Does mode of communication affect childrens speech perception outcomes Essay

Does mode of communication affect childrens speech perception outcomes after cochlear implantation - Essay Example The communication mode is a frequently examined educational variable with relation to post-implant benefit; there are two communication mode approaches, oral communication (OC) approaches and total communication (TC) (Geers, 2002). There has been a lot of controversy as to which approach is better. Proponents of the OC approach maintain that dependence on speech and audition for communication is not only critical for achieving maximum auditory benefit, but the constant use of auditory input to monitor speech production and to comprehend spoken language gives the required practice for optimum benefit from a cochlear implant (Geers, 2002). Oral communication uses various methods like cued speech approach (use of manual cues to complement lip-reading) or the auditory–verbal approach (lip-reading is discouraged and child learns to make use of whatever auditory information is available through his or her sensory device to understand speech) (Geers, 2002). Proponents of the TC approach believe that for a child with severe-to-profound deafness, a greater benefit will be obtained when some kind of manually coded English accompanies speech, and the use of a sign system facilitates the easy assimilation of language through the unimpaired visual modality (Geers, 2002). Following this, the child can associate what is heard through the implant with signed representations of language in order to support spoken language development (Geers, 2002). Total communication also uses various methods like programs relying heavily on signed input with less emphasis on speech and English syntax or programs that emphasize speech, audition, and lip-reading with careful adherence to English syntax and morphology (Geers, 2002). Osberger et al., 1994, aimed to explore the relationship between communication mode and speech intelligibility in children who

Benefits Of Using Halophytes Environmental Sciences Essay

Benefits Of Using Halophytes Environmental Sciences Essay The continual increase in world population, coupled with the expansion of salt affected lands into agricultural lands, places additional pressure on global agriculture to produce enough food to feed the growing population. Salt-tolerant plants, namely halophytes, provide a sensible alternative to increase productivity in saline lands where traditional crops such as wheat and canola are unproductive. Halophytes can also be used simultaneously for land rehabilitation. This review covers the physiology of halophytes that enable them to thrive in a salt-stressed environment as well as their uses in food production and phytoremediation of saline or contaminated lands. Introduction Global population is expected to increase by 2.6 billion over the next 40 years to 9.1 billion. In order to meet this growing demand for food and fiber, global agriculture is tasked to increase its productivity by more than 110 %. (FAO, 2005). Expanding cultivation into new areas is undesirable mainly due to the detrimental environmental impacts associated with it. The removal and disturbances of these previously uncultivated areas can have wide ranging and long-term consequences to the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems via deforestation and eutrophication etc. (Tilman, 1999). As such, improving crop productivity per unit area of existing cultivated land is critical to feed the growing population. However, due to land degradations of cultivated areas worldwide, agriculture is gradually being pushed to marginal and salt-affected lands. Globally, these saline lands cover an area of 831 million hectares, and spans all continents including Africa, Asia, Australasia as well as the Americ as (Rengasamy, 2006). In Western Australia alone, 6.5 million hectares of agricultural land are at risk of dryland salinity due to land degradation (ANRA, 2002), and traditional crops such as wheat and canola will then be unproductive to be farmed. Halophytes are plants capable of surviving and being productive in a saline environment. As such, halophytes can be grown in saline areas in which traditional crops falter, as well as in regions increasingly affected by dryland salinity. Although halophytes constitute a small percentage of the known plant population, they play a number of useful roles in the environment. The first part of this review focuses on the physiology of halophytes that allow them to succeed in a saline environment, and the second part discusses the potential uses of halophytes in increasing global food production, either directly as a food source or through their phytoremediatary capabilities. Halophytes are highly specialized and evolved plants capable of acquiring nutrients from a high salt environment in which glycophytes (salt-sensitive plants) are either unproductive or unable to survive. In this first part of the review, the physiology of halophytes, in particular ion compartmentation, production of organic solutes, salt glands and bladders, as well as leaf and shoot succulence is discussed. Physiology of Halophytes Ion compartmentation Intracellular cytosolic enzymes in both glycophytes and halophytes are equally sensitive to salt (Glenn and Brown, 1999). Under typical physiological conditions, high cytosolic K+/Na+ ratio is maintained (Tester and Davenport, 2003) to ensure normal cellular functions. The maintenance of this ratio in the plants cytosol is energy dependent, and is mediated by pathways for Na+ extrusion or by compartmentation of Na+ into the vacuole (Blumwald, 2000). Unlike glycophytes, halophytes have developed mechanisms to sequester excess Na+ into the vacuoles to avoid Na+ toxicity in the cytosol. The transport of Na+ into the vacuoles is mediated by cation/H+ antiporters driven by the electrochemical gradient of protons generated by the vacuolar H+ translocating enzymes such as H+-ATPase (Gaxiola et al., 2007). These transporters play an essential role in the sequestering Na+ ions into the vacuole or exclusion outside the cell of the halophytes, ultimately allowing them to tolerate much higher sa lt concentrations compared to the glycophytes. Production of compatible solutes Solute transport is a process regulated by environmental and endogenous signals. Environmental stresses such as salinity affects solute transport in plants and can cause changes in the partitioning of carbon and nitrogen. In addition to compartmentalizing extra salt in its vacuoles, halophytes can produce organic solutes. These osmotically active solutes are synthesized in order to maintain normal cellular functions in response to a drop in the osmotic potential within the plant (Glenn and Brown, 1999). Depending on the halophyte species, a variety of organic solutes ranging from proline, sucrose to pipecolatebetaine (Rhodes and Hanson, 1993) can be produced. Unlike inorganic solutes such as Na+, these compounds do not induce toxicity even at high concentrations (Ashraf and Foolad, 2007), and serves as a key adaptation to halophytes survival in a saline environment. Salt glands and bladders As an adaptation to saline environments, halophytes frequently have specialized structures designed for extruding salt from tissues. Salt glands and bladders play an important role in internal ion regulation by transporting ions away from the mesophyll cells to the leaf surfaces. Once deposited on the leaves, crystallization occurs and the salt crystals are washed or blown away. Salt glands Salt glands consist of several specialized cells and are located in the depressions of leaf epidermis. When grown in highly saline environments such as seawater, the excreted ions are typically Na+ and Cl-, and excretion increases with increased levels of salinity. Found in both halophytic monocotyledons and dicotyledons (Khan and Weber, 2006), these glands allow for massive amount of salt to be removed and are important organs for salt management. Salt bladders Salt bladders are derived from modified epidermal hairs and typically have a stalk cell and a bladder cell. Stalk cells serve as ion transporters from mesophyll cells to the bladder cells. As salts accumulate in the bladder cells, expansion occurs until they burst. The bursting action allows salt to be discharged on leaf surfaces. By accumulating salt in the bladder cells, ion toxicity is prevented from building up in the mesophyll cells and this constitutes an important mechanism for the protection of young leaves. This specialized organ is a common feature on the salt tolerant halophytes in the family Chenopodiaceae, and includes the saltbushes (Atriplex sp.) (Khan and Weber, 2006). Leaf and stem succulence Highly vacuolated and large cells resulting in fleshy or thick leaves and stems are a common feature in halophytes. Despite the poor understanding of the anatomical response leading to succulence, Na+ ions are believed to be responsible (Khan and Weber, 2006). Succulence is not confined to halophytes alone. Non-halophytic plants, such as the cotton, increase succulence when grown at a high salt concentration. Despite its succulence, plant growth is still impaired by high levels of salt. In contrast, the Atriplex spp., in conjunction with its salt bladders, utilizes succulence as additional storage for excess salts, and thus reduces ionic toxicity on the mesophyll cells. Saline agriculture Naturally salt-tolerant species are used in agriculture, mainly to provide forage, medicine, and aromatics (Qadir et al., 2008). In Australia, Barrett-Lennard (2002) identified 26 salt-tolerant plant species of potential economic value to agriculture. Examples of these useful halophytes include the potential oil-seed crops Kosteletzkya virginica, Salvadora persica, Salicornia bigelovii, and Batis maritime. Useful fodder crops include Atriplex spp., Distichlis palmeri and biofuels (Flowers et al. 2010). In addition, growing halophytic biofuel crops on saline agricultural land would help to counter concerns that the biofuel industry reduces the amount of land available for food production (Qadir et al., 2008). This second part of the review explores the potential uses of halophytes in the context of Australia in increasing food production directly as a food source or through their phytoremediatary capabilities in abiotic stress management. Saltland pastures Halophytes grown on saline agricultural land helps improve site productivity by providing ground cover to prevent erosion as well as increase the organic contents in saline soils. Atriplex species are now widely used throughout the Meditteranean areas, including Australia, for the purpose of rehabilitating saline land and to increase forage productivity. Saltland pastures provide fresh feed for the entire year, including the summer months in Australia. Furthermore, many studies have been done on halophyte species that can be used for fodder, in particular Atriplex nummularia, A. halimus and A. lentiformis (Choukr-Allah, 1997). These three species are now well established in the Meditteranean basin. When used in conjunction with deep-rooted perennials such as Eucalyptus occidentalis, halophytes can help to restore the hydrologic balance on areas affected by dryland salinity. This can potentially allow vast areas to be reclaimed (Barrett, 2000) and subsequently used to plant traditiona l crops such as wheat and barley. Halophytes as food sources Oilseed crops are grown for the oil contained in the seeds. Seeds of various halophyte species, such as Salicornia bigelovii, Haloxylon stocksii, and Halogeton glomeratus contain 70-80% of high quality and unsaturated edible oil (Ladeiro, 2012). A controversial species underutilized for its edible qualities is Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Rocket). Rocket is widely used in Europe where it is regarded as a delicacy. It is naturally adapted to Mediterranean-type climate, including saline and dry ecosystems. Rocket is able to compete strongly with other pasture plants and can reproduce via seeds and root fragments. Studies have shown that it is able to grow and reproduce at salinity levels of up to 300 mM NaCl, and can be grown at levels up to 100 mM NaCl without losing its nutritional values (Ladeiro, 1997). In Australia, however, rocket is regarded as an agricultural weed found mainly in poorer pastures in the Eyre Peninsular of South Australia and Victoria (DAFWA, 2007). Thus, if Rocket is to be used as a food source in Australia, proper containment strategies must be in placed to prevent it from spreading into unwanted areas. Halophytes in abiotic stress management Desalination of saline soil As dryland salinity increasingly affects huge areas of cultivated land, numerous physical, chemical and biological methods have been developed for reclaiming these saline soils (Shahid, 2002). Biological methods include crop rotation, inputs of organic manure as well as the use of salt-tolerant crops (Shahid, 2002). The ability of plants to accumulate huge amounts of salt is highly dependent on the capacity of their aboveground biomass (Rabhi et al., 2010). This ability is especially important in the drier regions of Australia where rainfed systems are used and rainfall events are not reliable enough to reduce the salt concentration in the rhizosphere (Shahid, 2002). Halophytes are the most important group of plants used in soil desalination due to its salt accumulating and salt-tolerant characteristics. High salt resistance, high aboveground biomass, and high degrees of economic utility (fuel, fiber, and oil seeds etc.) (Rabhi et al., 2010) are key requirements to assess a plants us efulness in desalination. Sesuvium portulacastrum is a naturally occurring halophyte species in western Australia. Most importantly, it is able to accumulate huge quantities of Na+ within its aboveground organs. In addition, Sesuvium portulacastrum has been used in other parts of the world for desalination of salt-affected lands (Patil et al., 2012) and should be studied further in the context of Australia for similar purposes. Phytoremediation In cultivated soils, contamination by heavy metals (i.e. Zn, CU, Cd, Fe, As, etc.) is a serious environmental problem. Throughout evolutionary history, plants have developed various detoxification mechanisms in response to allelochemicals produced by competing organisms. Thus, a biological method of rehabilitating contaminated lands utilize plants to decontaminate affected sites and is termed phytoremediation. Phytoremediation exploits the natural ability of plants to absorb, accumulate, storage and degradation of both organic and / or inorganic compounds. In this regard, halophytes show the most success in terms of adaptations to a variety of abiotic stresses including heavy metal stress. Mechanism of phytoremediation Physical removal and bioconversion of compounds by plants are termed phytoextraction and phytotransformation or phytodegradation respectively. Phytoextraction utilizes the plants ability to take up a range of chemical compounds through the root system, translocate them through the vascular tissues and eventually compartmentalizing these compounds in different organs such as leaves and stems. For a compound to be readily available to a plant, soil conditions e.g. clay content and pH play a crucial role. Incorporation of soil amendments e.g. lime has been shown to increase the availability of lead (Pb) and uranium (U) by more than 100-fold (Chen et al., 1998). Using this approach, successful remediation of agricultural soils contaminated with selenium (Se) in the US had been recorded (Eapen et al., 2006). Similarly, the Australian saltbush (Atriplex nummularia var. De Koch) has been successfully used in rehabilitating mercury-contaminated sites, with studies showing undetectable levels of mercury just 72 hours after plant introduction (Khondaker and Caldwell, 2003). The compartmentation of metals into the aerial organs of the plant allows for easy harvesting and can be processed to reclaim economically important metals or disposed off as hazardous waste in landfills. Phytochelatins (PCs) play a crucial role in phytodegradation and phytotransformation. PC production in plants is stimulated by the presence of heavy metals. PCs are metal-binding peptides and works by mobilizing heavy metal compounds in the cytosol and then sequestering PC metal complexes in the vacuoles of plant cells. Upon absorption of heavy metal compounds, PCs and enzymes such as e.g. oxygenase, peroxidases and reductases etc. are produced in large quantities. Degradation of these heavy metal compounds occurs and the biodegraded constituents are then converted into inert forms stored in the lignin or released as exudates (Watanabe, 1997). In phytotransformation, the absorbed heavy metal compounds are biochemically bonded by PCs and enzymes to cell tissues in inert forms where they are eventually compartmentalized (Watanabe, 1997). In Australia, great success in the use of native Halosarcia pergranulata to revegetate old mining areas has been recorded. Conclusion: Going into the future Sustainable agriculture is continuously threatened by the decreasing availability of freshwater and arable land. Global agriculture is pressured further by the demand for more food by the growing population. In addition, saline agriculture will be of particular importance to Mediterranean countries, including Australia, due to the widespread increase in soil degradation and unfavourable climatic conditions. With these issues, saline agriculture involving the use of halophytes plays a crucial emerging role. Halophytes have demonstrated their importance with is wide range of uses ranging from food production to phytoremediation of stressed environment. By growing and developing agriculture on marginal saline lands, halophytes can help augment the global sources of food, forage, medicine and plant-based chemicals for the growing population. By understanding the stress mechanisms in halophytes, the knowledge can be used in extracting valuable genes for transgenic manipulation in traditional crops.

Third Cinema in China: Yellow Earth Essay -- China Cinema Movies Yello

Third Cinema in China: Yellow Earth What is identified as 'excess' in Western cinematic experience is, therefore, precisely where we locate Third World cinema. -Teshome Gabriel The possibility of a Third Cinema in China is encouraged with Chen Kaige's 1984 film Yellow Earth. Drawing upon Teshome Gabriel's framework, a working definition of Third Cinema is possible in the case of Chinese cinema. The "fifth generation" of China's film-makers is credited in making films such as Yellow Earth, Farewell my Concubine, and The Blue Kite, as well as Raise the Red Lantern and Red Sorghum. While not all films made by the fifth generation are necessarily of a Third Cinema, many of them offer critique, drawing upon tactics to raise social or political consciousness. Yellow Earth 's characterization as Third Cinema lies in its aesthetic qualities, incorporation of folk art characteristics, and challenge of Western film language. Chinese Painting as Third Cinema Aesthetic Use of space is distinctive in Chinese painting, for not only is what space is occupied by an object, but more importantly the surrounding space. What, to the Western eye, may appear to be 'wasted' or 'empty' space, is as much a part of the entire picture than may appear to be the object of interest. Yellow Earth invokes characteristics of Chinese painting in the cinematographic style of Zhang Yimou. The use of Chinese painting' characteristics contributes to Yellow Earth as representative of Third Cinema in China. The use of space challenges Western convention, creating a new film grammar to code political agendas. In "Yellow Earth: Western Analysis and a Non-Western Text", Ester C.M. Yau notes that: Classical Chinese painting's representation of nature i... ...n Chinese, the folk culture seems dated and irrelevant. Third Cinema, however, realizes the need to draw upon folk tradition. Third Cinema is not limited to those cinemas of Latin America or Africa. It is located where challenges to Western cinematic domination and rules are played out. In China, the years following the downfall of the 10 year reign of the Cultural Revolution produced a climate ripe for a politicized revolutionary cinema. Yet, the cinema in China remains bound to censorship and banning of films. The overtly politically challenging film The Blue Kite, set in the decade leading up to the Cultural Revolution, was banned and denounced by Chinese authorities. What has emerged then is the need to create a new language for the cinema to speak with. The language of Yellow Earth draws upon Chinese art to create a new aesthetic, a Third Cinema aesthetic.

Biblical Story in Goblin Market

â€Å"And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter† (Revelation 10:10). Is it always that we are punished for searching knowledge or pleasures? In Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market, the author uses clear parallels with the Biblical Fall and the Garden of Eden. Both stories depict the natural human desire to taste the unknown, but the philosophical and social implications in the Biblical Fall and in Goblin Market are completely different.Thesis statement: the setting, the characters, and the plot in Rossetti’s Goblin Market are close to those in the Biblical account of Fall, but Rossetti’s poem offers a different vision of Bible and carries different philosophical implications for the reader. Goblin Market and the Garden of Eden The Biblical story of the Garden of Eden and Eve’s Fall is very similar to that described by Christina Ros setti in Goblin Market. The forbidden fruits in both stories are integrally linked to human sexuality.Forbidden fruits represent a new (and forbidden) knowledge, although the forbidden fruits in Rossetti’s poem do not cause as serious consequences as those in the Biblical account of Fall. Desire and doubt – these are the key elements in Goblin Market and Bible. As Eve finds herself seduced by the external forces to taste the forbidden fruit, the setting in Rossetti’s story is very similar: â€Å"Morning and evening / Maids heard the goblins cry: / â€Å"Come buy our orchard fruits, / Come buy, come buy† (Rossetti 1-4).Rossetti intentionally fills the setting with seducing elements and temptations. Goblins offering wonderful fruits to Laura and Lizzie make the two women think better about their earthy desires and the consequences of eating these fruits: â€Å"We must not look at goblin men, / We must not buy their fruits, / Who knows what soil they fed / Their hungry thirsty roots? † (Rossetti 42-45). Eve’s feelings in the Garden of Eden were similar to those of Laura – the desire to taste new knowledge, and the doubt, whether a woman should do that.Everything goes in a way similar to the Biblical account of Fall – seduction, hesitation, and the decisive step – until Laura eats the fruit. In many instances the similarity of the setting in Goblin Market and the Biblical Fall carries profound philosophical and social implications. However, such similarity is mostly deceptive, as Rossetti exploits a different interpretation of Biblical readings to deliver her own message to the reader. The first and the primary difference we face in the person of Lizzie.On the one hand, Lizzie is very similar to a redemptive figure of Christ; on the other hand, Lizzie does not create the separation between her and Laura after Laura eats the fruit. Laura does not experience the sense of shame which Eve experiences in B ible. On the contrary, Laura expresses delightful emotions. Eve’s symbolic expulsion from the Garden of Eden is absent in Goblin Market, and tasting the fruit results in the growing spiritual closeness between Laura and Lizzie: â€Å"Golden head by golden head, / Like two pigeons in one nest / Folded in each other’s wing† (Rossetti 184-86).As Bible opposes human nature to the divine spirit, Rossetti avoids this discord and tends to use the Biblical plot as the basis for a different spiritual interpretation. In the similar setting, and surrounded by similar temptations, Laura is different from Eve: she manages to keep her spiritual position, and the role of Christ undertaken by Lizzie does not lead to Laura’s redemption. Rossetti avoids creating a distinction between the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge. As we know, Bible tells the story of Adam and Eve as they eat the forbidden fruit and lose their access to the Tree of Life.As soon as Laura tastes the fruit she immediately loses the access to this very fruit and does not have an opportunity to taste it again. Rossetti does not speak about the two different trees. The fruit of knowledge and the fruit of life in Bible represent the expression of and the division between the sin and the purity. Rossetti combines these two notions in one fruit which Laura tastes with the help of Goblins: â€Å"Must she them buy no more such dainty fruit? / Must she no more such succous pasture find, / Gone deaf and blind?/ Her tree of life droop’d from the root† (Rossetti 257-60). Rossetti adapts the Biblical story to the given cultural and social environment. As Eve was weighing the sinfulness of eating the forbidden fruit, Laura rather weighs the profitability of her â€Å"eating† decision: â€Å"Buy from us with a golden curl. / She clipp’d a precious golden lock, / She dropp’d a tear more rare than pearl† (Rossetti 125-27). In this long process of hes itation, Goblins play the decisive role and lead Laura to step which will become critical to her further life.Goblins are deceptive. They emphasize the importance of earthy desires which can easily replace the need for eternal spiritual rewards. The Book of Revelations reads: â€Å"I counsel thee to buy of me fold tried in the fires, that thou mayest be rich† (3:18). In the same manner, Goblins promote the benefits of corruptible earthy rewards, and Laura accepts their invitation. Certainly, one will ask, why the profitable offer to taste a fruit is corruptible for Laura, and the answer is very simple: the sweetest taste of a fruit does not last for long.In the Garden of Eden, Eve’s pleasure does not last for long, too; she has to leave the garden with a sinful shame in her soul, and having forever lost the chance to return to the place in heaven. Conclusion Christina Rossetti adapts the Biblical account of Eve’s Fall to produce a completely different effect on the reader. Rossetti offers a different vision of Eve’s sin. Similar to Eve, Laura is seduced at eating the forbidden fruit, but in distinction from Eve, she is not compelled at leaving heaven, and does not experience the feeling of shame.Lizzie is very similar to the redemptive figure of Christ, but the two women are not separated by the fact of eating the fruit. As a result, Rossetti avoids the discord between purity and sin, found in the Biblical writings, and puts the reader into the ambiguity of the sinful implications in Goblin Market. Works Cited Bible. King James Version. Camden, Thomas Nelson, 1992. Rossetti, C. â€Å"Goblin Market. † 1862. Representative Poetry Online. 15 April 2008. http://rpo. library. utoronto. ca/poem/1753. html

About Boosie

It was notorious for drugs and violence, a place feared by the general population. Boosie grew up with his mom and dad who nicknamed him after the '70s funk legend, Bootsy Collins. Although being raised by both of his parents was a rarity in his neighborhood, Boosie still struggled with dysfunction inside and outside of his home. Around the time he was starting high school, Boosie decided to come clean on wax about some of the trouble he was getting into, â€Å"l started rapping on tracks whenI was like 14 or 15, I was rapping before that but I Just didn't let anybody know 'cause I thought I wasn't good enough. † At fourteen years old, Boosie moved in to live with his grandmother after his father was murdered in drug-related activity. [2] Boosie became very involved in basketball to stay off the streets while attending high school and was actually expected to move on to college level basketball, but his involvement with drugs got him expelled from school. After being expelled from school, Boosie became serious about his music.Consequently, Boosie's residency in Baton Rouge, hich lacked a music scene, disadvantaged him from creating a diverse set of contacts and subsequently a lack of exposure. A mutual friend of Boosie and local rapper, C-Loc, introduced the two and before Boosie knew it, he was recording his homemade raps in a professional studio. Lil Boosie Mobile Desktop Content is available under CC BY-SA 3. 0 unless otherwise noted. Terms of use Privacy Search Wikipedia Lil Boosie Birth name Torrence Hatch Born November 14, 1982 (age 31) Origin Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U. S.Genres Southern hip hop Occupations Rapper Years active 998-present Labels Trill, Asylum, Bad Azz Entertainment, WMG Associated acts C- Loc, Pimp C, Webbie, Foxx, LoLa Monroe, Trae Tha Truth, C-Murder Website BoosieJustice. com Torrence Hatch (born November 14, 1982), better known by his stage name Lil Boosie, is an American rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. [1] Hatch was bestow ed the nickname Boosie by his family, and he was raised in southside Baton Rouge. He is currently serving time in the Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola); Hatch was sentenced to eight years after pleading guilty to drug charges.I was like 14 or 5, I was rapping betore that but I Just didn't let anybody know 'cause homemade raps in a professional studio. [3] 1998-2001 : Camp Life & Youngest of tha Camp Boosie became serious about his music, deciding to become a professional rapper. Lil Boosie teamed up with Baton Rouge rapper C-Loc in the late 1990s. He started off as the youngest member of the Concentration Camp at the age of only 14. Boosie Joined the Concentration Camp group in 1998, after the release of the group's second studio album Concentration Camp II: Da Halocaust. He worked with rapper C-Loc and theCamp ; made his debut on C-Loc's fifth album, It's a Gamble in 2000 under his old alias Boosie and Concentration Camp third studio album Camp Ill : Thug Brothas in 2000. Soon after, he released Youngest Of Da Camp, his debut album in 2000 on Camp Life Entertainment. The album spread like wildfire, and was widely known in Baton Rouge. At the time of this album's recording, Boosie was only 17 years old. The album production was mostly handled by Happy Perez. The album featured C-Loc, Max Minelli & Donkey and more. After the incarceration, Boosie once again turned back to the streets.Ultimately, his behavior led to him also being incarcerated. The album sold 13, 000 units. 2001-2003: Trill Entertainment & For MY Thugz At this point, Boosie felt as though he was a failure. However, fate lent Boosie a hand, and Boosie had an opportunity to Join an up-and-coming record label called Trill Entertainment which was backed by its CEO the late Pimp C of IJGK in 2001. Trill signed Boosie and assisted him in bringing his legal issues to an end. Soon after, Trill independently released his debut album For My Thugz as his new alias Lil Boosie in 2002. 1] This release we nt on to sell over 15,000 copies. As of 2013, the album has sold 90,000 copies, according to Trill Entertainment. The album features Pimp C, Young Bleed, Webbie and more. 2003-2005: Ghetto Stories, Gangsta Muzik & Warner Bros. Later in the summer of 2003, Pimp C teamed up Booste to co-star with one of his label-mates, Webbie, on the album Ghetto Stories. The album also went on to sell well over 15,000 copies. As of 2013, the album has sold 120,000 units. In 2004, Lil ie & Webbie released T II Azz Mixtape & Trill Azz Mixes II. They treestyled over the hottest songs of 2004.Boosie paired up again with Webbie, to release their econd compilation album, Gangsta Musik. This is what really gained him popularity. According to Trill, the album sold 320,000 copies. Boosie's talent was now undeniable, and he caught the eye of some Universal Music Group representatives. In 2004 Lil Boosie ; South Coast Coalition released Both Sides of the Track. January 1, 2005 Boosie teamed up with Lava House Records to release United We Stand, Divided We Fall. He also released Street Code with Pat Lowrenzo. In 2005, Lil Boosie release Bad Ass (Advance) to promote Bad Azz. In late January 2005, Boosie signed a deal withWarner Bros. Records. [2] 2006-2008: Bad Azz ; Survival of the Fittest In early 2006 Trill release Bad Ass Mixtape Vol. l as a follow up to (Bad Ass Advance). In 2006, Boosie's major label debut album Bad Azz was released. [1] It contained the single â€Å"Zoom† featuring Yung Joc. A Bad Azz DVD followed where the rapper explained the death of his father due to drugs and his fght against diabetes. Late in the year, the Streetz Iz Mine mixtape appeared in cooperation with DJ Drama. In 2007 Lil Boosie release Bad Azz Mixtapes Vol. 2. In 2007, Boosie & Webbie was on the remix f â€Å"Wipe Me Down† by rapper Foxx.It was put on the Trill Entertainment compilation album Survival of the Fittest, which was released in 2007. In 2008 Boosie release Da Beginning Mixtape . At Lil Boosie 4th Of July Bash party he past out his new mixtape 4th Of July Bash. December 2008 Lil Boosie release Lil Boosie Presents: Da Click which feature Da Click consist of Hatch Boy, Locco, Quick & Sleek. It also popularized Lil Boosie's career as well. In 2008, Lil Boosie was featured on the single â€Å"Independent† by Webbie and was among several rappers to be featured on â€Å"Out Here Grindin† by DJ Khaled. 09: Superbad: The Return of Boosie Bad Azz ; Bad Azz Entertainment In 2009 Boosie released The Return Of Mr. Wipe Me Down as a promotion mixtape to his second major album. In 2009, Lil Boosie released the follow up to Lil Boosie Presents: Da Click called Da Click: â€Å"Street Kingz. In 2009, Lil Boosie released his second major album Superbad: The Return of Boosie Bad Azz. The first single from the album, â€Å"Better Believe It†, featured Webbie and Young Jeezy. There were promotional music videos from the album such as â€Å"I'm a Dog† & â€Å"Loose as a Goose†. Also in 2009, Lil Boosie had presented his debut label Bad Azz Entertainment.Lil Boosie released Thug Passion on his Bad Azz Entertainment label in 2009. Lil Boosie release Category 7: Bad Azz Hurricane with Hurricane Chris and Untouchable with LoLa Monroe. Lil Boosie also released The 25th Hours mixtape which on the interlude he speak on his prison term. 2010: Incarcerated In 2010 Lil Booste & C-Loc his former CEO release Unbreakable as a Compilation CD. ie nas announced while ne is still in prison on charges ot murder and conspiracy, and potentially facing the death penalty, he wants to move forward with his hip hop career. Boosie released his fourth studio album, Incarcerated, onSeptember 28 on Asylum Records. According to MTV News, the project is almost entirely produced by B. J. , although Mouse on Tha Track did some work on it as well. Webbie, Foxx and Lil Trill are among the featured guests. [4] Lil Boosie released Gone Til' December in 20 10, which is a mixtape album consisting of new music. Bad Azz Entertainment released ShouldVe Been My Beatz. Lil Boosie released 22504 with B. G.. In 2011 Quick release Hit After Hit 3 with Lil Boosie. In 2012 My Brother's Keeeper was released with Money Bagz & Quick. Also Under Investigation was released as a free ownload with Ray Vicks. 013-present: TBA In January 2013 Lil Booste spoke on his prison sentence and said, On September 13, 2013 it was reported that, Judges related to his case agreed to return Lil Boosie, his hard drives and his computers. The equipment contains a lot of music he had recorded before going to Jail, which could result in new music from him prior to his release. Jeff Weiss, who covered Boosie's trial for Rolling Stone, also reported that Boosie's attorneys believe that he will be released within the next five months. [5] Read in another language Last modified 13 hours agoEarly life Music career † â€Å"I have about 500 songs at the moment. I feel th at I'm making the best music I've ever made. The more I go through in life the better my music gets and it's been crazy the last three years. I keep my music heartfelt and stick to making real music. I wouldn't even say it's Hip Hop music. My music is ‘reality rap. ‘ Hip Hop music can make you dance and bob your head, but it can't make you cry or touch your heart like reality rap†.

Like Water for Chocolate essays

Like Water for Chocolate essays A critique of the film Like Water for Chocolate The novel Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel has won many hearts as well as awards when first published in 1989 in Spanish and 1992 in English. In the novel Esquivel encompasses us with the sweet aroma of the imagination and creativity. Unfortunately, this can not be said of the feature film that was based on the book. Como agua para chocolate was released as a Mexican language film in 1993 featuring English subtitles. Although the subtitles were provided to help the Spanish-illeterate to understand the film, it was just as confusing to follow the plot with them. Like a bad cook standing behind his/her cuisines, Esquivels integrity is questioned here. Although directed by Alfonso Arau, the screenplay was provided by Esquivel herself. Unfortunately, Esquivel should have quitted while being ahead instead of marinating the novel into a tasteless movie. Most books thrive on the readers imagination which quickly gets digested away when it comes to the widescreen. Although some films have complimented books very well (Jurassic Park, the Green Mile, etc.) Como agua para chocolate sports a genre of simply Bad and ends up giving the viewer a bad taste in their mouth. Although being known as a blockbuster film, it lacks the magic of what books can capture which most expensive special effects of Hollywood cannot. Perhaps what can be blamed for the success of the novel is that the novel had no limitations to the reader, rather, the reader directs his or her screenplay in his/her head with an unlimited amount of budget required. In Como agua para chocol ate the viewer is constantly spoon-fed with the interpretations of the director; whether it be depicting the scene inaccurately or failure to shoot the scene entirely. The film shoots out totolaritarian ideas what you see is what you get and theres no ifs or ands about it wheth...

Culture International Business (WHAT ARE THE CULTURAL ISSUES WHICH

Culture International Business (WHAT ARE THE CULTURAL ISSUES WHICH Culture & International Business (WHAT ARE THE CULTURAL ISSUES WHICH THE AMERICAN BESTBUY COMPANY – Coursework Example Cultural Issues for BestBuy Cultural Issues for BestBuy The reason cited for closing down the operations ofBest Buy is related to the difference of cultural experiences between US and UK (Rushe 2013). The reason for the shutdown of BestBuy is said to be related to the decreased number of UK consumers approaching the company. Marketing analysts have found this related to the marketing approaches of Best Buy while operating in the UK. The ads used by Best Buy while operating in UK were using the form of direct communication in order to approach the consumers. This is surely not common in the United Kingdom and hence the consumers raised a finger at the ad to be more American rather than British (Groth 2011; Liu et al 2011 p.128). Similarly it was also analyzed that the company was expecting a greater amount of profit from the consumer market in the UK, however it is found that the British shop differently than the Americans. This is relating to the fact that the Americans are more indi vidualistic and short term oriented. (Liu et al 2011 p.112-114) The British people tend to shop only twice or thrice an year and they prefer shopping from the smaller stores which the company was not able to recognize (Garside 2011). The company followed the model of standardization throughout their stores by maintaining a specific standard in terms of products, prices and place. It opened up huge stores that were not required in the areas but these did not prove to be much beneficial in the long run. The culture in both US and UK is specific in terms of Trompenaars framework but the only factor that differs was the niche market of the consumers as they preferred UK over US. The power distance of US is greater than that of US and this surely may have posed some problem to the US retailer. Lastly the culture in UK adopts a long oriented approach and the individuals are more pragmatic in terms of taking risks where as the Americans tend to do that less (Czinkota Hendon et al 1996 p.1 9-22)ReferencesTop of FormTop of FormCzinkota, M. R., & Ronkainen, I. A. (1998).  International marketing. Fort Worth: Dryden Press.Garside, J. (2011, November 7). Best Buy: Five reasons Carphone had to hang up. Retrieved February 25, 2015, from theguardian.com/business/2011/nov/07/best-buy-uk-five-reasons-it-failedGroth, A. (2011, November 8). A Closer Look At Why Best Buy Failed In Europe. Retrieved February 25, 2015, from businessinsider.com/best-buy-europe-strategy-2011-11?IR=TTop of FormHendon, D. W., Hendon, R. A., & Herbig, P. A. (1996).  Cross-cultural business negotiations. Westport, Conn: Quorum.Bottom of FormLiu, S., Gallois, C., & VolcÃŒÅ'icÃŒÅ', Z. (2011).  Introducing intercultural communication: Global cultures and contexts. London: SAGE.Rushe, D. (2013, April 30). Best Buy pulls the plug on European Venture in sale to Carphone Warehouse. Retrieved February, 25, 2015, from theguardian.com/business/2013/apr/30/best-buy-carphone-warehouse-saleBottom of Form Bottom of Form

Noise Distraction

Noise Distraction Are you distracted by noise? Some students struggle to pay attention in class and other study areas because small background noises interfere with their concentration. Background noise does not affect all students in the same way. There are a few factors that may determine whether noise distraction is a problem for you. Noise Distraction and Learning Styles Three of the most commonly recognized learning styles are visual learning, tactile learning, and auditory learning. It is important to discover your own prominent learning style to determine how to study most effectively, but its also important to know your learning style in order to recognize potential problems. Studies have shown that auditory learners are most distracted by background noise. But how will you know if you are an auditory learner? Auditory learners often: Talk to themselves while reading or studyingMove their lips while readingAre better at speaking than writingSpell better out loudHave difficulty visualizing thingsCant follow conversations when the TV is onCan mimic songs and tunes well If you feel that these traits describe your personality, you may need to pay special attention to your study habits and the location of your study space. Noise Distraction and Personality Type Two personality types that you may recognize are introversion and extraversion. It is important to know that these types have nothing to do with ability or intelligence; these terms merely describe the way that different people function. Some students are deep thinkers who tend to talk less than others. These are common traits of introverted students. One study has shown that noise distraction can be more harmful to introverted students than to extroverted students when it comes to study time. Introverted students can experience more difficulty understanding what they are reading in a noisy environment. Introverts typically: Like to work independentlyAre confident about their own opinionsThink deeply about thingsReflect and analyze more before acting on somethingCan focus on one thing for a long timeEnjoy readingAre happy in their own little worldHave a few deep friendships If these traits sound familiar to you, you may want to read more about introversion. You may discover that you need to adjust your study habits to cut down on the potential for noise distraction. Avoiding Noise Distraction Sometimes we dont realize how much background noise can affect our performance. If you suspect that noise interference is affecting your grades, you should consider the following recommendations. Turn off the mp3 and other music when you study: You may love your music, but its not good for you when youre reading.Stay away from the TV when doing homework: Television shows contain plots and conversations that can trick your brain into distraction when you dont even realize it! If your family watches TV at one end of the house during homework time, try to move to the other end.Buy earplugs: Small, expanding foam earplugs are available at large retail stores and auto stores. Theyre great for blocking out the noise.Consider investing in some noise-blocking earphones: This is a more expensive solution, but it might make a big difference in your homework performance if you have a serious problem with noise distraction. For more information you may consider: The Effects of Noise Distraction on SAT Scores, by Janice M. Chatto and Laura ODonnell. Ergonomics, Volume 45, Number 3, 2002,pp. 203-217.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on the disease Cryptosporidiosis Essay

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on the disease Cryptosporidiosis - Essay Example Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium felis and Cryptosporidium canis have been identified as the major types of Cryptosporidium that cause infection in humans. While presence of C. canis, C. felis and C. meleagridis has been confirmed in AIDS patients. They have the capability to infect both immuno-competent and immuno-compromised individuals (Tzipori, p. 884-886). It considered an important source of morbidity and mortality in young children. Every year about 400-500 people in New York alone are infected by the parasite. It has been known to cause short term diarrhea in young children but if severe may even cause long term problems in immuno-compromised persons (Guerrant, p. 707-13). This parasite is usually found in the soil food and water, or surfaces that are known to come in contact with feces. It is how ever not known to spread via contact with blood (CDC). Most Infections tend to spread by the oral-fecal route. That entails the droppings of an infected animal and the transmission of the parasite via the mouth. This parasite can also spread by person to person, by eating contaminated food and by drinking contaminated water. It is in fact because the parasite is transmitted via the oral fecal route that it is often found in people with poor hygiene, diapered children and people with diarrhea. The infection can also spread by eating contaminated, uncooked food and also by touching hands which may be infected with the parasite to the mouth. Exposure to feces via sexual contact may also be one more source of infection (CDC). Never the less it is important to note that a short term infection may have long term consequences (Guerrant, p. 707-13). The degree of in fection is usually directly related to the severity and onset of disease. Some adults with incompetent immune systems such as seen widely

Initial business idea Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Initial business idea - Term Paper Example These people are those who appreciate a good healthy snack, and would have the purchasing power to patronize my products. A specialty tea shop needs as much above the line advertisements as below the line efforts. I will select proper media exposure in local newspapers and radio stations, and would go heavy on leaflets and billboards, and in store promotions. Target Market will be identified by first enumerating the qualities of each product to be offered. What are the products and variations to be served? What are the key benefits of these products? Do we put premium on its commercial appeal by engaging competitors in a price war and creating advertising plans that challenge the benefits of other similar products? Or do we want to maintain a certain brand image, and preserve the quality of the products notwithstanding other factors such as pricing? Having done all these, I came to the conclusion that I would like my business to appeal to a certain niche market, but not alienating the popular crowd. I would be serving health products – specialty tea, coffee and confectionaries. I would like my target market to find appeal in the thought that they would be enjoying cost efficient but highly healthy snacks in my tea shop. My target market covers a wide age range. These may be college students who would want to spend quiet time catching up on notes and lessons while having good snacks. I also consider young professionals and adults who now have the capacity to pay for a type of snack that would greatly be beneficial to their health. Since the young professionals and adults are more health conscious nowadays due to the rise in the number of health drinks in supermarkets, they are the kind of market that would enjoy the products that I would offer. Lastly, those belonging to the 40s to 60s age bracket are those who are partic ularly conscious about the food they eat, and would find joy in this new alternative being offered to

Mathematics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Mathematics - Essay Example (c) Let us take values u1 = 1 u2 = 2 u3 = 3 u4 = 4 p = q = 1 Putting these values in the MS Office Excel gives the following output. Input Parameters u1 = 1 u2 = 2 u3 = 3 u4 = 4 p = 1 q = 1 Output Values a = 1 b = 1 c = 2 d = 0 The excel file is also attached an if the input values for u1, u2, u3, u4, p and q are changed the solution values a, b, c an d will also get suitably changed. Q1. (d) A set of ‘m’ linear equations in ‘n’ variables is expressed by the following equation in terms of matrix notation: Ax = b Where A is ‘mxn’ matrix of the coefficients of the system x is ‘nx1’ column vector and b is ‘mx1’ column vector If the ‘b’ vector is a zero vector i.e. all the elements of this vector are zero, then the system of equations is called a ‘Homogeneous System’ If the ‘b’ vector is non-zero vector i.e. if even one of the elements is non-zero then the system of equations is termed as ‘Nonhomogenous System’. Q1. (e) A homogeneous system always has a trivial solution i.e. a solution vector with all the elements being zero. However, for a homogeneous system to have a non-trivial solution the Determinant of Matrix A must be equal to zero. i.e. for non – trivial solution of Ax = b (b = 0) Determinant A = 0 Q2. (a) The profile of the boiler shell is made by revolution of a parabola. Let us assume that equation of the parabola is y = a + bx2 Let us place centre of the co-ordinate system at the middle of the shell. Then, at x = 0 y = 2 i.e. 2 = a + b*02; or, a = 2 And at x = 4 y = 1.5 i.e. 1.5 = 2 + b*(42) or, b = - (1/32) Hence equation of the parabola is Y = 2 – (1/32)x2 where, -4 < x < 4 Plot of the parabola is shown below. If this parabolic profile is rotated about x-axis, it will produce the shell of the boiler and that will enclose a volume, which will be the volume of water that can be contained and hence boiled in this boiler. Esse ntially, what is required is to calculate the volume enclosed by this rotation. The volume of such a boiler will be Therefore, V = 85 m3 Hence, 85 m3 water can be boiled in the boiler. Q2. (b) Integration is essentially summation and therefore, it is important to realize as what is it that is integrated or summed up. It is essentially the product of the dependent variable (y) and infinitesimally small increment in the independent variable or ?x which is continuously summed up. If we know from which point to which point this summation is to be done, then we get a definite answer and this integral is known as definite integral. Mathematically it is expressed by indicating the limits or boundaries of integration as shown below. This is a definite integral with integration being carried out between ‘a’ and ‘b’ (a < b) for y, which is a function of x. This definite integral gives many useful parameters like area under curve, area of a curved surface, volume of a container etc. as shown in Q2. (a), where volume of the boiler was calculated using a definite integral. However, many times we many not know the limits of integration, this is where we are not solving any particular physical or engineering problem but just interested in

Free writing journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Free writing journal - Essay Example Connie’s attempt to become a young sexy woman attracted the eyes of Arthur Friend. And when he approached her at home, she got scared because he was not the young man he told her to be. Also, his calm voice and coaxing seemed to be too powerful for Connie. And when he told her that he will harm his family, Connie’s terror led her to come out of the house and go to him. Oates created a clear picture of one possible scenario of teenager’s fun gone wrong. Instead of just giving her the excitement of a secret life, her attempt to look and become a more mature and sexy woman led her to harm’s way. This story was in not just a good read for adolescents but it was also a lesson. It may be fiction but it can be real for some teenagers. It evokes images of violence, even rape. Though there were no explicit statements that indicated there was violence or crime that happened, the images that Oates described seemed to suggest that there was something that happened to Connie, something terrifying. It might have been in her mind only but it suggested that her encounter with Friend destroyed her attempt to delineate her two different sides. The story left us with the lesson that adolescents, same as Connie’s age, need proper guidance to prevent them from going down the wrong

The Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Internet - Essay Example The same letter now takes just the click of a mouse to bridge that distance over the Internet. With the advent of VoIP, it is now possible to engage in ‘face-to-face’ video chats with persons in any corner of the globe with tools such as Skype. Moreover, this is accomplished at a miniscule price, in comparison with the cost of airmail postage or telephone tariffs. The speed of communication the Internet offers is particularly appreciated at times of emergencies, and natural disasters, when warning signals can be instantly transmitted across the globe. The life-saving benefits of this speed of communication cannot be denied. Social life has undergone a sea-change with the advent of the Internet. As the Internet has demolished â€Å"the traditional communications constraints of cost, geography, and time,† it has opened up a whole new world of social interaction (Glassman, 2010). Before the Internet, socialization was defined by the limited boundaries of face-to-face interaction. E mail, social networks, online chatting, files sharing, gaming, and discussion groups have made social horizons infinite. The Internet provides opportunities for the development and improvement of social ties. Long-lost friends from school and college days, who faded irrevocably out of lives in the past, are now rediscovered, and friendships are renewed, on social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. News and photographs are exchanged easily. The Internet remains unrivalled in â€Å"creating, cultivating, and continuing social relationships† (Glassman, 2010). It is now possible to maintain twenty-hour social connectivity and frequent updates through sites such as Twitter. The Internet creates opportunities for social interaction between... Social life has undergone a sea-change with the advent of the Internet. As the Internet has demolished â€Å"the traditional communications constraints of cost, geography, and time,† it has opened up a whole new world of social interaction (Glassman, 2010). Before the Internet, socialization was defined by the limited boundaries of face-to-face interaction. E mail, social networks, online chatting, files sharing, gaming, and discussion groups have made social horizons infinite. The Internet provides opportunities for the development and improvement of social ties. Long-lost friends from school and college days, who faded irrevocably out of lives in the past, are now rediscovered, and friendships are renewed, on social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. News and photographs are exchanged easily. The Internet remains unrivaled in â€Å"creating, cultivating, and continuing social relationships† (Glassman, 2010). It is now possible to maintain twenty-hour soci al connectivity and frequent updates through sites such as Twitter. The Internet creates opportunities for social interaction between people of like-minded interests and tastes, regardless of their place of residence. Voluntary organizations, religious, civic and social groups harness the power of the Internet to encourage participation, organize activities, raise funds, and recruit members through tools such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and texting. The Internet has remade the business world. Shopping no longer requires a visit to the mall or the corner supermarket.

The friendship of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin Essay

The friendship of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin - Essay Example The essay "The friendship of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin" discovers the relationships between Paul Gauguin and Vincent Van Gogh. The other anticipation that Gauguin had was that he could establish a more intimate painting connection with Van Gogh, and out of it they could bring their painting talent together to create other a successful painting empire, like the two sunflowers painting that Van Gogh had created. In this respect, Gauguin anticipated that he could tap on his friend’s talent and make some impressive paintings during this vacation. The last of his anticipation was that he would continue building on his friendship with Van Gogh and his brother Theo, owing to the fact that Van Gogh had invited and waited for Gauguin for long, while Theo was the one who encouraged him to visit the Yellow House. The expectations that Paul Gauguin had while visiting Van Gogh was that out of their friendship and combined efforts, success for the two relatively new yet older artist s would spark a more beautiful life for the two of them, owing the fact that both had shared a similarity in living a depressed life previously. When he arrived at Van Gogh’s house, things turned out to be different, since the anticipated happiness and the cordial relationship they sought to create did not come about. The friendly connections lasted a little while, and then arguments between them started drawing them apart, as they could neither agree on the locations where they should paint, nor the mode of painting to adapt.

The Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Internet - Essay Example The same letter now takes just the click of a mouse to bridge that distance over the Internet. With the advent of VoIP, it is now possible to engage in ‘face-to-face’ video chats with persons in any corner of the globe with tools such as Skype. Moreover, this is accomplished at a miniscule price, in comparison with the cost of airmail postage or telephone tariffs. The speed of communication the Internet offers is particularly appreciated at times of emergencies, and natural disasters, when warning signals can be instantly transmitted across the globe. The life-saving benefits of this speed of communication cannot be denied. Social life has undergone a sea-change with the advent of the Internet. As the Internet has demolished â€Å"the traditional communications constraints of cost, geography, and time,† it has opened up a whole new world of social interaction (Glassman, 2010). Before the Internet, socialization was defined by the limited boundaries of face-to-face interaction. E mail, social networks, online chatting, files sharing, gaming, and discussion groups have made social horizons infinite. The Internet provides opportunities for the development and improvement of social ties. Long-lost friends from school and college days, who faded irrevocably out of lives in the past, are now rediscovered, and friendships are renewed, on social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. News and photographs are exchanged easily. The Internet remains unrivalled in â€Å"creating, cultivating, and continuing social relationships† (Glassman, 2010). It is now possible to maintain twenty-hour social connectivity and frequent updates through sites such as Twitter. The Internet creates opportunities for social interaction between... Social life has undergone a sea-change with the advent of the Internet. As the Internet has demolished â€Å"the traditional communications constraints of cost, geography, and time,† it has opened up a whole new world of social interaction (Glassman, 2010). Before the Internet, socialization was defined by the limited boundaries of face-to-face interaction. E mail, social networks, online chatting, files sharing, gaming, and discussion groups have made social horizons infinite. The Internet provides opportunities for the development and improvement of social ties. Long-lost friends from school and college days, who faded irrevocably out of lives in the past, are now rediscovered, and friendships are renewed, on social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. News and photographs are exchanged easily. The Internet remains unrivaled in â€Å"creating, cultivating, and continuing social relationships† (Glassman, 2010). It is now possible to maintain twenty-hour soci al connectivity and frequent updates through sites such as Twitter. The Internet creates opportunities for social interaction between people of like-minded interests and tastes, regardless of their place of residence. Voluntary organizations, religious, civic and social groups harness the power of the Internet to encourage participation, organize activities, raise funds, and recruit members through tools such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and texting. The Internet has remade the business world. Shopping no longer requires a visit to the mall or the corner supermarket.

How to win the cold war Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How to win the cold war - Essay Example If there was any doubt in the hearts and minds of the American people as to rather or not they were able to face the struggles ahead those fears were squashed under the triumph of Johnson’s words. Johnson presented what he felt was key to the success of the U.S. in the cold war. He wanted the nation to get back to work and called for the production industries to beef up their rate of production. Johnson felt that the nation needed to be prepared. The preparations that they were to make would serve to ensure that not only America stayed supplied, but any allies. Johnson wanted the nation to be ready to help any allies who happened to run low due to the costs of the war be supplied with the materials they would need to fight the war and win. He said, â€Å"America’s production machine must grow-and grow rapidly† Clearly there was not doubt in Johnson’s mind that American would be successful. President Johnson also had special desires for Texas and the American West. He had confidence in all of the country but he felt that these areas should be delegated special responsibility. Johnson felt that it was in the west that the expansion should take place. He said that it is in the west that America found its strength and that this area, although having become America’s backbone in a sense, has not been fully utilized. There was a great bounty of resources in the west, according to Johnson, that could be used to help America and her allies sustain themselves during the heat of a war. Therefore Johnson encouraged the western Americans to take courage and be prepared to work hard and give of their natural resourced to come to the aid off their country who would need them in the midst of the war. Therefore much of the responsibility of increasing production fell on companies in the west. Some of these surely were glad for the increased business. Johnson was ready to lead the country into a bold victory. He was not going

Influences On Air Asia And Its Evolutio

Influences On Air Asia And Its Evolutio Air Asia, the market leader of low cost carriers in Asia, shown on the good record of bringing about innovative idea into the industry. The industry itself, especially in the Asian region, is observing a higher growth rate of passenger and profitability. The report examines the organizations key business structure and operation, products and provides summary analysis of its key revenue lines and strategy. The analysis looks at the impact of external and internal factors on the organization, and evaluate it responses. Essentially SWOT and PESTLE analysis provide a simple framework through which strategic options can be identified in which Air Asia operate. The SWOT process will start by examining the strengths of the Air Asia of today. One of the most dominant strengths possessed by Air Asia is the adding of new Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet. Airbus A320 gives Air Asia the largest, youngest and most modern fleet in the region. Another strength of Air Asia is the upgrading of the o nline booking system, in which will offer the ability to passenger to check in online and printing out boarding passes. An opportunity available to Air Asia is fastest growing market in China and India. Both countries give a huge opportunity for Air Asia to expand its business in the region. In the threat part of the analysis is concerned with identifying parts of the Air Asia that might affect its business performance. In recent years a whole class of low cost carriers such as Singapores Tiger Airways and other airline carrier coming into the market. PESTLE analysis is to conduct an environment analysis in the context of Air Asia international business operations, describing the major variables involved and the impact of the specific threats and opportunities confronted by Air Asia. The second part of the report is trying to analyze the policies and decision making will be influenced by those human capital and information technology involved. Air Asia has locked a partnership with CAE for mutual benefit where CAE will provide pilot training for all of Air Asia current and future pilot in the region. Air Asia also has locked a partnership with its IT vendor which can constantly improve the system and offer a wide range of distribution channels to make booking and traveling easier for its guests. iv Air Asia has built the Air Asia Academy to develop high quality manpower in ensuring seamless business growth. It operating results underscore two major highlights. The first is how effectively the employee worked to meet customer needs and the second is how well the team manages the robust capacity growth. A number of positions are normally improved to increase its competitive advantages and proficiency, which enables Air Asia to achieve and maintain the business growth. The area of improvement included service, strategic alliance and product improvement. v INTRODUCTION Air Asia is most popular and profitability organization since Air Asia introduced its low fare, no frills concept in December 2001. Dato Tony Fernandes, who introduced the first budget no frills airline, Air Asia, to Malaysian with tagline Now everyone can fly, Air Asias philosophy of low fares is aimed to make flying affordable for everyone (AirAsia.com 2008). It is also aims at making travel easy, convenient and fun for its guests. The airline now flies to over 48 destinations in Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Macau, China and Philippines (AirAsia.com 2008). Air Asia formed two successful joint ventures in Thailand through Thai Air Asia, and Indonesia through Indonesia Air Asia in 2004. Where Air Asia holds 49% stake in both companies. Now, Air Asia expanded its fleet from the original two to twenty eight, and revolutionized air travel in this country by offering incredibly low airfares through its innovative sales channel (AirAsia.com 2008). To date the Air Asia group, has carried over million passengers per year. In the history of Air Asia, we can identified how diligent and smart of Dato Tony Fernandes to operate to be ultimately constructed by external and internal factors on strategic planning to ensuring alignment during implementation of organization success. We all know Air Asia, the heavily indebted subsidiary of the Malaysia government owned conglomerate, DRB-Hicom, was losing money big time. Instead of starting from scratch, Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad advised Fernandes to buy an existing airline instead (Wikipedia 2008). Fernandes mortgaged his own house and sank his savings to acquire the company, comprising two ageing Boeing 737-300 jets. Air Asia was acquired at RM 1.00 with liability of over RM 40 million worth of debts, and transformed it into an industry player (Wikipedia 2008). For what happened on this date in history, coming just after the September 2001, undoubtedly the worst day in the history of commercial aviation when nobody wanted to fly, everyone scoffed at his idea, predicting that the company would fail miserably. 1 Yet, just one year after his takeover, Air Asia had broken even and the debt was paid off. For the year to June 2002, a RM 30 million net profit was recorded on revenue of RM 310 million (Wikipedia 2008). Why it happened? What is well made decision to enables Air Asia to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage? The world has changed. Organization has had, and is having significant effects on the way how to make better decisions in organization. Policies and decision making are inherently concerned with the future. Because of this the organization is often concerned with assessing in the future as an input to developing organization strategic plans. This is particularly true in the area of environmental analysis in organization planning. The development of strategies inevitably involves choice between alternatives strategies and hence the need for analysis and decision making. 2 A. Task 1 INTERNAL INFLUENCES ON AIR ASIA 2.1 Organization Vision and Mission Organization vision commonly provides a clear indication of the overall purpose of the organization. It will describe the main activities of the organization and the position or standing that it wishes to achieve in the future. Organization vision of the Air Asia is to continue to be the lower cost short haul airline in every market its serve, delivering strong organic growth through offering the lowest airfares at a profit (AirAsia.com 2008). It is important that the vision stretches the organization but it must be realistic. 2.2 Organizational Structure The structure of an organization refers to the patterns of relationships among positions in the organization and between individual members of the organization. Its will help to define the tasks that people do, the allocation of the responsibility and authority, the roles that people play and the relationships between them. The organization structure and principal operating of Air Asia include three executive vice presidents, for operations, commercials and people, serve under the CEO and the deputy CEO. The senior manager of the network operations, who contributed most of the information in this article, reports to the executive vice president of operations (Idris, 2007). In general, the organization structure of Air Asia also included flight crews, which people responsible for the operation of the aircraft, such as pilot and flight attendants. Ground crew, people will responsible for operations at airports. They are include gate agents, ticket agents, flight dispatchers, baggage ha ndlers, electric system technicians, passengers service agents and airframe and power plant technicians. 3 2.3 Organization Policy The main organization policy of Air Asia is its will provide reliable airlines services to its customers through its various divisions, according to the requirement of customers and in compliance with statutory regulations and industry norms. Therefore, its emphasized in leanest cost structure; maximize shareholders value; safety; passion for guests satisfaction; transparency and human capital development (AirAsia.com 2008). The various divisions will formulate quality objectives for achievement of his policy and strive to continually improve the quality of service by periodically upgrading the knowledge and skills of its personnel. 2.4 Business Strengths One of the best known frameworks done by Air Asia is offering the low airfares in the region. This concept is main focus to lower cost perpetually. As business environments become more competitive and in some cases more volatile, business organization have become more concerned about the price. No matter how clearly history we know, there will be time again when we have to engage in a price war. Therefore, if the airlines get the passenger to their destination on time at low airfares, people will fly the airlines. That was why Air Asia introduced the first budget no frills airline, to Malaysians with the tagline Now everyone can fly (Wikipedia 2008). And that is why it is main focus to lower cost perpetually, so that it can evade and fend off any sort of irrational competition. 4 2.5 SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis can play a valuable part in any strategic planning, it provide a simple framework and common language through which strategic options can be identified. Strength Pioneer in no frills airline services in South East Asia. Cheap rate of flight. Convenience of passenger to purchase air ticket online. Recently purchased Airbus A320s making it largest customer of the type. World class airport facilitate travel. E.g. Kuala Lumpur International Airport Weaknesses Reliance so much on computer for booking and for the storing of information could be risky due to failures and viruses. Marketing primarily focused on ASEAN market. Underdeveloped distribution system. Ineffective use of horizontal distribution alliances. High fuel prices. Opportunities Able to penetrate many ASEAN market and Western market. Airbus A320s enable Air Asia to carry more passengers. The coming Beijing Olympic game 2008 Proximity to large and growing Asian markets, such as India and China. International campaign launch to promoting Malaysia. For example Visit Malaysia 2007. Threats Competition from Singapores Tiger Airways and other airlines carrier in South East Asia. Changing patterns of buying behavior. Deteriorating of Air Asia service base on many complaints. Terrorism threat. Legislation could impact. 5 The strong market share in South East Asia is one of the strategic advantages as it will be the springboard for Air Asia future expansion, growth and profitability. One of the most dominant strengths possessed by Air Asia is its ability to follow the changes in a market that is continually changing. For example, Air Asia seeks to purchase new Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet. As the number of Airbus A320 aircraft increases, it will be able to cater the largest customer and providing bigger seating capacity, wider aisles, greater comfort and a quieter ride. An opportunity available to Air Asia is fastest growing market in China and India, and the coming Beijing Olympic game 2008. By having a large market it gives a huge opportunity for Air Asia to expand. However, even with the best strategies in place threats can occur from unexpected directions. For example, 9/11/2001 attack on the World Trade Center. Many people are still reluctant to fly and market swings away from airplanes. Ano ther threat to Air Asia is new competitor emergence in the airline market, such as Singapores Tiger Airways and other airlines carrier in South East Asia. This might affect the business outcome of Air Asia. Therefore, how the business is performing and copes with the issues is important to the organization move forward. 6 EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ON AIR ASIA 3.1 PESTLE Analysis 3.1.1 Political PESTLE analysis assumes that the success of an organization is dependent on the way in which the organization manages its interaction with its external environment (University of Sunderland, 2005). The environment presents the organization with series of challenges, risks and opportunities. Such a business would clearly be affected by changes in the political environment. One of the most obvious aspects is some governments attempt to control the industry sector and may impose conditions to protect the local industry for barriers to new entrants. Therefore, in order to ensure smooth growing, Air Asia must analysis and aware the local political stability and governmental function. 3.1.2 Economic Economic trends such as changes in net disposable income levels could also influence the business performance. If disposable income declines the clearly the effective demand is likely to go down. Since the economic crisis in ASEAN on 1997, an individual cannot afford to pay a higher rate had ever traveled in a plane. However, Fernandes believe Malaysian travelers would embrace a low rate air service that will save them time and money, especially in a tight economy. That was why he copied one of the worlds most successful no frills carriers concepts, Ryan air out of Ireland (Wikipedia 2008). Finally his has to be recognized that one of these strategies will be success in the business as a whole. 7 3.1.3 Socio-Cultural Socio-Cultural changes are often long term in the impact but should be monitored all the same. Shift in values may for example affect general attitudes towards traveled in a plane, and changes in business environment with which people can find the best choose of employment in other countries. Attitude changes and demographic changes will change the market as well. Therefore, low airfares promote by Air Asia will delivering strong growth in airline market share. 3.1.4 Technological Technological change may affect the business outcomes in many ways. Simple issues such as the development of internet online booking system launch by Air Asia in recent year. This made Air Asia offer the ability to check in online and print out boarding passes online (Wikipedia 2008). There may influence the size of the potential market and the number of people able to travel to other countries. Increasing access to the internet may change the way in which the customers can booking the air ticket immediately, neither to wait long queue in the counter. Potential customers may also have changed expectations as a result of experiencing new technology. As a result, improved channel distribution has meant that, increasingly, customers are exposed to, and aware of the products in other parts of the world. 3.1.5 Legal The legal framework of a country influences organization strategy through its laws regarding such areas as industry regulation, employment conditions and so forth. However, in today business world, Air Asia needs to take into the consideration in an environment of complex law and regulation. Similarly any general legislation that affected taxation or employment would affect the business outcomes and could affect profitability. Moreover, government bailouts for competitors may lead to unfair competition. 8 3.1.6 Environment Changes in the physical environment, roughly viewed as comprising the natural and man- made environment, affect our daily lives and the functioning of the organizations. In western countries, pollution has become an important political issue and legislators are elected as member of green parties (Media 2008). Indeed, in many countries, the strength of the environmental movement has led to strong legislation affecting organizational production system and products (Media 2008). Air Asia needs to consider the environmental impacts of its strategies and take into account a broader range of interest group. For Example, reduce fuel consumption and energy. In addition, high utilization of resources is enforced to minimize wastages (AirAsia.com 2008). 9 B. Task 2 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND THE LEARNING ORGANIZATION 4.1 Training and Development Training and development will concerned with the provision of learning, development and training opportunities which ensure that the employee has the skilled, motivated and committed it needs now and in the future. Air Asia stresses the training and development of the staff to keep abreast with changes. The normal one week on the job training is given to new employees. Training is ongoing for three months within the period of probation. Employee skills and knowledge will be upgraded with ongoing course using Air Asias academy (Idris, 2007). It ensures that the employee has the skilled to handle multiple jobs in the organization. For example, the cabin crews are not only serving passengers on board but do multiple tasks such as ensuring passengers safety, helping passengers, and ensuring cleanliness of aircraft interior. The training will help the employee to facilitate change in the external and internal environments, in which they are trained to learn new skills and develop new abil ities, to respond to these changes in the organization. 4.1.1 Decision Making Developing Human Capital Air Asia will partners with Canadian Aviation Electronic to build an aviation training centre of excellence and selected Kuala Lumpur as the location for its Southeast Asian training hub. Air Asia has locked a partnership with CAE for mutual benefits where CAE will provide pilot training for all of Air Asia current and future pilot in the region (Mywire.com 2008). These will demonstration of excellence in improving the training quality and human capital development within Air Asia. Partners with CAE will help the organization to develop high quality manpower in ensuring seamless business growth. 10 4.2 Human Resource Management In order to remain high quality manpower in ensure seamless business growth. Air Asia needs to revamp and rethink conventional recruitment strategies to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage. Attracting the right people has never been harder. Indeed recruiting and retaining talent is organizations biggest challenge. Its all well and good operating in a dynamic economic climate but with high attrition rates, inevitable in such competitive times, many are struggling to find the right people to keep up, let alone get ahead. People management is a strategic priority for Air Asia, especially at a time when the organization is rapidly evolving and expanding horizons. Air Asia needs to have the right people for the role, and then to build those into a strength and knowledge, in which to lead the organization becomes a major market player. 4.2.1 Decision Making Recruitment Air Asia believes that investing in people ultimately brings the greatest return. It continued to recruit the overwhelming majority of its talent internally. With over 5,000 employees across eleven countries, Air Asia is blessed with a multi-pool talent and dedicated to hiring and maintaining a workforce of well trained, reliable and safety focused employees at all level of the organization (AirAsia.com 2008). In addition to corporate programs for existing employees, an active recruitment program is in place to attract and retain qualified individuals from all trades and professions. The primary goal is to increase the number of young potentials in the organization and to develop the Air Asia employer brand (AirAsia.com 2008). 11 4.3 Information System The information system has had a greater impact to display the products that can be seen worldwide especially useful for linking Air Asia with customers or business partners. It provides a worldwide distribution channel for information and ability to link market demand to production planning, and helps the management to communicate quickly with those at lower level. Air Asia have became the first in the world to introduce SMS booking where customers could book their seats, checked flight schedules, and obtain the latest promotional announcements through their mobile phones (Idris, 2007). 4.3.1 Decision Making Technology Air Asia keeps introducing innovative ways for online booking and ticket sales. It has locked a partnership with its IT vendors for mutual benefits where Air Asia can constantly improve the system while IT vendor learns to create innovative products according to customer requirements. It offers a wide and innovative range of distribution channels to make booking and traveling easier for its guests. 4.4 Management Policies Policies are fundamentally statements of an organizations intentions relative to their strategic aims. Air Asia mission is to continue to be the lowest cost short-haul airline in every market its serve, delivering strong organic growth through offering the lowest airfares at a profit (AirAsia.com 2008). In order to strive to achievement of the mission and values, the following core value have been a guide for their action, extracted from (AirAsia.com 2008): i) Leanest Cost Structure à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Efficient and simple point to point operations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Attracting and retaining hardworking and smart people à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Passion for continuous cost reduction 12 ii) Maximize Shareholders Value à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Resilient profit growth through our lower cost base à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Expansion of the Air Asia network in a prudent and disciplined manner à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Invest and enhance the Air Asia brand to increase investors returns iii) Safety à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Comply with the highest International Aviation Safety Standards and practices à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Keep operations simple and transparent à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Ensure the security of our People and Guests iv) Passion for Guests Satisfaction à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Maintain simplicity in every application à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Practice the unique and friendly Air Asia experience at every opportunity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recognize the linkage between guests satisfaction and long-term success v) Transparency à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Transparency in decision-making and information sharing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Optimum disclosure higher than industry norms à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Timeliness in disclosing information vi) Human Capital Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Invest in both hard and soft skills à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recognize all our People as contributors to our success à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reward excellence and individual contributions à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Maintaining one brand across the Group 13 4.5 Effectiveness of Chosen Strategy According to Air Asia Annual Report (2007), Air Asia today has indeed highlighted by robust growth, record profits, industry leading performance and award winning standards. It humble beginning took flight six years ago, and after 24 consecutive profitable quarters later, Air Asia are now the highest profit margin airline in the world. This can be seen in Figure 4.1. In recent times, the sales of Air Asia excess of RM 1.6 billion, a presence in eleven countries and more than 5,000 employees. Earnings continued to improve thanks to robust passenger growth and improved margins in all business areas. Figure 4.1: The Most Profitable Airline in the World Air Asia Source: Air Asia Financial Report 2007 14 As shown in Figure 4.2, Air Asia recorded revenue of RM 633 million for the quarter ended 31 December 2007. These indicate that 43% higher than the revenue of RM 443 million recoded in the quarter ended 31 December 2006. Its net income improved by 73% to RM 246 million as compared to the net income of RM 142 million achieved in the previous quarter. Figure 4.2: The Superior Growth with Expanding Profits Source: Air Asia Financial Report 2007 15 In the past five year, Air Asia has maintained unwavering focus and discipline in the low cost model. In the process, it have invested significantly to build a solid foundation and to create a platform for sustainable growth. Air Asia has built the Air Asia Academy to develop high quality manpower in ensuring seamless business growth (AirAsia.com 2008). It operating results over the past year underscore two major highlights. The first is how effectively the employee worked to meet customer needs during the highest demand for air travel it has ever experienced. The second highlight was how well the team managed the robust capacity growth. Air Asia corporate strategy and strategic investments have yielded positive results. In year 2007, it unit cost is the lowest reported in the world and it profit margins are among the best (AirAsia.com 2008). Just imagine what Air Asia can achieve in the future. 16 4.6 Area of Improvement Policies and strategies effectiveness is a source of competitive advantage for Air Asia turn into their strength across a range of different product markets. A number of positions are normally can be improved to increase its competitive advantages and proficiency, in which enables Air Asia to achieve and maintain the business growth. 4.6.1 Service Organizations depend on their customers and therefore should understand current and future customer needs, should meet customer requirements and strive to exceed customer expectations. How customer expectations are the standard against which service is judge. Thats the mission. Therefore should understanding customer needs and expectations. In recent years, one of the most obvious aspects of Air Asia done is upgrade their online booking system and payment system to improve efficiency. This will enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve continual improvement of its performance in pursuit of organization objectives. But unfortunately, baggage does not always arrive at its intended destination. Or, if it does, it might turn up damaged or with something missing still always happened. So, how to trace the missing baggage in short period and minimize a similar case happened again. It can help Air Asia to improving the quality of products and services provided to the customer. 17 4.6.2 Strategic Alliance Air Asia introduced a first direct B2B engine to its agents in Asia, through one of its strategic partners, Citibank. The agents make immediate payment via a virtual Air Asia credit card through the internet based real inventory booking engine (AirAsia.com 2008). The question is why; its formed up the strategic alliance between the parties? The popularity is business growth and get in on opportunities. The strategies adopted in a specific market. A gap emerges between what organization goals would like to achieve and what it can do with available resources and capabilities when comparing the threats and opportunities in the environment with an organizations strengths and weaknesses. The gap can be bridged by the alliance. For example, in order to compete on a global scale and at the same time maintain its independence, Air Asia must make alliances in partnership together with others countries to use facilities, produce components and distribution channels to meet a critical business need. In year 2004, Air Asia formed two joint ventures in Thailand through Thai Air Asia, and Indonesia through Indonesia Air Asia (AirAsia.com 2008). Why? Because Air Asia able to extend its marketing reach and build credibility with a particular target market. Its also giving the opportunities to access needed information and greater resources including specialized staff and technology, increase sales in an existing market and enhance technological capabilities through research and development underwritten by more than one party. Another approach is once business is established it has provided the Air Asia with the opportunity to gain new capacity and expertise. 18 4.6.3 Product Improvement Product improvement is the result of consistent, deliberate effort to move the developing organization to a higher level of capability. Product improvement entails developing and launching new products for sale in existing markets (Condensed GSAM Handbook, 2003). It also requires a planned and guided path to excellence, reaching various levels of improvement as intermediate goals along the way such as products with additional features, different packaging, different quality levels etc. For example, Air Asia Go Holiday and Air Asia Tune Hotels which offer travelers a comprehensive package. Many budget travelers prefer to book their airline tickets and hotels together and Air Asia will offer its customers the facility of making room reservations online as they book their flights. In other words, the product will be improved as a natural consequence. So, eventually have hotels in all Air Asia destinations are part of the areas for improvement. This means understanding and responding to customer needs is the key to success in the increasingly competitive advantages. Making our customers happy is important because it translates to an ongoing relationship, whether travel is business or pleasure, which in turn is loyalty. 19 5.0 Conclusion Since Air Asia entry the market, it is rapidly becoming the most popular airline and profitability organization. Why? Because it focuses the strategic analysis on ways of promoting and developing the product ranges. But no business can consider always sustain a competitive advantage without carefully analyze the primary internal and external influences to which the business environment is subject. However, Air Asia will need to understand what is currently happening in the operating environment. What strategies are being adopted by competitors? Are new entrants coming into the sector? How are the markets moving? Therefore, PESTLE and SWOT analysis have been the most usefully tools for looking consideration of the business environment. Likewise Air Asia will need forecasts of what is expected to happen in the future and the business strengths that could be exploited. This will bring its the competitive advantage to the business environment. Therefore how the business is performing and copes with the issues is important to its move forward. 20

Prejudice in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Essay -- To Kill a Mo

Prejudice is the preconceived opinion of a person or thing. There are three main types of prejudice: racial prejudice, social prejudice and religious prejudice. These three are the types of prejudice most dominant in ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’. The setting for the novel is a fictitious town called Maycomb. This town is situated in Alabama, south USA. The racial prejudice shown in the novel has a lot to do with the town being situated in the southern United States. This is because there was a lot of racism in the southern United States in the 1930’s. This racism mainly originated from the civil war, which lasted from 1875 to 1883. The northern, more progressive states declared slavery illegal, but slavery was a vital part of the southern economy as the labour was cheap for the cotton plantation owners. Although the northern states made it illegal to have slaves the south still kept slaves illegally. This was the main cause of the civil war. The northern states won the war and the United States was formed. Even though they lost the war, the south passed their own ‘Jim Crow Laws’ in the 1900’s making racial segregation legal. The backwardness and narrow-mindedness of the community fuelled racism in Maycomb. These negative qualities account for the social and religious prejudices in the novel. The community’s narrow-mindedness is formed because the population has been unchanged for many decades with the same families occupying the town. This causes prejudice towards anything that is different from the norm. Maycomb is very backward and isolated due to the town being far from the river, which was the main form of transport in the early days. This confines the town’s development and leads to the social conditioning of the people this in turn helps to explain why there is social and religious prejudice. Maycomb people have very inward looking views and so these views are passed on from generation to generation. Maycomb town is described well in chapter 1 as it tells us why the people are so insular and inward looking. â€Å"Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town.† This statement puts a negative light on Maycomb and its people. The personification of the word tired emphasises the lack of enthusiasm, about everything, the people of Maycomb have. It also suggests an unwillingness and lack of desire to change this fact. ‘Tired’... ...ters in the novel such as Boo Radley, Dolphus Raymond and to a lesser extent Miss Maudie. These people are often excluded by the society. This social prejudice leads to the exclusion of families such as the Ewells and the Cunninghams because they don’t conform to Maycomb’s belief of normality. They are treated like outsiders with suspicion and are stereotyped. The religious prejudice in Maycomb leads to the persecution of Miss Maudie Atkinson by the foot washing Baptists. Racial prejudice in Maycomb is constantly displayed by the white community toward the black community. The most glaring example of racism in the novel is when Tom Robinson is convicted of raping Mayella Ewell just because he dared to feel sorry for her. The result of this racial prejudice leads the people of Maycomb to be very hypocritical and have double standards. They say they have sympathy for other races in other countries but then they treat the ethnic minority in their town with great disrespect. The prejudice of the town is produced from fear, historical context and their social conditioning. They are afraid because of ignorance and not being able to understand new and different things.

The Imagery of Fire in Virgil’s Aeneid Essay -- Allen Mandelbaum

The Imagery of Fire in Virgil’s Aeneid In discussing fire imagery in the Aeneid I will attempt in the course of this paper to bring in an analytic device to aid in assembling the wide array of symbols into a more uniform set of meaning. Consistently throughout the Aeneid, fire serves to provoke the characters to action. Action which otherwise it is not clear they would enter upon. Fire clears the way for the juggernaut plot to advance. Juno, first of all, described as burning - pondering (with her hatred of the Dardans) goes to Aeolus with the idea of sending the winds to create an under-handed storm to destroy the Trojans, at the sight of their fleeing ships and successful escape from the Greeks (I.75)1. Fire from the Greeks burns down Troy. Forced by necessity to flee for their lives, Aeneas can gain his fathers acquiescence only with the portent of two flaming omens. Cupid in the form of Ascanius induces Dido with a fated love for Aeneas, consummated by their union in the cave. Jupiter with these words on his lips send s Mercury down to a lingering Aeneas at Carthage. Mercury, carry across the speeding winds the words I urge: his lovely mother did not promise such a son to us; she did not save him twice from Grecian arms for this–but to be master of Italy a land that teems with empire...to place all earth within his laws. But if the brightness of such deeds is not enough to kindle him...does he–a father–begrudge Ascanius the walls of Rome? (IV.310-311) Mercury flies down to Aeneas and delivers these very words among others, Aeneas is struck dumb by this (and not for the last time) and afterwards He burns to flee from Carthage (IV.375). Much later , but significantly, the Fury Allecto is sent by Juno to Amata, wife of... ...ld end here, it is just this absence of this full light the dimness of the darkness visible which constitute Virgil's true and deliberate commentary on his world. Bachelard, Gaston. the Psychoanalysis of Fire. trans. Alan CM Ross,pref. Northrop Frye Boston: Beacon Press, 1964. (Orig pub. in French under the Title La Psychoanalyse du Feu 1938 by Librarie Gallimard) Eliade, Mircea. ch. 3 the Misfortunes of History, Ch. 4 the Terror of History Cosmos and History: the Myth of the Eternal Return. trans. Willard R. Trask. New York: Harper and Row, 1959 (Orig. pub. in French under the title Le Myth de Eternal Retour... 1949 by Librarie Gallimard) Johnson, W R. Darkness Visible, a study of Vergil’s Aeneid. Berkeley: Univ. California Press, 1976. Mandelbaum, Allen, the Aeneid of Virgil: a verse translation by Allen Mandelbaum. New York Bantam: Books, 1971-1981.