Analysis of Financial Performance of Yahoo Inc.

About Yahoo, Inc. Yahoo, Inc. is a multinational company that operates in the internet industry. It is a publicly held company that was established in 1994. The headquarters of the company is based in California, USA. The company offer products and services that comprise of communication, search and content tools.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Financial Performance of Yahoo Inc. specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The products and services are offered in a variety of languages. A significant amount of revenue for the company is generated from advertising. The company also generates revenue from other sources such as royalties among others. The paper seeks to analyze the performance of the company for the between 2010 and 2012. Analysis of trend Income statement Analysis the trend of various values and ratios of a company gives information on whether the performance of a company is improving or deterior ating. Analysis of income statement of the company shows that the revenue declined from $6,325 million in 2010 to $4,984 million in 2011. The value slightly improved in 2012 to $4,987 million. This shows a decline in the amount of revenue earned by the company over the period. The cost of revenue also declined from $2,628 million in 2010 to $1,503 million in 2011. In 2012, the cost of sales increased to $1,621 million. These changes resulted in a decline of gross profit over the three year period. The value declined from $3,697 million in 2010 to $3,482 million in 2011. The value further declined to $3,366 million in 2012. The operating expenses changed in the same trend as cost of revenue. The value declined from $2,925 million in 2010 to $2,681 million in 2011. In 2012, the operating expenses increased to $2,800 million. The resulting operating income increased from $773 million in 2010 to $800 million in 2011. However, in 2012 the operating income declined to $566 million. Analys is of income statement reveals that the company made a number of sales of its investments. For instance, in 2010, the company sold Zimbra, Inc. and HotJob. In 2012, the company sold Alibaba Group Shares at $4,603 million.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These sales boosted the value of net income. Net income declined from $1,232 million in 2010 to $1,049 million in 2011. The value increased to 3,945 million in 2012. The graph presented below shows the trend of the values. Balance sheet The total current assets declined from $4,346 million in 2010 to $3,453 million in 2011. In 2012, the value increased to $5,653.The increase was attributed to the increase in the amount of total cash. Despite the sale of total investment, the value of non-current assets declined increased from $10,584 in 2010 to $11,330 in 2011. The value further increased to $11,451 in 2012. The value of cur rent liabilities, total liabilities and shareholder’s equity declined between 2010 and 2011. The values increased in 2012. Finally, the value of total assets (total liabilities and stakeholder’s equity) declined from $14,928 million in 2010 to 14,783 million in 2011. In 2012, the value increased to $17,103 million. The graph presented below shows the trend of the values. Profitability ratios The profitability ratios are presented in appendix 1. Gross profit margin and net margin show that the profitability of the company improved over the period.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Financial Performance of Yahoo Inc. specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, return on assets and return on equity indicates that profitability declined in 2011 and improved in 2013. Finally, asset turnover indicates that the company reported a decline in efficiency over the period. Conclusion During the dot-co m bubble a number of companies reported a significant increase in the value of the company. However, after the bubble burst, the companies reported a significant decline in performance and some companies did not survive the burst. The results above indicate the bubble burst affected the operational performance and efficiency of Yahoo, Inc. However, the company used a number of turnaround strategies such as sale of investments. These strategies resulted in the success of the company after the dot-com bubble burst. Appendix 1 Profitability 2010 2011 2012 Gross profit margin % 58.46 69.85 67.5 Net Margin % 19.47 21.04 79.12 Return on Assets % 8.25 7.06 24.75 Return on Equity % 9.83 8.36 29.12 Asset Turnover 0.42 0.34 0.31 This essay on Analysis of Financial Performance of Yahoo Inc. was written and submitted by user Keith V. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Nutrasweet in China-Sb Essays

Nutrasweet in China-Sb Essays Nutrasweet in China-Sb Essay Nutrasweet in China-Sb Essay -Case Study Analysis-| NutraSweet in China| Sandra Burga| MARKETING MANAGEMENT 658. 22 Professor Stephen Rapier Pepperdine University MARKETING MANAGEMENT 658. 22 Professor Stephen Rapier Pepperdine University I. History Back in 1994 NutraSweet’s Consumer Products division (CPD) considered entering the growing China market. Their intent was to take advantage of the growing Chinese market and expand their brand developing a new sector of brand followers. The CPD perceived three main opportunities: leverage the product brand, leverage marketing manufacturing competencies and capitalize on China’s post-Cultural Revolution. One of the enticing driving factor’s for NutraSweet (NS) was the low sugar consumption numbers in China, based on this perceived notion NutraSweet was posed with a couple of questions: Should NutraSweet enter the Chinese Market? If so, what will be the Risk vs. Profit opportunities? In addition, they also needed to consider their timing and strategy to enter the market. In doing so, they will have to carefully consider their Positioning and their Indirect versus Direct Distribution. NutraSweet assigned Eve Stacey a recent Harvard Business School grad, formerly of Ingredients Division, to head the project. According to the information provided for the case, Ms. Stacey was given only 3-months to prepare recommendations. There is no additional information provided on the case that tells us if Ms. Stacey was already familiar with the Chinese culture or if she had a good understanding of the market as it related to NutraSweet. What we know if that she sought the help of a company called SRG to do door-to-door interview of 200 Chinese consumers. Overall, this was a very small sampling of the Chinese market to be able to access the need. Back in the early nineties, NutraSweet’s Consumer Products ivision was responsible for tabletop sweeteners under the brand names of Equal ®, Canderel ®, and NutraSweet ®, brands already known to the US market. NutraSweet came about accidentally in 1965 when a chemist discovered it while working in a lab at Searle. Searle was a small pharmaceutical company later acquired by Monsanto. The Monsanto Company is a Fortune 500 manufacturer of performan ce chemicals, agricultural, food ingredients and pharmaceutical products. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri The laboratory accident that launched NutraSweet grew into a $1 billion dollar business for Monsanto. Because Searle was a pharmaceutical company, NutraSweet was initially marketed as an over-the-counter product, not as a food product. Monsanto consolidated the tabletop sweetener business during a reorganization period in which it faced many positioning challenges. In the United States NutraSweet was marketed as a mainstream product using a similar marketing strategy as Equal ® which had a low calorie sugar-like sweetness. In the European and Latin American countries the marketing was based around the concept of â€Å"lifestyle† consumption. In less developed markets it was marketed as a niche product for consumers with a medical need. NutraSweet consumer products sales by region in 1994 largely came from the large demand in the US with 58%, followed by Europe with 29%. As shown in the pie chart below, based on the small market share (4%) there seemed to be a great opportunity to expand into the Asia to increase the market share. II. Key Points A. Market Drivers and Growth Foreign Investors pumped billions into China’s economy back in 1994, the Chinese economy was booming. Citizens were spending 40% of their disposable income on food. This attractive fact seemed like a great opportunity for NutraSweet back then. Although expected to decrease with increasing cost of living, Monsanto was eager to enter the market. There was an emerging middle class with projected increase in purchasing power. NutraSweet saw an opportunity in the Chinese consumers’ infatuation with Western brands which represented: quality, freedom, excitement luxury. Multinational Corporations (MNCs) view China as: a set of distinct markets, culture, and tastes, regions varied by geography population with 3-key markets to explore: Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing. B. Customer Analysis * Market Demographics China consumed 14 pounds of sugar/person versus 80 pounds of sugar/person in the US. This interesting fact posed the question, â€Å"How can we make this product attractive to a society where consumers for the most part are skinny and do not eat that much sugar? †. This presented a cultural challenge to tackle in the marketing process for Stacey and Monsanto. * Market Behaviors Chinese consumers spent little on housing and none on transportation to/from work, most used 40% of their disposable income on food. 20% of the 60 million (12 million) habitants owned 80% of the country’s wealth. The â€Å"Middle Class† was emerging and estimated to double in 2 years, meaning the target market would be as big as the US target market. In addition, as mentioned before, the Chinese consumers were obsessed with American products, fact that supported NutraSweet’s strategy. * Market Needs Values The primary distribution channels for NutraSweet were drug dispensaries therefore people perceived sugar substitutes as socially unacceptable. In addition, sweetness tolerance across China varied from region to region. Consumers saw no need for a tabletop sweetener since sugar was used mostly for cooking. Market Segmentation One of the strategies NutraSweet considered was to Market it as â€Å"food for a healthy lifestyle†. They saw an opportunity to expand their customer base through education about â€Å"healthy eating† (Yoshino, 1996). Their main target group was 25-40 year old women in the higher household income category. Other perceived users were predomin antly children and health/weight conscious individuals. C. Competitive Analysis Sweet ‘n Low was NS’s U. S. major competitor but â€Å"†¦the tabletop sweetener business was still fairly local with different competitors in different parts of the world. Part of their advantage was that the tabletop sweetener category was new to China. Part of their challenge was that sugar was inexpensive, infrequently purchased, and received little consumer attention. The question now was, if sugar was not consumed as much by the chinese, why would they consume a sugar-like substitute?. In the past â€Å"Healthful† drinks failed to catch on in China i. e. Diet Coke which failed in 1980’s. â€Å"The real competitors were other consumer product markets fighting for a share of mind and a share of discretionary income through an unbelievable media† (Yoshino, 1996). * The China Lure In 1994, foreign investors poured $81. 4 billion into China† (Yoshino, 1996). The GDP grew from $298 billion in 1980 to $508 billion in 1994, the 10% annual growth over next 25 years forecasted China’s economy to be worth $6 trillion dollars. The 60 Million consumer base was forecasted to double over the next decade. A more aggressive study predicted 150 million Chinese with purchasing power parity annual incomes of $18,000 by year 2000. D. Financial Analysis The average household income was $685/yr, the breakdown includes a $581 for a businessman, $420 for a factory worker and $213for an agricultural laborer. Hong Kong Was considered potentially more profitable than any other market in Asia, their business was less than $1 million due to social stigma. The average household income of 6 million inhabitants was $18,000 with an expected economy growing at 5% annually. * Taiwan A was a more developed market that could have served as a testing ground before entering China. However, Equal was rejected by major distributors and partially delisted. The average income was of $12,500 with a population of 21 million and a economy growing at 7% annually. E. Marketing Objective and Strategy Target Market The Main target group was 25 to 40 year old women in higher household income category. The perceived users were predominantly ch ildren and health/weight conscious individuals. Mothers in Guangzhou preferred it more than childless women * Positioning (Messaging) Getting goods to the market/consumer was a central challenge for MNC. NutraSweet leaned towards using a foreign agent to enter the market such as Inchcape, East Asiatic Co. and Simm’s. * Marketing Mix a) Product or Service Strategy The 4 F’s† of NutraSweet: FOOD, FUN, FAMILY, FOR YOU!. Tooth decay big problem in China. Sugar quality was poor (didn’t dissolve well) worms in their sugar! ) b) Consumer expectations 25% of Beijing’s consumers thought it would be an expensive item to be given as gift. 12% of Guangzhou consumers consider it as everyday item. 70% of consumers expect to find product in supermarkets c) Pricing Strategy The price decision had to balance low average incomes, the nonessential nature of the product, and white sugar’s low price with the need to position NutraSweet as a premium product that should not be directly compared to sugar. Pricing decision is important because of the multi-tiered distribution structure, NutraSweet needed to get to Chinese customers. d) Promotional Strategy 1/3 preferred sachet and 2/3 preferred table form, ? liked in jar format. Beijing: 1/3 thought packaging was too common or â€Å"clinical†. Shanghai (15%) Beijing(30%) saw product as â€Å"confusing† â€Å"not credible†. Most were skeptical about its use in relationship to gain weight. e) Distribution The primary distribution channels for NutraSweet were drug dispensaries in HK, typically people found sugar substitutes as socially unacceptable  as they relate to sick people. Their options were to explore multi-tiered distribution system OR build their own distribution systems OR use foreign agents subcontracting wholesalers and retailers. An option was to follow Equal’s strategy in the US and Abroad. The options included: marketing it as a mainstream product sold through retail food channels or marketed as a medical aid for diabetics and obese consumers. Consumed as part of everyday life in Europe and Latin America it was marketed as â€Å"healthy food† expanding customer’s base through educating others about healthy eating. F. SWOT Analysis * Strengths NutraSweet is a widely recognized brand name; it had flexibility in positioning their product. The Chinese market favored â€Å"Western† products. NutraSweet was already a familiar taste in already used Chinese products although it was not publicized. NutraSweets EPS has been steadily rising (1995 @ $6. 36) * Weaknesses Research conducted may not depict the Chinese culture accurately. Research conducted may not be a truthful representation of the action Chinese consumers will actually take. Management had a narrow focus view of NutraSweet’s possibility of success in China * Opportunities NutraSweet can be marketed as â€Å"food for a healthy lifestyle†. Chinese market is an untapped, growing market with a growing disposable income. NutraSweet can expand their customer base through education. China is a unique place with distinct markets, culture and tastes * Threats NutraSweet is a substitute to white sugar and is more expensive. Health concerns about the use of Aspartame in NutraSweet. Chinese consumers do not consume the same amount of sugar as the average person in the US. There’s competition against MNC’s wanting to enter a developing market like China G. Challenges * How can NutraSweet be attractive to a society where consumers for the most part are skinny and do not eat that much sugar? * Was choosing SRG to conduct their door-to-door interviews of 200 random costumers a good idea? * How can NutraSweet compete for consumer’s share of mind and share of discretionary income? * Shall NutraSweet be launched in Taiwan or Hong Kong instead of China? * Was NutraSweet priced and positioned appropriately for the Chinese consumers? How well prepared is NutraSweet to integrate themselves into the Chinese market (i. e. staff, management, understanding of Chinese rules)? Recommendation * Extend the test period to beyond 3-months and create a test market * Better cultural understanding: the management team could have continued marketing it as a medical aid for diabetics which was already culturally accepted * Investigate in depth existing com panies that did not succeed and learn from them * Tailor the packaging and messaging toward the Chinese Consumers. Or repackage it and detach it from the stigma * Educate consumers about the uses and benefits of NutraSweet for diabetics * Partner with companies who can use NutraSweet as their main ingredient instead of being a stand-alone name REFERENCES Yoshino, Michael and Knoop, Carin-Isabel (1996). NutraSweet in China (A), Cambridge: Harvard Business Review Koetler Keller. (2012). Marketing Management 14th edition. New Jersey, US

Maria Montessori's Theory of Education Dissertation

Maria Montessori's Theory of Education - Dissertation Example He does not learn or study merely to be promoted to a higher class or in expectation of some rewards. Montessori is a special way of education where the children learn through experience. Every aspect of their experience is planned to help them grow into creative, capable, confident, and balanced individuals. Every child is assisted to nurture and stimulate his potential through various activities like music, art, and drama (Montessori Children’s Room, 2005). The classrooms are called ‘environments’ where the children experience the joy of learning. Dr. Montessori placed special emphasis on the learning materials; she introduced the child-size tables and chairs too. She believed that the learning environment was as important as the learning itself. Learning in the right environment the child experiences an inner sense of satisfaction and develops a positive attitude in life. Teachers are called ‘directress’ which reminds them not to be authoritative b ut to direct and motivate the child to develop himself. This leads to mutual respect and affection, which aids the child to become self-confident. A unique feature in the Montessori system is that two and three-year-olds remain within the same environment. A myth surrounds such a philosophy that the older children would take up the time and attention of the directress but it works in a positive direction for the age groups. The younger ones receive stimulus from the older ones, while the older children get to play as the role model for the younger ones, which boosts their confidence. The older children serve as teachers for the younger ones and in this way they learn faster. Since this philosophy is based that each individual is unique, this environment allows them the freedom to learn at their pace and not on the directress’s schedule of lessons (Seldin T & Epstein P, 2005). The children stay in the same environment for three years which inculcates a community feeling and st ability in them. The culture tends to remain the same. Dr. Montessori believed that directress should focus on the child as a person. The child should be encouraged to ask questions, think, explore, investigate, and discover for himself. Daily lesson plans are not important; the children have to given the freedom to learn independently while retaining their creativity.

Bharti Airtel Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Bharti Airtel Case Study - Essay Example   Certain advantages and disadvantages associated with the decisions are stated below: In the wake of the above-stated analysis, it is imperative for Bharti to get into an outsourcing deal as it would help the company to focus only on its core business activities. The present model of outsourcing of the company (revenue sharing) would help in generating greater accountability to its vendors to provide excellence in operations. The captive center model helps organizations to keep control over costs, enhance the learning curve of employees and promotes innovation (Lampbell & Bhalla, 2008, p.6). Expertise and knowledge-driven talent pool form two of the major core competencies of Bharti. The use of this model would help in enhancing the efficiencies of these two very critical core competencies. BOT model also puts up an option of transferring the assets and ownership from the vendor on a later date as specified in the mutual agreement. Benefits of this model include cost control, scalability, enhancement of knowledge curve and skill transfer (Lampbell & Bhalla, 2008, p.6).This model would help Bharti towards the betterment of its core competence of economy of scale. The benefits of Dedicated offshore centers model include low cost of setting up a facility, reduction of political pressures and increased focus on capitalization of external skills (Lampbell & Bhalla, 2008, p.6).The use of this model would help Bharti in reducing its overall cost of operations including fixed costs as well as to enhance the learning curve of the organization. Fee-for-Service based relationships model an organization gets the benefits of incurring zero set up costs for its facilities at very low levels of financial risk (Lampbell & Bhalla, 2008, p.6).

Effective Communication Skills in the Organization Assignment

Effective Communication Skills in the Organization - Assignment Example Demonstrate a proficiency in administrative skills required in an organization.Demonstrate a proficiency in administrative skills required in an organization. Proficiency in administrative skills in an organization can be processed in several ways. Â  The simplest form is the ability to understand the communication of the organization’s leader. Â  The ability to operate the computer and type, do emails is a demonstration of administrative skills. Â  The ability to do reports, minutes, proposals and organize one’s workstation is a demonstration of administrative skills. Demonstrate introductory college-level proficiency in one or more of the social sciences. 28 Foremost, a college student must be able to understand the content and extent of the various social sciences. Â  The ability to understand, synthesize and critique various perspectives as put forward by the many theories of social science is a demonstration of introductory college-level proficiency in social science. Â  One must also be able to relate its theories as an explanation of a social phenomenon that is happening around us. Â  Finally, one’s ability to give a reflection or evaluation of a social science theory is a manifestation of proficiency in social science.

McDonalds Employment Analysis

McDonalds Employment Analysis McDonalds has many employees who are working on different posts and are working hard according to their own capacity. McDonalds conducted job analysis in order to hire new employees at every year that sometimes on quarterly basis. This also enables management to have a better understanding of the jobs and duties being performed at every level and also helps them in training the people who are freshly recruited. JOB ANALYSIS METHOD IN MCDONALDS In job analysis McDonalds focuses on Work Activities and Human Behaviors of an employee for a job. JOBS IN MCDONALDS McDonalds has two types of job openings with their sub openings as listed under: Restaurant Jobs Office Jobs RESTAURANT JOBS In the restaurant jobs, there is a clearly defined career path, from Crew Member to Crew Leader to Floor Manager to Assistant Manager to Restaurant Manager. And from there onwards the opportunities for growth and development are limitless Area Supervisors, Operations Consultant and beyond are just a few to mention from. TRAINEE MANAGER This is an entry level managerial position at McDonalds restaurant, providing opportunity to start and excel the career with the core business functions. Trainee managers handle various areas of professional excellence where sales, people, product safety and security are the minimum areas to be mentioned. CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVE This is an exciting career opportunity for the females, responsible to independently organize birthday events various activities at local store level so that the challenging fun activities of the job will gear up the commitment of employees for providing the first class customer services CREW MEMBER Crew Members are the core team members always ready to serve the customers on the floor with a shining smile unique with the services. This job is offered either as a Delivery Rider or a Crew Member. So the fun enthusiasm prospect apart from extensive learning will make employees a key member of the team serving our customers. There are three main areas of responsibility of a crew member: Customer service Food preparation Cleanliness and hygiene OFFICE JOBS Managerial jobs are categorized as Office Jobs in McDonalds. At McDonalds office jobs are an excellent match, provided an employee can exhibit the right skill set up to excel in the areas of his/her Human Resource Management Project expertise. Depending upon the knowledge, experience and right aptitude, there are 3 key entry points in the office jobs INITIAL ENTRY LEVEL This entry level is specifically for beginners to start the career in a professional work culture, these positions will provide the opportunity to develop the skills as a successful business entrepreneur. MIDDLE ENTRY LEVEL As a middle entry level incumbent the incoming employee will perform as a liaison with team members to deliver the team objectives while ensuring the execution of assigned tasks as per defined standards and procedures HIGHER ENTRY LEVEL The higher entry level job incumbents are accountable for the execution of assigned tactics and strategic plan. The provision of leadership approach to work will enhance their sense of ownership and part of the winning team member JOB ANALYSIS METHOD IN MCDONALDS applies the basic methods of Job analysis by which HRM can determine job elements and the essential knowledge, skills and abilities for successful performance methods. MCDONALDS uses the following job analysis methods according to their jobs: Observation Method Interview Method. Questionnaire Method The CREW MEMBERS are like main workers of the McDonalds because they are the one who handle the stage work. McDonalds use direct Observation and Interviewing together Firstly, they observe the work of the crew member note the information as much as they can and then for further assistance ask the crewmembers about the detail of their work. For CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVES McDonalds follow the similar interview technique where they ask the employà ©es that what they feel when they work in this fun environment, how they manage all the work and satisfy the kids and their parents. For the  MANAGERIAL JOBS, McDonalds use the Questionnaire and Interview Method. They prepare a structured Questionnaire in which they ask employees about their jobs, purpose, education required for the job, experience or other key factors. Whereas, in Interviewing they further collect the information related to job directly from employees. JOB DESCRIPTION The job analysis is used to generate a job description, which defines the duties of each task, and other responsibilities of the position. The description covers the various task requirements, such as mental or physical activities; working conditions and job hazards. JOB DESCRIPTION AS PER JOBS McDonalds represent its Job Description as Category Profile and Individual Competencies OFFICE JOBS For office jobs Job Description is named as Category ProfileI. INITIAL ENTRY LEVEL: Strong focus towards learning and adapting to the corporate environment A real interest in how people drive business Positive work attitude with the ability to lead challenging roles responsibilities exposing good confidence level for delivering responsibilities at outstanding level Innovative approach for initiating change at different levels Strong communication skills to act as a liaison between stakeholders and team leaders MIDDLE ENTRY LEVEL: Strong interpersonal and leadership skills. Effective negotiation problem solving skills The ability to see the big picture while delivering organizational goals RESTAURANT JOBS For restaurant jobs the Job description is written as Individual Competencies1. TRAINEE MANAGER: Effective communication skills able to work in a team environment Proactive to exhibit true managerial capability Career oriented with focus on continuous learning Flexibility to adapt to a diversified work culture JOB SPECIFICATION The job specification describes the person expected to fill a job. It details the knowledge (both educational and experiential), qualities, skills and abilities needed to perform the job satisfactorily. The job specification provides a standard against what to measure; how well an applicant matches a job opening and it should be used as the basis for recruiting. JOB SPECIFICATIONS AS PER JOB In McDonalds the Job specification is written under heading known as Profile and Competency Level. OFFICE JOBS In office jobs it is known as COMPETENCY LEVEL INITIAL ENTRY LEVEL: Education: Graduate or Post Graduate degree holders Experience: No prior experience is required for this entry position Age: 22 28 years maximum Gender: Male or Female MIDDLE ENTRY LEVEL: Education: Post Graduate degree holders with relevant area of specialization Experience: 3-5 years of experience in the relevant field Age: 25 32 years maximum Gender: Male or Female HIGHER ENTRY LEVEL Education: Specialized degree in the relevant field with professional certification Experience: 5 years or beyond Age: 30 35 years maximum Gender: Male or Female RESTURANT JOBS: Job Specification is represented by Profile in McDonalds. TRAINEE MANGER Qualification: Post Graduate Degree in any discipline Experience: Fresh candidates with no prior experience Age: 28 years maximum Gender: Male or Female CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVE Qualification: Graduate Degree in any discipline Experience: Fresh candidates with no prior experience Age: 24 years maximum Gender: Females only CREW MEMBER Age: 18-25 years Gender: Male or Female

The Glass Menagerie - Amanda Wingfield Essay -- English Literature

The Glass Menagerie - Amanda Wingfield If there is a signature character type that marks Tennessee -Williams’s dramatic work, it is undeniably that of the faded Southern belle. Amanda is a clear representative of this type. In general, a Tennessee Williams faded belle is from a prominent Southern family, has received a traditional upbringing, and has suffered a reversal of economic and social fortune at some point in her life. Like Amanda, these women all have a hard time coming to terms with their new status in society—and indeed, with modern society in general, which disregards the social distinctions that they were taught to value. Their relationships with men and their families are turbulent, and they staunchly defend the values of their past. As with Amanda, their maintenance of genteel manners in very ungenteel surroundings can appear tragic, comic, or downright grotesque. Amanda is the play’s most extroverted and theatrical character, and one of modern American drama’s most coveted female roles (the acclaimed stage actress Laurette Taylor came out of semi-retirement to play the role in the original production, and a number of legendary actresses, including Jessica Tandy, have since taken on the role). Amanda’s constant nagging of Tom and her refusal to see Laura for who she really is are certainly reprehensible, but Amanda also reveals a willingness to sacrifice for her loved ones that is in many ways unparalleled in the play. She subjects herself to the humiliating drudgery of subscription sales in order to enhance Laura’s marriage prospects, without ever uttering so much as a word of complaint. The safest conclusion to draw is that Amanda is not evil but is deeply flawed. In fact, her flaws a... ...r we will see that she is afraid of what will happen to a young girl of Laura’s position who is not married. Thus, Amanda’s emotions are mixed at present but will become clearer as the play progresses. Note how Amanda plays the revelation scene for all its theatrical effect. This is also a part of her character and prepares us for her giddy actions when the gentleman caller comes. One of Amanda’s admirable qualities is her determination. Once she has set her mind to a task, she goes about it with a determination that neither of her children possesses. It would be impossible to imagine either Tom or Laura dedicating themselves to a task with such complete zeal as does Amanda. It is, however, this dedication which makes her appear hateful to her children. It is as though both, especially Tom, were still youths whose every action had to be supervised.

Management: Leadership Style

Assignment in management: Question: Assume that the creation of the GM-operations position was a good decision. What leadership style and type of individual would you try to place in this position? Answer: The firm hired brad Howser who seemed to be very confident and appropriate to the job with an auto craft experience. As a general manager-operation a person was responsible for finding good relationship with customers, controlling the budget, and office operations. But the kind of leadership style Howser has was autocratic leadership.He made plans and decisions on his own way but never listen to his employees and clients, which the company’s needed in order to form a good organization or leadership. Due to his lack of management skills, he put the firm into risk. For me, a type of individual leadership is transformational leadership because a leader the one who motivates people to go beyond their interest for the good of the group. Transformational Leaders are often charisma tic leader, who succeed through a belief in themselves rather than a belief in others. n order to have a leadership style the leaders needs to understand business situation and creating new strategies, forward-looking and competent. And she or he needs employees support to implement his or her goal. And I want the democratic leadership to put in this position because the people have a more participating role in the decision making process. One person retains final say over all decisions but allows others to share insight and ideas. The good leader is one who knows real understanding of the companies’ culture, understanding business, establishing new business strategies, and inspiring which motivate employees work hard.First, in order to have a good leadership style or manager needs to task oriented which has to keep track on how well the workers doing their job. Second they are proactive rather than reactive if any problem comes on your company, this proactive people can look forward to solve it. Third, they must know themselves what is their weakness and strength, they inspire people to be the best they can be by being a mentor, and they play to their strengths and train to improve their weaknesses.Lastly, they need to know the job description of general manager the budget, community relation, day to day grill, sales retention of sale 10% and customer base expansion. On the other hand the leaders need to give them freedom because it makes them to work hard on their own and be confident on what they are doing. Let the employees motivate how to share their valuable ideas for the good outcome of the company. Having the right team behind your company, with fully motivated staff and great leadership, qualities can only enhance your company’s reputation and productivity.This is a very open and collegial style of running a team. Ideas move freely amongst the group and are discussed openly. Everyone is given a seat at the table, and discussion is relati vely free-flowing the democratic leadership style is the best for this company. If I were Howser I would simply pay attention to my employees, because employees are the best asset to the company, I need to take care of them in order to get their loyalty to work, and finally, if I succeeded to get their loyalty, the company would be more profitable and expand their market faster.

buy custom Japan History essay

buy custom Japan History essay The Ashikaga era in Japan happened in the years 1336 to 1573, and marked the governance of the Ashikaga Shogunate or the Muromachi. This period was known as the Ashikaga period or the Muromachi period. The governance of the Ashikaga ahogunate was formally established in the year 1338. During the Ashikaga period, the first European merchant ships docked in Japan, with Portuguese traders in the year 1543. The Portuguese started trading in Japan and their business activities were referred to as the Nanban trade. The Nanban Trade which was also referred to as the Southern barbarian trade, started when the Europeans arrived to Japan. The Japanese considered the Europeans as unsophisticated because of their cultural and social behaviors. On the other side, the Europeans admired Japan, describing the country as a land which is rich in minerals (Mason Caiger 187). They were fascinated by the temples and palaces built on the land, and were greatly impressed by the abundant presence of surface ores which are common features of a volcanic land. This was before the start of commercial mining. These events led to commercial extraction of minerals and Japan soon became a major exporter of silver and cooper minerals to Europe. The Early Tokugawa Japan was a period that happened in the 17th century. The period was referred to as the Tokugawa period or the Edo period. In Japan history, the Tokugawa period was ruled by the shoguns from the Tokugawa family from 1603 to 1868. During this period, poetry went through many changes although the court poets were enviously fighting to maintain their monopoly (Morton Olenik 119). Poetry was greatly admired and was one of the major arts in the social scene. During this period, there existed a famous poet known as Basho. Basho was highly recognized for his unique works in the combined forms of haikai no renga. Bashos lifetime saw his recognition as a master of brief and clear Haiku. At his young age, Basho was introduced to poetry and he quickly became famous throughout Japan after integrating himself into intellectual scene of Edo. He worked as a teacher and gave up the luxurious social, city life of the literally groupings and he preferred to explore the whole countr y from the West to East, and went further into the northern side of the country to grow insight for his poetry writing. His creativity was influenced by his worldly encounters from his expedition. The late Tokugawa Japan happened at the final years of the Edo period when the reign of Tokugawa shogunate ended. Numerous major events characterized this period, the most notable being the isolationalist foreign policy which was also known as sakoku and its transition from a feudal shogunate to the Meiji administration (Mason Caiger 257). The Sakoku policy was enacted by the Tokugawa Shogunate throug an act of law and policies between the years 1633 to 1639 and remained in effect to the year 1853, on the arrival of Commodore Mathew Perry, and marked the opening of Japan. The policy restricted movement of people in and out of Japan, and thus restricted trade and foreign activities between Japan and the outside world. Tokugawa Japan: Economic Growth, Urbanization, and Cultural Change The period of Tokugawa in Japan witnessed numerous economic and cultural changes. During the Tokugawa period, trade and foreign affairs were yielding massive profits because the activities were monopolized by the shogunate, although the trading activities were also permitted to the Tsushima domains and to the Satsuma (Mason Caiger 222). The first trade exchanges were witnessed when European Nanban ships brought in Portuguese merchants. The European trade ships to the Nanban trade were later followed by traders who were Dutch, Spanish and English. The year 1603 marked the start of active foreign trade by Japan and in 1615, the Hasekura Tsunenaga allowed trade missions across the pacific to the New Spain and until the year 1635, the Shogun gave out various permits for the trade ships designed for the Asian markets. The move increased foreign trade and the economy recorded high gains due to the presence of foreign exchange. Christianity started spreading in Japan after the influence of European traders on the Japanese people. Some of the high ranking leaders embraced Christianity and the western culture. One Japanese leader known as Oda Nobunaga also embraced Christianity and the foreign Western technology because he wanted to use it as a strategy to curb Buddhism (Mason Caiger 106). In the year 1614, an ruler known as Leyasu promoted foreign trade and started relations with the Dutch and the English but on the other hand, the imposed suppression and discrimination of Christianity. Foreign trade between Japan and European countries boosted economic growth because the country became a major exporter of valuable minerals. During the Tokugawa period, Japan experienced development of large urban centers, education, productive agriculture and highly developed economic systems coupled with national economic structures. This trade resulted to introduction of Christianity and western culture to Japan. The Tokugawa period saw the growth of urban centers, increased export and import activities and expansion of domestic and foreign trades. Foreign trade led to the development of urban areas and as a result, this urbanization greatly influenced the cultural and social standards of Tokugawa Japan. Urbanization saw the development of prostitution and geisha. Geishas were famous female dancers, meant to entertain men. Merchantss enjoyed spending their luxury time in places that had Geishas. Prostitution became rampant because foreign merchants were used to the pressures of prostitutes. Crime increased in Tokugawa and presence of beggars who were seen as non human, were present in urban areas. Discontent in Tokugawa Japan In the mid 1800s of the Japan history, the country had faced numerous changes due to foreign influence. The country had many factions with differing opinions about their social and political ways, leading to discontent among the Japanese and foreign traders. Some leaders embraced western cultures while others fought to preserve their indigenous culture. The economic environment was stable although the political environment had many negative influences on Japan and the international world. The downfall of Tokugawa Shogunate led to the loss of previously enjoyed traditional rights of the Samurai. The Samurai were denied their traditional privileges of carrying two swords, the privileges of being exclusively military and the privileges of holding high bureaucratic positions. The Samurai were unsatisfied with the new governance that denied them their long-established civil liberties. In the mid 1800s, the sakoku policy was in effect and restricted any movement in or out of Japan. The policy was unwelcomed by the Japanese people and foreigners. Foreigners were discontented by the law that restricted them from doing free business with Japan, and the people of Japan felt land locked by the policy because traders wanted to do foreign trade with the west. The Sakoku policy was a major impediment to economic and social growth and was unwelcomed by the Japanese people and foreigners (Morton Olenik 168). After the mid 1800s, various Japanese factions had borrowed a lot of support from the west, and the Japanese people had adopted various aspects of the western culture. This borrowed culture led to the fading of the Japanese traditions and culture. The Japanese people realized that the foreign influence was a threat to their culture and felt unhappy (Morton Olenik 168). Towards the end of the 1800s, the Japanese people devised a strategy in admiration of their culture, a plan that was aimed at overseeing respect for Japan's time-honored culture, such as admiration for the Emperor. The Social, political and economic environments were all altered in order to incorporate foreign influences while trying to maintain stability. This era saw the employment of French military in efforts to modernize the military of the Bakufu (Morton Olenik 168). Extremists in Japan resulted to war against the Bakufu, the Han authorities and all foreigners in an effort to reclaim the emperor, as a figure of peace and unity. Buy custom Japan History essay

Atticus Essays - Atticus, Ron Hansen, Detective Mystery, Dad Scott

Atticus Essays - Atticus, Ron Hansen, Detective Mystery, Dad Scott Atticus Atticus, a deeply affecting novel by Ron Hansen, opens in winter on the high plains of Colorado to the tropics of Mexico, as well as from the realm of whodunit detective mystery to the larger realm of the Mystery, which has its own heartbreaking, consoling, and redemptive logic. Misunderstanding, dissolute, prodigal, wayward, wastrel, alias, and bribery are only a few words that tell the powerful story of Atticus. The case was labeled as a suicide. The body was identified as forty-year-old Scott William Cody, a blue-eyed white male. The plot of the book takes three sharp turns. It begins as a conventional novel about the relationship between a father and his troubled adult son. After one character dies, it zigs into a murder mystery, and by the end has zagged into something entirely different, a parable, let's say, in which characters find redemption. Atticus Cody, Colorado cattle rancher turned oilman, appears at first to be a remote and judgmental dad, but as we observe the gentle, persistent concern he shows for his wayward son Scott, we discover nothing less than the ideal dad. Scott's testing of his father's love goes way beyond normal bounds: his alcoholism and general irresponsibility actually cause the deaths of several other characters. Scott's peregrinations take Atticus from his home in Colorado to the slums and bohemian underworld of a Mexican town. There, Atticus confronts a seamy and labyrinthine corruption that tries to separate him from the love of his son. Atticus, the Father, won't let go, and that's the point. In my humble opinion, the message of the book is that an ultimately moving meditation on the ineffable, unmatchable love between a parent and a child should always be a close bond, because you might not have a second chance for reconciliation. Atticus Cody receives a surprise Christmas visit from Scott, his estranged son who has been leading the life of a wastrel expatriate in Mexico. The friction between them is electric, and despite Atticus's profound love for his son he is unable to overcome the differences between them, and Scott returns to Mexico with their conflicts unresolved. Any hopes for reconciliation end when Scott supposedly commits suicide a few weeks later. Atticus journeys to Mexico to recover the body and he uncovers the story of his son's death, fitting together the pieces of mosaic that was Scott's life in Mexicoand encountering a group of disturbing characters along the way. Upon learning the circumstances surrounding his son's death, Atticus begins to suspect Scott was murdered. Unsatisfied with the police investigation, the sixty-seven year old father begins his own, struggling to comprehend the enigma of Scott's life and final days. It is an investigation that leads Atticus to an unexpected, but emot ionally satisfying conclusion. Scott alias Reinhardt Schmidt, finally stopped the charade and disclosed his true identity and reunited with his father, bringing them closer than ever before. Scott Cody was in a lot of turmoil. He felt as if he was nothing, and couldn't do anything productive with his life. He was suicidal and was treated for it, where he also madly fell in love with Renata, his on-and-off girlfriend. He felt devastated when he lost her to another man. Scott was in even greater trouble when he was involved in a hit-and-run accident, where he killed a seventeen-year-old girl. The girl's boyfriend went after Scott, and accidentally murdered Reinhardt Schmidt instead of Scott. Scott realizes that will be a dead man if he doesn't take on Schmidt's identity. But soon enough, Scott realizes all the devastation that he brought to his family and to his friends, and so then he decides to unfold the truth behind his identity. I think I speak for everyone when I say this, we usually take people for granted. We don't talk the way we should, or express ourselves to the fullest. We later regret our behaviors when it's too late. Each day is a new day, and no one can really predict the contents, whether its good or bad. We should all treat each other with respect and love for one another, and treasure every moment you have with one another, because you never know what life will have in store for

Give a description of the Cosmological Principle, and present a Essay

Give a description of the Cosmological Principle, and present a summary in your own words. Is it a truly scientific principle - Essay Example This paper seeks to give an in-depth analysis of the cosmological principle. Cosmological principle There have been various perspectives on the uniformity of the earth at any position. Some people do argue that the differences in the earth are there and evident which is in contradiction with the scientific point of view. The cosmological principle is entirely based on scientific principles and it argues that the earth is uniform irrespective of the point of reference. To many people, this is not observed to be so because they usually consider the physical features. In terms of physical features, differences are evident with some regions being mountainous while others are covered by water bodies. Despite this, the laws of physics have proved that they are applicable in all these situations without deviations. Due to technological advancement, there are various means used in observing the world mainly machinery with improved precision to identify any deviations (Ferreira, 2007). The co smological principle has three implicit qualifications and two testable consequences. They usually play a significant role in ensuring a clear understanding of the entire principle is clearly got. ... In critical analysis of the laws of physics, factors such as wavelength and electronic charge are observed to be constrained. The final qualification refers to distinction between large bodies around the earth, such as the sun, stars. It is evident that some galaxies moves towards the earth while other moves far away. It is evident that all these bodies are independent of each other but none of them violates the laws of physics. Testable Structural consequences of Cosmological principle Homogeneity-This mainly refers to the uniformity of the earth from various position an observer may view it. Isotropy-Isotropy refers to uniformity in observation despite looking in any direction in the earth (Cheng, 2005). Despite the differences in the principles, they are all interrelated. The cosmological principle is observed to be in line with the isotropy of other large bodies around the earth. Some of these bodies include radio galaxies, red shift, and cosmic microwave background radiation amo ng others. These relations are observed to have a direct and indirectly impacts on the earth and thus their presence cannot be neglected. In addition, some observed characteristics are because of interaction between the various galaxies. A good example is the Sloan digital sky survey. The early cosmologies argued that the earth was at the center of the universe. After many years of research, Isaac newton in mid seventeenth century came up with the new cosmology. According to him, the earth is spherical and in constant motion around the sun in specified direction and path. The earth is not located adjacent to the sun with a very large distance between them. In his quest to understand the relation between the various

The Relationship between Poverty, Governance and Development and an Essay

The Relationship between Poverty, Governance and Development and an Analysis of the Strategies used by Key Actors in Dealing with these Three Variables - Essay Example Globalisation has taken the centre-stage in national affairs around the world in the past twenty years.This has been characterised by the fast growth in cross-border communication and travels, harmonisation of standards, stronger international treaties and the growth in the number of multinational organisations and entities.Globalisation has been supported by global partnerships and improved systems of cooperation amongst nations. It is obvious that governance in nations have changed and there are communities affected by global governance and standardisation now than ever. In spite of this, there are huge disparities between nations in different parts of the world. The aim of the research is to identify the relationship between poverty, governance and development and an analysis of the efficiency of methods used to deal with these three variables by governments and other key actors. In attaining this end, the following objectives would be explored by the researcher in order to draw a conclusion on the dominant trends in the relationship under review: 1. A critical examination of the key concepts: poverty, governance and development. 2. An evaluation of the key stakeholders and approaches used to deal with poverty and the metrics in examining them. 3. An assessment of the results of the strategies and approaches used to deal with poverty and its effectiveness. 2.0 Critical Examination of Key Concepts: Poverty, Governance and Development This section of the research would examine the key concepts under discussion in the paper. It would involve the definition of the three main concepts of poverty, governance and development. This review of literature will assess important trends that describe these three ideas in the international and global context. The popular definition of global poverty was set by the United Nations in 1995 (Segal-Horn and Faulkner, 2009). The definition include the people who live on â€Å"less than one dollar a day† (Segal-Horn and Fa ulkner, 2009). This classification provides a standardised view of who are poor and cannot afford the basic necessities of life. Generally, the world is divided into nations where there are few people who live below the poverty line and those who have most of their citizens living above it (Held and McGrew, 2007). The classification on the basis of the majority of nations provides a categorisation of richer nations and poorer nations. The classification provides an idea of the quality of life of nations and how much is available to people and how wealth is distributed in each of the nations. Another approach of viewing poverty on the global scale is to view the infrastructural development of the nation (McNeill and StClair, 2009). To this end, McNeill and StClair identify that some nations have better developed infrastructure whilst others have less developed systems and structures (2009). The classification on the basis of infrastructure puts nations into classes of developed, emer ging and underdeveloped nations (Thomas, 2000). Developed nations are those that have the best and most advanced structures and amenities which provides a good life for their citizens. Underdeveloped nations are those that have limited infrastructure whilst emerging nations are those in the transition between developing and developed nations. Most developed nations are in the northern continents like Europe and North America whilst the underdeveloped states are in the southern hemisphere. The criticism of the model of classifying nations according to their infrastructural base is that, they do not give a clear picture of how well wealth is distributed in these nations. A typical example is the case of large federal nations in the developing world like India, Mexico and Brazil who have huge national funds which can afford to fund the largest projects. Yet, these