Monday, May 25, 2020

Analysis Of The Semplica Girl Diaries By George Saunders

POSTMODERNISM Set in a futuristic society, a central influence on ones status and wealth in â€Å"The Semplica-Girl Diaries† by George Saunders, comes from ownership of semplica-girls; women from poor countries who agree to become human ornaments, strung by a microline installed in their temple, in order to provide money for their families. Through characterizing Eva as sensitive, and abnormal, Saunders shows that the average person doesn t see how owning semplica-girls is morally wrong. The majority of people who can afford SG’s have them; in Eastridge, a presumably rich neighborhood, approximately 39/50 had. This number shows the normalization of owning SG’s. Eva consistently expresses her dislike saying, â€Å"I don’t like it. It’s not nice. . .If we want to help them, why can’t we just give them the money?†. The rest of her family are fascinated by the semplica-girls, and aspire to have one of their own. However, Eva sees the cruelty in displayi ng humans as ornaments for their own benefits, because as she suggests, if they wanted to help them they would give them money. In an attempt to defend themselves, her parents justify owning semplica-girls because the women have seen worse, are â€Å"happier†, and able to send money to their families. The fact that Eva goes against society’s beliefs, shows that she sees through the distorted justification society proposes. Her father writes that Eva â€Å"has developed tendency to set herself apart from others† and sees her sensitivity as â€Å"anShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Semplica Girl Diaries By George Saunders1609 Words   |  7 Pages â€Å"The Semplica-Girl Diaries† by George Saunders in a short story that follows the life of a middle-age father and his family of four as they struggle with monetary problems and their socio-economic status in their community. The story begins with the the father having just turned 40 years old decides to write a diary of his everyday life for future generations. Throughout the story we learn that he has a very complicated relationship with money, all of his credit cards are nearly maxed out, he isRead MoreThe Semplica Girl Diaries Analysis1621 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"The Semplica Girl Diaries† The American dream is an example of a national spirit that represents different ideologies. The set of ideas may be of democracy, equality matters, liberty, rights, and opportunities. The American dream believes in freedom for prosperity and success for its citizens. The idea suggests that upward social mobility for individuals can be achieved only through hard work. In a story done by George Saunders, the American dream is exemplified in several instances. The author

Monday, May 18, 2020

Advertising Of The Marlboro Brand - 886 Words

Tobacco agriculture could decrease costs scored a 4 for each strategy. This is considered to be most acceptable since the potential for lower costs could directly impact the cost of production, making tobacco products more affordable to lower income consumers under both plans. Once the consumers can afford the products by purchasing at a lower price, they become attracted or addicted, and are likely to continuing purchasing the product. New markets that lack awareness of major brands scored a 2 for expansion of Marlboro through next generation technology and a 3 for expansion into India. PMI has been successful marketing the perceived value of quality to consumers making this factor possibly acceptable as expanding the Marlboro brand through next generation technology could be â€Å"the next big thing.† The cigarette market is so large it is often more challenging for new innovative ideas to break through barriers. Expanding into India should be more receptive to advertising of the Marlboro brand. Through perception and brand loyalty, Marlboro has the potential to capture a new market share expanding their sales growth in this market. Legislation of marijuana scored a 3 for the expansion of the Marlboro brand through technology and brand migration due to the innovative concepts revolving around the use of marijuana in today’s society. The topic is still being debated. This factor rates probably acceptable due to the ability to expand into regulated markets. Expansion into IndiaShow MoreRelatedPhilip Morris1160 Words   |  5 Pages1. How would you describe Marlboro s competitive position in early 1993? Marlboro, the leading cigarette brand for Philip Morris, was the dominant player in the premium priced market. While RJR was the second largest player in the market, RJR’s cigarette brands were fragmented. At the end of 1992, Marlboro had 24.4% unit market share, while each of the RJR brand cigarettes had less than 7% market share. Philip Morris, at 53% operating contribution margin, was significantly more profitable thanRead MorePop Culture Icons: Memorable Advertising Strategies897 Words   |  4 Pagescreated in a sort of diabolical genius fashion, like The Marlboro Man and Joe Camel, characters who were created as a way to deter from the seriousness of smoking. Major tobacco companies, including Phillip Morris and R.J Reynolds, created a way to ease the smokers mind and, perhaps worst of all, to ease the minds of smokers children while creating icons of world proportion. The Phillip Morris tobacco company enlisted the services of The Marlboro Man, a rugged cowboy usually seen in natural settingsRead MoreSegmentation, Targeting, And Positioning Of Marlbbury1353 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Marlboro is the largest selling brand of cigarettes in the world. Marlboro is made by Philip Morris, a company based in the United States and Philip Morris International (which is outside of the US). This company has made a huge impact in the tobacco industry. It had started out as a female-oriented cigarette in the 1920’s, with a small customer base and almost zero international sales. It was with the creating of the Marlboro Man and Marlboro Country advertisement campaign that tookRead MoreThe Ethics of Marlboros Marketing647 Words   |  3 Pagesa set of moral values and standards which pertain to marketing. Responsible companies will operate and regulate their marketing activities into compliance with the marketing ethics while those irresponsible one may not. Background Marlboro, the largest selling brand of cigarettes in the world, is made by Philip Morris International (PMI). It launched a series of new marketing campaign, which is called â€Å"Dont be a maybe†, aiming at young people across 50 countries in 2011. PMI tried to promote itsRead MoreMarlboros Archetype1502 Words   |  7 Pagesromance-based fictions. In cigarettes, the archetype proved useful still, and evolved into what is now known as the ‘Marlboro Man.’ The Marlboro Man is the ultimate archetype: simple, independent, and highly marketable, as a dramatic spike in sales to young males in the 18th century have shown.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Though Marlboro originally marketed cigarettes to a female demographic, its advertising campaign underwent a drastic revision in the 1950’s and began marketing to young men. Naturally, this had the potentialRead MoreThe World War II Era1212 Words   |  5 Pageslong – term effects it might create. Modern advertising has changed dramatically, with the advancement of so many fields; we have more information about the products that are being sold, and there are many more regulations about truth in advertising. It’s a completely different playing field for marketing firms today, they have to employ far more creativity to hook an audience and get their message across than our counterparts in the WWII era. Advertising has a powerful role in shaping the cultureRead MoreThe Ethical Concerns Involving Tobacco1680 Words   |  7 Pageschildren, are less talked about. Some of the early marketing decisions of tobacco can be traced back to one of the most renow ned and valuable cigarette brands in the world, Marlboro. Marlboro first emerged onto the tobacco scene at the beginning of the nineteenth century. They originally were a cigarette brand with a female-based target market. Marlboros were considered feminine cigarettes because they had filters, which were very unpopular for men at the time because the purpose of the filter was toRead MoreThe Issue Of Marlboro s Ethical Violations938 Words   |  4 PagesMarlboro is one of the most well known top brands of the maker Phillip Morris. In 1924, Marlobor was initially launched as a woman’s cigarette it was a filtered brand. In the earlier years, a filtered cigarette was considered to be safer than an unfiltered cigarette. One of Marlboro’s ethical violations is a breach of their own ethical code which states â€Å"We do not and will not market our products to minors, including the use of images and content with particular appeal to minors†. They triedRead MoreEssay on Smoking in America1122 Words   |  5 Pagessmoking, why is it still so popular? Guy Smith, a Phillip Morris Tobacco Company executive, claims that their research shows that advertising is the top reason people start smoking (Bailey 34). Most people will argue that this is not true because the do not like to be â€Å"sold† and do not like to admit advertising affects them. Despite their claims, more Americans buy brand name and heavily advertised products than any other country in the world (Bailey 33). Smoking in the mass media is advertised andRead More Teen Smoking Essay764 Words   |  4 Pages Tobacco Advertising and its dangerous effects on young people. Tobacco Advertising Makes Young People Their Chief Target nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Everyday 3,000 children start smoking, most them between the ages of 10 and 18. These kids account for 90 percent of all new smokers. In fact, 90 percent of all adult smokers said that they first lit up as teenagers (Roberts). These statistics clearly show that young people are the prime target in the tobacco wars. The cigarette manufacturers

Friday, May 15, 2020

Dbq the Enlightenment Essay - 1184 Words

Parmveer Ratth October 11, 2012 DBQ: The Enlightenment The Enlightenment known by many as the Age of Reason was a turning point in history. Man people believe that without the Enlightenment, many of the laws, and rules would exist. For example the United States Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were greatly influenced by the Enlightenment. For example, John Locke, an Enlightenment thinker highly influenced the Declaration of Independence by stating that the natural rights of people include life, liberty and property except the founding fathers changed it by stating life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The†¦show more content†¦Another idea used to challenge an absolute monarchy was in Document # 2. Voltaire, who was a French author and philosopher, states â€Å"†¦I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it†¦ The best government seems to be that in which all ranks of men are equally protected by the laws†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This statement challenged absolute m onarchies because Voltaire believed that freedom of speech should be a right for each person. He believed that people should be able to express their thoughts and feelings. Freedom of speech is a very important right today, and it is used every day by people who express their thoughts. Also in Document # 3 Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who was a French philosopher states â€Å"Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains.† Rousseau is saying that despite the fact that man is born free, he is still tortures, still abused and has all of those free liberties taken away from him. For example, even though people in France prior to the revolution were all human, only the third estate had to pay taxes. The Enlightenment also had a large impact on both government and society. For example in Document # 5 English philosopher Locke states â€Å"Man being†¦ by nature all free, equal, and independent no one can be†¦ subjected to the political power of another without his own consent†¦ To protect natural rights governments are established†¦ Since man hope to preserve theirShow MoreRelatedJust Whatever1974 Words   |  8 PagesA P European History Test Prep DBQ Free Response Questions For DBQ’s Always: 1. Provide an appropriate, explicitly stated thesis that directly addresses all parts of the question and does NOT simply restate the question. 2. Discuss a majority of the documents individually and specifically. 3. Demonstrate understanding of the basic meaning of a majority of the documents. 4. Support the thesis with appropriate interpretations of a majority of the documents. 5. Analyze point of view or bias in atRead MoreEnlighment DBQ804 Words   |  4 PagesEnlightenment DBQ Historical Context The discoveries made in science during the 1500s and 1600s led European thinkers to raise questions about the conditions of human life itself. Many of the thinkers of the European Enlightenment moved away from medieval thinking toward more modern thoughts regarding government and the role of women in society. Document 1 Second Treatise on Government - John Locke . Political power is that power, which every man having in the state of nature, has givenRead MoreAdvancements During The 18th Century1245 Words   |  5 PagesDBQ Essay During the 18th century, advancements to European thought commenced being wide spread throughout the continent. These advancements, known as the Enlightenment, urged Europeans to look beyond what they had previously known and to expand their knowledge, in order to reform their societies in political and economic matters. Enlightenment thinkers believed in human ability to understand the world in which they lived and to conform it to their needs. They advocated many methods of economicRead MoreHistory 9th Grade2275 Words   |  10 Pages in document A their people are compared to hitler, and document M which is about the Mongke Khanon God states that they try to change religion, which I feel is morally wrong. What i do mot have/ additional source that would have helped mein DBQ–Narrative. Something written by Mongols 10/15 Thesis statement: The Mongols deserve their title as barbarians because they expected children to go into the military, they try to change others religion, they were even compared to hitler. Read MoreIslamic and Christianity Essay13431 Words   |  54 PagesVO L U M E FOR TEACHERS ONLY The University of the State of New York 2 2 OF DBQ REGENTS HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION GLOBAL HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY Tuesday, August 17, 2010 — 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., only RATING GUIDE FOR PART III A AND PART III B (DOCUMENT-BASED QUESTION) Updated information regarding the rating of this examination may be posted on the New York State Education Department’s web site during the rating period. Visit the site http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/ and select the link

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

A critique of the “NCHRP Synthesis 397 Bridge Management...

During the period after the collapse of the I-35W BRIDGE in Minnesota, the National Cooperative Highway Reset Program(NCHRP) published a synthesis about bridge management system and decision making that need to be applied across the country. The collapse has awakened public and private agencies in charge so that they begun a new era characterized by paying much attention on their career. A synthesis made by The National Cooperative Highway Reset Program (NCHRP) and lead by Markow and Hyman showed programs and system that need to be put in place in order to reshape bridges management for the sake of program performance. The point at issue is to see why it were important to implement those programs and also analyze its content in order to†¦show more content†¦Engineers need to make sure that skills and attitudes listed above are part of their work. For example, according to the report, costly researches on bridge condition are undertaken whenever necessary but sometimes the ir result are overlooked and never given their due consideration. Unfortunately, the report failed to show clearly attitudes engineers need to develop in order to make their work successful and avoid failures. This analysis was professionally powerful because it would help engineers to recognize and understand systematic errors that can lead to failures. Understanding what engineering is and what engineering can do is to know how failures can happen (Petroski). Among the main causes of this collapse was the lack of accurate inspection because the investigation conducted before were claiming that the bridge was still in good shape as shown by the National transportation Board (NTSB). This shows that in investigating causes of failure and identifying the parties responsible, engineers will not only check strength and stability of their design but also try to investigate business and practices that may be hidden behind the failure. The report put emphasize on preventing failures but never shows how to get the best out of failures because it did not take into consideration the previous failures. And this would make the report a bit poor. According

The Jewish Prophecies - 2071 Words

For centuries, writing has been contingent on time. The narrative (real or fictitious) was not the only form of this belonging, nor the closest to the essential; It is even probable that he has concealed the depth and law in the movement which seemed to manifest it better. To the point that, by releasing it from the narrative, from its linear order, from the great syntactic play of the concordance of time, it was believed that the act of writing from its old temporal obedience was exonerated. In fact, the rigor of time was not exercised over writing by the bias of what he wrote, but in its very thickness, in what constituted its singular being, that incorporeal. Whether directing itself or not to the past, submitting itself to the order of the chronologies or dedicating itself to unleash it, the writing was caught in a fundamental curve that was the homeric return, but also that of the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecies. Alexandria, which is our birthplace, had prescribed this circ le to all Western language; Writing was to return, it was to return to the origin, to recover the first moment; Was to be back in the morning. Therefore, the mythical function of literature to the present day; Its relationship with the old; The privilege he granted to analogy, as well as to all the marvels of identity. As a consequence a structure of repetition that designated his being. The twentieth century is perhaps the epoch in which such kinships are unraveled. The Nietzschean returnShow MoreRelatedCritical Reflection And Intercultural Relations Between Jewish And Muslim Traditions And Nature Of Experiencing The Divine1290 Words   |  6 Pagesrelations between Jewish and Muslim traditions and the nature of experiencing the divine. In contrast to his Muslim counterparts however, Maimonides argues against the Muslim hierarchy by stating that no one could ever surpass Moses or his prophecy. Thus Maimonides indirectly rejects the Muslim belief of Muhammad, as well as the Koran, superseding Moses and the Torah. While Judaism and Islam share a monotheist theology, their distinctions and theological overlaps of religious prophecy raises issues ofRead MoreBest Interpretation of the Four Views of the Seventy Weeks from Daniel1566 Words   |  7 Pagesdeals with the prophecy of the â€Å"seventy weeks† given to Daniel by God and interpreted by the angel Gabriel . Daniel had been praying and seeking God about the sins of his people and pleading that God would move on behalf of his Jewish people. When Gabriel shows up he begins to tell Daniel about one the greatest prophecies in all of scripture complete with times. The times given by Gabriel are seventy weeks broken down by seven weeks, sixty-two weeks, and then one week. The prophecy is given to DanielRead MoreAn Understanding of Biblical Eschatology Achieved Through a Dispensational Theological Perspective872 Words   |  4 Pagescovenantal, Calvinist, Arminian, or even modernist, have a profound influence on the way we approach a given [biblical] text.† There is no portion of scripture that is more influenced by the theological system of dispensationalist than that of biblical prophecy, particularly in the area of God’s redemptive plan from for humanity. The purpose of this essay is to establish that an appropriate understanding of biblical eschatology can best be a chieved through a dispensational theological perspective. Read MoreMatthew. Mathew s Matthew972 Words   |  4 Pagesas the Messiah fulfilling the old testament prophecies. Matthew must have had a large heart of love for his Jewish family, to write to them with care and creativity the prophecy of their new identity in Messiah. The theme of Matthew pours from the heart of Matthew in obedience to love God with all your heart and Love kingdom people, The book of Matthew tells of the birth, Ministry, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Matthew prepares the Jewish people to receive Jesus with the story of HisRead MoreThe Jewish People Essay1681 Words   |  7 PagesThe Jewish people believe that society is currently living in the end of one of four time periods that pertain to the fulfillment of the end time prophecy. This time period is considered the Pre-Messianic period, meaning the Messiah has yet to come. In this period, God will bring about redemption in His own time. The Jews believe that if all of Israel were to return to God, the Messiah would come and the final redemption would be immediate. According to the Biblical text, there are many propheciesRead MoreThe Arab Israeli Conflict883 Words   |  4 PagesPhilosophies and Prophecies. Some of this prophecies are events that have already happened, but they usually follow a series of chronological steps in order to end with a final prophecy that comes true and leads to a major event. The Christian Bible says that once  the Jews relocate back in Jerusalem (also called their Holy Land), Jesus will descend to Earth for a Second Time to judge the living and the dead, finally building his Eternal Kingdom.  Ã‚   Perhaps, there is a belief that the Jewish Population wasRead MoreExploring Anti-Semitism in the Gospel of Matthew Essay1437 Words   |  6 Pagesemerges when talking about whether Jesus’s teaching is anti-Semitic or not becomes ambivalent and it is not easy to interpret, as Coogan has pointed out, â€Å"Matthew functions as a bridge between the two Testaments . . .†(Coogan, 1746). In the context of Jewish-Christian dialogue, the fundamental question is how much of Judaism’s principles and practices ascribed to Jesus are preserved from traditional Judaism? As much as Matthew’s Gospel has been considered to be an extremely anti-Semitic, especially inRead MoreExile : A Common Theme Within The History1172 Words   |  5 PagesExile is a common theme within the history of Israel. This theme continues until the final days, when God will establish His kingdom forever. The Jewish people today are scattered over the whole earth, living among many nations and cul tures. A primary condition of being the Messiah is to gather all Jews from exile back to the land of their ancestors. God promised this using His prophet Ezekiel: â€Å"24I will take you from among the nations and gather you from all the countries, and I will bring you backRead MoreChristianity And The Rise Of Christianity1395 Words   |  6 PagesUnder Judaism, the Hebrew Old Testament writings formed the basis of a covenant between God and the people of Israel. According to the prophecies in those writings, God was going to send a Messiah, who would bless the Israelites, and all the people of the world. The prophecies for told the Messiah’s place and date of birth and Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled these prophecies in complete detail. According to both the Old Testament and the New Testament writings, Jesus was God, who came to earth in human formRead MoreThe Destruction Of The Second Temple1558 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Judaism as one of the oldest religions in the world has been through various historical changes. Started with the practice and belief of ancient Israeli people, through the conquering and changing of different kingdoms and empires, Judaism and Jewish people changed and adapted to maintain their identity, belief and existence. Judaism that we know nowadays is a result of its historical changes, primarily from the Babylonian Exile and the second temple periods. What is Judaism? Judaism began around

Real Options Theory in Strategic Management

Question: Discuss about the Real Options Theory in Strategic Management. Answer: Woolworths limited is a major Australian company, which has the specialisation in the retailing sector. The business of this organisation is also popular in New Zealand. Eden Ackermann (2013) mentioned that Woolworths is the second largest organisation by revenue in Australia. Woolworths opened its first outlet in the year of 1924 in Sydney. On the other hand, Woolworths has also grocery store chain in Australia owned by Woolworths limited. The Headquarter of this company is at Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia. Woolworths form a duopoly market in the Australian supermarkets, along with the accounting of 80% of the Australian super market. Woolworths has the specialisation is the selling groceries such as vegetables, fruits, meat, packaged foods etc. Woolworths presently operates 980 stores throughout the Australia. In this connection, it can be stated that some of the Woolworths supermarkets trade as Safeway store. The stores are located in Victoria, consisting three outlets in Melbournes suburbs as well as in the surrounding areas. On the other hand, four stores are also situated in rural region of Victoria and in the southern New South Wales. According to Rothaermel (2015), it can be mentioned that Woolworths has initiated loyalty scheme, which include a large number of incentives for purchasing stores by subsidising the petrol prices at the Caltex Woolworths petrol stations. On the contrary, the company has announced a loss of $1.235 billion in the year of 2016. Due to the loss of $2 billion in masters business and in Big W businesses, the performance of Woolworths has decreased in 2016. Identify and evaluate the organisations current strategy In order to discuss the business strategy of an organisation, it is necessary to discuss the goal of the organisation. The goal of the business of Woolworths is to give priority to the consumers of the organisation at the first position. To achieve this business goal, Woolworths has aimed to the five business strategies. Woolworths build a consumer and store led culture and team. Secondly, it formulates sustainable sales momentum in grocery. Thirdly, this organisation evolves drinks to the business in order to provide more valuation and convenience to the purchasers. Fourthly, Woolworths empower the portfolio business to follow the organisation strategies in order to deliver the shareholders valuation. Lastly, Barney Hesterly (2015) opined that Woolworths become a lean retailer in terms of end to end procedure. More specifically, it can be mentioned that the business strategy of Woolworths is focused upon the three major principles such as offer, growth and efficiency. As per the principle of offer, Woolworths is improving the basic offer to assure that the purchasers put the company first. The growth strategy highlights the business innovations to achieve the necessities of the consumers. Lastly, the efficiency is helpful to create the further consumer valuation by arranging success. In addition, Morschett, Schramm-Klein Zentes (2015) cited that efficiency strategy also follow to execute the lean retail model in their business. In addition, it can be stated Woolworths has aimed to the building of retail tem, who are listening to the consumers, other team members and also the suppliers. Therefore, in this purpose, it can be mentioned that Woolworths always tried to give priority to the stakeholders of the organisation. In addition, the organisation also focused to collect daily feedback from the consumers, which can make the performance of the organisation better from the previous. As a result, the team of Woolworths always aimed to improve the shopping experience of the consumers. The drink business of Woolworths such as Dan Murphy and BWS always aimed to implement innovation in their business in order to provide the optimum valuation as well as convenience to the consumers, in their outlets and in online. From the above figure, it can be observed that the business strategy of Woolworths is depending upon five main components. They mainly work as a team. In this respect, Morden (2016) mentioned to maintain their teamwork, communication among the management and the workers require to be greater. In addition, they tried to reduce the price of the products in order to make the business successful. The consumers are willing to purchase the products from this company. In this context, Frynas Mellahi (2015) opined that Woolworths always focused to the new pricing and the value strategy, which can neutralise the competition with Coles and Aldi. The business performance of Coles and Aldi also make an impact on the sales of Woolworths. Woolworths include lower pricing and better ranging. Therefore, it can be mentioned that the key concept of Woolworths regarding the pricing structure of the products can be described as higher quality and better price. Moreover, it can be noted that to make a business successful, the organisation requires to keep update their products. Hence, Woolworths aimed to develop their cohesive brand in order to expand their business more in the national market as well as in the global markets. They also provide their consumers offers on the selling products. This can increase the sales of the organisation. Moreover, Woolworths also offer the consumers loyalty program. This organisation sometimes provides discounts to their customers, so that they feel interested to purchase the products from their stores. Changing business strategy: As per the statement of Carroll, Primo Richter (2016), it can be stated that the business of retailing sectors never stand still. This is the reason why Woolworths always change their business strategy as per the changing business environment. It is depending upon the demand of the consumers. Woolworths are responding this new era by following three manners: They are placing their clients at the heart of the organisation. They are listening what is the consumers requirements. Lastly, they aimed to create new and innovative techniques to shop with them and make a long-term relationship with the company. The future transaction: Woolworths has aimed to implement mobile technology in the business. In this context, Stead Stead (2013) opined that most of the consumers are willing to purchase the products through online rather visiting the store. As a result, the consumers can purchase products from each of the corner of the world. Customers want to move effortlessly between physical and the virtual stores in this term. In addition, Woolworths include websites, mobile apps, delivery options and the virtual stores. It can be identified that Woolworths serves approximately 18 million consumers in each of the week and they value each of the consumers. The organisation rewards their loyalty to earn the consumers. In addition, Woolworths aims to provide unique money off proposition. According to Hubbard, Rice Galvin (2014), Woolworths reward program is the most attractive super market loyalty program of Australia. It provides the members of the organisation the capacity of earning Woolworths dollars as well as get money off their shopping. On the other hand, it can be added that Woolworths tried to communicate with the consumers and they listen the consumers in order to give them priority. In this purpose, they tried to take feedback from the consumers in order to improve their performance and the consumer experiences. Furthermore, Certo et al., (2016) cited that consumer talkback is a new initiative. With the help of this strategy, the consumers are able to provide the feedback directly to the management of Woolworths. Therefore, a better understanding between the management and the stakeholders has developed. Woolworths has developed a relationship of trust with the stakeholders in order to make a long-term relationship. In addition, Trigeorgis Reuer (2017) mentioned that this retail organisation focused on the three basic business strategies such as collaboration, fairness and the sources. Value chain activities of Woolworths: Woolworths mission statement is strives to provide the customers the freshest products. Therefore, all the value creating functions of this company involved in the delivery of firms promises: Woolworths controls the distribution network of the manufacturing goods. Within these activities there are two effective functions such as: Procurement and logistic. Procurement Nationalise the purchasing behaviour in order to meet the higher cost savings. The stringent certification method ensures greater quality of products. Logistic Ownership and the operational control involved in the distribution chain. Using of modern technology, which assures the optimal distribution efficiency as well as the cost cutting (Davidsson, Wennberg McKelvie, 2016). The two primary activities of operations are quality assessment and the inventory management. Quality assessment deals with the standardise production, which can detect and then remove the detective products from the manufacturing products. Vogel Gttel (2013) opined that inventory management can predict whether the demand for the retail products will be increased or decreased. In order to increase sales, Woolworths mainly aimed to follow two activities such as in store promotion and the organisational dynamism. As per the concept off in store promotion, the organisation can achieve the short-term sales, whereas organisational dynamism focused to the continuous investment approach in the consumer research. The organisation can also efficiently compete with the others in the market. Evaluate the suitability of the organisational business strategy In order to identify and evaluate the organisations current business strategy of Woolworths, it is necessary to discuss the external and thee internal factors, which influence the performance of the organisation. Therefore, organisational performance can be measured in the following manner: Woolworths is a renowned organisation in the Australian retailing sector. According to Mitchell Leiponen (2014), the political environment of the country is associated with the performance of the company and the retail organisation will be affected by the political climate of the country. Moreover, political condition will give a shape to the environment of the business. As a result, the growth opportunities of thee organisation will be increased. The foreign investors as well as the trading partners can carry out the business related operations, which in turn affect the organisational performance. Somsuk Laosirihongthong (2014) added that political disturbances demotivate the business and the investors from entering into the market. The risks, which arise due to the lower rate of return, make a negative impact on the organisational performance of Woolworths. However, the rate of risk is lower in the business of Woolworths. The economic factors, which influence the financial performance of Woolworths, are recession and the higher unemployment rate of the country. This will in turn lowering down the sales and the financial health of the organisation. On the other hand, due to global financial crisis, the organisation has been suffering from some serious issues in financial aspect. Carraher (2014) mentioned that Woolworths suffer from a major loss when the company has its operation in UK. The rate of unemployment was then increased and near about 30000 employees was jobless during that time. The consumers are the major source of revenue earning for the business entity. Therefore, the target market and the development plan of Woolworths have aimed to the necessity of the consumers experience as it can increase the sales and the profitability. In addition, Woolworths focused to introduce new means of completing the consumers requirements. This would in turn emphasize the notion of consumer delight. In addition, Rao et al., (2015) mentioned that the position of the outlets of Woolworths is required to be convenient, so that the consumers would like to visit the stores. The organisation has offered lowest prices of the products; which can be afforded by the visitors. Lastly, in this connection, it is necessary to mention that Woolworths has launched loyalty program for the consumers in order to maintain a long-term relationship with them. Technological factors: The use of RFID technology is helpful to manage the operation of inventory of Woolworths. With the help of this technology, the store visitors will be able to identify the stock availability of Woolworths. In order to support the operation of technology, Woolworths has implemented Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) in their operation. According to Greco, Cricelli Grimaldi (2013), the retailing sector requires to recognise and then incorporate the technologies in order to hold a stronger position in the industry. On the other hand, Woolworths has aimed to start self-service check out. However, Engert, Rauter Baumgartner (2016) argued that consumers do not accept the self-service check out strategy and it has created a negative impact on the consumers. Hill, Jones Schilling (2014) mentioned that taxation policies and the employee management regulation are the basic two legal frameworks of Woolworths. In addition, food-licensing requirements are the major aspect, which can make an impact on performance of retailing sector. On the other hand, it can be mentioned that if Woolworths will plan to open a new store in the different region, then it requires to take the permission of government. Therefore, legal permission is required for opening of new stores. The environmental aspect of Woolworths is reflected due to the use of eco-friendly business practices. The main purpose is to reduce the harmful effect on the environment. Therefore, Woolworths has invested its natural sources in order to mitigate the carbon footprint of the business. In addition, it is possible to reduce the wastage of the natural resources such as water of the organisation. This will in turn recycle the activities, which can reduce the quantity of wastages. Moreover, the sustainability practices of the company will focus to the sourcing of food practices. After analysing the above organisational strategies, it can be recommended that if Woolworths implement fair price policy and employee engagement these two alternative strategies in their business, then the performance of this organisation will be improved more in the future. Higher employee engagement will improve the overall performance of the organisation. It can be recommended that Woolworths require to focus to frame its own strategy consistently, which can predominate the political issues across the country. The organisation requires to adapt the strategy of fair price policy to the consumers. Evaluate the implemented strategy In this section, this study will evaluate whether the organisational strategies of Woolworths make its business successful or not, whether the strategies will be able to improve the performance of the organisation. As per the statement of Eden Ackermann (2013), it is found that Woolworths is at first position in the Australian retail industry. The leadership position of this company has increased the capacity of the organisation in case of exploit the overall market potential. The technological resources are supposed to be helpful to increase their organisational performance. These technological resources influence to reduce the carbon footprints and able to find out the cost efficient technique. Cost efficient technique is also benefitted to reduce the packaging and can achieve the wastage of zero food value by the year of 2015. Moreover, Barney Hesterly (2015) opined that this retail company highlights the good growth in their business. On the other hand, it can be added that Woolworths is good at their supply chain management. Customer lifestyle has also changed and this will in turn make an influence on the growth of Woolworths. As per the statement of Morschett, Schramm-Klein Zentes (2015), in the countrys economy, Woolworths has a greater impact. With the passage of time, the financial performance of the organisation has been increasing. Therefore, the revenue earning and the sales volume of Woolworths have also risen. This proves that Woolworths is able to contribute a larger portion of national income to the economy. Therefore, the existing strategies, which are followed by Woolworths, can significantly increase the rate of GDP of the country. In addition, rise in thee sales volume has increased the rate of employment to the company. In this context, it can be mentioned that in order to increase the productivity, Woolworths also tried to recruit labours that are more efficient. Therefore, it can be inferred that the rate of unemployment off the company will be decreased. Morden (2016) cited that the economic well-being of the country will be improved. However, Frynas Mellahi (2015) criticised that Woolworths tried to treat its consumers as the monopolists. Woolworths aimed to set affordable and comparatively prices of the products. Hence, the consumers are willing to purchase the products from this company. Therefore, it makes a bad impact on the other retailers of the country. As a result, Australian government has restricted the movement of this organisation such as government prevent the capability to set the prices of the products. On the other hand, Woolworths belongs to the monopolistic competitive market and make a tough competition with Coles. Therefore, it can be predicted that the overall sales structure of Woolworths has affected. Furthermore, it can be added that government intervention has an adverse impact in the growth of Australian retailing sector. Identify the key issues and recommendations Woolworths has been carrying out a business assessment, which describes the important business strategies. These strategies are helpful to improve the performance of the organisation. The performance of the organisation demonstrates that Woolworths has aimed to achieve the higher growth level in their organisational activities. The growth is mainly associated by the strong commitment towards the subordinates and the employees. However, the external environmental conditions make an effect on the Australian retail sector. This will in turn indicates that the determinants such as political factors and the government intervention can change the social patterns and trends of the business. The consumers will also be affected indirectly. On the other hand, it can be mentioned that the indirect economic conditions reflect the competitive business environment situations. As a result, the growth strategy of Woolworths will be affected in an adverse way. By identifying the shortcomings of the o rganisations, the following recommendations can be developed: It can be recommended that Woolworths needs to implement innovative techniques and strategies in the production process. Woolworths can organise a monthly award program for the best employee of the month. This will increase the performance of the individual. As a result, the productivity of the company will be increased. The consumer social trends ensure the perfect business dynamism as it can address the business objectives. In addition, it can be added that these trends will be able to increase the growth level of the organisation (Carroll, Primo Richter, 2016). Additional training and the development mechanism can increase the skills and knowledge of the employees. The consumers will get better service from the company and they will show their interest in case of purchasing the products from this retail store. On the other hand, it can be mentioned that high-level employee engagement strategy can increase the performance of the employees. They also require encouraging their performance. This will in turn increase the level of trust among the managers and the employees. Next, Woolworths requires to find out the shortcomings or the difficulties what they have faced during their organisational operations. After the identification, Woolworths can implement new business strategies in order to mitigate the organisational weak points. Conclusion This study has highlighted the organisational operation of Australias largest retailer store, Woolworths. The above analysis demonstrated that Woolworths mainly aim to meet the consumers requirement. The major principles of this company are offer, growth and the efficiency. In order to improve their revenue earning, Woolworths used to offer their products to the consumers at a comparatively cheaper price. Woolworths has a tough competition with Coles in the retailing industry of Australia. On the other hand, this study also described that sometimes government intervention make a negative impact on the business. Government can impose tax on the products in order to give opportunity to the importers, which will in turn boost up the countrys trading situation and the countrys economy. Therefore, strategy of fair price policy requires to implement to the organisation in order to minimise this unfavourable situation. References Barney, J. B., Hesterly, W. (2015).Strategic management and competitive advantage concepts and cases. Pearson. Carraher, S. (2014). ACADEMY OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT JOURNAL.Academy of Strategic Management Journal,13(2). Carroll, R. J., Primo, D. M., Richter, B. K. (2016). Using item response theory to improve measurement in strategic management research: An application to corporate social responsibility.Strategic Management Journal,37(1), 66-85. Certo, S. T., Busenbark, J. R., Woo, H. S., Semadeni, M. (2016). Sample selection bias and Heckman models in strategic management research.Strategic Management Journal. Davidsson, P., Wennberg, K., McKelvie, A. (2016). ACE research vignette 055: The strategic management of high-growth firms. Eden, C., Ackermann, F. (2013).Making strategy: The journey of strategic management. Sage. Engert, S., Rauter, R., Baumgartner, R. J. (2016). Exploring the integration of corporate sustainability into strategic management: a literature review.Journal of Cleaner Production,112, 2833-2850. Frynas, J. G., Mellahi, K. (2015).Global strategic management. Oxford University Press, USA. Greco, M., Cricelli, L., Grimaldi, M. (2013). A strategic management framework of tangible and intangible assets.European Management Journal,31(1), 55-66. Hill, C. W., Jones, G. R., Schilling, M. A. (2014).Strategic management: theory: an integrated approach. Cengage Learning. Hubbard, G., Rice, J., Galvin, P. (2014).Strategic management. Pearson Australia. Mitchell, W., Leiponen, A. (2014). Virtual Special Issue on Innovation, Intellectual Property and Strategic Management.Strategic Management Journal. Morden, T. (2016).Principles of strategic management. Routledge. Morschett, D., Schramm-Klein, H., Zentes, J. (2015).Strategic international management. Springer. Rao, I. M., Arango, J., Ishitani, M., Peters, M., Miles, J., Tohme, J., ... Van der Hoek, R. (2015). Strategic management for forage production and mitigation of environmental effects: Development of Brachiaria grasses to inhibit nitrification in soil. Rothaermel, F. T. (2015).Strategic management. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Somsuk, N., Laosirihongthong, T. (2014). A fuzzy AHP to prioritize enabling factors for strategic management of university business incubators: Resource-based view.Technological forecasting and social change,85, 198-210. Stead, J. G., Stead, W. E. (2013).Sustainable strategic management. ME Sharpe. Trigeorgis, L., Reuer, J. J. (2017). Real options theory in strategic management.Strategic Management Journal,38(1), 42-63. Vogel, R., Gttel, W. H. (2013). The dynamic capability view in strategic management: A bibliometric review.International Journal of Management Reviews,15(4), 426-446. Woolworths Group: Quality Brands and Trusted Retailing. (2017).Woolworthsgroup.com.au. Retrieved 19 January 2017, from https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/ Woolworths Supermarkets - Woolworths Group. (2017).Woolworthsgroup.com.au. Retrieved 19 January 2017, from https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/about-us/our-brands/supermarkets/Woolworths

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Secrets and Lies free essay sample

I would like to argue that in Secrets and Lies Mike Leigh is suggesting that secrets cause tensions in families and destroys relationships between family members. Firstly, I would like to consider that it is actually true according my own experience because there is been some lies and hidden secrets in my family as well and once they are exposed, it causes embarrassments to those whom are affected. Secondly, I believe secrets can form a negative and positive impact once they are exposed because, it can be a turning point where families consider reuniting and leave the past behind which obviously happens in Secrets and Lies. Sometimes it happens the other way around where Secrets and Lies destroy relationships between family members forcing them to abandon each other. In this paragraph I focus on how Secrets and Lies is compared to other movies based on a humanistic approach meaning that they introduce the nature of human behaviour in societies. Mike Leigh assumes that,† The films that are made in most parts of the world arent independent films; theyre just films, really. Here â€Å"independent† films mean films made in spite of Hollywood. † (Miller) Leigh considers Secret and Lies as an independent movie in a sense that it contains realistic facts and truthfulness compared to those produced by filmmakers in Hollywood where they mostly focus on style, cinematic etc. Leigh is right in that case because, Secret and Lies looks like some sort of documentary yet it’s a film rather than stylish, cinematic which in my point of view reflects to what is called humanistic approach. It consists of simple elements that we all are related to and not too advanced with special effects or better graphics as movies made in Hollywood for instance. I strongly believe that it touches its viewers with its contents. According to Miller’s article, involving an interview with Mike Leigh, he claims that, †I’d say that what I do is work very, very thoroughly indeed and get the actors involved from the word go to create a world that really does exist, whether we point a camera at it or not. (Miller) To make it all work, Leigh let his actors carry on with improvising while acting in order to create an environment which he relates to reality. This reflects to Rosenbaum’s quote where he asks himself why â€Å"Why, then, have I liked Secrets and Lies so much that Ive been able to see it three times with pleasure, and found it as gripping the third time as the first? † (Rosenbaum) It is how Leigh let his actors create an environment he looking for, says the author! In my opinion, I believe Rosenbaum is amazed about Leigh’s work because, the producer reveals how he simply does to make his movies become â€Å"independent†. I assume that most producers scribble down a script and give it to their actors when it’s done and here Leigh does the opposite and the results prove to come out great. In this paragraph, I emphasize on the difference between Secrets and Lies in and Hollywood movies and what others say about his work. Rosenbaum argues that, †Set Secrets and Lies alongside most recent Hollywood pictures it looks like a masterpiece, but considered in relation to the best of Leighsay, Meantime or Grown-ups or High Hopesor the best of recent non-Hollywood films, it looks rather thin. (Rosenbaum) As the author puts it, Secrets and Lies don’t have enough detailed information to be classified as one of Leigh’s best movies because, he claims that it not one that sticks in one’s mind. I’m of two minds about Rosenbaum’s claim that Secrets and Lies isn’t one of Leigh best movies because its lack of extra material to be considered in that category. On the on e hand, I don’t think Secrets and Lies weren’t clarified enough for one to understand what is really going on. On the other hand, I believe Leigh didn’t want to include unnecessary scenes in order to make it too long and simply erase its taste for some audience to be able to watch more than once. Still I strongly believe that some find Secrets and Lies as their favourite depending on their interests. Especially for those who relate it to their own environments in real life. I’m going to look at the race issue which most viewers regard as a main concept and also was on how Mike Leigh himself, responds to this during an interview. When asked if Secrets and Lies emphases on a race aspect, Mike Leigh replies, it’s not what he focuses on and he also indicates that its only idiots who do think that way about the fact that Hortense is black and Cynthia is white because, some don’t even know that it is 1996 and people have learned to live with the race issue behind in some societies. In fact, he backs up his statement describing Hortense’s character stating that, â€Å"As you get to know her, you simply forget that shes black because you get to know her and it ceases to be an issue. (Miller) I see Leigh’s point on the race aspect here because, it is 1996 when Secret and Lies came out and at that time, some societies consists of mixed races where racism is limited to a minimum point. Perhaps he wanted to point out the fact that Secrets and Lies was about other issues rather than race. Hortense had something to do which was to find her birth mother and try to find out the truth. What happe ned to her real father? Cynthia did want to get further on that case other than finally accepting Hortense as her daughter. I assume she felt ashamed of whatever happened and wanted to keep that away from Hortense. Perhaps she didn’t want to upset Hortense by telling her the story nor herself. A quote from Boston Review states that, â€Å"In fact, a week before Leighs film opened in Boston, the local news was filled with stories about the reunion of just such a daughter and her birth mother-an Irish Catholic woman with two small children who had been raped in the early 1960s by a Black man. (Stone) This brings curiosity to my mind why the author gave this example? Is it because he was reflecting this to a race aspect or he wanted to lead the reader to point that Cynthia was raped and that’s how she got Hortense. In my opinion, Alan Stone tries to give an example in which he signalling the similarity of Secrets and Lies and what he read in the newspaper. I can’t really tell if the author what his message about this statement. Was it because he related what he read in the newspaper to Secrets and Lies about the reunion of white mother and the adopted daughter? Or what I mentioned earlier? I assume he focused on both terms. I going to look at the scenes in Secrets and Lies as they reflect to the paragraph above and why they are very good for not only me but also for those who think they familiarize to them in terms of what they have experienced or what they have seen in real life. Mike Leigh struggles to make sure the audience understands the film and he claims during an interview that, â€Å"I go to enough trouble to make sure that you do understand in the scenes where Morris is taking photographs the whole spectrum of society, the various kinds of people and various skin colours. † (Miller) He brings a closer picture of reality rather than stylish, cinematic so that people relate to it in comparison to movies made by gigantic industries such as Hollywood. He also reflects on how the environment looks like, people who live in it as shown when Morris takes pictures of different folks with different skin colours. In this case, it was filmed in London and according to me, that’s how the society looks like over there. Leigh ignores the race aspect in Secret and Lies because in this kind of society, people living in this environment have learned to live with it and it doesn’t affect many as it’s a mixed society with different ethnicities. In this paragraph, I focus on actors and their characters in Secrets and Lies in comparison to what most people go through in real life. Author Rosenbaum summarizes Secrets and Lies to a dysfunctional family seeking mutual acceptance in an example in the movie where he claims that, â€Å"Cynthia is a mess, barrelling her way through the story, but its her messiness that ultimately exposes the family wounds and therefore allows them to begin to heal. †(Rosenbaum) The author Alan A. Stone also comments that, †The premise of healing through giving up Secrets and Lies produces a scene that unifies the characters and leads to a