Monday, September 30, 2019

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Analyzed, Interpreted, and Theorized Essay

Obsession is defined by preoccupying or filling the mind of (someone) continually, intrusively, and to a troubling extent (dictionary.com). A compulsion is defined as to force or drive, especially to a course of action. All of this grouped together with a psychological irregularity can describe someone going through Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder have recurring thoughts, feelings, and ideas to feel driven to accomplish a certain task, usually cleaning, counting, fixing, etc. These people feel anxiety because of their reoccurring compulsions and can only be rid of it by acting on the thought which is called thought-action fusion. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder effects maybe 1 out of 100 children in the US and a total 3% of people in the general population due to recent research completed by the WHO www.ocdeducationstation.org ). I think the prevalence of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in children is so low because Obsessive Compulsive D isorder is a generalized biological vulnerability, meaning the child has a heritable contribution to negative effects. This means that the child has learned from outside sources; parents, teachers, friends; that a certain stimuli will bring about a certain set of feelings and therefore actions (thought action fusion). Some research studies done by the National Institute of Health have shown that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is caused by an uncommon mutation of the human serotonin transporter gene (www.ocdeducationstation.org). Another theory explained in an article in the JAMA Network Journal by Ben J. Harrison; PHD states that those who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder have an altered corticostriatal function in the brain. This corticostriatal function means the networks of nerves in the brain. It was shown in their research that those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder have even higher functionality than those without Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This does not mean a higher IQ or brain function; it only means altered networks create abnormal and reoccurring thoughts and actions. I believe Obsessive  Compulsive Disorder to be a learned or conditioned response to events taught by those responsible for early development. This hypothesis comes from an article in Psychiatry research by Francesco Catapano that shows the relationship between levels of melatonin and cortisol, the stress hormone, in those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder compared to those who do not have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Their findings showed that those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder had lower melatonin levels giving them irregular sleep patterns and abnormal circadian rhythms. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder patients were also found to have higher doses of cortisol in their blood in comparison to the healthy control group. More research was done on the subject by Xinhua Zhang; MD who claims that aft6er treating a patient with a brain tumor, the patient began to have compulsive thoughts about her children and husband living longer than her. She realized these thoughts were unnecessary and went back to the hospital. Xinhua Zhang concluded that since the tumor excavation took place in the right frontal lobe that this is where obsessions originate and the surgery caused her to behave abnormally. Upon further research I’ve found that the right frontal lobe is the perfect place for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to spawn from because the frontal lobe is said to control our emotions and cause us to be different in personality (www.neuroskills.com ). There has been a lot of research on the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and it almost always leads to medication. The treatment that has gotten the most recognition and funding is a drug called Clomipramine (www.psychcentral.com/medicationsforObsessive Compulsive Disorder ). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a chronic disorder that doesn’t really go away because of the serotonin levels in the brain of those affected. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder causes serotonin to be absorbed at an abnormal speed which accounts for constant urge to seek relief from stress. Clomipramine allows serotonin to bind to the drug and be free flowing in the synapses of the brain instead of being absorbed and shoveled off as waste. Considering Barlow’s Integrated Model of mental health. I would categorize Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as both generalized biological vulnerability  and generalized psychological vulnerability. It could be a biological abnormality because, as previously stated, there could be something wrong with the right frontal lobe causing obsession and compulsive thoughts. To me, psychological vulnerability just means a learned thought process either from parents, teachers, siblings, or other outside sources. According to a study done by J. Griffiths, a Bristol Doctorate graduate in Clinical Psychology, the data taken from those who live with parents or close relatives with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has a serious indication on the prevalence of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder within the children of the family. The children reported feeling embarrassed by their parent and a feeling of loss of control considering boundaries and the happiness of said â€Å"sick† relative. Children who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder usually have fears of getting dirty, getting hurt, or have a feeling of need for exactness and/or symmetry. They’re both linked because of the integrative model of psychological disorders. Having a parent with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or any other type of mental disorder for that matter will have an effect on those in close proximity of them due to classical conditioning and learned response from an abnormal or neurotic pattern of behavior according to Etelà ¤-Savon Sairaanhoitopiiri, the writer of the article â€Å"Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in childhood† in the Duodecim journal. Many studies show that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is more common in people who don’t follow pre- and perinatal health advice. Since prenatal childcare is the most crucial due to the formation of the brain and the natural chemicals combining in the amniotic sack, those who do not exercise greater caution in certain respects may cause their children to inherit Obsessive Compulsive Disorder later on in life. Data showed that excessive weight gain and edema of the hands, feet, and face during pregnancy lead to higher rates of people born with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Another huge contributor to predisposed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is whether or not the mother took or mixed medications during the beginning stages of the pregnancy. A counter point made in â€Å"The Structure of Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Dimensional Representations of DSM-5 Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders† in JAMA Psychiatry shows that there  is a strong correlation bet ween environmental factors and the onset of mental disorders. Their conclusion was that it is much more possible to get Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from traumatic experiences or living arrangements than biologically inherited. Those who suffer because of life events rather than genetics suffer to a higher degree than those of their biologically inherited symptom counterparts. This usually accounts for a higher drug dosage and a lesser ability to control and manage the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Benedetta Monzani, PhD). This is supported by the lecture we did on experiential avoidance and the conditioned responses we acquire due to stress. If someone lives in such a way that any thought they encounter causes them stress, then they might pick up some behaviors that stop them from stressing out due to thinking; which is exactly what victims of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder encounter on a daily basis. It starts out as either biologically inherited or psychologically learned Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Once they experience a str essful thought or action, they revert to their learned stress relief which is usually compulsive behavioral rituals to suppress said thoughts. In â€Å"Adverse childhood experiences and gender influence treatment seeking behaviors in obsessive–compulsive disorder†, an article in Comprehensive Psychology, it states that adverse childhood experiences (ACE) leads to higher activity in the frontal lobe of the brain; which we have deduced is where compulsive behavior originates. Different outcomes according to sex were also examined in this study and it was shown that males do a better job at rebounding after adverse or traumatic experiences than females which accounts for the higher rate of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in females than in males. During my studies, while distinguishing adverse health outcomes due to prenatal care is easy and logical, I think that more research states that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is more psychologically conditioned than inherited. The number of patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder who had traumatic or rough living environments vastly outnumber those who did not have such circumstances. I think this also shows the degree to which they are affected. Someone who is predisposed to have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder would not be as strongly influenced by their thoughts in comparison to someone who has a physical real life correlation with a traumatic experience. This is supported by the fact that the pharmaceutical treatment  for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is the same as treatment for PTSD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are both used to slow the absorption of serotonin in the brain so it is free floating in a higher dosage which leads to less stress and less abnormal behavior. The rate at which the serotonin is released and absorbed is equivalent to the time spent in less stress. Antidepressants work in these types of situations because of the high impact that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has on the emotional state of the mind. The frontal lobe, as previously discussed, is the anatomical site for emotion and personality, so an abnormality in chemical processing or a physical abnormality not only spawns Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in subjects, but also alters their emotional state and how their outlook on life. Studies show that patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder who have a better outlook on their treatment and acceptance of it, have a better treatment outcome than those who don’t take SSRI’s. In conclusion, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a rare abnormality originating in the frontal lobe. The absorption rate of serotonin in the brain strongly correlates with onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Although there are many medications to take, the most widely used is Clomipramine and SSRI’s so the emotional and physical stress can be tolerated. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be contracted at any time but due to recent studies, I have more confidence in the theory that traumatic life experiences and negative living arrangements have a higher rate of setting on OCD than a predisposed genetic availability to contract it because of the physical testimonies from those in that situation. Although I’m sure that prenatal care and genetics play a viable roll in mental health, I would still say that those who have a physical association with stress or trauma are more affected by it in the mind. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects only 3% of people in the general population, but given the fact that mental health takes a toll on family members, coworkers, and fri ends; it can be conjectured that it is affecting more than that by a â€Å"contact mental illness†. The problems people face every day should be taken into softer hearts because you never know who has been affected by this rare disorder. Works Cited Benedtti, F. (2014). Comprehensive psychiatry. Adverse childhood experiences and gender influence treatment seeking behaviors in obsessive–compulsive disorder, 55(2), 298-301. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X13002988 Flament, M. (1988). Journal of the american academy of child & adolescent psychiatry. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Adolescence: An Epidemiological Study, 27(6), 764-771. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890856709658615 Monzani, B. (2014). The Structure of Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Dimensional Representations of DSM-5 Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders, 71(2), Retrieved from http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1792141 Ocd education station. (2014). Retrieved from www.ocdeducationstation.org Traumatic brain injury. (2014). Retrieved from www.neuroskills.com

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Report on Red Bull brand Essay

The energy drink market started to grow in the past 25 years. Red Bull was the first energy drink that started this kind of business. Throughout the unique branding strategy and extraordinary investment on marketing this brand maintained the best selling energy drink worldwide. This report will discuss on the Red Bull’s brand expression and how successful is the user perception of the brand image. History The Austrian businessman Dietrich Mateschitz created Red Bull’s energy drink formula in Thailand in mid 1980’s and the first can sold in Austria in 1987. He also developed a distinctive marketing strategy that established a new category of products. When Mateschitz questioned about the absence of energy drinks market he replied, â€Å"We’re going to invent one†. In 1992 the product reached other markets like Hungary and Slovenia, and then the United States in 1997 and the Middle East in 2000 . Today Red Bull is available in more than 160 countries and more than 35 billion cans been sold so far. Market Share Due to high demand and popularity, the market for energy drinks is constantly growing. People can now find several brands of energy drinks that offer several flavors, options and themes. With all this growth, Red bull still manages to dominate and lead the market over its main competitor such as Monster. With that, it was stated that this makes it the most popular every drink in the world. This can be reflected through the increase of Red Bull’s sales every year, selling 4.6 billion cans in 2011 and 5 billion in 2012. Customer Segmentation With Red Bull’s famous international tagline â€Å"Red Bull gives you wings†, and as an energy that is promoted to ‘increase performance’, it’s websites states that the best times to consume Red Bull is on the road, during lectures, study sessions, at work, while doing sports, playing video games, or going out day and night. This reflects that Red Bull is having a target audience of youth between 18 to 35 years old. In addition, Red Bull had a â€Å"Red Bull Brand Ambassador† Program targeting university students who work on representing Red Bull and bring the energy drink to events or parties, to attract more customers. In addition, Red Bull states that their cans are 100% recyclable, which proves being environmentally friendly and attract people concerned with the environment. Because of this unique branding strategy Red Bull was able to create loyal customers who only go for Red Bull when ever energy is needed, or not! Brand Expressions and Image The Red Bull Company tries to associate their brand with energetic and extreme events although as life style product. The current identity shows a direct connection between the product and it’s target audience, Athletes, students, hard workers, and who needs to â€Å"Vitalities body and mind†. The visual identifier is consist of two bulls butting each other which embodies strength, challenge and energy while the tagline â€Å"Energy Drink† describe the product in a quick catchy way. . Red Bull advertisings are not only pushing into being part of the cool extreme crowd and the risk-taking attitude but also showing that Red Bull is suitable with all aspects of user’s life (work, study and play). Methodology The objective of this research is to investigate publics’ attitude and perception towards the Red Bull brand. A 10 questions survey was designed based on an introductory research. The survey was distributed online and been giving to students and tutors in the Polytechnic campus. A total of 49 responses were gathered. Analysis Graph1: Demographics of respondents Graph2: Product usage It has been noticed that the majority of the respondents are not considered consumers, but since we are investigating the brand reception and not the product itself. Graph3: Aspects and associations This section is narrowed down for the respondents who consume the product and who are not, and examines their motives behind their behavior and attitude towards the brand indirectly. The results shows significant contrast between sports and studying as being what motivate the consumers, hence the brand image here support the brand expression of being part of the life style and not for sport events only. Graph4: User Perception Results indicate that most of the respondents are disagree when Red Bull is associated with sports. While above average satisfaction with the idea of it is being trending. Findings Red Bull’s current expression is focused on making the product appropriate as a life style drink and not connected to one aspect (i.e. sports). The survey that was conducted previously reflects the lack of gap between the current brand expression and the consumer perceive. The respondents are aware of the brand value that the company is trying to portray. This awareness is reflected on the public attitude which both the brand expression and image are settled on the impression of Red Bull as for the cool, fun, risk-taking crowd, not just a drink for athletics enthusiasts. Conclusions This report and survey results showed that Red Bull made successful brand equity that maintained it self on the first rank with customer satisfaction and market share. It also succeeded on delivering the right message and values to the right target audience. Red Bull keeps proving that an effective marketing plan and good brand equity could be a successful impactful business. RefErences Aaker, D. (2012, December 21). How Red Bull Creates Brand Buzz. Retrieved April 16, 2013, from Harvard Business Review: http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/12/how_red_bull_creates_brand_buzz.html Bhasin, K. (2012, Febuary 15). How Dietrich Mateschitz Ignored The Haters And Created The Top Energy Drink. Retrieved April 16, 2013, from Business Insider: http://www.businessinsider.com/how-dietrich-mateschitz-ignored-the-haters-and-created-the-top-energy-drink-on-the-planet-2012-2 Boome, A. (2011, May 31). How food superbrands manage to become your family. Retrieved March 25, 2013, from BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13598581 Miller, J. (2011). Red Bull’s Brand Equity. West Virginia University. West Virginia: News America Marketing. Red Bull GmbH Company Profile. (2013). Retrieved April 16, 2013, from Yahoo! Finance: http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/101/101316.html Red Bull GmbH. (2013). Red Bull the company. Retrieved April 3, 2013, from Red Bull: http://energydrink.redbull.com/company Red Bull History. (2004). Retrieved April 17, 2013, from Funding Universe: http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/red-bull-gmbh-history/ Appendix A: Survey sheet Red Bull Brand Questionnaire 1- Age ââ€" ¯ Less Than 15ââ€" ¯ 16-20ââ€" ¯ 21-25 ââ€" ¯ 26-30ââ€" ¯ Above 31 2- Gender ââ€" ¯ Maleââ€" ¯ Female 3- Which energy drink do you drink the most? (Select one) ââ€" ¯ Red Bull ââ€" ¯ Power Horse ââ€" ¯ Boom Boom ââ€" ¯ I don’t drink any ââ€" ¯ Monster ââ€" ¯ Burn ââ€" ¯ Other _______________ 4- How often do you drink Red Bull? (Select one) ââ€" ¯ Everydayââ€" ¯ Frequently (Once or twice a week) ââ€" ¯ Occasionally (Once a month)ââ€" ¯ Rarely (Once every four months) ââ€" ¯ Never 5- If applicable, Why do you drink Red Bull? (You can select more than one) ☠ Taste☠ Studying☠ Work☠ Physical activities (sports) ☠ Lifestyle ☠ Mixing drinks☠ Driving☠ Brand design and image ☠ Marketing strategies, events, and sponsorships 6- If applicable, Why you do not drink Red Bull? (You can select more than one) ☠ Taste☠ Pricy☠ Unhealthy☠ I don’t believe in it ☠ Bad Reputation 7- On a scale of 1 to 10 Rate the following. Do you think that Red Bull is associated with extreme sports? Not at all

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Philippine History

Before the so-called invaders of Philippines came here, we proudly say that we are civilized then and stood up by ourselves even without the help of others. Fossils, bones and jars were found from the different parts of the country as a sign of life many years ago. The oldest of which was retrieved in a cave named Kuweba ng Tabon, Palawan. It was said that they lived 22,000 years ago. It stated in the history of the Philippines that the first group of men who came here was the Negritos. They are those who have dark complexion, small, and has curly hair.Their other names were Aetas, Itas, Baluga and many more. It was believed that they lived in caves and in the mountains. After the Negritos were the Indones. They are those who have a white complexion, tall, and tough bodies. To compare the two, the Indones are smart looking people. The last group was the Malays. They were the one having the right complexion, height and characteristics. They were the one who mostly dominated the archip elago. Being civilized persons, they were able to live according to their skills and unbelievable ability to maintain their spirit to live.These people lived peacefully. The neighbor countries such as the China started to trade with the people here. They traded textiles, jars, animals and other tradable materials. It was not easy for the Spaniards to conquer and build a government in the Philippines because the native Filipinos fought for their rights, freedom, and dignity. The first Europeans to arrive were the Spanish led by Ferndinand Magellan {Fernao de Magalhaes (Portugese) Fernando de Magallanes (Spanish)}. He claimed the islands for Spain on March 16, 1521.When he came to Limasawa on March 18, 1521, he united with Raha Kulambu and Raha Siagu of Butuun who are brothers. There, the first mass was celebrated and stationed a cross on top of the mountain. He baptized the place as Kapuluan ni San Larazo. But his vanquishing ended when he tried to conquer Mactan where a brave leader fought him to death named Lapu-Lapu. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi made the first permanent Spanish settlement on Cebu in 1565. In 1571, the islands were renamed in honor of King Philip II. He named the island as Felipinas and the capital was moved to Manila.The name was later changed into Philippines. A governor-general responsible to the viceroy of Mexico headed the colonial administration, but the parish priest was often the only visible symbol of Spanish authority in rural areas, and religious orders controlled education and many great estates. The Spanish came into conflict with the expanding Muslim population and eventually pushed them back to the southern islands, although neither Spain nor the United States at a later date was ever able to subjugate the Muslims completely.The Spanish occupation was inseparably linked with the missionary work of the Roman Catholic church. Trade in Chinese luxury items, gathered in Manila and sold in Acapulco in exchange for silver, was the economi c foundation of the colony until the 19th century, when the independence of Spain's New World colonies forced a shift to the cash-crop economy that persists to this day. In the 1880s a nationalistic movement developed, strongly influenced by the writings of Jose Rizal (1861-96). He spurred Filipino demands for reform.Rizal's execution made him a martyr and the country's national hero and sparked an unsuccessful revolution led by Emilio AGUINALDO. On June 12, 1898, after the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Aguinaldo declared the Philippines independent in the mistaken belief that the United States supported his struggle. Instead, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States. In 1899 until his capture in 1901 Aguinaldo led a war against his country's new colonial rulers.Although U. S. business interests applauded the seizure of the Philippines, the U. S.  government declared that it would prepare the islands for independence. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth under President Manuel Luis Quezon, but World War II delayed full independence. Japan attacked the Philippines on Dec. 8, 1941, defeating U. S. and Filipino forces at Bataan and Corregidor in 1942. The struggle against Japan, culminating in Gen. Douglas MacArthur's return in 1944, came to symbolize U. S. -Philippine solidarity. On July 4, 1946, the Philippines gained full independence with Manuel Roxas y Acuà ±a as president.After World War II, the economic and social infrastructure of the Philippines was a shambles. Inadequate land distribution and unequal taxation fed the Hukbalahap (Huk) guerilla revolt against the government, which was defused in the early 1950s by a resettlement and amnesty program devised during the presidency of Elpidio Quirino by Ramon Magsaysay, who became president in 1953. Ferdinand Marcos became the first president to win (1969) a second term after defeating President Diosdado Macapagal in 1965. In 1972, facing a Muslim revolt in the south , a leftist rural insurgency, and student unrest, Marcos declared martial law.He restored law and order, promoted social and economic reforms (often at the expense of his political foes), and created a political machine that remained dominant after martial law was lifted in 1981. Critics charged that he also enriched himself and his friends at the expense of the country. On Aug. 21, 1983, Marcos' chief political rival Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. , was assassinated as he returned to the Philippines from exile. Marcos loyalists were accused of complicity in the killing, which touched off waves of popular protest.The opposition gained in the 1984 legislative elections and a left-wing insurgency grew steadily, fueled by government repression and a declining economy. To renew his mandate, Marcos called early presidential elections, which were held on Feb. 7, 1986. Opposition leader Corazon Aquino and her running mate Salvador Laurel were backed by much of the business community and the influe ntial Roman Catholic Church. When the National Assembly declared Marcos the victor amid widespread charges of electoral fraud, Aquino launched a campaign of nonviolent resistance to secure the post many believed she had won.On February 22, when defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile and army deputy chief of staff Lt. -Gen. Fidel Ramos resigned, huge crowds of ordinary Filipinos turned out to protect the dissident military leaders, and the United States increased its pressure on Marcos to step down. On February 25, after Marcos and Aquino held rival inaugurations, Marcos left for exile in the United States, which quickly recognized Aquino as president. Aquino took steps to restructure the government and the military, restore civil liberties, promote free enterprise, and retrieve public monies illegally appropriated by Marcos and his cronies.She freed political prisoners, announced her desire to negotiate with leftist leaders, and agreed to honor the treaty allowing the United States to o perate military facilities at Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Base. Despite popular support, however, Aquino faced formidable problems. These included the Communist insurgency, the weak economy, widespread social injustice, continued opposition from Marcos backers, and squabbles within her own diverse coalition. Unable to reach a negotiated settlement with Communist insurgents, she was also criticized for failing to halt corruption.Marcos died in 1989, but many former allies, including former defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile challenged her and Vice President Salvador Laurel, who resigned as foreign minister in 1987 and was named head of the opposition Nacionalista party in 1989. In December 1989, after the most serious of several coup attempts by dissident soldiers was quelled with U. S. military aid, a six-month limited state of emergency was declared. Aquino survived a seventh coup attempt in October 1990.In 1991 the eruption of Mount Pinatubo forced the United States to aban don Clark Air Base, and the Philippine Senate rejected a new 10-year lease for the country's remaining U. S. military facility, Subic Naval Base, weakening the historic ties between the two countries. Defense minister Fidel Ramos, a long-time Aquino supporter who helped her survive seven coup attempts by dissident soldiers, won a seven-way presidential contest in May 1992 with only 23. 5% of the vote. He assumed the presidency on June 30.The last of the U. S.  military and naval units were withdrawn from the Philippines in November, ending a presence that had existed since 1898. Mount Mayon, a volcano situated 330 km (205 mi) south of Manila, erupted in February 1993. He fought for the Philippines 2000 Tiger Economy. His term brought about a progress to the Philippines. The Asia Pacific Economic Congress (APEC) was held in the Philippines during his term. Replacing him was the present President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Winning the May 11, 1998 election, many controversies arises a nd Filipinos looking forward to a better future having him as the new president. Philippine History Before the so-called invaders of Philippines came here, we proudly say that we are civilized then and stood up by ourselves even without the help of others. Fossils, bones and jars were found from the different parts of the country as a sign of life many years ago. The oldest of which was retrieved in a cave named Kuweba ng Tabon, Palawan. It was said that they lived 22,000 years ago. It stated in the history of the Philippines that the first group of men who came here was the Negritos. They are those who have dark complexion, small, and has curly hair.Their other names were Aetas, Itas, Baluga and many more. It was believed that they lived in caves and in the mountains. After the Negritos were the Indones. They are those who have a white complexion, tall, and tough bodies. To compare the two, the Indones are smart looking people. The last group was the Malays. They were the one having the right complexion, height and characteristics. They were the one who mostly dominated the archip elago. Being civilized persons, they were able to live according to their skills and unbelievable ability to maintain their spirit to live.These people lived peacefully. The neighbor countries such as the China started to trade with the people here. They traded textiles, jars, animals and other tradable materials. It was not easy for the Spaniards to conquer and build a government in the Philippines because the native Filipinos fought for their rights, freedom, and dignity. The first Europeans to arrive were the Spanish led by Ferndinand Magellan {Fernao de Magalhaes (Portugese) Fernando de Magallanes (Spanish)}. He claimed the islands for Spain on March 16, 1521.When he came to Limasawa on March 18, 1521, he united with Raha Kulambu and Raha Siagu of Butuun who are brothers. There, the first mass was celebrated and stationed a cross on top of the mountain. He baptized the place as Kapuluan ni San Larazo. But his vanquishing ended when he tried to conquer Mactan where a brave leader fought him to death named Lapu-Lapu. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi made the first permanent Spanish settlement on Cebu in 1565. In 1571, the islands were renamed in honor of King Philip II. He named the island as Felipinas and the capital was moved to Manila.The name was later changed into Philippines. A governor-general responsible to the viceroy of Mexico headed the colonial administration, but the parish priest was often the only visible symbol of Spanish authority in rural areas, and religious orders controlled education and many great estates. The Spanish came into conflict with the expanding Muslim population and eventually pushed them back to the southern islands, although neither Spain nor the United States at a later date was ever able to subjugate the Muslims completely.The Spanish occupation was inseparably linked with the missionary work of the Roman Catholic church. Trade in Chinese luxury items, gathered in Manila and sold in Acapulco in exchange for silver, was the economi c foundation of the colony until the 19th century, when the independence of Spain's New World colonies forced a shift to the cash-crop economy that persists to this day. In the 1880s a nationalistic movement developed, strongly influenced by the writings of Jose Rizal (1861-96). He spurred Filipino demands for reform.Rizal's execution made him a martyr and the country's national hero and sparked an unsuccessful revolution led by Emilio AGUINALDO. On June 12, 1898, after the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Aguinaldo declared the Philippines independent in the mistaken belief that the United States supported his struggle. Instead, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States. In 1899 until his capture in 1901 Aguinaldo led a war against his country's new colonial rulers.Although U. S. business interests applauded the seizure of the Philippines, the U. S.  government declared that it would prepare the islands for independence. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth under President Manuel Luis Quezon, but World War II delayed full independence. Japan attacked the Philippines on Dec. 8, 1941, defeating U. S. and Filipino forces at Bataan and Corregidor in 1942. The struggle against Japan, culminating in Gen. Douglas MacArthur's return in 1944, came to symbolize U. S. -Philippine solidarity. On July 4, 1946, the Philippines gained full independence with Manuel Roxas y Acuna as president.After World War II, the economic and social infrastructure of the Philippines was a shambles. Inadequate land distribution and unequal taxation fed the Hukbalahap (Huk) guerilla revolt against the government, which was defused in the early 1950s by a resettlement and amnesty program devised during the presidency of Elpidio Quirino by Ramon Magsaysay, who became president in 1953. Ferdinand Marcos became the first president to win (1969) a second term after defeating President Diosdado Macapagal in 1965. In 1972, facing a Muslim revolt in the south, a leftist rural insurgency, and student unrest, Marcos declared martial law.He restored law and order, promoted social and economic reforms (often at the expense of his political foes), and created a political machine that remained dominant after martial law was lifted in 1981. Critics charged that he also enriched himself and his friends at the expense of the country. On Aug. 21, 1983, Marcos' chief political rival Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. , was assassinated as he returned to the Philippines from exile. Marcos loyalists were accused of complicity in the killing, which touched off waves of popular protest.The opposition gained in the 1984 legislative elections and a left-wing insurgency grew steadily, fueled by government repression and a declining economy. To renew his mandate, Marcos called early presidential elections, which were held on Feb. 7, 1986. Opposition leader Corazon Aquino and her running mate Salvador Laurel were backed by much of the business community and the influenti al Roman Catholic Church. When the National Assembly declared Marcos the victor amid widespread charges of electoral fraud, Aquino launched a campaign of nonviolent resistance to secure the post many believed she had won.On February 22, when defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile and army deputy chief of staff Lt. -Gen. Fidel Ramos resigned, huge crowds of ordinary Filipinos turned out to protect the dissident military leaders, and the United States increased its pressure on Marcos to step down. On February 25, after Marcos and Aquino held rival inaugurations, Marcos left for exile in the United States, which quickly recognized Aquino as president. Aquino took steps to restructure the government and the military, restore civil liberties, promote free enterprise, and retrieve public monies illegally appropriated by Marcos and his cronies.She freed political prisoners, announced her desire to negotiate with leftist leaders, and agreed to honor the treaty allowing the United States to oper ate military facilities at Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Base. Despite popular support, however, Aquino faced formidable problems. These included the Communist insurgency, the weak economy, widespread social injustice, continued opposition from Marcos backers, and squabbles within her own diverse coalition. Unable to reach a negotiated settlement with Communist insurgents, she was also criticized for failing to halt corruption.Marcos died in 1989, but many former allies, including former defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile challenged her and Vice President Salvador Laurel, who resigned as foreign minister in 1987 and was named head of the opposition Nacionalista party in 1989. In December 1989, after the most serious of several coup attempts by dissident soldiers was quelled with U. S. military aid, a six-month limited state of emergency was declared. Aquino survived a seventh coup attempt in October 1990.In 1991 the eruption of Mount Pinatubo forced the United States to abandon Clark Air Base, and the Philippine Senate rejected a new 10-year lease for the country's remaining U. S. military facility, Subic Naval Base, weakening the historic ties between the two countries. Defense minister Fidel Ramos, a long-time Aquino supporter who helped her survive seven coup attempts by dissident soldiers, won a seven-way presidential contest in May 1992 with only 23. 5% of the vote. He assumed the presidency on June 30.The last of the U. S.  military and naval units were withdrawn from the Philippines in November, ending a presence that had existed since 1898. Mount Mayon, a volcano situated 330 km (205 mi) south of Manila, erupted in February 1993. He fought for the Philippines 2000 Tiger Economy. His term brought about a progress to the Philippines. The Asia Pacific Economic Congress (APEC) was held in the Philippines during his term. Replacing him was the present President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Winning the May 11, 1998 election, many controversies arises and Filipinos looking forward to a better future having him as the new president.

Friday, September 27, 2019

The Basis of Christianity Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Basis of Christianity - Term Paper Example Although Christianity claims that there is just one God, the assign three different elements to this singular God. These elements include God himself as the Father, Jesus Christ as the Son and the third element is that of the Holy Spirit. Churches are where Christians gather to worship and the spiritual leaders of Christianity are either called priests or ministers. Their holy book of guidance is the Bible which consists of both the Old as well as the New Testament. Celebrated holidays in Christianity include Christmas and Easter which mark important milestones in the Western secular calendar.   These facts are perhaps well known to anyone who has ever heard the Christianity. The reason for choosing them as a community to base anthropological research had nothing to do with those facts but more with the Christianity’s extremely interesting and rich historical past as well as some of their values.   Christian socialism is a religious socialism that is based on the teachings and wisdom of Jesus Christ. Several Christian socialists believe that capitalism is idolatrous and has roots in greed. Greed is considered as a mortal sin in Christianity (Hastings, Mason, and Pyper).   Christianity teaches its followers some core values which, if followed, can lead the followers living a happy and prosperous life. Their first belief is having faith in one God. All Christians worship one God and consider it to be the most important thing in life. Second, which Christianity tells its followers is to respect other people. It is their core concept to give respect to other people irrespective of their age or gender. As it is written in the Bible, â€Å"Love your neighbor as yourself.† There is no commandment greater than these." (NIV, Mark 12:31). The word â€Å"love† carries respect for others in itself.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Catcher in The Rye Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Catcher in The Rye - Coursework Example He is depressed, and he admits it himself several times throughout his narration. Besides the circumstances he got himself into, his brother died, and it had a great impact on Holden. Later, during his school years, he had another encounter with the death, when one of the boys, James Castle, jumped out of the window. However, I do not think Holden is capable of committing suicide. It is not â€Å"phoniness†; it is exaggerated way to express the feeling of depression and utter despair. He is not the type of guys that are so brave. He admits himself that â€Å"I’m one of these very yellow guys. I try not to show it, but I am†¦The more I thought about my †¦yellowness, the more depressed I got.† He would talk suicide, he will consider it, but he will not master up the courage to do it. Also, he does really love his parents and especially his sister Phoebe. He knows his death will make her very sad. He thinks about different things a lot, but he doesnâ€℠¢t do it. For example, he is thinking it would be good to go and say hello to Jane, and he is very excited about it, however he is not â€Å"in the mood† for it. In the other instance, he invites the prostitute, but he feels so peculiar about having sex, that he just talks with her. When thinking about prostitute coming to him, he took care to groom himself, even though he thought he did not have to.

Indentured Servitude Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Indentured Servitude - Essay Example The indenture document detailed the specific number of years a servant was required to work, after which they would earn freedom1. Not all servants were willingly sent. There were several cases of kidnapping, especially with the white slaves. In the 17th century, about two thirds of the New World settlers from the Isles of British came as indentured servants. Due to the high rates if death, several servants never lived to see freedom in the end of their terms. In early 19th century and late 18th century, many Europeans did travel to the colonies as the redemptioners, which is a form of indenture (Galenson 1984). Indentures had various restrictions. For example, indentures were not allowed to marry or get married without permission from their owner. They were subjected to physical punishment, and their labor obligations were enforced by courts. The law even lengthened the term of women indentures in case they became pregnant. However, contrary to the slaves, servants were given a guarantee that they would be set free from bondage after their terms elapse. At the end of their term, servants received freedom dues payment and joined the free members of the society. In fact, one could sell or buy indentures contract of servants as well as their right to labor, but not the person per se as a property. Both female and male servants could be at any given point be subjected to violence, sometimes resulting to their death. Generally, indentured servitude was a mechanism of having the number of colonists increased, particularly in the British and English colonies2. Convict labor and voluntary migratio n provided many people, and other means of offering settlement was inevitable because the journey across the Atlantic was somehow dangerous. In the end, contract laborers became a significant group of people and very many that saw the United States Constitution count them in the appointment of representatives (Rosenbloom 2008). Indentured servitude, from 1620s, was a

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Schindler's List Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Schindler's List - Movie Review Example Schindler, a business man in the film, becomes depicted as a person who is profit oriented and self-centered in character (Thomas 3). The film majorly centers on the life of this character as he does around with his life. Apart from Schindler, the film also had Itzhak Stern, an accountant for Schindler. Itzhak in the story becomes depicted as a worker and a lover of his own people. The essay therefore, will analyze the relationship between the two characters in detail and assess some of the way the film managed to use communication concepts (Thomas 4). At the start of the film, Schindler manages to meet and talk with his accountant, Stern concerning his motif to buy the Jewish enamelware factory. Schindler in the film becomes depicted as self-centered and had profit making character. Since Stern had the brains and the zeal to run some of the businesses Schindler had, Schindler trusted Stern. The factory had earlier on been closed by the Nazi’s, but Schindler saw a way of makin g money through it (Zaillian & Keneally 33). Without thinking about the repercussions of buying the company, Schindler insisted he wanted to buy it. Stern did not approve of Schindler’s intentions as he acted as if he did not respect the Jewish community. Schindler in the early scenes could be viewed as a traitor of his own people. ... In terms of non-verbal communication, in the film, Stern shows some gestures of not approving and disliking Schindler’s opinion of wanting to buy the factory, simply by not accepting to have a drink with him. In addition, Stern got some facial expressions suggestive of disliking the idea (Loshitzky 23). Stern in the film becomes depicted as a clever person that does most of the brain thinking for Schindler. Stern ensures that the enamel factory which Schindler wanted become bought, though used bribery. Deeper in the film, Stern saves the lives of his fellow Jews through coming up with ideas that helped in closure of the Plaszow labor camp (Loshitzky 76). In addition, it is Stern that runs the factory that ended up helping thousands of Jews by employing them and not making them ‘non-essential.’ Stern cared a lot for his people right from the very start of the film and did whatsoever possible to ensure they were safe. Stern becomes depicted as the total opposite of Schindler, though the two remain related. In the beginning of the film, the relationship between Stern and Schindler was more of the business type. Schindler in the film depicts characteristics opposite from Stern. As Stern cared for his Jew people from the very first, Schindler had been insensitive to the problems the Jewish people underwent. The film hence brings Stern to represent the elements Schindler lacked (Loshitzky 26). As the film progresses, Schindler starts experiencing a gradual change in character and heart concerning his Jewish people. In one of the scenes, Schindler witnesses the evacuation of the Krakow ghetto by the Nazi people (Keneally 65). He majorly got touched after seeing the girl with the red coat tortured by the Nazi’s.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW - Essay Example There are interesting facts about Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in a number of fields like agriculture and genetic resources, protection of traditional knowledge, and the role of copyrights in software and the internet. Economists should find the discussion of internet copyrights especially fertile ground for research. For example, various researches raise concerns about the potential for European database protection and copyright-related restraints on fair use of research and teaching materials to limit access of scientists and students in developing countries to electronic materials. At the same time, well-structured copyrights could expand the scope for beneficial price discrimination in such materials. Economists claim that the scholarly discussion about intellectual property has two main weaknesses. First, it takes for granted that file-sharing technologies can be—and are—used for the purposes of producing content as well as consuming it, without articulating explicitly the connections and implications for writing, creativity, and production online. Second, it tends to center too myopically on classroom uses and practices, and too little on public discourse about copyright and intellectual property. While reviewing the scholarly work about authorship Economists states that it falls along three lines of inquiry: authorship as a construct, which archeologically examines the historic formation of the author; digital authorship, which shows how the idea of authorship is called into question when considered in the context of computing and online practices; and authorship â€Å"code,† which critiques corporate authorship and the use of computer code to block access to content (e.g., digital rights management or DRM). (Reyman, 2010) Economists are primarily concerned with the public discourse regarding file sharing, as found in legal briefs, the written opinions of the

Monday, September 23, 2019

Fashion and Appearance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fashion and Appearance - Essay Example The essay "Fashion and Appearance" concerns the fashion and appearance. Marks and Spencer collection especially the Indigo Brand has a wide range of variety that speaks to me. I feel loyal to this brand because it is comfortable, brings out who I am as an individual and is not a hassle. At this point in my life, casual is my choice of style as it works for me any day any time. It’s quite manageable and appropriate for me as I dress the way I want provided it matches my personality. My style will definitely change but not completely. I still intend to keep my casual look when the mood calls for it and will change slightly to be at par with the trends keeping it classy and simple. When choosing an outfit, most fashion stylists advice clients to flaunt their proudest bodily asset and cover the rest. One can make the choice to accentuate one’s internal qualities and still look beautiful. The renowned Hollywood costume designer, Edith Head uttered,† a woman’s cl othes should be tight enough to tell you’re a woman, but loose enough to show you’re a lady.† This totals up the concept of dressing with some degree of class, leaving particular parts of your body to remain a mystery. Image 1 will make a best dressed list as the cloth is fitting; this is opposed to image two which is buggy. I believe fitting clothes make an individual appealing; this is evident from image 1. Clothes from image 2 make an individual look older than their actual age and not appealing. Clothes in my wardrobe include fitting dresses.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The Great Baby Einstein Scam Essay Example for Free

The Great Baby Einstein Scam Essay The text â€Å"The Great Baby Einstein Scam† was written by Mira Jacob. This text is an argumentative issue giving details supporting why parents should not buy materials, such as videos, in hopes of their babies becoming geniuses. The sole purpose of this article is to inform the public of Disney’s inconspicuous way of apologizing for their attempt at misleading parents to believe that they had developed a â€Å"Baby Einstein† video for babies, in whom these videos hopefully would turn your baby into little geniuses, was to issue out refunds. This video, called â€Å"Baby Einstein,† have had a disappointing outcome, which caused an upset, especially with parents. This video used a known genius â€Å"Einstein† to promote its sales. The readers are parents with babies six months to two years, wanting their children to have an advantage of being very smart. These readers are those that knew Einstein was a genius, which gave the scammers leverage for the â€Å"Baby Einstein† video scam. The readers are those who wanted to believe that there is a magical, wondrous, no parental-guidance-required product that will turn their kids into Mensa members. Mira Jacob, is an editor at the online magazine Shine. She was intrigued by an article in the New York Times that said Disney was offering a refund to buyers of â€Å"Baby Einstein† videos that did not do as it promised. The author wants the parents not to depend on every â€Å"educational† toy out there. One constraint is a large number of parents with babies ages six months to two years were convinced to buy the â€Å"Baby Einstein† videos. Another constraint is parents believing that if their babies watched the video the babies would become geniuses. Another constraint is the combination of our lack of time, our paranoia over our kid’s performance, and our faith in technology that caused this generation of parents to accept the clever advertising of the video to be considered as truth. The Exigence of this article is parents with babies six months to two years bought the videos that help their child a chance at becoming a Genius? The only problem with all of this is the video didn’t work.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Introduction to Company Law

Introduction to Company Law Q1. There are the difference between a private company limited by shares and a public company, as following: Transfer shares A private company limited by shares is restricted to transfer share according to its articles but a public company is not restricted. Number of members For a private company limited by shares, the number of member is limited to 50. However, the number of member of a public company is no limitation. Subscription Any invitation to the public to subscribe for any shares or debentures of the company is prohibited in a private company limited by shares. Nevertheless, it does not restrict a public company. Levels of regulatory regimes The requirements of a private company limited by shares in the Companies Ordinance are lower than those of a public company. Its annual returns filing with the Companies Registry are less information than ones of a public company. In addition, it does not have to file its accounts with the Companies Registry so that its financial information is not in the public domain. Therefore, the cost of compliance of a private company limited by shares is lower than a public company. Functions A private company limited by shares cannot become a listed company since becoming a listed company requires first becoming a public company. Thus, a public company may become a listed company. Risk A private company limited by shares is the lack of freedom to exchange shares and the low transparency level of their accounts. It leads to a higher risk investment. Consequently, it is lower level of capital investment. To opposite, a public company is lower risk investment. (Unit 1 P.32-33) In this case, it is about the corporate veil between the company and its members. That is to say, it considers whether the rights and liabilities of the company are treated as separate from the rights and liabilities of its members in company law. Lifting the corporate veil is no guidelines in law but there are many law cases in previous years. Generally, a company is a separate legal entity which its members are legally permitted to hide behind the corporate veil according to Salomon v. A Salomon Co Ltd [1897] AC 22. Nevertheless, the courts may lift the veil because of obtaining improper advantages, perpetrate fraud or conceal illegal activities. The corporate veil seems a sham or facade so that the courts would lift the veil. For example, the courts determine the criminal responsibility of a companys staff or a director acts dishonestly with the companys property. In Re H and others (Restraint Order: Realisable Property) [1996] 2 All ER 391, a lot of individuals failed fraudulently to pay more than  £100 million in excise duty. Two family companies had the total of owned 100% shares. The government applied a court order to restrain them for dealing with the companies’ property and their own property. The Court of Appeal held that it was a prima facie case that the companies had been used for the fraudulent evasion of excise duty. Moreover, it lifted the corporate veil because it treated the companies’ property as the individuals’ own property. John suggests that Kelvin sell his shares to Leo who is Johns brother. However, Leo is a fresh graduate so that he has no money to pay in Genius Limited. John wants to pay Kelvin HK$700,000 from the company. After that, John as a shareholder of Genius Limited should receive dividends and then he will use the dividends to set off the sum of HK$700,000. Therefore, he will transfer the 30% shares to Leo Free of charge. It is improper method because it treats the companies’ property as his own property in accordance with the case. He does not have right to use the companys property to set off Leos liability. At the same, his behavior is unfair for others and David is deprived of his right to buy the shares. Hence, it is an improper advantage. In conclusion, the property of the company is used to set off Leos liability and the behavior is illegal. The amount of HK$700,000 is the companys property, not the members. (Unit 1 P.26) In a private company, its shareholders right is restricted to transfer shares in compliance with its articles. Generally, there is a pre-emptive right which is a shareholder must firstly provide his shares to other shareholders if he wants to sell and transfer them. After the other shareholders reject, he offers to a third party and cannot provide a discount on the shares. That is to say, the selling price cannot be lower than the amount of selling to other shareholders. The reason is that a private company is very small scale and there is trust among shareholders. When a shareholder withdraws in the company, hence, the other shareholders have an opportunity to determine whether they accept a new shareholder. In this case, John should have a prior right over David due to the above reason. Genius Limited is a private company which the articles restrict to transfer shares. In addition, John is the majority shareholder in the company. As a result, Kelvin should comply with its articles and he should first offer his share to John who has a pre-emptive right. If John refuses Kelvins shares, Kelvin has a chance to sell David which is the third party. However, the selling price cannot be lower than the price of selling to John. Model articles should be read to determine whether directors refuse any transfer of shares. Generally, it allows directors refuse the transfer. The reason is that they can first offer their shares to existing shareholders and the behavior is a pre-emptive right. That is to say, Kelvin should first offer his shares to John. Except that, directors provide share buy-back that is to offer shares back to the company. In other words, Genius Limited may repurchase Kelvins shares. Furthermore, shareholders agreements restrict the transfer of shares but it is only suitable for existing shareholders of the company. To conclude, John can object that Kelvin sell his shares to David because he can choose buy Kelvins shares or share buy-back. Q2. George wants to know whether FG Limited buy back its own shares. In the past, it was not allowed because of the rule in Trevor v. Whitworth case. However, it is allowed under the new Companies Ordinance, as following: According to the House of Lords in Trevor v. Whitworth (1887) 12 App Cas 409, it was not permitted that a company could buy back its own shares even if the Memorandum of Association allowed. That is to say, its paid-up capital should be maintained and kept unless: it was lost due to ordinary business risks, or there has been a reduction of the share capital authorized according to the legislation. The reason of prohibition of repurchasing a companys own shares is that it would make the damage of creditors and other abuses. For instance, an entity may pay higher than the market value when there is share buy-back. It leads to dilute the value of the remainder. But the entity pay lower and the value of the remaining shares would increase. At the same time, directors may use this method to enhance the value of their own holdings or to expand their voting power. In recent years, the rule about capital maintenance is abolished. In other words, share buy-back for all companies is allowed and it subjects to a solvency requirement (CR 2008). The following share redemption or buy-back may be funded in accordance with the new Companies Ordinance: Payment is paid out of a company’s distributable profits. (section 257(2)(a)); There is out of the proceeds of a new issue of shares which is for the purpose of share redemption or buy-back (section 237(2)(b)); or There is out of capital if a solvency test is passed. (section 248-266). It is unlawful for a company or its subsidiaries to give indirectly or directly financial assistance for the purpose of acquisition of its shares in accordance with section 275. Breaking the prohibition leads to the directors in a fine and imprisonment. Under section 274, financial assistance refers to gifts, guarantees, security, indemnities, loans and any other financial assistance. Acquisition means shares transfer and shares subscription. However, there are the following exceptions: the payment of dividends, allotment of bonus shares, distribution of assets in winding-up, reduction of capital confirmed by the court (section 277); the ordinary business of the company is lending money (section 279); a company in good faith in the interests of the company provides financial assistance for the employee share scheme (section 280); or the company provides loans to its eligible employees for the purpose of enabling them to purchase fully paid shares in its holding company or the company (section 281). Under section 283 to 285, it subjects to solvency test and one of the three procedures, as following: Under section 283, it provides financial assistance if : directors pass a resolution to give the assistance; those directors make a solvency statement; the aggregate amount of the assistance and other financial assistance given under this section not repaid (such as guarantee or security) is less than 5% of the paid-up share capital and reserves of the company; and the assistance is given not more than 12 months of the solvency statement. According to section 283(4), the company has to send a notice and the solvency statement to all members within 15 days after giving the assistance. Under section 284, the assistance is approved by written resolution of all members. Under section 285, the assistance is approved by an ordinary resolution. Directors must show the benefit of the assistance to the company. To conclude, share buy-back in Franklin Limited is allowed in recent years but there is some above restricted conditions. (Unit 2 P.34-38) If FG wants to reduce its capital, there are two methods for reduction of share capital. One method is that a company passes a special resolution and applies by petition to the court for an order confirming to reducing share capital under the new Companies Ordinance under sections 226 to 232. On the petition, the court makes the order on any terms and conditions it thinks fit. In fact, every creditor of the company has a right to reject the reduction of share capital. The court confirms the reduction of share capital when it is satisfied that: the creditors consent is obtained; or the creditor’s debt or claim is discharged, determines or is secured (section 229). Another method is a court-free procedure and there are some following criteria: All directors make a solvency statement in accordance with section 216. Members approves in a special resolution passed within 15 days of the solvency statement in section 216. A public notice of the reduction of share capital is published in Gazette declaring the content under section 218. A notice is published in one specified Chinese and one specified English newspaper and a written notice to be given to its creditor before the end of the week after the week in which the special resolution is passed according to section 218(3). A copy of the solvency statement is filed to the Registrar for registration. The members or creditors of the company have a right to examine the solvency statement and special resolution within five weeks’ time. If no application of objection is raised by dissentient members or creditors to cancel the resolution, the company can deliver a copy between five and seven weeks after the resolution to the Registrar for registration in accordance with section 224(1). The reduction of share capital and the special resolution should take effect when the return is registered. If a creditor or member objects to the special resolution, the court may cancel or confirm the special resolution and on any terms as it thinks fit under section 222. In order to determine whether the reduction is approval, the court may consider various elements, such as whether the reduction is equitable among shareholders and whether the interests of the creditors in the company are protected (CR 2013a). The above states the solvency statement which each of directors makes to form the opinion that the company needs to satisfy the solvency test in accordance with section 206(1). The statement should be applied to reduction of share capital, share redemption and buy-back and financial assistance under section 204. In section 205, it states the solvency test is satisfied if: immediately after the transaction, the company will be capable of paying its debts; and the company will be able to pay its debts within 12 months after the transaction or commencement of winding up. Given an opinion, a director must ask the company’s state of affairs and prospects and take into account all the liabilities of the company in section 206(2), for example, contingent and prospective liabilities. Besides, a solvency statement is in the specified form, states the date on which it is made and the name of each director making it, and is signed by each director who makes it according to section 206(3). In conclusion, George can choose either one of the above two procedures to reduce the capital of FG Limited. (Unit 2 P.30-33)

Friday, September 20, 2019

The Death Penalty Debate Essay -- Papers Capital Punishment Essays Pap

The Death Penalty Debate The issue of the death penalty is widely disputed. So disputed that maybe I shouldn’t have picked this topic. But nevertheless, the death penalty is an issue that needs to be addressed. Should the death penalty be abolished from our criminal justice system? Well, that depends on whom you ask. If you ask me†¦ no. I personally don’t see anything wrong with the death penalty because there are a lot of criminals that are just too dangerous to society and death is the only punishment they deserve. I know that it is in the eighth amendment that prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, and I can’t think of a greater punishment for a crime than death, but I believe that exceptions should be made. Despite U.S. Supreme Court rulings to the contrary, many death penalty opponents consider capital punishment in and of itself to be cruel and unusual. They believe the death penalty to be a barbarous practice that should be discarded. Specific methods of execution also frequently come under attack as violating the Eighth Amendment. Death penalty advocates counter that the framers of the Constitution took capital punishment for granted, and did not consider it cruel and unusual. Some proponents of the death penalty believe some methods of execution, such as lethal injection, are more humane than others. (http://ethics.acusd.edu/death_penalty.html) From 1930, the first year for which statistics are readily available from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, to 1967, 3,859 persons were executed. During this period, over half (54%) of those executed were black, 45 % were white, and the remaining 1% were members of other racial groups -- American Indians (19), Filipino (13), Chinese (8), and Japanese (2). The vast ... ...ht make all the violent offenders think twice before they commit the crime. Works Cited: Death Penalty Debate. (http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/just/ death/), Online, March 2000. -Gives information on the states that have reinstated capital punishment into their justice system and gives a list of the 12 states that still do not have the death penalty. Pollitt, Katha: The Nation, New York; Mar 6, 2000; Vol. 270, Iss. 9; pg. 10, 1 pgs, EBSCOhost March 2000 -Gives a detailed two sided argument on the death penalty and argues how it costs more to house an immate for life in prison. Punishment And The Death Penalty. (http://www.ethics. acused.edu/death_penalty.html), Online, March 2000. - Gives statistical facts on the history of the death penalty. Sullum, Jacob: Reason, Los Angeles; Mar 2000; Vol. 31, iss. 10, pg. 14, 1 pgs, EBSCOhost March 2000

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Criticism of Religion in Voltaire’s Candide Essay -- Candide essays

Criticism of Religion in Voltaire’s Candide In his novel Candide, Voltaire often criticized religious beliefs of the times. His criticism of religion surfaces throughout the entire story. The kindness of the Anabaptist that Candide met showed the silliness of religious prejudices. The old woman's story of her father, Pope Urban X, and the life of wealth she lived as a child shows the corruption of the Catholic clergy. Finally, the conversation Candide and Cacambo had with the old man in Eldorado shows the benefits of a simple religion, a contrast of the European religions of the time. During the eighteenth century, the Anabaptists were often persecuted and hated because of their radical religious beliefs. Voltaire attacked this custom with his description of the kindness of an Anabaptist by the name of James. Candide found himself in Holland, a Christian country, with no food or work, so he asked one of the Protestant citizens for some bread. After Candide did not admit that the pope was the antichrist, the Protestant yelled at him, "You don't deserve to eat... go you scoundr...

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Griffins Egg: Gunther :: essays research papers

Griffin's Egg: Gunther   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Griffin's Egg is a story about Gunther, a man who lives on the moon. And his adventures,as he gets into all kinds of situatutions. He, along with many others, have inhabited the moon because Earth is engauged in a full thermonuclier war. The dangers of the moon however, also come along. Solar flares, dangerous robots, CMP chips, and many more dangers await Gunther on the moon.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As gunther is delivering some fuel rods to the G5 Assembly Plant, a Surface Warning is broadcast, this is high levels of radiation caused by a solar flare. He is 30 minutes away from the nearest shelter, and the advisory is for 20 minutes. He finds a way to make a rig to sit under the truck, so he would be shielded from the radiation. He also uses his robot, Siegfried, to control the movement of the truck while he is riding under it, on his way to the plant.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When he finally made it so the plant, he went inside to find it filled with thick, smoke-like mist. His light only distorts the images, so he turns it off and gets used to the dark room. When his eyes finally got adjusted, it was just in time, because just then a big metal puncher came by and punched a hole in the ground right next to him. He stumbled away, only to find that the robot was following him. He ran into the shelter and closed the door, sealing the robot outside of the shelter. The shelter was s small room, just big enough to fit a cot, a chemical toilet, and a rebreather with spare oxygen tanks.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A while later, after the flare was over, the CMP chips, which has been implanted in everyone's brain that had come to the moon, was being used against them. Krishna, a scientist, found that if he broadcasted over the chips frequency, he could make hypnotic suggestions to the people with the chips. Gunther had to find a way to stop this, so he and another scientist, Hiro,

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Law in the light Of Three cases Essay

Framing his arguments on the conception of the â€Å"original understanding† as basis, Bork argues that this theory is the best and sole method which can be utilized in order to resolve and reconcile the perceived conflict that exists between what he calls as the â€Å"Madisonian† or â€Å"counter-majoritarian† dilemma. This problem primarily concerns the judiciary of creating law bereft of popular approval or consultation. The reconciliation between the two opposing poles according to Bork can be further resolved through the guidance not only of the basic functions of the branches of the government but, far more importantly, also of the Framer’s original understanding of the Constitution of the United States of America. Bork emphasizes that it is not essentially the role of the courts to legislate or create laws from where they are primarily positioned and that the court’s primary duty is to adjudicate. Moreover, he also argues that the courts should not only practice restraint in arriving at legal decisions over cases but that they should also make manifest of â€Å"neutral principles† quite apart from ad hoc pronouncements or subjective valuations or judgments which Bork sees as insufficient. In essence, the theory of originalism within the scopes of the constitutional interpretation by the U. S. is a conjuncture or a family of theories that reinforces the perception that the Constitution has an unchanging, hence fixed, and comprehensible meaning right at its establishment or the time of its ratification. It is also a theory of law that is formalist in nature and is closely related with the theory of textualism. The theory of originalism is currently popular among the political conservatives of the United States political system that is directly intertwined with Robert Bork as well as Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia although there are also quite a number of liberals who support and make use of the arguments being put forward by the theory of originalism. For the most part, originalism is conceived as a family of theories whereby a set of interpretations, though separated by fine distinctions, are nevertheless held together by their theoretical and argumentative support for originalism. The theory of original intent suggests that originalism is the view that argues that the interpretation of a written constitution is held to be firmly aligned with the primary intentions of those who drafted and approved its legality. This interpretation based on original intent has so often been used to disapprove unpopular groups such as gays and blacks during the middle parts of the twentieth century from acquiring civil liberties. The reason to this is that the original intent of the authors or the â€Å"founders† of the constitution did not practically intend explicitly or implicitly either for gays or for blacks to be duly given with the same rights that white males enjoy. On the other hand, closely related to textualism is the notion of the â€Å"original meaning† which holds that the precise and rightful interpretation of the constitution should be entirely founded on what the ordinary meaning of the written texts in the constitution would have been during the year or the time when it was drafted and ratified. Although these interpretations of the theory of originalism may not necessarily come into full agreement on the use of the terms expressed in the constitution, they nevertheless share the same view that there is an authority that exists with the ratification of the constitution that should serve as the backbone in extracting the meaning of the constitution. The very distinctions correspond to the intentions of the authors, the plain meaning of the written texts in the constitution, and the comprehension of those who authored the constitution or those who ratified it. Paul Brest held contradicting arguments to those that are being proposed in the context of originalism. Brest maintains that the theory of originalism is itself unworkable for the reason that it is practically not feasible to identify and aggregate the intentions of the framers of the constitution whose numbers come in multitudes. He further maintains that the arguments being put forward by originalism is difficult to be pursued and be delegated to current issues that beset the legal system. Frederick Schauer, as a proponent of legal formalism, may very well suggest that the substance of laws is not an area of concern for the judges to delve into but is rather the function of the legislative body in a democratic government. The division between policy or normative considerations and legal reasoning, as put forward by formalism, highlights the issue revolving around the attempts of justices to determine the legal valuations of statutes. Planned Parenthood versus Casey  The constitutionality of a number of state regulations in Pennsylvania that correspond on the legal issued of abortion were put to legal test in the case of Planned Parenthood versus Casey. The Supreme Court of the United States’ lead plurality opinion maintained the right to acquire an abortion although contemporaneous to its decision is the lowering of the standards for the assessing limitations of such right which in turn nullified the validity of one regulation in favor of the upholding of the other regulations. The case in itself is divided between differing judgments among the justices and that none of the opinions of the Justices were merged or could have been merged by a majority among the justices. Moreover, the case has made clear the very substantial role of precedents in deciding the legality and outcome of the arguments in legal cases. The main precedent that has been used in the case is that of Roe v. Wade which initially recognized the right guaranteed by the U. S. Constitution to decide for and acquire an abortion as a form of liberty specifically maintained by the Fourteenth Amendment, specifically by the Due Process Clause. The course of the case posed the first challenge directed towards the court’s ruling in the case of Roe that further distinguished itself as a seminal issue in the history of the abortion rights in America. On the part of the Justices who comprised the panel that will decide the merit and outcome of the case, dissenting opinions were raised and held. Part of the arguments raised by the justices who concurred with Roe as precedent suggests that the arguments raised in the Roe case were legally substantial enough to uphold the constitutionality of the provisions set forth by the Constitution. That is, the Roe case as precedent addresses the contentions of the complainants in the manner in which prior court rulings are maintained and, hence, determine the legality of the case inasmuch as the contentions to the legal rights are provided and preserved. On the other hand, part of the panel of justices dissented on the substantiality of the constitutional provision by arguing that the Roe case, when used as a precedent in the case at hand, was incorrectly decided and, hence, cannot be considered in extracting the necessary legal remedy in the case of Planned Parenthood versus Casey. Rawls and the principle of fairness Central to John Rawls’ conception of justice is his treatment of the concept of justice as â€Å"fairness†. From this main precept, Rawls continues his argument by expounding on the circumstances that will give rise to these fair conditions. Before centering one’s attention on these circumstances, it must be noted that Rawls primarily makes use of the veil of ignorance in determining the principles of justice that the society will eventually adopt. These first principles of justice will then serve as the basis for the legal aspects of the society such as the creation of legislative proclamations, precedents, drafting and ratification of the constitution, legal sanctions expressed in these written codes of law among many others. At the onset of the determination of the principles of justice, Rawls suggests that the members of the society will convene in order to determine which principles are to be accepted as the first principles. The convention of the individuals is made on equal on grounds on several bases. First is that the individuals will be deprived of general knowledge on matters which will allow them to obtain a relative advantage over other people in the convention. This limiting of knowledge is met through the hypothetical veil of ignorance that serves as the â€Å"veil† which strains out specific knowledge among them. The specific types of knowledge Rawls refers to are those that revolve around the context of the age, race and social status among many others. The knowledge of these specific factors, Rawls claims, lead to an unfair advantage of some over the rest for the reason that it results to basic inequalities prior to the commencement of the convention of rational individuals. On the other hand, what must only be permitted are general knowledge such as the knowledge that the principles that the convention of individuals will eventually agree on will automatically subject these people to the scopes and limitations set forth in these principles and other sets of principles that can be derived from them. Eventually, the individuals in the convention will agree on the first principles of justice they are able to decide. Conversely, this is the crucial part whereby fairness is met. Fairness here is taken to mean that the first principles were derived under fair conditions to the individuals and that the principles, consequently, are fair as well. From this, it is claimed that the moral obligations that are to be extracted from the principles of justice are those that the individuals will not disagree on for reasons of injustice or unfairness. The reason behind this is that the veil of ignorance guarantees fair conditions in arriving at fair principles thereby ensuing that the individuals will not go against the provisions of the law derived from the first principles. John Simmons, on the other hand, maintains that there is apparently the non-existence of any strong moral duty towards the law of any given society or state. Moreover, Simmons argues that moral obedience towards the constitution or the law in general barely amounts to the premise that even in a just or orderly state only some natural duty and not all brings justification of compliance to the law. Further, Simmons analyzes and determines that Rawls’ conception of a natural duty of justice (all must build and maintain just institutional arrangements) as a justification for the natural duty to obey the law is inadequate to bring about a strong moral duty towards the law. The arguments of Rawls primarily fail for the reason that Rawls is unable in thoroughly explaining the reason behind why even just institutions in the domestic arena ought to acquire privileged moral authority over individuals in the state. Conversely, it should be noted that if indeed there is the existence of natural duty towards justice, then the question remains as to why this duty would have to arrive at the fences of every state or nation.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Global Organization Management in the Year 2000

â€Å"Technological advances at the end of the 20th century have allowed companies to globalize, facilitating the sale of their goods and services in foreign markets. Communications, empowerment, and learning will be the three greatest deciding factors in the success of these new multinational firms. † To be more successful in business in the global environment, it will be necessary to expand to the global market. An increase in production, sales and profits are some of the compelling reasons why most companies will seek to go beyond the limited sphere of strictly selling to US consumers. But as companies in the year 2000 and beyond will surely find out, it isn†t always easy to manage an organization when the work force and management teams are thousands of miles and an ocean away. Consequently, there are a few strategies that can ensure the success of a business located in the global market. First of all, the 1990's have already taught us that people are proud to work for companies that treat them well. They become linked to companies in more than an employer/employee relationship — they come to feel as if they are truly a part of an organization; not just one of the employees. In the year 2000 and beyond, it shall be the presence of this feeling more than any other that sets excellent companies apart from the ordinary, and therefore less successful. Companies which are expanding to the global market will need to make all the positive contributing employees feel more than just workers. One thing that employees in the future will – more than ever — ask themselves continually is how personally beneficial or detrimental their work environment is to there wn well-being. By establishing a research study to investigate the psychological climate of the overseas workplace, several important factors can be established which will help in the effective management of the global firm. More than ever before, employees in the global will show a genuine appreciation for fairness within their workplace, as well as some amount of recognition for a job well done. This is especially important when the parent company is located in another country. The prevailing attitude may be that the new organization isn†t as important to company success, simply because the head of the organization isn†t a daily, or even monthly, presence at the workplace. By recognizing the achievements of foreign employees, employers will ensure that their global family feels appreciated and part of the team, which in turn will create an atmosphere where the employees take pride in their work, and feel as if they are an integral part of the entire production process. There may also be problems with job stress, or harmony within the work group (possibly a lack of warmth and friendliness which does not provide a pleasant working environment). All these potential problems are part of the psychological climate within a workplace already, and will need to be addressed as part of an effective management program of a global organization in the future. Every day, employees will form a perception of how their organization values them in their contributions. It is important that these global employees feel that the organization cares about their well-being and is willing to fairly reward their loyalty or effort. How the global employees will perceive this support from the parent organization is important to them as they try to understand their role in the production process. Maslow (1954) argued a hierarchy system of human needs. The hierarchical needs are fixed from the bottom to the top. The bottom is physical needs; next is safety and security needs; third is social needs; forth is self-esteem; and fifth is self- actualization. Maslow's theory suggests that an individual's motivational needs aspire to the next level once the lower level needs have been achieved. The global firm must address the needs of the foreign and expatriate worker, to keep their commitment to the organization. The individual wants money not just to live on but also acquires some degree of personal satisfaction from earning it. Money will be used for housing, foods, and health care, for himself and his family. Receiving an increase in salary will contribute to the individual's status and self-worth, both of which are identified needs that require satisfaction. The overlapping areas in the motivation model suggest that the Maslow's needs are satisfied simultaneously. There are three overlapping areas in the model, an overlapping of individual needs and external influences, an overlapping of individual needs and business, and an overlapping of individual needs, external influences, and business. The first area includes the physical needs, the safety and security. The second area includes the social needs. The last area includes self-actualization and self- esteem because the two needs are satisfied when the three factors are met. Furthermore, a size of each overlapping area can explain management's attempt to satisfy the degree of employees' needs. The global firm must attempt to satisfy the needs of all the workers, not only in monetary terms, but also in fulfillment of self worth. All the workers should not just feel as if they are a ‘cog in the machine†, but part of the whole process. The expectancy theory presented by Vroom (1964), is a frame work for our ideal global firm to operate within. We assume performance, reward, and satisfaction are interconnected. The theory suggests that an increase in effort leads to increasing performance and then proper rewards with satisfaction help keep the relationships. The factor not taken into account is the relationship between a person and external influences. The relationship between performance and rewards relates to the interaction between individual needs and business. Our global firm will provide a systematic rewards process which meet the individual needs as performance occurs. The size of the overlapping area of individual needs and business can illustrate the degree of matching individual needs and the respective rewards. Our eventual long term goal is to increase long term commitment to the firm. If workers meet goals, and targets they will be rewards. The global firm does not want to lose good workers. It is hard enough to maintain a domestic workforce, finding and maintaining a global workforce is an immensely large task. Employee perceptions of the global organization organization†s support will strongly influence their commitment to the organization. When they see the organization as being supportive of employee efforts, this also affects and influences their attitudes and behaviors. How employees perceive support from the organization is directly influenced by positive feedback from the organization. As in everyday life, praise and approval for a job well done is the best way to let people know they are appreciated. This is very important in global management to increase employee morale. This positive feedback lets the employee know that the organization recognizes and values the contribution of their global employees — a key message in all forms of support. The 21st century organization will find it helpful to take monthly surveys of the global employees in which to get their assessment of the employee-organization relationship, and if they feel there is positive feedback or communication occurring within the organization. When an employee feels that the management†s actions and policies communicate employees are easily replaced, he or she may feel well-being within the workplace, and be less likely to identify with the organization. It is important for global employees to feel as if they play just as much of an important role within the organization as does the core group of employees in the home base organization. If an employee perceives top management communicates consistently — and in several different ways — that employees are valued, he or she may feel increased well-being and report a stronger identification with the organization, which would result in better performance and a company loyalty. ). Concern and caring for employees can be communicated through statements sent to the foreign workplace from organization. Loyalty to the company can be reinforced by publicly recognizing employee achievements in company newsletters. Organizations can also communicate their support of their foreign production team by providing tangible benefits, such as child-care facilities or flexible work arrangements. This allows employees reducing uncertainty about their jobs through job training or information about what would happen if the company had to layoff a certain number of employees. Overseas production teams will assume responsibility in the event of profit or losses. The global team would be the first to be cut. Knowing ahead of time that there is an established plan for handling such a possibility will go a long way in increasing employee feelings of well-being and loyalty to the company. Ambiguous policies, on the other hand, only serve to promote uncertainty among global employees. It is also important to understand how organizational events are interpreted by employees, which can lead to increased understanding of the organization and improve the employee/employer relationship. Organizations of the future allowing global teams to be part of the decision-making policies and practices will generally have more supportive organizational climates. This shall show the foreign production team to feel they are part of the entire organization and not that the parent organization is deciding for them on work practices and policies, which don†t directly affect the organization as much as they would affect the foreign team. Allowing the global team into the decision-making process will signify management†s respect for them as an important part of the entire organization. Positive evaluations of employee value and their decision-making abilities are also important. Participation in decision making is related to increased motivation and increases in employee attitude toward commitment to the organization. One of today's biggest buzzwords is â€Å"Teams†. Most companies are leaning toward a team concept. One way to enforce teams is by empowering employees. Many companies striving to edge their competition are turning to the empowered employee teams initiative. The difference between a group and a team must be understood. A group is two or more people who interact to achieve their goals. In contrast a team is a group in which members work together intensively to achieve a common goal. Therefore the fact that there is no camaraderie in the groups is not only because of the lack of proper interaction and understanding but also because of the fact that workers are not trained enough to realize the importance of working in groups. The difference between groups and teams Groups work individually to achieve a common goal, or target. Teams work and communicate together to achieve common goals. The global organization must achieve form teams, and not groups. The global empowered teams will be part of a much larger global composition of teams that will form the companies network. In the global organization empowered teams will make the difference between the company being a multinational that meets the regional demands, or an international corporation. Regional needs will be satisfied because the teams distributed throughout the world will be responsive to the needs of the customer. The ultimate goal of the corporation is â€Å"to market itself globally, but act locally. † (Stein, 1999) Most businesses want to achieve total customer satisfaction by anticipating and solving a problem before it occurs. Thus a new kind of team has emerged with the goal of insuring customer satisfaction from the start. In the global environment empowered teams will be able to react regionally to the needs and wants of the consumer. Empowered teams are built with empowered people whom have the authority and autonomy to make significant changes within the organization. The global teams will consist of several members from different functions. Instead of one individual making decisions, the group or â€Å"team† makes decisions collectively with the middle manager position eliminated or acting as the coach. The use of these empowered regional teams is to solve problems, lower costs, increase quality, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction. The global team will understand the national culture of each individual country it operate in. They will identify that particular set of economic, political, and social values that exist in that nation. Throwing people together does not always mean they should be called a team. They must first be made up of the right people who understand and can define a task. The strength of the team depends on proper training, timing, and communication. Before a regional empowered team is created, the goal of the company and mission of the team must be defined. The top management must identify how much of empowerment is needed, and recruit the best people to work on the problem. For a team to work successfully it should ideally be comprised from a diversified workforce. The diversification will facilitate more idea†s and openness with the team. An article in the Wall Street Journal mentioned Honda, Motorola, and General Electric as examples of companies who form diversified empowered teams. Honda motor company for example, attempts to compose it each of teams from a minimum of three different countries. This allows Honda to incorporate regional needs, and use other non regional concepts. Recruiting the right people, and insuring they represent the cross-section of discipline†s and regional diversity is very important. One person missing out of this formula can ruin a team. Within every team, a cross-functioning method must be used for the team to be successful. If one of the team members is hard to get along with, they still can be beneficial to the team. Everyone's input is important, the output of the team is greater than any individual's output. A strong facilitator is also needed on the team. The facilitator guides rather than leads. Usually middle management, this person is set equal to the other members of the team. The facilitator must recognize and understand each member's participation, as well as, coordinate the reporting progress. In order for team to be successful, senior management must be committed to recognize the team should be put in charge. This is done only when senior management defines a specific goal for the team to strive for. Too much management can kill a team. The team might spend more time on reporting the progress than the task that needs to be completed. Middle management is the biggest obstacle for teams. To be successful, middle management must surrender its power and let the team empower themselves. Setting time limits are also important to the team success. Never let a team go beyond six months, everyday should be treated as an important day. Training is also important for team to succeed. Everyone in the organization, including all suppliers must work together to improve customer satisfaction. Outside vendors should be reminded that increased sales by the corporation will lead to increased revenue for them.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Htc Introduction Essay

HTC quickly emerged on the smartphone scene with the remarkable success of The Sense, one of its first models, and broke many industry sales records. People were asking, â€Å"Who is HTC? † Our research indicates that HTC’s rapid rise to success was because of innovation and technological capabilities. Even though the HTC brand was not widely recognized, its smartphones were generating interest. In our primary research, we discovered that some people owned an HTC phone but did not know that HTC was the manufacturer. Obviously, brand awareness was relatively low. For HTC to stay relevant in the hypercompetitive smartphone industry, it needs serious revamping of its marketing plan. With smartphone market penetration increasing to more than 20 percent in the past five years and reaching 46. 8 percent in Q3 2011, HTC has tremendous opportunities to establish a solid market position. After examining the market conditions and current HTC performance in the U. S. , our team proposes that HTC position itself as a technological leader by targeting consumers ages 18 to 34. This promising segment has potential sales of $2. 5 million. We analyzed the industry and examined external factors that could impact HTC’s bottom line. This analysis gave us crucial insight into the smartphone market. We also analyzed the competitive environment that includes Apple, Motorola, and RIM (Blackberry). HTC, which has a positive reputation on the merits of its technology, needs to boldly differentiate itself in the marketplace. Through market analysis, we discovered that HTC has a strong market size, market potential, and distinct target markets. We recommend that HTC take specific steps through segmenting, targeting, and positioning to execute its marketing plan. We are confident that our plan can increase HTC’s market share by 2 percent each year. By the end of 2012, our marketing objective is to reach a 24 percent market share of the smartphone industry, which equals 18. 7 million HTC customers. The plan includes recommendations and precautions at distribution channels so that HTC differentiates itself from the other brands. We developed a budget for the marketing plan and devised procedures to monitor each effort in order to reach our projected market share increase. We are confident that our marketing plan can take HTC from an emerging brand to a dominant market leader.