Graphic Novels in education Essay

Graphic novels and comic books have been some of the most debated topics recently in many different areas. Many people think that they could be helpful in education, while some others completely disagree. Some people think they are childish, and some think they require just as much comprehension as long, fictional novels. However, despite all the criticism graphic novels often get, the genre is growing recently. Many things have led to this rise in interest, from easier access on the Internet to the many superhero movies sparking interest in a younger audience. Due to this recent rise in popularity for graphic novels, several people believe that this genre can be helpful in all levels of education. There are positives and negatives to this possibility, like everything else, but the positives seem to outweigh the negatives. One thing that weighs in favor of adding more graphic novels into education is that they are easier to read and can be more encouraging for students who may not like to read. There are several things that one must be able to do to read and understand graphic novels, including comprehending visual imagery and making inferences. The biggest factors that are helping push graphic novels into education are what was just mentioned; the way students now learn, the need to make inferences, and the need for students to learn visually. Every teacher can admit to having a few students in class that were not particularly good readers or that did not enjoy reading. If graphic novels were read more widely in classrooms, that would help with these certain students learning. The vocabulary and diction used in this genre is much simpler than in most word-based novels that would be read in class. Often, students who are given a very long book, they simply do not even read for their assignments. However, if one of these same students was given a longer graphic novel, like Watchmen for example, it is very likely that they would be more willing to read. Another method that makes these works easier for some students is that the words are more spread out, which makes the student only comprehend small parts at a time. This makes students who are less confident with their reading skills able to better manage comprehending the purpose in a novel. Although the speech in graphic novels is simpler, students are still â€Å"challenged by the need to infer and decipher a variety of literary devices† (Constantino). Another positive factor in graphic novels is how visual it is. Children today are becoming much more visual learners. This is probably due to the prevalence of television and computers in today’s society. While, television and computers have often been looked at as negative impacts in children’s learning, many students have figured out that there are good things on television and the internet. Also, these students have found out that there are books that are not particularly good, despite what they have been taught. While there is still going to be those people out there who will have their doubts about allowing this genre in education, students would benefit from having more visual learning and less long narratives in class, which is just what graphic novels would bring. One of the most important abilities for a student when reading is learning how to make inferences. Many times in comics and graphic novels, the author will give a â€Å"bare outline† of what is going on, and leave the reader to â€Å"fill in the blanks† with the scenery or facial expressions of the characters (Walter). This ability is key to not only reading, but also in daily life. Inferences often need to be made in conversation to know exactly what situation that person is going through. If graphic novels were added to more school’s curriculum, then not only would students’ reading abilities improve, but their conversational skills would also improve. The reader of comics must also be able to decode the messages that the writer displays in his work. No matter how discrete of a message the author may insert into a work, the reader must be able to put together the pieces of the puzzle to create a continuous story. The reader must perform closure in between the â€Å"encapsulated moments in order to create a completed whole out of fragments† (Duncan and Smith 12). This closure that the reader must make is very similar to making inferences. To do both, one must apply background knowledge and relate events that may be described indirectly to blend these sequences into a constant story. Because of the important skill of making inferences that is necessary to read and understand graphic novels, they can be used as a gateway to reading more challenging works by developing this skill in children. As was mentioned previously, children are relying more and more on learning through visual techniques. Because of that, comics can be much more helpful than long narratives in teaching students to understand imagery, tone, symbolism, and many others. One example of how visual aids can help students learn is by using facial expression or body language of the drawn characters in graphic novels. Students will be able to gain many details of the story by simply looking at these two things. By looking at a character’s facial expression, one can learn the current mood of the story, along with what tone the character may be using. Teaching students to look at these things will not just help them when reading a graphic novel, it can also help them figure out certain situations that may occur during their lives. While some people argue that graphic novels are much simpler or not as mentally stimulating, they do share some characteristics with text-based narratives. One characteristic in particular is that they both use onomatopoeia. While these text-based narratives will insert these words into a sentence, graphic novels will make an entire panel out of one of these words. Although both of these genres do use onomatopoeia equally as much, the usage in graphic novels is more imaginative. In graphic novels, the word is usually brought to the center of the page, and made colorful and exciting. Because of the way that graphic novels display this literary technique, students can easier realize when that literary device is being used. Students can get a better understanding of when this literary device is applicable, and that will make them more confident as they continue reading. Despite the fact that graphic novels can often maintain a simpler vocabulary, they can still teach students simple literary devices like onomatopoeia. While the vocabulary is usually simpler, the material is more complex. As Linda Starr states in her article, an advantage of using graphic novels in the classroom is that these books â€Å"present complex material in readable text†. This gives graphic novels an advantage over other, harder to read, novels because more often than not, these students have a greater understanding of issues that are dealt with in books, but not all the time can they decipher what the issues are because of the more difficult vocabulary. One way to simplify things for these students, while still challenging them mentally is to provide more graphic novels in the curriculum. There is always going to be crowds of people who will deny graphic novels ever being relevant in education, but the different ways students are learning, the way students must make inferences, and the visual techniques that are displayed in graphic novels all provide reasons why these texts should be included in the classroom today. Graphic novels can serve as a spring into a lifelong love of reading or it can simply keep the student interested enough to get through an assignment. Whatever a student’s level of reading skill, there is no doubt that they will be able to read a graphic novel, while still maintaining a certain complexity in the ideas presented. Graphic novels can also teach students how to make inferences, as well as recognize and understand common literary techniques. Above all, students’ imaginations, and possibly interests will rise because of this genre being implemented into a curriculum. As Jesse Karp notes about graphic novels, â€Å"the form reaches young people in a way no other can†, and that is what is most important to future students’ learning. Works Cited Constantino, Correne. â€Å"Teaching English and Reading with Graphic Novels†. Education. cu-portland. edu. Concordia University, n. d. Web. 3 May 2013. Randy Duncan and Matthew J. Smith. The Power of Comics: History, Form and Culture. New York: The Continuum International Publishing Group, 2009. Print. Karp, Jesse. â€Å"The Case for Graphic Novels in Education†. Americanlibrariesmagazine. org. Chicago: American Library Associarion, 1 Aug. 2011. Web. 3 May 2013. Starr, Linda. â€Å"Eek! Comics in the Classroom! †. Educationworld. com. Education World, 11 Jan. 2008. Web. 3 May 2013. Walter, Carlene. â€Å"Graphic Novels†. Eclection. wikispaces. com. Tangient LLC, n. d. Web. 3 May 2013.

Places i’ll like to visit Essay

Name one place you would like to visit and explain why? I would be a fool to sit here and choose one place when there are so many beautiful countries, islands, cities, and even states that I have never visited. Ultimately, my dream place to visit will be somewhere surrounded by a full body of water. This place must be exotic enough to take my mind off my student loans. My idea getaway would be anywhere on the Malaysia Island which is because of the beaches, rain forest, and Mulu National Park in Sarawak. The Malaysian Island gives a good view of the ocean and the breeze that blows around the beaches is rumored to be refreshing. In Malaysia, I would like to visit one of the five star beach luxury resorts. The resorts are situated between the rain forest and beautiful sandy beaches. I have also read according to â€Å"Tourism Malaysia About Us† the beach gives a good view of the sun setting. The rain forest make the sea coast warm, by blocking winds that would cause cold effects to the beach and this will make the environment suitable for tourism attraction sites. With that in mind, I could imagine taking advantage of the services that is offered on the beaches. I would enjoy my experience in the refreshing environment and at the same time gaining knowledge of this gorgeous island. The beaches of Malaysia are known to have the added advantage of being relatively unknown. The rain forests in Malaysia are mostly dominated by trees and are known to be suitable for a tourism attraction site. The rainforests of Malaysia, for example, contain about 6,000 species of trees according to the â€Å"World Wildlife Fund.† Even as Malaysia’s rain forest yields to clearing and over-exploitation national parks provide some opportunity to explore their primal richness. The equator which marks the hottest place on Earth runs right through the nation of Malaysia to create a warm, highly moist region that is ideal for plant life. The Malaysia rain forest is so dense with growth, I would have to travel several meters deep into the plant layer to find tropical flowers. Many varieties of tropical flowers can be found deep within the forest. The Hibiscus, known to Malaysian’s as the Bunga Raya, which is the national flower of the country because it is so widely sp read throughout the nation. The Hibiscus is considered to have medical uses in Chinese Herbology. It may have potential in cosmetic skin care for example, an extract from the flowers of Hibiscus shown to function as an anti-solar  agent by absorbing Ultraviolet radiation. The red color of the flower is said to symbolize courage, it appears to be that Malaysians find inspiration in flowers. The impressive wildlife diversity in the Malaysia rain forest includes large, dramatic animals that biologist call â€Å"charismatic megafauna† these are represented by such creatures as the orangutan and the clouded leopard which lives in the rainforest. Malaysia’s most internationally recognized limestone area, famed for its monstrous caves and stately pinnacle is Mulu National Park in Sarawak. The Mula National Park contains significant natural habitat for conservation of biological diversity and protection of threatened species and according to â€Å"Tourism Malaysia About Us.† It is rumored that Mulu National Park is naturally beautiful and a place for the entire family to enjoy. They offer cave activities, forest activities, eating, and sleeping up to 80 people per night in a range of accommodations. Mulu’s concentration of caves, it is geomorphic and structural characteristics are an outstanding resource, which allows a greater understanding of Earth’s history. Mulu also has outstanding scenic values, including the natural phenomenon of millions of bats and swiftlets leaving and entering the caves in a superlative. After gathering all this information, I was convinced to visit Malaysia Islands, considering Mulu’s spectacular scenery and its biological significance. It does not surprise me that United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultur al Organization successfully listed Mulu as a World Heritage Site in November 2000. In conclusion, initially when I was asked my first impulse was somewhere on the Malaysia islands because what I was told about the island significant natural habitat. The magnificent views of the ocean will blow my mind. I can vision visiting the Malaysian islands and indulging in the excursions the beaches has to offer. Plus, having the opportunity to take advantage of taking a tour of the rain forest in Malaysia will be more than a lifetime experience. To put the icing on the cake, camping overnight in the cave would be a tremendous adventure at the Mulu National Park. After seeing pictures on Google’s website of the island, I cannot imagine anyone not seeing or hearing the Malaysian’s Island Airline flight 370 traveling to Benjing. While visiting the island I could inquire about people thoughts or feelings towards flight 370 this could be interesting.

Future of Pakistan’s Politics Essay

Future of Pakistan’s politics is blurred. Pakistan is in a dire need of democracy but does it seems possible to provide a democratic future to Pakistani people? Will an Islamic democratic government be the future of Pakistan? Even if a democratic party got the chance to rule over Pakistan, how much time it will take to throw it away due to its mismanaged policies, bribary, crossroad games or whatever? The very crux of the questions is that Pakistan’s democratic polititians were exiled from Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto. Now they are out of Pakistan but they are not out of the scence. The day they came to know about the upcoming elections in Pakistan, they just started struggle to renter the country in one way or other. They are even ready to enter through legal routes but alas they don’t have the courage to face the court cases that are flying in the face of them. They have sown the wind so they should reap the whirlwind. Charter of Democracy seems very much optimistic and ambitious but its only a hope if it would be practical otherwise †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ! It may be only a legal document to renter the Pakistan. It may be a fulldressed rehercal to decieve Pakistanis. Pakistani leaders make hi-fi promises before elections and show cupboard love for Pakistan. After the elections if they are elected then they just do what comes on their minds. Well we are just surmising because only God knows better whats hidden behind the charter. Thats sure that if a person lose his/her image once, then it become quite difficult to attain the same position back. It is not easy to prove oneself before the world. Pakistani people had faith in their polititians since day one. Pakistanis keep on voting for them and they listen to them at all. But what the polititians were gifting us in return? What they did doing for us? They just plundered Pakistan, they sucked the blood of Pakistanis, they played with the ambitions of the Pakistanis, they damn care about the amelioration of Pakistan and Pakistanis, etc. Pervaiz Musharaf is not leting them renter the Pakistan even other Generals and Musharaf cronies are suggesting him to let Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif renter the country along with their charter of democracy. Musharaf has also got the chance to fish in troubled waters by keeping Nawaz Sharif and Benazir way from Pakistan. He can get the chance to win the elections. I agree that Musharaf has done something for Pakistan but he also has created some troubles for Pakistan in some way. Keeping in view all these things, how can Pakistanis give another chance to their ever flirting politians to come up and make a democratic government? What about Musharaf? Will people have that much courage to bear military for another long term ruling over them? But one thing is sure that Pakistani people will again give a chance to somebody and would let someone rule the Pakistan. It is not new for them. They already have given a number of chances to their unreliable polititians and military men so let them do it once more. Lets see which way the wind blows. But i think we really don’t need a weatherman to know about the direction of wind. The experience of 59 years and the history of Pakistani politics is telling us clearly that Pakistan’s polical future is insecure. Well i sent this essay once but i dont how it was deleted from the essay list. You know i also got nice response and got a question about the issues i discussed†¦.. Its so sad to know that my essay was deleted without my permision or even asking me. Anyways i am uploading it again. I hope it wounld not be deleted again. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦

Identify the key challenges for implementing public policy in modern Essay

Identify the key challenges for implementing public policy in modern Britain - Essay Example The general economic crisis, which has amazed many West-European countries in 80-90-ies years, has forced them to reconsider the social policy. "The social state" has appeared to be unable to cope with new problems of public management (social deviations, "new poor", growth of criminality, etc.). The concept of "the social state" was replaced by neoliberalism that demanded the redefinition of the purposes of the state and the "rational" management. The social conditions of political practices have radically changed, having caused new political forms, and new professionals of their manufacture (experts, social workers) (Ham, 1984, p87). Each form of public policy is directed on the social problem and has its "public" (a category of social counterparts). However the problem, no less than a social category, is not something certainly and unequivocally given, but the results of designing of agents of public policy. The Researches of public policy in the West aspire to separate in the independent discipline, speaking on behalf a name of a science about "the state in operation". However, declaring itself as a science about "public action", it in practice, often departs from the model of knowledge accepted in the academic world and takes the form of set of techniques or check lists, intended for the persons making the decision, i.e. solves the problems of public management. A greater part of the responsibility for that lays on Anglo-Saxon tradition as, since the fiftieth years, the researches of public policy in the USA are based on concept "government" and have almost exclusively pragmatical character(Ham, 1984, p94). Studying of public policy goes back to the standard of distinction between policy (a policy as the program of actions) and politics (a policy as a system of sights). The problem of public policy is considered here in aspect of increasing inability of the modern state to solve socia l problems of the population. The state is ostensibly

William James, The Will to Believe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

William James, The Will to Believe - Essay Example James begins his speech by comparing possible reactions to one hypothesis over another. He uses the scientific term of hypothesis to make a point that that anything which a man strives to prove is, after all, a hypothesis which can never really be proven. Choices as to which hypothesis will be chosen are referred to as an option. According to James there are three types of options: it is either living or dead, forced or avoidable, momentous or trivial. Which option is chosen depends upon who it is being proposed to. A live option is one which must make some kind of appeal to personal appeal. A forced option is one in which the chooser must make a choice as opposed to avoiding the circumstance altogether. A momentous option is one which presents a unique opportunity which has the potential to be life-changing. James states that some beliefs are just that: they are faith-based and they are believed regardless of scientific fact or evidence. His examples, such as that of whether or not we believe that pictures of Abraham Lincoln prove his existence or that we are sick when lying abed stricken with rheumatism, point to the finding that most of what we believe is, after all, really subjective.

On the Chesapeake Colonists Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

On the Chesapeake Colonists - Essay Example On the Chesapeake Colonists On an angle, this could be true, considering the English colonists were not as experienced as their Spanish counterparts. They were just beginning their conquest to the New World years after hearing about the success of the Spanish government in sending colonizers to the famed nation rich in gold. They are so ignorant they sent very few people on such an important mission who have been exposed to atrocities and calamities. They probably have not been prepared physically, emotionally and socially. Their inspiration for the trip was the famous stories of the successes of their Spanish brothers so that they probably were just driven by the thought that what their neighbor was able to do, they could also succeed in. They knew pretty well the possible harsh relations they can get from the earlier colonists of other American soils so they prepared themselves for attacks from them. However, they did not seem to have been well-prepared for the attack of the Indians who claimed the lives of a part of the company. In addition, the ills brought about by diseases rampant during that time that killed most of the small company shows how unprepared they are for what should have been expected and prepared for. Such circumstances are pointed out to show the ignorance of the English settlers. Coming from one of the most civilized nations during that time, the English colonists are well-informed about the latest technological discoveries, modern inventions that made life easier and other information that shaped the English civilization.

The American Military Adventure In Iraq And Philippine Essay

The American Military Adventure In Iraq And Philippine - Essay Example The Philippines became an independent democratic country that is seen to today to be more or less a success. This may bode well for Iraq, a country that has been through terrible times and now seems to be improving. This essay will look at how these two actions by the United States were very similar. The Monroe Doctrine of 1823 created a new era of American foreign policy. Some critics might call this policy expansionist, and although that is certainly an important element of it, it was also motivated by a desire to spread principles of democracy and good governance. Many idealists of the period believed the principles at the heart of the U.S. Constitution were universal and should be shared with everyone. By the end of the 19th century, the Monroe Doctrine was to come into full effect in a war with the Spanish. Not only would the Americans take control of Spanish possessions in the Caribbean such as Cuba, Puerto Rica, and other islands, but as the war expanded so would the remit of the Monroe Doctrine. The United States would gain control of the Philippines, far from its own shore, and attempt to remake the Spanish colonialism political system in its own image. The result would be a bloody conflict fought with Filipino insurgents that would take America many years to quell. Following the American victory over Spain and the taking of the Philippines, there was a great deal of tension between the U.S. and the locals. This came to a head in 1899 when American soldiers shot some Filipinos. Things quickly got out of hand with both sides raising armies and fighting conventional wars. The Americans rapidly defeated the convention Filipino forces, killing two of their best generals and pacifying many of the urban areas. But as the Filipinos fell back, they regrouped as guerrillas and had huge local support.

Principles of Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Principles of Accounting - Essay Example In simple terms accounting can be also referred to as â€Å"the language of business† because of its role that helped in recording and processing the financial information that the firm requires for management purpose (Mukherjee & Hanif, 2003; Galanza, 1995). The main purpose of accounting is to provide financial information that is required by an economic unit to enhance the efficiency of its operations. The tern economic entity not only signifies a business unit but also the entities that are operating without the purpose of profit-making like the public charities, clubs, churches and government bodies. The accounting information helps in decision making in the organization. For instance decision like availability of cash while going for purchasing of new equipments or whether the business is running in profit requires the knowledge of accounting information. This accounting information for a business unit is recorded by the accountant (Nobles, et al., 2012). Book keeping Me thod Book-keeping is referred to as the science and arts of recording business transactions and other financial transactions that are related to any institution, firm and associations of person or company. It is recorded in certain books at regular interval following certain definite rules. It is called as science because it represents certain systemized knowledge that are based on certain set of principles, which are followed throughout the process to ensure that the reason for recording the transaction can be explained carefully. On the other hand it is called arts since it involves the human ability and skill for recording the business transaction as per the principles (Kumar & Prasad, 1999). Scope The process of Book keeping involves two significant steps. Firstly the process involves recording of all the transaction in a book called journal. Secondly transferring all the transactions that were previously recorded into another book called as ledger. In order to know the net effe ct of all the transactions the various accounts that are recorded into the ledger are balanced. The main theme of book keeping is to prepare and maintain the records till the stage of preparation of Trial Balance (Rao, 2005). Importance Book-keeping serves as the foundation of the entire financial reporting and accounting process. The responsibility of book-keeper is to analyze and record all the financial transaction occurring in an organization. The sum total of all the transaction forms the basis of everything that includes grant proposals, cash forecast, budget, tax return and financial reports. The employees and other staff of an organization must understand the goal and mission of a non-profitable organization, in order to perform their jobs in an effective and professional way. This is particularly true for the accounting system. Each transaction that is being recorded while book-keeping is significant for the volunteers, donors, board members, management, community and emplo yees of the organization. Accurate information delivered in timely manner provides the stakeholders of the organization with the comment regarding the financial health of the organization.  

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 24

Leadership - Essay Example The corporate executives and business owners of UAE are now aware about the challenges and opportunities that are linked with the cultural diversity of the work force. According to Taylor Cox Jr. â€Å"an increase in globalization of business and combination of multi cultural workforce can be a key factor in overall success of the business (Daenzer, 2009). The benefits of this diversity includes a better decision making, high innovation and creativity, more efficiency and success in marketing to minority ethnic communities and foreign markets, and a wide spread distribution of economic opportunity (Muna, 2011). But this multicultural work force has certain disadvantages also which includes increase in costs through increase in turnover rates, communication breakdowns and interpersonal conflict. In order to bring out efficiency amongst the diversity in culture of workforce the leaders should be aware about how to manage and create an effective multicultural workforce (Connerley, 2005 ). Thus a research in this field is important to analyze the trends of the multicultural workforce in UAE and the leadership style needed to manage this cultural diversity. UAE has more than 200 nationalities working together where implementation of multicultural leadership to bring a change in working environment and even to handle multicultural customers (Edewor, 2007). This research will be useful for all the leaders in organization on how to manage this multicultural workforce. The main audience of the research study will be the small business owners, and also leaders of bigger enterprises, to develop better leadership tools to handle the work force of diverse culture and convert the loop holes of multi cultural workforce into advantage for the business (Livermore, 2010). A multicultural workforce contains people coming from different cultural backgrounds and will have different way of dealing with a problem in the

Low Carbon Building Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Low Carbon Building - Essay Example Research suggests that buildings, both residential and commercial, are responsible for more than 38 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, a figure which has increased rapidly in the recent decades and has the potential to escalate further. In fact, research conducted by Isiadinso et al (2011) indicates that this figure reaches the level of 50 percent for UK buildings. However, this is also the area where most room is available to decrease GHG emissions. In fact, it was the landmark research conducted by Pacala & Socolow (2004), which identified building efficiency as one of the â€Å"stabilization wedges† that could assist in ensuring that carbon emissions could be offset by the year 2050. Over the past few years, experts, scholars and researchers have highlighted the crucial role that construction professionals can play through designing and structuring the buildings, in the first place, as efficient and sustainable as they can be, through space heating, cooling and hot wa ter, lighting and others. As the name suggests, low carbon buildings refer to buildings that are planned and structured in such a way that the carbon emission could be minimised, however, the fact is that, amongst many scholars and experts, there is an ongoing debate between scholars and experts regarding various dimensions of low carbon buildings. In fact, experts even disagree over the definition of a zero carbon or low carbon building and if the same is achievable or not. Williams (2010) takes the liberty of drawing of highlighting the pivotal differences between conventional houses and low impact environment building or autonomous building or PassivHaus design buildings. Where conventional buildings are dependent on the main drainage systems and gas supplies, low impact environmental buildings have independent waste disposal systems and energy services. Conventional buildings do not face any obligation to incorporate renewable energy source installation and energy generation fro m that source during early stages of design, however, low impact environmental buildings have to ensure that they do the integrate a renewable energy source within the design of the building and that also in the early phases of the design. In case of conventional buildings, the requirement for space heating is fulfilled through gas or electric heating systems, but in the case of low carbon buildings, the dependence on gas or electric heating systems for space heating has to be reduced by at least 90 percent. Furthermore, the total amount of energy consumed in the process of space heating typically exceeds the mark of 15 kWh/m2. However, in the case of low carbon buildings, experts agree that this number cannot exceed the 15kwh/m2 mark. Vale and Vale (2002) are amongst the list of scholars and experts that have indirect critiqued the idea and concept of low carbon buildings. They believe that buildings do not have the responsibility to exhibit sustainable and environmentally responsi ble behaviour but people have this moral and ethical responsibility. Therefore, it is not necessary or imperative to create building with low carbon, green or sustainable design but people should mould and alter their lifestyle choices in such a way that their actions generate lesser carbons emissions. A conventional house will have much lesser carbon emissions than a low carbon house, if the people living within that the building are to make sustainable lifestyle choices (p. 485). Ramus & Montiel (2005) highlighting some of the problems associated with the low carbon buildings identified that in many cases, ashamed of their carbon emissions data, most architects disown or

Challenges of Ecotourism in Antarctica Essay Example for Free

Challenges of Ecotourism in Antarctica Essay Antarctica is one of the largest and most fragile environments on earth. It is rare and unique, and few people get the opportunity to visit such an extraordinary place. Antarctica’s unique environment and climate sets it apart from other tourist destinations. However, the hostile wilderness creates many challenges for ecotourism. There is a concern regarding the high concentration of tourists and their environmental impact at the few landing sites available. The real debate is whether tourism can benefit, or threaten the conservation of Antarctica. Ecotourism, in its early historical origins has been closely linked to nature – oriented tourism. For example, Laarman and Durst, in reference to ecotourism, defined it as a nature tourism where a traveler is interested and drawn to a destination because of its features and natural history. The visit combines education, recreation, and often adventure’ (Laarman and Durst 1987:5). Defining ecotourism is not easily done, difficulties defining it are mainly due to the multidimensional nature of the definitions, and the fact that each dimension involved represents a continuum of possibilities (Blamey 1997). The Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as ‘responsible travel to natural areas, which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people’ (Western 1993:8). Ceballos-Lascurain (1987: 14) defines ecotourism as ‘traveling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific objective of studying, admiring, and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations (both past and present) found in these areas’. The tourism industry of Antarctica is often overlooked as a factor of environmental degradation. It is important that more attention is drawn to assessing the current state of this large continent. Beck (1994) states that, tourists, scientists, and other visitors to Antarctica have tremendous environmental impacts. Tourist shipping can pose an environmental risk, and there is good reason for concern. There have been several marine accidents in recent years. There was the case of an Argentinean supply vessel Bahia Paraiso, which ran a ground on January 28, 1989, spilling 600 metric tones of fuel into Antarctica’s pristine waters (Culver 1991). Other environmental impacts include engine emissions that contribute to air pollution. The noise generated from outboard motors on inflatable zodiacs, turbulence created from tourist ships and the â€Å"grey water† sewage they emit also creates harmful effects. More responsibility is being demanded out of eco tourists visiting Antarctica. For example Salen Lindblad’s 164-passenger ship the Frontier Spirit has been reinforced, and also contains a sewage treatment plant, refrigerated waste storage area, and a special storage area for non-biodegradable waste (Cebellos-Lascurain 1996). Another main concern is in the peninsula region of Antarctica where there are several highly concentrated, high profile sites. The concentration of tourism activities leads to the potential for over visitation in these areas. A present study of Magellanic penguins demonstrates that human impact puts a great amount of stress on the species. Simple human presence can be physiologically stressful for breeding at nest sites (Fowler 1999). The Antarctic environment is very fragile and not used to human activities. However the study also found that birds exposed to high levels of tourists are not effected over time and concludes that as a result tourism should be concentrated to certain areas while others are kept off limits to human presence. People have been going to Antarctica for over 100 years. Prior to 1950, nearly all trips to Antarctica were either exploratory or scientific expeditions (Cessford 1997). As a result of human activity in the area there has been a connection with industrial, national and scientific programs. Human activity has also caused the development of alien microbes, fungi, plants, and animals. These â€Å"alien† species that are mostly European in origin exist on most of the sub – Antarctic islands and some even occur on the continent itself. These species in turn can have both a direct and indirect impact on the Antarctic ecosystem (Fenot 2004). It has only been recently that biologists have conducted any research into diseases of Antarctic wildlife to note the effects of human activity. These studies look at marine mammals and penguins for bacteria flora and pathogens (disease causing organisms). Blood tests for antibodies of a variety of species have also been taken to check for viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic disease. A study conducted in the summer season of 2000/2001, Dr. Todhunter and Dr. Terris took swab collections of specimens from passengers’ boots aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov, which led to tentative findings of a wide range of potential pathogens. In another study 233 fecal samples from 8 bird species were taken from 6 different penguin colonies, which are regularly visited by tourists. The samples were investigated for pathogens of potential human origin. No human related bacteria were found, which suggests that the tourism industry in the Antarctic region has achieved its goal of not introducing any pathogens so far. While the tourist season only ranges from October to April, currently tourism in Antarctica involves over 30 agencies, and 40,000 tourists per annum (Lambert 2005). Antarctica is the ultimate destination for anyone interested in natural history, but it also challenges the same people that visit to think about our responsibilities to all life on earth† (Lambert 2005). Tourists to Antarctica are most likely to fall in to the category of eco tourist, as there are no restaurants, theaters or art galleries, and the experience is about learning about and viewing one of the earth’s last untouched continent s. Boo (1990) states that for conservation management to succeed, tourism must be a tool to educate thus creating real benefits for a geological location. Although tourism and human contact on Antarctica is showing some negative impacts, it has also encouraged conservation efforts in the region. Another step towards the recognition of potential environmental impact is the creation of the IATTO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators). In 1991 seven tour operators active in Antarctica formed IATTO. It was created to act as a single organization. The goal of IATTO is to promote and practice safe environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. Currently there are 80 member organizations representing 14 countries. IATTO 2008) This environmental protocol designates Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science and seeks to ensure human activities, such as tourism, have no adverse effects on the Antarctic environment, or on its scientific and aesthetic values. With a recent increase in the number of members in the IAATO it shows that companies are becoming more aware of the environmentally se nsitive concerns related to Antarctica and the importance of such an organization. The increase in membership does not necessarily mean that there has been a drastic increase in the number of tourists visiting Antarctica. All current Antarctica tour operators file yearly environmental impact assessments to their national authorities. There are few places on earth that have never been to war, where the environment is fully protected and scientific research has priority over anything else. (IAATO 2008) The Antarctic treaty can be accredited with the successful protection of Antarctica. Formed on June 23, 1961 the treaty covers the area south of 60 degrees latitude and consists of 46 countries. Its objectives are simple and unique, demilitarize Antarctica and make it a zone free of nuclear tests, and disposal of radioactive waste. As well as be used for peaceful purposes only (IAATO 2008). To promote international cooperation in the Antarctic and set aside disputes over territorial sovereignty. The treaty parties meet each year and have adopted over 300 recommendations and negotiated separate international agreements, of which 3 are still in use. These include: 1. The convention for the conservation of Antarctic seals which was established in 1972. 2. The convention for conservation of Antarctica marine living resources established in 1980. 3. The protocol on Environmental protection to the Atlantic Treaty established in 1991. These agreements and the original treaty provide the rules to govern all activities in relation to Antarctica. Collectively known as the Antarctica Treaty System (ATS). In conclusion it is apparent that Antarctica is a very fragile environment, and any kind of human involvement can pose great risks if the correct precautions are not taken. It is clear to me that eco tourism can benefit the great continent of Antarctica, those visiting become ambassadors as they learn about the importance of preservation. Boo (1990) explains that tourists become emotionally attached to an area and will contribute funds to preserve it. It is important for organizations like the IAATO to continue their promotion of safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic. Continued research is necessary to make sure that tourists as well as scientists leave as little of a human footprint as possible. Antarctica is a beautiful place on earth, and I believe that when people are educated about their impact on such a vulnerable area and regulations are put in place to protect the area that everyone should be able to experience the Antarctic continent in all of its magnificence.

The Torturing of Animals Essay Example for Free

The Torturing of Animals Essay Every year there are hundreds of thousands of pets being abused and this must to come to an end. I myself love animals and I would never try to hurt my pets. People take advantage of animals and try to make money off of them by making them fight. In reality, this is a type of abuse and it is illegal. There are many different types of abuse that must be stopped. Although animal abuse occurs all over the world with all sorts of animals and people it can and must be put to a halt. People mostly do this because it is an easy way to release anger but there are ways or controlling that. People all over the world abuse animals not thinking about how badly they are torturing them. Every day you see a commercial on the TV about animal abuse and people think nothing of it and how badly we need to put a stop to it. There are many different ways that people can control their anger than by that. â€Å"Every day there are about three hundred animals are abused†. â€Å"It has been shown that people abuse animals to take their anger out on them† (National Humane Society) because of these reasons and it needs to stop. You can help by donating money to the humane society and help volunteer to save these animals. People may do this because of anger problems but also people can make money by making animals fight. Animal fighting is found all over the world. People do his because they can place bets and make money off of these fights. Usually they make good money off of these animal fights. These are mostly found in the more poor communities because they need to find a way to make money. They then start to rely on crime and dog fighting when they have no other income to rely on. The only problem with this is that they animals are usually killed of badly injured and usually discarded after fights. People would rather leave them instead of help because they don’t want to pay the money to help the dog recover so they just discard them into the streets and go on with there lives like nothing happened. There are other things that people can do to make money other than abusing animals. Animal fighting is cruel and is illegal. We can stop these animal fights by reporting them to the police and or donating money towards the helping of these hurt animals. There are People that host animal fights usually do it for money but also some do it so that they can make sure their animals are being good and behaved. Last but certainly not least is to control an animal. People may try to control animals by punishing them or hurting them. This is very wrong because they don’t deserve that. Many dogs just don’t realize what is going on most of the time because they haven’t been trained properly, instead people hit and abuse the dogs for doing something that they don’t even know is wrong. These types of people shouldn’t even have dogs in the first place if they abuse them like that. People have no heart when it comes to abusing animals. I love animals and I believe that people should be sent to jail for killing and abusing animals. Animals don’t deserve this cruel and unusual punishment therefore this needs to come to an end. I truly believe that there are alternatives to animal abuse and that it can be avoided. Just because people need some way of getting money, attention or even bring there anger out on doesn’t mean that it has to be on animals. People that might refute my position might say that these animals aren’t I need of help and they are perfectly capable of protecting themselves but I think that they aren’t. I believe that we need to help them and fight against this cruelty. â€Å"Raising awareness and raising money towards the end of animal abuse will help and eventually put a stop to animal abuse† (ASPEA organization). That is where we as human beings must come into play. We must be humane in every way possible to animals. â€Å"Animals can’t speak out but you can† (National Humane Society). I like animals and I treat them very well and with respect. I don’t abuse or hurt them in anyway and I believe that other people around the world should treat them the exact same way that I do.

New Look Is Privately Owned Fashion Retail Company Marketing Essay

New Look Is Privately Owned Fashion Retail Company Marketing Essay For this Report it was requested to analyze the company New Look. To recognise the key issues those have an influence on the company to perform to its best, and to make recommendations for these. As a group tasks were divided; each person was assigned to analyze an influential issue and make recommendations for the information it had gathered. For the recommendations to be pleasing and realistic research had to be done. Resources such as: the internet, the companys website, website electronic resources, books, magazines, and general knowledge. For proof measures references were added for realistic purposes and avoid plagiarism. After finding the key issue an in-depth analysis of internal and external environment were conducted in which the New Look was operating. On doing the analysis next step was to decide the strategy options for resolving the issue faced by New Look. The major findings found in this case study based on the questions were: the standardised approach New Look as a company uses and whether it worked well. This research was carried out by analyzing reports and articles based on the strategy. It was found that the strategy worked well so far. Other factors are like the acceptance of New Look into developing countries such as India and the reason behind the frequent targeting from Non-tariff barriers. The organization is lacking knowledge on recognizing the number and nature of competitors in the fashion retail industry which could affect, directly or indirectly, business in the future in the form of decrease in revenues and closure of outlets. Research was done to understand adaptation of Polycentric approach in emerging economies. In the report success was achieved by finding the issue, analysing it and then giving the recommendations on it. All the findings and research conducted has been put in systematically in this report. INTRODUCTION Background New Look is a privately owned UK based Fashion retail company, and offers clothing, footwear, and accessories for men women. The company started its operation in 1969, and opened its first store in Taunton, UK and in 1988 its also spread its wings and entered French market and in 1995 opened its first store in Scotland. New Look was purchased and taken private by a private equity consortium in 2004 for GBP 700 million. In 2000 New look sold its French stores to French company Mim in return for 51% stake in company and then in 2003 it acquired remaining 49% share. Now it operates over 650 stores in U.K and has subsidiaries in France. Its manufacturing took place in over 1000 factories in 45 countries which include Europe Asia. Now in 2006 company have opened number of trial stores in Belgium and now looking forward to expand in Netherlands, Luxembourg, Eastern Europe, Middle-East and Asian Markets (www.newlook.com). Nature, Size, and Structure of the Market According to google news, New look is the UKs third largest womens retailer store. It is increasing range of its menswear to cope with the competition. According to Wrigley, New look is worth now between  £1 billion and  £1.5 billion. Company is keeping on penetrating its business in the UK. It has purchased 34 stores from the Littlewoods chain owned by retail group Associated British Foods. New Look is looking to boost its retail space to 2.4 million square feet by March 2006 from 1.6 million square feet last year. Market Segment, Nature of Competition New Look faces intense competition in the UK market. Because of its investment in design technology and low prices it keeps them ahead of competitors. Company is now focussing on menswear and children wear. By the end of 2005, New Look plans to extend its menswear ranges from 14 to 30 stores and is also planning to extend its fashion ranges to cater for children under nine (www.newlook.com). New look have strong working relationships with its suppliers and they are treated like their partners and even share the same values on Trust, ethics, quality, speed and ambition. Company deals with most up to date international fashion trends for both Men Women at low prices. KEY ISSUE FACING COMPANY Main Key Issue As a research on New Look proceeds, the group unanimously agreed that the global expansion can be the key issue for New Look Group. This was later confirmed with the course tutor. Explanation The decision was made on the basis of comparison of profits with major rivals (e.g. Gap Inc), slow growth in profits, emerging economies of India and China, and the boom in online shopping. Graph below shows the slow increase in profits to the year 2005. As many companies are rapidly going globally and making India and China their primary targets, it is urging New Look to react to this trend. According to the history of new look, they do have ambition to go global and they have started opening stores in France from 1988 but that strategy fails. In the report, we will analyse internal and external environment of new look and how they can manage to enter in different market segments globally with low risk of failure. Methodology After doing all our research, I found out that the major issue the company is facing to expand globally in order to cope with intensely increasing competition in the UK which is reducing profits. Its time now for New Look to think about expanding globally in order to increase sales and profits. To make it effective, we need to analyse the tangible and intangible resources which ensures expansion is feasible. It makes no difference whether they target their neighbour markets or the foreign market as New Look cant afford to fail in any of their global markets due to the fact that New Look is not a public limited company (PLC) so its got no shareholders to invest in them. New Look might consider other options such as outsourcing etc to reduce capital investment. In the report I aim to analyse the environment under which company is operating and look up for the strategies which will help them to overcome any potential threats in the global markets. After critical analysis of environment, we will be able to identify companys major strength and weaknesses and the potential opportunities and threats globally. Because of the nature of the business, I will have to look each market individually and provide options for mode of entry in each market. Initially, for each given option for the target market, I would advise company to test the option prior to make final decision. However, I will provide analysis evaluation for each given option in this report with the use of latest material available. . AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this essay is to investigate the internal external strategies of the business environment for NEW LOOK group. To achieve this aim I have planned to use Porters five forces and the PESTEL tools to analysis the intensity of the external environment and financial ratios to calculate whether or not the strategies are successful. Finally I will use a SWOT analysis to be specific and critical in our conclusion. ANALYSIS OF EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT The external environment is often referred to as the macro environment. The external environment is often out of a businesses control none the less businesses use tools to achieve their goals. The external environment is divided into three major areas: the general, industry, and competitor environments as shown in figure below: GENERAL ENVIRONMENT PEST Analysis Political factors Government sometimes have direct control or influences to greater or lesser extent over legislation and regulations, this covers laws that influence employment, consumers protection, health and safety at work, contract and trading, trades unions. (Business Strategy, David Campbell). Chip PIN is the new, more secure way to pay with credit or debit cards in the UK. Instead of customers using their signature to verify payments, they will be asked to enter a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) known only to them. Chip PIN is the biggest change to the way we pay since decimalisation. It is part of a global programme to tackle the soaring levels of plastic card fraud (BBC News). Economical Factors Governments usually set policy concerning these of taxation and expenditure in the country. With an increase of the grey market who have more disposable income due to the fact that there is a boom in the housing market a lot of these elder generation are now selling out from 3 to 4 bedroom houses in to smaller houses as a lot of there kids have grown up and moved out. There for this market has more disposable income then before, therefor new look should give more emphasis on this market then they have done previously Social Cultural Factors The cultures of countries in which a business operates can be of particular importance. The culture of a country consists of the values, attitudes and beliefs of its people. These in turn, will affect the way individual act and behave when dealing with certain product and services. In order for new look to go global they would have to consider the religious and cultural issues that will differ In different country such as Saudi Arabia were the grater number of the population would be offended by seeing a female in a mini skirt so there for new look should also conceder making different styles of clothing for different countries e.g. for Saudi Arabia less reviling clothes Technological Factors With the introduction of the internet and the success of it uses new look should provide a bigger emphasis on providing the merchandise on the internet such as ordering, reserving and selling on the internet., in order to increase there market share and compete with other online retailers. With the introduction to new and better technologys British fashion chain New Look is investing in new technology to help combat potential theft and the possible loss of stock worth  £4 million, according to a media report. New look is aware of the technological influence that involve developing and understanding that effects changes in their company. For new look technology is vital for competitive advantage, this is a major drive of globalisation for their company. New look produce good quality cloths and the best at a reasonable price, because technology has improved new looks production processes and deliver their service through its catalogue and via the Internet this has developed their information and communication technology. Industry Environment PORTERS FIVE FORCES To analyse New Look external environment, a business tool known as Porters five forces will be used. Porters Five Forces helps the marketer to contrast a competitive environment. These forces can be neatly brought together in a diagram like the one below: Porters five forces in accordance with New Look The Threat of new entry New Look has been established for almost a 37 years and has a considerable amount finance should the worst happen. At the moment they face competition from already established competitors for e.g., Debenhams, HM (datamonitor.com). For a new entrant to be a threat they would need to offer something different apart from trendy clothing and newer technology. New Look also face competition from new fashion stores being opened and to have the advantage over New Look would need to have better location and a wider selection of clothing including accessorise. Threat of Substitute Products New Look branch out in to five main areas these are women wear, menswear, children wear, footwear and accessorise. This means they are active in five different markets and to reduce the pressure of competition allow other companies to franchise there products or services allowing them to have a substantial amount of control. Threats from already established competitors come from Debenhams, HM, Top- Man, MS, Next and Claires. Bargaining Power of Buyers Generally the bargaining power of Buyers is low because the customers understand that they are paying Reasonable prices for up to date fashion clothes and services. However for the fashion retail market they have a considerable amount of choice so its important for New Look to get the service right to keep loyal customers and attract new ones. Power of suppliers Suppliers are also essential for the success of an organisation. Raw materials are needed to complete the finish product of the organisation. Suppliers do have power. This power comes from: If they are the only supplier or one of few suppliers who supply that particular raw material for this point the power of the supplier is low because there are several other suppliers that will sell to them. If it costly for the organization to move from one supplier to another also known as switching cost. Again on this point New Look has the upper hand because there are many suppliers that will want to sell there good to them. This means that the powers that the suppliers have over New Look and other major fashion producers around the world are under constant pressure to supply at lower prices in order not to loose a major client. Competitive Rivalry New Look group face intense competition from other well known fashion brands producers such as Debenhams, HM, Top-Man, and MS and NEXT; therefore compete through price wars in order to attract customers. Debenhams is a competitor because they make high levels of fashionable clothing selling different types of brands such as, John Rocha, Jonh Richmond, and variety of accessorise including gifts, home accessorise, electrical appliances. Also another competitive rivalry for New Look is Top Man. The reason it is competitive rivalry is because they are similar to New Look as they also offer fashionable up to date clothing at reasonable prices. They also sell their own brand of clothing like New Look. The barriers that affect this market to new entrance are havig the money to set up the business in terms of human resources, machinery and location. Finding a supplier for fashionable clothing wont be difficult for new businness. Almost half of sales are in Women wear. A quarter of sales are dedicated to Menswear and Children wear, with other items constituting the remaining sales.. COMPETITOR ANALYSIS Competitor analysis focuses on each company against which a firm directly competes. Four dimensions given below helps the firm prepare an anticipated response profile for each competitor. According to datamonitor.com, The New Looks top competitors are Associated British Foods plc, Debenhams PLC, Marks and Spencer Group PLC, Matalan PLC, NEXT PLC, Arcadia Group Limited. Some of the above mentioned competitors have already strong presence in some of the Global Markets. They are described below: Primark Stores Ltd is a subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF) Primark targets young, fashion-conscious under 35s, offering them high quality, fashion basics at value for money prices. Almost half of sales are in Women wear. A quarter of sales is dedicated to Menswear and Children wear, with other items constituting the remaining sales. Debenhams is a leading department stores group. Debenhams has a strong presence in key product categories including women wear, menswear, home wares, health and beauty, accessories, lingerie and children wear. A unique mix of exclusive own brands, including Designers at Debenhams, and third-party brands helps differentiate Debenhams from its competitors. In addition Debenhams has 30 international franchise stores in 14 countries outside the UK and Ireland, with a further 15 franchises scheduled to open by the end of the 2008 financial year. Debenhams is also extending its customer reach by making direct sales through its internet website. Marks and Spencer is a UK retailer of clothing, foods and home ware. It operates through both wholly owned stores and franchise stores. It has over 450 stores in the UK. The company is structured into four main operating divisions: food, clothing, home and international. The clothing division offers womens wear, mens wear, lingerie and childrens wear and footwear. The international division operates eight wholly-owned stores in Hong Kong as well as 198 franchise stores in 30 territories around the world. Matalan is a retailer of discount fashion and home wares. Matalan sells name-brand and private-label apparel for men, women and children, as well as some household products, at discount prices. The company operates primarily in the UK. Matalan sells discount fashion and home wares through its network of out of town UK stores. Matalans product range includes home ware, ladies, mens and childrens clothing, and footwear. Arcadia Group is a clothing retailer that operates approximately 2,000 stores throughout the UK, mainly in urban areas. It also controls over 200 franchised stores in about 30 countries worldwide. Arcadia operates eight store banners: Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Top Shop, Top Man, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Wallis and Outfit. Each brand targets a distinct market. As well as its eight shopping banners, the company also operates a complementary catalogue and online shopping business through its Dial Home Shopping unit. All the competitors have strong intentions to expand in the UK market as well as globally. As described above, they are targeting new markets and entering some the markets through acquisitions. It is affecting New Look because expansion is increasing their profit potential and they are making prices more competitive in the UK markets.. However New Look does hold an advantage over its competitors. According to Mintels consumer research the average age of the New Look customer is slightly older than at most specialist chains, but Next and Gap also record above average penetration figures in the 35-44 age band. For New Look this reflects its move to become more of a family fashion destination in its bigger stores. Price points are pitched low to attract young, less affluent women who want fashion but are restricted by tight budgets. New Looks combination of low prices and fashionable merchandise pitched at the younger end of the market is absolutely right in current conditions. The company has invested heavily in design facilities and producing a distinctive and unique handwriting is what is setting it apart from competitors this investment has made it a competitive edge on its competitors. And the retailer is moving towards being a distinctive fashion brand- with an attractive price tag attached to it. New Look faces some very competitive times. But it is well-established, has an excellent brand name and a considerable following. It should be one of the survivors. New Looks combination of low prices and fashionable merchandise pitched at the younger end of the market are the major plus point for the company. Delivering product with current market fashion with low price tag keeps New Look strong. Competitors are strong in online stores. Although a selection of products and their prices are featured on the New looks website, it is not transactional and customers are urged to visit their nearest store and see the full range. Before analyzing internal environment of New Look, the serious intention was given to context of Internal Analysis which is Global Economy, Global Mind-Set, and Analysis outcome. Analysis of Internal Environment The internal environment is divided into several stages as shown in figure below: Resources According to google news, New Look is a developed brand name and the group itself is a 3rd largest retail clothing company in the UK. It manufactures its products in 1000 manufacturing plants in 45 countries all over the globe which contributed to a large portion of companys physical resources. They have developed their organizational resources to manage, plan, and control their stores and manufacturing plants effectively. They own all of their stores in the UK and their subsidiaries in France which are their main fixed assets. It owns technological resources in the form of registered trademark, copyrighted designs. New Look has a reputation in producing latest design by the use of latest technology. It is investing in new technology to help combat potential theft and the possible loss of stock worth  £4 million, according to a media report. They have high calibre staffs which are the valuable assets of the company. They have focussed deeply on customer services by operating most of their women wear, menswear, and children wear stores separately. It is keen on employing key people in its board of members to increase the value of intangible human resources e.g. Phil Wrigley, Richard Lapthorne. By the combination of all above resources they are becoming more innovative in developing new designs and brining new ideas to attract more customers e.g. in 2005, their first national brand campaign New Look, The New Now was launched nationwide in-store with product, signage, POS and window displays. Customers are invited to become part of the New Look window display with the launch of the ultimate window shopping experience; customers will have their picture taken through the store window by a simple press of a button and their face then becomes the face for the mannequin. By making the effective use of all resources New Look can able to produce high quality and durable products. Capabilities New Look is effectively allocates and schedule for all its time and resources. They have very highly competitive human resource system which makes sure they select best people they want. It can be varied from store staff to the high management people. Because of their target market among the teens with unique fashion design with economical prices with effective marketing policy leads to brand promotion, high quality customer services and innovation merchandising. Core Competencies The company manufactures its products in 45 countries which increase rivalry among its suppliers which can act as a source of competitive advantage as they will produce durable products on cheap prices. They have developed a unique transport system which connects all 1000 factories which deliver all the manufactured garments to the company on time. This system is difficult to imitate for competitors and they can use it as a source of competitive advantage in order to operate globally. As far as outbound logistics concerned, they have developed such a system inside their business that it has to become one of their core points. They apply strict rules and regulations on outbound logistics and give good rates to the outsource company so that it becomes vital point for their business to deliver the product on time. New Look supply chain starts from the getting of raw materials and finished at the end products available for the customers in their stores. They have experts from buying raw materials and despatching them to warehouses where it goes through the manufacture processing and where quality control is assured. Then the finished product despatched to the market and the way its market is completely unique. They have expertise designers from very high reputative and innovative people which are meant to be made for designing. New Look have their designers from Turkish company called Saide which has a high reputation in giving new designs with a good quality product. They have unique style of marketing their product through prints, electronic, store promotion and through various schemes which attract lot of customers. In September 2005, New Look launched its first national brand campaign, New Look, The New Now. The New Now is designed to amplify New Looks ability to release affordable of the moment fashion onto the high street with most products hitting the stores within six weeks of the initial vision. Key Success Factors New Look target value-conscious customers who are aged 15-24 and tend to come from lower socio-economic groups. New Look set up its own sourcing arm in Turkey as a joint venture with Global Textiles, part of the Saide Group, in order to speed up its fast fashion even more. As well as economical cost, they highly focussed on innovative designs which make their products successful. The company has doubled the number of designers working on new ranges to 22 and has also strengthened its buying and merchandising team. Effective marketing strategy is one of the key factors which make them successful in the UK. SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths New look is a powerful retail brand. It has a reputation for value for money, convenience and a wide range of products all in one store. New look is a global fashion brand built upon a reputation for fine products and services. It has 650 stores in the UK and over 50 stores in France. A focused strategy is in place for human resource management and development. People are key to new looks business and it invests time and money in training people, and retaining a developing them. Weaknesses The organisation is dependant on a main competitive advantage, the retail of cloths. This could make them slow to diversify into other sectors should the need arise. Since new look sell products across many sectors (such as cloths, shoes and accessories), it may not have the flexibility of some of its more focused competitors. New looks logo has a very feminine look to it such as the use of the colour of the logo witch is in pink and the style of the logo which does discourage a lot of the single male to go and shop because they think it is only for the female shoppers Opportunities New look is becoming global and they are taking there trades to other countries such as India, where the younger generation are adopting a more of a westernise fashion and we see a lot of this in Indian bollywood films. With the introduction of the internet a wide access of the internet new look should think to sell more of there products over the internet witch would reduce more costs as thee will not need as many more employees. New products and services that can be retailed in their shops, such as Fair Trade products. New Look has the opportunity to expand its global operations. New markets for fashion retail such as India. Co-branding with other manufacturers of fashion, and brand franchising to manufacturers of other goods and services both have potential. New locations and store types offer new look opportunities to exploit market development. Threats New Look being one of the biggest fashion retailer means that they are a target for competitors to improve on. New look being a global retailer means that they are exposed to political problems in the countries that they operate in. New Look is exposed to the international nature of trade. It buys and sells in different currencies and so costs and margins are not stable over long periods of time. Such an exposure could mean that New Look may be selling at a loss. This is an issue that faces all global brands. Online retailers are a threat as they are often able to sell at a cheaper price than shops WHAT I FOUND AFTER ASSESSING METHODOLOGY? After assessing the methodology, it was found that New Look should expand its business globally. New Look has to be very cautious and careful while expanding its business and keeping in mind all the pros and cons which are vital in any expansion of the business. Therefore, they must follow reasonable set of rules before stepping into new market. The methodology discussed in section 3 is one of the courses of actions available to the company. If the company follow this as explained in section 4, 5 and 6 they can make successful expansion across the globe because of the opportunities available in the global market. Although there are some threats of new rivals, cultural and geographical differences but keeping in mind the big picture in a strategic long run business plan expansion can become one of the strongest strength of the company. LIST OF POTENTIAL OPTIONS After analysing the external and internal environment of New Look Group I am able to make some suitable options. As the clothing industry has intense competition all over the globe, I have to split options according to each segment. They are outlined below: Option 1) The best mode of entry in India and Middle East is through Franchising because of Government regulations and competitive market. Many companies have entered through franchising and they were been successful. Option 2) As the New Look lacks the investment of shareholders, they should make cautious approach to North American market as they will face high competition but early returns on investments are implausible. Presence through e-commerce is moderately attractive but this will have positive effect on overall image of the company. Option 3) Openings of stores in Far East is attractive but geographical locations needs to be given importance as access to logistics will be limited. Option 4) According to the findings I have made, we conclude that New Look has high profit potentials in European Markets and they need to invest more in new stores throughout Europe. ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL OPTIONS Strategic Options Analysis Evaluation Consistency Suitability Validity Feasibility Business Risk Appeal to Shareholders Option 1 Æ’- Æ’- Æ’- Option 2 Æ’- Æ’- Æ’- Æ’- Option 3 Æ’- Æ’- Æ’- Æ’- Option 4 Æ’- Æ’- Æ’- Æ’- EVALUATION Evaluation of the project report After initial test been done, company should launch full expansion in the target market/country. Evaluation and maintenance of sales revenue needs to be done and if the expansion is successful than they should target 2nd attractive market and so on. Future recommendations Technology New Look can use the latest technology available in mechatronics to made products more cost effectively to compete in global markets. E-commerce They need to introduce online shopping as much of their rivals already have a strong online presence. Going online with their sales will also cut down on money spent on shops, distribution, transportation, staff and other sundries. The customer when buying something online also pay money for shipping so there is added cost to the company. It is expected in the next 15 yrs 70% of all retail businesses will be done online so implementing this is not only beneficial but very necessary. E sale will help them to move from only high street presence to thousands of customer homes. Stock market In order for New Look to expand globally, they need a strong investment in the company. The best way to have this is by allowing investors to invest in the company. To make it attractive they need to register on the stock exchange. Whit there growing profits they can expect to command a good price for there stock. Doing this

Aristotles Rhetoric and the Ethics of Modern Advertising Essay

Aristotle's Rhetoric outlines the three main purposes of rhetoric as political, legal, and ceremonial. Persuasion is the main point of all three of the main venues for rhetoric. Rhetoric â€Å"may be defined as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion† (Aristotle 22). Rhetoric can also be seen as a primer to explain the methods of persuasion used in modern-day commercials and advertisements. While the classic methods of effecting persuasion are pertinent to our understanding of how different forms of advertising work, there are also a host of modern day techniques that have changed the landscape of rhetoric. Namely, what has changed is three-fold. First, modern-day advertising has a much more visual delivery. Second, traditional oratory is rarely used in modern day commercials. Finally, there is a departure from what Aristotle would say is ethical within the rhetoric of the modern day. Advertising is attempting to sell you somethin g. Unlike in the time of Aristotle, we live in a capitalist society where most rhetorical methodology is designed to produce a specific action from the audience to purchase an item, not simply to win an argument. The duty of oratory has changed from the Aristotelian definition. We can then ask, what can we learn from the rhetorical devices of Aristotle in responding to today's advertisements and commercials? However broad these changes may seem to the modern day audience, it is important to 2 show how the classical methodology of effecting persuasion is relevant today. Aristotle states the three means of effecting persuasion are â€Å" (1) to reason logically, (2) to understand human character and goodness in various forms, and (3) to understand ... ...nd logos are used by ad-writers in an attempt to persuade them, the public can look clearly at the underlying purpose of the advertisement. As Corbett and Connors point out, â€Å"a knowledge of rhetoric can help us to respond critically and appreciatively to advertisements, commercials, political messages, satires, irony, and double-speak of all varieties† (25). A close reading of Rhetoric and other forms of ancient rhetoric can be beneficial to a student who wishes to truly understand how advertising and commercials work. The ability to wade through advertising that only offers a mild truth, or worse yet a lie, has become a great attribute associated with post-modern American thinking. After a careful study of Rhetoric's past, we as Americans may be able to discern truth from propaganda, need instead of want, and fact from fiction.

A Night in Afghanistan Essay -- Personal Narrative, Descriptive Essay

"Shhhh!" my mother whispered as the tanks rumbled by under the cold Afghan night, the stars twinkling above the mountains surrounding us. From our hiding place in the brush along the shoulder of the dirt path through the Khyber Pass, I could see tanks stretching to infinity and, try as I might, I could not find an end to the convoy of trucks. Huddled along with my father, mother, and infant brother and sister, we peered anxiously as the Russian Spetsnaz scouts rolled past us in jeeps ahead of the convoy heading toward the Afghanistan-Pakistan border-the very place our destination lay. My brother began to whimper. My mother began to pray. It seemed as if the line of tanks would never end. Finally, as the last of them rolled by, silence engulfed us. My father had been planning for months for our flight into Pakistan along the Khyber road and we could not stop now. Our nerves were frayed. We had not slept for three days since being smuggled out of the capital and the 15-mile walk across the border might have well been 15 hundred miles. My father stopped for a moment and fished a small, empty... ... Today, that pouch of a few ounces of earth that my father gathered during our last hours in Afghanistan lies on a desk in his study, reminding me of what I have lost, of another place filled with memories that I used to call home. But today, what I call home is in Orange County, California, half a world away from Afghanistan. Perhaps one day I will go back to see what is left after the years of war and strife and once again relax in our old backyard, or go to pick apples in an orchard in the Maymana district. But I will go back only to visit.

Essay --

Samantha Rangel Professor Soma de Bourbon FYS 156/Technology and Society 15 November 2013 Serial Killer Everyone has heard or read about serial killers at one point in their lifetime. Serial killers are known to be dangerous psychotic people who enjoy killing. They are not known for being loveable towards their victims, they are brutal and have no regrets to what they do. One serial killer in particular was very brutal and has had a lot of fame around the world. Whenever someone hears the name Jack The Ripper, they wince at the thought of knowing what he did. Now a days they even have shows portraying Jack The Ripper. He is a widely known serial killer for the killing of five women. The police never identified Jack The Ripper, so no one has any idea who Jack The Ripper is. Jack murdered five women, prostitutes, and he horribly mutilated them between August 31- November 9, 1888 in Whitechapel, England (East End London). The investigators of the case believed that Jack might have had surgical knowledge due to the fact that three of the five women had their internal organs removed. Throu ghout Jacks killings there were hundreds of letters sent to the police and many of those letters hinted that they were Jack The Ripper or they were suggestions for ways to catch the Ripper. The police always disregarded those letters because they thought it was a waste of time reading over silly letters until one day three letters stood out of the bunch. The police believed that Jack The Ripper wrote them himself because they had specific details on how the women were being killed and they even said things like, â€Å" Yours truly, Jack The Ripper, Don’t mind me giving the trade name.† (casebook.org/ripper_letters) The three letters were â€Å"Dear Boss† (Sept... ...Most serial killers do have OCD which is obsessive compulsive disorder which is when you have to have things go a specific way or else you think everything is going wrong, so organized serial killers will most likely have this disorder. Having multiple personality disorder is when you have two personalities; one is your normal self which serial killers most likely use to cover up the fact that they are killers. Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks are triggered by the kind of things the serial killer goes through, so for depression the serial killer could get it from having a non-loving family, Anxiety can come from the struggles that the serial killer faces. Panic attacks can come from having too much anxiety. Serial killers are dangerous and very sick people. Most of them don’t realize they are doing something wrong because they could be severely mentally sick.

Gangs Research Paper Essay

Gangs have produced a culture of their own; surprisingly similar to many other groups in mainstream society. Religious, political, and special interest groups can all be compared to gangs and their ideology. Typically, groups are born through a shared idea or goal by similar individuals. Many ideas may be radical or may not follow the â€Å"norms† set by mainstream society. Conflicts between groups are neither rare nor uncommon because of the simple fact that not all ideas will be shared by everyone in society. In history, the basis of many wars has been mainly caused by religious differences. A similar comparison can be made between gangs and the other members of society. Different groups in society have different ways of achieving a variety of set goals such as money or status. Gangs do not have the same means of achieving wealth, happiness, respect or social status as mainstream society does. These ideas of innovation are a result of gang members rejecting socially accepted means but accepting the ends or set goals. Deviant behavior has developed in gangs because of their way of obtaining money and status. Mainstream society has set the example that a â€Å"successful† individual in life will conform to the idea that many years of education will lead to a career which will essentially provide a steady income. In theory, gangs resort to violence and criminal activity because of their rejection to socially accepted, mainstream goals. For example, as the unemployment rate increases, research has found that property crime increases as well. Gang members, as mentioned by Bobrowski’s studies, contribute mostly to Part II offenses such as property crime. In addition, Reiner mention’s that one of the three realities of life that drive gang crime is unemployment. With this evidence we can conclude that there is a positive correlation between gang crime and mainstream issues like unemployment rates. In conclusion, we can see how gangs are seen as a problem in society because of their lack of conformity to social norms. The prevalence of gangs Gangs have played a significant role in the criminal justice system and society overall. These groups overwhelm in numbers, according to the United States Department of Justice there are an estimated 800,000 members in over 24,500 gangs spread out over 3,300 jurisdictions. While most gang crimes occur on the streets, a 2006 survey conducted by the â€Å"National Gang Crime Research Center,† out of 212 U. S. schools, 25% of American schools reported a gang shooting near their school in the past year alone. In a more broad sense, gang activity was reported in more than half of state and local law enforcement’s jurisdiction. Most, if not all, gangs have been born in or around a big city like Los Angeles, California. These gangs root from these major cities but, often they â€Å"franchise† or branch out to increase in numbers. The relevance of theoretical explanations of gang behavior There are a myriad of theories that have been created to attempt to explain human deviant behavior related to gangs specifically. These theories are categorized according to their discipline; biological, sociological, psychological. Generally speaking, there are a number of theories used when analyzing criminal and deviant behavior such as: labeling, deterrence, anomie, strain, social learning and self-control theories. There are also classifications or levels of theories such as: systems, social and individual level theories. Criminal theorist and researchers join forces in an inductive process, in which they interpret quantitative data, make empirical generalizations then finally produce a theory, leading to a factual-based hypothesis. The emergence of criminal theories is extremely important, especially when attempting to explain gang crime. Given these assumptions, we can scrutinize theories carefully and develop policy implications to improve the criminal justice system. Different theories explain the wide variety of factors that contribute to deviant behavior within a gang. For example, the â€Å"labeling theory assumes that formal labeling of offenders motivates them to take on more serious criminal careers† (Criminological Theories 158). In addition, some theories such as strain theory explain how social â€Å"strain† or stress is experienced by an individual when they accept society goals but, experience blockages while attaining those goals. A theoretical explanation of gangs and gang crime Closely observing the strain and anomie theory we can see that it explains how gangs create their own socially disapproved means to obtain the goals that are promoted by mainstream society. Strain and anomie theories are complementary even though, strain theory is in the individual level and anomie theory is in a social level theory. Strain such as unemployment rates, housing availability, economic instability, and lack of educational opportunity enhance gang behavior in one way or another. Robert Merton explains 5 goals of adaptation to strain and these are conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism and rebellion. When analyzing gangs we classify them as innovators. They seek the approved goals society has publicized, yet they create a new way or new means to obtain that goal. Mainstream society and law abiding citizens accept the means they are given to obtain the ends that are promoted; this is considered conformity. Essentially anomie/strain theories, as stated in Criminological Theories, â€Å"perceive blocked goals as producing deviance-inducing strain. Gang members are typically lower-class members of society and as result, there is a lack of resources available. This strain will cause gang members to become deviant separating them furthermore from the middle and upper classes. Separation and peer rejection are other elements in strain theory even though there has been weak correlation between these deviant behavior and peer rejection. In addition, a big component evaluated in strain theory is the perspective an individual has towards the stressful event. The event must be seen as unjust and high in magnitude in order for the individual to act upon the stressful event in a deviant matter. For example, if an individual loses a close relative due to a gang related murder; the strain will be of greater impact than if the individual experienced frustration in school. In this case there is great probability that the individual will resort to gang violence. A review of the research on the theory’s viability Research supports general strain theory and prevention programs involving family therapy strengthen Merton and Durkheim’s theoretical contributions. Delinquent gangs continue to be concentrated in lower class and minority neighborhoods and empirical research has been consistently finding positive correlations between gender, social class and deviant behavior. These variables are important to analyze when researching gang crimes because they are unarguably causes of strain to individuals. Members of lower socioeconomic class will almost always innovate new, usually illegitimate, means to achieve the goals set by society and data gathered throughout the years has proven this statement. From Durkeim to Merton and, most recently Cohen, and Cloward and Ohlin, have all improved upon strain theory with research data and facts. Conclusion and recommendations I personally believe that the strain/anomie theory has very strong points, even though; I see no concrete separation between strain and anomie. Many argue these as two separate theories but, I see one large, information-packed theory. It can be overwhelming analyzing so much possible explanation for gang behavior and strain/anomie theory adds on to the bombardment of possible justifications. Fundamentally speaking, strain/anomie theory explains the different paths individuals take and what stressors affect them along the way. Many stressors affect individuals in a different way. Not all minorities and lower class members will deny legitimate means to obtain certain goals such as, not all gang members are searching for the same goal law-abiding citizens are. I believe policy implications arising from strain/anomie theory are more closely related to other theories like social bond theory and self-control.

Social Class Essay

When sociologists talk of social class, they refer to a group of individuals who occupy a similar position in the economic system of production. Within that system occupation is very important because it provides financial rewards, stability and benefits like healthcare.Social classes are very complex, but â€Å"the relationship between power and wealth is undeniable.† (Marger 40) People can change the social class they are in, but it is not simply one factor that determines one’s social class. Occupation, income, wealth, education, and status are all major factors that can help determine which of the five social classes a person belongs. An individual can change his or her social class if they have the desire to do soMany sociologists suggest five:Upper Class – EliteRepresent institutional leadership, heads of multinational corporations, foundations, universities Capitalist elite – owners of lands, stocks and bonds and other assets – wealth derived from what they own Forbes magazine publishes a list of the 400 wealthiest families in America. In 1997, net worth had to be at least $475 million.Bill Gates, in that year, had net worth pf 39.8 billion. Of all the wealth represented on the Forbes list, more than half is inherited. Newly acquired wealth, nouveau riche, have vast amounts of money but not often accepted into â€Å"old money† circles.Upper Middle ClassRepresent scientific and technical knowledge – engineers, accountants, lawyers, architects, university faculty, managers and directors of public and private organizations. Have both high incomes and high social prestige. Well-educated. Difficult to define a â€Å"middle class† (i.e. upper middle, middle middle and lower middle) probably the largest class group in the United States – because being middle class is more that just income, about lifestyles and resources, etc.Lower Middle Class Clerical-administrative Provide support for professional s Engage in data collection., record-keeping Paralegals., bank tellers, sales Blue-collar workers in skilled trades Working Class Craft workers Laborers in factories Restaurant workers Nursing home staff Repair shops, garages Delivery services Poor Working poor – work full-time at wages below poverty line Social services UnderclassSocial class is one of the most important concepts that sociologists discuss and yet its definition is often illusive. There are two classical sociologists who are most important in the discussions about class .Karl Marx and Max Weber have different views upon social class in contemporary societies. In Karl Marx's perspective, social class has a two-class system whereas Max Weber argued that social class has three dimensions of stratification: class, status and party And what is frustrating about both is that they did not produce a viable definition of the things that they wrote extensively about.Karl Marx: 1818-1883 Karl Marx argued there are two major social classes, the ruling class who own the means of production and the subject class, who don't own the means of  production and are a diverse group of people controlled by and working for the ruling class. These two groups are better known as the bourgeoisie and proletariat. In particular, the bourgeoisie use a mode of production, in the form of capitalism, to oppress the proletariat. Whereby the owners of production (bourgeoisie) use the (proletariat) workers labour to produce their surplus value. In turn they pay their workers the smallest amount possible to make a profit, thus exploiting the working class.The defining factor in what makes them a separate class is the bourgeoisie's ownership of the means of production, not their wealth, because they don't produce the surplus value, the proletariat do. The bourgeoisie only appropriate the surplus. In essence the bourgeoisie are a ‘class for itself' whereas the proletariat are a ‘ class in itself'. Marx identifies that the reason we have classes is due to a group sharing a common interest and economic position. The bourgeoisie own the capital of land, machinery and raw materials. Whereas the proletariat own nothing, they can only sell their labour power in an attempt to survive and provide for their families. This in turn results in the social/power relations between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.Max Weber: 1864 – 1920 While Weber agrees with Marx's theory of the class distinction between the bourgeoisie and proletariat, he is more interested in the individual's market value. For Weber, an individual's class position is determined by their current market value. This market value is established by the individual's level of education, natural talent, skills and acquired knowledge. With these skills the individual is opened to numerous life chances and opportunities to further their career and increase their standard of living. Their market value equals their economic gain. Market value is defined by their ability to market themselves to a particular job opportunity. For instance, a university degree makes an individual more marketable and as such they have greater chances to work in their preferred field. They are given greater financial rewards and in turn move up the social ladder.Consequences of social classDifferent consumptions of social goods is the most visible consequence of class. In modern societies it manifests as income, inequality, through the subsistence societies it manifested as malnutrition and periodic starvation. The conditions at work vary greatly depending on class. Those in the upper-middle class and middle class enjoy greater freedom in their occupations. They are generally more respected, enjoy more diversity and are able to exhibit some authority. Those in lower classes tend to feel more alienated and have lower work satisfaction overall. The physical conditions of the work place differ greatly between classes. While middle class workers may † suffer alienating conditions† or † lack of job satisfaction†, blue-collar workers suffer alienating , often routine, work with obvious physical health hazards, injury and even death.In the more social sphere, class has direct consequences on lifestyle. Lifestyle includes tastes, preferences, and general style of living. These lifestyles could quite possibly affect education attainment, and therefore status attainment. Class lifestyle also affects how children are raised. For example, a working class person is more likely to raise their child to be a working class and middle class are more likely to be raised in middle- class. This perpetuates the idea of class for future generations.Since social class is often self-reported, it is difficult to assure the accuracy of the information collected. Even if the data is accurate, social classes are not the same in each region or city. What constitutes upper class in one location may be middle class in another. The lack of consistency involved in researching social class accounts for the difficulty in using it as a reliable variable. Schools and the workplace are greatly influenced by social class.The look of employment is changing because workers can no longer expect to work their way up through a company. Many companies look outside of the company for people with the right educational background instead of hiring from within . This greatly limits the potential for advancement of workers  who lack formal education. For people to move up in the social hierarchy, they must obtain higher education. Instead of spending years at a lower level position, people are spending more time in school and moving directly into management. . Therefore at this day and age, more importance is givin to education in order for one to work his way up the social ladder.