The Main Causes Of The Fall Of Great Societies - 1328 Words

Great societies fail all around the world at anytime, is America in danger? How can we prevent our society from falling like others? Many past societies have fallen for various reasons, some reasons occur more than others and the three mains reasons that string through many of the societies are: political corruption, differing opinions in religion and excessive military spending. This information not only shows us information that caused powerful societies to fall but also shows what people right now can do to prevent the fail of societies today. The three main causes of the fall of great societies are political corruption, excessive military spending and differing opinions about religion. Political Corruption is one of the main causes of falling societies, past and present. In many societies political corruption has been a huge factor one of those great societies is Rome, one of the greatest empires the ancient world has seen , and they fell because they were very indecisive, â€Å" Romans were not very skilled at choosing new emperor and so when an emperor died there were many fights and riots out in the street† (Rome vs Greece fall chart) people were upset by the death of a great emperor, so many of them would start riots and fights. In some societies there was even war. In China recently one of their greatest industrial societies fell, just years after the death of one of their emperors, â€Å"The death of a powerful leader in 1908 was followed by a nationwide rebellion. ThisShow MoreRelatedReasons For The Fall Of The Roman Empire1127 Words   |  5 Pagesslaves(‘causes for the Fall of the Roman Empire’). â€Å"One of the main causes for th e Fall of the Roman Empire was the Unemployment of the Working Classes.. This resulted in thousands of Romans choosing just to live on the subsides sacrificing their standard of living with an idle life of ease. The massive divide between the rich Romans and the poor Romans increased still further(‘causes for the Fall of the Roman Empire).† The second reason is the decline in morals. â€Å"One of the main causes for theRead MoreThe Main Problems in Fallen Societies947 Words   |  4 PagesSocieties fall due to three main problems, corrupt government, unemployment, and lack of freedom for citizens. So many things have fallen from grace, including society, I say it as a whole and not a plural due to the general rule that every society falls at some point. In a few sentences, describe what your entire essay will be about. You should state the three reasons why great civilizations and societies fall. There are three main reasons, all stemming from that fact that humans destroy what theyRead MoreHow Societies Fall1272 Words   |  5 Pagesof a society without any flaws? A society where everything is perfect? Well keep dreaming because there is no such thing as a â€Å"Perfect Society† and there never will be. All societies fall, whether its from governmental corruption, Social injustice, or even economical failure. Calling something a perfect society is a difficult task, and Im not sure if anyone has ever been able to prove of their societies perfection. All societies will fail, the only difference is that not all will fall the sameRead MoreThe Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire913 Words   |  4 Pages A consistent measure throughout all history has been that all great empires fall. Many theories have been given to why the empire fell, but Gibbons famous book, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, provides reasoning for what we consider as why Rome fell. Even though there was an inconsistency of leadership, the main reason for the decline of the Roman Empire was due to the size of the empire. Supporting Gibbons reasoning, Rome fell because the immense size was too large to control, leadersRead MoreHow the Sub-Plot Mirrors the Main Plot in King Lear by William Shakespeare895 Words   |  4 PagesHow the Sub-Plot Mirrors the Main Plot in King Lear by William Shakespeare One can say that the sub plot does mirror the main plot to some extent. Some are in subtle ways and some are in the more obvious ways. Shakespeare has two plots in order to intensify the main theme of tragedy that runs throughout this play. The main plot is in which King Lear is the tragic hero however it is clear that just by misfortune he is deprived of something very valuable to him by error ofRead MoreMarx v. Weber1453 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ Comparative Essay Karl Marx and Max Weber Boring title SSCI 501 – Great Ideas: Classics of Social Theory October 1, 2013 German sociologists, Karl Marx and Max Weber, each both had theories about how capitalism evolved in society aswas well as what social inequality is. In this essay, I will explain the theories of these two sociologists in these areas and show how each had merit based on what we know today. O.K introduction but no real thesis.) My thesisRead MoreA Civilization Falls Apart Essay1167 Words   |  5 Pageslion-chasing culture to that of a semi-dignified European society. The novel Things Fall Apart by Nigerian-born author Chinua Achebe, tells the story of a Umuofian villager named Okonkwo, and how Okonkwo has to come to grips with the changes that are happening in everyday Ibo life. The novel Things Fall Apart is not your typical tall African tale. The novel is a story, a story not just about one person, but about an entire civil-society circa 1890s that becomes overwhelmed with the ideas andRead MoreEthics of Materialism1603 Words   |  7 Pagesimmediately register that there is a relationship between materialism and ethics; although, under examination, we can see that there is indeed a great association between the two. Are materialism and the obsessive consumer culture we have made for ourselves ethical? Peoples opinion on this question can be polar opposites. Some people believe that materialism has great benefits for the technological and economic growth, while others argue that materialism strips people of their individuality and createsRead MoreOkonkwo as Tragic Hero in Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe1140 Words   |  5 PagesOne of the most commonly asked questions about the novel Things Fall Apart is: why did Achebe choose a tragic hero, Okonkwo, as the main character in the story. According to Nnoromele, â€Å"A hero, in the Igbo cultural belief system, is one with great courage and strength to work against destabilizing forces of his community, someone who affects, in a special way, the destinies of others by pursuing his own. He is a man noted for special achievements. His life is defined by ambivalence, because his actionsRead MoreFarenheit 451 : Author And Original Year Of Publication1705 Words   |  7 PagesWorks Cited page): Ray Bradbury was born in Waukegan, Illinois on August 22, 1920. Bradbury chose the writer path at the age of twelve and thirteen where he later discovered the importance of writing and the library which supported him during The Great Depression. In 1934 his writing career started to rise becoming a member of the Los Angeles Science Fiction League resulting to him publishing four issues of his own magazines (â€Å"Ray Bradbury Biography†). Later on, Bradbury marries his wife Marguerite

Should College Athletes Be Paid - 2313 Words

Undoubtedly, there are numerous perspectives around the world on whether or not college athletes should be paid. The National Collegiate Athletic Association currently enforces a strict policy regarding the way college athletes receive benefits. If individuals are supplying certain collegiate athletes with benefits they should not, the NCAA tries to find the source and eliminate it immediately. These punishments are often harsh and can lead to an extermination of a sports program for a certain amount of time, even if only one person is to blame. There are experts in the world that fight against the rules of the NCAA because of the strict of punishments they give out. Experts also wish for these athletes to be paid because of the revenue†¦show more content†¦David Frank, who writes for an informational site that explains scholarships, wrote an interesting article titled, â€Å"Facts About Full-Ride Scholarships.† Within this article, Frank describes exactly what people should know when it comes to the benefits student athletes are already receiving when schools grant them scholarships. Frank states, â€Å"Full-ride scholarships essentially enable recipients to attend college at little cost. Tuition, room and board, books, and certain fees related are covered† (Frank). To build upon the ideas of Frank, Tamar Lewin provided the opposite end of the spectrum that should be taken into account as well. In her article, â€Å"College Graduates’ Debt Burden Grew, Yet Again, in 2010,† she discusses the problems with debt that college graduates are being forced to deal with when they enter the real world. Lewin explains, â€Å"Students who graduated from college in 2010 with student loans owed an average of $25,250, up 5 percent from the previous year† (Lewin 1). Therefore, both sources open the conversation that these college athletes that graduate college will not face near the amount of debt that regular students will. Just be cause another student can shoot a basketball better, or catch a football, or run fast, does not mean they should be allowed to receive extra benefits. College athletes at

New England And The Chesapeake Region Before 1700 Essay Example For Students

New England And The Chesapeake Region Before 1700 Essay Although New England and the Chesapeake region were both settledlargely by the people of English origin, by 1700 the regions hadevolved into two distinct societies. The reasons for this distinctdevelopment were mostly based on the type on people from England whochose to settle in the two areas, and on the manner in which the areaswere settled. New England was a refuge for religious separatists leaving England,while people who immigrated to the Chesapeake region had no religiousmotives. As a result, New England formed a much more religious societythen the Chesapeake region. John Winthrop states that their goal was toform a city upon a hill, which represented a pure community, whereChristianity would be pursued in the most correct manner. Both thePilgrims and the Puritans were very religious people. In both cases,the local government was controlled by the same people who controlledthe church, and the bible was the basis for all laws and regulations. From the Article of Agreement, Springfield, Massachusetts it is clearthat religion was the basis for general laws. It uses the phrase beingby Gods providence engaged together to make a plantation, showing thateverything was done in Gods name. The Wage and Price Regulations inConnecticut is an example of common laws being justified by the bible. Also in this document the word community is emphasized, just asWinthrop emphasizes it saying: we must be knit together in this work asone man. The immigrants to New England formed very family andreligiously oriented communities. Looking at the emigrant lists ofpeople bound for New England it is easy to observe that most people camein large families, and large families support the community atmosphere. There were many children among the emigrants, and those children weretaught religion from their early childhood, and therefore grew up loyalto the church, and easily controllable by the same. Any deviants fromthe regime were silenced or persecuted before they could start anymovements that would be a threat to the authority of the church. Evenpeople like Ann Hutchinson and Roger Williams, who only slightlydeviated from the teaching of the Puritan church were expelled andforced to move to Rode Island. As a result of this tight religiouscontrol the society became very conservative in New England, and lifeevolved to be simple and not elaborate as in Virginia. In the Chesapeake region almost everything was exactly opposite of NewEngland. The immigrants were not idealists, but materialists, most ofwhom sought money. As John Smith mentions in his History of Virginia,many sought gold. As it can be observed from the ships list ofemigrants bound for Virginia, the immigrants were mostly young people,most of them men, and like it is stated in the same list they were allconformists of the Church of England, and unlike the Puritans, were notdiscriminated against back in England. As John Smith points out, manyattempted to go back when they found difficulties instead ofopportunities to get rich. Many others died of hunger when theCorporations that brought the settlers to America abandoned them, andthe difficulty of the situation is described in Document G. Thepopulation was very small and the dangers were huge. The pioneers hadto defend themselves against both, the Dutch and the Indians. As aresult, the people who survived the first few years were al l youngambitious and ruthless pioneers. These were not the type of people whowould be easily controlled. .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 , .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 .postImageUrl , .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 , .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458:hover , .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458:visited , .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458:active { border:0!important; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 { 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; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458:active , .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 .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; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458 .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u899e1bc6f81b6ad7d7f5919b57553458:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Pro Athletes Salaries EssayThe independence of the pioneers of Virginia can be seen in BaconsManifesto. These people were not afraid to challenge authority andbelieved that they had the full right to say in the governing of thecolonies. These people believed that if they had survived the hardtimes with no or little help from authorities, those authorities had norights to impose laws upon them, especially if those laws were seen asunfair. As a result of these differences two totally different types of peopleformed in New England and in the Chesapeake region. New Englanders werefaithful followers of the teachings of their church, and the southernersbecame independent citizen s, with the ability to organize and the willto fight to get what they wanted.

Male Response To The Female Form... Essays - Nudity, Human Body

Male Response To The Female Form... Every action has a reaction. All human beings react to certain situations in certain ways. Little children cringe at the sight of brussel sprouts, people cry at sad movies, and everyone laughs at jokes. How do men react when they are brought before the nude female form? What is the basis for their reactions? Do people change personalities when exposed to this? I have tried to learn the mysteries behind these questions, and brought myself to many conclusions. The explanations of these questions answers are not short and simple. They are in fact very complex. To sum up the topic, there is not just one reaction, and this depends on many key factors. All people change, from a tiny bit to a drastic awakening of a whole second self. The reasons for this are background, previous exposure, mentality, alcohol intake, and age. I believe that changes will occur in an individual when being exposed to a naked woman that will bring out a whole second self in some, while just tiny adjustments in personality will take place in others. Psychologically, men will get aroused by a woman in her nude form and change their ideals, morals and thinking. This arousal is brought on by the basic instincts of animals that tell them to reproduce. On the other hand I believe that in a few cases men will become more careful and will act out of fear instead of acting out of pure enjoyment in contrast to the others. This will be due to the fact of embarrassment one could get when brought into a new situation. People fear new environments and become withdrawn from their surroundings making themselves feel more safe and secure. To obtain the research and information needed to prove these statements, I must observe other individuals and note their reactions when exposed to female nudity. I must note behavioral changes, psychological effects, and the conditions in which this all takes place. All details of the setting, behavior, actions, and reactions must be noted. The first place of observation was a nudist village in Clearwater, Florida by the name of Paradise Country Club. Men and women walk around with as little amount of clothing on as one desires. Most people walking around are totally nude and people carry on their usual routines like this. The first thing I noticed was that the males had no apparent sexual attraction to the females. Physically the males were relaxed and their penises were not in an erected form. There was no staring, awkward looks or sexual gestures. Everyone who had chosen to be nude was totally comfortable around each other. Dennis Kirkpatrick, a nudist who maintains the rec.nude FAQs website, claims that For hundreds of years, people have assumed a connection between nudity and sex - after all, the only time many people are nude, other than while bathing, is during sex. Naturists reject this assumption. Nudity does not automatically lead to sex - and, incidentally, you can have sex with your clothes on. The two are q uite simply not related One individual who accompanied me too this site, person L, had been here many times and also quite comfortable there. He was not naked but did not think twice about the people who were. Nudism or Naturism is not a totally common thing in the United States, but does exist. It is not for sexual purposes, but for the purpose of comfort, health, cleanliness, convenience and fun. It is not meant to arouse people physically or psychologically. The second site of observation was a strip club located right outside of Gainesville, Florida named Caf? Risqu?. I accompanied a group of men to the club in hope of seeing some definite behavioral changes. I definitely did get some great observations here. When we arrived, everyone was completely sober and excited. As soon as we stepped in the door of the club behaviors changed drastically. The whole group quieted down and there were signs of fear in their actions. Person A, 21 years of age, was extremely quiet and withdrawn from the group. This did not change at all through out the visit. He was one of the louder of the

Staff Development And Managing Technology

Staff Development And Managing Technology Staff development is a continuous plan in school that focuses on developing teachers’ knowledge, skills and strategies. The development programs aim at influencing teachers’ self understanding and their behaviors so as to influence the students. This happens because teachers have a direct contact with the students in their daily operations through the process of learning and teaching. The training is reinforced through continuous, classified, formal or informal plans.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Staff Development And Managing Technology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Personal development addresses specific teaching career issues (Rodriguez, 2000, para. 3-7). This paper seeks to explore the essence of staff development and technology change management in schools and also analyze the effectiveness of these components. Introduction It is important for an institution or organization to capitalize on t he staff’s abilities and potentials that arises from the shared responsibilities and the use of technology. This is because employees have the ability to improve their skills through self directed programs for development and trainings. However, whether or not it is an initiative of the school or company to have employees train, the staff has to be committed to learn and explore the learning opportunities. This is the only way in which the goals of the development plan can be achieved. Discussion The initial ability and comfort in using information technology to enhance staff skills and knowledge of content delivery in a learning environment may be a challenge. This is because of the various attitudes that are likely to emerge due to the different attitudes, beliefs and thoughts about the technology in use among individuals. The beliefs highly influence future intentions in the use of technology in the elementary education. Teachers can be given a chance to evaluate their ski lls against the parameters of the training program. A staff development practice in a school will foster personal development hence improve the overall performance in the institution. The proof for this can only be measured on improved results and achievements of students. The National Staff Development Council, NDSC advocates the improvement of professional efficiency in the teaching and learning process in order for all students to achieve their optimum results (Thomson Holloway, 1997, p. 312-314). Staff development not only aims at enhancing performances in school but also on enhancing workers’ attitudes towards work, positive motivation, creating strong relationships among the teachers and sharpening them on the acquire new skills and knowledge.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Staff development practices The fact that the training team has common values and long term goals; every member has to tolerate multiplicity and disagreements in order to learn as a group. There is also the need to cultivate essential and quality practices that will help achieve a successful implementation of the staff development strategy. Study group is one of these quality practices that reinforce the achievement personal development among employees. Teacher trainees can be assigned to look into a particular area where most of them have a problem in teaching discipline. The group carries an extensive analysis on the area through sharing of opinions and seeking clarifications from the instructor and consulting among themselves. It is one way of strengthening staff-staff relationship. The study group also facilitates sharing of experiences, skills and knowledge hence learning new techniques that will further be used in classrooms to teach the students (Thomson Holloway, 1997, p.312-314). In staff development programs trainees coach one other. Peer coaching is anothe r major program that teachers and instructors can undertake in efforts to enhance collaboration among them and overcome their differences. Collaborative practices encourage trust and openness among the teachers. Peer coaching also help the members to value each other and accommodate their diverse experiences, attitudes and behaviors. More so is because teachers have divergent attitudes and thoughts about change and improvement needful in meeting professional development. Peer coaching promotes teamwork other than working as an individual. It creates a forum for sharing successful experiences that facilitates career growth and support for colleagues in teaching profession (Rodriguez, 2000, para. 3-7). The idea of utilizing the teachers’ ability to use technology is not always an easy and one day event. Most learners are often concerned about the professional risks and changes that technology brings to education. This is because the learners must adapt to pressure while using t he computer aided instructions and also ensure maximum participation as an individual.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Staff Development And Managing Technology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This to some adults may mean avoidance or even fear while using technology hence failure in meeting the expected results (Thomson Holloway, 1997, p. 312-314). Some techniques may involve the use of net to carry out research and electronic projections to learn. Self direct learning can also be done though attending seminars in order to enhance an individual’s knowledge and skills. Staff development approaches for adults Professional Staff development strategies organize adults into learning communities with the goals of improving learning among the trainees of the program. Teachers, students and the administrators need this form of professional training that is far different from the traditional workshop- driven approa ch. It may involve an ongoing team that meets regularly on certain days and at a given time with the goal of conducting joint lesson planning and also methods of problem solving. The commitment in the learning process among these learning communities is to adhere to the norm of a continuous enhancement and experimentation in order to enhance their daily work and also achieve the school goals (Rodriguez, 2000, para. 3-7). My understanding of development approaches for adults have been reinforces due to various factors as argued below. Adults commit themselves to learning only when the objectives and goals are realistic and meet their needs. Therefore when designing such a professional program, it is important to conduct needs assessment program so as to achieve an effective professional development program. The belief that learning activities is challenge to adults’ competencies may contravene the professional development approach. This is because they are their own origin of education and will therefore reject learning activities on the belief of attacking their qualifications. The other reason is that these learners have differences in levels of learning experiences, interests, self-direction, and competencies. Professional development learning must relate to the individual’s day- day activities. If the approach is technical and hard to understand, then the probability of its unsuccessful application is high. The learners must also be given direct experiences and relevant examples so that they can apply the skills in real work (Thomson Holloway, 1997, p. 312-314). Strategies to implement this in classrooms should then be implemented to see to it that teachers accept the use of technology with their own abilities. They may design video formulated programs to use in classrooms while teaching. They also need a hand- on trial in order to utilize the acquired skill, develop units, and implement the program by themselves.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To sustain this skill, follow up is need. They get opportunities to participate in an ongoing discussion. They can also reflect on the necessary processes and procedures that bring in the expected change (Rodriguez, 2000, para. 3-7). The understanding for staff development and technology development has also been reinforced because of the knowledge that there exists a direct connection between the curriculum and technology in use. If the teachers his students excelling and having improvements, then there is a link. Professional development on technology use needs to illustrate projects on particular areas of the curriculum in use, the skills and assessment competencies. The use of Specific content helps the instructors to analyze, reflect on the ideas and the structure of the project. Good integrated training programs do not necessarily see the need to use technology in classrooms but also checks on the outcome of its application. There is a relation between staff development in sch ool and educational change. These changes may be in the form of new plans, strategies and or even cross- curriculum initiatives that enhance the school curriculum (Clerk Mayer, 2007. p.7-28). Staff development approaches and the use of technology Learning approach in staff development of adults must be guided by the adult learning theory. The theory asserts that adults require viable and distinct experiences with enough content support, frequent response to the practices done, continuous and sustained follow ups. Staff development and the use of technology are totally different from the traditional mode of training and education which only carry out workshops. Research shows that teachers comprehend well the content provided to them when reinforced for a long time as compared to workshops which conduct a single session. The devised staff development strategy undertaken should be a long term based implementation plan. This is because the teachers require an on going support while th ey develop their skills to obtain the objected skills and knowledge. Single trainings and workshops often results in ineffectiveness, waste of time, money and energy. Lecture-base trainings must be avoided by all means while developing the skills of an organization’s employees. It is important to note that this paper doe not aim at stating that traditional approaches of professional development did not succeed at but other improved ways of effectively training employees. An instructor must by all means avoid delivering the content of the program by just verbal words alone. However, a combination of both word and practice must be incorporated for optimum results. Professional development in adult education requires well formulated approaches. Workshops and presentations enhance attainment of new ideas and skills concerning a particular topic by giving direct instructions and also enabled participatory practices. This may be undertaken as the initial step towards attainment of professional development in adults. This is because the organized workshop acts a vehicle in introducing the participants to the strategies of gaining professional development. It may also helps in introducing the practitioners to the relevant knowledge or skills that they further put hands-on (Rodriguez, 2000, para. 3-7). The instructor must design a comprehensive and practical development plan to reinforce the learning abilities of the staff. Such a plan requires investment. Regardless of the difficulties at the starting time, the participants must show commitment to the learning process and later move from move from teacher trainees to competent professional with time. Benefits of staff development and use of technology use in schools Job rotation in teaching is an out dated and ineffective approach of staff development and should be replace with Computer Aided Instructions (CAI). Computers display instructions when one needs such assistance, play audio on demand. CAI is one of t he most effective approaches of staff development among adult trainees. Unlike CAI job rotation involves rotation of staff through various levels/classes in order to acquaint them with the technicalities at each level. Its efficiency is insignificant (Clerk Mayer, 2007. p.37). The effects of CAI are significantly noticeable because it allows teachers to put their practice the areas that concern them. A school’s technology plan should be designed to incorporate professional development and technology use. The reason for this is that the inclusion of technology in the school’s overall improvement plan helps improve learning and teaching processes in school. The integrated technology in the school curriculum must be sufficiently sustained so as to allow the instructors and administrators continue using technology in learning processes (Thomson Holloway, 1997, p.312-314). With technology, individuals get personalized instructions that enable the staff to actively partici pate in the learning process of their professional development as compared to the traditional job rotations. Technology grants educators diverse opportunities to improve their teaching skills which in turn increase the students’ ability and achievements in education. Learning and working together produces improved and better results than learning and working individually. This is because technology does not allow interactions rather it permits software socialization and collaboration via real time like discussion boards and emails (Rodriguez, 2000, para. 3-5). Technology in staff development allows the learners to try out the newly skill acquired during the workshop session, the trainees follow up by applying what they observe in workshop and give a feedback. This comes after the learner has rehearsed the details provided to have the data integrated in long term memory. Feedback approach provides the learners with information and response that relates to their performance. In case the learner wants to try out another skill acquired at the first stage then the research or inquiry approach may be applied. This approach ensures that the learners think about their daily operations in relation to the acquired skill. They reflect on their practices over time. On the same line, workshops and seminars can be arranged to discuss needs analysis and then collaboratively come up with curriculum development program reinforcement (Thomson Holloway, 1997, p. 312-314). With CAI, the process of learning takes place smoothly without boredom, fatique and impatience that is a common behavior in most ‘traditional classrooms. With Computer Aided Instructions, students receive immediate feedback. It also gives the students the ability to decide on the speed at which to receive instructions and content. Additionally, after the teachers have gone through staff development trainings using technology, the teachers is saved the energy of moving from one station to another wh ile giving same instructions to different students (Clerk Mayer, 2007. p.37). Technological staff development plans provide instructions that are tailored to the learners’ requirements. The learners send their responds to the instructor’s questions, if there is an error on the learners practice problem, the system will sends increased instructions to help the learner solve the problem. This system allows the learners to practice inputting data into the computer hence feedback practice. The practice continuous until they get the right answers as per the instructions. Contrary to as many may think, there is no one perfect professional development approach. From the discussion, multiple approaches may be integrated to solve dynamic issues related to particular program content and also as per the needs of the learner. The effectiveness of particular staff development program comes as a result of utilizing integration of different approaches to be use for different situati ons. Professional development for the staff comes with a variety of factors and not just adoption of one approach. It is important to connect program to the students learning in order to facilitate high –order thinking. The development plan should be designed to incorporate technology use. The reason for this is that the inclusion of technology in the school’s overall improvement plan helps improve learning and teaching processes in school. The integrated technology in the school curriculum must be sufficiently sustained so as to allow the instructors and administrators continue using technology in learning processes (Rodriguez, 2000, para. 3-7). During the learning process, there is need to divide the participants into small groups so that they can share, reflect together and finally generalize their learning experiences to achieve the desired results. This is different from the idea of having one individual analyzing, reflecting and evaluating about an idea and then practice the same alone. Training strategies must aim at passing skills and knowledge to an individual and the knowledge retained, then applied at work place creating for more opportunities to acquire skills. On certain programs, learner may have to keenly observe and master the graphs and words provided in order to use the data for the practice session. Culture and staff development Every successful staff training program faces several challenges from the existing cultural differences among the members of the school. The cultural components relate to the relationship between research and teaching and also in the nature of teaching. The context in which Personal and professional development takes place also influences its success. To begin with school timetable and schedule plans may limit the teachers in securing time for the joint planning. This is because the teachers have class responsibilities that they must fulfill to meet the administration’s requirements. For the set staff development plan to effectively progress and be a successful project the school has to have a flexible program to accommodate teachers’ development that fosters for the success of learning on students (Clerk Mayer, 2007. p.37). The other cultural limitation is the leadership system in the school. Principals and heads must support the initiatives for teachers’ development by allocating enough time for a continual learning process. The administration and management must also provide the required resources for the learning programs. If this is not the case, then it can be said that the leaders are not committed to the staff training session s and implementing the development plan. Successful implementation of an education change plan calls for good practices among all participants in professional development in order to achieve positive students’ progress (Thomson Holloway 1997, pg.312). Individual teachers’ development also encounters the culture of individualism. This is a common isolation practice among teachers that protects teachers from criticism and blame. Some teachers tend to concentrate on short time plans in their classrooms and avoiding discussing and committing time for the necessary changes that affect their daily practices. Individualism results into failure collaboration with fellow teachers through fear of criticism and judgments. This affects the process of meaningful feedback, their value and competencies. Individual attitudes towards the use of technology in education play a major role in determining the results of using technology to improve the staffs’ skills. It becomes a concern to the learners about their ability to grasp the skills of using technology itself while on the learning process. These attitudes vary among different individuals ranging from generic ‘motherhood beliefs’ to the apprehensiveness of technology. ‘Motherhood’ beliefs question about the positive value s that technology brings (Thomson Holloway 1997, pg.312). Culture dominantly influences the learner’s choices for the training program. For instance, certain beliefs limit one’s selection of some subjects. To resolve this, training has to be reflective of the educator’s ability to influence the choices of learner’s positively. Furthermore, culture determines who will take part in what training program. Oppressive cultures that are oppressive to women, limit a woman’s choice of a training program. Thus, the use of peer coaching or study groups of different gender in cultures where women should only learn limits the learning that that the participants of such programs acquire. These are some culture which can negatively affect any staff development in a school because there is generally lack of commitment for the training program. There are major benefits that accrue to staff training and development that can not be ignored. These benefits surpass t he above discussed thoughts, beliefs an attitudes associated with technology in adults learning. It is therefore imperative to ensure that beyond these cultural challenges, the main objective of the professional development program is successfully implemented. The other idea that emerges in addition to the above discussion is the confidence of teachers of practicing the new skills like computer use knowledge. To all the teachers who use internet to research and later write research reports, the probability is that they struggle with lack of self confidence. The learners may never be confident about how well they were prepared to practically use technology while teaching. This is a major set back of using while implementing a development strategy to improve the staffs’ pre- service programming skills. This program may also increase anxiety among the group of how they will be using technology in classrooms upon their students (Thomson Holloway, 1997, p. 312-314). Conclusion An effective professional development program is an ongoing process and not a single instance application. Teachers need to continually practice the technology in use comfortably and in a professional manner. Significant changes in the school may take place after several years. This allows for the teachers enough time to comprehend integrated and master the new information and approaches into their daily practices. It is clear that, an instructor must be able to evaluate the approach he chooses for professional development. This is an intentional reflective practice that any instructor who aims at succeeding must do in order to refine the approach. This is more often done at the presentation stage so as to encourage the educators to reflect on the situation and then formulate other viable solution to the learner’s problem. Hand in hand with this kind of reflective approach is observing the educator through video or class attendance. Reference List Clerk, R. Mayer, R. (2007). E -learning and the science of instruction: proven guidelines of consumers and designers of multimedia learning: U.S, John Wiley and sons. Web. Rodriguez, G. (2000). Critical issue: providing professional development for effective technology use. Web. Thomson, J. Holloway, D. (1997). Staff development and a culture of collection in a primary school. Teacher development. Vol. 1, No. 2, Routledge: Routledge.

Ideas for Thank You Card Quotes

Ideas for Thank You Card Quotes Do you say thank you to your host after attending a party? Do you say thank you to friends who bring you lovely presents? Sometimes mere thanks may sound insincere. Express your heartfelt gratitude by sending thank you cards. Use these quotes to make your cards really special. Quotations of Gratitude Irving BerlinGot no checkbooks, got no banks.Still Id like to express my thanks.I got the sun in the mornin and the moon at night.AnonymousI would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom.Oscar WildeThe smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.Ralph Waldo EmersonFor each new morning with its light,For rest and shelter of the night,For health and food, for love and friends,For everything Thy goodness sends.William ShakespeareI can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.G K ChestertonYou say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.James Russell LowellNot what we give,But what we share,For the gift without the giverIs bare.John Greenleaf WhittierNo longer forward nor behindI look in hope or fear;But, grateful, take the good I find,The best of now and here. Helen KellerI thank God for my handicaps for, through them, I have found myself: my work, and my God.Benjamin DisraeliI feel a very unusual sensation if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude.George EllistonHow beautiful a day can beWhen kindness touches it!EE CummingsI thank you God I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.OvidThanks are justly due for boons unbought.Henry Van DykeBe glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, and to work, and to play and to look up at the stars.

Human Capital of Sundale Club Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Capital of Sundale Club - Case Study Example The problem at Sundale started when Ted Ellis hired Chuck Johnson to become the Club’s men’s activity manager. Mr. Johnson happened to be a gay person in the closet. His behavior was a bit unprofessional at times apparently and some of the club members complain that he made advances to them. The staff did not like or respect Mr. Johnson. They visualized him as a troublemaker that was harassing the customers. Frank Havens wanted to do something about the impending issues. The problem was that the company did not have a corporate culture that encouraged open communication. Also, the hiring of Chuck Johnson did not follow normal protocols. He was given his position based on his personal friendship with Mr. Ellis. In the business world, there is no room for favoritism. Favoritism causes internal problems because the employees of a company lose respect for the business entity when such behavior occurs. The general perception when these types of things occur within an organiz ation is that hard work does not pay off and there is no opportunity for professional growth for the employees of the company. It is important for companies to encourage open communication between the employees of a firm. A good manager is able to captivate its subordinates by supporting them and leading by example. When employees trust their boss they open up to them and provide them with helpful insight on how to improve the operations.

Week 4 Forum Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 4 Forum - Assignment Example It is what Edmondson says that â€Å"American popular music is a story of fusion, after fusion after fusion.† meaning that jazz and Blues have had their participation in the American society. For example, many pop stars have borrowed heavily from the blues dimension as Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Chuck Berry among others. The years between the 1930’s and 1940’s were marked by renewed efforts by the African Americans in a push for their rights. This is because they wanted equal rights with the Whites who were the majority and were oppressing them. They were demanding for services like unbiased and fulltime employment, right to join workers’ union, financial integrity, safe and cheap housing, equitable health care and education among other needs. There were efforts over the years meant to achieve the needs which later gave rise to the Civil Rights Movement in the said period. They mainly resolved in non-violent ways of airing their grievances though at times ended in the death of some of them. Their leaders played a prominent role in bringing the people together. The inclusion of African Americans in the World War II helped better the relations between the two races. It made them realize how much they needed each other (Krieger, 15). Popular culture was changing, and notable contri bution can be seen through music like Jazz and

Apple and employee motivation Essay Example for Free

Apple and employee motivation Essay Ideally, Apple wants to have a workplace that fosters creativity from all the employees. Apple combines extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in order to empower their employees to be innovative. There are numerous methods Apple employs to motivate its employees. Once, Apple rewarded its executives by giving them a recognition bonus of 3 to 5 percent of their base salary. This motivating incentive occurred despite the fact that they recently missed their target on a project. This implies that Apple upper management empathized with the groups efforts. Another motivating incentive is the discount on products that all Apple employees receive. Employees who work at corporate Apple can receive a free iPhone or iPod Shuffle. Giving products to employees rather than money can be a better an effective motivator because many Apple employees are simply motivated to see the end results of their efforts. It is also typically cheaper to give the employees products rather than a raise. Recently, Apple has given employees more vacation days due to the companys strong performance in product sales. These are all extrinsic examples of how Apple motivates its employees. Employee motivation also stems from the corporate culture. Most Apple employees are heavily committed to their work and can be described enjoying monotonous encoding. Perhaps it is even insightful to look at what intrinsic forces were driving Steve Jobs. Jobs Stanford commencement speech indicates that he knew he had a limited time on Earth and this motivated him to follow his heart and pursue his passion. His ultimate motivation for creating innovative products was not based around profit but what would he would personally want to have.

Seamus Heaney Essay -- English Literature

Seamus Heaney Seamus Heaney was born in 1939 in Northern Ireland into a rural farming family. The family where Catholic, living in a predominantly Protestant area of the country. I can relate to this as I come from South Africa where the tension between the black and white people is high, this has helped me to choose my first poem "Docker". The second poem I am going to analyse is "Follower" which tells the story of a young boy who grows up admiring his dad but as time ticks by, things change and people age. The third and final poem I will analyse is "Digging" which also is about a young lad who admires his dad for his skill, but feels bad because he isn't as skilled as his father is and therefore chooses to dig with his pen in the form of poetry. The poem Docker starts off with "there, in the corner" from this it can be seen that the man is a lonely man who does not want to be bothered, all he is doing is staring at his drink. "Speech clamped in the lips, vice" this use of metaphor indicates that he is a anti social person with the word "vice" once again describing the mans power and strength. The Docker is then described as a hard and tough man, "Cowling plated forehead and sledge head jaw" because he is compared with very hard objects, such as a sledge head which is made out of steel. "That fist would drop a hammer on a Catholic" this verse is of a violent nature which confirms the Docker as a violent aggressive man who clearly does not like Catholics. The mans dislike for Catholics is emphasised even more in the following verse "The only Roman collar he tolerates, smiles all round his sleek pint of porter". From this it can be said that even the white foam made by his beer reminds him of Cath... ...ss. "I wanted to grow up and plough" this proves that like with all little boys, he wanted to be just like his dad when he grows up. He follows his father all round the farm "In his broad shadow" which again describes the mans huge build and strength. In this poem, the first five stanzas represent the past, whereas the last stanza represents the present. "I was a nuisance, tripping and falling" The boy, who is now a man, comes to realise he was clumsy and unskilful who was always bothering his father "Yapping always". "But today" is the main contrast between past and present, "It is my father who keeps stumbling behind me and will not go away" His father has obviously aged and become enfeebled while his son has now grown up and become more powerful and skilful than what his father is. It is his father who follows him around now and will not go away.

Whats Really Good Essay

   (1) (a) One passage from Nouwen I found particularly informative to my learning was from the middle of paragraph one of page 103. Nouwen explains, â€Å"Poverty is the inner disposition that allows us to take away our defenses and convert our enemies into friends. We can only perceive the stranger as an enemy as long as we have something to defend.† Here Nouwen is explaining that a reason for hostility is because we are afraid that others will take away what we have. This can be anything to actual tangent property, or our beliefs of what we are, such as the thought that we are the best math student. We are hesitant to help another student out because we are afraid they may threaten our belief that we are the best student. Nouwen is saying that if we become poor, as in overcome our fear of losing something, we can become great hosts of hospitality. If we are willing to give up everything we have, no longer will strangers become threats. It becomes easier to give and create an open space for our guest to be themselves, once we have invited in poverty and faced the fear of loss. Moving from hostility to hospitality is a major theme of Nouwen’s book. (b) A Christine doctrine implicit in this passage is the doctrine of original sin. Unfortunately, we all believe we can create our own reality and exist as a God in our own right. As a result of this belief we fail to recognize the dignity and commonality in all beings. Our original sin causes us to shun others out believing that we do not need them and can manage sufficiently in isolation. In reality this hurts both ourselves and others from not realizing our interdependent nature. (c) After reading this passage I began to realize how often I do this to other people. I recognized that at times out of selfishness and fear of losing everything I have worked so hard for I view other people as opponents, not as people who inherently deserve respect for being created in the image of God. I then started to ponder how I have felt or would feel if I was viewed by a stranger as enemy for no apparent reason. I discovered how horrible it is that we hold our things and beliefs over the worth and well being of or fellow individuals. It seems so foolish that we would through this. And from this recognition I realized how the marginalized can be used to promote change and growth within myself and others. (2) Loneliness, the longing for deep connection, perfect love and inner peace does give rise to illusion. Nouwen, illustrates, â€Å"It is sad to see how sometimes people suffering from loneliness, often deepened by the lack of affection in their intimate family circle, search for a final solution for their pains and look at a new friend, a new lover, or a new community with Messianic expectations† (Page 30, Par 2). Here is becomes apparent that when people are suffering from loneliness

Managing Time Essay

The topic of my final research paper is managing time as an adult learner. I feel that this is an important topic to research because a lot of adults do not completely manage their time as an adult learner should along with being employed and raising a family. Although some adults have to manage their time more carefully because some adults either are not employed or do not have children to raise and sometimes even both. The first step to wisely managing your time is to set boundaries. You should manage your energy wisely. It is important never to overwork yourself because you can become stressed and overwhelmed and even begin to stray away from what you are supposed to be doing. It is also important that you make sure you always respect your limits that you have set for yourself. If you cross these limits, you could find yourself in a world of trouble. Disrespecting your personal set limits can cause you to feel completely overworked and that can be unhealthy. The second step to managing your time wisely is to stay motivated. You must make sure to keep yourself on track. If you allow your mind to wander off track of what you need to be doing, it is very likely that what you need to be doing will not get done on time or even at all. It is a good idea to try to have fun while working at the same time, so make your experiences fun. Some people may find it easier to get their work done and get through the day if they make a fun experience out of everything that they do. You should reward yourself after every task that you accomplish successfully. Doing this can even in fact make you feel better about yourself. Another step to managing your time as an adult learner is choosing your study surroundings. You should choose a quiet study area where you are able to go to study. This place can be somewhere throughout your home or even in a public library. You should as your study area all the time. It is also important to choose a good study time. When choosing your study time you should always keep in mind when the place is the quietest and when it will be the easiest for you to concentrate without a lot of distractions. It is also important to avoid any kind of distractions. With that being said, it would not be smart to choose a study area where there is a television, a radio, or a lot of people. These things can be a huge distraction to someone who is trying to concentrate on something important. One last step to remember when managing your time as an adult learner is to take breaks as much as needed. If you are doing work and you begin to get frustrated, simply put your work away and take a break for a while. It is extremely important not to overwork yourself because if you do you can become overwhelmed, frustrated and stressed out. Lastly, it is important to balance out your routine. It is not healthy to try and do too much work at one time. Space put your work so that you are still able to take breaks throughout your day. The very last step to managing your time as an adult learner is to not spend all of your time on school work. If you have a family then you have to make sure that you set aside a decent amount of time to spend time with your family so that they do not feel neglected because you dedicate all of your time to your school work. Your family needs to know that just because you are a college student now, they are still important to you. They should be the number one reason why you have chosen to go to college. It is important that they know this, so you should tell them often so that they do not forget. This concludes my research paper. I have described to you the steps that it takes to managing your time as an adult learner. These steps are as follows: setting boundaries, staying motivated, choosing your study surroundings, and taking breaks. Thank you for taking the time out to read this paper, I hope you enjoyed it

English Final Essay

English Final Essay English Final Essay Poor Police Performance Does the name William J. Whitfield 3rd ring a bell with anyone? Will Whitfield is just one of many unsuspecting victims of a police officer who has performed poorly. Whitfield was shot and killed in a supermarket in 1997 by a New York police officer that had mistaken Whitfield’s keys for a gun (Police Brutality†¦  ¶1). The cause for this â€Å"lash-out† as some may see it could be closely related to stress. Police officers may not realize that they could be in a situation exactly like the officer and Whitfield. Many officers will make it into the force and become successful people of law. As always, there are two sides to every sword. Although the other side of the tracks may seem harsh, the un-successful officers do have options at overcoming whatever it is that causes poor performance. Police officers have many methods of improving performance. However, some of them are not safe methods. Methods such as extreme alcohol or drug use are not safe for off icers by any means. Other methods can be illegal, like domestic violence against the wife or kids, or can be very expensive and time consuming. Some methods can just be way too expensive. One area that seems to be overlooked a lot is the short-term versus long-term effect of the methods. Another thing that should be looked at is if the method is practical and ethical. The solution method needs to address these problems and outweigh them enough to where the officer is benefitting. One of the solution methods that can be used to improve police performance would be to visit doctors. By visiting doctors, the officers can achieve an appropriate diagnosis of their performance problem. However, if the performance problem were not medically related, visiting a doctor would be useless. Plus, paying for a doctor every time something is wrong gets pricey. It can be somewhere between $2,500 and $3,000 just for one person yearly (Cost of Health†¦Ã‚ ¶22). The other half of the sol ution that fits with visiting the doctor would be the usage of prescription drugs. Although at first they will help, long term can cause many serious problems, the major one being addiction. Prescription drug addiction causes more than 26,000 fatal overdoses over each year (Szabo  ¶5). By managing how much of the drug you take can help, but the next solution idea seems a lot easier and safer. Stress management therapy is another solution method that is being practiced today by many government workers extending past police officers. Stress therapy sessions aim to educate the police officer in interpreting his/her own reactions to stimuli, resulting in smarter reactions to stress (Franklin  ¶7). If the officers know how their bodies work then they are more able to maintain control over themselves. Plus, it is very safe. A short term, but popular, method to improve performance is to buy new equipment. Who doesn’t want to play with new toys? However, the flaws associa ted with new equipment is the cost and the training to learn how to se the equipment. An example would be the cost of new guns for the whole department. The price of one new Glock 22 handgun is just over $500.00 (Cheaper Than Dirt 47). Now multiply that by however, any people work in that department and that comes out to one nice chunk of change. After reviewing the three options, the best that suits all criteria would be stress management therapy. Stress

8 Amateur Mistakes You Must Avoid at Work

8 Amateur Mistakes You Must Avoid at Work Sometimes getting jobs, changing jobs, and dreaming about dream jobs takes up so much of our career energy that we forget to focus on the job we’re in now. Take care not to make careless mistakes or get too complacent. Make sure you’re not guilty of any of the following blundersand then go back to daydreaming.1. Playing politicsIt never pays to be cutthroat, backstab, or even to go in the other direction and be sickeningly nice to everyone. People can read a phony from miles away. Don’t be one.Rather than constantly posturing, stick to your own personality, smoothed over a bit to maintain your professionalism, of course. Be genuine.2. Over-taskingMulti-tasking is one thing- and a very valuable skill, but it can be overdone. When you have too much on your plate, some projects will get lost in the shuffle. Keep your head, choose your priorities, and stay focused on one thing at a time whenever possible. That means not answering emails or texts during meetings, and actually listening when your colleagues speak.3. WhiningNobody likes all aspects of their job. But everyone appreciates a positive attitude. Keep quiet about what makes you most disgruntled, even if you really wish you could blast it on Twitter for sheer catharsis. Focus on what you can change, and stay quiet about the rest. If things are really all that bad, start looking for another job.4. Promising too muchWe all want to be the hero and say â€Å"yes† whenever called upon. But it’s important to make sure you can deliver on the promises you make. Don’t overextend yourself and end up disappointing people. Help whenever you can, and push yourself to greater heights, but stay honest and don’t let expectations get away from you.5. StruttingKnow your place. If you’ve just started in a company, don’t walk around like the C.E.O. You have to earn your coworkers’ (and boss’s) respect over time. That way, when you run the place, everyo ne will still like you, as well as fear you.6.  Being antisocialDon’t just mainline a salad at your desk, or grab lunch with only your team every day as if nothing else- not even the rest of the company- exists. Don’t forget to make friends that aren’t necessarily working with you on a day-to-day basis. It will help you maintain a work-life balance, even at the office. And it helps you make more connections and develop a more diverse profile at your company and in your field.7. Not answering opportunity’s knockEven if you like your job, you shouldn’t turn a blind eye to new opportunities. You never know when a better position or more exciting opportunity will come your way. It pays to be prepared.8.  Letting small failures keep you downWe all make mistakes. What we should all do is learn from them. It keeps us from making even more mistakes, keeps us humble, and keeps us improving ourselves in hopes of greater and greater success.

Business law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 6

Business law - Essay Example The company core product is hamburgers. Other products that the company offers include fries, sandwiches, beverages, and salads. Those against the organization assert that the enterprise has been behaving in an unethical manner by producing unhealthy food. Although the group has continued to expand its operations globally, McDonalds once used to receive negative media coverage. The hamburgers that they sell have been associated to cause obesity in some countries. In addition, people have questioned the employment practices of the company. Accusations of unfair employment practices have been leveled against McDonalds with many employees reporting a high degree of job dissatisfaction (Taylor, 197). In the U.K, the company once underwent a series of the legal battle with the public perceiving the company as being unethical in its employment practices. Initially, the corporation had empowered managers to recruit employees solely without a clear guideline for the process. The action meant that managers had an upper hand in determining their preferred potential employees. The process of hiring employees was biased and lacked transparency. Consequently, the company ended up hiring the wrong employees. This sparked mass protest from the public because they felt that they were not offered equal job opportunities for the enterprise. Furthermore, the only job vacancies that were easier to secure were less motivating and dissatisfying. Consequently, negative media coverage was intensified which was a big blow to McDonald’s reputation because it adversely affected its operations in the U.K. Interestingly, most of the employees revealed that they had negative attitude towards their employer given the fact that most jobs they had been offered were of inferior quality (Taylor,198-199). McDonalds embarked on a vigorous employer branding initiative given that the image had been considerably

Filtration and Packaging Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Filtration and Packaging - Essay Example the determination of the packing material depends on the nature, type, use and duration of the product. The other factors that influence packing are attractive designs, costs, customer preferences etc (History of packaging and types of packaging.2009). One of the significant determinants in selecting the ideal packing material is of course its cost effectiveness. It this regard, glass stands to be the most appropriate one because around 25% of the raw material cost can be attributable to a glass packing material. Whereas it is around 70-80% for a metallic packing material. Use of chemicals and innovations in this area has made glass one of the most popular packing materials now. But this enthusiasm is limited because due to the increased capital expenditure that is related to use of modern sophisticated glass in the packing industry (Packaging Materials. 2011). Glass has lots of interesting peculiarities to be the most popular packing material that consumers prefer. Among other thing s that make glass ideal for food and beverage packing is that they are either transparent or opaque. This makes the customers to have a first hand vision of the product before they buy it. Moreover the strength, and the ability to have a barrier to water as well as gas and inertness to toxic chemical substances, makes glass the ideal choice (PACKAGING MATERIALS. 2009). Consumers all around the globe prefer glass as packing material especially in the case of packing food and other beverages. They are reluctant to use plastic because of its non friendly environmental and health nature. The main facts that make glass popular among the consumers are purity, recyclables, quality, safety and versatility. Glass packaging supports all these things therefore consumers prefer it. Although almost ninety percentages of the consumers prefer glass to be their preferred choice for packing, it is estimated that glass accounts to only ten percentage of the market share for packaging in the food and beverage category. This clearly suggests that some thing is wrong somewhere. Glass packaging even though popular has not been seen in shelves of stores (Glass is The Consumers Preferred Packaging Material. 2011). In spite of being popular with the customers who prefer glass as a packing material, glass suffers from lots of disadvantage. Predominant among them is its disability to withstand shocks. Glass containers are easily breakable. This prompts the customer to take extra care on it. Other that that breakage of containers also creates small glass pieces inside. This if not noticed enters the body of the person who use it resulting in serious health damage and even death. Therefore use of glass containers is not at all recommended especially for children who are more vulnerable to injuries caused by glass through its use. Other main draw backs are compromise on the hermetic seal of the containers, color changes of the product due to more exposure to light. This draw back is so acu te for beverage products where glass containers permit more sunlight to penetrate inside thereby resulting in damages and loss to the product. Although glass has high barrier properties as well as inertness and adaptable to microwave processing, it is sometimes overweight. This overweight somewhat affects the moods of customers too. More and more customers prefer to carry less weighable things rather those products having more weight.

Film Evaluation Reports Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Film Evaluation Reports - Movie Review Example While there is a tendency to see such films as lesser forms of film, they can and should be appreciated for the way in which they show how cultures can take a lighter view of themselves and of their mythologies. Films that use silliness as a basis for their entertainment are often making light of aspects of society in order to shed a light on how serious human beings sometimes take themselves. Woochi (2009) is first set 500 years in the past, a story of mythologies and human politics creating a set up for the events that will take place in the present. The film begins with a story of goblins who steal an item called the Pipe of the Prophecy, the piece having powers that should not get into the wrong hands. The flute is used by the one god to keep the others, each representing the lunar calendar year. Three demi-gods are trying involved in trying to keep the flute from the goblins, or demons, but when they fail, they ask the help of the Taoist Wizards who are able to retrieved the flu te. However, the Master wizard’s apprentice, who is a bit self important and has a huge pride problem, is accused of a murder and he takes the flute and sets himself into a painted manuscript to hide. When it is discovered that both he and the flute are in the manuscript, one of the wizards, Hwadom, goes into the manuscript, only to realize that once he is near the flute, he himself is one of the demons. This is a secret to those demons who take human form. They forget that they are demons until they are near the flute. Through a series of coincidences, the flute is torn into three pieces, thus preventing Hwadom from getting the flute and putting it back together. In modern day Seoul, the goblins start once again causing mischief and the three demigods decide to set Woochi free in order to stop the problem. The goblins, disguised as humans, are outside of any current means to stop them, so setting Woochi, who has some of the same knowledge of the Taoist wizards from 500 years previous, seems the best way to handle the problem. They convince Woochi to help them, and all of them being in modern day Korea leads to a great deal of humor based upon the conflict of how people of another time would deal with modern day life. 2.) What does the film reveal about the personality and interests of the filmmaker? What does the film reveal about the attitude of the filmmaker toward his subject? Explain fully. The film engages myth in order to set up its conflicts and to find ways in which to express human hopes and fears through personifications. The nature of the lunar calendar creatures is to personify specific aspects of the dark side of humanity, thus discussing the human existence through this type of literary study. In creating supernatural elements, the real world is reflected in such a way as to create a sectional discussion of different emotional parts of being human. Mythology often isolates aspects of human existence so that those elements can be explored through a less complex examination. This is often the case with humor as well. Humor allows for a piece of literature to more closely examine a part of human life by isolating a part of it and looking at it from various, unusual perspectives. In this film, the concepts of drinking, bumbling, and sexuality are looked at from the perspective of outsiders looking in, as the time variance creates an ‘alien’ atmosphere for the main characters. Using aspects of

The Strategic Positioning Of Ikea Marketing Essay

The Strategic Positioning Of Ikea Marketing Essay An analysis of the strategic position of IKEA has shown that IKEA has different strategic positions in different markets. This assignment will analyse IKEAs strategic position, identify and evaluate various strategic options. While IKEA does not form government policies or make legislation it is important that IKEA understands their implications (Lynch 2009). Take India for example, 100% FDI by a full ownership single brand retailer is not permitted. IKEA could therefore, consider entering into joint venture with local furniture retailers in countries which it wants to expand into or consider other options such as franchising or licensing (Cavusgil et al 2008). IKEA could also consider working with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to get governments of potential markets to relax legislation and policies as a long-term plan as changing policies and regulations is a process which takes time. China for example has already committed to relaxing regulations since joining the WTO in 2004 and IKEA continues to expand in this market (EmeraldManagementXtra 2007). As there are significant political legal barriers as well opportunities in markets such as Asia and Eastern-Europe which are in the Introduction or Growth Stage of the Industry Life Cycle (Lynch 2009) [Appendix C] and have not yet been dominated by other global furniture companies it is imperative that IKEA move fast to find a way round barriers if it plans on maintaining its position as a global brand in future. Economic, Socio-cultural Technological Continual increase in GDP in the BRIC nations and other markets (NexisUK, 2010) outside Western Europe and North America makes these markets an attractive option and IKEA could expand into these markets going forward. On the contrary increase in GDP may pose a challenge rather than an advantage is it may mean increased competition. Moreover, it may also pose a challenge to IKEA as it may mean that raw materials become more expensive (Coulter 2009) as these countries are also large suppliers of raw materials for IKEA (ScienceDirect 2008). Despite the fact that consumer income expenditure in Western markets dropped significantly since 2008 and they are in the mature stage of the industry life-cycle (Lynch 2009), exiting these markets might not be a good option for the future. Mintel reported that consumer expenditure will increase significantly by 2013; hence IKEA could seek to maintain its position. Furthermore, looking to the future, buyer behaviour could change in favour of IKEA due to economic pressures as customers who previously would have opted for more expensive furniture are likely to opt for reasonably priced furniture. Suggesting a limitation to the Industry Life Cycle model as IKEA is operating in a dynamic environment the factors which caused a market to be mature or in decline can change unexpectedly and IKEA itself can instigate change (Lynch 2009). Increase of life expectancy in markets such as Japan, North-America and Western Europe (Mintel 2010) could mean IKEA must look towards focusing on a different market segment in future as IKEAs target market is currently young middle class. Furthermore, research by GMID, 2010 has shown that the aging population (silver-surfers) in Western-Europe prefer online-shopping due to the convenience of having bulky items delivered at home (Appendix B). IKEA could take this as an opportunity, by widening its internet services it can use the technology to broaden its reach and tap into this market segment in the future. This will not only increase market share and profits in can also be used to enhance customer loyalty as internet purchases can be a good tool of monitoring buyer behaviour (Mintel 2010). On the other hand, IKEA might opt not to take advantage of this social change and technological influence as the store experience is essential to IKEAs competitive advantage and becoming well-known as an e-shop might change its image. That being said, even IKEAs current target market is internet savvy and ignoring such a significant factor may be risky as it is necessary to be adaptive to sustain competitive advantage. . Environmental Green issues are increasingly a large concern for IKEA. Rise in green consumerism (Mintel 2010) has seen IKEA paint a picture to the public that its designs are eco-friendly and it must maintain this image as consumers have become more aware and concerned about the environment. While IKEAs designers are conscious of designing eco-friendly products (Johnson et al 2008), its suppliers may not necessarily practice eco-friendly manufactures. With a large network of suppliers in mostly developing nations some suppliers do not source raw materials through legit channels. The consequences of green-issues are inevitable and in order to maintain competitive advantage IKEA is could to work hand in hand with suppliers and local governments as Corporate Social Responsibility to see that global carbon-footprint is minimised, to avoid backlash from environmental pressure-groups. Comment on Analysis Given that the environment in which IKEA operates is dynamic, IKEA must think fast and move fast on all counts in order to obtain first mover advantage and gain competitive advantage. On the other hand, because the environment is very dynamic, IKEA might move fast in areas where there is less risk and wait for competitors to move first in other areas thus taking advantage of gaps on their strategy. Outcome of Five Forces Analysis The analysis revealed that the industry is more favourable in some markets than others with Asia and Eastern-Europe appearing to be more favourable to a greater extent than others. Competitive rivalry is the key element to consider as it is most likely to have more influence on the future. Bargaining Power of Suppliers IKEA has a large network of suppliers thus there in hardly any threat posed by suppliers. Five-Forces Analysis suggests that suppliers as part of the environment pose a threat which is one of the limitations of this method of analysis as the environment does not have to be a threat; it is possible for IKEA and its suppliers to engage in closer cooperation (Lynch 2009). Cooperation with suppliers would be important for IKEA as it is likely to need to work with its suppliers to tackle green issues if IKEA wants to keep these suppliers which allow it to be a cost-leader. Bargaining Power of Buyers Outcome of Five-Forces implies that buyers have little power which would make the industry favourable. Buyers have little power according to 5-Forces Model, yet there is evidence that IKEA consistently aims to satisfy buyers. Lynch 2009 argues that this is a limitation to the model as the organisations interests do not necessarily come first and the buyer is more important than other aspects of strategy development in this model hence cannot be considered and equal aspect in such an analysis. . Threat of Substitutes This is a key element which makes the low-cost furniture industry unfavourable as threat of substitutes is high particularly in developed markets (Lynch 2009). IKEA is therefore likely to react by widening its online services, in order to protect and expand its market-share. IKEA could consider re-thinking the locations of its stores in order to tackle the threat posed by retailers such as TESCO and Walmart (GMID). To tackle retailers it may also consider backward integration (Johnson et al 2008) as these retailers also have easy access to suppliers and can achieve scale benefits. However, backward integration might prove difficult as IKEAs network of suppliers might be too large to control. Extent of Competitive Rivalry Markets in Developing Economies Competitive rivalry is key because of influences in the macro-environment, that is, (i) increase in GDP in BRIC markets, (ii) barriers to trade in growing markets which are potentially extremely lucrative. IKEA stands a good chance of doing well in these markets, and could take advantage of opportunities through joint venture or franchise as they have already got experience in this region, hence IKEA can maximise on increase in consumer expenditure and change of lifestyle in this region. It would need to be a first mover in untapped Asian markets as rivalry is intense (Cavusgil 2008). Competitors (existing local firms in the industry) are likely to attempt to imitate IKEAs product they might have home ground advantage. To counter this IKEA must be highly differentiated (Lynch 2009). Intense competitive rivalry in BRIC could imply that IKEA must look to other markets such as Africa and the Middle East. North-America and Western-Europe Markets are unfavourable to a greater extent with well established competitors and economic-crises all intensifying rivalry. Target-market is not growing in comparison to other parts of the world, such as South America, Asia and Eastern Europe again intensifying rivalry. On the other hand, Mintel reported that consumer expenditure will increase significantly by 2013. Possible solution therefore is not to exit this market but acquisition of competitors and making sure the product differentiated. Strategic Capability Critical Success Factors (CSFs) IKEA meets most of its CSFs effectively. IKEA provides a unique shopping experience space, childrens camp) which no other competitor offers; as a result IKEA has gained competitive advantage. The exception is delivering and assembling products. While Mintel 2010 suggests that this is an advantage as customers do not have to stay home waiting for a delivery man, and can assemble goods in their own time, GMID 2010 argues that IKEA is missing out on sales as this CSF is not met yet some competitors provide the service. IKEA could opt to maintain this stance in a bid to cut costs or could look into partnering with a company which provides the delivery and assembling service. Unique-Resources and Core-Competencies (Resource Based View) Taking into consideration that resources and competencies may be vague (Lynch 2009) IKEA are well positioned in order to exploit their unique-resources and core-competences for the long term. IKEA is well positioned to exploit its unique resources long term in comparison to a number of its competitors due to experience (Johnson et al 2008). (For IKEAs position on the experience curve see appendices) Furthermore, IKEA is extremely well positioned because whilst competitors can attempt (with difficulty) to imitate other core-competencies and unique-resources, they cannot imitate IKEAs culture. Stakeholder Mapping Placing IKEAs stakeholders on the power/interest matrix is difficult as the matrix has limitations (Johnson et al 2008). Shareholders IKEAs shareholders are a small secretive trust. Little is documented about them hence it is difficult to position them thus determine whether there is need to reposition or maintain their position. It is however probably safe to assume that they have high power and interest. Pressure groups Pressure groups particularly environmentalists and human rights groups (child labour) have moved in recent years from low power to high power thus likely to be blockers of strategy and must be repositioned to become facilitators. IKEA is could reposition them through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) working hand-in-hand with them for their causes. Improving towards environmentally friendly manufacturing as well as suppliers and being transparent about these procedures in the future as the public have caught on to the green-wash (Mintel 2010). Governments Local governments have repeatedly proven to be blockers of strategy. IKEA could take one of two options to reposition them. First option could be to make them an offer, which is profitable in the long term as development is mutually beneficial (Cavusgil 2008). Second option could be working with the World Trade Organisation to tackle unfair trade policies (however, this may take years). China has already changed most the policy it was asked to change by the WTO since 2004 (BusinessSourcePremier 2010). For any strategy to work is important that the implementers of strategy are onboard hence some key employees who are against the strategy might have to be repositioned preferably by involving the gatekeepers in the implementation (Mullins 2006). Repositioning shareholders will result in increased market share, increased profits, increased access to resources, increased competitive advantage as well as increased competition as competitors are likely to react to IKEAs actions (Johnson et al 2008). Strategic Group Analysis Mapping of strategic groups (Appendix F) reflects that IKEA does not fall into a specific group. IKEA is not just a retailer, it is also a manufacturer. IKEA has created its own niche. For the long-term, this might mean focus on maintaining its strong brand image and protecting the niche. Moreover, mapping of strategic groups reflected attractive strategic spaces (Johnson et al 2008), for example there is room for a global-brand which sells bespoke furniture on a global scale. IKEA might want to take advantage of the strategic space long-term perhaps by starting a new brand which targets the gap (Johnson et al 2008). It could also cover strategic space by entering geographical regions which other low-cost global brands have not yet entered such as Africa. PART B IDENTIFICATION OF MAJOR STRATEGIC OPTIONS FACING IKEA STRATEGIC CHOICE IKEA has a low-cost base and reinvests in low price and differentiation, simultaneously seeking differentiation and price lower than that of competitors as evidenced by added value, store design, durability and functionality of products at a low-price. IKEA therefore follows a hybrid strategy (Johnson et al 2009). Hybrid strategy is appropriate for IKEA because there is opportunity for economies of scale and cost reduction and IKEA seeks to enter new markets such as Asia where there are existing competitors (Johnson et al 2008). In addition, Hybrid strategy is recommended as an entry strategy into markets which have established competitors (Johnson et al 2008) therefore it would be highly appropriate for IKEAs future as IKEA seeks to enter markets in Asia and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, Hybrid fits IKEAs core competencies, thus allowing IKEA to sustain competitive advantage. STRATEGIC OPTIONS STRATEGI DIRECTION IKEA competes in different geographical regions, therefore may opt for different strategic options in different regions. North America Northern and Western Europe Consolidation in most of Northern Europe could be an option as there is little or no room for growth. Differentiation strategies when defending market share in order to build customer loyalty and switching costs are often effective (Johnson et al pg.260 2008) Market Penetration is an option in North America and Western Europe (mature stage) as there is opportunity to gain market share, for instance in the USA IKEA has 2.7% market share (Appendix G). Market penetration in this case could be done via acquisition of an existing competitor or merger. Market Development could be a strategic option for IKEA in the UK as life expectancy has increased. Increased ageing population could be opportunity by IKEA to use its core competencies to enter a new market segment. Entering into new market segment could be done by developing a new brand which serves new market segment [existing product offered to new market] (Johnson et al 2008). Methods which could be used to execute this are organic development or merger. Developing Economies Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Middle East and South America Market Development entering new territories is an option. IKEA has a proven track record on entering new markets therefore it could take advantage of the growth opportunities in markets such as Eastern-Europe and other potentially lucrative developing economies (Johnson et al 2008). IKEA could pursue market development through acquisition, merger, franchising or licensing depending on the various macro and micro environmental influences (Cavusgil 2008). All regions Product development as a strategic option could work globally. For example, IKEA could use its existing competencies to sell electrical appliances to its existing customer base (Johnson et al 2008). Diversification on existing competences or capabilities is another strategic option which IKEA could opt for. IKEA could start Training and Development, (training on management and teambuilding) as it is renowned for good operations management and teamwork. Consultancy on entering foreign markets could be another route as IKEA has vast experience in this area. IKEA already designs modern style low-cost furniture and could take advantage of this to change the Interior Decoration Industry as this service is usually only afforded by an elite few. IKEA could change this by offering this service at a low cost. The various diversification options could be done through organic growth as suggested diversification is based on existing competences and resources. PART C Evaluating Strategic Options. Consolidation Suitable in Northern Europe as the market is declining (see appendix D) and there is little of no room for growth. Likely acceptable to stakeholders as it is low risk and aims to protect current market share. Consolidation is feasible as no new key resources and core competencies are required in order to execute it. Market penetration This option is suitable given that there is little room for growth in North America Northern and Western Europe. In addition, there are several significant barriers to trade outside the West hence North America, Northern and Western Europe remain important markets for IKEAs future, thus penetration is suitable. Furthermore, gaining market share will help maintain scale advantages which IKEA currently exploit, which is essential to IKEA as a cost leader (Johnson et al 2008). On the other hand, established competitors are likely to in retaliate. Moreover, legal constraints may come into play; for example, in the UK, the Competition Commission can investigate any merger or acquisition which would account for more that 25% of the market (Johnson et al 2008). It is likely that this option will be acceptable to stakeholders as no new competencies or resources are required. The same reason makes it feasible (Johnson et al 2008). Market Development Market Development would be suitable as most major current markets are saturated and at the moment there are new opportunities for entering new segments (UK, ageing population) and new geographical locations (developing nations). Furthermore, it fits well with IKEAs resources and competencies. Market development in the UK is likely to be acceptable to stakeholders as due to low risk. The UK economy is more stable than most and there is political stability. However, market development in regions such as Africa or Asia is likely to be deemed unacceptable as soft currencies pose high financial risk and so does political instability. It can be said that market development would indeed be feasible in any world region as IKEA could carry it out without developing new competencies and resources and has the experience. In a dynamic environment IKEA has little choice but to exploit its existing resources and competencies. On the other hand, feasibility can be questioned due to lack of infrastructure in developing in some nations Product Development (Electrical appliances) Option is suitable. IKEA has the facilities to offer existing customers new products (majority of IKEA stores are large). In addition, it is an opportunity for IKEA to exploit existing knowledge of customer needs of its existing customers. On the other hand, IKEA is known for furniture, introduction of new products risks changing brand image in the customers perspective; hence it might be an unsuitable option. Stakeholders are likely to deem it acceptable because it can be done in existing stores, is low risk and could have a high return. Product development is feasible, as long as IKEA has the resources and competencies. Product development based on new resources and competencies could be challenging for IKEA. Diversification Over the years IKEA has developed several competencies and gained resources which can be applied in other industries. IKEA could provide diversification options at low cost because of existing competencies (e.g. skills) and resources (e.g. employees). These diversification options done through organic development would be feasible as IKEA already has competencies and resources hence other methods such us merger would be of minimum benefit to IKEA This method and option would be suitable because current markets are saturated in major existing markets and it is based on existing resources and competencies. In addition, it is a low risk and low revenue investment; hence likely acceptable to stakeholders. Recommendation IKEA is already a global brand and could work towards expanding as a global brand through Foreign Direct Investment. Market Development in developing economies particularly South America could be seen as the best option out of all the options mentioned. There is political stability in the greater part of this region and the economy is growing at a steady rate in most of South America. IKEA targets young families and students and demographic studies in South America show that this population is not in decline. Many governments in this region welcome investors, thus it is likely to be favourable which will work in IKEAs favour as it already has a significant amount of experience dealing with foreign governments. South American market has not yet been dominated by other global furniture retailers which IKEA competes with. In addition, in comparison to other new markets such as Africa and parts of Asia, South America has better infrastructure making it an even more attractive option (MINTEL 2010). Acquisition or merger would be an appropriate method based on the points mentioned. Market Development in developing economies, particularly South America would therefore be suitable, feasible and most likely acceptable. While other methods such as Franchising and Licensing may be low cost, they are not recommended as it may be challenging to train on culture to outsiders. Moreover, IKEA is the only furniture retailer which provides the unique shopping experience hence the risk of that the franchisee or licensee may take advantage of acquired knowledge is likely to be one not with taking in a potentially large market such as South America Cavusgil 2008). Acquisition or merger would therefore be more suited to exploit IKEAs key resources and core competencies during market development. APPENDIX Appendix A PESTEL ANALYSIS Political Legal Barriers to trade tariffs, taxes, bound to enter into joint venture with local business in China Russia government intervention on rates India government wants to limit IKEAs growth rate in India Politics influences legislation hence Barriers to trade tariffs, taxes, bound to enter into joint venture with local. Economic Economic down turn Subprime crisis, recession Foreign Currency Risk Increase in GDP in Asian some markets ( particularly China India) Socio-cultural Aspirations of middle class to have good quality furniture in the markets in which IKEA competes Demographic aging population in some markets, eg UK Technological Increased use of the internet Environmental GREEN CONSUMERISM Increased concerns regarding environment (eco-friendly) influence manufacturing. Environmental pressure groups Global carbon foot print of suppliers is constantly under question by the public. Appendix B Source: Global Marker Information Database Inter IKEA Systems BV in Retailing World July 2010 Appendix C Industry Life Cycle Industry life cycle is more useful as an analysis tool in some markets that others, as suggested by Dhalla Yuspeh, it has its limitations. Competitive forces change over time, the impact of effects of the five forces therefore varies depending on the Industry life cycle (Johnson et al 2009). The use of the Industry Life Cycle as an analysis tool will therefore be used to analyse the competitive forces in markets which are at the initial stages of the cycle, that is, introduction growth. It will not be used in US UK markets as it is unclear whether these markets are in the decline or mature stage. It will be applied to Aisan and Eastern European Markets as it will allow us to identify the dynamic factors that are shaping IKEAs future. Source: Online Western Europe Mature. North-America and Western-Europe Mature or Decline? Asia, Eastern Europe, South America and Africa Growing. (Competitors attracted to enter market and maximise on advantages of early entry / expansion as other global furniture companies have not yet dominated these markets. Appendix D Market Growth Trend Source: Global Marker Information Database Inter IKEA Systems BV in Retailing World July 2010 Appendix E Porters Five Forces Analysis Bargaining Power of Suppliers Raw materials account for a large portion of IKEA s costs yet power of supplies remains low regardless. There is no or little possibility of forward-integration hence power of suppliers can be said to be low as (Lynch 2009). Little to no possibility of forward integration (mastering the key competencies of IKEA is likely to be a daunting task for suppliers). LOW Supplies/raw materials account for a large portion of IKEAs costs. Raw materials are mostly sourced from. HIGH Buying Power Buyers Low switching costs would increase the power of buyers yet in IKEAs case it does not count as other factors are more significant. Price is important to IKEAs target market and IKEA competes on price hence buyers are unlikely to switch which lowers buyers power. Moreover, there is little or no possibility of backward integration again lowering power of buyers. Little to no possibility of backward integration (buyer competition threat). LOW Low cost of switching. HIGH Price is important to IKEAs market. IKEA is consistently works to have lower prices than several competitors, hence customers are unlikely to switch. LOW Threat of Entrants The market in which IKEA competes, economies of scale are important, hence it is difficult for new-comers to enter as it is likely to take a long time before they can achieve economies of scale. Which in turn makes access to supply channels is likely to be difficult for entrants. Moreover, the furniture industry requires high revenue investments and entrants might find difficulty in raising such funds. In addition, IKEA has differentiated its product also making it tougher for new entrants as it is difficult to imitate. Economies of scale are important it is difficult for new comers to achieve economies of scale. LOW High revenue investment / High capital requirements. New comers might find it difficult to raise such funds. LOW Cost of switching is low. HIGH Access to supply or distribution channels. Differentiation. IKEAs product is highly differentiated. LOW Threat of Substitutes Increasingly high as retailers such as TESCO and Walmart are increasing their furniture ranges (GMID 2010). Furthermore, internet sales on sites such as Amazon are growing and are likely to continue growing in developed markets thus encroaching on store based sales. Product for Product Plenty competition in all markets, low cost of switching HIGH Retailers such as Tesco Walmart are increasing their furniture ranges With the growth in internet retailing sales likely to retain its momentum in developed markets and encroaching on store-based sales eg Amazon HIGH Extent of Competitive Rivalry Western-Europe and North-America as markets are in the mature stage of the Industry Life Cycle thus intensifying rivalry as there is little room for growth. Furthermore, competitors in North-America are equally as big as IKEA Companies such as Nitori in Japan and PPR in Europe are increasingly matching IKEA in offering attractive designs at low-prices through economies of scale and efficient logistics thus gradually eroding IKEAs competitive advantage and intensifying rivalry. Fixed-costs in Russia which is an important Eastern-European Market are high Decline stage of Industry Life Cycle in European Market increases rivalry INTENSE Rivals such as Nitori in Japan and PPR in Europe can increasingly match it in these areas. INTENSE High fixed costs in Russian market INTENSE Competitors of equal size in US market INTENSE Competitors Attracted to enter Asian market as it is growing. Evidence suggests that 1st movers have strategic advantage INTENSE With the growth in internet retailing sales likely to retain its momentum in developed markets and encroaching on store-based sales eg Amazon INTENSE Appendix F Strategic Grouping Mapping of strategic groups reflects that IKEA and some competitors do not fall naturally into one group. Furthermore, it reflects that IKEA is not at the bottom but its not at the top either and has a large geographical coverage. IKEA competes with both local competitors and global competitors hence it does not fall under one specific strategic group. IKEA competes on price, design, product range and geographical coverage. Furthermore, one of its core competencies which is difficult to imitate is, the idea of the shopping experience. IKEA has created its own niche. Appendix G Home and Garden Specialist Retailers Top 10 Global Companies by Value, 2006-2009 Company 4-year trend 2006 2007 2008 2009 Home Depot Inc, The Æ’Â ¨ 1 1 1 1 Lowes Companies Inc Æ’Â ¨ 2 2 2 2 Inter Ikea Systems BV Æ’Â ¨ 3 3 3 3 Kingfisher Plc Æ’Â ¨ 4 4 4 4 Leroy Merlin Groupe Æ’Â ¨ 5 5 5 5<