do, you will gain their appreciation and approval. See? This is how our world being corrupted of worldly pleasures. And I don’t believe that if everybody is doing it, it is already right. We have to uphold our morals as people and not letting the things of this world influence and corrupt our good character. That is one of my convictions as a person. Furthermore, she continued to relay to me the things they did in full details and silence came up in the atmosphere. I just allowed her pour out her heart on me. After a few minutes, I asked her why she sticks for that idea and permitted it to happen. But she only answered, â€Å"Why not? Everybody is doing it. And besides, we love each other very much. I was very annoyed and disgusted with her answer but I tried to hold back my temper and trying to make a â€Å"good† discussion with her regarding the matter. So, I continued asking her. â€Å"Do you think that is the only way you can express your love to your boyfriend? † I asked. Then, answered back â€Å"what do you mean? We do this because we love each other. Don’t you understand! And don’t you ever dare to dictate my life on what should I do. You are not my parents! † she exclaimed. Those words struck me a lot. I am just discussing this matter to her because I love her as my dear friend and I want the best for her. I am hoping that, through our discussion, she can be able to realize the possible things that might happen to her in the future if she and her boyfriend will continually indulge on it. So I told her that even though everybody is doing it, it doesn’t mean that it is already right. My point was, even though everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible but not everything is constructive. What seems right to our eyes may lead us into destruction. I told her that she is just destroying her life. Her dignity as a woman was lost. I am trying her to understand my point that I would just want her to preserve her virginity until she will get married because that would be the only best gift she can give to her husband aside from her precious love. But she chose not to understand my point because she was â€Å"extremely† in love with that guy. I can understand her feelings but I can’t tolerate her actions. What she only thinks is the present happiness and not looking for the possible consequences in the future. I told her that every action she will be doing has its consequence. It might be right or wrong. Then, I asked again. â€Å"What if you get pregnant? Is he willing to accept the responsibilities and marry you? † She was silent for awhile and thinking for an answer. â€Å"Well†¦My boyfriend loves me so much and I am pretty sure that he will! † she replied and I can see her trying to convinced herself as she said those words to me. â€Å"Oh, well†¦ if that’s the case, I can’t force you to listen to my advices. I respect your opinion and decision because that is your life. But, always remember that I am not intruding your personal life. I am just worried what might be the consequences of your action and if you are really ready to face that consequence. † I responded. So, that argument is closed and I am thinking that it will never be an issue again to both of us. As time passes by, she continued to share to me what she and her boyfriend were doing and it was all about their sex escapades. I do listen to her even I do not like what I am hearing. I am trying my very best to understand her and remind her that it is not yet late to change. But she will just tell me that there is nothing wrong with her. In fact, she is very proud to experience it. One day, she phoned me and asked if we can dine out. We went to our favorite restaurant. When I saw her, she looked restless and haggard. I smiled at her and asked, â€Å"What is wrong? How are you and your boyfriend? † She just smiled bitterly to me. â€Å"Why? † I asked again. â€Å"I am pregnant and I do not know what to do with this baby. † I just looked at her and never said anything for a second. â€Å"I will abort this baby! † She started to cry. â€Å"No! † I said. â€Å"Did your boyfriend learn about this? † What did he say? † As I asked those questions, tears kept falling on her eyes. â€Å"Tell me†¦ What did he say about the baby? † I repeated. â€Å"He wanted me to abort the baby? He doesn’t want to marry me because we are still young and he has no job yet. I told her to keep the baby and never mind her boyfriend. Anyway, she can take care and provide the needs of her baby if she wants to. But she told me straight on my face that she will abort the baby. Due to her confusions, abortion came up into her mind as an ultimate answer for her recent problem. I told her that she already committed sin once, the sin of committing premarital sex, and now she should not sin again by aborting her own child. It is not right. It is morally not right. You are killing an innocent child, a child that has no strength to defend and fight for himself. This time, I persistently argued with her not to abort her baby. I told her that the guilt will always haunt her for the rest of her life. She might escape the shame for having a baby without a husband but she will not surely escape the guilt that will forever haunt her conscience. She was very stubborn because she told me that she needs to abort the baby because she cannot handle the responsibilities and the shame. I told her that all those scorns from other people will just pass and never be remembered again as the time will pass but the life of her baby cannot be withdraw from death once it is aborted.

Importance Of A Teaching Philosophy Education Essay

Importance Of A Teaching Philosophy Education Essay Alhamdulillah, my teaching experience began when I was still a student in secondary school. The recess and breaks were the occasions for me to involve myself in the teaching process. This continued at home whereby I used to get phone calls from my friends to explain about a particular topic from subjects like mathematics, physics and chemistry. After graduating from college, I worked for six months as teacher in a private secondary school in my locality before engaging myself into tertiary studies. Hence, I could say that working as a teacher after my graduation from university is something I would consider as normal. Actually, I am in my fifth year as an educator and Alhamdulillah, I had the experience of working in three different schools with students, both boys and girls, from different socio-cultural backgrounds. In the following chapters, I would like to share my teaching philosophy. But first, the importance of developing ones teaching philosophy will be discussed. Chapter Two Importance of a Teaching Philosophy A teaching philosophy statement is a systematic and critical rationale that focuses on the important components defining effective teaching and learning in a particular discipline and/or institutional context (Schonwetter et all, 2002, p.84). According to Campos (2010, p.2), it states our learning experiences, goals, beliefs, level of professionalism and self-development among many other elements. As for Natasha Kenny (2008, p.8), an educational developer at the University of Guelph, a teaching philosophy statement clearly and logically communicates what your fundamental values and beliefs are about teaching and learning, why you hold these values and beliefs, and how you translate these values and beliefs into your everyday teaching and learning experiences. Regarding the importance of developing a teaching philosophy, Coppola (2002, p.450) states that the teaching statement gives you a starting point for examining your teaching practices, allows you to share your ideas with others, and allows you to monitor the progress of your own development as a teacher. Brookfield (1990) identified four different purposes in developing a teaching philosophy. These purposes are: Personal purpose; it is good that your teaching philosophy reflects why you are doing what you are doing. Political purpose; your teaching philosophy needs to show that your position is grounded in a well-developed and carefully philosophy of practice. This helps you to gain respect, which is important to grow yourself in the political area. Professional purpose; your teaching philosophy needs to show your professional goals to develop an identity that will help you to improve the development of professional strengths among other teachers. Pedagogical purpose; teaching is about growing and finding new ways to develop your lessons according to the learners needs, so your teaching philosophy should show what effect you are having on students and on their learning? Chapter Three My Teaching Philosophy 3.1 Teaching in General Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift rather than a hard duty Albert Einstein Alhamdulillah, since I began teaching, I had the occasion to teach different subjects, besides Mathematics, like English Literature, Computer Studies and Integrated Science to students with a broad range of needs, knowledge, and cultural backgrounds. Apart from working as educator in colleges, I also try to help my friends and others outside school. Moreover, I used to give a special course on Tajweed to my brothers of the Islamic faith in the mosque. I once had the opportunity to teach a friend who was undertaking his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and he was older than me. Several important general principles that I try to use in my teaching practice can be formulated as follows: No matter how experienced a teacher is, every new class and every new student pose a challenge. For excellence in teaching, there is always room for improvement. A teacher has to appeal to different learning styles, to offer a variety of instructional experiences, and to keep an open mind to new teaching techniques to give every student the opportunity to participate fully and actively in the learning process. Being a successful teacher depends on creating a learning environment with the open exploration of ideas, a relationship in which students feel respected as well as challenged. Students should be encouraged to stretch themselves a bit beyond their level of comfort and be given an opportunity to leave every class feeling that they have overcome a new challenge successfully. Teaching should be an integral component of the creation of new knowledge, an initial step toward continuing education, and first of all, self-education. Though student satisfaction is important for better learning, teaching especially in mathematics should not become a popularity contest, or a show. A teacher is responsible to the society in general, and should resist the pressure of lowering academic standards in education. 3.2 Teaching of Mathematics We could use up two Eternities in learning all that is to be learned about our own world and the thousands of nations that have arisen and flourished and vanished from it.   Mathematics alone would occupy me eight million years Mark Twain Mathematics is like draughts [checkers] in being suitable for the young, not too difficult, amusing, and without peril to the state Plato Being a mathematics teacher as well as a lover of the subject, there are some features of mathematics that makes it a very special discipline. To name a few: Mathematics is an excellent intellectual game where all the players win. Mathematics is also a model that can be used for developing independent and critical thinking. Mathematics can be seen as a language that allows us to communicate ideas precisely between ourselves. Lastly, mathematics is a tool used in natural sciences and, thus, a required discipline for many students. The above statements alone motivate me to share my mathematical knowledge, among others, to my students. However, my goals for teaching mathematics are many. Firstly, communicate to my students that mathematics is a fun and improve their confidence about mathematics as well as reducing their anxiety about mathematics. Other goals are: Detect and fill gaps in students prior math knowledge Develop a mathematical sense about quantities, geometry, and symbols Develop a variety of problem-solving strategies and basic computational skills Enable and empower students Enable students to make judgments based on quantitative information, to prove basic results, to read mathematics effectively and to understand their own thought processes Encourage a broader interest in mathematics Ensure that students really understand concepts Establish constructive student attitudes about mathematics Facilitate acquisition of life-long learning skills Foster a desire to ask mathematics questions, critical thinking, student discovery of mathematics and foster understanding of the proofs of key theorems Teach the beauty of mathematics Help students learn the key theorems and their applications Improve students understanding of technology Improve students writing abilities Increase the number of mathematics majors as well as the students mathematical knowledge Model expert problem-solving Motivate students to make an effort to learn mathematics Open the doors to other opportunities for students Prepare future mathematicians, students for technical careers and students to be knowledgeable adults Teach applications to other fields; especially for abstract subjects like vectors whereby students often ask the question: where will vectors used us in our life? Teach calculator and computer skills, fundamental concepts, generalizing, logical reasoning, mathematical writing, predicting, problem-solving and proof-reading of mathematics Teach students how to translate back and forth between words and mathematics Teach students to work collaboratively It is, unfortunately, very difficult to try to show the real beauty of mathematics in the framework of most existing curricula as they are designed to feed students with often more facts than anyone could swallow. Just covering the required material usually takes a bit more time than is available. Another problem is that mathematics as a language can be quite technical, and to formulate something meaningful, one has to spend years learning rules of the mathematical grammar first. I consider mathematics to be a challenging subject to teach, which makes it especially attractive for me. I try to use every possibility to expose students to the exciting world of mathematics, often implicitly, so they may not even notice it at first. I think that students participation is crucial for learning mathematics. 3.3 Teaching Styles and Methods My mathematics classroom features multiple of methods of instruction that depends on: the subject matter of the lesson, that is, the topic to be taught and my experience with how individual students and classes best learn mathematics. On some occasions, the student-centred approach or whole-class discussions are undertaken while on other occasions, small-group investigations are carried out and still others see individuals working one-on-one with another student or with me. This classroom interaction helps build relationships between my students and I and simultaneously, among the students themselves. These various classroom practices help address the varied learning styles found in the mathematics classroom. Furthermore, I prepare my classes meticulously, but I like to improvise whenever possible. I dislike being interrupted during my explanation but I love it when the students ask questions afterwards; and I congratulate them for any good questions and comments. I open each session with a brief reminder of the previous sessions material and an outline of the days topic, and I typically conclude with a summary of key points. There is a special session for review before every major test. I usually speak clearly, loudly, and slowly, but enthusiastically. Students are encouraged to learn from each other as their grades are not curved, thus, students are not competing with their classmates. In some classes, especially my Integrated Science classes, I give group projects and homework, depending on the topic being covered. When possible, I distribute solutions to homework problems, quizzes, and tests. To reduce students anxiety about tests, I normally give my students revision exercises before any major test and I encourage them to work extra problems on their own and come to see me for any problems. I do not consider memorization to be the most important in mathematics classes; this is why I make and encourage my students a lot to practice maximum number of problems. If the curriculum would have allowed it, I would make all my tests open-book/notes. Assignments and projects are naturally integrated into my courses. I spend time explaining the assignments and solving similar problems in class for further discussion. 3.4 Use of Technology I remember that once I was in a meeting with my above seventy year old rector and he told me: In my time, when we had to do a mathematical calculation, we used the logarithm table and he asked me whether I knew how to use the logarithm table! Alhamdulillah, today we have the electronic calculator. This little piece of technology is the only electronic device that our students can use in their studies as the different curricula do not cater for the use of other electronic devices in the examination room. I would have loved to see a change in these curricula which would enable more the use of technology in the learning of mathematics. Personally, I am a great fan of the newest educational software that may be used in the teaching and learning process. At present, to use mathematical software at college would appear unrealistic but I hope to find a change soon in the curricula which will make it real. However, students first need to understand that technology is a tool, much like a comp ass or a protractor, and that technology must be used only as a tool. Central to my use of technology in the classroom is the idea that students must understand what they are doing mathematically even when they use technology as an aid. As mentioned earlier, the most ubiquitous piece of technology in and out of the classroom is the electronic calculator. While the calculator can be a useful tool to lessen the drudgery of calculations, it is important for students to be able to function without it. This does not mean that calculators should not be used, but rather that students should have some intuition about whether an answer is reasonable. The use of calculators and other technology can improve a students intuition of mathematics and mathematical reasoning. While most exercises in a statistics class have relatively small data sets, using premade data sets and computer programs allows students to gain real experience with professional tools and helps them visualize trends. The use of computer software with prepared examples is very useful for in-class visualizations in different courses, such as differential equations, calculus, and even pre-calculus. While doing the assignment for the module Instructional Technolo gy for my Bed Course, I came across software called Yenka which provides simulations. I really appreciated the part on probability where while explaining the different outcomes when tossing two coins, there a simulation actually tossing the two coins. I hope, insha Allah, to use it when I explaining this topic t my students in the near future. With the advent of tablet PCs, I am hopeful, insha Allah, that it is only a matter of time before the use of mathematical software and online examination at secondary level will be implemented. But, at the same time, I strongly oppose the abuse of technology. There are courses in mathematics, where students need to learn how to use their brain rather than calculators/computers. In my short experience in teaching, I came across an HSc (Higher School Certificate) student doing the simple arithmetic problem using a calculator!!! 3.5 My Best Personal Achievement Facilitate things to people and do not make it hard for themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of God Almighty be upon Him) I sincerely believe that the best academic performance of a student is not to see the high-flyer student being ranked first at the end of the year but rather to see the low-achiever student able to answer almost all questions of the same exam paper correctly at the end of the year and have a very good result, regardless of his/her overall rank. At my school, the concept of streaming is applied to separate the best students, often labeled as the high-flyers, and those less able students, often labeled as low-achiever students (some proponents of the Marxist view will disagree totally with this concept). Last year, I had the opportunity to work with the less able students of Form I and Form II, teaching Integrated Science. Alhamdulillah, I was motivated but I could that a lot of these students lack motivation. Furthermore, some of them came from poor socio-background and some came from broken families. There was even a child who repeated Form I! So, at first it seems very difficult to expect that half of them would understand the different topics even more so that they would pass their final year exam. After all, we are talking about Science which supposedly is a subject for the intelligent students. I figured out that I should use a different approach with them. Finally, I opted for the Learning by Fun concept. It required much more energy from me but Alhamdulillah, I do not regret for one second all the energy used that year when working with these students as the reason is obvious; almost all pupils not only passed the final year examination but they actually obtained very good results Masha Allah. The icing on the cake was when the head of the science department informed me that the rector was very pleased with the result. 3.6 Concluding Notes I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three essential elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, the teacher acting as a guide, allowing the childs natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and promoting respect for all things and all people. When the teachers role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information, the students search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. For students to construct knowledge, they need the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations. Providing students access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur. Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to ones life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a judicious approach to discipline. When the voice of each student is heard, and environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves. Class meetings are one way to encourage such dialogue. I believe children have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them. In setting fair and consistent rules initially and stating the importance of every activity, students are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they learn to respect themselves, others, and their environment. For me, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with children. In our competitive society it is important for students to not only receive a solid education, but to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. Alhamdulillah, I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator that I can be.

Stages of Visibility in Invisible Man :: Invisible Man Essays

Stages of Visibility in Invisible Man In Ralph Ellison's novel, Invisible Man, the main character goes through many situations trying to discover himself. The main character, the narrator, thinks that he is a very important person. He thinks that his ideas will put an end to all the racial stereotypes in the world. The narrator does not realize that he is virtually nonexistent to everyone. The narrator goes through three states of sociality: invisible, translucent, and visible. At first, the narrator thinks of himself as being visible, however, he is actually totally invisible to everyone he meets. Hardly anything he does is accepted by the whites. He thinks people want to listen to him and that they look up to his views. He is notably naïve, and even admits to it. He forms and idea of what he wants to be when he is expelled from college. That was when he realized he was not very important to anyone. During the middle of the novel, the narrator's visibility fluctuates; this symbolizes a change. He is slowly realizing that he is really invisible to everyone. When the narrator was speaking with Mr. Emerson about a job, Mr. Emerson said "...I happen to know of a possible job at Liberty Paints. My father has sent several fellows there...You should try--" and the narrator's reply was a shut door. This shows that the narrator knows he is not entirely visible or important to everyone. He had then realized that he is just a player in a game. In the end of the novel, the narrator sees that he is visible only to certain people. Nobody cares what he does, as long as he does what is expected. Towards the end of the novel, the narrator shows that he understands his status with the white people when he refuses to consent to

New Perspectives :: Personal Narratives Writing Education Essays

New Perspectives This is the first essay that I wrote for class. I was extremely nervous writing my first "college paper" but I ended up enjoying it very much. Although my writing skills and technique are a little unorganized and choppy, I can honestly say that this paper was the one that I most challenged myself creatively. It was pretty hard putting such awesome experiences into mere words, but I did my best. The paper obviously shows my writing level at the beginning of the class, but has been my favorite paper to write. Self- Evaluation I really enjoyed writing this paper because I love the topic. I try to re-live each event in my description and make it easier for the reader to relate to. I think the strengths of my paper would probably be my introduction and description. I don’t think I’m a very strong writer, so I had problems with organizing my ideas and writing my conclusion. If I had more time to write the paper, I would try to add more events that happened, and how to those events changed me. I think that would better support my thesis, and make a more interesting and developed paper. New Perspectives I am sitting straight up in my seat as the Jeep jostles down a bombed out city street. Dust flies as Aaron shifts into fifth gear and fumbles with his Nokia, trying to take a picture. My aunt is grasping the dash and frantically looking behind her shoulder. Soldiers in olive green uniforms are yelling at us in Turkish and trying to catch up. My Uncle is too fast and we duck into an alley, out of sight. We sit in stunned silence for about thirty seconds, and then burst out laughing. My Aunt Rikki, her fiancà © Aaron, and I had spent that spring day of 2001 on the Turkish side of the island of Cyprus. We had been attempting to take pictures of the ghost inner city of Famagusta. Famagusta had been off limits by the Turkish government since the 1974 invasion. What resulted was the exhilarating chase I just described. The drama of the story is exaggerated.