Earthquakes Essays (1532 words) - Plate Tectonics, Subduction

Earthquakes Earthquakes Describe the frequency, origin and distribution of earthquakes at mid-ocean ridges, ocean basins, subduction zones and continental shields. Earthquakes are happening almost everyday all over the world. Most of the time earthquakes are not strong enough to be felt by people, but the shaking caused by an earthquake is recorded by a seismogram. These are located all over the world at different points. Only occasionally will a larger magnitude earthquake strike and cause damage to the region. Around the world there are many faults, depending where these faults are plays a major factor in determining where an earthquake will happen. It is these faults that are the reason for earthquakes. The type of fault will also determine how often an earthquake will happen. A mid-ocean ridge occurs under the sea at a divergent boundary. This is where two plates are been pulled apart because of tension. This then allows new oceanic crust to be made in the divergent boundary, as magma rises and eventually sets on the sea floor. If the plates on either side of the divergent boundary continue to spread then the ocean slowly becomes larger in width, a process called seafloor spreading. Mid-ocean ridges are characterised by a crack like valley at the divergent boundary. This crack like valley is caused by the tension pulling the plates apart, causing normal faulting to occur a number of times in the divergent boundary. It is these normal faults that are the cause and therefore the origin of earthquakes at divergent boundaries. When the tension pulling apart the two plates becomes too much then the oceanic crust will fracture. This fracturing is caused by many normal faults happening as shown in the diagram. The normal faults happen because the crust is been extended. When the tension becomes too much the faults slip vertically. They move a large distance in a relatively short space of time, this is the cause of the earthquakes at divergent boundaries. Divergent boundaries mostly occur on the sea floor and therefore the earthquakes that happen at these boundaries are distributed along the boundary. This means that the distributions of earthquakes at divergent boundaries are at shallow depths, where the crust is been pulled apart. The earthquakes happen at shallow depths because the normal faulting occurs near the sea floor, as a result of the tension. The normal faults are the cause of the earthquakes at these divergent boundaries. The seafloor sees the most intense tectonic activity in the world, meaning that at the sites of mid-ocean ridges the frequency of earthquakes is very high. An example of a mid-ocean ridge is the Mid-Atlantic ridge, there the seafloor is spreading at a rate of about 3cm per year. The frequency of earthquakes at a mid-ocean ridge will depend on how much tension is happening at that point. The more tension means the more seafloor spreading, resulting in a higher frequency of earthquakes at a particular mid-ocean ridge. Four major oceans make up most of the water in the world, The Atlantic (north south), The Pacific, The Antarctic and The Indian Ocean. Within the basins of these oceans earthquakes can happen without been caused at Mid-ocean ridges, or a Subduction Zones. When the earths crust is under tensional forces the crust will become much thinner than normal, if there is no fault. This means that the crust becomes weaker as it is thinner than normal. This can happen to the oceanic crust in the ocean basins, but will only cause an earthquake with a hot spot. A hot spot is an abnormal hot rising area of the mantle that supplies the lava for volcanoes. If at the same time a hot spot is directly below a thinned crust then the magma in the hot spot may hold too much pressure to be held by the thinner weakened crust. If this is the case then the magma can penetrate the lithosphere, and eventually erupt on the surface. The action of the magma forcing its way up can trigger earthquakes as it breaks through the crust. When its breaks through the crust at the sea bed eventually a volcanic island will be formed in the middle of the ocean. Due to plate movements this can lead to the creation of mid-plate chains of basaltic volcanic islands, e.g. Hawaii. The creation of these islands around the world has happened in other places. Frequent large earthquakes do not happen along the Hawaiian chain, it is an essentially an asesimic ridge. Therefore the frequency of earthquakes caused in ocean basins by hot spots is very low. The distributions of these earthquakes that do occur

The Saratoga Battle Front essays

The Saratoga Battle Front essays Through out the American Revolutionary war there were many key battles taking place. Every one of the battles was important in there own aspects. Some of them prevented British troops from advancing while others pushed the British back and restored land previously lost. The Battle of Saratoga goes down in history as one of he most important battles of the war. The time and location of the battle, the engagement, and the results of the battle were a few of the reasons the Battle was so crucial for the Patriot cause. The location of the battle was in the generally proximity of upstate New York. The Battle took place near the shore of the Hudson River. The field the engagement took place in was called Freeman Farm. The American army came up from the south while the British forces marched from the north. The two largest engagements were on September 19th and on October 7th. The camps of the two armies were about one mile apart from each other during that month. Three maps of the area are on the next page of the paper. The location of an open field would seem to help the British or so they thought. The Battle of Saratoga was a great battle for the American continental Army. The American Army had a far more troops then the British. On the night of September 17th the British were helped be Hessian troops that helped push the Americans back for month or so. But on October 7th the Americans were able to drive British forces out of the field and win the war by surrounding the British and Hessian troops. The victory became was monumental for the Patriot cause The victory First and for most persuaded the French to enter the war as Americas Allies. This proved to be essential towards the eventual war victory for the Americas. The American Army also gains a much-needed moral boost. This showed the Americans could defeat the large British Army. Finally it took 5,000 British troops and 300 officers (7 Generals) from th...

Finance College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Finance College - Essay Example Thus, the returns from fixed income securities remain unchanged over the period for which they are invested in. Beyond the period or before the period of investment, the rates would be prone to vary. Changes in the reserve ratio (CRR) stipulated by the Reserve/Federal Bank lead to changes in the rate of interest/ returns for the investor. A shift in the global economy and change in the CRR of the banks in the country which has a dominant role in the global economy can influence the interest rates in other countries too. An investor has a choice of investing in various assets over time. He can invest in movable assets like securities, stocks, fixed deposits and immovable assets like land, buildings etc. Each class of investment has its own risks and returns. The returns from each asset would also vary from time to time, depending on various socio-political, economic and geographical factors. The capital markets offer a wide range of investment options like shares, stocks, debentures, fixed income securities etc. While shares and stocks are high risk-high return instruments, bonds and fixed income securities are safer modes of investment. Capital markets typically tend to move in cycles or phases, called bull and bear phases . A bull market is one in which the majority of the shares move up and there is ample capital appreciation for the investor. A bear phase is one in which there is a negative trend and the prices of shares fall. There is erosion in value of the holding and the investor might not even get back his initial investment amount. The returns in a bull market have been known to be as high as 500-1000% in some cases, while the losses in a bear market have forced several investors to go bankrupt and sell whatever other assets they were holding as investments. Many a times, the economy of the country itself has had to undergo a substantial loss due to the fluctu ations in the capital markets. Fixed income securities are one of the most innovative and dynamic instruments evolved in the financial system ever since the inception of money. Based as they are on the concept of interest and time-value of money, Fixed income securities personify the essence of innovation and transformation, which have fueled the explosive growth of the financial markets over the past few centuries. http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.phpid=14201529, accessed on 27th Aug.,2008. A wise investor would have a combination of investments which give fixed and variable returns over a period of time. The risks involved in investing in stocks are offset by the returns from fixed income securities. Depending on the disposable income, age of the investor and risk-taking capacity of the investor, a financial planner would

China increasing presence in sub-saharan africa Dissertation

China increasing presence in sub-saharan africa - Dissertation Example China despite having high population (over 1 billion people) compared to numerous states globally, the state continues to exhibit a remarkable economic improvement each year (Bloomberg 2010). This is due to its insistence on economic investment not only inside the state but also globally whereby China attains incomparable benefits in return. Some of these benefits/returns to the China embrace available market for their exports, raw materials, imports and even oil. The latter commodity (oil) is almost getting exhausted in the states which China used to rely on besides the US developing political interests in these regions with the intention of dominating the states (Middle East states), hence yielding to stiff competition. Relationship between China and Sub Saharan African region that has yielded to current strong involvement between the two sides is mutually beneficial. This implies the involved parties regardless of their varying economic grounds, maximally benefit from each though due to China’s high demand for raw materials it ended up initiating the move. This is evident from the China’s numerous economic activities evident in SSA region contrary to those of the western states that had initially and up to date invested in Africa (Kaplinsky, McCormick, and Morris 2007). Hence, exhibiting China is out to compete with its rivals (Europe and US) though the tactic is not political as witnessed with US seeming to dominate the other region. China in its quest to attain and ensure cordial relationship with SSA region, embarked on heavy investing that will not only guarantee present benefits but also the future (Kaplinsky, McCormick, and Morris 2007). Hence, being prudent in their actions especially in shunning the areas that have for long maintained a high reputation of rich oil reserves, though currently are undergoing depletion (Broadman 2007). This has prompted China to focus on developing SSA region via establishing and supporting varied key proje cts. Most of these projects encompass those, which for long superpower states (west and US) evaded or heightened their bids especially when negotiating about terms once they finance them. Hence, prompting China to use this opportunity to offer interest-free loans meant for varied states’ projects in this region to back and fund their projects. For instance, this is evident in Libreville where China gave $2 billion and an additional of $6 million loan in return for timber (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and PRC.2000). This is among numerous interventions and incidences regarding trade, which China has involved itself by concentrating on ensuring cordial relationship with SSA region besides constant flow of raw materials for their home industries. The inception of china’s interest in SSA region started with the tour of President Hu Jintao who ended up entering into various agreements with the key SSA states, for instance, Algerian and Gabon regimes. His core intention enco mpassed seeking constant suppliers of oil for his states. Consequently, this prompted china to finanncing oil exploration projects after signing an agreement with Omar Bongo in Lbreville (China Monitor 2006). In addition, Sinopec and Total-Gabon company made an agreement where the latter was to export 1Millions tons of oil to china (China Monitor 2006). This prompted China to give a loan of 420 Million euro meant to develop Zarzaitine oil field, which was after signing agreement in 2002 (China Monitor 20

Research Project Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Project - Research Paper Example They varied from tribe to tribe because of variation in design and materials used. The moccasins were mainly of two types; hard soled and soft soled moccasins. The moccasins were also decorated differently depending on the tribe that made them. A deep study of historical development of American dressing provides not only a colorful, but also a charming adventure into the past. To fully appreciate as well as enjoy this experience, some information about the dressing codes in addition to primitive life of people that resided in America will be expounded. Emphasis will be placed on the contributions of each people to the historical dressing in America. In addressing this, the paper will provide information on the contributions of the Indians to the development of American dress. Some Indian costumes will be used in providing information about the variety of design and materials. Thus, it worth noting and giving the Indian arts the recognition they deserve (Howell, 2010). For instance, it is evident that the history of American clothing cannot be complete without speaking of the Indian feather headdresses and moccasins. Feather mantles like the one worn by Tascalusa, chief of the Mobile tribe in early 1540, were made by Native Americans. These garments were also referred to as matchcoats, a word derived from Algonkian word, matshigode that meant cloak or mantle (Condra, 2013). Feather matchcoats used to be worn by both women and men during warm weather as a sign of social status. The matchcoats were made by â€Å"weaving feathers into a fiber net† (Condra, 2013, p.3). Turkey, swan, as well as duck feathers, could be used in making the mantle. In some areas, people weaved the heads of mallard ducks into the mantles. The mantles that were made from these materials were not only lightweight, but also warm and very beautiful (Condra, 2013). In relation to this, leaders of the Southern Indians wore distinctive feather headdresses like crowns

Strategies for Entering Foreign Markets

Strategies for Entering Foreign Markets Introduction In todays business world, globalization has a great impact on management decisions, processes and the culture of an organization. The most important external driving forces of an increasing internationalization are the openness to new markets due to liberalization and deregulation, further developments in technologies and logistics, as well as shorter product life cycles, and a homogenous consumer behavior whereas internally the strategic-focused attitude of companies represents an essential factor.  [1]  More and more companies do not only want to stay in a single market but aim to expand into foreign markets as well. Before entering a foreign market, a company has to decide not only on an appropriate entry strategy but also should consider the main steps of the market entry framework presented in the upcoming chapter. The following assignment provides a profound analysis of market entry strategies in the context of international marketing management. First of all, reasons to go international will be presented followed by a market entry framework in chapter 3. Further on, different methods of entry will be discussed stating advantages and disadvantages as well as giving examples of firms which successfully have implemented these strategies. In chapter 5, different timing strategy approaches will be introduced. Finally, a conclusion will be drawn from the preceding findings. Reasons for entering foreign markets There are a variety of reasons why companies decide to go abroad and expand their business operations. Organizations mainly engage in international businesses in order to establish competitive advantages and efficiently adapt to the ever-changing business environment. However, it is rarely the case that firms are just driven by one single factor. In the context of international marketing, proactive and reactive reasons or motivations can be differentiated. While proactive factors are stimulated by internal strategic change, reactive reasons result from environmental shifts.  [2]  Proactive reasons include growth in terms of revenue, sales and customer base, cost savings due to economies of scale or low-cost manufacturing, and reduction of dependency on a single national market as well as alternative sources of labor. Reasons which rather force the firms to expand to foreign countries and markets are described as reactive ones. For instance, domestic markets could be already satur ated or emerging competitors prevent firms from further increase its market shares and therefore, stay competitive.  [3]   Even though most companies highly profit from operating internationally, they are often faced with incalculable risks and challenges. Possible risks are primarily based on a lack of information regarding consumer preferences, unfamiliar business procedures and regulations, as well as human resources management.  [4]   Market Entry Framework A market entry strategy framework serves as a helpful management tool for firms aiming to enter a foreign market. It is highly recommended that companies follow these guidelines to better understand the process of internalization and to specify appropriate action steps for a firm. Generally speaking, the organization has to decide on the following questions: 1) What products or services should be offered abroad? 2) Where (countries, regions) should the market entry take place? 3) What entry strategy should be used to enter the foreign market? 4) How should be operated in the foreign market in terms of marketing programs?  [5]  As it is shown in the figure below, a conceptual framework consists of four main steps. After the decision has been made to enter a new market, a profound market assessment should be conducted. Regarding step 1, the company has to analyze its own resources and capabilities. A SWOT-analysis can help identifying the firms internal and external environment. An other key aspect is to evaluate legal and regulatory considerations as well as existing competitors and to deal with possible political risks and uncertainty. Due to different customer tastes and preferences in other countries and regions potential target groups have to be interviewed and analyzed in order to customize its products to their specific needs and wants. In step 2, the business environment should be closer examined, looking for business partnerships, testing market attractiveness and performing financial and entry barrier analyses to prevent early failure. Not until step 3 an entry mode is selected and implemented and further negotiations with business partners will be continued.  [6]  Critical factor is the entry strategy configuration, defined as the process of deciding on the best possible entry strategy mix.  [7]  Step 4 finally repre-sents the actual operation phase in which strategy and performances are aligned. This means satisfying the international clienteles needs by providing them with the desired products and services and setting adequate prices while remaining competitive. Ultimately, the company has to ensure that performance targets and strategic objectives will be accomplished as planned. Market Entry Strategies In the following the different market entry strategies will be described and advantages and disadvantages will be shown. Exporting Most companies operate within their country; however when they de ­cide to enter foreign territory most of the companies use export as their first approach to go international. Exporting means producing goods in one country and selling them in another country.  [8]  Some companies operate only in one niche market and are successful; however in most cases companies become successful by increasing brand awareness and business stability by entering new markets. Exchanging goods across boarders has grown to be a lot easier throughout the years and therefore exporting has become the simplest and most straightforward way to meet the need of a foreign country. However, when a company chooses exporting as their strategy there are several factors that have to be considered when determining whether to use a direct or indirect strategy. Such factors can be the size of the company, what product the company is going to sell, previous export experience and expertise and business conditi ons in the market the company wants to enter. Companies which have no experience in exporting can reach their foreign customers through intermediaries. This approach is called indirect exporting and is often used by first-time exporters.  [9]  Indirect exporting is when a firms sells its domestically produced goods in a foreign country through an intermediary.  [10]  Intermediaries also called middlemen is usually a firm or person that acts as a link between parties to a business deal. Using indirect exporting belongs to the least risky methods. Companies using this method have the smallest amount of commitment; however on the other hand receive the least profit. Direct exporting is one approach used by companies. A company usually handles its exports on their own and sells its products or services directly to the customers. This method gives the company much more control over their activities. It allows them to start at lower prices, be more competitive on the market as wel l as keep closer contact with clients. Also, using direct exporting gives the company higher returns in investments. The Boeing Company was very successful using this method and is now, not only the worlds largest aerospace company but the number one exporter in the US. On the other hand, the pitfalls for direct exporting are that, it is a lot more risky and they have to invest a lot more time to become familiar with the market.  [11]   Licensing Licensing is another common approach of global marketing. Many companies use this method by offering the right to a trademark, patent, trade secret or other similar valued item of intellectual property in return for a royalty or a fee.  [12]  One example is the company Marvel Entertainment Inc. Marvel has mad millions of dollars in licensing with their superheroes and intellectual property. Marvel has licensing agreements with the film industry, toy industry, computer game industry and many other areas. Spiderman, Hulk and many other characters are famous around the world and can be seen and played with.  [13]  Other specialized forms of licensing are contract manufacturing, management contracting and franchising.  [14]   Contract manufacturing is some sort of outsourcing. A German company for example contracts with the foreign company to produce the products they want to sell in the new market. While the contract manufacturer produces the products, the German company puts the companys brand name on the goods. In the computer and electronic field contract manufacturing is used a lot by companies such as IBM and Dell. Dell and IBM let their products produce by Taiwanese companies. The advantages for using this method are that the capital investment is relatively low; however on the other hand the company will not have full control.  [15]   Management contracting is similar to manufacturing contracting, just that the domestic company is not producing the products in a foreign country, but transfer parts of their management personnel to assist a foreign company for a definite time for a fee.  [16]  Management contracts are especially used in the hotel business. The Marriot or Carnival Hotels and Resorts use this method to enter new foreign markets. This method is also very popular in Asia and many developing countries which need the expertise from professional management. An advantage of managements contracting is the minimum risk for the company, due to low equity investment. Major disadvantages are that the company has to give up a big amount of control as well as flexibility.  [17]   McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks all have one thing in common; they are world wide companies which use the franchise method in order to be serve people internationally. Franchising is a specialization of licensing and both are the most common used method by small and medium size companies. In a franchising agreement, the franchisor sells limited rights to use its brand name in return for a lump sum and share of the franchisees future profits.  [18]  The franchiser assists the franchisee on a continuing basis, through sale, promotion and training.  [19]  The advantages of franchising are that it is less risky and less costly. Franchising is the fast growing method for a market entry a firm whishing to expand globally. On the contrary, the franchisee has to be careful to make all the adjustments necessary. Issues concerning the transferability of products, brands and services should be considered. McDonalds for example had to make adoptions when entering the Indian market beca use of the different culture and lifestyle.  [20]   Joint Venture Joint venture occurs when an international company enters in to an agreement with a local partner to develop a new entity and assets for a finite time by contributing equity.  [21]  A Joint venture may be classified as majority, minority, or fifty-fifty ventures in regard to the equity share of the international company and may be started from the scratch or by the foreign partners acquisition of a partial ownership interests in an existing local company. In most cases, firms choose joint ventures over sole ventures as a result of the restrictive regulatory measures towards sole venture of the foreign investors by the host governments. In the other hand, a Joint venture can also bring positive benefits to the foreign partner through their local partners, because local partners have better knowledge of the host countrys environment and business practices as well as personal contacts with local suppliers, customers, banks and government officials, management, production and marketi ng skills, local prestige and other resources.  [22]  These benefits are the reason why most firms insist on joint venture in some countries like Japan even when a sole venture is open to them. The advantages of Joint ventures are 1) risk diversification and allocation of risks between the partners 2) sharing of resources 3) can be a means of reducing political and other investment risks 4) access to the distribution network. The disadvantages are 1) lack of management control 2) joint ventures negotiations are time consuming, requires a lot of contractual framework and long period of due-diligence3) lack of trust 4) risk of conflict as a result of cultural differences. Direct Investment Direct Investment can be divided into two parts 1) merger and acquision and 2) wholly owned subsidies. These kinds will be explained in the following. Merger and Acquisition: There are two primary mechanisms by which ownership and control of a corporation can change: Either another corporation or group of individuals can acquire the target firm, or the target firm can merge with another firm.  [23]  According to Brealey et al, a merger can be an added value only if the two companies are worth more together than apart.  [24]  There are three classifications of mergers: 1) Horizontal mergers: This is a type of merger where two firms producing similar goods or offering similar services are combined to form an entity. Examples are Vodafones acquisition of Mannesmann and Commerzbanks acquisition of Dresdner Bank. 2) Vertical Merger: is referred to as a combination of two companies in the same industry whose products are required at different stages of the production cycle. The buyers can integrate backwards. An example of forward integration merger is Walt Disneys acquisition of the ABC television network. In which Disney planne d to use ABC network to show recent movies to huge audiences, and an example of backward integration would be Fords acquisition of Rouge Steel Company to reduce risks associated with  the dependency on steel. 3) Conglomerate merger: occurs when companies in unrelated lines of businesses are combined to become an entity. The reason why companies decide to go into this type of merger is to diversify and reduce their exposure to industry specific risks. However, if a conglomerate becomes too large and diverse through acquisitions, the performance of the entire firm can wither. Quellen? Reasons for Mergers Acquisition Economic of scale and scope: Cost efficiency of high volume production are one of the privileges merged firms enjoy, which small firms can only dream about. Larger firms also tends to benefit from economies of scope, which are savings as a result of synergy effect in the marketing and distribution of different types of related products (e.g. computers and printers). Vertical Integration: As a means to improve its products or services, a company might decide to have the direct control of the inputs required to make its products. Similarly, another company might not be contented with the manner at which distribution of it products is conducted, so it might decide to take direct control of the distribution channels by acquiring a major distributive company. Expertise: In order to compete effectively and efficiently, firms often need expertise in particular fields. A more efficient approach may be to acquire the talents as an already functioning unit in an existing firm. Monopoly Gains: Merging with or acquiring a major competitor might enable a firm to reduce competition within the sphere of its operation. There is greater pricing power from reduced competition and higher market share, which could result in higher margin and operating income. Diversification: This is the very beneficial in the issue with conglomerate merger. These benefits are direct risk reduction and liquidity enhancement. Reasons for Merger and Acquisition are 1) to gain cost efficiency through Economic of scale and scope 2) to improve products or services through Vertical Integration 3) to become more competitive because expertise is required acquire talents 4) to get monopolistic advantages and at the same time reduce competitors  [25]  5) with Diversification reduces an investors exposure to firm-specific risk.  [26]   Wholly owned subsidies: Market entry through a wholly owned subsidiary consist of two distinctive strategies: it can be achieved through a Greenfield investment or through an acquisition. Greenfield investment is a form of direct entry mode whereby a parent firm extends its operation in a host country by constructing a new operational base from the scratch. It is remarkable for the complexity and the high cost of its development and implementation. For example, in order to establish successfully in a foreign market, it is expected of a firm to have an extensive knowledge and expertise of the new market, and for this to be possible, a reasonable help from the third parties such as local independent consultants are required, and their services are usually very expensive. The cost of its implementation makes Greenfield investment in a foreign market a very risky mode of market entrance. Acquisition in the other hand offers the fastest means of achieving market power. As explained above, this strategy requires buying a rival firm, distributor, supplier or a firm which is related or entirely unrelated to the acquiring firms industry, in order to gain access to core competencies and achieve a greater competitive advantage.  [27]  The fact that it is easier and more accurate to estimate the outcomes of an investment through an acquisition makes acquisition a less risky alternative in comparison to Greenfield investment. Timing strategies of market entry In this part timing strategies as a different kind of internationalization will be described. Timing strategies could be divided into two categories 1) strategies for market entry in a specific country, called country-specific timing strategies, and 2) strategies for market entry in more countries synchronous, called cross-border timing strategies.  [28]  Some important factors which should be analyzed before a timing-strategy can be chosen are competition in the market, technology, substitute, customer behavior and the market potential as well as market growth. If this is done a company can decide which timing strategy is useful to reach the companys goals.  [29]   Country-specific Timing Strategies A company has to clarify when they want to enter into a new market. Most times the decision for a strategy depends from the strategies of the competitors in the target market.  [30]  Now the first-mover as well as the follower strategy will be described and benefits and risk of each will be identified. First-mover Strategy: Companies those are first into the industry or nation. The advantages of the first-mover are mainly that the firm has a higher awareness level as well as more time for image building in the market. Additionally, the firm gain more and earlier experience which enables them to adapt itself earlier to changing market environmental. Moreover, the firm can recruit educated employees and build up intensive relationships with market entry. Disadvantages are the free-ride-effect, which described early followers who will benefit from the investments of the first-mover. Additionally, the high costs of exploitation of the target market and the high risk of failure.  [3 1]  As an example for a first mover strategy could be named apple. The iPhone, iPad and most of the other products from apple were innovative and the first products in the target industry or nation. Follower Strategy: Companies which follows the first mover or enter the market after it has become established. The advantages of the follower are mainly that the firm can avoid the mistakes of the first mover, have access to reliable information about the market, can profit from the investments of the first-mover hence, cost reduction for example for infrastructure or education of employees. Disadvantages are market entry barriers created by the first-mover, less experiences over the market situation, finding of suppliers and to gain the loyalty of potential customers.  [32]  As an example for followers Microsoft could be named. Microsoft offers a smart phone after the successful iPhone implementation of Apple. Cross-border timing strategies Cross-border timing strategies are the waterfall or sprinkler strategies.  [33]  The Waterfall strategy described a scenario in which a product or a service is gradually moved into the target market while the sprinkler strategy implements a product or service in several countries at the same time.  [34]  Advantages of the Waterfall strategy are that the expansion can take place in a systematic method. Hence resources are needed one-by-one and not at the same time to enter successful all the target market. Furthermore, the life cycle of some technologies or products can be extended and experience can be used for the next market entry. Additionally, it is a relative less risk strategy. Disadvantages of the waterfall strategy could be the long time period implementation. In fast moving markets this strategy might be too slowly.  [35]  Furthermore, the competitors will be warned so that they can build up more market entry barriers for example.  [36]  Examples for the wate rfall strategy are the metro group, which used the experiences of the last market entry when they open a new subsidiary in a new market  [37]  as well as Dell, Benetton and The Body Shop.  [38]  The Sprinkler strategy is has the contrary strengths and disadvantages as the waterfall strategy. Within a short time period the strategy were implemented in lots of target market. The sprinkler strategy generates first-mover advantage. It is a very functional strategy in hyper and time-based competition markets. Disadvantages are the high amount of resources required for entering and the risk of failure because of less knowledge or experiences of the different countries. Examples for the sprinkler approach are Microsoft with its Windows software and Gillette with its Sensor.  [39]   Conclusion In this assignment, the major importance of a well-thought-through selection of a market entry strategy has been shown and different types of entry modes have been presented and further analyzed. Market entry strategies can have a far-reaching impact on an organizations global strategy. Selecting the best entry strategy is a complex decision-making process and involves various considerations. The importance of which aspects should be taken into closer consideration can vary by the strategic goals of a company, by country, and even by industry. Which entry strategy to choose highly depends on various strategic factors like ease of exit, speed of entry, cultural distance, and competitive intensity. Under all conditions, there will be no ideal option. In all cases, methods of market entry should be adjusted to the organizations long-term strategies and goals and should be based on future ambitions as well as on current resources and capabilities. Companies do not only benefit from the advantages, but will also have to cope with disadvantages of a chosen entry strategy. Therefore, compromises often have to be made when going international. Ultimately, todays organizations will ha ve to remain flexible enough to incorporate the high degree of dynamism in an ever-changing business environment. II. Works Cited A: Books Ahlstrom. D./ Bruton, D.G. [International Management]  International Management Strategy and Culture in the  Emerging World, Student Edition, South-Western CENGAGE Learning, Mason 2010  Berk, J. / DeMarzo, P. [Finance]  Corporate Finance, Pearson, Boston, 2006 Berndt, R. / Altobelli, C. F. / Sander, M. [Marketing]  Internationales Marketing-Management, 4. Auflage, Berlin Heidelberg, 2010 Boone, L./ Kurtz, D./ McKenzie, H./ Snow, K. [Contemporary Marketing]  contemporary Marketing, 2nd Canadian Edition,  Nelson Education Ltd., 2010 Brealey, R. A / Myers, S. C. / Allen, F. [Finance]  Principles of Corporate Finance, 8 Ed. McGraw-Hill / Irwin,  New York, 2006 Damodaran, A. [Finance]  Corporate Finance, Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition; Wiley,  New York 2001 Dony, A.G. C. [Marketing]  Market Entry Strategies for consumer Goods Industry in the PR China: An empirical Study on the Beer and Soft Drink Industry. Difo-Druck GmbH, Bamberg, 1998 Hitt, A. [Strategic Management]  Strategic Management Competitiveness and Globalization,  4th Edition, Nelson, New York, 2009 Kerin, R./Hartley, S./Berkowitz, E./Rudelius, W. [Marketing]  Marketing, 8th Edition, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, New York 2006 Kutschker, M./ Schmid, S. [International Management]  International Management, 6. Auflage, Oldenbourg 2008 Meffert H./ Burmann C./ Kirchgeorg M. [Marketing]  Marketing Grundlagen marktorientierter Unternehmensfà ¼hrung,  10 Auflage, Wiesbaden 2008 Paul,J./ Kapoor, R. [International Marketing]  International MarketingText and Cases, Tata McGraw-Hill Pub  lishing, New Dehli, 2008 Peter, P. / Donnelly, J. [Marketing Management]  Marketing Management Knowledge and skills, 5th Edition,  McGraw-Hill Companies, 1998  Root, F. R. [Marketing] Entry Strategies for International Markets, Lexington books,  New York, 1994 Weitz, B. / Wensley R. [Marketing]  Handbook of Marketing, Paperback Edition, London, New Dehli,  Thousand Oaks, 2006 Yu, L. [The International Hospitality Business]  The International Hospitality Business Management and  Operations, Haworth Hospitality Press, New York, 1999 B: Internet / Website Niti, B./ Nemer, B., [Businessweek.com] Brand Magic in India, http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/may2006/id2006 0508_952455.htm, 2006 III. Affidavit This case analysis is the original work of the authors. It has not been presented elsewhere for grading. All sources have been indicated to the best of the writers ability. Ort, Datum Signature: Anja Chan Ort, Datum Signature: Annika Nienaber Ort, Datum Signature: Emmanuel Ofobeze Ort, Datum Signature: Jana Theresa Germeroth IV. Appendix Appendix 1 Waterfall Strategy  [40]   Appendix 2 Sprinkler Strategy  [41]  

Dance: My First Love Essay -- Personal Experience, Personal Narrative

Dance has been a part of human history since the earliest records of human life (Praagh 30). Cave paintings found in Spain and France from 30,000 -10,000 BC had life-like drawings of dancing figures participating in rituals. They illustrated the prominence of dance in early human society. Later in the Renaissance Era a new attitude towards the body, the arts, and dance was originated. The courts of Italy and France became the center of new developments in dance, providing support to dancing masters and musicians who created large scale social dances for the acknowledgment of celebrations and festivities. In the court of Catherine de Medici, the Italian wife of Henry II of France, the first forms of ballet stemmed from the genius dancer, Balthazar de Beauhoyeulx. In 1581, Balthazar displayed the first full-length ballet for an audience. His piece was an idealized dance that told the story of a legend by combining spoken texts, intricate settings, and costumes with group dances f ull of strong technique (Praagh 100). In 1661, Louis XIV of France granted the organization of the first Royal Academy of Dance (Praagh 101). Because of this, during the next centuries, ballet developed into a high-class discipline and art form. Social couple dances such as the minuet and the waltz began to emerge as a display of free will and expression. In the 19th century, the era of romantic ballet reflected the struggles ballerinas had in the new time period in such ballet classics as Giselle (1841), Swan Lake (1895), and the Nutcracker (1892) (Praagh 125). At the turn of the new century, with the commotion of World War I, the arts reflected a major questioning of values and a hysterical search for new forms that reflected individual expression an... ...orld of dance. Bibliography: Works Cited Baughman, Kristen â€Å"Martha Graham’s Life.† Graham Index. 1998. http://userpages.wittenberg.edu/s02.cscaia/graham_life.html (20 Dec. 2000). Conner, Lynnen â€Å"Chapter 3: The Modern Dancers.† Early Moderns. 1996. http://www.pitt.edu/~gillis/dance/martha.html (20 Dec. 2000). Marshal, Stephanie. Personal Interview on Dance Experience. Butler, PA, 18, Dec. 2000. Maynard, Olga. American Modern Dancers. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company. 1965. Praagh, Peggy. The Choreographic Art. New York: Alfred A. Knopt. 1963. Teachout, Terry â€Å"The Dancer: Martha Graham.† Time 100. 2000. http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/graham.html (12 Dec. 2000). Zermeno, Rogelio. â€Å"Dancing to Success.† Martha Graham. 1994. http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/~rortizze/graham.htm (15 Dec. 2000).

Promote Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Essay

Outcome 1 1. What is meant by: Diversity –our society is made up of people with a wide range of characteristics and backgrounds. This diversity contributes strength to a community but sadly it is often perceived as a problem. Equality – seeing each child as an individual will enable you to promote their right to have access to equality of opportunity and to be treated with equal concern so they are able to progress along the pathway development. Inclusion- to promote the positive aspects of diversity and to offer children equal chances in life, all settings for children would work towards inclusive. 2. What are the potential effects of discrimination? There are lots of different effects of discrimination for example children do not progress and experience success in their lives and the negative effects this has on their self-esteem may dampen their motivation levels. 3. How can inclusive practice promote equality and support diversity? Children’s right to have access to equality of opportunity. Promoting the positive aspects of diversity. Settings should always aim for inclusion, which promotes both equality and diversity. Outcome 2 1. How do legislation and codes of practice relating to equality, diversity and discrimination apply to own work role? For our setting to work in an inclusive way they would have to work with the legal framework to work with families in a respectful way. Laws alone cannot change prejudiced attitudes and assumptions or influence the way people think. Outcome 3 3. How could you challenge discrimination in a way that promotes change? Both children and adults can be the victim of prejudice or behaviour in discriminatory ways. Every setting should have strategies for dealing with any issue that is challenged. You should help both sides those who are subject to the discrimination and those who are the discriminator, this is a delicate matter and should be dealt with carefully.

Review the Impact That Selected Theories of Management and Leadership Have on Organisational Strategy Essay Example

Review the Impact That Selected Theories of Management and Leadership Have on Organisational Strategy Essay Example Review the Impact That Selected Theories of Management and Leadership Have on Organisational Strategy Essay Review the Impact That Selected Theories of Management and Leadership Have on Organisational Strategy Essay [pic] EDEXCEL BTEC LEVEL 7 CERTIFICATE In STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPING STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS Tutor Marked Assignment TMA 02 Samantha Haran IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY TMA 02 Leadership Strategy and Planning for Leadership Table of Contents Executive summary Overview: There are three objectives of this assignment: 1. To identify the key strategic management and leadership drivers for an organisation of your choice over the next three years; 2. To apply knowledge of management and leadership theory when creating a leadership strategy for your organisation; 3. To plan for the recruitment and future development of a specific leadership role. TMA 02: Instructions There are two tasks to complete: Task 1: Leadership Strategy Report format (2000 words excluding appendices) Using an organisation of your choice, write a report for the executive team on what you consider to be the key strategic management and leadership drivers for the next three years. In your report you should identify and justify what you consider to be the most important area of strategic policy and how this could be implemented. You must apply your knowledge of current thinking by recommending three management and leadership theories for consideration in the proposed implementation process. Task 1: Guidance (Assessment criteria AC 2. 1, 2. 2, 3. 1 3. 2) i) You should start by choosing an organisation for the focus of your research. i) By considering the major political, economic and social factors relating to the business context, you are required to identify the key strategic drivers for the organisation over a period of three years from the publication date of the assignment. (AC 3. 1) iii) The outcome of this initial research should lead to a summary of the strategic management and leadership implications for the organisation and its leaders. (AC 3. 2) iv) You should extend this report by identifying and justifying what you consider to be the most important area for strategic policy implementation in the given timescale. AC 2. 2) v) Once this is completed, you will need to conduct a theoretical review of management and leadership theories and, based on current thinking, apply three theories to assist the implementation of the nominated strategic policy. (AC 2. 1) Task 2: Plan (1000 words excluding appendices) Produce a plan for the recruitment and future development for a senior manager who will lead the implementation of a key strategic policy over a timescale of three years. Task 2 Guidance (Assessment criteria AC 3. 2, 4. 1 4. 2) Please familiarise yourself with the criteria below which will be used to assess your work on this assignment. This is a planning document and although standard presentation conventions associated with this type of document should be applied, creative planning formats are encouraged. Guidance on assignment presentation, structure, English usage and referencing can be sourced in the 2010/11 course handbook which is available on Blackboard. ) You should start by using the organisation selected for Task 1 ii) Plan for the recruitment of a strategic manager to lead the strategic policy you nominated for Task 1. Ignoring salary and conditions of employment, concentrate on producing a relevant job description, and person specification. (AC 3. 2 4. 1) iii) To ensure successful implementation of the strategic policy, identify and justify a range of suitable (leadership-based) professional development activities for this senior manage r. This plan should extend over three years. AC 4. 2) Ethical Considerations If you draw on the practice of others in your organisation, you must gain their written permission to do so. When researching and writing this report you are required to treat all your information as confidential. Using course guidelines on ethical conduct for research, you are requested not to identify the name of the organisations in your work or anyone you have permission to work with. EDEXCEL Assignment Criteria On successful completion of this assignment, you will meet the following criteria: Outcomes |Assessment criteria for pass | | | | | |To achieve each outcome a learner must demonstrate the ability to: | |2. Be able to apply management and leadership |2. 1 Review the impact that selected | |theory to support organisational direction. theories of management and | | |leadership have on organisational | | |strategy. | | | | | |2. 2 Create a leadership strategy that | | |supports organisational dire ction | |3. Be able to assess leadership requirements. |Use appropriate methods to review current leadership requirements. | | | | | |Plan for the development of future situations requiring leadership. | | 4. Be able to plan the development of leadership|4. 1 Plan the development of leadership | |skills. |skills for a specific requirement. | | | | |4. 2 Report on the usefulness of methods | | |used to plan the development of | | |leadership skills. | | | |

A Tale Of Two Cities Essays (768 words) - English-language Films

A Tale Of Two Cities Essays (768 words) - English-language Films A Tale Of Two Cities It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness . . . Dickens begins A Tale of Two Cities with this famous sentence. It describes the spirit of the era in which this novel takes place. This era is the latter part of the 1700s - a time when relations between Britain and France were strained, America declared its independence, and the peasants of France began one of the bloodiest revolutions in history. In short, it was a time of liberation and a time of terrible violence. Dickens describes the two cities at the center of the novel: Paris, a city of extravagance, aristocratic abuses, and other evils that lead to revolution and London, a city rife with crime, capital punishment, and disorder. In both cities, the capabilities of an angry mob were a dangerous thing, to be feared by all. The tale begins on a road between London and Dover (in southern England) in 1775. Three strangers in a carriage are traveling along this dangerous road. The carriage encounters a messenger on a horse who asks for one of the passengers, Jarvis Lorry of Tellson's Bank. They are wary, because the messenger could be a highwayman, robber, or other undesirable. However, Mr. Lorry ventures out into the rain to receive the message. He recognizes the messenger as a man named Jerry, who works for Tellson's Bank, as well. Jerry tells him to wait at Dover for the young lady. Lorry tells Jerry to relay to the people at the Bank this message: Recalled to Life. Jerry has no idea what it means and rides off into the rain. Dickens then ponders how the heart of a person is a true mystery. Lorry can tell who or at least of what class the two other passengers are. Traveling on, Lorry dozes in and out of dreams. His dreams reveal to the reader that his mission is to metaphorically dig a man out of the grave. He dreams of imaginary conversations with this man he is to recall to life. Buried how long? Lorry always asks. Almost eighteen years, replies the man. Lorry brings the man in his dreams to see a woman (the young woman of which Jerry the messenger spoke). But the man does not know if he still wishes to live or if he can bear to see the young lady after having been buried for eighteen long years. Upon arriving at an inn in Dover, Lorry waits for the young lady. Here the reader learns that the sixty-year-old Lorry is a well-dressed businessman who works for Tellson's Bank. Tellson's has an office in London, and an office in Paris. Lorry is above all a man of business, and tries to reduce everything to business terms. When the young lady arrives, Lorry goes to see her. She is Lucie Manette, a seventeen-year-old orphan. Lucie believes that she must go to Paris with Lorry because Tellson's Bank has discovered something regarding her dead father's small bit of property. However, Lorry nervously tells her the truth: Her father was a well known scientist in France, whom Lorry knew while working at Tellson's French office. Lucie vaguely recognizes Lorry because he brought her to London many years ago when she was orphaned and Tellson's Bank was put in charge of her. Lucie is shocked when she learns that Tellson's has found her father alive in Paris. He was imprisoned in the Bastille (a famous French prison) for eighteen years, but no one knows why. Lorry calls in the servants, and a strong, brusque woman (who we later discover is Lucie's servant and who essentially raised her) comes in to take care of the young lady. Commentary The two cities are very important to the development of this novel. Both are violent cities rife with injustice. The characters travel between them throughout the novel. The cities provide two distinct settings, each with its own secrets and perils. The major themes of this novel are resurrection and revolution. The first of the two themes is introduced in this section. Resurrection is the literal action of bringing the dead back to life.

Personal Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Personal Reflection Paper - Essay Example I was able to change my thinking from having goals of childish nature to a more mature outlook on life. The activity gave me an opportunity to compare my life goals with those of my classmates. This is critical in terms of comparing me with other like-minded and equally intellectual formidable classmates. This comparison showed me that despite my ambitious nature in terms of my life goals, there are others who are more ambitious and aggressive. It was a revelation and a challenge for me to work harder and be more ambitious in order to compete on the same level with my intellectual equals. As the exercise proceeded, I was able to reevaluate my life goals and coalesce them with a more realistic and tangible future. The defining moment for the entire exercise was the peer review section where classmates were tasked with evaluating each other’s life goals. The result of this activity was that my teammates gave me the second highest score in the entire class. It was a defining moment for me in terms of not just my self-esteem but also my general outlook on life. This event truly gave me an opportunity to evaluate and reevaluate my life goals. This activity also helped me to distinguish between the tangible life goals and what is pure fantasy. The score given to me by my classmates was evidence of the progress I am making in terms of fulfillment of my life goals. I honestly feel that I am making huge strides in the right direction, and I have a more confident approach to life and achievement. A bulk of this is fully attributed to the activity presented to us by the professor. My book club facilitation focused on chapter 6 of the book titled, "Becoming a leader" by Benis. The title of the chapter was effectively dubbed leaders perspective and desire. This activity was rather significant because I had never thought of myself as a leader. The activity was a revelation into my potential as a

Australia's Economy Over The Last Two Years Essay

Australia's Economy Over The Last Two Years - Essay Example In Australia, the Australian government and the Reserve Bank of Australia play a major role in the country’s economics, as these determine the macroeconomic policies in the country. According to the International Labour Organization (2013), a microeconomic policy that is aimed at achieving economic stability in a country, is a paramount condition for the achievement and sustenance of high levels of development tin a country. Nonetheless, this part of the essay explores the main macroeconomic policies used by the Australian Government and the Reserve Bank of Australia over the last two years. There are two core macroeconomic policies, which a country can use, and these include the monetary and the fiscal policy. Nonetheless, the Australian government and the Reserve Bank of Australia have in the past two years, used these to control the economy. Fiscal policy in Australia includes the level and composition of government revenues and outlays, methods of financing a budget defici t or using a budget surplus, the operation of automatic and discretionary stabilizers, and the provision of incentives to increase aggregate supply. According to Parkinson (2012), a major function of Australia’s fiscal policy is to ensure the maintenance of fiscal sustainability from a medium-term perspective. Parkinson (2012) also notes that monetary policy in Australia has the main purpose of maintaining inflation between 2 and 3 percent. The monetary policy in Australia has to do with the Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate, as well as the exchange rate policies, and transmission mechanisms. This serves to anchor inflation expectations, and has the responsibility of managing demand. This is with the aim of ensuring that the country’s economy remains on a stable path of growth, and maintains a low rate of inflation. Therefore, monetary policy and fiscal policy, as well as exchange rate, are three core aspects of Australia’s macroeconomic framework, which h ave been extremely important for the past two years, as these have provided a great level of flexibility for the country to deal with economic shocks that it experiences from time to time. Parkinson (2012) notes that the Australian macroeconomic policy framework is an asset and an endowment to the country, as it forms a core part of the country’s productive base. Nonetheless, for the past two years, these have been effective in ensuring that Australia addresses its economic problems, and the Australian government achieves its economic objectives. The Reserve Bank of Australia deals with all the issues pertaining the monetary policy. Nonetheless, a major aspect of the monetary policy, which the Reserve Bank of Australia utilizes is the interest rate. This interest rate influences differently other interest rates in the economy, so that the borrowers and lenders in the money markets come under the influence of the monetary policy. The Reserve Bank of Australia controls the inte rest rates in a manner that will ensure that the objectives of the Reserve Bank Act 1959 are attained. These include, and are not limited to ensuring a stable currency of the country, preventing unemployment, boosting living standards of citizens, and ensuring economic empowerment of the people (Reserve Bank of Australia 2013). In order to ease or loosen bonds, the Reserve Bank of Australia would buy bonds in order to create excess liquidity, putting downward pressure on interest rates, allowing increased consumer and investment spending, and finally lower the rate of unemployment. Similarly, when there is a possibility of the rate of inflation to increase, the Reserve Bank