Leadership Study Essay

1.1 Review the range of group and individual whose communication need to be address: As a manger communication plays a very big role. Mangers need to communicate with different people in different mode. Communication should be effective and leave a happy and satisfactory impact. Listening to the team and understanding what they need to say, is the first rule of effective communication. There are wide range of people I need to communicate with daily, weekly and less frequently basis that includes the other managers, visitors, parents, care workers extra. I communicate with all these people in writing, verbally and by listening. When I am communicating with these people mentioned above as well as in the graph I use different skills for example if I am talking to a visitor , I make sure that they should feel valued , supported and understood. On the other hand if I am talking to my junior staff I make sure they understand my instructions. I make sure that they understand that they have to do what I requested them but at the same time they are happy and motivated. These are the example of few people I communicate with. I will not write all of them in here except the other manager, with them we require mutual respect and understanding. Relationship and contacts: Parents Other Managers visitors Team Including Voluntary Relationship Children And contacts Marketing Care worker People Mode: Speaking, Listing and Writing are the essentials of communication through Meetings emails and verbal communication. 1.2 : Explain how to support effective communication with the job role Good communication is very important to develop good relationship and share information with people. I communicate with so many different people as I mentioned above. Effective communication helps people to interact with other people and allow you to communicate successfully. Communication should make the atmosphere of trust and cooperation. When I am communicating with parent I make sure I am listening to them and showing them that they are understood by giving paralinguistic. I make sure that I understand and come up with satisfactory solution so they trust and cooperate me and my organisation. I also make sure that they trust us that we are giving their children the best environment. When I am communicating with my staff I make sure they are understood, I am sensitive to their needs, I am involving them in decision making, listening. I make sure that my massage is across and effective. It helps us to make good relationship with people. On the other hand people like in KHDA, Municipality and different companies need informative but simple writing and verbal communication. Case History: I had one parent came very angry that the child got hurt and we are not taking care of it. When the parent came I listen to him for half an hour without reacting. We showed him the CCTV footage. Parent apologise for his reaction and went happily. Detail where effective communication worked: The teacher told me exactly what happened and told me that the mother was not happy. I went back checked CCTV. Father came I was listening and waited till he was calm down and showed him the CCTV footage. COMMUNICATION MODE: Listing, speaking, pictorial , formal and informal etc Effective communication 1. Personal 2. Knowledgeable 3. Specific 4. Focus on others need and requirements 5. Listen 6. Replace ego with Empathy 7. Read between the lines 8. Informative 9. Speak to the group as individual 10. Be prepared Purpose of communication As a manger I make sure that all the communication either it is written or verbal is delivering the best impact and effective massage. To delegate of work Meetings Presentations Supervision Appraisals Negotiations Interviewing Making relationship with co-workers and clients 1.3 Analyse The Barriers and challenges to communication Effective Communication is significant and a fundamental relationship-building skill in the workplace for any employee especially for managers to perform the basic functions of management, i.e., Planning, Organising, Leading and Controlling. If people don’t communicate well they limit their ability to connect on any meaningful level which can create conflict. Depending on the position in workplace, others will have expectations of how an individual should communicate with others. It is important that for any employee show respect to those he or she works with. The general social care council’s code of practice states that communications should be conducted in an appropriate, open, accurate and  straightforward way. By communicating in this way others will have trust and confidence in any employee and their abilities. Workplace relationships become a lot stronger when people can clearly and effectively communicate what they need and allow others to do the same. There a re several barriers that affect the flow of communication in an organisation. These barriers interrupt the flow of communication from the sender to the receiver, thus making communication ineffective. It is essential for managers to overcome these barriers. The main barriers of communication are summarised below. The first barriers to check out are those that an employee could be creating. People may think that they are doing everything possible to assist communication, but they should make sure that they are not making it difficult for people to understand what they say for instance using abbreviations another person does not understand. People should avoid professional jargon and terminology. I am managing from last 3 years and I find out that sometimes the massage has been not across. We usually feel that the other party I reviewed why it happened I figured it out Few points mention below 1. Language barriers 2. Culture and values 3. Too much instruction 4. Disagreements 5. Tiredness 6. Inappropriate environment 7. Faulty Presentation 8. Limited capacity 9. Assumptions 10. Miscommunication 11. Interference 12. Linguistic Barriers 13. Negative feelings 1.4: Implement a strategy to overcome communication Barrier Communication is a regular part of every agenda. Not just communicating in meetings, but  actually having a â€Å"communication plan† as part of most agendas. Something as small as effective writing or as large as understanding interpersonal relations. There are a lot of communication barriers faced these days by all. The message intended by the sender is not understood by the receiver in the same terms and sense and thus communication breakdown occurs. It is essential to deal and cope up with these communication barriers so as to ensure smooth and effective communication. I will give now some example how I overcome with these barriers in my setting Plan to make communication better 1. Eliminating differences in perception: The organization should ensure that it is recruiting right individuals on the job. It’s the responsibility of the interviewer to ensure that the interviewee has command over the written and spoken language. There should be proper Induction program so that the policies of the company are clear to all the employees. There should be proper trainings conducted for required employees (for eg: Voice and Accent training). 2. Use of Simple Language: Use of simple and clear words should be emphasized. Use of ambiguous words and jargons should be avoided. 3. Reduction and elimination of noise levels: Noise is the main communication barrier which must be overcome on priority basis. It is essential to identify the source of noise and then eliminate that source. 4. Active Listening: Listen attentively and carefully. There is a difference between â€Å"listening† and â€Å"hearing†. Active listening means hearing with proper understand ing of the message that is heard. By asking questions the speaker can ensure whether his/her message is understood or not by the receiver in the same terms as intended by the speaker. 5. Emotional State: During communication one should make effective use of body language. He/she should not show their emotions while communication as the receiver might misinterpret the message being delivered. For example, if the conveyer of the message is in a bad mood then the receiver might think that the information being delivered is not good. 6. Simple Organizational Structure: The organizational structure should not be complex. The number of hierarchical levels should be optimum. There should be a ideal span of control within the organization. Simpler the organizational structure, more effective will be the communication. 7. Avoid Information Overload: The  managers should know how to prioritize their work. They should not overload themselves with the work. They should spend quality time with their subordinates and should listen to their problems and feedbacks actively. 8. Give Constructive Feedback: Avoid giving negative feedback. The contents of the feedback might be negative, but it should be delivered constructively. Constructive feedback will lead to effec tive communication between the superior and subordinate. 9. Proper Media Selection: The managers should properly select the medium of communication. Simple messages should be conveyed orally, like: face to face interaction or meetings. Use of written means of communication should be encouraged for delivering complex messages. For significant messages reminders can be given by using written means of communication such as: Memos, Notices etc. 10. Flexibility in meeting the targets: For effective communication in an organization the managers should ensure that the individuals are meeting their targets timely without skipping the formal channels of communication. There should not be much pressure on employees to meet their targets. 1.4 Mode Of Communication 1. Written 2. Verbal 3. Pictorial 4. Paralinguistic 5. Formal 6. Informal

King Arthur Literary Analysis Essay

The name King Arthur appears throughout a countless amount of literature, stories, cinema, and legend. King Arthur has always been a long-standing icon of heroism, and heroism is a theme mankind takes pleasure in romanticizing. Arthurian Romance is the classic example of good versus evil, knights in shining armor, forbidden love, and sorcery; the basic elements of a romanticized tale. And in a dark time where religion clashed, empires fought in epic battles, and the people of Britain suffered from poverty and disease, Arthurian legend was needed to lift the spirits of the hopeless. Arthurian Romance is an accurate portrayal of the time period better known as the Medieval Ages because it takes the woes and misfortunate events of that time and twists them into a heroic soap opera full of love, tragedy, and triumph. The Medieval Ages began around 476 AD, when the Roman emperor of the West abdicated. The period ends in the late fifteenth century with the discovery of the New World. During this period, different nations conquered and collapsed, society changed, and religion was further divided. During the Middle Ages, the Holy Roman Empire had begun an effort to occupy Britain. They wanted to drive out the Anglo-Saxons and convert the Pagans to Catholicism. A long lasting relic of Roman involvement in Britain is Hadrian’s Wall, which was a heavily fortified wall running west to east and was probably used to keep barbarian tribes out and regulate trade and passage into Romano-Britain territory. Along with military involvement, Rome also spread Catholicism to a Pagan Britain. Catholicism involves a hierarchy of religious leaders, with the Pope at the top. There are also bishops, priests, monks, and nuns who are apart of the clergy. Other than the clergy, Medieval society was composed of nobles, knights and serfs. Nobles commonly owned fiefs, an estate of land, and the serfs who worked there. Knights were employed to guard the fief and fight wars with other nobles. This was called Feudalism. When nobles declared a war on each other, many different warfare tactics were used to take down castles. Siege warfare was common, in which scaling ladders, battering rams, siege towers and catapults were utilized in order to enter a fortress. Infantry included archers and cavalry, and there was a broad assortment of weapons used; daggers, long swords, crossbows, throwing axes, clubs, maces, halberds, lances, and many more. While knights commonly fought for a noble or king, a group of fearsome knights known as the Templar Knights fought in the crusades for religious conquest. The Templar Knights are associated with King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail, and some of the knights of the round table are portrayed wearing a large red cross on their breastplate (which is the symbol of the Templar Knights). Knights were also involved with jousting. Jousting was a martial game between two knights mounted on horses and using lances. This was often part of a chivalrous tournament or used as a military tactic of heavily armed cavalry. Knights and nobles also were encompassed in courtly love, a conception of nobly and chivalrously expressing love and admiration. Courtly love often did not take place between a husband and wife. Instead, a man would shower another woman in gifts and symbols of his love to her and they would keep their affair secret. A famous example of courtly love is the affair between Lancelot du Lac and Queen Guinevere. The Middle Ages had many lows. Many people associate these times with the Black Plague or the Bubonic Plague. When the Mongols from the east attacked Europe, they brought with them a terrible disease that wiped out about 138 million people. Also during the Middle Ages, there was decrease in scholarly thinking and the quality of art. Religion is blamed for stunting the growth of new ideas and inventions. In fact, religion is the overlying cause for many of the events of the Medieval Ages. The greatest dispute over religion was the East-West Schism that split Christianity into the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. This split was born from disputes over whether the Pope could marry and iconoclasm (similar to worshipping false idols) and the use of local languages in church. They were even in dispute regarding the nature of God. The Crusades were another religious dispute. The Crusades were military campaigns undertaken by European Christians of the eleventh through the fourteenth centuries to take other the Holy Land and convert Muslims to Christianity. The First Crusade was a response to the Seljuk Turks conquering the â€Å"Holy Land† (present-day Israel and Palestine). However, most of these conquests were failures and achieved nothing except for interactions with the Arab world (in both beneficial and devastating ways). Lastly, there was the Inquisition. This was a formalized interrogation and persecution process of heretics (including satanic or witch-like behavior). Punishment for people suspected of heresy was torture and execution. The Church in the Middle Ages is clearly an influential factor of these times. The Medieval Ages also saw quite a bit of political changes. The Carolingian, established by Charles Martel, ruled present-day France, Belgium, Germany and Northern Italy. His grandson, Charlemagne established the Holy Roman Empire. In the North, Vikings and other Scandinavian became notorious for raiding Roman Catholic monasteries. In France, Vikings were referred to as Normans. They conquered Anglo-Saxon England in 1066. As mentioned before, Feudalism was the social, political, and economic system of the Middle Ages. England became a feudalistic society because there was not a unifying force bringing the people together. Many claims to the throne of all Britain were made, which is actually the premise of the King Arthur legend. Nobles and Kings owned land and had armies of Knights who pledged a code of chivalry to them. This was an honor system that strongly condemned betrayal and promoted mutual respect. In the Feudal society, only males could inherit the land. The land was passed down through primogeniture (to the eldest son). Noblewomen had limited rights. They could sometimes inherit fiefs but could not rule it. Noblewomen were only educated in domestic skills and were supposed to display feminine traits such as compassion and beauty. Peasants, male or female, had almost no rights. They couldn’t leave the manor without the permission of their lord. Over time, serfs (peasants) developed skills other than farming and slowly created a middle class that led Europe into the Renaissance. In the long run, all of these characteristics of the Medieval Ages are incorporated in the vast collection of Arthurian Romance. In the 1975 King Arthur Parody â€Å"Monty Python and The Holy Grail†, there is a scene that describes Arthur quite perfectly. In the scene, Arthur is traveling in a Feudal manor and comes across peasants working in a field outside of a castle. He asks a woman, â€Å"I am Arthur, King of the Britons. Whose castle is that? † The peasant woman looks up and asks, â€Å"King of the who? † Arthur repeats himself to which she replies, â€Å"Who are the Britons? † Arthur, stumped by her ignorance, tells her, â€Å"Well, we all are. We’re all Britons and I am your king. † The peasant woman shrugs and says, â€Å"I didn’t know we had a king. I thought we were an autonomous collective! † They argue about this for a moment and then the woman asked, â€Å"Well, how did you become king then? † Arthur dramatically respond with, â€Å"The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water signifying by Divine Providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. That is why I am your king! † Another peasant nearby shouts, â€Å"Listen — strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony! † The meaning of the scene is that at the time King Arthur was created as a legend to legitimize the unifying king of Britain that would pull the people out of the Dark Ages. The punch line is that the land was so divided from feudalism and nobles trying to claim a non-existent throne that no one really took anyone seriously. However, Arthurian Romance became the bedtime story born out of the fantastical notion that Britain could be amalgamated into a strong empire. But let’s start at the beginning of the Arthurian legend. In most legends, Uther Pendragon is portrayed as Arthur’s father and Igraine as his mother. In Sir Thomas Malory’s The Crowning of King Arthur, the prophet Merlin helps a love-stricken Uther get with Igraine for a night. Arthur is born, but part of the agreement with Merlin was to have Arthur raised by another. Many years pass in which Arthur does not know his own nobility until he by chance, pulls the famous sword in the stone (the legend goes: â€Å"Who so Pulleth Out This Sword of this Stone and Anvil, is Rightwise King Born of all England. † (Malory, 1069)). Young Arthur accepts his role as King and unites Britain, defeats the Saxons, and establishes Camelot. In the first fictional story of Arthur’s life (Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the kings of Britain) by Geoffrey of Monmouth), Arthur is placed into a post-Roman Britain. Geoffrey uses the same fable of Arthur’s birth through the deception of Igraine. In this legend, Arthur also defeats the Saxons but he also expands his empire to Norway, Denmark and Gaul, and defeats Roman armies in order to do this. In the end, Arthur returns to Britain to defeat his nephew Modredus (Mordred) who was left in charge of Britain but betrayed Arthur. Arthur is mortally wounded, taken to Avalon and it is implied he passed away. Arthurian legend, however, is not only about Arthur. There are many huge characters in the stories. One widely known knight is Sir Lancelot du Lac. Lancelot is a tragic figure in Arthurian Romance. He was a Knight of the Round Table and one of King Arthur’s closest friends. His tragedy is that he was in love with Arthur’s wife, Guinevere. Lancelot was the son of the King Ban on Benwick and Elaine, but he was raised by the Lady of the Lake (â€Å"du lac† actually means â€Å"the lake†). The Lady of the Lake sent Lancelot off to become a Knight of the Round Table. In doing so, he meets and instantly falls in love with Guinevere. Their affair ultimately proves to be destructive. Lancelot is actually tricked by Elaine of Corbenic and sleeps with her, thinking it is Guinevere. When Guinevere hears of this, she is repulsed and banishes Lancelot. Later, Lancelot returns to assist Arthur in the quest for the Holy Grail. Other characters in Arthurian legend are Merlin and Morgaine. Merlin is sometimes a prophet, sometimes a magician, and always an advisor to King Arthur. Merlin’s earliest character depiction was as a bard driven mad by the terrors of war, who become a â€Å"man of the woods†. However, Geoffrey of Monmouth based his Merlin on Myrddin Wyllt (a prophet and a madman) and Aurelius Ambrosius (a fictional version of the historical war leader Ambrosius Aurelianus. Morgaine (also Morgan le Fay) is a sorceress in Arthurian legend. She is the half-sister of Arthur and the daughter of Igraine. In both The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley) and The Vulgate Cycle (13th century French prose) tell of how Morgaine lives in Avalon (mystical island in Arthurian legend) and trains under Merlin and the Lady of the Lake. Again in the Mists of Avalon, Morgaine is credited with having an unknown affair with Arthur. She gives birth to Mordred, who, in the end, turns out to be the enemy and murderer of King Arthur. In Arthurian Romance, King Arthur’s court is called Camelot. Camelot is where the Knights of the Round Table dwell and it is described as being a utopian land of beauty and peace. Throughout literature, Camelot has been located in many different areas of Britain, giving it no grounded location. An easy way to understand the basic ideology of Camelot, one can compare the presidency of John F.  Kennedy to the term Camelot. His presidency was regarded as a guarantee for a successful future, just like King Arthur gave Britain hope and unification. Kennedy’s assassination is like the fall of Arthur in that both had short lasting but wonderful terms in power that set the bar high for the future. Ultimately, these characters and concepts stem from Medieval life and paint a portrait of what the goals of Middle Age rulers wanted for society at the time. All Arthurian Romance contains the same specific elements: enchantment, quest, conquest, heroic behavior, utopian society, fatal passion and love. These elements, applied with Medieval life and history, equals a solid Arthurian story. The best example of all of these elements is The Crowning of Arthur from Le Morte d’Arthur (Malory, 1065). In the story, Arthur is conceived through the enchantment Merlin uses on Igraine to trick her into thinking Uther Pendragon is her husband, the Duke. Uther, who is fatally in love with Igraine, makes a deal with Merlin in that he will give the child he and Igraine produce to the wizard. Baby Arthur is taken away and grows up with Sir Ector, whom he grows to love as a father. The next part of the story is about the sword in the stone. In the story, â€Å"many of the nobles tried to pull the sword out the stone† (1069), but failed. When Arthur is sent to find Sir Kay (Ector’s son) a sword, he unknowing grabs the legendary sword from the stone and tugs it free without any effort. When Arthur comes back with the famous sword, everyone is in awe and asks him to demonstrate for them that he really pulled it. To their surprise, it is true. They ask Arthur to assume the role of king and he agrees, establishing the utopian court of Camelot. Le Morte d’Arthur is â€Å"the carefully constructed myth of the rise and fall of a powerful kingdom — a legendary kingdom, but perhaps also, obliquely, the real English kingdom which in Malory’s day seemed as surely doomed by its own corruption as the ancient realm of King Arthur† (Cliffs Notes). What this means is that Arthur’s court reflects the realistic courts of actual kings because it eventually falls. The Crowning of Arthur seems naive in that a boy who just so happens to pull a sword from a stone makes him king. In the end, his kingdom falls. Crowning only sets it up. The outcome of the Arthurian Legend is quite similar to the reality of kingdoms in England of the Middle Ages, which proves Arthurian Romance is an accurate portrayal. Another story from Le Morte d’Arthur is called Sir Launcelot du Lake. It is a hectic story about Lancelot’s adventure, kidnapping, and battles with enemy knights. In the story, Lancelot decides he is fed up with his ennui and decides to go out with his nephew, Sir Lyonel. Possibly due to enchantment, Lancelot declares, â€Å"not for seven years have I felt so sleepy† (1074) and he lies down for a nap. When he awakes, he realizes three women have kidnapped him. They tell him he has to pick one of them or face his doom. Lancelot picks his death because his is loyal to his lover, Guinevere. Later, the daughter of King Badgemagus rescues him and in return he gives his services to the king. At the end of the story, Lancelot fights off Kind Badgemagus’ enemies. He displays incredible and fictitious strength when he â€Å"took another spear and unhorsed sixteen more men†¦ King of North Galys’ knight and, with his next, unhorsed another twelve† (1078). This story demonstrates chivalry and heroism, and exaggerates Lancelot’s abilities to fight. Literary critic Charles Moorman says â€Å"much of the Morte d’Arthur is thus concerned with revealing the corrupt reality beneath the fair chivalric surface. † However, Sir Launcelot du Lake contradicts that assumption by merely telling a simple story of a great knight who is loyal to his higher-up and to his lady. The story makes the knights of the Medieval Ages appear to bask in honor, goodness and strength. And in a way, they did in real life. Knights did have a strict code of chivalry as well as total loyalty to their nobles and their lovers. Again, this story gives merit to the fact Arthurian legend portrays Medieval society. The poem The Lady of Shalott by Alfred Lord Tennyson is loose depiction of Arthurian Legend. In the poem, a woman is cursed to live in a tower and watch the world of Camelot from a mirror. â€Å"And moving through a mirror clear; That hangs before her all the year; Shadows of a world appear; There she sees the highway near; Winding down to Camelot† (verses 46 through 50). Then one day she sees Sir Lancelot riding in all his beauty and loveliness, and she decides she wants to leave the tower. The Lady of Shalott â€Å"left the web† (109) and gets into a boat. Unfortunately, she dies and floats on down to Camelot. Muriel Mellown says â€Å"she has chosen contact with Camelot, even at the price of her own destruction. † This quote illustrates that Camelot seemed like such a perfect utopian world that everyone sought its perfection and illustriousness. However, the Lady of Shalott kicks the bucket, similar to the way Camelot eventually falls. All good things never last. Lastly, a more modern and feminist take of Arthurian legend is The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. In Mists, the story of Arthur is told through the worlds of Morgaine, Arthur’s half-sister. In the excerpt read in class, Morgaine and Arthur are children neglected by their parents. Morgaine realizes her role to be Arthur’s protector, even though she feels disdain towards the child at first. When she says, â€Å"Mother’s gone, she’s with the king, but I’ll take care of you, brother,† (1085), Morgaine displays a bond of love towards her little brother. Morgaine is also depicted as a strong feminine character in both this scene and the entire story. Although â€Å"this book†¦ wasn’t so much a retelling of the Arthurian legend but only a bunch of Arthurian characters sitting around arguing about Christianity and Paganism,† (LaShawn), â€Å"Morgaine’s depiction as a powerful, savvy woman shows her to be the type of woman the feminists would champion as a prime example of what women should aspire to be, in spite of the biases still in place against them† (Ellis). Mists shines a new light and a new perspective on the events of the Medieval Ages, specifically the disputes of religion. It also represents how women did have influence over what happened in the kingdoms. In real life, noblewomen did have influence over the decisions their husbands made, though not legally. The Mists of Avalon yet again portrays a factor of the Medieval Ages. When push comes to shove, Arthurian Romance generally is regarded as a tall tale of a lost era. However, the tales depict a clear portrait of Medieval Life. Tragedy, honor, fatal passion and quest all dwell in the Middle Ages and Arthurian Romance. The characters of Arthurian Romance experience the tragedy of life like real life people and Camelot ends up failing, just like many of the empires and kingdoms of the world. The stories represent the dark times of the Medieval Ages and show that nothing is perfect. Therefore, Arthurian Romance is an accurate portrayal of the Medieval Ages.

Henry VIII’s Foreign Policy 1509-1524 Essay

How far do Sources 1, 2 and 3 suggest that Henry VIII’s Foreign Policy in the years 1509-1524 followed consistent aims? Source 1 agrees that Henry’s did follow consistent aims and Henry VIII had one goal target in his foreign policy whilst sources 2 and 3 especially, argues that Henry but could not agree one goal to pursue involving foreign policy. Source 1 in particular claims that Henry poured much dedication and time into ensuring that England went to war against France. â€Å"The king† writes letters to â€Å"the pope, the emperor and the Venetians† declaring his â€Å"steadfast intention and strong provision to wage war against France† suggesting that Henry VIII’s main goal was to attack France as he repeats his exact intentions to three separate individuals. This is reiterated in source 2 as Henry VIII is described to be accompanied by â€Å"500 horsemen and 3000 foot soldiers† during the Field of Cloth of Gold showing aggression and building tension between the two rivals suggesting that King Henry was keen in causing tension so that it will lead to waging a war against France. We can see King Henry strongly suggesting that he consistently wanted to defeat the French as he writes to the Venetians to try and disband the newly formed league between Venetia and France. As the Milanese ambassador is writing at the time these letters had been sent he carries alot of weight with Source 1 as it clearly states the purpose of the letters and they lead to one clear goal which is to invade France. Source 3 shows Cromwell trying to persuade Henry to go against his plans to take over France but to redirect his attentions to Scotland. Cromwell suggesting that Henry â€Å"converts first and chief his whole intent and purpose† suggests that Henry was so determine to wage war against France he did not think about other issues to do with his Foreign Policy and Cromwell needed to remind him of budding problems. However Source 3 also suggests that Henry was lenient in his decisions about foreign policies as, even though Cromwell at this time is trying to work his way into the inner council and was desperate to gain the attentions of the King, felt the King was not so desperate in going against France that he was able to suggest the King redirects his attention to Scotland whilst still pleasing the King and trying to achieve honour. Source 2 also suggests that the King was not so rivalled with France as a contemporary account shows that Henry pitched his marquee near where the French king had been staying, although this could be seen as showing off and is multifaceted it can also be seen as Henry trying to break down the existing barriers to focus on the celebration of the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Overall, there is enough agreement in all three sources to suggest that Henry VIII’s foreign policy in the years 1509-1524 followed consistent aims. This is a view most strongly and optimistically supported by source 1, slightly confirmed by the accounts described in source 2 but largely denied by source 3.

Comic Relief in the Tale of Two Cities

Comic relief is an important theatrical convention that makes the story more interesting and appealing to readers. In Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens uses one of his minor but fascinating characters, Jerry Cruncher, to depict this. The two or three chapters dealing with Jerry Cruncher and his family life are humorous and he also illustrates the terrible poverty during the 18th century. And despite the novel’s tragic scenes and symbolic images, Dickens uses  Jerry to lighten things up  a bit.Jerry Cruncher is a multidimensional tradesman, honest to some, but truly not, as well as a conscientious father and self-conscious individual. Jerry Cruncher can be described as gruff and  ragged. An odd-job man, who sits outside Tellson's Bank during the day and is a body-snatcher by night. He is also uneducated which lead him to do unnecessary actions. Even  when describing Jerry, Dickens uses jokes. â€Å"Mr.Cruncher himself  always spoke of the year of our  Lord as Anna Dominoes: apparently under the impression that the Christian era  dated from the invention of a popular game,  by a lady who had bestowed her name upon it. † (Dickens 66) Dickens also uses the character of Jerry to illustrate the terrible poverty of life in England during the 1700’s when Dickens goes more in depth about  Jerry in chapter 14 called The Honest Tradesman. This was a chapter  dedicated solely to Jerry Cruncher. In this chapter, the most interesting and comic scene is presented.Jerry has  such a hard time supporting his family that  he resorts to digging up dead bodies in  secret to help make ends meet. He tries to hide this by telling his wife and son that he is going fishing, but instead he was actually fishing up for bodies to sell to a surgeon. Another humorous scene in the story is how he becomes paranoid and begins to hate that his wife prays about him. He believes that she is praying against him. â€Å"What do you m ean by flopping yourself down and praying against me? † (Dickens 67) He sometimes snubs and beats her for doing so.He constantly calls himself â€Å"an honest tradesman†, even to his son. All these peculiarities of Jerry Cruncher are humorous. In conclusion, Dickens uses comic relief to appeal to his readers and change the mood. Jerry Cruncher is a perfect example of this. His life is a prototype of the poverty during 18th century. Through his characteristics, misfortunes in life, and bizarre actions, Jerry Cruncher was able to provide the reader humorous scenes rather than the chaotic and violent drama of the French Revolution.

The nature of general tortious liability comparing and contrasting to Essay

The nature of general tortious liability comparing and contrasting to contractual liability - Essay Example The paper tells that the similarity between general tortuous liability and contractual liability is that both give rise to actionable demands in a court of law, and both, if adequately proven, entitle the plaintiff to damages from the defendant. The main difference between general tortuous liability and contractual liability is that the latter is strictly voluntary, in that the parties by mutual consent, agree to bind themselves to certain obligations to each other, and be liable for damages in case of breach. These obligations are stipulated in a contract that shall be the law between the parties. For there to be a valid contract, there must be a meeting of the minds, i.e., an intent to create legal relations, an offer and acceptance, and mutual consideration and the parties must be capacitated to enter into the contract. One of the classical and enduring cases of contract law is the case of Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball EWCA Civ 1. In this case, a company had come out with an adve rtisement challenging readers to use Carbolic Smoke Ball to prevent Influenza. It said that if used according to instructions, the user would not be susceptible to Influenza anymore, and if he still contracted the disease, the company would pay him 100 pounds. When a claimant came out, the company refused to pay, saying that there was no intent to create legal relations. In finding against the company, the court held that a valid and legally enforceable contract existed. In a situation where a valid contract existed, breach of it would constitute contractual liability. For example, in a contract of the sale of apples of a certain quality, if an inferior quality was delivered, it can be said that a contractual liability is created. In contrast, tortuous liability does not attach by reason of contract, but because of a breach of a duty of care. It is quite possible that the defendant may not have been aware of the extent of his liability or may not even know the person to whom he is l iable, quite unlike parties to a contract who are all known to each other. To quote the seminal case of Donoghue v. Stevenson 1932] UKHL 100 (26 May 1932) " You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour. Who then is my neighbour? The answer seems to be - persons who are so directly affected by my act that I ought reasonably to have them in contemplation as being affected when I am directing my mind to the acts or omissions which are called in question." After Donoghue, the definition of what constitutes tortuous liability has been refined considerably and has crystallised into a three-way test: proximity (as held in the case of Donoghue), foreseeability, which means that the defendant should have been able to foresee the consequences of his or her actions (Caparo Industries Plc v Dickman and Others [1990] 2 AC 605.), and the test of â€Å"fair, just and reasonable†, recently upheld in the cas e of McFarlane and Another v Tayside Health Board [2000] 2 AC 59. To demonstrate causation in tort law – i.e., to show that the loss caused to the claimant was a result of a breach of duty of care by the defendant – the most simple test is the â€Å"but for† test. But for the defendant’s actions, would the claimant have incurred the loss? This was elucidated first in the case of Barnett v. Chelsea & Kensington Hospital ([1969] 1 QB 428) where a doctor was not held liable for a patient’s death even if he did not examine the latter, because the patient would have died anyway with or without the ministrations of the doctor. However, it must be remembered that one incident can give rise to several claims, and a claimant can elect between a breach of contract claim or a negligence claim involving duty of care1. (Jones, 2000, page 379). Explain the nature of liability in negligence and the concept of vicarious liability (P8 & P9) The nature of

Jeff Hancock's analysis speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jeff Hancock's analysis speech - Essay Example He provides different types of evidence to back up his claims such as statistical evidence and personal stories that have a bearing on his speech. His transition from one point to another within the speech was very evident, and this made it possible for the audience to keep up with him throughout the speech; this is because he was able to maintain a logical flow of thought that was not confusing to the audience. Jeff’s introduction was effective in that he was able to capture the audience’s attention through a joke and an interactive approach, by throwing them a challenge in question form. The audience demonstrated their familiarity with the topic by readily participating in the challenge, thus granting the speaker a full ear throughout the speech session. In his conclusion, Jeff was able to summarize his main points as well as reiterate his main idea about the topic of his speech; this conclusion was effective in that, not only did it achieve to signal the end of the s peech, but also it did compel the audience to reflect upon the concluded discussions. The speaker’s delivery of the speech was excellent because he struck as a credible source of information to the audience in a number of ways to build his credibility; Jeff starts by citing well-known ancient scholars thus demonstrating his vast knowledge in the topic. He also goes ahead to present different forms of evidence, in addition to, switching between a number of presentation modes such as question-answer, lecture and LCD; all that demonstrates his level of preparedness and research on the topic to the audience. Throughout the speech, Jeff appears poise, confident and professional because he does not rush through his points in a haphazard manner. The speaker performed excellently on his voice control; his choice of tone and intonation was very appropriate for

Reforms in progressive era Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reforms in progressive era - Essay Example People in progressivism believed that problems within the society such as violence, poverty, racism, poor health, class warfare, and greed could be addressed through the provision of a safer environment, good education, honest government, and efficient workplace. Progressives were people living in cities, had a college education, and were of the idea that the government could be an agent of change (Schlesinger, 2003). Key reforms One of the areas that were of target for reforms by the progressives was the direct or indirect impacts of the high wave of immigration and industrialization in the 19th century. From 1900 to 1910, about 8.8 million immigrants entered the US, many of whom were from regions, religions, and ethnic groups that were different from American immigrants from Western Europe. Those coming from southern Europe offered cheap labor that supported the rapid growing industries and were in their high numbers in densely populated urban areas. Politicians and political parti es started to target these immigrants to pursue their own goals. On the other hand, the poor health care, housing, and sanitation, as well as the increased use of child labor in factories and homes became a focus for reformers (Schlesinger, 2003). ... As a result of this, legislation establishing minimum safety and housing standards were introduced (Schlesinger, 2003). One of the most dominant people of the progressive era was Theodore Roosevelt. He is on record for bringing reforms that changed people’s welfare and the economy at large. One such reform is the expansion government powers within the economy by creating new power for organized labor to manage and exert leverage against employers. By doing so, Roosevelt played direct roles in ending labor disputes, and in some occasions threatened to use the army to settle disputes between coal mine owners and miners (Schlesinger, 2003). The new deal The new deal was an idea created by Roosevelt when he started expanding the government in order to come up with institutions that would protect different groups of citizens such as farmers and workers. This was mainly to protect people from the great depression and material crisis by enabling citizens to question the powers of cor porations. In doing so, Roosevelt strengthened the executive, influenced political formation and defined agendas for future political debates (Schlesinger, 2003). Reform in the new deal Social security Act This was a legislative act, which formed social security system in the US. The act was signed into law by Roosevelt in 1935, and it created a social insurance program meant to pay retired works aged 65 years or older some income after retirement. The act formed a system of insurance for the unemployed, disabled and the aged based on the employer and employee contributions. Much of the funding came from taxes existing workers (Schlesinger, 2003). Tennessee valley authority This is a federally owned corporation

Virtual time capsule Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Virtual time capsule - Assignment Example Moral values, respect, love, culture traditions are all taught by our forefathers and we follow them by our own will. It is, however, debatable to question the imposition of any idea on us. We live in the age where laws, regulations and rules are made to protect our independence We experience some irrational activities, violence, over exposure to negative aspects of life and gather knowledge via media basically. It is one of the popular advancements available to the people of our age. Media is the best source of information for people around the globe. We experience the role of technologies, education, social interaction and political agendas in our daily life which affects us in one way or the other. However, our families help us in every possible manner and protect us. We have a strong relationship with our family members and friends. Socialization, either face to face or over internet, is one of the activities that we carry out on a daily basis. Physical activities usually include involvement in some sport like football, table tennis, cricket, swimming etc. Our habits are all influenced by the people we are associated to and the society at large. We respect our elders and tend to help them wherever possible. Our customs are affected by other people’s customs as the concept of globalization and diversity has merged the people of different ethnic backgrounds. Decisions in our age are greatly influenced by the moral teachings by our families, educational teachers, friends, media and society. We are given the opportunity to live the way we want after we step in our adulthood. We have certain legal duties as well as some moral responsibilities to follow. The decisions we make are all affected by these factors discussed. A decision to start an awareness program to uphold the sustainability of environment is ethically and morally correct for the people of our age. The decision to stop using products which are made at the cost of the life of any species or th e environment is also morally correct and fair. Our values, hence, weigh how the environment, society and other creatures are affected by our decisions to judge them to be morally or ethically right and acceptable. Happiness is the feeling of being mentally relaxed and satisfied keeping the comfort of others in view. I reached to this definition as I moved on with my life and realized that I feel happy or contended only when things, people and environment around me is stable, in order and sound. Happiness, hence, lies in the greater good of the society. If the society or people around us are stable and the environment is not at risk, we feel comfortable, relaxed and happy. Having read this poem â€Å"Lost sister† I realized the importance of moral values, culture and tradition. Here the poet describes two types of women. Both are brought up in same culture but one of them chooses her life to spend in her native culture but the second chooses American disrupt culture. the ston e that in the far fields could moisten the dry season, could make men move mountains for the healing green of the inner hills glistening like a slice of winter melon. In my opinion the well cultured and traditional women desire more respect and honor than the one who is running in the social race of life with man because cultural lady can be seen but cannot be heard. On the other hand, the other women prefer freedom over respect. This poem enhances our traditional inclination towards the traditional and cultural ladies, who spend their whole lives for the sake of family. This poem will be of help in exposing the views and cultural priorities of our age to the future generations. The most important thing is the reputation and overwhelming

Teaching methods - literacy and reading Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Teaching methods - literacy and reading - Essay Example A child’s interest in literature is essential for sound cognitive learning. Children’s writing skills are much influenced by the time and attention of the parents and teachers they receive in this regard. They begin by drawing random lines without any formal sense of colors or shapes. These random lines reflect the child’s approach towards self expression which is quite unstructured owing to the child’s immaturity. A child’s writing skills are much influenced by the time he spends in viewing alphabets and his reflection. The writing skills can be polished by making the child copy a line of words written by his tutor as he sees them. This art of language is naturally acquired by children as they observe people talk around them. However, the case is not the same with 2nd language acquisition. It is much easier for a child to learn his mother tongue as compared to the 2nd language that requires formal guidance and assistance of teachers and parents. The process starts with speaking individual alphabets that are then joined to form words, though not too large in the start. Listening is one of the most fundamental senses that a child is born with. No effort is required on the part of his parents and teachers to polish a child listening skills provided that he is not naturally deaf. In fact, a child’s ability to speak is fundamentally related to his ability to listen. Again, the problem may arise in case of listening and comprehending 2nd language. Children polish their ability to comprehend 2nd language by listening to songs and movies in the 2nd language. Just like listening, viewing is also one of the fundamental senses that are gifted by the nature to every child. The child gets the basic sense of life and the world by viewing and comprehending his surroundings. Without viewing and listening skills, a child can not interact with or respond to his surroundings. No one teaches a child how to see, he

The impact of users' interface on users trust in e commerce Essay

The impact of users' interface on users trust in e commerce - Essay Example (p. 920) For online transactions wherein customers buy products and conduct their financial activities, trust is everything. Ecommerce is deeply interwoven with risks for consumers that is why organizations have to work hard in order to earn it. One of the most important features in the design of ecommerce website that achieves for an organization the trust of its visitors is the user interface. (Lumsden, p. 867) This paper will explore and examine this area and, specifically, will outline the relationship between user interface and trust. Consumers’ trust in an e-retailer, wrote Zhou (2006), can be defined as the consumers’ willingness to accept vulnerability in an online transaction based on their positive expectations in regard with and E-retailers future behavior. (p. 335) This is mainly achieved through a positive relationship that are sustained through time. The behavior of E-retailer towards its consumers can both do and undo this. Smith and Salvendy (2007) explained that trust is based upon perception, the process by which individual’s select, filter, organize and interpret information in order to create a meaningful picture of the world. (p. 68) What this highlights is that trust falls under the behavioral and psychological sphere, wherein individuals are affected by and react to symbols and signs that enable them to perceive dependability, credibility and competence. In applying this in ecommerce, one could say that those people, who encounter symbols, read them through their own individual eyes and the symbols acquire meaning in the organization through recurring experiences. (Smith and Salvendy, p. 68) In user interface, integrating this behavioral and psychological consideration would be able to increase value for the website including its trust warranting properties. The trust requirements in ecommerce have produced several guidelines and standards in regard to user interface development and design.

There is a problem with categorising the secret (and half secret) Essay

There is a problem with categorising the secret (and half secret) trust and ascertaining its jurisprudential basis.Critically analyse the jurisprudential basi - Essay Example a right to be repaid by a borrower) or proprietary (e.g. a fee simple or lease of land) are held by one person on behalf of another (Penner and Swadling, 2007). The person creating the trust is called the settler, the person holding the rights is the trustee, and the person for whom those rights are held is the beneficiary. Moreover, the conception of trust is an amalgam of several ideas which relate equity, contract, obligation and law of property. The trust has several advantages over the will especially in passing the property rights to the genuine beneficiaries. This holds more relevant when secrecy has to be maintained for some reasons which is not possible in case of will. Of course, the creation of trust may result in some problems legally especially while categorizing the type of trust i.e. full secret trust or half secret trust. This necessitates the critical analysis of theoretical bases of formation of secret trusts, advantages of trusts over wills, differences between hal f secret and full secret trusts and some practically useful case studies. Preventing the fraud has been the main theoretical basis for trust formation (Hodge, 1980). At the same time, the wider and narrower views of fraud making during transfer of properties has to be kept in mind while formation of any trust. Some times, the trustee may try to cheat the settler by deviating from the norms actually mentioned in the trust (Bannister v Bannister, 1948). The main advantages of trusts over wills would also form the theoretical basis for formation of any trust. Some theories mention that the formation of trust and transfer of money or other assets to the beneficiaries would certainly aid in saving income tax and any other hidden taxes. Secondly, it offers the settler to maintain privacy and more importantly secrecy. This is quite remarkable in maintaining the safety of the beneficiaries. It is also conceptualized that the possibility of any intentional fraud can be

Criminal Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 6

Criminal Justice - Essay Example Prior to the arrest, a magistrate who has no interest in the case has to have given permission for the warrant to be issued. This ensures that the arrest is supported on a legal foundation. The next step after the arrest is booking the suspect. In this process, the individual is fingerprinted, photographed, and expected to provide personal information. In cases where th charges include the abuse of alcoholic substances, the suspect can be allowed to enroll in a suitable diversionary program like that of alcohol rehabilitation (Spano, Freilich, & Bolland, 2008). In such cases, the suspect has to abide by the regulations of the program or continue to the following criminal justice system stage for the continuation of the process of booking. After booking, the suspected person will be given a definite date on which he or she I scheduled to appear before a judge in court. Usually, this will happen in a couple of hours after the arrest. During this process, the suspect is informed of his or her right to be released, prior to the trial date, on his or her individual recognizance. A suspect could also be released when he or she posts bail. It is up to the judge to determine the amount that will be requested in the bail. This decision is often based on the brutality of the crime as well as the suspect’s potential to escape. The judge also considers the criminal background of the suspect before deciding on the amount for bail. In cases where bail is posted, the suspect will be required to provide the court with his or her passport. In the next stage, there is an arraignment hearing in which a judge will determine if a crime was actually carried out and if the accused person could be responsible for it. If it is found that the accused could have committed the crime, there will be an indictment (Spano, Freilich, & Bolland, 2008). On his or her next arraignment in court, the suspect has to enter a no contest, guilty, or not guilty plea. In cases where

Sales Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 8

Sales Management - Essay Example Sales force automation not only involves automation of various activities related to sales department of a company but also assists the management in carrying out sales analysis, market analysis, and employee performance analysis. Implementation of sales forces automation system in any company or organization is considered an important managerial decision but where it brings various advantages for the companies, it also leads to some disadvantages. Sales Force Automation helps the management of a company update the sales management processes in order to enjoy sheer sales success (Anderson 1996). The key activities carried out by the Sales Force Automation system include lead management, opportunity management, account management, contact management, activity management, and sales forecast analysis (Wilkinson 2010). Sales Force automation helps the companies automate different sales activities, which results in making the sales related processes more accurate and reliable as compared to traditional sales management. Sales Force Automation also helps the companies achieve market domination in any competitive market by increasing the productivity through automated sales processes. Some of the key advantages of implementing Sales Force Automation system in a company include identification of risks, elimination of wastes, decreased administrative costs, improved contract management, better order tracking system, and increased profits for the company. SFA system automates various sales processes such as order placement system, order processing system, and order tracking system. These automated systems result in making the sales department staff of a company more efficient. De Sousa (2010) asserts, â€Å"Sales management software enables sales teams to concentrate more on their sales activities as opposed to administrative tasks†. Companies should implement appropriate techniques such as supervisory feedback and

Music and Pornography Censorship Research Paper

Music and Pornography Censorship - Research Paper Example Censorship refers to a practice whereby public communication or speech is suppressed, particularly if it is regarded as harmful, objectionable, or sensitive by media outlets, governments, as well as other regulatory bodies. Various reasons lead to censoring on public content since the responsible bodies believe they contribute to immorality (Cloonan and Drewett 11). The various reasons that lead to censoring of content include pornography, obscenities, hate speeches, need to safeguard young children, enhance national security, or restrict or promote religious or political views. Various forms of censorship prevail in the current society. Any content is subject to censorship based on people’s location or activities taking place in a country (Chapman and Ciment 5). The media on the internet, radio, television, movies, books, and music are subject to censorship. Censorship is implemented in different forms every day. For example, music and pornography are among the key media type s, which censorship is exercised (Jones 18).

Patchwork Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Patchwork - Essay Example This particular realization has made the government adopt changes in policy to help the youth. Although the younger generation are now being employed in return of wages, their living standard is still highly compromised. The real wages received by the youth has fallen particularly for the age group of 16-24years from 2003-2011. The toughest problem is that the younger generation in labour markets has low chances of higher prosperity and real income compared to their parents. It has been a common consensus that performance of the youth employment has been less than impressive in almost all developed nations; but, this book has pointed out that youth unemployment had been aggravating in British economy much before the crash of 2008. U.K. has also been regarded as one of the worst performers among the other G8 nations, in terms of youth unemployment. It has been estimated that 14% of the under 25 population have no jobs and authors have estimated that if conditions does not improve in t he near future, then the situation is going to worsen. The authors have indicated that among the total unemployment share in U.K., proportion of unemployment under the age of 25 is the highest and it accounts about 40% of the total unemployment. The entire generation is â€Å"jilted† because if unemployment percentage under the age of 35 is considered, then this figure rises to 60%. Though the government has been able to reduce the level of unemployment as a whole, yet the segment of the â€Å"jilted† generation is degrading. The authors have identified the problem of NEET (not educated, employed or trained) among the youth (9% faces the NEET problem). This implies that a formidable section of the youth does not have the required skill set required by the nation to hire them. The authors have realized that the problems begin at schools, which later manifest in the labour market. The excessively high University fees have created two classes. The percentage

Medically and Mentally Challenged Inmates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Medically and Mentally Challenged Inmates - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that once identified with suicidal tendency, the inmate should be offered such cells or wards where 24-hour observation is possible. Similarly, those who are identified with medical issues should be housed separately so that they can be monitored more frequently than other general inmates. Secondly, the correctional staff is given training in various intervention procedures and a toolkit for first aid in emergencies. Even after initial screening, these people are able to observe the inmates closely and report any inmate’s exhibiting signs of physical or mental illness. The third best practice is the strategy of utilization review. This means the appropriateness of the services and procedures offered to each inmate is periodically reviewed. This helps reduce the cost involved in offering unnecessary monitoring and treatment. Finally, it is clear that about 50% of all the diseases, injuries, and death in the United States are entirely pr eventable. Therefore, another best practice is to introduce preventive measures, including frequent health screenings, medicines and vaccines, health education campaigns, and checkups. These practices will help correctional facilities better manage medically and mentally challenged inmates.

Final Examination Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Final Examination - Term Paper Example They then undertake a video exam where they watch a scenario and give their feedback. The applicants then undergo a physical fitness test. A background investigation is then conducted. A drug test, psychological test, polygraph oral interview and medical examination are taken to determine the suitability of the candidate. A background investigation is conducted to ensure applicants with criminal pasts and current criminal dealings are barred from being recruited. Police recruitment agencies have invested huge resources to ensure thorough background checks are conducted to determine the integrity of the applicants. The credit histories, history of drug use, academic records employment history are reviewed. This to establish any issue from the past that might jeopardize the applicant’s ability to perform their duties should they is recruited to the force. 3. The three main branches of our federal government are equal and each has their own individual checks and balances they can exert over the other two. Name the three branches and give some examples of each of their individual checks and balances. The U.S government is made up of three parts, the Executive, the Legistrature and the judicially. The three branches of government share power between them through clearly stipulated checks and balances that provide the separation of powers. The legistrature exerts influence on the executive through several ways. They include the power to override presidential vetoes; it has the power to declare war, allocate state funds and to impeach the president. It also influences the judicially through the senate’s role of approving federal judges and the power to set the court’s jurisdiction. The executive checks on the legistrature through its ability to call either of the houses or both of them for an emergency session. The

Job Redesign and Workplace Rewards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Job Redesign and Workplace Rewards - Essay Example Different companies have diverse issues that need to be dealt with in order to ensure that employees are up to the level that is required for enhanced motivation and productivity. It requires that a company develop the right strategies to enhance performance of a respective organization. Every department in an organization is unique and therefore, requires different motivational strategies to enhance performance (Cooper et al, 2009). Kroger is an established pharmacy that deals with a wide range of drug substances. It has a number of customers both locally and internationally. In the local set up, the company receives many customers at different intervals within a day. It, therefore, requires that every department work round the clock to ensure that the customers are well served and their expectations met as appropriate. On the hand, the employees are vital to the wellbeing of the company. Case in point is that the technicians are very essential components of the company. It has been argued that the technicians in the company are the most motivated and productive in the company. There are a number of issues that enhance the motivation and productivity of the company. A technician at the pharmacy has a wide range of duties in the company. Case in point is that the technician is in charge of all the issues that related to the technical issues in the company. One of the duties of the technician is to ensure that there are no faults in any department within the organization. The technician is in charge of every department in terms of technical issues. At the Kroger pharmacy the technician is charged with the responsibility of supplying the drugs to the patients either on prescription or at the counter. Consequently, the technician is charged with the responsibility of assembling the different drugs for the purpose of prescribing. On the other hand, the

BUS599 - Integrative Project, Mod 1 SLP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

BUS599 - Integrative Project, Mod 1 SLP - Essay Example None of the products aims at dominating the tablet market according to the confidence level the VP has in the company’s product. The only problem with the tablet company is a proper strategy on segmentation of the market focusing on profitability and life cycle of the products. Product X5 As X5 is marketed to be a tablet that is meant for customers who are conscious of price, it denotes the company’s median product line. The product line is in performance and price terms. X5 tablets are priced 285 dollars with a rated performance of 1.02 beginning in 2012. Taking default development investment and research, the values maintain their level of steadiness. Product X5 2012 2013 2014 2015 Price $285 $285 $285 $285 performance 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 The table above shows how Joe performed. In its early product cycle, the performance of X5 is favorable against competition. Its sales steadily grow through 2012, although as the phase of maturity develops during the year 2013, sales fluctuate drastically, (Marketing Teacher, 2000). If there are no price cut benefits to fuel further demand, X5 will rapidly change into the advanced phases of its life cycle. X5 2012 2013 2014 2015 Sales 1,647,592 2,145,622 1,853,177 963,776 Revenue 469,563,809 611,502,211 528,155,442 274,676,048 Variable cost 469,563,809 321,843,269 277,976,548 144,566,341 Total cost 330,058,847 404,763,269 360,896,548 227,486,341 Profit 139,504,962 206,738,942 167,258,894 47,189,707 Product X6 The X6 makes Tablet development company the highest in the technology line focused on customers that look for a tablet that performs well and that ready to pay an amount for it. X6 tablets are priced 430 dollars with a rated performance of 1.02 beginning in 2012. In the absence of enough R and D to maintain its edge of competitive technology, the performance rating deteriorates every subsequent year. Product X6 2012 2013 2014 2015 Price $430 $430 $430 $430 performance 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 The X6 benefit fro m strong sales inflowing 2012, the central of the introduction phase. The growth, nevertheless, tables into 2013, after which it fluctuates sharply via 2014. With X6 performance falling off to 1, the competitive advantage quickly degrades. It does not clearly receive the R and D investment which is required to give service to its targeted consumer. The table below shows the original promise of introduction phase of X6 that do not survive its transformation against competition. X6 2012 2013 2014 2015 Sales 1,288,999 2,134,931 2,364,061 1,118,142 Revenue 554,269,513 918,020,206 480,801,048 Variable cost 354,474,689 587,105,945 650,116,782 307,489,042 Total cost 400,134,689 632,765,945 695,776,782 353,149,042 Profit 154,134,825 285,254,260 320,769,459 127,652,006 X7 product The X7 stands for Tablets Development Company’s product contribution for the summative market. It does not either focus on price point or performance advantage. This tablet is of a mature product market where consumers look for a value established on a steadiness between price and required performance. Being in the category that is emerging, X7 starts 2012 at 190 dollars with a performance level of 0.97. The combination shows the product immaturity relative to the strategy that it fits in. The investment of R&D in X7 product increases the rate of performance throughout the considered time horizon, although never to a level needed to match its competition. Product X7 2012 2013 2014 20

King Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

King - Essay Example He addresses the anxiety of those who criticize his ‘direct action’ as illegal, by distinguishing between the â€Å"two types of laws: just and unjust† (King, 8). Individuals have the moral responsibility not only to obey just laws, but also to disobey unjust laws. King agrees â€Å"with St. Augustine that â€Å"an unjust law is no law at all†Ã¢â‚¬  (King, 8). He holds that a just law is one which is in accordance with morality, uplifts human personality and is equally applicable to the majority and the minority. King categorically asserts that â€Å"law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice† (King, 9). King’s position justifies government action which would be immoral from the perspective of an individual. A government is morally within its rights to strike back at any threat to national security, regardless of the geographical location of the perceived enemy. The government’s foremost duty is to ensure the security of its citizens and preserve the sovereignty of the nation. Although King’s â€Å"inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny† is based on the United States of his era, changing times and vast technological advances in communication and transport have made his position applicable on a global scale (King, 5). Actions in one part of the globe have instant repercussions on distant parts. The interconnectedness of global networks of terror justifies government strikes anywhere in the world. Such strikes cannot be construed as contravention of another nation’s sovereignty. The use of drones in Pakistan in making preemptive strikes against Al Quaeda is justified. Critics cite this as extreme action, but, as King asserts, being â€Å"extremists -- for the extension of justice† King, 11) is acceptable. This validates the Obama government’s action against Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. King acclaims â€Å"the vision to see that inj ustice must be rooted out by strong, persistent and determined action† (King, 12). Governments can resort to extreme actions, resulting in the loss of lives, in the cause of national security. Government intervention in the cause of global justice is also justified. King strongly declares that â€Å"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere† King,  5). It is not possible to insulate America from the rest of the world. Although the role of a ‘global policeman’ may not be acceptable to everyone, responsibility cannot be shirked. Isolationism is a policy which belongs to the past. Intervention on humanitarian grounds, and on the grounds of protection of self-interest, is justified by King’s definition of justice. American intervention in Bosnia stopped the carnage which decimated the land. Again, intervention in Libya struck a blow for democracy. Of course, intervention carries great risks, as is clearly seen in the quagmire of Iraq. In the case of Syria, the escalating casualties call out for intervention. The government continues to restrict its action to the provision of humanitarian and logistical aid to the rebels. This stand is largely based on the perception that Assad is a secular ruler who holds back the surge of Islamic extremism in the Arab world. It is time to realize that, in King’s words, it is wrong â€Å"

Eva Smith letter Essay Example for Free

Eva Smith letter Essay My life is unbearable and torn apart, in his letter I shall leave explanations for you to discover. Once I had feelings and ambitions, all are now destroyed. Why me? I had everything going for me once, I used to look forward to the future and seize every chance. Where am I destined for now? This evil world is not fit to bring a child into. I wish I could rely on someone; at least I can rely on a bottle of disinfectant to end my existence. What you are about to read is what has driven me to suicide. My social superiors have wrecked my life. I came from the country, a girl with so much hope and aspirations but now I wish I had never set my eyes on a place called Brumley.  I worked at a factory owned by Mr.Birling, a fat arrogant cruel man. I lost my job because we, the workers, asked for a raise. The few extra shillings we wanted could have easily been afforded but he was too cold and greedy to give us better wages. I was one the leaders of a strike in September 1910, the strike failed, as we could not afford to stay out of work. The man was so horrible to me; the day that he called me up to his office to tell me that I was fired he told me something that still haunts me. As I was leaving his office he stopped me at the door and said oh Eva, you were about to be promoted, what a mess you have made of that. I now had the reputation of a troublemaker but I was really a hard working popular worker. I was in for two hard months, unemployed and black listed. It was almost impossible to find a job. In those two months I became extremely depressed and very scared of the future. Penniless, I borrowed money from friends and ate other peoples food. I couldnt believe what had happened to me. I had a stroke of luck when I got a job at Milwards, an expensive clothes shop. I had a wonderful time there; I met new people and worked hard. As you will see in this story and I quickly learned, good things dont last! On one fateful day in January 1911, Shelia Birling came into the shop. She took the anger she had against her mother out on me because I looked good in a dress and she didnt; also I think she saw me smile to another worker and mistook it as me laughing at her. She accused me of impertinence and she started to shout at me. She used her family name to get me the sack. She picked on someone who could not fight back; she knew that she was more important to Milwards than I was. Why does it have to be me living the bad conditions? At least she has a family. Why is life unfair? Again I was out of work, penniless and desperate. I wish that I could support myself. Unfortunely the only work I could get was prostitution. It was become a prostitute or starve. I am the type of person who aspires to be something not a prostitute. Unfortunately extreme times lead people to extreme measures. I had no choice.  I was at the Palace Bar, the place I used to pick up men, Joe Meggerty, an awful man who chased prostitutes, was manhandling me. A good looking, gentleman named Gerald Croft rescued me. Gerald was nice too me. He made me his mistress; it was an affair because I knew he had someone else. I loved him but he was just using me for sex. At least I lived in total luxury for six months. He ended it in September 1911, I was an inconvenience. I was absolutely heart broken. I felt so used and abandoned. He gave me money to help me for a while; Gerald was the type of man who thought money solved everything. I enjoyed the affair so much that I went off to the seaside and pretended that the affair was still on. I had been expecting it to end any way, as he did not have the same feeling I had for him. Good things never last for me. I lived on the money he gave me until November 1911. It was then back to being a prostitute, back to the Palace Bar, back to that hellish dreadful lifestyle it was so difficult because I had been away from it for so long. I wish I had never set eyes on Eric Birling. He is the son Arthur Birling. He is a bit shy but that certainly changes when he has alcohol in him. I ended up getting drunk with him. We went home together, I then told him not to come in but he threatened to cause a row. I let him in and he forced me to have sex with him; he raped me. We met often after that. Our relationship was just pleasure, he kept me for sex, we had no feelings for each other. I worked as a prostitute for Eric; it was better, I suppose, than having to work for the likes of Joe Meggerty, as Eric was a young man. I found out, to my horror, that because of Eric raping me I was pregnant with his child. I was so scared when I found out that I was having a child, I fell into a world of despair unable to escape. Where would the money come from to feed the child? I was beginning to really worry about the future. I was stuck, no one would feel sorry for a prostitute, people would think that I had got what I deserved. I was even more frightened when I found out that the money Eric gave me was stolen. I couldnt take the money anymore, as I am a truthful and honest person. I didnt see Eric again after that. I dont hate Eric for what he did; I just think that he should learn that there are more things to life than drinking. I was frightened and alone, my only choice was to beg for money from the Brumely Womens Charity Organization. The chairperson was Sybil Birling, wife of Arthur Birling, a cold-hearted woman. She refused me help because she didnt like me. I told her that my name was Mrs. Birling, I thought I should have the right to that name but she thought that I was being rude towards her. Perhaps she did not want the name Birling being brought into disrepute. She took me to a back room and I explained to her that the father of the child was giving me money but the money was stolen and I couldnt take it anymore. She said that some one as low as me would not have airs and graces like that; she thought that poor people did not have feelings and morals, that we were animals. I deserved that bit of help she could have given me, especially as it would have supported her grandchild. There is now nothing I can do; Im the lowest of the low. I have gone without food for days. Why did they have to reject my plea for help? How can Mrs. Birling be so cold hearted? Why do I have I to live this worthless existence, trapped in misfortune? I am now in total despair.  I have found out that this world is cruel and unfair. This town, this world is not the type of place that I would like to bring a child up in. I must end this for both of us. I am a victim of others lack of morals. I know Ill go to heaven because I have served my time in hell.

The History of Blaan Essay Example for Free

The History of Blaan Essay The origin of the Blaan is obscured by the mist of antiquity. Though a people of rich traditional, almost nothing is known about them in view of the absence of ancient records. The Blaans belong to the second group of people who migrated to the Islands between 12,000 and 15,000 years ago. According to the Blaan folk tale told by Fulong, the early Blaans arrived the country next to the To Bali or tiny people. Historians have identified these tiny people as pygmies or negritos (little black) who said to have arrived in the Philippines about 25,000 years ago across the land bridge that was connected the archipelago with mainland Asia. It appears that the Blaans were very much ahead of the Indonesians by almost 10,000 years and cannot logically belongs to the Indonesian type A. The term Blaan, refers to a socio-linguistic group, on the Island of Mindanao, with covers coastal, lowland and highland groups from approximately as far North of Mt. Buluan, to as far South as the Sarangani Peninsula. Both the coastal, lowland and highland distinctions are based in geographical and ecological considerations as will as historical contact with other groups. The coastal and lowland Blaan groups tend to display a much more heterogeneous composition that the more homogeneous highland groups. As such the coastal and lowland groups in the highland are which display a strong sense of culture identity, as will as, more traditional Blaan practice. [pic] HISTORY OF BLAAN ASSOCIATED TO THE LAND. The people come from the land, without the land, there would be no people. The land, comes from the people for without the people, there would be no cultivated land. This is because land to the tribal is as a partner in life-not as commodity, not as a property that is owned and which may be bartered or sold. For centuries, the tribal people have been able to do just this quite successfully, maintaining ecological balance within their territory maintaining harmony with their environment. The traditional kaingin system of farming practiced by the majority of tribal Filipino has kept the soil fertile and has given flora and fauna, time regenerate land, life and power. The Fulo Bato Blaan consider themselves as one of the highland Blaan groups. According to highland Blaan traditional relief and custom, the spiritual entities, who inhabit the earth and the sky, are the true owners of the land for Blaan. [pic] Blaan says, that, the Blaan are like the banana, before a generation dies, new roots appear and grow. They grow up and always grow into bananas. They never grow into papaya. In the same way, each new generation of Blaan grow up with the same responsibilities, the previous generation, the same they never change. Blaan relationship are characterized by the interdependence, while each village has property rights over territorial lands, individuals can take as much land as needed provided that this is not in use at the time when a field is abandoned, the ownership revert to the community or (Banwu) personal property applies to products of own labor and still, house, furnishing, weapons, tools, and land crops. [pic] Many Blaan are very upset about the loss of the traditional lands to non-Blaan groups. Some Blaans believe that the purchase of land is only practical method of obtaining their land from the non- Blaan group, who currently occupy it. BLAAN LANGUAGE: Ani sen aye tana go. La ti fan don ko agtagak go di gamo. Ani sen aye go sol. Benwu fan go tayok di gamo. ENGLISH LANGUAGE: This is my traditional land. I dont want to leave this land. This is my homeland that I will leave to go. The Blaan people have been struggling for the recognition of their Ancestral Domain. The issue goes beyond simply a question of land use. The manner by which the Blaan people relate to their land resources deeply inter-wines with the customs, culture and political practices. Thus, it is an issue of a people life in its totality, and their struggle is an expression of their self-determination to carve their own destiny as a distinct people. [pic] The Blaan people have the right to maintain the distinctive spiritual relationship with their land, water and resources. They have the right to own and develop these. Their environment and their culture and intellectual property must be protected. The Blaan people have the right to control the development of their land. Government shall assist the Blaan people to preserve and protect their sacred sites. The Blaan people have the right to their own language and government hall ensure that the Blaan people can understand and he understand through interpretations and other appropriate ways in legal and other proceedings. The Blaan people value their culture and their tradition. They want to nurture it and maintain it. They want others to respect their right to do so. Blaan ancestral domain (tabi tana) and culture identity must be respected. BONG BANWU.is a big community. It is not only a community of people, but also includes their alnigo or clearing, gumlok or the hunting ground, bolol or the mountains, e-el or the rivers, ritual sites and other geographic and human features, such as burial grounds. This domain is defined by territorial boundaries. In the past, the term Bong Banwu was used by the highland Blaan to refer to a very large village and its accompanying and/ or surrounding land. One village was conceptualized by the Blaan as the residence of one mans family. The name of the familys most senior male was often used to refer to the village and its surrounding area. The locality in which the residence of the Bong Fulong is located is usually indicated by a higher population density.

Veterinarians in Society Essay Example for Free

Veterinarians in Society Essay Contemporary trends in American society evidently demonstrate the significant need for veterinarian profession. Small and large cities, urban and rural areas witness the development of veterinarian private clinics, animal care offices, animal coaching and teaching centers, and simultaneously more and more Americans recognize the value of fast and competent veterinarian assistance for their pets. On the national level the role of veterinarian resources becomes invaluable. Therefore, the US Congress should consider an emerging demand for veterinarian profession, and avoiding potential labor shortage, develop legislation that would increase the number of veterinary graduates. The labor market for veterinarians is enormous, since sharply rising costs of animal care stimulated big markets for pet health insurance and pet health maintenance organizations. As the American Animal Hospital Association indicates 5% of pet owners, which comprises about 3. 2 million Americans, have pet health insurance. The number is five times more than for the year 1995. According to statistics, the average American pet owner is ready to spend from $250 to $1,000 in order to save the family animal from euthanasia (Ramsdell, 1). This number has quadrupled over the past 20 years. Although there are many reasons for the fast development, including economics and demographics, in terms of growing number of empty households, the need for qualified veterinary labor resources is evident. The majority of Americans drastically change their attitudes towards pets, from regarding them as property, to perceiving and treating them as true family members. Pets give great physical and psychological benefits to humans, therefore veterinarians providing qualified and timely medical care indirectly impact the health of their American fellow-citizens. On the national level the role of veterinarian is considered more and more vital in the light of contemporary trends in food industry. From the practical standpoint, veterinarians maintain the health of humans through the health of food-producing animals. For instance, mad-cow disease constitutes the pressing medical and social problem, especially for the nation with largest beef industry and beef consumption in the world. The US government focuses on testing cattle showing signs of a nervous-system disorder because they are at the highest risk of having mad-cow disease. Consumption of meat from infected animals can trigger a rare but always-fatal neurological disease in humans (Kilman, A6). Under the current program, veterinarians from the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service police meatpacking plants and inspect suspicious animals. Veterinarians from another branch of the department, the Animal Plant Heath Inspection Service, collect brain samples and conduct laboratory testing. Field veterinarians investigate reportable diseases such as rabies or tuberculosis, and forward the samples to laboratories. It is necessary to emphasize that due to veterinarian profession such diseases as encephalitis, anthrax, and botulism, are now well-known in the US Congress and government. It is difficult to overestimate the role of veterinarian for contemporary society. Today, veterinarians work with meat producers to determine cost effective preventative measures for their livestock, analyze new methods to detect cancer in both humans and animals, oversee the country’s food supply, conduct animal assisted therapy programs or routine exams on Americans’ family pets. And their vital role continues to grow. Due to veterinary strong academic training in areas such as physiology, pathology, anatomy, microbiology and histology, veterinarians are scientists that can provide valuable contributions in many diversified areas. However, the profession needs new qualified labor resource to substitute retired specialists and accomplish market emerging opportunities. The US Congress should develop legislation that would increase the number of veterinary graduates. Bibliography Kristin Ramsdell. Pet trend: Anthropomorphism, Growth Strategies. Santa Monica: Aug 2002. , Iss. 944 Scott Kilman U. S. Confirms A Failure to Use Mad-Cow Test. Wall Street Journal. New York, N. Y. : May 4, 2004

Brand Improvement Recommendations for Toyota

Brand Improvement Recommendations for Toyota Introduction The modern age of business can be defined as age of competition. The competition within an industry is gradually increasing with the expansion of business as many new players are entering into the market. There are several reasons behind this intensifying competition. Firstly, globalisation is one of the primary reasons for expansion of trade and business that lead to increase competition. Many business organisations have found greater opportunities in overseas market, and free trade policies and agreements between multiple countries facilitated their market expansion programs. The domestic markets have turned into global markets that heightened competition rivalry among existing domestic and new multinational enterprises. Since last two decades, the society has been experiencing a rapid technological improvement. The technological advancements have led to change the structure entire trade and business. The management tasks and operational process are now backed with technology like e-commerce and e-business. A better grip of technological advancement helps a business organisation to gain an upper hand position. Finally, enhancing economic condition of consumers and increasing their disposable income have strengthened their purchasing power. This has also changed their consumer buying behaviours and they have developed their specific brand preferences (Vashisht, 2005, p.68). In the modern and competitive business world, business organisations always try to position itself in market for avoiding unnecessary competitions. In this process they aim to achieve strong competitive advantages and core competencies that enable them to gain upper hand position in the market. There are multiple ways to achieve competitive advantages; however, brand development is the most preferred way for creating high business value. The increasing demands of brand development is due to two primary factors i.e. urge for acquiring higher market share and increasing concern towards consumer value. The modern management style and thought process of decision makers have transformed. The modern management concept more focuses on long term benefits by creative a sustainable businesses environment where stakeholders wealth and value creation is the first priority. When a company is able to meet these responsibilities towards stakeholders, society, community and environment, it is able t o create a high brand image in the market. Managements in modern organisation culture follow management theories and models which are very effective in achieving common organisational goal. In this respect, they concentrate on two-way communicational system within cross-functional teams and with its consumers. For example, the existing management system deliberately tries to implement integrated marketing communication that focuses on better marketing strategy for enhancing consumer values. These efforts made by the modern managements are very helpful in brand development and hence, they try to draft specific plans for branding strategies. This paper will attempt to deal with brand improvement strategies for Toyota Motor Corporation and primary aim of this paper is to offer a plausible set of recommendations based on findings of primary research and secondary research data analysis. At first, a brief description of Toyota Corporation will be offered to understand fundamentals of it. The second section will explain the research question and objective based on which the entire research methodology will be constructed to obtain viable and valid results. The third section will present theoretical background and models relating to marketing and branding. Marketing and branding are interrelated with each other and the later is an integral part of marketing. Multiple marketing theories and models are very helpful for brand development. Moreover, many scholars have developed brand specific theories and models which facilitate brand management tasks. The fourth section will include the research methodology, and research framewo rk will be framed as per the requirements of this research paper. Finally, based on data analyses and its findings, the entire project will be summarized and a set of credible recommendation will be developed. Chapter 1 A Company Overview: Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation is a multinational automobile company and it is famous as Toyota in global market. The company is a Japan-based company and it is present in the most of the international markets. Sakichi Toyoda laid the foundations of automobile company and latter, in 1933, his son Kiichiro Toyoda opened an automobile department after conducting an extensive research on engines powered by gasoline. Automobile department was known as Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd. One of the sister company of Toyota, called Hinode Motors (now known as Aichi Toyota) introduced its first A1 prototype cars and G1 truck during 1935. In 1937, Kiichiro Toyoda established Toyota Motor Company Ltd. and in 1938 he started producing SB trucks in its Honsha plant in 1938 (Toyota-a, 2011). Toyota brought a revolution in automobile industry of Japan during 1930s to 1950s by incorporating innovation and growth oriented business model. At present, Toyota is one of the leading and the largest automobile manufacturing in the world. It is also one of the pioneers in automobile innovation which is the companys core value. The technological expertise is prime competitive advantage that has helped the company to cater the global automobile market. Since the inception of Toyota, the company is committed to produce reliable and value added vehicles, Innovation is the major tool for the company and it also uses its technological expertise in meeting social and environmental responsibilities. In order to operate in the global market, the company has formed its seven specific guidelines and principles. These principles mainly include with business ethics, respects and honour for every country and its culture, and develop a growth oriented organisation with the business partners etc (Toyota-b, 2011). Presently, Toyotas global headquarter is at Toyota City, Aichi of Japan and its president and representative director is Akio Toyoda. As of March 31, 2010, the company owned nearly 397.05 billion yen of capital. It has a number of subsidiaries and affiliated companies over the world and currently, it has nearly 320,590 employees in its international business (Toyota-f, 2011). Currently, Toyota is trying to use its innovation for bringing development in the society and environment. The company has realized increasing negative impacts of industrialization and carbon emission from increasing number of vehicle. Therefore, the company is now focusing on eco-friendly cars like hybrid and electronic cars. Toyota has identified three major environmental issues relating to its vehicle manufacturing and hence, it has developed and incorporated necessary steps for making the things better for environment. Firstly, it attempts to enhance its transmission and engine efficiency by downsizing measures. Secondly, energy management is another major task for Toyota in this respect. Finally, for reducing overall vehicle load, it tries to lessen rolling resistance, air drag and vehicle mass (Toyota-c, 2011). Quality and safety are two major parameters for Toyota and hence, the company strive to bring constant development in its operational and management process. Toyotas production system â€Å"is steeped in the philosophy of the complete elimination of all waste imbuing all aspects of production in pursuit of the most efficient methods† (Toyota-d, 2011). The global operation of Toyota is primarily based on two concepts of modern management. â€Å"The first is called jidoka (which can be loosely translated as automation with a human touch) which means that when a problem occurs; the equipment stops immediately, preventing defective products from being produced† (Toyota-d, 2011). The second concept is the just-in-time process that helps it to maintain a smooth process of operation without maintaining high inventory. Table 1: Consolidated Vehicle production As Toyota has been able to capture significant share of market in these regions, its financial position has been quite strong. The following table and graph present key financial performance indicator and sales revenue by region. Table 2: Consolidated Performance As per the above figure and table, during 2009, Toyota faced loss due to the effect of global economic crisis. However, with the recovering economy, the company has been able to regain high profitability. From Japan and North American market, Toyota earns the highest revenue. Besides, from other markets like Europe and Asia, the company generates high revenue. Toyota was in the face of a grim crisis when one of its leading models of the Lexus and Prius brand was badly hit by a series of manufacturing defects in the US which led to loss of innocent lives. The company had to pay a major price for this defect as its public relations strategy was widely criticised. In addition to this the company had to face major lawsuits which led to payment of hefty fines by the company and large scale product recall that had a wide impact on the brand image of the organization. The discussions have pointed out the fundamental features and condition of Toyota that make it a successful company in the global automobile market. The efficient operations with technological expertise are the primary base of the company. In each market, it has developed trust and confidence among the target consumer group and hence, it has been able to capture higher market share. Research Question The research paper will be looking at the branding strategies which Toyota may adopt to augment its tarnished brand image. The discussion will be carried out with an analysis of earlier branding strategies of Toyota. Adding to it, some relevant branding strategies of other leading organisations will also be taken into account; so that, an appropriate branding framework can be developed for the company taking references from the company as well as its competitors. Chapter 2 Literature Review Branding â€Å"[Branding is] a 15-second elevator pitch that every employee in the organization can not only get and articulate, but can talk about their role in bringing that to life† -Davis, M. S. (Wiley, 2003, p.1). In todays competitive world of business, marketing and advertising have significant contribution to create ‘branding of any product or service or may be of a whole organisation. The significant portion of branding has experienced a dramatic shift in the last few decades. Both the traditional branding and the role of brands were subject to continual review and redefinition. According to Kotler, a brand can be defined as â€Å"the name associated with one or more items in the product line that is used to identify the source of character of the item† (Guzman, n.d., p.1). The American Marketing Association (AMA) has defined a brand as a name, sign, term, design symbol, design or a combination of them which are intended to categorize the products and services offered by one seller or group of sellers. The brands are also used to differentiate them from those of their competitors. Keller has expressed a different view. According to him, whenever an organisation introduces a new name, symbol or logo for a new product, he or she has created a brand. However, today those brands mean much more than that. According to these definitions, in simple term it would not be wrong to say that the brands act as identifiers. Earlier, brands and brand building processes would be thought as just another step towards the marketing or selling off products. Since a long time, brands were treated as a secondary step of the marketing process. According to Kotler, branding has become a significant issue in the product strategy. The brand communication strategy has its focus towards representation of the brand and the creation of the brand image. In the year 2000, Aaker and Joachimsthaler mentioned that as per the traditional branding model, the objective is to develop the brand image (Ali, 2007). The brand image is a strategy element driving the short term results of the product as well as the organisation. In the year 1997, Kapferer mentioned that the brand is an external sign whose responsibility is to disclose the hidden qualities of the product or service (Nijte, 2005, p.20). In todays competitive business environment, the challenge is to develop a string and distinctive image. The brand is expected to serve as the identifier of a product by displaying the distinguishing elements from the competition. Powerful brands develop meaningful metaphors in the consumers minds. The meaningful images are created through development of brand image and enhancement of reputation by differentiating and potentially having an affirmative influence on the consumers buying behaviour. The Keller Model has a considerable contribution in the branding theory. The model has identified the concept of customer based brand equity and the brand hierarchy. According to Keller, brand equity is the effect that the brand knowledge would have on the consumer response to the brand marketing, which would have the effect happening when the brand is known and the customers would possess favourable, strong and unique brand associations. This customer-based Brand Equity (CBBE) model has identified about four steps, representing the questions asked by the customers and displaying a branding ladder. In this model, each of the steps is dependent on the achievement of the earlier one. All these steps consist of six brand building blocks which would have a number of sub-dimensions. While building a strong brand, the objective is to reach at the apex of the pyramid where there would exist a harmonious relationship with the customers. At the very first stage, this model should represent a correct brand identity by answering the customers question ‘Who are you?. The aim is to develop an identification of the respective brand and display an association with the respective product class or the specific requirements. The initial stage involves of the brand building block ‘salience. The next step considers the question ‘What are you?. The question is answered through the establishment of brand meaning in their minds and associating the brand with certain properties. In this step, there are two brand building blocks: performance and imagery. The following step is ‘brand response, whereas the appropriate customer responses to the brand identification and meaning are brought out. This step is also achieved with two building blocks judgement and feelings and answers the question- What about you? The final step in the model is ‘brand relationships where the brand response is transformed to a passionate, active loyalty relationship between the customers and the brand. This stage addresses the customer question -What about you and me? The final brand building block is ‘resonance which is at the apex of the pyramid. â€Å"Kellers conceptual framework provides guidance in building, measuring and managing brand equity. While Keller claims that the model can be applied in a B2B context and a consumer environment, it does not appear to have been tested for industrial brands. The similarities and differences between business and consumer markets have long been debated with organisational buyers found to differ in many ways, suggesting that the application of such a model in a B2B setting will pose challenges† (Kuhn Alpert, n.d., p.3). Today, there has been a considerable shift in the brand management processes. Concerning with the brand management process, Aaker and Joachmisthaler have discussed the traditional branding model where the brand management team would be responsible for creating and coordinating with the brands management programs (Guzman, n.d.). In such a case, the brand manager was not at the top of the management hierarchy and his focus used to be the short term financial results of both the brands and products in the respective markets. The basic objective has been the coordination with the manufacturing and sales departments. The coordination is necessary in order to solve any problem associated with sales and market share. According to this strategy, the responsibility of the brand has solely been the concern of the marketing department. In general, majority of the companies thought that focusing on the latest advertising campaign would mean concentrating on the brand itself. The model is strateg ically significant and reactive rather than being creative and visionary. The brand has always been referred to as more like a series of tactics and never like any strategy. In 1997, Kapferer has mentioned that before the 1980s, a different approach was there towards the brands (Kapferer, 1997, p.23). Earlier, the organizations wished to purchase a producer of pasta and chocolate. After 1980, the consumers are looking for Buitoni and KitKat. Such an instance displays the fact that earlier, the consumers were not bothered about the brands; rather they were more focused on the required product. However, after 1980, the consumers are aware of the product names. Buitoni has established the brand name in pasta and KitKat has marked its position in the world of chocolate. This distinction is quite significant. In the first case, the organizations wish to purchase the production capacity and in the later years, they want to create a place in the consumers minds. In other words, the shift in the focus towards the brand would start as it was understood that the brands are more than plain identifiers. According to Kapferer, a brand serves eight functions: Identifi cation, Practicality, Guarantee, Optimization, Characterization, Continuity, Hedonistic and Ethical. Identification of the brand would enable the consumer to clearly see, make sense of the offer and to quickly identify the required after products (Kapferer, 1997, p.29). Practicality would enable the consumers to save on time and energy through identical purchasing and loyalty. Among the other function, optimization is significant one to make the customers sure of finding the same quality indifferent to the time and place of the product or service. The characterization in brand management reflects the confirmation of the product or service image, presented to others. There must be continuity in the brand which is supposed to bring in satisfaction through familiarity and intimacy with the brands, which were used or consumed by the customers since a long period. The brand is supposed to bring in satisfaction linked to the brand attractiveness; the brand is required to be hedonistic. Th e brand is also required to be ethical as satisfaction of the consumers must come through reasonable behavior of the products and those must be reflected in its relationship towards the society. Among these eight functions, the first two are quite mechanical and are concerned with the essence of the respective brands. The brands are expected â€Å"to function as recognized symbol to facilitate choice and to gain time† (Guzman, n.d., p.2). The next steps are meant for reducing the apparent risk and the final three steps are related with the pleasure side of any brand. The brand value emerges from its ability to attain an exclusive, positive and significant mark in the minds of a large customer base. As a consequence, the organizations must carry out branding and brand building to develop the brand value. He has perceived the brand value to be in monetary terms and accounted the same in the intangible assets. However, according to Doyle, brands fail to explore the value creatin g opportunities if the managers pursue strategies, not oriented to maximize the shareholders value (Guzman, n.d.). There are four factors which could be there in the consumers minds and which could be combined to establish the perceived value of any product or service brand. This would also determine the â€Å"brand awareness; the level of perceived quality compared to competitors; the level of confidence, of significance, of empathy, of liking; and the richness and attractiveness of the images conjured up by the brand† (Guzman, n.d.). According to the theory by Kapferer, adding brand image, perceived quality, evocations, familiarity to the brand awareness would create the brand assets which can also be thought as the brand added value perceived by the customers (Kapferer, 1997, p.123). Deducting both cost of branding and cost of invested capital from the same would be equal to the finance value of the brand or brand equity value. Brand Identity ‘Identity is very significant for any individual or for any entity to make others feel its presence. In case of marketing, it is very necessary to remain in the mind of target consumers and in the market. It is very important for any business organisation to create a unique identity in market and this identity is very crucial for generating sales revenue. The business organisations or companies can develop identity as per its corporate name, product or services. There are some examples of such identity. Xerox Corporation is a world renowned company that offers printers, copiers, scanners, projectors etc. The company was very successful for its photocopier machines. It used it corporate brand name for marketing the photocopier machines and now, the photocopier machines are now famous as ‘Xerox Machines. Another famous example of developing identity using product name is ‘Marlboro Cigarette. It is the worlds largest selling cigarette brand manufactured by Altria Group Philip Morris International. The companys corporate identity is not so popular but it is popular for its product identity i.e. Marlboro. However, the above examples have been explained to make understand the importance of identity for being successful in market and for being famous among the target consumers groups. Therefore, every company must try to build its unique identity though its corporate name, product or services. Each product or services and each company have its own unique identity and consumers perceptions for each identity are different from other competing product. For example, consumers perceive Mercedes as premium brand as it offers its premium cars to very niche market. On the other hand, Wal-Mart is perceived as low-cost brand as it offers ‘every day low price to its consumers (Talley, 2011). Both the companies (Mercedes and Wal-Mart) have developed their own typical identity as per their core marketing approaches. The above discussion has focused on importance and some example of identity. In marketing this identity is known as ‘brand identity. Different scholars and critics have presented their views regarding brand identity and how it is important for companies for their sustainability in a market. In this respect, Jean-Noà «l Kapferer has related the brand identity with globalisation. He has offered the definition of brand identity from the globalization perspectives. He believes that brand identity must help a company in globalising of its brand image. He has explained that â€Å"the brand must have as identity that will serve as medium for its globalisation, in both tangible and intangible terms† (Kapferer, 2008, p.488). Sometimes, brand identity and brand image is considered to be similar or identical but these two terms are very different from others. The brand image of company or of a product can be defined through the others perception i.e. consumers view; whereas, brand identity is a companys attempt to project itself before its target consumers (Wilson and Blumenthal, 2008, p.58). Therefore, it can be defined that brand image is an outcome of an attempt to develop brand identity among the consumers groups. Hence, building brand identity is very crucial step for buildings brand image. In the process of framing brand strategy, establishment of brand identity is the foremost task for a company as it offers a company purpose, aim, direction and proper significance to a brand. In order to explain a brand identity, Aaker has identified three prime components in a brand identity. The following diagram shows these three components. As per the above figure, three essentials of brand identity are core identity, brand essence and extended identity. The core identity refers to the â€Å"timeless center of the brand† that must consist of basic features of a company like its values, ethics, belief etc (Salver, 2009, p.41). Brand essence can be defined as soul of a companys brand that makes the core brand more comprehensible, accessible and valuable. The extended brand helps to add more value to the core brands identity. These three components are not basic integral part of a brand strategy but understanding of brand identity helps brand managers in recognising the prevailing brand position (Salver, 2009, p.41). Toyota has attempted to develop its brand identity for each of its brand product like Lexus, Prius, Innova, Corolla etc. The brand identity is basically determined by specific features of the product. For example, Toyota Prius has been able to develop its brand identity among the tech-savvy and environmentally conscious people and Lexus had gained its specific brand identity among the luxury car market. Lexus has been a premium brand for its target consumers as they perceive Lexus as high quality and value added vehicle. Toyota has successfully understood the core brand identifies and brand essence, and it has promoted its distinct brand products in accordance to target market (Toyota-h, 2011). Brand Building To establish the strong brands in a cheaper, better and faster way, the organisations require pursuing a different, effective and efficient approach altogether to the brand building. The cornerstone of the brand building is the fusion of future economics, organisational capabilities and customer insights. Brand building demands the organisations to focus more on the segments which would drive the organisation develop organisation propositions and deliver products according to the customers preferences (McKinsey Company, n.d., p.12). Brand Awareness In the above sections of literature review, the importance and explanation of brand image have been discussed. However, without proper understandings of brand identity and brand awareness, the brand image cannot be formed for target market. A company can build a higher brand image in the mind of consumers when it is able to successfully create its pre-determined brand identity through brand awareness programs. Therefore, the importance and understanding of brand awareness is significant in brand image building process. For building a strong brand, it is necessary to incorporate brand identity and brand awareness. The following model shows the importance and correlation between brand identity, brand awareness and brand image. The above model shows that in the process of brand building, brand identity and brand awareness are the two primary areas followed by brand image association, brand quality, brand loyalty and brand broadening. As per the above figure, brand loyalty is an outcome of brand image that is an effect of successful creation of brand identity and brand awareness. Brand loyalty provides a company a competitive advantage over its key competitors that helps it to counter and avoid unnecessary competition. Brand loyalty can be defined from the availability of brand loyal consumers. However, Knox and Walker has identified that there is significant difference between brand loyalty and repetitive purchasing (Ranchhod and Marandi, 2007, p.80). They explained that â€Å"this lack of clarity has led to a great deal of difficulty in interpreting many of the brand loyalty studies† (Ranchhod and Marandi, 2007, p.80). However, they also admitted that brand loyalty also includes the repetitive purchasing and word-of-mouth marketing from consumers end. Therefore in order to develop significant amount consumers, plausible brand awareness programs are inevitable for a company. Brand awareness defines the strength of a brand in a consumers mind, and a strong effect of brand awareness determines the longevity of brands image in target consumers mind. According to Keller, brand awareness includes performance of brand recall and brand recognition. Bran recall refers to consumers ability to regain a brand from their past experiences while making any buying decision. Brand recognition is consumers knowledge regarding a specific brand. The consumer should be able to recognise their brand when they are given wide ranges of choices. McLoughlin and Aaker have been able to understand major draw backs in implementing brand awareness programs for a company. They believe that, most of the companies consider brand awareness as a promotional mix and hence, they more focuses on promoting a product rather than brand development or brand awareness. Brand awareness is also very necessary for creating brand equity. McLoughlin and Aaker have designed a model showing brand aware ness and its important outcomes. As per the above figure, brand awareness is directly related to brand equity which includes brand related assets and liabilities. Successful implementation of brand awareness and better brand equity lead to develop higher brand loyalty and brand association of consumers. While discussing about the brand awareness, it is necessary to deal with the consumers buying behaviours. Brand awareness deals with consumers perception for an offered brand that helps them in recalling the past experiences while buying. The influences of brand awareness are very substantial in the process of making a buying decision. Gustafson and Chabot have provided five major steps for planning and implementing brand awareness. These five major steps are given below. Cleary identify and understand potential target consumers and market Develop a unique name, slogan, and logo for a company or for offer product brand Offer value added features and services along with offered branded product or services Effective promotional mix and advertising focusing on brand creation Develop proper public relation with consumers by following-up the post-sales period (Gustafson and Chabot, 2007) The above steps are very helpful in establishing a strong brand awareness programs to build brand image in the mind of target consumers. Recently, Toyota has faced a drastic brand crisis in its Swedish market due to quality issues. It caused to develop a negative brand image in the mind of target consumers. Moreover, in American market, the company faced a crisis, and mass media played very active role in spreading the ‘Toyota crisis news. However, due to previous effective brand awareness programs, certain group of loyal consumers were not influenced by that crisis news. This case provides an evidence for the importance of brand awareness creation in the mind of the target consumers. On the other hand, the prevailing management of Toyota was not able to cope up with that crisis situation. In such situation, management could have restructured its entire brand awareness program to maintain its corporate image (Feng, 2010). Brand Positioning Brand Positioning can best be described as the process of identifying the niche of the market for a certain brand. This can be assumed as one of the oldest marketing tricks as it was found as early as in 1969. During the start of marketing policies the organizations focused only on the benefits which took them away from competition in the market which may also form differentiation. When we talk about the term ‘positioning we need to realize what it actually means. It can be defined as making a place in the customers memory, providing them with reasons or characteristics of brands that would make them choose their brands instead of same brands in the industry from different