Managing Customers and Quality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managing Customers and Quality - Essay Example Services include scientific and specialty consulting as well as all aspects of engineering, construction, operations and maintenance. To maintain its success in existing markets and to enter new markets, JE needs to re-evaluate its current marketing mix. This report will discuss the current situation in this regard and redefine JE's objectives due to changes in clients' needs and expectations. To achieve this, the external and internal environment of the company is examined for potential influences that could lead to changes within the organization that will result in customer expectations being fulfilled. The services provided by JE and it's positioning in the present market is also looked at. The resulting strengths and weaknesses in addition to the opportunities and threats will be identified to ultimately provide strategies to compete globally and take advantage of existing opportunities. These objectives are SMART as per table 1. As a broad-based technical professional consulting firm, JE offer a complete range of services to help our clients maintain a competitive edge in their respective markets. From feasibility studies to operations and maintenance (O&M), we customize our services to meet clients' business and project goals. Our global network of technical experts work under a boundary less, seamless philosophy so that clients' receive the best, most economical project or program solution, worldwide. JE offer its services worldwide therefore more prone to be affected by external influences. It works in different social set-ups and so it needs to understand different culture and society. Technological innovations and its inclusion in services of JE play a very crucial role in providing best of services. Services provided by JE have to be economically prudent. Economic conditions of different countries in which JE operating as well as countries economic policies play a crucial role in JE success. Presently environmental factors are the major cause for concern in every country and almost for every project to be started. So JE policies and its commitment for health, safety and environment keep it in front of others. Finally the political situation and political decision-making plays an important role in almost every part of the world and it affects JE'S policies also. Working in global set-up JE has to deal with different political situation and ability to deal such situations decides the growth of the organisation. Basically external and internal environment and influences for any organisation could be appropriately discussed with the help of Porter's Model (Johnson and Scholes, 2006). Michael Porter's Five Forces Model, which is described below: Porter explains that there are five forces that determine industry attractiveness and long-run industry profitability. These five "competitive forces" are - The threat of entry of new

Maritime Environmental Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Maritime Environmental Issues - Essay Example El Nino is characterized by extended differences on surface temperatures in Pacific Ocean compared to the average temperature value. It is a cooling or warming of at least 0.9 0F or 0.5 0C in average over east central of tropical Pacific Ocean (Philander1990). In general, the anomaly takes place at an interval of between 3 to 7 years regularly and lasts for between nine months and two years. This anomaly is characterized by events such as: rise in pressures in the surface over Australia, Indonesia, and Indian Ocean; a fall in atmospheric pressure over the eastern and central Pacific Ocean and Tahiti; arising warm air near Peru which usually causes rains in the deserts of northern Peruvian; weakening trade winds in Pacific; and spreading warm water from the west Pacific to the east Pacific and Indian Ocean. This causes extensive drought in west Pacific and rain to the eastern Pacific which is normally dry (Hayes 1991). El Nino is often characterized by warm temperatures, this is becau se of its warm rush of the tropical water that is poor in nutrients and is majorly heated by its tendency of eastern passage through the equatorial current where it displaces the cold water on the surface of the Humboldt Current which is rich in nutrients (McPhaden 1993. In cases where El Nino conditions and/ or episodes lasts for quite long, then the reduction in the trade winds in the east and the extensive warming of the ocean limits the nutrient rich cold deep water together with its economic effects to the local fishing for the international market (Lee 2000). These quasi periodic patterns of climate are experienced across tropical Pacific Ocean approximately after every 5 years. The anomaly phenomenon takes place due to the Southern Oscillation which varies the air pressure of the surface water in the western Pacific and the temperatures of water surface in the eastern Pacific Ocean (Brown 1986). It is the extremes of the oscillations that results into the anomalies of the wea ther conditions in many parts of the world. Those developing countries that boarder Pacific Ocean are widely affected. The phenomenon that characterizes El Nino with unusual warm temperatures of the surface of the ocean in the eastern and central tropical Pacific and unusual cool temperatures of the surface water of the ocean in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, results from the strong circulation of the air in the tropics. This oscillation is famous for influencing climate patterns and weather around the globe (Roberts 1993). Observations have been made on the occurrence of the events resulting from La Nina and El Nino. There is a drift towards the cool neutral side in relation to the sub surface and surface of the temperatures of the ocean along side various changes in the circulation of atmosphere (Dietrich 1999). These changes have indicated a drastic movement in the odds of La Nina that forms in the forthcoming period. This has resulted into uncertainty and the need for close monitoring for any particular signs of future developments. Today, El Nino has been characterized by oscillation of the atmosphere system of the ocean in the tropical Pacific which poses very significant consequences on the weather and climate around the globe. These consequences include high rainfall in Peru and the southern tier of the Unites States, drought and destructive flooding in West Pacific, and in some cases associated with distressing bush fires in Australia (Herpes 2001). El Nino results into warmer winters

Aims Scope And Objectives Of Investigations

Aims Scope And Objectives Of Investigations My investigation aim is to research the management collagen which can affect the organization structure and strategic objects and goals. They can abstract the performance of the company. And my project scope is to investigate all the work understanding from bottom to top employees to find out if there any collusion between labor and the management staff. I started my investigation at the point where organization was suffering huge losses. My investigation objective is to the research the past profit and loss statement to find out that will never happen in future time. My objective is to research the annual reports of the company so that the company can make a new strategic plan. Why need of Investigation: Whenever a company is going in wrong direction or when it loses its way then there will be need of an investigation. When a company gets loss then we do research about the current and past data and produce the result of investigation project. In this organization, the expenses are more than its income so it got loss so we researched all the past and present data of the company This company got loss this year so this needs an investigation or research. I have to know what is the main reason behind, thats why I am going to investigate all its strategic plan, how did it implicate on it in pass? Then I will examine the aim, scope and the objective of my investigation, how do I work? Then I will briefly discuss about the using sources of data and information and talk about its different options or alternatives that can support the project. Used different types of Investigation: For getting all data and information, I did different type of investigations like qualitative and quantities method. By using these methods I got primary collection data and secondary collection data. I have taken some steps like questionnaire, surveys and interviews. I took interviews from the workers and the management team of the company. I asked them about the past years data. Data is about their past performance and past gross profit. I went door to door and did survey from their customers. I asked them about the customer services that what they are providing? Customer compatibility management emphasizes the controllability of customer to customer interaction in the higher education environment (Rowley 1996). For getting the reason of the company loss, I shared survey questionnaire papers to all the employees of the company, so that I can find out the reason behind big loss. A great man is hard on himself; a small man is hard on others. (Confucius, Chinese philosopher, 551-479 BC). Satellite cable linkers which was introduced in 1998 by the idea of a genius person Khawaja Zulfiqar Ahmad. I have studied all the strategies of the company and after all my research on this case. I investigated about past years gross profit and management. Data of past experience shows that it was a very powerful company. Its gross profit was quite high but year by year it decreased and this year for the first time company got loss. And I come to know that there are some problems in different sectors of this Company especially in management area due to this company got loss. For getting the reason of the company loss, first I choose the qualitative method and quantitative method. Qualitative Method: Qualitative data means Qualitative data is extremely varied in nature. It includes virtually any information that can be captured that is not numerical in nature. In this method, In-Depth Interviews include both individual interviews (e.g., one-on-one) as well as group interviews (including focus groups). The data can be recorded in a wide variety of ways including stenography, audio recording, video recording or written notes. In depth interviews differ from direct observation primarily in the nature of the interaction. In interviews it is assumed that there is a questioner and one or more interviewees. The purpose of the interview is to probe the ideas of the interviewees about the phenomenon of interest. (William M.K. Trochim) So I took in-depth interviews on written notes. I interviewed with upper management to lower employee. I shared survey questionnaire papers to all the employees of the company, so that I can find out the reason behind that big loss of the company. I asked different questions with the workers like are they satisfy with the strategic planning of the company. I asked about the behavior of the superior staff. Quantitative Method: The range of mathematical and statistical techniques used to analyses data. In order to test empirical theories and hypotheses, political scientists draw on a wide range of sources, including primarily qualitative data such as documents, unstructured interviews, and participant observation, and primarily quantitative data such as those derived from sample surveys or aggregate statistics such as election results, census materials, or cross-national statistical series. (Article from: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics, Article date: January 1, 2003, Author: Iian Mclean and Alistair McMillan). So I collected data from past years and current years and saw all the expenses and the income of all past and current years. After the calculation of all the research that I have done, the projects aims, scope and objectives are very high that can be achievable with the a good strategic implementation. A perfect strategy can easily build up the structure of the building. If we talk about the company, its base is quite solid but its structure is not relatively rock-solid as it shows from outside. It can be shattered at anytime just because of its poor management and my research is based on its poor management, old technique of work and broke system and suppressing. There is no training center for new employees. The salary paying system is very unsystematic. LO2: Conduct research, using sources, and synthesise data and options Collecting Data and Options: There are some data and information that I have collected which will support the aim of the subject. This data and information is based on my research about the aims of the project. Getting the reason of cause I used both the methods quantitative and qualitative. In quantitative method we can collect secondary data by its customers through its service history system or by companys annual report or by its past profit and loss statement. I collected the profit and loss statement data of the company of past ten years which I showed in my investigations. There are some data and information that I have collected which will support the aim of the subject. Chart: The chart is about Satellite Cable Linkers profit and loss statement of past ten years: This chart shows the profit, expenses and loss of Satellite Cable Linkers from year 2000 to 2010. In this chart it clearly shows that in past year the profit was at its peak but after year by year it declined slowly and in current year it got loss. Expenses from 2000 to 2002 are very rare but from 2002 to 2010 it increases gradually which cause of loss in this current year. In conclusion, the expenses will overcome on profit in future and loss will be more. On the other hand through qualitative method we can collect primary data by question airing, by doing survey or by taking interview of the management staff and the lower employees. I did interviews to different members So in research of this organization I got questionnaire survey of all the employees of the company. Survey Questionnaire of Company Q1: How do you feel secure in company? Ans: Q2: How do you see progressive in company? Ans: Q3: What do you see management in between the senior and juniors? Ans: Q4: Are you happy with your scale in Company? Ans: Q5: What does u say about staff behavior with other employee? Ans: Q6: Are u satisfied with the current strategy of company? Ans: Q7: Is there any cold war between the upper and lower class? Ans: Q8: Give any recommendation about company Ans: After getting all the survey questionnaire result, I was totally shocked to see most of the employee having totally different answers. Everyone is having different opinion and dissimilar answers. So then I came to know there is something wrong in the management which cause of a big loss. No matter what business you are doing, effects of poor management will always be devastating to your business. (Arjun Wadhva) LO3: Draw conclusions and make recommendations that achieve the project aim Conclusion: My all research analysis make a conclusion that the management and new technology can make a key role in achieving the company aims, new technology can change the idea of every person when they adopt it. The Phillips (1999) suggests that generational change is inevitable and continuous. On the other hand management is the back bone of an organization. And without management a company cant manage any plan or strategy, so educated and intellectual staff must be essential for the development and the progress of a company, because intelligent and hard working team are the individuals who can support a company in achieving its goals. Smith (1990, quoted in Gibbs 1998, p.78) in his book Analyzing patterns of work gives an excellent prà ©cis of leadership styles. Recommendations: A traditional hierarchical structure clearly defines each employees role within the organisation and defines the nature of their relationship with other employees. Hierarchical organisations are often tall with narrow spans of control, which gets wider as we move down the structure. They are often centralised with the most important decisions being taken by senior management. In the twentieth century as organisations grow bigger, hierarchical organisations were popular because they could ensure command and control of the organisation. However with the advent of globalisation and widespread use of technology, in the 1990s tall hierarchical organisations began to downsize and reduce their workforce. Technology was able to carry out many of the function previously carried out by humans. (www.learnmanagement2.com) Diagram: Hierarchical organization I have studied and examined so many hierarchical organizations like Vodafone UK, Sainsbury and Argos and they got progress by using hierarchical structure. So firstly recommend this structure that can take out a company from dark sight. It clearly defined promotion path. There will be specialists managers and the hierarchical environment can encourage the effective use of specialist managers. Employees will be very loyal to their department within the organisation. I recommend little action that can pick up the company to the high level and can increase the profit. In future, Action like training centers or workshops will help out in achieving the company aims, because skilled workers will be very useful company. There will be no waste of time for a company because it can get its qualified workers from training center. I recommend that the company can use media for advertisement. Now in this world, advertising is the best way that can attract the people. Now company can advertise its elf in future. There are so many ways that company can catch the attention of consumers by increasing the number of TV channels or by providing them clear result on TV. It can provide CD channels on which customers can watch any film whatever they want. It can achieve its aim in future by having customer services part in each branch of the area. These types of services can attract the customers so it increases the income and with that Income Company can achieve its aim. There are so many other options or alternatives that can also support the aims. Its aims are to beat and clean out their rivals and want to spread out of its city, so for that before giving anyone its branch first they have to see that other party is eligible for taking this responsibility. Because in future if that branch does something immoral then the company goodwill will be affected. There is no recruitment system for new employee and there is no training center where a new employee can learn the skill about its job. For achieving the aims there must be a training center so that there is no waste of time. And it will be very easy for recruiting skillful employee to new branches they these new branches will not take time to run their business. Another option that can support the company aims is new technology. New technology like using satellite links that attaches with TV of every customer. With the use of that technology there will be less complains by customers. There will be no waste of time and also there will be no waste of money. Money spends on cables roles that will save and use in different developing sectors of the company. The breakage of wires will be overcome with the use of new technology. After collecting all my data, I determine an option that will definitely support the project aims which is use of new technology. Because in future there will be very rare use of wires. Everything is going to be wireless. The mess of wiring system all over the streets and roads of the city will be ended. With this wireless system, there will be less need of employees for customer services because there will be very a lesser amount of complains. LO4: Review the results of the investigative project Results of the investigative project The result of the investigation project is that I come on a point that poor management is the loss portion of the company. My investigation shows that company got loss due to poor management. The way management implicates on the strategy is really bad. I have investigated that there is a big gap between upper and lower employees. By meanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ there is a lack of communication between two classes. And the main criteria are the management which is uneducated and untrained, so that why the management is quite poor in following organization strategies. Because of poor management, the lower employees dont have the ability to deal with the costumer and because of this there became a gap between the departments of HR and Sale department. There isnt any workshop in this company where a new employee can train himself. Company wastes a lot of time because it doesnt have any work shop or a training center where a new employee can easily get the skills or experience. New employees waste one or two months in company for getting some skills. It was a bigger drawback. Second important thing that I find out through my investigation is that there isnt any time table in this company. Employees are coming to their jobs on different time. They always come late and no one there who can watch them because all the management staff also comes late. There are awarding bodies that cannot manage all the employees and the management staff. There is no check and balance system. Through my investigation I showed that there are very low quality instruments provided by the company to employees. Some instruments are very old and its very difficult for employees to uses old instruments for connecting cables. Sometime receivers cards and decoder are expire after their duration and get a lot of time to buy a new decoders or renew the expired receivers cards. Sometime management forgets to order for new cable roles and dishes which also waste a lot of time to provide channels to its customers. Many times I have seen that customer does not satisfy with it, they want mor e from this company because of its goodwill. There are so many rivals who are coming to this field and they are attracting the customers toward themselves. Because of this current profit of the company is less than its past profits and it will get loss in its future years. To improve its gross profit we need a strategic plan that has strategic implication on it. That can help in improving the management. Impact of investigation project: Environmental impact assessment is, in its simplest form, a planning tool that is now generally regarded as an integral component of sound decision making As a planning tool it has both an information gathering and decision making component which provides the decision maker with an objective basis for granting or denying approval for a proposed development.( Justice La Forest, Friends of the Oldman v. Canada et al, 1991) Management pays a vital role to build a structure of an organization and to achieve the objective and goals with the accurate performance. My investigation shows that if any company does not improve management collapse then which result company business come to an end. Otherwise the impact of my investigation shows that company is on wrong direction which really needs to focus to prevent the future losses. So through my investigation, company can see it mistakes that they have done in past year. Throughout my investigation, company can easily overcome its entire past blunder. It can see the errors that it had made in past like expenses are more than its income

The Needle Treatment Essay examples -- Biology Essays Research Papers

The Needle Treatment Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of "encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve bodily function" (1) that dates back as far as 4,700 years ago. Now for the past 25 years it has appeared in the U.S. as a popular form of alternative medicine, and it is "a licensed and regulated HealthCare profession in about half the states in the U.S." (3). It is most often called upon for problems such as lower back pain, migraines, arthritis, and additional non-fatal aches and pains. Some people say it works, others are still skeptical. Since this method does not seem to be based on "actual science", is it merely a placebo effect? Can a medical practice dated nearly five millenniums ago still prove to be valid? When acupuncture was created, some of the medical concepts it employed were relatively new; there were not many falsified stories for it to build off from. In fact, "acupuncture is said to have been theorized... by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese medicine, who also documented his theories on the heart, circulation, and pulse over 400 years before Europeans had any concept about them" (1). Since then, Europeans and Asians alike have encountered centuries of medical dilemmas and successes. Over time, hypotheses emerge and are either disproved or continue to live on as part of scientific discourse and medical practice. For this reason, most old-fashioned treatments no longer hold true when compared to methods cultivated within the great wealth of knowledge attributed to medicine today – not because we are smarter now or are more civilized, but because the field of medicine has accumulated so much more experience and has improved methods to be "less wrong" countless times. So, wh y has acup... ...l position in the womb" (4). Altogether, acupuncture has withstood the test of time; not necessarily the test of criticism. The procedure seems to work sometimes, and so it has not been falsified. It seems very beautiful, ancient and creative, and so it is left alone as a non-conventional medical alternative. But there should be more studies done on the subject, especially to prevent people from depending on it because of a desire to be all-natural. This is not reason enough to abandon centuries of experience and of scientists getting it "less wrong". Acupuncture is a possible treatment – but not a perfect one. Internet Sources: 1) http://www.cdc-cdh.edu/hospital/cardio/art16.html 2) http://www.acupuncture.edu/laymans/index.htm 3) http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/991233942.html 4) http://www.tamu.edu/univrel/aggiedaily/news/stories/00/112900-3.html The Needle Treatment Essay examples -- Biology Essays Research Papers The Needle Treatment Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of "encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve bodily function" (1) that dates back as far as 4,700 years ago. Now for the past 25 years it has appeared in the U.S. as a popular form of alternative medicine, and it is "a licensed and regulated HealthCare profession in about half the states in the U.S." (3). It is most often called upon for problems such as lower back pain, migraines, arthritis, and additional non-fatal aches and pains. Some people say it works, others are still skeptical. Since this method does not seem to be based on "actual science", is it merely a placebo effect? Can a medical practice dated nearly five millenniums ago still prove to be valid? When acupuncture was created, some of the medical concepts it employed were relatively new; there were not many falsified stories for it to build off from. In fact, "acupuncture is said to have been theorized... by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese medicine, who also documented his theories on the heart, circulation, and pulse over 400 years before Europeans had any concept about them" (1). Since then, Europeans and Asians alike have encountered centuries of medical dilemmas and successes. Over time, hypotheses emerge and are either disproved or continue to live on as part of scientific discourse and medical practice. For this reason, most old-fashioned treatments no longer hold true when compared to methods cultivated within the great wealth of knowledge attributed to medicine today – not because we are smarter now or are more civilized, but because the field of medicine has accumulated so much more experience and has improved methods to be "less wrong" countless times. So, wh y has acup... ...l position in the womb" (4). Altogether, acupuncture has withstood the test of time; not necessarily the test of criticism. The procedure seems to work sometimes, and so it has not been falsified. It seems very beautiful, ancient and creative, and so it is left alone as a non-conventional medical alternative. But there should be more studies done on the subject, especially to prevent people from depending on it because of a desire to be all-natural. This is not reason enough to abandon centuries of experience and of scientists getting it "less wrong". Acupuncture is a possible treatment – but not a perfect one. Internet Sources: 1) http://www.cdc-cdh.edu/hospital/cardio/art16.html 2) http://www.acupuncture.edu/laymans/index.htm 3) http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/991233942.html 4) http://www.tamu.edu/univrel/aggiedaily/news/stories/00/112900-3.html

Porters Five Forces analysis of Ford Motor Company Essay

Traditionally ‘maximizing’ profits has been considered to be the objective of any company. Not any more†¦.This criteria has now been discarded. Now companies are supposed to have multiple objectives, monetary as well as non-monetary. There are short-term objectives as well as long-term ones. Strategists are supposed to prioritize all such objectives, keep an eye on the competitors and government policies, so that there is clarity and ease of decision making in situations where there is an apparent clash of objectives. While planning for long term objectives, the company is supposed to remain competitive. It was in 1974 that Michael Porter, who had been working on a new sub-field of economics known as Industrial Organization (IO), prepared a ‘‘Note on the structural analysis of industries’’ which is considered to be the idea behind the five forces model of Porter in subsequent years (Karagiannopoulos et al, 2005). In 1980, he published his first book, Competitive Strategy, which owed much of its success to the ‘‘five forces’’ framework, that this paper focuses on (Porter, 1980). This framework has since been regarded as a strategic tool to figure out the relative strengths of a company, and decide about the possible strategic policies that a company can adopt to make way for a long term survival. The company can acquire competitive advantage on its rivals on account of marketing efforts, brand building, value creation, innovation, operational efficiencies etc. But more important is to sustain the advantage, for which the company will have to take care and devise adequate policies for its customers, suppliers, competitors and other stake holders. The five forces, defined by Porter include; Bargaining Power of Suppliers i.e. to what extent suppliers can have an influence on the policy making of the company. Suppliers play an important part in making quality propositions for the company. The process of value creation encompasses managing quality in the entire chain of processes leading to the production of final product or service. Bargaining Power of Customers i.e. to what extent the customers can affect the policy making and fortunes of the company. Customers are indeed the key ingredients for a company, but the company’s profitability depends upon to what extent customers are willing to pay for the product. Threat of New Entrants often limits the diversification policies of a company. Depending upon such a threat the company decides whether to go it all alone or take the route of merger and acquisition. Such a threat of new entrants often results in a sense of urgency for the company. Threat of Substitute products often leads to steps like enlargement of portfolio, enhancement of quality, reduction in prices etc. Competitive Rivalry between Existing Players makes an interesting copy for newspapers and mainline media, as they thrive on the competitive rivalry and the steps and counter-steps being adopted by the competing companies. The level of competition greatly affects the earning potential of the company. In case of Ford Motors Company the Five Competitive Forces can be typically described as follows: Bargaining Power of Suppliers: ‘Suppliers’ comprises all sources for inputs that are needed in order to provide goods or services. Ford is one of the Big Three manufacturing companies in the US with its range of automobiles selling in over 200 markets across six continents. Since the company has manufacturing facilities at more than one place, so the suppliers profile too varies from one place to another. The suppliers too can be categorized in different categories like; Metal/ Body part suppliers: Such suppliers are often not found to be too much of a threat for the company, as there is good amount of rivalry amongst such companies as well. IT/ITES suppliers: The modern cars require a range of technologically advanced features which determine the quality and other distinctive features of the car. Therefore, such companies are in need of regular research and development mode depending upon the requirements of the car manufacturer. For example Sony Corp.’s is one of the suppliers for Ford offering Sony-branded audio systems in Ford and Mercury vehicles. Engine and auto part suppliers: Such companies too hold a good amount of leverage over the car manufacturer. For example, Ford has signed an agreement with Neapco, an affiliate of China’s auto parts supplier Wanxiang Group, to sell its Automotive Components Holding unit’s propshaft operations. In a market where speed to market is extremely vital for beating the competition, Ford’s dependency for such key components on its associate companies with whom it has long term agreements will of course help in warding off any appreciable threat from the supplier side. Ford has been able to maintain good working relations with its suppliers is evident from the statement of Alan R. Mulally, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford during the company’s 2006 annual report when he sought to highlight the outstanding supplier, dealer and union partners (Datamonitor, 2007). Bargaining Power of Customers: Customers of course have plenty of options in the market place. And the customer will weigh all his options before going in for the purchase. Therefore Ford needs to be innovative and rely more on product differentiation. Though Ford has been catering to different customer segments in different measure, but of late the customer seems to have becoming very demanding and asking to have quality product at cheapest possible prices. In fact that includes the desire of having the best mileage providing car. Other car manufactures like GM, Toyota, Rolls Royce threaten to take away its monopoly over the luxury cars with their own version of sleek cars. Threat of New Entrants: Though it is not easy for new entrant to enter the Car and automobile industry as it is a capital intensive business as the economies of scale (minimum size requirements for profitable operations) leaves little room for a new start up company challenging the existing market share, yet the threat emanates from the existing competitors. For example the recent acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover by an Indian car company presents some idea of the future threat emanating from the developing world. Till now, companies from West and the developed world used to dictate the policies and used to acquire companies from the developing part of the world, but the emergence of India and China on the horizon as strong contenders appears to have tilted the balance somewhat in their favor. Tata, an Indian car manufacturing company, is in the final stages of sealing the deal with Ford. Threat of Substitutes: A car’s substitute exists in the form of another car. For example a SUV can be a substitute for an MUV, a mid size car can be a substitute for a small size car etc. Therefore, the threat from substitutes exists if there are alternative products with lower prices and with better performance parameters for the same purpose. Ford faces aggressive competition in all areas of its business. The market design, manufacture, and sale of Cars and related peripheral products has become highly competitive. Moreover this market continues to be characterized by rapid technological advances in both hardware and software development, which results increasing the capabilities of existing products and software. This is resulting is the frequent introduction of new models with much reduced prices and better feature, and performance. Ford needs to keep its R&D activities in motion all the time. Competitive Rivalry between Existing Players: The car industry is indeed one of the most competitive industries in modern times. With the purchasing power of the consumer on the rise thanks to the globalization and liberalization era, which has tremendously boosted the earning potential of the professionals, particularly in the field so of IT and ITES. Car manufactures have been targeting this very segment with all the resources at its command. The profile of existing players keeps varying with the kind of market that is looked at. For example in US and most of the western part big manufactures alike GM, Rolls Royce, Toyota are the brands that Ford will have to contend with, while in Asia pacific region the local players have a key role. References: Karagiannopoulos, G.D.; Georgopoulos N. and Nikolopoulos K. (2005). ‘Fathoming Porter’s five forces model in the internet era’. VOL. 7 NO. 6 2005, pp. 66-76, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1463-6697. Porter, M.E. (1980), Competitive Strategy, Free Press, New York, NY. Datamonitor (2007). Ford Motor Company-Company Profile. Datamonitor Americas, NY

Did William Pitt Bring About a National Revival?

Did William Pitt Bring About A National Revival? On one hand, it is easy to believe that Pitt did bring about national revival but on the other hand there are many factors that may lead one to believe otherwise. For example, the end of the American war and the Industrial Revolution both would have happened whether Pitt was in power or not. But many factors, such as Pitt’s natural skill and his reform ideas, helped him to contribute to the national revival. Pitt introduced the Eden Treaty and formed it with France.This helped to increased trade in Britain as, as a country, exports were vastly increased. Pitt also tightened the laws around smuggling items both into and out of Britain which also increased trade. He did this by introducing bonded warehouses, where goods could be stores free of tax until they were taken out of Britain for sale. The Sinking Fund was also introduced by Pitt and helped, again, to increase the amount of money in Britain. He did this by using Britainâ⠂¬â„¢s profits to pay off debts instead of spending money on other goods, but this was interrupted by the war against France.Pitt also made sure that all of the government’s money was collected and spent correctly in the right places. The streamlining of the Treasury’s financial management with the Consolidation Fund Act, where all 103 exchequer accounts were replaced by one, allowed proper national accounting. However, there were many factors that contributed to a national revival that Pitt was not responsible for. Pitt inherited the national deficit which was a huge advantage to him because it meant that the state of Britain and the government could only improve.The end of the war in America meant that overseas trade would increase and this helped Britain’s imports and exports to boom. This was also helped along by the Industrial Revolution, beginning in the North East, which increased trade in and out of Britain. To conclude, in many ways Pitt did contribute greatly to the national revival but he was helped by other factors that were out of his reach. The Sinking Fund helped Pitt along greatly but he was also assisted by the Industrial Revolution and booming trade from other nations.

Emperor Qins Tomb -- Not Just Terracotta Soldiers

Emperor Qin's Tomb Not Just Terracotta Soldiers The exquisite terracotta army of the first Qin Dynasty ruler Shihuangdi represents the emperor’s ability to control the resources of the newly unified China, and his attempt to recreate and maintain that empire in the afterlife. The soldiers are part of Shihuangdis tomb, located near the modern town of Xian, Shaanxi province in China. That, scholars believe, is why he built the army, or rather had them built, and the story of the Qin and his army is a great tale. The Emperor Qin The first emperor of all China was a fellow named Ying Zheng, born in 259 BC during the Warring States Period, a chaotic, fierce, and dangerous time in Chinese history. He was a member of the Qin dynasty, and ascended to the throne in 247 BC at the age of twelve and a half. In 221 BC King Zheng united all of what is now China and renamed himself Qin Shihuangdi (First Heavenly Emperor of Qin), although ‘united’ is rather a tranquil word to be using for the bloody conquest of the region’s small polities. According to the Shi Ji records of the Han dynasty court historian Sima Qian, Qin Shihuangdi was a phenomenal leader, who began connecting existing walls to create the first version of the Great Wall of China; constructed an extensive network of roads and canals throughout his empire; standardized philosophy, law, written language and money; and abolished feudalism, establishing in its place provinces run by civilian governors. Qin Shihuangdi died in 210 BC, and the Qin dynasty was quickly extinguished within a few years by the early rulers of the subsequent Han dynasty. But, during the brief period of Shihuangdi’s rule, a remarkable testament to his control of the countryside and its resources was constructed: a semi-subterranean mausoleum complex, which included an estimated army of 8,000 life-size sculpted clay terracotta soldiers, chariots, and horses. Shihuangdis Necropolis: Not Just Soldiers The terracotta soldiers are only a part of the vast mausoleum project, covering an area of some 30 square kilometers (11.5 square miles). In the middle of the precinct is the still-unexcavated tomb of the king, 500x500 meters (1640x1640 feet) square and covered by an earthen mound some 70 m (230 ft) high. The tomb lies within a walled precinct, measuring 2,100x975 m (6,900x3,200 ft), which protected administrative buildings, horse stables and cemeteries. Within the central precinct were found 79 pits with burial goods, including ceramic and bronze sculptures of cranes, horses, chariots; stone-carved armor for humans and horses; and human sculptures that archaeologists have interpreted as representing officials and acrobats. The three pits containing the now-famous terracotta army are located 600 m (2,000 ft) east of the mausoleum precinct, in a farm field where they were re-discovered by a well-digger in the 1920s. Those pits are three out of at least 100 others within an area measuring 5x6 kilometers (3x3.7 miles). Other pits identified to date include the tombs of craftspeople, and a subterranean river with bronze birds and terracotta musicians. Despite nearly constant excavation since 1974, there are still large areas as yet unexcavated. According to Sima Qian, construction on the mausoleum precinct began shortly after Zheng became king, in 246 BC, and it continued until about a year after he died. Sima Qian also describes the demolition of the central tomb in 206 BC by Xiang Yus rebel army, who burned it and looted the pits. Pit Construction Four pits were excavated to hold the terracotta army, although only three were filled by the time construction ceased. The construction of the pits included excavation, placement of a brick floor, and construction of a sequence of rammed earth partitions and tunnels. The floors of the tunnels were covered with mats, the life-sized statuary was placed erect on the mats and the tunnels were covered with logs. Finally each pit was buried. In Pit 1, the largest pit (14,000 square meters or 3.5 acres), the infantry was placed in rows four deep. Pit 2 includes a U-shaped layout of chariots, cavalry and infantry; and Pit 3 contains a command headquarters. About 2,000 soldiers have been excavated so far; archaeologists estimate that there are over 8,000 soldiers (infantry to generals), 130 chariots with horses, and 110 cavalry horses. Continuing Excavations Chinese excavations have been conducted at Shihuangdi’s mausoleum complex since 1974, and have included excavations in and around the mausoleum complex; they continue to reveal astonishing findings. As archaeologist Xiaoneng Yang describes Shihuangdi’s mausoleum complex, â€Å"Ample evidence demonstrates the First Emperor’s ambition: not only to control all aspects of the empire during his lifetime but to recreate the entire empire in microcosm for his after- life.† Please see the slide show on the terracotta soldiers for more information on the soldiers and artifacts found within the Qins mausoleum. Sources Bevan A, Li X, Martinà ³n-Torres M, Green S, Xia Y, Zhao K, Zhao Z, Ma S, Cao W, and Rehren T. 2014. Computer vision, archaeological classification and Chinas terracotta warriors. Journal of Archaeological Science 49:249-254. Bonaduce I, Blaensdorf C, Dietemann P, and Colombini MP. 2008. The binding media of the polychromy of Qin Shihuangs Terracotta Army. Journal of Cultural Heritage 9(1):103-108. Hu W, Zhang K, Zhang H, Zhang B, and Rong B. 2015. Analysis of polychromy binder on Qin Shihuangs Terracotta Warriors by immunofluorescence microscopy. Journal of Cultural Heritage 16(2):244-248. Hu Y-Q, Zhang Z-L, Bera S, Ferguson DK, Li C-S, Shao W-B, and Wang Y-F. 2007. What can pollen grains from the Terracotta Army tell us? Journal of Archaeological Science 34:1153-1157. Kesner L. 1995. Likeness of No One: (Re)presenting the First Emperors Army. The Art Bulletin 77(1):115-132. Li R, and Li G. 2015. Provenance study of the terracotta army of Qin Shihuangs mausoleum by fuzzy cluster analysis. Advances in Fuzzy Systems 2015:2-2. Li XJ, Bevan A, Martinà ³n-Torres M, Rehren TH, Cao W, Xia Y, and Zhao K. 2014. Crossbows and imperial craft organisation: the bronze triggers of Chinas Terracotta Army. Antiquity 88(339):126-140. Li XJ, Martinà ³n-Torres M, Meeks ND, Xia Y, and Zhao K. 2011. Inscriptions, filing, grinding and polishing marks on the bronze weapons from the Qin Terracotta Army in China. Journal of Archaeological Science 38(3):492-501. Liu Z, Mehta A, Tamura N, Pickard D, Rong B, Zhou T, and Pianetta P. 2007. Influence of Taoism on the invention of the purple pigment used on the Qin terracotta warriors. Journal of Archaeological Science 34(11):1878-1883. Martinon-Torres M. 2011. Making Weapons for the Terracotta Army. Archaeology International 13:67-75. Wei S, Ma Q, and Schreiner M. 2012. Scientific investigation of the paint and adhesive materials used in the Western Han dynasty polychromy terracotta army, Qingzhou, China. Journal of Archaeological Science 39(5):1628-1633.

The negative effects that poli essays

The negative effects that poli essays The negative effects that political correctness has brought upon the equal rights movement. In this day and age it has become increasingly difficult to escape the clutch of political correctness. One can find this silent antagonist in the media, the classroom, and even our own backyards. People who at one point were in a position of power now find it quickly slipping away at the mercy of this double-edged sword. Take for example: the middle aged white male, who at one point viewed his age/sex/race as an asset, now finds himself getting attacked on account of these very aspects; or women who have successfully furthered equal rights, yet they still expect to be treated exceptionally. When do we draw the line, and stand up for ourselves even at the risk at stepping on someones toes? Eventually our society will loose all respect for anything less then a full time career, at the high price, and possible destruction of the family unit. The purpose of political correctness essentially helps diminish all types of discrimination and cuts down on the tensions that keep people divided; however, out of this forced tolerance has emerged a backlash. The media, business world, and society at large in its futile attempts to promote equality often fuels the battle between the sexes. Perhaps this occurs due more out of fear of offending someone then anything else. In some cases this may even turn into reverse discrimination; for example, take the bus advertisement that one can see displayed on many if not all Toronto transit vehicles. This safety notice outlines one of the TTCs programs where women, after 9:00 pm can request that the driver stop between bus stops so she can be let out. Now I am not disagreeing that this vital service helps increase the feeling of security for those women who are traveling late at night. However upon seeing this ad, am I supposed to understand that men, cannot be in danger; men never find ...

Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns in Spanish

Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns in Spanish I hit myself. Bill hurt himself. They saw themselves. Did you find yourself? What do the above sentences have in common? Obviously, they all have pronouns that end in -self or -selves. Less obviously, but as a corollary, they all use pronouns that stand for the subject of the sentence. In other words, the subjects and objects of the verbs in the above sentences refer to the same person. Another way of putting this might be that the subject of each sentence is engaging in some action that affects the same person or persons. If you can comprehend that, you understand the basic concept behind the grammar of reflexive pronouns and verbs in Spanish. Reflexive pronouns in Spanish are closely related to direct and indirect-object pronouns, following the same rules of word order and using most of the same pronouns. The Reflexive Pronouns of Spanish Here are the reflexive pronouns in Spanish with a simple example of each and a translation: First-person singular: me - myself - Me oà ­. I heard myself.Second-person singular familiar: te - yourself - Te oiste. You heard yourself.Second-person singular formal, third-person singular: se - yourself, himself, herself, itself, oneself - Ella se oyà ³. She heard herself. Èl se oyà ³. He heard himself.  ¿Se oye usted? Do you hear yourself?First-person plural: nos - ourselves - Nos oà ­mos. We heard ourselves.Second-person plural familiar: os - yourselves - Os oà ­steis. You heard yourselves.Second-person plural formal, third-person plural: se - yourselves, themselves - Se oyeron. They heard themselves. Verbs Used Primarily or Only in the Reflexive One major difference between Spanish and English in this matter is that in Spanish many verbs exist only or primarily in the reflexive form. There is only one common English verb that shares this characteristic: to perjure oneself. Examples of verbs that exist primarily or frequently in the reflexive form are acostarse (to go to bed), divertirse (to have a good time), ducharse (to take a shower), enamorarse (to fall in love), enojarse (to get angry), levantarse (to get up), sentarse (to sit down), sentirse (to feel), and vestirse (to get dressed). It is also common to use the reflexive form when performing some action on a part of the body. Examples include secarse el cabello (to dry ones hair) and lavarse las manos (to wash ones hands). Note that the infinitive form of reflexive verbs is usually stated by placing -se at the end of the infinitive. Translating Reflexive Verbs Note that for many of these verbs it is not necessary to translate the reflexive pronoun into English. Se acostà ³ a las nueve, she went to bed at 9. Me siento triste, I feel sad. But with many verbs, especially those that are less frequently used in the reflexive, the pronoun must be translated.  ¿Te ves en el espejo? Do you see yourself in the mirror? And in still other cases, you can translate with or without translating the pronoun. Se vistià ³ en su coche, he got dressed in his car, or he dressed himself in his car. Sometimes, the reflexive can be translated using each other when in the plural form. Nos miramos, we looked at each other. Se escucharon, they listened to each other (or to themselves, depending on the context). Romeo y Julieta se amaron, Romeo and Juliet loved each other. As usual, context should be a key guide when translating to English. In some cases, putting a verb in the reflexive form can make it more intense, as we do sometimes in English by adding a particle. For example, ir means to go, but irse is usually translated to go away. Similarly, comer means to eat, but comerse might be translated as to eat up, as in se comià ³ cinco tacos, he ate up five tacos. Often in Spanish the reflexive form is used where in English we would use a passive form of a verb. Se cerrà ³ la puerta. The door was closed (a literal translation would be the door closed itself). Se perdieron los boletos, the tickets got lost. Translating "-self" to Spanish Sometimes in English we use the reflexive pronouns as a means of emphasizing the subject rather than as a true reflexive, as in the sentence, I myself performed the task or I performed the task myself. In such cases, the reflexive form should not be used in the Spanish translation. The first sentence would typically be translated using mismo: Yo mismo hice la tarea. The second sentence also could be translated by paraphrasing its meaning: Hice la tarea sin ayuda (literally, I did the task without help). Key Takeaways In reflexive sentences, the direct object pronoun of a verb represents the same person or thing as the subject.Spanish reflexive pronouns are used much like English -self words such as myself or ourselves when those words are used reflexively.Many Spanish verbs are used only or mostly in the reflexive form.

Why is bureaucracy's relationship to democracy so conflicted Essay - 1

Why is bureaucracy's relationship to democracy so conflicted - Essay Example There are several laws that are infringed upon by bureaucratic procedures that may be considered high-handed. Both democracy and bureaucracy present unethical properties in the political arrangement. Bureaucracy’s relationship to democracy is so conflicted because of the paradoxical relationship that involves satisfying both the emotional and societal interests. Structural modification has a considerable impact on human interaction and individuality. This is emphasized by George Ritzer, a renowned sociologist who explores the concept of McDonaldization in terms of the cultural context and rational thinking. In his book â€Å"The McDonaldization of society† Ritzer explores how the philosophies of fast-food restaurants define the American culture. In his opinion, McDonalds has a particular pattern of entry into any region that often results in an integrated consumer pattern and the westernization of the culture that is invaded (Ritzer, 1993, 9). The society does not change in a bureaucratic manner as previously suggested by another renowned social theorist, Max Webber. Instead, his theory mostly emphasizes on the repetitive nature of actions by both consumers and McDonald’s workforce. For instance, in terms of service, one is likely to receive the same service in any branch, and the employees are likely to use the same recipe an d perform the same tasks in the preparation of food. In essence, this means that rational systems may create an awkward environment based on bureaucracy. This means that democracy is significantly undermined because of the repetitiveness in actions. There are no alternatives presented to guarantee a bureaucratic environment. According to Ritzer, traditional means of thinking are undermined by the societal concerns promoted by bureaucracy based on social control and productivity. The bureaucracy associated with most decision-making processes mean that there will always be interests that are not satisfied and changes in ideology

Does God Exist Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Does God Exist - Term Paper Example Arguments Scientists have an assertion that the universe was developed through a massive explosion of energy accompanied with light, and this process was termed as the Big Bang (Adamson, 2013). In fact, they contend this incidence led to the beginning of everything that exists. This refers to the beginning of the universe, space and the beginning of time. Nevertheless, this theory does not explain the beginning of the living creatures in the Universe, given that this cannot be associated with the motion, which was caused by this cosmic explosion. Therefore, the universe did not just flash into being, and there is no chance of explaining all this things through the cosmic explosion. In this case, the best explanation that can give a credible explanation is the creation theory, which is described in the Bible. In fact, this offered a relevant explanation regarding existence of God, whereby he is regarded as the creator of all living things. Another proof that God exist relate to the ar gument derived from design, which is referred to as â€Å"the teleological argument† (Adamson, 2013). In fact, this argument is based on the ideas of design that seeks to justify existence of God on the order of the universe. Moreover, if there were no God, the universe would not have been different in the way it is now. Instead, it could have had various laws of physics that would lead to different arrangement of planets and stars. Therefore, the creation of the universe could have been more powerful or weaker compared to the narration of the Big Bang. In addition, existence of God offers a vast majority of the possible universes, which offer existence of life, thereby making people fortunate in their lives. In this case, the perception towards the world has no way of giving an explanation to the good fortunes; thus, the atheists are expected to put the notion down to chance. Another proof indicates that there is a moral argument that can be derived in justification of exist ence of God. In fact, this moral argument focuses on proving the existence of God based on the moral laws, which are in form of commands. In fact, these moral commands are able to direct people to do the things they are expected to accomplish. Nevertheless, there are no commands without a commander, who is charged with the responsibility of commanding people to live morally. Therefore, this can be based on the idea of authoritative nature of morality, whereby commands are authoritative. In this case, authority goes beyond human authority, thereby giving rise for a need of a commander, who has authority that transcends human authority.

Marchs Analysis of Organizational Decision for Siemens Essay

Marchs Analysis of Organizational Decision for Siemens - Essay Example Power segment deals with power generation, transmission, and distribution. Transportation segment covers transportation automotive and systems. The medical segment provides products, solution, and services for healthcare department. Lighting segment produces high tech electronics, financing, and real estate offers corporate financing and risk management. Â  It is very vital to understand the business nature, its products, and procedures for better analysis of the company’s existing strategy and its outcomes. First, we will analyze the company’s position using the Cyert and March’s decision-making theory. Â  Problems that a company faces induce goals. When a company is faced by issues, the management of the company set some goals so that it can come over the issues and achieves the benchmarks it has set for itself in light of its past experience and performance. After the crisis in 2000 in The United States of America that followed Europe in 2001, the company’s main goal has been to try to stabilize its position. The various sectors of the organization were affected by the crisis. The level of budgets that should be invested was radically cut down. The main focus of the company had been to restore its sales and market share since after the crisis. As shown in the case study, the net income of the company fell down to 2,088 million Euros from 8,860 million Euros. Economic Value Added to the company went into negative from 7,095 to (743) million Euros. Company’s stock performance fell, so did its stock price. The market capitalization of the company was deeply affected a s well. So the company’s major goal had been to restore its market share, increasing the efficiency of its business so that the same level of income should be restored by taking proper measures to minimize the threat of any potential economic crisis.

Marketing project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Marketing project - Assignment Example Finally, customers can also be attended to on voice over internet protocol technologies like Skype and through telephones. Blackberry plans to get financing from an external third party amount to $10,000.00. This amount will be for commencing work on the development of the product that will entail promoting sales, partly on relations about the public selling, sales promotion and advertising. The starting capital was raised by the co-owners of the company Ronald Greens and Black Givens, in the amounts of $ 25,000.00And $1 0, 000.00 respectively. The blackberry will exist as a limited liability company. The liabilities and shares of the owners will be done according to the values of their individual contribution. The finance acquired through this business will allow Blackberry to open successfully and operate as a computer company. A cozy surroundings will be made available for customers with a casual atmosphere. Operations in year one will generate Blackberry a consistent customer pla tform that will allow it to be self-sufficient in the following year. Most importantly Blackberry will invest in the latest technology so as to diversify how its customers acquire its products including deployment in the cloud. A focus also will be directed especially to the students. A study conducted by Blackberry revealed that 85% of students had difficulties in monitoring their daily schedules. Consequently, this creates a need that Blackberry comes in to fill. The region already has many students with Chabot community colleges offering quite an enormous number. Blackberry is facing the opportunity of being the latest entrant in this field and providing serves the needs of various mobile platforms. The consistent popularity of entertainment services, unique, upscale, innovative and friendly mobile applications has been proven a winning concept to produce the same results for Blackberry. The primary and core product that

The Debates over Environment, Population and Industrial Growth Essay

The Debates over Environment, Population and Industrial Growth - Essay Example It is the environment that form proper catchment areas for water and provide means through which production is possible. Economic growth on the other side relates to a quantitative change in human lives in relation to population growth rate, education, poverty eradication, social systems and sanitation. Debates have been developed in the past which have centred in eradication of poverty, reduction of human population and others geared towards economic growth in the past especially in the less developed states of the world. However, the change and effects out of the discussions therein is yet to be seen and even so to be acknowledged. Industrial growth is an economic issue in most states affected by high rates of population growth, deficits in the balance of payments, poverty, education, research and development among other issues. Politics in any state and the cultural intake significantly impact on the ways issues in growth and development are carried out as debates on these issues rotate around them. It is the cultural content and belief that determines the need to conserve the environment, control population or even to contribute to the economic growth. The political contributions of the state also determine the extent of measures taken to eliminate stagnation and promote industrial growth. The paper seeks to show how debates on environment, industrial growth and population are politically and culturally driven. Environmental debate Politics have been used in most cases to drive desired change in certain cases. Environment preservation and the issue of global warming has been a serious problem globally and most states have come together to set parameters of control. Leaders in many countries have had debates and set standards towards such effects, which have not been realized or little effort has been done to mitigate such issues. Issues of urbanization, overgrazing, population growth and settlement in water catchment areas are related to the environment as well as pollution which still remains to be a key area. Proper control measures of pollution of the surroundings and policies set in most states are yet to be well implanted. All this is affected by the political stand and the cultural diversity which are centred in the region affected by such problems. Politicians have gained opportunities both positively and negatively to mitigate such problems and provide a way forward some for their own selfish gains. Debates held in the past years concerning environment have been captured and brought forward by contestants for considerations by the public. Such issues in relation to the environment have been used by political leaders to gain power and stand against opponents with little change been done. Some have held false promises with regard to environmental protection with several related to the road network preparation and construction, water and sanitation improvement, waste disposal, human settlement only to go back upon their words the moment their dreams are achieved. Measures and policies put and implemented on pollution of the environment are easily waiver by key political leaders and some laws made favour vital sectors believed to be led by key elements in governments. Funds for environs control even through donations have been misappropriated through campaigns especially in the lees developed states. Politics is thus a key issue on which debates

Political Parties and Elections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Political Parties and Elections - Essay Example In other circumstances, parties might choose to form coalitions with disparate interests. It has to be acknowledged that parties in the United States are very powerful for they determine the fate of all citizens1. Ambition in Political Parties Politicians are very ambitious people. Although some choose to stay in their current offices for several terms, others aspire to go to higher offices. In addition, some politicians want to be politics for short periods. This implies that it depends with the politician to know his or her ambitions. Career ambition decides the behavior to be exhibited by the politician. His/her hopes and expectations for the future are the main driving force that helps the politician in making decisions. Majority of political leaders possess progressive ambitions and as a result, they aspire for higher offices. Politicians make policies that satisfy the needs of their constituents at the given time and in future, in order to ensure success. It has to be noted tha t one cannot achieve higher office if s/he lacks ambition2. Although majority of Americans believe that the president is a powerful person who makes all the decisions for the country from white house, Richard Neustadt in his book Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents, believes otherwise. The president’s power is guaranteed in the constitution, the prestige of Washington, abroad, and the country at large. However, article II of the constitution, which defines the powers of the president, does not guarantee that everything that he (presidents) commands he achieves. This means that the president must always ensure that the people around him are persuaded and thus willing to do what he believes is good for the country. The fact that United States of America is a democratic country means that there is separation of powers so the president is not the sole decision maker in the country. The ability and the power to pursued help in ensuring that the policies implemented by the president are able to pass and become law. This can be attributed to the fact that the president in the US does not change legislation alone for it needs approval by the respective houses. If the president is unable to persuade legislators to pass his policies then chances are high that most of these policies will not go through. This is the reason why Neustadt (1990) notes, presidency is not a place for amateurs. Presidents should act in a prospective manner in order to make sure that the decisions he makes today will help him persuade tomorrow3. Power of Politics Obama exercises the power to persuade because he understands that his policies cannot pass without the support other legislators.4On the other hand, Schlesinger acknowledges that the US presidency is becoming too powerful, such that people are not concerned on checking it. He attributes this to the powers that the presidency exercises because of domestic policy, foreign policy, and the affairs that go on in secrecy. Sinc e the president is the commander in chief of the armed forces, he has the authority to defend the United States but the power of declaring war is vested on the congress. This means that the president can make decisions that will cause death or injury to other people who are deemed as a threat to the country5. In his time at the office, Obama has ordered the killing of Somali pirates who had hijacked a ship with American crew. In addition, he ordered

The Debates over Environment, Population and Industrial Growth Essay

The Debates over Environment, Population and Industrial Growth - Essay Example It is the environment that form proper catchment areas for water and provide means through which production is possible. Economic growth on the other side relates to a quantitative change in human lives in relation to population growth rate, education, poverty eradication, social systems and sanitation. Debates have been developed in the past which have centred in eradication of poverty, reduction of human population and others geared towards economic growth in the past especially in the less developed states of the world. However, the change and effects out of the discussions therein is yet to be seen and even so to be acknowledged. Industrial growth is an economic issue in most states affected by high rates of population growth, deficits in the balance of payments, poverty, education, research and development among other issues. Politics in any state and the cultural intake significantly impact on the ways issues in growth and development are carried out as debates on these issues rotate around them. It is the cultural content and belief that determines the need to conserve the environment, control population or even to contribute to the economic growth. The political contributions of the state also determine the extent of measures taken to eliminate stagnation and promote industrial growth. The paper seeks to show how debates on environment, industrial growth and population are politically and culturally driven. Environmental debate Politics have been used in most cases to drive desired change in certain cases. Environment preservation and the issue of global warming has been a serious problem globally and most states have come together to set parameters of control. Leaders in many countries have had debates and set standards towards such effects, which have not been realized or little effort has been done to mitigate such issues. Issues of urbanization, overgrazing, population growth and settlement in water catchment areas are related to the environment as well as pollution which still remains to be a key area. Proper control measures of pollution of the surroundings and policies set in most states are yet to be well implanted. All this is affected by the political stand and the cultural diversity which are centred in the region affected by such problems. Politicians have gained opportunities both positively and negatively to mitigate such problems and provide a way forward some for their own selfish gains. Debates held in the past years concerning environment have been captured and brought forward by contestants for considerations by the public. Such issues in relation to the environment have been used by political leaders to gain power and stand against opponents with little change been done. Some have held false promises with regard to environmental protection with several related to the road network preparation and construction, water and sanitation improvement, waste disposal, human settlement only to go back upon their words the moment their dreams are achieved. Measures and policies put and implemented on pollution of the environment are easily waiver by key political leaders and some laws made favour vital sectors believed to be led by key elements in governments. Funds for environs control even through donations have been misappropriated through campaigns especially in the lees developed states. Politics is thus a key issue on which debates

Health Development in Africa Essay Example for Free

Health Development in Africa Essay Throughout the world there is a growing concern about health as it is regarded as an essential part of the sustainable human development efforts. The growing importance of the health of the population is being highlighted in the economic circles, the foreign policy and the socio cultural settings. During the last 25 years, there has been drastic realization about health issues in the developing nations, which has given them hope of a better future for their children. Africa is one such region where poverty and hunger is widespread. This is the region where health care facilities are underdeveloped due to which many people face death. This paper, therefore, aims to devise and develop an essential health development policy, program and strategy for African region in order to eradicate the poverty. This forms the main thesis of the research paper (Mills, 1995). The role of health development has been gaining importance in the Africa and different countries are assisting the efforts by providing increased resources, which has put huge pressures on the weak health structure, organizational capabilities and workforce in one of the poorest regions of the country. There is a severe lack of planning and management of the health resources in this part of the world which has led to non- implementation of the health plans. The problem in the African region has been largely related to poverty, wars and conflicts, bad governance and non performance of health programs. This region also faces a huge virus of HIV and AIDS which increase the burden of disease (Loewenson, 1993). The domestic and international health polices for Africa have been drafted by international agreements of multiple countries which include Alma Ata Declaration of 1978, World Health Organizations Bamako Initiative in 1987 and Paris Declaration of 2005, and including many more. The famous Alma Ata, known as the birth of primary health care or PHC, aims to provide a comprehensive and affordable health plan by providing health facilities at the most basic level. However the PHC failed to achieve its targets due to lack of infrastructure and facilities, staff, civil wars, natural disasters and issues of bad governance and corruption. Later various new international policies were tried which included the structural adjustment plan of the World Bank which was based on loans, privatization and cost recovery, however it failed to deliver due to various reasons (Sikosana, 2009). The Bamako Initiative was launched in 1987 which was aimed at access to quality health care and tackle the scarcity of medicine by a number of balanced policies which were implement able and are the perfect health development plan for the impoverished region of Africa. Together with the World Bank 1993 report, both the policies aim at providing the healthcare at the grass root level in order to eradicate poverty (Mills, 1995). The recommendations include improving primary healthcare at all the levels in an equitable manner which should be available to all the people at any income level. Another recommendation includes the decentralization of the management of the PHC to the district level as oppose to the earlier practice which limited the control to few big hospitals which was the reason for corruption and bad governance. The government should ensure equity of fees charged at all levels which would ensure homogeneity of services to rich and poor alike. The government should be highly committed to maintain and expand the PHC program and all the national health policies should be inline to one standard policy. The government should also closely monitor the whole policy implementation process and ensure services to the poor. Sustainable effort should also be made to for poverty alleviation through education, gender equity, improved mother and child health programs and AIDS control programs. For the African health problems, the policymakers should make integrated national plans and strengthen the health systems by empowerment, equity and sustainability of the efforts. The public private partnership is also essential for the sustainability of the strategy (Sikosana, 2009).

Mission And Vision Statements Commerce Essay

Mission And Vision Statements Commerce Essay We hear the words vision and mission every day, but what do this words really mean and how are they different from each other. To understand this question we have to look at the larger purpose of defining these words and how to apply their meaning to ensure that everybody who comes into contact with the company knows the organizations overall purpose and its primary objectives. The prime function of the mission and vision internally is to define the key measure or measures of the organizations success and its prime audience is the leadership team and stockholders. If we look at the Mission and Vision of a company in more detail we see that the mission is what an organization does, its action and we should think of the MISSION as managing with greatness and strength and improving everything on a daily basis. The VISION however is leading with inspiration and courage, being obsessed with future possibilities and to be positive about change. It creates that momentum of growing anticipation about the future, where change is seen as a step closer to that ideal picture of whats coming next. In opposite where a mission is a companys action the vision is what an organization would like to see happen as a result of the action taken as specified in its mission and looks forward (5 10 Years from now). The need for a Vision and Mission Statement Companys starts as nothing but an idea in someones mind and then turn into a physical reality. In order to get others actively working towards creating that physical reality, they must be able to see the vision; therefore, you must be able to see your own vision and know how to convey it. It is a desired future and can help to guide all stakeholders in the company who accept and understand it. As a shared vision it can be a great tool for building a sense of belonging and community in the company. However, if it is not shared it could result in employees who dont believe in the company and wont give their best effort.. Vision Statements also define the organizations purpose in terms of how they belief things should be done.) It communicates both the purpose and values of the organization and gives direction to emplyees about how they are expected to behave and inspires them to give their best. Shared with customers, it shapes customers understanding of why they should work with the organization. The vision should describe the desired future of the company as clearly as possible in terms of things such as: Demographics Shape, size and boundaries Markets, industries and clients Key partnerships and relationships Products and services People and work Competitive advantage Values Ates a picture of what leaders want the organisation to be in time and assist to align people and create a shared understanding for decision making.   This promotes awareness and understanding and will enhance the ability of people to make decisions appropriate to the achievement of the vision.   The goal should be to spread this understanding as widely as possible to create a shared understanding. Building out the vision creates a clearer strategic framework and give guidance for strategic development decisions.   Leaders should constantly be translating the vision into strategic initiatives, tactical actions and operational priorities that make it easy for all the people in the organisation to perform their work in such a way that it drives the entire organisation to the point where the vision becomes reality.   Strategic priorities may then be identified and decisions may be made.  Ã‚   Tactical decisions can also be made according to the strategic framework, underpinned by the strategic priorities.   Operational priorities may then be aligned with the tactical decisions at the appropriate time.   At the same time, leaders doing strategic, tactical and operational work must be able to keep their eyes on the guiding star of the vision. Not only does this approach align and focus leaders, it allows leaders at all levels to align and focus their people in pursuit of a consistent goal, with a clear understanding of why certain things are happening, what, when, where and how they are happening and what their own particular roles are.   This promotes focus, integration and co-ordination and creates an environment in which people can be empowered to take true ownership of their work. Next we take a look at the mission of a company. A Mission Statement defines the organizations purpose and primary objectives. Its prime function is internal to define the key measure or measures of the organizations success and its prime audience is the leadership team and stockholders. It should be well defined, so it can guide your business planned actions. It is important for any organization to spend time figuring out what their vision and mission are so that all parties involve understand what is expected of them. This insures that everyone is moving in the same direction. Taking the necessary time to assess these is critical because a company should be a body with many - parts, but only one mind. In a way, a mission is also a motivational aspect of a vision: it defines why the vision matter? and implies a set of governing values or principles. Much of what motivates and inspires people to make meaning and take action is contained in this why aspect. It also defines why it all matters to employees, contractors, partners, and management the internal customers. As a mission reflects human motivation, hopefully it helps people feel good, maybe even to feel inspired, about it. It must be kept current and alive. Strategic planning process: Steps involved Strategic planning is the core function in any company. Without a strategic framework the company will never know where it is going or why they are going there. However, there are many different models and steps available for the strategic planning process of a company and depend on how the specific company wants to implement it. One approach is summarized below. Agree on a strategic planning process. In this step all key role players should be present and should involved the following: An understanding of what strategic planning is and how it is done; Discuss its potential value to the company, in terms of providing a common vision and mission; Consider the costs of doing strategic planning, and what might need to be given up in order to develop a plan; Consider whether it will be a long-range plan or whether it may best focus on a short-term plan; Agree upon a process and establish responsibilities for the various steps in the process Set up a strategic planning committee and choose Carry out an environmental scan. This helps provide an understanding of how the organization relates to its external environment. The scan usually includes an external component identifying and assessing opportunities and threats in the external environment and an internal component assessing organizational strengths and weaknesses. This process is often referred to as SWOT: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Identify key issues, questions, and choices to be addressed as part of the strategic planning effort. This may mean specifying strategic issues or questions that the organization should address, and setting priorities in terms of time or importance. Define or review the organizations values, community vision, and mission. Be sure there is consensus on why the organization exists, what goals or outcomes it seeks to achieve what it stands for, and whom it serves. 5. Develop a shared vision for the organization. In some strategic planning efforts, a vision for the organization is developed after a vision for the community has been. 6. Develop a series of goals or organizational status statements which describe the organization in a specified number of years assuming it is successful in addressing its mission. It is usually a short step from the vision to goals sometimes the statements describing the vision are essentially goal statements. It is extremely valuable to transform the vision into a series of key goals for the organization, preferably in the form of status statements describing the organization. 7. Agree upon key strategies to reach the goals and address key issues identified through the environmental scan. The major emphasis should be on broad strategies, including current and new program, advocacy, collaborative, or other approaches. These strategies should be related to specific goals or address several goals. 8. Develop an action plan that addresses goals and specifies objectives and work plans on an annual basis. Once the longer-term elements of a strategic plan have been developed, it is time to ensure a specific work plan to begin implementation. 9. Finalize a written strategic plan that summarizes the results and decisions of the strategic planning process. There is no set format, but be sure to include the outputs of each major step. 10. Build in procedures for monitoring, and for modifying strategies based on changes in the external environment or the organization. Be sure progress towards goals and objectives and use of strategies is monitored regularly, with strategies revised and annual objectives developed yearly, based on the progress made, obstacles encountered, and the changing environment. Resources Grant Freedman (2009) Leveraging the organisations vision to align leaders and unlock the organisations potential [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Elizabeth W. Gordon Vision Mission Purpose What Does It All Mean [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Carol Humphries (2005) Vision and Mission: Seven Suggestions Why You Need Both [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] The Business Improvement Package What should the vision address [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Daniel Robin Vision, Mission and Values:Management Tools for Building a Better Workplace [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Carol Humphries Vision and Mission: Seven Suggestions Why You Need Both [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Emily Gantz McKay. Based on materials originally prepared for use with SHATIL, the technical assistance project of the New Israel Fund. Modified for the National Council of La Raza, and further modified for MOSAICA, May 1994 and July 2001. Strategic planning: a Ten-Step Guide [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Janet Shapiro Strategic Planning Toolkit [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010]

Alternatives to Human-embryo Stem-cell Research Essay -- Argumentative

Alternatives to Human-embryo Stem-cell Research      Ã‚   This essay counters the media and many scientists' claims that there are no viable alternatives to human-embryo stem-cell research (ESCR).    The media restate the claim (made repeatedly in NIH documents) that adult stem cells do not have the same potential as embryonic stem cells, which in theory can form any tissue. But studies done with adult stem cells (studies which mirror the ones done with embryonic stem cells) show that adult stem cells do have the capacity to form essentially any tissue.    The most misleading term which continues to be used is "pluripotent." Literally, this means able to form most (but not all) tissues. This term continues to be used incorrectly, primarily to imply that human embryonic stem cells can form all human tissues except "trophoblast" tissue - this is an essential outer layer of cells in the early embryo which allows it to implant into the uterine wall and nourishes early development. The trophoblast is also the part of the embryo removed in its destruction to harvest the inner embryonic stem cells. The phrase "human pluripotent stem cells" has been used to counter the question of whether human embryonic stem cells in culture could actually reform a human embryo, implying that this is not possible. Yet in testimony before the Senate, then-Director of the NIH, Harold Varmus, said that this possibility was uncertain, and that in fact it would be unethical to attempt such an experiment to determine whether this was possible (Varmus). Enter the te rm pluripotent - if the embryonic stem cells cannot form trophoblast, they cannot form an embryo. Mouse embryonic stem cells cannot form trophoblast tissue. BUT, as stated in Thomson... ... disputing that we are a human being even at the one-cell stage. It has never been acceptable to sacrifice one set of human lives for the potential benefit of others (and they are only potential benefits at this point.) Human embryonic stem cell research assigns different values to different human beings, designating some as people and some as property.    It is totally UNNECESSARY. Ethical alternatives exist such as adult stem cells which have already shown much more promise than embryonic cells, these results for adult stem cells are fully detailed in the scientific literature, and that adult stem cells are already being used clinically, making good on the potential that embryonic stem cells only promise.    WORKS CITED: Varmus, Harold. http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/statement.htm Thomson, Professor. http://www.erp.wisc.edu/faculty/thomson/

Assimilation into Society :: essays research papers

Because of the concept of the word race, wars have been started and millions of people have been discriminated against. To me, it appears to be simply another evil in the world that we, as humans, must deal with and potentially overcome. Since the beginning of time, race has done nothing but give people a reason to argue, fight, and discriminate. It gives people reason to not associate with their fellow man. It causes a fear of the out-of-the-ordinary. Without education, race can be a barrier separating us. It takes an intelligent, genuine person to see past this nonsense. Education helps one realize the fallacy race creates. There is no such thing as a superior race. Unfortunately, many people have difficulty seeing past portrayed stereotypes. It may take a person years or decades to come to terms with the fact that their skin color means about as much as their eye color. Eric Liu, an Asian-American, and Malcolm X, an African-American, take us on their journey through the difficult process of accepting their individual races. Both authors have periods of confusion and disorientation about their races which causes them to change their appearance in order to feel accepted. Ultimately, they overcome their misconceptions and learn to appreciate themselves. During his childhood, Eric Liu had difficulty coping with the fact that he was an Asian-American living in a predominantly white community. His appearance and his home life, among other things, made him feel out of place. Living in a middle-class suburb that was dominated by â€Å"whiteness,† Liu was disoriented by his role in school and society. And so in three adjoining arenas- my looks, my loves, my manners- I suffered a bruising adolescent education†¦ In each of these realms, I came to feel I was not normal. And obtusely, I ascribed the difficulties of that age not to my age but to my color. I came to suspect that there was an order to things, an order that I, as someone Chinese, could perceive but not quite crack. (415) His confusion only grew with his age. He began blaming his race for his own inability to find a girlfriend. Complimented on being sweet, smart, and nice, he could find no other reason for the void he felt in terms of relationships (Liu 416). As a teenage boy, he needed to find a reason to explain his shortcomings. He needed something to blame for his disappointments and setbacks.

The Bra Boys

Bra Boys From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search The Bra Boys is an Australian gang founded and based in Maroubra, an eastern suburb of Sydney, New South Wales. Dating back to the 1990s, the gang has gained notoriety through violent clashes with members of the public and police. The gang achieved national and international attention in 2007[1] with the release of a feature-length documentary entitled Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water, written and directed by members of the gang. Contents 1 Origins Notoriety and violence 2. 1 Criminal matters 2. 2 General community activism 2. 3 Art imitating life 3 Documentary 4 References 5 Further reading 6 External links Origins The Bra Boys are held together by surfing as well as community ties. [2] The group is often linked with the Maroubra Surfers Association, with which a number of its members are associated. [citation needed] In an interview on Triple J radio, Koby Abberton pointed out the â€Å"Bra† is a reference to the gang's suburb, Maroubra,[3] and partly after the street slang for brother. 1] Some members of the gang tattoo â€Å"My Brother's Keeper† across the front of their chest,[4] â€Å"Bra Boys† and Maroubra's postcode â€Å"2035† on their backs. [citation needed] With a reputation of being territorial,[1] the group is known to have taken control of a Sydney reef break, known as ‘Cape Solander', located in Kurnell, and renaming the break ‘Ours'. In July 2007, The Sydney Morning Herald reported an altercation that took place between professional bodyboarder Mitch Rawlins and a group of several Bra Boys members, including Koby Abberton.Rawlins was allegedly approached by a Bra Boy member and told to â€Å"fuck off†. It is believed an argument broke out and then turned physical with Rawlins being punched in the head. A spokesman for the Bra Boys confirmed there had been â€Å"some sort of small incident† but denied any major vi olence. [5] Notoriety and violence Prominent Bra Boys members include rugby league players Reni Maitua, John Sutton, as well as the Abberton brothers, Sunny, Jai, Dakota, and Koby, with the latter being the most notorious of the brothers. 6] Criminal matters A syndicate with alleged links to members of the Bra Boys were caught smuggling cocaine following interceptions of conversations dating back to 1997. It was alleged that the syndicate was granted security passes to restricted areas within Sydney Airport, by-passing Australian Customs, enabling the prohibited narcotics to be smuggled from Los Angeles by being concealed in on-board catering refuse. [7] In 2005, Jai Abberton was acquitted of the 2003 murder of stand-over man Anthony ‘Tony' Hines. 8] However, his brother Koby was handed a suspended nine-month jail sentence after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice in the same matter. [9][10] In November 2008, Koby Abberton was jailed for three days by a US c ourt after being found guilty of assaulting an off-duty police officer in a fight outside a nightclub in Honolulu, Hawaii. [6] In November 2009 Jai Abberton was jailed for eight months for breaching a good behaviour bond. [11] General community activismIn late 2002, around 160 members of the gang attending a birthday party at the Coogee-Randwick RSL Club were involved in a brawl with off-duty Waverley police officers leaving a Christmas party on the same premises. News reports numbered the combatants in the incident at around 120, with 30 police officers left injured after the event. [12] In August 2005, the Bra Boys led a 100-person non-violent protest against plans by Randwick Council to introduce parking meters near the local beaches. [13]In the lead up to the 2005 Cronulla riots in Cronulla, Koby Abberton spoke to The Daily Telegraph about the assault of a lifeguard that sparked the incident, claiming: â€Å"The reason why it's not happening at Maroubra is because of the Bra Bo ys. Girls go to Cronulla, Bondi, everywhere else in Sydney and get harassed, but they come to Maroubra and nothing happens to them. I read all this stuff about kids getting harassed because they want to have a surf and I say ‘are you kidding? ‘ The beach should be for Aussie kids. But if you want to go to beaches and act tough in groups you better be able to back it up.If these fellas come out to Maroubra and start something they know it's going to be on, so they stay away. â€Å"[14] Following the riots, in which the Bra Boys did not claim any involvement, Maroubra was the target of retaliation by Middle Eastern gangs. The Abberton brothers then held well-publicised meetings with other groups to help ease tensions. [15] â€Å"I think that this is the start, the boys have agreed to come down and talk to us, to start some dialogue between the groups, you know, to try and ease some tension†, said Sunny Abberton in a group interview on The 7. 30 Report. [16] Art imi tating lifeThe Bra Boys were made the subject of satire by The Chaser's War on Everything, episode 29, aired on 11 April 2007. [17] In the skit Julian Morrow approached gang members while wearing a pill-filled brassiere and sporting a tattoo similar to Koby Abberton's saying â€Å"mybrothersalibi†. A gang member responded by slipping off one of his thongs and flinging it at Morrow. Long-running Australian television soap opera, Home and Away has produced a thinly veiled reference to the Bra Boys in the fictional storyline of the River Boys that was broadcast in Australia commencing 16 February 2011. 18] Inspired by the friendship and brotherhood codes instilled by the Bra Boys, the Abberton brothers created a clothing line to reflect the importance of solid bonds between friends and family entitled MyBrothersKeeper Clothing, sometimes referred to as MBK Clothing. MyBrothersKeeper is a reference to the unspoken motto of the Bra Boys and can be somewhat translated as the uncond itional love, respect and support of those close to you regardless of race, gender and age. [4] DocumentaryA 90 minute documentary film about the surf gang, entitled Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water premiered in Sydney on 7 March 2007 and was released on 15 March 2007. The film details a story of the Bra Boys from the viewpoint of the gang, particularly the Abbertons. Sunny Abberton wrote and co-directed the film with Macario De Souza. Actor Russell Crowe provided narration. The film's official cast included 49 well known surfers from Bra Boys members Evan Faulks and Richie ‘Vas' Vaculik to ten-time world champion, Kelly Slater,[19] and surfing legends including Mark Occhilupo, Bruce Irons, and Laird Hamilton. 20] Australian reviewer Margaret Pomeranz gave the movie an overall positive review, while her At the Movies co-host David Stratton criticised Sunny's amateurish direction and questioned how objective a documentary can be when it is directed by its subject. [21] The documentary became Australia's highest-grossing non-IMAX documentary film[22] and won the Best Documentary at the 2008 Movie EXTRA Filmink Awards. [23] The movie saw a limited release in the United States that began on 11 April 2008, in 23 select locations in Southern California, New York and Hawaii. 20] The film was distributed in Australia by Hopscotch Films and internationally by boutique distributor, Berkela Films. [24] The film was released on DVD on 16 August 2007 with extras including the documentary, The Making of Bra Boys, extended surfing footage, coverage of the film's premiere, history of Australian surf culture, a fitness program presented by one of the Bra Boys, and music videos. [25] References ^ a b c Marks, Kathy (19 March 2007). â€Å"Sydney's notorious surf gang turns tide of violence into big-screen adulation†. The Independent (United Kingdom).Retrieved 16 November 2008. ^ Carroll, Nick (9 March 2007). â€Å"Bra Boys World Film Premier in Sydney, Austral ia – Movie review†. Surfing Magazine. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Warhurst, Myf; Whalley, Jason; McDougall, Lindsay (7 May 2007). â€Å"Myf, Jay and the Doctor: Interview with Koby Abberton† (radio). Triple J (Australia). ^ a b Minion, Lynne (8 August 2009). â€Å"Brothers in Arms†. Canberra Times. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Gilmore, Heath (15 July 2007). â€Å"Bra Boys say it's Ours and we'll fight for it†. The Sydney Morning Herald. ^ a b Hellard, Peta (21 November 2008). Guilty Bra Boy Koby Abberton in Honolulu jail for three days†. The Daily Telegraph (Australia). ^ McKenzie, Nick (24 September 2009). â€Å"Cocaine gang had security clearance†. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Wallace, Natasha (6 May 2005). â€Å"Surf gang member cleared of standover man's murder†. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ â€Å"Bra Boys: The often maligned surf brotherhood's new movie†. Surfer M agazine. 22 July 2010. ^ Jones, Caroline (7 November 2005). â€Å"Sons of beaches† (transcript). Australian Story (Australia). Retrieved 6 February 2011. â€Å"Jail for Bra Boy Jai Abberton, Pussycat Doll Melody Jail for Bra Boy Jai Abberton, Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton dines with Sonny and Koby Abberton†. The Daily Telegraph (Australia). 12 November 2009. Retrieved 1 December 2011. ^ Kennedy, Les (24 December 2002). â€Å"Night the thin blue line ran into the Maroubra stomp†. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Cuming, Angela; Munro, Catharine (7 August 2005). â€Å"Rage over 7000 meters for beaches†. The Sun-Herald (Australia). Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ McIlveen, Luke (9 December 2005). â€Å"A beast surfaces†. The Daily Telegraph (Australia). Silkstone, Dan (14 December 2005). â€Å"When two tribes go to war: a culture clash†. The Age (Australia). Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ â€Å"Emergency powers to crack down on riots† (transcript). The 7. 30 Report (Australia). 13 December 2005. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ â€Å"The Chaser vs. The Bra Boys – Hilarious Gags† (video). The Chaser. Australia. 11 April 2007. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Casamento, Jo (6 February 2011). â€Å"Bra Boys amused by Home and Away homage†. The Sun-Herald (Australia). Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Howard, Jake. â€Å"Kelly Slater wins his 10th world title†. ESPN Action Sports (United States). Retrieved 6 November 2010. a b â€Å"Bra Boys†. Internet Movie Database. Amazon. com. 2007. Retrieved 2 February 2011. ^ Pomeranz, Margaret; Stratton, David (14 March 2007). â€Å"Bra Boys†. At the Movies (Australia). Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ â€Å"Bra Boys breaks box office record†. ABC News (Australia). 27 March 2007. ^ â€Å"‘Bra Boys:’ Best Documentary at Movie EXTRA Awards†. Transworld Skateboarding (United States). 17 March 2008. Retrieved 6 Fe bruary 2011. ^ â€Å"Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water†. Berkela Films. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Idato, Michael (27 August 2007). â€Å"Bra Boys – DVD review†. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2011.