STRATEGIC PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION - Essay Example Changing attitude of the companies to global gives relevance to strategic planning and implementation. An organizations strategic goal helps in directing the resources towards it. But strategic plan alone does not result in a successful implementation of the strategy. It depends upon the overall environment of the business i.e. its size, culture, market pressures etc. Studies show that strategic management led to increased performance of an organization in terms of its profit, market share etc. Strategic management decisions taken at all levels of management helps to evaluate and measure the benefits derived. It also helps in the creation of problem prevention culture in the organization. Strategic management offers a number of benefits to the organization practicing it. People could realize the importance of their working and what are expected from them. Better delegation, coordination, monitoring, performance evaluation and control. Strength and weakness of the firm could be identified. The word strategy has different meaning in different parlance. In business, there is no definite meaning and it is often used to mean a number of things. Alfred D Chandler had defined strategy as â€Å"the determination of the basic long term goals and objectives of an enterprise and the adoption of the courses of action and allocation of resources necessary to carry out these goals.†(Page no.26, Second Edition, Business Policy and Strategic Management, Azhar Khazmi). William F Gluek, a well known in the strategic management area has defined strategy as " a unified, comprehensive and integrated plan designed to assure that the basic objectives of the enterprise are achieved" (page no. 27, Business Policy and Strategic Management, Azhar Khazmi, Second Edition).   Unified refers that the strategic plan joins all levels of an organization, comprehensive refers all aspects

Control Mechanisms in Management Essay Example for Free

Control Mechanisms in Management Essay The four control standards the team chose to explore in regard to McDonald’s are performance, performance vs. standards, corrective action, and reinforce successes. The team will compare and contrast these control mechanisms, and determine the effectiveness of each. The team will also examine the positive and negative reactions to the use of these controls. Performance Standards â€Å"A standard is an expected performance for a given goal or target that establishes a desired performance level, motivates performance, and serves as a benchmark against which actual performance is assessed† (Bateman, 2009, p. 576). Performance standards relate directly to the success of the company. McDonald’s has set standards for customer service, and customer satisfaction. The standards are communicated to the employees by the store manager and training manager. Management sets attainable goals to motivate employee performance; he or she communicates these goals clearly, and revaluates these goals. Evaluating Performance Companies should evaluate the performance of employees and management to ensure the goals of the company are achieved. In the past McDonald’s evaluated their own-operators on a regular basis until the mid-1990s. McDonald’s discontinued evaluation that resulted in lower customer satisfaction. McDonald’s reinstated performance evaluations in 2001 to improve customer satisfaction. Today regional managers inspect and evaluate franchises on a regular basis. Forms with standard operation procedures enhance the evaluation process, and this information is input in McDonald’s database for further review. Today’s managers can input the evaluation from his or her company PDA. Performance vs. Standards â€Å"The managerial principle of exception states, which control is enhanced by concentrating on the exceptions to, or significant deviation from, the expected result or standard (Bateman, 2009, p. 578). Companies compare the performance of employees by evaluating how well the employee followed the standards or guidelines set by the company. Corrective Action and Reinforce Successes During the work process errors happen and managers should address these problems with his or her employees. Errors happen but managers also see the success of employees meeting or exceeding company goals. Companies should reward employees who meet or exceed the goals of the company. Compare and Contrast McDonald’s main goal is to develop sustainability. The leaders of McDonald’s have set standards of financial growth, customer service, product quality and safety, and corporate responsibility and conduct to achieve this main goal. Considering McDonald’s dominance in the fast-food industry, it is safe to say they have been successful at achieving their performance standards. McDonald’s has been a success because management takes immense care in measuring their performance, comparing their performance to their standards, and taking corrective action to get their performance on the right track. Management analyzes many reports to measure the company’s performance, such as customer satisfaction surveys, the annual report and corporate responsibility report, and performance audits. Management also observes their operation to measure performance. From analyzing these performance reports and audits, management can compare performance to their standards, past performance, and goals. For instance, the six-year summary in the 2011 Annual Report shows McDonald’s earned nearly three billion dollars in total revenue growth between 2010 and 2011 (McDonald’s, 2011). By comparing performance, management can identify deviations from their standards and goals and make corrections. Initiatives such as Employee Value Proposition, Leadership Development Framework and healthier menu items are examples of corrective action taken to improve performance (McDonald’s, 2009, pgs. 6 -7). McDonald’s management can execute these four performance controls successfully by having the drive to improve, building a culture of values, and constantly working toward sustainability (McDonald’s, 2009, pg. 5). McDonald’s worldwide success for many decades adds credence to management’s effectiveness in executing all four performance controls. Determine Effectiveness The four control standards the team chose to explore in regard to McDonald’s work well together, as is evident by the success of the company. The fast-food industry is hard to be successful in unless the company has the right combination of plans and controls. McDonald’s is a leader in this field because the company uses just the right amount of each. The McDonald’s control standards do not act well together unless there are people who make the standards work together. There have been times when some of the control standards have been in need of further guidance. During such times corporate management has had to change some of the ways the controls work. This is to ensure McDonald’s operates to the best of its abilities for effectiveness. Examine Positive and Negative Reactions From examining McDonald’s awards and recognition, it appears McDonald’s has received a very positive reaction to how they use these controls. Such awards include Fortune Magazine’s 2012 number 11 â€Å"Most Admired Company in the World,† Forbes Magazine 2010 â€Å"Most Admired Companies,† 2010 â€Å"Corporate Award† from the Executive Leadership Council (McDonald’s, 2012). Internally, McDonald’s has received positive reaction or at least buy-in, considering their performance and employer awards, to their performance controls, more than likely from their efforts in taking care of their people. McDonald’s has implemented leadership development and employee value proposition programs, and diversity and inclusion and social responsibility initiatives that have promoted employee satisfaction and trust in the company (McDonald’s, 2012). Also their business relationship model between their employees, suppliers, and owner/operators has developed strong communication throughout its operation. Although McDonald’s has been widely successful, they have also failed from time to time. In 2001, University of Michigan rated McDonald’s as one of the poorest-performing retailers from a year-long customer satisfaction study (Zuber, 2001, P. 1). More recently, ConsumerAffairs.com holds hundreds of consumer complaints of McDonald’s service, showing that even a successful giant like McDonald’s still has room for improvement. Controls Affect on Functions The four control standards the team chose to explore are performance, performance vs. standards, and corrective action, and reinforce successes. These controls affect the four functions of management in numerous ways. Pakhare (2011), Effective and efficient management leads to success, which is the attainment of objectives and goals, that an organization sets for itself. Of course, for achieving the ultimate goal, management needs to work creatively in problem solving and execute all the four functions† (Para. 1-12). Since we have a basic understanding of these functions we can see clearly how they are in direct relationship to the control standards we have chosen. With each control standard we see how they closely work with each function. This particular formula is commonplace in many organizations on a global level. The analysis shows that McDonald’s has a good plan of control mechanisms in place, and good functions of management to support the corporation. This has been a key factor of the corporation’s long success in a business where many do not last long. The company has many beneficial areas to back up why they are one of the world’s favorite places to eat and probably will continue to be as successful for many years to come. References McDonalds. (2011). 2011 Annual Report. Retrieved from http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/content/dam/AboutMcDonalds/Investors/Investors%202012/2011%20Annual%20Report%20Final.pdf McDonalds. (2012). Awards and Recognition. Retrieved from http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/awards_and_recognition.html McDonalds. (2012). Our Company. Retrieved from http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/mcdonalds_system.html McDonalds. (2009). Worldwide Corporate Responsibility Online Report: The values we bring to the table. Retrieved from http://www.mcdonalds.at/presse/maps/McDCSR.pdf Pakhare, J. (2011). Management Concepts The Four Functions of Management. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/management-concepts-the-four-functions-of-management.html Zuber, A. (2001). McD restructures to beef up performance. Retrieved from

Always Wanting More: Imperialism and Expansionism Essay -- American H

Going to the local grocery store while hungry is always on the list of things not to do. Why? Because while walking up and down the aisles, hunger decides to strike and more grocery items are added to the shopping cart. Another not to do idea for grocery shopping is taking little kids along for the trip. Why not for this one? Because the little kids will want even more in the cart than the hunger attack would. The 19th and 20th century United States of America was the little kids and the hunger attack in the scenario given above. America wanted more. They wanted more land, more power, more international influence, and more control. After being under the hands of Britain for majority of the 18th century, America was ready to explode and make a name for their self, and by their self. With this, no one was going to get in the way until America had made a name for itself. The plan may not have gone as smoothly as the political figures would have liked, but their plan must have worked. Since America is known for having the most resources and being one of the greatest problem solvers in the world , the game plan of making a name worked successfully. Expansion begins within oneself. America was not completely foolish and began trying to exhort their authority in matters where they did not belong when it was still just an eastern coast country. No, instead Americans and their political authorities had the brilliant idea of Manifest Destiny. The United States did not try to expand in any international way; instead they followed the baby steps method. Manifest Destiny was the beginning to expansion that will probably never end. With this, America expanded physically as well as mentally. The Manifest Destiny idea gave Americans the moti... ...hens, GA, September 26, 2011. Farber, David. Taken Hostage: The Iran Hostage Crisis and America's First Encounter With Radical Islam. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2005. Logli, Michael. "Greencastle Banner-Graphic: Local News: Lee Hamilton talks about American influence in the world (3/16/11)." Banner Graphic. March 16, 2011. http://www.bannergraphic.com/story/1710813.html (accessed November 22, 2011). Platt Amendment. CourseReader. Detroit: Gale, 2010. "President Dwight D. Eisenhower Explains the Domino Theory." Public Papers of the Presidents: Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1958. 381-90. CourseReader. Detroit: Gale, 2010. University of Houston. "Westward Expansion: Manifest Destiny." Digital History. 2006. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/article_display.cfm?HHID=311 (accessed November 22, 2011).

Frankenstein :: essays research papers

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein opens with Robert Walton’s ship surrounded in ice, and Robert Walton watching, along with his crew, as a huge, malformed "traveller" on a dog sled vanished across the ice. The next morning, the fog lifted and the ice separated and they found a man, that was almost frozen lying on a slab of floating ice. By giving him hot soup and rubbing his body with brandy, the crew restored him to his health. A few days later he was able to speak and the stranger, Victor Frankenstein, seemed distressed to learn that a sled had been sighted prior to his rescue from the ice. Then he began to tell his story. Frankenstein said that he had been an only child and during a expedition with his parents, his mother found a peasant and his wife with five hungry babies. The peasant’s children were dark-skinned, except for one little girl. Frankenstein’s mother decided to adopt the little girl. Victor and his adopted sister, Elizabeth, came to love one another, even though they were very different in temperament and nature. Elizabeth "busied herself with following the aerial creations of poets," while Frankenstein preferred scientific knowledge "it was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn ... the physical secrets of the world." After the death of his mother when he was seventeen, Frankenstein departed for the University of Inglostadt. Frankenstein grew intensely interested in the phenomena of the human body and he explored the processes of death and decay, and became infatuated with the idea of creating human life itself. After several days and nights of laboring, he â€Å"succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter." Frankenstein set out to create a superior living being, hoping to eventually discover a formula for eternal life. In his research Frankenstein determinedly collected human remains from charnel-houses and cemeteries. Then, "on a dreary night of November ... I beheld the accomplishment of my toils": an eight-foot monster. Applying electricity to the "lifeless matter" before him, Frankenstein saw "the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and convulsive motion agitated its limbs." And at the result of his creation coming to life, Frankenstein was appalled. "Breathless horror and disgust filled my heart." He thought that he had created a freak. Exhausted, Frankenstein fell into a deep sleep, seeking a "few moments of forgetful ness.

Nature and Man

Charles Baudelaire is a controversial French poet during the 1840’s. Choosing not to take up law, he was sent him to a trip to India during which he discovered his passion for poetry. Later on he was part of the 1900’s movement, the Symbolist, whose goal was to show the world different perspectives or the â€Å"hidden meanings† of objects. Scandalizing the masses his book The Flowers of Evil, which contained Correspondences, was condemned by the public. In Correspondence, Charles Baudelaire uses metaphors to connect the nature and the senses of a person. This is evident through out the poem.Temples according to Merriam-Webster is a building for religious practice. Therefore temples are sacred and in the very first line of the poem, â€Å"Nature is a temple in which living pillars†, Baudelaire uses metaphor to connect sacredness and nature. Naturally, nature has trees and temples have pillars, which hold the structure. Again, he uses metaphor to make nature ’s trees the living pillars of the temple in this instance are nature. In the next line, one will see how a sacred place like this can be a safe haven to its people. Whenever a person of a certain religion is at lost, he seeks refuge in his respective religion.Now, nature as a temple can be a place where it can â€Å"give voice to confused words†. The third line is connected to the first one. Baudelaire uses the verbs â€Å"is† in the first line and â€Å"passes† in the third line. So while nature is a temple, man passes through it. It gives the impression that while man is changing, nature is constant. Also, all things sacred are kept secured thus the poet’s use of the term â€Å"forests of symbols†. He shows the need of nature to be kept sealed, as it is sacred. And though the man passing through is confused, the sacredness in which he is engulfed in â€Å"look at him with understanding eyes†.In the next stanza, Baudelaire uses the technique alliteration. Though it is not evident in the translation made by William Aggeler, it can be heard in the video of the original French version of the poem being read by Gilles-Claude Theriault. At the first line he talks about prolonged echoes and in the next 2 lines the words Baudelaire used words, which sort of sounded alike. It was like he was using the words to represent the prolonged echoes he was talking about. Then the last line of this stanza talks about how â€Å"perfumes, sounds and colors correspond†.Baudelaire will further discuss the similarities of these 3 in the next stanza. In the third stanza, synesthetic metaphors were used heavily. The sense of touch of the flesh of children, taste of oboes and sight of a color of meadows were all used as comparative devices for perfume, which is normally, uses the sense of smell for its description. The 5 senses are a major part of the poem and it’s most obvious in this stanza. Even the poem ends with the word senses. The third line of the third stanza he now uses contradicting moralities to attribute to the other kinds of perfume he didn’t describe in the previous lines.In the last stanza, Baudelaire talks about the power of perfume to spread. Looking at this in the perspective of nature, it can be said that perfume represents everything around us. As perfume is a liquid that requires the sense of smell, it is potent enough to be able to disperse in the air of nature. Also, since perfume is dispersed in the air, it is in a way inescapable because the scent will follow you. If another scent comes along, it will either mix, or over power the other one. He says it is â€Å"like amber and incense. Musk, benzoin† all of which are ingredients used in the process of making perfume.And while a perfume has the â€Å"power to expand into infinity†, it â€Å"sings the ecstasy of soul and senses†. The personification in the last line of perfume is used because he rei terates the point he made in the stanza before this, how perfume does not only touch the sense of smell, but all the senses. Baudelaire uses metaphors to connect nature and the 5 senses to wonderfully weave a tapestry depicting the relationship society of man and the aspects of this society. He shows the beautiful interconnection of man and nature despite the traces of imperfections surrounding it.

senior reflection Essay

senior reflection Essay senior reflection Essay SENIOR REFLECTION The learner profile that I believe well describes me is open-mined. I choose this learner profile because I understand and appreciate my own culture or other and personal history, and I am open to the perspective, value and traditions of other individuals and communities. There are a lot of different people from other countries like me in class, and school. I respect them from what they are, their culture. The learner profile that I believe I have grown the most over the past is communicators. As a student who just move last year from another country to United Stated. There are a lot of different things. For me, the first problem is communicated with people. At the beginning, I was able to talk with my teachers and classmates. The thing is I can understand what people say, but I am not able to reply back. After a lot of practice, and especially practice by communicating with people, and friends, I was getting better and better. I had learned a lot since I came here. I had more experi ence through life and I had more knowledge in school. Here are some evidences. There varied experience over years be a Seahawk, it shaped me into what I am today. I learned a lot of things past couple years. Summer 2011, when I was in Vietnam, I helped my church to take care of the kids. It was called Bible Camp. Different experience that I’ve been through, I showed my responsibility take care of them. I taught them drawing, and make DIY stuff. I used inquires because I enjoyed what I was learning that summer. It helped me feel confidence to talk to the kids, which I usually didn’t. I used thinker because kids are always hyper and they don’t want to listen, so I tried to find a way that make them follow, and happy with it. I was really enjoyed this experience. The kids were cute and amazing. It was a great experience I had ever had so far! Last year, when I was in 11th grade, I had an art project. Art is my favorite subject. The project was about drawing your subject and leaved it blank then decorates the outside subject. I had to organize. I made it clean. I was open-minded to create the project, think of creatively, and different patterns. I used risk takers. I explored new idea that I can make a pattern more when it close and less when it far. I had to be really carefully because the project has to use pen to draw. If I draw wrong, there was no way I could fix it. I used my imagination to picture the project on my mind. This year, 2012-2013, I had to take Chemistry class. Chemistry is the class that

French Prepositions with Geographical Names

French Prepositions with Geographical Names Deciding which French  preposition  to use with countries, cities, and other  geographical names  can be somewhat confusing, at least until now! This lesson will explain which prepositions to use and why. Gendered Nouns Like all French  nouns, geographical names like countries, states, and provinces have a  gender. Knowing the gender of each geographical name is the first step in determining which preposition to use. As a general guideline, geographical names which end in  e  are  feminine, while those that end in any other letter are masculine. There are, of course, exceptions which simply have to be memorized. See the individual lessons for explanations of the gender of each geographical name. Examples In English, we use three different prepositions with geographical names, depending on what we are trying to say. Je vais  en  FranceIm going  to  FranceJe suis  en  FranceIm  in  FranceJe suis  de  FranceIm  from  France However, in French numbers 1 and 2 take the  same  preposition. Whether you are going  to France or you are  in  France, the same preposition is used. Thus in French there are only two prepositions to choose from for each type of geographical name. The difficulty lies in knowing which preposition to use for a city vs a state vs a country.

Using science and technology as the measure, when did the modern world begin

Using science and technology as the measure, when did the modern world begin The creation and use of the atomic bomb may be considered as the beginning of the new world if measured by the technology and science as this particular event has created the time line before and after. There are a lot of reasons why this particular event should be considered as the beginning of the modern times, and one of the main reasons is the absence of the way back.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Using science and technology as the measure, when did the modern world begin? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More People are unable to forget about the invention, scientists cannot stop the process of producing the bomb in the world and, therefore, they cannot guarantee that the atom bomb will never be used. It is just possible to remember the events before and during the World War II to understand that the modern world will never be the same as it was when the atom bomb did not exist. One of the sources states, â⠂¬Å"War dominated and can almost be said to have determined global politics in the twentieth century. War strained the empires the Europeans had constructed so laboriously in the nineteenth century. In the first half of the twentieth century, those empires barely endured, and in the second half, they all collapsed† (Fernandez-Armesto 987). War and tension in the relationships between the countries were the main reasons for the burst of innovations and development in the weapon sphere. The arms race was really important for the countries as even because of the Postwar Disillusionment (Fernandez-Armesto 958) after the First World Was and the desire to prevent another conflict, the World War II was inevitable because of the number of reasons. However, the wars cannot be called the beginning of the modern world as many wars were held earlier and the improvement in weapon cannot be considered as the issue. However, atom bomb is another aspect. It is the beginning of the modern worl d as it offers absolutely new level of leading the war and Hiroshima and Nagasaki is a great example. Remembering the history of the creation of the atom bomb, the quite simple story emerges. Being afraid that Hitler will make an atom bomb US and UK decided to work together on the creation of such weapon. Thus, the bomb was created and it was used on Japan.Advertising Looking for assessment on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The day when atom bombs was used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki is the day of the beginning of the new modern era, the period when the weapon of the mass destruction was applied in the direction of a human being (Hepp 126). Therefore, this events (the creation of the atom bomb) is the beginning of the new modern life due to the fact that this case is crucial. It has made the Japan population to start a new timeline which starts with â€Å"after† the atom bomb use. Dwelling in detail ab out the beginning of a new Age of Atom weapon, the recollections of a person who survived after the attack on Hiroshima in 1945 should be considered. Dr. Michihiko Hachiya remembers that â€Å"Suddenly, a strong flash of light startled me and then another† (Surviving the Atomic Attack on Hiroshima† n.p.). The description reminds about the world creation, when a splash gave birth to the whole mankind. Atom bomb use is really the beginning of the new era, the era when people are o be afraid of the inventions they make, the era where the science begins the main influencing power in economical and political life. Nowadays, each country tries to create something innovation in the world of science as the country development depends on it. Since the creation of the Atom bomb, people are focused on science and the discoveries which are made there in order not to miss the beginning of another, more innovative era. Therefore, it may be concluded that the consideration of the cre ation of the atom bomb as the starting point for the modern world is reasonable. This is the event which has separated the whole history of the mankind on before the atom bomb creation and after it. It is impossible to think about more powerful and determining invention in the scientific world. Considering science as the measure for identifying the beginning of the modern world, it is important to check the discoveries which put the world under the circumstances which cannot be corrected. The invention of the atom bomb is exactly such an event as nowadays this fact makes the whole mankind live in fear and constant tension being afraid that one of the countries will use this kind of weapon. Moreover, there is an idea that the beginning is there where the end is. Such principle works in the labyrinth but it is perfectly fits the situation. Atom bomb creation was the beginning of the world, and it may become the end of the human existence if this kind of weapon is used. Atom bombs are aimed at destroying of everything on the Earth and creation of this type of weapon is by no means the beginning of the modern civilization which may destroy itself.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Using science and technology as the measure, when did the modern world begin? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Fernandez-Armesto, Felipe. World: Brief History, Combined Vol. New York: Academic Internet Publishers, 2009. Print. Hepp, John H. â€Å"Historical Foundations of the Modern World.† Lectures 6 March 2012. Print. Surviving the Atomic Attack on Hiroshima, 1945, EyeWitness to History, 2011 Web. www.eyewitnesstohistory.com

Market Analysis for Skating Service Park Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Market Analysis for Skating Service Park - Essay Example The first problem is to conduct the research so that we can get as much of information as we could, we should do park intercepts and we can ask people numerous of questions regarding their outing, we can also find young boys and girls and also men aging from 10 to 35 in so many places such as markets, malls, and also the other skate board parks in Houston which are nearly thirty, we can provide them with questionnaires and ask their advice on their level of liking or disliking the idea of a new park. The research should be conducted through a proper questionnaire and the target audience or the respondents should be majority of males looking young and energetic and also people who are quite fit because the service would be used mostly by people who are fit, for the purpose of conducing research the best possible solution is to look for people in the near by parks such as parks in Bellaire and other areas, the other places would be malls and entertainment places such as game zones, and also the people on road skating can be questioned, the service is having few qualities and strengths that should be clearly mentioned in the questionnaire and also the questionnaire should not be prepared in a way that can give the audience a hint for the desired answer, there are also few things that should be noted without questioning them in the question paper such as the gender and area where the research is conducted or park name can also be used to identify the responses from people of that pa rticular park, it has been said by Bassett in 1992, "Service must be found at or near the customer. Decentralization is indispensable. Corner grocery stores, once a feature of every city, are returning in the form of "convenience" stores. Personal Service from hairdressers or barbers has always been dispersed into local neighborhoods"(p. 28). and also the ratio of research from male to female should be 70 to 30 respectively, because we have more to find out in the male users which are far more than female in the service offered. Questionnaire What's your age group a. 8 - 14 b. 15 - 21 c. 22 - 28 d. 29 - 35 Do you like skating a. Yes b. No (proceed if Yes) Where do you like to skate a. Parks b. Roads c. other Which is your current park for skating _____________ Which area can you reach easily for skating ____________ What do you think about the services the park (for skating) is providing you a. Excellent

Strategic management and marketing for the luxury brand--BVLGARI Essay

Strategic management and marketing for the luxury brand--BVLGARI - Essay Example Bvlgari is now considered to be Italy’s â€Å"best known luxury brand† (Foulkes 2007, p.1). To capitalise on this positive brand identity, the company will be introducing a line of wedding gowns and high heels into the market. This report highlights an introduction of a new product into Bvulgari’s established market, offering a comprehensive analysis of external market factors that pose opportunities or threats to Bvlgari, micro-level considerations that could potentially impact success in the new product line launch, and an overview of the viability of the market to sustain the new product line. Between 2007 and 2009, the luxury good market experienced financial problems as a result of the global recession (Euromonitor 2011). However, the luxury market in Europe is in a recovery stage and BRIC nations are demanding more luxury products. On a global basis, demand for luxury products continues to escalate. In 2000, the global luxury market that includes cosmetics, jewellery, handbags and fragrances is estimated to be worth $170 billion USD (York University 2001). In 2012, China became the number one market for consumption of luxury products, overtaking all other global markets (Inocencio 2013). China has surpassed even Germany, Italy, the United States and the UK in luxury goods consumption volume. It has further been estimated that the global luxury market will increase to a value of â‚ ¬880 billion between 2014 and 2024 (Zargani 2014). nation, surpassed all markets in the world as the largest consumer of luxury products (Inocencio 2013), inclusive of Japan, Russia, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and Brazil. There is ample growth in luxury consumption and luxury marketer profitability as a result of developing economies in Asian nations. In the year 2014, it is expected that the global luxury sector will grow to a value of 880 billion Euros over the next 10 years (Zargani 2014). Hence, this is a lucrative global market with

Role of Ancient Greek women in society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Role of Ancient Greek women in society - Essay Example the household. They were not to be seen in public. The only time it was appropriate for a woman to leave the home was if she was visiting a female neighbor. If a divorce were to occur, it was by the man's choosing. He could select to divorce his wife by rejecting her in front of witnesses or by sending her back to her family home. If children were present, he would automatically receive custody and would return the dowry. However, if a woman committed adultery, he did not have to return the dowry. The only way a woman might seek a divorce would be to find an archon (an Athenian official) and provide excellent reasons for this request to be granted. Even then, it was not very common for them to be allowed to divorce. Not only did women have few rights, they certainly did not have any legal rights. They could not vote or have any say in the operation of the state. The participants who competed in the Olympic Games did not wear clothing so women were not allowed to watch. Women were allowed to participate in Chariot racing but only those who owned horses would be included in that group. The only activities they could participate in out in public were in weddings, funerals, and religious festivals. There were certain religious events that women were required to attend. At these events women prepared sacrifices and offerings to the goddesses. All women were expected to attend and to perform at these religious festivals. There has even been some archaeological proof that women had the most significant role over men as it pertained to religious life in ancient Greek society. Excavations at an ancient burial site in Athens have proven they also played very... The role of ancient Greek women in society was not a coveted one. Ancient Egypt saw very little distinction between men and women as far as free rights. Athens drew a sharp discernment between; citizen and alien, legitimate born and illegitimate born, and between a woman who was a wife and one who was not a wife. Men dictated the ins and outs of their daily life; fathers would control them before they were married and husbands controlled them once they were married. Women had no choice as to whom they would marry. The marriage was usually arranged at a young age by the girls father once the dowry (her portion of her father’s estate) was agreed upon. All archaeological evidence that has been found tells a story of women who were hidden away from the rest of society and treated unfairly. They were seen as nothing more than bearers of children but this could have been a feather in their cap as far as their lack of power was concerned. In Aristophanes’ â€Å"Lysistrataâ₠¬  the main power women had was from withholding their biological capabilities. If the husband did something the wife did not like she could retaliate using domestic retribution. Then there is the underlying question of how the goddesses - whom were strong female figures - were worshipped by men but ordinary women were treated as second-class citizens. Apparently men did not look down upon all women because they clearly celebrated the Greek goddesses that were fixtures in their society.

Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 8

Psychology - Essay Example Seven separate studies were conducted, with more than two thousand participants. The self-esteem of the participants had been gauged and measured previously. These studies included timing the swiftness of the participants’ response, as well as answering simple questionnaires that gauged the strength of the participants’ answers, and diary entries that the participants were asked to make. The results of all of them showed that the participants whose self-esteem had been measured to be high had a more stable view of their relationship, whereas those with low self-esteem levels had a very oscillating view thereof. The results of the study are true for all relationships, not only romantic ones – lower a person’s self-esteem, more vacillating is their outlook towards the relationship they have. Thus, the study concludes that the level of self-esteem of a person’s failures or successes in relationships. It further points out the probability that those wit h high self-esteem are liable to more successful in their relationships, romantic or otherwise. The study, however, does point out that since there is a difference between self-esteem and self-confidence, therefore, it is not easy, if indeed possible, to gauge a person’s self-esteem. People may be completely self-confident about their abilities, for instance, but this does not relate to their sense of themselves – how they view themselves to be in their own mind. This study is a clear indication that those who are secure in themselves and hold themselves in higher esteem, in their own eyes, are liable to be more secure with regard to others and their own relationship with them. Those with low self-esteem, due to their own lack of self worth, project their insecurities on to their relationships and, therefore, swing widely in their opinion regarding those close to them. This can often result in bitterness and disillusionment. It is, therefore, crucial for the

Criminal law in UK , problem quastion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Criminal law in UK , problem quastion - Essay Example will also be a discussion in relation to the administration of the overdose of painkillers in a situation where the patient has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and whether the outcome would be any different if the overdose had been administered by the nurse instead of the doctor. This will require a discussion in relation to whether the nurse would have been aware that the higher dosage would cause the death of the patient. As the doctor is more likely to be higher qualified than a nurse, a greater degree of care would be expected of the doctor. Having considered all of the above, it should then be possible to determine the liability of each of the parties. The actus reus of an offence refers to the act of the accused, which, when combined with either the recklessness or intention of the accused causes the crime to be committed. For each crime, the actus reus of the offence will alter. For murder, the actus reus would be the direct act of the accused that caused the death of the victim. This means that the actus reus of an offence is the external element of the crime. The mens rea of a crime is the fault element of the offence and translates as the ‘guilty mind’. When a man of sound memory and of the age of discretion, unlawfully killeth within any country of the realm any reasonable creature in rerum natura under the Kings Peace, with malice aforethought, so as the party wounded, or hurt†¦, die of the wound or hurt, †¦ within a year and a day after the same1. Through legislative changes2 and case law precedents 3 the element of malice aforethought has now been restricted to narrower terms4. Prior to these changes, the courts needed to be convinced that an element of ill will or premeditation existed in order to find a defendant guilty. Since the changes the prosecution now only needs to prove that an intention to kill5 or an intention to cause grievous bodily harm6 existed. The wording of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 has also altered the level

Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 8

Psychology - Essay Example Seven separate studies were conducted, with more than two thousand participants. The self-esteem of the participants had been gauged and measured previously. These studies included timing the swiftness of the participants’ response, as well as answering simple questionnaires that gauged the strength of the participants’ answers, and diary entries that the participants were asked to make. The results of all of them showed that the participants whose self-esteem had been measured to be high had a more stable view of their relationship, whereas those with low self-esteem levels had a very oscillating view thereof. The results of the study are true for all relationships, not only romantic ones – lower a person’s self-esteem, more vacillating is their outlook towards the relationship they have. Thus, the study concludes that the level of self-esteem of a person’s failures or successes in relationships. It further points out the probability that those wit h high self-esteem are liable to more successful in their relationships, romantic or otherwise. The study, however, does point out that since there is a difference between self-esteem and self-confidence, therefore, it is not easy, if indeed possible, to gauge a person’s self-esteem. People may be completely self-confident about their abilities, for instance, but this does not relate to their sense of themselves – how they view themselves to be in their own mind. This study is a clear indication that those who are secure in themselves and hold themselves in higher esteem, in their own eyes, are liable to be more secure with regard to others and their own relationship with them. Those with low self-esteem, due to their own lack of self worth, project their insecurities on to their relationships and, therefore, swing widely in their opinion regarding those close to them. This can often result in bitterness and disillusionment. It is, therefore, crucial for the

Organizational Communication and Culture Research Paper

Organizational Communication and Culture - Research Paper Example During this meeting, the manager presented a revamp plan that involved a higher focus on online advertising and less focus on traditional modes of advertising. Each member of the key staff was assigned with specific tasks by the manager. The session did not have any scope for discussion or providing suggestions as the manager did not encourage it. Shortly, the manager sent out an email communication to the rest of the department informing them about the new changes and revamp plans. However, the email communication did not mention anything about employee’s questions or suggestions either. Instead, the specific tasks for each team, along with the desirable goals as well as deadlines, were assigned to them. In such a situation, the decision has left me and the rest of the employees confused and frustrated as to why the changes were made. Lack of communication between upper management and the employees during a change is a common phenomenon in most organizations (Frahm & Brown, 2007). The problem in this case occurs because there was no employee involvement in the decision making process which, in turn, results in employees feeling confused and unvalued. In this case, employees were not encouraged to get involved in the company as well as the marketing department’s strategic decisions; instead, they were assigned with tasks without the opportunity of discussion or consultation. The specific communication problem mentioned above can be attributed to the work culture of many Asian companies. According to Hofstede, countries such as Japan and China are particularly high in power distance, which means that subordinates in organizations that are managed by leaders from those countries are not encouraged to question the decision of their authorities for fear of negative consequences or conflicts (Samovar, Porter, & McDaniel, 2009). As it is evident from the

Reality TV is a huge success to the television industry in the 1990s Essay Example for Free

Reality TV is a huge success to the television industry in the 1990s Essay Reality TV is a huge success to the television industry in the 1990s. As a genre description, reality TV is widening its usage from news magazine programmes based round emergency service activities to talk shows, docusoaps and a variety of first-person programmes (Creeber, 2001: 135). Reality TV with extensive meaning becomes popular to describe any factual programme based on an aesthetic style of apparent zero-degree realism in other words a direct, unmediated account of events, often associated with the use of video and surveillance-imaging technologies (Creeber, 2001: 135). While Barnfield has criticized the loose usage of the term, suggesting that over the last decade such a wide range of productions have been categorized as Reality TV that one wonders if the term is too general to be helpful'(Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 3). It is true that reality TV is not explicit enough in meaning. However, it is the best word applicable to all situations and never unilateral. It gives producers more space to innovate new programmes as to prosper this genre. Reality TV evolves with the development of new technologies. New sub-genres emerged as the hybrids of established genres. It challenges traditional documentary and changes the serious content to more entertainment elements. Every format is close to everyday life to convince the audience as real programming. In the short history of only two decades, reality TV has evolved into various formats. I will focus on five main forms which have either had a remarkable effect on television history or unprecedented audience ratings with reference to relevant representative programmes of British television. Contested Generic Identification: Definition of Reality TV It seems difficult to issue a particular definition of reality TV to attest to debates over it. As Su Holmes and Deborah Jermyn point out: Producing a particular definition of Reality TV is nevertheless complex. This is partly because of the fundamentally hybrid nature of the forms in question. Yet it is also because of the range of programming to which the term Reality TV has been applied, as well as the extent to which this has shifted over time with the emergence of further permutations in reality-based texts. (Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 2) Jon Dovey characterised this genre by reference to the dominant and original forms of Reality TV that feature police and emergency service work (Dovey, 2000: 80). In his opinion, as form and construction, reality TV should be: à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ camcorder, surveillance or observational actuality footage; à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ first-person participant or eye-witness testimony; à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ reconstructions that rely upon narrative fiction styles; à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ studio or to-camera links and commentary from authoritative presenters; à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ expert statements from emergency services personnel or psychologists. (Dovey, 2000: 80) These elements are helpful in interpreting the origins of reality programmes and in understanding its sub-genres and new development. Only by bearing these elements in mind can we make reference to relevant programmes when we trace back history to discuss the evolution of reality TV. Is it American Innovation? : Historical Precedent of Reality TV There is no consensus about the first reality programme. Jon Dovey thought that Reality TV is generally historically located as beginning in the US with NBCs Unsolved Mysteries in 1987 (Dovey, 2000: 81). While Bradley D. Clissold considered that during the years that it aired, Candid Camera (US, 1948- ), arguably the first Reality TV programme, proved itself to be one of US TVs most memorable, enduring and popular shows (Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 33). There is a consensus that the earliest reality programme came out in America. In addition to these mentioned above, other commentators like Richard Kilborn, Chad Raphael and Gareth Palmer all agreed with this conclusion (Kilborn, 2003: 55; Palmer, 2003: 21). In the commercial environment in America, technologies like cable, satellite and digital prospered reality programmes in television market. However, reality TV as a television genre has evolved into a very strong Eurpoean form with regional variations in each country (Dovey). In mid-1980s, when surveillance technology such as CCTV (closed-circuit television) became accessible, Britain produced its own reality programmes, which revealed real accidents, crimes and emergencies. By using CCTV footage, these reality programmes departed from traditional documentary and were quickly accepted by the curious audience because of their witness techniques. They were real shows without actors and noted for low-cost which was attractive to most programme-makers. Among these early reality programmes, Crimewatch (BBC, 1984- ) was most influential. Jon Dovey said it has been seen as central to the development of the form, particularly in respect of debates around criminology and the media (Creeber, 2001: 135). Deborah Jermyn, who is experienced in studying television crime appeal, commented on Crimewatch: Promoting the growth of crime-appeal programming in Britain with a format where serious unsolved crimes are reconstructed, police and victims families interviewed, images of suspects publicized and the public encouraged to phone in and volunteer information by this time the series had comfortably established itself as Britains foremost crime-appeal programme. (Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 71) The effectiveness of Crimewatch as a detergent to crimes has been under much debate. It entertained the audience, but it was weak as a warning to the criminals. As Jermyn commented: indeed some criminals have claimed that the poor-quality CCTV footage they witnessed on Crimewatch actually gave them an incentive to commit crime (Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 82). The use of CCTV conspicuously enhances the programmes claims to authenticity and underlines its sense of a privileged relationship with real crime and actuality, qualities which programme-makers evidently believe to be ratings winners (Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 83). In this case it is exciting for the audience to see the raw footage without caring much about its effect of crime appeal. These early reality programmes about crime appeal, accidents and emergencies formed a new documentary format, which was the precedent of a new genre-reality TV. Later popular factual entertainment programmes are based on these elements to innovate. Their effect is remarkable in a long term. Fly-Off-the-Wall: Video Diaries Known as Access TV The 1990s was a golden era for the prevalence of reality TV. Jon Dovey points out: it seems that ordinary people, non-professional broadcasters, have never been more present on our screens (Dowmunt, 1993: 163). Camera is no longer simply fly-on-the-wall to observe and record, but closes to the object to become active fly-off-the-wall. For a long time, access TV, as new reality television, has been in a great demand. According to Jon Dovey, there are some fundamental principles that identify access programming; they centre around control and power over the programme-making process, especially the authors should have control over the whole process of representation (Dowmunt, 1993: 165). Camcorder and video technology opened up expansive space for access TV. Non-professional broadcasters became a leading role in making these programmes. As Patricia Holland commented on this innovative style: The video diary style, in which programmes are made with domestic video equipment by members of the public rather than by television professionals, has introduced a new way of making programmes. Low-tech, with a less polished appearance, they seem to bring the audience even closer to the realities they show. (Holland, 1997: 158) Video Diaries, produced by the BBC Community Programme Unit from 1990-1999, was a representative of access TV. From these series of programmes, Jon Dovey noted: the Unit solicits and researches ideas from potential diarists with a compelling story to tell. Once chosen, the diarist is trained in the use of an S-VHS camera and packed off to shoot their story, with support from the Unit should it be needed. In this way the diarists are given not only editorial control but also control over the means of production. They return with anything up to 200 hours of material and attend all the edit sessions, from an initial assembly which is viewed and discussed at length to the offline and online edit processes. (Dowmunt, 1993: 167) The format of Video Diaries is a development of documentary. Gareth Palmer has explained that it imported the authorizing and legitimizing discourse of documentary into the personal, and in doing so it imported also documentarys ordering principle into individual lives (Palmer, 2003:168). It was popular to the audience and also gained acclaim from the critics because of its flexibility in recording reality. Nevertheless there were debates that the producers had already controlled the programme by selecting the diarists, and there were also problems of quality and legality. New Observational Documentary: Emergence of Docusoap Docusoap is one form of the new observational documentary and one sub-genre of reality TV. It is a hybrid of documentary and soap-opera. It improves from serious documentary to emphasize on entertainment, especially everyday lives. Developed in the UK in the mid-1990s, the docusoap enjoyed unprecedented success for roughly a four-year period (1996-2000) (Kilborn, 2003: 87). Docusoap combines documentary and drama. There are elements of narration, interviews and background music, and similar sequences as soap-opera. Each episode has a certain title and focuses on character, personalities, plot or situation. Technological advances promote the development of new observational documentary. New technologies like lightweight cameras, portable sound equipment and non-linear editing system accelerate editing process with better quality and effect. Besides, financial benefits also attract producers to choose new technologies. As Paul Hamann has commented, docusoaps already cost on average only a third of the price of the equivalent in light entertainment or sitcoms (Bruzzi, 2000: 77). The entertainment factor of docusoap makes it popular with audience. Driving School peaked at 12.45 million viewers (Bruzzi, 2000: 86). It focused on the trials and tribulations of people preparing for their driving test (Kilborn, 2003: 96). Compared to the core character of reality TV, docusoap is blamed to be less factual with aesthetic reconstruction. According to Bruzzi: The sequence most frequently cited is that in which Maureen Rees, on the eve of another attempt at her theory exam, wakes in the middle of the night and asks her husband Dave to test her on the Highway Code. The sequence is a reconstruction, and Jeremy Gibson (head of BBC Television Features, Bristol) and others have gone on record exonerating themselves from blame, commenting that, having gleaned that Maureen did get up at night ghrough panic, it was perfectly legitimate to recreate such a sequence without the film crew having to camp out in her bedroom for an entire night. (Bruzzi, 2000: 87) The producers intervention revealed obvious dramatic skills, which aimed at telling a complete story. In any case, under these circumstances one can never expect a totally natural performance from the character with the presence of camera. These factors make docusoap not so real, but the audience appreciate it for the entertainment value and these factors do not affect their enjoyment. However, by the end of 1990s, this new documentary format had gradually lost its popularity. Critics and executives of TV channels began to complain the similar content with in the same format between series. It was also blamed as a challenge of serious documentary. Then new factual programmes emerged and replaced docusoap in TV schedules. Docusoap is remembered as a creative hybrid of documentary and fiction with high ratings in the history of reality TV. Serve the Public: Prevalence of Lifestyle Lifestyle is another sub-genre of reality TV, of which BBC has been one of the biggest providers (Gareth Palmer; Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 173). It originated in the 1990s and is still popular today. It occupies a large part of TV schedule, shown usually in the daytime and prime time. There is a series of choices in dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½cor (House Invaders [Bazal for BBC1, 1999-2002], Changing Rooms [Bazal for BBC1, 1996- ]), clothes (What Not To Wear [BBC2, 1999- ]) and manner (Would Love To Meet [WLTM, BBC2, 2001-3]) (Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 174). People now have strong sense that they are citizens and consumers. They are eager to improve their lives. Many are glad to show their private life in front of camera. For habitus, Gareth Palmer commented: Britain is a nation of homeowners clutching close the belief that the home represents a sort of castle. Hence, it makes sense to produce programmes aimed at the house-proud (Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 179). For fashion, according to Palmer, in looking at fashion programming we come closer to seeing how the individual should ideally be styled according to the new class of experts (Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 181). There is a debate as to whether fashion shows need be bitchy. Palmer has an interesting opinion: fashion without bitchery, like academia without snobbery, is inconceivable (Holmes and Jermyn, 2004: 184). Bitchery makes fashion programming as amusement. It does happen frequently in our life, which is a factual element of lifestyle. Lifestyle programming is an innovation that television is not only observing peoples life, but also changing peoples way of life. It serves the audience by giving instructions, which is the nature of European television, compared to marketing the audience of American commercial television (Ang, 1991). Lifestyle is a good illustration how culture affects social life. New Interactive Reality Show: World Success of Big Brother Endemols jewel in the crown, Big Brother was thirty months in development and was the brainchild of co-principal, John de Mol. First broadcast on Veronica in 1999 and an immense ratings success, the programme has been adapted in over eighteen territories in Western Europe, the UK, the US and elsewhere. (Albert Moran, the Global Television Format Trade; Hilmes, 2003: 120) Big Brother, a new reality programme is based on established genres such as game show, quiz show, documentary and soap opera. It is a social experiment, in which we witness the reaction of the participants to their new environment and changing circumstances are often beyond their control. With the feature of game show, Big Brother sets its game rules as: The programme involved ten housemates interned together over a ten-week period in a specially designed hermetically sealed environment. The housemates were supplied with food and drink and had access to all amenities, but were isolated from all contact with the media and the outside world; there were no television sets, radios, newspapers. Every week each housemate had to nominate for eviction two fellow-contestants; the two with the highest number of nominations would then be subject to public voting. It was the role of the public to select, by telephone vote, which of the two was to survive. By the final week there would be only two housemates remaining the winner was decided by the public, and took away a cheque for à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½70,000. (Palmer, 2003: 182) From the above description, it is obvious that this programme innovatively uses interactive voting. The audiences have opportunities to join the programme and play a crucial role in deciding the result. In early 1990s, Mike Wayne criticized programmes at that time: broadcasters and programme makers have paid relatively little attention to the way in which people watch television. They have been concerned with how many people see a programme, rather than the way audiences interact with the images on the screen: what they absorb, what they challenge and what they discard (Hood, 1994: 43). It seems that Big Brother answers all these criticisms. Compared to the audience, the participants are powerless to control the programme. They are observed at all times and their lives are exposed to the public. Weve been looking at the housemates through the eyes of thirty-one unforgiving cameras we have seen them at their best and also at their worst (Ritchie, 2001: 279). What they need is just to relax and enjoy their time. For all of them, without exception, it has been an amazing experience. They have learned a great deal about themselves, and the rest of us have learned not just lots about them, but also about human nature in general (Ritchie, 2001: 279). However, all the participants are under much pressure exposing their lives to millions of audience. There is probably some negative effect on the psychology of most participants. Gareth Palmer calls the programme a psychological experiment. Programme experience is not always as wonderful as Ritchies comment in the above paragraph. In Sweden there was a suicide of a participant on a similar programme (Palmer, 2003: 185). So in Big Brother a team of mental health professionals will oversee both the selection process and the psychological well being of the participants while they are in the house (Palmer, 2003: 185). Big Brother creates a small society for the housemates away from the outside world. There are conflicts and also friendship. The participants are competitors and also partners. As the audience watch the trivia of their daily routine, the voiceover commentary helps them understand the situations. Big Brother, a hybrid of different forms with popular interactive elements, is a new format of reality TV. It is leading a new trend of reality programming. Many independent television production companies are professional and experienced in making these new reality shows. Channel 4 and ITV, such non-mainstream commercial channels have shown many this kind of reality programmes. The audience are looking forward to more innovation of reality TV. BIBLIOGRAPHY Allen, R. C. and Hill, A. (2004) the Television Studies Reader, London: Routledge Ang, I. (1991) Desperately Seeking the Audience, London: Roughtledge Bruzzi, S. (2000) New Documentary: A Critical Introduction, London: Routledge Creeber, G., Miller, T. and Tulloch, J. (2001) the Television Genre Book, London: British Film Institute Dovey, J. (2000) Freakshow: First Person Media and Factual Television, London: Pluto Press Dowmunt, T. (1993) Channels of Resistance: Global Television and Local Empowerment, London: British Film Institute Gunter, B. and Svennevig, M. (1987) Behind and in Front of the Screen: Televisions Involvement with Family Life, London: John Libbey Hilmes, M. (2003) the Television History Book, London: British Film Institute Holland, P. (1997) the Television Handbook, London: Routledge Holmes, S. and Jermyn, D. (2004) Understanding Reality Television, London: Routledge Hood, S. (1994) Behind the Screens: the Structure of British Television in the Nineties, London: Lawrence Wishart Limited Kilborn, R. (2003) Staging the Real: Factual TV Programming in the Age of Big Brother, Manchester: Manchester University Press Ishikawa, S. (1996) Quality Assessment of Television, Luton: John Libbey Media Livingstone, S. and Lunt, P. (1994) Talk on Television: Audience Participation and Public Debate, London: Routledge Macdonald, K. and Cousins, M (1996) Imagining Reality: the Faber Book of Documentary, London: Faber and Faber Limited Palmer, G. (2003) Discipline and Liberty: Television and Governance, Manchester: Manchester University Press Ritchie, J. (2001) Big Brother 2: the Official Unseen Story, London: Channel 4 Books Swallow, N. (1966) Factual Television, London: Focal Press Limited Winston, B. (1995) Claiming the Real: the Documentary Film Revisited, London: British Film Institute

Length of Pelvetia Canaliculata on Upper Shore Zone

Length of Pelvetia Canaliculata on Upper Shore Zone ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to compare the length of Pelvetia canaliculata on the upper shore zone of both wave-sheltered and wave-exposed shores. The hypothesis was that the Pelvetia fronds growing on the upper shore zone of a wave-sheltered rocky shore will be significantly longer compared with fronds growing on the upper shore zone of a wave-exposed rocky shore. The lengths of 450 fronds in total were sampled using systematic continuous horizontal belt transect sampling method at a wave- exposed and wave-sheltered shores on the Pembrokeshire coast. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the lengths of the seaweed with longer fronds being found in the wave-sheltered rocky shore. This is happening because there is less wave exposure and so fronds are less likely to be broken off at the tips and hence they will be longer. INTRODUCTION Rocky shores are areas of bedrock exposed between the extreme high and extreme low tide levels on the seashore. The ecosystem is complex, as it is an interaction between terrestrial and aquatic systems. Plants and animals are distributed on the shore in horizontal zones that relate to the tolerance of the species to either exposure to air or submergence in water during the tidal cycle. This zonation can be very clear and abrupt. Using this fact, I have clearly identified the area Pelvetia canaliculata is found; the upper shore. [1]  ­I have researched this zone in more depth to be able to understand the conditions, the problems and the different variables that can affect Pelvetia canaliculata and the adaptations it developed to survive and thrive. As the tide level drops on the upper shore, the seaweed will be exposed to air and desiccation (drying out) occurs as a result. Because the tide rises up and down twice a day organisms at the top of the shore get much less water than ones at the bottom. Across a year, the top of the upper zone gets covered by the sea for less than 1% of the year while The bottom of it for about 20% of the year. This is very short time to obtain nutrients from the water for photosynthesis, and can therefore slow growth rate. However, this is not the only problem as the water filters off some of the wavelengths of light and reduce its intensity and so lowering photosynthesis rate. In addition, the water is the main medium where dispersal of spores happens; spending less time in the water means low productivity. [2] Species on the Upper shore get subjected to a wide variation in temperature. Immersion in water buffers against temperature change due to the high specific heat capacity of water. Upper shore species will have to tolerate the greatest variation in temperature whilst it has least effect in the lower shore. High temperatures will increase the risk of desiccation and increases salinity in pools. [3] The other major physical factor that controls what can live on a shore is wave action. Exposed shores have a lot of wave action and sheltered shores have little. Seaweeds find the drier, brighter, wave exposed environment very difficult to cope with. Sheltered shores [4] Exposed shores [4] Usually face away from the open sea and the prevailing wind. This means they generally have smaller waves than exposed shores which face out into the open sea and the prevailing wind. Sheltered shores are usually on north to north easterly facing shores. North facing sheltered shores get less sunlight than exposed ones, and are less susceptible to desiccation and in general are more hospitable places for inter-tidal organisms. Usually face into the open sea and the prevailing wind. This means they generally have bigger waves than sheltered shores. Exposed shores are usually on south to south westerly facing shores. South to south westerly facing exposed shores get more sunlight than sheltered ones, are more susceptible to desiccation and in general are not hospitable places for most inter-tidal organisms. Now that I explained the features of the upper shore zone and the exposed and sheltered shores I will describe the features and the different adaptations that enabled Pelvetia canaliculata to live in such a habitat and constantly changing environment. Taxon English equivalent or translation [3] Phylum Chromophycota /Brown seaweeds e.g. kelps wracks Class Phaeophyceae /Brown seaweeds e.g. kelps wracks Order Fucales/ Fucoids e.g. wracks Family Fucaceae Genus Pelvetia Species canaliculata Pelvetia canaliculata is dark olive green in colour, becoming black and brittle as the fronds dry out. P.canaliculata lives for about 4 years and grows up to 150 mm long [3]. The fronds are curled longitudinally forming channels that are dichotomously branched ending in swollen and granular reproductive bodies. They dont have air bladders or mid-ribs. Pelvetia canaliculata [3]Pelvetia canaliculata grows attached to hard substrata using their holdfast; this has the mechanical features of a root system that would be beneficial for the seaweed, holding them steady no matter how turbulent the water movement. It tolerates ultra sheltered to moderately exposed conditions. The algae P.canaliculata is limited from living higher on the shore by desiccation, but is prevented from colonizing lower levels by competition from other species of algae. Seaweeds also have to cope with grazing pressure from mobile gastropods. [5] Over the period of neap tides, the plants may lose up to 65 per cent of their contained water and become dry and blackened. But when the spring tides extend over them, water is absorbed and the normal olive-green colour and softer texture are regained. It has been estimated that the upper shore plants are exposed for 90% of the year. [6] In water, seaweed obtain the carbon they need for photosynthesis from dissolved co2 or bicarbonate (HCO3-). When exposed to air, photosynthesis can only take place with uptake of CO2 from air. As long as the seaweeds do not dry out, many species photosynthesize in air at rates similar to those measured when they are fully submerged. However, as they begin to dry out, their ability to photosynthesize diminishes. Pelvetia canaliculata is found high on the shores and is prone to drying out for long periods of time. The species can photosynthesise when exposed to air but may suffer nutrient stress as it can only obtain nutrients when submerged. Researche rs found that within less than a day of being back in seawater, as specimen that had been desiccated for 6 days was able to resume full rates of photosynthesis. In fact P.Canaliculata requires periods of exposure to the air. If it is submerged for more than 6 hours out of 12 it actually starts to decay. This is a rare example of a seaweed species in which periods out of water are absolutely essential. [7] An increase in wave exposure and water flow rate may cause Pelvetia canaliculata to be torn off the substratum or the substratum with plants attached may be mobilised. It is unlikely that any Pelvetia canaliculata will live in areas of very high wave exposure. In faster moving water the risk of the fronds tearing will increase because of the increased drag. Hence Pelvetia canaliculata adapts its shape to reduce drag depending on their location. Pelvetia fronds growing on wave-exposed shores are shorter and thinner because the fronds are frequently broken off at the tip. Pelvetia canaliculata has many adaptations that allow it to survive better in the upper shore compared to algae living down. They have; rolled fronds to reduce water loss in evaporation, channels to trap water in the frond, a fatty (oily) layer over the cell that stops water evaporating to slow desiccation, a thick cell wall which shrinks with drying, the ability to survive low nutrient level, a rapid recovery of metabolism when the tide returns during respiration and photosynthesis. It is therefore, a very stress-tolerant alga, well adapted to the niche at the top of the shore. [2] Based on the information I researched in the introduction I will investigate and compare the adaptations of Pelvetia canaliculata on two different sites where the conditions are different. I will compare the lengths of the fronds of Pelvetia canaliculata on a wave-sheltered rocky shore and a wave-exposed rocky shore. EXPERIMENTAL HYPOTHESIS: There will be a statistically significant difference between the length of the Pelvetia canaliculata growing on the upper shore zone of both a wave-exposed and a wave-sheltered rocky shore; and that its fronds are going to be on average longer in the wave-sheltered shore compared with the wave-exposed rocky shore as there is less wave exposure and so fronds are less likely to be broken off at the tips and hence they will be longer. NULL HYPOTHESIS: There will be no statistically significant difference between the length of the Pelvetia canaliculata growing on the upper shore zone of both a wave-sheltered and wave-exposed rocky shores .Any difference however, will be due to chance factors. VARIABLES: The table below lists and briefly explains the variables that could affect the reliability of the investigation and how they will be controlled. Exposure (independent) An exposed shore means larger fetch hence greater wave action which leads to the damage of the Pelvetia canaliculata fronds I will be carrying out the investigation in areas classified by the Ballantines biologically defined exposure scale to be wave-sheltered and wave-exposed. For the wave-sheltered shore I will collect my data at Angle Point site, SM 875 033 which is a wave sheltered rocky shore inside the Milford Haven estuary, Angle Point is 12km north-west of Pembroke. Facing north-east, the shore is sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds and has a small fetch. The Ballantines biologically defined exposure scale classifies this site as Grade7- very sheltered. For the wave-exposed shore I will collect my data at West Angle Bay, SM 852 032 which is a wave exposed rocky shore on the Atlantic coast of Pembrokeshire and lies 14km north-west of Pembroke. Facing south the shore has a large fetch (to south America). The Ballantines biologically defined exposure scale classifies this site as Grade3- exposed. Length of Pelvetia canaliculata (dependent) There are some variables that would affect the growth rate of the fronds and therefore its length. Some of these variables include The height on shore, wave action, and the abiotic and biotic factors. All the effects of these variables are explained below. I will be measuring all my samples on both shores in mm using the same 30 cm ruler. The height on shore From my research I know that Pelvetia canaliculata only colonises the upper shore zone. However, the abiotic factors will affect the different zones on the upper shore differently for example the effect of wave action on the lower part of the upper shore zone is different than that on the higher part of the upper shore zone. Also the water coverage in the lower part of the upper shore is 19% more than the higher part. Hence, there will be more nutrition uptake, resulting in different growth rates. I will be measuring both samples on both shores horizontally across the upper shore zone using horizontal continuous belt transect technique. To ensure that Im working on the same height I will be using a cross staff. Wave action The strong force produced by the powerful wave action will decrease the fronds growth rate. The fronds will adapt by becoming shorter so that the drag force is lessened. I cannot control any of the abiotic factors but I will measure them to see if they have any affect on the samples I will be measuring on the two different sites. However, I will take both my samples on the same periods of the day, on the same season and on the same shore area Humidity Wind spray increases the humidity, this will be higher on the wave-exposed because of the greater and higher wave action Light intensity Needed for photosynthesis. Although the Pelvetia canaliculata requires to be immersed in seawater for this to occur, the process still takes place slowly in air. Wind speed Wind increases the rate of transpiration as it moves the layer of water out side the stomata, which contributes towards the desiccation of the fronds. Rock gradient The steeper the rock the harder the wave will hit it causing greater damage for the fronds. Also a flatter shore will expose a greater area of substrate for colonizing and will not drain as fast as a steeper slope. Aspect It is the direction the rock faces. South facing shores will have more illumination and warmth, but dries faster; north facing shores are cooler, darker and less likely to dry out. Thus, on a north facing slope community bands of Pelvetia canaliculata will be wider and higher up the shore. Substrate or rock type The hardness and size of rocks will influence an organisms ability to attach itself. Soft rocks will not be suitable for hold fast to attach on. If stones are too small they will be mobile, moving around in the surf and so prevent any organism from attaching itself to the rock. The type of rocks on both sites should be the same. Apparatus and  Justification 30 cm ruler To measure the length of the frond on the Pelvetia canaliculata. From my research I found that the fronds average height is 15 cm, hence I chose 30 cm ruler. 1/4m quadrat I think that this is a suitable size to measure a sample of small organism, as it will include an appropriate number of Pelvetia bunches. The quadrat will be used to carry out the continuous horizontal belt transect. 0.6m Cross staff To make sure that all the data collected on both sites are gathered at the same height, so ensuring a fair test. Pencil To record the data with. Its useful incase it rains, my data will be safe and the values will not get lost Calculator To keep calculating the running mean Water proofs For safety reasons and for protection from wind chill and spray. The Wellingtons boots to avoid slipping and falling. Gloves To protect hands from the mucus layer on the Pelvetia canaliculata To calculate the height of the data collecting area the time of the low tide and its height is needed: On Monday 25/09/06 the low tide is 1.1m at 14:42; and on Tuesday 26/09/06 the low tide is 1.28m at 15:10. ETHICAL CONSIDERSTION: Consideration has to be given to the organisms living on the shore; so the seaweed will be measured where it lies without cutting or destroying the living specimens. Care will also be taken to move around the shore without stepping on delicate sea life such as snails and crabs. Also if any animals living on the seaweed like snails are removed so that the seaweed could be measured ensure that they are released close to their point of capture and in a manner that will give them a good chance of survival. Finally ensure that you know the local regulations concerning the protection of habitats and endangered species and always obtain the consent of licensing authorities, landowners, etc. PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION: Preliminary work was done as a group to learn about the different shore zones as well as the different species that are found in each zone and the adaptation they developed to survive at extreme conditions like desiccation for instance. Also before carrying out the full investigation a pilot study was conducted on any random 10 Pelvetia bunches to find out the best way to measure their length and to determine which branch of the frond to use when measuring. From the preliminary investigation I found out that I would be measuring the longest branch of the longest frond of each pelvetia bunch. I will also be placing the end of the ruler on the ground where the Pelvetias hold fast is found. Finally, Ill also make sure to keep it vertical all time to ensure a fair test. [Figure 3] First of all, check the time of the day when the low tide occurs and its height above chart datum. The help of a friend who has the same height as you is needed for this part in the method. At the time of the low tide, stand at the lowest part of the lower shore where the tide is at its lowest and place the cross staff on the ground in a way that you are facing one of its sides and the other side is facing the upper shore direction where the Pelvetia canaliculata grow (data collecting area) [figure 1]. Lower your body so that your eyes are level with the opening in the cross staff. On the mirror observe the reflection of the small tube that is filled with coloured liquid which contains a small bubble and two marked lines in the middle of the tube. [Figure 2] Supporting the body of the cross staff with one hand and moving the flexible plastic part up and down, adjust the position of the bubble so it stays still between the two marked lines on the tube. Instruct and direct y our friend to move around until you can see her/his boot through the opening in the cross staff. Ensure that she/he does not walk backwards as the shore is very slippery because of the mucus on the algae and the small pebbles and rocks makes it very easy to fall down. When you are able to see the boot, ask your friend to stop and not move from that point. Now stand up and walk up to your friend with your cross staff. Place the cross staff on their boot position, after she/he move their boot. This is the new spot. Repeat the above procedure until you reach the upper part of the upper shore where Pelvetia canaliculata grows (data collecting area). [Figure 3] Every time you move up with the cross staff to a new spot, you are gaining 0.6 m in height. Keep recording and adding the height gain every time you changed to a new spot. At the end add the total height gain in meters to the height of the low tide; the result will be the height of the data collecting area. When you reach the upper shore where the Pelvetia canaliculata is, place the 1/4m quadrat on the first area where they are seen. To avoid bias start measuring to the nearest mm the length of the longest frond of each bunch found within the whole quadrat starting from the right hand side and then moving across to avoid measuring the same bunch more than once. [Figure 4] The Pelvetia canaliculata fronds grow in bunches where each bunch is attached by one holdfast to a rock. The fronds lay on top of each other in the sea direction. So when you start measuring, position yourself on the opposite direction to the Pelvetias. [Figure 5] After putting your gloves on, start by gently gathering a bunch of Pelvetia canaliculata up right; make sure that all the fronds in this bunch spring from the same hold fast. Also as a control make sure that the bunch is attached to a substrate and not in a rock pool. Keep your face at distance as there will be small flying organisms and always try to minimis e the disturbance to other organisms that live there as much as possible. Now slide the hand that is holding the Pelvetia bunch up, so that all the fronds are laid up against each other. [Figure 6] Now it is easy to determine the longest frond; with the free hand, hold the tip of the longest frond and leave the rest of the fronds to fall down towards you or in the opposite direction of the sea, so that you do not measure this bunch again. Still holding up the longest frond, line up the 30 cm ruler against the frond with the free hand. Make sure that the ruler is parallel to the frond with the 0 mm edge resting flat on the rock to ensure correct and accurate measurement. [Figure 7] The ruler used should be plastic with a smooth base and not metal so it does not cut through the fragile fronds or get rusty, it is also easier to read off measurements as it is see through. Now read the length of the frond and record it to the nearest mm in the prepared recording table. Place the results and the calculator inside a plastic bag incase of a bad weather. Place the frond with the rest of the bunch in your direction Do not include pieces of debris, or any seaweed merely unattached to a rock in the investigation as this will lead to misleading results. Also do not measure dead fronds as they will cause anomalies in your data. These fronds are usually desiccated and very brittle; their colour is black instead of the olive green. Ask a teacher or an expert to confirm. Measure all the Pelvetia canaliculata on the sides of the rocks and all the ones that have their hold fast within the quadrat even if all or some of the fronds are outside, as the quadrat frame is relatively thick so it might cover some of the Pelvetia canaliculata fronds. Rock pools provide artificial environments, and so do not included these areas in the investigation. After you finish measuring all the Pelvetia bunches within the first quadrat, flip it to start on a new one. This is systematic continuous horizontal belt transect sampling. When flipping the quadrat use your hand to secure the right/left hand side of the frame-depending on where more of the Pelvetia is found- and then flip the left hand side of it so it becomes the right hand side now. [Figure 8] Every time you record 5 new measurements, calculate the running mean to see if the sample size is large enough. When you get at least three consecutive running mean values which are the same to 2 decimal places, calculate  ± 2.5% value of the repeated value and then double the sample number. If the running mean continues within the range until the last required sample then stop. However, if it goes outside the confidence limits calculate a new range. Abiotic factors method: Wind speed measured using an anemometer: Hold it facing the wind. Wait for 20 seconds until the reading stabilises. Record the average measurement in m/sec. Humidity measured using a whirling hygrometer: whirl the hygrometer for 20 seconds. Record the temperature of both the wet and dry thermometer. Use the chart to work out the humidity percentage. Temperature measured using a thermometer: record the temperature of the dry thermometer when using the whirling hygrometer. The statistical test I will be using the z-test to test for statistically significant difference between the sample mean and the population mean for both the wave-sheltered and wave-exposed sets of data. The reason this test is used and not the t-test is because my sample exceeded 30 data points. Z= (S1)2 + (S2)2 a) Square both standard deviation Wave-Sheltered Wave-exposed 24.48 ² =599.2704 14.99 ² =224.7001 b) Divide each answer by n=225 599.2704 à · 225 = 2.66342 224.7001 à · 225 =0.998667111 c) add both values obtained from step (b) 2.66342 + 0.998667111 =3.662091111 d) square root result obtained from step (c) à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¡ 3.662091111 =1.91365909 e) |à Ã‚ ¥1 à Ã‚ ¥2| Mean of site 1 mean of site 2 104.06 35.71 = 68.35 f) divide result obtained from step (e) by result obtained from step (d) 68.35 à · 1.91365909 z= 35.72 z= 35.72 When Degrees of freedom = à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã… ¾: Level of significance P= 0.05, the Critical value =1.960 Z > critical value 35.72>1.960 The reason p=0.05 was used is because it is the standard level of significance used to justify a claim of a statistically significant effect. In the curve of normal distribution of a normal population Alpha level is 95% and this is normal, outside of that is 1-alpha or 5%. This 5% (0.05) means, that normal falls within this range, beyond that, would be too rare to be by chance alone and must be by the effect of something wave action for example. A p value As my results were significant at p Level of significance P= 0.01, the Critical value =2.576 Z > critical value 35.72>2.576 The z value obtained is significantly greater than the critical value at the p Graphs are presented in the next couple of pages. ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION: The results tables and the graph comparing the mean length of Pelvetia canaliculata between the wave-sheltered and the wave-exposed shores clearly display evidence supporting the hypothesis. Looking at the mean graph I could evidently see that the sheltered shore has a higher mean than the exposed shore; more than 2.9 times higher to be exact. This is because in faster moving, turbulent water and strong wave action like in the wave-exposed shore, the risk of tearing fronds is increased due to the increase in dragging force. Pelvetia canaliculata adapt its shape to reduce drag depending on its location. Fronds found at wave exposed shores are shorter and narrower as they are frequently broken off at the tips. The error bars for both shores are fairly large which indicates that there is quite a lot of variation in the results and so reduces the reliability of the data. Similarly the difference between the standard deviation of both sets of data is rather large, with 24.48mm for the sheltered shore and 14.99mm for the exposed shore. Even though this shows a great range in my data hence more variability and less reliability, still as it applies to both data sets, making comparisons should be safe. The frequency histograms for both shores shows that the data collected at the wave-sheltered site is more varied than the exposed site as it is spread over 13 categories as opposed to only 9 for the exposed shore. The frequency histogram for the sheltered shore shows a bell curve pattern, displaying a normal distribution with the peak at the 80.00-89.99mm category. On the other hand the wave-exposed histogram displays a positive skew as most of the data is lying to the right hand side with the most common length of Pelvetia is within the classes 20.00-29.99mm. The skew could have occurred because I found great difficulty measuring the very small frond of Pelvetia growing on the wave-exposed shore, and so not including them in the results. Also an increase in water flow rate cause plants to be torn off the substratum or the substratum with the plants attached may be mobilised and so washing away the young Pelvetia plants. Pelvetia canaliculata is permanently attached to the substratum so once removed it cannot re-form an attachment. I think that these factors together helped create this gap in the histogram. The peaks of both histograms are very far apart. This shows that there is a significant difference between the lengths of Pelvetia canaliculata on both sites. This has even been proven further by the ÃŽtest, which showed 99% significance. However, there is quite an overlap between the two curves. This overlap is between 40.00-99.99 mm categories. This overlap could be explained by the similarity in the abiotic factors between the two sites. Also the exposed shore received more sunlight than the sheltered one, which was shaded by a cliff; this means that the Pelvetia canaliculata on the exposed shore were able to photosynthesis more. These factors could have enabled some fronds to have a faster growth rate than others and so became longer. Or it could be that on the exposed shore the wave action is greater and so spray will splash higher up the beach than on a sheltered shore with fewer waves and so this will provide more nutrients for the fronds to grow longer during some exposed p eriods. Although a bell curve pattern is recognised on the wave-sheltered site there are three identified anomalies. Firstly, the frequency of the histogram at category 90.00-99.99 mm would be expected to be lower than that of category 100.00-109.99 mm but at the same time higher than the frequency of 80.00-89.99 mm. One explanation for this anomaly could be due to smothering. If smothering took place when the plant was emersed the whole of the plant would be buried under the sediment preventing photosynthesis that is taking place very slowly in the first place. If smothering however happened while the plant was immersed, some of the fronds may escape smothering and be able to continue photosynthesis. This will still lower the growth rate and so fronds length. Another explanation is that within the same quadrat I measured the Pelvetia canaliculata that grew on both sides of the rock. It is expected that the length of the Pelvetia fronds growing on the side of the rock facing the direct waves action to be shorter than the other landward facing side. This is because the initial force exerted by the wave will be absorbed by the Pelvetia fronds growing on the sea-facing side of the rock; this will cause the fronds to be frequently broken off at the tips and so will make them shorter. On the other hand, the sheltered side of the rock is only getting wave force that has been weakened by the seaward facing side of the rock and so the fronds length will not be affected as much. To control this in future I will restrict myself to measuring the length of the Pelvetia fronds on only one side of the rock(sea/landward facing) to get fairer results. Another reason to explain the anomalies displayed on the histogram could be that the swollen reproductive fruiting bodies on some of the Pelvetia canaliculata added a few mm to the length. On the other hand it could be explained by intraspecific competition. The fronds in the 110.00-119.99 mm category could be shading and preventing the sunlight from reaching the fronds in the categories below it as they are longer; this means that less photosynthesis is taking place and hence slow growth rate and shorter fronds, in other words they will be out competed for light. The two measurements recorded at 160.00-169.99 mm could be an exception of over growth or mutation as from research Pelvetia is expected to grow no more than 150mm in length. On the other hand, this anomaly could also indicate that there might have been some errors happening while taking measurements. Even though I couldnt measure the sunlight intensity received by the Pelvetia canaliculata on both shores as the equipment required werent working, I observed that the wave-exposed shore received more sunlight then the sheltered one. This is because the wave-exposed shore has a southern aspect. However this slight difference in the light intensity received by the chlorophyll on the different shores can affect the growth rate; light is also an important factor in allowing good settlement of spores by stimulating the growth of rhizoids which anchor the young plant to the rock. This is reflected on the data collected from the wave-exposed showing the overlap with the wave-sheltered shores data. The humidity measured on both sites is quite similar with the wave-sheltered shore being very slightly more humid. This difference in humidity was only expected on the wave-exposed shore due to the wave action being greater and so spray will splash higher up adding to the air humidity than on the sheltered shore with much fewer, weaker waves. The explanation that I find convincing and convenient for the increased humidity on the wave-shelt

Volvo The Collectable Classic :: essays research papers

Volvo the Collectable Classic   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this article it stated that when Volvo was introduced to the states in 1956. The PV444, was the first US bound automobile ever. The car had resembled a smaller version of the 1946 Ford Tutor. The car featured a two piece windshield, small engine, and all of the standard features of a car of it's time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  About three years later Volvo came out with a better version of the car, the PV544. That was the car that gave Volvo it's reputation for Swedish Quality. This car featured a one piece windshield, fifteen inch wheels, drum brakes, padded instrument panel. The powerplant was a 1.6 liter push rod four that delivered a smooth 85 horse power. The car ran about $5000-$7000. The car was comfortable cruising at speeds of 60-70mph while getting a nice 29 miles to the gallon. The vehicle traveled from 0 to 60 in a nice thirteen seconds, which was better than the sportier two seater cars. The car had an over all top speed of 93 miles per hour, which was amazing for a 1.6 liter engine.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1961 the company came out with same car but had some revisions, like a bigger engine the 90hp 1.8 liter. This car had natty trip in new colors which for years it was in contempt. By 1966 the company was only making one model, the PV544. The company didn't have any technical advances in the car which probably kept the car and the company alive. To some the car was a very well build sports car.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I know that in this cars day it was an amazing little car that was capable of a lot for a family car. A restorer said that the only way to kill the car is to run it without oil. I believe that, because they are such high quality, crafted cars. Today the cars are very different, they have and they are setting the standard for all cars.

Karl Marxs Theory of Capitalism Essay -- Papers

Karl Marx's Theory of Capitalism Marxism like functionalism is concerned with the overall picture of society. Marxism is seen as a conflict theory, Mainly because they see the primary interests of society as a whole as being made up of conflicting groups with conflicting interests or beliefs. We are a very materialistic society. A society made up of those who have, and those who have not. Marxists sociologists say that there will never be true social harmony because there are too many inequalities within our cultural society. Marx gave names to the haves and have nots, they are known as the Bourgeoise and the Proletariats. One way of assessing the power of the upper class is through the study of elites (people who fill the top positions in each of the major institutions of society); most of the sociological debates have centered on economic elites and political elites. (Sociology in focus 5th Edition, 2000, page 53) The main question asked by Marxist sociologists is how we all can benefit equally and how can we get rid of the social inequalities present in our society. They differ form functionalists in the way that they see the difference. Marxist sociologists see them as being persistent and not just as a temporary state of affairs to be overcome. Their theories state that for the superstructure to be effective, the infrastructure must function effectively, therefore any changes no matter how small, within the infrastructure will reflect in the superstructure causing severe change and possible disturbances. If production costs rise [...] Intr... ...s, but it has been used to disguise the true set of relations that undergird capitalism. Criticisms Marx has faced a number of criticisms. Most importantly, actual existing communism failed to fulfill its promise. Though these experiments may have distorted Marx's thought, Marxist theory certainly did not reflect its practice. Second, history has shown that workers have rarely been in the vanguard of revolutionary movements, and indeed have resisted communism in some places. Third, Marx failed to adequately consider gender as factor in the reproduction of labor and commodity production. Fourth, some have accused Marx of focusing far too much on production, without giving enough attention to the act of consumption. Last, Marx's historical materialist approach uncritically accepts Western notions of progress.