Essay about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - 1060 Words

There are many mental illnesses and disorders that affect millions of people lives. One such disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), typically manifests in men during the late teen years and in women during the early twenties. In the past, OCD has been difficult to diagnose, with a range of symptoms making a diagnosis more difficult. In addition, there are a variety of different therapies and treatments that can be adopted in order to alleviate the symptoms and help a patient return to a somewhat normal life. Patients often have difficulty in social situations and can find it difficult to perform work and academic pursuits successfully. Obsessive compulsive disorder is a serious mental illness that must be considered when patients†¦show more content†¦125). Physical complaints are often reported by a patient, and that often masks or diverts attention from the anxiety component of the disorder. Another issue with diagnosis is that â€Å"most people seek treatment from a medical or primary care provider but not a psychiatrist† (Valente, 2002, p. 126). Without appropriate training, it is difficult to understand the nature of the disease, due in part to the fact that â€Å"Until the 1970s OCD was viewed as a rare condition, which was difficult, if not impossible, to treat† (Gournay et al., 2006, p. 59). However, OCD is a treatable mental illness. There is a combination of factors that contribute to the onset of obsessive compulsive disorder. First, â€Å"Anxiety and OCD may arise from a malfunction of the brain or internal biochemical substances that help individuals prepare for danger† (Valente, 2002, p. 126). â€Å"Medications to regulate OCD are not just a crutch to reduce symptoms but a treatment for a chemical imbalance† (Valente, 2002, p. 126). In addition, â€Å"According to cognitive theorists, anxiety disorders—including OCD—may stem from negative thinking and irrational ideas as well as genetic and biochemical sources† (Valente, 2002, p. 126). In order to diagnose OCD accurately, it is necessary to keep in mind that â€Å"OCD includes both obsessions and compulsions† (Valente, 2002, p. 127). Obsessions are when a patient has recurring thoughts that cause anxiety and are typically inappropriate. Compulsions are responses to anShow MoreRelatedObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)1756 Words   |  8 Pages Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder that can affect children and adults. In order to fully understand OCD, many different areas of the disorder must be reviewed. First, OCD will be defined and the diagnosis criteria will be discusse d. Secondly the prevalence of the disorder will be considered. The different symptoms, behaviors and means of treatment are also important aspects that will be discussed in order to develop a clearer understanding of the implications of obsessive compulsiveRead MoreEssay on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)875 Words   |  4 Pagessevere Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that triggers people to have unwanted fixations and to repeat certain activities again and again. Everyone has habits or certain ways of doing something with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder these habits severely interrupt the way they live their lives (Familydoctor.org Editorial Staff). About one in 40 people suffer from some form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ABRAMOWITZ). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder oftenRead MoreLiving With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)1190 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferences between both symptoms and experiences of six different authors who have been personally affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).   Since OCD is not very well understood by many members of the public (Escape), I hope that the experiences of the authors that I researched will be able to paint a vivid picture of what life with OCD is like. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves a chemical imbalance in the brain. This chemical imbalance is thought to be the main reason for obsessionsRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Essay2901 Words   |  12 Pages   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, affects an average 1.7% of the population according to the Stanford University School of Medicine.  Ã‚  The recognition of this psychological disorder has grown in the recent years.  Ã‚  As the knowledge of this disorder becomes more prevalent, those suffering have become more willing to seek help (OCDA).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  OCD is a condition â€Å"in which people experience repetitive and upsetting thoughts and/or behaviors† (OCDA).  Ã‚  While there are many variationRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Essay800 Words   |  4 Pages Obsessive Compulsive Disorder And Its Effect On Life Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, involves anxious thoughts or rituals one feels and cant control. . For many years, OCD was thought to be rare. The actual number of people with OCD was hidden, because people would hide their problem to avoid embarrassment. Some recent studies show that as many as 3 million Americans ages 18 to 54 may have OCD at any one time. This is about 2.3% of the people in this age group. It strikes men and women inRead More Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Essays2616 Words   |  11 Pagesis a very powerful piece of structure; it is truly limitless when speaking about its potential. With a functional organ comes a dysfunctional possibility. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, (OCD), for instance, is nervousness in the mind. OCD is an anxiety disorder caused by repetitive intrusive thoughts and behaviors. It is a mental disorder marked by the involvement of a devotion to an idea or routine. Essentially, it is a false core belief which is believing that there is something wrong, causingRead MoreEssay on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)3370 Words   |  14 Pages Obsessive compulsive disorder is a disease that many people know of, but few people know about. Many people associate repeated washing of hands, or flicking of switches, and even cleanliness with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), however there are many more symptoms, and there are also explanations for those symptoms. In this paper, I will describe what obsessive compulsive disorder is, explain some of the effects of it, and explain why it happens. I will also attempt to prove that while medicationRead More Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Essay1758 Words   |  8 PagesOCD: Whats in Control? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that is the fourth most common mental illness in the U.S. (8). OCD affects five million Americans, or one in five people (3). This is a serious mental disorder that causes people to think and act certain things repetitively in order to calm the anxiety produced by a certain fear. Unlike compulsive drinking or gambling, OCD compulsions do not give the person pleasure; rather, the rituals are performed to obtainRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Essay examples1375 Words   |  6 PagesObsessive Compulsive Disorder â€Å"I know my hands are clean. I know that I have touched nothing dangerous. But†¦ I doubt my perception. Soon, if I do not wash, a mind numbing, searing anxiety will cripple me. A feeling of stickiness will begin to spread from the point of contamination and I will be lost in a place I do not want to go. So I wash until the feeling is gone, until the anxiety subsides. Then I feel defeated. So I do less and less, my world becomes smaller and smaller and more lonelyRead MoreEssay about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)474 Words   |  2 Pages Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that effects nearly 5 million Americans, and half a million children. Its a disease that fills the brain with unwanted ideas, and worries. OCD is a diseases that effects the Cerebral frontal cortex. Unfortunately there is no cure for OCD. Obsessive compulsive disorder can start developing as early as age five. In most cases OCD controls your life. Through out the rest of this paper I hope to inform you on Obsessive compulsive Disorders

Bad Blood Free Essays

Bad Blood by James H. Jones â€Å"Bad Blood† is an excellently written account of one of the most horrendous and despicable acts perpetrated by the United States Government of nearly 40 years, the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. James H. We will write a custom essay sample on Bad Blood or any similar topic only for you Order Now Jones carefully researched this subject and provided factual information which could be backed up by mounds of evidence.He provides a detailed writing that illuminates the ignorance, racism and outright inhumanity that was deep-rooted throughout the United States, the medical arena, and society in general prior to these horrific experiments, and acknowledges the data provided by individuals who participated in the experiments. From 1939 to 1972 the U. S. government sponsored an experiment on 399 African-American men in an effort to determine if the long-term affects of syphilis were different for black people than it was for white people.These men were promised incentives, such as free meals, transportation to and from the medical trial and, the most appealing of all, free burial plots, to join. During the â€Å"trials† the medical professionals intentionally denied these men treatment, never informed them of syphilis’ destructiveness to their health, and ignored the f act that these men were infecting their respective wives and sexual partners with the disease. As the experiments continued these doctors calculatedly deceived the men, informing them that they were suffering from what was categorized as â€Å"bad blood†.As the disease took over the minds and bodies of these unsuspecting men, no effort was made by the doctors of the Public Health Service to either inform them regarding the disease or provide them with treatment in an effort to restrain the devastating effects. I think I can safely say that the author of this book, James H. Jones, believed that these experiments were inhumane and violated every right of many Americans. It is unbelievable to imagine what our government, whom is suppose to protect us from terrorists, can be allowed to perform such horrendous experiments undetected for so long.It is no wonder that the consensus among African-Americans towards them is fear and mistrust! The â€Å"study† of the natural history of syphilis in black men is important to understand. Because it involved U. S. federal funds and U. S. federal researchers, it was a key demonstration that serious ethical problems in research were a mainstream event rather than a fringe problem. Awareness of this project fueled concern to provide regulatory oversight and, finally, led to the development of federal regulations. Jones’ revelations were key this.I think that everyone who is involved in human subjects’ research should read this book to draw insight into what can unknowingly happen when â€Å"high society† (in this case the U. S. government) has control. I would strongly recommend that anyone considering participating ask many, many questions and never allow anyone to leave you in the dark about what is happening to you and your body. Overall, this is an excellent book that makes it abundantly clear why Tuskegee is so important to our thinking about research ethics, and helps the reader understand why certain racial and ethnic groups have a distrust of medical research. How to cite Bad Blood, Papers

Brians Search For The Meaning Of Life In W.o. Mitc Essay Example For Students

Brians Search For The Meaning Of Life In W.o. Mitc Essay hells Who Has Seen Brians Search for the Meaning of Life in W.O. Mitchells Who Has Seen the Wind By Rodrigo Goller Through the brilliantly written book Who Has Seen the Wind, Mitchell is able to very effectively describe the tale of one boy and his growth on the Saskatchewan prairie. Brians childhood revolves around aspects of everyday life, and in it he attempts to explain that which has evaded and mystified even the great minds of our times: the meaning of life. He is able to somewhat understand the meaning of life though his experiences with birth, particularly that of a pigeon, and a rabbit. His up-close-in-your-face learning of death, at an early age, when his dog, and subsequently his father dies. Lastly Brians realization that its all just sensations, and feelings complete his search for the meaning of life. Early in his life, Brian has many experiences with birth. The first of these comes to him at an early age when he sees newborn pigeons. When his father explains how these pigeons were made, Brian understands that birth is the beginning of life. Four years later, a similar conversation comes up when Brian asks his father how rabbits are born. With this new found knowledge, Brian also sees another newborn. But this time it was a two-headed calf, who dies at birth. Because of this, Brian comes to the realization that ;God isnt very considerate(166), for sometimes he lets things like the two headed cow come into this world, only to suffer and then die. The Second instance in which Brian is confronted with the meaning of life, comes to him when he sees death, and asks himself why. When Brians pigeon died, he asked his father why it had happened. ;Why?; said Brian. ;It happens to things,; his father said. ;Why does it happen to things?; He turned up his face to his father, cheeks stained with drying tears. ;Thats the way they end up. Brian looked down at the baby pigeon in his hand. It was an egg. Now its stopped. ; ;Yes Spalpeen, its stopped. (56) Although this was hard for Brian to face, he was once again confronted with death. This second time, his dog Jappy dies crushed by a carriage of horses as the front wheels of the dray missed Jappy. The hind ones did not. A shrill and agonized cry arose. (175) As Brian stood by, not able to help his dog, Brian knew that this lifeless thing once had lived, but now his dog was dead,(176) and that there was nothing he could ever do to bring Jappy back. One final event, his fathers death, was an untimely and unexpected happening that made Brian realize that death was an eminent part of all lives; however, as many other things in life, death is not always foreseen. ;He was sad. He was sad that his father had died. He was very sad.;(238) Once Brian had realized that birth and death were crucial parts of life, he learns that all else is but a ;set of sensations-nothing else.;(286) He can feel things, see them, taste them, but that is all they are. A person is but an idea. ;Whose? Gods.(285) With this, the question comes, as to what is real, and what is not. The beginnin-thats being born; the end-thats gittin dead . . . Both of them is real-good an real.;(134) And to fill in this gap, ;theres hunger an theres sleepin an theres wakin . . . Them things is real. (134) With these explanations provided by Mr.Palmer, Brian understands that not everything is as it seems, and that someday he will understand it all. Ultimately Brian discovers that the meaning of life is not simple but rather intricate and perplexing. The meaning of life, as Brian comes to understand it has to do with dying; it had something to do with being born. .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 , .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 .postImageUrl , .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 , .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996:hover , .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996:visited , .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996:active { border:0!important; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996:active , .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996 .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ubcb6aa5f9370204428bedc3ee3fc4996:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Scottish Culture Essay Loving something and being hungry were with it too.(292) All this time the boy had grown, and though the years, there had been the prairie. There had also been a baby pigeon, and a calf with two heads(292). There was his father who had died and his father, and his father, and his father before him.(291) Although Brian did not have all the answers, he knew that someday perhaps when he was older than he was now, he would know; he would find out completely and for good. He would be satisfied. Someday he would finally understand what .

Othello Play Essays (311 words) - Othello, English-language Films

Othello Play Shakespeare's trajedy, "Othello" is a play based on passion unchecked. The desire for money, power, and love drive the characters to commit acts that betray any hint of rational thinking. Readers are given a taste of how passionate Othello is in Act Two, Scene Three. "Now, by heaven, My blood begins my safer guides to rule, And passion, having my best judgement collied, Essays to lead the way. 'Swounds, if I stir." Christ's wound's if I stir? Othello knows he is a man capable of terrible destruction. Yet it is love that he is afraid of not mortal men. This emotion is not so powerful that he denies it? No. Instead he attempts to temper his love, yet this seems like a denial of being uxorious. When Othello lands upon the shore of Cyprus and sees his beautiful Desdemona he exclaims, "I cannot speak enough of this content. It stops me here, it is to much joy." This joy of being in love stops his warrior heart. How can he not feel foolishy fond of his precious jewel. After the sword fight in Act Two, Scene Three Othello utters, in line 23, "Cassio, I love thee." Is he not doting upon his handsome leiutenant? He loves these people, but instead of his love becoming his salvation, it is his Achille's heel. That love becomes a serpant that constricts around his heart and breaks it. The belief in alove turned sour is to much for poor Othello. Now he can never love. Othello will never become oversubmissive to his wife because he can only love as much as he sees he will receive in return. The answer to the question then appears to be that he is not uxorious because it is not allowed to bloom. The hateful seeds planted by Iago grow like weeds in Othello's mind and over take it. The gentle fruit of Desdemona and Cassio take to long to bear and are strangled out of existence.

Global Marketing And Export Management Tourism Essay Example

Global Marketing And Export Management Tourism Essay Example Global Marketing And Export Management Tourism Essay Global Marketing And Export Management Tourism Essay When a domestic hotel ventures in to a new concern in a foreign market, the hotel is said to be prosecuting in an international concern. A hotel contemplating entry in to foreign markets faces several determinations sing the most appropriate entry scheme. The major issues faced are the determination to place possible foreign markets, clip of entry, graduated table of entry and pick of entry manner. The determination is determined non merely by precise features of the house and of the state where the venture is planned, but besides by the distinguishable characteristics of the hotel concern. Amari Group of Hotels and Resorts is one of the taking and most reputed ironss in Thailand. Amari aims to spread out its operations across Asiatic states and take it to the following degree. The study aims to explicate why Amari group should venture in to a possible market such as India, utilizing joint venture as the entry manner instead than other manners such as entirely owned subordinate etc so as to bring forth long-run returns. Thailand, besides known as the land of white elephants, is situated in the bosom of Southeast Asia. It is chiefly a Buddhist land and about equidistant from India and China. The civilization and traditions of Thailand is chiefly influenced by the Chinese and to a lesser extent by India along with Burma, Laos and Cambodia. Thailand has genuinely been the most sorted after tourer finish by 1000000s of visitants. In 2007, Thailand has been ranked the 18th most visited tourer finish by World touristry Ranking. During the period from 1985 to 1995, Thailand experienced a rapid economic growing due to touristry industry. The well-known tourers musca volitanss in Thailand include Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket. Tourism contributes to Thailand s economic system in general about 6 per centum of Gross Domestic Product. Thai culinary art is besides highly popular with 1000000s of visitants. : The hotel industry in Thailand is really much in demand owing to its first-class client service and handiness of a broad scope of hotel sections like low budget, medium budget, luxury etc. The well-known hotelkeepers in Thailand include the Amari Group, Sawasdee Resorts Group, Imperial Hotels Group etc. These major participants occupy a immense market portion in the Thailand hotel industry. Amari Group of Hotels and Resorts, a hotel direction company, was found in 1965 ( hypertext transfer protocol: //de.amari.com ) . The company is a in private held company and is based in Bangkok. Amari owns 12 belongingss in the group in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Samui, Phuket, and Krabi.A The company besides manages a nature resort in Angkhang, a belongings in the Loei state, along with two City Lodge belongingss, the St James Hotel in Bangkok and Nova Platinum Hotel in South Pattaya. The Amari Group is good known for its consistent first-class quality and client service and is a extremely reputable hotel concatenation. The Group has a extremely skilled direction squad with world-class criterions, which reflects the Asiatic cordial reception. The Amari group, being good established, in Thailand is seeking to globally spread out in the Asia Pacific Region by placing possible markets so as to lend to the growing and increase profitableness in the long tally of the compa ny. The Company besides plans to present new advanced services and merchandises in these possible markets in order to derive market portion and remain in the competition. International Expansion: The demand for international enlargement arises from assorted factors such as increasing gross revenues and happening new markets, geting new resources, variegation, minimising competitory hazard, deriving economic systems of graduated table, minimising revenue enhancement, regulative differences etc. The Amari Group has already established itself in Thailand and is on the brink of international enlargement. The demand for enlargement by Amari in to new markets is explained utilizing the undermentioned theoretical accounts: PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE The merchandise life rhythm of a merchandise or a service has four stages viz. Introduction, Growth, Maturity and Decline. These four phases determine the life rhythm of the merchandise or service over a period of clip. The debut phase implies the market size of house is little with less or no net incomes. The costs incurred are besides high during this phase. The growing phase is determined by addition in gross revenues. The net incomes increase quickly during this stage due to economic systems of graduated table. It becomes cheaper for the house to put in its activities. The Maturity phase reveals that the house has gained ample market portion and is still doing considerable net incomes. In the diminution phase the market portion of the house decreases due to increased competition etc. The Amari group is good placed in the Maturity phase as it has belongingss across Thailand and is doing considerable net incomes. The range of enlargement in Thailand is less. The competition to keep market portion is intense. Amari is concentrating on the selling and funding activities at this phase. They have reached the upper limit in the merchandise life rhythm phase. Amari needs to spread out globally as it has reached adulthood phase in Thailand and besides in order to derive the competitory border. It can do usage of its concern theoretical accounts to venture in to new markets. BCG MATRIX The BCG matrix is damaging in analysing the portfolio of the company. The BCG matrix is classified in to four groups based on combination of market growing rate and comparative market portion. The market portion serves as an option for attraction of the industry and the comparative market portion serves for the competitory advantage. The model is based on the premise that an addition in comparative market portion will ensue in an addition in the coevals of hard currency due to see curve. The BCG matrix is divided in to four groups viz. Question Marks, Stars, Cash cattles and Dogs. The Amari group falls in the hard currency cattles as it has high market portion and low market growing. They are good established in the hotel industry and can develop new chances. The company can reap by cut downing the investing on old belongingss and bask the benefits from hard currency cattles. These benefits can in bend be used for puting in new markets. ANSOFF MATRIX The Ansoff matrix is a powerful tool in analysing the merchandise and market growing scheme. The matrix helps in finding whether the growing in concern depends on whether it markets new or bing merchandises in new or bing markets. The Amari group falls in the market incursion in Thailand and it has succeeded in capturing the market portion. The chance of farther researching the Thailand market is less. The group should now concentrate on market development by offering bing merchandises in new markets and at a ulterior phase can do usage of variegation scheme. There is a immense hazard involved, as it has no experience in come ining an international market. Therefore the company must hold a clear vision and scheme about what it is traveling to derive from the new venture or is the new venture sensible. International MARKET SELECTION: Amari Group should hold a clear international selling aims and policies before embarking in to an international market. The company should do a determination with respects to types of states to come in and how to spread out. The attraction of embarking in to a new market/country depends on equilibrating the benefits, costs and hazards involved with making concern in that state and besides on the long tally potency. The benefits involve size of economic system, likely economic growing etc. The costs include corruptness costs, deficiency of substructure, legal costs etc and the hazards include political hazards such as anti-business tendencies, economic hazards such as economic misdirection and legal hazards such as failure to guard belongings rights etc. It besides depends on the geographical factors, income, population, political clime etc. The possible markets identified by Amari Group for enlargement are India, Singapore and Srilanka. After holding selected the possible states, Ama ri must test and rank each market on the footing of several factors such as per capita income, population, political hazard, legal limitations, market growing, market size etc. The indexs of market potency are attached in the Appendix. For ranking of the states the synergistic multi-criteria attack can be used. The procedure involves index choice and information choice. The importance of state indexs is determined. The states are rated on each index and the overall mark is computed for each state. Market SELECTION MULTI-CRITERIA Model State PER-CAPITA Population POLITICAL Market Overall A Income A Hazard Growth Mark A A India 60 50 70 70 5950 A A Singapore 40 30 80 40 4250 A A SRI LANKA 30 40 40 50 3750 A A Weights 25 40 10 25 100 A A Weights of each standards indicated out of 100 A A A The Amari Group has considered the above factors in the tabular array for rating of its possible market. The weights determine the importance of state indexs The per capita income is weighted at 25, population is given a weightage of 40, political hazard 10 and market growing 25. The per-capita of India is high when compared to Singapore and Srilanka. India scores high in all histories when compared to Srilanka and Singapore. The market growing of Singapore is saturated and the there is a immense political hazard and unrest in Srilanka even though there is a possible for market growing, which makes the Indian market executable. India has an overall mark of 5950, Singapore with 4250 and Srilanka with 3750. From the tabular array it can be concluded that India is the best pick for market entry. PESTLE ANALYSIS India: The PESTLE ( Political, Social, Economic, Technological, Legal, Environmental ) analysis is a powerful model in finding the macro-environment in which the industry operates. POLITICAL Indian political system has ever been the anchor of India s turning economic system. The Government type followed in India is Federal Republic and is democratic. The political system of India has been the most stable. These factors have enabled the touristry industry to boom and in bend helped in the development of the hotel industries. Tourism in India histories for 5.3 % GDP. The Government of India encourages Foreign Direct Investment ( FDI ) in hotel and touristry industry to a great extent. It grants particular revenue enhancement grants based on the type of FDI made by investors. The international Trade Regulations and policies are contributing for the growing of hotel industries. The Government does non promote monopoly in industries and has laid several rigorous limitations to implement the same. The policies sing the just competition have been laid out such that the industry enjoys all benefits. The Government promotes the hotel industry by supplying good substructure, trans it etc. In the aftermath of terrorist act, the Government has implemented rigorous safety ordinances in the hotel industry so as to avoid any unfortunate bad lucks. ECONOMIC The economic growing of India has been instigated by the economic liberalisation, which began in the early 90 s. The service industry has been lending a major portion to the Indian economic system ( 58.4 % ) . The GDP per-capita ( PPP ) amounts to $ 3100 ( 2009 est. ) . The labour force histories for 62.6 % ( 2009 est. ) in the service industry. All these factors have led to a enormous roar in the hotel industry. The increasing figure of FDI investings besides contributes to the economic growing. The revenue enhancement of the hotel industry is a spot on the higher side such as luxury revenue enhancement etc. The Government disbursement for the economic growing is extremely encouraging. The rising prices rates ( 10.7 % , 2009 est. ) have affected the Indian economic system but it is bit by bit picking up and demoing positive tendencies. Overall the Indian economic system existent growing rate has been extremely significant and is ranked 13th in comparing with the universe. SOCIAL India is blessed with a rich and artistic heritage. There has been a sudden alteration in the life style of people due to economic growing. The income distribution system in India is good balanced. The instruction system and quality has been ever in the head. As a consequence the literacy rate is really high. More and more people have become calling oriented and are acquiring witting about wellness and public assistance. The disbursement nature of people has besides changed with clip, as they are ready to pass on leisure activities. This contributes to the growing of hotel industry. The demographics, population growing rate and age distribution contributes to the societal upliftment of India. TECHNOLOGICAL Technology plays an of import function in the service industry particularly in the hotel and touristry industry. The hotel industry is concentrating on the technological attempt so as to provide a immense section of people and provide quality service. New innovations and developments have been made with the aid of engineering. The engagement of suites in hotels has been made easy through Global Distribution System ( GDS ) . The hotel industry caters to the demands of the visitors/guests by supplying modern installations like multimedia, printing, scanning, broadband etc. The full operations in a hotel industry are made easy due to the application of engineering. LEGAL The Hotel industry faces a figure of major issues like nutrient and drinks licencing, hotel licensing etc. The licensing policies ever keep altering from clip to clip. There are chiefly two organic structures which govern the hotel industry viz. Hotel Association of India and Federation of Hotels and Restaurants of India. These organic structures provide legal advices to the hotels and implement the employment Torahs. They act as a span Environment The hotel industry is ever confronted with environmental issues. These issues are chiefly related with pollution, wastage etc. The Government enforces certain ISO criterions ( ISO 22000 Food A ; Beverages and ISO 14001- Eco friendly ) to cover with the environmental issues. Enterprises are taken to recycle the waste stuffs from hotels and attention is taken to expeditiously use energy excessively. The hotels should take attention of its forces by implementing wellness and safety ordinances. Market ENTRY MODES India: Amari Group, holding decided to come in India, as a portion of its international enlargement programs must make up ones mind on a strategic manner of entry for the market. The group must choose its entry manner carefully so as to avoid the hazard of loss, as it is its inaugural ventures outside Thailand. Amari can utilize six different manners to come in India viz. exporting, turnkey undertakings, licensing, franchising, joint ventures and entirely owned subordinate. The standard for choice includes market incursion, figure of markets, hazard leaning, legal and political environment, forces and investing demands etc. Sing the above entry manners, exporting manner requires low investing and hence faces low risk/low returns. Exporting may ease the company with operational control but may supply market seeking houses a deficiency of market control. Therefore exportation is non a suited entry manner for Amari. Turnkey undertakings imply undertakings in which the contractor takes attentio n of everything including inside informations of undertaking and preparation of forces. This entry manner is merely executable where FDI is regulated by host state. India supports 100 % FDI in the hotel industry. The company that uses turnkey undertakings as entry manner may hold no long-run involvement in the market. Amari on the other manus has long-run programs, which makes prison guard undertakings unsuitable entry manner. Licensing entry manner is chiefly for companies who are missing financess to venture in to international markets. Besides licensing does non let the company to hold a tight control over its operational, selling facets required for achieving location of economic systems, thereby doing it an unsuitable entry manner for Amari. Amari, as entry manner, can non utilize franchising as the company may hold deficiency of control over quality and may be unable to prosecute in planetary strategic coordination, which leaves joint venture or Green field venture/wholly owne d subordinate or acquisition as the best options. The comparative survey between the different entry manners is attached in the Appendix. ENTRY MODE MATRIX ANALYSIS Evaluation Criteria/Entry Mode Green Field Acquisition Joint Venture A Venture A A A A Costss ( 30 % ) 4 ( .3 ) =1.2 3 ( .3 ) =0.9 7 ( .3 ) =2.1 A A Hazard ( 20 % ) 4 ( .2 ) =0.8 5 ( .2 ) =1.0 4 ( .2 ) =0.8 A A Profitability ( 20 % ) 6 ( .2 ) =1.2 7 ( .2 ) =1.4 6 ( .2 ) =1.2 A A Market Penetration ( 10 % ) 5 ( .1 ) =0.5 8 ( .1 ) =0.8 7 ( .1 ) =0.7 A A Control ( 20 % ) 7 ( .2 ) =1.4 6 ( .2 ) =1.2 5 ( .2 ) =1.0 A A Overall mark 5.1 5.3 5.8 * Figures in brackets shows weightage in decimals *Ratings of each manner against rating standards given out of 10 From the above tabular array it can be seen that Green field venture has a mark of 5.1, Acquisition with 5.3 and Joint venture with an overall mark of 5.8. Therefore Joint venture should be the preferable manner of entry for the Amari Group. The possibility of Amari traveling in for joint venture, Greenfield venture or acquisition is critically analyzed as follows: Greenfield Venture: When a company sets up a new operation in a state it is referred to as Greenfield venture. If Amari were to choose this manner of entry it has an advantage of constructing the sort of subordinate it wants. It could reassign merchandises, competences, accomplishments etc from parent company to the new subordinate. The company would have 100 per centum of the stock. It could besides protect its engineering and nucleus competences. The group would be able to prosecute in planetary strategic coordination and able to recognize location and experience economic systems. Amari could better its trade name image by supplying occupations. However there are several issues faced in Greenfield investing such as the investing involved in the puting up of the hotel is immense and likewise the hazard involved. The sum of gross and net income generated is unknown as its does non be. Amari could besides confront the state of affairs of declining markets or authorities alterations et c. The Greenfield venture would non be contributing for the Amari group as it is their first inaugural venture in any market and hazard and investing involved is excessively high. The return on investing is besides non certain. Acquisition: Amari group can besides do usage of Amalgamations and acquisitions as its entry manner. It could get an constituted hotel group and so quickly construct its international presence in the market. This move could be used to prevent the rivals. Acquisitions are less hazardous than Greenfield ventures as the company because the company buys assets that produce certain grosss and net incomes. Acquisition would non merely assist in geting touchable assets but besides helps in geting intangible assets like directors cognition of the concern so that errors caused due to national civilization can be reduced. The acquisition has besides several drawbacks such as the company would overpay for assets of the acquired house. There could be several differences in the direction doctrine and civilization, which could decelerate down the operations. Research conducted by Ravenscraft and Scherer s suggests that most of the acquisitions destroy value instead than making it. This entry manner will be merely suited for Amari if the group does non over wage for acquired unit and is successful in geting the house whose company civilization is similar to theirs, which is extremely non possible owing to assorted factors. Joint Venture: Amari s entry manner of joint venture would enable the company to travel in for a 50/50 or 25/75 venture with other independent house. Eg: Fuji-Xerox. It could bask a figure of benefits from the local spouse s know-how of host state ( India ) , the competitory conditions, civilization, political system, market system etc. Amari could portion the investing costs with the local house and therefore cut down the hazard involved. Research shows that joint ventures with local spouses are subjected to low hazard of nationalisation or other political intervention. There are several set dorsums to the joint venture i.e. hazard of engineering loss to its spouse, non deriving adequate control over subordinates so as to recognize experience curves and location economic systems, struggles of involvements between spouses etc. The ideal pick entry manner for the Amari group is Joint venture. Bing the first venture in an international market it could joint venture with a local spouse like Ten Hotels Private Limited, a cordial reception direction company. The Amari group can have a major ownership in the venture or put out joint venture understandings in such a manner that their engineering is protected or it could come in into joint ventures with spouse who has a controlling involvement. Besides the Indian Government supports foreign investors who go in for joint ventures with a local house. It is the most politically acceptable signifier of FDI. Decision: On the footing of the above analysis utilizing the different theoretical accounts and matrixes it is recommended that the Amari Group should come in the Indian market and get down its operations utilizing joint venture as an entry manner with Ten Hotels Private Limited so as penetrate the Indian market and derive a competitory border.

Literary Research Paper Writing Prompts

Literary Research Paper Writing Prompts Literary Research Paper Writing Prompts Literary researches, though given not too much attention by many tutors and professors, form he greater part of the students’ writing assignments. To master the skills needed to conduct good literary researches, students need to be diligent and attentive to details. There are several important aspects which are to be constantly considered when composing a literary research. The present article would address them attempting t help students gain more knowledge on literary research writing. The foremost skills to be mastered when composing a literary research concerns proper choosing of the bibliographical sources. It is not a secret that the sources selected for this or that academic paper are to be credible and scientific, true and not out-dated. Thus, to select a literature source during the literary research, the student needs to pay attention to the author and volume of publication of this or that sources, as well as the publishing house and date. If all of these pieces of information seem credible and worth attention, then the student may proceed with referencing this or that work. What is more, the student should have knowledge on comparing the peer reviewed articles from those which are not. It is crucial for some academic papers to be citing only the peer reviewed sources, and many students find it difficult to distinguish between those. So, information and credible sources seeking is the foremost stage of every literary research written by a student. Another important step in composing a literary research concerns critical evaluating of this or that information found during the first phase of writing. The information presented in the literary sources, and in the Internet as well, may not always be true, and students blindly relying on it may sacrifice their academic reputation. Sometimes, they fail to prove the facts to be included into the research and thus, their paper could not be considered good as well. Students need to have the critical thinking skills as well as ability to apply the appropriate analyzing principles to identity if the given study is relevant, unbiased and valued for the further literary research. This is the skills which could not be grasped immediately, it usually takes long time before it is mastered. If you feel that you are not yet as good in literary research composing, as you’d desired to, you may always contact the customer paper writing agencies online for the help. The team of freelance writers working in such companies would help you define the credible sources for the literary research, as well as do the first step in composing of this academic assignment. Thus, their helping hand would be really of great value to such students who are not very familiar with the rules and procedures of literary research composing. At you can a great opportunity to buy research paper online, 100% custom written from scratch. Our experts will provide you with professional literary research paper writing assistance!

Alcoholism in Lebanon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Alcoholism in Lebanon - Essay Example The genes that are responsible for alcohol addiction interact with one another as well as with the environment. Different variations of this interaction result either in temperance or in addiction. There is also one more variant possible when alcohol addiction is not predetermined by heredity. Alcoholism can be surely called the curse of the 20th and 21st centuries. With the increase of the life rate, with the emotional stress caused by surplus of information people are prone to seek ways of getting relaxed. The main deceiving point of alcohol is that it is delusive. Being in the state of intoxication all the difficulties and problems slacken and there is a temporal short-term state of carelessness and relative happiness. The state described above is connected with the discharge of endorphins in blood. Endorphin, also called the hormone of happiness, is produced by a special area of brains and leads to the feeling of relaxation. Not only alcohol or drugs can lead to the effect of the short-term happiness, though it is the fastest method to stimulate the production of endorphins. It is known that bananas and chocolate have the similar effect, though the number of endorphins is rather small. The investigation on alcohol addiction proves that daily and continuous consumption of alcohol even in small portions can lead to chemical addiction. Due to the exchange processes of the organism, the chemical addiction of the cells arises. This addiction is characterized by the need to increase the dose from time to time. The most striking fact is that according to the hereditary theory (that is proved by statistical data) if one of the parents is alcohol addicted then one of their children or grandchildren is sure to have the same problem (Plant 2006). The fact is that the gene responsible for alcoholism addiction can reveal itself even in several generations. There are two types of alcoholism that are distinguished by the scientists: male and female. Female alcoholism, tho ugh not so often met, is more dangerous and is hardly to be cured. Women get addicted to alcohol much quicker than men do and in this way they become drunkards very quickly. The reasons that force a woman to take alcohol can vary. The first place is occupied by hereditary addiction, but then come the reasons of the unhappy private life, problems with children, the absence of family etc. However, for a man the main reason after hereditary are problems at work. It has been established in such a way in the evolution of the mankind that a woman has always realized herself at home and in the family, while a man always strived to make a career and achieve something at work. Alcohol influences the organism in a negative way; though scientists still argue weather there is a minimal doze of alcohol that is useful for an organism. It has always been believed that a small doze of red wine a day will be very useful for health. Though, nowadays some scientists argue that even such doze can lead to the dying-off of brain cells. Alcohol influences the brains in such a way that the organism knowing that something harmful is happening to it starts to defend. As a result the cells of the brains die off in the process of battle. Soon the dead cells leave the body via uresis. A person who is alcohol addicted gradually losses his/her intelligence and degrade. The only thing that interests them is taking another doze of alcohol. All their actions through the day in

Now you see me(2013) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Now you see me(2013) - Essay Example There is no link in the cast of this film. Laurent and Ruffalo are engaging protagonists. The film’s bumbling steely optimism vs. pessimism makes it enjoyable to watch. It is also interesting to watch Caine portray Freeman as Thaddeus, and Arthur Tressler as the rich sponsor of the Four Horsemen. These two subvert the audience’s expectations, by acting as older gentlemen. By comparison, the Four Horsemen, despite likable performances, are not equally satisfying as characters who are fully-realized on the surface and as metaphorical embodiments of emotional qualities. The Louis Leterrier’s cinematic technique blends well with Boaz Yakin Magician Caper storyline. The result is a captivating subtext about the importance of art in entertainment, an enduing magic of films, and the critical role of creative integrity in the cynical skepticism world. The final film features a charismatic band of actress and actors who create a bit of fun and exciting viewing experience through better communication that underlies the message. The film Now You See Me lacks the majestic pop-art statement. The movie’s central set pieces and action sequences are not executed with enough finesse. Furthermore, an attempt to spin the deeper mythology may seem too much like a sequel fodder or rather an afterthought. Nonetheless, this demonstrates that Hollywood films can still entrance. Commenting on the film Ricourt and Yakin said the Now You See me film is similar to a screenplay by (Yakin 4). The film is characterized by twists and turns that probably do not pe rfectly hold up under close-scrutiny. The narrative tends to boil down to a cat and mouse game. However, it is interesting to participate in the guessing contest. Similarly, â€Å"the final reveal† caps off themes and ideas, which are developed throughout the story, is satisfying and easily brings greater significant to the story line proceedings. A look at review’s of renowned critics can give an insight

Iconographic Representation Of Jesus Christ Essay Example for Free

Iconographic Representation Of Jesus Christ Essay Jesus Christ, by Christian tradition is known as the lamb of God or the sacrificial lamb, so he is symbolized by a very young lamb seated on a nest of thorns. Other than this Christ is also known as ‘the fisher of men’ which relates to the biblical story of how He was able to gather people into His flock so that they would submit to His teachings; so the ancient symbol for Christ is a simple illustration of the fish as shown in the collage. Other than this, this representation also has something to do with Christ’s words to Peter, when He said, â€Å"Come with me and I will make you fishers of men. This is also the reason why the Pope wears a ring known as ‘the fisherman’s ring† so symbolize his being the Vicar of Christ on earth. Another symbol which represent’s Christ is bread, because he also said during his lifetime, â€Å"I am the Bread of Life, whosoever partakes in my banquet shall have eternal life. †; Christ is also represented by fire, light or a flame because of his pronouncement that He â€Å"is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. †   Another symbol used in the collage is the chi-rho symbol which was an ancient way of writing the name Jesus Christ.

Free Hamlet Essays: The Downfall of Hamlet :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays

The Downfall of Hamlet There are many reasons why Hamlet had his downfall. One being his decision to keeping the murder of his father a secret. Another one being the betrayals of his closest friends. Perhaps if Guildenstern or Rosencrantz had been there for Hamlet, to rely and place trust upon, he might not had to fell so alone. A little sympathy from his girlfriend Ophelia, and even his mother Gertrude would have been nice as well. Unfortunately Ophelia is held back from Hamlet, due to her father. Gertrude marries his uncle Claudius, who is responsible for his fathers death, and is looking to kill him next. And Guildenstern and Rosencrantz are ordered by Claudius to spy on Hamlet, and betray him as a friend. How Gertrude can marry the brother, and murderer of her deceased husband beats me! How she got re-married so quickly after the death, and without even consulting with her son Hamlet just proves how much of an ugly person she really is. "Thrift, thrift, Horatio. The funeral baked meats did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables."( I;ii; 180-181). What beats me is how even after Hamlet told his mother that Claudius was responsible for his fathers death, she still decided to stay with him. Which is absolute proof of how self centred she is, and how much her son means to her. "A bloody deed almost as bad, good mother, as kill a king, and marry his brother."( III;iv;29-30). Hamlet, now having no blood family left to lean on, finds himself feeling very alone. But cannot see his downfall coming. For Guildenstern and Rosencrantz to betray Hamlet the way they did is utterly despicable. Especially considering that their taking the orders from Claudius. Claudius turns out to be quite a good lire, and shows his skill of being able to manipulate people, into doing what he wants. "Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Moreover that we much did long to see you, the need we have to use you did provoke our hasty sending". ( II;ii; 1-4). Since Rosencrantz and Guildenstern spied on Hamlet, and brought back the fact that he is mad to Claudius. Claudius could then figure out Hamlet’s next move, and counter act it with his own. " Was not like madness. There’s something in his soul." ( III; i; 161). If Claudius hadn’t had Guildenstern or Rosencrantz to aid him in his efforts, I think Hamlet could have had a chance at survival.

Dickinson Comparison Poem 112 and 479 Essay

Emily Dickinson is known as one of the most unique and influential poets of all time. Many of her poems are recognized for their deep meanings and dark tones. She often wrote about unconventional themes of death and immortality. Less than a dozen of her eighteen hundred poems were published while she was alive. Today, Dickinson is known as one of the greatest American poets for her eccentric and truth seeking pieces of literature. In Emily Dickinson’s poem 112 she discusses what success feels like depending on your position in life. She expresses how those who are victorious do not see their success or appreciate it. Meanwhile, those who have never achieved success before, truly understand the meaning of real accomplishment. Dickinson talks about Nectar, which is considered by the Greeks and Romans to be the drink that gives them immortality. Once again, she focuses on death and the idea of never dieing. Dickinson goes on to discuss the â€Å"purple host† or soldiers in the Army and how even though they successful captured their opponents flag, they still could not tell her the true meaning of victory. In contrast, the soldiers who had just been defeated lay down, listening to the â€Å"distance strains of triumph† (Dickinson, 2008, p. 1201) from their opponents, they were able acknowledge the meaning of true success. It’s often been said that we cannot fully appreciate success with out first experiencing failure. I think this poem is Emily Dickinson’s way to expressing to the world the significance of success. In her poem 479, Emily Dickinson personifies death and takes the reader on a journey to eternity. The first stanza, â€Å"Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me.† (Dickinson, 2008, p. 1214-1215) Dickinson refers to death as a horseman driving a carriage to take her away to die. She then goes on to explain he’s driving very slow as she carefully tries to make peace with her life’s work. Dickinson describes the children and fields of grains she sees as the sun set, symbolizing her life is coming to an end. Emily Dickinson begins to feel cold as she travels towards eternity and her ‘House’ in the ground or grave. She ends the poem very bizarre by saying â€Å"tis, Centuries† (Dickinson, 2008, p. 1214-1215) since she last died, but then says it seems like less than a day since she was taken to eternity. This strange ending leaves the reader wondering about the soul of Emily Dickinson and the truth behind her life and death experiences. In both poem 112 and 479, Dickinson extends her knowledge of life, death, and immortality. I think poem 112 is a very ironic piece of work for her. The poem discusses success and how it is only appreciated after failure. Emily Dickinson was an amazing poet, but didn’t achieve success until after her death. I can’t help but feel she somehow knew her work would not be appreciated until she was gone. Why do you think Emily Dickinson was so plagued by death in her poems? Did she achieve immortality?

Slavery & Abuse – Modern Day Realities for Maid

â€Å"At her death, the 19-year-old girl – who was 50 kg when she arrived in Singapore – weighed only 36 kg and had more than 200 injuries on her body. †(Lee, para. 3) The evolution of domestic workers in Singapore dates back to the mui tsai, migrant girls from China in the early 1890s who were the virtual slaves of the rich families. They worked from dawn to dusk and into the wee hours of the morning. However, the number of foreign domestic workers started to grow only in the 1970s, a result perhaps of the economic boom then, and the desire for more leisure. The number continued to rise rapidly. In 2005, there were more than 140,000 foreign domestic workers in Singapore. (Chew, pg. 152) It may seem that maids working in a first world country like Singapore, has it easy off, compared to those working in second world countries, but there is a hidden claw that scars maids in this roaring Lion City. Some may say that maid abuse is not a widespread problem and that the irresponsible reporting of maid abuse by the local papers and television is the problem. On the other hand, others believe that maid abuse still remains a widespread problem. Singaporean, para. 12) Singapore maids undergo the risk of being abused due to financial and educational circumstances for their family, leaving them with psychological effects during and after abusive treatment. Foreign Domestic Workers come to Singapore in search for a job, without the protection of the Singapore government, to get them out of a poverty stricken life they have back in their hometown. The y earn money to be able to build a home and be able to afford a decent education and keep their children sufficiently fed and clothed. However, the cost of this may lead to a permanent psychological trauma caused by employers, which follows them for the rest of their lives after their contract is up, if they do not commit suicide. These abusers come from all walks of life: A school teacher had forced her maid to eat her own feces(Singaporean, para. 11), a father of two kicked and threw chairs at his maid(Singapore, para. 3), an air force staff sergeant tortured his sleep deprived maid by whipping her(Chong, para. 8), even children slap and hit their maids repeatedly to the encouragement of their parents(Rhonda, entry 5, para. ). Something has to change. Background Singapore for the past century has been a country growing in population and world status and recognition. Once an island of fishing village, and a British settlement, today Singapore is a republican country, which had undergone tremendous change. This is a result of the workforce Singapore has and its strategic location on the globe, being located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, making it an ideal destination to port ship between traveling between the Indian and Pacific Ocean, thus being a highly growing and expanding nation. With a huge amount of Singapore’s society holding jobs that requires long hours, they hire helpers, maids, to lighten their work load for the chores they have to do. In 2005, there were more than 140,000 foreign domestic workers in Singapore(Chew, pg. 152), under the care of employers who hire these helpers from one of the 700 maid agencies in Singapore. (Chew, pg. 152) These employers may hold high paying jobs or high posts in the company they work for, but there is always a hidden side to people. In 1997, Singapore has reported 157 cases, 89 cases in 1998, 82 cases in 1999. (Sierakowski, pg. 133) it may seem that there is a downward trend with maid abuse cases of such in Singapore, however, there was 87 cases in 2000 and it has since been rising. (Chew, pg. 133) The cases of abusive behavior implicated upon the employer’s helper, usually happens behind closed doors of the employers resident: be it in their HDB’s (government funded Housing and Development Board in Singapore), landed properties, condominiums or private properties. The implications of such abusive inflictions on their helpers, causes physiological traumas embedded forever with their helpers. Unfortunately, some of these traumas unfortunately do end with the loss of lives. Description The idea of maid abuse parallels the idea of slavery. In Singapore, there was no term known as maid abuse till the recent decade. Each year, an average of 90 maids report the abuse cases and are documented into the system, however, many goes unheard. (Chew, pg. 33) The basic ideology of maid abuse happens when a worker under the employment of an employer is ill treated to an extent that would cause side effects to a person physically and mentally. A recent case of maid abuse consisted of a maid being kicked in the belly, slapped, and thrown multiple items at her for not preparing curry puffs as instructed properly. This maid, suffered injuries to her arms and toes, but managed to flee the apartment and reported the abuse to the police. The abuser, Mat Nooh, a father of two, and teacher, was found guilty, and this particular case was settled. Singapore, para. 2) It is important to know that even a person holding a profession as a teacher, who provides an education to others, and is a highly respected job that others trust and seek information from, is able to carry out such abusive behavior towards a fellow human being. It leads us to question the fact of how much a person can appear to be what he is not, question the true identity of others. However, not all abused are able to take the physical and psychological abuse. There was another maid who is referred to as Imelda, had acquired bruises all over her body. She alleged that her employer’s brother had hit her repeatedly whenever he would get drunk. In January 1988, he had handed her his knife and told her to kill herself. By doing this action, the employer’s brother had not only physically abused the maid, but also had imprinted the underlying idea that Imelda was useless and would be better off to the world to be dead. Imelda has initially fled to Philippine Community Center, which has since been closed down, to take refuge. However the psychological impact of the matter was too much for her to take, and she had plummeted from the hospital window, to her death. (Sampang, pg. 8) This is significant to the fact that the abuse of a maid does not stop when the maid leaves the abusive environment, but the effects of it continue to linger in her subconscious mind and it would impair her judgment and thought process in the future due to the abusive acts inflicted upon the maid. Leaving a permanent psychological scar on the maid, forever. There are laws in Singapore that protect helpers, for the most part, from being hurt physically, being wrongfully confined and outraged of modesty, but, it is important to note that foreign domestic workers are not protected under the Employment Act, 1968(Chew, pg. 53), that all employees in Singapore are protected by. If you enter a foreign country to work in it as a domestic helper and you realize that the government of that country does not protect you the way it protects the other 5. 5 million people living in the same country, it results in not just fear in the back of your mind but it trips a wire that subconsciously tells you, you are not of the same value of others. Analysis A psychological effect on a person doesn’t require drastic measures to happen before changes in a person’s mind occur. Even a simple thing such as that, maids who are employed by couples are often made by the employer’s wife to cut their hairs short and not to wear any makeup so they will be less attractive to the employer(Perlez, para. 25), may be of mental harm towards a maid. This may not seem to be a big deal, however not being able to look good for herself, psychologically impairs the person to think that she is ugly and not worth the trouble, consequently causing a decrease of self respect , ego and insecurity in looks, with the possibly of resulting in the state of depression. In simple terms, the maid turns suicidal as a result of abuse. However, the effect of maid abuse does not stop there, but carries on as a chain reaction. If a child sees his/her parents abusing their maid when they are young, the child will think that it is the norm and would carry this trait into the future, and would abuse the possible maid he/she would employ. Abuse may not only be in the form of physical contact between the two parties, derogatory verbal statements made about these domestic helpers may also be considered as an abuse. It may not seem that verbal statements could be an abuse, however when you start referring to a person as said ‘maid’, it lowers a person’s self-respect and in their subconscious mind, they feel like they are being told that they are worth less than others as they have to ‘serve’ their employers. However, in this seemingly dark and grim topic, there is a glimmer of hope for this matter. If we are able to raise awareness within the community, then the rate of abuse cases would decline over time, consequently saving the lives of possible future victims. Solutions H. O. M. E (Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics), is one of the charities in Singapore that is helping out the situations of abused maids in Singapore. H. O. M. E helps these maids by offering them to be told of their rights and options in their own native tongue. In addition to that, H. O. M. E aids abused migrant workers by informing the MOM (Ministry of Manpower) of the case an d follows up onto it, be it negative or embarrassing towards the ministry. (Maid, para. 24) H. O. M. E also provides referral services, shelter, income-generating opportunities, and legal aid to abused migrant workers. It helps workers navigate the justice system in Singapore and has been cultivating a working relationship with the Ministry of Manpower and sending countries' embassies to respond to cases of abuse. (Maid, para. 54) An idea to a new solution would be to create an advertisement campaign to educate the young public. This would be the solution to the maid abuse problem. It would be to educate the young to prevent these problems in the future, as the past has already happened. The condition of maid abuse cannot be changed overnight by campaigning about it. The elder generation’s mindsets have already been written in stone and so it would be hard to sway their mindset. However, the younger generation is easily influenced and so by educating them on respect of other human beings regardless of their ethnicity and background, it would prove to be worthwhile, with the outcome of a new generation of people who would respect, understand and have more compassion. Even though MOM had held a photographed campaign against the abusive behavior towards maids, I felt that I could approach my campaign from a totally new and different perspective. The advertisement campaign could consist of three different compositions that mirror the layout of TIME magazine, so the viewer would be draw to see the image. The first could consist of an image of an abused maid cowering in a dark corner, accompanied with shocking text as topics. The second could consist of an image of a shadowed fist about to strike maid, accompanied with socking text as topics. The third could consist of a picture of an abused maid with a tear rolling down her cheek, portraying her cry for help. The campaign will be up on the internet alongside being posted in strategic locations around my school, for maximum exposure. This campaign could possibly have a very strong impact on the audience. However, the limitation of this would be the amount of audience that this would receive, and if they would even care. Conclusion There are many implications to the extent of abuse possible. Even in this magnificent Lion City, Singapore, there are abusive behaviors occurring to the employed helpers of households. This leaves a mental imprinted scar in he minds of such victims through and subsequent to abusive treatment. The abused will feel that they are inferior to the general public and start to decline into the start of depression, with the possibility of resulting in death. However, there are solutions to the problem at hand, by raising awareness within the community. Maids have plunged from top stories of buildings, slit their wrist, starved, beaten and abused to death. We must not let them die in vain. Each and every one of them has a story to tell. Let us carry their voices on.

Linguistic and Conversational Repairs

Linguistic and Conversational Repairs In conversation analysis, repair is the process by which a speaker recognizes a speech error and repeats what has been said with some sort of correction. Also called speech repair,  conversational repair, self-repair, linguistic repair, reparation, false start, accommodation, and restart. A linguistic repair may be marked by a hesitation and an editing term (such as, I mean) and is sometimes regarded as a type of dysfluency. The term repair in the linguistic sense was introduced by Victoria Fromkin in her article The Non-Anomalous Nature of Anomalous Utterances, published in Language, March 1971. Examples and Observations Well, I think it’syou know, I think this has gone beyond, as it were, Al Qaida as a specific network. I mean, this isthere is no central command in this ideology, the way that, you know, you would normally describe one unit ofthat leads an operation. It’s not like that.(Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, CNN interview, Dec. 8, 2008)We dont really move. I mean, wed like to, but my mom is sort of attached to the house. Attached is, I guess, not the right word. Shes pretty much wedged in.(Johnny Depp as Gilbert in Whats Eating Gilbert Grape, 1993)If I need to stand up in front of an audience and give a speech and its an audience full of educated people from all walks of life, then I would feel embarrassed about not using correct grammar. I wouldnt want to stand in front and say, She dont . . . or He dont . . .. I wouldnt want to say that. But the thing is that I say it so much that its like I know I would say it at a time that I probably shouldnt say it. But the thi ng is that what I try to do is when I say that in certain circles, I try to correct myself and I find myself thinking in the middle of my sentences, What word do I say next? Which verb agreement am I supposed to use?(Reia, quoted by Sonja L. Lanehart in Sista, Speak!: Black Women Kinfolk Talk About Language and Literacy. University of Texas Press, 2002) Self-Repair and Other-Repair Repairs are variously classified as self-repair (corrections, etc. made by speakers themselves responsible), vs. other-repair (made by their interlocutors); as self-initiated (made by a speaker without querying or prompting) vs. other-initiated (made in response to querying or prompting).(P.H. Matthews, Concise Oxford Dictionary of Linguistics, 1997)Cordelia Chase: I just dont see why everyones always picking on Marie-Antoinette. I can so relate to her. She worked really hard to look that good, and people just dont appreciate that kind of effort. And I know the peasants were all depressed.Xander Harris: I think you mean oppressed.Cordelia Chase: Whatever. They were cranky.(Charisma Carpenter and Nicholas Brendon in Lie to Me. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1997) Types of Repair Sequences Self-initiated self-repair: Repair is both initiated and carried out by the speaker of the trouble source.Other-initiated self-repair: Repair is carried out by the speaker of the trouble source but initiated by the recipient.Self-initiated other-repair: The speaker of a trouble source may try and get the recipient to repair the troublefor instance if a name is proving troublesome to remember.Other-initiated other-repair: The recipient of a trouble source turn both initiates and carries out the repair. This is closest to what is conventionally called correction. [T]here are four varieties of repair sequences:(Ian Hutchby and Robin Wooffitt, Conversation Analysis. Polity, 2008) Repairs and the Speech Process One of the ways that linguists have learned about speech production is through the study of repair. The early seminal studies of Fromkin argued that a variety of speech errors (neologisms, word substitutions, blends, misordered constituents) demonstrated the psychological reality of phonological, morphological and syntactic rules and provided evidence for ordered phases in speech production. Such studies have also suggested that although speakers have no little or no overt access to their own speech processes, they are able to continuously monitor their own speech, and if they detect a problem, to then self-interrupt, hesitate and/or use editing terms, and then make the repair. (Deborah Schiffrin, In Other Words. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2006) The Lighter Side of Self-Repair With stealthy steps he crept to the head of the stairs and descended.One uses the verb descend advisedly, for, what is required is some word suggesting instantaneous activity. About Baxters progress from the second floor to the first there was nothing halting or hesitating. He, so to speak, did it now. Planting his foot firmly on a golf-ball which the Hon. Freddie Threepwood, who had been ​practicing putting in the corridor before retiring to bed, had left in his casual fashion just where the steps began, he took the entire staircase in one majestic, volplaning sweep. There were eleven stairs in all separating his landing from the landing below, and the only ones he hit were the third and tenth. He came to rest with a squattering thud on the lower landing, and for a moment or two the fever of the chase left him.(P.G. Wodehouse, Leave It to Psmith, 1923)

Introduction to Post-Roman Britain

Introduction to Post-Roman Britain In response to a request for military assistance in 410, Emperor Honorius told the British people they would have to defend themselves. The occupation of Britain by Roman forces had come to an end. The next 200 years are the least well-documented in the recorded history of Britain. Historians must turn to archaeological finds to glean an understanding of life in this time period; but unfortunately, without documentary evidence to provide names, dates, and the details of political events, the discoveries can only offer a general, and theoretical, picture. Still, by piecing together archaeological evidence, documents from the continent, monument inscriptions, and the few contemporary chronicles such as the works of Saint Patrick and Gildas, scholars have gained a general understanding of the time period as set forth here. The Map of Roman Britain in 410 shown here is available in a larger version. The People of Post-Roman Britain The inhabitants of Britain were at this time somewhat Romanized, especially in urban centers; but by blood and by tradition they were primarily Celtic. Under the Romans, local chieftains had played an active role in the government of the territory, and some of these leaders took up the reigns now that the Roman officials were gone. Nevertheless, cities began to deteriorate, and the population of the entire island may have declined, in spite of the fact that immigrants from the continent were settling along the east coast. Most of these new inhabitants were from Germanic tribes; the one most often mentioned is Saxon. Religion in Post-Roman Britain The Germanic newcomers worshipped pagan gods, but because Christianity had become the favored religion in the empire in the preceding century, most Britons were Christian. However, many British Christians followed the teachings of their fellow Briton Pelagius, whose views on original sin were condemned by the Church in 416, and whose brand of Christianity was therefore considered heretical. In 429, Saint Germanus of Auxerre visited Britain to preach the accepted version of Christianity to the followers of Pelagius. (This is one of the few events for which scholars have corroborating documentary evidence from records on the continent.) His arguments were well-received, and he is even believed to have helped fend off an attack by Saxons and Picts. Life in Post-Roman Britain The official withdrawal of Roman protection did not mean that Britain immediately succumbed to invaders. Somehow, the threat in 410 was kept at bay. Whether this was because some Roman soldiers stayed behind or the Britons themselves took up arms is undetermined. Nor did the British economy collapse. Although no new coinage was issued in Britain, coins stayed in circulation for at least a century (though they were ultimately debased); at the same time, barter became more common, and a mixture of the two characterized 5th-century trade. Tin mining appears to have continued through the post-Roman era, possibly with little or no interruption. Salt production also continued for some time, as did metal-working, leather-working, weaving, and the production of jewelry. Luxury goods were even imported from the continent an activity that actually increased in the late fifth century. The hill-forts that had originated centuries before showing archaeological evidence of occupancy in the fifth and sixth centuries, suggesting they were used to evade and hold off invading tribes. Post-Roman Britons are believed to have built timber halls, which would not have withstood the centuries as well as the stone structures of the Roman period, but which would have been habitable and even comfortable when they were first constructed. Villas remained inhabited, at least for a while, and were run by wealthier or more powerful individuals and their servants, be they slave or free. Tenant farmers also worked the land to survive. Life in Post-Roman Britain couldnt have been easy and carefree, but the Romano-British way of life survived, and the Britons flourished with it. Continued on page two: British Leadership. British Leadership If there had been any remnants of centralized government in the wake of the Roman withdrawal, it rapidly dissolved into rival factions. Then, in about 425, one leader achieved enough control to declare himself High King of Britain: Vortigern. Although Vortigern did not govern the entire territory, he did defend against invasion, particularly against attacks by Scots and Picts from the north. According to the sixth-century chronicler Gildas, Vortigern invited Saxon warriors to help him fight the northern invaders, in return for which he granted them land in what is today Sussex. Later sources would identify the leaders of these warriors as the brothers Hengist and Horsa. Hiring Barbarian mercenaries was a common Roman imperial practice, as was paying them with the land; but Vortigern was remembered bitterly for making a significant Saxon presence in England possible. The Saxons rebelled in the early 440s, eventually killing Vortigerns son and exacting more land from the British leader. Instability and Conflict Archaeological evidence indicates that fairly frequent military actions occurred across England over the rest of the fifth century. Gildas, who was born at the end of this period, reports that a series of battles took place between the native Britons and the Saxons, whom he calls a race hateful both to God and men. The successes of the invaders pushed some of the Britons west to the mountains, precipices, thickly wooded forests, and to the rocks of the seas (in present-day Wales and Cornwall); others passed beyond the seas with loud lamentations (to present-day Brittany in western France). It is Gildas who named Ambrosius Aurelianus, a military commander of Roman extraction, as leading a resistance against the Germanic warriors and seeing some success. He does not provide a date, but he does give the reader some sense that at least a few years of strife against the Saxons had passed since the defeat of Vortigern before Aurelianus began his fight. Most historians place his activity from about 455 to the 480s. A Legendary Battle Both the Britons and the Saxons had their share of triumphs and tragedies until the British victory at the Battle of Mount Badon (Mons Badonicus), a.k.a. Badon Hill (sometimes translated as Bath-hill), which Gildas states took place in the year of his birth. Unfortunately, there is no record of the writers birth date, so estimates of this battle have ranged from as early as the 480s to as late as 516 (as recorded centuries later in the Annales Cambriae). Most scholars agree it occurred close to the year 500. There is also no scholarly consensus for where the battle took place since there was no Badon Hill in Britain in the following centuries. And, while many theories have been put forward as to the identity of the commanders, there is no information in contemporary or even near-contemporary sources to corroborate these theories. Some scholars have speculated that Ambrosius Aurelianus led the Britons, and this is indeed possible; but if it were true, it would require a reconfiguration of the dates of his activity, or an acceptance of an exceptionally long military career. And Gildas, whose work is the sole written source for Aurelianus as commander of the Britons, does not name him explicitly, or even refer to him vaguely, as the victor at Mount Badon. A Short Peace The Battle of Mount Badon is important because it marked the end of the conflict of the late fifth century, and ushered in an era of relative peace. It is during this time the mid-6th century that Gildas wrote the work that gives scholars most of the details they have about the late fifth century: the De Excidio Britanniae (On the Ruin of Britain). In the De Excidio Britanniae, Gildas told of the past troubles of the Britons and acknowledged the current peace they enjoyed. He also took his fellow Britons to task for cowardice, foolishness, corruption, and civil unrest. There is no hint in his writings of the fresh Saxon invasions that awaited Britain in the last half of the sixth century, other than, perhaps, a general sense of doom brought on by his bewailing of the latest generation of know-nothings and do-nothings. Continued on page three: The Age of Arthur? In response to a request for military assistance in 410, Emperor Honorius told the British people they would have to defend themselves. The occupation of Britain by Roman forces had come to an end. The next 200 years are the least well-documented in the recorded history of Britain. Historians must turn to archaeological finds to glean an understanding of life in this time period; but unfortunately, without documentary evidence to provide names, dates, and the details of political events, the discoveries can only offer a general, and theoretical, picture. Still, by piecing together archaeological evidence, documents from the continent, monument inscriptions, and the few contemporary chronicles such as the works of Saint Patrick and Gildas, scholars have gained a general understanding of the time period as set forth here. The Map of Roman Britain in 410 shown here is available in a larger version. The People of Post-Roman Britain The inhabitants of Britain were at this time somewhat Romanized, especially in urban centers; but by blood and by tradition they were primarily Celtic. Under the Romans, local chieftains had played an active role in the government of the territory, and some of these leaders took up the reigns now that the Roman officials were gone. Nevertheless, cities began to deteriorate, and the population of the entire island may have declined, in spite of the fact that immigrants from the continent were settling along the east coast. Most of these new inhabitants were from Germanic tribes; the one most often mentioned is Saxon. Religion in Post-Roman Britain The Germanic newcomers worshipped pagan gods, but because Christianity had become the favored religion in the empire in the preceding century, most Britons were Christian. However, many British Christians followed the teachings of their fellow Briton Pelagius, whose views on original sin were condemned by the Church in 416, and whose brand of Christianity was therefore considered heretical. In 429, Saint Germanus of Auxerre visited Britain to preach the accepted version of Christianity to the followers of Pelagius. (This is one of the few events for which scholars have corroborating documentary evidence from records on the continent.) His arguments were well-received, and he is even believed to have helped fend off an attack by Saxons and Picts. Life in Post-Roman Britain The official withdrawal of Roman protection did not mean that Britain immediately succumbed to invaders. Somehow, the threat in 410 was kept at bay. Whether this was because some Roman soldiers stayed behind or the Britons themselves took up arms is undetermined. Nor did the British economy collapse. Although no new coinage was issued in Britain, coins stayed in circulation for at least a century (though they were ultimately debased); at the same time, barter became more common, and a mixture of the two characterized 5th-century trade. Tin mining appears to have continued through the post-Roman era, possibly with little or no interruption. Salt production also continued for some time, as did metal-working, leather-working, weaving, and the production of jewelry. Luxury goods were even imported from the continent an activity that actually increased in the late fifth century. The hill-forts that had originated centuries before showing archaeological evidence of occupancy in the fifth and sixth centuries, suggesting they were used to evade and hold off invading tribes. Post-Roman Britons are believed to have built timber halls, which would not have withstood the centuries as well as the stone structures of the Roman period, but which would have been habitable and even comfortable when they were first constructed. Villas remained inhabited, at least for a while, and were run by wealthier or more powerful individuals and their servants, be they slave or free. Tenant farmers also worked the land to survive. Life in Post-Roman Britain couldnt have been easy and carefree, but the Romano-British way of life survived, and the Britons flourished with it. Continued on page two: British Leadership.

Short answers Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Short answers - Coursework Example So under such situation the seller will pass the entire tax burden on the consumer and will remain unaffected himself. If the price elasticity of demand (PED) of a product is 0.75, then it means that the product has an inelastic demand. This means a percentage change in price is not followed by a significant change in quantity demanded. If the firm decides to increase the price by 20 % then quantity demand will be negligibly affected and the total revenue will increase. Total revenue increases if either price increases or QD increases. Here price is increasing by a greater proportion then the decrease in QD, therefore the overall total revenue for the firm will also increase. The above shows that after the price change, the marginal utility per dollar spent on pretzels is higher than the marginal utility per dollar spent on beer. Under such circumstances the consumer should spend more on pretzels and less on beer. He should continue to do so until the marginal utility per dollar spent on both the goods become equal. If by hiring additional labor the total output increases with the decreasing rate, then the labor can said to have diminishing returns e.g if a firm hires 4th unit of labor, then the total output increases by 10 units. However when the firm hires 5th unit of labor, then the total output increases by 8 units only. So under such situation the total output is increasing but with a decreasing rate, this is known as diminishing returns. Similarly if a firm currently has 4 labors and they were producing 300 units per day. Now if the firm hires 5th unit of labor, but they manage to produce only 270 units per day, then this is known as negative returns, as the total output decreases with additional labor. The good produced under perfect competition are homogenous i.e goods of an individual firm is exactly identical to the goods of the other firm, they are perfect substitutes. So if an individual firm tries to charge a higher price on the

Managed Care System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managed Care System - Essay Example Till 1980’s there was only a trifle between the public and private players of health care. But, the overall payment system concentrated on fee for service basis. Accordingly, each visit was counted as an episode. The physician had the liberty to administer treatment according to his diagnosis. As private insurance mostly dominated the scene, the physicians, to fulfill their selfish ends, could also recommend for unwanted tests, hospital stays and drugs. Patient safety was their only cap and they could re-jig monetary considerations underneath this consideration. The insurers also never complained as major bill payment was a responsibility of the employers. But, employers understanding this disadvantage started to backlash on the reasons of uncapped expenditure and over utilization of resources. This of course was a valid point. As more and more are getting enrolled into the health care, fee for service model has become outdated giving way for Managed Care Organizations (MCO’s). (Christensen. C., Grossman. J., Hwang. J. 2009) As accountability comes into picture, unnecessary expenditure gets curbed automatically. From past 30 years, MCO’s have been well placed and growing in the market. The main postulates of their existence are: Lowered rates of hospital admission, in patient treatment, procedural expenditure. This has resulted in a mixed result of outcomes that some patients were treated satisfactorily while many did not have that contentment about care practices. Development of state insurance sector commensurate to private players. Giving an inevitable choice to the employer and employees to be enrolled into those organizations for reduced health costs. (Anonymous., 2010). All these recommendations by the bill only point out that the MCO’s are here to stay for some more time. If not for them, accountability and cost reduction for the insurer’s purpose fulfillment would never be possible. In short, the arrangement seeks to reduce the health

The Effect of Titanic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Effect of Titanic - Essay Example Titanic was a ship people dreamed to sail in. Being able to sail in Titanic was an experience cherished much. Yet, had the people known what they were destined to end in, nobody would have boarded it in the first place.A particular scene in Titanic changed me as a person. It was when Rose’s fiancà © offers the officer money to be allowed to sit in the boat, and the officer smashes the money at the fiance’s face saying it is of no use. I learned that life cannot be priced.To make the most out of my life, I derive happiness by helping and caring for others. The lesson I derive is that we should never take pride in anything in life. Everything belongs to God and He can take it from us anytime. A particular scene in Titanic changed me as a person. It was when Rose’s fiancà © offers the officer money to be allowed to sit in the boat, and the officer smashes the money at the fiance’s face saying it is of no use. I learned that life cannot be priced.  

In depth study on IKEA

In depth study on IKEA The scope of this paper is to conduct in-depth study on IKEA, the global home furnishing retailer from different perspectives. The report consists of IKEA corporate and business strategies in global markets, the firm previous experience in US and business model IKEA applied in Asian countries. 1.2 Objectives The objective of this paper is to produce a comprehensive report to CEO with the aim of determine IKEA strategic position in the future. The report critically assesses IKEA current market positioning and challenges IKEA have to overcome in order to sustain the competitive advantages. SWOT analysis is used to provide clearer picture regarding the firm internal performances in term of strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats. Meanwhile, macro environment issues will be evaluate by using PESTEL analysis to capture IKEA potential growth and firm competitiveness. Recommendation to promote IKEA future growth will be provide base on strategies review. 2.0 Company Background 2.1 Industry and Company Background In 1943, a Swedish entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad established IKEA. The name of IKEA came from its founder name Ingvar Kamprad, the farm Elmtaryd and home country Agunnardy where Ingvar Kamprad grew up. IKEA has developed rapidly as a global home products retailer. The corporate structure mainly divided into two divisions which are operation and franchising. Operation covered the management of majority stores, design, purchasing, supply functions and manufacture of furniture, which manage by a private profit Dutch company, INGKA Holding. In 1982, Kamprad established Stichting Ingka Foundation, a non-profit foundation that control over INGKA Holding. Ingka Foundation chaired by Kamprad and five executive committees which included her wife. The IKEA trademark and concept is owned by separate Dutch firm, the Inter IKEA Systems based in Luxembourg. Every IKEA stores pay 3% of sales to Inter IKEA as a franchise fees. IKEA consumers are mainly distributed into four different geographic region s, Europe, America, Middle East and Asia. The vision of IKEA is to provide a better living solution which is affordable and its mission statement is to offer functional and stylish low price furniture which everyone could afford. 2.2 Company Product and Services IKEA seized retailer chain that sells flat pack furniture, kitchen and bathroom accessories across the world. The furniture designed to be self assembled in order to reduce transportation cost. Besides, the company include traditional Swedish food restaurant in their stores, which serving Swedish meatballs, smoked salmon, lingo berry tarts and cream source. Additionally, thoughtful part of IKEA is many stores have play area for children named Smaland, where parents able to drop their children to playground while shopping and pick them up at another entrance. 2.3 Corporate and Business Strategies The impressive growth of IKEA lies on the distinctive corporate and business strategies. IKEA employ marketing mix strategy to position its brand identity in the market. Armstrong et al. (2006) explains that marketing mix strategy is a business model tools that focus on product, price, place and promotion. IKEA provide wide range of product selection. Although the product functional category is same, IKEA designed it in different features. For example, IKEA laptop stand act user friendly like a small table allow customers to use their laptop while lying on sofa. In term of pricing, IKEA flat pack furniture able to reduce transportation cost which resulted in price saving. Moreover, IKEA tend to locate in suburban area. This factor helps cut operational cost and able to provide more parking spaces for customers. Besides, Armstrong et al. (2006) also mentions that promotion is a marketing communication that consists of advertising, personal selling, sales promotion and public relations . IKEA promote their products by mail order service and free distribution of catalogue which enables IKEA cut cost in furniture storage. To improve competitiveness, IKEA modified the value chain strategy. Bartol et al. (1993, p.211) explains that Porter argues a business able to improving and value adding by focus on the key internal activities in the value chain. However, the independent (1994, p.9) states that IKEA integrate the value chain by create a two directional value adding system between customers and suppliers. On the other hand, IKEA used to expand by franchising method in their globalization strategy. Currently, IKEA has further explored their globalization strategy by joint venture. Evans et al. (2000) states IKEA joint venture strategy enable the firm minimizes the financial risk, expand the expertise network and get to know local market better. 2.4 IKEA Performances According to IKEA group fiscal year 2010 report, the independent (2010) states that IKEA currently opened 280 stores in 26 countries. The total sales archived 23.1 billion euro by 2010, raise 7.7% compare to its 21.4 billion sales in 2009. The net profit increased 6.1% at 2.7 billion euro. The IKEA market share mainly distributed in Europe which is 79%, North America 15%, Asia and Australia 6%. The distribution of purchasing per region is Europe 62%, Asia 34% and North America 4%. In term of growth perspective, IKEA demonstrated sustainable sales improvement which was average 21.9 billion euro in the past three years, 21.2 billion euro in 2008, 21.4 billion euro in 2009 and 23.1 billion euro sales by year 2010. 2.5 SWOT Analysis of IKEA 2.5.1 Strengths IKEAs distinct strategies have successfully shaped it strengths in competitive furnishing environment. The strengths comprise of strong global brand recognition that able to retain group of customers. Another strength is distinctive business strategies allow IKEA control over the products design, low pricing and global sourcing materials. Backward integration is one of the strength as well that permit IKEA enjoys economies of scale. 2.5.2. Weaknesses The weaknesses of IKEA derive into few elements. IKEA niche markets concept did not work in every country. Another potential barrier is IKEA over emphasis low price products may lead to their customers doubtful in products safety. Furthermore, IKEA has limited manufacturing capabilities by its own due to global sourcing strategy. 2.5.3 Opportunities An outstanding corporate realized that encounter weakness is the key of opportunity. The firm has foreseen the great opportunities in developing countries where IKEA may put more concentration on outsource his business in some developing Asia countries which is potential because of low cost manufacturing for example Cambodia. Meanwhile, India high population rates also one of the huge markets for IKEA expansion. IKEA may improve the existing its customers network by promote more online shopping. 2.5.4 Threats IKEA facing extreme environmental threats among competitors, some of the new entry companies adapted IKEA low cost strategy and imitated its flat pack furniture concept in the markets. On the other hand, global economy recession may reduce consumers buying power in emergent markets. Likewise, political instability may influence IKEA business performance. Chapter 3: Main Body 3.1 Assessment on IKEA Current Strategic and Distinctive Competitiveness In order to archive competitive advantages among competitors, IKEA adopted Porters generic strategy which comprise of differentiation strategy, differentiation focus, cost leader and cost focus which enable IKEA differentiate their brand identity among competitors. IKEA uphold its differentiation concept by offering high quality and low cost products to archive competitive advantages. Porter (1985) states that differentiation aims at deliver products and services that are different from the product mix of their competitors at a premium cost. The company provides functional style of self assembly furniture which material used is source globally to reduce the cost. Guardian (2005) describes that IKEA able to cut their prices at an average of 2% to 3% each year to compete in some markets segment. To sustain the differentiation strategy, IKEA may focus in adding more additional features into different products and keep the products user friendly. Adoption of differentiation focus allows IKEA to focus on particular segmentation market. Porter (1985) illustrates that differentiation focus means of differentiating its product within smaller number of target market segment. Recent years, IKEA concentrate its segmentation markets by opening trading office globally to serve customers better. Venorika (2006) states that IKEA opened 46 trading offices in 32 countries by 2006 where the suppliers need to fulfill IWAY code of conduct in supplying materials. To fulfill variety of local demands, IKEA should ensure the suppliers and designers constantly customize some of their products to provide range of choices. The advantage of being cost leader in market is able to draw attention and attract customers in long run business. Guardian (2005) illustrates that IKEA attain cost leaders by working together with its suppliers, provide technology and consultation. Likewise, cost focus can be mutual benefits for manufacturer and consumers where manufacturer save its cost of production and consumers enjoy the cost saving harvest. For example, the benefits of global sourcing where Captell (2005, newspaper) states that one of the IKEA best selling products Klippan sofas price was $354, by 2006 the price has drop to 202. To sustain cost focus, IKEA should critically examine some suppliers and further diversify its major suppliers for their materials. For example, Map of The World (2006) states that Canada, Russia and United States are top timber producing countries. 3.2 Organizational Gaps to Date Increasingly globalization is an enormous challenge for IKEA. To sustain, IKEA should further integrate their management by letting its independent business group has greater managerial decisions to effectively implement business process and boost quicker respond during crisis occur. Carrillat et al (2004) illustrates management that market driving is described to be outstanding in implementing unique business process, figuring market structure and value adding to their organization. Secondly, a company that provides professional service able to retain customer loyalty. Rowley (2005, pg 574-578) states customers loyally are company business core assets in the competitive market environment which add value to a business future. IKEA may review their service policy while dealing with customers flow during weekends. It can be archived by retraining their staffs to handle more customers efficiently. Alternately, the company can increase their manpower by hiring part time workers which is lower cost. Development of information technology has increase convenience in searching broad information. Brent (2005, pg 2) explain that a comprehensive information system allows company strategic core to be flexible, scalable and effectively operating in a high stress and limited resource environment. Hence, IKEA should utilize the information technology resource by promotes online shopping to resolve weekend customers flow issue. 3.3 Performances of Current IKEA Strategy 3.3.1 Analysis on IKEA challenges in US market. IKEA in United States In the mid of 1980s, IKEA entered United States to challenge an entirely different culture. IKEA success in United States doesnt come easily. Although the low price products always preferences of consumers but IKEA still faced difficulties at the beginning stage. Measurement standard and size of furniture were the major issues to IKEA. Nordin study (2002) illustrates one of the customer feedbacks emphasized they were drinking out of vases to refer the size obstacle. In order to delight American markets, IKEA realized the importance of modify its products design to suit local needs. By the mid 1990s, the independent (2003) states that IKEA has successfully increased the revenue from USD 600 million to USD 1.3 billion and became IKEA third largest markets after Britain and Germany by 2002. PESTEL analysis for United States I. Political Factors The research by Wayne et al. (2006, p.101) states that United States exercise constitutional republic in their political system for decision making process. The government promotes equality of laws which is fair to all everyone, therefore the policy has resulted equal opportunity to enhance trade freedom. However, governments tax policies play important role that impact business competitiveness during economy recession. For example, the independent (2009) states tax reform act enacted on 1986, the incentive has benefits individual but loaded burden to corporate. II. Economic Factors The United States gained steady growth of GDP in the past decade. Wright et al. (2007, P.185) illustrates that the capitalist mixed economy result in well developed infrastructure and high productivity that lead United States become the world largest economy. Nevertheless, the saving and loan crisis during 1980s and 1990s has great impact to United States business and financial system. Timothy et al. (2000) states from 1985 to 1995 United States insured thrift institutional deficit from 3,234 to 1,645 has resulted raise in interest rates. III. Social Factors United States is one of the largest countries with highest populations in the world. Adam et al. (2001) illustrates that United States society consists of multicultural immigrants and vary in ethnical diversification. Understand different levels of American culture are a challenge as well as opportunity to overcome barrier in order to compete with local markets. For example, IKEA strategy of niche markets has failed due to American cultural preference in bigger size products. IV. Technological Factors The science and technology advancement have shaped American success in various aspects including economic, education system, infrastructure and legal institutions. Rapid growth of technology provides job opportunities and promotes growth in business markets. In addition, the facilities and expertise available has encouraged foreign investments. Linda et al. (1991) describes that technological advancement is essential for economic growth. Porters Five Forces Model Analysis for IKEA I. Rivalry The competitors try to adapt IKEA strategy by offer low price and functional furniture products. In low end market, Wal-Mart tends to cut price and do promotion on their furniture products. Conversely, Ethan Allen aims for high end market by offer functional quality products with comfort shopping atmosphere. Tewary (2002) states the furniture markets in United States are highly fragmented, the top ten furniture retailers were just stand 14.2% of total markets share. However, IKEAs strength to deliver brand identity in both ends allows the company to develop in coming future. II. Substitutes Currently, IKEA effective global sourcing strategy and unique supply chain management has allows the firm leading without threats of substitute. Moreover, IKEA innovation designs at all time able to satisfy trend of consumers demand. John Leland (2002) states typical Americans shopper like new things, travel abroad, take challenges and functional technology. Thus, IKEA consistently revise the fashion design style of furniture able to tag along consumers trend. Power of Buyers Consumers have limited choice on selection by specific retailer, due to particular retailer focus in certain perspective for example, design, quality, service and pricing. IKEA stands advantage on all. Therefore, the bargaining power is little for consumers. Nordin study (2002) illustrates that customer visit to IKEA able to find good design and low pricing products. Therefore, in IKEA internal perspective, the consumers bargaining power is little. New Entrants Most of the IKEA stores are located outside the cities to avoid massive traffic and provide bigger parking space. IKEA did not expand the markets in metropolitan areas, so there is potential for another furniture retailer to offer low price products to compete IKEA markets share. Tewary study (2003) shows that United Stated furniture reported USD 67 million sales by 2002 and keep on growing. Hence, some of the retailers may seize opportunity in sharing the furniture markets. Power of Suppliers IKEA has high demand in timber for their products. The supplier needs to bids contracts for supply raw material to IKEA. Meanwhile, IKEA will provide consultation in term of technology and training to ensure the consistency of material quality. Hence, the supplier bargaining power is low. Due to green environmental issues, it can impact the timber supply. Knight study (1998) shows that more than 200 million hectares of forests vanished due to development became the barriers of supply raw materials, Green Agreement of Tariffs has signed allows corporation to seek more profitable forest. Factors to Consider in Assessing Industry Attractiveness. Factors High Impact Low Impact Description Ref 3.3.2 Growth Potential and Competitive Advantage IKEA Secure in China IKEA in China In 1998, IKEA opened its first furniture store in Beijing, China. The company core target customers are the middle class young people which are around 30 years old. IKEA realized that different strategy need to be use while entry a new market. Lee et al (1998) states that China has numerous differences in culture, political, economic and business models compare to Sweden. Among the challenges, Trompenaars et al. (2004) illustrates that as a new business entry, language is one of the main barriers for IKEA enter China market. To win Chinese customers heart, IKEA has the Chinese translation named of Yi Jia which means comfortable and family. PESTEL analysis for china PESTEL analysis critically evaluates IKEA potential growth and present arguments on its competitive advantage to secure in China. I. Political Factors China exercise communism in their political system. In China, the government controls all the resource activities. Capdevielle study (2007) states that China enacted reform and opening up policy that opened its market to attract foreign investment in 1978. The policy provided opportunity for many multinational companies to expand their business in China. However, government tax polices influence markets growth. A study of Li et al. (2007, p.26-27) illustrates that 70% of foreign investment enterprise reported loss due to the transfer pricing measure enacted by China in 1990s to control the wealth out of their nation but China has slowly loosen the trade policy to promote business growth. Presently, IKEA adapted joint venture strategy to share risk of losses as well as dealing with government policy to archive competitive advantage. II. Economic Factors The joined of China into World Trade Organization (WTO) has result the country economy growth rapidly. Phang et al. (2010) describes that China is the second largest world economy after United States by 2010 with the GDP of $1.337 trillion. The strong economy growth has raised China people purchasing power toward the housing demand which can be a huge potential for furniture industry. Wang (2003, p.121-143) states that housing investment annual rates has increased by 20% which is currently urban Chinese most important property. Nevertheless, IKEA facing competitive challenges in China local markets due to government weak control on intellectual property. Imitation of brand pattern which offer in very low price often found in China markets. Therefore, IKEA global sourcing strategy and supply chain management effectiveness which constantly offer low price products determine the company growth. III. Social Factors China has the world largest population. A study by Judith et al. (2010, p.4) illustrates that population of china has risen approximately to 1.35 billion by 2010, the world largest population and estimate to be peak during 2030 which is 1.5 billion. From the social point of view, that is a great opportunity for foreign investor to fight against the business markets share. However, the population aging issue and the one child government policy in China should be taking into consideration due to IKEA targeting young middle class people. Bloom et al. (2008, p.40) states that China population aging and low fertility rates could result impact on future economic growth. IV. Technological Factors Over the past decade, China has archive significant improvement in their science and technology development. The rapid improvement in research and development drive manufacturing industry expansion and create more jobs opportunity. Wang (2007) illustrates that china government implement policy to raise the ratio of RD to GDP, resulted sustainable growth which reported 1.4% by 1996 compare to 0.7% of GDP in RD during 1987. Nonetheless, lack of local core technology may increase foreign company cost in buying the technology license and import to China. For example, the independent (2006) states due to the lack of core technology, local company paying 20% to 40% of price for each computerized numerical control machine. Yet, IKEA stand advantage with the unique value chain management in providing technology consultation for their suppliers to maintain long term business relationships. 3.3.3 IKEA Current Strategy on Market Diversification (China) IKEA Diversification in China Globalization is the current trend for most of the companies nowadays. However, Brooks et al. (2004, P.233) illustrates that there is certain level of risk to invest in foreign country. To gain market share in new entry countries especially Asia, IKEA corporate and business strategies determine its sustainability and competitive advantage among competitors in future. For example, IKEA globalization strategy in Asia country, China, comprise of joint venture, localization and pricing strategies. Joint Venture First of all, IKEA decided to joint venture with local companies in China due to one of the macro-environmental element which was China government policy. Capdevielle et al (2007) elucidates that China practice joint venture policy to gain mutual benefits and principal of equality for their nation. Dealing with entirely different culture, IKEA adapted passed experience in globalization to analyze China market. Joint venture strategies add value to IKEA by sharing risk of losses. Bragssington et al. (2003, p.106) points out that full analysis should be conduct in order to informed the expansion decision to contribute the success in investment. Localization To continually growth IKEA business after joint venture, the firm adapted localization strategy to suit local Chinese culture. For example, the independent (2005) illustrates that IKEA localization strategy consists of offer wide range of Chinese market products that tailor customers preference as well as the design of showroom is constructed accordance to Chinese style. Despite of it, IKEA also focus on Chinese sub-culture to lure the local customers. Copeland et al. (1986) states that Chinese preference on decoration in red color during Chinese New Year which means good luck and fortune. Recent years, one of the most exclusively IKEA localization effort was during Chinese New Year. In 2006 Chinese New Year, many IKEA products designed with red rooster to welcome the Chinese year of rooster. Pricing Strategies IKEA based on its low price strategy in offering wide range of quality products to consumers. Usunier (2000) elucidates that product price is always a vital communication element between buyers and sellers. To compete with local furniture retailers, IKEA has dramatically slashed their products price and outsourced locally to reduce cost. Song (2005) points out that currently 70% of IKEA selling products are made in china and certain products has slunk 70% of its original price. For example, the tray BAGN for eating on bed purposes cost RMB 29 in 2007 compare to its price RMB 89 during 2000. Chapter 4: Recommendation To survive in the changing environment, IKEA have to constantly adapt changes and aware on customers preference trend. Several elements IKEA may focus to improve its value proposition as well as to maintain competitive advantages. 4.1 Justification on IKEA diversify strategy in China Joint venture strategy in China has improved IKEA operational network and culture understanding. Jonsson (2008) states that IKEA react more responsive to the local Chinese demands due to the sharing knowledge of Chinese culture with joint venture partners. Recent years, Capdevielle (2007) points out that IKEA has currently offer typical Chinese furniture such as Chinese kitchen wares. IKEA pricing strategies in China have significant progress throughout the years. Wei (2007) illustrates that by 2002 IKEA overall products price drop 12% and sales increase by 35% in 2003 compare to year 2002. Despite of it, IKEA move further to improve their customers service. Wei (2007) also mentions that IKEA started to provide delivery service with a little charge and even free of charge for deliver their products for those area are near. 4.2 IKEA Diversification on New Asia Country As the global business operational costs increase for example labor cost. IKEA may look for alternative opportunity to source its business from developing country. Cambodia can be IKEA potential business expansion due to the broad agriculture activity and strong GDP growth in recent years. Mohan (2005, p.10) points out that there is potential growth in future for Cambodia as an agriculture dependent country due to the labor cost advantage. Furthermore, Purcell et al. (2010, p.9) states the opened policy of Cambodia government in joining the ASEAN and WTO has increased the GDP 9.6% by 2007. The political and economic factors are vital elements IKEA should consider while entering into a new market. 4.3 Continue Focus on Innovation Innovation is a key in adding value to development of organization. Drucker (2002, p.95-103) states that capability to be innovative in an organization is the key to endure business grow. IKEA has a very different innovation perspective compare to others organization. Victoria et al. (2007, p.46) illustrate that IKEA posses unique forms of innovation in introducing new technology, widening the low cost products design range to maintain long term suppliers and consumers relationship. Victoria et al. (2007, p.46) also mentions IKEA focused on technological innovation by online products provision and supply chain management which contributed to the growth of its business. The critical factors to continue IKEA success in innovations are all level of consumer centric innovation, further analyzes the segmentation markets by research and innovative marketing campaign to match local preference. 4.4 Reviews on Strategy Competitiveness For IKEA to lead furniture industry as a market driver, the firm should periodically review and enhance the existing strategies. Adaption of blue ocean strategy enables IKEA to seek the value of innovation by cost reduction and differentiate it products to meet customer needs. Kim (2005, p.4) explains that blue ocean strategy enable corporate to create new customer value and provide lasting core competitiveness. Moreover, blue ocean strategy challenges the traditional business concept in breaking market competition and growing organization brand identity. Continually review the business strategy provides bigger picture and direction for an organization to attain growth in future.