Sleep Disorders

People are getting less sleep in today's society than they did 80 years ago (Myers 54). Although not every person needs to sleep the standard number of 8 hours a night, everyone has a set number they need to meet in order to function optimally. About 20% of Americans are reporting that they are getting less than 6 hours of sleep a night (Davis). Modern inventions like computers, television, and social diversions are making this hard to achieve (Myers 53). Many people have the misconception that they can skimp on sleep now and later pay off their â€Å"sleep debt† with extra long sleep sessions, however, this is an untrue statement.The human brain keeps track and remembers the amount of sleep we are getting/not getting for at least two weeks at a time (Myers 54). It will take a lot more than a single slumberous weekend to get the body back on track. Sleep depravation has many effects, ranging from seemingly harmless to more prominent and severe. People who sleep less tend to ex perience higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, memory impairment, irritability, slowed work performance, and impaired communication and concentration (Myers 54).The nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl and the Exxon Valdez oil spill have been linked to insufficient sleep (Coren). Data from a study on traffic incidents across Canada after daylight savings time, in which people lose one hour of sleep, showed a significant increase in the number of accidents than before the time change (Coren). Sleep depravation can weaken the body's immune system, which fights off viral diseases and other harmful illnesses like cancer (Myers 54). Psychologists believe there are a few explanations on why getting sufficient sleep is important.One reason is that sleep helps our body and brain repair damaged tissue. When sleeping, the neutrons in a person's body are also at rest and focus on repairing themselves (Myers 55). Another reason is that sleeping helps people remember. During sleep, bodies bring back and reconstruct memories of daily experiences (Myers 55). It has been found that people who are trained on certain tasks and have a restful night of sleep can recall them better than others who do not (Myers 55). Some groups of people are sleep deprived because they suffer from sleep isorders. These disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy (Myers 55-56), prevent individuals from receiving an adequate amount of sleep and can result in undesirable symptoms. Works Cited Coren, Stanley. â€Å"Daylight Savings Time and Traffic Accidents. † New England Journal of Medicine. Massachusetts Medical Society. , 04 Apr 1996. Web. 26 Jan 2012. Davis, Jeanie Meow. â€Å"Sleep Deprivation in America. † WebMD. com, n. p. 29 Nov 2011. Web. 26 Jan 2012. Myers, David G. Psychology in Everyday Life. New York: Worth Publishers, 2009. Print.

Starbucks’ Mission & Strategic Choices

Starbucks' Mission and Strategic Choices: Are They in Alignment? Executive Summary This paper examines strategic management, which encompasses business decisions and actions that: define the organization's mission and objectives, determine the most effective utilization of organizational resources, select best courses of action to meet its mission, and seek to assure the effectiveness of the organization within the environment. This case study evaluates the strategic management process, and applies those concepts to a practical case study of Starbuck’s mission statement. This case study is presented in the format of a formal business report – prepared by a consultant and presented to the Starbucks' Board of Directors and CEO – that provides an analysis of Starbucks' mission and strategic choices, and a summary of the alignment of those strategies to its mission. This report is based on a critical review of the Starbuck mission statement, goals, and objectives, which is then compared against the strategic choices that Starbucks has made (e. g. product differentiation, research and development, operations) to determine how well Starbuck’s strategic choices are aligned to the company’s mission and vision. Finally, this study answers the question: Will the company continue its past  success? Randy Tanner, 2009 Starbucks' Mission and Strategic Choices: Are They in Alignment? Cover Sheet: Starbucks Corp. 2401 Utah Avenue South Seattle, WA 98134 Phone: 206-447-1575 Fax: 206-682-7570 Web Site: http://www. starbucks. com Business Plan presented to:Howard Schultz, Chairman of the Board, President, CEO Starbucks Board of Directors Prepared by:Randy S. Tanner Statement of Purpose:Analysis of Starbucks' Mission and Strategic Choices: Are They in Alignment? Table of Contents Executive Summary4 Background4 Company Description4 Starbucks' Mission, Vision, Goals and Objectives. 4 Strategies. 5 Management Team. 6 Business Model. 6 Infrastructure7 Offering. 7 Revenue Model. 7 Pricing. 8 Customers. 8 Competitors. 8 Stakeholders. 8 Marketing Strategy. 9 Financials. 9 Analysis10 Company Analysis. 10 Current Marketing Mix Strategies (Product, Price, People, and Promotion). 10 Current Target Markets10 Market Analysis. 10 Competition & SWOT Analysis. 11 Competitive advantage. 12 Financial Analysis. 12 Conclusion13 Are Starbucks' mission and strategic choices in alignment? 13 Will the company continue its past  success? 13 Executive Summary Are Starbucks' mission and strategic choices in alignment? Yes. The strategies of innovation, product differentiation, and customer experience are directly aligned with Starbucks published mission â€Å"to establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world,† while â€Å"inspiring and nurturing† the spirit of their customers. Starbucks continues to apply strategies to expand its product offering in both breadth and depth. Coupled with this strategy is the expansion of alternate distribution channels to multiply the potential in increased revenues. Each offering in the product portfolio reinforces the brand name and quality experience described in the company’s vision statement. The recent focus on increasing profits in existing stores is not a shift of business strategy, but more of a symptom of business maturity – less waste equals more profit. The corporation has tempered its original goal of market dominance by saturation – slowing its growth in new stores – to market dominance with more efficient and more profitable stores with its strategy of disciplined expansion in key markets. The strategy of using the Seattle’s Best segment, vice Starbucks to expand the base of corporate customers also supports Starbucks’s prime mission. This elevation of Seattle’s Best does not create a corporate-sponsored competitor to the nearby Starbucks stores, but does serve as an alternate distribution channel for the company’s expanded product line. Therefore, this strategy supports the overall brand quality of Starbucks as the â€Å"premier coffee,† yet captures additional customers that do not seek the branded Starbuck experience and would likely choose one the niche competitors. This strategy can cater to a slightly different clientele – in both coffee stores and supermarkets – and increase overall corporate revenues. Will the company continue its past success? Yes. A continued emphasis on customer satisfaction, coupled with effective strategies that develop new product lines, will stimulate revenue growth and stabilize share prices. The current vision and path summarized by Starbucks president and CEO, Howard Schultz, is a commitment to â€Å"continually improving our customer experience as the roadmap to renewed growth and increasing profitability,† with emphasis on continued application of previously successful strategies, â€Å"we will continue to innovate and differentiate, two perennial hallmarks of the Starbucks brand. † (Starbucks Financial Releases, 2009) Background Strategic management is â€Å"a company-wide process that includes  a long-term plan of action that assists in achieving  an  organization's objectives and  fulfills company vision,† (course material) and is comprised of four major elements: situation analysis, strategy formulation, strategy implementation, and strategy evaluation. (Bushman, (2007) This Strategic Management process includes the following steps: (Luca, 2009) 1. Developing a Vision/Mission/Goals and Objectives 2. Analyzing the environment company (internal and external) 3. Identifying internal Strengths and Weaknesses and external Threats and Opportunities (SWOT) 4. Articulating  strategic choices at the business, functional, and corporate levels 5. Selecting a strategy or strategies, based on in-depth internal and external analyses, to accomplish vision and mission goals. These strategies may exist at several levels: business, functional, corporate, and global. Company Description According to the company’s Factsheet (2009), Starbucks was founded in 1971 in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The original name of â€Å"Starbucks Coffee, Tea and Spices† was later changed to â€Å"Starbucks Coffee Company. As quoted from Google Finance (Starbucks Corporation, 2009), Starbucks, together with its subsidiaries, â€Å"purchases and roasts whole bean coffees and sells them, along with fresh, rich-brewed coffees, Italian-style espresso beverages, cold blended beverages, complementary food items, a selection of premium teas, and coffee-relate d accessories and equipment, through Company-operated retail stores. Starbucks also sells coffee and tea products and licenses its trademark through other channels. Starbucks produces and sells a range of ready-to-drink beverages. The business segments of the Company are United States, International, and Global Consumer Products Group (CPG). The CPG segment includes packaged coffee and tea sold globally through channels, such as grocery stores and operates through joint ventures and licensing arrangements with consumer products business partners. † Starbucks' Mission, Vision, Goals and Objectives. Mission statements are â€Å"fundamental to the survival and growth of any business,† (Analoui and Karami, 2002) and â€Å"set the direction and goal for the long term, reflecting the strategic intent. (course material) According to Germain and Cooper (1990), an appropriate mission statement serves to â€Å"promote a sense of shared expectations amongst employees and communicate a public image of the firm to important stakeholders and groups in the company's task environment. † Starbucks’ mission statement as stated in the corporate Factsheet (2009) is â€Å"To establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles as we grow. The company’s stated Vision, Goals, and Objectives may be found listed as â€Å"Our Starbucks Mission† in the corporate website (The Company, 2009). This vision is expressed as â€Å"To inspire and nurture the human spirit— one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. † Some of the company’s objectives – referred to as â€Å"guiding principles† – included in that strategic vision focus on: 1. Quality of the coffee 2. Robust partnerships 3. Human connection to customers 4. Unique atmosphere of the retail stores that encourages social interaction 5. Being accepted as neighbor in the community 6. Obligation to shareholders (long-term success and profitability) Strategies. The original focus since the company’s beginning has been on product differentiation, in both the product and the store setting. This strategy emphasizes a premium product served in a unique atmosphere. Some claimed tactics employed to execute these strategies are to: (Factsheet, 2009) †¢ Provide a great work environment and treat each other with respect and dignity. †¢ Embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business. †¢ Apply the highest standards of excellence to the purchasing, roasting, and fresh delivery of our coffee. Develop enthusiastically satisfied customers all of the time. †¢ Contribute positively to our communities and our environment. †¢ Recognize that profitability is essential to our future success Historical Strategies for business growth noted in the 2006 shareholder’s meeting included continued expansion of retail stores, and exp ansion of the company’s portfolio of unique and innovative products â€Å"to appeal to a broad consumer base. † (Business Wire, 2006) These products included: †¢ Premium and proprietary food offerings as a component of the Starbucks Experience. Introduction of warm breakfast items in Company-operated stores by 2008. †¢ Joint venture with Apple to launch a Starbucks Entertainment Area on iTunes. †¢ Introduction of a heated-on-demand vending initiative, †¢ Expansion of its Kraft relationship to distribute Starbucks coffee into supermarkets. Recent changes to this original approach – which were in response to the recent economic downturn and drop in share prices – are aimed at retaining customers, rather than gaining new ones. According to Howard Schultz, the company’s CEO, â€Å"The issue at hand†¦ is the cost of losing your core customer. (Adamy & Wingfield, 2009) These changes in business strategy shift the focus from mark et saturation with additional stores to: (Starbucks Newsroom, 2009) 1. Increasing profits in existing stores, 2. Expanding the product base, and 3. â€Å"Disciplined global store expansion in key markets. † While continuing with the strategy of product expansion (to even include some non-food products), Starbucks has tempered its desire for continually opening new stores. This â€Å"disciplined† approach includes more niche targeting in key markets and even opening, or converting to, a Seattle’s Best vice Starbucks. Some of the new tactics announced at the 2009 Shareholders Meeting to implement this strategy include: †¢ A $500 million structural expense reduction to align the company’s cost structure to its current business strategy †¢ Focused efforts to improve operational efficiencies with technology investments, and better training for store managers †¢ Emphasizing the concepts of value and quality to the customer with selective price incentives †¢ Launching VIAâ„ ¢ Ready Brew instant coffee to tap the $17 billion instant coffee market †¢ Expanding alternate foodservice channels Management Team. Corporate organization and key management team members include: (Reuters, 2009) Howard SchultzChairman of the Board, President, CEO Troy AlsteadChief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer Arthur I. RubinfeldPresident – Global Development Martin P. ColesPresident – Starbucks Coffee International Clifford BurrowsPresident – Starbucks Coffee US Paula E. BoggsExec VP, General Counsel, Secretary Michelle GassExec VP – Marketing and Category Olden C. LeeInterim Exec VP – Partner Resources, Director Dorothy J. KimExec VP – Global Strategy, Office of the CEO Peter D. GibbonsExec VP – Global Supply Chain Operations Culver, JohnExec VP, President – Global Consumer Products, Foodservice & Seattle's Best Coffee Business Model. According to Osterwalder, Pigneur, & Tucci (2005), a company’s business model includes: infrastructure, offering, customers, and revenue model. 1. Infrastructure – the core capabilities and competencies, partnership network, or business alliances, and value configuration (what makes it mutually beneficial for a business and its customers). . Offering – the value of products and services offered for a specific customer segment, and how it differentiates itself from its competitors. 3. Customers – includes (1) the target audience for a business' products and services, (2) the distribution channel used to reach the customers (includes marketing and distribution strategy), and customer relationship management. 4. Revenue model – the cost structure and revenue flows that define the company’s income. Infrastructure. Starbucks infrastructure (sales & distribution model) began as a basic shopkeeper model[1]; brewing and serving fresh, premium quality coffee in a relaxed â€Å"neighborhood† atmosphere. This model chooses a location frequented by targeted customers, employs low-wage workers, and establishes repeat business based on customer satisfaction and ease of access. Recent strategic management emphasis is trending toward, or adapting part of the Loyalty or Service Quality model to reinforce the perceived quality of the product. Part of this model is based on the belief that it is cheaper to keep customers than gain new ones. Offering. The Starbucks brand portfolio is marketed as premium and, therefore, is luxury goods, relying on â€Å"consumer discretionary spending to drive sales. † (Hattery, 2009) This portfolio includes Starbucks Entertainment, Starbucks Hear Music, Tazo, Ethos water, Seattle’s Best Coffee, and Torrefazione Italia Coffee – offers a variety of products and services through its retail stores and other channels, including: †¢ 30 blends of Coffee †¢ Handcrafted Beverages – fresh-brewed coffee, hot and iced espresso beverages, coffee and non-coffee blended beverages, and Tazo ® teas. Merchandise – home espresso machines, coffee brewers and grinders, premium chocolates, coffee mugs and accessories, and gift items. †¢ Fresh Food – baked pastries, sandwiches, and salads. †¢ Starbucks Entertainment – selection of music, books, and film from both emerging and established artists. †¢ Global Consumer Products – bo ttled Frappuccino ® beverages, Discoveries ® chilled cup coffee, DoubleShot ® espresso drinks, Starbucks ® Iced Coffee, whole bean coffee and Tazo ® teas, Starbucksâ„ ¢ Coffee Liqueurs, and a line of premium ice creams. †¢ Starbucks Card – a reloadable pre-paid debit card. Revenue Model. Starbucks’ revenue model includes its cost structure and revenue flows. Starbucks operating costs are directly influenced by fluctuations in the commodity prices (milk and coffee beans) which have risen sharply in the past. Starbucks purchases teas and primarily Arabica coffee beans directly from international markets in Costa Rica, Africa, Asian Pacific, and China. The wholesale price of coffee beans is unstable and often susceptible to dramatic price changes from a variety of weather and political events that may, or may not, affect global production. These reactionary prices can remain elevated for several years. Coffee prices in 2008, for example, were 20% higher on average than 2007, resulting in Starbucks paying an average price of $1. 42 per pound of green (unroasted) coffee. The price of Milk futures also rose dramatically from $13 to $18 per hundredweight in March, 2007, falling only recently to $17 in September, 2009. Starbucks’ revenue flow from its company operated coffeehouses relies on discretionary consumer spending, and can be affected by negative economic conditions. In fiscal 2008, Starbucks generated $10. billion in revenue through the sale of whole bean coffee, food, equipment, and beverages. The distribution channels included both its retail stores and specialty operations. [pic] Figure 1 – Revenue Categories Company operated retail stores (7,238 stores in North America and 1,979 international) generated 84 percent of the total revenue. (Hattery, 2009) The remaining 16 percent was generated through the specialty operations segment, which is chartered to â€Å"develop the company's brand through third parties outside the traditional coffeehouse. This segment channels, and percentage of specialty operations revenue generated, include: 1. Licensed Stores (48 percent) located in airports and supermarkets that generate licensing fees, royalties, and retail revenue from coffee, tea, and CDs. 2. Foodservices Operations (25 percent) sells Starbucks coffee to restaurants, offices, hotels, and Barnes & Noble Cafes under different licensing contracts. 3. Packaged Tea and Coffee (21 percent) sold at various food stores. 4. Branded Products (4 percent) like ready-to-drink beverages and ice creams sold through partnerships with Pepsi and Dreyer's. Pricing. Starbucks has maintained a premium pricing strategy for its branded premium quality coffee beans and unique customer experience. Customers. Starbucks serves approximately 50 million customers a week in its stores. The target market is defined as â€Å"young (25-to-45 years old) professional men and women, in higher income brackets with stressful lives (at work, home, or both). Most members of this target market live in the suburbs and commute to work in urban areas. † (Holmes, Bennett, Carlisle, Dawson, 2002) Competitors. Although Starbucks maintains a â€Å"dominant position in the specialty coffeehouse market and has no single clear rival in the sector,† (Hattery, 2009) competitors include other specialty coffee shops, doughnut shops, and restaurants. The closest specialty coffeehouse competitor is Caribou Coffee, with only 415 stores, with the major competition being â€Å"dispersed among the thousands of independent or small-chain coffee shops (i. e. , Die drich Coffee, Inc, Coffee Heaven Intl. , Autogrill S. p. A. Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Inc), and McDonalds Corp[2]. Stakeholders. Starbucks’ organizational stakeholders include both individuals and groups â€Å"who have an interest (give-and-take) relationship with the firm. † (course material) These internal and external stakeholders of Starbucks are identified as: shareholders, employees (including board members, executives, managers, supervisors, and baristas), customers, suppliers, local communities, and global alliance partners[3] Marketing Strategy. As described in VoteForUs (n. d. ), since the company’s inception in 1971, its marketing strategy has â€Å"ignored the traditional advertizing avenues of billboards and commercials and focused on seven fundamentals to differentiate Starbucks from other cafes. † These fundamental areas of marketing focus are: (VoteForUs, n. d. ) 1. Perfect Cup of Coffee – an emphasis on product quality (rich, delicious taste and aroma) to support the premium pricing structure. 2. Third Place – creating the â€Å"third place† for everyone to go to between home and work. This is another differentiation technique, aimed to create a unique and relaxing experience or atmosphere with which Starbucks could be branded. 3. Customer Satisfaction – ensure that customers feel the uniqueness of enjoying their Starbucks coffee experience. 4. Creating a Starbucks Community – this marketing strategy has even expanded to create a community around their brand. On their website, individuals are encouraged to express their experiences with Starbucks history, and the company strives to â€Å"personally† join in the discussions. 5. Smart Partnerships – create strategic partnerships that expand business opportunities and increase sales. 6. Innovation – a strategy to continually create new products or services that support their customer base or add new customer segments. (different coffee flavors, more food on their menu, and one of the first to offer internet capability in their stores) 7. Brand Marketing – The Starbucks marketing strategy has always focused on â€Å"word-of-mouth† advertising and viral marketing, letting the high quality of their products and services speak for themselves. Financials. Evaluating the company’s financial statements since the economic low point of May 2008 – with its first quarterly decline in profit, and 38 percent stock plunge – Starbuck’s has managed to maintain a healthy balance sheet. Consolidated company revenues for Q3 2009 were $2. 4 billion, compared to $2. 6 billion in 2008, reflecting a five percent decline in store sales. Quarterly financial sheets verify the reduction in operating income and corresponding slight increase in net profits. With the cost realignment scheduled to be completed in 2009, operating costs are expected to drop further. Total revenues for Q2 2009 show a positive rebound with a sustained upward trend over the last two quarters. Share prices – which bottomed around $8. 00 during Dec08 through Mar09 – have stabilized around $19. 00 for the last quarter. In response to the implemented cost reduction strategies, Standard & Poor’s raised the company’s short-term debt ratings (from â€Å"A-3† to â€Å"A-2) and â€Å"revised its outlook to ’stable’ from negative,† (Ogg, 2009), reaffirming the â€Å"BBB† corporate credit rating. According to Ogg (2009), â€Å"S&P believes that the company’s performance will continue to stabilize and that the credit metrics will continue to improve or remain at the current levels. † Analysis Alignment in the framework of strategic management refers to the mutual agreement and enforcement of the company’s vision, mission, and goals with its business strategies. These strategies are employed to achieve and maintain a competitive advantage in the market segment, and ensure long-term profitability for the company. Company Analysis. This company analysis focuses on three factors or issues involved in maintaining a competitive advantage. These factors and issues are: (1) current target markets, (2) current marketing mix strategies, and (3) the strengths and weaknesses of the Company. The company's marketing mix strategies are discussed in relation to the Five P's of Marketing. The elements of Five P's of Marketing include product, price, place, people and promotion. (Nimetz, 2009) These factors are explored in comparison to Starbucks’ published mission, vision statements, and guiding principles. To establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles as we grow. †¢ To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. † Current Marketing Mix Strategies (Product, Price, People, and Promotion). Starbucks built its coffee stores on the principle product of Arabica coffee beans. T his product was marketed as a premium quality item that â€Å"† The pricing scheme followed the premium quality scheme, offering the customer more than a cup of coffee. Starbucks stores became the â€Å"third place† to go to and enjoy a unique atmosphere. One new strategy that CEO Howard Schultz brought with him was the emphasis on the role of sales clerks, or Barristers who brewed and served the coffee. Specialized training for employees reinforces their role in the customer’s perceived value of the product – the unique Starbucks experience. The promotion tactics employed by Starbucks broke with traditional concepts and avoided advertising, relying on word-of-mouth or viral advertising techniques where satisfied customers willingly share with others, and promote the Starbucks experience. This viral advertising has proven quite effective. Current Target Markets. For most Starbucks most consumers, coffee is not just coffee, but more of a ritual – a deserved reward. However, although the targeted market of professionals contains a significant percentage of higher-income professionals, the recent decrease in sales (and corresponding drop in shares) implies that they too are affected by the economic downturn and willing to reduce their â€Å"rewards. † Market Analysis. A market analysis reviews the specific market segment being targeted, and examines the demographic and social data required to â€Å"know your customer. This required information concerning the targeted customer includes: †¢ Who they are †¢ Where they are †¢ How to reach them †¢ Identifying their needs (what justifies premium price) †¢ Size of market †¢ Percentage of market captured †¢ Market growth potential Starbucks market for its coffee stores is targete d at 25- to 45-year-old professionals looking for solitude, or social interaction, without alcohol. This higher-income crowd of young, college-educated represents a group which tends toward higher luxury-consumption levels. The failure to successfully add drive-through service to its stores clearly differentiates its clientele from McDonalds or Java Hut customers whose needs or to grab a quick caffeine jolt on the way to or from work. According to Euromonitor International Plc,[4] Starbucks has captured 52 percent of the global specialty coffee market. According to Mintel (global consumer research firm in Chicago) Starbucks controls 43 – 73% of the U. S. market share[5] in coffeehouse sales in 2005, with its closest rivals being Caribou Coffee, and Peet's Coffee and Tea. Competition & SWOT Analysis. The SWOT analysis identifies and evaluates a company’s internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities, and threats). This analysis helps to focus on key issues to consider in strategic planning. The following details are an updated paraphrase of the SWOT analysis from Marketing Teacher (2007): Strengths. †¢ Starbucks Corporation is a very profitable organization, earning in excess of $459 million in 2008. The company generated revenue of more than $10. billion in 2008, exceeding revenue for 2007. †¢ It is a global coffee brand built upon a reputation for fine products and services with approximately 9000 cafes around the globe. †¢ Starbucks is know as a respected employer that values its workforce, and was one of the Fortune Top 100 Companies to Work For in 2005. †¢ The organization displays strong ethical values and an ethical mission statement that emphasizes its commitment to environmental lea dership. Weaknesses. †¢ Starbucks has a reputation for new product development and creativity. However, they remain vulnerable to the possibility that their innovation may falter over time. †¢ The organization has a strong presence in the U. S. with more than three quarters of their cafes located in the home market. An increased percentage of international cafes would help to spread business risk. †¢ The organization is dependant on a main competitive advantage, the retail of coffee. This could make them slow to diversify into other sectors should the need arise. Opportunities. †¢ New products and services can be retailed in their cafes, such as Fair Trade products. The company has the opportunity to expand its global operations with the emerging markets for coffee in India and the Pacific Rim nations. †¢ Additional co-branding with other manufacturers of food and drink can be pursued. †¢ Capitalizing on the Seattle’s Best brand in both the retail and franchise markets could diversify revenue streams and spread business risk. †¢ With recent economic conditions, and dwindling disposable income, Starbucks could pursue a larger market share of the home-brewed coffee market with increased advertising. Pursuing additional partnerships with manufacturers of other goods and services has potential to decrease Starbuck’s dependency on it single competitive advantage in retail coffee. Threats. †¢ Starbucks has been branded and marketed as a luxury item, relying on the disposable income of its targeted customers. Regional, or national economic instability can be reflected quickly in revenue loss. †¢ Future growth of the coffee market is uncertain. A change in the current fad of coffee shops would significantly impact Starbuck’s major source of revenue. †¢ Starbucks is exposed to unpredictable cost increases in wholesale coffee and dairy products. Recent growth in the coffee house market has attracted many competitors, including copy cat brands and national restaurants that pose potential threats to S tarbuck’s competitive advantage. Competitive advantage. Starbucks established an early dominance in the market segment of coffee houses, and sustains its competitive advantage[6] through differentiation[7] by capitalizing on a unique experience that offers ambiance and unusual product variety. The primary strategies employed to establish market dominance were branding, creativity, and saturation by store expansion. 1. The branding strategies include quality product, personal service, a sense of community, and environmental responsibility. This strategy is strengthened by market and demographic analyses to slightly customize each store to the local city/community personality. 2. The creativity strategies emphasize â€Å"constantly looking for new ideas, new products, as well as new experiences for guests. † (Thompson & Gamble, 1999) Successful products are retained while weaker products are eliminated in a continuing cycle of process improvement. 3. Although growth in the store expansion strategy has peaked, new stores are still being added. This strategy has been modified from saturation by area concentration, to a more disciplined approach, that identifies key markets, based on market analysis that emphasizes individual store profitability. (Adamy & Wingfield, 2009) Financial Analysis. Starbucks has a solid financial status with multiple revenue streams from multiple coffee related products. A look at Starbucks Profit and Loss and Cash Flow tables[8] (shown in Table 1) reveals a slight dip in gross revenue, but a positive trend for increased net income. This is probably a result of the recent cost restructuring and emphasis on store profitability. Future revenue streams from coffee house sales are expected to increase from a combination of stable sales and higher efficiency. Revenue streams from alternate distribution channels show a slight, but steady increase, further bolstering Starbuck’s solid financial foundation. |In Millions of USD |Jun 2009 |Mar 20099 |Dec 2008 |Sep 2008 | Jun 2008 | |Revenue |2,403. 90 |2,333. 30 |2,615. 20 |2,515. 40 |2,574. 00 | |Total Revenue |2,403. 0 |2,333. 30 |2,615. 20 |2,515. 40 |2,574. 00 | |Gross Profit |539. 10 |470. 20 |481. 80 |393. 50 |452. 60 | Total Operating Expense |2,199. 90 |2,292. 40 |2,497. 50 |2,501. 20 |2,595. 60 | |Operating Income |204. 00 |40. 90 |117. 70 |14. 20 |-21. 60 | |Income Before Tax |217. 30 |34. 90 |98. 30 |-1. 20 |-33. 20 | |Net Income |151. 50 |25. 00 |64. 30 |5. 40 |-6. 70 | |Table 1 – Quarterly Financials Conclusion Are Starbucks' mission and strategic choices in alignment? Yes. The strategies of innovation, product differentiation, and customer experience are directly aligned with Starbucks mission â€Å"to establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world,† while â€Å"inspiring and nurturing† the spirit of their customers. Starbucks continues to expand its product offering in both breadth and depth. Coupled with this strategy is the expansion of alternate distribution channels that will multiply the potential in increased revenues. Each offering in the product portfolio reinforces the brand name and quality experience described in the company’s vision statement. The recent focus on increasing profits in existing stores is not a shift of business strategy, but more of a symptom of business maturity. Less waste equals more profit. The corporation has shifted its goal from market saturation – slowing its growth in new stores – to market dominance with more efficient and more profitable stores with its strategy of disciplined expansion in key markets. Using the Seattle’s Best segment, vice Starbucks to expand the base of customers for the greater corporate good requires close examination. As a corporate-sponsored competitor to the nearby Starbucks stores, this strategy seems in conflict with the prime mission. However, as an alternate distribution channel for an expanded product line, this strategy supports the overall brand quality of Starbucks as the â€Å"premier coffee,† yet can capture some additional customers that do not seek the branded Starbuck experience and would likely choose one the niche competitors. Seattle’s Best can cater to a slightly different clientele – in both coffee stores and supermarkets – with a different set of customer needs, while increasing overall corporate revenues. Will the company continue its past  success? Yes. A continued emphasis on customer satisfaction, coupled with effective strategies that develop new product lines, will stimulate revenue growth and stabilize share prices. The current vision and path summarized by Starbucks president and CEO, Howard Schultz, is a commitment to â€Å"continually improving our customer experience as the roadmap to renewed growth and increasing profitability,† with emphasis on continued application of previously successful strategies, â€Å"we will continue to innovate and differentiate, two perennial hallmarks of the Starbucks brand. (Starbucks Financial Releases, 2009) References Adamy, J. & Wingfield, N. (2009). Starbucks brews new strategies to fight slump. Wall Street Journal (Europe), p. 4. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 1662578621). Analoui, F. and Karami, A. (2002). CEOs and development of the meaningful mission statement. Corporate Governance, 2(3), 13-2 0. Retrieved August 31, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 181714601). Bushman, M. (2007). The major elements of the strategic management process. Associated Content website. Business and Finance. Retrieved August 31, 2009 from http://www. associatedcontent. com/article/196677/the_major_elements_of_the_strategic. html. Business Wire (2006). Starbucks Coffee Company Outlines Core Strategies to Continue Delivering Long-Term Shareholder†¦ Retrieved August 27, 2009 from http://www. allbusiness. com/services/business-services/3918047-1. html. Factsheet (2009). Starbucks website – About Us. Retrieved August 22, 2009 from http://www. starbucks. com/aboutus/Company_Factsheet. pdf. Germain, R. and Cooper, M. (1990). How a customer mission statement affects company performance. Industrial Marketing Management, 19(1), 47. Retrieved August 31, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1129254). Hattery, E. (2009). Wikinvest website. Starbucks Corporation. Retrieved September 1, 2009 from http://www. wikinvest. com/stock/Starbucks_(SBUX) Holmes, S. , Bennett, D. , Carlisle, K. , and Dawson, C. (2002). Planet Starbucks – To keep up the growth, it must go global quickly. Business Week, (3798), 100-110. Retrieved August 27, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global. Document ID: 160883051). Marketing Teacher (2007). SWOT Analysis Starbucks. Retrieved September 24, 2009 from http://www. marketingteacher. com/SWOT/starbucks_swot. htm. Nimetz, J. (2009). The Five P's of Marketing: Do they apply to SEM? Retrieved August 27, 2009 from http://www. searchengineguide. com/jody-nimetz/the-five-ps-of. php. Ogg, J. (2009). Starbucks Snags S&P Upgrade (SBUX). 24/7 Wall Street website. Retrieved September 1, 2009 from http://247wallst. com/2009/08/28/starbucks-snags-sp-upgrade-sbux/. Osterwalder, A. , Pigneur, Y. , & Tucci, C. 2005). Clarifying business models: Origins, present, and future of the concept. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 16, 1. Retrieved August 28, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 919406501). Reuters (2009). Officers and Directors for Starbucks Corporation. Retrieved August 27, 2009 from http://www. reuters. com/finance/stocks/companyOfficers? symbol=SBUX. O. Starbucks Corporation (2009). Google Finance. Retrieved August 11, 2009 from http://www. google. com/finance? q=NASDAQ%3ASBUX. Starbucks Financial Releases (2009). Starbucks posts strong third quarter fiscal 2009 results. Starbucks website – About Us. Retrieved September 1, 2009 from http://investor. starbucks. com/phoenix. zhtml? c=99518&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1309655&highlight=. Starbucks Newsroom (2009). Starbucks details strategy for profitable growth. Retrieved August 27, 2009 from http://news. starbucks. com/article_display. cfm? article_id=184. The Company (2009). Corporate website – About Us. Retrieved August 22, 2009 from http://www. starbucks. com/aboutus/overview. asp. Thompson, A. and Gamble, J.

William Randolph Hearst

William Randolph Hearst was born in San Francisco, California. He received the best education that his multimillionaire father and his sophisticated schoolteacher mother could buy†private tutors, private schools, grand tours of Europe, and Harvard College. Young Hearst's Journalistic career began in 1887, two years after his Harvard expulsion. â€Å"l want the San Francisco Examiner, † he wrote to his father, who owned the newspaper and granted the request.When William's father died, he left his millions in mining properties, not to his son, but to his wife† ho compensated by giving her son ten thousand dollars a month until her death. The Daily Examiner became young Hearst's laboratory, where he gained a talent for making fake news and faking real news in such a way as to create maximum public shock. From the outset he obtained top talent by paying top prices.To get an all-star cast and an audience of millions, however, Hearst had to move his headquarters to New Y ork City, where he immediately purchased the old and dying New York Morning Journal. Within a year Hearst ran up the circulation from seventy-seven thousand to ver a million by spending enough money to beat the aging Joseph Pulitzer's World at its own sensationalist (scandalous) game. Sometimes Hearst hired away the World ‘s more aggressive executives and reporters; sometimes he outbid all competitors in the open market.One of Hearst's editors was paid twice as much in salary as the sale price of the New York World. Hearst attracted readers by adding heated reporting of sports, crime, sex, scandal, and human-interest stories. â€Å"A Hearst newspaper is like a screaming woman running down the street with her throat cut,† said Hearst writer Arthur James Pegler. Hearst's slam-bang showmanship attracted new readers and nonreaders. During the last five years of the nineteenth century, Hearst set his pattern for the first half of the twentieth century.The Journal supported t he Democratic Party, yet Hearst opposed the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) in 1896. In 1898 Hearst backed the Spanish-American War (1898; a war in which the United States aided Cuba in its fight for freedom from Spanish rule), which Bryan and the Democrats opposed. Further, Hearst's wealth cut him off from the troubled masses to whom his newspapers ppealed. He could not grasp the basic problems the issue of the war with Spain raised.Entering politics Having shaken up San Francisco with the Examiner and New York City with the Journal, Hearst established two newspapers in Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago American in 1900 and the Chicago Examiner in 1902; a newspaper in Boston, Massachusetts, the Boston American; and a newspaper in Los Angeles, California, the Los Angeles Examiner in 1904. These added newspapers marked more than an extension of Hearst's Journalistic empire, they reflected his sweeping decision to seek the U. S. presidency . Perhaps his ambition came from a desire to follow in his father's footsteps.His personality and fortune were not suited to a political career however. In 1902 and 1904 Hearst won election to the House of Representatives as a New York Democrat. Except, his Journalistic activities and his $2 million presidential campaign lett him little time to speak, vote, or answer roll calls in Congress . His nonattendance angered his colleagues and the voters who had elected him. Nevertheless, he found time to run as an independent candidate for mayor of New York City in 1905, and as a Democratic candidate for governor in 1906. His loss in both elections ended Hearst's political career.Personal life In 1903, the day before his fortieth birthday, he married twenty-one-year-old Millicent Willson, a showgirl, thus giving up Tessie Powers, a waitress he had supported since his Harvard days. The Hearsts had five boys, but in 1917 Hearst fell in love with another showgirl, twenty-year-old Marion Davie s of the Ziegfeld Follies. He maintained a relationship with her that ended only at his death. When Hearst's mother died, he came into his inheritance and took up permanent residence on his father's 168,000-acre ranch in southern California.There he spent $37 million on a private castle, put $50 million into New York City real estate, and put another $50 million into his art collection†the largest ever assembled by a single individual. Hearst publications During the 1920s one American in every four read a Hearst newspaper. Hearst owned twenty daily and eleven Sunday papers in thirteen cities, the KingFeatures syndication service (organization that places featured articles or comics in multiple papers at once), the International News Service, the American Weekly (a syndicated Sunday supplement), International Newsreel, and six magazines, includingCosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, and Harper's Bazaar. Despite Hearst's wealth, expansion, and spending, his popularity with the publi c as well as with the government was low. Originally a progressive Democrat, he had no bargaining power with Republican Theodore Roosevelt (1859-1919). Hearst fought every Democratic reform leader from Bryan to Franklin Roosevelt (1882-1945), and he opposed American participation in both world wars. In 1927 the Hearst newspapers printed forged (faked) documents, which supported an accusation that the Mexican government had paid several U. S. senators more than $1 million to support a CentralAmerican plot to wage war against the United States. From this scandal the Hearst press suffered not at all. In the next ten years, however, Hearst's funds and the empire suddenly ran out. In 1937 the two corporations that controlled the empire found themselves $126 million in debt. Hearst had to turn them over to a seven- member committee whose purpose was to save what they could. They managed to hold off economic failure only by selling off much of Hearst's private fortune and all of his public powers as a newspaper owner. William Randolph Hearst died on August 14, 1951, in Beverly Hills, California.

Plymouth Plantation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Plymouth Plantation - Essay Example The book describes the first Thanksgiving and about the brave pilgrims who were in search of religious liberty. The description of Mayflower is a new kind of telling a story that goes up through King Philip's War in 1675-76. The bloody war was fought between the English and the Native Americans that resulted in the death of hundreds of English and thousands of Native Americans. The Native Americans were the Indians and most of them were killed and the remaining were starved to death or deported or sold as slaves. After the war independence of native New England was broken. The next 250 years was repetition of the history between the English (white Americans too) and the Native Americans. The Indians weren't in a mood to accept the new visitors or the white Americans. As the number of white settlements increased the insecurity among the Indians also increased. Each day passing the whites were moving closer to the natives and were more powerful than the Indians. The whites were growing in number and stature. Since the two sides need different things and respect different values, grievances build up. They weren't in a mood to understand each other and stopped trying to understand each other's values, the result was bloodshed and finally the Indians lose. The Indians were illiterates and didn't make any effort to write their side of story and their own history. The Thanksgiving Day was declared a national holiday by the then president Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln describes the Pilgrims as national heroes who remind the Americans of their roots. Squanto was the Pilgrim's trusty English speaking interpreter; to take Massasoit's place he made every effort to turn the English against him. The result was a bloody preemptive attack on a Massachusetts band that was led by Miles Standish and was sanctioned by William Bradford. The raiders came back with the head of a warrior as a trophy to commemorate their victory and hanged it over the fort. This resulted in a shocking wave of fear amongst the natives that made them to flee their fields and villages. When the Rev John Robinson, Pilgrim's spiritual leader came to about the raid he condemned this kind of shocking and terrorized act and denounced it in a letter to William Bradford. The naives of different tribal groups and always had complexities amongst them. They were the Pokanokets, the Nausets of Cape Cod, the Rhode Island Narragansetts, the Massachusetts near Boston and several others. These tribal groups were collectively called as Wamponoags. The English and the Wamponoags were complicated in terms of psychologically and morally and were always under various pressures. The Pilgrim village museum in Plymouth contains description and artifacts of both cultures and represents as bicultural institution. It not only represents or tells the stories of European immigration but also the encounter between them that happened centuries ago. Mostly the Whites described the Mayflower by their writings and scriptures though both cultures were involved in the arrival of the Mayflower. Since the natives were not literate as the Whites they fell behind and little was known from them. Both the cultures have equal importance and played significant role in the evolving American history. They made us to realize the importance of both the cultures and to respect them. The Indians passed

American Apparel Case Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American Apparel Case - Assignment Example He further used ex-employees of the company to advertise the products. The employee filed a case on this allegation.DovCharney could have used willing employees subject to their consent on advertising the products. He could also put in mind psychological aspects of the audience and the customers and used a polite way of advertising instead of using naked girls (Gereffi 143-169). This would have put a positive public figure of the company. On the part of company management strategies, Charney lacked seasonal executives and personal assistance to help him in compiling checks that always piled in his office. He could have used a team of trusted person to help him in compiling these checks and notes. The reason this is a good strategy he could have used is because this could spare some time, which he could use to solve other problems facing the company. Since the case was written alleging him on sexual harassment and fall of financial status of the company, there have a lot of events happening. First was his dismissal as the CEO of American Apparel in March this year (Littler, 240-243) . This triggered him on wanting to get his position back to control on the company. He has tried to raise money for buying more share in the company to raise it from 19 percent to 43 percent. This is to try to increase his influence in the company. Also, he is working with some hedge fund investor to help him raise more money. However, on 29th September this year, the board that fired him hired a new interim Chief Executive officer to act on behalf of Charney. Against his will, the hedge fund investors are now negotiating with the board, bringing a draw back on his plans as there is a possibility that this effort of the hedge investors will trigger appointment of a new management team with Charney in exclusion Durif, Fabien, Krug, E. G., Mercy, J. A., Dahlberg, L. L., & Zwi, A. B. 2002. The world

Compare and contrast Christianity with Islam and Judaism Essay

Compare and contrast Christianity with Islam and Judaism - Essay Example All of them rely not so much on internal experience or mystical contact and leadership, as sacred rituals, faith and work, which lead man to God. Each of these religions believes that God has a special â€Å"agreement† (covenant) with his followers, although â€Å"terms and conditions of an agreement† are different. Jews, Christians and Muslims are united by faith in one God. All we pray to one God, compassionate and merciful Creator, but cognize him, at the same time, in totally different ways. St. Simeon, the New Theologian, who lived in Byzantium at the turn of the first and second millennia, gave the best, in my opinion, interpretation of God’s cognition - God is cognized by us so far forth as we can see a boundless sea, standing at night on a coast with a small candle in hands (cited in Neusner, Chilton, and Graham 122). The oldest, out of the three, monotheistic religion of mankind is Judaism. It appeared 1000 BC approximately. The nomadic Hebrew tribes liv ed on the territory of ancient Egypt and around it. Their religious leaders, or prophets, partly borrowed their ideas from religious beliefs, which spread in the region by that time, but with one great difference – they practiced the religion in one Almighty God. Hebrews believe that God requires obedience to a strict moral code and claim that they have a monopoly on the truth, considering, thus, their religion as the only correct one. Christianity inherited from Judaism many of the views, which subsequently became its integral part. â€Å"Both Christianity and Islam recognize Judaism as being a foundation for their beliefs. And Judaism, for its part, recognizes that there is a human history that precedes it.†(Golomb 18)...Belief takes many different forms; these forms are called religions. The word â€Å"religion† is literally translated from Latin as â€Å"connection.† Connection with God. Connection with the Universe. Connection with people around. A l ot of different religions existed and exist now.The main concept of Christianity is a belief in Jesus Christ, the only God-Man, and Savior. Jesus was an orthodox Jew and Christianity emerged as a sect within Judaism. By the way, it is not clear still whether Jesus wanted to create his own religion. Another great truth of Christianity is the Trinity of God. Most Christians, and especially non-Christians, have a very poor understanding of the Tripersonality. Part of Jews and Muslims even believe that Christians are not monotheists, but tritheists. (Muslims believe in one God, who is called God the Father in Christianity). The Christian church included into the Bible Hebrew Scriptures – the Old Testament, a common sacred text of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Islam, the second largest world religion, and Christianity have partly common origin. Islam comes from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who lived in the VII century BC and is based on The Five Pillars of Islam - fiv e essential religious duties. Muslims believe that Allah has spoken through the previous prophets, including Moses and Jesus, who shared faith with Hebrews and Christians before the advent of Muhammad, whose doctrine is the most accurate expression of Allah’s will.

Outline and discuss the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) as means of Essay - 3

Outline and discuss the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) as means of valuing securities and their risk. What are the drawbacks - Essay Example Some other financial experts like Lintner and Mossini also explained and purified CAPM and its interpretation in later years (Gassen, and Sellhorn, 2006). Capital Asset Pricing Model Being a quantitative tool for computing the yield of a security, CAPM is used for pricing the financial asset through mathematical calculations (Fields and Vincent, 2001). There are three main components of CAPM model which are stated as follows: Rf = Risk-free rate Beta = Risk of individual security with respect to market Rm – Rf = Market Risk Premium Risk-free Rate Risk free rate is considered as the rate at which the investor does not face any risk yet he obtains a specified return. This risk-free return can be obtained by investing in government securities which are considered are risk free. However, the term risk-free is referred to only the risk related to default risk. Since governments are considered as the ones which are not supposed to face default risk, therefore, their securities are c onsidered as risk-free securities (Babu, 2012). Beta Beta is the factor which indicates the risk of a particular security associated with the overall market risk (Vishwanath, 2007). ... This is the risk which is beyond the control of an investor as well as the corporations whose securities are being traded in the capital market. This risk is called as the overall market risk such that the whole market is exposed to that risk and bears its consequences (Berk and DeMarzo, 2010). On the contrary, unsystematic risk is the risk related to a specific security such as downfall in the earnings, or slow growth, heavy fine etc. This is the risk which does not affect the market and can be eliminated through diversification by adding more securities in the portfolio. Market does not reward unsystematic risk of a particular because this risk can be eliminated through diversification. But it does reward the systematic risk as this risk is faced by every security simultaneously in the whole market (Watson and Head, 2009). In a more concise manner, beta is the measure of systematic risk of the individual security with respect to market risk. In other words, it tells how much volati le an individual security is with the market volatility. Beta of the overall market is 1. So if the beta of the individual security exceeds 1, it means that the security is having more risk as compared to market risk. On the contrary, if the beta is less than 1, it means that the security is having less volatility as compared to market risk. A risk taker invests in those securities which have a beta of greater than 1 whereas a risk averse investor tends to remain at a safe side and invest in those securities which have a beta lower than 1. Market Risk Premium Market risk premium is actually the difference between the overall market return and the risk free return (Brigham and Ehrhardt, 2010). In other words, it is actually the excess return that market provides above the

Write paragraph on (1) Sun Centered Universe and (2) Earth Centered Assignment

Write paragraph on (1) Sun Centered Universe and (2) Earth Centered Universe (Maximum one page, half page for each) - Assignment Example According to the Holy Scriptures (the Genesis), God created the earth and later added sun, moon, stars and planets to beatify it. The earth centered model also projected heaven and hell as the outermost space (Wils S, Wils S R, 2001, p.31). Aristarchus (310 BC-230 BC) introduced Heliocentrism (Sun Centered model) but was unfortunately ignored for centuries. However, the theory was later revived by Nicholaus Copernicus in 16th century AD. Heliocentric model challenged the Earth Centered theory stating Sun as the center of the universe. Although Copernicus could not gain appreciation for his findings, Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) and Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), the supporters of heliocentrism, contributed to the growth of the theory. Kepler introduced the law of motion and described how satellites revolving the sun and how the moon orbiting the earth (Kuhn K F & Koupelis, 2004, pp.41-42). Galileo invented telescope and made star observation rather easy. However, Catholic Church which was the emerging political and religious power of the age opposed and persecuted Galileo for his

The Appearance Of Painting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Appearance Of Painting - Essay Example In this painting, there is no real texture which appears as brushwork and impasto. However, the bold or noticeable texture appears a little bit on the rocks. A value in this painting includes high-key and low-key. The high key appears almost in the middle visible horizontal line starting from the middle of the building moving towards its right side. The low key value appears on the waves, the clouds, the rocks and the mountains. Together, the high-key and low-key values make a strong contrast as is visible At first sight of the painting.In this painting, space is obviously noticeable. The front houses overlap the other house and the big mountain behind the house overlaps the other mountain. The rocks as well overlap each other. In addition, the shading in the waves and the clouds indicate space, different sizes, and positions of the buildings, the rocks, and the mountains. The perspective of this painting indicates space too as it appears as atmospheric view in this painting.In this painting, colors appear natural. Appearing in this painting, some of the natural colors is blue(on the waves) and green(on the mountaintop). Some parts of the waves have a tint of blue making them look lighter than blue whereas, some parts of the waves have a shade of blue making them look darker. This cool color combination gives the painting a peaceful touch and makes the city look like a good place to relax and spend a vacation.Looking at the balance of this painting, it is obvious this painting is of asymmetrical.

How globalisation can have different impacts on various groups within Essay

How globalisation can have different impacts on various groups within the same country - Essay Example How globalisation can have different impacts on various groups within the same country? Improved transport and communication has facilitated trade between countries turning the world into a global village prompting a lot of debate with proponents arguing that globalization is essential for economic growth and elimination of poverty while opponents argue that globalization is undermining the role of the state hence eliminating sovereignty of nations. He argues that the advancement in technology enables suppliers in one part of the globe to satisfy the demands of consumers in other parts of the globe thus increasing the magnitude of globalization. Boyes & Melvin view globalization as increase in cross-border flow of goods and services, and increased mobility of technology, information and individuals. According to Lerman & Schmidt, globalization is not a new phenomenon but has been in existence since the First World War but has increased in speed and intensity in recent past. It leads to convergence of nations politically, economically, socially and culturally. It is char acterized by increased international trade, foreign direct investments, capital flows, migration of population, and flow of knowledge. It has led to overdependence among nations especially poor countries dependence on rich nations. Globalization has opened doors to trade by removing barriers resulting in a lot of competition in domestic markets and providing opportunities for firms to expand into the global arena. There are also increased mergers and acquisitions as competition increases as well as establishment of multinational companies. Globalization has also been in the lime light as the cause of the recent financial crisis due to integration of financial markets and increasing ineffectiveness of the monetary and fiscal policy. Many anti-globalization campaigns have been on the rise as it is argued that it enhances income inequalities and unemployment (Ehrenberg, 1994). The paper discusses the effects of globalization on various groups in USA. Globalization in USA USA is conside red as the most globalized nation. It is a capitalistic state or free market economy and hence governed by the forces of demand and supply and open to competition from all quarters nationally and internationally. The value of foreign trade in USA continues to rise as the effects are felt everywhere especially the less developed countries. For example, the value of merchandise exports 1950 was 4% of gross domestic product (GDP) same as that of merchandise imports. Recently the value of merchandise exports is 8% of GDP while that of imports is 11% of GDP. The exchange of services which was not common in 1950s is now in existence enhanced by improvement in information technology. Outsourcing in 1960 accounted for only 1.7% of the value of services produced in USA and sold to foreigners but by 1997 it had risen to 5.1% showing how globalization is extending at fast pace (Boudreaux, 2008: 8). Deregulation of the financial sector is another phenomenon in USA. The financial sector has thus increased in fragility leading to financial instability and vulnerability to external shocks. The deregulation of banking industry has partly been blamed for the current global financial crisis. The banks engaged in sub prime mortgages and securitization of the mortgages without a limit leading to collapse of the institutions as a result of bursting of the housing bubble. This effect was transmitted to other parts of the economy and the world as a whole through integration of world financial markets (Brewer & Boyd, 2000). According to Pryor (2000), there is a change in the location of trade transactions in the USA from business people to multinational companies. He alleges that

An effective speaker paper comparison critique of 2 famous speeches Essay - 1

An effective speaker paper comparison critique of 2 famous speeches - Essay Example Both speeches were enthralling considering that they were delivered by Presidential candidates. Personally, I was impressed by both speeches because they were towering and very insightful. Both speeches remind us of our struggle and our best qualities, on how we were able to surmount them through hardwork and perseverance. In Obama’s speech, I particularly like the line â€Å"time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction. This is the journey we continue today†. This is very appropriate considering that America was under a crisis and still is struggling to overcome it. Obama also spoke of national unity, â€Å"to end petty grievances and false promises† recognizing that America is shaped by â€Å"every language and culture, drawn from every planet of this earth†. Finally, Obama relate that he is one of the â€Å"People (who) have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers†. Romney’s speech is equally towering. He also spoke of our struggles and offered hope. He enumerated that he knew the struggle of common man by relating â€Å"driving home late from that second job, or standing there watching the gas pump hit 50 dollars and still going, when the realtor told you that to sell your house youd have to take a big loss† was very reflective of the pain of many Americans during the financial crisis. He added â€Å"But what could you do? Except work harder, do with less, try to stay optimistic. Hug your kids a little longer; maybe spend a little more time praying that tomorrow would be a better day† it was indeed a dark moment that Mitt Romney painted emblematic of the American’s struggle

Sufficient Budget for K-12 Inner City Schools Essay Example for Free

Sufficient Budget for K-12 Inner City Schools Essay Catherine Gewertz (2008) in â€Å"Pennsylvania Lawmakers Eyeing Cost of School Finance Revamp† outlines the recent legislature actions over the education sector. A 2007 legislative costing-out study released in November reveals that, to deliver quality education, $2,500 more is needed for every child in the Keystone State. The 2008 fiscal budget amounting to $27. 2 billion provides $9. 4 billion for pre-collegiate education, 6. 1 percent more than the previous year. It also provides $75 million for 11,000 preschool students and $20 million for the expansion of full-day kindergarten programs. Other expansion measures include: providing laptops for high school students, boosting high school coursework, expanding dual-enrollment options and foundation funding. The state board of Pennsylvania is seeking to require high school students to pass three competency exams before graduating beginning 2008. Schools need financial resources in acquiring the needed school facilities and paying teachers’ salaries. Donations from other individuas may add to the resources of schools but they are not substantially enough in the long run. The struggles are even tougher for inner city schools where students fare less in terms of economic status compared to students studying in private learning institutions. For the most part, inner city schools depend on the financial aid mandated by the law. The United States Congress plays a key role in determining the portion of the fiscal budget that will go to the funding necessary to run public schools such as those situated in inner cities. With the growing number of prospective student, it is important to foresee the financial support and other resources needed to address the rise in the demand for education. More importantly, financial support is direly needed in expanding the quality of education in inner city schools so that students will be able to learn substantially instead of learning minimally due to severe limitations in education resources. For K-12 inner city schools, a lot of budget cuts in the education sector will affect our available resources. The most immediate consequence is the deterioration in teaching facilities’ number or quality. A limited funding deprives students of learning materials such as books. Another result is that K-12 schools become unable to acquire at least a decent number of computers for their students. Both books and computers greatly assist students in their learning endeavors; the inability to make use of them will only make the learning process tougher. While it may be difficult for Congress to guarantee that a computer is devoted for every student in K-12 schools, it is more disheartening if Congress still remains unable to allocate budget for at least a few computers for every K-12 school. Few available computers are better than nothing at all because students can just take their turns in using them. For K-12 school teachers, the lack of the most relevant and updated books can hamper the ease of facilitating student learning. When teachers use outmoded books because there are no other options, it becomes more difficult for them to hand-out the most accurate information possible. Teachers cannot easily create informative lesson plans suitable to their students. With books being the primary teaching material resource, outmoded books will negatively affect the content of the lesson plans that teachers are required to make. The article of Gewertz (2008) provides information on some of the recent developments in the education sector insofar as the Congressional budget allocation is concerned. The 2008 pre-collegiate education budget amounting to $9. 4 billion—6. 1 percent more from the previous allocation—may not be enough to cover all the financial needs of all K-12 schools across America. Nevertheless, the budget can fill some of the basic but urgent needs of these schools including my school. Part of the budget surplus can be used to purchase additional chairs or blackboards. The increase in the budget allocation for pre-collegiate education also translates to better quality of education for K-12 students. More relevant and up-to-date books can be purchased given the same number of students. Similarly, it also translates to more students accommodated in K-12 schools. Another benefit is the possibility of raising the compensation for teachers who are qualified for the job, thereby attracting potential teachers who can deliver quality education to students. The $20 million for the expansion of full-day kindergarten programs is a helping hand for inner city schools. The same holds true for the $75 million budget allocation for 11,000 preschool students. As for the school where I am currently teaching, the budget increase can mean more kindergarten students who will enjoy their full right to quality education. It also means that current kindergarten programs in my school will be preserved instead of being temporarily or permanently suspended. Although more students signify more work for teachers, it also means that kindergarten students will have more fellow students to interact with. Consequently, students will not only gain formal learning; they will also have social development within the premises of the school. Part of the prospects Congress looks into is the plan to provide laptops for high school students. Even though that plan requires higher funding, I think it is only proper. I personally think that students in my school will learn more if they are able to use laptops or, at the least, desktop computers as part of their academic pursuits in Information Technology. My students may find the use of modern computers with internet connection as a whole new territory. Nevertheless, it is just a small price to pay compared to the immense increase in the learning capabilities that they will have. With computers connected to the internet or school database, my students will gather more information most relevant to their academic requirements. Research will become easier as more sources of information are made available and access to them becomes faster. I think acquiring more computers for my school is a two-fold adjustment. On one hand, students will enjoy the benefits of gathering more information faster. On the other hand, our students will first have to be oriented and taught about the basic skills needed to make the most out of computers, let alone operate them. The challenge for teachers’ including myself is not only to ensure that our students are able to learn many educational things out of using computers but also to ensure that they understand the basic processes behind such use. Reference Gewertz, C. (2008). Pennsylvania Lawmakers Eyeing Cost of School Finance Revamp. Education Week, 27(19), 14.

Staff Guide on Assessment and Moderation

Staff Guide on Assessment and Moderation Purpose The purpose of the assessment and moderation staff guide is to ensure: All staff are aware of the moderation activities requirements All staff are aware of the assessment requirements; adheres to the quality standards (i.e.: fair, valid and consistent assessment) expected from external parties (e.g.: NZQA) Policy This policy will be achieved through planning and implementation of an annual Moderation Calendar, and regular analysis of assessment results.ÂÂ   Findings and action plans from moderation activities will be implemented and monitored by identified parties Procedure The Programme Leader will be responsible for managing the expectations and delivery of internal and external moderation activities; which includes and are not limited to a. completing an annual Moderation Calendar for the department b. monitoring action plans developed to address findings from moderation activities c. implementation of action plans, where required d. the day-to-day running and requirements of the Moderation Calendar e. monitoring and/or reporting any risks identified from moderation activities to the Academic Board Key responsibilities Programme Leader Prepare Annual Moderation Calendar to include pre-,post-, and external moderation requirements Identify any assessments requiring amendment after post-moderation Summarise results of annual moderation activities and record key learnings Identify moderators required and assign moderators for stages of moderation Nominated Moderator Carry out moderation activities as requested (pre-, and post-) Complete moderation and reports to be submitted to Programme Leader Teaching Staff Discuss planned moderation activities and nominate moderators Complete review of assessment materials Complete amendment of assessment materials with consultation with Programme Leader Policy Quality Indicators Moderation activities are planned and carried out according to the annual Moderation Calendar Assessments submitted meet the quality standards (i.e.: fair, valid and consistent) expected from external partied[AG1] (e.g.: NZQA) Part 2: Personal Reflection Moderation is comprised of a set of procedures designed to ensure quality assurance through monitoring and evaluation of assessments (The Skills Organisation Incorporated[AG2], 2014). The characteristics of moderation activity include fairness, validity, reliability, consistency, sufficiency and authenticity (The Skills Organisation Incorporated, 2014). The five different types of moderation will be discussed below. In addition, a reflection form personal practise of some factors that can have an impact on the type of moderation will also be discussed. Internal pre-moderation Why: This is carried out by nominated internal moderators to ensure the validity and sufficiency of assessment materials prior to being used by learners (The Skills Organisation Incorporated, 2014). Any actions identified following this activity must be implemented, reviewed and moderated prior to being used by learners. Review of factors and issues: In my[AG3] experience, this is a crucial process which requires time and attention, to ensure for the validity and sufficiency of assessment materials. The responsibility is with the moderator to ensure he or she is knowledgeable of the learning outcomes, the assessment requirements and assessment materials. Internal post-assessment moderation Why: This is carried out by nominated internal moderators to ensure there is fairness, validity, consistency and authenticity displayed by the assessor of the assessment materials (The Skills Organisation Incorporated, 2014). Review of factors and issues: This process can be used to ascertain if the learning has occurred for students. In my experience, internal post-assessment moderation requires a sample of highest, middle and lowest graded assessments. This is to ensure there has been consistency in the assessors judgement in allocating marks for the assessments. This is also an opportunity to gain an insight into the students learning progression. However, there has also been times that an assessor has received the feedback and/or suggestions from the action plans in a negative manner, creating an environment that is less conducive. There has also been times whereby there has been leniency from the moderator due to sympathy or the fear of causing offence to the assessor. Such behaviours can have serious consequences[AG4], relating to both the quality of the assessments as well as the integrity of the process. Peer moderation Why: This is carried out to ensure there is consistency between assessors within the same department and/or organisation (The Skills Organisation Incorporated, 2014). Review of factors and issues: In my personal experience, peer moderation can create a perception whereby an assessor may feel targeted[AG5] due to the feedback provided. Often, an assessor may feel like he or she needs to be able to justify his or her decisions, which can lead to an environment that is less conducive. On the other hand, peer moderation can also be a very useful process whereby assessors are given an opportunity for wider collegial discussion, which can assist with learning and further understanding of the assessment materials. External pre-assessment moderation[AG6] Why: This is carried out by nominated external moderators to ensure there is fairness, validity, consistency and authenticity displayed by the assessor of the assessment materials (The Skills Organisation Incorporated, 2014). Any actions identified following this activity must be implemented, reviewed and moderated prior to being used by learners. Review of factors and issues: As previously identified, this is a crucial process to confirm assessment materials are fair, valid and consistent with the required standards. The moderator is required to have sufficient understanding and knowledge of the learning outcomes, assessment requirements and assessment materials. External post-assessment moderation Why: This is carried out by nominated external moderators to ensure consistency, validity and reliability of assessment between Tertiary Education Organisations, Government Training Organisations, Industry Training Organisations and schools are being maintained (The Skills Organisation Incorporated, 2014). Review of factors and issues: The findings from post-moderation can be useful in ascertaining if the learning[AG7] has taken place, as this provides evidence of learning outcomes being achieved by learners. This further solidifies the characteristics required by moderation, for example, authenticity. References The Skills Organisation Incorporated. (2014). Moderation. Retrieved from http://skills.org.nz/assessment__moderation/moderation

Food production and export goods

Food production and export goods Assess the advantages and disadvantages for poor country governments of food production over export goods. This essay argues that food production should be on top of the priority list of governments of the poor countries, because of the increase in of food prices globally at a time of global economic downturn and for the purpose of achieving food sovereignty and food security The discussion highlight the failure of export of goods strategies, and complexities related to connecting poor economies with global market as a result of recommendations by IFIs which focus on the advantages international trade. The essay slightly engages with debate around the incapability of those institutions, and their strategies to tackle the implication of world food problem in the context of the poor countries; using conclusion and critique of case studies as disadvantages to draw the food production as a favourable option in response to this problem. What poor countries means? In brief, and in order to identify what meant by poor countries. According to Paul Collier (2007) those countries falls entrapped in four major areas, including conflict affected countries, natural recourses even if the recourses are available they suffer from phenomenon such as Dutch Disease often perceived as miss management of resources, the problem of being landlocked, and poor governance which is combination of corruption and inadequate state administrative capacities together with other governance problems. Additionally to colliers list Foster (1992) outlines weak state infrastructures, which in this essay refers simply to poor or lack of: a transportation network, communication structures and technical capacities, which is axiomatically, refers to education systems and capabilities. For both authors the majority of population are very poor: landless poorly educated commonly superstitious etc. Within these countries the South Centre (2008) estimates that the bulk of population are consuming imported food; the centre argues the poor population are more vulnerable to rising food prices because food represents a high proportion of their total expenditure. In todays globalised world is facing the worse global economic downturn since the great recession of the 1930s. Food is not just an important need for nutritional of humans to survive, it became more of fact reflecting sovereignty and independence of the state; in the case of the poor countries if not in all countries at least for the majority-the state and its governing system is an inherited system from the economical relations of the colonial era. Food sovereignty could be more than a symbol for independence; it could work as basis for fair trade and development. In contrast FAO (2009) report establishes clear link between the global economic downturn and predict that it going to intensify implication on the poor countries as assuming decline in exports or capital inflows will soon occurs while the food import capacity (FDI, remittances and foreign aid).) Patrick Kendall and Marco Petracco (2009) critically assess the impact of food import Caribbean and the dependence on its import has made the region more vulnerable and exposed to international market supply shocks, which are expected to boost again due to increasing volatility nature of food in the global markets. They criticises the shifts from subsistence to cash cropping declined the ratio agriculture export earnings in GDP of the region from 9.7% in 1980 to 4.3% in 2004(p.783) while the ratio of expenditure on food imports to total foreign exchange earnings fell from 15% in 1980 to 9.7% in 2004, and the ratio to total imports fell from 15.5% to 8.7%.(p.785) On the basis of comparative advantages (which is not a static concept  [1]  ), division of labour and free trade was introduced hypothetically it makes all materially better off than they would be if individuals or communities tried to provide everything for themselves (George Kent, 2002). It was also assumed that within the globalization of world economy countries will be able to procure food from diverse sources and they will get the best prices through the open market. As a matter of fact trade does assist in growth of the economies of these countries either regionally (Coe N. M.; Hess M.; Yeung H.W.; Dicken P. and Henderson J. 2004) or globally (WTO, 2010). But this was never the case of food, where income of the poor among other mix variables influence the rate of under-nutrition and consequently it lowers fertility rates, human survival rates, health, and education capabilities of children, security and the overall energy of a country aspires development (Foster 1992). Howe ver, historically as in the case of sub Sub-Saharan Africa during the 1970s and 1980s integration into the world economic system at a time of historically unprecedented volatility in world food, energy, and capital prices. As a result of these burdens, smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa are very poor and are getting poorer (Delgado 1997 cited in Kent, 2002 p.2). While the world produces enough food for all the mankind currently (Kakar, Raziq, in 2009 FAO estimated that over one billion individuals are undernourished (FAO, 2009). After thirty years of falling global food prices in real terms, food prices have steadily increased since the year 2002. This trend began to increase in 2006 and prices rose even more sharply in 2008 (South Centre, 2008 p.14) indicating that food prices rose by 52 per cent (p.1). Using twenty equation econometric model R. McFall Lamm and Paul C. Westcott study on The Effects of Changing Input Costs on Food Prices proves that changes in factor prices r esults quickly in change of food prices the results also indicates that food prices increase rapidly than non food prices. Consequently, the increase in prices will ultimately lead to unrest in many poor countries; bearing in mind that as result of 2007 food prices increase, 30 countries experienced food riots where the worlds poorest people can no longer afford basic food (Georgia Miller, 2008). Unless international finance and trade institutions namely (WTO, IMF, World Bank) are reformed, there are no hopes for poor countries to compete in the global trade. Free trade remains elusive as long as the rich countries still applying production protection policies such as producers subsidy  [2]  and tariffs which represent at their end reflecting Export restrictions to the developing countries productions, while demanding them to open their market doors for the global trade (Wall 1999; kent 2002, Gowa 1994; OECD 2007; Coote 1996; Lloyd, P. J. 1999). The World Bank (2008) recognises this very well stating By removing their current level of protection, industrial countries would induce annual welfare gains for developing countries estimated to be five times the current annual flow of aid to agriculture and predicting that Poor countries that export cotton or oilseeds, such as Chad, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin, stand to gain. Among the big expected gainers are Brazil, T hailand, and Vietnam. (p.11) So far no protectionist policies have been lifted. In fact the international finance and trade institutions have no strong influence upon the rich countries polices. Meanwhile, the reform agendas has been extended to cover the whole United Nations systems and structures; whereas the heart of the reform is in financing the global organisation(Gordon 1994; Mà ¼ller 1992). Having people as Jeffery Sachs (2010) the Harvard University Professor of Economics advocating the idea of taxing transactions between banks and financial institutions to raise funds for global issues like poverty. One might argue that the implementation of Aid for Trade programmes would also contribute to solving the crisis as they could help developing countries to integrate into international markets through trade. However, the impact of such programmes in boosting agricultural productivity is not clearly established (South Centre 2008 p.37) In contrast Kevin Danaher (2001) is calling for the abolishment of those financial and trade institutions building his argument in fairness and usefulness. Until the stalled trade negotiations (Hall-Matthews 2010) or reform around those financial institutions reach consensus or at least level of agreement, the situation on poor countries in term of faire trade and food security remain the same as early 1980s since threats of famine became more of curse in countries like Ethiopia (Hancock 1985) and Nigel Twose (1984) ) critics as cited in Hancock 1985 remains valid, when it goes to see the result of an IMF intervention in the third world is the acceleration of change in agricultural practices, resulting in even greater concentration on crops for export, at the expense of food crops for local consumption (p.124); in other words the land that should be feeding their people is producing food for European and north American consumers concluding that these systems lead to deprivation for million(p.127). Ironically, similar conclus ions to the 1980s rhetoric has being reached within the International Development Committee of Great Britain (2009) that the poor countries are losing billions of dollars every year to tax evasion by international companies and they need to be assisted to benefit from their own resources. Indeed that not every single poor country has enough resources for achieving food self-sufficiency which refers to 100% coverage of a nation needs (Dhliwayo 1988 p.15), nether food production refers to agro-grain it can also refers to aqua food such sea food fisheries or managing animal products; bearing in mind the advances in science that mankind has reached, and possible support food producers which could be through protection policies research and extension organisations (p.31) as in the case of farmers. The more they can produce the more secure the country becomes in term of development and stability. In general export of goods and engagement in trade may be an excellent way of making earnings for generating wealth at large scale, but creation of wealth as an end does not necessarily means the fundamental needs of the poor will be served, bearing in mind all the miseries that Europe has gone through during the industrialisation era. Export of goods might it not be a good way for securing fundamental survival necessity for the poor people, such as food and water. The whole Marxist literature is discussing that accumulation of capital makes few people richer; I mentioned this here to highlight that the propensity that expected from good exports and investment in production is contingent by many other factors and expectations such as profitability and success in competition with well established firms within unstable global markets and financial system undergoing a crisis the risk for that choice grows greater and greater. Indeed with the option to grow food there are also great risk s such climate change; which does not necessarily means drought, it could also takes the form of heavy rains and floods or any other natural disasters. At (page 1) I added weak infrastructures to Colliers(2007) similarities of the poor countries, this weak infrastructures hinders trade in global competition more than it affect agriculture, indeed any improvement in those infrastructure and capacities will have positive inputs toward these countries development. A clear example A clear example by Marc Wuyts(1993) who studies the case of Tanzania 1960s up 1970s when Tanzanias economic policy has centred an investment strategy with the aim to speed up economic development with assistance of aid and less concern for its consequences, he argues that not scrutinizing the consequences of the aid-driven state-led investment strategy in the context of an open and structurally fairly inflexible economy (p.160) which relied on few export crops in order to obtain hard currencies, has reduced the country growth rates which was assumed to be attained and has wrecked the economy to become aid dependent in both financing investments and imports of consumer goods. He continues to argue that while agriculture, which was not the main beneficiary of this strategy, it determined its unpleasant ending. Ray Bush (2000) discuss similar case of prioritising cash crops for export in Egypt where the International financial institutions reforms have failed to make the economic prospe rous; instead changes in diets and food purchases to economise on household expenses; extra labour time associated with searching for cheaper food in the souk and sales of livestock, jewellery and other household assets (p.242). He considers Market driven solutions fails to take into account the Egyptian rural people lifestyles and their way to address their uneven access to resources. He noticed that there is inadequate attention by the international agencies to the ongoing market failure, and the ways in which people are adopting themselves with crisis. Instead they are focused on notions of peasant ignorance and poor technology (p.248). Bartra, Roger and Otero, Gerardo (1987) conducted analysis cash crops in contrast with subsistence crops in Mexico, using prices and production data from 1940 to 1983 their analysis reflected a twofold crisis one is deterioration of peasant economy; the second is related the production of cash crops reflect the local capitalist crisis in the field of agriculture. While export of good requires government facilitation of trade processes (Collier 2007) and encouragement commonly understood as less state led interventions accordingly easier to perform. Normally the food production strategy makers expect governmental control and state led interventions; which varies from the level of land reform laws Foster(1992) and protection of producers policies to the level of micro support such as research and extension services for farmers(Ramasamy and Selvaraj 2007). But in principle the governments of poor countries are expected implement state led interventions and play more role than safe guarding the society. Conclusion Oversimplifying some issues How come I ask a poor hungry man to trade and invest?

Themes Of Unity In The Grapes Essays -- essays research papers

John Steinbeck's novel, The Grapes of Wrath, is a moving account of the social plight of Dustbowl farmers and is widely considered an American classic. The novel takes place during the depression of the 1930s in Oklahoma and all points west to California. Steinbeck uses the Joad family as a specific example of the general plight of the poor farmers. The Joads are forced off of their farm in Oklahoma by the banks and drought, and they, like many other families of the time, head out for the promised land of California. They endure much hardship along the way, and they finally make it to California only to find that work is scarce and human labor and life are cheap. Tom Joad, the eldest son in the family, starts the book freshly out of jail and slowly evolves from selfish goals to a sense of an ideal worldly purpose in uniting people against injustice. Jim Casy, an errant preacher who is accepted into the Joad family early into the story, changes his beliefs to include all people in a s ort of oversoul, as he helps to organize the workers to battle the extreme injustice done onto them by the farm owners and discriminating locals. Whereas the Joads start out as one family, by the end of the story their family becomes one with other families who are weathering the same plight of starvation and senseless violence. In The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck emphasizes the power of groups over the individual's power to survive poverty and violence through character evolution, plot and the use of figurative and philosophical language.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tom Joad begins the novel with self-seeking aims, but with the ex-preacher Jim Casy as a mentor, he evolves into an idealistic group leader. Tom first meets Jim on his way home from jail. There begins a lasting friendship with the verbose preacher, who is going through a belief makeover and steadily moving toward the Emersonian oversoul including all people in a general spirit of human love and kinship. Tom is steadily angered more and more with his family's plight, but even into the beginning of the family's journey, he still has individualistic thoughts that consume his ideas. When Jim is trying to get Tom to think of the big picture, to get a worldly view of the effects of the hundreds of thousands of people moving west, Tom says, 'I'm still laying my dogs down one at a time,'; and 'I climb fences when I got fe... ...e way for the concern of the people'; (Bowden 196). And most critics agree that 'the sense of communal unit grows steadily through [Steinbeck's] narrative'; (Lisca 97). In the chapters that explain the general situation of life in California, Steinbeck figuratively and philosophically explains the evolution of unity and equality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Grapes of Wrath clearly demonstrates the theme that when overcoming hardship the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. At the end of the story Ma Joad has come to understand that her family is just part of another larger family of the migrant poor. Tom Joad comes full circle from individualistic aims to embracing the group and organization of the masses. The main events in the Joads' life at the government camp and the strike at the peach orchards also emphasize unity. At times in his narrative Steinbeck even blatantly explains his philosophies of group power and shared burden. As one critic puts it 'The family of man is even more than a necessity for the Joads: it is an ideal of the novel'; (Bowden 199). Steinbeck truly succeeds in giving the reader the message that when united people stand, but divided they fall.

pearl harbor :: essays research papers

The U.S. Entering World War II "A date that will live in infamy," (Snyder 33) was what President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called December 7, 1941. It was a calm Sunday morning at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu. Then two U.S. soldiers saw an oscilloscope signal on their mobile radars. They immediately called this in to their commanding officer but he told them to ignore it because the base was expecting a squadron of friendly B-17's to be coming from the mainland. Thirty minutes later the first bomb fell and almost killed a courier boy who was trying to deliver a message to Pearl Harbor Naval Base that the Japanese Imperial Navy was going to attack them. The Japanese bombers caught the base by surprise due to the Americans' tradition of not working on Sunday's. As the bombs fell, so did all the chances of the United States not joining the Allies in the Second World War that was raging in Europe and the western Pacific. Up to that point the U.S. had just been supporting the Allies but they weren't tec hnically at war with the Axis powers. All throughout the first two years of the war, President Roosevelt focused on making life difficult for the Japanese. One way he did this was by creating various policies that would deter the Axis powers from being able to maintain the needs necessary to wage war on the Allies. One of these policies was the American financial and economic embargo, which supported China in its fight against Japan. It also, somewhat, forced neutral countries to side with the U.S. because it threatened that if any country would aid one of the Axis countries then that country would no longer be given aid packages from the United States. A second policy imposed by Roosevelt was the "moral embargo" of July 1938. This banned neutral countries from exporting Planes and equipment to countries who engaged in the bombing of civilians. This made the U.S. look like the good guys because they were protecting the innocent people who were being killed just because the lived in a different country. By imposing these policies, the U.S. was disallowing the economic growth of the Axis countries and forcing Them to support themselves, as long as they were against the Allies. These policies were a type of weapon that Roosevelt used in order to attack the enemy without formally declares war. pearl harbor :: essays research papers The U.S. Entering World War II "A date that will live in infamy," (Snyder 33) was what President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called December 7, 1941. It was a calm Sunday morning at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu. Then two U.S. soldiers saw an oscilloscope signal on their mobile radars. They immediately called this in to their commanding officer but he told them to ignore it because the base was expecting a squadron of friendly B-17's to be coming from the mainland. Thirty minutes later the first bomb fell and almost killed a courier boy who was trying to deliver a message to Pearl Harbor Naval Base that the Japanese Imperial Navy was going to attack them. The Japanese bombers caught the base by surprise due to the Americans' tradition of not working on Sunday's. As the bombs fell, so did all the chances of the United States not joining the Allies in the Second World War that was raging in Europe and the western Pacific. Up to that point the U.S. had just been supporting the Allies but they weren't tec hnically at war with the Axis powers. All throughout the first two years of the war, President Roosevelt focused on making life difficult for the Japanese. One way he did this was by creating various policies that would deter the Axis powers from being able to maintain the needs necessary to wage war on the Allies. One of these policies was the American financial and economic embargo, which supported China in its fight against Japan. It also, somewhat, forced neutral countries to side with the U.S. because it threatened that if any country would aid one of the Axis countries then that country would no longer be given aid packages from the United States. A second policy imposed by Roosevelt was the "moral embargo" of July 1938. This banned neutral countries from exporting Planes and equipment to countries who engaged in the bombing of civilians. This made the U.S. look like the good guys because they were protecting the innocent people who were being killed just because the lived in a different country. By imposing these policies, the U.S. was disallowing the economic growth of the Axis countries and forcing Them to support themselves, as long as they were against the Allies. These policies were a type of weapon that Roosevelt used in order to attack the enemy without formally declares war.