A Confederacy of Dunces :: essays research papers

Journal One: A Confederacy of Dunces Chapter One: Plot: Ignatius waited for Mrs. Reilly outside the department store. A policeman attempted to apprehend Ignatius; a mob ensued with the result of an old man being arrested for calling the policeman a communist. Mrs. Reilly and Ignatius escape to a local bar in which the bartender treats them with a lack of respect as well as eavesdrops on their conversation about Ignatius’ trip to Baton Rouge. The old man, Claude Robichaux, was brought before the police sergeant as well as the officer who brought him in. A black man named Jones made comments during the man’s â€Å"interrogation† and was repeatedly told to shut up by name, giving the idea that this wasn’t the first time Jones had been there. Returning to the Night of Joy bar, Ignatius’ mother sells her hat to a young gentleman for fifteen dollars while Ignatius tells his bus story to a regular customer by the name of Darlene. Mrs. Reilly has a little too much to drink and begins to weave a tale of domestic mistreatment by her boy and Darlene loses interest in Ignatius. Ms. Lee, the bar’s patron returns from a few hours of shopping and kicks the Reillys out of the bar. When Mrs. Reilly tries to drive away from the city, she demolishes a Voltzwagon parked behind the massive ’46 Plymouth and crumbles a balcony of a building she hits. The officer from Ignatius’ previous incident ends the chapter with his arrival in a most awkward costume, punishment for his earlier dealings. Character: Ignatius is a highly intelligent, socially awkward, and interesting character. Plump and at least a little bit apprehensive towards the world in general, he wears an odd assortment of clothing and pines for his lost lumber jacket. He is 30, unemployed and lives with his mother. He spent eight years of college getting a masters degree in an as of yet undisclosed discipline, possibly having to do with medieval history based upon his one known job interview with the head of Medieval Studies in Baton Rouge. Mrs. Reilly is Ignatius’ mother. She has arthritis of the elbow and shows a genuine interest in the well being of her child while on the same time feels a slight feeling of resentment of his overpowering each and every conversation as well as the trouble he finds himself in. Claude Robichaux was the old man who tried to defend Ignatius by calling the policeman a communist.

Amazon E-Business

Amazon. Coma's E-Business Model Monte Sutton strayed university Assignment #2 Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course BUSSES: contemporary Business Dry. Miller Fall 201 1 Discussion 1. Discuss the pros and cons of Amazons growth and diversification of business and specialization, and make recommendations about what Amazon could have done differently. The internet has become a part of most everyone daily life for many years now. In addition E-Business has appeared for several years now.E-dustless refers to conducting business over the internet. E-Business accounts for more than one- quarter of the value of all manufacturing shipments, sales and revenues, totaling $1. 3 trillion (Boone ; Kurt, 2011). In 1996 a famous retail company In E-Business was launched called Amazon. Com_ Amazon. Com sells various products like electronics, books, music, DVD's, housemates, PC's and cars. Amazon. Com is the biggest retailer in E-Business, It has expanded Its business In more than 220 countries. Amazon had first started out as a company had first started out as an online bookstore.While selling books Amazon was making a decent profit, but Amazon leadership did not feel hat they were not making as much money as they had hoped to make tort the first year _ Also a lawsuit from Barnes and Noble prompted Amazon to come up with a way to better Its corporation. In 1999 when the E-useless boom began Amazon Went Amazon began to emerge into the world of E-Business this was the best thing they could have done. By doing this they begin to make huge profits and turned into one of the world's leaders in E-commerce. Amazon was able to take over the E- Business because they began to offer to their customer's better deals than the otherE-Business corporations could offer. They were truly focused on customer satisfaction. The firm uses sophisticated inventory tools that help keep its costs down and allow it to wait for favorable supplier prices before placing orders . Amazon was able to restock when nobody else was restocking. As demands was falling off a cliff [because other retailers had placed holiday orders much earlier], they could get better rates (Boone ; Kurt, 2011 up. 223). The owner Jeff Bozo understood that in order to remain competitive in this business they had to first focus on the needs of the customers.Understanding what customers want and need is was very beneficial for the success of the company. Also expanded its merchandise at a lower cost would also attract more customers to order from Amazon. Another benefit of Amazon was that they had partnership with numerous transportation companies and could provide fast and accurate service to their consumers. Amazon has experienced many negatives ratings from some of their customers because of some of the defective merchandise they have received. Because Amazon has partnership with many consumers to sell their merchandiseAmazon does not really know what a person may be receiving. Con sumers only know that they ordered this merchandise from Amazon and if something is wrong Amazon should be responsible for the product. I fully understand their complaint. Understand the consumer's complaint. I recently ordered a Colby MPH player from Amazon and when I got the MPH player it did not work. I looked all over the internet to try and find a contact number for Amazon but could not. I called Colby and went through some trouble shooting techniques before it was determined that the part was defective.The Colby told me to return the merchandise back to Amazon and they would replace it. Although once I went on Amazon website to find out how to return the item it was fairly easy. I felt as though instead of me returning the item back to Amazon I should have returned the item to Colby and they could have sent me a replacement item. Now I have to wait until Amazon gets the old MPH player and the they order me another one from Colby. I would recommend that Amazon find out a way to cut out the middle man so that consumers can get their replacement items in an expeditious manner. Discussion 2.Determine the impact if Amazon. Com had split up and became a family of brands (for example â€Å"Amazon† for books, â€Å"Super toys† for toys, etc. ), each with a public face but all run by the same parent company. Amazon may have lost some consumers had they would have branded themselves into a family of brands. What makes Amazon so unique is that a person can go to their one website and find everything they are looking for. The website has made so many changes to make it easier for the consumer to go directly to their website categorize what they are looking for and will e able to see Just that product.Had Amazon would have Just distinguished itself into a certain brand it would have seemed like they may have been trying to promote a certain item and this would have created competition amongst Amazon with its who truly likes ordering from Amazon. They wo uld think that this is another E- Business that they are not familiar with doing business with. The ease of going to one website and understanding that everything at this website is all Amazon and the way that you use to order your merchandise you can still do it the same way.To any companies tend to think they are doing things to make it better for the consumer but in all actuality they are confusing the consumers. Discussion 3. Determine if it would be possible for Barnes and Noble or Borders to extend their markets in the same way that Amazon. Com has. Explain your rationale. Yes I think it is very possible for Barnes and Noble or Borders to extend their markets in the same was Amazon. Com has. The reason I feel this way is because the average American consumer we are always looking for the next best marketable company on the internet.Variety is the spice of life. At first consumers would be hesitant to order something other than books from Barnes and Nobles or Borders. But once the word get out that both these companies have become and establish E-Business like Amazon they should have no problem with becoming marketable in the E-commerce business. Not all consumers are happy with ordering merchandise from Amazon, so therefore it will take another company to get into the E-commerce business and have an established reputation and more will follow.In order for Barnes and Noble and Borders to become successful they need not to try and duplicate what Amazon is already doing in the E-Business. They need to come up with other creative ways to market their products, and also try and offer better pricing and better shipping rates than Amazon has to offer. Like anything, at first business may be slow for both companies because this is a new venture for them. But once the companies understand how the E-Business works and what customers want and need I don't for see any problems with them marketing other items other than books over the internet. Discussion 4 Determine what Amazon. Mom would need to do to expand their distribution chain to include some brick and mortar outlets, and whether or not this would be a good idea. In order for Amazon to get into the Brick and Mortar outlet Amazon now would have to go out and find more building throughout the world and then higher more employees to run the outlet facilities around the world. Now Amazon instead of competing in the E-commerce industry now they would also be competing in the store industry. By doing this would cost Amazon more money and could possible reduce the decline in sales over the internet. This would not be a good idea for Amazon for many reasons.Operation cost to maintain a building and a full time staff make up a large part of the overhead cost. Most retail stores commission are a big part of a sales person salary so therefore they may not have the best interest in the internet provides more information than the sales representative could. Most consumers now days go to a retail sto re and price and item then go home on the internet and get a better deal. Amazon is doing Just fine by remaining the top E- Business on the internet, References Boone, L. , Kurt, L. , (2011). Contemporary Business. Sons Inc. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and

Describe Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Participation Essay

Diversity refers to our differences such as culture, beliefs, values, views and life experiences. The concept of diversity is to accept, respect and embrace our differences. When people with these differences unite and share the same group or organization we see a diverse environment. Working in a childcare setting, we have the potential to work with an abundance of diversity. This can be very rewarding but can also pose challenges. Positively, we have the opportunity to promote the sense of individuality, sense of pride and belonging by providing a safe and nurturing environment. Discussing each other’s differences is a great way to learn and become aware of the differences in the world. One example of promoting diversity is to display the word â€Å"welcome† on the door in all first languages spoken in that classroom or even learning how to say hello in each language. The challenges are learning how ensure equality and eliminate discrimination. Introducing children at an early age to diversity will have an impact on their acceptance of others who are different from them. Diversity can also come in the form of race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities and political beliefs. Equality Equality is the term for equal opportunities. Whilst supporting diversity and respecting differences everyone is offered the same services and programs. All children and families have an equal chance and equal right to participate or not to participate regardless of any differences such as physical disabilities or cultural beliefs. Practitioners have a duty to ensure that there is equality in their classroom. A child who has a learning disability should not be stereotyped with assumptions that he or she is not capable and therefor does not receive equal opportunity in classroom activities. Discrimination is the result of not practicing equality, for example, a child cannot be left out of a school outing because they don’t have transport to accommodate his wheel chair. Discrimination due to inequality can be very detrimental to a child’s emotional well being. A child can develop low-self esteem, low confidence, feel unwanted and loose sense of belonging. The equality act of 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in organizations and society. Some provisions relating to disability include extending protection against indirect discrimination to disability and harmonizing the thresholds for the duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. This act will help to protect the children in school settings and into adulthood. Reference: Equality Act 2010: guidance, publishes 27 February 2013, https://www. gov. uk/equality-act-2010-guidance Inclusion Inclusion is the practice that every need is met for every student in their learning setting. Inclusive education allows children with disabilities to learn along side children without disabilities. This type of educational practice differs from having children with special needs secluded to special schools and classrooms. It allows children with disabilities to feel as an equal member of the classroom, which will build self-confidence and teach social skills. Schools need to ensure that they meet all needs by having resources and equipment to aid the students and help them to join as many activities as possible. For example braille books for children who are blind, providing wide doors, ramps and disabled toilets, speech therapist and physical therapist. When children have the opportunity to use these services they will more likely achieve their educational goals and feel less different from their peers. Practitioners could aid children in their classrooms by learning as much as possible about any disability a child in their care has, for example if a child in their classroom is hearing impaired, learning a few basic sign language words such as â€Å"lunch† â€Å"outside† â€Å"toilet† could help the child feel more part of the classroom’s daily flow. Reference: Wikipedia, Inclusion (education), 22 October 2013, http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Inclusion_(education) Participation Participation is the act of participating and being involved in activities, decisions, planning and sharing. Participation is important for the children as well as the parents in school settings. When parents and children are involved in decision-making it allows them to feel connected to the school and feel like their voice is being heard and wishes met. Children feel that their opinions and feelings matter, this is important to social skill development, as they will feel apart of the school community. Children who participate in school activities such as sports gain self-confidence and team building skills. Communication skills improve, stress is relieved and friendships build as children learn to trust and depend on their peers. Supporting participation could be to invite parents into the class to share their child’s favorite storybook from home and be a part of that day’s circle time. The child will gain a sense of pride as they sit beside their parent as they contribute to circle time. Another example is the children could take turns bringing home a â€Å"letter bag† where they find objects from around their home that begin with the â€Å"letter of the week†. The child and parent can work together finding the objects and the child can share it in class the following day. Reference: Participation works partnership, http://www. participationworks. org. uk/topics/education

Bon marché - French Expression

Bon marchà © - French Expression Expression: Bon marchà © Pronunciation: [ bo(n) mar shay] Meaning: inexpensive, cheap Literal translation: good deal Register: normal Notes The French expression bon marchà © might be translated by either inexpensive or cheap. Like the latter, bon marchà © can be both positive (indicating a reasonable price) and negative (insulting the products quality). Bon marchà © is invariable in gender and number: it does not change to agree with the noun it modifies. Examples   Ã‚  Ã‚   Je cherche un cadeau bon marchà ©.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Im looking for an inexpensive gift.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Avez-vous des voitures bon marchà © ?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Do you have any cheap cars? However, bon marchà © can be made comparative and superlative:   Ã‚  Ã‚   Je prà ©fà ¨re la tà ©là ©vision meilleur marchà ©, mà ªme si elle est un peu plus petite.   Ã‚  Ã‚  I prefer the cheaper TV, even though its a little smaller.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Il a achetà © les chaussures les meilleur marchà ©.   Ã‚  Ã‚  He bought the least expensive shoes. ​Synonyms (Positive and Negative) un bon rapport qualità ©-prix - good valueune bonne affaire - good dealun prix avantageux - bargain pricepas cher - inexpensiveune mauvaise affaire - bad dealla pacotille - cheap piece of junk More Expressions with bonFrench shopping vocabularyMost common French phrasesInvariable adjectives

The Place of Media in the Public Sphere

The Place of Media in the Public Sphere The public sphere as a concept always has to take into account the freedom enjoyed by a people such that they can share their ideas or thoughts and learn or access other views (Gastil 2007, 18). This process necessarily also consists of or results in the formation of public opinion (Dahlgren 2005, 148).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Place of Media in the Public Sphere specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Dahlgren (2005, 148) the public sphere consists of and is guaranteed by three dimensions i.e. â€Å"structure, representation and interaction†. The impact of the net on the public sphere is a given reality and can not be the question. Dahlgren (2005, 149) asserts that with the coming of the Net, â€Å"the sprawling character of the public sphere becomes all the more accentuated†. One of the challenges or problems identified with the traditional media is the shift from serious del iberation on political matters to more focus on entertainment and life style issues. This trend is commonly known as Tabloidization. Tabloidization and other problems associated with traditional media are as a result of cutting edge competition amongst media houses. According to Harsin (2006, 89), â€Å"corporate mergers have increased the pressure towards speed and expanding viewer – and readership, and the demand for ever increasing profit†. As competition between media houses increased, another shift towards combining serious information with entertainment happened. For example, a given serious message that needs public attention is programmed to run as an interlude between episodes in a popular soap. Due to the strong control many governments and elites had over traditional media, the media was largely a propaganda tool. Propaganda was possible because access and interaction between consumers was not possible.Advertising Looking for research paper on commun ications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For example in the Arab world, due to state control over traditional media, Rinnawi (2002, 2) states that â€Å"there are hardly any opportunities for the participation of the media consumers, the public or for any deviation from the mainstream ideas or opinions held by the ruling elite†. The United States of America is the beacon of democracy in the world; however, its traditional media does not escape from being used as a propaganda tool. Harsin (2002, 2) states, â€Å"The strategic use and (sometimes) careless circulation of rumor characterizes the current climate of American news media and politics†. The manipulation or distortion of truth or reduction of public communication to mere appeals to emotion is undemocratic (Harsin, 2006, 86). As Rinnawi (2002, 2) elaborates, traditional media in Arab countries aim at perpetuated an ethno-national identity as oppos ed to providing progressive communication. The governments use the media to promote its view points and criticism that only serves to cement or give credence to government view points (Rinnawi 2002, 3). ). In such like a scenario, the public sphere is reduced or is virtually non-existent. The New Media was acclaimed by many as being the solution to the challenges or problems of the traditional media. The internet has in an enormous way opened new freedoms to the general public (Rinnawi, 1). Through the internet, dissenting opinions find a place or a channel. Blogs have become a sort of â€Å"alternative Citizen Journalism† where individuals keep the rest informed on given issues (Cammaerts 2008, 1). In the case of the Arab world, citizens are able to share about issues and openly criticize the regimes; a taboo in the traditional media channels. The internet, therefore, it has been proved, creates a new public sphere (Rinnawi 2002, 4). This new public sphere is more multi-face ted than one relying on traditional media (Dahlgren, 2005, 153).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Place of Media in the Public Sphere specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Although there are those who think that the impact of the internet on democracy is minimal, the rise of such phenomenon as e-democracy, e-government and e-politics in general is a good indicator of the transformational properties of the Net (Dahlgren 2005, 155). As Rinnawi (2003, 20) found out from his research, â€Å"a huge gap remains in the level of criticism towards the Arab regime and the other elites in particular, existing in the internet but almost non-existent in the Diaspora Media.† This assertion goes along way in asserting the revolutionary role of the internet. The assertion by Rinnawi is confirmed by Cammaerts (2008, 3) when he says that, â€Å"these media offer citizens new opportunities to engage or participate indep endently and critically in the (online) public sphere†. The New Media has not totally subverted the problems identified with the traditional media (Kaid 2004, 58). While in traditional media the producers manipulate information, in the New Media, both producer and consumer have capacity to manipulate information (Gastil 2007, 78). The New Media poses a challenge of people insulating themselves. Due to technological advances, individuals are able to choose what they want through filtering the information that reaches them (Sunsetin 2002, 1). The capacity to filter easily generates or creates groups that only access information of a given kind. Some groups are only interested in politics and thus access only political information. Some others are only interested in religion, ethnicity, nationality, age wealth or other convictions (Sunsetin 3). Balkanization of society across those lines is a possibility as a result of consumer capacity to filter what kind of information reaches them. Sunsetin (2002, 212) indicates that the problem of self insulation was identified by the early thinkers on democracy. Both Stuart Mill and John Dewey argued that individuals and society at large can only progress if it is open to information from others.Advertising Looking for research paper on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Self insulation is not such a big problem because â€Å"the internet’s public sphere is networked† (Dahlgren 2005, 152). A networked public sphere means that there is more interconnection between individuals and societies than otherwise (Guidry, Michael Zald 2000, 127). The level of participation in politics has increased as per research carried out in Greece, Netherlands and Britain (Dahlgren 2005, 156). Although people are sharing ideas widely, the challenge of clustering and group polarization still remains (Sunsetin 2002, 213). There is wide formation of enclaves (in-groups with tight interests that may be of no interest to the wider community) among internet users. The formation of in-groups has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand it enables further interaction between minorities thus sharpening their approaches at advocating for their special interest in the wider community. A good example is the surfers against sewage studied by Wheaton. Wheaton (281) indicates that Surfers against Sewage (SAS) was one of the groups that had risen in Britain; this group represented a ‘form of lifestyle politics’. There has been a shift from traditional empowerment politics to life politics (Wheaton 2007, 285). In the modern world, politics is general changing towards more focus on lifestyle challenges faced by given small groups (Wheaton 2007, 282). These groups employ new media capacities, creating sub cultural media, towards mobilizing support for their causes in the wider society (Wheaton 2007, 287). SAS is a good example of an in-group that uses common interest to push for a good that could be termed as a common good. Unfortunately, some enclaves only promote group polarization or may lead to balkanization of society (Sunsetin 2002, 214). Dahlgren (2005, 152), also assert that the internet has not escaped the ills of traditional media. Like in the traditional media, â€Å"consumerism, entertainment, non political networking and chat† are the key features of the internet (Dahlgren 2005, 152). In concurrence, Cammaerts also points out that the prime sites belong to the market controllers in the traditional media. Although the internet â€Å"was initially based on strict non-profit philosophy, its recent history has shown that market forces have established themselves as the hegemonic paradigm of the internet† (Cammaerts 2008, 9). Elites, corporate and government functionaries dominate the media and are the opinion setter in most issues of public concern. The politicians of today, guided by the New Media values are only keen on dramatization and appealing to emotions (Harsin 2006, 97). With the New Media, the focus, especially of politicians, is on speed and branding rather than deliberations (Starr 2004, 101). Their messages are not aimed at discourse or deliberation on issues but rather hardening positions of given niche groups. These are scenario is akin to the challenge of Tabloidization and propaganda faced by traditional media. Politics is more geared towards response to niche groups, which often push for selfish interests that do not have a really impact or significance to the general public. Such politics does not challenge the broader social issues that need societal attention (Wheaton 2007, 289) Group polarization due to like minded people finding their own enclave has a likelihood of degenerating social stability if the group does not have the common good as their goal (Kaid 2004, 114). The new media has made it easy for extremists to identify each other and share their otherwise warped ideas or scheme towards terrorizing the general public (Kaid 2004, 114). The other problem with the new media is the security concerns and lack of information management structures. The new media has made it possible for anybody to spread hoaxes and false information. Harsin (2006, 88) gives the example of hoaxes spread about John Kerry during the 2004 presidential campaigns in t he US. He argues that rumor has become so entrenched that websites have been set up to establish facts from rumors (Harsin 2006, 88). Despite the mentioned problems, the new media has generally helped individuals to communicate and learn different opinions or views. This is good for society for it creates a sort of global citizenship or understanding in the general public (Sunsetin 2002, 215). However, some areas due to the digital divide are not yet benefiting from the New Media (Gastil 2007, 94).The case of SAS proves the pivotal role of the new media in driving public opinion. Wheaton (2007, 292) indicates that â€Å"while the mass media did play a pivotal role in exposing and communicating SAS’s message, for committed water sport enthusiasts such as surfers and windsurfers, the greatest exposure to SAS and its activities was via its subcultural media†. Many challenges in the modern world are of global nature (Wheaton 2007, 295). Price (2009, 580) indicates that the re are many non government actors, non governmental organizations and transnational advocacy networks that are tackling issues of global magnitude. The public sphere is no longer state confined but rather encompasses the whole globe. Due to globalization, multinationals have great force or power in host countries. Globalization could also be credited with growth of transnational civil societies (Price 2009, 581). Globalization is New Media driven; it is the internet and other faster communication and transport technologies that have led to the globalization phenomenon (Cammaerts Van Audenhove, 2005, 181). The forces of globalization especially the new media, have given rise to the notion of transnational citizenships (Cammaerts Van Audenhove, 2005, 183). For a transnational civil society to form, individuals have to find a way of rallying international interest into an issue (Price 2009, 583). Most activist groups aim at local issues like a given company polluting the neighborhood ; however, most are informed by the global dimensions of the challenge. For example, pollution has global ramification if viewed in the context of global warming. Most internet forums, as related by Cammaerts and Van Audenhove (2005, 190)’s analysis, are of international appeal or nature. Most local activists thrive due to having support linkages with other activities across the globe (Price 2009, 594). The challenge and dilemma to be tackled in relation to the new media is how to balance free choice needs of individuals, public integration and stem information cocoons (Dahlgren 2005, 158). There is need for public forums as a way of exposing people to information they would not seek if left on their own (Sunsetin 2002, 217). Government intervention in the new media is as relevant as is the case in traditional media. Cammaerts argues that censorship and threats from fellow internet users undermine the freedoms of the internet (Cammaerts 2008, 16). However, that does not wash away the need for some form of regulation. There is need for some form of regulation, to ensure the balance between free choice and proper interaction between different actors is achieved (Sunsetin 2002, 218). The challenge for any society is creating proper laws for free expression and a culture that promotes freedom (Sunsetin 2002, 222). Reference List Cammaerts, Bart. 2008. Critical Reflection on the Participative Nature of Blogs. London: London School of Economics and Political Sciences Cammaerts, Bart and Van Audenhove, Lee. 2005. ‘Online Political Debate, Unbounded Citizenship and the Problematic Nature of a Transnational Public Sphere’, Political Communication 22(2) Dahlgren, Peter. 2005). ‘the Internet, Public Spheres, and Political Communication: Dispersion and Deliberation’, Political Communication 22(2) Gastil, John. 2007. Political Communication and Deliberation. New York: SAGE Publications Guidry A. John, Kennedy D. Michael, Zald N. Mayer. 2000 . Globalizations and Social Movements: Culture, Power, and the Transnational Public Sphere  Michigan: University of Michigan Press, 2000 Harsin, Jayson. ‘The Rumour Bomb: Theorizing the Convergence of New and Old Trends in Mediated US Politics’. Southern Review: Communication, Politics Culture; Volume 39, Issue 1; 2006 Kaid, Lynda, Lee. 2004. Handbook of Political Communication Research. New York: Routledge Sunsetin, Cass. 2002. Republic.com. Princeton: Princeton University Press Price Richard. ‘Transnational Civil Society and Advocacy in World Politics’. World politics, Vol 55 No. 4. Cambridge University Press. Accessed from http//:www.jstor.org/stable/24054239 Rinnawi Khallil. 2002. The Internet and the Arab World AS A Virtual Public Sphere. Accessed from  cmsprod.bgu.ac.il/NR/rdonlyres/E1D4CA76-9BEF-49A3/Rinnawi.pdf Starr Paul. 2004. The Creation of the Media: Political Origins of Modern Communications. Kansas: Basic Books Wheaton, Belinda. 2007. I dentity, Politics, and the Beach: Environmental Activism in Surfers against Sewage. Vol 2. UK: Routledge

Interview questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Interview questions - Essay Example In addition, the training capitalized on the principle of putting the customer at the center of ever business transaction. I defined a consistent set of behaviors across all our business activities, which led to effective interactions with customers, regardless of the situation. For more than 10 years of my career as a Senior Vice President, Retail Executive, and Chief Operating Officer (COO), I have made essential contributions in business development planning. Usually, I start business development planning sessions by evaluating the company’s current situation (SWOT analysis), creating effective solutions and plans to implement the solutions. While planning for the future goals of the company, I utilize the information to set the course for sustained growth. I involved everyone in the team to gain a strong team support and enthusiasm. I measured profitability by putting the right metrics in place (tangible results) and evaluating the outcomes that will drive a successful business development plan. Metrics have connected the dots for me when a strategy/tactic is not working. Lastly, I keep the communication going, letting the team know about our progress and where the company is heading. To further elaborate my point, I led a quarterly "all retail" conference call at _______. It was my opportunity to reinforce our core values or our strategic plan. I welcomed every new employee and recognized individuals and teams for success in our five focuses. I ended the call with "RITA awards." RITA is an acronym for our core values; respect and inclusion, integrity, teamwork, and accountability. The RITA submissions were sent in from the teams peer group. It was our opportunity to formally express our sincere gratitude to everyone for living up to the company’s core values. I firmly believe that good communication among co-workers is an essential element in effectively

Toyota Company in China Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Toyota Company in China - Case Study Example This paper will use the Porters five forces model as well as SWOT analysis in assessing the market entry strategy employed by Toyota Company to enter the Chinese market. Hill and Jones (2007) affirm that once the boundary of an organisation has been established, strategic planning managers are faced with the task of analysing competitive forces with the organisational climate to establish threats and opportunities. The Porter’s five forces model sheds more light on the five integral forces that shapes competition within an organisation. It also examines the degree of rivalry among firms, the bargaining strength of suppliers, as well as the proximity of the alternatives to the firm’s product as well as the bargaining strength of customers or buyers (Kotler, Berger & Bickhoff 2010). This model stipulates that the higher the degree of strength of each of the five forces, the less the capacity of the identified firms to hike prices and rip maximum returns. In this model, a strong competitive force can be perceived as threat. This is attributed to the fact that stronger competitive forces suppress returns. On the other hand, weak competitive forces can be perceived as opportunity.This is because weak forces enable a firm to make bigger profits (Patnaik 2012). According to Dyck and Neubert (2008), the strength of the five forces can undergo histrionic transformation via time as the firm situations are altered.