Effect of Change in an Organisation

www. MA-Dissertations. com Dissertation Writing Service Even though the positivist and phenomenological approaches seem to completely contradict one another, Bryman and Bell (2004) maintain that a researcher should not select one or the other but, instead, should weave the two together.In other words, for those aspects of the research problem which can be better served if explored through a scientific approach, the positivist methodology should be employed whereas those which require the researcher’s more active engagement or an analysis of the social environment, the phenomenological approach should be used. The implication here is that the two approaches can coexist within a single study and can be used to explore different aspects of the research problem (Bryman and Bell, 2004).Rather than select the one approach over the other, the selected research approach shall combine between the two. As such, the researcher shall engage in the objective analysis of tardiness behaviour through the analysis of attendance records while, at the same time, monitoring 20 students for a period of 12 weeks for the purpose of closer and more critical observation of the dimensions of the defined problem and the behavioural and situational variables which induce it. The effects of the corrective strategies which shall be deployed vis-avis these 12 students shall also be observed.To this extent, the research unfolds within a phenomenological framework. The research, however, is not restricted to the phenomenological approach as a thorough investigation of the problem also necessitates the adoption of positivist approach. Therefore, for a better understanding of the social and environmental factors influencing tardiness, the researcher will survey faculty members and homeroom teachers and interview the two school administrators responsible for the control of the problem.The researcher shall, in other words, explore the socio-environmental factors influencing tardiness. 16 ww w. MA-Dissertations. com Dissertation Writing Service 3. 2. 2 Quantitative versus Qualitative The data gathered shall be analysed from both the qualitative and quantitative approaches. As Punch (2000) emphasises, within the context of social science research, both approaches must be used in order to arrive at both an objective, measurable understanding of the phenomenon and a humanistic comprehension of its socio-environmental dimensions.While attendance records and the effects of the corrective strategies on the twenty students under observation shall be qualitatively analysed, the variables which influence tardiness rates, both increase and decrease, shall be qualitatively analysed as a strategy for uncovering the socioenvironmental factors influencing tardiness rates. In other words, both qualitative and quantitative data analysis approaches shall be used for the purposes of arriving at a more holistic understanding of the phenomenon. 3. 2. 3 Deductive versus Inductive Marcoulide s (1998) defines the deductive approach as a testing of theories.The researcher proceeds with a set of theories and conceptual precepts in mind and formulates the study’s hypotheses on their basis. Following from that, the research proceeds to test the proposed hypotheses. The inductive approach, on the other hand, follows from the collected empirical data and proceeds to formulae concepts and theories in accordance with that data (Marcoulides, 1998). While not disputing the value of the inductive approach, the research opted for the deductive approach, or the `top-down,’ as opposed to the `bottom-up’ method. 3. 3 Data Sources and Data Collection MethodsFor the purposes of this research and given that both primary and secondary data are needed, three data collection methods will be used. Apart from the desk-based data collection method traditionally associated with secondary data collection, primary data will be collected 17 www. MA-Dissertations. com Dissertati on Writing Service through the archival records (attendance sheets), interviews with two school administrators, a survey of faculty opinion, and the researcher’s own observations.. 3. 4 Credibility of Research Findings Ultimately, the data collected is used to inform the research findings.If the data is not verifiable, the implication is that the findings are potentially suspect. incumbent upon the researcher to validate his/her findings (Sekaran, 2003). Accordingly, it is 3. 4. 1 Reliability A study is reliable only if another researcher, using the same procedure and studying the same phenomenon, arrives at similar, or comparable, findings (Sekaran, 2003). Accordingly, it is important that the researcher maintain a comprehensive protocol of his study, in case others may be interested in checking its reliability (Sekaran, 2003).Even with the best of intentions in mind, the researcher is often confronted with a variety of variables which may impinge upon the reliability of his findings. Quite simply stated, if he is partly drawing conclusions on the basis of questionnaire and interview data, it could very well be that respondents were biased or, simply not in the mood to answer the questions with any degree of interest. It is not at all uncommon for respondents to simply tick of response options without reading or considering them (Sekaran, 2003).Accordingly, research scholars advise researchers to carefully select their respondents, ensure that they are, indeed, willing participants in the study and will answer the questions with the minimum degree of bias (Hair et al. , 2005). To ensure that this, indeed, is the case, when in-putting the questionnaire data, the researcher should carefully read through them to ensure that there are no logical flaws and that the responses given by any one respondent are not contradictory (Hair et al. , 2005).In addition, and to better ensure reliability, the researcher should schedule interviews at the respondent’ s convenience and, 18 www. MA-Dissertations. com Dissertation Writing Service further, when distributing questionnaires, should give participants several days to answer. By pursuing this advice, the researcher would, at least, be minimising the chances that the interview be rushed and the questionnaires blindly answered (Hair et al. , 2005). To enhance the reliability of the current research, the cited advice shall be considered and meticulously applied. 3. 4. 2 ValiditySaunders et al. (2000) contends that a research is valid only if it actually studies what it set out to study and only if the findings are verifiable. There are three methods for establishing validity. As Saunders et al. (2000) explains, construct validity entails the establishment of accurate operational measurements for the research’s core concept. This is done by establishing a chain of evidence throughout the data collection process; by verifying key information through the use of multiple sources of infor mation; and by presented informants with a draft of the study for review.Besides establishing construct validity, social science researches need also establish external validity by testing the applicability of the findings to external case studies (Yin, 1989). While conceding to the importance of external validation methods, they are beyond the scope of the current research. Consequently, the research shall seek the verification of its findings through construct validation. 3. 5 Conclusion As may have been deduced from the above, the research shall adopt a mixed methodological approach. The selection of the aforementioned and above explained ethodology was imposed upon the research by the nature of the phenomenon under investigation, the multi-layered nature of the research problem and the imperatives of satisfying the study’s diverse, but interrelated, objectives. 19 www. MA-Dissertations. com Dissertation Writing Service 4. 0 References Battisch, V. and Hom, A. (1997) The r elationship between students’ sense of their school as a community and their involvement in problem behaviors. American Journal of Public Health, 87(12), 1997-2001. Booth, A. and Dunn, J. F. (1996) Family-School Links: How Do They Affect Educational Outcomes?NY: Erlbaum. Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2004) Business Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Chaker, A. M. (2005) Schools get tough on tardy students. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved on 10 Jan. 2007, from http://www. post-gazette. com/pg/05321/607996. stm Conaway, H. W. (2006) Collaboration for Kids; Early Intervention Tools for Schools and Communities. Highland: Aha Process Inc. Cooper, D. R. (2003) Business Research Methods. London: McGraw-Hill. Cooper, D. R. and Schindler, P. S. (2005) Business Research Methods. London: McGraw-Hill. Creswell, J. W. 2003) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Method Approaches. California: Sage Publications. Crosnoe, R. (2000) Friendships in childhood and ad olescence: The life course and new directions. Social Psychology Quarterly, 63, 377-371. ___ (2001) Academic orientation and parental involvement in education during high school. Sociology of Education, 74, 210-230. Dane, F. C. (1990) Research Methods. Cambridge: Thomas brooks. Fassett, D. L. and Warren, J. T. (2004) You get pushed back: The strategic rhetoric of educational success and failure in higher education. Communication Education, 53(1), 21-39. 20

Law Code of Hammurabi

Everything and everyone has a history. Things and materials do not just appear on this earth. They all have beginning. It’s very interesting to see where things got started. How we came to evolve to the way we are today. Everything is so interesting, but the thing that has caught my attention more is The Code of Hammurabi. According to Judith Levin, The Code of Hammurabi was discovered in the winter of 1902 and 1903 while digging up the site of ancient city of Susa, present day Iran. They found three large shiny pieces of shiny black stone that formed a monument almost seven and a half feet tall (13). The writing was in the script of cuneiform. In essence The Code of Hammurabi was the first set of laws ever established. It was an ‘eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth’ kind of laws. You killed someone†¦someone will kill you. Hammurabi was king of Babylon about 4,000 years ago. Babylon was the land between the rivers, the rivers being Tigris and the Euphrates. He proclaimed that he was â€Å"Hammurabi, King of Justice. † That he protected the weak – poor people, widows, orphans- from the powerful (Levin). I chose to compare some of the law codes in Hammurabi’s Law Codes and some amendments from the United States Constitution. The Code of Hammurabi was believed to be written 1727 BCE (Constitutuion. org). The United States Constitution was ratified 1788. The Code of Hammurabi being one of the first written laws and regulations to the laws and regulations we live by today. I found interesting because knowing where we first started shows how much the human race has changed. When it comes to the characteristics the United States Constitution and Hammurabi’s Law Code have in common both, obviously, are sets of laws. This means that they both have decrees that must be followed. Also, the purpose of both of these laws is to protect and bring justice to the people to whom the rules shall apply. Some basic differences are the severity of rules and punishments. The Code of Hammurabi is kind of extreme. The Code of Hammurabi was a primitive and cruel justice system that relied on fear to keep the populace in line. Hammurabi claimed he was sent by a god to rule, so therefore, no one would question his authority. Religion alone was not enough to keep the people in line, so Hammurabi created a code of laws that would scare the people into obedience. Breaking the laws resulted in an inhumane or exaggerated punishment. Common human error was treated as a crime, and could have severe consequences. The people lived in constant fear of the law. The justice system claimed to have an â€Å"eye for an eye† mentality, but it often seemed that it was a life for an eye. Killing a man for committing robbery is extreme; he could just be picking a pocket, rather than robbing a bank. Cutting of an offender's hand was a common punishment for small crimes. If a son strikes his father, his hand shall be cut off. This is done regardless of the circumstances, considering the father could be beating the son. Amputating a hand often led to death, for there was no medicine to stop the bleeding. The court attempted to keep people from bearing false witness, by giving severe penalties. If a man cannot prove that the man he is accusing of murder is guilty, he shall be put to death. While this might deter citizens from making false accusations, it might cause an innocent man to be put to death because he could not find evidence. If someone were to bear false witness concerning grain or money, he shall put death. A little extreme, considering it could be concerning pocket change. Sentences like this would cause the people to be afraid to stand up for their rights in court. Severe penalties were often inflicted in cases of common human error. If a physician were to cause a man's death while operating, he would lose his hand. Physicians who try to do well are punished for making mistakes. Once they lose their hand, they cannot operate again. A bit harsh in my opinion. On the other hand, the United States Constitution isn’t as extreme. It’s not perfect, but nothing really. There is always going to be flaws. The United States Constitution covers all the almost all the laws as the code of Hammurabi, but not so extreme. With the Law of Hammurabi, only one person could decide the person’s fate. With the Constitution, we the people have the right to have someone defend us in court. We have the right to be tried by a grand jury versus the judge himself/herself. We have many more options to protect ourselves. We have rights that follow us all through the process. For example, once we get arrested we have our Miranda rights; we have a time limit as to how long they can keep us under custody. For example, once arrested, if we don’t see a judge with a certain amount of hours they have to let us go. With the code of Hammurabi, you stood trial. If one person and one person only believed you were guilty, then not even God would save you. If the judge couldn’t determine who was the guilty and who the innocent was, you had to do some extreme things that were totally uncalled for. For example, â€Å"if any one bring an accusation against a man, and the accused go to the river and leap into the river, if he sink in the river his accuser shall take possession of his house. But if the river prove that the accused is not guilty, and he escape unhurt, then he who had brought the accusation shall be put to death, while he who leaped into the river shall take possession of the house that had belonged to his accuser (King). Something interesting about both of them is their regulations for people who tell lies against other people. Under Hammurabi’s rule if someone came forward to accuse someone else of a crime, they better have the means of evidence to back it up or there would be consequences. For example, if I came forward and accused Ben of stealing, if I can’t prove Ben was stealing then my punishment for lying would be the punishment Ben would have gotten if he really was stealing. Under the Code of Hammurabi this is getting my hand cute off (Legal History and Philosophy). So people were pretty spectical about coming forward and accusing people with crimes if they didn’t have rock hard evidence. Under the United States Constitution, there is a charge and penatly for lying or give the police unreliable information and it conflicts with an investigation. If it might give us a misdemeanor but nothing major like cutting off someone’s hand. Hammurabi’s Code was stricter and less tolerant. The United states Constitution is strict but it has its parameters. It doesn’t just go off on a killing spree for everyone crime in the book. The Code of Hammurabi, most of the consequences for the crimes is death. That’s kind of harsh. Everyone under Hammurabi’s reign became model citizens, expert liars, or were extinct with the rest of the population he was killing. People were afraid to do anything. He called himself the defender of middle class and the poor but in reality he didn’t protect them. He fined the rich because they had the money to pay, if they got caught up in a crime all they had to to do was pay. When the poor got involved with crimes they didn’t have money to pay up so they were punished with other means†¦like cutting of f a hand, being put to death, etc. It is good that someone did establish laws starting with â€Å"if. † Instead of having something is just illegal or â€Å"thou shall not†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ The Hammurabi Code’s were actually set realistically. The punishments might have not been but they started off good. â€Å"If this crime is committed, then this is the punishment. They were realistic that even if they declared something illegal someone was still going to break the law. The United States Constitution, was built over many years and many people. They just didn’t write one thing down and leave it like that. They got accustomed to the changes of the world. Rules and regulations were later added to adjust to the ch anging world. In Conclusion, The Code of Hammurabi is what got the law started in a way. But the United States Constitution is how far along it was come. Everything needs a start. Hammurabi was the start†¦. things evolve and change with time. We all adapt.

People of the middle east Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

People of the middle east - Essay Example The first word that was revealed to Mohammad (P.B.U.H) in the Koran was â€Å"IQRA† which means to read, recite and seek knowledge. The Koran repeats several words in order to embed key concepts in the mind of the listeners. The word Elm (Knowledge) has been used 750 times which has got the third position after the words ‘Allah’ and ‘Rab’. So Allah emphasized the importance of education and knowledge in the first word of his revelation and even throughout the Koran. Islam is a precious gift for the Muslims to attain salvation and success in this world. For this they need to follow the Koran and seek knowledge from it. Education is an ultimate criterion in recognizing a true Muslim and every true Muslim need to seek and spread knowledge as taught by prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). The following hadith (Sayings of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)) demonstrates the importance of education in Islam. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said that if anyone travels on the road with the intention of seeking knowledge then Allah will cause him to travel on the roads of Paradise. The inhabitants of heavens, earth and the fish living in the deep water will ask for forgiveness for the knowledgeable man. The superiority of the learned man over a devout is like of a moon, over a full night, on the other stars in the sky. The learned people are the heirs of prophet who do not leave dirham (money or currency of Arabia) but only leave knowledge and whoever takes it take in generous amounts. History shows that Muslims have rose to the zenith of civilization and it was just because they adhered to the Islamic law and the teachings of the Holy Koran. The Islamic Empire was once the most advanced and civilized nation of the world. Muslims were responsible for setting the fundamental concepts of different fields. The teaching of the Koran drove them to accomplishments in various disciplines of science. By the end of the tenth century

Denver Art Museum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Denver Art Museum - Essay Example Within the scenario of Asian art, the Falconer on Horseback, displayed at the Denver Art Museum, reveals the growth and development of art in China. This artwork is completed by an unknown artist. Besides, this artwork represents the development of art during the reign of Tang dynasty in 700 A.D. Thesis statement: The visual analysis of the work of art named as Falconer on Horseback proves that the same is symbolic of the rich artistic tradition of China, especially during the Tang dynasty. Visual Analysis In the art work, the Falconer on Horseback (See appendix-1), the artist provides ample importance to the visual elements. For instance, the artist does not make use of primary colors. Instead, mixture of primary colors is used by the artist to inculcate visual beauty to the art work. One can see that orange, green, black, and mixture of ivory white and light brown are the dominant colors in the art work. For instance, green provides elegance to the falcon in the art work. On the ot her side, mixture of ivory white and light brown is used by the artist to project the body of the horse and the falconer’s head. Besides, the falconer is dressed in orange and green robe. So the combination of primary colors provides visual beauty to the art work.

Beck Manufacturing and Plan Capacity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Beck Manufacturing and Plan Capacity - Assignment Example Therefore, for the expansion of the capacity, this is the centre where Beck Company should be putting its focus. By definition, a bottleneck is an operation with the least effective capacity of a given operation in any machine centre and hence thwarts the systems output. Therefore, based on the individual capacity of the machine centers, boring operation centre is a bottleneck that restricts the output to 11.25 pieces per hour, while the operation with the maximum highest capacity is grinding centre with 78.75 pieces per hour. This means that for boring to reach this capacity, it will require 67.50 extra capacity. According to Vonderembse, & White, (2013), meaningful expansion of the system’s capacity can only take place when the bottleneck is expanded. Initially, increasing capacity of the boring operation without expanding that of drilling, milling and grinding would ultimately expand the capacity of the system. However, when the boring operating capacity reaches 78.75 pieces per hour, drilling, milling and grinding operations must also be increased at the same time further expand the capacity of the system. In sizing capacity cushions, an average usage rate should not reach a 100 percent and if this happens, that shows a sign to expand the capacity or reduce order acceptance to prevent declining the productivity of the system. Vonderembse & White (2013) defines capacity cushion as the amount of reserve capacity that a business organization upholds to take care of any unexpected boom in demand or impermanent losses of production capacity; On the other hand, Mr. Beck can apply timing and Sizing Expansion strategy and in this strategy, he ought to understand when to expand the capacity and by how much. There are two tremendous strategies, which are the expansionist strategy that entails huge, infrequent jumps in capacity, and that of wait-and-see strategy, which entails lesser, more frequent

Nature Replaced by Electronics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nature Replaced by Electronics - Research Paper Example In the initial stages of life prior to incorporation of electricity, location was a big determinant when deciding on where to put up a home. Access to water points, preferably springs meant having milk that was cold, a cool watermelon in the summertime, and plenty of water to drink. A spring box could be constructed wherever a spring that is cool was located. Water would then run into it and be deep adequately to cover milk containers, butter, etc. All this was before the invention of electricity. Without the assistance of electronic devices, humankind would be at a distinct shortcoming. This report examines the state of the contemporary world, as had been impacted on by electronics while also assessing how the state of affairs used to be when nature was without electricity. It points out the significance electronics have on humankind’s lifestyle. This paper illustrates how electronics have greatly taken over the lives of humankind, doing away with the natural methods. Constru ctions of houses were done mostly in the valley, lower instead of hilltops for reasons such as cooling and heating. Air conditioners nor fans were neither available to provide the perfect breeze on a hot summertime period. Valleys provided the much required reprieve from the winter winds that were strong. Comparison to where homes are constructed presently, the forefathers would think this generation to have totally lost their seeing where homes are built currently. Bearing in mind there were no movie theaters, compact disk (CD) players, televisions, or computers in the ancient timeline, it is difficult to imagine whatever the generation then did for entertainment (General pg1). In the contemporary world, entertainment has gone to another great level. Influenced by the ever changing technology, entertainment has been defined by some major development. Such developments as higher definition (HD), 3D, etc. are some of the recent trends in the entertainment world. The electronic device s have been greatly incorporated in the humankind’s way of life. Sources of news and weather in the ancient era were not available, except may be for visiting neighbors who could deliver may be any information they could be having. The current generation has been gifted by the numerous electronic devices that have greatly made the relaying of information rather easy. Regardless of the distance and geographical locations, currently news and any other information transcends any borders, courtesy of these electronic devices. It would definitely be impossible typing this document if the electronic device on use currently for this work, were not available. Approximately each device in use in the day to day operations, have in them circuit boards and miniature transistors. Increasingly, supplementary equipment and devices possess some of the similar characteristics and capabilities. Laptops possess the similar general forms of memory as may be found in devices held by the hand such as PDAs and cell phones (Geier pg46). Most forms of equipment need memory to optimize their working. Focusing on the food preservation, in the former days, it was not easy undertaking this task. Such means as hanging food in the smokehouse for curing of such meals as meat, those methods have been overtaken by refrigerators. It is now easy in the contemporary world to preserve food for longer periods without it going bad. Generally electronics are tied into several different characteristics of humankind’

Diplomacy And the International System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Diplomacy And the International System - Essay Example On the one hand, it was implied that the global process of regionalism had to take Europe as a model and as an outcome. On the other hand, regionalism in itself came to be considered a political project, and regional integration around the world was viewed as a desirable and ‘good’ outcome to complement and support global governance.† + Luk Van Langenhove & Daniele Marchesi (2008), Lisbon Treaty and the Emergence of Third Generation Regional Integration, As the changes required by the Lisbon Treaty are currently being implemented by the EU, the essay will first discuss the new relationships of foreign policy decision making articulated in the treaty with reference to the historical context. Particularly, this method will explore the conflict of relations between a nation’s foreign policy as defined by domestic goals, the requirements of other treaty and charter-based organizations such as NATO and the UN, and the new EU foreign policy structure based on unan imity. The requirements of unanimous decisions in foreign policy will be further discussed in relation to dissent, and the way dissenting states can use their influence in EU foreign policy decision-making to influence or change policy. The essay will provide evidence from research built from historical documents and official statements of political leaders in order to review the practical application of policy in the EU foreign policy decision-making process. III. Cohesion in EU Foreign Policy after the Lisbon Treaty The first aspect to consider in reviewing the effect of the Lisbon Treaty on an integrated EU foreign policy based on consensus and unanimity is how the new accord relates to the Treaty of Maastricht, the Treaty of Nice, the Treaty of Rome, and other fundamental accords of... This essay approves that it is significant that the Treaty of Lisbon requires the unanimous decision of EU member states in undertaking foreign policy decisions and that all use of military force be equally approved by consensus. This acts as a fundamental limit to power in EU authority, and forces the building of community around core European secular values such as democracy, freedom, elections, human rights, and others that represent the best of the evolutionary thought of these nations’ collective history. The Treaty preserves the right of member nations to dissent, but the â€Å"newness† of the Lisbon Treaty makes it less certain as to date how this will influence the policy decisions and actions taken by the EU. This report makes a conclusion that the positioning of the shared values of European history as the rationale behind a progressive and safeguarding form of international government in foreign policy has a wider popular understanding and political support in the grass roots than is commonly assumed, and in this manner, the EU may actually be representative of a wider movement in history rather than a top-down, technocratic imposition. The real test of the union is found in situations where nations like Germany are forced to submit to and accept policies that go against their national state interest in favor of the larger interest of maintaining the progress of European unity, as in the recent financial crises. However, domestic political interests may prohibit the efficient use of EU military power in the future in ways unforeseen by current analysis, forcing the EU leadership into only accepting policy positions with broad consensus, a position well suited for a limited supra-nationa l government in guardianship of the civil rights of society.

Sentencing of People with Mental Disorders Essay

Sentencing of People with Mental Disorders - Essay Example It can also be defined as the authoritative decree of the punishment of a convicted person (Birmingham, 2002). Under this context, criminals or people who are found guilty of committing some crime have to face the consequences of their actions and the decision making is in the hands of an authoritative power which decides the penalties for the offenders. These decisions are made on the basis of a set of rules which are operating in the area where the crime has been committed. The rules and punishments are same for everyone irrespective of their color, caste or creed, but there are some special circumstances where these rules have to be tweaked. Same is the case with the people who are not mentally fit; their sentencing differs from criminals of normal medical conditions. Mental Disorders: A disorder can be termed as functional abnormality. Mental disorders comprise of a wide range of derangements in behavioral or psychological functions. These are mainly a combination of abnormal tho ughts, emotions, and relationships with others. This psychological instability and disruption in the equilibrium of motions is often reflected in the behavior of the affected individual. The set of laws and the law enforcement agencies work in different ways all over the world; the decision and punishment of mentally disabled criminals basically depends on the local area where they have been convicted. The Effect of the Selected Sentencing Policy on All Involved Stakeholders: No matter what laws regarding mentally disordered convicts is operational in certain areas, the decisions taken and the results of the sentence always affect the stakeholders one way or the other. Stakeholders: A stakeholder can be an individual or a group of people as well. A stakeholder is a party that is affected by or can affect the actions of the project at hand. In law enforcement, the stakeholders can be: Judiciary Probation and parole services Social service organizations Mental hospitals and treatment facilities Community etc. Even though according to The Task Force, created by the American Bar Association a person should not be sentenced to death or executed if at the time of the offense he/she was suffering from a mental disorder or was mentally challenged in a such a serious way that reflects in his/her behavioral and social adaptive skills. Even after these rules have been set, they are not applicable to all circumstances and some counties and their legal systems do not implement upon them. Furthermore the second rule of The Task Force states that offenders should not be executed or sentenced to death of at the time of the offense they had no awareness of the nature of the crime and the consequences associated with it. If they are mentally impaired and cannot exercise rational judgment or do not have any idea about the lawful actions that might be taken as a result of the crime, then in all these cases the guilty person should not be executed or sentenced to death as s/he is mentally challenged (Tabak, 2006). Criminals with mental disorders are released after a small period of incarceration. The period of incarceration depends upon the severity of the mental disorder and the nature of the crime. After that period, such people are often shifted to community centers, mental hospitals, or other treatment facilit

Constitutional Rights and Discrimination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Constitutional Rights and Discrimination - Essay Example Although not actually irritating to the others, seeing Abdul pray to his god, Clyde was specifically disliking this fact, as a result, the collision between the two started. However, being the one in the lower level, Abdul knows retaliating to the actions of his boss would simply bring him into a rather complicated situation with his boss. So what he did was to simply allow time to pass through the possibility that somehow his boss might someday give him a break from the discriminative treatment that he is receiving. With the patient dealing of Abdul with the situation, Clyde on the other hand never stopped hatred and continued to discriminate Abdul’s being that later on resulted to more damaging effects on Abdul when he was pushed by Clyde resulting to having three injured bones and causing Abdul’s hospitalization with a high amount of payment needed to complete the medication needs. After which, the worse yet came when he received a pink slip indicating that he was al ready terminated from his job. The Constitution of Civil Rights had been rather established to secure the rights of the human individuals living in the human society as they deal with the different people from different races. This set of laws and regulations are all designed to assist each and everyone to realize their worth as persons and realize the fact they are worthy of respect no matter what race or religion they come from. 1Within the paragraphs that follow, the constitutional issues that were raced during the case’s discussion shall be presented so as to give a clear picture as to how or where the situation of Abdul and Clyde could actually be questioned by the law and have the oppressor pay for the damages that he may have caused his victim. The constitutional laws on human rights had been established practically to protect each person from any particular form

Coexisting Disorders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Coexisting Disorders - Essay Example According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug, which implies that the drug can be obtained only through a medical prescription and has high probability of abuse and addiction. It is chemically similar to its parent compound, amphetamine, but its effects are more conspicuous. It is prescribed medically under the name of Desoxyn for the treatment of severe Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Narcolepsy and extreme cases of obesity. Methamphetamine, primarily affects the brain, stimulating an increase in the secretion of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. This neurotransmitter acts as a chemical messenger and is responsible for the experience of pleasure and stimulation of motor activities. It also alters the level of serotonin, another neurotransmitter. Both these properties make this drug potentially dangerous. It can alter moods, cause depression, lead to violent tendencies and suicidal thoughts. It is also the root cause of other psychotic ailments like hallucinations, paranoia and delusional behavior. Medical studies have also shown that chronic use of methamphetamine can lead to damaging changes in the structure of the brain, mostly affecting the areas responsible for emotion and memory (Thompson et al). Besides the nervous system, the drug can also have detrimental implications on the basic metabolisms of the body. It increases the heart rate, elevates blood pressure, increases the rate of respiration and a lso causes hyperthermia. Long term can use can cause extreme weight loss, insomnia and severe dental problems. The drug is also known to possess aphrodisiac qualities, and thus, it leads to impulsive sexual behavior. The hazardous drug can be snorted, swallowed, inhaled, dissolved in water, injected, but the most common method of administration is oral intake. Fatal diseases like Hepatitis B and C, and HIV/AIDS can also be transmitted through the use of infected needles and syringes, commonly used to inject the drug. Similar to many other abused drugs, methamphetamine users get an adrenaline rush coupled with an extreme sense of pleasure. It stimulates the senses, increases concentration and also leads to sexually charged behavior. According to the National Institute On Drug Abuse, methamphetamine abuse continues to be a massive problem in the United States of America, and is reportedly spreading to Mexico and also to the Midwest. According to a survey conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 10.4 million people over the age of 12 have tried methamphetamine at least once. Use of methamphetamine in abusive quantities is known to cause depression and mental anxiety. A recent study conducted by The Methamphetamine Treatment Project evaluated the psychological condition within a group of 1016 people, all methamphetamine users. A staggering 60% of the women and 50% of the men exhibited strong symptoms of depression. Close to 28% women and 13% men attempted or persistently thought about suicide. Their mental conditions had deteriorated to such extremes that 26& had to be admitted in the psychiatry wing while 32% were administered medications. (Zweben et al.) Biologically, depression is defined as a psychological disorder, which is characterized by persistent sadness, withdrawal from daily and social activities, and inability to feel pleased and happy. It is normal for every

To what extent do you feel that the presentation Essay Example for Free

To what extent do you feel that the presentation Essay In Shakespeares time a womans status in society was very much based upon their fathers or husbands success. This subsidiary status was based on religious conceptions of hierarchy whereby according to the medieval church, Adam was created first, and Eve from his body; she was created specifically to give him comfort, and was to be subordinate to him, to obey him and to accept her lesser status. Furthermore, it was also based on the renaissance stereotype of women, which was split between the Virgin Mary and the Whore of Babylon. The Virgin Mary being represented by Ophelia to show her innocence and purity, and the Whore of Babylon by Gertrude to show her impurity and experience. These misconceptions show that although Shakespeare uses Gertrude to portray his view of women he does not highlight the naivety of Ophelias character and is instead clouded by the idea of imperfection within Gertrudes character. The concept of equality between the sexes was non-existent in Shakespeares time. Renaissance and Medieval literature was often misogynistic so there was a general distrust of women, which is portrayed in Hamlet. The husband was given the accepted role of head of the household, his duty being, to give his wife and children moral guidance as women had very little authority and were made out to be insignificant citizens. However, a modern audience would view Hamlet differently with a more educated opinion because of the changing situation of women in society since the Elizabethan era. Many people would find the derogatory and anti-feminist comments made in Hamlet profoundly offensive and nowadays they would be unacceptable. The role of women in Hamlet is represented by the two characters of Ophelia and Gertrude. Ophelia, who is Hamlets lover and the daughter of the kings prime minister Polonius, and Gertrude, Hamlets mother, who is the widow of the old king Hamlet and the wife of the current king of Denmark; Claudius. Both of these characters are portrayed as weak and nai ve to depict Shakespeares views and the views of the society on women. Women had little rights; they could be educated, although they could not go to university. Also, they were not allowed to vote, enter the professions, or become heirs to their fathers titles. One of the main themes within Hamlet is obedience as women were expected to remain obedient to their husbands or fathers throughout their lives. Obedience is key to Ophelias character as her actions are derived from her obedience towards Laertes and her father, Polonius. Nowadays obedience is less of an issue and a modern audience would probably not understand its importance to the play and why Ophelia goes to the extreme length of not ever seeing Hamlet again after Polonius orders her not, to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet. Her relationship with Polonius is a stereotype of the father-daughter relationship in Shakespeares time whereby her opinion is not relevant. He does not listen and is very dismissive of her, Ay, fashion you may call it. Go to, go to, yet she still shows him the utmost respect by referring to him as, my Lord. Although he cares for her he is very patronising towards her and treats her like a child, Affection? Pooh! You speak like a green girl. His tone towards her brings out the notion of her inferiority. Polonius forcefully orders her to, Look tot, I charge you. Nevertheless, Ophelia does as she is told, I shall obey. This is similar to Gertrudes language to Claudius as she also tells him, I shall obey you, when he informs her of his wish to spy on Hamlet with Ophelia. Ophelia agrees to let Claudius and Polonius spy on Hamlet because she believes that she must obey him. Furthermore, she may want to prove to her father of Hamlets devotion to her. This is shown when she notifies the Queen by referring to her wanting Hamlets madness to be caused by his love for her, I wish it may. However, Ophelias relationship with Laertes is much less strict than with Polonius in the sense that she seems to feel more comfortable around him than Polonius and tends to listen to him more. She promises to take his advice by telling him that she, shall the effect of this good lesson keep as watchman to my heart. However, at the beginning of the scene Laertes goes straight into his advice when he tells her, My necessaries are embarked. He does not show her any brotherly love and is straight to the point, which makes him seem cold and unaffectionate. There is an extensive use of shared lines between the start of Laertes and Ophelias discussion: (Laertes) No more. (Ophelia) No more but so? This method helps to emphasize the power relationship between the two characters. He speaks first then she follows with her short and general answers to his long speech, which highlights her natural carelessness of innocence. It seems as though he is undermining her when he gives her advice. Although, she acknowledges and accepts his control over her as she tells him his advice, Tis in my memory locked, and you yourself shall keep the key of it. Ophelia is unable to make her own decisions about Hamlet as she tells her father, I do not know, what I should think. Therefore, as a result she turns to her father who tells her, I will teach you. Which, later on leads to her destruction as she thinks Hamlets madness is caused by her rejection of him. Shakespeare uses her inability to think for herself to represent how women had very little independence and their roles were confined. They were expected to be silent observers and according to Michael Best, a dominant woman or one that showed any attempt at asserting their views was seen as, unnatural, a symptom of disorder. Shakespeare demonstrates this by Gertrudes limited intelligence as she makes a very general comment towards Hamlet, All that lives must die. Her speech seems tentative and she tends to echo Claudius when she Thanks Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz. In present society the Queen has more authority and would have a more equal relationship with the king than Gertrude does with Claudius. Although Gertrude is obedient towards Claudius she makes less sacrifices for him unlike Ophelia, who risks her relationship with Hamlet to obey her father. In fact, marrying Claudius helps Gertrude to remain within the royal family of Denmark after the death of old king Hamlet. Hamlet is incredibly unkind to Ophelia. In act 3 scene 1 Hamlet perceives from Ophelias strange behaviour, that she was not acting of her own accord but as a decoy. We notice this as he begins contradicting himself: he tells Ophelia, I did love you once and goes on to say, I loved you not. There is also a change in the direction of his speech as it is aimed at the spies. Those that are married already-all but one-shall live. The caesura in the line allows the audience to pick out this particular line and helps us to understand its significance as a threat directed at Claudius. Hamlets crude comments suggest Ophelia is false and impure when he tells her to get thee to a nunnery in order to save herself from being corrupted by sexual temptation. Although another interpretation could be that he believes women corrupt men and she has corrupted him by falling in love with him. However it can be argued that his unforgivable behaviour towards Ophelia was a pretence to make her believe in his antic disposition. Furthermore, whenever Hamlet is in his antic disposition he uses prose, which is what he uses to talk to Ophelia in this scene. According to feminist critic, Lee Edwards, We can imagine Hamlets story without Ophelia, but Ophelia literally has no story without Hamlet. This is because Ophelias character is used to create a sub-plot, which involves the relationship between her and Hamlet. This creates more interest as the focus is diverted from Hamlets revenge plan. However, it then leads into the wider context of the play as Hamlet is betrayed by her and later on kills Polonius, which is followed by Ophelias madness. Ophelia uses verse, and formal rhyme towards the end of her soliloquy and concludes with a rhyming couplet, O, woe is me thave seen what I have seen, see what I see. This method is used in order for the audience to pay particular attention to Ophelia noticing the contrast within Hamlets violent and irrational personality now, with the harmonious and high qualities he used to show. Although Hamlet humiliates her with sexual disgust and gross innuendo, Ophelia avoids his meaning be saying he is, blasted with ecstasy using his madness to block out the negative elements of his change. Shakespeare brings out his own views of women in Hamlets character. According to R. S White, Hamlet projects upon Ophelia the guilt and pollution he believes exist in Gertrudes behaviour. He has strong feelings about her marriage to Claudius and describes it as, A bloody deed, almost as bad as kill a king, and marry with his brother. It is because of her actions that he begins to condemn women and makes rather derogatory comments, Frailty, thy name is woman. Hamlet comments a vast deal on Gertrudes sexuality and lets her know that he, thought-sick at the act of her making love over the nasty sty. He uses this sexual imagery to show his disgust by describing Claudius with beast like references. Gertrude loves Hamlet and shows genuine disbelief when he confronts her, speak to me no more, these words like daggers enter in mine ears. She trys to protect him from the king after all that he has said to her. Hamlets behaviour towards Gertrude and Ophelia would create much more sympathy now than it would have done in Shakespeares time, as the audience would have been used to the treatment of women and would have agreed with the Hamlet, the heroes opinion. Gertrude dies by drinking poison from the cup, which, is provided by Claudius and meant to kill Hamlet. Her death has no major significance unlike Ophelias death. The ultimate fate of Ophelia, madness and eventually death, is a result of her fathers death and her inability to cope with it. She is driven to her madness by Hamlets betrayal of her. This is reflected in her songs as she sings, Before you tumbled me, you promised me to wed. According to Charney Maurice, within Renaissance drama madwomen were more strongly defined than madmen, and womens madness was interpreted as something specifically feminine. For Ophelia madness is the only time she is able to express her repressed feelings without being challenged or punished. Her death is beautified with the image of her lying in the water surrounded by her garlands of flowers, which are used to symbolize her innocence. Gertrudes extensive use of imagery creates a pretty image to represent Ophelias character like the hoar leaves, which symbolize a grey colour to represent age, to emphasise her youth and innocence. Her symbolic meanings are purposefully created to appear specifically feminine. Ophelia can be seen as a representative of women in Shakespeares time because of her strong emotions, which were stereotypically womanly. Although, her madness can be seen to symbolize womens oppression in society. She is the ultimate victim and is on the receiving end of Hamlets revenge plan and his male desire. It is her suffering from Hamlets wild and insulting behaviour, which creates our greatest sympathy for her. However this would be limited in a Shakespearian audience because of the stereotype and general distrust of women. Gertrude can also be seen as a victim although she does not gain as much sympathy as Ophelia because of her inconsiderate behaviour towards Hamlet and old Hamlet. Yet we would feel sympathy, as we know she is oblivious to the conspiracies surrounding her. Bibliography http://absoluteshakespeare. com/guides/hamlet/hamlet. htm http://web. uvic. ca/shakespeare/library/SLT/intro/introsubj. html http://www. tk421. net/essays/hamlet/hamlet. html http://www. clicknotes. com/hamlet/questions. html.

Intercultural Communication: Culture in Malaysia

Intercultural Communication: Culture in Malaysia Intercultural Communication Inter-, as you will probably know, comes from the Latin word for â€Å"between†, and the  dictionary defines â€Å"communication† as â€Å"exchanging information†. Martin and Nakayama  (2011) define intercultural communication as the â€Å"interaction between people from  different cultural backgrounds.† Importance of Studying Intercultural Communication Intercultural communication is getting more and more significant due to the advance of  globalization and increasingly multicultural work environments. It is indispensable  because of our increasing exposure to masses of other polishes. Because of this, the  cultural intelligence and cross-cultural communication skills that come with studying in a  foreign country are extremely sought after by employers who seek to earn a competitive  edge and break into foreign markets. Culture â€Å"Culture is brought up to a group or residential district, which shares common  experiences that shape the way its members understand the cosmos (Marya Axner, 2013). Academic researchers often start out with the observation that â€Å"culture† is a word with a  very vague meaning. Or rather, a word with lots of different meanings. A culture is a  unique combination of rituals (such as greeting and parting), religious beliefs, ways of  thinking (such as the earth was created), and ways of behaving (such as women can marry  at 14 years of age in Iran) that unify a group of people. Festivals Celebrated In Malaysia Malaysia is a multiracial country consisting of the three primary races in the nation. Looking for forgiveness from one another, especially from the elder members of the  household is an important custom in this portion of the universe, which leads to Hari  Raya Aidilfitri. This usage is thought as a way of abandoning past animosity, and  strengthening bonds between family members and acquaintances. â€Å"Eid Ul Fitr† is usually  celebrated to give thanks and to celebrate their success in completing the month-long time  fasting period of Ramadan. The festival commemorates the end of Haj, which is the  Muslim pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It also marks the  willingness of the Islamic prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail in an act of  obedience to Allah (God). Handing out red envelopes to children during the Chinese New Year is one of the  customs traditions in this festival. Aged people and married couples usually are the ones  that take in these handouts. The centuries – old legend includes a report of a terrible  mythical monster who preyed on villagers. On this day, families travel long distances to  meet and make merry. Though the holiday is only around a week long, traditionally it is a  15-day holiday during which firecrackers are lit, drums can be heard on the streets, red  lanterns glow at nighttime and red paper cutouts and calligraphy hangings are hung on  doorways. The famous festival among the Indians is Diwali or Deepavali that marks the victory of  good over evil. On every Diwali day, the goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as a symbol of  prosperity. Annemarie (n.d) discovered that people wear new clothes, share sweets and  light up firecrackers on this very day. It is stated that the fireworks are used to frighten the  evil spirits away, while the light embraces prosperity in the form of Lakshmi. The  preparations begin the day before, when the oven is cleaned, smeared with lime, four or  five kumkum are put on, and then it is sated with water for the next days oil bath. Etiquettes Good eating etiquette is one of the common important rules of feeding. Malays admire  good etiquette and do not appreciate bluntness. It is polite and goes for the soft sell. Beverages will not be served before dinner and it is offered by using both hands. The  right hand is only used to eat, pass, touch or handle anything while the left hand is never  used to eat because it is filthy. As for the Chinese, generally hosts a welcoming banquet while the foreign guests should  reciprocate toward the end of their visits. It is a must to arrive exactly on time for a  banquet to show punctuality and courtesy. The guest of honor is always placed at the head  of the room, facing the door. It is said that chopsticks are usually used and it is considered  very rude to tap the chopsticks on the. The chopsticks are supposedly put neatly on the  table or on the chopstick rest. Not to mention, the Indians as well, have their own etiquette of eating. Food must not be  refused when one is being served but it is all right to be the first to finish eating. Hindu  hosts are never supposed to let their guests’ plates be empty. The guests should always  assure the host that it is fine by following the host’s style of eating. If utensils are not  used, the right hand is used to eat. Spoon is a must use to take food from communal dish;  it is a rude way to use fingers. Taboos In every culture, there are always the Do’s and Don’ts. It depends on a person, whether to  believe the superstitious act or not. In Malaysia, the three primary races share some  common similarities when it comes to taboos. It is said that taboos were believed by the  ancestors, a very long time ago and it is because to bring good moral values to the  younger generation. Wasting money on unnecessary things just to make the celebration  big and merrier is not encouraged by the Muslims. Besides that, those that are celebrating  Hari Raya Aidilfitri are supposedly to visit relatives no matter how bad the family tie is. As for the Chinese, during the celebration of Chinese New Year, it is said that sweeping  the house a day before new year is bad as it will be throw the â€Å" Ong â€Å" away. Families  would be gathered for dinner to build a stronger bond with each other. No matter how  busy one would be, it is a must to celebrate this festival without missing it. Swearing or  jinxing something during new year, is said to bring bad luck to the family throughout the  rest of the whole year. For the Indians, during Deepavali, candles would be lit up, and that is one reason why is it  called The Festival Of Light and to get rid of the evil. Coloured rice would be used to  decorate the porch floor and is called â€Å"Kolam†. It is encouraged to wear bright colours  during the festival, because it is said that white and black symbolize sadness. Conclusion Every culture brings out the traditions that were believed by the ancestors, once and it is  carried on by the following generation. This leads to good moral values and etiquettes in a  person’s self. It is important to learn that intercultural communication is important  because we are highly exposed of other cultures. This brings us to understand a person’s  culture more deliberately as we are curious and try to relate ourselves to others. By  learning a person’s culture, it makes us have a wider mind of range of how others behave,  their religious beliefs and their means of establishing trust in each other. References Ahmed, S. Naumann, E. (2014). Intercultural Communication. Retrieved from http://www.internations.org/magazine/intercultural-communication-15409 Annemarie. The significance of diwali. Retrieved from http://www.auroville.org/society/diwali.htm Axner, M. (2013). Section 1. Understanding Culture and Diversity in Building Communities. Retrieved from http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/culture/cultural-competence/culture-and-diversity/main Cultural Etiquette. Retrieved from http://www.read-write-now.org/UserDir/Documents/Cultural Etiquette.pdf Guhanatha, S. (2009). Thaipusam. Retrieved from http://www.myhindupage.org/index.php/thaipusam Hari Raya Aidilfitri. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.centralsingaporecdc.org.sg/hari-raya-aidilfitri/ Jaime, K. Hari Raya Haji. Retrieved from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_694__2009-01-02.html Lisa, C. (n.d.). The history of Chinese New Year. Retrieved from http://chineseculture.about.com/od/chinesefestivals/a/ChineseNewYear.htm ). Martin, J. N., Nakayama, T. K. (2011). Experiencing intercultural communication: An introduction. New York : McGraw-Hill. Pearson, J.C., Nelson, P.E., Titsworth, S., Harter, L. (2013). Human communication: Intercultural communication. Penn Plaza, NY: McGraw Hill Education. The Importance of Intercultural Communication. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.ability.edu.au/latest-news/the-importance-of-intercultural-communication/

Trans-boundary Natural Resource Management (TBNRM) Essay

Trans-boundary Natural Resource Management (TBNRM) Essay Trans-boundary natural resource management (TBNRM) can be defined as process of cooperation across boundaries that facilitates or improves the management of natural resources to the benefit all parts in the area concerned (Griffin et al, 1999). TBNRM it attempts to address the challenges of managing natural resources that are collaborated or shared across international or political boundaries and not ecologically, For instance the Albert national park was the national park across international border in Africa that was established by the Belgium colonial regime in 1925 to conserve natural resources occurring in two countries. It spanned the colonial state of Rwanda-Burundi and the Congo (Van der Linde, 2001). The Africans major fall in land, river, lake, forest and national parks (Lycklama à   Nijeholt et al, 2001), and these are as follows: River as natural resources form a narrow or wide channel of water which pass across the country or form the boundary between countries, these rivers contain numerous valuable wildlife that migrate across borders (katerere et al, 2001). For example river Limpopo across boulders (Botswana, south Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe) (Microsoft student, 2008), Orange river (Lesotho and Namibia), Congo river (DRC and Republic of Congo), Nile river from east Africa source in lake Victoria flow through Uganda, Egypt, Sudan to Mediterranean sea ( Microsoft student, 2008), the conservation of these rivers need cooperation and collaborations between nations. National park is one of the major natural resource in Africa, since most of these ecological cuts across international boundaries for instance Kruger national park one of the national park in the world located in South Africa bordered by Mozambique and Zimbabwe, The W-Aryl-Pendjari (WAP) is the national park that is complex straddles the countries of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger and one of the largest continuous protected areas in Africa, the great Limpopo trans-frontier parks is the African largest protected area that spread through Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, the mountain gorilla conservation in Virunga heartland in central albertine rift region of east central Africa span the borders of Democratic Republic of Congo( DRC), Rwanda and Uganda. Congo basin forest forms ecosystem shared by Cameroon, Central Africa, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in United Republic Tanzania the two neighboring trans-boundaries protected areas where every year herds of wildebeest Zebra and other herbivores migrate between Serengeti national park in Tanzania and Masai Mara game reserved in Kenya (Microsoft students, 2008). Trans-boundary lakes, African continent has a plenty of shared lakes that cuts across international boundaries and some act international boundaries for example lake Tanganyika in the great rift valley that border on north by Burundi, east Tanzania, south Tanzania and west DRC. Lake Victoria found in east central Africa bordered by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Lake Chad located at the junction of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameron. Lake Turkana found in central Africa boarded in North West by Kenya with the northern most tip in south western Ethiopia. Lake Albert an elliptical lake in east central Africa located on western Uganda and north eastern DRC, Lake Malawi or Nyasa located in the great rift valley between Malawi on the west Tanzania and Mozambique on east (Microsoft student, 2008). In spite of the African continent to have endowed with different trans-boundary natural resources across countries that contribute to the economic development, these resource posed a great challenge in terms of their utilizations/exploitation or their conservation and or management, hence the following are some of the challenges facing the management of trans-boundary natural resources in Africa:- Differences in conservation policies, Kenya has long pursued aggressive prevention policies concerning wildlife, where as Tanzania has promoted consumptive use including sport hunting, licenses hunting which does not consider proper policies of hunting wildlife. Such differences obviously exacerbate or accelerate problem in natural resources management. Also there has been experimentation on a ground scale with resources which involves less or no consultation of the other member’s country and this cause conflicts (Serageldin and sfer-younis, 1996). Management issues in resources are difficult to address at the scale of programs where additional requirements of seeking cooperation for example are cooperation on management of rhino and elephant poaching in Masai Mara in east Africa. Under this situation different sets authority among the stakeholders with different policies and laws find it difficult to unity and control the illegal activities in recourses (Lock wood, Worboys and Kothari, 2006). Poor agreements that is timely, equitable and acceptable by all riparian countries. For example the Nile basin which its management find difficulties among members from the upstream and downstream as Egypt and the Sudan recently exchange threats over the use of the Nile river, also Tanzania and Malawi over lake Nyasa and Kenya and Uganda on the ownership of mountain Elgon. These result in constant conflict and mismanagement of natural resources. Also most of the agreements were either the agreements made by between colonizers or bilateral agreements which contradiction among those nations shared the natural resources (Malasse abtew and Stegn, 2014). Protected areas managers and stakeholders find it difficult to determine those issues that have a specific trans-boundary element for example, it is self evident that trans-boundary protected areas must involve and benefit local people, but trans-boundary program may well involve many other aspects such as community who were previously divided by the imposition of an international border which also may associate with border conflicts among the nation involved for example the lake Victoria conflict between Kenya and Uganda on Mgingo island(Lock wood, Worboys and Kothari,2006). Lack of international system to enforce agreements, there are many mechanisms for trans-boundary management that has been agreed among nations faces difficulties in its implementation. Among them are African agreements like African Conversion on the conservation of nature and natural resources of September 1968, river basin agreements which include the Niger basin Authority, the lake Chad basin commission, the Senegal river develop organization, the Gambia river development organization and the Zambezi river authority also specific agreements like Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda agreements on management of lake Victoria. (Serageldin and Sfer-younis, 1996). Lack of trust among stakeholders’, many stakeholders fails to trust each other on the conservation of trans-boundary natural resource especially in policies on conservations and utilization of natural resources for example stakeholders like community and community, government and government, community and Non-Government Organization, private sector and government (Goldman, 1998). Limited trust among stakeholders reduces cooperation and full participation among stakeholders. This limit the natural resource management conservation (Chifamba, 2012) Different level of economic development, different level of economic development may impose challenges in trans-boundary natural resources management; different nations have difference contribution to trans-boundary natural resources management, for instance different between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The stages in economic development among neighboring countries lead to analogous different in priorities for trans-boundary natural resources management objectives which may sometimes not allowing compatible , hence make it difficult in collaboration on trans-boundary natural resources management programs (Chifamba, 2012) In general trans-boundary natural recourses management is affected by lack of solid data about environmental issues makes cooperation difficult, absence of appropriate financing scheme for effective trans-boundary management also lack of international system in enforcing the agreement because the world has not yet found an adequate system to settle disputes related to trans-boundary programs. All those and other problems might be solved by ways such as ; proper involvement of stakeholders which is key to adaptive management, proper and clear statement concerning trans-boundary resources management also, enhancing or promotion of A forestation in riparian areas. References Chifamba, E (2012) Trans-boundary Natural Resource Management and distribution of rights and benefits to look communities on the Zimbabwe- South African Border. Zimbabwe . International journal of politics and good governance. Goldman, M. (1998). Inventing the Commons: Theories and Practices of the Commons’ Professional. In M. Goldman (Ed), Privatizing Nature: Political Struggles for the Global Commons: London .Pluto press Griffin, J., Cumming, S and Metcalfe, S. (1999). Study on the development of trans-boundary Natural Resource Management areas in Southern Africa, world wildlife fund: Washington D.C, USA. Griffin, J.,Cumming, S., Metcalfe, S.,Tsas-Rolfel, M and Singh, J.(1999). Trans-boundary Natural Resource Management in sub Saharan Africa. Biodiversity Support Program c/o World Wildlife Fund: Washington DC, USA. Katerere, Y., Hill, R and Mayo, S. (2001).A Critique of Trans-boundary Natural Resource Management in Southern Africa. Paper No1. IUCN-ROSA series on Trans-boundary Natural Resources Management. ICUW. The World Conservation Union. Lockwood, M., Worboys, L. and Kothari (2006).Managing protected areas: A Global Guide library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Dat, USA. Lycklama à   Nijeholt, R., Debie, S and Creerling, C(2001). Beyond Boundaries: Regional Overviews of Trans-boundary NRM on West Africa. Biodiversity Support Program: Washington DC, USA. Malesse, M.A., Abtew, W and Setegn, G.(2014). Nile River Basin: Eco hydrological challenges, Climate change and Hypropolitics. Springer Print: New York- USA, Microsoft Cooperation (2007) Microsoft student 2008, Redmond, WA: Microsoft cooperation. Selegeldin, I and Sfeir- Younis, A. (1996). Effective Financing of Environmentally Sustainable Development. World Bank publications. Van derlinde, H., Oglethorpe, J. Snelson, D. and Tessema,Y.(2001) Beyond Boundaries: Trans- boundary Natural Resource Management in Sub Saharan Africa, Biodiversity Support Program: Washington DC, USA.

Bipolar Disorder and the Essay example -- Biology Essays Research Pape

Bipolar Disorder and the "War on Drugs" Bipolar disorder, also known as, "manic-depressive illness," is a brain disorder that results in unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. More than two million American adults (or, about one per cent of the population aged eighteen and older in any given year) are afflicted by this affective disorder (1). Yet, because it cannot be revealed by a blood test or other physiological means, patients may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Fortunately, once one is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the acute symptoms of the disease can be effectively mitigated by lithium and certain anticonvulsant drugs, the most popular being Depakote (also known as valproate). However, not all drugs are created equal. The New York Times recently featured an article elucidating that Lithium, the first drug utilized to treat bi-polar disorder, is more conducive to preventing suicide in people who have manic-depressive illness than Depakote, what has become the most commonly prescribed drug (2).. The new study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, found that patients taking Depakote were 2.7 times as likely to kill themselves as those taking lithium (2).. Although studies conducted prior to this have concluded that lithium could in fact prevent suicide, this report is the first to compare suicide and attempted suicide rates in lithium and Depakote users (2). Approximately fifty years ago, lithium "opened the modern era of psychopharmacology (3)." Its therapeutic effect is indeed very rapid. Administered in the form of lithium carbonate, it is most potent in treating the manic phase of a bipolar affective disorder; once the mania... ...ring of patients and critical treatment experimentation and evaluation may help physicians soon find peace. Sources Cited 1. National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder http://%20www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm 2. New York Times, 9/17/03: An Older Bipolar Drug Is Linked to Fewer Suicides in a Study (Denise Grady) 3. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 2001. Long-term Clinical Effectiveness of Lithium Maintenance Treatment in Types I and II Bipolar Disorders (Leonardo Tondo, MD) http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/178/41/s184%20 4. Physiology of Behavior (textbook, 7th edition, Neil R. Carlson) 5. American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients With Bipolar Disorder; Part B: Background Information and Review of Available Evidence http://www.psych.org/clin_res/bipolar_revisebook_5.cfm

Dionysus- some ideas :: essays research papers

Within all the text in the â€Å"Dionysus† section the universal theme I found is that the characters were punished by fate for no apparent reason. In one pivotal moment in each story, the innocent character loses free will and henceforth is steered by merciless fate. In the myth of Diana and Actaeon, Actaeon has committed no crime but is punished as if he had. His seeing Diana bathing was the work of fate. As a matter of fact, Hughes reinforces this belief in the first paragraph of the story when he states, â€Å"Destiny, not guilt, was enough for Actaeon. It is no crime to lose your way in the dark wood† (Hughes 97). It is perfectly clear that it was purely fate guiding this story. Actaeon was â€Å"Steered by pitiless fate- whose nudgings he felt only as surges of curiosity† (Hughes 99). At this point one can see that Actaeon has completely lost his free will. It is no longer his decision whether to not go further in the cave. From here on, fate takes control of his life. The only character that has gained a form of justice from this encounter is Diana. By disposing of Actaeon, she won back her purity- the essence of her virginity. This purity she had lost when Actaeon saw her exposed. Her only means of regaining her chastity is by ridding herself of Actaeon. In comparison, there is no justice in this tale for Actaeon. He was simply a victim of fate, which put him in the wrong place at wrong time. The strongest moral of the myth of Diana and Actaeon is that fate carries no preferences. Actaeon committed no crime; he did nothing to anger the gods. Fate catches up to all people regardless of the manner in which they chose to live their lives. Ovid could have used this myth as a basis for explaining to his people why even the innocents suffer in life. However, I found that the morals of this myth are as beauty is to the eyes of a beholder. For example, another one of the possible morals I came up with is that the hunter became the hunted. Diana, being the goddess of the hunt had the power to show Actaeon what it was like to be the hunted. This is brutally demonstrated when Actaeon’s own dogs, which were so peculiarly described (practically all of page 101 is dedicated to the description of these dogs), hunt Actaeon down and ravenously tear him to pieces.

Housmans To An Athlete Dying Young :: Poem Housman Athlete Dying Essays

Housman's "To An Athlete Dying Young" A. E. Housman's "To an Athlete Dying Young," also known as Lyric XIX in A Shropshire Lad, holds as its main theme the premature death of a young athlete as told from the point of view of a friend serving as pall bearer. The poem reveals the concept that those dying at the peak of their glory or youth are really quite lucky. The first few readings of "To an Athlete Dying Young" provides the reader with an understanding of Housman's view of death. Additional readings reveal Housman's attempt to convey the classical idea that youth, beauty, and glory can be preserved only in death. A line-by-line analysis helps to determine the purpose of the poem. The first stanza of the poem tells of the athlete's triumph and his glory filled parade through the town in which the crowd loves and cheers for him. As Bobby Joe Leggett defines at this point, the athlete is "carried of the shoulders of his friends after a winning race" (54). In Housman's words: The time you won your town the race We chaired you through the market place; Man and boy stood cheering by, And home we brought you shoulder-high. (Housman 967). Stanza two describes a much more somber procession. The athlete is being carried to his grave. In Leggett's opinion, "The parallels between this procession and the former triumph are carefully drawn" (54). The reader should see that Housman makes another reference to "shoulders" as an allusion to connect the first two stanzas: Today, the road all runners come, Shoulder high we bring you home, And set you at the threshold down, Townsman of a stiller town. (967) In stanza three Housman describes the laurel growing "early" yet dying "quicker than a rose." (967) This parallels "the 'smart lad' who chose to 'slip betimes away' at the height of his fame" (Explicator 188). Leggett's implication of this parallel is "that death, too is a victory" (54). He should consider himself lucky that he died in his prime and will not out live his fame. Housman says: Eyes the shady night has shut Cannot see the record cut, And silence sounds no worse than cheers After earth has stopped the ears. (967) Leggett feels that "death in the poem becomes the agent by which the process of change is halted" (54). In the next stanza symbolism is used as the physical world is in Leggett's terms, "The field where glories do not stay" (54). "Fame and beauty are represented by a rose and the laurel, which are both subject to decay," Leggett explains (54). The athlete dying is described here by Housman:

Lvmh Report

Business Report of LVMH Group members: Rining Mutang Beili Yin 10130350 10153456 10095036 Sekit Chubuppakarn Xu Yang 10095786 10136050 Mahsa Tolou Sharifi 0 Executive summary LVMH, the world s largest luxury group, came into being with the mergers of Moet Hennessy and Louis Vuitton in 1987. Besides its traditional strengths in wines & cognac and leather & fashion goods, other three are perfumes & cosmetics, watches & jewelry and selective retailing. In the external environment of part two, the report analyzed the relevant dimensions of the macro environment by use of the PESTEL framework and the luxury industry by the Five forces framework.The global economy, people s expectations on luxury goods, drive for technological application, rarity of raw materials, and intellectual property laws all have an impact on LVMH in a broad sense. In a narrower sense, market entry into the luxury sector is defined low, threat of substitutes neutral (low to loyal customers but high to those who norm ally cannot afford), the power of suppliers, the power of buyers and competitive rivalry all high. Generally the luxury industry can be regarded as in the shake-out stage; owever, people in the US, wealthy European countries and different Asian countries are in the different stages of luxury spread process. Following the life cycle of the industry, the cycles of competition model will be illustrated to explain the strategic moves of LVMH and its two main competitors PPR and Richemont. In the strategic capabilities of part two, the report presented LVMH s physical resources, financial resources, human resources and intellectual capital. The Group s core competencies lie in four key elements and price. product, distribution, communicationIn the culture and strategy of part two, LVMH s corporate values and culture, and the cultural web in terms of symbols, organizational and power structure and control system are presented respectively. LVMH stresses on the creative design and quality 1 excellence of its products. At the corporate level, LVMH expands horizontally and vertically in both backward and forward integration. The Group s good corporate parenting adds value to the individual brand underneath it. LVMH s strategic direction can be defined as diversification, a combination of market penetration, product development and market development.The Group s current product portfolio, as diversified as over 50 brands, is shaped by Bernald Arnault s constant acquisitions. LVMH s mission is to let art travel around the world, but due to its price mark-up, the country it enters should have sufficient customers who can afford the LVMH products. Therefore, the Group s international strategy more follows the people of high income than particular countries. The way LVMH chooses to enter a foreign market is usua lly by acquisitions of reputational domestic brands.At the business level, we mainly present the strategy of Louis Vuitton, the star brand under LVMH, which account s for 60 per cent of the Group s revenue. Louis Vuitton differentiates itself by four approaches stick firmly to the full price, pick store locations professionally, control the production strictly, and manage its own inventory. Innovation and entrepreneurship are fundamental drivers in today s economy, even for well-established MNCs like LVMH. Vigorous product and process innovation contributes to LVMH s long-standing success.The challenge for entrepreneurs at the maturity stage is to keep their passion and momentum to create new growth for the company. However, this doesn t seem a problem for Bernald Arnault, who has been the CEO of LVMH since 1988. 2 Contents 1. Introduction 2. The strategic position 2. 1 External environment 2. 1. 1 The macro environment: PESTEL framework a. Economic b. Socio-cultural c. Technological d. Environmental e. Legal 2. 1. 2 Sources of competition: Five forces framework a. The threat of entry b. The threat of substitutes c. The power of supp liers d. T he power of buyers e. Competitive rivalry 2. 1. Life cycle of the industry 2. 1. 4 Cycle of competition Strategic capabilities 2. 2. 1 Resource categories a. Physical resources b. Financial resources c. Human resources d. Intellectual capital 2. 2. 2 Core competencies 2. 2 2. 3 Culture and strategy 2. 3. 1 Corporate values and culture 2. 3. 2 The cultural web a. Symbols b. Organizational structure and power structure c. Control system 3. Strategic choices 3. 1 Corporate level strategy 3. 1. 1 Value-added by corporate parenting 3. 1. 2 Diversification 3. 1. 3 Portfolio management 3 International strategy 3. 2. 1 Market entry strategy and entry mode 3. . 2 Market selection 3. 2. 3 Difficulty of imitation 3. 2. 4 Drivers for internationalisation 3. 3 Business level strategy 3. 4 Innovation and entrepreneurship 3. 4. 1 Product and process innovation 3. 4. 2 LVMH s Diffusion S-curve 3. 4. 3 Portfolio of Innovation Options 3. 4. 4 Entrepreneurship 3. 2 4. Conclusion 4 1. Introduction Moet Hennessy and Louis Vuitton merged in 1987 forming the incumbent luxury goods conglomerate LVMH (LVMH, 2010). The Group s First Half 2010 Interim Report announced double-digit revenue growth rate in all the five business lines that LVMH is active in: Wines and spirits Fashion and leather goods Perfumes and cosmetics Watches and jewelry Selective retailing There is no other sector like luxury that the higher the price the more customers desire will be. This is because luxury is a package of tangible product and intangible benefits like emotional satisfaction from others admiration and respect (Okonkwo, 2007). Due to its existing presence in the industry, LVMH is getting through the economic turmoil comparatively well, which is largely driven by the strong momentum of its Louis Vuitton brand (The Economist, 2009).The Group s latest move will be expanding into LVMH hotel management of the Cheval Blanc brand in Egypt and Oman. This initiative was mainly driven by the demand from its cur rent customers for luxurious travel experiences (Socha, 2010). 2. The strategic position 2. 1 External environment 2. 1. 1 The macro environment: PESTEL framework a. Economic Global economies have been recovering with uncertain fact ors still existing. However, due to its established global presence, LVMH s outlook is positive, both in the major markets developed countries where its leadership position has been firmly secured 5 ver decades and where people s pursuit for quality luxury is believed to continue; and in emerging markets where the Group s solid foundations has been established and expansion will be accelerated at the right timing (LVMH, 2010). In spite of the economic downturn, the Group has been benefiting from the s trong growth in Asia and resilience in Europe. Recessions come and go, but some individuals are always willing to spend on luxury goods like handbags and watches, which in return pay them back in quality life and admiration from friends (Hazlett, 2004).No m atter good or bad economy, it does not have much impact on the spending of those really rich elites. However, according to Bernstein Research, the rapid growth of luxury goods industry is primarily being driven by the strong demand from the middle class, who account for almost 60 per cent of the total sales (The Economist, 2009). With a quite large and fast growing discretionary income, those affluent middle class have a quite positive attitude towards luxury goods, the quality of which is their first requirement of purchasing (Chevalier & Lu, 2010). . Socio-cultural According to Chevalier and Lu (2010), many luxury goods will be tailored to Asian preference specifically. The underlying reason of Asians affection towards luxury is social order transformation in many Asian countries. A person s social status is no longer rigidly decided by birth and his or her family background, but based on how much wealth the person possesses. Even though a person was born in a humble background, h e or she has opportunities to climb up the ladder and make enough money to reach certain social status.Then question comes how to turn the wealth in the bank account into something more noticeable and measurable so that can win respect from others. The influx of western luxury brands with outstanding logos and worldwide recognition seems perfect solution to many Asian new rich ( Chadha & Husband, 2006). In contemporary Asia, luxury brands are wearable symbols of identity and social status, while in the US and European countries, consumers are relatively more sophisticated and the luxury goods are regarded as a kind of lifestyle (Okonkwo, 2007). The socio-cultural challenge for LVMH would be how to keep a 6 alance between different markets where expectations from its products are different. c. Technological Technology is supposed to post a significant challenge on every aspect of the luxury industry, from raw material sourcing to strategy development. In the past decade, there has be en many business applications related to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products). All these common databases can help to make things smoother for process flow inside the supply chain.In this way, the data regarding the market conditions could be analyzed and passed on more effectively and rapidly, also it will be possible to predict the demands of consumers with higher accuracy, the latest designs and prototypes would be able to be proposed at a quicker rate, and there will be reduced lead time when it comes to the releasing of latest products. When luxury brand companies are fully integrated into ICT systems, it may very well help them to create and come up with fresh competitive advantages. Besides that, the organization will also achieve a greater balance in terms of efficiency and cost (Okonkwo, 2010). . Environmental LVMH s success is hugely based on their sales from their luxury bra nds. In this market, luxury brands are a massive intangible asset, therefore the perceptions and image that is perceived by the public can greatly influence the values of the brand. This is an important issue that LVMH need s to monitor closely. If LVMH wants to maintain and also improve the reputation of their brands, the company should focus on vital components that have already been implemented by many luxury brand companies, which is the Corporate Social Responsibility of environmental protection (LVMH, 2009). 7 e.Legal The Louis Vuitton brand is the most frequently counterfeited one in the luxury category (Chadha & Husband, 2006). The company has 40 lawyers and 250 investigators and spends approximately $18 million every year on combating counterfeiting. The issue is particularly serious in China, where most of the faked products come from and the protection for intellectual property rights is weak (Okonkwo, 2007). However, the China Government has shown its efforts to take thi s issue seriously by approving new laws, raiding on the counterfeiting factories and closing some notorious markets flooded with faked products. . 1. 2 Sources of competition: 5 forces framework a. The threat of entry With help of the Internet, it is possible for a brand to achieve global awareness and credibility within five years. The ever increasing global mobility through business trips and travel also contributes to the rapid expansion of the luxury market. At current stage, entry into this industry is relatively easy (Okonkwo, 2007), especially in the emerging markets where the brand war for market share is still fiercely ongoing. b.The threat of substitutes Due to the low copy cost and easiness to sell, luxury brands are widely counterfeited. It is estimated that over 80 per cent of the faked products are from Asia, particularly from China, and then distributed worldwide (Chadha & Husband, 2006). With the improving technology and workers skills in China, the quality of counte rfeit products are not so obviously inferior to the original ones as they used to be. Moreover, the worldwide distribution chain is getting more and more sophisticated despite the combat of the government and the luxury brands. c.The power of suppliers When it comes to the production of luxury products, there is high level of quality and exclusive designing involved which are the main factors for success and attracting 8 customers. In order to accomplish this, the organization needs the combination of highly trained workers and also premium and only top notch input materials when they create, produce, and market the product. In the case of LVMH, they need to establish and maintain tight relationship with their suppliers to ensure that they always receive high quality materials and designs (LVMH, 2010).Besides that in the luxury goods market, luxury apparel and accessories have been categorized by factors such as exquisite craftsmanship together with high quality and design, therefor e the producer of the brand cannot outsource the production processes to other countries other than the original country from which the product was recognized internationally. This is why, the power of suppliers in the luxury goods market can be classified as medium to high, depending on how much input that is received by LVMH. . The power of buyers In the case of LVMH, their buyers are the many retailers in the market which can range from small to large companies. The market players in this sector are the manufacturers such as LVMH. The buyers can push for a strong bargaining position when there are more and more players in the retail market. This industry that LVMH are involved in can offer a wide range of fashion products and also, a wide range of functional classes within the market such as styles, material, logos, and so on.When a particular brand has become a strong and well known brand, the power of buyers will be decreased and retailers have no choice but to provide the wish es of the end user. Besides that, a new trend that has been popular with some major companies who started erecting their own stores, which is known as forward integration (Chadha & Husband, 2006) . e. Competitive rivalry Some of the big conglomerates that are the competitors of LVMH in the global luxury goods industry are the Channel Group from USA, the PPR Group from France, the Burberry Group from UK, the Polo Group and Richemont from Switzerland.These 9 c e es e e c s e y c ce ec s ec s e s. e y ec ec e se ve ey e s ve ey y. ee c s e e e e ee s e s ec s s c s c e es e e ce c & s e s es e c e s es j ye s ve y c ye s s s e e e s. y c ve e es s ee y eve y e e ee s es ec e 2006 . 2 1 3 Lif cycl of th indust y The v y s chas s y s ese . e e y c s es y has ee shifte to appreciation for the product quality rather than a sense of pleasure from merely showing off. The new environment is becoming harder for some short-sighted companies to make long-term profit by just offering easy-to-sell products with historically fancy brand names (The Economist, 2009).Based on the characteristics of increasing rivalry, slower growth and some players e isting (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2010), the luxury goods industry can be defined as in the shake-out stage. However, customers preference shift will not have a negative influence on the LV H, as quality, innovation and creativity have always been the long-term focus of the Group (The Economist, 2009). St St 1 Subju tion 2 St Sho off 3 St 4 Fit in St 5 St t of mon y W y of lif Indi Chin Tai an / South Ko a Hon Kon / Sin apo 10 Japan / US / W althy Eu op an count i s The spread of luxury can be illustrated in five processes.People in the US, wealthy European countries and different Asian countries are in the different stages of viewing luxury For Indians, affluent elites are the customers of luxury while the majority are buying mass products With Chinas booming economy, an increasing number of people are able to afford luxury, which is used as symbols of their social status For Taiwan and South Korea, since their earlier exposure to western brands after the economies took off in early 1990s, people buy luxury goods more for fitting into their lives than just showing off; Hong Kong and Singapore are even further on their way o integrate luxury as a way of life, like the US, wealthy European countries and Japan (Chadha & Husband, 2006). 2 1 4 Cycl of comp tition LV H Ent ant 11 Moet Hennessy and Louis Vuitton s merger into LVMH in 1987 inspired the establishments of two other French conglomerates PPR and Richemont. The three companies are generally referred as the big three in the luxury industry (Chevalier & Mazzalovo, 2008). PPR is not as pure a luxury company as LVMH, as it has other businesses like department stores and book and consumer electronics retailing.Since margins in the luxury market are more attractive, it is very likely that PPR will sell the other non-luxury businesses (The Economist, 2006) . Compared with LVMH, Richemont is more relying on the watch and jewelry sector, which is the most severely affected category in case of economic crisis (The Economist, 2009). LVMH s traditional strengths are in its wine & cognac and fashion & leather goods lines. With Bernald Arnault s acquisition strategy, the Group has been kept expanding into other business lines and international markets.It can be expected that the war between the big three will be how smartly they deploy diversified brands in the future. World-renowned but still independently run brands like Armani, Chanel and Hermes are very likely to be the next targets. 2. 2 Strategic capabilities 2. 2. 1 Resource categories a. Physical resources By 30 June 2010, LVMH has 2,468 retail stores worldwide, a 4. 1% expansion rate on the previous year (LVMH, 2010). Inner decoration of the stores reflects the LVMH traditions and the emotional buzz offer customers unique experience of purchasing luxury and the attention they need ( Chevalier & Lu, 2010) .Unlike some of its competitors, LVMH insists on the high standard of its store decor and product display like everywhere else when it approaches the Chinese market, where counterfeiting is big problem (The Economist, 2009). 12 b. Financial resources LVMH s long-term strategies of building the heritage culture and brand loyalty support the sustainability of financial management performance of the organization. In the regression year 2009, LVMH, which are luxury goods, generally, supposes to have a big effect by low confidence of consumer spending. However, in 2 009, there was just only slight decrease (0. % in revenue and 7. 6% for the profit) in the revenue and profit for LVMH compared to that of 2008 (LVMH, 2009). Furthermore, in the first half of 2010, LVMH can pick up the advantages of economy recovery and perform very well. The revenue and the profit of LVMH were 9,099 and 1816 million Euros, which significantly rise 16% and 33%, respectively, compared to the same period in (LVMH, 2010). There is also the dramatic decrease in the cost of financial debt by 27% compare to the same period in 2009 (LVMH, 2010. ). The fixed assets (tangible and intangible) of LVMH are worth 20. 2 billion in 2010 (LVMH, 2010).Moreover, As of June, 30, 2010, LVMH s credit facilities went over 3. 9 billion Euros which 3. 8 billion Euros w ere the undrawn amount (available) (LVMH, 2010. ). LVMH can confidentially continue to invest in the potential projects with these large financial resources. c. Human resources LVMH used to adopt human resource policy applied to every individual country, but from early 1990s, the Group found having a global standard HRM system helped it to achieve higher effectiveness and efficiency. This new approach, regarding human talent as a world pool, creates an international working environment for LVMH.Besides the requirement of matching with LVMH s corporate culture, the more important determining factor in recruitment has become whether the candidates can bring about something new to the company (Business Europe, 1993). The common HR rules encourage cross-border mobility (normally once every five years) that is important career path within LVMH. Moreover, LVMH has been involved in the partnership with top education institutes in order to bring the potential talents into the organization (LVMH, 2010). 13 d. Intellectual capital Building a luxury brand is a complicated task more han just catching people s attention. The success formula of brand building by Bernard Arnault, LVMH s CEO, is unique positioning of the brand building on its history and the right designers to express the brand values, plus strict quality and distribution control and creation of marketing buzz (Chevalier & Lu, 2010). 2. 2. 2 Core competencies According to Bernald Arnault, CEO of LVMH, high quality of the products, strong appeal of the brands, and rigorous activities of the Group are LVMH s main advantages that make it stand out and s ecure market share (Business Wire, 2010).There are four key elements of LVMH s success formula product, distribution, communication and price. LVMH has done a fantastic job on the first three elements supporting the high-end price which identifying the extreme value of the product and differentiate its brand from the others. For decades LVMH's formula has worked amazingly: customers are seduced by beautiful status-symbols, perfect shops and clever advertising (The Economist, 2009). 2. 3 Culture and strategy 2. 3. Corporate values and culture Corporate values, usually written down as statements, are the most visible reflections of a company s mission and strategies (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2010). In order to generate the unifying corporate culture of the diversified organization, company need to provide the effective leadership, defining goal and creating the set of values and beliefs. It might be very difficult for the diversified multi-business organization which has many d ifferent businesses like LVMH to crate the unifying corporate values culture (Grant, 2005).However, with the great attempt, LVMH has successfully created the five values, which are respectively (LVMH, n. d. ): Be creative and innovate 14 – Aim for product excellence Bolster the image of our brands with passionate determinat ion Act as entrepreneurs Strive to be the best in all we do 2. 3. 2 The cultural web a. Symbols Louis Vuitton is most famous for its Monogram series. The delicate Monogram pattern was created to prevent counterfeiting at the beginning, but quite ironic that the series are the most counterfeited among all the luxury products.The over 100-year-old iconic series are varied by Mac Jacobs and other creative designers every season, coming out with new forms like graffiti, ch erry pattern, new colors and materials, etc (Chevalier & Mazzalovo, 2008) As Bernald Arnault said, this is to protect the overexposure of the signature Monogram print (The Economist, 2009). b. Organizational structure and power structure LVMH group are originally French and most headquarters of the firm are in French. However, the organization strongly believes that multi cultural management needs to be applied.LVMH s kingdom consists of 5 main business sectors (as mentioned in the introduction) which each group is the combination of the young and old strong brands. Moreover, the independent brand management which translated from the unique culture of each brand help s organization to generate its typical structure and enhances the potency of individual brand (Gooderham & Nordhaug, 2003). There are more than 50 renown ed brands in LVMH s Kingdom and each company has its own president, CEO and management team who responsible to deal with its subsidiaries directly.Furthermore, the company has a decentralized structure which supports the growth and characteristic of Luxury brand and company also applies the autonomous management by geographic between each destination such as Europe, Japan, Asia and America. The organization structure support company s fast growth by enhancing the level of innovation, control power over distribution and promotional 15 strategies (Gooderham & Nordhaug, 2003). c. Control system LVMH is using the multidivisional structure to have a better internal control (Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson, 2009).Also, the decision to enter into the selective retailing market in 1999 supported LVMH to reduce the problems of distribution control . LVMH also supports each brand and employee with the autonomous management which allow them to enhance the level of creativity and adaptability management in different market (Gooderham & Nordhaug, 2003) . Moreover, Bernald Arnault acknowledged his success lied in his management techniques. He insisted on giving designers complete freedom from financial or marketing concerns to apply their creativity.But when it comes to the manufacturing stage, the process control system is as strict as militant to ens ure the Group s profitability (LVMH brand for success, 2002). 3 Strategic choices 3. 1 Corporate level strategy At the corporate level, LVMH s structure is different from a typical conglomerate. The group expands horizontally and vertically in both backward and forward integration. Horizontally, LVMH has well-established itself in the five main business lines by gradually integrating and possessing some strategic business units (SBUs) since the new group came into being in 1987.Vertically, it integrates a centralized laboratory for cosmetics research and purchases media companies for the best effects of its promotion (Rugman, 2005). 3. 1. 1 Value-added by corporate parenting Good corporate parenting can add value to a scope of businesses offering different products and services that may share few common resources at the operational level. LVMH s business lines range from wines and spirits, to fashion and leather goods, to 16 selective retailing.Each individual business groups do not have many common resources or capabilities, but they are benefiting tremendously from LVMH s corporate parenting, like receiving support in the classic brands and having creative designers involved (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2010). LVMH s Half Year Interim Report (2010) stressed the Group s priorities will be directed to the most profitable brands with substantial innovation and marketing support, namely Louis Vuitton, Moet Hennessy in drinks, TAG Heuer in watches, Christian Dior in perfumes and cosmetics, Sephora and DFS (The Economist, 2009).The economies of scale give the Group synergy benefits like being offered favorable prices for advertising, property leasing and credit card fees. 3. 1. 2 Diversification Diversification is a strategy that takes the company beyond its existing products and markets. LVMH has a highly diversified product portfolio, notably Louis Vuitton, whose momentum is strong enough to offset the Group s profit losses in other lines and keep the overal l revenue positive (The Economist, 2009). It could be regarded as a combination of product development, market development and market penetration (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2010).In terms of product development, artistic creativity and technological innovation both contribute to the Group s success, particularly in the cosmetics business line, which highly relies on the up-to-date R (LVMH, 2010) 3. 1. 3 Portfolio management There are over 50 renowned brands under LVMH s portfolio, each of which has its unique history and brand culture (Gooderham & Nordhaug, 2003). Among them, the most prestigious and could say timeless brands are: Chateau d'Yquem (founded in 1593) Moet et Chandon (founded in 1743) Hennessy (founded in 1765) Guerlain (founded in 1828) 17 –Louis Vuitton (founded in 1854) Acquisitions normally can alleviate competitive rivalry by reducing the number of players in the market and integrating them under one umbrella (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2010). Ber nard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, is well known for his constantly aggressive strategy of acquiring smaller fashion brands with established reputation but less impressive business outcomes and incorporating them into the LVMH portfolio. In the next few years, LVMH is expected to take advantage of the recession and have more favorable acquisitions (The Economist, 2009).Brand power of the French luxury-goods conglomerate is enforced by reaching more customers through these acquisitions (Moffett & Ramaswamy, 2003). One famous example is the acquisition of Fendi in September 1999. When facing both tenders from Gucci / PRR and LVMH, the Italy-based fashion brand sold itself to the latter because of trust in the management capabilities of LVMH s executive teams. 3. 2 International strategy One of the famous global brands in the world is LVMH. Although it is not as big as TESCO, it is successful because of its groups. Its strategy is more flagship than TESCO.The strategy can be defined as an integrated distribution network. It is dynamically trust in many non- business foundations through competition world (Girod & Rugman, 2005). Structuring the bridge between traditions, modern, creation and innovation by supporting art in cla ssify around the world, is LVMH s mission (Preiholt & Ha? gg, 2006). It seems LVMH has two types of strategies. The first one is to impose increasing number of sales to make obvious for shareholders which there is a harmony between luxury products and four elements such as: eternal, contemporary, quick rising and making more profit.The second one is an opportunity of rising in future (Preiholt & Ha? gg, 2006). 18 3. 2. 1 Market entry strategy and entry mode The most important strategy which is used by LVMH is buying other famous company in luxury field. Market can be more controlled by this action. According to this strategy, famous brands were selected by LVMH. The most important points of selecting relates to the high quality (Ireland, Hoskisso n & Hitt, 2009). Three main things are noticed by LVMH managers. High price, more controlling strategy and arranging franchise are points to get the goals (Hines & Bruce, 2001).LVMH fallows to keep extending its market without afraid of hard situations for setting up the stores there. As an example in first attempt for entering to Chinese and Japanese market, it was not acceptable by people because they didn t have any idea about luxury products and they preferred to follow their traditional products but now LVMH has many stores around China and Japan ( Bloomberg businessweek: Louis Vuitton's Life of Luxury, 2007). As mentioned before considering all features of trading and ability to control them are reasons to be successful in entering to new market ( Bloomberg businessweek: Louis Vuitton's Life of Luxury, 2007).For example in Japan concerning about all elements is important for customers also in France value and to be modern is very important. So LVMH is considered in all of the aspects which are important for different countries ( Bloomberg businessweek: Louis Vuitton's Life of Luxury, 2007). 3. 2. 2. Market selection According to LVMH mission they need the strategy to enter to worldwide market. Their goal is enter to the market of many luxury purchases. Due to this goal they are looking for customers priority in different countries.According to this priority, the different product will be matched with customers need. Also they tried to find out that which costs can make customers happy which can be acceptable by LVMH mission. It means that they planned to fit the products and prices according to the market which wants to be entered. In another word, LVMH marketing managers 19 choose the products and adapting price according to capabilities of the country. LVMH as a luxury brand was limited to specific countries which has strong economic. The main problem for LVMH was, it is very dependent on some countries such as France, Japan and USA.Using financial ana lyse, make it up to date and controlling the market could help it to have a better situation than other competitors (Spulber, 2007). Creating the finance economics can organized by LVMH when it buy another famous company (Ireland, Hoskisson & Hitt, 2009). Creating the finance economics can organised by LVMH when it buy another famous company (Ireland, Hoskisson & Hitt, 2009). It was the only luxury companies that could survive from economic crisis which happened recently. According to the reports the income of LVMH in 2008 was EUR 17 million which showed the rising income compare to 2007 in range of 4. % (I am emily, 2009, November10). 3. 2. 3 Difficulty of imitation The main problem for some countries is their products can be faked easily but LVMH product cannot be imitated. LVMH is one of the 500 traders which entered to the international growth market. It is attended into worldwide leadership and differentiation strategy. LVMH based more on outside associate. To against with less legality and organized in other countries are in its nature. Its activity is beyond of having a competition with other luxury brand; it also wants to enter to the market which is risky because of any imitation industry that have no certificate can be trustable.LVMH makes more profit for industries which have license and other collaborators to attack to imitation industries, since they started to enter to global market (Spulber, 2007). Also they have their own distribution, so they can control everything easily. Although it has more costs for company but makes to be organized their kingdom easily. LVMH consider about the strong partners. Partners were chosen by the good quality (Spulber, 2007). With no doubt, Arnault can be named as a smart CEO to organise growing company with high benefit with ability to create new things (Wetlaufer, 2010). 0 3. 2. 4 Drivers for internationalisation The significant point for LVMH is that they look deeply into the drivers keys. The most important dr ivers for LVMH can be significant by innovation. Nowadays, new and modern products are more attracted than old ones. LVMH h as special luxury lab to work on innovation parts. In general speaking, rising for demanding luxury products helps LVMH to have more income because they concern about this point and try the best to be well known as an innovation company (I am Emily, 2009, November10). 3. 3 Business level strategyThis part will mainly present the business level strategy of Louis Vuitton, the iconic brand under LVMH, which accounts for 60 per cent of the Group s revenue (Hazlett, 2004) and has a profit margin of 40 to 45 per cent, the highest among all the luxury brands (The Economist, 2009). According to Millward Brown study (2010), Louis Vuitton is ranked the world's 29th most valuable brand, with a value of USD 19. 78 billion. Customers have a common mindset that they tend to invest in the products of best quality and value when they have less money, like a Louis Vuitton handb ag (The Economist, 2009).As Yves Carcelle, Chief Executive of Louis Vuitton , said Vuitton was always able to expand market shares during crises. Sustainable appeal of the brand lies in its differentiation-based advantage. Firstly, stick firmly to the full price to maintain the brand value. Louis Vuitton is the only luxury brand whose products are never sold at any discount. Secondly, pick its store locations rationally and professionally. For example, if Vuitton is about to open a new store in the department, its staff will set up a scale to measure the customer flows and pick the best locations based on statistics.Thirdly, strictly control the production in its own factories. On one hand, approaches in the automobile industry are introduced to streamline the procedures and costs and workers can be easily mobilized from one product line to another in case of demand change. On the other hand, there is high 21 level of quality control over the finished products. Fourthly, never grant licensing to outside companies and operate its own inventory. In this case, the Vuitton brand can be kept high-end and direct control over inventory ensures no space competition from other brands. 3. Innovation and entrepreneurship 3. 4. 1 Product & process innovation According to Amault the CEO of LVMH ( Group mission and values, 2010, n. d. ), LVMH s success is due to their long-term creativity and products innovation. It is obvious that LVMH has already put five things as priorities. Firstly, LVMH should be innovate and creative. Secondly, LVMH should produce the excellent products. Thirdly, LVMH needs to build up its famous brand image in people s mind. Fourthly, the leader should pay attention to the entrepreneurship and relationships. Finally, every employee in LVMH should ry their best to do everything. LVMH s Art de Vivre has already represented the western fashion. In addition, LVMH s products mix the tradition, innovation and culture value which give people a dream and pa ssion. 3. 4. 2 LVMH s diffusion S-curve It is clear that the luxury industry has been increased rapidly. Although people have large demand for regular retailing industry, the luxury industry also increased very fast. According to Amault (2009), in spite of the economic downturn, LVMH s sales have increased very stably. In the early 2010, LVMH s sales have already reached 4. 7 billion. The company also performed well in Asia countries. In order to stimulate consumption LVMH has changes their attitudes in luxury industry. For example, LVMH hired many famous designers to develop their products and avoid overexposure; these help LVMH reach a high velocity. 3. 4. 3 Portfolio of innovation options In order to face the changes and challenges, people should focus on the influence of the deployment of option patterns (McGrath & MacMillan, 2000). Therefore, LVMH s 22 success is the company largely subject to the scouting options.It is very difficult to catch the uncertain reasons like market, world s economic and politics. However, LVMH as a leader in luxury, the company has about 60 famous brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and TAG Heuer SA. It covers like wines, fashion goods, perfumes and watches. Moreover, according to McGrath and MacMillan (2000), in order to face the challenges and find the potential markets, LVMH should pay attention to the scouting options and this way can be seemed as entrepreneurial experiment . 3. 4. 4 Entrepreneurship According to Time Magazine, Bernard Arnault is the top 100 influential people in the world.Because of LVMH s famous brands which include Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Dior, everyone have interesting with the chairman of LVMH and how the leader made the company very big. First of all, Bernard Arnault s kind of fashion was inspired from his creative talent. He brought his talent to the luxury industry and he has his own new vision in luxury market. This is why he can build his fashion country . Then, Bernard Arnault has stro ng entrepreneurship and business acumen. For example, in the 1990s, he began to expand his company and buy other luxury names such as Givenchy and TAG Heuer.Although many people criticized his business strategy, Bernard Arnault s LVMH has been the most famous luxury company all the world. Next, with the success of LVMH, Bernard Arnault began to raise his creative talent. Many businessmen don t pay attention to this. However, Arnault believes that a good luxury company should have many managers who love and better understanding of fashion and arts. Finally, Arnault has the ability to do the business rely on aspects like the creative and financial. He focuses on the creativity must be commerce and when he sells his products he pay attention to financial discip line. 23 4. ConclusionLuxury is a special industry, as the higher price mark-up, the more appeal to the customers. Although the US, wealthy European countries and different Asian countries are in the different stages of luxury s pread process, in the long run, people will be sophisticated enough to view luxury as a way of life. LVMH s resources are: physical high standard stores, financial sustainable financial management, human brand history and mobility-oriented international talent pool, and intellectual craftsmanship, etc. According to Bernald Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, the Group s core competencies are product, distribution, communication and price.LVMH has done such a good job on focusing on the f irst three elements to create an appeal so that customers forget about the prices. LVMH s corporate values and culture of pursuing creative design and sticking to excellent product quality are the foundations of its strategies. LVMH s corporate level strategy is characterized by value-added corporate parenting, diversification in terms of product and market, and excellent portfolio management. We can expect competition at corporate level in the future will be brand wars how to deploy different brands more str ategically.As for international strategy, origins of high income people rather than particular countries determine LVMH s entry into those markets. In most cases, the approach LVMH chooses to enter a foreign market is usually through acquisitions of reputational domestic brands. At the business level, the differentiation strategy of Louis Vuitton, LVMH s most famous star brand, is analyzed. The Vuitton company is trying to protect the brand value by sticking firmly to the full price, picking store locations professionally, controlling the production strictly, and managing its own inventory.Besides the three kinds of strategies, innovation and entrepreneurship are also important drivers for new growth of the companies. LVMH is committed to constant product and process innovation, and this is closely related to the entrepreneurial spirits of its CEO Bernald Arnault. 24 According to LVMH s 2010 fourth quarter report, the Louis Vuitton brand alone contributed over 60 per cent to the Gro up s annual growth, which demonstrated the Vuitton brand s potent ability to offset risks in a portfolio.However, the Group s heavy reliance on the Vuitton brand also worried some analysts that what will happen to the Group suppose the Vuitton brand loses appeal to customers one day. However, based on the evidences collected, we are able to believe the insight of Bernald Arnault, who is an optimist of collecting brands. Part of the revenues from the Vuitton brand have been used to support other smaller promis ing brands, which might grow into another Louis Vuitton in the future. 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