Starbucks Delivering Customer Service Essay - 1106 Words

PROBLEM STATEMENT Starbucks has discovered that they are not always meeting their customers’ expectations in the area of customer satisfaction. Starbucks has to come up with an action plan to address this issue, considering its significant correlation and impact to sales and profitability. SITUATION ANALYSIS Company Starbucks is acclaimed for its superior value proposition in the early 1990’s by creating an experience around the consumption of coffee, a ‘third place’. The brand is positioned to offer the highest quality coffee, close customer intimacy, and warm atmosphere or ambience. Customers However, data from the market research team has shown that there is a shift on Starbucks’ brand recognition in customers’†¦show more content†¦Surveys and analysis have been carried out to gather data and understand more about the key attributes to increase customer satisfaction. Exhibit 4 points out that friendlier and faster service is highly expected as well as free cup and lower prices incentive programs. In addition, Exhibit 5 illustrates being ‘treated as a valuable customer’ and ‘friendly staff’ hold more value compare to ‘fast service’, while ‘fast service’ and ‘appropriate prices’ are perc eived equally important. Competitors Starbucks faces competition from variety of small-scale specialty coffee chains, such as Caribou Coffee, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, Dunkin Donuts, and thousands of independent specialty coffee shops. Each of them applies different strategies to differentiate itself from Starbucks; some of them deliver highly personalized service. Complements Starbucks has introduced stored-value card (SVC), which is one of its successful service innovation to its customers. This prepaid and swipe-able smart card was positively accepted, resulting in sales of 6 million cards and $160 million in revenues in the first year it was launched. Starbucks has learned that cardholders tend to visit Starbucks twice as often and experience reduced transaction times. This SVC also proves to bring new customers to Starbucks’ brand. ALTERNATIVES After carefully analyzing the situation, the best plans are to improveShow MoreRelatedStarbucks : Delivering Customer Service1278 Words   |  6 Pagesì‹  Ã¬  Å"í’ˆë §Ë†Ã¬ ¼â‚¬Ã­Å'… ì ¡ °Ã« ³â€ž ì‚ ¬Ã« ¡â‚¬ ë °Å"í‘Å" Starbucks : Delivering Customer Service Contents †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Case Summary Company Background The Starbucks Value Proposition Delivering on Service Caffeinating the World Starbucks’ Market Research: Trouble Brewing? Rediscovering the Starbucks Customer †¢ Suggestion Case Summary †¢ 5% ann. sales growth during 11years in a row (~2002) †¢ close to a recession-proof product (Howard Schultz) †¢ Lack of strategic marketing group and customer relationship management : OverlookingRead MoreStarbucks: Delivering Customer Service1374 Words   |  6 PagesStarbucks: Delivering Customer Service Starbucks is dominant coffee brand in North America, which also is well-known worldwide. Established in 1971 as coffee shop oriented to a niche of coffee purists, in late 1980’s it turned to be a constantly growing chain of stores that sold whole-beans and premium-priced coffee to mostly affluent, well-educated customers. In years 1992-2002 company was showing at least 5% annual growth. And by 2002 Starbucks was serving already 20M customers in 5886 storesRead MoreStarbucks Delivering Customer Service2297 Words   |  10 PagesSatisfied And Highly Satisfied Customers The story of Starbucks transformation from a small independent coffee shop tucked away in a corner of Seattle’s Pike Place Market to a cultural phenomenon spanning the globe is legendary. A number of factors have been attributed to the success - one being a keen understanding of its patrons. There are multiple methods used to obtain customer information and the value derived therein. Customer lifetime value is one. Customers are assets, and their valuesRead MoreStarbucks: Delivering Customer Service2332 Words   |  10 PagesSTARBUCKS: DELIVERING CUSTOMER SERVICE Background Case P.1 ïÆ'   According to their data, Starbucks are not always meeting our customers’ expectations in the area of customer satisfaction. They came up with a plan to invest an additional $40 million annually in the company’s 4,500 stores, which would allow each store to add the equivalent of 20 hours of labor a week. The idea is to improve speed of service and thereby increase customer satisfaction. P.1 ïÆ'   Day, Starbucks’ senior vice president ofRead MoreStarbucks: Delivering Customer Service2050 Words   |  9 PagesIntroduction: Starbucks faces a difficult and controversial management challenge. The company’s most recent market research has revealed unexpected findings implicating that Starbuck is not always meeting customer’s expectations in the area of customer satisfaction. The purpose of this memo is to analyze and provide recommendation on whether or not the company should go forth with a $40 million investment in additional labor in the stores. This $40 million investment is necessary in order to bringRead MoreStarbucks : Delivering Customer Service1155 Words   |  5 PagesPROBLEM STATEMENT Starbucks has discovered that they are not always meeting their customers’ expectations in the area of customer satisfaction. Starbucks has to come up with an action plan to address this issue, considering its significant correlation and impact to sales and profitability. SITUATION ANALYSIS Company Starbucks is acclaimed for its superior value proposition in the early 1990’s by creating an experience around the consumption of coffee, a ‘third place’. The brand is positionedRead MoreEssay on Starbucks : Delivering Customer Service1476 Words   |  6 PagesStarbucks: Delivering Customer Service Starbucks: Delivering Customer Service The elusive goal of customer satisfaction has long provided companies with endless headaches and difficult decisions. In the end, associating specific customer satisfaction metrics to company profit and loss would provide the undeniable proof needed to make changes, and then invest the required capital to address any concerns. Starbucks, not unlike the rest of the business world, has found itself in the same situationRead MoreStarbucks: Delivering Customer Service3831 Words   |  16 PagesStatement of the Problem How can Starbucks increase customer satisfaction while growing at the same time? Recommended Course of Action After evaluating each alternative (Exhibit 2), we recommend that Starbucks invest $40 million per year to increase labor hours per store in order to solve the problem with the quality of service. Starbucks should also set up an internal strategic marketing team. This will allow Starbucks to have a proactive feedback of customer satisfaction and hence faster improvementRead MoreStarbucks : Delivering Customer Service1149 Words   |  5 PagesPROBLEM STATEMENT Starbucks has discovered that they are not always meeting their customers’ expectations in the area of customer satisfaction. Starbucks has to come up with an action plan to address this issue, considering its significant correlation and impact to sales and profitability. SITUATION ANALYSIS Company Starbucks is acclaimed for its superior value proposition in the early 1990’s by creating an experience around the consumption of coffee, a ‘third place’. The brand is positionedRead MoreStarbucks : Delivering Customer Service Overview Essay1243 Words   |  5 PagesStarbucks: Delivering Customer Service Overview Problem statement: In 2002, market exploration has exposed that Starbucks has an opening in gathering its consumer’s outlooks in relations of customer pleasure. On explanation of the marketing research statistics, Christine Day, Senior Vice President determined that the speediness of service was the foremost motive for this deterioration in customer contentment. So she proposed to increase the service period such that each order is served within 3 minutes

Terry Vs. Ohio, 392 U.s. - 1010 Words

Terry vs. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 (1968) INTRODUCTION: In Terry vs. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 (1968), the question of the Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure was brought before the court system. The case looked at the admissibility of evidence discovered during search and seizure, in particular, as it relates to street encounters and investigations between citizens and officers of the law. The Supreme Court of Ohio reviewed the decision of the 5th Ohio Court of Appeals. This case was of particular importance it helped establish what type of search and seizure behavior was lawful and unlawful on the part of officers, and set clear guidelines. The rulings in this case pertain to the Fourteenth Amendment (Cornell University Law School, n.d.). FACTS: In a hearing concerning a motion to suppress admission of evidence, Cleveland Detective Martin McFadden described an incident where he was patrolling downtown Cleveland on the afternoon of October 31, 1963. During patrol, McFadden noted two men at the corner of Huron and Euclid, who for some indefinable reason, attracted his attention. Although McFadden was unable to express precisely what it was that drew his attention concerning the men, the habits and intuition of over 30 years of observation and detective work were sufficient to engage his interest and have him settle in to observe the men more keenly (Justia, 2015). McFadden noted one man leave and walk along Huron Road past some stores. He stopped toShow MoreRelatedCase Summary of Terry vs. Ohio1562 Words   |  6 PagesTerry vs. Ohio 392 U.S. (1968) Name Instructor Course Title Date Submitted Terry vs. Ohio: Case Summary: Following his usual patrol on a downbeat for several years, a Cleveland detective saw two strangers i.e. the petitioner and Mr. Chilton on a street corner. The two were observed proceeding alternately back and forth along a similar path in which they stared at the same window store for approximately twenty-four times. After completing the route, these individuals met at a corner where theyRead MoreIllinois vs Wardlow1441 Words   |  6 Pagescase of Illinois vs. Wardlow, many factors contributed to Wardlow’s arrest. Starting with the facts of the case, on September 9, 1995 Sam Wardlow fled after seeing police vehicles covering an area in Chicago where it was known to have high drug trafficking. Two police officers spotted Wardlow, Officers Nolan and Officer Harvey, and once Officer Nolan caught up with Mr. Wardlow, Officer Nolan proceeded to conduct a pat-down search of only the outer layer of clothing, or a â€Å"Terry Stop.† Officer NolanRead MoreOver The Past Deca des The Fourth Amendment Of The United1586 Words   |  7 PagesSearch incident to lawful arrest exception. According to The NCP, â€Å"if someone is lawfully arrested, the police may search her person and any area surrounding the person that is within reach (within his or her â€Å"wingspan†). See Chimel v. California, 395 U.S. 752 (1969)† (National Paralegal.Edu). The rationale behind search and seizure is that it must permissible by aw and a protective measure among citizens. Now if a person is able to commit a theft, and leave the store, fits the description reportedRead MoreScenario Involving Civil Liability and Civil Action986 Words   |  4 Pagesfound several case laws in reference to this scenario project like: 1) Terry vs. Ohio 392 US 1 (1963) – dealing with officers arresting individuals because of suspicion that is reasonable involving criminal activity. 2) Title 42 U.S. Code Section, 1983, - Cases involving federal civil rights on statues in which individuals are able to file lawsuits against officers, police departments or juristictions. 3) Floyd, et al, vs. City of New York, et al – a Federal Action case that was filed againstRead MoreThe Violation Of The Fourth Amendment3158 Words   |  13 Pagesthose within post-secondary schools. Of course, students on college campuses have more protection and privacy rig hts and are entitled to more because most students are eighteen and older meaning that they are indeed adults. In the case of Washington vs. Chrisman, Overdahl Chrisman was attending Washington State University when he was spotted by a campus police officer walking out of his room with what appeared to be a bottle of alcohol. Because Chrisman looked to be younger than the legal drinkingRead MoreCorporate Governance - Cost Benefit Analysis of Sarbanes Oxley18706 Words   |  75 Pages............................................ 64 IMPACT ON MINING INDUSTRY........................................................... 67 OBJECTIVE............................................................................................ 68 BENEFIT vs COST ................................................................................. 70 FINDINGS............................................................................................... 71 RECOMMENDATIONS....................................Read Mor eLibrary Management204752 Words   |  820 Pages. . . 325 The Trait Approach to the Study of Leadership . . . . . . 326 Behavioral Approaches to the Study of Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327 The University of Iowa Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328 Ohio State Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328 University of Michigan Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328 Styles of Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 Likert’s Systems of ManagementRead MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 PagesAppraisal Comments 257 Enhancing Your Communication Skills 258 Paying for Performance 275 Team-Based Compensation 276 Executive Compensation Programs 277 Salaries of Top Managers 277 Supplemental Financial Compensation 277 ETHICAL ISSUES IN HRM: Are U.S. Executives Overpaid? 278 Supplemental Nonfinancial Compensation: Perquisites 279 International Compensation 279 Base Pay 279 DID YOU KNOW?: Compensation in a Global Environment 280 Differentials 280 Incentives 280 Assistance Programs 280 Summary 281Read MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesHyde 33 Case Incident 1 â€Å"Lessons for ‘Undercover’ Bosses† 34 Case Incident 2 Era of the Disposable Worker? 35 vii viii CONTENTS 2 2 The Individual Diversity in Organizations 39 Diversity 40 Demographic Characteristics of the U.S. Workforce 41 †¢ Levels of Diversity 42 †¢ Discrimination 42 Biographical Characteristics 44 Age 44 †¢ Sex 46 †¢ Race and Ethnicity 48 †¢ Disability 48 †¢ Other Biographical Characteristics: Tenure, Religion, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity 50 AbilityRead MoreStrategic Human Resource Management View.Pdf Uploaded Successfully133347 Words   |  534 Pages 607 EVOLUTION OF PRACTICES ................................... 608 SYSTEMS OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTICES .......................................... 609 INDIVIDUAL BEST PRACTICES VS. SYSTEMS OF PRACTICES ........................................................... 614 UNIVERSAL PRACTICES VS. CONTINGENCY PERSPECTIVES...................................................... 616 EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE: THE CASE FOR UNIVERSAL BEST PRACTICES................................................... 618

In London, The Chimney Sweeper and The Sick Rose, Blake explores many aspects of English society in the Victorian era Essay Example For Students

In London, The Chimney Sweeper and The Sick Rose, Blake explores many aspects of English society in the Victorian era Essay In London, The Chimney Sweeper and The Sick Rose, Blake explores many aspects of English society in the Victorian era. In this essay, I will be analysing how Blake presents this by comparing and contrasting the context, literary devices and nature of these poems to uncover Blakes interpretation and message to 18th century England. To start with, I will be analysing Blakes views on the government. In these poems, Blakes statements offer deep insight into society and criticises whoever is at fault. In London, he heavily criticises the government for their injustice and division of society, as this leads to hate and violence between the classes in the general public. Blake presents the divisions when he says Charterd street and The charterd Thames. This idea of everything, even the river Thames, being organised and separated shows how the government has purposely split the city to create antagonism between the community. In The Chimney Sweeper Blake again criticises the government for their policy of child labour, except that in this poem, the subject of the poem, a child, narrates most of the poem. However, this has a strong affect on the reader as the criticism seems stronger and perhaps even more valid and moving, although the criticism is not as blatant as in London and the child is only slightly reproachful in his tone. The child simply states the regrettable facts of his life which makes the reader naturally blame the government and church, who we know to be responsible for this. As I mentioned before, the narration style between the three poems contrasts greatly. In London, Blake takes on the tone of an observer, noting what people do on a daily basis, their regular activity, I wander through each charterd street nd mark in every face I meet, marks of weaknessà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ I think this form of narration is effectual because Blake is watching these people who are unaware that they are under surveillance or being studied which means that they are probably behaving as they normally would, not putting on a show for an audience they know to be watching. Therefore, they are u nconsciously offering an honest and detailed insight into how in 18th century England life was domineering and oppressive. Blake also narrates in the form of first person, using I four times in the poem. This shows his attachment to the people of London and how his anger at their conditions involves him in their lives and makes him want to command other peoples attention, subtly using the vertical acrostic HEAR in the third paragraph, as if he is commanding people to pay attention and which is also onomatopoeic as we can Hear the working class pain. Blake cleverly does not give the people of London a voices, only collective Sighs and sounds of Woe. This echoes the fact that people in 18th century England were denied a voice. In comparison, in The Sick Rose, the poet takes on a troubled, insistent voice where he, unlike in London, opens with a first line that makes a statement in an undisputable tone. He is telling the Rose that it is Sick, which is a disturbing oxymoron because a rose is a tradition symbol of love, youth, passion and health, so it grips the readers attention. In fact, I think that this line is almost redolent of the bible O Rose, which gives the poem an understated religious connotation. By this I mean it reminds me of the lament and distress the prophet Jesus went through in trying to guide people towards God, in both its subject and delivery: O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts! In this poem, Blake is more an involuntary witness, rather than a conscious observer London or a concerned interviewer The Chimney Sweeper. He is warning the Rose and his lament for the state of society is at its most apparent in this poem and I think that this poem is the most emotionally charged of the three, although there are no obvious words of affection. In The Chimney Sweeper Blake doesnt allow himself to get too emotionally attached, although his rage is purposefully evident in certain places, as when the child explains his only fault as being Happy and judges societies method of parenting which was to put the child to arduous work while they spent their time Praising God and going Up to the church to pray. However, in The Sick Rose, Blakes voice is poignant and remorseful, which comes across in every line particularly the ending Does thy life Destroy which I think is rather an abrupt ending-the poem ends as the Rose is about to be destroyed. The fact that he has to explain to the Rose what is happening to it shows that the Rose is too young and innocent to realise that what is happening to it is wrong. Personally, this narrative style is my favourite, as I think that it has a direct effect on the reader and the point is made more urgently than the other two poems. To turn to the narration is the third poem, The Chimney Sweeper, differs largely between the others and is almost special in Blakes account of this psychologically, mentally and physical abuse of the child. Amphitryon By Plautus EssayBlake activates the words Black and Appal into present tense verbs, which gives them a larger implication because it shows it to be continuous and happening at that precise moment without a foreseeable end. This shows us that in 18th century England, the churchs disregard for society has left people in a state of religious decay. In the 3 poems, Blake examines people in an individual way. In London, Blake writes about a myriad of people, from old age to young, who make up the lower class of society. He shows their depression to have reached such acute levels that they are now victims of their own minds and lifestyle. Blake also remarks that they are all marked with Woe and are identified by this inner torture. He represents this life to be an eternal cycle of suffering, starting with the Blasted infant to the Youthful harlot ,forced into prostitution due to the lack of opportunity presented to woman in Victorian England, whose cry Plagues the marriage hearse suggesting that the sanctity of marriage has been devalued. Even the soldiers, who bled for their country, can only Sigh in the Hapless state they have been reduced to because their contribution to England has been ignored. So, in London Blake shows the universitality of this suffering that effect old and young alike, as opposed to The Sick Rose where the poem is specific to the Rose, which Blake personally addresses. This poem has the closest similarity to society today in the way that in society the powerful take advantage of and suppress the more defenceless. Infact this theme has been explored in many books including Of Mice and Men, An Inspector Calls and To Kill a Mockingbird to name a few. In this poem, as in most situations, it is the decisions of the government and church that make these people defenceless. Something that deeply affected me in all three poems was the complete show of apathy with which society treated children in Victorian England. In Chimney the child is so devalued that its only recognised as A little black thing showing how de-personalised and de-humanised children were. The fact that they are forced into such dangerous jobs at such young ages, such as being Chimney Sweepers, factory workers and servants to the wealthier classs, was totally acceptable in that century, just as it was acceptable to have these young children of two or three years roam the streets alone. As in The Sick Rose, the child in Chimney has been mentally and physically abused and irrevocably corrupted and forced into adulthood. But what sickens me in The Sick Rose is that Blake says that this infliction of abuse is to the abuser a Love showing that the abuser actually enjoyed tormenting children. It is only in London that Blake criticises the English monarchy which was the highest institution in Victorian England. His graphic metaphor of the Hapless soldiers distress running In blood down palace walls has two possible meanings: that it is the soldiers efforts, blood and sacrifices that have built the palace walls and kept them protected and that the monarchy have blood on their hands for their involvement in the recent Napoleonic wars. These are two very courageous statements which at the time could have seen Blake charged with treason or disloyalty but also serve to show the extent of Blakes fury. Last of all, I will be looking and the rhyme and rhythm in these poems. The most detectable rhythm is defiantly in London. In this poem there is a definite alternate rhythm: I wander thro each charterd Street Near where the charterd Thames does flowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ This beat is like the sound of a war drum calling people to act on their indignation and is a call of insurrection. The rhythm is confident and determined, reflecting Blakes unwavering and resolute stand on the governments conduct. Blake also uses alternate rhyme for example Cry and Sigh , Hear and Tear. These are the words which will linger with the reader and so their placement is powerful and makes them unforgettable. They are also mainly words of despair and are onomatopoeic making the reader feel the agony of these people. In London the rhyme and rhythm is plentiful and immediately perceptible, whereas in The Chimney Sweeper the rhythm is irregular and harder to detect which perhaps shows the instability of the childs life although there is constant rhyme. In the first stanza the rhyme is in couplets meaning every line and in stanzas two and three the rhyme is alternate. This shows how the childs life was ordinary to that of anyone his age but then suddenly changed and became unacceptably abnormal. In conclusion, these three poems offer us a deep insight into all aspects of 18th century England in individual yet decisive ways. In each one Blake is attempting to warn England that this cycle of abuse and hatred can only end wretchedly and violently, unless the church and government make an effort to help their people.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Quotes

'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' Quotes Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, is an award-winning American novel written by Mildred D. Taylor about a black family living in Mississippi during the Depression-era. The story is narrated by 9-year-old Cassie Logan, who tells the story about her family, their land, and the struggle for survival in the face of racism. In 1977, the novel won the Newbery Medal, an award for exceptional literature for American children. Roll of Thunder, Hear My  Cry, received critical acclaim, and the social commentary it raises remains an enduring topic in American society. Here are some quotes that exemplify the novels themes of racism and culture during the 1930s: Chapter 1 Look out there, Cassie girl. All that belongs to you. You aint never had to live on nobodys place but your own and long as I live and the family survives, youll never have to. Chapter 2 Papa always meant what he said- and he swung a mean switch. Chapter 3 Its them again.  Theys  ridin tonight. Chapter 4 Friends gotta trust each other, Stacey, cause aint nothin like a true friend. The Wallaces did that, children. They poured kerosene over Mr. Berry and his nephews and lit them afire. Chapter 5 Well, you just get your little black self back over there and wait some more. No day in all my life had ever been as cruel as this one. Chapter 6 Big Ma didnt want you hurt. That was the only thing on her mind. Chapter 7 Seems to me if Staceys not smart enough to hold onto a good coat, he  dont  deserve it. These are things they need to hear, baby. Its their history. We aint never gonna lose this land. We Logans dont have much to do with white folks. You know why? Cause white folks mean trouble. Im a Southerner, born and bred, but that doesnt mean I approve of all that goes on here, and there are a lot of other white people who feel the same. Chapter 8 I expect youd best just forget about teaching altogether. Got me better friends than yall! They give me things and treat me like Im a man. Chapter 10 Hes got a need to show us where we stand in the scheme of things. Hes got a powerful need to do that. Chapter 11 Yall decide to hold court out here tonight? Chapter 12 Theres smoke coming from my forest yonder! What happened to T.J. in the night I did not understand, but I knew that it would not pass. And I cried for  those things  which had happened in the night and would not pass.

Grant Writing Tips

Grant Writing Tips Grant Writing Tips Grant Writing Tips By Guest Author This is a guest post by Cristy Rodriguez. If you want to write for Daily Writing Tips check the guidelines here. A grant is a simple request for funds that entails a description of a specific need and the proposed program that will fill that need. It is the applicant’s responsibility and goal to present a strong enough case to convince a possible funder that they are worthy of receiving a grant. There is a basic format that can be followed and used as an outline when putting a grant together. Many funding organizations and foundations have different sets of guidelines that should be followed. It is important that you carefully research each foundation’s mission, area of interests and grant guidelines. Look to answer these questions and any others that seem relevant to your search. What is their sole basis for setting funds aside for this call for proposals? What program areas are they looking to fund? Are they only considering awarding funds to certain entities (non-profits, schools, churches, etc.), certain geographic areas or populations? Do not overlook their funding restrictions, some foundations list what they do not accept and or fund. Make sure your program and needs match with the foundations scope. You must also gather information from the organization (who you are writing for) to help put the grant together. Meet with the organization’s key contacts to plan out a program design. Find out what kind of grant they are looking for, what important needs need to be met. What do they hope to accomplish through this proposed program? Discuss what their plans for sustainability are. The feedback you receive is quite vital to the grant layout and presentation. Gather materials on the organization’s background, mission and list of past and former programs and activities. Once you have chosen a foundation and have gathered all your research materials, you are now ready to begin writing a grant. Most of what is detailed here is what foundations are looking for in a grant. The following can be used as a guide to get you started on the grant writing process. 1. Executive Summary- Usually one page Proposed program summary Solution- What the program will accomplish Program cost Organization experience and capacity- Brief statements to establish credibility with similar programs 2. Statement of Need- Two pages Reason(s) proposed program is needed, supported with statistical information Reasons the organization is the right candidate to fulfill those need(s) 3. Program Description- Three pages Program design and implementation Goals and Objectives Methods- Steps taken to accomplish program objectives Program Evaluation- The methods for reporting program results, by whom and when. How will you measure success? What are your plans for improvement? Plan for sustainability- How will the program continue once funding is gone? Program staff 4. Organizational Information- One page Mission and History Summary of past and former programs Accomplishments 5. Program Budget- One page Provide an outline of all program costs and expenses. Be sure to review their guidelines on what they do not fund. 6. Attachments- Varies 501 Â © 3- Tax exemption letter Organization Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation List of Board members Financial Statements Letters of support When you have compiled all these elements you will now have a basic draft or model to use for future grant writing projects. Of course, this is to give you an idea of what most foundations ask for. You should always follow their grant guidelines and instructions. About the author: Cristy Rodriguez, former grant writer and a regular contributor to Associated Content. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Business Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Types of RhymeComma Before ButStarting a Business Letter with Dear Mr.

Bristoe Campaign in the American Civil War

Bristoe Campaign in the American Civil War Bristoe Campaign - Conflict Dates: The Bristoe Campaign was conducted between October 13 and November 7, 1863, during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Armies Commanders: Union Major General George G. Meade76,000 men Confederate General Robert E. Lee45,000 men Bristoe Campaign - Background: In the wake of the Battle of Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia withdrew south into Virginia.   Slowly pursued by Major General George G. Meades Army of the Potomac, the Confederates established a position behind the Rapidan River.   That September, under pressure from Richmond, Lee dispatched Lieutenant General James Longstreets First Corps to reinforce General Braxton Braggs Army of Tennessee.   These troops proved critical to Braggs success at the Battle of Chickamauga later that month.   Made aware of Longstreets departure, Meade advanced to the Rappahannock River seeking to take advantage of Lees weakness.   On September 13, Meade pushed columns towards the Rapidan and won a minor victory at Culpeper Court House. Though Meade hoped to conduct a wide sweep against Lees flank, this operation was cancelled when he received orders to send Major General Oliver O. Howard and Henry Slocums XI and XII Corps west to aid Major General William S. Rosecrans beleaguered Army of the Cumberland.   Learning of this, Lee took the initiative and launched a turning movement to the west around Cedar Mountain.   Unwilling to do battle on ground not of his own choosing, Meade slowly withdrew northeast along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad (Map). Bristoe Campaign - Auburn: Screening the Confederate advance, Major General J.E.B. Stuarts cavalry encountered elements of Major General William H. Frenchs III Corps at Auburn on October 13.   Following a skirmish that afternoon, Stuarts men, along with support from Lieutenant General Richard Ewells Second Corps, engaged parts of Major General Gouverneur K. Warrens II Corps the next day.   Though inconclusive, it served both sides as Stuarts command escaped from a larger Union force and Warren was able to protect his wagon train.   Moving away from Auburn, II Corps made for Catletts Station on the railroad.   Eager to harry the enemy, Lee directed Lieutenant General A.P. Hills Third Corps to pursue Warren.    Bristoe Campaign - Bristoe Station: Racing forward without proper reconnaissance, Hill sought to strike the rearguard of Major General George Sykes V Corps near Bristoe Station.   Advancing on the afternoon of October 14, he failed to notice the presence of Warrens II Corps.   Spotting the approach of Hills lead division, commanded by Major General Henry Heth, the Union leader positioned part of his corps behind the Orange and Alexandria Railroad embankment.   These forces mauled the first two brigades sent forward by Heth.   Reinforcing his lines, Hill was unable to dislodge II Corps from its formidable position (Map).   Alerted to Ewells approach, Warren later withdrew north to Centreville.   As Meade re-concentrated his army around Centreville, Lees offensive drew to a close.   After skirmishing around Manassas and Centreville, the Army of Northern Virginia withdrew back to the Rappahannock.   On October 19, Stuart ambushed Union cavalry at Buckland Mills and pursued the defeated horsemen for five mi les in an engagement that became known as the Buckland Races. Bristoe Campaign - Rappahannock Station:            Having fallen back behind the Rappahannock, Lee elected to maintain one pontoon bridge across the river at Rappahannock Station.   This was protected on the north bank by two redoubts and supporting trenches, while Confederate artillery on south bank covered the entire area.   Under increasing pressure to take action from Union general-in-chief Major General Henry W. Halleck, Meade moved south in early November.   Assessing Lees dispositions, he directed Major General John Sedgwick to assault Rappahannock Station with his VI Corps while Frenchs III Corps struck downstream at Kellys Ford.   Once across, the two corps were to unite near Brandy Station. Attacking around noon, French succeeded breaking through the defenses at Kellys Ford and began crossing the river.   Responding, Lee moved to intercept III Corps in the hope that Rappahannock Station could hold until French was defeated.   Advancing at 3:00 PM, Sedgwick seized high ground near the Confederate defenses and emplaced artillery.   These guns pounded the lines held by part of Major General Jubal A. Earlys division.   As the afternoon passed, Sedgwick showed no signs of attacking.   This inaction led Lee to believe that Sedgwicks actions were a feint to cover Frenchs crossing at Kellys Ford.   At dusk, Lee was proven wrong when part of Sedgwicks command surged forward and penetrated the Confederate defenses.   In the assault, the bridgehead was secured and 1,600 men, the bulk of two brigades, captured (Map). Bristoe Campaign - Aftermath: Left in an indefensible position, Lee broke off his movement towards French and began retreating south.   Crossing the river in force, Meade gathered his army around Brandy Station as the campaign ended.   In the fighting during the Bristoe Campaign, the two sides incurred 4,815 casualties including the prisoners taken at Rappahannock Station.   Frustrated by the campaign, Lee had failed to bring Meade to battle or prevent the Union from reinforcing its armies in the West.   Under continued pressure from Washington to obtain a decisive result, Meade commenced planning his Mine Run Campaign which moved forward on November 27. Selected Sources Civil War Trust: Battle of Bristoe StationCWSAC Battle Summaries: Bristoe StationBristoe Station Campaign

Discussion Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 8

Discussion Questions - Essay Example Dovel, 1993) Today it is believed that management styles around the world especially in the industrialized world are beginning to converge and that this convergence will likely increase overtime as a result of increased globalization process. (Richard M. Steers, & Luciara Nardon, 2005, p.10). But in my point of view this is not so and my management style cannot be applied successfully in Asia, Europe and US at the same time. The reasons are as follows The cultures across the countries in Asia, Europe and US are very different. The culture of a country shapes the perception of the people. These perceptions play a major role in defining their work attitude. Cultural influence also directly affects the climate for business in general and international business in particular. National ideology determines how members of a culture view the role of business and how strong the cultures identity is. These factors in turn determine attitudes toward foreigners, foreign products and foreign ideas. (John B. Ford, Earl D. Honeycutt, Jr, 1992, p. 2) Trade and business laws in a country also affect the managerial decision making. Business organizations that work across borders not only follow international laws but also the national business and trade laws of the concerned country. A decision which is viable in one country may not be legally acceptable in another country. There is a huge gap in the technology usage between Asian, American and European countries. Asian businesses mostly rely on old technologies due to shortage of capital. This makes the Asian businesses more labor intensive. This is also a key factor that requires managers to have different managerial style. This is the most important point because the level of skill and education of the workforce determines the kind of attitude the manager can have with them. Incase of Asia where the workforce is mostly uneducated the managers hardly rely upon the employees. Therefore a manager may not be able to

Current Events Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Current Events - Research Paper Example The two strongest European economies within the zone, namely that of Germany and France, do not agree on what actions to take to prevent the entire continent from falling into a recession. In this regard, recession is broadly defined as two (2) successive quarters of economic decline if it is based on the real gross domestic product or GDP. (My own definition of a recession is when a lot of working people lose their jobs and those seeking new employment, like the new graduates, cannot get hired). However, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) of the United States of America defines it more precisely, based on a number of other economic indicators such as the level of employment, industrial activity, real incomes, wholesale prices and retail sales. In other words, the NBER uses overall business activities as an indicator, the time when business reaches its peak and starts to decline. It is the business cycle dating committee or BCDC that is tasked to approximate the date whe n a recession has started (NBER, 2010, p. 1); a recession is usually accompanied by rising unemployment and a rise in excess capacity in the manufacturing sectors or other industries of the country due to weak consumer demand. The magazine article discussed in this paper had specifically mentioned this two prime economic indicators to portray the worsening conditions within the European economic zone. Discussion The news article which serves as the basis for the discussion of recession in Europe in this paper is entitled â€Å"The euro crisis: a real mess† that was written by R. A. and published in the on-line or digital version of the Economist last July 2, 2012. In the article, the author talked on a worsening crisis within the European zone because of the on-going recession that is expected to get worse within the next few months. The unemployment in Europe had inched up, with Euro-wide unemployment rate going up last May to 11.1% with the unemployment figures for Spain at much worse rates of 24.6% for adults and at over 52% for Spanish youths. Spain is one of those countries included in the PIIGS mentioned earlier (Dorfman, 2010, p. 1) which engaged in great spending even beyond its normal capacity to pay and is now suffering for its profligate ways. All the five countries included in the PIGGS classification had borrowed way too much and are now in real great danger of defaulting on their sovereign debts. The other countries in Europe which are now in recession are suffering from same twin problems of too much debts and high deficits which does not leave much room for economic recovery except through harsh cost-cutting acts but are not politically well-advised especially during an election year. The same article on the on-going euro crisis mentioned how manufacturing activity had declined by 1% in the second quarter this year, with the rate of decline expected to accelerate in the later part or the second half of this year. Manufacturing is one of broad economic indicators used to measure or approximate a recessionary climate, and this is shown by the decline in many European countries, such as not only in France and the Netherlands but also in Spain, Italy and even Germany, which is considered as the strongest European economy so far. Both Greece and Spain are now in depression, which is worse than a recession (a decline of above 10% in GDP). The

The U.S. a Guarantor and Challenger of the UN Security System Essay Example for Free

The U.S. a Guarantor and Challenger of the UN Security System Essay The United States of America, through its former president Franklin D. Roosevelt was the founding nation of the United Nations during world war two. The U. S. is one of the permanent member of the UN with veto powers and one of the five Security Council members as well as the major contributor of revenues to the UN, making it a true guarantor of the UN security system. However, since the formation of the UN, the organization has experienced various challenges in executing its duties as a global organization committed to maintaining peace and security, better living standards and human rights, particularly with the United States which has proved somehow to be a stumbling block in the organization effective operation, with the U. S. not respecting U. N. security council resolutions by taking advantage of its mighty economy, huge contribution to the organization and its permanent membership vetting powers to push the UN to comply with its selfish interests, by breaking the organizations security council resolutions hence bringing conflict between the U. S and other security council members. ( Global policy forum, 2008) The United Nations been an international organization, committed to maintaining international peace and security, handles a wide range of issues across the globe. It is best known for peacekeeping, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance; it requires huge finances to implement its duties. The organizations has a regular two-year budget and its specialized agencies (like UN security agency) are funded by assessments and voluntary contributions from member states. The organization budget is approved by the general assembly, which in addition determines the assessment for each member country, this is mainly based on the capability of each country to pay, although the organizations assembly adheres to its principle of not relying entirely on one member country to finance its operations, hence there is maximum amount which each country can contribute. However the U. S is the only member country that meets the maximum (ceiling rate) making it a true guarantor of the UN security system. In addition to funding the organization operations, the US is one of the five permanent security council members, hence it must participate in approving all peacekeeping and security operations, this a true indication that the U. S is a real guarantor of the UN security systems( Chicago council on global affairs, 2008) The U. S been one of the five permanent members of the UN security council and one of the only five countries recognized as nuclear-weapon states(NWS), it has a permanent representative in the security council hence the U. S participates in investigating any international dispute or any situation which mighty lead to international friction or cause a dispute, the U. S as a security council member take part in deciding what measures are to be taken in situations involving, threat to the peace and it is a stake-holder in recommending on the action to be taken to the concerned countries by either use of armed forces, to maintain and restore international peace and security. For instance the U. S was in the fore-front during the UN armed actions in Korea in 1950 during the Korean War, also the US was the main participant in the use of the coalition forces in Kuwait and Iraq in 1991, making it a true guarantor of the UN security system. (Creery, Janet, 1994) The U. S has been in the forefront as a guarantor and mediator of talks and processes for implementing comprehensive peace agreement needed to assist and bring both north and southern Sudan around one table, laid down their issues and give peace a chance. To understand the drivers of conflict and the gateway to sustainable peace in eastern Sudan, the U. S through its organization called the institute of peace and in partnership with other peace institutions like the Nairobi peace Initiative-Africa, the U. S funded a workshop entitled, Listening to East Sudan, a workshop aimed at assessing the social-economic stresses of the people of eastern Sudan, mobilizing responses in its relentless efforts to see peace and democracy prevail in Sudan (www. usip. org/resources/peacekeeping-and peace building-eastern Sudan) The most remarkable contribution of the United States to the United Nations system was during the Britton woods conference whose objective was to create a new, stable and predictable international monetary and trade regime. This new system opened world markets, promoted a liberal economy and paved way for the birth of different UN institutions like the World Bank and international monetary fund to assist in implementing UNs duties. The United States significantly supported the UN, through funding and other ways making the UN the first international organization to receive a huge financial support fro the U. S. this institutions among others are the building blocks of the UN hence the U. S is one of the financial cornerstones and a guarantor of the UN security systems. (Schweigman, David,2001) The United States has show remarkable efforts in its aggressiveness to see the whole world is at peace and there are no threats to any country. In its efforts to bring peace and sanity in this world, the country has sacrificed its expensive and high-tech military equipment and personnel, for instance in Afghanistan in its efforts to do away with terrorist and other terrorist groups like the Somalia pirates and militia groups such as the alshabab, an activity which is a security responsibility of organizations like the UN. Moreover, recently the whole world witnessed the U. S efforts in Kenya an African country where sometimes back experienced a very severe post-election violence, many innocent and poverty-stricken people including women and children as well as jobless youths lost their lives, the country has since independence experiencing bad leadership because of its outdated, colonial constitution, The US has been tireless in its effort to see the country come up with its people driven constitution, it has financed these process and it was just a few days when the country voted and endorsed a new constitution, a process which the U. S has been pushing for a very long time, hence the U. S has been an icon in maintaining international peace and security making it is a true guarantor of the UN security system because it is in fact executing some of the main UN roles(Samir, Alhawary, 2008) United States has been one of the main supporters of the UN, in various ways and even sometimes implementing some of the core functions of the organization, however, in some other various occasions, the unites States has been a bottleneck to the UN smooth and effective operation. Former U. S president, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the leader behind the establishment of the UN during world war two . He suggested to his allies especially, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin, the need for a joint organization which could become the primary vehicle for maintaining international peace and stability. Roosevelt was the one who came up with the idea of some member countries being granted veto powers, such that without the agreement of any member with veto powers the organization cannot execute any crucial resolution. The veto issue brought a lot of disagreements among different member states but it was not a matter of negotiation for Roosevelt and his allies, hence this is where the rain started biting the organization because even to date the U. S hardly respect the decision of other member countries and this has been a source of conflict between the U. S and other members who have been proposing the U. S to be chased out of the organization, this is a major challenge to the organization considering that the U. S is one of its faithful financers. (De Wet, Erika, 2004) Some member countries and mostly the United States have been pushing for various reforms to be carried out within the organization. Some want the UN to play a greater or more effective way in the world affairs, others want its mandate to be reduced to humanitarian work, others have been calling for the expansion of the organizations security council memberships among other issues although there has been little consensus on how to handle all this issues. The United States has also been accusing the organization for been inefficiency, this has been a challenge to the organizations operation. The organization experienced on of its ground breaking challenge during the1990, when the U. S withheld its dues citing inefficiencies and only started repayment when its condition of major reform initiative was introduced in 1994, when the organizations general assembly established the office of internal oversight services to serve as a watch dog. | (American interests and UN reforms, 2006)

Modernist Works and the Fear of the Fin de Siècle Essay -- Literature

Modernist Works and the Fear of the Fin de Sià ¨cle      Ã‚  Ã‚   Fin de sià ¨cle is a term which is now used to refer to the period of the last 40 or so years of the Nineteenth Century and its art, yet at the time the word had genuine sociological connotations of modernity, social decay and reaction.   In France in particular though arguably throughout Europe, society was changing in such a way as to merit such a pessimistic term for the trend evolving.   The growing ability for the mass of the people to access all areas of society, previously only available to an appreciative elite coupled with the growing crime rate and visible decline of this elite are factors of this social phenomenon.   The modernist writers, typically the youthful offspring of the old elites, certainly used fin de sià ¨cle as a theme.   There is evidence of a conflict with the concept of fin de sià ¨cle, but it is too simple to say that they displayed a fear of fin de sià ¨cle.   As I will try to show in this essay, the modernist reaction to and in terpretation of fin de sià ¨cle is not static and, as though proportional to the development of modernity as an aesthetic, develops through works of varying mediums by different authors over the period identified as 'modernist'.    The phenomenon of   fin de sià ¨cle is like any term, including modernism, not rigidly set chronologically.   It can be used to describe any time in the period between about 1860 and around the beginning of the First World War.   This roughly coincides with the chronology of modernism.   This is no coincidence, since the two are linked exponentially and develop so.   But whether the relationship between the works of modernism and fin de sià ¨cle is one of fear, is not a clear cut 'yes or no' situation.   In ... ...arles Baudelaire, The Flowers of Evil, Aylesbury: Oxford University Press, 1993. Joris Karl Huysmans, Against Nature, St Ives: Penguin Books Ltd., 1959. Thomas Mann, Death in Venice, St Ives: Penguin Books Ltd., 1971. Bram Dijkstra, Idols of Perversity - Fantasies of Feminine Evil in Fin de sià ¨cle culture, New York: Oxford University Press, 1986. J.A. Cuddon, Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory, St Ives: Penguin Books Ltd., 1992. Ruth Harris, Murders and Madness - Medicine, Law and Society in the Fin de sià ¨cle, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1989. Eugen Weber, France - Fin de sià ¨cle, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1986. Richard David Sonn, French Anarchism as Cultural Politics in the 1890's, Michigan: Ann Arbor, 1981. 1 Eugene Weber, France - Fin de Sià ¨cle, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1986, pp. 9 - 26   

CIPD Ass Member Criteria Essay

What it means to be an Associate Member of CIPD The Associate Member applies their specialist skills and knowledge in the context of the organisation’s structure, culture and direction, by: providing support for human resources (HR) leaders and managers as they work to deliver a range of HR processes in one or more professional areas delivering some HR functions, such as administrative, information and processing activities. Whatever the nature or size of the organisation, the Associate Member gives vital support in one or more of the key component areas of human resources. So they may work within the central HR team, or in learning and development, or another of the professional areas within the HR remit. They may be someone setting out on an HR career, aiming for progression to Chartered Membership as they develop their skills, knowledge and experience. Or they could be someone who wishes to continue supporting fellow professionals without moving to Chartered Membership, but would like formal recognition for their existing role and contribution. Whichever it is, the Associate Member completes tasks and addresses problems that are well-defined but still have a degree of complexity. Operating within clearly defined limits they exercise some autonomy and judgement, taking and implementing appropriate decisions. The basis for their discretion is their knowledge and understanding of the organisation, and the established range of HR policies, processes, procedures and practices that they help deliver. Associate Membership signifies that this is someone who has been assessed against clear professional criteria – someone who demonstrates that they have the skill, knowledge and approach to make a significant supporting contribution, and deliver excellent results. It also confirms that they have signed up to the CIPD CPD Policy and Code of Professional Conduct, and work to its standards and criteria. Meeting the criteria To achieve Associate Membership the individual has to show that they have delivered against the criteria in a work environment. There are three elements in the criteria. 1. Activities – what the Associate Member does 2. Knowledge – what the Associate Member understands in order to carry out he activities 3. Behaviours – how the Associate Member carries out the activities. Activities: what the Associate Member does The Associate Member uses their specialist HR skills and knowledge to support HR leaders and managers, delivering information and services as and when required: consistently, on time and to standard. To do this the Associate Member: Maintains and produces management information collects and collates financial and non-financial data and statistics on the HR activities and processes within their work role converts raw data into meaningful HR and management information, and passes it on to managers and HR specialists, to inform plans, decisions, budgets produces clear and meaningful reports and updates, regularly and/or on request maintains HR record systems and individual records, with full, accurate and appropriate information and in line with data protection laws and regulations. Supports HR colleagues and line managers provides line managers/others with accurate and timely information/advice on HR policies, procedures and practices, in line with the organisation values and relevant regulations helps ensure that all HR processes provide equal opportunity, promote diversity, are based on merit and are applied equitably, fairly, reasonably and without bias manages the administration of continuing or one-off HR programmes, workshops, or meetings, and helps in their delivery. Supports improvement in processes and policieslooks for continuous improvement opportunities in HR processes, and feeds messages, ideas and observations to senior HR colleagues or managers supports change initiatives and programme implementation, maintaining service during the process and at the same time testing new approaches helps staff and managers outside HR to understand the need for and benefit of change, their role in the process, the next steps and the expected results. Maintains th eir Continuing Professional Development (CPD) enhances their professional skills, knowledge and behaviours through reflective and planned CPD. Knowledge: what the Associate Member understands To carry out the Activities the Associate Member has to know about and understand three contexts: 1. the organisation they work in or with 2. their specific work role (such as: generalist or specialist role) 3. the wider HR context. 1 The organisation and its context, including: the organisation’s structure, culture and operations its goals, targets and financial structure its HR policies, procedures, programmes, processes and practices its range of products and services and who its customers are how its teams work together to optimise performance. 2 The specific work role and the HR area(s) that are the focus for it, including: the relevant and appropriate legal and regulatory framework, and the external bodies and agencies that legislate and/or give advice and support how to contribute to the effective implementation of the organisation’s HR processes, procedures, practices, tools, techniques and approaches. 3 The wider HR context, including: how the different HR activities form an integrated whole, and the way that an action in their own professional area can affect other areas and impact on colleagues how to:plan and prioritise activities and their own work effectively, efficiently, on time and within budget -communicate effectively with employees at all levels -deliver service excellence, handle and resolve complaints and deal with difficult customers -use IT effectively and efficiently (specifically HR information systems). Behaviours: how the Associate Member carries out activities In delivering the Activities the Associate Member has to demonstrate how they meet the Behaviour criteria, organised in three clusters: Insights and influence, Operational excellence, Stewardship. Insights and influences 1. Curious keeps up to date with developments, ideas and trends in HR, the organisation and its sector. Uses information to inform personal CPD plans accepts and acts on feedback on their performance, taking action to broaden their experience, knowledge and skills uses information to inform personal CPD plans. 2. Decisive thinker uses knowledge and judgement to identify options and make day to day decisions makes sure information is accurate, consistent and relevant, before using it to carry out a task or make a decision. 3. Skilled influencerworks with other people to help gain commitment and support for changes or policies, using the appropriate communication channel or method puts forward logical and evidenced suggestions. Operational excellence 4. Driven to deliver identifies the steps needed to achieve agreed objectives, focusing on priorities keeps track of progress, to deliver on time and meet or exceed expectations. 5. Collaborative builds and maintains a network of useful contacts and relationships to support colleagues shows sensitivity and respect for other people’s feelings, cultures and beliefs. 6. Personally credible provides sound, realistic and impartial adviceconsistently delivers their promises and commitments and accepts responsibility for their actions, even when facing opposition. Stewardship 7. Courage to challenge shows courage to speak up, asks questions or for information, help or advice from other people when faced with unfamiliar issues or circumstances. 8. Role model demonstrates sound personal values and ethics, and operates within the organisation’s values, processes and expected behaviour supports colleagues in times of high workload or pressure deals with confidential and sensitive HR matters and data in line with professional good practice and the legal requirements.

Fahrenheit 451 Critical Essay

Jamie Moseley 17, October, 2012 Ms. Telesca English 101H Fahrenheit 451 Analysis In all societies, knowledge breeds life and understanding about mankind and the world surrounding it. Without the purposeful application of knowledge, the entropy of ignorance sweeps civilization into ruin and decay. In Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury asserts the point that knowledge is the foundation of civilization and if removed, what is left is a decaying society ravaged by stupidity and immorality. War, technology, and paradox sculpt a world that treats lies as truth and knowledge as sin.The characters in Fahrenheit 451 use technology as a mirroring motif, reflecting the characteristics of the society that invents things like headphones, bio-purging systems, and grotesque mechanical beasts. At first, headphones seem like a harmless invention, but actually showcase the fruitless â€Å"knowledge† of the people who use it. Montag discovers this when he observes Mildred using â€Å"the little Seashells , the thimble radios tamped tight, and an electronic ocean of sound . . . coming in on the shore of her unsleeping mind† (Bradbury 10).What Mildred listens to is not knowledgeable information, but merely a bombardment of sound and useless facts used to asphyxiate her mind. The Seashell radios force information on the listener to block out thought and short-circuit the listener’s creative faculties. Again Mildred uses the radios, but Montag finds her â€Å"eyes wide and staring at the fathoms of blackness above her in the ceiling† (39), as though she is nothing but a shell. It is interesting that the radios are called Seashells for seashells mimic the sound of the ocean just as the listeners of the radios mimic the information of the ocean of sound.People become nothing more than seashells that echo back the same bogus facts as truth without question. This empty society not only depresses free thought, but also dehumanizes its citizens. In the beginning of the boo k, Montag walks home to find Mildred overdosing on sleeping pills and calls the emergency line. In no time, two men walk in with two machines that are used to purge Mildred’s system. One machine â€Å"slid[es] down into your stomach like a black cobra down an echoing well looking for all the old water . . † (11) while the other is like an eye giving the operator the ability to â€Å"gaze into the soul of a person whom he was pumping out†(11). These machines invade the victim’s body in a way that violates the person’s humanity. The blood transfusion results in the victim becoming a wind-up toy. This incident portrays the indifference toward an individual’s life because of the violation of one’s body and disregard for personal emotion. However, the best embodiment of Montag’s society is the mechanical hound.The hound is introduced as an almost undead creature, one that â€Å"live[s] but [does] not live in its gently humming . . . kennel in a dark corner of the firehouse† (21). Like the hound, its creators neither live nor die but simply exist in a dark, backwards existence and wait for their next orders. The game of bets and death the firemen play explains the hound’s purpose. The hound traps its prey, â€Å"gripp[ing] in gentling paws while a four-inch hollow steel needle plunge[s] down from the proboscis of the hound to inject massive jolts of morphine and procaine† (23).The people, or prey, of this civilization are trapped by a gentle, yet nightmarish circumstance which injects massive amounts of false pleasure and phony facts that create a surreal yet entertaining state of being like the side effects of morphine and procaine. After Montag witnesses the killing, he asks Beatty if the hound is alive. Beatty immediately responds: â€Å"’ Come off it. It doesn’t like or dislike. It just ‘functions’ . . . † (24). The masses merely â€Å"function† like the hound going day to day in a mindless state of existence like mechanical creations. Also, the hound with â€Å"its eight incredible insect legs . . . (23) exposes the distortion of reality that is believed by people who would call this monstrous creation a hound though there is almost no resemblance between it and a dog. It is one of the twisted machines that make up the dystopia Montag lives in. Underneath the futuristic advances of this civilization lies the true dystopian world that is Fahrenheit 451. Like George Orwell’s 1984, constant war in foreign regions is present in this culture as bombers fly overhead every night like the rocket bombs of Winston’s world. Montag, in the heat of rage, questions the war effort and asks â€Å"’ Why doesn’t someone want to talk about it!We’ve started and won two atomic wars since 2022! ’† (69). Even after two atomic wars, the bombers still fly in formation, striking fear into the popula ce and rallying it together to focus its attention on a greater cause instead of the quality of their lives. War is inescapable on the radio where Montag hears the radio announce that â€Å". . . war may be declared any hour . . . † (30), which keeps the population on alert and standing by to defend its borders rather than defending their individual lives from the invasion of ignorance. Killing also unveils the dilapidated social structure as Clarisse states, â€Å"’ I’m afraid of children my own age.They kill each other’† (27). Death no longer inhibits the actions of others, but instead becomes a common fact of everyday life like breathing. Even Mildred, who comments on Montag’s need to smash things, suggests taking the beetle for a spin. â€Å"’ It’s fun out in the country. You hit rabbits, sometimes you hit dogs. Go take the beetle’† (61). Killing has no consequence anymore whether one kills an animal or murder s a human. Death, like war, distracts people through fear. Everyone fears for their own life, but cares nothing for the lives of others. Suicide, however, is the exception to this rule.When one â€Å"enjoys† their life so much, they commit suicide. One of the operators who saves Mildred from overdosing casually says â€Å"’ we get these cases nine or ten times a night’† (13), as if it is nothing serious. On top of that, he also states that â€Å"’ you take out the old [blood] and put in the new [blood] and you’re okay’† (12). The reason for suicide is that the people lead such hollow lives wrapped in cheap entertainment which leaves them without purpose. The lack of knowledge does not help because with knowledge, one can assume a purpose and make reason to life.Without it, there is no way to find a purpose and therefore people toss themselves away. However, they are given their meaningless lives back through transfusion and beg in again the downward spiral surrounded by paradox and contradiction. To place the final nail in the coffin of free thought, paradoxical ideas are substituted for knowledge that leaves society vacuous. Like the Ministry of Love in 1984, the firemen are a contradiction of good and evil. Beatty tells Montag that they are â€Å"’ the Happiness Boys, the Dixie Duo . . . we stand against the small tide of those who want to make everyone unhappy . . ’† (59) though they bring destruction and even death wherever they are sent. Yet, they whole-heartedly believe that their duty is one of ultimate justice for the good of man whereas it is the opposite. This twisting of reality appears in the television shows like Mildred’s â€Å"family†. She feels like she belongs with them, crying out â€Å"’ my ‘family’ is people. They tell me things; I laugh, they laugh! ’† (69). The â€Å"family† creates a sense of belonging and in clusion that actually excludes and cuts the viewer off from the real world by satisfying the need for information.Watching television is an exclusive affair which Montag soon realizes. In frustration, Montag asks Mildred, â€Å"’ does your ‘family’ love, love you very much, love you with all their heart and soul, Millie? ’† (73). What Mildred feels for the ‘family’ is a surrogate set of emotions, substituting fact and truth with what she sees and hears, causing her to truly love the â€Å"family† even though it is merely a program. Beatty explains the constant attack of pseudo-knowledge and emotion: â€Å"’Cram them full of noncombustible data, chock them so damned full of ‘facts’ they feel stuffed , but absolutely brilliant with information’† (58).He goes on to say â€Å"’ if the drama is bad, if the film says nothing, if the play is hollow, sting me with the Theremin, loudly . . . I jus t like solid entertainment’† (58). What Beatty is alluding to is if the masses are overrun with useless information, paradoxical ideas, and false emotions, they will believe that they understand the world around them from what they have absorbed and consider it truth and live in stupid intelligence which is the greatest paradox presented. Like light and darkness, knowledge drives off ignorance.However, Bradbury creates a culture where knowledge is stifled in an impenetrable web of ignorance that dictates the lives of the characters in Fahrenheit 451. Murder, machines, and contradictions are used to give false purpose and reason to humanity in place of knowledge. The hero Montag journeys through this dangerous environment in an attempt to find himself and uncover the horrific truth that without reason, destruction and rot await to consume all who ignore intelligence. Works Cited Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1967. Print.

Learning and Memorizing Latin Declension Endings

Learning and Memorizing Latin Declension Endings Usually, students learn one Latin declension at a time, so there is only one complete set of endings to learn. If you dont learn them when they are assigned, it will be harder when you have two or more sets to memorize together. The First Three Declensions Are Basic This wont help you pass your tests, but... if for some reason you are stuck learning all five Latin declensions at once, it should be somewhat comforting to know that the fourth and fifth arent that common, so if you know the first three, you will know far more than 60%. [Note: some very common words are in the 4th and 5th declension.] The following suggestions are based on the idea that once you have the first three down, the others will be easy enough. Use Your Own Learning Style Especially for people who learn like me a style I gather is called tactile or kinesthetic learning: write the declensions over and over and over again. Look for your own patterns. Then write them over and over and over again. I used to do this on a chalkboard which I could keep erasing and writing over, although the ideal would probably be the ancient Roman school boys wax covered blocks of wood with a stylus. Some might find looking at flashcards or saying the word over and over again works better. Recognize the Most Important and Least Used Forms The vocative and locative are rare, so learning just the nominative, genitive, dative, accusative, and ablative, should get you through most Latin. Of course, these cases have a singular and a plural form. Know the Equivalent in Your Native Language Based on my very first tearful day of Latin, it helps to know that these cases have equivalents in English. The nominative is the subject and the accusative is the object. The accusative can also be the object of a preposition. The ablative is also the object of a preposition, and the dative is called indirect object in English, which means it will be translated as to or for plus the noun. Recognize Regularities In Greek and Latin the nominative and accusative plural end in a for neuters.Since the first declension singular nominative and ablative also end in a, it is very useful to learn that the first declension singular ablative has a long mark or macron over it.The dative and ablative plural usually end in is in the first and second declension and in the third declension (and occasionally, the first), the s is separated from its vowel by a bu as in the third declension noun hostibuus and the first declension filiabus.The genitive plural ending can be thought of as um with prefixes of ar in the first declension and ur in the second declension.A is the vowel of the first declension and u or o for the second.The accusative singular has the vowel of the declension a/u/e plus m. The plural has the vowel a/o/e plus s.The nominative and genitive singular are shown in the dictionary form, so once the lexical item is known, the genitive should be obvious.The dative singular for the 1st declension is the same as the genitive singular.In the second and third declensions, the dative and ablative are the same. Write the declensions over and over and over again.

Array as a Function Return Type and Method Parameter

Array as a Function Return Type and Method Parameter Arrays in Delphi allow us to refer to a series of variables by the same name and to use a number (an index) to tell them apart. Heres an example integer array that can hold up to 7 (integer) values. Note: this is a fixed-size static Delphi array declaration. Arrays as Function Return Types In Delphi, functions are routines that return a value. When you want a function to return an array type variable, you might be tempted to use the next declaration: When you try to compile this code, youll get the next compile-time error: [Pascal Error] E2029 Identifier expected but ARRAY found. Obviously, when you declare functions that will return array value, you cannot include index type specifiers return declaration. In order to allow a function to return an array value, you first need to create a custom array type, then use it as a return function type: Arrays as Method/Routine Properties Similar to using arrays as function return types, when you declare routines that take array parameters, you cannot include index type specifiers in the parameter declarations.

Undecided Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Undecided - Assignment Example Women in Athens could not own property or vote for leaders. Their principle role was to be housekeepers. They were not allowed to participate in any public function. In contrast, the Spartan women enjoyed more freedom and could own property. They were allowed to inherit property and were encouraged to develop their intellect (Unger 26). The two cities of Sparta and Athens were bitter rivals in the ancient times in Greece. They were very close to each other but different in their lifestyles and values. The Athens city was open to all citizens and recorded a total population of more than 3,761,811 people. In contrast, the city in Sparta was limited to its inhabitants while the total population was 18, 184 people (Unger 23). Wisdom and restraint in Athens was sorely missed among the Pericles. According to (Unger 78), wisdom in Athens existed in theory while this was highly appreciated in Sparta. The Spartans observed many values which controlled their lives. They gave great honors to certain events and to people with respect to their withheld values and

The Abercrombie and Fitch and Burberry Australia Assignment

The Abercrombie and Fitch and Burberry Australia - Assignment Example The paper "The Abercrombie and Fitch and Burberry Australia" talks about fashion retail marketing. The globalization of modern business has necessitated the use of different modes of retail marketing, with retailers exploiting any available opportunity. Currently, the internet is robust with fashion items being advertised by different companies. It is due to these developments that this paper sought to look at two leading fashion companies that operate retail outlet stores in Australia, Burberry and Abercrombie and Fitch. This paper is generally concerned with how the retail outlets of these two companies have strategized themselves to reach their customers. The fashion industry is a very dynamic industry, due to the many changes that keep taking shape in the business. The uniqueness of this business form other businesses is the fact that the manufacturers of fashion items, inclusive of clothing and other items of fashion is the common ideology of change. Contrary to the traditional perception of the fashion design as a means of fulfilling needs, the modern perception is different, with its intention purpose being lined in conception, production, promotion and the marketing styles in the basis of the customer’s desires. While people’s tastes keep on changing over and over, the manufacturers keep on inventing new fashions with time. With the changes, old fashion items become obsolete and cannot be. Fashion is defined by the key players who are involved in it. The interwoven web of the individuals .who are part of the industry including designers, stores, factory workers, seamstresses, tailors, embroiders of garments, the press for publicity, fashion analysts and critics, the various models involve in showcasing the garments such as fit models and runaway models, textile manufacturers, pattern makers and sketch makers, and most importantly the customers. The changing tastes and customer wants are what determine the fissionability of the fashion indu stry. Customers’ wants change by virtue of their attire, or through the icons’ standards. It is with this knowledge that anybody who considers investing in the fashion industry ought to be ready for the dynamics in the market. Losses are inherent and more probable if a retailer do not understand the exact needs of customers, while keeping an eye on the changing market trends in the fashion designs. This paper looks at the two major fashion retail outlets in Australia, the Abercrombie and Fitch Australia and Burberry. The Abercrombie and Fitch Australia Men and women love fashion, and especially the Abercrombie and Fitch garments. â€Å"Abercrombie and Fitch† (2012) observes that the young and the youth are willing to spend any amount of money just to expand their collection of the Abercrombie and Fitch. Fashion is classified in terms of class, with the high class setting standards and assuming iconic status in the society, and this is exactly what the company do es to its customers. It elevates the customers’

Taxation in UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Taxation in UK - Essay Example The paper tells that the Largest source of revenue collection for government is income tax. Everyone in the country has an income tax personal allowance below which he does not have to pay tax in a particular tax year. For people aging below 65 years have a tax allowance of  £6,475 in 2010-11. However, in June 2010, this figure has been increased by  £1,000 by the Chancellor therefore the tax personal allowance is  £7,475. If anyone has an income below the income tax personal allowance, he is not supposed to pay any tax however if the earnings of an individual is above the tax allowance then he is supposed to pay according to his earnings above this level. There are different tax bands and every tax band has a different tax rate. Corporation tax refers to the tax on the profits made by the organizations in United Kingdom along with profits made by permanent establishments of companies owned by non-UK residents as well as associations trading in European Union. Collection of cor porate tax is the fourth largest source of revenue collection of government. Before April 1965, both the corporate tax rate and individual tax rate were charged at the same rate though corporations were supposed to pay an additional profit tax. However, with the passage of time, there have been several changes to the corporate tax and since 1997, the laws have modified several times and now the tax rates of corporations and individuals have changed. (Tax Law Rewrite). Calendar year is a period of 12 months beginning from the starting of January and ending on 31st December whereas on the other hand, fiscal year is a period of 12 consecutive months ending on last day of any month except December (Tax Years). In United Kingdom, government financial year is a period of twelve months from April 1 to March 31. Corporations are allowed to adopt any year for their accounting purpose however any changes in the tax rate, the tax is charged on the basis of government’s financial year (I ntroduction to Corporation Tax). Taxable and Tax Rate An individual earns income from different sources. Some of these sources are taxable whereas some income is tax deductable. Some of the sources from where an individual earns is salary, profit from any business, rent income, dividend income, income on loan or any security including bonds etc. On the other hand, the income of corporations is the profits. Taxable bands and tax rate for the year 2011 – 2012 is as follows: Taxable income Rate of tax 0 - ?2,560 10 per cent (starting rate for savings  only) 0 - ?35,000 20 per cent (basic rate) ?35,001 - ?150,000 40 per cent (higher rate) Over ?150,000 50 per cent (additional rate) (Source: Income tax rates) Relevant Tax period Tax period is the period of 12 months in which the individual earns income from different sources and if all these sources accumulate to more than personal tax allowance then he is supposed to pay tax. importance of direct and indirect taxes Direct and i ndirect taxes are very important for every government as tax collection is one of the main sources of the government to collect revenues. Direct tax is defined as the tax that an individual pays directly to the government and this kind of tax is directly imposed on the individual or the organization by the government. On the other hand, indirect tax can have different forms like sales tax, value added tax (VAT), or goods or service tax (GST) and indirect tax is collected by another party or an intermediary. The intermediary initially takes the burden of this kind of tax and afterwards takes the amount of tax from the government by filling a tax return, therefore the tax is paid eventually to the government through another party. Therefore, indirect tax is indirectly collected by the government but with the involvement of an intermediary. Differences between Direct Tax and Indirect Tax Direct Tax Direct

Italian Market Entry By Superior Chocolate Marketing Essay

Italian Market Entry By Superior Chocolate Marketing Essay Superior Chocolate (SC) is a UK based producer of high quality organic chocolates. The firm has three product lines, namely (a) block chocolate, (b) chocolates for special occasions and (c) speciality chocolates. All chocolates are produced with high quality organically grown ingredients. Whilst the company is far smaller in size than the global and regional market leaders, the firm has established market presence in the UK, the USA and Australia and production facilities in the UK and Australia. The company has adopted a comprehensive marketing strategy for (a) improvement of competitive advantage by improvement of financial strength, and (b) expansion into other markets, in both emerging and developed countries. SC is now actively examining the potential of different foreign markets for entry and expansion, from various business perspectives. Objectives This study aims to investigate and analyse the potential of the Italian market for entry by Superior Chocolate. The study entails the conduct of a focused situation analysis of the Italian market and an examination of the various routes for entry. Such analysis and examination is followed by appropriate recommendations and a concluding section. 2. Analysis of Italian Market The analysis of a national market for purposes of entry and expansion by foreign business organisations is a complex and multi-dimensional task that involves assessment of various market factors, environmental conditions, extent of competitiveness and existing opportunities and threats (Gilligan Wilson, 2005, p 48-51). This study focuses on important market factors in order to produce a representative snapshot of existing conditions and to thereby facilitate decision making on entry and expansion options. Market Analysis Whilst Belgium and Switzerland are globally known for the excellence of their chocolate making skills, chocolates are extremely popular in most European countries and both the UK and Italy have strong chocolate markets (Mintel, 2010, p 1-2). Chocolate consumption in the UK at approximately 600,000 tonnes per year is however much more than that of Italy, which consumes approximately 215,000 tonnes every year (RTS Resource Ltd, 2010, p 1-2). The consumer expenditure on chocolates in European countries in 2007 is detailed in the chart provided below. Consumption of Chocolates in Europe (RTS Resource, 2010, p 1) Information obtained from various surveys and reports lead to the following conclusions about existing market conditions in Italy and other European countries. Expansion of the chocolate market in the immediate future appears to be limited because of low population growth forecasts, depressed economic conditions and competition from other snacks and indulgences. The market is reaching saturation level and much of its growth is coming from market segments rather than from total expansion. The market is in a state of maturity and growth is less than 1% every year. Marketing experts feel that European chocolate sellers should try to improve their market shares by (a) exploiting the health properties of chocolate, (b) engaging in product differentiation through use of shapes, ingredients and packaging, (c) increase in brand diversification, (d) introducing low calorie and low sugar products, and (e) developing the super premium sector. Whilst opportunities do exist in the chocolate market, they are becoming increasingly difficult to find because of increasing market competition and fragmentation (RTS Resource, 2010, p 2). Environmental Analysis Careful environmental analysis of target markets enables prospective market entrants to understand the various environmental features that are different, in small or large measure, in such target markets from those of their existing markets. An understanding of such differences helps organisations in shaping their entry strategies (Hooley, et al, 2008, p 81-86). Such environmental analysis is normally carried out through the examination of political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal aspects in line with the well known PESTEL format (Hooley, et al, 2008, p 81-86). It is however unlikely that any significant political, environmental and legal issues could cause concerns about the entry of Superior Chocolate in Italy because both Italy and the UK are governed by EU regulations and norms. SC should thus, for purposes of environmental analysis, focus mainly on economic and social issues (Mintel, 2010, p 1-2). Italy is an advanced and affluent nation with an annual GDP of 1.74 trillion USD and a per capita income of 29,900 USD. The ongoing economic recession has however hurt the Italian economy significantly and both annual GDP and per capita income have reduced significantly from 2007 levels. Future growth prospects are also not very optimistic and the country expects to face bleak economy conditions for some years to come. Such depression in economic conditions has obviously led to reduction of discretionary incomes, losses of jobs and decrease in consumer spending (Central intelligence, 2010, p 2-3). The consumption of chocolates has however not been affected, even though the segment has not shown any significant growth in the last two years (Mintel Snapshotà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¦, 2010, p 4-9). Whilst such trends provide reason for some optimism, continuance or worsening of economic conditions could well lead to reduction in demand and consumption of chocolates in Italy. Italy is an ageing society and with the death rate exceeding the birth rate, the population of the country is decreasing steadily. The average age of the country, at approximately 44 years, is higher than the average European age and significantly higher than that of the UK. With consumption of chocolates being associated with children and young people, the growing average age of the country could lead to stagnation or even reduction in demand for chocolates in future. Italian society is also culturally very different from that of the UK (Central intelligence, 2010, p 2-3). Italians are fiercely proud of their history, society and culture and tend to be ethnocentric in their choice of products. This is even more pronounced in personal preferences like clothes and food. Research has conclusively revealed that greater levels of ethnocentricity by and large lead to preferences for local products, thereby making it difficult for foreign companies to enter and expand in such markets (Arvi dsson, 2003, p 34-39). Porters Five Forces Analysis Porters Five Forces Model provides a useful tool for the analysis of the extent of competitiveness in a particular industrial or sector. Such analysis is done by investigation of five specific market forces, namely (a) the extent of rivalry between market participants, (b) the power of buyers, (c) the power of sellers, (d) the potential threat from new entrants, and (e) the threat from substitutes (Porter, 2008, p 7-15). The extent of competition between market participants is intense. As a strong consumer of chocolates and cocoa products, the Italian chocolate market is crowded by global, regional and local suppliers. With Belgium and Switzerland being geographically proximal, numerous chocolate producers from these countries service the Italian market. The power of buyers is very high because of the numerous choices available to them. The power of suppliers is however low because the ingredients used for production of chocolates are essentially generic in nature and freely available. Chocolates are an easy entry business area in terms of investment and technology and the threat from new entrants, especially those of local origin is high. With new developments in foods and snacks occurring frequently, the threat from substitutes is also high. It is evident from the above analysis that the market for chocolates in Italy is not just sophisticated, mature and slow growing, but also intensely competitive in nature. Areas of Opportunity Whilst the market for chocolates in Italy is undoubtedly slow-growing and intensely competitive, the popularity of chocolates among western populations is an undeniable fact. Italy, with a consumption of more than 200,000 tonnes per year is the fourth largest consumer of chocolates in Europe (Mintel Snapshotà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¦, 2010, p 4-9). Such a strong market undeniably provides opportunities for new entrants. Superior Chocolate, with its range of high quality chocolates produced with organically grown ingredients will essentially target the premium segment of the product. It should be able to find strong niche opportunities through careful differentiation of product qualities and carefully chosen marketing and distribution strategies. Consumption of chocolates is now being associated with a range of medical benefits and chocolates could in future become a strongly recommended consumption product for ageing populations (Stibich, 2009, p 1-2). Such changes in consumption patterns could be significantly important for the ageing Italian population and lead to strong growth in chocolate consumption in future. It is important to note that Italy just about one third of the chocolate consumed in the UK, even though its population is practically 80% of that of the UK. Increase in per capita consumption levels of chocolates in Italy to those of the UK can lead to significant market expansion and cr eate substantial market opportunities for Superior Chocolate. Entry Routes International expansion and marketing not only requires very careful analysis of market situations and business environment but also an appropriate choice of entry strategy. Business firms wishing to enter new markets can choose from a range of alternatives starting with direct export of products to importers in target markets to appointment of franchisees, setting up of joint ventures or investment in fully owned facilities (Kotler, et al, 2008, p 71-77). The choice of entry routes is shaped by a number of external and internal considerations like existing production capacity, distance of target market from current production centres, cost of investment in production facilities in target locations and local environmental considerations (Kotler, et al, 2008, p 71-77). Most organisations that supply non-perishable products to proximal countries choose direct exports as the favoured mode of entry and support such exports by strong local marketing and distribution facilities (Hooley, et al, 2008, p 81-86). Whilst direct exports could facilitate the entry of Superior Chocolate into the European market, the additional freight and cold chain costs could well make the firmà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s products uncompetitive in the long run, especially in comparison with competitors in proximal countries or those who have local production facilities. SC must essentially aim to establish its captive production facilities in Italy, even though it can initially enter the market through direct exports. Such a medium term strategy will not only enable it to be more competitive in terms of costs and prices but will also enable it to adapt and customise its products in line with local preferences. The company must, if such a strategy is adopted, decide between putting up its own facilities and entering into a joint venture with a local business firm for production and manufacture of chocolates. The decision to set up own facilities in foreign countries, whilst keeping full control of the business within the organisation, is however far more difficult to implement because it calls for detailed environmental and cultural knowledge of the target market. The adoption of the joint venture route on the other hand entails entering into a partnership with a local organisation for sharing of investments, management control, responsibilities and profits of the proposed business (Adcock, 2000, p 35-42). Whilst joint ventures require mutual understanding, collaboration and a spirit of give and take and beneficial partnership, they enable foreign companies to associate with local business organisations and take advantage of their knowledge of local environmental, social and cultural condit ions (Adcock, 2000, p 35-42). 3. Recommendations The foregoing analysis of market and environmental conditions leads to the inescapable conclusion that the Italian market for chocolates, whilst strong and with potential for good future growth, is at present increasing very slowly and is furthermore fragmented and intensely competitive. With the Italian economy experiencing a prolonged period of economic downturn, Superior Chocolate will have to face and overcome intense competitive challenges and difficult market conditions in order to establish and expand its product line. The demanding market and environmental conditions, coupled with the ethnocentric social and cultural environment, call for the careful selection of entry strategy. It is recommended that the firm should engage in planned market activity and enter into an agreement with a strong, reliable and well known local business firm for production and sale of chocolates. Such a strategy will enable SC to obtain extensive information about local market realities and customer preferences and adopt appropriate business strategies. Market leaders like McDonalds, KFC and Mark and Spencer are using the joint venture route successfully to expand their operations in foreign locations. Superior Chocolate will also benefit from adopting such an entry route. 4. Conclusions Superior Chocolate is a UK based producer of high quality organic chocolates. The firm has three product lines, namely (a) block chocolate, (b) chocolates for special occasions and (c) speciality chocolates. The company has adopted a comprehensive marketing strategy for (a) improvement of competitive advantage by improvement of financial strength, and (b) expansion into other markets, in both emerging and developed countries. This study investigates and analyses the potential of the Italian market for entry by the company. The analysis makes use of a focused situation analysis of the Italian market and an examination of the various routes for entry for its final recommendations. The analysis of market and environmental conditions leads to the inescapable conclusion that the Italian market for chocolates, whilst strong and with potential for good future growth, is at present increasing very slowly and is furthermore fragmented and intensely competitive. The demanding market and environmental conditions, coupled with the ethnocentric social and cultural environment, call for the careful selection of entry strategy. It is recommended that the firm should first enter the market through direct exports and thereafter enter into an agreement with a strong, reliable and well known local business firm for production and sale of chocolates. Such a strategy will enable SC to obtain extensive information about local market realities and customer preferences and adopt appropriate business strategies.