Hockey Violence Essay - 1706 Words

Ice in our Blood and Blood on our Ice Ice in our Blood and Blood on our Ice I went to a fight the other night and a hockey game broke out. Rodney Dangerfield. Ever since the start to the game of hockey, violence has always played a role in the sport. While that role both contributing positive and negative aspects to the game, violence has taken its toll on not only the players but the fans as well. As violence in hockey is as many fans say part of the game and what makes â€Å"hockey† hockey, the negative outcomes overweigh the positive. From fights to brawls, slashes to high sticks, boarding to head contact the violence surrounds the entire game. As fans cheer and rant at their full potential when a fight breaks out during a hockey†¦show more content†¦Nevertheless, it is difficult to accept that violence is incidental when NHL players who specialize in fighting, goons or enforcers, are paid a premium for this behavior even though their hockey skills are marginal and those who refuse to fight are consigned to the minor leagues as punishment . However, when looking specifically at the economic value that violence is an attribute of the product intentionally promoted by leagues and teams to increase attendance and profits. The underlying assumption is that fans have a taste for violence, and violence attracts larger crowds, larger crowds increase revenue, which, given costs, increases profits. This hypothesis is compatible with the response of successive NHL presidents when the question of violence is raised: that the league is in the entertainment business and therefore has to put on a spectacle. It is also consistent with the act of paying players a premium to fight and the statistical finding that violence and NHL attendance are positively correlated. While it is quite clear that violence was widespread in hockey before and during the early years of the NHL, when it was strictly a Canadian game, as some of the classic NHL brawls have taken place in Canada between Canadian teams, and the largest NHL fan riot occurred in M ontreal.Show MoreRelatedViolence in Hockey2046 Words   |  9 PagesHockey has always been known to be a physical sport; it is full of body checks, hits from behind, sometimes the misuse of the hockey stick, and even fights. Now all off these are deemed acceptable by hockey fans to a certain extent. When a player swings his stick at another player and an injury occurs to the opposing man the instigator can usually expect to be penalized for a short amount of time, maybe even a suspension from the team for a few games. But when does this violent act on the iceRead MoreViolence in sports refers to the physical acts committed in contact sports such as soccer, hockey,600 Words   |  3 Pages Violence in sports refers to the physical acts committed in contact sports such as soccer, hockey, football and basketball. These acts of violence can include intentional attempts or threats to physically harm another player by the athletes and coaches engaged in spectator sports. Sports violence is widespread with its roots being traced back to the times of Ancient Roman gladiator fights and chariot races. In today’s sports culture, there is a high price placed on victory and sports fans haveRead MoreAnalyzing Violence Aggression in Ice Hockey Players2996 Words   |  12 PagesRunning head: Violence Aggression: Ice Hockey Violence Aggression: Ice Hockey Abstract In the arena of sports today there is a continuous subject in every sport hostility and violence. Aggression can be revealed in a lot of dissimilar methods in sports. In baseball hostility can be chucking a pitch inside to a player or gliding into second base and captivating the other basemen. In basketball it can be a foul that is hard and shoving someone to the ground. And in NASCAR it can be somewhat asRead More†¢Players Who Participate In Athletics Consent And Assume1293 Words   |  6 Pages†¢ Players who participate in athletics consent and assume risk if injury occurs as an aspect of the game. Thus, players who take part in such a dangerous sport as hockey accept the dangers that inhere in it so far as they are obvious and necessary (People v. Schacker). However, if the dangers inherent in the sport were obscure or unobserved or so serious as to justify the belief that precautions of some kind must have been taken to avert them. People engaged in athletic competitio n are generallyRead MoreEssay on Out of Control: Violence in Youth Sports2065 Words   |  9 PagesOut of Control: Violence in Youth Sports On Tuesday March 9, high school students and families exited the Chelmsford Forum following the Eastern Massachusetts’ Division 1 North hockey championship. Those rooting St. John’s (Shrewsbury) departed satisfied that their 13th-seeded Pioneers are heading to the FleetCenter for a chance at the state title. Heavily favored Matignon (Cambridge), however, came out on the short end of the 4-2 final. A heated argument amongst fans escalated. TauntingRead MoreThe Media Production Program At Ryerson University1282 Words   |  6 PagesCapital, 2016). This metaphor fits perfectly for something I love to watch and play: hockey. Canada has been the catalyst that has propelled me into following the National Hockey League (NHL) and adapting to a hockey lifestyle (seen in the lampshade in top right of artifact). Growing up in Canada influenced my friends and family to enjoy hockey. I did not realize it at the time, but part of getting interested in hockey was the need to connect with those around me. One of my most treasured memories isRead MoreThe Cost Of Playing Hockey At The Elite Level2435 Words   |  10 PagesThe cost of playing in hockey at the elite level is simply just too expensive for a typical middle class Canadian family to be able to afford. Hockey Academies are private schools, which are a luxury where you go to school and practice and perfect your skills as a hockey player at the same time. Personal Training and Hockey Schools are tools that could be used to become a better hockey player by getting stronger, faster and more practice time during the off-season. The raise in prices for ice timeRe ad MoreThe Role Of Sports For Athletes And Women Athletes1500 Words   |  6 Pagesexpensive venture and access is largely restricted to wealthy people. For example, in sports like hockey the cost is very high due to registration fees, uniforms, equipment, and facility costs. A recent case involving women field hockey players in Calgary underscores many of these challenges (Nesom, 2014). There are also injuries associated with sports participation (Madigan and Delaney 2009:112), including violence perpetuated by fans of winning and losing teams (Lewis 2009:2) Besnier and Brownell (2012)Read MoreSports Violence Must Be Abolished963 Words   |  4 Pages Hockey, football, and boxing all share something in common; and no I am not referring to the skill, quickness, and finesse that is required for these sports. I am indeed referring to the intense physicality that all three of these sports strongly value. As a devoted hockey fan, I am a witness to a great part of the physicality that takes place. Therefore, I am well aware and understand that physicality is crucial in order to compete in most sports, but we have to draw the line somewhere. When thereRead MoreCharacter Development in Youth Sports Essay2283 Words   |  10 Pagessurveyed in an issue of SportingKid magazine have witnessed ‘violent parental behavior’ toward children, coaches or official at kids’ sporting events, 80% said they had been victims of such behavior. Violence makes headlines too, as Docheff and Conn speak about a father of a 10 year old ice hockey player ‘confronts’ a coach, engages in ‘some verbal sparring’ until asked to leave. Then ‘the stressed father returns to the rink, challenges the coach again, and begins beating him while young athletes

Organizational Behaviour - 1633 Words

INTRODUCTION Organization Defined Organizations are complex systems which rely on people, structures and technology to achieve their goals and objectives. They are created to serve the needs of the societies or communities in which they operate and are influenced by both their internal environment (culture) and their external environment. As defined by Robins â€Å"an organization is a continuously co-ordinated social unit of two or more people that functions on a relatively continuous basis to achieve a common goal or set of goals† (Robins 2005). Organizational Behaviour Defined Behaviour on the other hand, he defines simply as â€Å"the actions of people (Robins 2005). Organization behaviour (often referred to as OB) is the†¦show more content†¦Although his work emphasized the technical rather than purely human side of management, he did point out the role of specific incentives in motivating workers and the value of specialization. Perhaps Taylor’s greatest contribution to the study of management and organizational behaviour was his approach of applying the scientific method to industrial problems. (Colonel Samuel H Hays and Lieutenant Colonel William N Thomas,Taking Command, Stackpole Books, USA, 1976, p 93). This scientific approach has been adopted by several theorists and applied to the filed of organizational behaviour. CONTRIBUTIONS BY VARIOUS DISCIPLINS The Contribution of Psychology to the field of OB The psychological contribution to OB focussed on understanding individuals and predicting their behaviour, and using that knowledge within organizations to improve the organization’s competitive advantage. Psychological studies focussed on areas such as perceptions, learning, personality development, needs and motivation. Of these areas motivation is the over arching factor and most important to the organizational setting because it deals with an individual’s willingness to work. Motivation is defined as the conscious decision to direct effort toward one activity more than others (Coffey et. al). Of course one cannot speak of motivation unless they mention Abraham Maslow and â€Å"his hierarchy of needs† theory. Maslow hypothesized that within everyShow MoreRelatedOrganizational Behavior And Organizational Behaviour1644 Words   |  7 PagesThe above drawn figure shows about organisational behaviour. It highlights the bonding among human behaviour in organi zational settings, the individual - organization interface, the organization, the environment surrounding the organization. In an organization each and every individual brings its own experience, managerial and effective skills. Classical Organizational theory:- Popovich (2010) said that in this theory, the concentration mainly goes in how an organization can be structured inRead MoreOrganizational Behaviour1455 Words   |  6 PagesIf you were CEO what would you change and why - provide your recommendation with a Before and After Organizational chart. - If you are not working at this time - use a past employer. Ans 1. Table of Content * Introduction * Discussion * Complete assessment of the company I work for – M. Muhammad Shafi amp; Co. * What would I change as the CEO and why * Organizational Charts, Before and After. * Bibliography Introduction Change is very important for any organizationRead Moreorganizational behaviour1261 Words   |  6 Pages Organizational Behavior MG6013 The exploration of the theories, research and practices that allow a better understanding of human behavior in organizations. Topics include motivation and job satisfaction; decision making; group dynamics; work teams; leadership; communication; power, politics and conflict; organization culture, structure and design; impact of technology; management of work stress; organizational change andRead MoreOrganizational Behaviour Analysis28615 Words   |  115 Pagesconfusion, also goes under several different names, some of which you will encounter when reading texts on the subject. The two main areas are generally called Human Resource Management (HRM) and Organisational Behaviour (OB), but the field is also sometimes called Organisational Analysis (OA), Behaviour in Organisations (BinO), Organisation Studies (OS), and a host of other names, including the practitioner area called Organisational Development (OD). There are, in fact, subtle nuances and variations inRead MoreOrganizational Behaviour Issues1427 Words   |  6 PagesFinal Report- Organizational Behavior â€Å"Issues in Organizational Behaviour based on own experiences† Student No. Structure: 1. Introduction 2. Main Body and Recommendations 3. Conclusion 4. References What is Organizational Behaviour? Organizational Behaviour is nothing else than developing our understanding and development of people skills. A multidisciplinary field devoted to understanding individual and group behaviour, interpersonal process and organizational dynamics. DifferentRead MoreEssay about Organizational Behaviour1051 Words   |  5 Pagescom My essay will introduce the culture and organizational strategies of Amazon.com. I focus on the evolution of Amazon.com, the organization culture with the Scheins three levels of culture, the truth of working on Amazon, why is amazon so successful on the basis of organizational strategies and how to improve in the original basis. Organizational culture could be the core of the company and exists from the start of Amazon.com. Organizational culture is the shared values, beliefs, and normsRead MoreThe Development Of Organizational Citizenship Behaviour3154 Words   |  13 Pages2001). Out of this comes the development of Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB). OCB represents â€Å"individual behaviour that is discretionary, not directly or explicitly recognised by the formal reward system, and in the aggregate promotes the efficient and effective functioning of the organization† (Organ 1988, p. 4). The study of OCB has become increasingly important as the prevalence, importance, and costs of counterproductive, or deviant, behaviour in the workplace have been increasingly recognisedRead MoreOrganizational Behaviour And Communication Issues Essay1452 Words   |  6 Pages1.0 INTRODUCTION In this case-study for Electra Products’, I will be addressing relevant, organisational behaviour and communication issues that must be addressed in order to â€Å"revive the failing company† (Samson, 2012). Specific recommendations will be offered to further assist in focusing on the key outlined issues and what actions would be most appropriate to take from this point. Throughout the report, it is clear the attitudes of staff are becoming unfavourable and has resulted in a lack ofRead MoreRoot Metaphors as an Aid to Understanding Organizational Behaviour3097 Words   |  13 PagesRobert Allen 11500024 Root metaphors as an aid to understanding organizational behaviour and their relevance to organizations in a knowledge based economy. Introduction The use of root metaphors to provide insight into organizations seems to be seen as a useful if limited way of understanding their complex natures (Morgan, 1997) (Andriesson, 2008), which may have been more suited to the industrial age. The rise of the Knowledge Based Economy (KBE) and post-industrial organizations pose furtherRead MoreOrganizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Essay1796 Words   |  8 Pagesï » ¿What is organizational citizenship? Explain the links between the various types of organizational citizenship behaviors and job-related outcomes. In what ways does organizational citizenship affect organizational performance? Illustrate with examples where appropriate. Organizational Citizenship Organizational citizenship is an organizational success that consists of supports from the volunteers of individuals and behavior (Business Dictionary 2013). Organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB)

MARKETING Essay Example For Students

MARKETING Essay MARKETIN STRATEGY IN E-COMMERCE By: BRAD E-mail: emailprotected Marketing Strategy and E-Commerce Introduction With the rapidly advancing technologies that are occurring in modern business, organisations are required to be ready, and able to adapt within their ever-changing environment. It is true across all diverse industries that in order to stay competitive, organisations must be able to utilise the various tools that technology has to offer. Technological factors have been of growing importance, particularly in recent years. A major factor involved in these technology issues is the use of the Internet as a major issue to modern organisations. The Internet has been rapidly growing since its inception and is now commonly used in all sectors of societies, in all corners of the globe. The Internet has quickly become one of the most valuable assets in modern technology, and as such, is developing as an integral part of modern commerce. As with past technologies, the Internet will have future technological advances develop from its own growth. The task the organisations of in the new century? Realise future opportunities and threats, and base a strategy accordingly. Is it cliche to say that the Internet changes everything: the challenge now is to say what, how and how quickly. (When Companies Connect, 1999, p.19) The Internet has lead to the birth and evolution of electronic commerce or E-commerce. E-commerce has now become a key component of many organisations in the daily running of their business. Simply defined, electronic commerce is a system of online shopping and information retrieval accessed through networks of personal computers. (Reedy, J. Schullo, S. Zimmerman, K. 2000, pg. 29) E-commerce challenges traditional organisational practices, and opens ups a vast array of issues that the organisations must address. By focusing on the varying levels of an organisation, it soon become apparent the effects that E-commerce can have. An understanding of the implication E-commerce has on such organisational divisions can help businesses gain understanding hence plan for its inevitable continuing evolution. In terms of marketing, the modern organisation must be critically aware of the development of E-commerce, and the implications that it entails. Marketers develop their own recipe of promotional tactics to fit the product lines or industries in which they compete. Now electronic communications tools are and will continue to be an important ingredient in the promotional mix (Reedy, J. Schullo, S. Zimmerman, K. 2000, pg. 29) In assessing the implications of E-commerce in terms of marketing, it is important to understand its impact in respect to marketing strategy formulation. As the Internet, and in turn E-commerce has developed, and continues to evolve and grow, it is vital that any organisation, in any particular industry, must base its strategic planning around such a rapidly growing medium. The growth of the Internet is an environmental influence that must be embraced and understood so to successfully plan for future marketing implementation. In order to successful realise the impact that E-commerce has in terms of marketing, it is important to break the area of interest into some key areas. As most of the issues that arise in terms of E-commerce represent organisations entering the environment, it seems natural to base discussion around this. Therefore, the bulk of the literature review relates existing organisations entering into the E-commerce market environment. In successfully identifying the relationship between E-commerce and strategy, the issues are categorised as follows: 1. Strategic analysis Understanding the environment 2. Identifying the strategic options/SWOT analysis Strategic Advantages/Disadvantages Advertising Electronic cost cutting/publishing/Process 3. Corporate level, Business level, d Marketing level 4. Retailing in E-commerce Implementation Issues Financial Performance monitoring 5. Conclusion Based on current knowledge state To gain a clearer understanding of the implication of E-Commerce in the formulation of marketing strategy, it is imperative to gain a clear understanding of the environment and its relevant effects. This helps in understanding the rationale in a developing marketing strategy, particularly the influences of E-Commerce on its make-up. The next crucial element is to gain an understanding of E-commerce itself, as well as the current and possible future developments. In understanding E-commerces impact on strategic foundations, an organisations strategies can be more clearly focused. Once the organisation and E-commerces respective environments are clear it is then possible to understand E-commerces implications in regards to fundamental marketing strategies. By focusing on tools such as the competitive strategy framework we can gain a better understanding of strategy formulation. By now it is easy to link E-commerce ideals directly into the strategic planning sequence, and hence understand its impact to the marketer. (Brown, 1997) By reviewing these traditional marketing theories and practices, its possible to see where, if at all E-commerce fit into current frameworks. This will provide relevant conclusions that can be made based on the strategic implications of E-commerce, and its attributes in the marketing process. In doing so, this adds a vital dimension to the marketer in an ever-growing technology based society, of which must be clearly understood. Strategic analysis Understanding the Environment In order to gain an understanding of E-commerces impact to the modern organisation it is imperative that the environmental issues are analysed and understood. The understanding of the environment in which an organisation is involved is a fundamental element of its strategic plan. In order to be successful in any industry the organisation must have a sound understanding of influences that effect its product or service offer. When conducting an environmental analysis in regards to the Internet, it may seem that many of its attributes are present in traditional consumer markets. However, E-commerce provides organisations with a unique medium to analyse, requiring information relating specifically to its environment. (Strauss, J. Frost, R., 1999). E-commerce ideals place particular emphasis on environmental factors, due to the high rate of change and development it constantly undergoes. An understanding of both environmental influence on the Internet and E-commerce, and that of a particular organisation is imperative basing any strategic formulation. Strauss, J. Frost, R. (1999) includes these macro and micro environmental factor as key issues, and they are extremely useful in constructing a basic for strategic planning. Macro Environment Technology Obviously technology is a key environmental issues that must be addressed when analysing and understand E-commerce. Technology is ever-changing, and as such E-commerce is absolutely influenced by its evolution. Rapid changes in recent technological advances have bought about the Internet and in turn E-commerce, and such dramatic evolution is likely to continue. In terms of strategic formulation, technology is a huge issue that any organisation must be aware of when realising E-commerce s strategic implications. For example, an organisation thinking of developing a Web site must be strongly aware of technological issues that pertain to such initiations. The decision to develop a web-site internally or externally would be a key issue for any organisation. Internal web-site development would require a vast understanding of technology and require this environmental factor to be constantly reviewed and analysed. In any case, awareness of technology is vital in planning marketing and business strategies, and should be closely followed. World economies Another key environmental influence is an awareness and understanding of global activity such as world economies. As the Internet provide a basis for global communication, the awareness of world economies must be understood in regards to E-commerce. The linking of the Internet world-wide, in turn effects the way in which E-commerce behaves, and therefore makes an understanding of world economies imperative. Legal/Political As with the need to understand world economies, global integration of E-commerce highlights fundamental environment issues such as legal and political influences. As independent countries operate different legal and politic systems, it is obvious that an understanding of such ideals is also important in addressing E-commerce. For example, a recent precedent-setting court case in New York recently, a judge ruled that New Yorkers were breaking the law by gambling on the Internet, even if the gambling companies were based in other countries. State Supreme Court Justice Charles Edward Ramos stated, The act of entering the bet and transmitting the information from New York via the Internet is adequate to constitute gambling activity within New York State. (Public Agenda Online, 2000) Such example highlights issues that organisation must be aware of when developing a marketing strategy formula. Failing to recognise possible repercussions of E-commerce use, in a political or legal manner could prove catastrophic for an organisation. It is imperative it is carefully looked at, particularly in regards to E-commerce. Micro Environment Market environment The growth of E-commerce has transformed the way in which consumers purchase products as well as how organisations operate. The Internet provides the necessary tools; easy operation and exchange of information; and therefore effects all diverse industries and organisations. The Internet has become a useful tool for selling, buying and distributing goods and services globally in a rapidly growing supply chain. The potential market that the Internet provides has little or no restrictions by either geography or time, and therefore poses a huge impact on any organisation considering E-commerce in its strategic marketing formulation. Opportunities in E-commerce are enormous, as present growth and development have proved. Proposal for a fitness center in TI Essay The strategy hierarchy (Fig 2.) identifies the: corporate strategy business strategy And at a functional level, the marketing strategy. It is imperative that when addressing the strategic implication of E-commerce, that all three areas of the organisation must be addressed. In doing so, the marketing role within the organisation is not isolated, and is in keeping with the overall organisations core objectives. The first step is to address the corporate strategy and define the its link to the strategic development of E-commerce. The basis for the corporate strategy identifies where the business wants to focus its attention in regards to the scope of the organisation. In doing so bases its mission and vision to align with key objectives. (Brown, L. 1997) Paxton, B. Baker, T. (1997) suggests that it is essential that the Internet planning process is not divorced from the corporate strategic management process but is integrated into each stage of your companys existing process. The focus of the corporate strategy is to develop synergy between the various Strategic Business Units (SBUs). This is a vital element to any organisation that is evolving its strategies into new domains, particularly as a result of environment shifts. Therefore when formulated a strategy based around the use of E-commerce, it is imperative that the SBU planning is in synergy with the core corporate objectives. In doing so, the other relevant SBUs will follow the corporate strategies lead. As the varying SBUs are aligned within the corporate strategy, they too have influence over their relative functional levels. The business strategy possesses more defined objectives as well as a clearly defined competitive strategy. Because the SBUs operate in their relevant markets, such clearer focused goals are possible. At this level the focus is on building, defending and maintaining competitive positions through the development and implementation of competitive marketing strategies. (Brown, L. 1997, p.11) The role of the SBU strategy is clear, and is also highly relevant to E-commerce issues. This drive to maintain competitiveness in a SBUs market may be the foundation for a move into E-commerce development. As the core goals are to sustain a competitive position, an organisation may decide that E-commerce provide this and inherits its use in their strategic planning. However, some organisations may find that E-commerce provide them with no significant competitive offering, and hence chooses to ignore it as part of their strategic formulation. The decisions must follow a well prepared business plan and require a thorough understanding of the impact of the bottom line. (Higgins, J. 1999, p. 48) The marketing strategy level of strategic planning identifies some key functional issues that the organisation must implement. This identifies the relevant marketing objectives that the organisation wishes to implement as well as the product market strategies. This level gains a clearer focus on the consumer in each particular target market. This integrates many key marketing ideals, and is used to co-ordinate marketing resource and the marketing mix to reach the desired markets in which are targeted. The Marketing strategy is by far the most relevant in measuring the impact of E-commerce on the marketing strategy formula. While the upper levels in the hierarchy shapes the direction in which various marketing strategies are planned; it is this level that develops the functional elements of this strategy. Retailing in E-commerce A major shift in the evolution of E-commerce is its impact on the traditional retailing system, in particular the shift of intermediaries from the distribution channel. In theory, the Internet allows manufacturers to sell directly to the consumer, cutting out the traditional ideals of a middleman or intermediary. (Turban, E. et al. 2000). Turban (et al. 2000) describes this phenomenon as disintermediation. Turban, E. et al. (2000) also identifies an emerging electronic middlemen such as e-mail and product selection agents. This is quite naturally classified as reintermediation. (Fig 3.) Shows the prevalence of the two as a result of E-commerce developments. The evolution of the second phenomenon is commonly believe to the basis for future E-commerce practices. Hutchinson, A. (1997) suggests that this middleman effect with combine with global integration and widespread network connections. Once again Amazon.com provides are useful example of a strong electronic intermediary. When devising a marketing strategy an organisation must be aware of this shift in E-commerce structures. The awareness of how intermediaries in the distribution channel is absolutely vital to marketing strategy, and the implications of how this is changing could have a profound effect on marketing strategy formulation. FIG 3. DISINTERMEDIATION AND REINTERMEDIATION BY EC (Turban, E. et al. 2000, p.64) Implementation Issues Financial The development of Web site is fundamentally used to result in some level of revenue or a decrease in the cost. Revenue is typically based around increase sales, and decrease cost could arise due to elimination of intermediary forces. (Strauss, J. Frost, R. 1999) Therefore the basis for integration into E-commerce has an effect on financial issues, and may perhaps be the basis for the strategic formulation. As with almost any strategic plan, there are associated costs that derive, and this is reflected also in E-commerce. Such cost could be identified as follows: Connecting to the Internet (The Internet Service Provider) Hardware and software Web site and advertising designers Staff to maintain the Web sites and manage e-mail with stakeholders. Performance monitoring As with any strategic formulation, E-commerce requires appropriate performance monitoring to ensure that is place in the organisation continues to be in sync with the functional goal and objectives put in place. This includes ensuring that any adaptation to E-commerce is monitored, including staff training and awareness. The use of E-commerce in an organisation must be carefully monitored to ensure that it remains productive, and that they generate some sort of gain. As well as these functional aspects, it is imperative that the actual strategies that are formulated as constantly review, and future developments are adapted into such strategies. Conclusion E-commerce is revolutionising the way in which an organisation thinks, and in particular how an organisation bases its future goals and objective. An understanding of the critical make up of organisations, and how they develop their strategies, helps to close the gap between E-commerce and strategic marketing. An organisations strategic planning process helps to cover the vital issues that any new paradigm may invoke. This structure helps provide a basis for assessing the impact of E-commerce and its relationship with marketing strategy. By understanding the organisation as a whole, it becomes clear what initiates strategic development, and hence provides clear reasons why E-commerce may become prevalent in strategy formulation. Such an understand allows the organisation to develop E-commerce strategy that is in sync with the organisations corporate strategies. Such fundamental comparisons help to gauge the effect E-commerce has and will have on modern organisations. If Organisations gain an understanding of E-commerce and its relationship to marketing and operational strategies, they will be better ready for future development and technological change. (Baty, E. 2000) In order to be competitive in modern business it is imperative that the organisations corporate strategies are constantly review, and environmental influences addressed. One of the major shifts in recent years is the technological shift towards the Internet, and as a result E-commerce. E-commerce has developed into an enormous aspect of the Internet and as such, organisations have been required to address this in their strategic planning. For example, the University of Otagos strategic plans would be to look forward to technological changes, and be ready to adapt to these. As such, perhaps the introduction of an E-commerce Degree may be a resultant of their strategic plans. Organisations that are looking towards E-commerce as a strategic option are met with numerous issues that must be addressed. Analysing theories and thoughts on E-Commerce helps to gain a better understanding of how an organisation would approach such a strategy. As with any strategy, many attributes must be considered, and carefully evaluated. As a fundamental component of strategic planning is to envision future development, perhaps these ideals could be advanced further. While E-commerce does and will have a profound effect on marketing strategy formulation, what will the future of E-commerce hold? As organisations implement their strategic plans in respect to E-Commerce, it must be realised how this will effect other part of the organisations. It is also important to understand how society is impacted as a result of their strategic plan. Is promoting a greater number of Internet users irresponsible? Perhaps promoting regular use of computers is affecting the general health of the consumer. While such suggestion seen rather extreme, it is feasible to assume that such ideals warrant further investigation. In keeping with these future ideals, research may be sought on developments in technology and the potential for total media packages and what they would mean to the advertiser. Perhaps the next step in the Internet, is total home entertainment, and identification of this early, could lead to a sustainable competitive advantage in E-commerce. Such forward thinking epitomises the fundamentals of formulating a successful

Raise the Red Lantern

Raise the Red Lantern directed by Yimou Zhang is full of symbolism as many other Chinese films. The director employs a variety of tools to convey such ideas as freedom and dependence, doom and luck, friendship and betrayal, life and death. The sequence under analysis reveals the protagonist of the film, Songlian, who witnesses the murder of the second concubine of the master. The sequence ends with the protagonist’s screams.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Raise the Red Lantern specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This sequence is also very symbolic as it reveals females’ position in the society of those days. Females were treated as things that could be removed if they were not needed. Zhang uses a number of cinematographic tools to articulate his message. It is possible to consider two shots which are conspicuous in terms of the cinematographic tools used. One of the shots, Shot A, depicts the servant s dragging the second concubine to the door of the dark room. The other shot, Shot B, depicts the protagonist’s face when she is approaching the dark room. Some of the major tools used to convey the idea of inferiority, lack of knowledge and despair in these shots are certain camera angles, a specific color scheme and depiction of complicated architecture. Architecture is used as one of the major symbols in the sequence. Zhang reveals the idea of the complicated life the Chinese female in the early twentieth century had to live (see Fig. 1). The protagonist of the film finds herself in the huge house which has lots of rules and secrets. The protagonist follows the people dragging the poor woman. Scene A represents the maze of the architecture and the end of the second concubine (see Fig. 1). The complicated architecture stands for women’s unawareness of their true position and their subordinate roles. Songlian will have to go through different passages to find out the truth and this way is a symbol of her own reasoning. She is wondering in her doubts as she does not understand her place in this house and she does not understand whether she is ready to accept it. However, her long way will end near a small room where the second concubine is hanged. This small room is also a representation of the inferior position of the woman who is placed in a tiny room to die (or rather to be killed). Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Figure 1: Shot A. Servants drag the second concubine to hang The sequence in question is remarkable for the use of color. To convey the idea of ambiguity and uncertainty, Zhang uses dimmed grey and blue color. It is snowing and there is almost no sun light. It is necessary to note that even snow is not white. It only adds obscurity to the scene. The protagonist is wondering in her doubts and she does not see the picture clearly. She does not understand what the real position of a woman is. She is walking through dimmed passages to find out the truth. It is also necessary to stress that there is almost no black color. Zhang emphasizes that even though women had to live in complete darkness (or rather blackness), they could not clearly understand it. Women of that period did not see that they were confined to certain roles. Women were wondering in the dusk. The dimmed color scheme stands for Songlian’s unawareness of the second concubine’s destiny and her own future. The scene is also characterized by a specific camera angle. It is a long shot which is used to show the dimmed future of women. Songlian can see everything from certain distance and she only understands that there is something bad and wrong, but she does not see what exactly is going on. Figure 2: Shot B. Songlian approaches the room where the second concubine was hanged At the same time, Scene B shows Songlian’s face (see F ig.2). The young woman is hesitating. She is afraid of what she can see. However, she still goes to the room to see what they have done to the second concubine. Her face reveals her fear and her doubts. She is afraid to find out the truth but she is determined to do it no matter what.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Raise the Red Lantern specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Notably, Zhang employs the same tools as in the scene A. The prevailing colors are grey and blue. There is no bright light. Of course, there is no depiction of architecture as close-up is used. However, the walls in the background remind the viewer of the maze. The walls in the background suggest that the protagonist is in a certain cage. These two scenes help Zhang create the contrast. Thus, there is a long wondering to learn the truth and there is some inner state (fear, hesitation and determination). The two scenes are central to the film as t his is the point where Songlian understands that she is doomed to be treated as a thing. She also understands that women are treated as inferior creatures that do not deserve much respect. Zhang also employed quite specific camera angles. The long shot depicts the people dragging the woman (see Fig. 1), whereas the close-up (see Fig. 2) reveals Songlian who is following the men. The long shot helps reveal the idea of certain distance. Thus, the protagonist is alienated from what is happening. She is watching everything at certain distance. However, Zhang focuses on Songlian’s feelings, i.e. her anxiety, hesitation, fear, reluctance and eagerness to find out what is going on. The close-up helps Zhang reveal the protagonist’s emotions. On balance, it is possible to note that the shots in question focus on the idea of females’ inferiority in the society which is conveyed with such tools as the use of a particular color scheme, the use of specific camera angles and symbolic depiction of complicated architecture. Zhang manages to recreate the world of the protagonist who is imprisoned in a complicated structure of a building and a complicated structure of the Chinese society of the early twentieth century. This essay on Raise the Red Lantern was written and submitted by user Vicente Walters to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Raise the Red Lantern

Whole Foods Market Input Analysis

Whole Foods Market Input Analysis The Firm’s Strategy One of the major stratagems being pursued by the firm is the differentiation. The firm adopts the differentiation strategy in terms of product provision in order to enhance its competitive advantage. In fact, the firm has ensured that all its business processes including products are unique to the industry.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Whole Foods Market Input Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The major driver for the strategy is the increased competence of the business associates and employees in terms of skills and capabilities (Whole Foods Market, 2013). Besides, the competitive edge depends on the degree in which the firm’s business processes are conducted. In other words, the firm carefully selects diverse brands of items that are highly valued by the customers. However, highly valued products attract high prices. Whole Foods understands the sensitivity of prices . As such, the firm offers its high quality food products at fair prices that clients can afford. The combination of quality and fair prices is one of the greatest competitive advantages to the firm (Whole Foods Market, 2013). As indicated, Whole Foods is different from the major competitors in terms of the prepared food brands. The firm offers a wide variety of prepared meals for lunch, dinner and desert (Martin, 2008). Clients have the options of eating on the premises or take out. Whole Foods takes advantage of the increasing number of clients that normally have their meals on the premises as high end consumers tend to look for ways of curbing spending amid a difficult economic situation (Martin, 2008). Moreover, the retail store prefers the special brands in favor of the common major delicacies found in most of the stores. Since the firm has a narrow niche of customers and few competing stores are found in most areas it operates, Whole Foods can easily scan and understand the ma rket. The strategies are the main contributors of the firm’s higher profit margins (Martin, 2008). How the Strategy is Aligned to Porter’s Generic Model According to Porter’s generic forces model, strategies are actions that help in the formation of invulnerable place in the industry (Porter, 1998). In other words, strategies are actions that increases the firms competitive advantage in the industry in which it operates. According to the model, the strategies can be either defensive or offensive.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Defensive strategies normally take the form of the industry and place the firm to cope with its strengths and weaknesses (Porter, 1998). On the other hand, offensive strategies transforms the underlying causes of the competitive forces and as such changes the environment in which the firm operates. Porter proposed t hree broad and standard strategies that the firm can utilize to generate durable defensible situations as well as increase its competitive advantage. The strategies include cost leadership, differentiation and the focus or the niche strategy (Porter, 1998). The firm’s approach fits directly with the differentiation strategy of the Porter’s model. According to the model, the differentiation strategy means offering services, products and brands that are unique to the industry (Porter, 1998). Essentially, the differentiation strategy requires that the firm creates own market niche. Approaches to the differentiation strategy include diverse product designs, brand image, variety of features and the new technology (Porter, 1998). All these approaches have been applied by Whole Foods to create its product brands together with competitive prices to create its own market niche. The differentiation strategy has contributed greatly to the growth of the firm in a highly competitiv e industry. In fact, the differentiation approach has insulated the firm from the competitive rivalry through the creation of brand loyalty and reduction of price elasticity of demand by making clients to be less sensitive to the price changes of the product (Martin, 2008). Besides, the uniqueness of the products have created barriers and the reduction of substitutes, which in effect, has led to higher margins and decreases the need for low-cost advantage (Martin, 2008). Moreover, higher margins enable the firm to handle influential suppliers. In fact, the strategy has enabled the firm to alleviate the buyer’s power since few alternatives are available to the purchasers (Whole Foods Market, 2013). The Firm’s Inputs According to the congruent model, organizational inputs are ranging from the environment to the strategies applied by the firm (Nadler Tushman, 1980). Within the continuum are inputs such as resources and the firm’s history.Advertising We wil l write a custom assessment sample on Whole Foods Market Input Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The resources available to the firm include human capital, technological applications, financial capital, information as well as other intangible assets. Besides, while strategy is considered the most important input in the model, it forms the link between the mentioned inputs and the system mechanism of the entire firm’s transformation process (Nadler Tushman, 1980). According to the model, environmental inputs are factors that are outside the firms influence including things that come from an institution or industry, individuals, groups as well as events (Nadler Tushman, 1980). Essentially, the environmental inputs must have a potential influence on the organization. In this case, the firm’s environmental inputs include industry research and development, suppliers and most importantly organic food consumers. Similarly, r esources include all assets that the firm can access. The resources include both human and financial capital as well as information. In addition, resources include intangible assets such as recognition by the market niche. Generally, the resource inputs are broad and normally applied by the firm to produce the desired outcome (Nadler Tushman, 1980). In terms of the input history, past decisions, activities and behavior are considered as greater effort to attain the current desired results. Essentially, these factors must have a direct influence on the existing organizational operations. Whole Foods is known for its traditional quality organic food offerings, which the firm exploit to increase its competitive advantage. Whether the Inputs are Congruent to the Strategy According to the congruent model, the firm’s strategy is the stream of decisions concerning the manner in which the inputs or the organizational resources are transformed to meet the needs of the clients. Beside s, strategies are involving the way the firm’s resources are configured to deal with limitations as well as prospects available to the firm within the context of the patterns of the past behavior (Nadler Tushman, 1980). In order to attain the desired results, the inputs have to fit within the strategies. Essentially, aligning the firm’s inputs to the strategies is critical for increased performance and success.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As indicated, the congruent model argues that the inputs have to be aligned to the strategies in order to increase performance (Nadler Tushman, 1980). In other words, the level of performance would depend on the degree of congruity of the firm’s inputs to the strategy. In this case, the resource inputs fit greatly to the firm’s strategy. Whole Foods has used all its resources in order to ensure increased competitive advantage. In other words, the inputs are aligned to the firm’s strategy to attain the desired competitive advantage. Essentially, the firm’s resources are highly utilized to increase the performance of the strategy. In fact, the firm has ensured that all its resources are aligned to the strategic goal of ensuring increased competitive advantage. In other words, the firm’s resources greatly fit with the organization’s strategy. Besides, the firm has fully utilized its human resources to attain the desired product brands. Similar ly, the capital resources including financial and other assets have been fully utilized to ensure that the specialized and unique food products are produced to meet the client needs. The target clients’ acceptability of the products confirms the congruity of the resources to the strategy. The environmental inputs available to the firm including clients have a greater degree of congruity to the strategy of differentiation. The differentiation strategy aims at increasing the target customer value. Within the context of Whole Foods Market, clients and suppliers are considered as individual inputs. The contribution of the suppliers and consumers remains critical in the product development and distribution. However, in terms of suppliers, the differentiation strategy has ensured a drastic reduction of supplier’s power, which in turn has resulted in increasing the firm’s performance. Essentially, the firm’s environmental resources are highly congruent to its st rategy. However, the history inputs fairly fit with the current differentiation strategy. The firm barely utilizes its historical resources in the determination of the current product offerings. Nevertheless, some of the effective decisions that were made before form the basis of the current strategy. References Martin, A. (2008, August 2). Whole Foods looks for a fresh image in lean times. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/02/business/02food.html Nadler, D. A., Tushman, M. L. (1980). A model for diagnosing organizational behavior. Organizational Dynamics, 9 (2), 35-51. Porter, M. E. (1998). Competitive strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors. New York, NY: Free Press. Whole Foods Market (2013). Whole Foods annual report 2013. Retrieved from https://eu.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Propylene Glycol Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Propylene Glycol - Assignment Example PG is also known under the name 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,2-dihydroxypropane, 1,2-propanediol, ethylene glycol, and methyl glycol. The proper IUPAC chemical name is propane-1,2-diol. Its CAS Registry Number on the U.S. EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory of chemical substances is [57-55-6]. Common commercial names of this substance are Propylene Glycol Industrial (PGI) and Propylene Glycol USP (PG USP) (Martin and Murphy, 2006). The physical properties of propylene glycol are presented in Table 1. All of the glycols are very miscible with water, ethanol, acetone, and chloroform. Propylene glycol is also a hygroscopic compound (Martin and Murphy, 2006). The structural formula of propylene glycol is given in figure 1. Its structural isomer with the same formula is 1,3-propanediol. PG has also two enantiomers: one is (R)-1,2-propanediol and the other is (S)-1,2-propanediol. This compound has two functional hydroxyl group: primary and secondary that distinguish it from the ethylene glycol (McKetta, 1993). Chemical properties of propylene glycol are typical for this group of compounds. It undergoes the reactions with carboxylic acids, and their derivatives (halides and anhydrides) forming esters; reaction with hydroxides of alkali metals forming salts, and interaction with aldehydes and ketones where the products are acetals and ketals. The reaction with acids is important for obtaining polyesters. The next important commercial product is polyether obtained by dehydration of propylene glycol. Reactions with aldehydes and ketones are used for protection of aldehyde or ketone functionality in organic synthesis (Martin and Murphy, 2006). Propylene glycol is used in organic synthesis, synthesis of polymers, medicine, and cosmetics. Its mixture of water has the low freezing point and, thus, this compound is used as antifreeze.  

The Development of Health Care Provision in Britain Essay

The Development of Health Care Provision in Britain - Essay Example In Roman times doctors were often Greeks and might belong to a private family as well as acting as general practitioners. There were also doctors and medical assistant attached to the invading Roman army. Even in families where there was no doctor some member of the household would have acquired some necessary medical knowledge:-. Unwashed wool supplies very many remedies†¦..it is applied†¦.with honey to old sores. Wounds it heals if dipped in wine or vinegar†¦.yolks of eggs†¦.are taken for dysentery with the ash of their shells, poppy juice and wine. It is recommended to bathe the eyes with a decoction of the liver.(Pliny, 1st century C.E.) There would also be wise women, often herbalists. The History of Hospitals and Health Care in Britain This situation would have continued until the Middle Ages when the very first hospitals appeared, driven by Christian convictions, and founded as religious institutions. St Bartholomew’s Hospital, in central London, was founded in the 12th century by a monk. These religious foundations were based upon ideas taken from the gospels, as in Matthew chapter 9 where there are several examples of Jesus caring for the sick. . By the time of Elizabeth I the state was beginning to play its part. In response to the increasing number of vagrants and wandering jobless an act of 1601 set up the first poor houses, and these would have included at least minimal care for the sick and mentally fragile who were also poor (Bloy, 2002). Local taxes were used to support such ventures. It was in the 18th century that many of today’s larger British medical institutions came into being as voluntary hospitals. At first these were in long established cities such as London and Edinburgh. With the coming of the Industrial Revolution newly burgeoning cities such as Manchester also opened hospitals. These were funded by private contributions. Specialist hospitals such as those dedicated to maternity care, and eye hospita ls, also opened. Asylums were under the care of local authorities (Voluntary Hospitals Database, undated). At this time though nursing training was rudimentary . It was only with the threat of various wars , including the Crimean War and the First World War, that the need for formal training became obvious. In 1911 the National Insurance Act became law. This is an important stage in the founding of a welfare state, and it resulted in care being provided for many people . There were many schemes to help poorer people to pay for their care. In Birmingham the Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund was begun in 1873 by a local clergyman (BHSF Undated) .The fund was one of several from various parts of the United Kingdom and continued into the days of the National Health Service when, for the payment of a few pence weekly, people could ensure a place in a convalescent home after an illness. The aims of the organisation today are still to provide convalescence, but also to invest in medical re search. Meanwhile richer people continued to visit private clinics or to have doctors visit them at home. The majority voluntary hospitals and schemes later became incorporated into the National Health Service, which was initiated by the Labour government in 1948, based upon an ideal of good health care being made accessible to all, whatever their situation in life. According to Rivett (Undated) this principle had been in existence for at least a century, with many individual initiatives, and the London County Council even wanting to provide its own hospitals, but not enough had been done to make it a reality. In I920, soon after the end of the First World W