The UA&P Hallmark Programs

Last September 22, 2000 was the People Development Day of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). It was highlighted with a program that became a gathering of the high ranking personalities the university has like the UA&P president, Dr. Mario D. Camacho; the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Antonio Torralba; the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Josemaria Mariano; and the program director of the People Development, Mr. Jun Papelleras. Dr. Antonio Torralba discussed the UA&P hallmark programs which I am going to tackle throughout this paper. The word hallmark means a distinguishing characteristic sign, trait, or feature that makes one unique. In the case of the UA&P, it has three hallmark programs which are namely: values education; people development; and research and communication. In the field of values education, the UA&P is committed to teach its students with the right and proper values and attitudes that will help not only for the betterment of the society but also for their common good. As a matter of fact, the university offers courses in social and professional system of moral values. With this, the UA&P aims to develop students with discipline, diligence, spirit of enterprise, integrity, social solidarity, and universal outlook. The second hallmark program of the UA&P is the people development. In this field, the university students are trained to be: environmentally aware in our surroundings; cooperative to others; values oriented; concern to their health and to the proper food nutrition; saves for mobilization; and properly educated persons. The UA&P believes that through these six programs of people development, the students will achieve its fullest potential as a well being. The last hallmark program of the UA&P is the research and communication which is the foundational aims of its forerunner, the Center for Research and Communication. It is said that the UA&P continues its researches with the humanistic, professional, scientific and technical knowledge for the common good of the society. The university, through research and communication, aims to be a tool for the upliftment of the moral and social status of society. Truly, the UA&P makes a difference through its three major hallmark programs as compare to the other universities and institution in the land. And that makes the UA&P unique and one of a kind. The UA&P Hallmark Programs Last September 22, 2000 was the People Development Day of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). It was highlighted with a program that became a gathering of the high ranking personalities the university has like the UA&P president, Dr. Mario D. Camacho; the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Antonio Torralba; the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Josemaria Mariano; and the program director of the People Development, Mr. Jun Papelleras. Dr. Antonio Torralba discussed the UA&P hallmark programs which I am going to tackle throughout this paper. The word hallmark means a distinguishing characteristic sign, trait, or feature that makes one unique. In the case of the UA&P, it has three hallmark programs which are namely: values education; people development; and research and communication. In the field of values education, the UA&P is committed to teach its students with the right and proper values and attitudes that will help not only for the betterment of the society but also for their common good. As a matter of fact, the university offers courses in social and professional system of moral values. With this, the UA&P aims to develop students with discipline, diligence, spirit of enterprise, integrity, social solidarity, and universal outlook. The second hallmark program of the UA&P is the people development. In this field, the university students are trained to be: environmentally aware in our surroundings; cooperative to others; values oriented; concern to their health and to the proper food nutrition; saves for mobilization; and properly educated persons. The UA&P believes that through these six programs of people development, the students will achieve its fullest potential as a well being. The last hallmark program of the UA&P is the research and communication which is the foundational aims of its forerunner, the Center for Research and Communication. It is said that the UA&P continues its researches with the humanistic, professional, scientific and technical knowledge for the common good of the society. The university, through research and communication, aims to be a tool for the upliftment of the moral and social status of society. Truly, the UA&P makes a difference through its three major hallmark programs as compare to the other universities and institution in the land. And that makes the UA&P unique and one of a kind.

Health Risks Associated with Technology Essay

The widespread use of technology has led to some important use health concerns. Some of the move common physical health risks are repetitive strain injuries, computer vision syndrome, and muscular pain. These injuries are on the rise for users of technology. A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Technology-related RSIs include tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon due to repeated motion or stress on that tendon. CTS is inflammation of the nerve that connects the forearm to the palm. Repeated or forceful bending of the wrist can cause tendonitis or CTS of the wrist. Factor that cause these disorders include prolonged typing or mouse usage and continual shifting between a mouse and keyboard (Jones 45-48). If untreated, these disorders can lead to permanent physical damage. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) affects eyesight. Symptoms of CVS are sore, tired, burning, itching, or dry eyes; blurred or double vision; distance blurred vision after prolonged staring at a display device; headache or sore neck; difficulty shifting focus between a display device and documents; difficulty focusing on a screen image; color fringes or afterimages when looking away from a display device; and increased sensitivity to light. Eyestrain associated with CVS is not thought to have serious or long-term consequences (Anderson and Dean) People who spend their workday using the computer sometimes complain of lower back pain, muscle fatigue, and emotional fatigue. Lower back pain sometimes is cause from poor posture. It is advisable to sit properly in a chair while working and take periodic breaks. Users also should be sure their workplace is design ergonomically. Ergonomic studies have shown that using the correct type and configuration of chair, keyboard, display device, and work surface help users work comfortably and efficiently and helps  protect their health (Sanchez). Many physical health risks are associated with using technology. These risks include repetitive strain injuries, computer vision syndrome, and muscular pain. User should take as many preventive measures as possible to avoid these risks. Works Cited Anderson, Cricket Finley and Stacey Anne Dean. â€Å"Computer pains.† The Medical Update Aug. 2014:n. page. Web. 2 October 2014. Jones, Jacob Lee. Medical concerns of the 21st Century. Chicago: Smiley Incorporated, 2014. Print. Sanchez, Jorge Mario. Aches and Pains. 30 Sept. 2014. Course Technology. Web. 5 Aug. 2014.

Integrated management final presentation on MTV PowerPoint

Integrated management final on MTV - PowerPoint Presentation Example MTV emerged as a platform for record labels to advertise their music on a global scale. Many artists owed their rapid rise in the music industry to MTV. In the initial stages it was the medium of choice to communicate with the youth. MTV came into being on August 1, 1981. It was to replicate to music the effect of ESPN on sports. With its introduction of the video, it transformed the music industry (Stolpmann 2 – 4). These videos were very good sources of advertisement, and were as important as the record itself. In fact, the popularity of Madonna and other stars was chiefly due to these brief video clips. Thus, MTV virtually symbolized the pop culture. It has 72 channels in 140 nations and was broadcast in more than 32 languages. The 1992, MTV Rock the Vote event brought together candidates and a new generation of voters. Even Bill Clinton, the then presidential candidate participated in a live interview on MTV, while his competitor George Bush declined to do so. Clinton’s triumph was attributed by many to his making a favorable impression upon the young voters, via MTV (Paoletta 46 – 48). VJs, artists and participants in reality shows procured a celebrity status, courtesy of MTV. Anecdotally, the term video jockey or VJ was created by MTV. Many genres of music, like grunge and pop owed their success to MTV. Some of the artists and bands that benefitted from this initiative were, Britney Spears, Nirvana, Gorillaz and to some extent Michael Jackson. Several controversial but socially relevant shows were broadcast by MTV. Some instances being, Teen Mom, and 16 and pregnant. The detractors of these programs accused MTV of corrupting the youth, whereas the more liberal minded believed that major problems of society, such as teenage mothers were finally being addressed in an open manner (Davidson 112 – 113). MTV has tremendous reach, with regard to the

Sales Promotion Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sales Promotion Plan - Essay Example The Product The retail business has many segments under a single banner and a brand name. It usually includes products from the food sector to non food such as clothing, accessories, and cosmetic products. The product whose sales promotion is to be discussed is for the cosmetic segment. The cosmetic segment has been growing and with the rise of retail sector it has find a place and is regarded as one of the important grooming sector. Therefore the product is perfumes and as a sales promotion manager it is the duty to promote and generate awareness about the new perfumes and also maintain the brand value of the existing brands. The perfume introduced will be promoted to both the females and males as it can be used by both the gender simultaneously and is targeted to the premium sector of the society. Hardware/Objects involved Sales promotion would be done with the help of the sales force and to monitor the sales, certain software can be used so that a track can be maintained as to how the sales promotion will be performed and also after effects. Sales force will be mainly responsible for conducting sales promotion in various malls and other places associated with the brand. Apart from the sales force, high technology hardware would be appropriate in determining the results obtained after proving a heavy discount and offers by the business. Activities Sales promotion involves variety of activities in order to promote and increase the sales. The target market is the consumers and so all the activities will be undertaken keeping the consumers in mind. Some of the activities which are often used in sales promotion targeting the consumers include discounts, increase in the product quantity, offering complementary products, issuing discount coupons and vouchers, contest, prizes, gifts and samples. For the sales promotion of the perfume, the sales promotion manager would propose for activities such as distribution of free samples where the company would provide free sa mples to the consumer’s visiting the stores or the segment in the retail outlet. The objectives of free sample are to get the consumers to make purchase of the perfume and make them as regular customers. The consumers visiting the stores would be offered a sample of the perfume and in return give their feedback. The perfume would be designed in a small bottle with attractive packaging in order to attack the customers. The free samples would be distributed in the outlets of the brands. Coupons and vouchers would be used in sales promotions. Coupons will be mainly used to target new customers to try the product and increase the value of the brand in the long run (Schultz, et.al, 1998, p.40). Vouchers are mainly used to introduce the product to a new set of consumers. The discount coupons and vouchers would include 25% off on beauty products on selected brands. By offering 25% off on beauty products, the main idea or objectives of the sales manager is to widen the target market and introduce new customers who would prove to be beneficial for the brand in the long run. In addition to the coupons and vouchers, the sales promotion manger had decided to offer complementary product with the sale of the perfume. This would induce the customers to buy the product as customers get easily attracted toward any complementary gifts or gifts with the main product. The complementary pro

Risk Assessment in Leroy Merlin hypermarket in Swidnica Essay

Risk Assessment in Leroy Merlin hypermarket in Swidnica - Essay Example The paper tells that the goal of safety management in organizations and the development of Safety Management Systems (SMSs) is the achievement of peak safety performance. This means no operational incidents, no personal injuries, and no harm to the environment. This therefore enhances the safety of the employees in any organization. This study location; Leroy Merlin hypermarket in Swidnica is still some way from achieving this goal. Tools such as the SMSs undoubtedly help compliance with rules but they do not necessarily improve safety environment. There is an ordinary recognition in this company that encouraging safe working performance does not require more rules, regulations, and procedures. Instead, the company needs a better comprehension of the social and organizational aspects that foster professionalism and emergency situations. Original attempts to improve workplace safety and or reduce risks, focused on the mechanical and engineering aspects of the company’s systems. The focus widened as the role of human error became more evident. Human mistakes were blamed for the safety culture in workplace areas. The absence of a safety culture in any organization is the significant contributor to the disaster, and potential hazards. Thus, safety culture can be defined as â€Å"That assembly of facets and attitudes in companies and individuals which establishes that, as an overriding priority, safety issues receive the attention warranted by their significance†.

The notion of Peace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The notion of Peace - Essay Example This paper will evaluate Dr. Abigail Forsythe’s argument. Question 1: Conclusion of Dr. Abigail Forsythe’s argument In summarizing Dr. Abigail Forsythe’s argument, it stands to be vague as opposing peace portrays a senseless mind. Trying to justify the activities of the armed forces as a way of bridging peace comes out as under reasoning. Instead of stating that people should have given war a chance in 1939 and peace in 1946, the chance of peace should have been embraced in both 1939 and 1946. This would have saved people a lot of suffering. As long as individuals remain imprisoned in the field of self-oriented reasoning, they can easily justify their brutality to others. They excuse their tough eyes and supremacist rankings, ignoring the suffering they cause to others, and continue on rationalizing their actions and blocking awareness of the reality of their feelings and their fundamental oneness with other humans. Question 2: Important premises of Dr. Abigail F orsythe’s argument Dr. Abigail Forsythe’s argument has four main premises, of which some stand as cogent arguments and some as irrational. One premise holds that saying people should not avoid war because of its inconveniences is insane because they do not avoid giving birth to babies even though they come with their own inconveniences. The second vital premise is based on the reason why parents have to take care of their babies. This argument is valid because every parent, despite the hardships, should dictate the course of the children; this stands as their sole reason of bringing them to this world. The third premise stands at trying to justify Canada’s war against Hitler and Mussolini versions of fascism. The premises try to justify that it is Canada’s own right to fight for its rights in a war. This argument is vague as it does not spell out other options that Canada could opt for; hence it stands as an irrational argument. Any reasonable person woul d have thought of other options in the place of Canada instead of engaging in fights. The fourth point, trying to seek peace, lies in the people’s own context, hence is irrational. The premise tries to justify that the country was right to seek war in 1939 and seek peace in 1946. The reasonable fact should be that peace should have been sought in 1939, and more peace in 1946. For this reason, Dr Abigail Forsythe’s argument, for seeking war in 1939, is irrational. Question 3: Quality of Dr Abigail Forsythe’s argument Dr Abigail Forsythe put out an argument whose thesis stood mostly of opposing the wrong things. The argument tried to justify the right things that people do. Some of the fallacies in the argument are as follows: it stands wrongly to avoid war because there is much more to avoid than the inconveniences of deaths on sufferings. The second argument, which can be viewed as a good argument, is the one that says parents have the duty of looking after thei r children, not for any other reason, but because they brought them to this world. The third fallacy trying to justify Canada’s fighting as a measure of doing what stood to be right then shows a lack of reasoning. Other options like peaceful mediation would have been adopted instead of going to the battle field to sort out issues. As a result of the battle, many lives were lost, the losing country lost its dignity, and property was destroyed. In the pursuit of peace, Canada, Germany and Italy could have

Accounting and Audit Enforcement Research Paper

Accounting and Audit Enforcement - Research Paper Example The other common names of the SOX act are Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act or the Corporate and auditing Accountability and Responsibility Act. The SOX act stipulates that the top management of a public company must personally certify the accuracy of the financial information presented to them by the accounting department. This is to ensure that the published results are and fair according to the performance of the company during the fiscal year under scrutiny. In addition to verifying accuracy of financial information, the Act also places severe penalties against any fraudulent financial activities, as well as increasing the independence that external auditors have when they review the corporate financial statements of a company, in addition to increasing the oversight role of the board of directors (Haverkamp, 2009). The SOX act has a number of provisions which industry players, especially companies in the public sector have to adhere as well as abide to. The first element is the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). This independent oversight committee of public firms also provides auditing services. The next option is the independence of the auditor from external influence from either the management or the board of directors. This law also demands that companies fulfill their corporate responsibilities such as ensuring accuracy of corporate financial results. ... There are regulations for these companies to ensure that present a review of their tax-exempt status on every fifth year of their operation. Furthermore, it was necessary for these not-for-profit companies to improve their scope as well as the quality of form 990 and financial statements. In addition, it is mandatory to improve availability of financial records in order to create greater transparency. The SOX act has put considerable pressure on not-for-profit firms, especially those that have sizable budgets to an extent that they are implementing a considerable number of practices that mirror the ones used and implemented by public companies (Rezaee, 2007). The SOX act requires health care institutions to follow the stipulation requiring them to set up an independent audit committee. This committee contains no member of the management and none of them receives any compensation from the company. Smaller organizations have to settle for a finance committee that also tops up as the au dit committee. In addition, the CFO as well as the CEO of these health care institutions has to attest to the accuracy of the financial results and Form 990, and confirm their fairness and completeness. These leaders of the health organization also have to attest to the adequacy of the internal controls of the firm. These organizations also have to make their financial results more accessible by posting them on the ‘Not-For-Profit’ website, as well as adopt and publicize a given code of ethics. The act also demands that the organization adopts the rules regarding transactions with any insider, and these include executive compensations as well as fringe benefits (Straesser, 2009). Mandating SOX requirements for all not-for profit organizations as well as other

Employment Law In UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Employment Law In UK - Essay Example The research paper â€Å"title† highlights the employment law as an integral part of the legal statutes that runs a country. The interest of employees is a vital issue that should not be left in the hands of the employers. It is for this reason that many countries have implemented laws that protect the interests of the employees as compared to theory independent or self-employed counterparts. In UK, several statutes have been realized all in an aim to represent the interests of the employees actively and conclusively. Employee protection statutes are a significant item in UK law. Over time, there has been radical criticism about the constituents of these statutes and the definition that they give about who is an employee. Apparently, it has been said that independent workers who are sometimes referred to as self-employed people should be subjected to the protection and general provisions that are stated in employee protection statutes. This has however been subjected to a diff erent school of thought that argues the indifference between workers working under a contractual agreement and those that are independent or rather self employed. Self-employed workers are in no manner offered any form of protection under the provisions of employment law. The issue about who â€Å"self employed† an â€Å"employed† was contentious and it could not be clearly pointed out the differences that stands between the two. (Rose 2003, p.512). A test table that has been used to differentiate ideally between these two categories of workforce in UK was devised by the courts systems and assumed the shown model: Table 1: Tests differentiating employed &self employed Test Factors Control – defines the person who holds control over task, including the mode, timing and means of performing a task Obligated to obey orders, discretion made supervisory mode of working or hours of work. Integration - this shows the integration of work to the business There should exis t a grievance/disciplinary procedure to be followed which should be included in occupational benefit schemes. Economic Reality – Financial risk involved Method of payment to be used, investing in own business, tax and national insurance payment methods, and coverage of holiday/sick pay Mutuality of Obligation: evidence showing formal subordination to contract terms This includes the duration of engagement, terms of engagement, right to refuse work, custom in the trade. Based on Burchell et al (1999, p.11) According to the table, the courts attempted to identify the dependency level of the person to the employer. This was deemed important in identifying the individuals that were reliable for the provisions that are as stated in the employment law statutes. However, the degree at which the factors in question are considered was

Business Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Business Strategic Management - Essay Example Strategic fit characterizes the degree of matching the capabilities and resources of an organization to the opportunities prevailing in the external environment. The matching takes place through strategy so the company is required to have its actual capabilities and resources for supporting and executing the strategy Strategic fit can be actively used for evaluating the current strategic situation of a company along with the opportunities of divestitures and mergers and acquisitions of divisions of organization. Strategic fit is also viewed on the basis of resources of the firm suggesting that industry selection and positioning is not only the key to profitability rather an internal focus utilising the unique characteristics of the resource portfolio of the company and its capabilities is the key to profitability. ... Operational fit arises when different businesses work along for exploring opportunities of skill transfer and cost sharing. Management fit revolves among both the businesses in terms of some comparable units like operating problems, administration and various administrative activities. It also allows accumulated managerial know how in one business to be used in managing other business. It is necessary that the management of business should take actions to capture benefit (Armstrong, 2003, pp.116-117). Benefits with sharing potential must be recognized so that the activities to be shared are coordinated and merged. When skill transfer takes place, a means must be found to make it effective. It is required for the medium sized business to achieve strategic fit as it provides consistency between customer priorities of competitive strategy and capabilities of supply chain as specified by the strategy of supply chain (Dessler, 2010, p.51). The strategies of supply chain and competitive st rategy have the same goal. Due to lack of strategic fit, a company may fail. Achievement of strategic fit involves three steps. These involves the understanding the uncertainty in supply chain and customer, understanding the capabilities of supply chain and achieving strategic fit (Armstrong, 2008, p.38). Strategic fit has a central role for playing in strategic management. While the external strategic fit is relevant to formulate strategy, the internal strategic fit is critical to the implementation of strategy (Gabriel, 2008, p.133). A high strategic fit is important as it enables the scope of learning new skill sets, timely and appropriate response, resource commitment from top management, better

Entrepreneurship Essay Example for Free

Entrepreneurship Essay The public perception of entrepreneurs today is almost legendary. They seem to seamlessly start up small businesses and make them grow and develop themselves almost overnight to big successes. (Beaver, 2005) This essay will briefly cover the differences and similarities between managers, business owners and entrepreneurs. Differences and similarities between managers, owners and entrepreneurs Back in the 19th century being a businessman, in other words being an owner-manager, was not regarded a profession. These people were coordinators, arbitrators, innovators, interpreters of the market and risk-takers at the same time. The purpose of their activity ranged from interest from capital to profits for bearing the risk of operation. (Zaratiegui Rabade, 2005) However they required ownership of over 50 per cent of the shared capital to have control over the business. (Burns, 2007) From that early stage the traditional management as mentioned first in Henri Fayol’s General and Industrial Management in 1949 (in French, 1916) evolved which dominates our public perception still today. Here we notice a distinct separation between the owner, or the proprietor, of a business and the people those owners hire to get their business managed and administrated. (Fraja, 1996) Those managers are required to have certain capabilities, i.e. leading people and administrating operations, finance and resources. They are the ultimate authority in the organization and therefore responsible for the social, legal, environmental and ethical aspects of the company. An entrepreneur is not exactly the latest form of performing business activities as Joseph A. Schumpeter identified entrepreneurial entities already in 19341, however, the term got increasingly popular by the end of the 20th century. People like Steve Jobs, Sir Richard Branson or Mark Zuckerberg are just some of many famous entrepreneurs. The Oxford English Dictionary defines an entrepreneur as â€Å"a person who attempts to profit by risk and initiative†. Therefore Gartner, et al. (1992) suggest that an entrepreneur is both a manager and an owner, with a willingness to accept risk, uncertainty and an eagerness to exploit change and profit from market niches. What is even more striking is that entrepreneurs have a certain 1 â€Å"A person, ‘a contractor’ who coordinates, organizes and supervises (posses managerial skills) an enterprise with exceptional moral qualities, perseverance, and knowledge of the world and society’s needs.†- Schumpeter, 1934 Similarities and differences between a manager, a business owner and an entrepreneur By Henry Amm set of skills that is superior to that of a manger in terms of productivity and profitability. Typical entrepreneurial capabilities comprise features such as investigating opportunities, believing in innovation, and strategic planning upon the latest developments on the market. (Piperopoulos, 2011) Any manager can behave in a more entrepreneurial way, if he or she is aware of the individual effectiveness. This can ray out more confidence towards customers, investors or subordinates and therefore increase productivity and profitability. (Piperopoulos, 2011) Research has shown that entrepreneurs and managers might have different goals and working styles. (Stewart, et al., 1999) But even though everyone has different working preferences, the literature suggests that being an entrepreneur can be learned, especially regarding the way entrepreneurs work on tasks and complete them. What the typical manager can copy from an entrepreneur is his personal organization and interpersonal interaction. (Piperopoulos, 2011) Burns (2007) notes that owner-managers, entrepreneurs and managers can be distinguished by their character traits and the type of business they run. An owner-manager typically has a high need for independence and achievement and an ability to live with uncertainty and measured risks. Therefore he often runs a lifestyle firm that is based on trade or craft which, however, will not grow to any considerable size. The entrepreneur in turn is opportunistic, innovative, self-confident and acts proactive and decisive. He is highly self-motivated by his vision and is therefore willing to take even greater risks and can live with a high uncertainty. That is why the entrepreneur has a growth firm and is pursuing growth and personal wealth. Lastly the manager is administrating, or in other words managing, an entity that does not belong to him. His ‘purpose’ is to build up the organisation, by means that are similar to larger firms. (Burns, 2007) However there are some exceptions from that generalization: An owner-manager of course can have a growing business, while an entrepreneur could manage a business he owns together with a business associate and therefore has not complete control over the capital. (Burns, 2007) As Fraja (1996) suggests every firm can be assigned to either one of the following types: Either it is an entrepreneurial firm, where the owner-manager or entrepreneur is in exclusive control, organizes production, borrows funds and retains any residual returns from his work. Or it is a managerial firm, where the individual that has the right to residual returns remains outside the company and the individual that has the right of control is hired from the owner. Similarities and differences between a manager, a business owner and an entrepreneur By Henry Amm Modern approaches like ‘corporate entrepreneurship’ try to overcome those boundaries by incorporating advantages of entrepreneurship into common management. Companies try to facilitate diversification with internal development workshops. That makes activities necessary, in areas that are usually only loosely related to the current ‘domain’ of competence of the company. That is to engage innovation like you have it with a start-up company, but within an established organization. (Burgelmann, 1983) Conclusion Exceptions prove the rule; mangers, owners and entrepreneurs can be distinguished not only by their character traits but they are also more likely to lead an organization that is typical for their respective role. Modern organizations try to incorporate selected features of entrepreneurship to be more competitive. It seems like those terms still are about to change, or maybe always will need adaption to our contemporary view onto management, ownership and entrepreneurship.

Strategic Management Case Studies Marketing Essay

Strategic Management Case Studies Marketing Essay 1.1 What are the key differences between the two accounts of Hondas entry into the US market? 1The first case is narrated by The Harvard Business School based on the Boston consulting (BCG) Report whereas the second case, An Insiders Account of Hondas Entry into the US Market is a direct narration recorded by Richard Pascale. The BCG report explains on the Honda Company as a matured business and a mix of its competitors in the US. As affirmed in the case; Hondas competitors were Harley-Davidson, BSA, Triumph, Norton, and Moto-Guzzi. Whereas, the second case enlightens how the company initiated from scratch and its journey through the difficult times. Richard Pascales article explains the challenges that the company went through during its commencement, such as difficulty in getting funds; treatment of the motorcycle dealers was discourteous, while in the BCG article no challenges were mentioned. The BCG report emphasizes more on the Hondas in-depth research and development department for instance having more staff; as said in the article, the RD was staffed with 700 designers/engineers, increase in the production level as a result more investment in the RD department. While the second case doesnt explain anything with regard to the research and development since it is taking the business at an initiative level. The BCG report highlights target market in general whereas the second article explains target market in details as said in the case, the company chose Los Angeles as the location whereby their target market consisted of second and third generation of Japanese community. Richard Pascales article clearly identified the companys products offered to the market as stated in the article; the products were 50cc, 125cc, 250cc and 350cc machines while in the first essay explains the general overview of the companys products. 1.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Reference: Number Reference list Reference type 1 Herbert Rotters former Goldwing page former Yamaha Virago 1100 page, Personal Homepage, Honda Motorcycle 350 CB [Image] http://www.porzellanpuppen.at/hpbikes/bikeenglish.htm Electronic Source Cover Page Image 2 Greenwich University; Course Work: The Honda Effect, Case Study Scenario. Article Bibliography: http://www.google.com CASE STUDY 2- LAURA ASHLEY 2 2.1 Map Laura Ashleys stakeholders using a power/interest matrix. 3Stakeholders are individuals, groups or organizations who are affected directly or indirectly by organizations goals, objectives, actions and policies. 4Stakeholder Analysis is a tool used to recognize the stakeholders and investigate their needs as they are the ones who are concerned with the actions taking place within the organization. The aim of this analysis is to identify the stakeholders interests, concerns and manage relationships with them. The method used to access stakeholders is Mendelows Stakeholder Matrix which has two dimensions; Power and Interest with four quadrants.  [5]  Interest talks about the stakeholders concern towards a project whereas power talks about the control over the project. Power A Minimal Effort B Keep Informed C Keep Satisfied D Key Players Low High Figure 1 Low High Interest Minimal Effort people who need to be observed without boring them with unnecessary communication. Keep Informed people who need to be informed sufficiently, talked and make sure that no major issues take place. They can help with the developing the project details. Keep Satisfied people who need to be well satisfied with nothing much that would bore them whilst comprehending of the assignment. Key Player- people who must be associated and satisfied with the efforts made. 6Laura Ashleys stakeholders are Analysts, London Stock Exchange Market, Malayan United Industries (MUI) shareholder Dr. Khoo, Customers, Government and Suppliers. It is essential that the stakeholder management should be conducted so as to know each stakeholders level of power and interest along with their impact on the company. However it is sometimes difficult to locate all companys stakeholders in one frame as in the case of Laura Ashley. Beneath is the table, of the Stakeholder Map showing the strategies that are applied for Laura Ashley. Stakeholders Power Interest Strategy Analysts London Stock Exchange Market Dr. Khoo High High Key Players Customers High High Key players Government High High Key players Suppliers High High Key players Table 1 Below is the Power/ Interest matrix showing Laura Ashleys Stakeholders. Power A Minimal Effort B Keep Informed C Keep Satisfied D Key Players Dr. Khoo Customers Government Suppliers Low High Low High Figure 2 Interest 2.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Reference: Number Reference list Reference type 3 Vintage Verity Adoring all things vintage, retro and downright quirky Laura Ashley logo [Image] http://vintageverity.wordpress.com/2008/02/27/cath-kidson-v-laura-ashley/ Electronic Source Cover Page Image 4 Business Dictionary, An Ask.com Service, Definition of Stakeholder http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/stakeholder.html Johnson et al, 2009, Fundamentals of Strategy: Definition of Stakeholder, 1st edn, page 90. Electronic Dictionary Book 5 Wikipedia, October 16, 2008, Stakeholder Analysis, Wikipedia Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stakeholder_analysis BaBou, March 9th, 2008, Leadership Champions, What is Stakeholder Analysis? Part 1: Definition and aim of Stakeholder Analysis, http://leadershipchamps.wordpress.com/2008/03/09/what-is-stakeholder-analysis Electronic Encyclopedia Electronic Source 6 Mind Tools Essential Skills for an excellent career, Winning Support for your Projects, Stakeholder Analysis: Mendelows Stakeholder Matrix, http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newPPM_07.htm BaBou, March 10th, 2008, Leadership Champions, What is Stakeholder Analysis? Part 2: Mendelows Stakeholder Matrix, http://leadershipchamps.wordpress.com/2008/03/09/what-is-stakeholder-analysis/ Electronic Source Electronic Source 7 Greenwich University; Course Work: Laura Ashley, Case Study Scenario Article Bibliography: http://www.google.com CASE STUDY 3- APPLYING A BALANCED SCORECARD 7 3.1 What arguments would you use to persuade an organization to adopt the Balanced Scorecard approach? 8A Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a tool that is used to measure a companys business activities in relation to its vision along with its strategies. It provides managers a complete knowledge of the business performance. 9Figure 1 Usually when organizations measure performance, it is the financial area that is given more attention while the rest of the aspects are not taken much into consideration. It is therefore important that organizations should pursue in using the balanced scorecard.  [10]  Below are some of the benefits which the organizations will gain. One of them being a source of direction since it guides the management as well as helps identify what needs to be measured in order to accomplish organizational goals which will in return act as a competitive advantage for the firm. With Balanced Scorecard, firms are able to determine both financial as well as non-financial measures. As said in the case study, the balance scorecard was to combine three new sets of measures with the customary financial ones, embracing the customer, learning and growth, and internal issues such as quality improvement and cost control. Balanced scorecard allows firms to develop as well as expand so as to align new organizational strategies, as said by Mr. Hofmeister in the case study, it gives us better and better alignment (between all operating units) and focuses attention on whats important and on results. Through the balanced scorecard, organizations are able to the compare past experience in order to improve its performance which will help predict what will happen in the future. Although the growth of practicing balanced scorecard is slow, however many organizations have already accepted and are applying it. 3.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Number Reference list Reference type 8 Businessballs.com, Balanced Scorecard; Kaplan and Nortons organizational performance management tool Balance Scorecard [Image] http://www.businessballs.com/balanced_scorecard.htm Electronic Source 9 Papaers4You, Guide on How to write University Essays, Coursework, Assignments and Dissertations: Definition of Balanced Scorecard, 2002-2007, http://university-essays.tripod.com/balanced_scorecard.html Business Knowledge Source, What is a Balanced Scorecard, and what does it have to do with manufacturing? Definition of Balanced Scorecard, http://www.businessknowledgesource.com/manufacturing/what_is_a_balanced_scorecard_and_what_does_it_have_to_do_with_manufacturing_023647.html Ali, Md. Mohobbot, The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) A Critical Analysis, http://eprints.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/1391/1/18_0219_0232.pdf Electronic Source Article Electronic Source Electronic Source PDF DOC 10 Queensland Government, Southbank Institute of Technology, Strategic goals: Balanced Scorecard Framework [Image] http://www.southbank.edu.au/site/about/corporate/mission.asp Electronic Source 11 Balboa, Jun 26, 2005. ECheat; Porters Five Forces, Value chain, Balanced: Critically evaluation of Porters five forces, Value Chain Analysis, Balanced Scorecard Benefits of Balanced Scorecard. http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=27147 Business Knowledge Source, What is a Balanced Scorecard, and what does it have to do with manufacturing? Benefits of Balanced Scorecard, http://www.businessknowledgesource.com/manufacturing/what_is_a_balanced_scorecard_and_what_does_it_have_to_do_with_manufacturing_023647.html Partnering to Success, The Balanced Scorecard: Benefits from using the Balanced Scorecard, http://www.thebalancedscorecard.com/benefits_bsc.htm Ali, Md. Mohobbot, The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) A Critical Analysis: Benefits of Balanced Scorecard http://eprints.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/1391/1/18_0219_0232.pdf Beverly Dianne Calhoun, Oct 19, 2004, Using the Balanced Scorecard to Determine Corporate Information Needs: Benefits of Balanced Scorecard http://www.designbydi.com/documents/BalScrCrd.pdf Greenwich University; Course Work: Appling a Balanced Scorecard, Case Study Scenario Electronic Source Article Electronic Source Article Electronic Source Article Electronic Source PDF DOC Electronic Source PDF DOC ArticleReference: CASE STUDY 4- FIAT: REBIRTH OF A CARMAKER 11 4.1 Using the information in the case study undertake a SWOT analysis of Fiat at the time of Sergio Marchionnes appointment and suggest how a SWOT analysis in 2008 may differ. 12SWOT analysis is used for scanning an organization (internal factors) as well as its environment (external factors). The internal factors include strengths(S) and weaknesses (W) while the external factors include opportunity (O) and threats (T). 13SWOT ANALYSIS FOR FIAT GROUP AUTOMOBILES: Below is a table showing SWOT Analysis before the year 2004. Strengths weaknesses Fiat offered differentiated products. That is; it provides the market with a variety of cars. The companys hierarchy line was long making it more bureaucratic. Fiat cars were viewed as a quality brand. It lacked well developed core competence lending to ugly and unstylish cars. The company was well reputed. It needed to maintain its debts. Ability of manufacturing small cars. Licensing agreement with Bosch for financial support in exchange with the diesel technology that Fiat had. opportunities Threats Fiat had a chance of wining the market share from rivals. Competition with existing automobile firms. The market is ready to accept the new and stylish cars. Partnership agreement with General Motors for giving it them the right to sell its cars. Risk of employing new members to the Fiat family. Table 1 Below is a table showing SWOT Analysis after the year 2004. Strengths weaknesses Distinctive competence of designing low cost equivalent four-cylinder engine. Limited resources. Using technology by means of computer for simulation. Lack of knowledge with regard to entering new markets. For example the Chinese market. Producing new and stylish car designs. Drop in the market share. Competitive advantage of cutting down time to reach the market. Declined performance of the company since Fiat only sold 2000 cars in china, India and Russia. Fiats cars are exploited to have relative fuel efficiency. It is the first carmaker to put forward diesel engines that met the so-called Euro 5 fuel standards. opportunities Threats Winning the market share. Rivalry of potential new competitors. Expanding product line with new and innovative stylish cars. Rivalry with existing competitors such as VW and PSA Peugeot Citroen. Entering into joint venture for instance, with companies like SAIC (China) and TATA (India). Adverse demographic. For insistence Russian market; is it ready to accept the cars offered to them? Entering new geographic markets such as Brazilian, China, India and Russia. Challenge in controlling quality of the car brand. Fiat cars expect to have lower average emissions than any other competitor due to its fuel efficiency. Risk of employing new members to the Fiat family. Table 2 Comparing SWOT analysis before and after 2004: The company is able to increase its growth by entering new and emergent markets. As said, Fiat is expecting to have its sales from different areas such as outside Western Europe, China, India, Russia and soon overtake Germany. Fiat will also be able to increase sales along with its market share whereas before 2004, its sales were dropped; market share had declined and a lot of debt was to be paid. With introduction of technology, new stylish cars were offered to the market with reducing time at development area so as to start the production as soon as possible. The firm was able to rectify mistakes that it made earlier. For example the licensing agreement with Bosch in exchange with the diesel technology that Fiat had. Below is a table showing a comparison between the two SWOT Analyses. 2004 2008 Sales were dropped, Market share declined and a lot of debt was pending to be paid. Sales along with its market share increased. Fiats core competence had ceased. Developed new competences such as designing low cost equivalent four-cylinder engine, usage of technology, cutting down time to reach the market, relative fuel efficiency, put forward diesel engines. Mistake of licensing with other companies in order to support their finances in exchange with their ability. The firm will not repeat the same mistake of licensing; hence it will protect its competitive advantages. The companys hierarchy line was long making it more bureaucratic. The hierarchy line had become shorter making it less bureaucratic allowing the process to be smooth. Table 3 By 2008, most of the weaknesses had been reduced due to the rearrangement of the organizational system however, at the same time; a lot of improvement has been made. Therefore in order to develop, it is essential that the company takes many risks, as done by the Fiat Group Automobiles, since it is through this, the company has reached where it is now. 4.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Reference: Number Reference list Reference type 12 Legendarydevils, Thread: 140 Fiat Cars Wallpapers, Fiat Cars Image http://www.legendarydevils.com/english/2173933-140-fiat-cars-wallpapers.html Electronic Source Cover Page Image 13 Quick MBA Knowledge to Power your Business, Strategic Management: Defining SWOT Analysis. http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/swot/ Marketing Teacher Est 2000, Lesson: SWOT Analysis, Definition of SWOT analysis. http://www.marketingteacher.com/Lessons/lesson_swot.htm Electronic Source Electronic Source 14 Greenwich University; Course Work: Fiat: Rebirth of a carmaker, Case Study Scenario. Tutors notes on SWOT Analysis Article Bibliography: http://www.google.com CASE STUDY 5- THE PROFITABILITY OF UK RETAILERS 14 5.1 Use the industry analysis framework to explain the profitability of the main supermarket chains in the UK. Analyzing profitability of any Industry is done through The Five Forces Model that was put forward by Michael Porter. Beneath is a figure of the model. 15Figure 1 16Below is an industrial analysis showing the profitability of the main UK supermarket chains. SUPPLIERS Bargaining power of the suppliers is Low since British firms have command over their suppliers. As said in the case; British firms are more experienced and more skillful in their buying power to extract better terms from suppliers. BUYERS Customers bargaining power is also Low since the supermarket groups have control over them. As said in the case; The UK groups exert massive buying power by utilizing the oligopoly power to impose a higher-than-normal price on their customers. RIVALRY The competition between existing supermarkets is extremely high, due to the fact that there are many groups within this industry which have similar products / services. SUBSTITUTES Threat of substitutes is high as customers can switch to other shops instead of going to the supermarkets since they might be charged with a higher price as compared to other shops providing similar products at a lower price. Secondly, the suppliers could also switch to other firms rather than the British supermarkets due to the buying power exerted by the supermarkets. THREATS OF NEW ENTRANTS With lots of competition, threat of new entrants is relatively high, since the industry is more profitable in UK. At the same time, UK groups have barriers that cause difficulty for new competitors to enter the industry. Some of them being: Application of IT in their logistics, Lower Labor costs and High own-label penetration. Number Reference list Reference type 15 Carpenter, M, Bauer, T, Erdogan, B, Flatworld Knowledge, Principles of Management; Developing Strategy through External Analysis Porters Five Forces Analysis of Market Structure. [Image] http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/pub/1.0/principles-management/29047#web-29047 Electronic Source Cover Page Image 16 BUS 2700 Business Driven Information Technology, chapter 2: Identifying Competitive Advantages; The Five Forces Model Evaluating Business Segments. The Five Forces Model. [Image] http://bus2700-spring08.blogspot.com/2008/01/chapter-two-identifying-competitive.html Electronic Source Image 17 Greenwich University; Course Work: The Profitability of UK Retailers Case Study Scenario. Tutors notes on Industrial Analysis: Five Forces Model Article 5.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Reference: Bibliography: http://www.google.com CASE STUDY 6- THE NOVOTEL VALUE CHAIN 17 6.1 Use the VRIO framework to evaluate Novotels capabilities. 18In order to have a sustained competitive advantage the firm needs to evaluate its resources and capabilities done through the VRIO framework. Below is a VRIO framework for the Novotel hotel. CAPABILITIES V R I O Implications for Competitiveness Customer service delivery; such as hospitality, greetings, warmth. Yes No No No Competitive parity Marketing techniques through distribution systems. Yes Yes/ No No No Temporary competitive advantage Firm infrastructure and Procurement through good relationships with suppliers. Yes Yes Yes No Sustainable competitive advantage Retention of Staff through staff exchange. Yes Yes No No Temporary competitive advantage Standardized system throughout the locations worldwide. Yes Yes No No Temporary competitive advantage Multi-skilled Staff. Yes Yes Yes Yes Sustainable competitive advantage Table 1 Service design is one of the key resources that Novotel has, making it valuable. It includes the layout of the hotel allowing the customers to easily access the public spaces such as bars and restaurants. Distribution systems are attained by good relationships with distributors. Novotel has achieved to operate in both individual and corporate business as well as leisure markets. Firm infrastructure and Procurement Novotels relationships with partners develop a strong bond creating a valuable asset to the organization. Its efficiency allows delivering both economies of scale and scope making it rare and difficult to imitate. Staff retention is the most essential resource required in this industry. To retain and motivate, is a challenge Novotel was competent to do, thus reducing staff turnover through staff exchanges resulting to value creation. Standardization in all the locations worldwide is another benefit that Novotel has; allowing the staff to understand basic functions. This technique is valued and rare. Novotels Multi-skilled staff creates an exceptional resource and is most valued. The skills given to them during the training makes them capable of doing multiple tasks. Most of the capabilities conclude to be temporary competitive, since the industry is such that many competitors can imitate most of the capabilities and resources that the Novotel hotel has, directly or indirectly. Hence Novotels most sustainable competitive advantages are obtaining and retaining its multi-skilled staff that can work flexibly as well as having good relationships with suppliers. Number Reference list Reference type 18 tophotelsphuket.com, Top Hotels in Phuket, Thailand, Novotel Hotels and Resorts Novotel logo [Image] http://www.tophotelsphuket.com/hotels/novotel-hotels-phuket.htm Electronic Source Cover Page Image 19 Applying the VRIO Framework: An Overview; VRIO Analysis. http://academic.udayton.edu/DianeSullivan/Other%20Helpful%20Files/Applying%20the%20VRIO%20Framework.doc Abraham Z. et al, Pacific Lutheran University School of Business, Vodafone Strategic Evaluation; VRIO Analysis, 2007. http://www.plu.edu/~vennataj/doc/vodafone.doc Scott Gallagher, 2004; Why do firm performance differ? Internal Analysis VRIO Analysis; Updated on 1st Nov 2007, http://falcon.jmu.edu/~gallagsr/WDFPD-Internal.pdf Greenwich University; Course Work: The Novotel Value Chain Case Study Scenario Tutors notes on: VRIO Analysis Electronic Source Word Doc. Electronic Source Word Doc. Electronic Source PDF Doc Article 6.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Reference: Bibliography: http://www.google.com CASE STUDY 7- THE LEVISS PERSONAL PAIR PROPOSAL 19 7.1 What position in the market does Levis occupy (use the strategy clock to characterize its position)? 20Bowman derived the strategic clock into four quadrants, having eight dimensions namely; No fill, Low price strategy, Hybrid, Differentiation, Focused differentiation, Increased price / Standard value, Increased price / Low value, Standard price/ Low value. The clock is compared in terms of Perceived Price and Perceived Benefit or Added Value as shown below. 21Figure 1 By using the strategic clock, Levis business environment is positioned to be in the fourth category which is the Differentiation. This is because; Levis offers a variety of products that have added value as well as a premium price slightly higher than the normal in order to satisfy the consumers needs. Levis products have Quality, Brand Image and Product Design and as a result creates Price premium, Customer Loyalty, giving the company a competitive advantage against its competitors. Due to Levis brand recognition and loyalty, its price offered is also slightly higher than its rivals therefore prevents itself from entering the price-based competition. As said in the case; Due to brand recognition and loyalty they did not enter into price based competition thus controlling reasonable price premium Levis also provides a wide range of products such as pants, shorts, skirts, jackets, and outwear. As said in the case; while blue jeans remain the companys mainstay, the San Francisco based company also sells pants made of corduroy, twill and various other fabrics as well as shorts, skirts, jackets, and outwear. With a premium price, along with its strong brand name, Levis has been able to position itself in the differentiation category, resulting into value-added products, hence gaining higher profit margins. 7.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Reference: Number Reference list Reference type 20 Feed the Interns A Daily Bite, Thursday, August 12th, 2010, Levis arent just for dads anymore?; Levis Logo [Image] http://feedtheinternsblog.blogspot.com/ Electronic Source Cover Page Image 21 Dagmar Recklies, April 2001, Literature by: David Faulkner and Cliff Bowman, The Management.de The Essence of Competitive Strategy, The Strategic Clock Strategies on the basis of price and value: Differentiation strategy. http://www.themanagement.de/ressources/Strategy%20Clock.htm Strategy Explorers, Bases of Competitive Advantage: The Strategy Clock http://www.strategyexplorers.com/whitepapers/Do-you-have-a-competitive-strategy.pdf Zanthus Corp. 2007; Business Strategy Bowman, C. and Faulkner, D.; Competitive and Corporate Strategy; Irwin; 1996 Bowman Strategy Clock http://www.zanthus.com/databank/strategy/business_strategy.php?aspr Greenwich University; Course Work: The Levis Personal Pair Proposal Case Study Scenario. Tutors notes on: VRIO Analysis Electronic Source- Article Electronic Source- PDF Doc Electronic Source- Article Article 22 Zanthus Corp. 2007; Business Strategy Bowman, C. and Faulkner, D.; Competitive and Corporate Strategy; Irwin; 1996 -Bowman Strategy Clock:[Image] http://www.zanthus.com/databank/strategy/business_strategy.php?aspr Electronic Source- Article Bibliography: http://www.google.com CASE STUDY 8- THE VIRGIN GROUP 22 8.1 Does the virgin Group, as a corporate parent, add value to its businesses? If so how? 23According to Johnson et al, Corporate parenting is the level of management above that of the business units, and therefore without direct interaction with buyers and competitors. (Johnson et al, 2009, p.172). Below are some of the areas through which the Virgin Group corporate parent adds value to its businesses. First the corporate parent has added value in establishing a strong brand name such as being a consumers champion through which barriers to entry could be overcome. Virgin is a reputed and well known brand in the market, thus enabling it to expand itself in static markets. In addition, the Virgin Group has a good resource management team. Branson together with his expertise and experienced team, review business proposals every week, out of which, appropriate prospects that match with the Virgin brand are then discussed. This enables Virgin to identify industries as well as institutionalized markets in which to enter. Moreover, the corporate parent assists in reducing organizational risks by entering into many joint ventures. Through these ventures Virgin, is able to penetrate new or untapped feasible markets allowing it attain low costs as well as expansion. Furthermore, Virgin Groups management style and leadership system is decentralized providing its managers with flexibility in decision making. Branson is mostly involved when it comes to marketing and promotion. In terms of innovation, the brand name itself tends to invite like minded partners to venture new m

Identity Crisis in Canadian Film Essay -- Canada Movie Movies Films es

Identity Crisis in Canadian Film Much has been written about the ways in which Canada's state as a nation is, as Peter Harcourt writes, "described" and hence, "imagined" (Harcourt, "The Canadian Nation -- An Unfinished Text", 6) through the cultural products that it produces. Harcourt's terms are justifiably elusive. The familiar concept of "Canadian culture", and hence Canadian cinema, within critical terminology is essentially based on the principle that the ideology of a national identity, supposedly limited by such tangible parameters as lines on a map, emerges from a common geographical and mythological experience among its people. The concept that cultural products produced in Canada will be somehow innately "Canadian" in form and content first presupposes the existence of such things as inherently Canadian qualities that can be observed. Second, it presupposes a certain commonality to all Canadian artists and posits them as vessels through which these said "inherently Canadian qualities" can naturally flow. T hird, it also assumes the loosely Lacanian principle that Canadian consumers of culture are predisposed to identify and enjoy the semiotic and mythological systems of their nation, and further connotes that Canadians have fair access to their own cultural products. Since these assumptions are indeed flawed but not altogether false, this paper will deal with the general relationship between the concept of Canada, its cultural texts, and its mythological and critical discourse as an unresolved problematic that should be left "open" in order to maximize the "meaning potential" of films as cultural texts within the context of "national identity," an ideological construct that remains constantly in flux. However pr... ...cate American entertainment films. But what was the cost to the development of Canada's supposed "cultural identity" and the perogative of the Canadian filmmaker to make a film without mimicking Classic Hollywood style and theme? Toward the mid-1980s, following the demise of the Capital Cost Allowance tax shelter in 1982, the "success" of a Canadian film was determined less by its forecast box office potential. The trend in the late 1970s and the early 1980s towards what Ted Magder calls the "If you can't beat `em join `em" (Magder, 169) relationship with the commercial Hollywood production infrastructure, was met in the mid-1980s by an equally vehement movement, which maintained that the infiltration of American culture and the adoption of their economic or "big-business" approach was precisely the problem with the Canadian film industry, and hence Canadian films. Identity Crisis in Canadian Film Essay -- Canada Movie Movies Films es Identity Crisis in Canadian Film Much has been written about the ways in which Canada's state as a nation is, as Peter Harcourt writes, "described" and hence, "imagined" (Harcourt, "The Canadian Nation -- An Unfinished Text", 6) through the cultural products that it produces. Harcourt's terms are justifiably elusive. The familiar concept of "Canadian culture", and hence Canadian cinema, within critical terminology is essentially based on the principle that the ideology of a national identity, supposedly limited by such tangible parameters as lines on a map, emerges from a common geographical and mythological experience among its people. The concept that cultural products produced in Canada will be somehow innately "Canadian" in form and content first presupposes the existence of such things as inherently Canadian qualities that can be observed. Second, it presupposes a certain commonality to all Canadian artists and posits them as vessels through which these said "inherently Canadian qualities" can naturally flow. T hird, it also assumes the loosely Lacanian principle that Canadian consumers of culture are predisposed to identify and enjoy the semiotic and mythological systems of their nation, and further connotes that Canadians have fair access to their own cultural products. Since these assumptions are indeed flawed but not altogether false, this paper will deal with the general relationship between the concept of Canada, its cultural texts, and its mythological and critical discourse as an unresolved problematic that should be left "open" in order to maximize the "meaning potential" of films as cultural texts within the context of "national identity," an ideological construct that remains constantly in flux. However pr... ...cate American entertainment films. But what was the cost to the development of Canada's supposed "cultural identity" and the perogative of the Canadian filmmaker to make a film without mimicking Classic Hollywood style and theme? Toward the mid-1980s, following the demise of the Capital Cost Allowance tax shelter in 1982, the "success" of a Canadian film was determined less by its forecast box office potential. The trend in the late 1970s and the early 1980s towards what Ted Magder calls the "If you can't beat `em join `em" (Magder, 169) relationship with the commercial Hollywood production infrastructure, was met in the mid-1980s by an equally vehement movement, which maintained that the infiltration of American culture and the adoption of their economic or "big-business" approach was precisely the problem with the Canadian film industry, and hence Canadian films.

The Role of an Angry God in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter :: Scarlet Letter Essays

The Role of an Angry God in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter was a novel that was written in the early 1850s by a renowned author, Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1850. Some people say that Hawthorne intended the book to portray God as a benevolent, forgiving, and loving god. Others, such as myself, believe that he had a different idea of who God was; The Scarlet Letter was written in a way that would portray God as an angry, vengeful, being that was slow to forgive. God put seven years of suffering upon Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, for a sin whom he committed with Hester Prynne. When he finally confessed and his life looked like it was about to get better, God abruptly ended his time on the earth. Hester Prynne was almost shunned by everyone, even the sunshine. Her daughter, Pearl, was constantly saying things to Hester that would cause her pain. Another man, whose life was damaged by the sin, was Dr. Roger Chillingworth. He was not part of the sin, but still suffered from it. His incredible knowledge of healing, a value to the entir e town, was ruined by the quest for revenge upon Reverend Dimmesdale. All four of these lives were ruined, all because of one small sin committed by two people. A merciful, forgiving, benevolent god would never let that happen. Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale was a young minister, who was greatly loved by the Puritan community. Some said that he would someday benefit the New England Church as much as the apostles had helped the early Christian faith. Unfortunately, that is not what happened. Instead, Reverend Dimmesdale was constantly depressed and physically deteriorating. In a chat with Hester in the forest, Hester asked him if he had found peace, and he responded, "None! -nothing but despair! What else could I look for being what I am, and leading a life such as mine? Were I an atheist... I might have found peace... But, as matters stand with my soul... all of God's gifts that were the choicest have become torment. Hester, I am miserable!" (182). Later in their conversation, Hester said, accurately, to Dimmesdale, "Thou art crushed under this seven years' weight of misery" (188). For seven years, Arthur Dimmesdale's life was filled with nothing but pain and suffering. Would a kind and merciful god put a minis ter that devoted his life to God through the kind of torment that Reverend Dimmesdale was given?

Piggy Essay

Piggy was the most technical and constructional boy in his group. Piggy represented technology, which must be built upon the basis of order of civilization. Under Ralph’s unstable rule, Piggy’s words were not listened. Because things that directly affect their daily life, such as safe food and concern of monster, were more important than hopes to be rescued, people overlooked Piggy’s opinions. Under barbarian society, technology was never used for its adequate purpose. When power takes over order, Piggy was abused frequently, for he was not an important source of dictator’s interest. Piggy frequently argued about Jack’s decisions, and, someday, Piggy would harm dictator’s position, with his practical methods to be rescued. First of all, Piggy had many useful items and smart idea to use them wisely for everyone. His glasses were the only method to make signal to outside of the island. He guaranteed warm, safe night and food as well. While superstitious rumor were merged from each boy, Piggy suggested another signal on the beach. By his death, he remembered his initial goal, to be rescued, while other boys were fallen in the lawless human nature. His actions were not only for himself, but also for everyone. As being a vestige of lost human civilization, he tried to remind boys the hope of being rescued, and to be organized. However, Piggy’s opinions were not convincing to uncivilized boys, who wanted plans that can make improvements in their lives immediately, but not a preparation that would gradually lead them toward better outcome. Second of all, Piggy had no leadership, because he was physically not appealing, and was not clever enough to send his messages explicitly. He had no interest in playing with other boys, so he did not have any friend, who could support his opinion. He spoke out his opinion regardless of others’ when something does not work in his mind. Most of conversations Piggy had were scolding others, like adult disciplining children. Having anything that would return other boy’s minds, Piggy became an irritant to other boys. Later, he was disregarded by other boys. Therefore, as he was disregarded, his saying also had only a little power. If only he showed his politeness and diligence like an adult, boys would have relied on Piggy. Last of all, Piggy developed plots by making a new topic in the group. He was a strong supporter of Ralph; accordingly he deepened the conflict between barbarism and civilization. He suggested practical and reasonable opinions that deserve to be praised in the civilized society. However, he was deserted and ignored by barbarism. In the correspondence with the theme, Piggy amplified the bad aspect of barbarism. Every boy was adapted in civilized world, but possessed savage instinct as well. Piggy did the job of the symbol of vestige of civilization after barbarism overwhelmed civilization. Golding advanced the theme with Piggy, by showing reckless behavior of boys, pretending to be civilized, but illustrating barbarism. Piggy was outstanding in thinking, but poor in eloquence. He deserves to be praised that Piggy did not care of other’s ungrounded blames, so he suggested his proper opinions. However, it is definitely wrong that Piggy didn’t consider other’s mind. However, Golding used Piggy in a sense that how people these days in a civilization may not care for others’ feelings and be selfish, but smart and effective in other way.

King Kong Movie Comparison

The King of Kong The movies King Kong (1976) and King Kong (2005) based on the 1933 film are some of the most captivating films that offer to the audience memorable characters, resonating emotions, thrilling actions and archetypal narratives. Bierman indicates that the heart-stopping and jaw-dropping King Kong films have been made to expand visual languages mostly expressed by motion pictures to capture the core appeal which many classic movies have (57).As this paper examines, the 1976 King Kong movie and its 2005 re-make display certain similarities and differences in terms of art, style and technological wonder as well as poignant character development. These are indicative of the evolution of the Hollywood style. Besides, as movies of high polysemy quality, their audience draw attention to aspects like overt sexism, misogyny, cultural portrayal of women as fault makers and victims, fears of miscegenation, racist ideologies and capitalist fables.It is against this front that this paper holistically examines the two King Kong movies and concludes by exploring the American culture, society and politics at the time when both films were made. The movie King Kong made in 1976 was produced by Dino De Laurentis alongside John Guillermin as the director. Being an American monster movie, King Kong (1976) remarkably reflected the 1933 King Kong classic film (Farber 104). This movie stars Jessica Lange, Charles Grodin and Jessica bridges.According to credible sources, the King Kong 1976 movie whose cost of making is estimated to have been $24 million was done by the universal studio and distributed by Paramount Pictures. While the 1976 movie has been considered by critics to bear a lot of fun, one would agree with the common wisdom which contends that in comparison to the classic 1933 film and the 2005 re-make, the 1976 King Kong movie was considerably below the expected standards. According to Stymeist, this was reflected in its lack of original magic as it was in the earlier movie (400).This is reflected in Rick Baker who in his monkey suit robs the movie stop motion technology thereby making it void of craftsmanship. However, it is agreeable that the rendition of the 1976 movie has a breezy feel and is also quite thrilling to the target audience. Both the 1976 and 2005 King Kong movies bring out the story of a voyage in a ship to a discovered island where Petrox and Fred Wilson and Carl Denham believe that they were vast oil deposits. The movie made in 1976 is a reflection of the oil crisis that was a problem in the 1970’s.While in the ship, certain characters such as Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange join each other with a unique mission. On the island, they meet island tribes, many monsters just as depicted in the 1933 film. Later on after a series of events, Kong is brought to New York and concludes by a major battle between Kong and the American army at the top of the World Trade Center. On the other hand, the 2005 King Kong film is a remarkable fantasy adventure film starring Andy Serkis, Adrien Brody, Jack Black and Naomi Watts.The producers of the movie include Frank Walsh, Peter Jackson, Carolynne Cunningham and Jan Blenkin. Besides, the studio that produced the movie is said to be the Universal studio and its US distributor is the Universal Pictures. It is imperative to point out that the choice of re-making the American iconic masterpiece King Kong (1973 movie) by Peter Jackson has been termed as a major fulfillment of a Hollywood dream. This movie is a combination of the 1976 and 1933 versions that represents the definitive King Kong.Albeit the several wrinkles and changes it has, the storyline pays few direct homage one of which includes the hammiest verbatim dialogue snatch where the absence of Fay Wray is experienced as she prepares something for Cooper. Schleier in his view points out that the 2005 film displays the kind of dislike where Jackson shows towards the 1976 version (40). This is mirrored in the manner in which he freely borrows from the 1976 movie and changes others. For instance, the 1973 movie has a one-way relationship between the monkey and the girl while in the 2005 film, the relationship is reciprocal.Even so, it is without doubt that the movie is more touching, daring, and energetic. Its two hours displays intense series of action most movies lack. It offers a cinematic experience that is richer and satisfying. However, some critics are of the view that the presence of monkey opus in the 2005 film is excessive. This makes the movie less enjoyable. The two movies have one basic theme that is being developed. The self-promoting and obsessive filmmakers of both movies load the crews of the films in a venture ship to a mysterious destination known as the Skull Island.When at the island, the crew’s expectations appear to be changed by the hostile tribes and monsters they meet. Kong then appears and rescues the girl from the hostile environment, and also ends u p taking charge of the rest of the movie. From the American Cinema/America Culture textbook stand point, both movies and their style of production are very impressive. The plots of the movies are considerably straight forward as depicted by the flow of events from the arrival at the skull island to the kidnapping of the girl by islanders whose cultures are different from that of the crew.Besides, apart from the modernized changes in the 2005 film, both movies display character development and cultural diversity. Though this is not quite prominent, the personalities of Kong and individuals in the island community are well explored. In addition, Prime argues that the re-make of the 1976 film in 2005 reflects Jackson’s utmost reverence and best intention in keeping the originality of style (64). While the American social setting and culture is a factor that changes from time to time, Jackson appears to underscore the need to maintain originality.Even so, there are traces of diff erences in the film in terms of use of technology and theme development. However, Prime admits that the 2005 movie unlike that of the 1976 is choked with homages from the 1933 film. This is indicative from the design of the opening title to the various cut versions of the of the 1933 film that include snippets of dialogue and the attack by bugs. The obsequiousness of Jackson in the 2005 version compared to the 1976 is not merely fawning, but also makes the movie excessively long.To concur with the above argument, it is indeed true that 2005 edition has a monkey business that lasts for almost three hours. While its style resembles those of the original plot with culture and society matters, the mass population of monstrous creatures led by the monstrous Kong seems to be excessive. Critics are not shy to point out that the style of the re-make is full of extra characters, side plots and back-story. However, Belton is of the view that these are critical in bringing adequate comparison of performance, richness, diversity and magical experience (66).The theme of the 2005 film is surprisingly on loneliness than fighting the gargantuan monsters. The intense emotional display brings out Kong as an uber-furball played off by Naomi Watts. It is imperative to point out that the movie essentials in the 2005 re-making remains faithful in terms of basics contained on the 1973 movie. However, Jackson gives this movie his own artistic style. Unlike the monster-kind of movie displayed in the 1973 film, Jackson appears to make King Kong more sympathetic and deeply emotional. Farber indicates that this appears to torture the film (110).From the American Cinema perspective, one of the most difficult parts of a movie is the aesthetic and technological category whose confinements can be mise-en-scene to shot limits or frame borders (Belton 57). In the movie, the reaction of characters to unseen noises and voices continuing over cuts and outside the frame stands out. In addition, it is imperative to note that the movies are shot on different locations and yet music, sound effects and dialogue extend from scene to scene. Belton points out that the editing process of King Kong has its integral aspect on sound editing cut from shot to shot (57).While its score in music is nondescript, its recording is unique and the music is less intrusive. Visually, the movie is marvelous, a factor that is attributed to no location shooting and technology. This makes its scenes especially the Skull Island to appear claustrophobic and eerie. On a technical level, the special effects in King Kong appear amazing and polished. It is without doubt that the visual technique used in the re-make is exclusive with all features of Kong – which has been manipulated by hand.One would argue that the re-make in 2005 puts life in the Hollywood magical experience. While this may be true, it is also undeniable that King Kong reflects the culture and style of the past five decades and has occasional antiquated styles and various deficiencies (Sexton 40). Furthermore, both films have sufficient pictographic representations of the dynamism in society that gives them a thematic score. Notably, there emerges a technical difference in the films whereby each version portrays the actual occurrences during the various times they were produced.For instance, the visual displays of the new vision have colorful designs and even the costume provide a clear evidence of social evolution in the modern world. Needless to say, the films portray three-point illumination that gives them a classical look in the scene. On the same note, there is a clear coordination of the music, dialogue and sound effects in the scene. Nevertheless, for the new version, it appears more realistic. In this case, the combination of sound mix with the tracks in the scene creates an appealing attitude for the audience.The sound effects from the music actually create and make the dialogue and the acting scene more intelligible. The matches on the scene such as actions and graphics create a continuous sequence. Consequently, this credits the film as one of the groundbreaking versions of a renowned movie. It is evident from the paper that the movie King Kong of 1976 and its 2005 re-make are some of the most captivating films that offer everything from memorable characters, resonating emotions, thrilling actions and archetypal narratives which keeps its legacy continuing.As noted earlier, the 1976 movie was shot at a time when there was an oil crisis in the US. This event is displayed in the movie as Carl Denham moves to the Skull Island to seek oil. Besides, the culture of that time as reflected in the manner of worship, social and political relations were different from the time when the movie was undergoing re-making. Vices and cultures like human sacrifice and worship of gigantic beasts were common. The changes made by Jackson in the re-make 2005 movie reflect a different society.One su ch change is that emergence of a technical difference where each version portrays change in technology and culture. Works Cited Belton, John. American cinema/American culture. Rockefeller, New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008. Print. Bierman,  Joseph. â€Å"Cinema at the periphery†. Journal of Film and Video  63. 2  (2011):  56-58. Print. Farber, Helmut. â€Å"King Kong: One more interpretation, or, what cinema tells about itself. †Ã‚  Discourse  22. 2  (2000):  104-127. Print. Loxton,  Daniel. â€Å"Skull Island, Canada. †Ã‚  Skeptic  14. 1  (2008):  12-14. Print. Prime, Rebecca. â€Å"Living dangerously: the adventures of Merian C.Cooper, Creator of King Kong. Film Quarterly  60. 2  (2006):  63-64. Print. Schleier,  Merrill. â€Å"The empire state building, working-class masculinity, and King Kong. †Ã‚  Mosaic: a Journal for the Interdisciplinary Study of Literature  41. 2  (2008):  29-54. Print. Sexton,  Jared. â€Å"The ruse of engagement: black masculinity and the cinema of policing. †Ã‚  American Quarterly  61. 1  (2009):  39-64. Print. Stymeist,  David. â€Å"Myth and the monster cinema. †Ã‚  Anthropologica  51. 2  (2009):  395-406. Print. King Kong (2005). Movie. Universal Pictures. WingNut Films. King Kong (1976). Movie. Dino De Laurentiis Company.

The Daily Telegraph

For my coursework piece, I decided to a newspaper editorial which had been published online. The piece was written as if it had been published in The Daily Telegraph, a right-wing middle class newspaper. I chose to do the piece because I am interested in current affairs and newspapers, and I am a very opinionated person. I thought that a newspaper column would be a good place to share my opinion on the topical story of waterboarding. For my style model, I went onto the Telegraph's website and found a newspaper column by Boris Johnson, the Conservative Mayor of London. As a Conservative, his column had a slight anti-Labour bias, although it was very subtle and often humorous. I attempted to replicate this when I mentioned that waterboarding is classed as an ‘enhanced interrogation technique' and quickly quipped that that was â€Å"more spin in one phrase than Alaistair Campbell managed in an entire dossier† – a reference to the controversial September Dossier which ‘sexed up' claims that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction. From that quote, we can see some of the writer's persona, seeing immediately that they are critical of the Iraq War, despite later making it clear he is a Conservative (â€Å"thankfully, I'm a son of Thatcher†). We can see more of the writer's persona throughout, by writing with a high register, we see that they are quite sophisticated and maybe slightly arrogant. The piece starts with a graphic description of what would happen to a victim of waterboarding, but as it features direct address, it makes the reader feel like that it is happening to them – â€Å"you have a bag over your head†, â€Å"you are shackled†, â€Å"you feel like you are drowning†. After each description of the torture, the actual theme is introduced. Originally, my piece was going to follow a structure by which each waterboarding scenario would be followed by the writer's opinion, but before my final draft I decided that this actually distracted from the main point of the article, so I decided not to continue with this idea. My main argument starts in the paragraph beginning â€Å"Let's be clear on this matter†. That sentence of â€Å"let us be clear† makes it seem like I know what I am talking about and that I am being completely honest. My arguments are further bolstered by listing officials who have disagreed with George Bush's claims, such as the Director of Public Prosecutions and the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights. The summing up of my arguments begins with George Bush's original comment which sparked this news story. The language used in the ensuing four paragraphs is emotive, and reads almost as if it were a speech. It really attempts to put the reader on the side of writer, and make them believe that Bush was completely out of order. The story was published on the week on which Remembrance Day fell, so I as the writer incorporated this to try and shock the reader and make them nod sagely in agreement with me when I state that the reason we entered the Word Wars in the first place was to â€Å"fight for our lives and our rights†, and then contrasting that by saying that Bush â€Å"a former leader of the free world† can say that â€Å"freedom and democracy†¦ can go to pot if it might save some lives†. The following one clause sentences have a short and long lasting impact by simply refuting Bush's claims. I enjoyed writing this piece, as it gave me a chance to put my opinions forward. Having my peers read my work and give feedback was a good experience that I enjoyed, as I like people correcting me and reading my work.

Admission Essay for Counseling Psychology Program

My country, Serbia, underwent a period of terror and wars, especially during the NATO Bombing in 1999. This marking event in our history taught me more than what my formal education could. Before this disaster struck, I was a full-time student and the University of Pristina majoring in English Language and Literature. During the high of political upheavals, the situation in Kosovo was already tense.Minorities had constant provocations, and hatred had a firm imprint on the people. My life was heavily influenced, as well as my education. I had experienced first hand what it means to be â€Å"persona non grate† in the your childhood community.I wished everyone could understand what this meant for all of us, regardless of who we were and where we came from. Being prosecuted and not having the right to enjoy our college days was a sour memory, but something I live by as a source of my strength. I experienced biases and prejudice, yet I stand firm.I was treated badly, but my dreams never blurred from my sight. I was emotionally affected, but I was more inspired to pursue these dreams, and become a counselor. Freedom in this country was taken for granted, and our college life overlooked.The war made it necessary for me to leave Pristina and Kosovo. Shocked and scared, I came back to a home where fires, bombings and NATO planes assailed my daily itinerary. The screeching sirens did not help our situation. It seemed that we merely waited for the bomb to drop on our heads and defy us from mere existence.During all the madness, I tried to suppress my stress by being optimistic for my family and friends.   As a child, I have been my family's â€Å"corrupter of words†, as I've always seen myself as one of Shakespeare’s fools. My mom always pointed out my ability to rearrange words and it's meanings to create a personal â€Å"philosophical† statement.I would often add humor when the our lives would seem bland, other times when we feel the panic crawling through our bones, and fear completely etching our faces. The bombings taught us this.As you watch the planes every day, you'd get to realize that there are things you can do as not to be so stressed. Since we could not prevent the many disasters in our lives, we can re-frame the fear and pain to something more positive. The idea was to live your life as normally as possible, by teaching yourself to be blind of some of the negative events in our lives.It wasn't all that bad during those terrifying days. There were positive outcomes as well, like in social gatherings where the unique humor and spirit in my culture gave me a good faith and optimism to survive next days. If I couldn’t eliminate stress by changing or ignoring the situation, the least I could do was offer social support.My profound interest in teaching English to people of different languages didn’t falter due to the war. It allowed me to complete my education on time, and start my career as an Eng lish teacher. In the classroom, it is particularly important for me to understand the point of view of the student, and use humor and real-life situations to get my points across.I developed my interest in researching about language through my undergraduate studies. My greater interest is on how sociocultural factors have an impact on the awareness, design, implementation, and assessment of a second language in a multicultural community, in comparison to those in culturally homogeneous communities.ESL classes in Serbia were more British oriented, both in linguistics and culture. As a young teacher, I have always been open to new teaching methods. I also tried to add novelties into the curriculum. My decision to spend a year in the United States was supported by my desire to learn more about the American culture.I believe this will broaden my perspectives on cultural diversity and different systems of education. Furthermore, this will heighten my personal and professional development . I can say that life can be very unpredictable because my one year visit become a life of adventure and possibilities by studying psychology.You would know if you are experiencing life if the wind pushes you in all directions. My senses were surrounded with uncertainty as I involved myself in a different culture. I knew how it felt to be a little fish in a big pond. Being an international student from Eastern Europe did not prepare me for the many interesting things a new country can offer me.The initial knowledge gained from textbooks, and the places I've traveled to see, were put to waste as I stepped onto unknown territory. I felt helpless, and wanted desperately to go home. I could have been with my family, a cup of cappuccino and the newspaper within my grasps. However, even though I experienced culture shock, I believe hands-on education is still the best teacher.Soon after arriving in a new country, I was caught between my old values from my native culture, and the new value s of the host culture. I was pressured to adapt in order to survive. Adjusting to a new culture, new system, and new life, was not an easy task. But my ability to adapt allowed me to face any obstacle. My goals were always set whenever I face any challenge. I never let my self-esteem falter.I love to feel challenged because it makes me work twice as hard. I proved this by obtaining my second undergraduate degree (BA in Liberal Arts/Psychology) and graduating with the highest honors.   I always tried to reach for the stars.   But the opposite side of the coin is nostalgia. Something that is present when I am working, studying, eating, and even when sleeping.Being an international student among fellow foreigners in the US made me realize how much social support and understanding was necessary to challenge and achieve academically in other countries. By considering the problems students have in the US, and by developing different approaches and solutions, I believe I can be a great counselor in a multicultural world. Just by the thought of it made me eager to learn more, and increase the repertoire of counseling styles and skills alongside others.During my senior year of college, I conducted an extensive literature review on â€Å"psychosocial adjustment issues of international students and the need for social support†. I refined my research skills in data analysis using SPSS, as well as my ability to present my findings in the manner of an accepted professional research paper.I enjoyed conducting the literature review the most, approaching it as a scavenger hunt and considering the quantity and quality of information found as my reward. This project, along with my other undergraduate studies, prepared me for the rigors of graduate study and the parameters of successful research. Professional experiences, research, and undergraduate courses at Menlo College have further stimulated my interest in psychology and reinforced my conviction that I am well su ited to the field.Although these varied research experiences have provided me with fundamental skills, I still feel the need for more training. In retrospect, college was one of the most stimulating periods in my life, and I found tremendous determination to achieve my goal of helping others through the study of psychology.Looking from the prospective of a student gave me more retrospection on my teaching profession, which I love so much.   However, life is an intriguing railroad with many stations.   Some of those stations I got off at were good experiences and some bad. But over all, it has been a journey that continues on.Helping others reach their goals, having a positive attitude, and dedicating both personal and professional growth were the traits I held when I entered Menlo College.   They remain as an integral part of my work ethic today.My international student experience, and many research projects, have helped me achieve a theoretical foundation for the important wo rk of helping students succeed in college. We must have an understanding and compassion for diverse student populations. I learned this from the years of teaching experience. Furthermore, I am able to demonstrate my strengths and abilities to relate effectively with individuals from all levels and cultural backgrounds.These experiences have not only taught me valuable lessons about student life, but have also reinforced my interest in pursuing my career in counseling psychology. Graduate school will enable me to develop vital research and counseling skills, and the solid academic background that I need to be a successful counselor and researcher.A master's program in counseling psychology will not only cultivate and refine my involvement in research, but also equip me to deal with the challenges of an MS program. The combination of MFT and my counseling degree will enable me to fulfill my career aspirations and passion for helping students in need. Furthermore, I can prepare myself in facing the complexity of psychotherapy and unpredictability when dealing with emotional issues of individuals and their families.I have all the traits needed to be a good counselor. Undoubtedly, my devotion to my education will be the greatest asset of all. Being able to successfully help   individuals in the future will be my greatest reward for the effort and investment I will put myself into

Kant and the Categorical Imperative Essay

The possibility of the existence of right and wrong has been a subject of discussion among philosophers for centuries and many theories have been presented to answer the question of whether morals exist. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), the great German philosopher is one who has contributed profoundly to the world of philosophy and especially in regards to his thought on the subject of morality. Kant disagreed with Hume that morality is objective and not subjective. Kant wanted to propose a pure moral philosophy, one of absolute necessity and independent of all human feelings, because if it not so, it will not be absolute and binding upon every person. The purpose of morality is to affect our behaviour and that it is reason that makes humans moral and not feelings or preferences. We shall explore some of the a priori foundations of morality paying special attention to Kant’s ‘categorical imperative’ and what exactly this was designed to solve in moral theory. To have moral worth, an act must be done in the name of one’s duty, the moral worth of this act is taken from the principle from which it’s determined, not from what it aims to accomplish and that duty is necessary when one is acting out of respect for the law. A shopkeeper giving the buyer the right amount of change because the law states one must not steal, this is an example of a legal action because rules are being followed but for the wrong reasons. A shopkeeper returning the correct amount of change because it belongs to the customer is an example of a moral action because the action is being done for the right reasons. Kant adopts the view of morality as an ‘unconditional ought’, as opposed to a ‘conditional ought’ By this he means that one should perform an act without considerations of the merits that that act may produce, in comparison with acting in order for something else to happen. This implies that acts that are moral are those t hat are done without being done for the sake of the merit or reward that they may bring to the person. Kant claimed that moral behaviour does not guarantee the attainment of happiness; rather that good will is crucial for actually deserving happiness. â€Å"Nothing in the world–indeed nothing even beyond the world–can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualification  except a good will† (Kant 1964 p.27). By the ‘good will’ Kant means that a good will is not good because what it performs or what it effects but that it is simply good in itself. The good will is the will which acts out of respect for the moral law and from freedom, but actions such as these, if motivated by selfish or emotional factors, will then have no moral worth. There is a great deal of stress placed on the intention behind the act, consider giving money to charity for the sake of helping out, without any need for any ego gratification or such self-serving purposes, this is an instance of â€Å"good will†. Kant’s most well known contribution to ethical discussion is the categorical imperative. There are three key propositions that form the basis of Kant’s ethics. They are: act only on that maxim (principle) through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law, act in a way that you never treat humanity as a means to an end and that you act as if you were a lawmaker member of a kingdom of ends. These three principles form the categorical imperative. For Kant the source of moral justification is the categorical imperative. It presents a method to determine whether or not an act may be considered to be morally correct. An imperative is either categorical or hypothetical. Kant writes, â€Å"If now the action is good only as a means to something else, then the imperative is hypothetical; if it is conceived as good in itself and consequently as being necessarily the principle of a will which of itself conforms to reason, then it is categorical . . . .† (Kant 1989 p.31) As humans we all have subjective impulses – desires and inclinations that may contradict the dictates of reason. These desires, whether they are material objects or gratify us in a sexual or psychological way, may in fact contradict the dictates of reason. Therefore we experience the claim of reason as an imperative, a command to act in a particular way. Kant views a person to be most free when they can overcome their temptations and it is this freedom that helps us make sense of morality. The categorical imperative emphasises the means for completing an action and places little meaning on the end result of an action, whereas the hypothetical imperative places much emphasis on the end result of an action. It is an imperative because it dictates what we should do, disregarding our desires. As rational beings we are guided through life by  laws and principles, in the form of an imperative which simply orders us â€Å"you must do this† regardless of any desires which we may have. Hypothetical imperatives apply to us if we have a particular desire, â€Å"go to university if you want to become a philosopher†. An act becomes imperative when it ought to be applied to everyone, hence the basic statement of the categorical imperative being to act only on maxims that you could will to become universal laws of human nature (Kant). A categorical imperative would command you to do X inasmuch as X is  intrinsically right, that is, right in and of itself, aside from any other considerations–no â€Å"ifs,† no conditions, no strings attached . . . a categorical imperative is  unconditional (no â€Å"ifs†) and independent of any things, circumstances, goals, or desires.  It is for this reason that only a categorical imperative can be a universal and binding  law, that is, a moral law, valid for all rational beings at all times. (Miller 1984 p.462) Immorality then would be to make exceptions for ourselves by acting only on maxims that we cannot universalize out of our own will. It is those who act in such a way and then expect others to act different to our way, who are immoral. The categorical imperative acts as a formula for universal law; by stating the prerequisites that an act must have to be considered moral, it presents a comparison for people to be able to see if they are acting morally, this being to act only on principles that you could will to become universal laws by which all who wish to act morally must comply with. It determines whether any act is right or wrong, so to do the opposite would be contradictory and this would then be an act that is not morally correct. An example that Kant puts forward in â€Å"Good Will, Duty, and the Categorical Imperative,† (1989) to depict this is of a man who is in extreme despair and contemplating suicide. By taking his own life he would be universalizing the principle that in order to love himself he should end his life (by doing this he is trying to improve his life by ending the despair he is feeling). Killing himself would in fact do nothing to improve his life because he would have no life at all! So you see how these contradictory acts undermine those that may be classified as morally right. Although Kant’s categorical imperative has been widely read and accepted by some it has had criticism. Some philosophers have thought of it as absolutist, being too ‘black and white.’ But when thinking of humanity and society in which we reside, looking at morality according to the categorical imperative allows a standard rule for everyone to follow. If it was alright for some people to steal and not others this we could not call a moral and fair society. There needs to be a rule or comparison so that what acts are right and what are wrong may be differentiated from each other and the wrong acts then dealt with accordingly. Some have asked how only an action which one had no desire to do could ever have any moral worth. This to me does not seem to be what is trying to be expressed in Kantian ethics. It is not the desire per se that makes an act immoral, I think it seems that it is more the fact of this desire being the reason the act is conducted in the first place. If the act is done to fulfil a personal desire or attain that which one desires, then the act is immoral, but if the act is done for the good of the act in itself, for example donating money to an orphanage because one desires to help, then this is still what Kant would regard as a morally right act. Although Kantianism has had a profound effect on some people, producing many elaborations, translations and thought, for some it is not feasible once placed together as a whole. Kant had some very profound ideas but looking at society tody I would think he was definitely on the right thought pattern. Society and we as humans, with our impulses whether good or bad, need a  clarified ethics to follow to help us separate what may be considered right and wrong in a moral sense, and it must be fair and the same for everyone, this is what Kant’s categorical imperative has done by creating a universal law or ‘rule of thumb’ for morality. References: Kant, I. 1989 â€Å"Good Will, Duty, and the Categorical Imperative.† ed. Serafini, A. Ethics and Social Concern, the categorical imperative. New York: Paragon House Publishers Kant, I. 1964 Groundwork and the Metaphysics of Morals, ed. Herbert J. Paton, New York: HarperCollins. Miller, Ed. L. 1984 Questions that Matter: An Invitation to Philosophy, 3rd ed. Colorado: McGraw-Hill, Inc. http://sguthrie.net/kant.htm (accessed on 12/10/04)