Should Computer Scientists Experiment More Essay

Should Computer Scientists Experiment More - Essay Example The article also states that experimentations can also be helpful to computer scientists if they need to understand other models applicable in the systems. In this regard, computer scientists feel that experimentations in their profession do not add value, but is time consuming and costly2. On the contrary, I think experiments are suitable for computer scientists because it helps them to discover new trends in their profession. This is because experiments do not have to be in the labs or organized settings, but can take place in seminars or workshops3. For instance, before the introduction of new software, computer scientists can model programs for trial basis. I also think experiments can be useful because computer science requires problem solving techniques. Considering this, experiments improve one’s ability to handle difficult situations that might exist when operating a computer application. The article is biased and does not offer the genuine reasons why computer scientists disregard experiments in their

Introductory paragraph Essay Example for Free

Introductory paragraph Essay There are several weak points in the introductory paragraph. First, the opening sentence refering to humankind’s god-given ability to make choices is too general as a discussion point for decision-making in college. Second, the writer fails to establish coherence in his introduction. For instance, the ideas jump drastically from the â€Å"God-given ability to make choices† to the fact that â€Å"one is faced with a multiplicity of choices† without establishing why the writer thinks that decision-making is â€Å"one of the most splendid – and incommodious – things about the condition of being human. † Thus, the first line could even be ommitted from the introduction as it does not help construct the writer’s thesis in any way. Likewise, the paragraph suffers from too much excitement due to the writer’s fondness for exclamation points. It would also be better if the writer used much simpler words and refrained from using words such as â€Å"ad infinitum† which might not be understood by his or her readers. Lastly, the introduction sounds like a marketing spiel for University with the writer drawing hasty conclusions such as â€Å"I chose university and I could not be happier. † It also has the effect of concluding the essay at the introductory part, making the reader feel disinterested in the â€Å"rewards† that the writer wants to illustrate. On the other hand, this introduction also has its strengths. Aside from the opening line, the rest of the ideas are clearly developed; the writer is able to establish the â€Å"multiplicity of choices† from a simple choice of gum flavor to one’s lifestyle. The writer’s informal style could also be engaging for the characteristics of its audience—young, newly-graduated or about to graduate from high school—as they could identify with the language. Exercise 3 Introductory Paragraph for Assignment 2 Life after high school can be a rude awakening for those of us who have never made a decision beyond what clothes to wear for school or what food to eat at lunchbreak. For the first time, we have to make decisions that would affect our lives seriously, such as which degree to pursue and which university could give us at least a chance at success after we graduate from it. For the first time we have to be careful about the choices we make and to make serious plans about the goals that we have. It is a time to take stock of our capacities and our limitations, to consider parental and societal expectations of ourselves, and to be able to compare these with the right university we wish to attend. It is inevitable—at least for those of us who want to have that degree and to claim our spot in the world after that—although it can be frightening for us to leave the world we have known in high school behind in order to grow as adults and productive individuals. Thus, it is not surprising that choosing choosing which university to attend is one of the most difficult decisions an individual has to make in his or her lifetime.

On Distant View of a Minaret Essay -- essays research papers

In â€Å"Distant View of a Minaret† by Alifa Rifaat, a lonely wife describes life with her husband as â€Å"a world from which she had been excluded† (Rifaat, 1996, p. 256). While a woman paints a picture of a seemingly mundane afternoon, a minaret viewed in the distance provides the reader with vivid symbols of the underlying resignation of expectation and desire she once had for her marriage and her husband. The very first paragraph of the story describes the wife looking at her husband through â€Å"half-closed eyes† and being only â€Å"half-aware of the movements of his body† (Rifaat, 1996, p. 256). While it seems as if the wife is simply depicting waking up from sleep and noticing her husband, immediately upon reading the second paragraph the reader is made aware that the husband and wife are actually having sex. The immediate impression that the reader gets is that this woman is not only not having her needs met and has obviously resigned herself to this type of encounter with her husband by the offhand way she talks about noticing a spider’s web on the ceiling. The bleak tone of this story takes a particularly sad and disturbing tinge when the wife illustrates a scene from early on in her marriage where she tries to get her husband to satisfy her desire and provide her with mutual satisfaction, only to have him rebuke and reprimand her. In fact, the husband responds in such a particularly brusque and hysterical manner that the reader can see how traumatized the wife would have been at ...

International Financial System Essay

There are some assumptions that the United States faces different economic â€Å"reality† than the rest of the world. The speech given by Governor R. S. Kroszner given on September 1, 2008 is about the United States in the International Financial System. He argued â€Å"against the decoupling hypothesis† and talked about the â€Å"two puzzles in the international financial accounts† of the United States. The situation with the housing slowdown in the United States in the summer of 2007 affected also European money markets. It became harder to sell the houses for their original prices. â€Å"Then turmoil emerged in financial systems around the world in the late summer of 2007. † The mortgages taken in the United States were backed with another loans like car loans or student loans and then reinvested again. A lot of foreign investors bought those securities that created difficulties in money markets in Europe. At the beginning of 2008, the financial system in the United States weakened the growth of gross domestic product and affected many emerging markets economies, reducing their growth and prospects for growth. Stock market declined sharply. The food and energy prices increased, and it created a concern of inflation. In other words, Governor wants to show that there is a connection between economies of different countries. It appears that a shock of one country is affecting the economy of many others. According to him, â€Å"the global economy remains closely connected by both trade and financial linkages. † He summed up in short that â€Å"one country’s imports are another’s exports. † The weakness in one economy affects the demand for the imported products that are the stimulus for the economy of the other country which exports these products. Financial account which consists of purchases and sales of assets is a major account. â€Å"Global Financial linkages include not only the net international investment positions but also the sizes of gross cross-border claims and liabilities positions. † There are enormous investments made by US residents and by foreigners. According to Kroszner, â€Å"US liabilities to foreigners totaled more than $20 trillion, exceeding $140 percent of US GDP. US claims on foreigners totaled $17. 5 trillion, roughly 130 percent of US GDP. † This statistics reveled by the FED stuff, indicates that there is a financial linkage between the countries around the world. As a result, â€Å"more than two-third of U. S. liabilities are in the form of debt instruments, while half of U. S. claims are in equity securities and direct investment. † In other words, foreign investors find attractive U. S. markets because of many factors like the Rule of Law, social and political stability, the respect for private property, the uniform commercial code with the court system that can help to resolve disputes, the reliable open market, the safety and soundness of banking system, and finally the transparency in pricing of securities. The next point of the Governor’s speech is about two puzzles. There is an assumption that the United States has the unknown ways to have the higher returns on its investments. The U. S. residents have income of $90 billions more than the foreign investors on their investments in the United States. According to the governor, â€Å"the answer lies in the returns, composition, and size of U. S. claims and liabilities. The return received on U. S. direct investment claims on the rest of the world is much larger than paid by U. S. on its direct investment liabilities to the rest of the world or any other assets. † In short, direct investment appears to be a greater share of U. S. claims than it is of U. S. liabilities. Moreover, the United States is not the only country that has a positive net investment income. United Kingdom has also a larger difference in the rate of return on direct investment claims and liabilities comparing to other countries. This fact proves that the U. S. residents allocate their investments with a greater risk premium and make more physical investments in other countries. Kroszner suggested that difference of $90 billion can be partially explained also by favorable tax laws that â€Å"reduce their overall tax burden† on their direct investments in other countries. Another puzzle was about the U. S. ability to borrow on better terms than the other countries do in order to finance their ‘external deficit. † The United States has huge account deficits over $3. 8 trillion. To finance the deficit U. S. needs to borrow abroad. According to the governor, â€Å"U. S. net liabilities increased by only $600 billion, which is $3. 2 trillion less than the cumulated current account deficits. About $2. 4 trillion of this amount is because of valuation adjustments (capital gains) favoring us claims. † The adjustments constantly occur because of the changes in asset prices and the U. S. currency which is considered to be the major medium of exchange on the market, about 66%. Besides the fact that the United States has the deficit since 1980s, the foreigners are still willing to invest in U. S. market. They can find it more attractive if the United States has the higher real interest. They observe such relative facts like the real sustainable economic growth, the relative inflation rates, and Purchasing Power Parity in the long-run exchange rates. They might also choose to invest in certain securities because of personal preferences and tastes. All these facts influence their decision making to invest in the U. S. market, but the key to resolve the second puzzle lies in differences in portfolio returns, composition, and size. â€Å"Most U. S. liabilities are debt securities, which realize small capital gains, while a large fraction of U. S. claims on the rest of the world are equity securities, which realize much larger capital gains. † In other words, the U. S. residents are taking more risk when invest in the new emerged markets while the foreign investors make safe decisions to invest in the U. S. securities with lower risk and lower return like U. S. bond and bills. Because of global trading and financial linkages, all the countries are bounded together.

Ethical and Environmental Requirements Essay

Since all the nations understand the effects of the fossil fuel there need to take a practical step towards solving this problem. This is a very expensive undertaking because many nations had already invested in fossil fuel extraction. In order to preserve the natural environment, all the countries are supposed to come to an agreement and reduce the dependence on oil as a form of energy because it causes more destruction to the environment and also leads to depletion of resource because it cannot be recycled or replaced at the rate at which it is being utilized (Littell 2005). This calls fro the investment in the energy sources that are considered ethical, environmental friendly and also addressing the social issues. The use of biomass has been suggested as the most effective alternative to the use of fossil fuel. The renewable energy sources are not a substitute to the fossils energies per se because they may cause other adverse effects like ion the case of palm oil in Netherlands; this was discovered to be more dangerous than the fossil fuels because of the scientific evidence, which showed that it caused more destruction to the environment (Littell 2005). The use of bio fuel also revealed that the methane gas which would be released was just as harmful as carbon dioxide from fossil fuel. On the other hand, the use of bio fuel from the food stuff would not be economical because, it would utilize most of the land which could otherwise be used for agriculture while at the same time the whole grain harvest for instance in the united states, converting it to manufacture oil would only yield up to 16% of the total fuel needs, in the Latin America, the growing of sugar cane as supported by the US lead to destruction of forests making it obvious that the large scale investment in to the bio fuel would create competition for land (food crops, forest and bio fuel plantation) and the result would be food shortage and increased prices of the important necessity (Jackson 2006). Most countries are likely to become depended on foreign energy. Many of the developing nations will not be able to afford the technology involved in the production of the bio fuel or other alternatives that are considered ethical and environmental friendly. This is because the technology is relatively new and maybe very costly (Newton 2003). The developed countries may have the capital to invest but lack the land and these calls for cooperation between governments though some may be seen as exploitation. For instance the sugar cane plantation in Argentina meant to produce ethanol, the project was backed by the United States who wanted to use it for production of bio fuel hence clearing large pieces of land and reducing land for food crop production. The volumes produced by the project were meant for Argentina’s domestic use and led to increased prices of sugar and practically led to cultivation of one crop (sugarcane) seen by the thousands of hectares covered by sugar cane fields. This could be a serious tragedy of crop letdown waiting to take place. The result of the investment in the bio fuel could be worse if the bio fuel campaign to substitute petroleum oil with bio fuel is enacted (Jackson 2006). Most countries consider energy conservation as a fundamental part of government projects that the world uses to decrease their carbon release track record. The major problem of investing in bio fuel that has not been fully addressed is that, lack of skills and innovative technology in the field could create a culture of mono-cropping, and as a consequence, retail prices of common commodities would greatly increase. The U. S target of using the Latin America for the growth of bio fuel quota in order to maintain their uneconomical way of living was seen as a different type of the United States of America’s imperialism of the area. Most of the developing countries are bound to be adversely affected by the changes. The conventional traditions and cultures in most countries have been seen to emphasize so much on food crop cultivation. People have so much respect for their food crops that the long lasting campaign by the developed countries has been unable to suppress their love for food crop cultivation compared to cash crops for fuel (Newton 2003). Though the investment in bio fuel is an attractive venture, it is very expensive for the developing nations because it calls for investment into new technology from scratch. It has been predicted that implementing the bio fuel plan may leave a common person 30% poorer and therefore unable to deal with the problem in the current economic situation (Mintzer 1992). These conclusions are based on the argument that new technology is expensive plus the fact that more farm land would be required for cash crop farming to produce raw material for bio fuel like the sugar cane, oil plants and bio gas animal ranches. It estimated that involvement in bio fuel production would cost over $ 553 Trillion. The decision to take the necessary steps towards solving the inevitable climate crisis of global warming was very critical. The issues of global warming on the other hand presented a challenging opportunity for research, technology innovation and entrepreneur investment (Newton et al 2005). Global warming has presents an equilibrium situation. People do not take into account all the facts around the subject and hence consider the problem on wrong postulations. In order to save the world, the cost should not be an issue because the benefits are very obvious. However the threat to food security is the major concern because food is a necessity. The use of electricity in homes as an alternative to carbon gas fuels is very efficient and most ethical and environmental friendly energy source as there are no emissions into the atmosphere and also there is little environmental destruction (Campbell & Reece 2005). Conclusion The use of alternative energy which is ethical and environmental friendly became a concern because of global warming effects and depletion of sources. The accompanying price increase also pushes for the need of alternatives with high efficiency especially in the automotive industry. The ethical and environmental friendly has created more room for technology industry to develop hybrid vehicles and other machinery to use bio fuel and electric automotive to use electricity. Other power sources include flywheels, fuel cells and ultra-capacitors. Biomass and hydrogen being low carbon emitters are not workable alternatives to fossil fuel. Nuclear power and carbon capture and storage also present low carbon alternative though not the best solution. References Al Gore. (2006). An inconvenient truth. Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What we Can Do about it. Rodale Berger J. J (1998). Charging Ahead.The Business of Renewable Energy and what it Means for America. University of California Press Campbell N. A & Reece J. B (2005) Biology. Pearson. Benjamin Cummings Jackson R. M (2006). Annual Editions: Global Issues. Global Issues 06/07. McGraw-Hill Higher Education Littell M. (2005). Science. Integrated Course 2. McDougal Littell Mintzer I. M (1992). Confronting Climate Change. Risks, Implications and Responses. Stockholm Environment Institute. Cambridge University Press Newton L. H (2003). Ethics and Sustainability. Sustainable Development and the Moral Life. Prentice Hall Newton L. H Dillingham C. K & Choly (2005). Watersheds 4. Ten Cases in Environmental Ethics. Thomson Wadsworth

The Arab World and the Middle East

The Arab World and the Middle East The Middle East and the Arab world are often confused as one and the same thing. Theyre not. The Middle East is a geographical concept and a rather fluid one. By some definitions, the Middle East stretches only as far West as the western border of Egypt, and as far east as the eastern border of Iran, or even Iraq. By other definitions, the Middle East takes in all of North Africa and stretches to the western mountains of Pakistan. The Arab world is somewhere in there. But what is it precisely? The Arab World The simplest way to figure out what nations make up the Arab world is to look at the 22 members of the Arab League. The 22 include Palestine which, although not an official state, is considered as such by the Arab League. The heart of the Arab world is made up of the six founding members of the Arab League: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The six forked the Arab league in 1945. Other Arab nations in the Middle joined the League as they won their independence or were voluntarily drafted into the non-binding alliance. These include, in that order, Yemen, Libya, the Sudan, Morocco and Tunisia, Kuwait, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Mauritania, Somalia, Palestine, Djibouti, and Comoros. Its arguable whether all people in those nations consider themselves Arab. In North Africa, for example, many Tunisians and Moroccans consider themselves distinctly Berber, not Arab, although the two are often considered identical. Other such distinctions abound within various regions of the Arab world.

Ignorance essays

Ignorance essays In Sophocle's ancient Greek tragedy, Antigone, there is a woman who chooses to go with the feeling inside her heart and obey law of the Gods, rather than to obey civil law. Antigone's bother Eteoles was given a proper burial after a war in their homeland of Thebes. She wants her brother, Polyneices, who was the enemy, also to be given a proper burial, but the king prohibits the burial. Kreon, the king, is the protagonist who displays hubris in his quest for absolute power. Without reason, Kreon accuses the Sentry of greed, Antigone and Ismene of lust for power, and his last son, Haimon, of being a fool in love. Kreon accuses others of crimes and treats them as fools; ironically, however, Kreon himself is the criminal and the fool. As the Sentry came to tell Kreon about the dust on the corpse, Kreon was so angry that he accuses the Sentry of greed without having any proof. During their conversation Kreon tells the Sentry, "Sold your soul for some silver: that's all you've done" (Scene 1. 153). Kreon thinks that someone could have given the Sentry money for putting dust on the body and lying to the king. The Sentry knows he did nothing wrong but, Kreon was being a fool and would not listen. Kreon observes Antigone and Ismene whispering and automatically assumes that they are after the throne. The conversation led Kreon to say " . . . [A] nd all the time I never knew that these two sisters were aiming at my throne" (Scene 2. 125). Kreon thinks that just because they were whispering to each9ther that they were conspiring against him. Antigone and Ismene ate the next in line for the throne and he feels intimidated by the two sisters. Kreon made himself look like a fool by saying such a thing, because the ladies were talking about something different. As Haimon is telling his father what he feels about the whole situation, Kreon thinks that his son is just a love struck fool and too young to understa ...

Biography of Josef Albers, Modern Artist and Influential Teacher

Biography of Josef Albers, Modern Artist and Influential Teacher Josef Albers (March 19, 1888 - March 25, 1976) was one of the most influential art educators of the 20th century in Europe and the United States. He used his own work as an artist to explore theories of color and design. His Homage to the Square series is one of the most extensive and influential ongoing projects undertaken by a prominent artist. Fast Facts: Josef Albers Occupation: Artist and EducatorBorn: March 19, 1888 in Bottrop, Westphalia, GermanyDied: March 25, 1976 in New Haven, ConnecticutSpouse: Anni (Fleischmann) AlbersSelected Works: Homage to the Square (1949-1976), Two Portals (1961), Wrestling (1977)Notable Quote: Abstraction is real, probably more real than nature. Early Life and Career Born into a German family of craftsmen, Josef Albers studied to become a schoolteacher. He taught in the Westphalian primary schools from 1908 to 1913 and then attended the Konigliche Kuntschule in Berlin from 1913 to 1915 to earn certification to teach art. From 1916 to 1919, Albers worked as a printmaker at the Kunstgewerbeschule, a vocational arts school in Essen, Germany. There, he received his first public commission to design stained-glass windows for a church in Essen. Grassimuseum Windows in Leipzig, Germany. Frank Vincentz / Wikimedia Commons / GNU Free Documentation License Bauhaus In 1920, Albers enrolled as a student at the famed Bauhaus art school, founded by Walter Gropius. He joined the teaching faculty in 1922 as a maker of stained glass. By 1925, Albers was promoted to full professor. In that year, the school moved to its most famous location in Dessau. With the move to a new location, Josef Albers began work on furniture design as well as stained glass. He taught at the school along with other prominent 20th-century artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee. He cooperated with Klee for many years on glass projects. Armchair designed by Josef Albers (1927). Tim Evanson / Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons 2.0 While teaching at the Bauhaus, Albers met a student named Anni Fleischmann. They married in 1925 and remained together until Josef Albers death in 1976. Anni Albers became a prominent textile artist and printmaker in her own right. Black Mountain College In 1933, the Bauhaus closed due to pressure from the Nazi government in Germany. The artists and teachers who worked at the Bauhaus dispersed, many of them leaving the country. Josef and Anni Albers emigrated to the United States. Architect Philip Johnson, then curator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, found a position for Josef Albers as head of the painting program at Black Mountain College, a new experimental art school opening in North Carolina. Josef Albers work at the PaceWildenstein Gallery, New York. Brad Barket / Getty Images Black Mountain College soon took on a very influential role in the development of 20th-century art in the United States. Among the students who studied with Josef Albers were Robert Rauschenberg and Cy Twombly. Albers also invited prominent working artists like Willem de Kooning to teach summer seminars. Josef Albers brought his theories and teaching methods from the Bauhaus to Black Mountain College, but he was also open to influence from the ideas of American progressive education philosopher John Dewey. In 1935 and 1936, Dewey spent extensive amounts of time at Black Mountain College as a resident and frequently appeared in Albers classes as a guest lecturer. While working at Black Mountain College, Albers continued to develop his own theories about art and education. He began what was called the Variant/Adobe series in 1947 that explored the visual effects created by subtle variations in color, shape, and position. Homage to the Square Blue Secret II (1963). Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons 4.0 In 1949, Josef Albers left Black Mountain College to chair the Design Department at Yale University. There he began his best-known work as a painter. He started the series Homage to the Square in 1949. For more than 20 years, he explored the visual impact of nesting solid-colored squares in hundreds of paintings and prints. Albers based the entire series on a mathematical format that created the effect of overlapping squares nested within each other. It was Albers template for exploring the perception of adjacent colors and how flat shapes might appear to be advancing or receding in space. The project earned significant respect in the art world. In 1965, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City organized a traveling exhibition of Homage to the Square that visited multiple locations in South America, Mexico, and the United States. Josef Albers (American, b. Germany, 1888-1976). Scherbe ins Gitterbild (Glass Fragments in Grid Picture), ca. 1921. Glass, wire, and metal, in metal frame. Photo Tim Nighswander/Art Resource, NY. Â © 2009 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York In 1963, Josef Albers published his landmark book Interaction of Color. It was the most complete examination of color perception yet, and it had a massive impact on both art education and the work of practicing artists. It particularly influenced the development of Minimalism and Color Field Painting. Later Career Albers retired from Yale University in 1958 at age 70, but he continued to teach giving guest lectures at colleges and universities around the country. In the last 15 years of his life, Josef Albers designed and executed major architectural installations around the world. He created Two Portals in 1961 for the entry to the Time and Life building lobby in New York. Walter Gropius, Albers former colleague at the Bauhaus, commissioned him to design a mural named Manhattan that decorated the lobby of the Pan Am Building. Wrestling, a design of interlocking boxes, appeared on the facade of the Seidlers Mutual Life Center in Sydney, Australia in 1977. Wrestling (1977). Whitegost.ink / Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons 4.0 Josef Albers continued working at his home in New Haven, Connecticut, until his death at age 88 in 1976. Legacy and Influence Josef Albers powerfully impacted the development of art in three different ways. First, he was an artist himself, and his explorations of color and shape laid the groundwork for generations of artists to come. He also presented disciplined shapes and designs to viewers with countless variations on a theme that had varying emotional and aesthetic impact. Second, Albers was one of the most gifted art educators of the 20th century. He was a key professor at the Bauhaus in Germany, one of the most influential architecture schools of all time. At Black Mountain College in the U.S., he trained a generation of modern artists and developed new techniques of teaching art putting the theories of John Dewey into practice. Third, his theories about color and the ways that it interacted in the perception of viewers influenced countless artists around the world. The art worlds appreciation for the work and theories of Josef Albers became evident when he was the subject of the first solo retrospective of a living artist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City in 1971. Sources Darwent, Charles. Josef Albers: Life and Work. Thames and Hudson, 2018.Horowitz, Frederick A. and Brenda Danilowitz. Josef Albers: To Open Eyes: The Bauhaus, Black Mountain College, and Yale. Phaidon Press, 2006.

Art and Gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Art and Gender - Essay Example Women have become the cornerstone to cultural construction and one such edifice was Gertrude Bass Warner (1863- 1951). Warners works have been considered evolutionary and pioneering in the field of Asian studies. What has attracted this authors attention to Warners work was her valuable input on the females view of the world. In the following sections, the author shall study one of her photos, and enumerate on this view. Houseboat Illinois (see below) is one of Warners photographic works which the author has found among the Gertrude Bass Warner Lantern Slides, first bequest collection at the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History (known as the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art). Warner had dedicated the collection in memory of her late husband Murray Warner. Houseboat Illinois, like most of Warners photographic work, is a work of art; a hand tinted photo taken during one of her voyages. The image depicts of Gertrude and Murray Warner sitting on their houseboat named Illinois with an Asian guide sitting at the bow of the boat. Both Gertrude and Murray are sitting on wicker chairs with a wooden table in the middle. On the table there is a cup, a smoking pipe and a note book. Gertrude is dressed in a long sleeved shirt and skirt with a hat covered with a pink scarf while her husband is dressed in a stripe pants and coat, and wearing a brown hat. The Asian guide, dressed in pants, long sleeved shirt, jacket and cap, is navigating the boat. At the outset the background comprises of blue river water, dark green trees, and some form of yellow and green vegetation that resemble a farm. Warners work is a representation of feminist view of the world. A feminist view, according to Perry (8) "studies, exposes and challenges womens cultural, political and social positions and disadvantages." But more importantly, a feminist approach is one which is

Negotiating with the emotionally disturbed Essay

Negotiating with the emotionally disturbed - Essay Example Due to these reasons, the affected people become antisocial, depressed and dependant on people that are close to them. The 1992 terrorist attack in Munich affected many people whose family members or friends lost their lives. The press helped a lot but it was too late since the attackers had already accomplished their plan. Bergh and Lipscomb (1904) argue that anywhere that when the press is free, everything is safe. The riot at Attica in 1971 brought about the racial issue of the whites supervising a prison that mast of the inmates were blacks and Hispanic who were from urban areas. The primary grievances by the rioting prisoners were that there were cultural differences and basically lack of clear understanding among the prison warders. The reasons were confirmed and termed as a legitimate problem that could be addressed by the government (Irwin 1980). The Attica riot These factors have led to the increase of minority staff in prisons to prevent more riots in the prison. This is a factor that was sought in the whole country for over thirty years .minority workers are often very reluctant to relocate to rural areas where most of the prisoners have a the same ethnic background or in other cases the prisons are of the same race. Some workers also find it difficult to take jobs that can be viewed as racist given the fact that there is overrepresentation of minority prisoners in the justice system. These obstacles have not stopped the prisons to achieve the success of obtaining the racial balance and good ethnic representation of the workers in various prisons. Many researchers have paid little or no attention to the change in the correctional units and the whole impact of the racial balance when it comes to deploying the workforce in prisons nation wide (Wright and Saylor 1992). What happened at Attica brings about the subsequent realization of putting in mind the representation of the minority staff in all the prisons. In any organization in the world today, tea mwork among the workers in prison is very important for efficiency and very instrumental to attain a safe institution. In addition to that, it is crucial for all the prison officers to work closely with all the inmates to prevent more riots. When correctional officers work as a team putting aside problems like the racial diversities, it brings about effective work thus preventing more riots in future. The 1972 Munich terrorist attack This was a traumatic experience to the Germans. The Olympic Games were underway when terrorists killed many people that the incident was termed as a massacre. The Israeli Olympic team was kidnapped and mercilessly killed by Palestinians. The influence of the massacre to the contemporary culture is that the media has been given freedom to report on anything that can affect the country. In the world today, the media is very sensitive on terrorism matters and how it conveys it to the public. Palestines are viewed as terrorists and the world at large is ver y conscious when dealing with anyone from the east. The Jewish on the other hand are friends to the western countries like the united states and the UK.The effects of the attack is very evident in the contemporary society in that the migration of people from the east especially the Arabs to countries in the western world have been restricted due to the fear of terrorism. People from different continents today antagonize the Arabs especially the palatines because they are termed as terrorists and enemies of Israel. Since the day of the massacre, the Israelites have very good relationships with many countries worldwide. This is because people think that they were attacked for no reasons other than the history between the

Analysis opera market in Princeton area including psychographic Assignment

Analysis opera market in Princeton area including psychographic profile including life-styles, attitudes, personalities - Assignment Example Such has been used to hold iconic events in the region. An example of an Opera House that has been successful over time is the Sydney Opera House that has been active for over 40 years (ABC News). Linking personality to promote the opera house is important. People who are mostly open, conscientiousness and extroverted are more willing to offer clientele. In the area, people like meeting up, the opera would provide the meeting point. The opera house will be a place to exchange ideas among the people. The people may perceive opera houses to be places for rich people. This may influence the high income earners to go to the opera house. The desire of the people in the region to go to the opera house will be driven by curiosity to seek entertainment from the new establishment in the area. Moreover, more people can be coerced to the opera by their peers since most of the population in the region consists of young adults to middle aged person. In this regard, the psychographic data is important in establishing the market for the opera house. According to Kane, an editor with the Irish Times, a good example is the Wexford Opera house where in 2014 reported to have sold almost 90% of the 21 500 tickets put for sale for the different

McDonalds Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

McDonalds - Essay Example People started being more dynamic, always on the road, changing customer taste and complex menus affected McDonalds’ ability to consistently deliver quality, service and value. Customers had to wait longer for special orders and they could notice changes in the standard originally set by McDonald. In response to these challenges, McDonald designed and implemented its new just-in-time kitchen system named ‘Made-for-You’. This kitchen is technically an overhaul of its previous kitchen designed to improve food quality, allows more menu items to be easily introduced and provide superior customer service. ‘Made-for-you’ mean whatever the customers have ordered is made just for them after they have ordered it. Nothing is prepared before the customer arrives. However, some components are prepared in advance. Its new system is based on five major criteria to succeed. First is service, which would take ninety seconds or less from ordering to delivery. Quality, which is second, is achieved by meeting high customer standards and food safety requirements. Third is food preparation, which should be easier to do right than wrong. Fourth are people. There should be increased job satisfaction, and finally profitability by reducing cost yet increasing customer satisfaction. New technology and extensive market research helped McDonalds developed a kitchen system that encompasses all of these operational and customer requirements. The company spent number of years exploring cooking technology, and holding technology where a component should be prepared in advance and kept in warming environment where it holds its temperature and moisture. McDonald’s ‘made-for-you’ kitchen system enables faster service to the customer. For example, when a customer places an order for a hamburger, it will show up on a screen and that would signal the crew to take a ban, put it through a special toaster up to 150 degree in eleven seconds. At that point, in time, the product is put on a rap various items added and finally meat is added from a special meat holding cabinet, and the product is rapped and presented to the customer. McDonald’s heated cabinet, called universal cabinet, was specifically designed for the made-for-you system. It enables them to handle all meat products for all of its sandwiches at temperatures that will be very much as if they have just come off the grills. In its new system, it also had a rapid speed toaster, which toast bans in only eleven seconds compared to twenty four seconds in the previous system. When an order is made, it is relayed to the kitchen and appears on the kitchen video monitor that is visible to the whole crew. Prior to the order, its computer system monitors customers’ traffic all the time in attempt to determine the flow orders. Computer can then detect times when business would increase and the types of food items ordered during these times. The computer then genera tes orders for the best selling items creating a buffer of items that are ordered in quick times this helps employees get a head during a rush. The computer also monitors employees output. Personal Opinion Changes in customers tastes and behaviors did bring challenges that initiated research carried out by McDonalds. These challenges might have brought negative impact to the business for sometime but in the end, it was an opportunity to conquer the world with new technologies. Several years of service gave it an edge over its competitors and through that it was

Critical Analysis - Article will be provided Lab Report

Critical Analysis - Article will be provided - Lab Report Example While space has been discussed in mainstream media outlets in programs like â€Å"Star Trek†, it can most definitely be said that the only real way to understand space in its true form would be to experience it for one’s self by experiencing the wonder of traveling to it. As Dr. Klein writes, â€Å"In 1998, at the 44th Annual Meeting of the Florida Philosophical Association, Dr. Roy Weatherford gave his Presidential Address, on the moral imperative of space travel. Weatherford argued that human lives are intrinsically valuable,† (Klein p.8). Dr. Weatherford himself goes on to make claims that most would call very controversial, even for his day. While some have argued for the need of population control through means of birth control and such, Dr. Weatherford on the other hand made claims to the extent that not only is it wrong in his view to champion birth control, but that the human race should strive for maximum reproduction. This sort of statement resembles the mindset of human dominance even above all else. One could argue that each found their stance to be valid and held their own individual ideas in high regard. It is very believable that space exploration would be of such great importance as it came to the advancement of the learning of mankind. As for Dr. Weatherford’s argument against the use of birth control, while this is something that has been argued before, in the end appears to have more of a religious undertone to it rather than the potential scientific discoveries and benefits of the initial argu ment made. Further examination of his argument in this case leads to the conclusion that not only is Dr. Weatherford arguing for the mass production of the human race, but that there is encouragement on his part for the idea of mass producing the human race not only as much as possible, but in as many places as possible. Dr. Klein would have to of thought this when he reviewed Dr. Weatherford’s statements for his own article. Rather than

Self-Criticism for Attempt of Cheating Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Self-Criticism for Attempt of Cheating - Article Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that the sequence of events as they unfolded in the author’s life is confusing and hilarious since all through he was busy preparing for the examination. Although the author deeply regrets his callousness, he also would like to take this opportunity to explain his predicament. The researcher consistently has good grades in studies and there is no need for him to use cheating to pass any examination. The biggest mistake that the author seems to have made is leaving behind a set of note cards in his calculator while preparing for the paper. In the author’s hurry and dedication towards the subject, he ended up in the examination hall with the notes right in his calculator, without him being aware of it. The researcher’s only aim and intent during the exam were to stay sincere in his journey of solving the problems in the question paper. In no way, had the author any intention of using those note cards pr esent in his calculator. A chance discovery by the invigilator revealed to the author the presence of these notes. He has always been critical of tech-savvy students taking undue advantage of the gadgets that they are allowed to carry in the examination hall. The researcher is also aware that in separate studies, it has been found that 34% of the students in examination halls resort to carrying notes in their gadgets like cell phones, graphing calculators, and laptops. The allegation that the invigilator made on the author, therefore, looks too real to be refuted. However, the author is also aware that when there is a major mistake on the part of a student like him that has been committed, the authorities will give him a chance to explain himself, understand his predicament and not consider him liable for the penalty. It is very unfortunate for the author to have been so careless and unbecoming, especially when he has the rare privilege and honor of studying in an institution of hig h esteem.

Critical Analysis - Article will be provided Lab Report

Critical Analysis - Article will be provided - Lab Report Example While space has been discussed in mainstream media outlets in programs like â€Å"Star Trek†, it can most definitely be said that the only real way to understand space in its true form would be to experience it for one’s self by experiencing the wonder of traveling to it. As Dr. Klein writes, â€Å"In 1998, at the 44th Annual Meeting of the Florida Philosophical Association, Dr. Roy Weatherford gave his Presidential Address, on the moral imperative of space travel. Weatherford argued that human lives are intrinsically valuable,† (Klein p.8). Dr. Weatherford himself goes on to make claims that most would call very controversial, even for his day. While some have argued for the need of population control through means of birth control and such, Dr. Weatherford on the other hand made claims to the extent that not only is it wrong in his view to champion birth control, but that the human race should strive for maximum reproduction. This sort of statement resembles the mindset of human dominance even above all else. One could argue that each found their stance to be valid and held their own individual ideas in high regard. It is very believable that space exploration would be of such great importance as it came to the advancement of the learning of mankind. As for Dr. Weatherford’s argument against the use of birth control, while this is something that has been argued before, in the end appears to have more of a religious undertone to it rather than the potential scientific discoveries and benefits of the initial argu ment made. Further examination of his argument in this case leads to the conclusion that not only is Dr. Weatherford arguing for the mass production of the human race, but that there is encouragement on his part for the idea of mass producing the human race not only as much as possible, but in as many places as possible. Dr. Klein would have to of thought this when he reviewed Dr. Weatherford’s statements for his own article. Rather than

Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Entrepreneurship - Essay Example Capable entrepreneurs try to learn in order to find, select, elaborate and communicate the necessity of several effective new opportunities that can create a successful business venture. Successful entrepreneurs generally describe the precious contribution of a new venture and propose a design of business model which can be prolonged by several potential competitive advantages. After the development of business model, the venture team develops a strategy or road map. This developed road map or strategy will help to commercialize the new developed products or services in the potential and competitive market place with a combination of several sustained and stabilized competitive advantages (Byers, Dorf and Nelson, 2012). Entrepreneurs play an important role in the economic development of a country. Entrepreneurs are key contributors to the new job growth and technological innovation. This essay will critically analyze the statement of Kalpan, JM and Warren. Literature Review & Critica l Analysis Entrepreneurship is an important economic growth driver of a country. ... According to several common myths, it can be stated that the entrepreneurs start their business with break-through invention and take uncalculated risks in order to accomplish business goals. According to Allen (2011), entrepreneurs should have effective and detailed business plan with broad research findings. Moreover, the entrepreneurs need to have sufficient financial resources and years of work experience (Allen, 2011, p.56). Taking uncalculated risk is the major objective of a successful entrepreneur while starting a new venture. According to Sahay (2009), there are several important driving forces that create potential opportunity for the new venture (Sahay, 2009, p.121). Securing sufficient capital is an important driving force. In the early stage of business development, the entrepreneurs need to secure business capital. They can think about several options like direct investment or investment through venture capitalist. In terms of investment through venture capitalist, the entrepreneurs should design an effective business plan that can attract the venture capitalists. Reformed securities regulation is another major driving force. It helps the entrepreneurs to find business capital for their new venture. Creating entrepreneurial networks and industry clusters can help the entrepreneurs to develop business contacts. Through this process the entrepreneurs can fill specific industry niches within the networks and clusters. This process is highly beneficial to entrepreneurs and economic development strategies. The entrepreneurs should take important management and financial guidance from several professional small business assistance entities as these lessons are effective for a new

Interest Group Report Essay Example for Free

Interest Group Report Essay John Muir made the incomparable Yosemite Valley the center of his experience. Soon his words reached the larger audience of the New York Tribune and other influential publications, and he was writing that the Sierra should be explored by everyone, and permanently protected as a recreational resource accessible to all. In 1889 Muir embarked on an excursion in northern Yosemite with Robert Underwood Johnson. The two planned a campaign for a Yosemite National Park, a campaign that succeeded the following year when Congress established the park. Sierra Club was founded on May 28 with 182 charter members in 1892 The Sierra Clubs charter members elected Muir president, an office he held until his death in 1914. In the first decade of the 1900s, the Sierra Club became embroiled in the famous Hetch Hetchy Reservoir controversy that divided preservationists from resource management conservationists. The Sierra Club served its members as a social and recreational society, conducting outings, improving trails and building huts and lodges in the Sierras, it had some 7,000 members in 1950. In September 2005, the Sierra Club held its first Sierra Summit in San Francisco. Approximately 1,000 volunteers from around the country, selected by their chapters and groups, were delegates; some nondelegate members also attended. In 2008, the Sierra Club endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President, citing his strong record of support for clean air, wetlands protection, and clean energy. The Sierra Club has several goals and creates campaigns to dedicate mainly on each goal they pursue. The Beyond Coal campaign’s main objective is to replace dirty coal with clean energy by mobilizing grassroots activists in local communities to advocate for the retirement of old and outdated coal plants and to prevent new coal plants from being built. The Resilient Habitats campaign’s main objective is to protect wildlife habitat from climate change. Youth and Diversity campaign is about how people of every age and background embrace the Sierra Clubs motto to explore, enjoy and protect the planet. The Beyond Oil campaign’s main goal is to block the most dangerous oil projects, eliminate the outsized influence of the oil industry, raise and defend strong fuel-efficiency and pollution standards, and accelerate the transition to cleaner cars and trucks. Sierra Club Water Sentinels work to protect, improve and restore our waters by fostering alliances to promote water quality monitoring, public education, and citizen action. Beyond Natural Gas campaign’s main goal is to close industry loopholes, clean up drilling, protect our parks, and stop liquefied natural gas exports. To become a member of The Sierra Club you have to sign up on the website and choose an amount of dollars to pay monthly and go to every event. The current president of The Sierra Club is Robin Mann Robin Mann grew up outside Wilmington, Delaware, near a pond and stream where the springtime nights were alive with spring peepers, small chorus frogs whose high-pitched calls made the air vibrate. After starting a family, she lived in rural Connecticut, and got active with the local Sierra Club as newsletter editor, pasting up copy at the local newspaper plant. She moved to Pennsylvania and started working with Chapter Director Jeff Schmidt on nutrient pollution of the Chesapeake Bay. There she found her niche in wetlands and water quality protection and developed the expertise to join and later lead the Clubs national campaign work in that area. The currently proposed legislation is called Sierra Club 2012 Legislative Priorities for Washington: This year the sierra club presents acute challenges to their efforts to advance an environmental agenda at the State Capitol. At the Sierra Club, they believe that environmental protections improve their quality of life and are essential to a long-term sustainable economy. Environmental programs and policies may have upfront costs, but will prevent staggering future costs. In 2012, their priorities in the Legislature are no rollbacks of environmental standards in a difficult budget situation; sustain I-937, the Renewable Energy voter-approved standards; ensure clean water and realistic, data-based management of limited water resources; sustainable transit funding in a transportation budget that emphasizes maintenance. There are also some legislations that’s been passed with The Sierra Club help like Priority Legislation to combat global warming, legislation limiting solar permit fees, The Capitol Watch legislation, 2011 Legislature, Sustainable and Equitable Transit Funding, The 2011 Clean Water Jobs Act, REAL ID Act was passed as part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief. â€Å"The Sierra Club had taken money, gobs of it, from an industry that we in the grassroots have been in the fight of our lives to oppose. The largest, most venerable environmental organization in the United States secretly aligned with the very company that seeks to occupy our land, turn it inside out, blow it apart, fill it with poison. All for the goal of extracting a powerful heat-trapping gas, methane, that plays a significant role in climate change. National Sierra Club served as the political cover for the gas industry and for the politicians who take their money and do their bidding. It had a hand in setting in motion the wheels of environmental destruction and human suffering. It was complicit in bringing extreme fossil fuel extraction onshore, into our communities, farmlands, and forests, and in blowing up the bedrock of our nation. And I can’t get over it†. Sandra Steingraber My conclusions and thoughts about The Sierra Club is very positive, since what they do and aim for is to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of earth, to practice and promote the use of the earths ecosystems and resources responsibly, to educate and recruit humanity to restore and protect the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out all these objectives. I think not every organization is perfect, sometimes they can fail in some other things like projects, campaigns, but it doesn’t mean that they are a bad organization since the impact they have made worldwide has been huge and successful. The founder of The Sierra had a purpose and a goal, he build the organization and through years people around the world has been joining The Sierra Club since is a positive and good cause to support and they have done several campaigns that have helped a lot like protecting rivers, the formation of Blue-Green Alliance that pursue a joint public policy agenda reconciling workers need for good jobs with mankinds need for a cleaner environment and safer world. It also has chapters across the country. Each chapter offers opportunities for hikes and other outings, activism on local and state issues. I think that the fact they don’t focus just in the environment but with thwarting industry and obstructing technological progress is a positive thing as well. Links: http://socialistworker.org/2004-1/494/494_06_SierraClub.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Club#Organization http://activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/o/194-sierra-club

Strategic analysis of FedEx

Strategic analysis of FedEx This report analysis the strategic capability of federal express and suggests ways in which the organisation might use its core competences to create opportunities in new arenas. This work is done to fulfil the requirements for the MSc module International management under the observation of tutor Mr.Robert. First the report explains an outline of the organization including the company performance, vision and mission, values. Then about the key competitors and examines the external and internal business environment of the company (SWOT analysis). Then it analyses FedEx corporation key resources and competences, capabilities for competitive advantage and critical success factors. Then it comes to conclusion about the core competences to create opportunities in new arenas.Finaly it identifies the problem faced by FedEx and gives recommendations for the future developments. FedEx is a multinational company which represents the widest range of supply chain, transportation and business related information services. It provides services to more than 220 countries and territories, including every address in the United States. FORTUNE magazine declared that FedEx has ranked No. 13 among Worlds Most Admired Companies 2010. The FedEx brand is based on speed and efficiency. The research method which I used in this report is qualitative method. For this I focused on management books written by authors like David Boddy, Johnson et al, John R. Schermerhorn and Tim Hannagan. I also reviewed research methods book written by Saunders et al, to understand structure of a scientific article and writing style. Overall I used secondary data to analyze the strategic capabilities of FedEx to enter new arenas. The secondary data are books, scientific journals and webpages. According to this analysis FedEx capabilities for competitive advantage are innovation, loyal customers and technology and communication. This report also identifies the companys critical successes factors which are speed and efficiency, innovation and global expansion. Finally this report concludes with FedEx core competences to create opportunities in new arenas. They are innovation, loyalty, technology and communication, speed and efficiency. Introduction: This work is done to fulfil the requirements for the MSc module International management under the observation of tutor Mr.Robert. Our tutor gave us five options and asked us to choose one. I was really interested in analysing strategic capabilities and core competences. So I have chosen the topic three that is Analysing the strategic capability of an organisation of my choice and Suggesting ways in which the organisation might use its core competences to create opportunities in new arenas. Since my husband is working in FedEx and it is a multinational company I started doing analysis on this company. I have chosen this topic because in todays hypercompetitive business world the competition is direct and aggressive. Competitive advantages are often imitative. So firms should analyze their internal resources, capabilities and external environment to expertise core competences. They are the strong points that a firm extremely does well in contrast with competitor. The core competences are the capabilities which should be rare, costly to imitate and non- substitutable. Strategic capability is the ability of a company to sustain and to achieve long term goals. Strategic capabilities are the abilities to perform at the level required to survive and prosper, and includes resources and competence (Johnson et al.2006). Research questions: This project report will analyze what are the strategic capabilities Of FedEx and how to use its core competences to create opportunities in new arenas? This question is sub divided as what is strategy? What are capabilities? What is core competence? What is the SWOT analysis for FedEx Corporation? Research objectives: This project report will fulfill the following research objectives. To identify the strategic capabilities of FedEx based on SWOT analysis and to describe how to use its core competence to create opportunities in new arenas. Company profile: FedEx is a multinational company which represents the widest range of supply chain, transportation and business related information services. FedEx was started as Federal Express Corporation in 1971, by 28-year-old Frederick W. Smith. Smith, a former Marine pilot identified tremendous difficulty in getting packages and other airfreight delivered within one to two days while operating his new firm. This problem driven him to do the required research for resolving the ineffective delivery system. Thus, the idea for Federal Express was born: a company that transformed global business practices and now defines promptness and trustworthiness. The corporation was created in 1998 as FDX Corporation and became FedEx Corporation in January 2000. FedEx motivates its more than 290,000 employees and contractors to remain unconditionally, absolutely committed on safety, on ethical standards and professional standards for the needs of their customers and communities. It provides services to more t han 220 countries and territories, including every address in the United States. FORTUNE magazine declared that FedEx has ranked No. 13 among Worlds Most Admired Companies 2010. This was based on input from executives, directors and financial analysts worldwide. FedEx Corporation delivers strategic path and combined financial tasks for the operating companies that compete jointly under the FedEx name worldwide: FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Office, FedEx Custom Critical, FedEx Trade Networks, FedEx Supply Chain and FedEx Services. FedEx Corporation has visibly outlined goals and strategies for the future. Headquarters for FedEx is Memphis, Tennessee, USA (FedEx, n.d) Vision and mission: The complete history of FedEx Company is based on a particular vision: to make it possible for people and businesses to connect and collaborate with each other, no matter where they are in the world. FedEx puts its people first because they are their most important assets through which they achieve their business goals. The Corporate philosophy is briefly stated as people-service-profit. The FedEx brand is based on speed and efficiency. Customer necessities will be met in the highest quality mode suitable to each market segment served. FedEx will endeavor to develop mutually fulfilling relationships with its employees, allies and suppliers. Safety will be the first concern in all actions. (FedEx, 2010) Values: People: They value their people and promote diversity in their workplace and in their way of thinking. Service: Their absolutely, positively spirit puts their customers at the heart of everything they do. Innovation: They invent and inspire the services and technologies that improve the way they work and live. Integrity: They manage the operations, finances and services with honesty, efficiency and reliability. Responsibility: They defend safe and healthy environments for the communities in which they live and work. Loyalty: The firm earns the respect and confidence of their FedEx people, customers and investors every day, in everything they do. (FedEx ,2010). Corporate performance: FedEx was started as Federal Express Corporation in 1971. In 1975 it gained $43.5 million in sales. In 1985 FedEx had chosen an important step to expand its services to Europe by opening a European hub at the Brussels airport. Due to this act Revenue reached $2 billion in 1985. In 1994 FedEx was the first international express cargo carrier to receive system-wide ISO 9001 certification. FedEx is holding the assurance of its customers through its logistical capabilities, intensifying the carrying capacity of its fleet of over 675 fuel-efficient aircraft and 70,000 vehicles. Revenues have continued its decline that began at the end of 2008. Since 2008, total revenue has decreased by $3.2 billion amount due to less consumer demand brought forth by the recession. FedEx has increased their prices based on increase in demand, improving operating margin to 5.8%, more than the pre-recessionary level of 5.5%. Revenue for 2010 was $34.73 billion, down from 2009s $35,497 billion. Revenues decreased 2% during 2010 primarily due to profit decreases at FedEx Express and the FedEx Freight LTL Group as a result of continued competitive pricing environment. (FedEx, 2010) Key competitors: The main competitor for FedEx in US- market is UPS.UPS is the first largest package delivery company in U.S. FedEx is the second largest package delivery company in U.S.UPS gives FedEx tough competition locally and globally. Other than UPS in international market DHL also giving tough competition to FedEx. They are also facing lot of competition from local companies in china, Europe and India. In Europe TNT is also one of the key competitors for FedEx. Research methodology: The research method which I used in this report is qualitative. For this I focused on management books written by authors like David Boddy, Johnson et al, John R. Schermerhorn and Tim Hannagan. I also reviewed research methods book written by Saunders et al, to understand structure of a scientific article and writing style. I reviewed scientific journals like Emerging markets and innovation: A partnership for global progress, Interconnected firms relationships as a source of a competitive advantage, Valuing real options: Insight from competitive strategy and Strategic development, SWOT analysis at the University of Warwick and Strategic Capability: A Concept and Framework for Analysis. Overall I used secondary data to analyze the strategic capabilities of FedEx to enter new arenas. The secondary data are books, scientific journals and webpages. Literature review and application: SWOT analysis: SWOT analysis brings together the internal analysis about the strengths and weaknesses of the resources within the organization and the external opportunities and threats. This analysis will help in strategic development of the organization. According to my analysis the FedEx Corporation consists of the following strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Organizational strategic capabilities Strengths Strong brand image Strong financial position Wide range of operations Global presence Innovation Technology and communication Strong leadership Business to business Weaknesses Rising prices Labour disputes Opportunities Strategic alliance Strategic acquisitions Intensive global expansion Expansion of e-business Threats Intensive global competition Economic and political conditions Fuel price fluctuation Figure 3.4 SWOT analysis of FedEx in global business environment Strengths: Strong Brand Image: FedEx has a strong reputation by providing time-definite and reliable services from documents and small parcels up to unique freight shipments like panda shipment from US to china. According to BrandZ top 100 brands worldwide FedEx ranked 74th for 2010.The brand value for FedEx is $9.418millions during 2010, 1% less than 2009.But it is still better than 2008.This dip is due to global recession which affected US very bad and the price rise by the company (BrandZ,2010). Strong financial position: In the financial year 2006 the total assets for FedEx Corporation was $ 22,690 billion which is 11% more than previous year (FedEx Annual Report 2006).During financial years 2006 to 2010 the growth rate of total assets were 11%,5%,7%,-5% and 3% respectively. The dip during 2009 was due to global recession. Due to strong financial position it didnt loss much in global recession. Strong financial position gives confidence and backup for strong business position in the market. They improved very fast from the downturn because they enhanced to deliver even more reliability and value to the customers. This was achieved with the help of the strong financial position (FedEx annual report from 2006 to 2010). Wide range of operations: FedEx is the modern air and ground express courier service multinational company with wide range of operations like FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Office, FedEx Custom Critical, FedEx Trade Networks, FedEx Global Supply Chain and FedEx Services. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, usually in one to two business days with the delivery time guaranteed. FedEx Ground focuses in cost-effective, small-package shipping, offering reliable business-to-business delivery or suitable residential service through FedEx home delivery and FedEx Smart Post. FedEx Freight is the provider of next- and second-day regional, less-than-truckload (LTL) freight services. FedEx Freight is known for excellent ability, reliability and on-time performance. FedEx Custom Critical offers the fastest, door-to-door same-day and next-day delivery of critical freight, valuable items and hazardous goods. FedEx Trade Networks offers FedEx global customers with end-to-end transportation and customs clearance solutions around the world. FedEx Services organizes sales, marketing, information technology, customer service, and worldwide supply chain services support for the global FedEx brand. FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinkos) offers access points to printing and shipping services with reliable service when and where you need it. The above wide range operations help the company to have a strong hold in international market because this kind of wide range of operations will satisfy the needs of the customers. This will make customers to be more dependable to the company. (FedEx, 2010) Global presence: FedEx is a multinational company with its wide range operations like express, ground, freight, and faster delivery service that deliver over 6.5 million packages to more than 220 countries daily. FedEx also has 684 aircraft and trips to over 375 airports worldwide. It covers US, Europe, Indian Subcontinent and Africa. It works with the theme FedEx delivers to a changing world. Its revenue over 65% is from international operations. The international operations afford FedEx the revenue growth and market position advantage. (FedEx, 2010) Innovation: FedEx has strong history of innovation installing computers in delivery vehicles, providing latest automation for mailing services and developing tracking capabilities and software. In the year 1979 it became the first shipping company to use a computer to manage packages when it launched COSMOS (Customers, Operations and Services Master Online System), a centralized computer system to manage people, packages, vehicles and weather scenarios in real time. In 1980 the company implemented DADS (Digitally Assisted Dispatch System) to coordinate on-call pickups for customers; this system allows customers to schedule pickups for the same day. In 1994, they were the first to offer package-status tracing for better customer service via fedex.com.They were Innovative using wireless technology for shipping from past 25 years with the introduction of the Digital Assisted Dispatch System (DADS).( Wikipedia, November 13,2010).To continue this FedEx established the FedEx Innovation Labs, an inform ation technology project designed to create an atmosphere of collective thinking about critical technologies such as advanced optics for scanning, robotics, social networking and more. Technology and communication: FedEx continues to explore new technology. That commitment makes the customers loyal to them. They have outstanding communication with their customers. They use tracking devices on all shipments, and customers can find out where their shipment is and at what time they are going to receive it.This is one of their significant strategic capability. FedEx has announced Sense Aware (SM) powered by FedEx, a next generation, first-of-its-kind information service that combines a GPS sensor device and a web-based collaboration platform. Innovation is one of the important aspects for a multinational company to be competitive in the dynamic international business environment. (FedEx, 2010) Strong leadership: For over past 30 years the company is being led by Mr. Frederick W. Smith. Because of his strong leadership, dedication and commitment it is one of the top 100 companies in the world. For a successful company good leadership is important. Business to business: FedEx main business depends on B to B.They have very good contract with different industries for business. This year they applied for ISO certificate to transport medical equipments.This shows how they are really focusing on B to B. Weaknesses: Rising prices: FedEx has increased their prices based on increase in demand, improving operating margin to 5.8%, more than the pre-recessionary level of 5.5%.This is not good for markets like China, Africa and India because everybody cannot afford the high price. If they follow economies of scale in markets like Asia and Africa that will have a good impact on growth rate of the company. (FedEx, 2010) Labour disputes: FedEx announced drastic cuts in pay for most of its U.S. workforce. They announced permanent 5 percent to 10 percent base salary reductions for all U.S. employees. Because of this labour dispute FedEx workers requested for Teamster representation. The Teamsters Union Founded in 1903 and represents more than 1.4 million working men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.This kind of labour disputes will spoil the reputation of the company and also it affects the business which in turn will affect the customer confidence (smallcapwatch,2010) Opportunities: Strategic alliance: Strategic alliance is a new trend in international business world to achieve successes factor. FedEx should look for strong alliance in different geographical locations to have a good market share internationally. FedEx Trade Networks has established alliance in Israel with leading international freight Fritz Companies Israel. This alliance will help the company to provide shippers with expanded international ocean and air freight services. (FedEx, July 6, 2010). If they can achieve this kind of strategic alliance they will achieve their goals in international market. The strategic alliance will help them to understand the domestic market of that particular location and to act according to that. Strategic acquisitions: In global business environment you cannot just go where ever you want and open a business unit. This may lead you to failure. Strategic acquisitions are some of the important factors for international business. FedEx acquired Kinkos Inc. in February 2004. This acquisition helped FedEx in all U.S. locations to offer new or expanded FedEx shipping options for better customer accessibility. If they can do such kind of strategic acquisitions globally, they will be more successful in their business in global environment. If FedEx can acquire in different geographical locations a local transportation company with good reputation background it can be their competitive advantage. (FedEx, 2010) Intensive global expansion: If FedEx can do the same wide range of business globally which they are doing in U.S. it will have very good brand value. To achieve this FedEx should undertake intensive global expansion. All the companies which are collectively working under FedEx Corporation should do global expansion collectively for good results. Expansion of e-business: Currently FedEx is using internet for most of its business. They should keep finding online shopping companies to contract delivery of their products. Now the growth of e-commerce is very fast .Federal Express can enjoy both profit and brand name from this kind of expansion. Threats: Intensive global competition: FedEx is facing a lot of competition from UPS, DHL and from some domestic companies in different geographical locations, for example TNT from Europe. The business which they are doing is easily imitable. Because of this there is a small dip in their total revenues for past two years. Economic and political conditions: The major consideration is Economic growth prospects. For past three years due to global recession the economic growth rate is very low. Due to this the growth rate for FedEx came down to -5%. (FedEx, 2010).Next comes the political factors. To achieve competitive advantage UPS is playing Brown bailout a political trick on its key competitor FedEx. If the U.S. congress reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration then FedEx will face lot of labour issues which will paralyze their business. (Brownbailout, 2009) United Parcel Service Inc., whose political action committee has given more money to federal lawmakers than any other company over two decades, is a major beneficiary of legislation before the House that would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. (Bloomberg, May 21, 2009) Fuel price fluctuation: The fuel price fluctuation also disturbs the business. Currently the fuel prices are not stable. If the prices are low then no problem, but if the prices increases then it will be real problem for the company. The fuel price increase will affect the annual revenue growth. Because whenever the fuel prices increase they cannot increase their shipment prices. FedEx is operating 672 aircrafts and 70,000 motorized vehicles every day; this will consume lot of fuel. If the fuel price fluctuation is too much it will affect the business. (BBC news, 20 march, 2008) Resources and competences: Analysis of resources and capabilities are very important to identify strategic capabilities of an organization. Resources are about physical assets and production facilities. Competencies are the performance of the organization in the activities like producing, marketing, delivering and supporting its services. For achieving competence, strategy is important. A strategy deal with what is to be achieved, how it is achieved and for what it is achieved. Strategy should fit between the internal strengths and external opportunities. That means the organizations opportunities should fit between organizations internal resources, capabilities and opportunities in the external environment. Strategy helps to identify the factors that develop sustainable advantage for an organization. This will be the core competence for an organization. Core competences are the activities and processes to organize resources to gain the competitive advantage for an organization. This competitive advantage will be achieved through the strategic capabilities of an organization. (David Boddy) Figure 3.7 Identifying the organizations opportunities (Source: Management: David Boddy) For multinational companies Global strategy is very important. Global strategy is helpful to expand the market of an organization outside its domestic market. The following figure explains the opportunities and outcomes of the Global strategy. Identifying International opportunities are the important aspects of international strategy. Then you have to discover the resources and capabilities to form international strategies. These can be divided into International business level strategy, Multidomestic strategy, Global strategy and transnational strategy. For the successes of these strategies an organization should look for strong strategic alliances, Acquisitions, New wholly owned subsidiary and Exporting (These are the Modes of Entry for an organization into international market). After successfully managing all these and risks the final outcome will be better performance. (Michael A et, al) FedEx threshold capabilities: Threshold capabilities are significant elements for FedEx to be competitive in business environment. These elements can be divided into tangible and intangible resources. The tangible resources of FedEx are wide range of operations, 672 aircrafts, 70,000 motorized vehicles and 10 main air express hubs. The intangible resources are 275,000 employees, reputation and intellectual capital. FedEx has 42,000 drop boxes, over 9,000 centers, and 70,000 vehicles for express, ground, freight, and advanced delivery service that deliver over 6.5 million packages to more than 220 countries daily. They are planning for global expansion at the rate of 25% every year. This strategy will increase brand value and loyal customers worldwide. (FedEx, 2010) Intangible resources are difficult to be imitated by competitors. For FedEx as mentioned in their vision and mission employees are their most important assets through which they achieve their business goals. The Corporate philosophy is briefly stated as people-service-profit. They are the important element for FedEx brand value. FedEx capabilities for competitive advantage: The unique resources are the capabilities for competitive advantage. Every business will have capabilities to achieve business goals. But the capabilities which give the organization strong market position and which are rare and cannot be imitated by others are the core competencies. The strategic capabilities transfer the core competencies into competitive advantages of an organization. The following are the capabilities for competitive advantage of FedEx. Innovation: FedEx has the first mover advantage for past 30 years because of innovation. For an organization innovation will be associated with positive changes in efficiency, productivity, quality and competitive positioning. You absolutely, positively have to innovate-if only to survive.-Fred Smith (entrepreneur, October 9, 2008) Innovation . . . is generally understood as the successful introduction of a new thing or method . . . Innovation is the embodiment, combination, or synthesis of knowledge in original, relevant, valued new products, processes, or services. (Luecke and Katz 2003) Innovation is part of the business at FedEx. It can be web services or the development of high-technology, FedEx sees innovation as a strategic business practice that is endlessly improved, developed and encouraged. Technology and communication: FedEx continues to search for new technology. This commitment keeps customers not switching to other providers. FedEx also has excellent communication with their customers. They are using latest online tracking system for all shipments, so that customers can find out where their shipment is and at what time it will reach. The FedEx brand is based on speed and efficiency. So they developed IMS tool to ensure that all transactions running on the mainframe are being processed quickly and efficiently. The new features are the result of intensive research into what their customers need and want. They are meeting the needs of customers with the latest user technologies. (IBM, 30 Jun, 2010) Loyal customers: Loyalty is created among customers based on A strong brand name, Pricing competitiveness, Product quality and service satisfaction. The building blocks of loyalty for FedEx are strong customer service, fast customs clearance, clear invoicing, reliable tracking information and quick problem handling. A loyal customer is one of the competitive advantages for FedEx who will do business with them again and happily recommend others. Corporate social responsibility: FedEx recognizes that their social responsibility is greater than the services they provide. They are dedicated to be a thoughtful representative for the environment and a caring citizen in the communities where they live and work. They are passionate about sustainably connecting people and places and improving the quality of life around the world. Philanthropy: FedEx is devoted to energetically supporting the communities they serve, through strategic investment of their people, resources and network. Their corporate resources include financial contributions, charitable shipping services and volunteer services by their team members. They have three core focus areas and meaningful ways: Emergency and Disaster Relief, Child Pedestrian Safety, and Environmental Sustainability. By doing this they will have good image in public which in turn increase the brand value. (FedEx, 2010) Environment: FedEx is dedicated to providing global network with minimized environmental impact. FedEx is mainly focusing on Fuel efficiency, using recycling material and reducing noise pollution. As part of its Fuel Sense program, FedEx uses rigorous operations and recent advancements in aircraft technology to significantly reduce emissions and fuel use for their aircrafts. They are working with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to assess their fuel use and identify potential savings. They started replacing their trucks with hybrid electric trucks and Boeing 727 aircraft with Boeing 757 which will reduce fuel consumption up to 36 percent while providing 20 percent more capacity. FedEx has started using recycling material for their packaging to minimize the environmental impact. FedEx is concerned with aircraft noise and has taken steps to reduce noise levels for more than 10 years. As part of its global environmental sustainability program, FedEx empowers its team members to mak e meaningful earth-friendly changes in the communities where they live and work. (CNBC news, Nov 15, 2010) Employees: FedEx is much concerned about the culture of service which is absolutely, positively spirit of employees. This builds customer loyalty. FedEx has been honored as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list in 10 of the past 11 years and was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For Hall of Fame in 2005. (FedEx, 2010) Critical success factors analysis: FedEx critical success factors can be identified as speed and efficiency, innovation and global expansion. Speed and efficiency Innovation Global expansion Speed and efficiency: Speed and efficiency is one of the critical success factors for FedEx. For a global transportation company speed and efficiency is very important for competitive advantage. For FedEx this is consistently going on for more than 30 years. This is happening with the help of reliable and dedicated team work of FedEx employees. For todays changing life style, people want everything to happen very fast. For small businesses time-definite package deliveries are important for their business growth. FedEx is doing this with convenience and reliability. For FedEx speed and efficiency with consistency creating loyal customers. This speed and efficiency helped FedEx to grow globally within a short time. It also added value to the brand. Innovation: As I discussed in SWOT analysis innovation is creating first mover advantage for the company. FedEx established the FedEx Innovation Labs, an information technology project de

Emily Dickinsons Faith and Daisy Miller by Henry James Essay -- Henry

American writers and poets of the 19th century created literature to criticize and detail the imperfections of society. Emily Dickinson, who retired from contact with the outside world by the age of twenty-three in favor of a life of isolation, can arguably be considered such a poet. Her untitled poem "Faith" can be interpreted as criticism of the masculine-dominated society of her time and supports themes in Henry James's work Daisy Miller: A Study, which also criticizes societal expectations and practices. The first two lines of Dickinson's poem "Faith" read: "‘Faith' is a fine invention/When Men can see-," the capitalization stressing the words "faith," "when," and "men," suggesting that men can be trusted to believe what is right only when their vision is not blinded by things such as the prejudice and societal expectations. Winterbourne, the main character in Henry James's story Daisy Miller: A Study, is a representative of common 19th century masculine-dominated society of the elite, and a product of all the accompanying prejudices. It is therefore that Winterbourne cannot help but find some fault in Miss Daisy Miller, who he meets for the first time during a visit to Vevey and who "talked to Winterbourne as if she had known him a long time. He found it quite pleasant" (330). Before society forces him to find fault with Daisy, his instincts allow him to take pleasure in her company and to see her for who she truly is, simply "a person much disposed towards conversation" (329). However, it is not long before Winterbourne feels a need to place her within the rigid expectations proper to her class and gender. He begins to find her disposition towards conversation and acknowledgment to having a great deal of gentlemen's... ...some Italian" (363) for Winterbourne to recognize his mistake. Like looking through a microscope, the clues of Daisy's innocence are finally brought to light, into focus, and are undeniably evident. Faith failed Mr. Winterbourne, as he was unable to see past what society expected him to see, and it was only through hard facts and evidence-the testimony of the dying girl and the Italian man with whom she spent most of her time-that Mr. Winterbourne could finally accept Daisy as she was, truly a girl disposed to conversation and nothing else. He tells his aunt that Daisy "sent me a message before her death which I didn't understand at the time. But I have understood it since. She would have appreciated one's esteem" (364), meaning that Daisy would have liked to be thought of kindly and not labeled as someone or something she was not, and never gave evidence to being.

Harlequin Five Forces Analysis Essay

High economies of scale required. For an entrant to gain success in romance novel market, it must possess mature sales, production, and distribution to operate effectively, which also leads to great risk. High product differentiation required. Other companies start to add more features while Harlequin products remain relatively unchanged. Significant capital requirement required. This is evident in Simon and Schuster’s case, in which it bears a high upfront investment for this battle. Access to distribution channels is medium to difficult. Harlequin has gained exclusive access to groceries, but failed on stand-alone retails. Other competitors either choose regular bookstore or similar as Harleuqins’; however, it might be difficult to entrants to gain access to these channels by themselves. Government policy has been very protective to authors; however, no clear restrictions on product images. Buyers Power Increasing buying power due to additional competing products Low switching cost Changing target markets A variety of choices Poor retention rate, high return rate Loss of existing customers and high cost of attracting a new customer American Romance Series to meet consumer’s tastes Substitutes Threat of Substitutes is high due to technology advancement and demand diversification. Evident in Harlequin’s attempts of film, magazine and scholar’s choice (bookstore). Suppliers Power Increasing supplier power due to promising offer from Simon and Schuster Loss of excellent authors who later generate sales for Simon and Schuster shows that authors possess significant supplier power Other supplier powers such as sales force, printing business are relative stable Industry Competitors, Rivalry among existing firms Low growth rate as more competitors are competing for a stable market other competitors are earning market share at Harlequin’s expenses oligopolistic market is another factor of intense competition â€Å"Romance War† due to introduction of silhouette Simon and Schuster introduced Silhouette, a rival line of romance novels, in 1980 32% market share and rising Competes the oversea markets Emerging competitors as a result of Silhouette’s introduction; also evident in 5 additional rival lines launched in 1982 accelerate the intensity of competition and decrease Harlequin’s market share and volume sales Possession of competitive advantage (i.e. No best seller management and standardization) which ease competition temporarily Bitter rivalry with Sillhouette – S&S although losing money, but gaining market share underestimated by Harlequin hired Harlequin’s former vice president and best-selling authors advertising budget copied Harlequin’s Presents – confused buyers Financial Revenue increase slowly Profit dropped to half 1980-1981 ($44.7 –> 22.3) drastically decreased from 1982 -1983 ($25.8 –> 5.5) remove unprofitable subsidiaries – films, scholar’s choices, magazine etc Debt high debt ratio – rapid increase from 1980-1982, then lower in 1983 expensive bad debts from the Reader Service Cost 40 new stores eating up all the cash increasing costs of Reader Services reducing costs at corporate level – cut overhead expenses by 20% sales decreased, advertising expenses increased Working Capitals decreasing working capitals – lack of cash flow for investment – only 33 millions in 1983

Aims and Objectives of Woburn Safari Park and Thomas Cook Essay

How does Nolan’s the dark night use MELCS to good effect and what does this indicate regarding the films genre? Are there any social criticisms present? In this essay I will be explaining the way that different techniques are used, and what these show about the Dark Knight. I will be looking throughout the film at how Nolan uses various effects such as, colour, editing, lighting, camera, and sound. And how these things aren’t really what you might expect for the typical super hero film, but also how he uses them to subtlety criticize human nature. First of all I will talk about the colour used Nolan uses. Throughout the film the colour scheme always seems to be very dark but as well as this the things that are happening usually contrast this. A good example of this is at one point when the Joker is being questioned, all the lights go out and everything is pitch-black except the jokers white face. This is very effective as it really makes the joker stand out and means you can see every little detail of his face and facial expressions but don’t know what else is happening in the room. It therefore creates a whole lot of suspense about what’s going to happen next and where it’s going to come from whilst at the same time letting you see every detail of the jokers face and almost making you really understand what he’s thinking. Another point in which this contrast is shown is in Bat-mans hide away place. In there the floor is a dark dull grey/black, and the ceiling is all white lights. This is good because it makes the room seem endless and gives anything in it airs of importance and cleanliness like trophy shelves that are lit from above like the room or a dentist. This is good because in the room he keeps all his high-tech gadgets witch seem incredibly expensive and valuable when they are in the room, but then when Bat-man is using them he acts as though they are something that are disposable. Another way Nolan uses colour is in the costumes. The Joker is an especially good example of this as he wears a purple jacket, green hair, Green top, and bright red giant red lips. This shows us a lot about his character for example, purple stands for royalty and the joker becomes almost like a king by making everyone scared of him. Secondly the green stands for jealousy, and the Joker is very good at making people feel jealous and spiteful about other people. As well as maybe feeling slightly jealous at not being normal, and being unhappy himself. Lastly the joker is just completely crazy, and all his colours clashing certainly do emphasize this. Overall it is a brilliant way of showing his character and showing how different he is to everyone. I mean, you’d never miss him would you!? On the other hand the dark knight is completely the opposite of the Joker, and their clothing really shows this. As the knight is completely black it seems to show how he represents reality and order, but the joker stands for everything mad and chaotic as that is what he loves. As for the props Nolan uses, really they are quite simple. Even the high-tech gadgets batman uses all seem possible and there are no out of this world, impossible things. I think this is actually quite a good thing, as it means that it makes the whole play seem more realistic, and like something that could actually happen. Therefore it is all scarier in a slightly surreal way. Next I will look at how Nolan uses editing in the film and what effects this creates. When a lot of action is happening at the same time Nolan uses lots of quick shots of the action quickly cutting from one to the other. This is very clever as you think you’re just about to find out what’s going to happen when it cuts to the next scene which is also really tense and you want to know what’s going to happen there but it goes back to the one before. This creates lots of tension in the film and it is a bit like its flashing from scene to scene like your heart beat getting faster and faster. It also gives the sense of chaos and panic and shows you how every thing is happening at the same time. This is good as it makes you realise how hard it must be for the cops and detectives. Another similar thing he does is when two people and talking to each other about something in which one of them might react in a certain way he will keep cutting from one face to the other as you wait for the reaction to happen. This also creates tension and makes you wonder if they will react the way you think their about or not, then when it does its more of a shock. The lighting in the film is another very important element in the film. I have already explained some of it in the colour part. As with the colour most of the film is set in dark, low key lighting, with lots of shadows creating a spooky kind of atmosphere. Once again though like the colour, often he uses contrast. A place where this is very effective is when some people are looking for Bat-man and it is very dark so they all have very bright torches. All you can see is the torch light getting closer and closer towards you but nothing out of the light. This makes it seem very scary as all you can do is wait until he is in the torch light but by that time you know it will already be too late because they are too close. Another scene in witch the lighting used is very effective is in the bank robbery scene. It is once again very dark in the bank, but because this time it is lighter outside, and the room has very big windows, you get some patches of the bank where it is much lighter. This is really good because he then makes it so that when the action happens, it happens in the lighter places. This means you can clearly see what is happening in the light when something happens out of it your attention is not so focused on it so it is a surprise. Also the dim light coming from just the one side of the building creates big long spooky shadows to, witch adds nicely to the tense atmosphere. Nolan also uses camera techniques in an interesting way to create good effects. For example right at the beginning of the play there is an extreme long shot of a sky scraper. This is then slowly zoomed in; right up to one window and into an extreme close-up, then the glass in the window suddenly shatters. Nolan uses this a lot in the film with other things too, like some one face that once zoomed in you see their shocked facial expression. This creates the element of surprise means you know that something is going to happen to do with what they are zooming in on but not what exactly until your right there. It also creates tension on what that’s going to be. Another camera technique used is when something is happening the camera circles the action. This happens a lot and is good because it means you can see everything that is happening and all the reactions of people around it. In addition to this it can create serious tension and fear. A great example of this is when the Joker is about to slit the black mans mouth. The camera circles his head so that sometimes you can see his face with the knife in and sometimes just the back of his head and the Jokers facial expression. Every time the camera shows his face you wince and think, Oh no, is it going to happen now whilst I can see it. This happens over and over until eventually he slits his mouth when you can only see the Jokers expression but you know it’s been done because his face and its kind of a relief because at least you haven’t have had to watch. Lastly Nolan uses another successful effect by turning the camera around. He does this near the end when the Joker is hanging upside-down off a building. The camera is turned so that you see the Joker as if he was standing upright and it looks very strange as his hair is all over the place and his hand are waving about, but for some reason it kind of fits the Jokers. This is because the Jokers personality is all over and mad and it seems like that is where he belongs, in an upside-down world. It’s slightly ironic really. Moreover, it made it seem like the right place, and way for him to die. Another method Nolan uses to brilliant effect is sound, digetic, and non digetic. For instance throughout the film, when ever tension is building up the same music starts. It sets of quietly and slowly, building up, getting faster and louder until the pinnacle of the excitement then stops. This is very effective as it creates the feeling of panic and makes your heart start to race as you know that something’s about to happen. Sometime when this happens the non digetic sound is on its own building up until its apex when a sudden digetic noise will puncture it. This not only makes tension but also shock and fear. A good example of this is at the beginning when a window breaks. This is a great opening scene as the sound and the camera skill create loads of tension and anticipation. Nolan does another very clever thing with the sound at one point. Just after a massive explosion has happened he cuts the sound altogether, and although you can tell that really there would be loads of noise going on its silent. This is because after an incredibly loud explosion you often become deaf for a while. This is a very clever thing to do, and makes you feel like you really are part of the film. Further more without the sound you concentrate more on what you can see and all the facial expressions and whatever’s going on around. Another interesting point to think about in the dark knight is weather or not it is a normal film in the super hero genre. There are many things for and against this argument and I will look at them in this paragraph. First of all there is of course the super hero, and super villain, in this case, bat-man and the Joker. Both whom have very typical features of the super-hero genre but also some not so typical ones. To start with I will concentrate on Bat-man. Like most super heroes he is; quite wealthy, but has had a hard background and has had to build up that wealth from not very much. Is young and good looking with lots of strength and high tech gadgets. Has a different identity during the daytime, and fights crime at night, wearing a costume so no one knows who he is. Also, like a lot of super hero’s e.g. spider man he is based on some sort of animal. Lastly he has a very strong sense of right and wrong, for example his one rule never to kill anyone witch a lot of super her oes seem to have. On the other hand, although he seems to be a reasonably normal super hero, there are some things witch are slightly different. For example, a lot of the public don’t particularly like him, at one point they even try to send him to jail. Also unlike most super heroes, he doesn’t really have any sub natural powers, he just like a normal human in most ways. Also, a very big twist in the play is when the heroine dies, so like most super heroes bat-man does have heroine who he can’t really have yet. But, whereas usually at the end of the play they would get together, In Bat-man, about half way through she dies. Now as for the joker, is a bit different. Although like most super villains he is bad and has had a hard life. His attitude to life and Bat-man is quite different. Unlike most super villains, he does not really seem to hate Bat-man. Instead he sees him as game, and even when he has the chance to kill him says he is too fun to kill. This is very unusual and very different to how the baddy usually feels towards the hero. Furthermore, the reasons for the Joker to do what he does is rather strange too, because most villains do it for money or wealth or power, but the Joker doesn’t care about any of this, and just does it for fun. Overall I think that although The Dark Knight isn’t exactly what you would expect from a typical super hero movie, all in all its more that than anything else. I think that really Nolan has taken the super hero genre and added aspects from other things like horror to create a very successful, far more adult movie which will appeal to people who love all the super hero kind of movies, but also to those who usually find them a bit too childish and unrealistic.