Essay on Dreams Deferred in Hansberrys A Raising in the Sun

Dreams Deferred Everything has a price; not just material items that one purchases with currency, but also intangibles that do not appear costly. For example, how much does it cost to get an A in school? It may not require money, but it undoubtedly requires hard work and dedication. This example is synonymous with achieving one’s dreams, no matter what those dreams are. Often in school, ambitious students must sacrifice another facet of their lives in order to achieve their academic goals. In A Raisin in the Sun, many of the characters must give up something important to them to achieve their own idea of success. Everybody has his or her own dreams. Although some people may have homogeneous aspirations, no two are exactly the same.†¦show more content†¦This is why she speaks more like an intellectual. For example, she says, â€Å"There is simply no blasted God-there is only man and it is he who makes miracles!† Another reason Beneathas speech is differe nt from the rest of her familys speech is that her friend Asagais eloquence has influenced her. The more time Beneatha spends around school and Asagai, the more eloquent she becomes. It is notable that all of the characters who speak incorrectly are African American. In the story, this is used as a contrasting element to show the disparity between the African American and Caucasian communities. The other anomaly to this presumed perception is Asagai. He is African American, just like the rest of the Younger family, but he shows his increased education in the way he speaks. The following quote shows Asagai’s diction, as well as his supportive relationship with Beneatha. Then isn’t there something wrong in a house—in a world—where all dreams, good or bad, must depend on the death of a man?† He wants her to be the best person that she can because he truly cares about her. The text has immensely descriptive language throughout. Hansberry excel s at describing all aspects of the Younger family’s lives, in turn further developing the theme. Next, Hansberry uses characterization to convey her theme. In his essay for the University of North Carolina, Sutton says, â€Å"The characters have different personalities, goals and beliefs.† TheShow MoreRelated Lorraine Hansberrys A Raisin In The Sun - Dignity and the American Dream1248 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican Dream in A Raisin in the Sun   Ã‚  Ã‚   The American Dream, although different for each of us, is what we all aspire to achieve. In Lorraine Hansberrys, play, A Raisin in the Sun, each member of the Younger family desperately hopes for their own opportunity to achieve the American Dream. The American Dream to the Younger family is to own a home, but beyond that, to Walter Younger, it is to be accepted by white society.    In the book entitled Advertising the American Dream, RolandRead MoreStruggles, Dreams And Hopes : Lorraine Hansberry s Play1874 Words   |  8 PagesStruggles, Dreams and Hopes Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, is a great example of the struggles faced by an impoverished black family; who strive to deal with the realities of life on the ghetto side of South Chicago. Written in the 1958, this play illustrates the destructive consequences of impecuniousness and repression on African American families. Throughout the play, Hansberry (who is he, describe) shows the day-to-day struggles of a black family and explains the different perspectives

Why Dress Code Should Not Be Enforced - 1109 Words

â€Å"Are you in dress code?† As Belleville East students we have all heard this question numerous times throughout the day. Whether this question was directed towards you, or your peers, this simple, but oh so annoying question, is asked countless times throughout the day. Dress code, however, was initially meant to keep students out of trouble and to help keep us focused throughout the school day. Yet making a student vacate a class for the entire hour because their shirt was not the right shade is going to â€Å"improve their learning experience† by making them miss the only hour they have in that class. Although this was not the intent, the dress code has become a point of conflict for many. Dress code should not be enforced because realistically it increases behavioral problems and teaches girls that it is our duty to make sure we cover up to ensure a â€Å"distraction free† learning environment for the boys. Always being pestered about whether or not we are in dress code gets very tiresome very quickly. These dress code violations add up and more serious problems arise. According to a study conducted in 2007, violent behaviors increased fourteen a year with an enforced dress code, ( Granberg-Rademacker, Bumgarner, Johnson. n.pag.). According to Occupy Theory a â€Å"simple dress code violation† could then escalate into a disastrous situation, whether with parents or the students lashing out, (â€Å"School Dress Code Pros and Cons List† n.pag.). As an honor student, I have never received aShow MoreRelatedUniforms Codes Should Not Be Disruptive1668 Words   |  7 PagesSchools enjoy saying that their students are free to express themselves through their clothing; however they do stress the importance that while students express themselves, the garments should not be disruptive to the class environment. The big question is, what is â€Å"disruptive† and what isnâ₠¬â„¢t. Is a girl wearing a tank top to combat the warm weather disruptive, or is a boy wearing a blatantly offensive shirt disruptive to their peers learning? Or is a student wearing a religious item, such as a hijabRead MorePersuasive Essay On School Uniforms979 Words   |  4 PagesThe age old argument of whether or not uniforms and dress codes should be enforced in schools seems to never conclude. The issue of appropriate clothing in schools is controversial and provoking. Many argue that abolishing a student’s choice in their attire violates their freedom of expression. Students use what they wear to express themselves; their clothing gives them a sense of a unique style and identity. Others argue that permitting students to wear whatever clothing they like can create unnecessaryRead MoreHow Does Sports Dress Codes Shame Girls And Perpetuate Rape Culture?1142 Words   |  5 Pagesarticle written by Laura Bates called, â€Å"How School Dress Codes Shame Girls and Perpet uate Rape Culture†. The problem is that women are expected to dress in a way that is socially acceptable. Socially acceptable means that, females must dress in a way that protects and covers the female anatomy. This argument that Bates explains, expresses a pathos appeal because you are allowed to understand the point of view of those who have been victimized by dress codes. The article also gives an ethos appeal becauseRead MoreShould School Dress Code Be Enforced? Public Schools?1285 Words   |  6 Pages To some, arguing over student dress code seems trivial and useless. To others, it goes deeper than that. Dress code might seem like the typical â€Å"first world problem†, but to the average high school student, gaining the freedom ‘no dress code’ grants is incredible. The fact of the matter is, the rigid enforcement of student dress code has gone too far in today s society and dehumanizes us as citizens. Although school dress code attempts to promote modesty and protection, it also reinforces genderRead MoreArgument Against School Uniforms Should Not Be Banned1556 Words   |  7 Pagesagainst school dress code is that public schools should not make the student go to school uniforms. Students should be able to wear any appropriate clothing they want to wear. School uniforms are not the way to be unsuccessful in education. School uniforms are a waste of time to have in a public school system. Teachers should make the students go home and change into school appropriate clothes. Public schools should give students a chance on what they want to wear. Students should pick any schoolRead MoreSchool Uniforms: Should Everyone Look Like Clones? Essay920 Words   |  4 Pageswhether or not uniforms should be enforced in the public school system. One main reason public schools have uniforms / dress code is because in 1996, President Clinton allowed the school uniform movement and said, â€Å"If it means teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms.† This gave schools the power to control the students with dress code. A few pros about having dress code in public schools areRead MoreArticles about Involvement in Gang Violence and Methods of Prevention for Students1387 Words   |  6 Pagesduring an NBA game. Should this dream be supported? Maybe enforcing a school wide dress code would develop a community atmosphere for the students at a faster pace than a small, athletic team would. Each of these methods are discussed in separate articles. George Dohrmann, author of â€Å"How Dreams Die,† relies on pathos to explain how sports are no longer a solution for preventing students’ involvement in gangs, yet Mike Knox who wrote â€Å"The Case for Strictly Enforced Dress Codes in Schools† does a betterRead MoreEssay about Handmaids Tale vs Persepolis971 Words   |  4 Pagesoneself, also, how both accentuate on the ways a women should dress, which stratify society in Handmaid’s tale, and enforced religion in Persepolis. Because we as readers grew up in the western society, we often think of clothing as a means of expressing our individuality, our style, and as defining whom we are. Offred grew in a similar environment, and that way of thinking was taken away once she became a Handmaid. That was the precise reason why she felt â€Å" fascinated but also repelled† (28) at theRead MoreOppression on Women in Margaret Atwoods the Handmaids Tale and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis966 Words   |  4 Pageswoman should dress, which stratified society in Handmaid’s tale and enforced religious modesty in Persepolis. Growing up in the western society, we often think clothing as a means of expressing our individuality, our style, defining who we are. Offred grew up in a similar environment but it was taken away once she became a Handmaid. That was the precise reason why she felt â€Å" fascinated but also repelled† (28) at the same time when she saw the Japanese tourist. She says she â€Å"used to dress like thatRead MoreSchool Dress Code819 Words   |  4 Pages They dress like it is a night club or like they are out on a nice sunny day at the beach. This is not appealing to everyone. This is one reason why many schools have gone to school dress codes or uniforms. Dress codes help prevent fighting, many unwanted distraction, and embarrassing moments for students. Uniforms also help decrease the number of thieves in school. In Long Beach, California the school district has made it mandatory for all kids in k-8 grade to wear school dress codes. Fifty-six

The movie Fight Club Two Main Characters free essay sample

However, it is obvious he has serious problems. Jacks main problem, what the audience comes to find out, is his alter ego, Tyler Durden. Jack struggles to take control as he sees that Tylers acts of vandalism are wrong. However, he cannot stop himself until the very end. However, even before the character of Tyler Durden is introduced it is clear that Jack has personal problems; insomnia, discontent for his job, and a dependency on support groups. Jack is also faced with a moral dilemma as well as constantly being put into danger, another characteristic of the ambivalent protagonist. Jack has the personality of an obedient, yet not very outgoing man. He goes to work, comes home, and wants to simplify his life. He sets up his life as simply as possible. For example, he wears the same white shirt, black pants, and black tie every day. Jack is a very subservient type of person. We will write a custom essay sample on The movie Fight Club: Two Main Characters or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page For example, he goes to meetings his boss doesnt want to attend. He hates his job and he hates his life, however he thinks he is ok with the job and his life but is tired of doing the same thing every day. It is important to see that Jack picks out items that would best    represent the type of person he is such as the furniture in his house. Jack suffers from lack of sleep where we call it insomnia. His doctor refuses to give him medication and advises him to visit a support group to witness more severe suffering. The narrator attends a support group for testicular cancer victims and, after fooling them into thinking that he is a fellow victim, finds an emotional release that relieves his insomnia. He becomes addicted to attending support groups and pretending to be a victim, but the presence of another impostor, Marla Singer, disturbs him, so he negotiates with her to avoid their meeting at the same groups. After a flight home from a business trip, Jack finds his apartment destroyed by an explosion. He calls Tyler Durden, a soap salesman whom he befriended on the flight, and they meet at a bar. A conversation about consumerism leads to Tyler inviting Jack to stay at his place; outside the bar he requests that Jack should hit him. The two engage in a fistfight, and Jack subsequently moves into Tylers they have further fights outside the bar, and these attract a crowd dilapidated house. of men. The fighting moves to the bars basement where they start the fight club. As Jack and Tyler begin to use physical violence as a means for release and an opportunity for the expression of the male ego, Jack begins to come to a deeper understanding of his own capabilities. Throughout the movie Jack is completely unaware that Tyler is in fact nothing more than an elaborate alter ego. While Jack seems to sleep through the nights thanks to the new fond release of Fight Club, Tyler is in fact expanding the club. He is opening chapters around the country and slowly transforming them into highly disciplined paramilitary force. Jack is not conscious of his nocturnal wanderings. However, when he begins to find gaps in his memory, he becomes suspicious about what’s going on. But as for Tyler, his nocturnal wanderings are consistent with the symptoms of Dissociative fugue. This disorder is characterized by disruption of one’s identity coupled with travel away from home. While Jack’s consciousness is at rest, the personality, Tyler, becomes active, free to move about the country and pursue his plan. His plan of Operating Mayhem, leaving Jack very confused to wander the path of Tyler, unraveling the plans suffering from massive bouts of Deja vu. The primary mental disorder portrayed in the film, contrarily, is not Insomnia or Dissociative Fugue, but rather Dissociative Identity Disorder. The main character Jack as I thought he was suffering from insomnia in the beginning of the movie, really has a disorder called Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Dissociative Identity Disorder involves extensive memory disruptions for personal information along with the presence of two or more distinct identities, or personalities within a single person. For example, each personality has its own name and is experienced as if it has its own personal history and self-images. These different personalities can also be known as alters or alter egos. As far as the protagonist Jack his alter ego is Tyler. The split between the relatively passive Narrator (Jack) and the quick-witted flamboyant Tyler Durden is characteristic of such a split. Usually the core personality is passive, dependent, guilty, and depressed but the alternates may be hostile, controlling and self-destructive. Tyler exploits on the arena-floor of Fight Club, as well as his propensity for assuming command mark him as noticeably removed from the primary personality, which is Jack. As the film draws towards the climax, Jack and Tyler struggle for supremacy. Jack is aware now that Tyler orchestrated the events which led to their meeting, and possessed of a need to stop Tyler from seeing Operation Mayhem through its final success in the destruction of several credit card headquarters buildings. Jack finally catches up with his alter ego Tyler; he is faced with the task of stopping what is essentially his better half. In a moment of defeat, the Narrator finds himself at the mercy of his split personality. Jack is being held at gunpoint by his alter-ego and forced to watch the destruction orchestrated by Tyler. Jack realizes that he is essentially holding himself hostage. In a staggering display of drama, jack â€Å"kills† Tyler by shooting himself in the cheek in a kind of mock-suicide. In a Dissociative individual, there is no uniting self which can remember to forget. Rather than use repression to avoid traumatizing memories, he/she resorts to alterations in the self as a central and coherent organization of experience. D. I. D involves not just an alteration in content but, crucially, a change in very structure of consciousness and the self. The goals of treatment for DID are to relieve symptoms, to ensure the safety of the individual, and to reconnect the different identities into one well-functioning identity. Treatment also aims to help the person safely express and process painful memories, develop new coping and life skills, restore functioning, and improve relationships. The best treatment approach depends on the individual and the severity of his or her symptoms. This treatment is most likely to include the following methods: psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, medication, family therapy, creative therapies, and clinical hypnosis. Psychotherapy refers to the use of psychological techniques to treat emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal problems. While there are many types of psychotherapy, they all share the same assumptions that psychological factors play a significant role in a person’s troubling feelings, behaviors, or relationships. Another therapy that can be used is Cognitive Therapy, in cognitive therapy clients learn to identify and change their automatic negative thoughts. Originally developed to treat depression, cognitive therapy has also been applied to other psychological problems, such as anxiety, phobias, and eating disorders. Family therapy is also a great way to treat the Dissociative Identity Disorder; a form of psychotherapy that is based on the assumption that the family is a system and that treats the family as unit. A Family therapy session typically works with all members of family at the same time. The family therapist can then directly observe how family members interact, resolve differences, and exert control over one another. Last but not least this disorder can also be treated with creative therapies; these therapies can involve art therapy and music therapy just to keep the mind on a positive pace. These also therapies allow the patient to explore and express his or her thoughts and feelings in a safe and creative way. Dissociative Identity Disorders can also use Clinical Hypnosis; this is a treatment technique that uses intense relaxation, concentration and focused attention to achieve an altered state of consciousness or awareness, allowing people to explore thoughts, feelings and memories they might have hidden from their conscious minds. In conclusion on the film Fight Club the protagonist â€Å"Jack† suffered from a disorder called D. I. D. Dissociative Identity Disorder. He had split personalities where he could not remember what his alter ego was doing while he asleep. This is my way of explaining the types of disorders used in the film and explain which therapies will be best to treat this disorder.

Macintosh Retail Group Essays - Steve Jobs, Retail, Macintosh

Macintosh Retail Group The Macintosh Retail Group A short summary The Macintosh Retail Group is a Dutch holding, that today competes in the sectors of clothing, living and automotives. It consists of the companies Superconfex (clothing), Kwantum, Tonton Tapis, Bartels Decor, GP D?cors, Klerkx Group (living), Halfords (automotive) and other smaller ones. Today, the group is active in several European countries, namely the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. Some numbers for Macintosh 1990-1995 turnover in net profit in number millions of Dfl millions of Dfl of employees 1990 1,049.6 18.3 5,793 1991 1,070.1 30.5 5,730 1992 1,113.8 29.1 5,750 1993 912.1 51.3 3,616 1994 934.2 38.5 3,737 1995 999.8 22.5 4,136 In 1995 it made a profit of Dfl 22.5 million and employed 4.136 thousand workers. Looking on the results of 1994, we come to know that the group made 39% of its profit with fashion, 47% with living and 14% in the automotive sector, which is probably similar to 1995. During the history of the holding (it started with being a job creation program in 1932), the structure of the Macintosh Retail Group changed: Under the name of Cenfectie Ateliers Chas Macintosh N.V. it grew to the largest manufacturer of clothing in Europe in the 1950s and 1960s, which was done by acquire other companies. In the 1960s Macintosh started producing abroad, in order to remain competitive. This continued in the 1970s, at which time the production in Western Europe was nearly phased out because of the costs, especially to Belgium, Portugal and Tunisia. With creating a separate holding company and separate operation companies, the organizational structure was totally changed in 1977. But not even that step prevented the Group of making a negative operational profit of Dfl 19 millions in 1980. As a result of that, a recovery plan was developed by the management and a strategic planning process was introduced. It consists of changing production over to retailing, which is obviously a reason for the fact, that in 1990 about 90% of total turnover was realized in the retail sector. With acquisitions of companies of the sectors living and automotive in the last 15 years, the Macintosh Group continued enlarging. A climax of this development may be seen in the year 1993, in which the Group nearly stopped its complete production activities. It can be said, that throughout this process it evolved from a tailor to a retailer. The expectations of the management for the future are significantly to increase the number of the shops (334 in 1994), and consequently of the retail floor space (300.000 square metres in 1994). The Group tries to strengthen its market positions and to improve productivity. Strengthen its market positions should be reached with expansion through acquisitions on the international market, with concentrating in northwestern Europe. With doing this, Macintosh tries to establish and increase its position in the market sectors of clothing, living and automotive. Although the sector of clothes loses its importance within the Group, it is planned to develop this sector further during the next years.

How Graduate School Is Different From College

How Graduate School Is Different From College The first days of graduate school go by in a blur for most new students. Even if you attend the same university as you did as an undergraduate, the graduate school experience is very different from being an undergrad. Is grad school harder than college? Definitely. Coursework Is Just the Beginning Classes are a big part of masters programs and the first couple of years of doctoral programs. But grad school entails more than completing a series of classes. You will take courses during the first couple of years of your Ph.D. program, but your later years will emphasize research (and you probably wont take any courses during those later years). The purpose of grad school is to develop a professional understanding of your discipline through independent reading and study. The Apprenticeship Model Most of what you learn in grad school will not come from classes, but from other activities such as  conducting research and attending conferences. Youll choose  and work closely with a faculty member on his or her research. As an apprentice of sorts, youll learn how to define research problems, design and carry out research projects to test your hypotheses and disseminate your results. The end goal is to become an independent scholar and devise your own research program.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Graduate School Is a Job Approach grad school as a full-time job; its not school in the undergraduate sense. If you soared through college with little studying, youre in for a big culture shock as a grad student  The reading lists will be longer and more extensive than youve encountered in college. More importantly, youll be expected to read and be prepared to critically evaluate and discuss it all. Most grad programs require that you take initiative for your learning and demonstrate a commitment to your career.   Graduate School Is a Socializing Agent Why is graduate school so different from undergrad? Graduate training teaches you the information and skills that you need to be a professional. However, being a professional requires more than coursework and experiences. In graduate school, you will be socialized into your profession. In other words, you will learn the norms and values of your field. Relationships with faculty members  and other students are important to your career, and youll make them in grad school. Most importantly, you will learn to think like a professional in your field. Graduate school shapes the mind and leads students to think in new ways. You will learn to think like a professional in your field, whether a scientist, historian, educator, philosopher or practitioner. It truly prepares you to immerse yourself in a specific field - especially if you choose to become an academic professional in the long run.

The Olympics - Ancient Greek Funeral Games

The Olympics - Ancient Greek Funeral Games Its a curious aspect of sports that even when they are part of a celebration of global peace, like the Olympics, they are nationalistic, competitive, violent, and potentially deadly. Substitute panhellenic (open to all Greeks) for global and the same could be said about the ancient Olympics. Sports, in general, could be described as ritualized warfare where one power competes with another, where each hero (star athlete) strives to defeat a worthy opponent within a setting where death is unlikely. Rituals of Compensation for the Catastrophe of Death Control and ritual seem to be the defining terms. In coming to grips with the eternally present fact of death (remember: antiquity was a time of high infant mortality, death by diseases we can now control, and almost incessant warfare), the ancients put on shows where death was under human control. Sometimes the outcome of these shows was purposeful submission to death (as in the gladiatorial games), at other times, it was ​a  victory. Origin of the Games in Funerals The[re] are a number of possible explanations of the custom of funeral games such as to honor a dead warrior by reenacting his military skills, or as a renewal and affirmation of life to compensate for the loss of a warrior or as an expression of the aggressive impulses that accompany rage over the death. Perhaps they are all true at the same time.- Roger Dunkles Recreation and Games * In honor of his friend Patroclus, Achilles held funeral games (as described in Iliad 23). In honor of their father, Marcus and Decimus Brutus held the first gladiatorial games in Rome in 264 BCE. The Pythian Games celebrated Apollos slaying of the Python. The Isthmian games were a funeral tribute to the hero Melicertes. The Nemean games celebrated either Hercules killing of the Nemean lion or the funeral of Opheltes. All of these games celebrated death. But what about the Olympics? The Olympic games also began as a celebration of death, but like the Nemean games, the mythological explanations for the Olympics are confused. Two central figures used to explain the origins are Pelops and Hercules who are genealogically linked insofar as Hercules mortal father was Pelops grandson. Pelops Pelops wished to marry Hippodamia, the daughter of King Oenomaus of Pisa who had promised his daughter to the man who could win a chariot race against him. If the suitor lost the race, he would also lose his head. Through treachery, Oenomaus had kept his daughter unmarried and through treachery, Pelops won the race, killed the king, and married Hippodamia. Pelops celebrated his victory or King Oenomaus funeral with Olympic games. The site of the ancient Olympics was in Elis, which is in Pisa, in the Peloponnese. Hercules After Hercules cleaned the Augean stables, the king of Elis (in Pisa) welshed on his deal, so, when Hercules had a chance after he finished his labors he returned to Elis to wage war. The conclusion was foregone. After Hercules sacked the city, he put on the Olympic games to honor his father Zeus. In another version, Hercules merely regularized the games Pelops had instituted.

History of Calculus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

History of Calculus - Essay Example scovery of calculus is endowed to two amazing mathematicians who were Isaac Newton, a noteworthy British mathematician and scientist, and the self taught scholar of mathematics, the renowned German mathematician Gottfried Leibniz, in the latter half of the 17th century (Ferreiros & Gray 22). The issues as to which mathematician should be held responsible for the discovery of calculus, the scholars happen to be divided. It was both Newton and Leibniz who registered noteworthy discoveries in calculus to be known as being the originators of calculus. As far as Newton’s discovery of calculus is concerned, it was more of an outcome of the need for a practical use of calculus, as he needed a discipline like calculus to solve the pressing problems in geometry and physics (Ferreiros & Gray 72). It was Newton’s endeavor to use calculus as a mathematical discipline that facilitated the solution of the scientific problems he delved on that made calculus possible. In contrast when one considers Leibniz, it was his fascination pertaining to the tangent line problem that made calculus possible (Ferreiros & Gray 72). The notion as to the creation of calculus gave way to one of the most ardently contested rivalries in the world of mathematics that was between Newton and Leibniz. However, the thing that needs to be understood is that calculus as people know it today is the outcome of the work of a number of mathematicians. Although Newton published his Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematics on 5 July 1687, yet the later mathematicians did make many contributions to calculus. The later day addition to the principle of calculus like differential equations and calculus of variations were published a little time after Newton and Leibniz did register their contributions, by mathematicians like Euler, Jakob and Johann Bernoulli (Ferreiros & Gray 72). It was the manuscript published by Bishop Berkley that enunciated the limitations inherent in the works of Leibniz and Newton.

Developing Countries Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Developing Countries - Research Paper Example However, India is able to develop rapidly than Pakistan because of India’s ability to maintain a healthy secular democratic administration. On the other hand, Pakistan is struggling to develop properly because of the over influence of religion on politics. This paper compares the political, economic and educational developments in India and Pakistan in order to learn more about the factors which affects the developments in developing countries. Developing Countries The classification of countries under the label of developing, developed or underdeveloped is often raises controversies. It is not necessary that these classifications are always correct. The controversies often arise when deciding whether a country is developed or developing. America, Canada, Japan, Europe etc are generally accepted as the developed regions or countries even though recent recession destroyed the financial backbone of these countries or regions. At the same time the emerging economies or the most r apidly developing economies like India, China, Brazil etc are only developing countries even now. A country with low level of material wealth is often considered as a developing country. ... Even if enough resources are available, it is not necessary that a country may develop rapidly. The development of a country depends on how well the country is able to utilize its internal resources and the external opportunities. The growth and development of developing countries are heavily dependent on the nature of politics and growth of education and economy. Culture or ethnicity plays an important role in the development of politics, economy and education in developing countries. India and Pakistan are two neighboring Asian countries and both of them have similar internal resources and external opportunities for developments. However, India is currently developing much rapidly than Pakistan even though India is the second in the list of population size. India is a true secular democratic country whereas democracy and secularism in Pakistan remain on paper alone. In fact military controls the politics and administration in Pakistan. Democracy in Pakistan was not developed proper ly because of the influence of Muslim religion in all the aspects of administration in Pakistan. â€Å"77% of the Pak population is Sunni Muslims whereas 20% is Shia Muslims. Christians and Hindus constitute the remaining 3 %† (Religious Intolerance in Pakistan, n. d). Shias and Sunnis often engage in violent clashes even though both of them belong to the same Muslim community. â€Å"Random acts of violence have occurred in Pakistan for many years between Shiite and Sunni Muslims. These often take the form of unprovoked attacks on peaceful Muslims at prayer† (Religious Intolerance in Pakistan, n. d). Religious fundamentalism made the Pak soil fertile for the growth of terrorism. It should be noted that Bin Laden was staying in Pakistan for the last few years

Fiji Water Analysis Essay Example for Free

Fiji Water Analysis Essay Introduction Corporations like FIJI Water are forced into having Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Corporate Social Responsibility is the idea that businesses need to give back to society as much as they take away. Although companies like FIJI Water produce some type of product for consumers, in this circumstance water, they are compelled to give back as much as they take away. The issue companies have to deal with is whether they really have CSR, or if they are just green washing to make people believe they are socially responsible. â€Å"The 10th Edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary recognizes the word â€Å"greenwash,† defining it as, â€Å"’Disinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present an environmentally responsible public image.†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Environmentalist make it their job to eliminate any green washing by bringing to light companies negative impact on society and proving outrageous claims to be over exaggerated or completely false. Environmentalists compel companies to reduce, if not eliminate their carbon footprint on society through exposing how wasteful they are to society. Every company in order to be successful has to recognize this issue and do their best to resolve it, otherwise their company will tank. Companies like FIJI Water have to walk the fine line of CSR and green washing. FIJI Water LLC, has proved to be a tough competitor in the market of selling bottled water. They have overcome trials and set-backs and have kept their image of a premium quality brand of water. They have done their very best to become socially responsible over the years and had to use the idea of green washing to exploit their product. How FIJI Water Came to Be FIJI Water was started in 1996 by David Gilmour, one-time partner in Clairtone Sound Corporation Limited. FIJI Water is a U.S.-based business and brand of bottled water derived, bottled, and shipped from the Fiji Islands. It is available in 330ml, 500ml, 1 liter and 1.5 liter bottles.  According to marketing materials, the water comes from an artesian aquifer in the Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu. A good way to identify what FIJI Water is all about is in their mission statement which reads, â€Å"FIJI Water, the world’s finest water, is committed to quality and excellence in our product, people, profitability, and strategic partners. We are dedicated to communicating the passion and unique properties of our brand to consumers worldwide and continuing to invest in the future while preserving and cherishing the pristine source.† They have marketed their product towards wealthy people who could afford to pay more to drink water. Their main marketing drive was that the product was far from pollution, acid rain, and industrial waste in the island nation of Fiji. The way their product differed from other water bottling companies is that the FIJI Water was drawn from an artesian aquifer that lies hundreds of feet below a primitive rainforest. The idea being that distance and isolation is part of what makes FIJI Water so much purer and richer in taste than other bottled waters. Corporate Social Responsibility FIJI Water has a few marketing and CSR campaigns to help address the issue of social responsibility and to give their product more attention. FIJI water was seen as being extremely wasteful. To take a naturally occurring product like water and use the resources to ship it half way across the world was thought to be â€Å"water insanity†. â€Å"In response to this protest, the company launched a new promotion campaign under a slogan â€Å"every drop is green,† only to be immediately accused by environmentalist groups of engaging in green washing activities.† At the same time that this was happening, FIJI focused on its contributions to the local communities in Fiji. As environmentalists’ criticism increased over the years, FIJI Water LLC launched a â€Å"carbon negative campaign, claiming that it was the first bottle water company to release carbon footprint of its products.† This was part of their push towards the slogan â€Å"every drop is green†. The Company estimated its total annual carbon footprint at 85,396 metric tons of CO2eq.  They were also able to calculate their carbon emissions at each stage of the product from production to distribution. They started at the production of raw material to running the plant, to getting it to the markets, to even refrigerating the product. It did this to try and eliminate as much carbon footprints as possible. The VP of the company, Mooney, argued that, â€Å"the only way consumers can turn their environmental intentions into good decisions is to give them the information they need regarding the emissions with the products they buy.† This made customers aware that they were actively looking at their operations and doing something about it. To most people, it didn’t really matter what, as long as they were trying. Sustainability The results of their work were impressive. They were able to accomplish the following: reduction in packaging by 20 percent, supplying 50 percent of the energy used at its bottling plant with renewable energy, optimizing logistics to be more carbon-efficient in transportation, restoring grasslands in the Yaqara Valley by planting trees, and supporting recycling programs for plastic PET bottles. With their new image as a socially responsible company they were more sustainable in the fact that they were giving back. They summed up their operations in a PR pitch: a sale of every bottle of FIJI Water would result in a net reduction of carbon in the atmosphere! The question remains, are they giving back enough? To ship a naturally occurring product half way across the world seems pretty ridiculous to those who care about our earth’s resources being wasted. Green Washing Conservation group didn’t buy it. This absurd claim, along with â€Å"every drop is green† was green washing at its finest so they thought. In Section 53 of the Commonwealth Trade Practices Act 1974 it prohibits a corporation from representing that â€Å"goods or services have sponsorship, approval, performance characteristics, accessories, uses or benefits they do not have.† They were in direct violation of this. The Greenwash Brigade were some of the most professional environmentalist that were known for exposing this kind of  behavior. In June 2008, they published an article titled â€Å"Fiji Water by the numbers,† which summarized the terrible environmental impact of the company. Some facts that came out of that were that there were 5,500 miles per trip from Fiji to Los Angeles, 46 million gallons of fossil fuel, 1.3 billion gallons of water used, 216 million pounds of greenhouse gases emitted. These were staggering amounts of energy, water, and fuel being used, especially for something that is naturally occurring! The Impact of the Nay-Sayers These conservationists had a big impact on the company in forming who they are today. Without bringing this information to light, nothing would be changed. They would just fly under the radar without being criticized. We need the nay-sayers to motivate companies to change so they won’t use up our limited resources. The fact of the matter is that every drop of FIJI Water is not green, every drop is imported! These environmentalist help prevent green washing and provide important research behind their accusations of companies. In 2007, Pablo Paster, an engineer and MBA, undertook a thorough and exhaustive study of the cost of bringing a liter of FIJI Water to America. His study found that, â€Å"In summary, the transport of that one kilogram bottle of Fiji water consumed 26.88 kilograms of water (7.1 gallons), .849 kilograms of fossil fuel (one liter or .26 gallons) and emitted 562 grams of Greenhouse Gases (1.2 pounds).† One can only imagine the effect that has on our en vironment. Conclusion Overall, Fiji was able to show flexibility in changing for the times. They established credibility among the community through addressing concerns of others. At first they tried to hide from the answers needed by consumers and conservationists and even used some green washing to help get their product through the tough, trying times. They used the idea of green washing to their benefit by making outrageous claims that had to be proven false initially, but in time they held to it as best they could. They had to be vague at first, but later specified their goal in operations. Comparatively to most companies, FIJI Water has a great Corporate Social Responsibility in that they have done significant things to try and eliminate their carbon footprint through efficiency and planting more trees. Going forward, the company will have a hard time living up to becoming a carbon negative company. They need to keep on their path of fulfilling promises made to invest in renewable energy equipment and to off-set that with continuing to plant trees abroad. FIJI Water has especially helped the local community surrounding Fiji. They have established good CSR with the five neighboring villages. They have supported children’s educations in helping them get a good start. In pre-schools they have provided equipment, educational material, teacher training and other support. In March 2002, the company voluntarily established an independently administrated community development trust fund and allocated FJ$275,000 to it. That is a great use of their resources. They also support village projects to improve hygiene and sanitation as well as provide portable drinking water. FIJI Water is a benefit to society as a whole. They have used their resources to give back to our planet and help others in need. More [ 1 ]. James McMaster and Jan Nowak, â€Å"FIJI Water and Corporate Social Responsibility – Green Makeover or â€Å"Greenwashing†?, May 2009, Ivey Management Services. [ 2 ]. N.A., â€Å"FIJI Water,† http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_Water#History, 2012. [ 3 ]. N.A., â€Å"Mission Statement,† http://www.fijiwater.com/company/company-timeline/, N.D. [ 4 ]. Ibid. [ 5 ]. James McMaster and Jan Nowak, â€Å"FIJI Water and Corporate Social Responsibility – Green Makeover or â€Å"Greenwashing†?, May 2009, Ivey Management Services. [ 6 ]. â€Å"FIJI Water Becomes First Bottled Water Company to Release Carbon Footprint of Its Products,† April 9, 2008, www.bevnet.com [ 7 ]. Ibid. [ 8 ]. Ibid. [ 9 ]. â€Å"FIJI Water Becomes First Bottled Water Company to Release Carbon Footprint of Its Products,† FIJI Water Press Release, Los Angeles, April 9, 2008, www.bevnet.com. [ 10 ]. James McMaster and Jan Nowak, â€Å"FIJI Water and Corporate Social Responsibility – Green Makeover or â€Å"Greenwashing†?, May 2009, Ivey Management Services. [ 11 ]. Heidi Sigelbaum, â€Å"Fiji Water by the numbers,† June 6, 2008. [ 12 ]. www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/pablo_calculate.php [ 13 ]. McMaster and Nowak, â€Å"Natural Waters of Viti Limited – Pioneering a New Industry in the Fiji Islands.†

Working Capital Analysis of Wal-Mart Essay -- Business Management Fina

Working Capital Analysis of Wal-Mart Every business decision is associated in one way or another with the financial condition of the organization. The results of a working capital analysis will assist in the determination of organization ¡Ã‚ ¦s ability to remain in a particular line of business. The primary focus of Team C ¡Ã‚ ¦s analysis of Wal-Mart, Inc is its current and future financial condition. The most imperative areas that are found in the Capital Structure Analysis Report fall into the following categories: Working Capital Management, Valuation and Investment, and Cost of Capital. The company ¡Ã‚ ¦s operational processes within each area can be examined and related financial data reviewed. Once the financial data is collected and calculated potential areas for improvements can be identified and corrective or innovative measures can be implemented. As in all businesses, which include Wal-Mart, it must be considered that there is always room for improvement. Working Capital Management In order to fully understand the company ¡Ã‚ ¦s financial position a financial manager must consider the amount of net working capital available. The net working capital is the difference between current assets and current liabilities. Companies normally have a positive net working capital. The components of working capital change continually within the cycle of operations. (Brealey, 2001) Therefore, an effective manager will monitor the cash conversion periods to determine the length of the production process. The longer the process, the longer the company ¡Ã‚ ¦s money will be tied up in the process. The two elements in the business cycle that normally absorb the most cash are inventory and receivables. The main sources of cash are payables and equity or loans. Speeding up the working capital cycle will generate more cash for the company. www.planware.org This management of working capital will allow the company to maximize its use of existing cash flows as well as leverage additional sources of working capital. Underperforming Company Ratios Although Wal-Mart is performing well overall and remains a leader within the retail industry, the company is not without opportunities for improvement. An analysis of the financial ratios for the company over the last three years as well as an industry comparison has identified areas in which the company could enhance its ... ... 3.03 3.26 3.59 Payout Ratio_______________________.19__________.17__________.23____ Table B Industry Averages_____________________________________________________ Fiscal Year 2001 2002 2003____ Leverage Debt Ratio 1.58 2.2 .53 Times Interest Earned Ratio .75 1.78 2.46 Liquidity Current Ratio 3.1 2.8 2.6 Quick Ratio .6 .5 .4 Net Working Capital .195 .07 .195 Efficiency Asset Turnover Ratio 2.23 2.27 2.2 Average Collection Period 12.6 10.4 8 Inventory Turnover 5.24 5.38 5.73 Profitability Net Profit Margin 3.7 2.8 3.97 Payout Ratio_______________________ 32.4__________34.3________34.6___ Tables are a combination of the following resources: www.walmart.com, www.reuter.com, www.biz.yahoo.com, UOP library resource Dun and Bradstreet industry ratios, and www.bloomberg.com.

Management of Learning Disabilities

This semester we have spent the majority of our time learning about and discussing how we can best assist exceptional students. Many of these students are individuals with learning dissabilities. Although it would be difficult for every teacher to understand the distinctions, symptoms, weaknesses and strengths of every disability, it can be very helpful to have a general knowledge of the disabilities that may hinder a student†s ability to learn. Unlike other disabilities like paralysis and blindness, a learning disability (LD) is a hidden handicap. A learning disability does not disfigure or leave visible signs that would invite others to be understanding or offer support (Council for Exceptional Children (CEC),1999). Therefore as teachers it will be our responsibility to provide that understanding and support for those children already diagnosed and also be alert to the warning signs that may be symptoms of a previously undetected disability. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (NIMH, 1999) describes learning disabilities as follows: LD is a disorder that effects people†s ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations can show up in many ways. As specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control, or attention. Such difficulties extend to school work and can impede learning to read or write or to do math. Learning disability can be lifelong conditions that, in some cases, affect many parts of a person†s life: school or work, daily routines, family life, and sometimes even friendships. In some people, many overlapping learning disabilities may be apparent. Other people may have a single isolated learning problem that has little impact on other areas of their lives (National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1999). It is important to remember that the term â€Å"learning disability† does not apply to students who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visual or hearing problems, mental retardation, emotional problems, or disadvantaged due to their environment, culture or economic background (US Department of Education (USDE), 1999). Knowing what constitutes a LD is only the beginning. Diagnosing and treating a learning disability is not a diagnosis in the same sense as diabetes or chicken pox. These have a known cause, distinct symptoms and treatments. LD, on the other hand, is a very broad term that covers an array of possible causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. There is no medication to â€Å"cure† a learning disability (NCLD, 1999). If seen listed, the number of disabilities may be daunting. However, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Ed. (DSM-IV) (DSM-IV, 1994) divides LD†s into three broad categories. The first category is Developmental Speech and Language Disorders. This includes disorders where children have trouble controlling their rate of speech and may be behind their peers in learning certain speech sounds. Difficulty being able to express oneself through speech as well as trouble understanding certain aspects of speech all fall within this category (Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDAA), 1999). The second category is Academic Skills Disorders. Under this category falls Developmental Reading Disorder, more commonly known as dyslexia. Reading disorders are believed to effect 2-8% of all elementary school children(The International Dyslexia Association (IDA), 1999). Developmental Writing Disorder, where a child has difficulty with vocabulary, grammar, hand movement or memory and Developmental Arithmetic Disorder where a child has difficulty recognizing numbers and symbols and understanding abstract concepts also fall under this category. The last category is known as â€Å"other† Learning Disabilities. The most commonly known are the attention disorders. Although Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are not actual learning disabilities they may have a major impact on the child†s ability to learn (CEC, 1999). Another aspect that separates a learning disability from other disabilities is that currently the cause is unclear. In the past it was believed that LD†s were the result of a single neurological problem. However recent research seems to indicate that most learning dissabilities do not stem from a specific area of the brain, but from difficulties in bringing together information from various regions of the brain (NIMH, 1999). There are several possible reasons how a child might develop these subtle disturbances in the brain. When the brain is developing as a fetus is highly vulnerable. If it†s development is disrupted early in the development that fetus may die or suffer from more severe dissabilities. If, however, the disturbance occurs later in development when the cells in the brain are becoming specialized (this is when areas associated with attention, thinking and emotion develop as well as processing sight, sound and other senses) then the result may show up as a LD as the child develops (NIMH, 1999). The use of tabacco, alcohol, or other drugs during pregnancy may also have damaging effects on the unborn child. Many drugs taken by the mother are passed directly onto the fetus. Babies born to mother who smoke for instance are more likely to have a low birth weight. Newborns born under weight tend to be at risk for a variety of problems one of which is a learning disability. Alcohol may distort the developing neutrons and if taken in large amounts may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition that leads to intellectual impairment (NIMH,1999). Complications during pregnancy or delivery are another possible cause of a LD. In some instances the mother†s immune system will react to the fetus as a virus and fight it as if it were an infection. This may lead the forming brain cells to settle in the wrong places. Lack of oxygen during delivery can impair brain function and result in a LD as well (NIMH, 1999). It is also a fact the LD†s seem to run in families. This may indicate a genetic link of some kind. Although LD can run in the family, there is usually a slight difference in the disability. For example, a parent that may have a writing disorder may have a child that has difficulty expressing him/herself in speech (NCLD,1999). There could be another reason why LD†s run in the family. It is possible to attribute some learning difficulties to the family environment. For example, if a parent has a disability where s/he has difficulty expressing themselves through language then they are more likely not to talk as much to their children or the language they use may be distorted or they may use the wrong words often enough so that the child is unaware the s/he is using the wrong words also. The child lacking a good model to follow when acquiring language skills may then acquire a disability of his/her own (NCLD, 1999). Another possibility is that toxins in the child†s environment may effect the development of the child†s brain in early childhood. In a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, a connection was made between the amount of lead in the environment and learning disabilities (NIMH,1999). Though many of the possible reasons a child may have developed a learning disability can not be changed, environmental causes can. Many learning disabilities are not noticed until a child enters the formal learning environment (Council for Learning Disabilities (CFLD), 1999). Therefore, teachers are often the first to observe a child†s persistent difficulties in mathematics, reading or writing and must be knowledgeable about what to look for and how to identify a LD. A student with hyperactivity is relatively easy to identify due to there impulsive behavior and excessive movement, however, what about the child who is quiet and polite or the child with above average intelligence who has been able to maintain passing grades? These children are less likely do be identified and may go unnoticed and undiagnosed. Although some children reach developmental milestones (first step, first word, ability to write one†s own name†¦ etc. ) later than others, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to informally identify a learning disability. If a milestone is already quite delayed, if there†s a history of LD in the family or if there are several delayed skills than a teacher should notify the students parents and relay his/her concerns (CEC,1999). At this time, parents have the opportunity to have their child tested free of charge through the local public school system or they may choose to have an outside evaluation. Documentation is then brought to the school and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created. It is a teacher†s responsibility to implement the goals and objectives of an IEP in the classroom. Due to the individuality of each student and his/her disability, accommodations may vary among students. There are several different strategies that may help children to succeed academically. For example, printing assignments on a certain color paper or encouraging a child to use a colored overlay may significantly help them to process written information. Older students with developmental writing disorders may benefit from bringing a lap top computer to class to take notes or use for any written assignments. It may also be necessary that a student has someone to take notes for them or have assignments read to them aloud. These are just a few of the possible accommodations that may help students learn more efficiently (LDAA,1998). Insuring each child receives the best education possible is a never ending task yet it is one each teacher takes on when s/he enters the classroom. By educating oneself about the different ways students learn, having the ability to notice when there appears to be a gap in a child†s intelligence and the skills s/he has achieved and being familiar and educated about what you can do to help each child fulfill his/her potential can only make for a better educator. Management of Learning Disabilities This semester we have spent the majority of our time learning about and discussing how we can best assist exceptional students. Many of these students are individuals with learning dissabilities. Although it would be difficult for every teacher to understand the distinctions, symptoms, weaknesses and strengths of every disability, it can be very helpful to have a general knowledge of the disabilities that may hinder a student†s ability to learn. Unlike other disabilities like paralysis and blindness, a learning disability (LD) is a hidden handicap. A learning disability does not disfigure or leave visible signs that would invite others to be understanding or offer support (Council for Exceptional Children (CEC),1999). Therefore as teachers it will be our responsibility to provide that understanding and support for those children already diagnosed and also be alert to the warning signs that may be symptoms of a previously undetected disability. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (NIMH, 1999) describes learning disabilities as follows: LD is a disorder that effects people†s ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations can show up in many ways. As specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control, or attention. Such difficulties extend to school work and can impede learning to read or write or to do math. Learning disability can be lifelong conditions that, in some cases, affect many parts of a person†s life: school or work, daily routines, family life, and sometimes even friendships. In some people, many overlapping learning disabilities may be apparent. Other people may have a single isolated learning problem that has little impact on other areas of their lives (National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1999). It is important to remember that the term â€Å"learning disability† does not apply to students who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visual or hearing problems, mental retardation, emotional problems, or disadvantaged due to their environment, culture or economic background (US Department of Education (USDE), 1999). Knowing what constitutes a LD is only the beginning. Diagnosing and treating a learning disability is not a diagnosis in the same sense as diabetes or chicken pox. These have a known cause, distinct symptoms and treatments. LD, on the other hand, is a very broad term that covers an array of possible causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. There is no medication to â€Å"cure† a learning disability (NCLD, 1999). If seen listed, the number of disabilities may be daunting. However, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Ed. (DSM-IV) (DSM-IV, 1994) divides LD†s into three broad categories. The first category is Developmental Speech and Language Disorders. This includes disorders where children have trouble controlling their rate of speech and may be behind their peers in learning certain speech sounds. Difficulty being able to express oneself through speech as well as trouble understanding certain aspects of speech all fall within this category (Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDAA), 1999). The second category is Academic Skills Disorders. Under this category falls Developmental Reading Disorder, more commonly known as dyslexia. Reading disorders are believed to effect 2-8% of all elementary school children(The International Dyslexia Association (IDA), 1999). Developmental Writing Disorder, where a child has difficulty with vocabulary, grammar, hand movement or memory and Developmental Arithmetic Disorder where a child has difficulty recognizing numbers and symbols and understanding abstract concepts also fall under this category. The last category is known as â€Å"other† Learning Disabilities. The most commonly known are the attention disorders. Although Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are not actual learning disabilities they may have a major impact on the child†s ability to learn (CEC, 1999). Another aspect that separates a learning disability from other disabilities is that currently the cause is unclear. In the past it was believed that LD†s were the result of a single neurological problem. However recent research seems to indicate that most learning dissabilities do not stem from a specific area of the brain, but from difficulties in bringing together information from various regions of the brain (NIMH, 1999). There are several possible reasons how a child might develop these subtle disturbances in the brain. When the brain is developing as a fetus is highly vulnerable. If it†s development is disrupted early in the development that fetus may die or suffer from more severe dissabilities. If, however, the disturbance occurs later in development when the cells in the brain are becoming specialized (this is when areas associated with attention, thinking and emotion develop as well as processing sight, sound and other senses) then the result may show up as a LD as the child develops (NIMH, 1999). The use of tabacco, alcohol, or other drugs during pregnancy may also have damaging effects on the unborn child. Many drugs taken by the mother are passed directly onto the fetus. Babies born to mother who smoke for instance are more likely to have a low birth weight. Newborns born under weight tend to be at risk for a variety of problems one of which is a learning disability. Alcohol may distort the developing neutrons and if taken in large amounts may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition that leads to intellectual impairment (NIMH,1999). Complications during pregnancy or delivery are another possible cause of a LD. In some instances the mother†s immune system will react to the fetus as a virus and fight it as if it were an infection. This may lead the forming brain cells to settle in the wrong places. Lack of oxygen during delivery can impair brain function and result in a LD as well (NIMH, 1999). It is also a fact the LD†s seem to run in families. This may indicate a genetic link of some kind. Although LD can run in the family, there is usually a slight difference in the disability. For example, a parent that may have a writing disorder may have a child that has difficulty expressing him/herself in speech (NCLD,1999). There could be another reason why LD†s run in the family. It is possible to attribute some learning difficulties to the family environment. For example, if a parent has a disability where s/he has difficulty expressing themselves through language then they are more likely not to talk as much to their children or the language they use may be distorted or they may use the wrong words often enough so that the child is unaware the s/he is using the wrong words also. The child lacking a good model to follow when acquiring language skills may then acquire a disability of his/her own (NCLD, 1999). Another possibility is that toxins in the child†s environment may effect the development of the child†s brain in early childhood. In a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, a connection was made between the amount of lead in the environment and learning disabilities (NIMH,1999). Though many of the possible reasons a child may have developed a learning disability can not be changed, environmental causes can. Many learning disabilities are not noticed until a child enters the formal learning environment (Council for Learning Disabilities (CFLD), 1999). Therefore, teachers are often the first to observe a child†s persistent difficulties in mathematics, reading or writing and must be knowledgeable about what to look for and how to identify a LD. A student with hyperactivity is relatively easy to identify due to there impulsive behavior and excessive movement, however, what about the child who is quiet and polite or the child with above average intelligence who has been able to maintain passing grades? These children are less likely do be identified and may go unnoticed and undiagnosed. Although some children reach developmental milestones (first step, first word, ability to write one†s own name†¦ etc. ) later than others, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to informally identify a learning disability. If a milestone is already quite delayed, if there†s a history of LD in the family or if there are several delayed skills than a teacher should notify the students parents and relay his/her concerns (CEC,1999). At this time, parents have the opportunity to have their child tested free of charge through the local public school system or they may choose to have an outside evaluation. Documentation is then brought to the school and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created. It is a teacher†s responsibility to implement the goals and objectives of an IEP in the classroom. Due to the individuality of each student and his/her disability, accommodations may vary among students. There are several different strategies that may help children to succeed academically. For example, printing assignments on a certain color paper or encouraging a child to use a colored overlay may significantly help them to process written information. Older students with developmental writing disorders may benefit from bringing a lap top computer to class to take notes or use for any written assignments. It may also be necessary that a student has someone to take notes for them or have assignments read to them aloud. These are just a few of the possible accommodations that may help students learn more efficiently (LDAA,1998). Insuring each child receives the best education possible is a never ending task yet it is one each teacher takes on when s/he enters the classroom. By educating oneself about the different ways students learn, having the ability to notice when there appears to be a gap in a child†s intelligence and the skills s/he has achieved and being familiar and educated about what you can do to help each child fulfill his/her potential can only make for a better educator.

Philiosophies in Early Childhood Teaching Essay

Formal Writing Assignment: Introduction to Early Childhood Education Instructor: Ecole Morris- University of Montana-Western Goal: to develop a personal teaching philosophy of early childhood education based on research and analysis. Purpose: If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of teaching young children, what would you say? How would you begin to formulate a statement that captures the essence of your belief about teaching and learning? Teacher candidates are increasingly being asked to articulate their philosophy of teaching. This request is often in conjunction with the submission of a teaching portfolio for seeking teaching positions or dossier for promotion and tenure. A teaching philosophy is a statement of reflection about what you will do as a teacher. Your beliefs influence your action. It has been recognized by many teachers that the process of identifying a personal teaching philosophy and continuously examining, testifying, and verifying this philosophy can lead to change of teaching behaviors and ultimately enhance professional and personal growth. Assignment: For this assignment articulate your teaching philosophy in two phases. (100 points) 1. Introduction: at the beginning of the semester, you are required to write a 4-5 page paper. In it, consider the following points: * Why do you want to become an early childhood education teacher? * What type of teaching position do you hope to obtain, and why? * What are your strongest characteristics or talents as a potential early childhood educator? * What are the factors that influence your decision to pursue this career? 2. Areas to emphasize: Use the following questions to help you think about your beliefs regarding teaching young children. It is not necessary to respond to each of these questions in your written philosophy. You may also decide to comment on additional issues as well. Take some time to think about each one in some depth. * How do you view young children? What is the child’s role in his/her education? What do you belief about how young children learn? * What role does family play in your teaching? How will you include them in your classroom? * What are your views on inclusion, how will you include all children in your classroom? * How do you view the role of the teacher? How will your views influence your teaching? * What kind of environment do you hope to create in your future classroom? How does this relate to your basic beliefs about young children and learning? * What do you hope young children will become? What do you want them to achieve, accomplish, learn, feel, etc.? * What kind of feedback will you offer your students as they work? What kind of assessment will you use to be sure that students have met objectives? * Looking back at the history of early childhood education, who or what approaches have the greatest impression on you, and why? General Paper Format Suggestions: * Use present tense, in most cases. Write the paper in first-person (which is the most common and easiest for your audience to read). * Write in language and concepts that can be broadly appreciated. A general rule is that the statement should be written with the audience in mind. It may help to consider a school administrator (e.g. , school principal) as your audience. * Write a paper that will let your audience know where you stand in regard to important educational theories and practices. By including specific examples of teaching theories and approaches, you are able to let your reader take a mental â€Å"peek† of your classroom. * Make the paper memorable and unique. Think of this teaching philosophy as part of a job application where your readers are seeing many of these statements. What is going to set you apart from others? What about you are they going to remember? Create a vivid portrait of yourself as someone who is intentional about teaching and committed to his/her career. * A working draft will be developed and reviewed by a peer during the class. This working draft will be submitted with the final draft. * The personal philosophy paper must be typed, double-spaced, following APA (6th ed. ) guidelines. It must be a minimum of 4 pages not including references or appendices. A minimum of 3 references must be used. No more than 1 of these can be electronic (internet) references. A textbook bibliography can be a goldmine of references to follow up on as well.

Tanza Oasis Essay Example

Tanza Oasis Essay Example Tanza Oasis Essay Tanza Oasis Essay Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort  is Cavite’s only true resort destination, offering the perfect mix of exceptional resort accommodations, service, comfort and a classic Filipino hospitality. Just one hour away from busy life of Metro Manila, Discover a hotel that is modern as well as classically elegant. This Cavite resort offers the largest themed Swimming Pool in the area, that will cater adults and loved by the kids. Also, Tanza Oasis Hotel stands as the premier meeting center for international clientele and businessman alike with meeting, convention and outdoor function space. Youll experience superior luxury, subtle elegance and personalized services and much more. FACILITIES ; SERVICES Facilities * Swimming pool The swimming pool safari themed is equipped with 3 exciting giant pool slides for those who want some action and play house for the kids. It caters to all, both young and adult. * Ballroom With the elegant fully carpeted ballroom and chandeliers. Sahara Ballroom lends itself to buffets or sit down dinners, as well as conferences and seminars. Capacity for sit down dinners is 400. 500 for theatre style seating. For your convenience, it has a divider that can split the ballroom in half. This is truly Cavite’s most elegant location for all your special events. * Business Center The Center provides businesses of all sizes with the office facilities and services they need to be successful. From printers, Xerox machine, Wi-Fi internet. The Center offers the highest quality business services available. * Meeting Room Whether you are presenting to your largest client or holding off-site company meetings, our meeting rooms are the ideal professional working environment. * Basketball Nothing beats a favorite Filipino game which we enjoyed very much. A very athletic game to flex those muscles. * Billiards * Volleyball * Souvenir Shop Services * Room service * Body massage * Wi-Fi access * Standby generator

Restive and Restless - Commonly Confused Words - Restive versus Restless

Restive and Restless - Commonly Confused Words - Restive versus Restless Theres only a shade of difference between the words restive and restless, but its a shade worth paying attention to.The adjective restive means difficult to control or impatient in the face of restraint or authority. The adjective restless means unable to rest, relax, or remain still. Unlike restive, restless is not associated with external restraint. Also see the usage notes below. Examples: The only real answer to a  restive animal  is good schooling. Nothing upsets horses or ponies (or riders) more than a  restive animal  that will not stand quietly.(George Wheatley, The Young Riders Companion, 1981)If you have a burning, restless urge to write or paint, simply eat something sweet and the feeling will pass.(Fran Lebowitz, Metropolitan Life, 1978) Usage Notes: [T]he words [restive and restless] overlap considerably. The subtle distinction, says The American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage (2005), is between restive, impatient with restriction, and restless, fidgety. But restive is often merely a synonym for restless. Some critics lament this development, says Garner 2003, but it seems irreversible.(Jan Freeman, Ambrose Bierces Write It Right. Walker, 2009)Restless is used for a person or thing that has or gives little rest: She spent a restless night worrying about the bills, Never more, Sailor / Shalt thou be / Tossed on the wind-ridden / Restless sea (Walter de la Mare). Restive is used for a person or thing that is uneasy, or impatient of authority: Horses can be restive creatures, anxious to be moving when they should be standing still.(Adrian Room, Dictionary of Confusable Words. Routledge, 2000)[A] patient who is sleeping poorly may be restless, but the same patient is restive only if kept in bed against his or her will.(Webster s New Essential Writers Companion. Houghton Mifflin, 2007) Practice:(a) My _____, roaming spirit would not allow me to remain at home very long.(Buffalo Bill Cody)(b) Pete was a _____ prisoner, and on February 27, 1945, he and a fellow convict escaped from Retrieve Prison Farm and made their way to Detroit before being recaptured by the FBI.(Douglas V. Meed, Texas Ranger Johnny Klevenhagen. Republic of Texas Press, 2000) Answers to Practice Exercises Glossary of Usage: Index of Commonly Confused Words Answers to Practice Exercises: Restive and Restless (a) My restless, roaming spirit would not allow me to remain at home very long.(Buffalo Bill Cody)(b) Pete was a restive prisoner, and on February 27, 1945, he and a fellow convict escaped from Retrieve Prison Farm and made their way to Detroit before being recaptured by the FBI.(Douglas V. Meed, Texas Ranger Johnny Klevenhagen. Republic of Texas Press, 2000) Glossary of Usage: Index of Commonly Confused Words

HUM DQ 2 WK6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

HUM DQ 2 WK6 - Essay Example These events led to Muslims getting education by interacting with other societies and as a result there are renowned Muslim scientists and doctors. Various Muslims have given significant share in developing major scientific plants in the United States as well as other countries around the world (Moore, 1995). Many Islamic individuals who settled in the US as civilians gained good contacts with the resident and managed to build good reputations with them, which made it easy for them to survive and flourish. Muslims have also managed to unite together religiously and politically under one banner making them very strong in the US as well as the world at large. The end of the Cold War also assisted in the development of Islam in the US as most of them moved in search for religion where they later settled in US to develop their different political ideologies and maintain their faith. Terrorism by some factions of the Muslim community has also increased development of Islam in US with various people trying to fight

Leaving Canada - What tax issues should a Canadian leaving Canada Article

Leaving Canada - What tax issues should a Canadian leaving Canada consider so that they become non-resident for Canadian tax pur - Article Example Therefore, once a person moves out of Canada, they would want to break all ties with the country, thus making them non-residents. Being a Canadian non-resident means that one is allowed to pay less (or no) taxes to Canadian Revenue Agency. In order to achieve this non-payment of taxes, one must ensure that he establishes new residence in the country he migrates to, and sever all residence ties with Canada. This is because, as â€Å"Tax for Canadian Expats† provides, the Canadian tax agency can only consider someone as a non-resident after they have been living out of Canada for 24 months. According to â€Å"Emigrants and Income Tax 2011†, one can sever residential ties with Canada by selling or leasing out his Canadian homes on a long-term basis and establishing permanent homes in his new country (4). Secondly, one can have his spouses and dependants, if any, leave Canada and join him in his destination countries. A Canadian expatriate can also dispose of any property h e has in Canada, surrender his driving license, credit cards, and health insurance (ibid). If one does not sever his residential ties with Canada, then he is liable for the taxation of his overseas income. Tax obligations to Canada After a person leaves Canada and severs all residential ties with the tax agency, there are a number of source incomes that are liable for taxation under the Canadian law. According to â€Å"Leaving Canada Checklist† the payers in Canada are allowed to a withholding tax rate of 25 per cent (5) on some income sources. Some of the income sources liable to this taxation include rental payments, annuity payments, retiring allowances, and dividends. An emigrant is obligated to pay tax on these types of income sources and can, therefore, not file any return claims. However, as â€Å"Tax for Canadian Expats† provides, an expatriate who receives income from such sources as real estate and timber operations may decide to pay taxes using a different t axing method then ask for a refund on some of the withheld tax. In addition, an emigrant has tax obligations to Canada if they owed the country any taxes prior to their departure. A person can also file for a refund if they paid excess taxes to the Canadian tax agency. According to the provisions of â€Å"Emigrants and Income Tax 2011† such returns should be filed on or before the 30th day of April, the year after the expatriate moved out of Canada (7). Tax obligations to the new country of residence Most countries have a system of taxing the incomes of their residents. This means that a person migrating from Canada to another country will most probably have to pay taxes on their income in the destination country. Accordingly, â€Å"Tax for Canadian Expats† advices that such a person should ensure that these taxes are paid for by their employer, by insisting on a written contract specifying that the company is responsible for the payment of such taxes. The employee sho uld keep records to show that they have paid those taxes, by obtaining copies of tax returns filed on their behalf by the recruiting company (ibid). Proof of payment of taxes in a foreign country enables an emigrant to request for the deduction of Canadian tax

Q Assess the effectiveness of Nathanael West's use of Surreal elements Essay

Q Assess the effectiveness of Nathanael West's use of Surreal elements in 'The Day of the Locust' - Essay Example When the war finally ended, it was called the Great War, because it was thought that no such war would ever be fought again. The next decades did nothing to break the pessimism that many felt about the world's future. The crash in the world financial markets that happened in 1929, the worldwide drought in 1930, conspired to create the Great Depression, a worldwide economic downturn that basically lasted until industry began gearing up for what would be called the Second World War. As a result, the 1930's was a decade of extreme pessimism, which was manifested in a number of ways. The arts produced "case studies, reportage, documentary photography, proletarian literature, and 'social problem' films" with the goal of "reconstruct[ing] the 'hidden' logic of an elusive social reality" (Veitch, xvii). This is the time period in which Nathanael West made his literary mark. Jonathan Veitch makes note of the problems that critics have had in assigning West a particular place within the writing of that time, and American literature as a whole. Different critics described him, variously, as a "poet of darkness," "an apocalyptic writer," "a universal satirist," "a homegrown surrealist," and a "writer of the left." (Veitch xi, xvi). Some of these descriptions have definite contradictions with one another, but they all reflect different elements of the author's persona, and his work. His "style was never constant. At times his pictorial technique closely resembled collage [but also] cartoon strips, movies, and several schools of painting, as well as such non-graphic visual arts as the tableau and the dance." (Schug). While many of West's novels and other writings defy classification, though, The Day of the Locust does not. The surreal elements of this novel place it squarely in the camp of modernist fiction. His technique and methods bear considerable similarity to those of his contemporaries. When one considers some of the commonalities of modernist fiction: violence, decadence, irony, the grotesque, dreams, realism, allusion, distortion, and experimentation (Schug), all of these apply to The Day of the Locust, and many of them are a result of the surrealist techniques that West applies to his novel. The particular target of West's writing in The Day of the Locust is the dilemma that the artist faced when taking on the growing culture industry of the 1930's. The Hollywood industry is both the object of critique in the novel, as well as the subject of the story itself. The book executes a dark criticism of the so-called "dream factory" that Hollywood was in those times (and still is seen to be today) (Blyn). Ironically, those many of the aesthetic techniques at work in the novel owe a debt to that same Hollywood industry that the book itself is attacking. Consider, for example, the riot scene where a star appears at the premiere of a film. Protagonist Tod Hackett is taken away by the police in a squad car: He was carried through the exit to the back street and lifted into a police car. The siren began to scream and at first he thought he was making the noise himself. He felt his lips with his hands. They were clamped tight. He knew then it was the siren. For some reason this made him laugh, and he began to imitate the siren as loud as he could. (185) Clearly, the siren operates as a

Internet Marketing strategy concepts and definitions

Internet Marketing strategy concepts and definitions This chapter aims to present a complete theoretical framework in order to justify an analysis of the previous findings. In the literature review, the evolvement of Internet marketing strategies will be evaluated. Previous research related to digital marketing strategy and the factors affecting customer satisfaction will be clarified. The review forms the principles on which the research is built, by identifying relevant theories and concepts that will be analysed using primary data. This chapter focuses on e-commerce, e-retailing, Internet marketing strategy and consumer behaviour. 2.2.1 Internet Marketing Since business to consumer (B2C) online marketing is becoming increasingly popular in recent years, the population of online consumers is turning more mainstream and diverse (Kotler, 2008). Internet marketing strategy provides consistent direction for an organisations e-marketing activities, defined by Kotler (2007, p493), is becoming one of the mostly rapid increasing technologies of direct marketing and widespread use of the Internet and has a variety of impacts on both buyers and marketers. Therefore, the term Internet marketing refers to an external perspective of how the Internet can be utilised in connection with traditional media to supply and deliver services to customers (Chaffey, 2009). Smith and Chaffey (2008) state that: E-marketing can identify, anticipate and satisfy customer needs efficiently Identifying needs from customer comments, enquiries, requests and complaints solicited via the web sites e-mail facility Anticipating the Internet provides an additional channel by which customers can access information and make purchases evaluating the demand is key to governing resource allocation to e-marketing. Satisfying achieving customer satisfaction through the digital channel, this relates to customer relationship management. Efficiently in an automated way, probably should mean efficiently, increasing lifetime value and maintain the vast armies of not-for-profit marketers. [Chaffey and Smith, 2008, page 18] The Internet brings convenience to consumers and has also permitted the creation of virtual retailers, which are characterised by having only an online presence, such as Amazon.com (Henderson and Er-Radi, 2000). Moreover, the key reason that drives business organisations to access online is to add value for customers by providing them with attractive and effective web sites. Kotler et al. (2008) consider that widespread use of the Internet and other technologies has given marketers a brand new way to create value for customers and build strong relationships with them. The web has basically changed customers concept of convenience, speed, price, product information and service. The authors also suggest that the success of click only companies, such as Amazon, eBay and others to re-examine how they served their markets (Kotler, et al. 2008, p839). The importance of an Internet marketing strategy was underlined by Chaffey et al. (2009), who said that a strong strategy is needed to provide consistent direction for an organisations e-marketing activities. Additionally, the Internet marketing strategy is a channel marketing strategy and determines the strategic significance of the Internet related to other communication channels which are used to communicate with customers at different customer touchpoints; for Internet marketing, many online organisations intended to use search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) marketing, affiliates and e-mail marketing (Chaffey, et al. 2009, p201). Obviously, the marketing mix (Kotler, 2001) can be applied by marketers to notify their Internet marketing strategy; the extension of 4Ps 7Ps include: Product, Price, Place and Promotion, People, Process and Physical evidence (Booms and Bitner, 1981). The marketing mix is applied frequently to marketing strategy since it provides a simple strategic framework for changing different aspects of a companys products helping to influence the demand for product within the target markets. Especially for an organisation which is involved directly in transactional e-commerce, digital media have implications for the significance of different marketing mix for different markets (Chaffey et al, 2009). Additionally, Lauterborn (1990) suggested the 4Cs framework the 4Cs imply more emphasis on customer wants and concerns than do the Ps: Convenience for the customer; Customer value and benefits; Costs to the customer; and Communication. This customer-centric approach also applies well to online mark ets; it follows that the selection of marketing mix should be based on detailed knowledge of buyer behaviour gathered through market research (Chaffey et al, 2009, p 279). Dennis and Harris (2002) also indicate that one development has merit as being descriptive of the way marketers think about the customer. The 4Cs are as explained below: C1 Convenience for the customer Place (from the 4Ps), can be thought of as Convenience for the customer, recognising the customers choice to purchase in ways that feel convenient to them. C1 also includes key aspects of website design, such as navigation, layout and ease of purchase. C2 Customer value and benefits Product, can be thought of as Customer value and benefits. E-retailers now specify products to a much better extent than previously, evaluating relationships to the customer and appreciation of benefits that customers want. When customers are buying online, they are far less likely to ask for help than when they are in store. E-shoppers need to be especially careful about describing products explicitly in terms of customer value and benefits. C3 Cost to the customer Price is represented as Cost to the customer, the real cost that the customer will pay, including packaging and shipping fee. Consumers often have a perception that prices should be lower online than in-store. Retailers often offer further pricing options includes: discounts; add-ons and extra products and services; guarantees and warranties; refund policies; order cancellation terms (Chaffey et al, 2009) C4 Communication and customer relationships Communication is equivalent to Promotion. It is a two-way process also involving attitudes and feedback from customers to suppliers. Dennis and Harris (2002) state that retailers spend more on advertising than manufacturers do, and they are closer to customers and have more access to customer feedback. Successful e-retailers often use offline advertising and promotion such as magazines and posters, integrated with online marketing communications. Online methods include banner ads and pop-ups, paid-for listings in search engines and affiliate programmes. E-retailers find it difficult to gain and satisfy customers emotional needs and wants. To achieve this, e-retailers can create a web atmosphere using techniques, such as music, visual download and videos. Moreover, e-retailers can build a picture of products most likely to be bought by individual customers. For instance, Amazon (www.amazon.com) matches new books to existing customers who maybe interested in them, based on prior purcha ses and makes recommendations accordingly (Dennis et al, 2004 pp2-8). 2.3 E-commerce Reynolds (2000) demonstrates that the Internet is changing the way people conduct normal business, whether this is finding new ways of revenue, obtaining new customers, or managing a new business supply chain. E-commerce enables businesses to sell products and services to consumers worldwide. According to Warrington et al. (2000), the intricacies of electronic commerce via the Internet and the World Wide Web have offered marketers an abundance of opportunities and challenges. E-commerce is growing at a tremendous rate, using the Internet initially as a communication and promotional tool, and later to perform distribution channels, discovering an entirely new situation of consumer purchasing behaviour. De Kare-Silver (2000) suggests that interactive technologies are doing away with the need for people to visit shops. The number of UK regular home web users has risen to 16.5m, time spent by home web users is also growing up, because they search for and use websites more (Gibson, 2002). Oz (2002) consists that consumers prefer to shop and buy on the Internet for three major reasons: convenience, saving time and comparative shopping. Ginn (2010) also demonstrates that online sales are a huge and growing part of the UK retail sector, and currently account for a quarter of all new retail businesses; online sales are predicted to reach  £78 billion during 2010. Despite the increasing levels of Internet adoption and usage, Internet shopping in the UK represents less than 10% of all purchases and online shopping remains popular for certain products only (Soopramanien et al, 2007 cited in Office of National Statistics Omnibus survey, 2003). Moreover, Internet shopping is considered both safe and easy by many millions of consumers (Econsultancy, 2010). Therefore, selling products online offers huge potential opportunities for retailers; it also instantly enables businesses to reach customers who would not have visited their bricks and mortar store. An ecommerce of long-lasting relationships has become a significant factor for marketers due to the increasing awareness of the financial benefits in maintaining customers (Sahota, 2004). According to cited from Reicheld and Schefter.s research (2000), the unique economics of e-commerce make customer retention a necessity for the e-retailers survival in the digital world. Chaffey et al. (2009, p628) indicates that since 2001 many retailers have accepted the Internet as a durable trading environment and have set about working out how to shape their companies to cope with the demands of trading and interacting in a virtual environment. The author also suggests that companies are able to discover substantial competitive advantages and customer value. Dennis et al. (2004) point out that there are a number of advantages for e-retailers. Firstly, location is not important; according to Amazon, the e-retailers can sell equally well to anyone anywhere in the world. Secondly, size does not ma tter; small e-retailers can compete on equal terms with large ones. Thirdly, the socio-demographic profile of e-shoppers is attractive to many retailers. Finally, online selling saves on the salary costs of traditional sales people. Amazon.co.uks E-retail Mix Convenience According to Dennis et al. (2004, pp47-51), there are several factors which increase the level of customer convenience which can be a vital part in gaining and maintaining new customers. First and foremost, the amazon.co.uk search engine is fast and safe, as customers can quickly look up the desired products. Moreover, the site provides value-added services such as book reviews and ratings, and shows a comparison prices against its own price; thus, customers can see how much they are saving from Amazon. Besides, Amazon offers shopping technology which streamlines the customer buying process by maintaining personal information such as credit card number and shipping address, in order to save time and reduce problems. In some cases the website provides a guarantee that, if the transactions are unauthorised, it will reimburse the money to customers. The authors also state that the main aim of Amazon.co.uk is to maximise customer convenience; one way of doing this is to inform the customer of product availability. Furthermore, the website also displays other books in the same category when customers are searching for similar books. The facility allows customers to have better choice and can increase sales. Customers can view their personal account anytime, which involves information about their previous orders with shipping details. In addition, customers can use account information to make their estimation and recommendations about other books that customer will consider (Dennis et al, 2004, p47). Cost Brynjolfsson and Smith (2000) justifies that Jeff Bezos, believed that online customers considered selection and convenience are more crucial than price. It is apparent that customers want to get a great price with excellent customer service. Most of the books from amazon are available at a discounted price; consumers can easily see three prices: list price, our price and how much you save. Communication Jeff sets the aim of Amazon to be a customer-centric company, so that customers can opt in if they wish to receive more information. Amazon keeps watch on the customers ordering process through the database environment that suits all the details to the website. Therefore, it can follow the trail of the speed and customer performance of every step in a transaction, such as adding items in a shopping basket, completing an order and e-mail notification to the customer. In addition to that, Amazon usually recommends similar books relating to what other customers have bought. These traits lead customers make their choice quickly and they can they can read spotlight reviews by others. Every user can express their viewpoints about authors while publishers and authors can also contribute. Moreover, Amazon uses an integrated marketing communication strategy consists of advertising, public relations, promotions and online marketing. Online activity includes search engine marketing and front pa ges such Yahoo and MSN. The associate program uses other sites to promote Amazon by linking directly take users to Amazons site. Computing Amazon has developed a customised information system and dedicated ordering system, which is linked with suppliers to automatically order books. The companys software processes the orders through interfaces or electronic data interchange with suppliers and the supply chain is computerised. Therefore, the company builds up a strong relationship with customers and suppliers. According to a customer research survey carried out by amazon.co.uk, 70 per cent of sales are collected by repeat customer of whom 97 per cent are satisfied or very satisfied with the service. Its FAQs part is informative as it displays all the key issues encompassing ordering process, delivery charges and return policies. According to Saunders (2001, p76), customer value proposition is a vital feature defined by several factors, including cost, quality, speed of delivery, service during the interaction with the company, and innovation. Cost. Customers usually want to pay the least money for the same quality of products they get. Quality. Customers expect to pay to get the promised quality. Speed. Companies can provide quick delivery is practicing this value proposition. Service repair and replacement. Customers hope if they can call a company at anytime 24 hours a day to solve problems. Innovation. Customers focus on the fastest, the newest, and the most advanced technology in the computer field. Companies often introduce new features to attract and obtain customers. Additionally, Saunders(2001, pp103-106) also suggests that Amazon processes orders and ships books, CDs, videos and so on, however, customer satisfaction comes not only from timely and safety delivery of orders, but also from understanding customer expectations and meeting or exceeding their needs. Moreover, there are some elements may influence customer satisfaction: Leave visitors to the site with a positive impression. Stimulate potential buyers for visiting the store. Make a customers encounters with the company a delight. Personalise and customise service. Perform as promised. Exceed expectations. Communicate the importance of customer satisfaction. Do something better than anyone else does it. Market knowledge as well as product. Consequently, Dennis at el. (2004) summarises that Amazon has become one of the worlds largest booksellers. The company has achieved this position through specific customer centric factors by enhancing customer experience. Kargar (2004) supplements that Amazons marketing strategy was designed to strengthen and broaden the brand name, enhance customer visiting frequency to its web sites; build customer loyalty; encourage repeat purchases and develop increased products and services revenue opportunities. The company delivered several of media, business development activities and promotions to achieve these goals. Chaffey and Smith (2008) also demonstrate that collaborative filtering helps Amazon to identify and anticipate what customers might offer similar books those buyers who have similar interests. 2.2.5 Consumer behaviour Internet consumer behaviour Internet consumer research (Brown et al., 2001) indicates that convenience is the main reason why consumers use the Internet for the purpose of purchasing. E-shoppers tend to be concerned mainly with functional and utilitarian considerations (Dennis et al. 2009). The authors also demonstrate that functional considerations influence consumer attitudes towards an e-retailer, which in turn has an impact on consumers choice of e-retailer and then on actual e-retail activity, including shopping and continued loyalty behaviour. According to a survey by NPD online, 75 per cent of online shoppers said that good customer service would make consumers shop at the site again (Solomon et al. (2006) cited from Gilbert (1999), p316). Another recent study suggested by Wolfinbarger and Gilly (2003) four factors were predictive of customer judgments about quality and satisfaction, customer loyalty and attitudes towards a website: Fulfilment/reliability. (a)The accurate display and description of a product so that what customers receive is what they thought they ordered. (b) The delivery of the right product within the time frame promised. Website design. This includes all elements of the consumers experience at the website (except for customer service), covering navigation, information search, order processing, appropriate personalisation and product selection. Customer service. This needs to be responsive, helpful, willing service that responds to customer inquiries quickly. Security/privacy. This involves the security surrounding credit card payments and the privacy of shared information. Chaston (2001, p25) identifies a five-phase customer purchase process, as shown in Figure 2.1, these are recognition of need, search for information, evaluation of alternatives, the purchase decision and post-purchase evaluation. Need recognition Information search Information evaluation Post-purchase evaluation Purchase decision Fig 2.1 A five-phase customer purchase process Therefore, in presenting a process model, it is apparent that the e-commerce purchase model builder need to recognise that the market attention should be given to how the factors of involvement, the creation of clear difference between a companys product and competition and time pressure may influence customer behaviour (Chaston, 2001, p30). Furthermore, a customer who is becoming a loyal user must experience satisfaction during the post-purchase evaluation phase. Kristensen et al. (1999) draws upon the customer satisfaction model, the combined influence of these factors causes the customer to reach results about both perceived value for money and overall level of satisfaction. Dennis et al. (2009, pp. 1123-1130) demonstrate factors influencing internet consumer behaviour, the conceptual foundations are illustrated in Figure 2.3: Figure 2.3 The basic model The authors propose that: P1. E-consumer attitude towards an e-retailer will be positively influenced by customer perceptions of e-retailer image. P2. E-consumer intentions to purchase from an e-retailer will be influenced by positive attitudes towards the e-retailer. P3. Actual purchases from an e-retailer will be positively influenced by intentions to purchase from an e-retailer. P4. Intention to shop with a particular e-retailer will be positively influenced by past experience. P5. Actual purchases from an e-retailer will positively influence experience. P6. E-consumer trust in an e-retailer will positively influence intention to e-shop. P7. Past experience and cues that reassure the consumer will positively influence trust in an e-retailer. P8. E-consumer attitudes towards an e-retailer will be positively influenced by e-interactivity. From the viewpoint of marketing organisations, a marketing strategy is intended to enhance the probability or frequency of consumer behaviours. Understanding consumers is a critical issue in developing marketing strategies, not only for retailers to adapt to consumers, but also to change what consumers think and feel about a variety of market offerings (Peter et al, 1999). Laudon and Traver (2003) demonstrate that some demographic groups have much higher percentages of online usage than other groups. The demographic profile of the Internet and e-commerce has changed greatly since 1995. There are several factors that influence the consumer behaviour, including gender, age, ethnicity, community type, income level and education. Consumers usually choose to shop online because it can save time and offer a wider range of products, by not going to store; can shop when stores are closed; might find better prices. Transaction cost reduction happens to be the main motivator for selecting th e online channel. However, there are two major criticisms of B2C marketing (Peter and Olson, 2008, pp2-16): firstly, it reaches only a small number of populations; secondly, consumers shop on the website to collect information about products and services but do not purchase. Consequently, several aspects could influence online consumer behaviours, for instance: whether consumers who want products are also Internet users; the size of the targeted e-retail market for the product or service and its geographic segmentation; whether buying the product or service through the Internet provides benefits to potential consumers. Turban et al. (2002) illustrate that e-commerce can be referred to as a new distribution channel; as a result, the task of attracting customers to an online company, customer acquisition, can be difficult and expensive, because it is necessary to first convince unwilling customers to shop online at first. Companies must build brand loyalty with new and existing customers, many successful e-retailers are using innovative technology to provide extra value is aiming to attract and maintain customers (Solomon et al, 2006). One of the benefits of doing Internet business is that it enables companies better understand their customers demands and buying habits, which will allow them to improve and customise their future marketing achievements (Turban et al, 2001, p128). For instance, Amazon can e-mail customers with announcements of new books published in a customers area of interest. Brown et al. (2001) point out that the Internet has transformed the social and spatial aspects of shopping for many consumers, thus, the Internet plays the role of facilitating the information search for consumers. The product acquisition process is increased by enabling consumers to access a significant amount of detailed information with regard to attributed product, comparative price, availability, and overall value proposition. Additionally, Peter and Olson (2008) state that marketing to consumers via the Internet has various benefits for marketers and that online B2C marketing requires marketers to achieve customers dema nds, just as traditional marketing does. Besides, online marketing allows products and services to be offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, therefore, offering products and services globally in an efficient and cost-efficient manner, more precisely, online marketing provides ways for developing one-to-one relationships with consumers and establishing consumer databases to be established for conducting online research. However, Solomon et al. (2006, p319) state that e-commerce has its limitations. First of all, security is one important aspect. Some consumers credit cards and other identity information has been stolen. Secondly, is related to the actual shopping experience. Perhaps consumers will be satisfactory to buy digital cameras or books online, however, buying apparel in which customers should touch and try it on is necessary may be less attractive. Even though most companies have very liberal return policies, consumers still dissatisfied with large delivery and return postal charges for items. Some pros and cons of e-commerce are summarised in Table 2.2. Table 2.2 Pros and cons of e-commerce Benefits of e-commerce Limitations of e-commerce For the consumer For the consumer Shop 24 hours a day Lack of security Less travelling Fraud Can receive relevant information in seconds Cant touch items from any location Exact colours may not reproduce More choice of products on computer monitors More products available to less-developed countries Expensive to order and then return Greater price information Potential breakdown of human Lower prices so that less affluent can purchase relationships Participate in virtual auctions Fast delivery Electronic Communities For the marketer The world is the marketplace Lack of security Decreases costs of doing business Must maintain site to reap benefits Very specialised businesses can be successful Fierce price competition Real time pricing Conflicts with conventional retailers Legal issues not resolved Source: Solomon et al. (2006) cited from Solomon, M. and Stuart, E. W. (2001) Welcome to Marketing.com: The Brave New World of E-commerce. Consumer decision making According to Solomon (2009), a consumer purchase is a response to a problem, there are several steps of consumer decision making (1) problem recognition, (2) information search, (3) evaluation of alternatives, and (4) product choice. Before purchasing a product, consumers have to consider a variety of problems. Moreover, a useful way to characterize the decision making process is to consider the abundant efforts that relates to the decision each time it must be made. Peter et al. (1999) emphasis that consumer decision making is based on the knowledge, meanings, and beliefs activated from memory and the attention and comprehension processes involved in exploring new information in the environment. Thus, consumers make purchasing decisions about which behaviours to perform to achieve their goals and to solve the problems. To develop effective marketing strategies, marketers should know the types of problem-solving processes their consumers usually make purchase decisions. Marketers target several consumer segments, with different decision-making processes, may develop multiple strategies to affect the different decision outcomes (Peter and Olson, 2008). Gefen and Struab (2004) identify the concept of perceived risk in an individual purchase behavior model, and concluded the shopping behaviour can be regarded as a form of information gaining behaviour. Therefore, consumer choice of type of shopping is mainly affected by three factors: merchandise features, shopping device attributes and consumer characteristics. The consumers decision to purchase or not to purchase the product or service is a significant factor for most marketers. It can express whether a marketing strategy has been wise, insightful, effective and efficient, or whether it was weakly planned (Schiffman et al, 2008). Thus, consumer behaviour is not only making a purchase decision or the action of purchasing, but also includes the full range of experiences associated with using or consuming products or services. Moreover, it also consists of the sense of pleasure or satisfaction delivered through possessing or collecting products (Schiffman et al, 2008, p98). Customer Satisfaction Hill and Alexander (2006) point out that in recent times, organizations have increasingly understand the importance of customer satisfaction. It is far less costly to maintain existing customers than to obtain new ones. Companies have invested enormously in improving performance in making a strong contribution to customer satisfaction, such as quality and customer service. Therefore, the authors supplement that the fundamental justification for measuring customer satisfaction is to provide the information which enables managers to make the right decisions to maximise customer satisfaction and improve customer retention. (Hill and Alexander, 2006, p9) Additionally, anyone involved in measuring customer satisfaction must have a specific understanding of the ways in which customers make and evaluate their purchase decisions. Lee et al. (2006) propose that a satisfied customer tends to return for future business and thereby contributes to the retention rate of the existing customers. Additionally, a satisfied customer is probably to offer positive word-of-mouth products or service about the purchasing experience. The World Wide Web spreads a virtual market place for customers to search for and purchase. Previous researches conducted that there were no remarkable difference between online and offline shopping environments which regard to customer satisfaction (Lee et al. cited in Smith and Rangaswamy (2003), pp.65). Besides, Szymanski and Hise (2000) investigate that the vital components of customer satisfaction framework are focused on the customer relationship management concept, including website convenience, provision of product i nformation, web page design, and security concerns. Amazon customer review With the Internets increasing popularity, online consumer reviews have turned into a vital resource for consumers substituting and complementing other forms of business-to-consumer and offline word-of-mouth communication about product quality (Zhu and Zhang, 2010). Therefore, online consumer reviews can enormously influence consumers purchasing decisions. In order to reduce the search costs for reviews, Amazon has recently modified the way to display star levels for each item. Although it previously showed only an average star rating, it shows how many people rated the item with each of the 1-5 stars, thus, readers can choose to read reviews for a given star level. An investigation by Chevalier and Mayzlin (2006), on average, reviews tend to be positive, they demonstrate that the addition of new, favourable reviews at one site results in a growth of the sales of a book at that site relative to the other site. Moreover, they also find an incremental negative review is more powerful in decreasing book sales than an incremental positive review is increasing sales (Chevalier and Mayzlin, 2006, pp.345-347). Consumers regularly read and respond to written reviews, not merely the average star ranking summary provided by the website. Moreover, the authors conclude that customer reviews tend to be positive at both sites and that