Mathematics And Being Mathematical Education Essay

Are making mathematics and being mathematical separate thoughts? The reply lies in our apprehension of mathematics itself. Devlin ( 2005 ) explains that mathematics is ‘recognizing and pull stringsing forms ‘ while Barton ( 2009, p.5 ) describes being mathematical as prosecuting an question. When combined, the two thoughts represent the geographic expedition of mathematical constructs through the usage of problem-solving and logical thinking ( Baroody, Coslick, & A ; Wilkins, 1998, p.1-13 ) . Pratt ( 2006, p.52 ) supports this theory by claiming that in order ‘to ‘do ‘ maths†¦ we must hold a job to work out ‘ . He continues by proposing that the word ‘problem ‘ is replaced with ‘enquiry ‘ , making lessons that promote the acquisition of mathematics through the application and development of cognition and accomplishments. This, consecutive, should forestall the accomplishments from being considered as stray pieces of inf ormation. Fact-finding and question based acquisition can authorise kids ( Wassermann, 2000, p.14 ) by leting them to be actively involved in, and have control over, their acquisition. The usage of open-ended probe has ‘the possible to increase the math talk in the schoolroom ‘ ( National Research Council, 2009, p.246 ) , and with linguistic communication playing a critical function in cognitive development ( Vygotsky & A ; Bruner, cited in Stierer & A ; Maybin, 1993, p.xi ) , it is logical that the usage of mathematical linguistic communication is considered when judging the quality of instruction and acquisition ( OfSTED, 2010 ) . During a recent lesson observation, I witnessed students discoursing their responses to the inquiry, ‘The reply is 42. What is the inquiry? ‘ The kids were captured by the openness of the undertaking and enjoyed pass oning their thoughts and the logical thinking behind them. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics ( 2009, p.3 ) discusses the value of interchanging thoughts when larning mathematics and suggests that it can, ‘help scholars sharpen their ability to ground, speculation, and do connexions ‘ . Teachers do, nevertheless, need to be able to ‘scaffold the treatment by [ utilizing ] careful oppugning ‘ ( Bottle, 2005, pp.122-123 ) in order to vouch that the treatment is valuable, develops understanding and remains unfastened. The usage of open-ended inquiring does, nevertheless, require that kids accept that there may non be an ultimate end to work towards ( Yeo, 2007, p.7 ) . This poses several challenges, including the possibility that unexpected acquisition may happen ( Yeo, 2007, p.9 ) . Good instruction, nevertheless, means being able to transform unexpected finds into chances for farther acquisition ( Idris, 2006, p.53 ) . I observed an illustration of this during a lesson [ Appendix A ] where students were invited to utilize a map to look into the distances of possible paths to given finishs. Students began their probe by specializing ; choosing a finish and so ciphering the distances utilizing a graduated table. The bulk of students focused, as anticipated, on the roads, nevertheless one group chose to compare pedestrianised paths with those of vehicles, ensuing in unexpected treatments that linked mensurating distances to clip and velocity. Their logical thinking was that they conjectured that so me finishs might be reached more easy by going on pes and they tested this during the probe. This illustration reveals that the kids, when presented with an open-ended question, were believing creatively, and showing their ability to inter-link mathematical constructs and present farther inquiries when presented with a existent life context. This illustration besides confirmed that students were utilizing and using in mathematics by practising the appropriate accomplishments identified in counsel by the TheA Department for Education and Skills ( DfES. , 2006a, p.4 ) . With these accomplishments besides being attributed to fact-finding work ( Yeo & A ; Yeap, 2010, p.4 ) , it is sensible to presume that mathematical probes will back up the accomplishment of the National Curriculum ‘s utilizing and using aims. Measuring the degree or accomplishment of the aims has the potency, nevertheless, to be debatable ( Klavir & A ; Hershkovitz, 2008, p.2 ) although this can be addressed by instructors working collaboratively with students to measure the effectivity of their probes ( TDA. , 2008, p.8, Q28 ) . I observed an illustration of students utilizing and measuring their fact-finding accomplishments during a lesson where they, when presented with a figure mystifier [ Appendix B ] , began by specializing utilizing a given illustration, and so formed speculations about forms that might look. This provided them with a focal point for their question, and the assurance to prove their thoughts which resulted in the bulk of students organizing generalizations about the forms created by the Numberss. Each group so explained the concluding behind their chosen methods and decisions with the remainder of the category pass oning their ideas on the effectivity of the chosen schemes. The pupils work [ Appendices C & A ; D ] clearly shows that they were able to organize speculations at assorted points in the probe, proposing that they were constructing on their bing cognition, a procedure identified by Piaget as indispensable for cognitive development ( Slavin, 1994, p.32 ) and besides a critical constituent to constructivist acquisition ( Boghossian, 2006, p.714 ) . The kids who were able to generalize, did so as a consequence of effectual communicating and following a systematic attack to their probe. Conversely, some students struggled to place any numerical relationships as a consequence of lacks in their ability to cipher expeditiously. This type of battle can, nevertheless, be good to larning. John Stewart Mill ( n.d. ) one time said, ‘The student, who is ne'er required to make what he can non make, ne'er does what he can make ‘ . This doctrine of instruction is supported by Vygotsky ‘s claim ( Slavin, 1994, p49 ) that kids need to travel out of their comfort zone if they are to accomplish their possible and theA DfES ( 2006a, p.8 ) upholds this thought by explicating that disputing undertakings are important when developing job work outing schemes. However, although outlooks need to be high ( TDA. , 2008, p.8, Q1 ) they besides need to be realistic ( Malone, 2003, p.239 ) and therefore it is indispensable that all instructors are cognizant of kids ‘s current degrees of apprehension and, as a consequence, program suitably differentiated activities ( TDA. , 2008, p.8, Q10 ) that enabled all kids to win ( Kendall-Seatter, 2005, p.3 ) . In drumhead, by uniting directed instruction of mathematical techniques with learning the procedures of fact-finding mathematics ( DfES, 2006b, p65 ) , kids can larn to utilize fact-finding accomplishments jointly to work out jobs and to research the universe around them. Using these accomplishments creates successful scholars who can utilize errors to assist them to come on and who enjoy larning ( Rose, 2009, p.34 ) . By developing oppugning accomplishments, kids can larn to organize insightful speculations that they will be motivated to prove and turn out. Communicating will let them to widen their thoughts ( Cockcroft, 1982, p.73 ) and unfastened, disputing and meaningful jobs will animate intrinsic motive ( Pratt, 2006, p.51 ) and let them to ‘do ‘ mathematics and be mathematical.

Vsm Group: Examination of Strategic Position and Development of a Competitive Strategy

1. INTRODUCTION Johnson, Scholes and Whittington (2005, p. 9) define strategy as the direction and scope of an organisation over the long term, which achieves advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competencies with the aim of fulfilling stakeholder expectations. Strategy is therefore the long term direction of an organisation. Strategic Management can be defined as the art and science of formulating, implementing, and evaluating cross-functional decisions that enable an organisation to achieve its objectives (David 1999, p. ). Strategic management therefore focuses on the activities of the organisation that contribute to the achievement of organisational success. These activities include management, marketing, financial management, operations management, research and development, and information systems. The strategic position of the VSM will be analysed by applying the analytical models of strategic management to the current situation in the company. The following models will be used to analyse both the internal and external environment of the company, namely, PESTEL, Five Forces Model, and the SWOT analysis The examination of the strategic position of VSM will involve analysing the strategy of the company with emphasis on the environment it operates in, its strategic capabilities, and how expectations affect organisational purposes and strategies. The analysis will conclude with a clear statement of the Key Issues and Critical Success factors. The strategic position of VSM will then be used as a base to develop an appropriate competitive strategy for the company. The development of the strategy will also take into account the organisational cultural issues prevailing in the company. 2. COMPANY OVERVIEW The VSM (Viking Sewing Machines) Group AB engages in the development, production, marketing, and sale of household sewing machines and related accessories, and software (BusinessWeek, 2008. VSM Group AB: Private Company Information, [internet]). The VSM Group currently has two brands, namely, Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff. The company produces several lines of sewing machines, the top being the Designer series and the lowest being the mechanical (non-computerised) Huskystars (Wikipedia 2007 [internet]). The company has manufacturing facilities in Sweden and the Czech Republic and produces top-of-the-line household sewing machines with related accessories and software. Each brand has its own unique and separate product line. According to BusinessWeek (VSM Group AB: Private Company Information, [internet]) the company was founded in 1689 and is headquartered in Huskvarna, Sweden. It has offices in many countries including Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Holland, and the United States of America. As of February 2006 the company was acquired by Singer Sewing Company (BusinessWeek, 2008. VSM Group AB: Private Company Information, [internet]). 3. STRATEGIC POSITION OF THE VSM GROUP The strategic position is concerned with the impact on strategy of the external environment, an organisation’s strategic capability (resources and competences) and the expectations and influence of stakeholders (Johnson et al 2005, p. 17). The strategic position of VSM Group will be examined by utilising the following factors, namely, the influence/impact of macro-environmental issues to the strategy, understanding the company’s strategic capability and how this strengthens the company’s competitive advantage, and thirdly how expectations shape organisational purposes and strategies. The impact of the macro-environment will be analysed using the PESTEL framework, Porter’s Five Forces Model, SWOT analysis and the competitive nature of VSM Group’s home base of Sweden. PESTEL identifies six main types of environmental influences, namely, political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal. Each influence will be discussed hereunder. 3. 1. PESTEL Political variables †¢ Political stability in Sweden and the United States. †¢ The prevalence of foreign trade regulations in the USA. Economic variables †¢ Decline in demand for sewing machines in past two decades. †¢ Decline in industry profitability. †¢ Low sales in respect of Pfaff within three years of acquisition. †¢ High production costs in the German Pfaff plant. †¢ Investment by Juki and other industry players into the US market. Socio-cultural factors †¢ Not using a consultant for the strategic planning weekend meeting made the strategy process unstructured and was a shift from the company’s way of doing things. †¢ Encouraging participation in the strategy process by middle management through a series of seminars. †¢ The adoption of the strategy document changed workers’ attitudes. The strategy document served as a guide on operational matters. The mission statement was frequently promoted in the company’s public relations. †¢ Focus shift from technical features to customer satisfaction. Technological variables Extended support for business development to encourage retailers to carry the Husqvarna Viking product line exclusively. †¢ Cooperation with Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts, a large retailer of fabrics with over a thousand stores throughout the USA, setting up small sewing machine outlets inside their fabric stores. This lead to the introduction of ‘after-ma rket’ services such as training in sewing techniques, software for embroidery construction and ready-made embroidery patterns, spare parts and auxiliary sewing equipment. These after-market services are run by retailers. Customers were willing to pay as much as five to six thousand dollars on a three day course with a sewing expert. †¢ A new accounting system was installed in May 1999. †¢ The marketing and the technical development department also moved into the same office building in January 2000. This ensures that the two departments operate in sync from conception of product ideas to production and ultimately, the marketing of the product. †¢ Introduction of the Designer I model of sewing machine in 1999. The model made use of software to control the machine and contained no less than eight motors to cater for all functions. Customers could download upgrades from the internet site, save it onto the floppy disk that comes with the Designer I package and slide it into the built-in disk drive. This method of upgrading performance was new for sewing machines. †¢ The acquisition of Embroidery Networks Ltd (Emnet) in March 1999. Emnet produced software for PC-controlled professional sewing. With the advent of the internet people could exchange embroidery patterns through the internet or download them at the VSM website. VSM also expanded the number of software engineers from 3 to 17. Environmental variables Manufacture of environmentally friendly sewing machines. †¢ Manufacture of machines which do not consume much electricity. Legal variables †¢ Quality machines which are safe to use. †¢ Flexible labour legislation in Sweden and the USA. †¢ The mission statement pronouncement on the provision of growth opportunities for employees. 3. 2. Five Forces Model Porter identifies five basic f orces that can act on the organisation, namely, (1) the bargaining power of suppliers, (2) the bargaining power of buyers, (3) the threat of potential new entrants, (4) the threat of substitutes, and (5) the extent of competitive rivalry. The objective of the analysis is to investigate how VSM Group needs to form its strategy in order to develop opportunities in its environment and protect itself against competition and other threats. The bargaining power of suppliers The VSM Group restructured its operations when Pfaff in Germany and the Zetina plant in Czech Republic were taken over. Parts were now obtained from local suppliers and those from the Far East. This resulted in the reduction of costs by 50 per cent on key machine components concurrent with large improvements in quality and rejection rates. In this respect the suppliers’ bargaining power can be said to low. The bargaining power of buyers Buyers of VSM Group sewing machines have low bargaining power because the buyers are not concentrated in one geographical area. VSM is an international company and has a wide customer base. The products from VSM are greatly differentiated and therefore cannot be regarded as the same as those from other industry players. The threat of VSM Group buyers switching to other manufacturers is low. The threat of potential new entrants The ease with which new companies can enter the sewing and embroidery industries will increase the intensity of competitiveness among industry companies. High unit costs of production may present barriers to entry because they mean that any new entrant has to come in on a large scale in order to achieve the low cost levels of those already present in the industry. The current high technological advancements and innovation levels in VSM Group, strong customer loyalty to VSM Group, strong brand name, large initial capital requirements, government regulatory frameworks in Sweden and the USA, and superior products create barriers to entry for potential new entrants. The threat of substitutes The threat posed by substitute products by other manufacturers can be countered by continuous investment in technology and ‘after-market’ services by the VSM Group. The extent of competitive rivalry The sewing machine and embroidery industries are more competitive than other industries. The intensity of rivalry in the industry has increased with the coming into the industry of major manufacturing companies from the Far East. The decline in the demand for sewing machines and price cutting by VSM Group also increased rivalry among industry players. The differences in company strategies, origins (Europe and Far East) and culture (European and Japanese) increases rivalry as well. As rivalry among competing firms intensifies, industry profits decline, in some cases to the point where an industry becomes inherently unattractive (David 1999, p. 128). This statement manifests itself in the number of major manufacturers (Singer and Pfaff) who are going bankrupt. 3. 3. Identification of Key Issues: SWOT ANALYSIS A SWOT analysis summarises the key issues from the business environment and the strategic capability of an organisation that are most likely to impact on strategy development (Johnson et al 2005). It analyses the internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats. The following is a SWOT analysis of the VSM Group AB. SWOT analysis of VSM Group AB |Internal Strengths |Internal Weaknesses | |Market dominance in Europe. |Dependence on few product ranges. | |Leadership and management skills. |High production costs. | |Financial and cash resources. |Reliance on retailers for distribution. | |Manufacturing ability. |Lack of industry information. |Innovation processes and results. |Possession of two brands that compete in the same market. | |Reputation. | | |Product and service quality. | | |Differentiated brands. | | |One European currency – Euro. | | |External Opportunities |External Threats | |New markets and segments. |New market entrants. | |Free market economies arising in Asia. |Increased competition. | |Diversification opportunities. |Increased pressure from customers and suppliers. | |New takeover opportunities. |Substitutes. | |International growth. |Low market growth. | |Increased demand for sewing machines. |Economic cycle downturn. | |Competitor weakness. |Technological threat. | |Demographic and social change. |Change in political or economic environment. | |New international barriers to trade. | 3. 4The competitive nature of VSM’s home country What has become known as Porter’s Diamond suggests that there are inherent reasons why some nations are more competitive than others, and why some industries within nations are more competitive than others (Johnson 2005, p. 71). The model will be used to examine how the home base of VSM i. e. Sweden plays an important role in creating competitive advantage on a global scale for VSM. The following four decisive elements are identified: †¢ Availability of strengths in certain fields especially the automation and technological fields. The technological advancements made by the VSM Group in its Swedish operation since the beginning of the millennium gives it a competitive advantage over its rivals and enable it to compete internationally. †¢ High demand in the Sweden for VSM Group sewing machines provides the basis upon which the characteristics of the advantage of the company are shaped and leads to global dominance of the industry by VSM. †¢ Related and supporting industries in the Swedish economy, . e. , the presence of Bernina Fritz Gegauf AG means that the two companies benefit from each other. Bernina enjoyed a solid reputation and their product range resembled that of VSM with their top model accepting embroidery files developed for other brands including VSM. All these factors made Bernina an important quality benchmark for VSM. †¢ Domest ic rivalry with Bernina and the need by both companies to search for competitive advantage helped to provide the two companies with bases for achieving such advantage on a global scale. 3. 5. Foundations of strategic capability According to Johnson et al (2005, p. 17) strategic capability can be defined as the adequacy and suitability of the resources and competences of an organisation for it to survive and prosper. The strategic capability of a company refers to the resources that the organisation has and the way in which these resources are used. Resources and competences VSM’s resources can be considered under the following four broad categories: †¢ Physical resources – manufacturing plants in Sweden, USA and the Czech Republic. †¢ Financial resources – operating cash, budgets. †¢ Human resources – average number of employees (1,689). The intangible resources will refer to the skills and knowledge that the employees possess. †¢ Intellectual capital – the brand name VSM Group AB, business systems and customer databases. Threshold capabilities Threshold capabilities are those essential for the organisation to be able to compete in a given market (Johnson et al 2005). VSM’s threshold resources refer to: internet based developments, the acquired software company Emnet, increased number of engineers, and Pfaff. Unique resources and core competences The design of the VSM sewing machines make them unique resources in hat they give the company competitive advantage and other manufacturers find it difficult to imitate or copy the designs. VSM’s core competences refer to: the ‘Dealer-Partners’ programme, the cooperation with Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts, and the accompanying introduction of the ‘after-market’ services. All these strategies give VSM a competitive advantage. 3. 6 . Organisational culture analysis Johnson et al (2005, p. 47) define culture as the basic assumptions and beliefs that are shared by members of an organisation, that operate unconsciously and define in a basic taken-for-granted fashion an organisation’s view of itself and its environment. Every organisation has a culture and it includes values, beliefs, rites, language, metaphors, symbols and rituals. Culture derives from VSM’s past, present, current people, technology and physical resources, aims, objectives and values of those who work in the organisation. These cultural products can be used by strategists at VSM to influence and direct strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation activities. The following cultural factors specific to VSM have been identified: †¢ The strategy process was changed to include, for the first time, both top and middle management. The involvement of middle managers had a positive effect on operations in that the strategy document was referred to as a guide on operational matters and the mission statement was frequently promoted in VSM’s public relations exercises. The strategy document was also regarded as an ongoing process which could be changed in response to changing situations in the company. †¢ Retailers were transformed into ‘Dealer-Partners’ which included extended business support to retailers to encourage them to deal only with the Husqvarna Viking product line. In the USA, VSM entered into a cooperation agreement with Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts to set up small sewing machine outlets inside their fabric stores. This lead to the introduction of ‘after-market’ services such as training in sewing techniques, software for embroidery construction and ready-made embroidery patterns, spare parts and auxiliary sewing equipment. These after-market services are run by retaile rs. Customers were willing to pay as much as five to six thousand dollars on a three day course with a sewing expert. In support of the company’s strategy the top management of the company was changed to accommodate the managers of the national sales companies as well as the marketing vice president. †¢ The operating systems also underwent major changes. A new accounting system was installed in May 1999 to assess accounting information in new ways to keep track of the various activities in the value chain. †¢ The acquisition of Pfaff upset some employees and pleased others. The company now had two brands which were competing for the same market. Former competitors were now brought to the same stable and the company faced a challenge of how to keep them apart on other dimensions than price and quality. †¢ The relocation of the German Karlsruhe operation to the Swedish Huskvarna plant resulted in only a handful of research and development engineers staying on. The company had to re-orientate the German engineers into the Swedish way of doing things since the engineering principles of the two countries were fundamentally different. 4. FORMULATION OF COMPETITIVE STRATEGY Long-term objectives represent the results expected from pursuing certain strategies (David 1999, p. 76). Strategies represent the actions to be taken to accomplish long-term objectives (David 1999, p. 176). Objectives take the generalities of the mission statement and turn them into more specific commitments: usually this will cover what is to be done and when the objective is to be completed (Lynch 2003, p. 440). Objectives will therefore possess the foll owing characteristics, namely, they should be measurable, realistic, understandable to all, hierarchical, achievable, and should contain time frames. Clearly communicated objectives, according to David (1999, p. 77), are vital to the success of the company as they provide a basis for consistent decision making by company managers and help stakeholders understand their role in the company. Formulating the competitive strategy for the VSM Group will consist of aligning the internal resources and skills and the external opportunities and risks. The alignment will make use of the Threats-Opportunities-Weaknesses-Strengths (TOWS) Matrix. The TOWS matrix will be developed based on the information obtained in the SWOT analysis of the VSM Group and will identify options that address different combination of the internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and the external factors (opportunities and threats). 4. 1. Critical Success Factors: TOWS MATRIX Johnson et al (2005, p. 96) define criti cal success factors (CSFs) as the product features that are particularly valued by a group of customers and, therefore, where the organisation must excel to outperform competition. Critical success factors relate to the aspects of the competitive strategy in which a company must excel. The TOWS Matrix identifies four types of strategies, namely, SO Strategies, WO Strategies, ST Strategies, and WT Strategies. SO Strategies make use of the company’s internal strengths to take advantage of the external opportunities. WO Strategies take advantage of external opportunities to improve internal weaknesses. ST Strategies make use of the company’s strengths to avoid or reduce the impact of external threats. WT Strategies are defensive tactics directed at reducing internal weaknesses and avoiding environmental threats (David 1999, p. 81). The VSM Group TOWS Matrix | |Strengths (S) |Weaknesses (W) | |INTERNAL |Market dominance in Europe. |Dependence on few product ranges. | |FACTORS |Leadership and management skills. |High production costs. | |(IFAS) |Financial and cash resources. |Reliance on retailers. |EXTERNAL FACTORS |Manufacturing ability. |Lack of industry information. | |(EFAS) |Innovation processes and results. | | |Opportunities (O) |SO Strategies |WO Strategies | |New markets and segments. |Continued investment in Europe and the USA. |Explore new products and ranges. | |Free market economies arising in Asia. Penetrate high-end embroidery segment further. |Exploit mergers and takeovers. | |Diversification opportunities. | |Abandon high cost operations. | |New takeover opportunities. | |Diversify into new markets in Europe and Asia. | |International growth. | |Enhance retailer network which focuses on hobby | |One European currency – Euro | |segment. |Threats (T) |ST Strategies |WT Strategies | |New market entrants. |Emphasise after-market sales of accessories and |Withdraw from declining markets, etc. Germany. | |Increased competition. |software. |Increase brand awareness in current markets. | |Increased pressure from customers and suppliers. |Continued investment in Europe and the USA. |Reduce reliance on retailers. | |Substitutes. |Build on current management capacity. Where possible, develop barriers for new | |Low mar ket growth. | |entrants. | 2. Strategic options at VSM Group AB Development directions are the strategic options available to an organisation, in terms of products and market coverage, taking into account the strategic capability of the organisation and the expectations of stakeholders (Johnson et al 2005, p. 340). The following strategic options are proposed for the VSM Group: 1. Protect and build on current position Consolidation Consolidation is where organisations protect and strengthen their position in their current markets with current products (Johnson et al 2005, p. 342). The sewing market situation is forever changing and requires industry players to continuously innovate to improve the value of the products. The threat of new competitors or new entrants into the sewing industry means that VSM has to pay particular attention to how the company’s resources and skills should be adapted and developed to maintain its competitive advantage. Withdrawal by VSM from the German market should be regarded as consolidation. Market penetration A market penetration strategy seeks to increase market share for present products or services in present markets through greater marketing efforts (David 1999, p. 50). VSM should therefore strive to penetrate the high-end embroidery market further by utilising aggressive marketing efforts. These efforts should be focused on existing markets in the countries mentioned in the company overview. 2. Product development Product development refers to significant new product developments and not minor variations on an existing product. According to David (1999, p. 51) product development is a strategy that seeks to increase sales by improving or modifying present products or services. Continued development and innovation on the Designer series will counter new entrants into the market, will maintain the company’s reputation as an innovator, and will protect the company’s overall market share. 3. Market development Market development is where existing products are offered in new markets (Johnson et al 2005, p. 46). This may involve seeking new market segments, new geographical areas, or new uses for its products that will bring in new customers. Expansion to bring in new customers to the company for its existing company could involve some slight repackaging and then promotion to a new market segment. It will often involve selling the same product in new international markets, especially i n China and Asia. 4. Diversification: related markets Diversification is defined as a strategy that takes an organisation away from both its current markets and products (Johnson et al 2005, p. 46). When an organisation diversifies, it moves out of its current markets and products into new areas. Diversification carries with it an element of risk as it involves a step into the unknown. Moving into related markets however minimises the risk. VSM can diversify into related markets by becoming involved in the activities of its outputs such as distribution, transport, and logistics. 3. Methods of strategy development at VSM Group AB (Action Plan) A development method is the means by which any strategic direction will be pursued (Johnson et al 2005, p. 348). For an international company, VSM can use the following means of pursuing its strategic direction: acquisition and mergers, joint ventures and alliances, franchising, licensing, overseas offices, and overseas manufacture. 1. Acquisition and mergers Acquisition is where strategies are developed by taking over ownership of another organisation (Johnson et al 2005, p. 349). According to David (1999, p. 59), an acquisition occurs when a large organisation purchases a smaller one and vice versa. Mergers occur when two organisations of similar size unite to form one enterprise. The acquisition of Pfaff by the VSM Group represented a coup for VSM. The VSM Group had in its stable two strong brands that competed for the same market space. Acquisitions of manufacturing companies in the Far East would also assist VSM to break into new markets (market development), new technologies, and low cost raw materials. 2. Joint ventures and alliances A strategic alliance is where two or more organisations share resources and activities to pursue a strategy (Johnson et al 2005, p. 353). It is a form of weaker contractual agreement between two parent companies. A joint venture is the formation of a company whose shares are owned jointly by two parent companies (Lynch 2003, p. 483). In order to diversify into related markets and to access new markets like those in the Far East it will be crucial for VSM to form joint ventures and strategic alliances with current manufacturers namely, Brother, Janome or Juki. These types of agreements lock out other competitors, utilises joint expertise and commitment, and allows potential partners to learn about each other. 3. Franchise A franchise is a form of licensing agreement in the contractor provides the licensee with a pre-formed package of activity (Lynch 2003, p. 484). The package may include offers of the VSM Group brand name to retailers, technical service expertise and advertising assistance. This can be an attractive proposition to retailers willing to take up a franchise licence as it possesses lower risk and provides exclusive territory to the franchisee. This will also enhance dealer network which focuses on the hobby segment of the market 4. Licensing According to David (2003, p. 84) licensing refers to a situation where technology or other assets are provided under licence from the home country. Payment for such services is usually in the form of royalty or some form of arrangement. 5. Overseas offices The VSM Group has sales companies and representative offices in Europe, Russia, North America and Australia. The VSM Group could gain competitive advantage by expanding their operations into the Far East and Africa. These additional offices would provide a permanent presence for the VSM Group in those new markets. 6. Overseas manufacture The VSM Group currently has two manufacturing plants in Sweden and the Czech Republic. The establishment of new manufacturing plants in overseas countries like the USA carries risks for the company. However the risks may be offset through the savings that could be derived from no longer having to export to those overseas countries. 4. CONCLUSION Strategy was defined as the direction and scope of an organisation over the long term, which achieves advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competencies with the aim of fulfilling stakeholder expectations. Strategic Management was also defined as the art and science of formulating, implementing, and evaluating cross-functional decisions that enable an organisation to achieve its objectives. The strategic position of the VSM Group AB was analysed by applying the analytical models of strategic management to the current situation in the company. The following models were utilised to analyse both the internal and external environment of the company, namely, PESTEL, Five Forces Model, and the SWOT analysis. The examination of the strategic position of VSM Group involved analysing the strategy of the company with emphasis on the environment it operates in, its strategic capabilities, and how expectations affect organisational purposes and strategies. The analysis of the environment concluded with a clear statement of the Key Issues (SWOT Analysis) and Critical Success factors (TOWS Matrix). The strategic position of VSM Group was used as a base in the development of an appropriate competitive strategy for the company. The development of the strategy took into account the organisational cultural issues prevailing in the company. 5. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. David, F. R. , 1999. Strategic Management. 7th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. 2. http://investing. businessweek. com [accessed 08 May 2008] 3. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/VSM_Group_AB [accessed 08 May 2008] 4. Johnson, G. Scholes, K. & Whittington, R. , 2005. Exploring Corporate Strategy. 7th ed. Financial Times Prentice Hall. 5. Lynch, R. , 2003. Corporate Strategy. 3rd ed. Financial Times Prentice Hall.

Avocado Leaf Plasticity Essay Example for Free

Avocado Leaf Plasticity Essay INTRODUCTION: Phenotypic plasticity, or differing phenotypes from one genotype in different environmental conditions, is a way for sessile organisms to adapt to changing environmental conditions (Valladares et al., 2007). Plasticity was expected to be abundant, however, it did not occur as often in nature due to resource limitations and environmental stress (Valladares et al., 2007). An experiment by Matos tested the phenotypic plasticity to light availability in shade and sun leaves of coffee trees (Matos et al. , 2009). Their research indicated that â€Å"compared [to] sun leaves, shade leaves had a lower stomatal density, a thinner palisade mesophyll, a higher specific leaf area, and improved light capture†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Matos et al., 2009). The sun leaves were described as â€Å"generally thicker with an enhanced quantity of palisade mesophyll† (Matos et al., 2009). Our objective was the presence of phenotypic plasticity in avocado trees based on the differences in the morphology of shade and sun leaves. In our study, we asked whether there is a difference in surface area, length-to-width ratio, mass, specific leaf mass, and color between shade leaves and sun leaves in avocado trees. We hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in surface area, length-to-width ratio, mass, specific leaf mass, and color between shade leaves and sun leaves. METHODS: We collected our seventy samples of avocado tree (Persea americana) leaves, in equal amounts of sun and shade leaves, at an avocado tree grove located north of Building 3 and University Drive at Cal Poly Pomona on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 9:00 am. They were randomly and interspersedly collected throughout the grove. We split the grove into five areas, split into five teams of two, and was assigned to one of the five areas. Each team picked a number for the trees in their region and a random number was selected from a random number table to select a tree corresponding to that number. A random number table was used to pick the corresponding quadrant, branch, and leaf.  This process was done twice on each tree in the understory for shade leaves, and in the canopy for sun leaves. Each leaf was measured for its surface area, length-to-width ratio, mass, specific leaf mass, and color. Surface area was measured by a leaf area meter in squared centimeters. Length-to-width ratio was measured by measuring the length (vertically along the bridge of the leaf) and the width (horizontally on the widest part of the leaf) with a ruler in centimeters, and dividing the length by the width. Mass was calculated by a balance in grams. Specific leaf mass (thickness) was measured by dividing the mass by its surface area in grams per squared centimeter. Color was measured by having three reference leaves provided by the instructor, indicating light (L), medium (M), and dark (D) leaves and compared our collected leaves. After recording all of the data, these data were then input into a statistical program called StatCat to determine normality through a normality test. The data for surface area, length-to-width ratio, mass, and specific leaf mass for sun and shade leaves were both normal, therefore, we chose a paired sample t-test for all of them. A normality test was not needed for color for sun and shade leaves due to it being a nominal scale data. The number of light, medium, and dark shade leaves were tallied up according to color, and the same was done for the sun leaves. A contingency table was made in Excel, and used in StatCat to test our hypothesis. The paired sample t-tests were also done through StatCat, which then gave us the appropriate results to test our hypotheses. RESULTS: Shade leaves had a significantly larger surface area than sun leaves (t = -3.7313, P = 0.00069; Table 1). Shade leaves had a significantly larger length-to-width ratio than sun leaves (t = -2.7162, P = 0.01031). Shade leaves had no significant difference in mass than sun leaves (t = -1.4871, P = 0.1462). Shade leaves had a significantly smaller specific leaf mass than sun leaves (t = 5.82093, P = 1.5Ãâ€"10-6). Shade leaves were significantly darker than sun leaves (X2 = 18.417, P = 0.0001). Avocado Leaf Plasticity. (2018, Oct 27).

How have media technologies changed our experience of space, and how Essay

How have media technologies changed our experience of space, and how have these changes been represented - Essay Example Inasmuch as pre-modern art was based on fetish techniques adopted by individual artists, messages contained in each artistic medium did not contradict standards of rationality. Rutsky (1999) mentioned that contents of traditional media represented perennial happiness and perceptive inclination of both artists and audiences. Those perceptive inclinations constrict individuals to adopt a uniform rationality of ideas contained in media channels. However, contemporary media possess substantial difference from its traditional versions. Today, incorporation of technology in media has significantly changed the audiences’ perception of space and time. Media technologies today are constantly evolving. Consequently, contents of media continue affecting audiences’ lives in a complex manner. The media environment together with its representation of space and time causes a substantial impact on social, economic and political aspects of human life. Increasing dynamics within the media’s virtual environment presents temporary ramifications of time and space orientation. According to Frederick and Mast (2007), current contents of digital media throws consumers into a strange environment of ordered and linear coordinates of space and time scales. As acknowledged earlier, traditional media demonstrated uniformity and objectivity in terms of content representation. However, digital media today represents concepts by immersing then into inconceivable spatial dimensions. This creates a situation where consumers are in constant quest for the difference between real and virtual representation of life aspects. Rutsky (1999) added t hat spatial dimensions in digital media take consumers into environments with contents that cannot be comprehended through simple sensory perceptions. Meaning of digital contents does not result from immediate experience. Rather, understanding them requires mediation between concepts of rationalism and instrumentalism. In order to understand

CORPORATE STRATEGY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

CORPORATE STRATEGY - Essay Example British American Tobacco aims at leading the industry as the preferred partner of stakeholders qualitatively and seeks volume leadership among the global tobacco competitors qualitatively. It has been keeping its vision of achieving leadership of the global tobacco industry as a milestone for last few years. It has also been putting efforts to maintaining balanced approach to achieve growth, improved productivity and developing to be a winning organization. The company’s leading international brands include Lucky strike, Dunhill, Kent, State Express555, Rothmans, Benson and Hedges, Winfield and John player Gold leaf. It also produces fine cut tobacco, pipe tobacco and fine cigars. The international tobacco industry produces currently about 5.5 trillion cigarettes a year, of which 17 % market share is hold by British American Tobacco. British American Tobacco believes that the application of a consistent strategy would always be helpful to build a sustainable business. Growth, productivity, responsibility and winning organization are the four elements of the corporate strategy of British American Tobacco. The vision of British American Tobacco is to achieve leadership of the global tobacco industry through its strategies for creating shareholder values based on growth, productivity, responsibility and winning organization. It had been consistent in its strategy and as a result it could measure the effectiveness and results of the strategy. During 2003, the efforts to expand British American Tobacco’s market share was obstructed by major competitor’s higher growing marketing spend and other factors. In order to achieve proposed growth, it had to seek for an imaginative way to challenge the status quo in the market. British American Tobacco brought forward a new range of light menthol products, differentiated by menthol taste rather than the usual tar deliveries and hence it could change the market

Strategy of Constellation Brands Literature review

Strategy of Constellation Brands - Literature review Example There is little question that Constellation is truly a diverse global company. According to the company website, the corporate structure of the company is broken into three divisions which are Constellation Wines North America (Which also controls Vincor Canada), Constellation services which is a joint venture with the Gruppo Modello of Mexico under the name of Crown Imports LLC. Lastly, there is Constellation International which controls Constellation Europe, New Zealand and Australia respectively. With Respect to branding within the firm, in terms of the spirits, product offering is varied across product lines but the common trait is that all the spirits on offer are premium and mid-premium brands. (Vedka Vodka, Black Velvet Rye, and Paul Masson Grand Amber Brandy). According to Gershberg & Geller (2009), Constellation had recently sold off its value spirits brand ‘Sazerac Co’ which had accounted for approximately two-thirds of the company’s 2008 spirits sales i n terms of volume however it is the case that this division is estimated only at accounting for 30% of the profit. As was stated on the company website it is the case that the focus remains on well-known brands which in turn provides name recognition to customers. According to the company website (2009), the popular Mexican brands controlled by Constellation through its joint venture are Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Pacifico and Negra Modelo. Other major international brands controlled by the company are St. Pauli Girl from Germany and Tsingtao from China. All of which are considered premium and semi-premium brands. The company also has a number of what it dubs ‘other’ beverages which are malt liquors, ciders, and fortified wine.

Defining Terrorism is Difficult Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Defining Terrorism is Difficult - Research Paper Example Hence, defining and addressing the phenomenon of terrorism is in the preliminary stages (Ronczkowski 17). Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the difficulty in defining terrorism because of the different types of terrorist missions confronting governments. The Difficulty in Defining Terrorism There are numerous working definitions of terrorism. According to Jonathan R. White (7-11), terrorism is an abstract concept with no tangible presence; hence a true definition that accounts for all the potential uses of the term is not possible. At the same time however, two common characteristics are that terrorization is done, and terrorists have targets and victims. The definition changes according to the context of the violent activity. This weakness is taken into consideration when examining some popular defitions of terrorism (White 7). Of five official definitions from various United States government agencies, â€Å"three of the more commonly cited definitions come from the FBI, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Defense† (Ronczkowski 18). ... Further, it purposefully intimidates or compels a civilian population to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or terrorist acts affect the performance of a government by assassination or kidnapping. Similarly, the Department of Defense defines terrorism as the predetermined use of violence or threat of violence to create fear, â€Å"intended to coerce or intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological† states Philip B. Heyman (3). The common elements among the above definitions are clear, but it is essential to find out whether only one definition is correct, to determine which is correct, and the reasons for one government having only one definition. The solution to these queries is simple; it is that the missions of the different types of terrorism vary. Hence, instead of an all-inclusive definition of terrorism it would be better to focus on an understanding of the elements that constitute terrrorism (Ronczkowski 18). Heyman (3) adds that numerous attempts to define terrorism as distinctly as murder, robbery, or rape have been unsuccessful. Analytical practitioners as well as law enforcement personnel should receive a foundation for performing their daily duties related to terrorism and terrorist activity, along with an understanding of its history. Donald M. Snow states that the root of the word terrorism is derived from the Latin word terrere which means ‘to frighten’. However, this meaning can also be applied to modern criminal statutes related to robbery and other crimes, consequently causing confusion and debate (Snow 1). Therefore, law enforcement agencies and analysts use a standardized, open definition. The U.S. Code of 22

Analysis a case study with reference to Bolman and deal four frames

Analysis a with reference to Bolman and deal four frames - Case Study Example In their work, Bolman and Deal (2003) found out an excellent approach in imparting both academic and entrepreneurial discipline in an individual professional. The balance upon attainment of these techniques results in good management qualities from an individual. The main objective of the skills acquisition is to ensure a smooth transition from clinical practice into new management roles. This study attempts to summarize the Four Frames in order to make a highlight of the distinct qualities that an individual must adopt to perform effective managerial roles. As a practicing clinician, one may feel the burden of moving into a new position of a senior manager since it requires some skills to transform from an ordinary practitioner into a more specialized role of a senior manager. To achieve this new role, Parry and Horton (1999), confirmed that holistic leadership and desired characteristics thereof involves assumption of greater importance to academics. The said leadership requires engagement ability and diverse approach to solve the difficult decision making problem. The tasks and roles that the new manager has to face require enlightenment that will best be suited by the use of Bolman and Deal recommended variety of approaches (Curran et al 2003). As a clinician, to make the relevant transformation, one must change the mindset and adopt the best leadership and management practices as outlined in Bolman and Deal (2003) study. Caution and confidence must be exercised. This is because some conflicts and relationship issues are involved as highlighted below. There are a number of conflicting issues involved as the clinician tries to adapt into the new unfamiliar managerial duties. These challenges have been classified into their respective Bolman and Deal Frames and possible solutions follow in form of qualities to adopt from Bolman and Deal (2003) study. Conservative versus change conflict: the manager

Motivation Calculus Theory by Charles Handy Essay

Motivation Calculus Theory by Charles Handy - Essay Example The Charles Handy idea of organization culture fits in into the Quinn Competing Value Framework theory of 1988 developed to conduct a research for indicators of effective organization which has two variants, that of management and leadership. Quinn came up with comprehensive list of indicators that influence company success focusing dimensions with the first one relating external vs. external and the second was flexibility vs. control. The two dimensions created a quadrant grid with each quadrant representing one of the four major organization model of management i.e. human relation model, open system model, internal process model, and rational goal mode (Quinn & Rohrbaugh, 2009). In the Competing Value Framework, the four models examine how effective management plays all the roles and simultaneously balance with the competing demands of other sets of expectation. Therefore, the two perspectives have a common goal of ensuring cohesion between organization stakeholders to realize a su ccess in the organization objective.Charles Handy organizational culture is discussed under the four categories of culture and depicts a correlation in objective to the Quinn Competing Value Framework expounded in the four models. Handy’s power model of culture assumes that organization power of an organization power remains in a few individuals within the organization and they have authority to decision making. ... Such people delegate duties and responsibilities to their subordinate who have limited or no option other than to strictly adore their superiors’ instructions. In such a culture, employees have restricted liberty to share their ideas or views on open forums and can follow instruction given to them (Amos & al, 2009). Similarly, the other hand, Quinn in his human relation model view managers as the source of authority and should ensure control and cohesion of the subordinates managing interpersonal conflicts. However, Quinn assumes the manager as a facilitator should encourage teamwork cooperating human resource and mentoring in approachable manner, taking them not as isolated individuals but engage them in the development of workforce through training, care, and empathy. The two theorists have an agreement in sense that, for success of an organization, there have to be a central source of authority to manage the human resource and the activities to achieve objectives. When Quin n in his Open System model view people should not be controlled but inspired, likewise Charles Handy in Task Culture agree people in an organization can deliberately work as a team with common interest to achieve their target. Open System Model take note on those organizations are established by people and exists in an environment in which it have to adapt to changes. The people forming the human resource should be responsible and read to grow in their different field to facilitate effectiveness in their work (Black, 2003). Quinn also asserts that the organization will depend on external support to acquire necessary resources for production. These processes lead to

What are the benefits of online grocery shopping Essay

What are the benefits of online grocery shopping - Essay Example In between the fundamental objectives of enlarging their market visibility is the need to meet the consumer requirements, and so was the very genesis of online shopping. Grocery stores, for instance, have taken the advantage afforded by technology, â€Å"raking in roughly $15 billion a year — about 3 percent of brick and mortar supermarkets’ nearly $600 billion sales† (Williams, 2014). Williams further notes that the industry is expected to grow at approximately 13 percent per annum, ‘making up 11 percent of all grocery sales in the next decade. Indeed there is no doubt that the ever increasing use of the Internet has more than transformed shopping experiences with quite a huge chunk of benefits that has enabled the cutting down of costs on both ends of the consumer and the service providers (Appelhans, et al. 2012; Shannon & Mandhachitara, 2008). More and more businesses are warming up towards greater use of the internet as the ultimate marketing channel t hat is both unique in very many, but certain aspects that includes convenience, real time feedback, as well as the ability of extreme comfort, and so are the opportunities offered by online Grocery stores. Any serious entrepreneur knows for a fact that time in itself is but a precious commodity, and so with regards to shopping in particular, time has that tremendous capability of significantly altering shopping behavior. Indeed it the very levels of time pressure that allow the service provides to group consumers as well as service specific target markets along this dimension. Besides the time pressure, the online Grocery stores have long known that impulse are involved in in the purchase of food products and that the consumers’ effort in searching and processing related information concerning food products should be at the very bare minimum, for time-pressured consumers strive for

Flatlands Questions Essay Example for Free

Flatlands Questions Essay 1) Which did you like better the movie or the book, and why? I liked the movie better. I personally did not really like the ending of the book. A. Square got to see the 3rd dimension, something no one except the council knew about. I thought there was going to be a big revelation at the end of the book, but instead he gets thrown into jail and basically forgotten. It was like nothing happened. Not even his grandson found out. 2) Provide 3 major differences between the movie and the book? In the book, all women were lines. However, the women could be squares, hexagons, or even circles. There was a monument given to Flatland that no one was allowed to be around in the movie, but there was no such thing in the book. Also, A. Square actually had people thinking and rebelling against the circles because of his trial in the movie. In the book he was locked up and forgotten. In the book, A. Square’s grandson later said that what he had said about other dimensions foolish, while in the movie, A. Square’s granddaughter went to go find out about the 3rd dimension herself and was thrown into space. 3) What outstanding questions exist from the movie? If there are the 4th, 5th, 6th, etc. dimensions, what would the new direction added be? What kind of important information has a higher authority hid from us commoners? What facts that we definitely consider true are actually false?

Sensing and Control Essay Example for Free

Sensing and Control Essay There are hundred and millions of softwares that use sensing and control. Companies need to use sensing and control. Otherwise computers will not be able to communicate with each other and we will not be able to live without the sensing and control program because it is an every day use. Sensing and control is mainly used to start and stop things without a human being there. An example of this would be traffic lights. They work automatically using sensors. Cameras use sensors to record what is going on. Speed cameras use sensors because when cars go over a limit of speed it takes pictures. This is where sensors are used. We need sensors because it I part of our every day live. This affects the company very widely and efficiently. Having sensors keeps order and peace among the people that we live among. It help the decrease of road accident and safety for the passer bys. This software fit into this organization because this software is all about sensing and control it widely helps the company and makes their lives much easier. Imagine if there were no traffic lights what do you think the cause would be? There would be accidents; there will be patience with in the public. What would happen when cars get to a crossing and there are no traffic lights BANG you get a big collision? We all depend on a little software that helps keep order among the streets. 1. A control system typically comprises: 2. A computer or microprocessor 3. A control program which handles data from sensors and sends signals to output devices. 4. An interface box to convert signals between the sensors and processor Most systems can response very quickly and efficiently to the computer. Most system run 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Most systems are controlled by the computer. This is very efficient. This also prevents humans from working in very dangerous places and use controlled computers to do the work. This is a fact that computers can process data Computers are now used to control many types of devices such as: Air conditioning and central heating systems are used in buildings and homes. Security systems used to prevent burglaries and own protection. Manufacturing processing. Traffic lights and pedestrians. Sensors Sensors are used to measure physical and quantities such as temperature, light, sound pressure and humidity. They send signals to the micro processor that controls this. For example: Some security alarm systems have inferred system within them. When something crosses this signal, the signal breaks and the alarm goes off. A heat sensitive sensor, which is mainly in the top corner of the room, can also sense presence of a person in a room. Temperature sensors are used to control the amount of heat in a room or a house. Magnetic sensors are loops in the tarmac to detect metal above them. This is also used to detect over head cars passing by. In some case there are many dams that haves computer controlled computers. The data from a water level sensor is continually sent to the processor. The computer has a controlled program which usually stores the required level of water. If the water level gets too high a valve is opened to let the water out and similarly if the water level is too low a valve is opened to let the water in. this controlled program stores the details of the water level and the action the computer must take.

Mcdonalds In The Global Environment Marketing Essay

Mcdonalds In The Global Environment Marketing Essay McDonalds is one of the oldest and powerful fast food chain in the world. Originally, McDonalds is something special for U.S. culture. Americans trust McDonalds brand, many were raised on this meal and it is food No.1 in the country. Its not just standard fast-food restaurant chain, its a cultural mirror. All changes in this company reflect the evolution of American eating habits. For instance, family gathering is no more tradition in the U.S.; and at the moment the dining room change into a car seat in the family SUV. What will be the next step? The life is becoming faster and complicated. Of course, its not McDonalds responsibility what and how Americans and other nations eat, but the burger company should consider them, because after all it feeds more than 27 million people every day, 1 million more every year. McDonalds is also the symbol of globalization because this company imposes to some extent American habits to the rest of the world. The burger giant has implemented several changes for last 10 years. New policy of McDonalds corporate headquarters was to go 24/7 in order to increase profits by extending restaurant working hours. Some U.S. franchisees doubted at first, but practice showed that revenue has boosted due to the night owls and early birds catering. Globally, business owners have a certain freedom about how to run a business and they of course have marketing support of global company. For example, during 20 years since 1955 McDonalds was a two-meal cafà ©, opening shortly before lunch and closing just after dinner. In 1975 company transformed breakfast into a fast-food meal, introducing Egg McMuffin nationally. Today McDonalds intention is to capture the rest of the day. About 90% of the 13,700 U.S. restaurants extended their working hours beyond the traditional 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. day, and about 40% of them run around a clock. The modern life dictates its rules breakfast is no more limited by its traditional time; McDonalds restaurants provide seven hours breakfast offer in many places and some are considering to make it all-day option. It is really major change in McDonalds strategy during last 10 years, because historically the growth means more outlets for this company. And that approach was successful for many years up to the saturation point. It was company global strategy. Studies showed that in spite of revenue increasing, new restaurants just stole clients from existing locations. Todays McDonalds global motto is better, not just bigger. The company tries to get more from existing outlets instead of building new ones. Changes are concerning many aspects, from marketing and product development to design and technology. McDonalds intends to adjust its performance according fastidious tastes of twenty-first century customers. Modern McCafà © doesnt smell burgers and fries; it uses sophisticated air filtration systems. And appearance of these cafà ©s is different: dark wood and glass, flat-screens, leather lounge chairs, etc. The burger company feeds enormous number of people in the world but sometimes it is out of modern health problems. The double cheeseburger and fries are the most popular products of the chain, but they are high in fat and sodium. Other fast-food companies like Wendys or KFC are going to quit using trans fats in their meal, but McDonalds contends that substitutes spoil the traditional taste of fries. Most McDonalds meals remain to be high in fat, sugar, salt or all three despite of introducing new options like fruit smoothies and salads. Another challenge which rose to the surface in 2006 is the Greenpeace accusation McDonalds of contributing to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. Greens alleged that soy-based animal feed used by McDonalds in order to fatten chickens is taken from soybeans of the Amazon Basin of Brazil. Protestors dressed as giant chickens invaded to fast-food restaurants and in some places activists put the posters of Ronald McDonald carrying a chain saw. The burger company initiated investigation about Greenpeace claims immediately. And the result of further fact-finding expedition was that McDonalds confirmed his commitment to help prevent decimation of the Amazon rainforest. McDonalds has very strong competitors like Starbucks, Wendys, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, etc., and competition will increase in the nearest future. Since breakfast business is the most profitable one for McDonalds, Starbucks and Wendys are going to introduce hot breakfast sandwiches. Nevertheless, McDonalds is the undoubted leader, having about half of the U.S. hamburger market. Analysts predict that McDonalds will win this battle. Breakfast habits are not easy to break. His success based also on that fact that Americans like to eat at home and standard U.S. order includes 2.5 lunches and about 2 dinners, so company tested different innovations from a darker and stronger coffee to Southern-style fried chicken and Newmans Own iced coffee. Company thoroughly analyses any new product. For instance, Snack Wrap (strip of fried chicken with cheese, lettuce and sauce tucked into a folded tortilla), which was introduced in August 2006, was considered in every detail. Its easy to hold Snack Wrap in one hand while gripping a wheel in the other. McDonalds has special food studio in Oak Brook with staff which includes chefs, market researchers and culinary innovators. Another potential innovation concerns McDonalds equipment. Company is going to work on a portable electric unit that helps to provide breakfast twenty-four hours a day. Standard kitchen permits only one built-in grill. Such innovations helps McDonalds to correspond to global changes in tastes. Recently McDonalds provided the interesting initiative, which involved establishing a page on an independent web site (www.whatdoyouwanttoknow) for questions from consumers. Web site is controlled by non-McDonalds website administrator just to guarantee that questions correspond with decency standards and agree with the point. But McDonalds provides quite formulaic answers, which do not satisfy consumers in full measure. McDonalds is active in Twitter and Facebook and the necessity of taking part in web technologies will rise in the future. One of the most discussing topics is a somewhat strange and creepy emblem of the company, Ronald McDonald. McDonalds officials declare that mission of this character is to spread happiness and educate children, while this figure is represented as slightly sinister personage. And actor who played Ronald left his job because of the ethical implications of marketing targeted to children. B) Evaluate the potential global changes that may take place within the next 5-10 years, and indicate how the company will need to change in order to stay competitive in the new business environment. Big size of McDonalds (32,478 restaurants worldwide) is the great advantage and marketing opportunity in the face of global changes. About 57% of these restaurants are outside North America, while Burger King has 40% overseas and Wendys is limited within U.S. McDonalds should continue use wide-ranging advertising campaigns, remembering success of Chicken McNuggets advertisements connected with the Olympic Winter Games. McDonalds still will be the sponsor of national and international sporting events, and declare that food intake should coordinate with physical expenditures. Anyway, the pressure of health organization throughout the world will grow because exercise alone doesnt save from heart disease menace. The current economic slowdown is the good news for the fast-food industry, McDonalds could account on new cash-poor consumers forced to refuse from more refined eating. For instance, on March 2010 McDonalds reported the February global sales increase at 11.2% level. This tendency will continue, and the main catalysts of growth will be McCafà © line of beverages and introducing of new smoothies. The global competitive struggle will increase in the nearest time, because fast-food chains begin to conquer customers with doubled efforts. Price war and new product introducing are the consequences of these efforts. Commodity prices are expected to rise, so the company should think about cutting costs. Competitors will grow internationally, but McDonalds has his first movers advantage. Though U.S. market will remain the key market for the company, McDonalds should continue its expansion in Russia, Eastern Europe and Asia. These regions were the main drivers of global development in 2008. The proliferation of alternatives will possibly lead to losing share on some markets. McDonalds suffered from negative publicity in a number of European countries so it also will have some influences. The company introduced healthier options on menus and provided several green initiatives, for example using unbleached cotton in napkins. McDonalds should establish environmentally friendly services i f it wants to be successful company now days. Company should take into consideration differences in culture and McDonalds brand perception. While Americans prefer to eat on the go (about 70% of U.S. sales get from drive-throughs), Europeans tend to sit in the restaurant for some time. Since in Europe eating in fast-food outlet is mostly about place and comfort, top managers should remodel existing restaurants and include in design modern and efficient elements. As for product development, company should continue experiments in their food studios in order to meet squeamish tastes worldwide. Russian-themed week in Russia and Mexican-themed week in Germany had great success. McDonalds should strengthen its positions in dominant economies of Asia Japan, China, and India. The burger giant is tailoring its restaurants design to local conditions, trying new menus. Considering that fact that China is the worlds fastest-growth car market, company should concentrate on drive-through restaurant concept. India is a very unusual with local preferences for non-meat dishes. Interestingly that some local product invention becomes very popular in other part of the world. For example, McArabia (a flatbread, chicken fillet, onion mayonnaise sandwich) that was introduced in the Middle East, has great success in Malaysia and South Africa. Sometimes minority tastes can influence overall preferences. McDonalds is armed with ethnic marketing concept, which means that the company takes cues from local tastes in order to market them then to all customers. The company will forced to analyze global changes in population. For instance, McDonalds must take into consideration the demographic shift in the U.S., which means that Hispanics, Asians, and African-Americans population are growing faster. Actually, we shouldnt forget that the consistency in product line is the feature that makes McDonalds successful company. People in every part of the world are expected the same type of double cheeseburger, vanilla shake and a large order of fries, when they visit outlet. But though this expectation, the company made and will make significant changes in its offer. Diversity at McDonalds connected with U.S. Vice President and Global Chief Diversity Officer Patricia Harris. She is the outstanding African-American person who provided sophisticated and sometimes unnoticeable changes, which greatly influence the global operation of the company. One of the serious innovations was the establishment of employee network groups (for example, for women, for African-American, for Hispanic workers and for Gay and Lesbian workers). Today when McDonalds operates globally as never before, such networks will get additional value. Probably, McDonalds will proceed with supporting these communities with in next years, because it reflects cultural diversity of the company. It is something that too hard to replicate in a short period of time. McDonalds established an award in Pat Harriss name. Her position as Global Chief Diversity Officer gives the advantage to study how diversity could be implemented in countries with another racial, cultural and religious background. The role of such researches will increase in the nearest time because running fast-food business in U.S. and globally is something different. The burger giant commonly associated with the younger workers, but its an impression that is going change nevertheless. For example, McDonalds UK employs more than 500 people over the age of 60, which are more skillful in service operation. The attitudes concerning the low wages of serving crews, McDonalds anti-union position and targeting children with advertising will grow. The company protested against conception Mcjob, which is the slang for low-paying and low-status job characterized high turnover and little training. The company needs to invest into changing global perception of work for the McDonalds. The McDonalds system provides employment and growth advantages to a great number of minority groups throughout the globe. About 40% of its operators are minorities and women. This approach will give international bonuses in some countries, for example in India. More people begin to understand that McDonalds regulars face such menaces as obesity, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. This is one of the real global challenges in the nearest time. The burger giant admitted this fact already, for instance during its French ad campaign, when it was recommended to visit outlet only once a week. Many franchisers will be forced to reconsider their attitude that its not their job to influence on people eating styles. Nevertheless, the accusations in childhood obesity epidemic will continue and company should suit new stream. In the U.S. Michelle Obama provides anti-obesity initiative. Over the past years U.S. administration has got several concessions from soft drink and fast food companies, for example a Pepsi pledge to reduce sodium, sugar and saturated fat in its famous products. The World Health Organization, for instance, declares that approximately 45% of North African and Middle Eastern women are overweight due to nutrition transition. Approaching threat for the company is that fact that federal health regulations become stricter, especially in the developed countries. McDonalds must find the innovative ways to not only increase revenue but to provide its obligations to the societies in which company operates. For instance, offer healthier meals for children. One of the successful strategies to be continued is donating large funds to various countries and environment. The current global threat is the strengthening of terrorist attacks. McDonalds becomes one of the attractive targets for demonstrating anti-American stance. There were lot explosions in restaurants throughout the world. The company should take into consideration that fact when assess risks in particular country. Now days customers become increasingly clever and informed, products more customized and options more rich, so companies are finding out that just satisfying consumer needs does not lead to loyalty and success. It wont differentiate company from the rest of marketplace. Customer service should exceed expectations and inspires customers to proceed to have relationship with the organization.

Spousal Abuse in Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston :: Zora Neale Hurston, short story

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  'You sho' is one aggravatin' nigger woman!'; this is only one example of the abuse in Zora Neale Hurston's short story, 'Sweat'. Spousal abuse is a very common issue in today's society. Hurston represents this form of abuse through the way the husband talks to his wife and the way he treats her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Delia is a hard-working woman who is very obedient and faithful to her husband, Sykes. Through harsh words, he cuts her down about her work of washing white folks clothes and her looks saying that he 'hates skinny woman';. Delia's appearance resembles her hard work, with 'knuckly hands'; from using the washboard. Delia has put many hard- earned tears, blood, and sweat into her house while supporting Sykes' habits and taking all the abuse he could dish out. On many occasions Sykes has cut down Delia and her kind nature, even to her religious beliefs, accusing her of being a 'hipocrite'; because she worked on the Sabbath day.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sykes not only abused Delia emotionally but also physically. One night after an argument between the two where Delia actually had the courage to stand up to him, Sykes got into to bed and threatened that, '[he] oughter mash [her] in [her] mouf fuh drawing dat skillet [on him].'; After they been married only a short few months he gave her the first beating. Others in town knew of the abuse Delia suffered from. One gentlemen from town made the comment one day, '[Sykes] done beat [Delia] 'nough tuh kill three women.'; Many people in the town had little to no respect for Sykes because he beat Delia and Sykes even tried making offers with presents to some of the other mens' wives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Besides physical and emotional abuse Delia had to put up with mental abuse from her husband. At one time, Sykes put a snake into a soap box to scare Delia. Knowing that Delia had an enormous fear of snakes, not to mention anything as small as an earthworm. Other mental and emotional abuse was that Sykes ran another woman in town, making it known to Delia and everyone else in town. He made it no secret when he was going to see Bertha, his mistress. The only thing Delia ever said about his affair was, 'that ole snaggle-toothed black woman you runnin' with ain't comin' heah to pile up on mah sweat and blood.

Free Handmaids Tale Essays: The Struggle of Women :: Handmaids Tale Essays

The Struggle of Women in The Handmaid's Tale      The Handmaid's Tale   This is a futuristic novel that takes place in the northern part of the USA sometime in the beginning of the twenty-first century, in the oppressive and totalitarian Republic of Gilead. The regime demands high moral retribution and a virtuous lifestyle. The Bible is the guiding principle. As a result of the sexual freedom, free abortion and high increase of venereal diseases at the end of the twentieth century, many women, (and men also, but that is forbidden to say), are sterile. The women who are still fertile are recruited as Handmaids, and their only mission in life is to give birth to the offspring of their Commander, whose wife is infertile. The main character in the book is Offred, one of these unfortunate servants whose only right to exist depends on her ovaries’ productivity. She lives with the Commander and his wife in a highly supervised centre. Unlike men, women have been facing unique problems for centuries, and often women experience harassment and discrimination. In today's society, females are trying to combat their tribulations through lawsuits and protest rallies. Literature often deals with people being unable to articulate their problems. Often, unforeseen circumstances force people to conceal their true emotions. In The Handmaid's Tale, the main female characters find ways to escape their situations rather than deal with them. Offred from The Handmaid's Tale uses different tactics to cope with her situation. She is trapped within a distopian society comprised of a community riddled by despair. Though she is not physically tortured, the overwhelming and ridiculously powerful government mentally enslaves her. Offred lives in a horrific society, which prevents her from being freed. Essentially, the government enslaves her because she is a female and she is fertile. Offred memories about the way life used to be with her husband, Luke, her daughter, and her best friend Moira provides her with temporary relief from her binding situation. Also, Offred befriends the Commander's aide, Nick. Offred longs to be with her husband and she feels that she can find his love by being with Nick. She risks her life several times just to be with Nick. Feeling loved by Nick gives her a window of hope in her otherwise miserable life. Instead of proclaiming her feelings out loud, she suppresses them. The result is a series of recordings, which describes her life, and the things she wishes she could change. Free Handmaid's Tale Essays: The Struggle of Women :: Handmaid's Tale Essays The Struggle of Women in The Handmaid's Tale      The Handmaid's Tale   This is a futuristic novel that takes place in the northern part of the USA sometime in the beginning of the twenty-first century, in the oppressive and totalitarian Republic of Gilead. The regime demands high moral retribution and a virtuous lifestyle. The Bible is the guiding principle. As a result of the sexual freedom, free abortion and high increase of venereal diseases at the end of the twentieth century, many women, (and men also, but that is forbidden to say), are sterile. The women who are still fertile are recruited as Handmaids, and their only mission in life is to give birth to the offspring of their Commander, whose wife is infertile. The main character in the book is Offred, one of these unfortunate servants whose only right to exist depends on her ovaries’ productivity. She lives with the Commander and his wife in a highly supervised centre. Unlike men, women have been facing unique problems for centuries, and often women experience harassment and discrimination. In today's society, females are trying to combat their tribulations through lawsuits and protest rallies. Literature often deals with people being unable to articulate their problems. Often, unforeseen circumstances force people to conceal their true emotions. In The Handmaid's Tale, the main female characters find ways to escape their situations rather than deal with them. Offred from The Handmaid's Tale uses different tactics to cope with her situation. She is trapped within a distopian society comprised of a community riddled by despair. Though she is not physically tortured, the overwhelming and ridiculously powerful government mentally enslaves her. Offred lives in a horrific society, which prevents her from being freed. Essentially, the government enslaves her because she is a female and she is fertile. Offred memories about the way life used to be with her husband, Luke, her daughter, and her best friend Moira provides her with temporary relief from her binding situation. Also, Offred befriends the Commander's aide, Nick. Offred longs to be with her husband and she feels that she can find his love by being with Nick. She risks her life several times just to be with Nick. Feeling loved by Nick gives her a window of hope in her otherwise miserable life. Instead of proclaiming her feelings out loud, she suppresses them. The result is a series of recordings, which describes her life, and the things she wishes she could change.

Nursing Process Change Paper -- pre-operative management

The pre-operative stage is an important phase in patient’s surgery process. This is the time where the patients is experiencing a lot of anxiety issues and have questions regarding the impending procedure. To help ensure good patient outcomes, it is imperative to provide complete preoperative instructions and discharge instructions (Allison & George, 2014). It is the nurses’ duty to safe guard and protects the patient’s welfare during the surgical experience. Effective preoperative preparation is known to enhance postoperative pain management and recovery. Health professionals need to be cognizant of the contextual factors that influence patients’ preoperative experiences and give context appropriate care (Aziato & Adejumo, 2014). This essays attempts to address the elements of pre-operative management and issues that could potentially cause surgery delays or cancelation at the Veterans Affairs Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) Surgical Spec ialty Outpatient department. Moreover, it also depicts the need for a new pre-operative management system. Assessment New consults for the Surgical Specialty Outpatient department comes from the primary care provider. During the initial visit the surgeon evaluates the patient and discusses the plan of care. If patient requires surgery, the surgeon orders pre-operative tests such as blood work, urine test, electrocardiogram (EKG) and chest X-rays. After completing the â€Å"buck slip,† a hand written operating room (OR) request form, the surgeon hands it to the primary care nurse of that particular Surgical Specialty clinic. The nurse then turns in a copy of the buck slip to the operating room scheduler and another copy to the nurse pre-operative unit. There are instances... ... 26, 2014. Mitchell, M. (2013). Anaesthesia type, gender and anxiety. Journal Of Perioperative Practice, 23(3), 41-46. Retrieved from http://ozone.nsc.edu:8080/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2012030991&site=ehost-live on on April 27, 2014. Pritchard, M. (2012). Pre-operative assessment of elective surgical patients. Nursing Standard, 26(30), 51-56. Retrieved from http://ozone.nsc.edu:8080/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2011513584&site=ehost-live on April 26, 2014. Shapiro, F. E., Punwani, N., & Urman, R. D. (2013). Putting the Patient Into Patient Safety Checklists. AORN Journal, 98(4), 413-418. doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2013.08.003. Retrieved from http://ozone.nsc.edu:8080/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2012318462&site=ehost-live on April 26, 2014.

Snow White: Told by Christopher Boone

Snow White is a fairy tale. I do not like fairy tales because fairies do not exist. Mother used to read fairy tales to me when I was younger but not any more. I used to hate Snow White, because there is no just thing as a magic mirror and dwarves do not exist and these are all lies as they are not real. I hate lying and Mother used to say that this makes me a good person. Snow White was a princess and was a very kind person who was caring and loving to all animals. Snow White lived in a castle which is a very big house which is usually situated on a hill with very high walls. I would love to live in a castle by myself as I could be alone for a long time and pretend I was the only person in the world. But I would also hate living in a castle as it would take a long time walking from room to room, and eventually I would get confused and lost and forget where my room is. Snow White's mother died just after she was born, my mother also died but because of a heart attack and not birth. Snow White's father married another princess who became queen, and became Snow White's stepmother. My father would never marry another woman again as he will forget mother, and then forget me. Snow White's stepmother had a magic mirror which told the holder of the mirror the answer to any question. I don't like this part as magic mirrors do not exist, and there will never be one. And so one day the new queen asked the mirror, â€Å"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who in the land is fairest of all?† And the mirror said, â€Å"You my queen are the fairest of all†. But when Snow White turned seven years of age, the magic mirror said, â€Å"Queen, you are full fair, 'tis true, but Snow White is fairer than you.† And so the queen gets jealous and orders a huntsman to take Snow White into the woods to be killed. I don't like this part as it involves violence, and I don't think fairy tales should involve violence. The queen also wanted the huntsman to return with Snow White's heart as proof of her death. I think that this part of the story is silly because no one would murder someone just to be the fairest of all and if my mother tried to murder me I would hate her and try to get revenge. So the huntsman takes Snow White into the forest to be killed, but just before the huntsman was about to stab her, he finds himself unable to kill her, and tells her to flee and hide. The huntsman returns with the heart of a young boar, which is prepared and eaten by the queen. This part makes me sick as eating a heart is revolting and gross. So as Snow White was fleeing she found a small cottage where seven dwarfs were living, the dwarves let her stay if she keeps the house for them, cooks, make beds, wash, sew, knit, and keep everything clean and orderly. The dwarfs said, â€Å"If you do all these things than you can stay.† Snow White agreed and rested at the dwarfs' house for the 1st day. I don't like this part as dwarfs do not exist and I find this cruel as Snow White has to do all these choirs just to stay at the dwarfs' house. Meanwhile the queen asks her mirror once again, â€Å"Who's the fairest of them all?† And the Mirror informs the queen that Snow White is alive and living with the dwarfs, and she is still the fairest of them all. I don't like the following part because the queen disguises herself as three different people trying to sell something to Snow White which will kill her. The queen fails to kill Snow White on the first and second attempt due to the dwarfs reviving her. But on the last attempt, the queen creates a poisoned apple, and is disguised as a farmer's wife, and offers the apple to Snow White. At first Snow White is hesitant to eat it, until the queen cuts the apple in half, and eats the white side, and gives the poisoned part of the apple to Snow White. Snow White eating the apple and immediately collapses. When the dwarfs return, they cannot revive her, and place her in a glass coffin assuming she is dead. This makes me feel sad as it makes me think that Snow White is dead for sure. The story continues when a prince travelling through the land sees Snow White in her coffin. The prince is enchanted by her beauty and instantly falls in love with her. The dwarfs then give the coffin containing Snow White to the prince, and the prince's servants carry the coffin away. But whilst travelling they stumble on some bushes and the movement causes the piece of poisoned apple to be released from her throat, therefore awakening her. I don't like this part of the story as it is very unlikely that this could happen as someone who has been dead for some time can't awaken. So as soon as Snow White awakens, the prince declares love for her and a wedding is planned. Meanwhile the queen once again asks the mirror, â€Å"Who is the fairest in the land.† And the mirror replies, â€Å"You, my queen, are fair; it is true. But the young queen is a thousand times fairer than you.† The queen does not realise that this new queen is Snow White, and she arrives at the wedding, but is alarmed and startled when she realises the truth. The queen is caught and she is forced to wear a pair of heated iron shoes. She is forced to dance in them until she falls down dead. This is the end of the story, and ends happily ever after, just like all fairy tales should do.

How to establish respectful, professional relationships with children Essay

3.1.1 tell how to open up approveful, professional relationships with barbarianren. It is of the essence(p) that t separatelyers rise positive relationships with all children. You raise establish reckonful professional relationships with children and progeny population by doing the followingGive children the chance to put forward their ideas and provide children with opportunities to exhibit themselves in their own time and cultivatement their own words give children thought time and public lecture partners time.Give children your full circumspection when comprehend to them this can be achieved through ashes row, facial expression, speech and gesture. find outing to children is list to establishing a positive relationship it is essential that teachers listen to children and then respond appropriately, these skills can be modelled to children through speaking and perceive.3.1.2 expound with causas how to be fill appropriately for a child percentage point of de velopment.Children like to think they argon grown up so they bequeath tend to push the boundaries, they maybe talking to you slightly school or their friends and display case in a naughty word, when you petition where did you hear that word from they volition vocalize i heard it from ( say ) opposite adult.When you ar communicating with children and young people you require to communicate with them at their age related full stop of development, because children develop at different stages some tycoon be much advanced than others, children with sp be subscribes volitioning need much help from other professionals who give task their stage of development and areas that go out need focus on.Foundation stage and aboriginal stage 1Children of all ages and stages result set about varying trains of attention span, the junior children volition need more reassurance than the senior(a) children, curiously when they first start school. These children are very yo ung so they will be developing their communication and language skills. When you are send foring them you need to come graduate to their level otherwise they could get panic-stricken if you are standing over them bit trying to communicate with them. You experience to pee sure you have their full undivided attention when communicating with them as their attention span is very limited and they moil very quickly with them being so young, you could to a fault ask them to repeat spur the conversation you have had with them so you bop whether they understand what you have spoken about, you will also get an idea of what level of an understanding they are at.Key stage 2When the children go into key stage 2 they have already started to mature especially the path they communicate with each other and their teachers, they will have a level of understanding and will be more considerate of the needs of others especially with children with special needs they tend to nurture them alot more and interact with them and help to lapse them on the right path. You will at some point still have to remind them not to interrupt when others are talking but this could be delinquent to immaturity.Key stage 3 and 4Now the children are older they will know how to communicate in effect with other people. Teenagers will start to feel more self conscious especially if they have to do a speech in front of other peers and may collection signs of embarrassment, they will often need sess of time to prepare themselves both mentally and physically this will in knead help them to steady their nerves and also help them to grow in confidence.3.2.2 come upon the main differences between communication with adults andcommunicating with children. When we are communicating with adults it is important to address them by their preferred title this in turn is showing respect, for example With adults you are communicating with you can use more complex language, whereas with children you have t o keep it pee and to the point so they understand what you are talking about, it is important for them to feel satisfactory with you, especially since you are liberation to be working closely with them in the classroom, you have to show themThat you are a sympathize with individual,Respect their wishes in the setting,Communicate politely and courteously,Give them all the incarnate they need,Listen to their views,Ask questions on a need to know basis,Always try to adhesive friction disagreements with adults in a way that will maintain a positive relationship, This will make it easier to work in a team and therefore less credibly to cause friction in the setting, this will also make you a legal role model for children aswell as the adultsWhen your in a discussion with an adult it is average to say everyone will have different views, some adults expect you to have the very(prenominal) views as themselves, your not always going to agree on matters, as abundant as you show mu tual respect and be professional the best way to get over this is to communicate effectively and respect each others views, as extensive as you are able to stand other adults then you are on the right path, when the compromise has been met you can for example Show youre approachable found positive behaviourGive support as and when it is requiredDemonstrate your listening skillsShow commitmentShow respectDont gossip about work colleaguesRespond politely.

Can Art Change the Way We View the World

Can artistic creationifice win over the Way We View the World? Susan Agee Classics in philosophy of Art P346 Gregory Steel Fall 2012 For centuries, trade windifice has been interwoven without the history of mankind. From primitive carvings on undermine walls and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, to the Sistine Chapel and the Mona Lisa, artistic creations take up enthralled the human race. Art may be a window to the creators humanity it has potential to instill desire in the attestant to do something they have never d iodine, be some step up they have never been and inspire to fulfill a dream or goal.Additionally, Art may possibly allow the artist to illustrate their own erudition of a place or even cause to deceive the captivateer. However, to truly understand how we consume the substantiveness we must(prenominal) delve a little deeper than the obvious, which is through our hotshots, particularly sight. In order to comprehend the creative activity around us, we mu st first realize that thoughts argon found on perception foremost and that those ideas at that placefore gain a subjective model of the world, constructed from recognise, memory, arranged inference, and our brains ability to map out its own inner delegacy of our individual surroundings.Therefore, whether it is through visual art, literature, poems, sculpture, picture taking or cinema, art may very vigorous be able to change the centering we perk the world, by changing our perception. The first recognizable art dates from at least 38. 000BC in Europe, Africa, and Australia. They argon the products of minds as intellectually capable and sophisticated as our juvenile ones and they were tho like us, despite the fact that their edict was slightly more primitive than ours. Works of this be successions period argon not simple, as if created by a child, but in fact they atomic number 18 quite complex pieces depicting animals, humans and symbols.Additionally, forces sympat hetic to maps, as healthful as carvings, portable art and elaborately decorated animal skulls have been frame in caves all over the world. In the reserve The Mind in the Cave Consciousness and the Origins of Art by David Lewis-Williams, the author describes these items stating galore(postnominal) a(prenominal) of these pieces bear images of animal, fish, birds and, little commonly, what appear to be human figures as well as complex arrangements of parallel lines, chevrons and notches. These objects dart as people tend to think of them, were do from bone, mammoth ivory, amber and antler (Lewis-Williams 2004).Were these ancient artists creating images to simply transport with others or were they expressing their emotions in the only way they knew how? Although there is no way to tell for certain the artists intentions, it is explicit that this art played a role in prehistoric society. Still, art has not always had the same(p) meaning as it does today. In fact, in the time of the philosophers Plato, Socrates and Aristotle the idea of art was related to the Latin explicate ars, which means craft or supernumeraryized division.These individuals based their consumes of art on the notion that the artist must be trained for his craft and for each one had differing, but very similar ideas about art and its place in society. For instance, Socrates believed that paintings and poems stand triply removed from the real that is, there are two realms of existence more real than art objects, the Forms themselves and the things of daily behavior. The basis for this view is the confidence that the goal of art is the imitation of mundane naive realism (Wartenberg, 13). Our brain has developed a way of regard the world over millions of years of evolution that enables us to succeed and survive.Natural selection has tuned our brains so that we may navigate, manipulate, and meaningfully differentiate our environment and the objects contained in it. So what we jut i n our minds is a functional model of the tangible world, which closely approximates it but is not identical to it for certain not in the way we are in the habit of assuming. But still this traditional mental rejection about perceptual finger has often created questions as to whether we can know that things are as we experience them as being, or if the visual world is a grand john.To illustrate this idea that perceptual experience may be different than what is real, consider the optic conjuring. Artists such(prenominal) as Charles Allan Gilbert and M. C. Escher were masters of the craft of illusion in art. For example, in 1892 Charles Allan Gilbert draw a picture that he called All is vanity. This piece of artwork is an ambiguous optical illusion using a skull, which has been the object of many pieces of this type, where we feel more than one thing in the picture. If we view the overall image, we see a human skull. When we focalization on the details of the picture, we see a charwoman ooking in her vanity mirror. If we wait at a close-up, cropped image of All is Vanity, we dont see the skull we simply see details of a woman sit down at her dressing table. However, if we expand our view, even without eyesight the entire image, once we know were going to see a skull, we cant help but see it. Also, when we look at the picture from a distance, because of all the swarthy surrounding it, once the details of the woman prepare distorted we still only see a skull. Additionally, M. C. Escher used his expertise in mathematics to create his optical illusions in art.He was fascinated with tessellations, which are arrangements of unopen shapes that completely cover the planing machine without overlapping and without expiration gaps. Typically, the shapes making up a tessellation are polygons or similar regular shapes, such as the real tiles often used on floors. Escher, however, was fascinated by every kind of tessellation regular and irregular and to ok surplus delight in what he called metamorphoses, in which the shapes changed and interacted with each other, and sometimes even broke free of the skim over itself.The regular solids, known as polyhedra, held a special fascination for Escher. He made them the subject of many of his works and included them as secondary elements in a great many more. In the woodcut Four Regular Solids Escher has intersected all but one of the Platonic solids in such a way that their symmetries are aligned, and he has made them translucent so that each is recognizeible through the others. Additionally, among the most important of Eschers works from a mathematical forecast of view are those dealing with the nature of space. In the playscript The Magic of M.C. Escher J. I. Locher states this unique interplay mingled with insight and limitation, between possible and impossible worlds has given Eschers system of work a wholly personal straw man in the panorama of visual arts (J. I. Locher 200 0). His woodcut Circle Limit III is a thoroughly place to review these works, for it exemplifies the artists concern with the dimensionality of space, and with the minds ability to discern three-dimensionality in a two-dimensional representation and Escher often exploited this latter feature to get astonishing visual effects.To get a sense of what this space is like, one can imagine that he or she is in reality in the picture itself. base on balls from the center of the picture towards its edge, he/she would shrink just as the fishes in the picture do, so that to actually reach the edge one would have to offer a distance that, to the individual, seems endless. Indeed, being inside this in mated space, it would not be immediately obvious that anything was unmatched about it after all, one has to walk an infinite distance to get to the edge of ordinary euclidian space too.However, if one is observant enough, he/she tycoon begin to notice some odd things, such as that all simi lar triangles were the same size, and that no straight-sided figure we could draw would have four remediate angles that is, this space doesnt have any squares or rectangles. In addition to ambiguous and mathematical illusions, there is a process known as anamorphosis. There are two types of anamorphosis perspective or bias and Mirror, or catoptric. It requires the viewer to use special devices or occupy a specific vantage point to recreate the image.While some of these works of art are more advanced than others, one thing ashes constant the perception of depth in a two-dimensional illustration. With mirror anamorphosis, a conical or cylindrical mirror is placed on the drawing or painting to transform a flat distorted image into a three dimensional picture that can be viewed from many angles. The ill-shapen image is painted on a plane surface surrounding the mirror. By looking unequivocally into the mirror, the image appears as it should in natural form.Just as Escher and Gilbert were masters in creating works of illusion with their drawings, so too are the artists that give life to their renditions of this type. Salvador Dali was among many other artists of his time to have been intrigued with this form of art and utilized this technique in many of his paintings. Modern day artists of this sort use sidewalks, underpasses, buildings and pavage as their canvases. This type of art is referred to as 3D art and it has been seen everywhere from London to New York.