EBay in Asia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

EBay in Asia - Essay Example 22). EBay has been trying to make its way into the Asian markets. It has been noticed that the American companies have had to face some problems in making their ways into the Asian markets. However, Starbucks has been successfully working in Asian markets since many years. Cultures have an influence over the markets thus making them cultural markets and these are the main factors that are to be understood. EBay has been a failure in understanding the culture of Asian markets (Lovelock and Wirtz, 2005, p. 23). Gunaxi is the term that American companies should be familiar with. This explains the basic nature of dynamics involved in the personal network of influence and this concept runs in the Chinese society. This explains the dealing between two people in which one of the persons performs an act of service. EBay has failed to learn the fact that the Chinese, after the Africans, are corrupt people and bribery is a common factor in the Chinese society. To excel in the Chinese society, EBay has failed to make notice of the ways in which Chinese people could be handled so as to make ways in the markets. EBay had to make sure that right officials were bribed so as to make way into the markets (The University of California, 2006, p. 33). Marketing is an integrated communication based process wherein it is understood that the needs of the customers can be satisfied through proper communication. Marketing orientations play an important role in the marketing strategy. The product orientation is where the firm is concerned with the quality of the product. The sales orientation, customer orientation, production, marketing and organizational orientations are the main orientations that firms have to keep in mind. For proper marketing the four Ps are known to the marketing world. The four Ps are necessary to understand the basic requirements for international marketing. The four Ps are inclusive of the Product deals with specification related to the products as well as the needs of the customer. Pricing includes the prices as well as the discounts being offered on the products. Placement or distribution refers to the ways in which a product reaches the customer. Promotion is the way in which a product is marketed in the market so as to attract customers. These are the four main points that EBay has to keep in mind when reaching out to the international markets (Freeman and Bartels, 2004, p. 33). These are the four points which make up the marketing mix for any organization. Apart from these four points the other issues that should be kept in mind while reaching out to the international markets are the cultural differences with the other countries. These are the main errors that have been committed by EBay when making their ways into the international markets, especially Asian markets. In addition to this the expansion and entry into foreign markets can be achieved successfully by following the four mechanisms. Exporting is the mechanism by which an international market can be reached in a proper manner by selling the product in a foreign market. The property of the licensor for product production can be used by the mechanism of

PATHSHALA -LIVING THE DREAM Essay Example for Free

PATHSHALA -LIVING THE DREAM Essay PATHSHALA -LIVING THE DREAM You see things say: Why? But I dream of things that never were and say: Why not? Bernard Shaw This idea clicked me when I joined my CA tuitions and MBA coaching classes. I was so frustrated going from one centre to other to study for my CA intermediate exam and MBA coaching classes. I had my cost tuition in north but tax tuition in south, accounts I had in east but financial management in far east and sometimes I had just 20 minutes gap for traveling and lunch. I had two or three tuitions of three hours each, daily. I was just pissed off with my regular routine. So I was wondering whether the problem is with me or everyone is facing the same problem. I with my friends wanted to research about this problem and what the student wants. After research I found that students in the metro today are looking out to build their career and they don’t compromise it anyhow, they want best tuition and institutes to nurture themselves. Also students today are looking forward to get best professors in respective fields to teach them. They have to travel a lot because one tuition they are having in east and other in the north. So lot of time is wasted in traveling and they don’t have much gap in tuition timings so they even have to skip their meals or even if they have time they have to go home and again pack the bags for evening tuition that means wastage of time and money in traveling. Students are not able to take multiple courses due to lack of timing because of wastage of time due to traveling from one tuition to other. Even parents are worried about their health and meals. Many times they have to skip their meals or else have to eat junk food whatever is available to them in short time. They even don’t get place where they can sit together and discuss things with their friends or have group studies. The main idea is to bring all the tutors and MBA coaching institutes at one  place so that it’s a final stop for all students. I have seen students running from one centre to other to enroll themselves to get registered if the seats are full they get frustrated and have to look at some other place again they have to check the availability of seats. It really so much frustration that we think why we joined CA or CS or CFA, etc. students are just fed up with all this and they want to get everything under one roof where they have best of professors and MBA coaching institutes at one place. Also they should be library or reading room and fast food centre so that they don’t have to go here and there and waste time. They all are looking for everything to the comfort at one place and believe me they are ready to throw money for that. It was this need for ‘something more something different’ that I wanted to serve to the students. The â€Å"PATHSHALA† my project where I will provide ‘the experience, the ambience, and the service’ STUDENTS are looking out for. Objectives The new experience, the ambience, the service the students are looking for keeping in mind basic needs, health and quality. A website www.pathshala.com would also be launched providing all the details of professors, courses, timings, availability of seats and online registration too. Concept: Why? The main reasons for choosing this concept: Providing total solution to students. Cater to the health of the students The students in the metro today are looking out for something more. We are giving them a different/new experience. Mission I want to: Change the meaning of education Impart best education Design the infrastructure with international standards. Save time and cost Give a new lifestyle! We are here to serve intelligence, quality, hygiene, health, freshness experience. Keys to Success The keys to my success are as follows: Best tutors and MBA coaching classes. Service our students needs promptly and efficiently. Maintain a professional image at all times. PATHSHALA would be located at strategic locations convenient to students. Providing education, library, and fast food centre and gaming zone at one place. A place that will motivate students to zeal in life. A website ‘www.pathshala.com’ giving all details and online registration. Feasibility Institute will be first launched in Kolkata, my home town. A venture of Rs 10 crores. Main challenge is to get the place in the heart of the city. Each and everything to be established at one go. Expected to cover every cost within two years. Once the institute is established we can move to others Metros.

A Feminist Journey through Beethovens Musical Structure Essay

A Feminist Journey through Beethoven's Musical Structure Traditional analysis of Beethoven's use of Sonata Allegro form tends to focus on harmonic or melodic movement and key relationships. This study stretches such investigations to include questions of historical context and philosophic motivations that drive a composer to structure music in a certain way. Ultimately this leads to an inquiry about how these traditions affect us as listeners, and more specifically how they relate to gender issues in a musical tradition primarily made up of male composers. Music of the 1700s is often characterized as highly structured and balanced. A favorite form for pieces of many kinds was the sonata form, which relies heavily on the basic movement between different tonalities (especially tonic and dominant or relative major). Ludwig van Beethoven wrote over 30 sonatas for piano alone and used the structure for symphonies and many other instrumental works. Most other composers of the classical time period also used sonata form, and music historians have spent much time discussing why this might be so. Some historians pose this question strictly within a musical world: How did earlier musical structures give rise to sonata form? Others ask what it was in the surrounding historical context that made sonata form appealing. William Henry Hadow and Charles Rosen are two historians who talk primarily about musical context. Hadow sets his discussion in the framework of classical composers' movement away from Baroque forms. He says that when Beethoven and his contemporaries chose ternary form over Baroque binary, typified in the dance suite, they chose a structure that was then used successfully into the twentieth century. This was only poss... ...s in history. Works Cited Abbate, Carolyn. Unsung Voices: Opera and Musical Narrative in the Nineteenth Century. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1991. Ballantine, Christopher. "Beethoven, Hegel and Marx." Music Review. Vol. 33, 1972. Drake, Kenneth. The Beethoven Sonatas and the Creative Experience. Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1994. Hadow, William Henry. Sonata Form. London: Novello and Company, Limited, 1979. McClary, Susan. Feminine Endings: Music, Gender, and Sexuality. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1991. Mann, Thomas. Doctor Faustus. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1948. Rosen, Charles. The Classical Style: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven. New York: The Viking Press, 1971. Subotnik, Rose Rosengard. Developing Variations: Style and Ideology in Western Music. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1991.

Essay --

Helen Keller is a woman that has done many wonderful things in her lifetime. Many people think she is an amazing person. She has taught people that no matter what is wrong with you, you can do anything you put your mind to. I believe she looked at as one of the most inspirational people in the world. Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880. She was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, which was a small, southern, and sleepy town. Helen enjoyed living in her farmhouse and having her horses, dogs, and chickens. Helen loved living in such a small home town. Helen’s father, Captain Arthur Keller, was a newspaper editor and a cotton farmer. During the Civil War he served in the Confederate Army. Her mother, Kate Keller, was born in the south, and she was related to John Adams. Helen loved her parents and had a great relationship with both of them. When Helen was nineteen months old she came down with a serious fever. The doctors called it congestion of the brain and stomach. Suddenly, the fever went away and she became blind. Helen was having a bath when her mother moved her hand in front of her face and she did not blink or move her eyes at all. She did it several times to see if she would blink but she never did. Helen’s mother realized that her daughter had become blind. Helens mom and dad noticed that she needed a little special help, so they decided it would be best to contact the Perkins Institute for the blind in Boston. The director told them about Anne Sullivan. She had also been blind, but the doctor saved her eyesight in surgery. Anne arrived on March 3, 1887 and she immediately began to work with Helen. Anne Sullivan had a very hard childhood, just like Helen. She was born to Irish immigra... ... October 20, 1936, at 70 years old. Helen was so sad that she lost the woman who had helped her through her whole life. Helen had a very difficult time getting over her loss. In 1957, Polly had a very severe stroke. Due to the stroke she suffered brain damage, and could no longer be Helens assistant. Polly Thomas died in 1960 after 46 years with Helen. When Helen was in her eighties she became very weak. In 1961, she had a stroke and developed diabetes. At the age of 87, Helen died while she was in her house after having a sudden heart attack. Helen Keller is one of the most inspirational people ever. She has done amazing things in her life and with the American Foundation for the Blind. She accomplished many things that most people have not achieved in their lives. Helen Keller is and will always be remembered for her great actions.

Implementing Diversity in the Classroom

? Running Header: Culturally Inclusive Classroom Final Reflection on Personal Growth and My Plan for a Culturally Inclusive Classroom Anna Novak July 27, 2009 EDUC 5173. 01 Dr. Gina Anderson Texas Woman’s University Final Reflection on Personal Growth and My Plan for a Culturally Inclusive Classroom When I first began this semester I thought I had a clear definition of what diversity was and what areas it encompassed. I believed that the term diversity corresponded with issues of race, religion and ethnicity. However, the discussion board assignments and the detailed chapter readings assigned throughout the semester soon broadened my understanding and notion of exactly what encompasses the term diversity. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. This is one of the fundamental concepts I learned from participating in this course. When I first began my journey in this class I had no idea the impact it would have on me and shaping my philosophy as a teacher. I initially considered this a â€Å"breeze† through course, believing that I had a firm understanding of diversity, and how to address it within the classroom. However, I soon learned that there was much I did not know about the levels of diversity, and how hard it would be to create an effective and practical diversity rich classroom. When I began this course and realized that several of my classmates were actual teachers or had some form of teaching experience, I immediately felt as though I was at a sort of disadvantage. I have personally never conducted a classroom, and have no practical experience. However, I soon realized that what I lacked in practical experience, I made up for with personal life experiences. I learned that being a child of military parents and the different locations I had lived throughout my life had given me a unique ability to see view points and issues from completely different perspectives. In fact, I think having never taught a class before presented its own advantages. One of the major ones was that I had the ability to process and assess all of the various ideas and theories that were discussed in depth in this course and apply them to my ever growing â€Å"teaching philosophy. I feel that this course, more so than any of my practical based courses, has allowed me to not only grow professionally, but as an individual as well. I am a better person because of this course, and I think its impact will be extremely beneficial to my future students. Before I discuss how I plan to conduct my own culturally inclusive classroom I feel that there is an important initial step that I as a future educator, and all educators need to take. Through all of our discussions and assigned readings I learned that there are a multitude of different variables involved in creating a cultural classroom and that it is rather easy to get sidetracked or bogged down in subject matter. However, one of the most important aspects I took away from all the readings, and one that I am sure many of us overlook, is the need for self reflection and evaluation, especially in the area concerning our own personal prejudices and beliefs. It is impossible to expect cultural understanding and respect from our students, if we as teachers and role models allow our own limitations are constantly undermining the process ( that whole â€Å"do as I say not as I do† philosophy will not cut it in the classroom). Teachers should mediate cross-cultural adaptations and they can do this only when they come out of their own cultural shell and alter their perception of others. As an educator this key step must first occur before I can even begin to think about creating a culturally inclusive classroom experience. Respecting and Valuing Diversity Throughout my teaching career I hope to instill in my students a sense of appreciation, understanding, and respect for different cultures and backgrounds. I want them to realize that each of them is uniquely different, yet surprisingly similar at the same time. As an educator I want everyone of my students to leave my class feeling a sense of pride for who they are and where they come from, no one should ever be ashamed of their background. However, to aid my students in this I will first need to know more about them, their parents, and their background. When the school year began one of the first things I would have my students do would be to share a little about themselves with the rest of the class. This would be a great way for not only myself to get to know them, but their peers as well. However, it is only fair that I extend the same courtesy to them as well. I would give them a little insight into my own culture and background, as well as some basic information. I would even allow them to ask me several questions pertaining to myself, as long as they do not cross any ethical threshold. So as to build my understanding and knowledge about my students and their background I would give them several forms and information sheets to take home along with their syllabus. One form would be a more form with more detailed questions about themselves, their parents, their concerns, and what they feel is their learning style. The other form will actually be a letter from me to their parents highlighting who I am, my experience, what I am expecting from their child, and how they may get in contact with me. Attached to this letter will be a form asking the parent or guardian to please set up a time to meet with me personally so we can formally meet and so they can discuss any concerns, issues, or anything else they think I should know. Creating an atmosphere of tolerance, acceptance, and caring would involve the whole class. When cultural differences cause problems it should be addressed as a group. The children need to be aware that it is okay to be different from others. By bringing the differences out in the open, it will open the minds of those students not yet exposed to cultural ifferences. I am a strong believer in a cooperative and open classroom, and I think students benefit form an education that they themselves are actively constructing and participating in. I think opening up a discussion on the first day of class and asking them what topics they wish to learn on top of the set curriculum would be extremely beneficial. Physical Arrangement of Classroom In terms of the overal l look and arrangement of the classroom, I am not particularly set. I believe that the room should be decorated in such a way that it reflects the various cultures of the students . I also believe that it needs to be aesthetically pleasing. This is one of the areas where I feel the students should have some say. While as a history teacher I will need to have maps, and important historical dates and people displayed throughout the classroom, I think allowing the students to choose aspects of their own culture that they wish to have on display would not only help in presenting an open classroom, but would help expose students to different cultures. I know that most classrooms are decorated to reflect the different holidays. However, since some of my students might not celebrate the same holidays, I would opt to set up a â€Å"holidays of the world corner. † Here several different holidays would be depicted, and I would ask to have a student explain the origin and traditions of the holiday, that way all of the class could celebrate. As far as the seating arrangement went, it would vary depending on the lesson. For lecture, media viewing, and exams I would prefer to have a traditional row set up or table setup. However, I strongly believe in group discussion, and I think it is a great way for students to think critically about what they have learned. For these â€Å"round-houses† I would organize the desks in a circular patters. Rosenfield, Lambert, & Black (1985) in their research state that â€Å"circles and squares indicate an open, sharing classroom. Students must face one another and cannot hide. Thus ensuring that their input will be heard† (103). However, their will be assigned seating, and when the time comes, assigned groups. Controlling who they sit with will broaden their exposure to different cultures. Additionally, I would utilize the jigsaw cooperative learning style within my classroom. According to Brown and Kysilka (2002) â€Å"students need regular and positive experiences with as many types of diversity as possible. Such experiences, with the guidance of the teacher, will help them to develop the lifelong skills needed to be a proactive citizen in the global society† (p. 17). This method would allow for the greatest exchange of ideas and respect the value of diversity within our classroom. Communication Communication is extremely important when it comes to learning, respecting and valuing cultural diversity. I want my students to know and realize that I fully intend for their parents to be able to participate in their learning experience. Throughout the semester I will provide parents with various newsletters and emails concerning upcoming events, the child’s progress, and how they can be involved. I will also allow both parents and students to set up any individual meetings if they so wish. I also want them to realize that I do care and want to know more about them, and I want them to feel as though they have some input into how the class is ran and organized. Powell and Caseau (2004) argue that in order for students to be successful they need to â€Å"feel that someone cares whether or not they succeed†. Furthermore Teachers need to â€Å"encourage all students to perform to their potential regardless of their culture† (65). However, Communication is not only what is spoken, it is also what is implied with nonverbal communication. I need to be fully aware that different cultures view forms of nonverbal communication such as eye contact, touching, facial gestures, and hand gestures differently. Curriculum One of the great joys of teaching history is that it allows for in-depth discussion and study of several different cultures and people throughout different period of time. Since my subject area is history and while I will be required to spend a great deal of time discussing the classical histories, such as Greece, Rome, England, and such, I would like to supplement my lesson plans with discussions on what other civilizations and cultures were experiencing at the same time, what advances were occurring, and how other cultures directly affected the birth of our own. To allow the students to further their own understanding about different cultures and provide for multicultural study I would like to have my students research a different civilization or culture and report on what was transpiring within their community at a pre chosen time. This will allow students to understand that other cultures and civilizations were still advancing and thriving during the emergence of our own. History is all connected. I also fully intend to introduce the oral history project that I created during this course. This will give students a first hand look at different cultures and will give them a chance to confront their own prejudices. Hopefully this assignment will aid in crumbling the stereotypes these students have concerning other groups, and will allow them to grow personally. Another key to developing a working classroom environment is to understand that a teacher needs to know what it is that they are trying to convey to their students (what they want to teach) and, and how they want to that (how they will teach). Since the times and the technology are advancing teachers need to constantly â€Å"update† their lessons, how they approach the lesson, and even what they know about the material. According to Morrison (2006) becoming an educator literally means becoming â€Å"a life long learner. In theory, the what you want to teach aspect is pretty straightforward, it is the how you teach it that is a little more complicated† ( 143). Not every child learns the same way as everybody. I believe that I need to be conscious of this and develop lessons and activities that present the same information, just in different ways. Instead of using the traditional lecture and note taking method, maybe I should use maps, charts, power point, video, audio, and hands on activities to ensure that each learning style is being addressed. This will ensure that none of my students are left behind. Assessment Assessment is a huge issue in today’s schools. While I agree that teachers need away to determine what level of understanding a student is at, and whether they have retained the information, I feel that there are several different ways to go about assessing. One of the major ways is through exams. While traditional multiple choice and true/false measure retention, I feel that short answer and essay exams help determine what concepts the student actually grasps, and shows different levels of critical and abstract thinking. Thinking (Boud & Feletti, 1997). I am also a fan of oral assessment. This is where I call upon a student in class to answer several questions pertaining to the current topic and I evaluate their response. This does not mean that I am always looking for the right answer, or what I perceive to be the right answer. If the student can fluently present their argument and use exerts from the reading or past discussions to support their claim then it must be taken into consideration and it also proves they are fully involved and is advancing. However, I will of course have to explain to my students that the standardized tests are looking for specific answers, and that they will be expected to know the â€Å"traditional† answers for this purpose. Another means of assessment is derived from the culturally inclusive lesson plan I created for this course. This major project, and others like it, are great ways of determining where your students are developmentally and grade level wise. Group projects and other team assignments are also forms of assessment. It is imperative that I utilize various means of assessment to ensure that the different learning styles of my students are addressed, and to ensure that I am not putting one group of students at a greater disadvantage/advantage over another. Conclusion While I am by no means fully prepared to or sure how to make a diversity enriched classroom environment, I do believe that I am on the right path. I know that I want my students to feel safe and secure in my classroom , and feel as though they can express who they really are. I do not want them to feel as though I do not appreciate or care about their culture, and I want them to know that they can speak openly with me with any problems or concerns they have. Lastly, I believe that one of the most important elements of my â€Å"working philosophy† involves simply loving what you do, and having fun while doing it. Approach each day with excitement and energy, this will make the day more enjoyable, and provide for a more welcoming environment. Students will enjoy being in your class and that will be reflected in their work. If you come to school with that excitement it is bound to rub off on someone, and the passion you bring to your subject matter will inspire your students to find the same love for it. References Boud, David & Feletti, Grahame. (1997). The Challenge of problem based learning (2nd Ed. ). London, England: Kogan Page limited. Brown, S. C. & Kysilka, M. L. (2002). Applying multicultural and global concepts in the classroom and beyond. Boston, MA: Pearson. Morrison, G. S. (2006). Teaching in America (4th ed). Boston MA: Allyn & Bacon. Powell, Robert G. & Caseau, Dana. (2004). Classroom Communication and Diversity: Enhancing Instructional Practice. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. , Publisher. Rosenfield, Peter, Lambert, Nadine, & Black, Allen. (1985). Desk Arrangement effects on pupil classroom behavior. Journal of Educational Psychology, 77(1), 101-108.

Learning Theory Application in Classroom Essays

Learning Theory Application in Classroom Essays Learning Theory Application in Classroom Paper Learning Theory Application in Classroom Paper PSYCHOLOGY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING (ED504) MODULE 2: MAIN ASSESSMENT QUESTION 2: Imagine you are on your break hour at school and you walked into the staff lounge to discover Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson and Kohlberg are there. Their conversation is about learning and development. Write a paper tracing the conversation between each of these theorists. Be sure to accurately reflect the stance that each theorist would take. What would be the implications of any one of the theorist as a teacher and how could the theory be applied to the classroom? VTDI) This Paper is in Partial Completion Fulfilment of a POST-GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING Date: October 13, 2011 Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson and Kohlberg individually expounded their views on learning and development as outlined below. Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory consists of four stages of intellectual development. Stage 1- Sensorimotor Stage. Birth to age 2. The child recognises self as agent of action and begins to act intentionally. The child realises that things continue to exist even when no longer present to the sense. Stage 2- Preoperational Stage Age 2-7. Learns to use language and to represent objects by images and words. Children learn through imitation and play during this stage. They begin to use reasoning; however it is mainly intuitive, instead of logical. Stage 3- Concrete Operational Stage Age 7- 11. Can thinks logically about objects and events. However this is confined to their level. Stage 4- Formal Operational Stage Age 11-adulthood. Can think logically about conceptual scheme and test hypotheses systematically. Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development shows that personality emerges from a series of conflicts. These conflicts arise at eight stages over the entire life cycle. These crises if resolve or unresolved can result in a greater sense of self or can lead to maladjustment respectively. Below is an outline of the steps and psychosocial interactions involved. Basic Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth to Year). Children develop a sense of trust when caregivers provide reliability, care, and affection. Autonomy vs. Shame (2-3 years). Children need to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschooler , 4-5years). Children need to begin asserting control and power over the environment. Industry vs. Inferiority (School-Age Child, 6-11years). Children need to cope with new social and academic demands. Identity vs. Identity Confusion (Adolescent, 12-18 years). Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adult 18-35 years). Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by having children or creating a positive change that benefits other people. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle-aged Adult, 35-65 years). At this stage the middle adult needs to work to establish stability and attempt to produce something that makes a difference to society. Integrity vs. Despair (Older Adult, over 65years). Older adults need to look back on life and feel a sense of fulfilment. Lawrence Kohlberg concludes that morality develops in stages. Kohlbergs six stages can be more generally grouped into three levels of two stages each which are outlined below. Level 1 (Pre-Conventional). This is generally found at the elementary school level. Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation. People behave according to socially acceptable norms. This obedience is forced by the threat or application of punishment. Stage 2: Self-interest orientation. This stage is characterized by a view that right behaviour means acting in ones own best interests Level 2 (Conventional). This is generally found in society. Stage 3: Interpersonal accord and compliance, is regarded as an attitude which seeks to do what will gain the approval of others. Stage 4: Authority and social-order maintaining orientation. This stage is one adjusted to abiding by the law and responding to the obligations of duty. Level 3 (Post-Conventional). It is felt that this is not reached by the majority of adults. Stage5. Social contract orientation. Is an understanding of social support and a genuine interest in the welfare of others. Stage 6. Universal ethical principles. Is based on respect for universal principle and the demands of individual conscience Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory Vygotsky focused on the connections between people and the sociocultural context in which they act and interact in shared experiences (Crawford, 1996). His major themes are outlined below: 1. Social interaction plays a fundamental role in the process of cognitive development.. He states: â€Å"Every function in the child’s cultural development appears twice: first, on the social level, and later, on the individual level; first, between people (interpsychological) and then inside the child (intrapsychological). † (Vygotsky, 1978). 2. Anyone who has a better understanding or a higher ability level than the learner, with respect to a particular task, process, or concept can serve as a guide to support cognitive growth. 3. According to Vygotsky, the Zone of Proximal Development is the distance between a student’s ability to perform a task under adult guidance and/or with peer collaboration and the student’s ability solving the problem independently. Vygotsky believes, learning occurred in this zone. The implications of Vygotsky’s theory for the teacher are that it promotes learning in the contexts where students play an active role in learning. Roles of the teacher and student are therefore shifted, as a teacher should collaborate with his or her students in order to help facilitate meaning development in students. Knowing both levels of Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development is useful for teachers, for these levels indicate where the child is at a given moment as well as where the child is going. According to Vygotsky, for the curriculum to be developmentally appropriate, the teacher must plan activities that encompass not only what children are capable of doing on their own but what they can learn with the help of others (Karpov Haywood, 1998). Vygotsky’s theory can be applied in the classroom. Vygotsky’s theory does not mean that anything can be taught to any child. Only instruction and activities that fall within the zone promote development. For example, if a child cannot identify the sounds in a word even after many prompts, the child may not benefit immediately from instruction in this skill. Practice of previously known skills and introduction of concepts that are too difficult and complex have little positive impact. Teachers can use information about both levels of Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development in organizing classroom activities in the following ways: Instruction can be planned to provide practice in the zone of proximal development for individual children or for groups of hildren. Scaffolding (Wood, Bruner, Ross, 1976) is a tactic for helping the child in his or her zone of proximal development in which the adult provides hints and prompts at different levels. † (Wood, Bruner, Ross, 1976). For example In a high school laboratory science class, a teacher might provide scaffolding by first giving students detailed guides to carrying out experiments, then giving them brief outlines that they might use to structure experiments, and finally asking them to set up experiments entirely on their own. Cooperative learning activities can be planned with groups of children at different levels who can help each other learn. I can be conclude therefore, that a careful application of the theories put forward by these researchers will greatly enhance learning in the classroom References Atherton J S (2011) Learning and Teaching; Piagets developmental theory [On-line: UK] retrieved 8 October 2011 from learningandteaching. info/learning/piaget. htm Crawford, K. (1996) Vygotskian approaches to human development in the information era. Educational Studies in Mathematics. (31) 43-62. Karpov, Y. , Haywood, H. C. (1998). Two ways to elaborate Vygotskys concept of mediation: Implications for instruction. American Psychologist, 53(1), 27-36. Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2011, October). Erikson’s Stages of Development at Learning-Theories. com. Retrieved October 8th, 2011 from learning-theories. com/eriksons-stages-of-development. html Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2011, October). Social Development Theory (Vygotsky) at Learning-Theories. com. Retrieved October 8th, 2011 from learning-theories. com/vygotskys-social-learning-theory. html Robert N. Barger, Ph. D. (2000) A Summary of Lawerence Kohlbergs, Stages of Moral Development retrieved October 7th, 2011 from csudh. edu/dearhabermas/kohlberg01bk. htm . Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind and society: The development of higher mental processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Wood, D. J. , Bruner, J. S. , Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychiatry and Psychology, 17(2), 89-100

Importance of Rhetorical Theory in Communication Essays

Importance of Rhetorical Theory in Communication Essays Importance of Rhetorical Theory in Communication Essay Importance of Rhetorical Theory in Communication Essay Importance of Rhetorical Theory in Communication â€Å"What do you think about Rhetorical theory? Do you think, it’s something essential for our speaking, something we can’t do without? † – that was the start of my writing this essay, the first question that aroused in my mind, when I started it. Why should I write about the thing I even can’t feel, touch or taste. Is it really so important? Before reading some works and watching some videos in the light of Rhetorical theory, I couldn’t find in my head the answer to this question. So I started to ask parents, friends and nobody could give me a definite answer. As a result the start of my work was much more than pessimistic. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend your lectures on that subject, and in fact, I’ve never paid so much attention to that subject. I didn’t know what to write about. But watching the links you had sent us, I found out that there was something that is really good to know, to learn and to use in our everyday life. Aristotle defines the rhetorician as someone who is always able to see what is persuasive. We can say that if we learn the â€Å"science† of Rhetoric we’ll be able to persuade people. But do we really need this? In my opinion, when a person hears that he/she will have the capacity of persuading anybody of anything, what thoughts appear in his/her mind? I think not only good one. So this capacity can be used both for good and bad purposes, it can have great benefits as well as great harms. Aristotle himself considers it useful, but is it really so? Being 21 years old, and having studied at our faculty for almost 5 years, I know for sure language is a weapon. As any other weapon it should be kept in good hands. Trying to learn the most important points of Aristotle’s Theory I can say that it’s great, interesting, though written hundred of years ago, modern, exciting and I can continue the list of epithets. I really want to learn the art of speaking; I think I lack this capacity. While reading, many times I asked myself why, so to say, â€Å"bad hands† learn the ability of this â€Å"weapon† so quickly? In the last several weeks I studied the works of two scientists – Aristotle and Kenneth Burk – on the question of Rhetorical Theory. A â€Å"pioneer† in this sphere we can call Aristotle, of course. I always admire theories, methods that can work out for centuries. That’s really a factor, that a person discovered something revolutionary. His great contribution to the study was done by his trilogy Rhetoric. In these books scientists usually point out two main divisions. The first division consists in the distinction of Three Means of Persuasion. As we know, speech consists basically of three things: the speaker, the subject that is touched in the speech, and the listener to whom the speech is addressed. According to Aristotle that’s why only three means of persuasion are possible: 1) In the character of the speaker, ) In the emotional state of the hearer, 3) In the argument itself. The second division concerns the three species of public speech. The first species is defined as deliberative species. Here belong speeches that take place at some meetings, assemblies and so on. In this species the speaker either advises the audience to do something or warns against doin g something. Accordingly, the audience has to judge things that are going to happen in the future, and they have to decide whether these future events are good or bad for the community, whether they will cause advantage or harm. As an example of this kind of speech I can call a well-known address of the 32nd President of the US, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, to the members of the 77th Congress. I think that’s an excellent example, because this speech is full of the elements – metaphors, retrospectives into the history of the USA, possible outcomes in different situations – all this press exactly on necessary points. The second species is judicial species. By the name we can understand that it concerns speeches that one can hear in a court. The speaker either accuses or defends somebody. Naturally, this kind of speech treats things that happened in the past. The audience or rather jury has to judge whether a past event was just or unjust, according or contrary to the law. In this species the right use of means of persuasion play a great role, I think. What I mean is that a lawyer should arrange and explain these past events in such a way, so that jury believes they’re just. So the level of knowing these means can sometimes turn a guilty person into an innocent one. And Hollywood provides us with a number of such examples. To my mind the best movies, where we can observe a brilliant usage of the Language are The Devil’s Advocate and Law Abiding Citizen. And lawyers sometimes use the third species of public speech that is epideictic. It praises or blames somebody; it tries to describe things or deeds of the respective person as honorable or shameful. While the deliberative and judicial species have their context in a controversial situation in which the listener has to decide in favor of one of two opposing parties, the third species does not aim at such a decision. Aristotle wrote his books centuries ago, but it’s still very up-to-date. The second theory was written in the 20th century. So it’s really very modern. Its author is language expert Kenneth Burke. Unlike Aristotle, whose means of persuasion were based only on verbal elements, Burke included nonverbal elements into his theory. Its main points are that any message in the language can be analyzed with the help of â€Å"Dramatistic Pentad† – that is the name which Burke gave to his method. To this method one very famous quote is appropriate: â€Å"All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players! † Burke said that we choose words because of their dramatic potential, and that we each have preference for particular parts of the pentad. These elements of the pentad are: scene, act, agent, agency and purpose. Scene is a situation, the place where the action of the act occurs, something like a container that include occasion, event, time. Some people believe that changing the scene changes everything else. Act explores what happened, what took place or what someone consciously did. Agent is the person or group of people who perform the act. Agency is the technique or method by which the agent achieves their goals. Purpose is the reason that the agent acts, the outcome they are seeking from what they do. Sometimes it’s obvious and in the open, at other times the agent’s purpose may be covert and hidden. Burke also noted how you can understand the message by observing how pairs of these elements interrelate in ratios (scene-act, agent-agency, purpose-act and every other combination available). I would like to show how this method works on one message that has made a great impression on me. So this message is The Montana Meth Project. I can say for sure that The Montana Meth Project is one of the greatest campaigns that have ever taken place in the history. This campaign was developed by Tom Siebel, a retired billionaire who applies marketing techniques to social problems. Right these techniques are of great interest to me. The reason for this project was the destructive influence of methamphetamine epidemic in Montana. People will say that every region has the problem of drugs, why should we call it epidemic. But it really was this. Almost 50% of young population of Montana was meth users. The most shocking for me was the fact that only few in the state knew about this problem. But still, why should we call it epidemic? Before answering we should know what â€Å"epidemic† is. Collins Dictionary says the following: a rapid development, spread, or growth of something, especially something unpleasant. That’s it. Taking drugs means not only use of them. We should always keep in mind that drugs cause other â€Å"unpleasant† things: robbery, murders, prostitution, health problems and it’s not the full list. The community is ill. It needs help. For Montana this help came. Tom Siebel chose the best way to help the state – to show the truth. Besides direct active social work with the target population (12- to 17-year-olds in Montana who have never taken drugs) marketing methods of the campaign included shock-ads, short videos that show the horrible, destructive influence of meths on the appearance, health, private and social life of the addicted person. The campaign’s slogan is ‘‘Not Even Once’’ and its goal is to discourage young people from trying the drug. The campaign has received both praise and criticism for its techniques. I would like to show how Burke’s Theory works on the example of these shock-ads. The most shocking for me were three of them Bath Tub, Parents and Boyfriend. Bath Tub shows a teenager preparing to go out in the evening. While showering she sees blood and a naked meth user crouching beside her. We understand that this meth user is this girl in her future as a meth addict. Parents shows a teenager violently trying to enter his locked home with his frightened parents huddle inside. As he screams and bangs on the door, the voice of his pre-meth self tells how he gets along with his parents and how they trust him. The episode â€Å"Boyfriend† depicts us young lady, a meth-user who has to prostitute for money. While her client gives money to the boy, she says: â€Å"I love my boyfriend so much, he does everything for me†. This cruel, on the one hand, and true-to-life videos, on the other, persuade us very good that we shouldn’t try drugs Not Even Once. If to look at them in the light of the Dramatistic Pentad, we can name the following elements: the agent is a teenager; the scene includes places and situations in which a teenager may find him/herself; the act is using meth –either doing it or not. The purpose is choice, being an independent person by deciding between two acts. The agency is being able to see both options. If to see at the project in the light of the theory of persuasion, we can point out several elements that strengthen the effect of persuasion: 1. The project has a well-defined target population. 2. Creators use such sources of persuasion that will definitely work. 3. There are dramatic before-and-after shots of meth users to show the drug’s devastating physical effects. Though the project was sometimes badly criticized, it has its positive outcome: the meth use considerably dropped and as result the number of crimes dropped, too. Teenagers started to realize that using drugs is â€Å"uncool†. There were attempts to replicate this project in other states, but there is a problem. Such campaigns need great funding. Government doesn’t have enough money to do it. In the history of the US there were other remarkable anti-drug campaigns. For example, Nancy Reagan’s â€Å"Just Say No† campaign. It took place in the time of Reagan’s presidentship. There were used similar ways of persuasion. The most interesting thing for me was, that this project was used in the whole country. And once the first lady even tried to make it international. The second interesting thing is that in their videos besides teenagers, who were saying NO to drugs, sometimes included famous people. They also said NO on TV, they so to say gave good example. There also were written several songs for the support of this campaign. In the end, I want to say that now I know the answer to the question I started with. Rhetoric is an important part of our life. We should now what and whom and when to speak. Ancient and modern scientists did tremendous work. There a number of different theories, that can help us to achieve our goals. We just should learn them and then nothing is impossible.

My Los Angeles Essays

My Los Angeles Essays My Los Angeles Essay My Los Angeles Essay Name: Course: Instructor: Date: My Los Angeles One of the most popular destinations in the county of Los Angeles, California is the Third Street Promenade. The Third Street Promenade is located in the downtown neighborhood of Santa Monica, California. The Promenade is a popular unrestricted entertainment setting in the city and is considered a foremost shopping and feasting region in the Westside of Los Angeles County. Because of its popular characteristic, the Third Street Promenade attracts large gatherings of people from all over Los Angeles County. Moreover, the district is also an attractive and admired tourist destination because of its propinquity to the Pacific Ocean accentuated by the mild climate of Los Angeles. The Promenade is a fascinating place that is full of optimism. Despite, Los Angeles being described as the land of the automobiles, the district’s streets are characterized by gathering of happy pedestrians enjoying themselves along with the movies and restaurants. The shopping area is massive trailing three elongated outdoor blocks towards Wilshire Blvd. A visit to this place a few years ago, the Promenade was marked by dilapidated storefronts, which were a part of the shabby town. However, with the onslaught of years, there has been a rapid and constant increase in the creation of multi-screen motion picture theatres, fashionable boutiques and stylish sidewalk cafes. The former dilapidated town has now become a vast district of shoppers and business alike. The sites are incredibly picturesque. The Third Street is overlaid with tiles whereby large sculptures of giant dinosaur fountains are located at both ends of the avenue. An ivy-enclosed triceratops is situated at the southern end of the Promenade enveloped by flowers, spews water into a pool. The other sculpture, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, welcomes guests at the north end. There are brass roofed standing pavilions in the Third Street’s center, which bear a resemblance to Victorian greenhouses. There are plenty of trees, vibrant flower boxes blossom on many ridges and vivid flowers dangle from the antique, blue street lamps. Pedestrians saunter down the boulevard’s center and sidewalks since no traffic is allowed in this part of the street. The Promenade is also characterized by bright pushcarts, kiosks and purveyors who badger their wares. Additionally, there are also engaging and assorted street performers who entertain the transitory crowd with songs and acrobatics. The uniqueness of the Promenade is defined by popular sidewalk cafes, which are always occupied in sunny weather. The cafes host some of America’s most prized celebrities such as renowned basketball player, Kobe Bryant, actors Julia Louis Dreyfus and Heather Langenkamp. Movie viewing is a main attraction in the Promenade. There are three different movie theatres, which attract large groups of people due to the high number of movie screens. Most tourists visiting the Promenade are mostly domestic. The majority of persons that tour the Promenade are mostly women. This is because of the presence of weekly farmer markets and exclusive and large shopping malls with a variety of tastes and preferences. Most of the items being shopped for comprise accessories, shoes and clothing. The residents of around the Promenade are mostly white who form the majority of the population in Santa Monica. The Latino are subsequently large in number compared to other ethnicities such as African American, Asian American and other races. The Third Street Promenade is truly an interesting place with a unique culture. Despite the huge presence of white people, there is adequate cultural infusion due to the presence of domestic and foreign visitors. As a popular tourist attraction, the Promenade provides exhilarating entertainment accruing from street performers and cinemas. Furthermore, the people of the Promenade are jovial and optimistic because of the unique culture developed from the modifications of the Street from its former dilapidated state.

Night by Elie Wiesel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Night by Elie Wiesel - Essay Example The grave question of Elie Wiesel is how can the Nazis throw the babies into gas chambers and spray bullets to kill them in the most heinous options? The horrid conditions in the concentration camps baffle any sane individual. He and his father are often shifted to different camps and each time they think that it is the last journey and they are not sure of reaching another destination. With each shifting, the count of internees decline. They are killed like animals in a slaughterhouse. Animal slaughter has an economic perspective. Killings human beings with whom the killers have no previous personal enmity are heinous acts. Wiesel is just a boy of fifteen when he is separated from the rest of the family, but his father is with him. He finds inner strength to absorb the effect of such tragic events that engulf one after another only because his father is with him during the most critical phase of his life. Finally they are liberated by the Allied Forces. Wiesel is a writer by compulsion, not by choice. He candidly says that it is not his intention to describe the nature of brutalities and the main purpose of the book are committed to a hearty prayer that such gory incidents shall never be repeated by humanity. The commitment to world peace is possible, not through political philosophies, but change of heart of each individual. Religious tenets as they are practiced today by the followers will not herald the changing process. Not the blind following but practice of true spirituality can bring about the desired change. Spirituality is something that transcends the mind. At that level, all differences cease; conflicts are no more there. We need to give such an orientation to human beings, right from childhood. When the thought process of the individuals changes, the action process also changes! With such noble human beings, universal peace becomes an attainable reality. Notwithstanding his experiences at the portals of near death, wher e survival is a matter of chance, Elie Wiesel remains an optimist. He says in his Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech delivered in Oslo on December 10, 1986, â€Å"Thank you for building bridges between people and generations. Thank you, above all, for helping humankind make peace it’s most urgent and noble aspiration.†(117) He cautions people about complacency, why one must strive one’s best in performing one’s duty to humankind, â€Å"That I have tried to keep memory alive, that I have tried to fight those who would forget. Because if we forget, we are guilty, we are accomplices.†(118) The book is written straight from the heart by Wiesel. It value is, therefore, more than that of a well-researched document. Human heart is the best research laboratory. The devastating circumstances that he encounters as a young boy will turn any individual cynical and one’s belief systems will shatter. But Wiesel gradually draws strength from his inner world to reaffirm his belief that some Supreme Power runs the world. At the same time he lays much importance to the secular efforts that must continue without intermission to build

Influence of Job Satisfaction on Staff Turnover Dissertation

Influence of Job Satisfaction on Staff Turnover - Dissertation Example Graham defined job satisfaction as, "The measurement of one's total feelings and attitudes towards one's job"(Graham, p. 68, 1982). Some specialists state job satisfaction as â€Å"any combination of psychological, physiological, and environmental circumstances that causes a person truthfully to say, ‘I am satisfied with my job’† (Hoppock, p. 47, 1935). One more defines job satisfaction as â€Å"an affective (emotional) reaction to a job that results from the incumbent’s comparison of actual outcomes with those that are desired† (Cranny et al., p.1, 1992). Dissatisfied employees are always complaining about their physical health like stiffness in muscles and joints (O’Driscoll & Beehr, 1994). Job satisfaction is a key factor that affects the employee’s turnover intention and, â€Å"Job satisfaction is important for organizations to address due to its impact on absenteeism, (1) turnover, (2) and pro-social â€Å"citizenship† beha viors such as helping coworkers, helping customers, and being more cooperative with all social ties† (Karl & Sutton, p.515, 1998). Dissatisfaction of the employees when reaches a certain limit, it gives rise to turnover intention. Most of the studies show a reasonable connection between job satisfaction and turnover intentions (Samad, pp. 1-5, 2006). Turnover intention is the intent of the staff to quit their organization. The ratio of the figure of members of organization who leave during a specific period divided by the average number of employees in that organization is the rate of turnover (Price, p.10-25, 1977). Dissatisfaction of employees is a major issue for the organizations as they suffer a lot if a competent individual quits the job due to dissatisfaction. Turnover can cause serious damage and destruction to the organization by bringing extra direct or indirect cost to it. Expenses incurred on the assortment, staffing, initiation and training of new workers is direct cost (Staw, p. 253-273, 1980). Cost of knowledge, abridged morale, stress on the existing staff and the loss of social capital are the i ndirect costs suffered by the organization (Des & Shaw, p.446-456, 2001). Therefore, the organizations must take steps to identify the factors causing job dissatisfaction in the employees. A number of aspects influence the job satisfaction of the employees. The matter of knowing about the factors affecting the job satisfaction of the individuals working for the organization is of utmost importance. The two types of the factors that manipulate the job satisfaction of an individual are factors involving the work environment and the demographic characteristics. Education, gender, age, and term of employment are the demographic measures while the difference of roles, task variety, remuneration, and relationship with colleagues are the work environment measures (Allen, pp. 27, 2002). It is obligatory for the organization to provide best possible working environment to the employees so that they feel comfortable. Dissatisfied employees are a cause of numerous problems for the organization s and are not productive. A recent study reveals the consequences of job dissatisfaction through which one can conclude that if disgruntled workers stay in the organization they may take on counter-productive activities (Spector, 1997). Roznowski and Hulin contend that overall job satisfaction measures are "the most informative data a manager or researcher can have for predicting employee behavior"(Roznowski and Hulin, 1992, p. 26). Job satisfaction of an individual directly affects his or her turnover intention. Experts have been

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

The Drug Business - Essay Example It had become so common that drug abuse was observed in majority of the American areas. The United States had become a place where frequent illegal business of drugs was taking place. Therefore, the government of United States decided to control the use of illegal drugs. Hence, it was noticed that in the 20th century, there were several restrictions so as to prohibit the use of illegal drugs among the people. In 1960, United States encountered another enormous problem in the list of most illicit drugs, known as marijuana. Marijuana is enormously dangerous like the other drugs. It was newly introduced and very rapidly become popular and common among the drug addicts. After the people of the United States discovered this marijuana, all the government laws and prohibitions were forgotten and once again United States embarked upon the journey towards excessive drug abuse and addiction in the society. Even the common public, apart from the habitual drug addicts were then being attracted towards illegal drugs. This illegal business of drugs was becoming so popular that the government had to take serious steps towards the growing use of drugs. Hence, the government in the mid of the 20th century decided to take some serious actions against the people who were involved in promoting the drugs and also those who were using illegal drugs. It was quite difficult for the government to control the drugs as it had become extremely common. Yet the government imposed laws for avoiding illegal drugs and did become successful to some extent. Soon illegal drugs started to become popular in even the young children of the United States. They started using it and became addicted to drugs as drugs seemed to be amusing for them. Therefore, it was decided to start awareness campaigns, not just to impose punishments on the usage of drugs, but also make people aware of its harms, especially the children. Awareness campaigns started in schools. People belonging to the awareness

Real Estate Development and Investment in the course Msc Project Essay

Real Estate Development and Investment in the course Msc Project Management - Essay Example ers & constructers as these contemporary methodologies are much more accurate and reliable as and when contrasted against traditional approaches of property valuation and management. Modern approaches of property valuation ensure that operators and other massive investors do not use the traditional approaches to their own personal advantage. Some analysts believe that the property bubble could have been avoided if the property prices had stayed on track. A diminutive part of the bubble-burst is also blamed on brokers, as even today most of the populace do not use a certified property valuator and just get their estate agents to estimate a value for them. Although, contemporary methods are much more complex and time consuming as compared to traditional methodologies that are less effective and easily manipulated, but the old methods do provide results within an extremely shorter time frame. As a matter of fact, with the increasing popularity of the Web 2.0, one may easily search for the property prices using old methodologies such as â€Å"Comparable sales† online through various WWW region specific services, such as a decent website for such an analysis in the UK is www.mouseprice.com. (Calnea Analytics Limited, N.D) At the outset, no two properties can ever be valued at an analogous value as no two properties are the same. A property might be worth much more for a particular occupier, whereas that same property could be worth nil to another. (Kilpatrick, 2004) The traditional property valuation methodologies used to focus much more on the property’s location and rates of surrounding property; but the new methodologies focus more on the use of a particular property. Nevertheless, even according to the modern approaches, a property may be of a significantly distinctive value for two different buyers. For example, a wheat farmland might be worth more to a wheat farmer than to an occupier who wants to set up a ranch. Therefore, a wheat farmer will consider

Ethics in Scientific Journals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ethics in Scientific Journals - Essay Example Ethics is very important in scientific journals. It is very important to note that when reporting any scientific information, care should be exercised. Over the recent past, scientific journals have gained a lot of popularity. Currently, there are journals for scientific research, where scientific researchers would publish their reports, especially those that are either urgent or not large enough to make a book. There are occasions where scientific research is reported in the main media channels. It is very important to ensure that when reporting scientific information, correctness is maintained. This would ensure that any misleading information is eliminated; hence they do not reach the masses. Whether published in the scientific journals or main mass media, there would always be a review done to ensure that ethics, among other factors, are maintained in the report. Scientific reports, unlike other reports, are having a greater impact. Rollin (12) says that scientific reports are de pended upon by many professionals for application in various fields. The reports are always subjected to peer review because of the consequences with which they have when misinterpreted. Aristotle (23) says that scientific journals would be peer-reviewed before publication to ensure that any misleading information is completely eliminated. This scholar gives an example of a medical report. The world has witnessed the emergence of many new health complications that have necessitated research. Some of the existing stubborn diseases like HIV/AIDs have also called for scientific research to unravel the mystery behind them. When a report about such diseases is made, medics would always rely on them in their normal duties. This is an issue about someone’s life. If any information is given about them, then it would be putting the lives of many people at risk. This will not only be a criminal offense, but also a very unethical term. The same is the case with other professionals like engineering because the consequence would result in bodily harm. Unlike political reports that are always full of speculations, scientific reports would not always sustain any speculations. There are no rumors in a medical report. The report must be precise and without any form of doubt. If there is a need for further research because some parts of the research are not conclusive, it should be made clear so that this part needs further research. As such, any person using this material would know that the research is not conclusive in other sections. When applied, the person would know that the material is not conclusive and therefore would know the limits within which the report would be valid Scientist should therefore keenly review media reports about their studies and work to correct any misleading statements. It is a common phenomenon that journalists would be interested in reporting various facts about scientific research.

Real Estate Development and Investment in the course Msc Project Essay

Real Estate Development and Investment in the course Msc Project Management - Essay Example ers & constructers as these contemporary methodologies are much more accurate and reliable as and when contrasted against traditional approaches of property valuation and management. Modern approaches of property valuation ensure that operators and other massive investors do not use the traditional approaches to their own personal advantage. Some analysts believe that the property bubble could have been avoided if the property prices had stayed on track. A diminutive part of the bubble-burst is also blamed on brokers, as even today most of the populace do not use a certified property valuator and just get their estate agents to estimate a value for them. Although, contemporary methods are much more complex and time consuming as compared to traditional methodologies that are less effective and easily manipulated, but the old methods do provide results within an extremely shorter time frame. As a matter of fact, with the increasing popularity of the Web 2.0, one may easily search for the property prices using old methodologies such as â€Å"Comparable sales† online through various WWW region specific services, such as a decent website for such an analysis in the UK is www.mouseprice.com. (Calnea Analytics Limited, N.D) At the outset, no two properties can ever be valued at an analogous value as no two properties are the same. A property might be worth much more for a particular occupier, whereas that same property could be worth nil to another. (Kilpatrick, 2004) The traditional property valuation methodologies used to focus much more on the property’s location and rates of surrounding property; but the new methodologies focus more on the use of a particular property. Nevertheless, even according to the modern approaches, a property may be of a significantly distinctive value for two different buyers. For example, a wheat farmland might be worth more to a wheat farmer than to an occupier who wants to set up a ranch. Therefore, a wheat farmer will consider

Transcendentalim and Walden Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Transcendentalim and Walden - Essay Example This section analyses Thoreau’s experience in the woods, his connection with nature and his journey to self-awareness. These themes and elements of transcendentalism are strengthened by the use of figures of speech, diction and tone. Thoreau alludes to various aspects of life, and philosophy to strengthen his case. This section restates the concept of transcendentalism, the elements that exemplify it, and the values that Thoreau seeks to teach his audience. The lessons to be learnt from Thoreau’s Walden are the concepts of free thought, individualism, self-reliance, and self-awareness and non-conformity in a bid to search for the true meaning of life. It should be highlighted, however, that people’s truths are different, and one should go on a personal journey of free spirited thought in order to find and live their own truth. People should speak their truths, as they live it. Walden is a book that Henry Thoreau uses to not only exemplify his beliefs, but those of transcendentalism. The book depicts transcendentalism as being a progressive movement towards individualism, self-reliance, education and people’s rights; one also concludes that transcendentalists are critical of social institutions, the government, religion, laws and creeping industrialization. One of the most important teachings that Henry Thoreau seeks to teach his audience, and that many people can pick up is that it is better for person to live frankly and openly as who they are, than to live as society or other external forces oblige one to live. People should learn to speak their truth, that which they have learnt for themselves and not that which they have been taught to accept as true; people should learn from the abundance of the universe and from the depths of their existence so as to be able to speak the truth as one lives it. An intelligent reader should be able to derive that

Discuss the different types of love Essay Example for Free

Discuss the different types of love Essay In Act 3, Shakespeare portraits love in different characters point of views, also showing the different ways love can be expressed in. Orlando and Silvius both express their love openly, not fear of embarrassments. Touchstones love is very realistic; Phoebes way of express is very childish; and Rosalinds words are very self-contradicting. Touchstones point of view of a wife is a tool that can be replaced or thrown away at any time. Just from the excuse he gave from not having a proper wedding for he is not like to marry me well and, not being well married, it will be a good excuse for me hereafter to leave my wife, it can show that he doesnt really value this marriage and is already thinking about divorcing before they are even married. Also from the reason he gave about the marriage is just by so much is a horn more precious than to want, we can tell how he sees Audrey as a person. Audrey in Touchstones eyes can be seen as an object or just a releasing of sexual needs, he is not respecting her in any point. As a professional jester, people usually imagine them as very nai ve and stupid, but in a contrast to Orlando from a noble family, he acts more mature and is more realistic. By using big difference in status, Shakespeare shows that the way of thinking is actually not affected by the status and job of that person. Different from Orlando, Silvius pursues Phoebe day and night, and begs that she would accept him, while Orlando is just expressing his love without even the courage to go see Rosalind face to face. But the love between Silvius and Phoebe is one sided. We can tell this after Silvius said she is like the common executioner, whose heart thaccustomd sight of death makes hard begging her to go easy on him, but just in return receives Phoebes mocking. She mocks him about his hyperbolic language and says now show the wound mine eye hath made in thee. During the whole scene, she only said Siliviuss name once, showing that she does not even spare him a glance. Not only is their love one sided, Phoebe acts really irritated and is very cruel with the words she chose to use. Like if mine eyes can wound, now let them kill thee, suggests that she would rather kill him than to give him a little of her love. Although she says cruel things, but she never kicked Silvius or physically hurt him. She also never said anything like stay away, I think is because she likes to feeling of being popular, and the amount of attention Silvius is giving her. I think she mistook that every man is like Silvius, only crying for her love, and falling before her knees, thats why she acts like a queen. This shows that Phoebe actually has very little contacts with people outside even the others in the forest. Phoebe actually is very inexperienced with love. Although she didnt say openly, but saying I had rather hear you chide than this man woo to a man which she has just saw reveals her affections. Shakespeare here uses dramatic irony, because Phoebe doesnt know that Ganymede is actually a women in disguised. And denying her own love is just like the actions of a child towards his or her first love, so I think she is very inexperienced in love. The love Orlando holds for Rosalind is very inconsiderate. As Rosalind says, he haunts the forest that abuses out young plants with carving Rosalind on their bards; hangs odes upon hawthorns and elegies on brambles; all, forsooth, defying the name of Rosalind. He doesnt care how much trouble he is causing to the forest and other people that lives in the forest, just for the sake of his quotidian of love. He didnt care about Rosalinds feelings whose name is written by him all over the forest, which makes her widely known, just for the sake of his love. Orlando is very childish, naive, and venire. He wants the whole world to believe that he is in love with Rosalind, even the Ganymede for which he has only seen. He said, fair youth, I would I could make thee believe I love and I swear to thee, youth, by the white hand of Rosalind, I am that unfortunate he. From his urgent tone, we can tell that how much a strangers word weighs on his heart, in order for him to swear. White using to describe a persons skin can mean that he or she is ill, but I think Orlando mean no harm, but this is just the word he can find to describe Rosalind. So, again, we can see the big difference in education between Rosalind and Orlando. He said the verses above right after Rosalind (now as Ganymede) said he doesnt look like he is in love, so he reacted greatly from just a strangers words. Just from one side of the story, without questioning the truth, Orlando accepted the help of a stranger, without even knowing that person. If it was a trap, Orlando would be dead by now, so he is very nai ve. As a woman, Rosalind loves Orlando by heart. By the way she questions Celia about Orlando, answer me in one word shows that Rosalind is very urgent about everything that is about Orlando. Although she loves him, she doesnt show it very much, denying the love rule in Shakespeares plays, which when characters fall in love hard and fast, they would be desperate and reacts greatly. Rosalinds love is very self-contradicting. She says love is merely a madness when she also, is madly in love. She says as if she was very experienced with love, but actually she doesnt hold much experience than Orlando does. These contradictions only happen when she is dress as a man, showing the difference in gender can bring much difference in the way of talking and gestures. Rosalind is a very ironic character. She comments on love from two different points of views when she is having two different identities. She uses her identities to her greatest benefits, but in return receives a self-contradictory image about love. It is because in Shakespeares period, all actors were men. Imagine a man playing a woman who plays a man in order to win a mans love, the neat borders of gender becomes hopelessly muddled. I think Rosalinds Ganymede identity is use to show that men is actually not much better than women, because the things men can do, women can also do if they want. Shakespeare displays love in many different angles, showing to the audience that love cannot be too realistic like Touchstone, but cannot be too imaginative like Orlando; love is a poison that can bring suffer like Silvius and Phoebe, but can also bring sweetness. The love in As You Like It is far to unrealistic that they are not likely to happen, but this is just a hyperbolic play, suggesting that it might occur in another form. Like Rosalinds identities, love need to strike a balance; otherwise they would create problems for others and themselves.

PESTEL five forces and SWOT analysis of Apple

PESTEL five forces and SWOT analysis of Apple Introduction This study is an analysis of the business environment of Apple, Inc., which is typically undertaken as part of the strategic analysis of Apple’s operations for the medium and long term. The aim of this analysis is to assess the prospects of Apple, Inc. as a potential investment for consideration. There are three aspects of environmental assessment that are undertaken: the macro-environmental analysis makes use of the PESTEL model, industry analysis employs Porter’s Five Forces model, and the organisational analysis is performed using the SWOT model. PESTEL Analysis The business of Apple shall be evaluated within the context of its operations in the UK. Investor sentiment attached to the country plays a major role in determining the level of confidence reposed by investors in the country itself. Negative sentiment in the country overall may cause an investor shift that would affect stock prices even for companies in industries normally unaffected by the particular events or developments, thus consideration should be extended to indirect repercussions or contagion effects due to perceived weaknesses in the country environment (Chittedi, 2014; Haß, et al., 2014; Ioan, et al., 2013; Liu et al., 2014, Syriopoulos, 2014; Trenca Dezsi, 2013; Yaqing Hongbing, 2013). 2.1 Political The United Kingdom is a democratic country with a stable governance system, and maintains strong influence over the laws and customs of those countries that were formerly part of the British Empire, and now comprise the Commonwealth of Nations. The UK thus holds a strong and enviable position in global politics. However, there are risks posed by terrorist elements such as members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) recruited from among the British nationals. Current political challenges include the increasing tensions in the ruling coalition and the sagging government popularity (UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). 2.2 Economic The UK is a world economic power, with a highly developed economy that gained its footing after the Second World War. According to the World Bank’s assessment, as of 2003 the UK is the seventh best country to invest in or do business with. It is however burdened by a growing government debt problem (currently at  £1.38 trillion) and a huge budget deficit. In order to strengthen the financial system, the Bank of England (BoE) was given the authority to oversee the macro-prudential health and stability of the financial system. The BoE coordinates interest rate movements with the European Central Bank during times of crisis, however Britain still remains outside the European Economic and Monetary Union (CEEDR, 2012; UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). 2.3 Social The standard of living of UK citizens is comparable with other First World countries. The education and health care systems are among the world’s best, and the social goals of the government include the alleviation of income inequality and eradication of child poverty. As a member of the European market, the UK benefits from the free flow of young people into the country to offset the problems posed by an aging population. Demographically, the population is aging (i.e., 35% of the population are 55 years and older, only 30% are below 25 years), with average life expectancy reaching 82 years for women and 78 year for men (CEEDR, 2012; UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). 2.4 Technology The United Kingdom is renowned worldwide for its scientific expertise and cutting-edge research and development (RD). Intellectual property rights are stringently protected by legislation. Among the challenges to the UK with respect to technology is the increasing shortage of RD workforce, a trend that has persisted since 2008. The number of engineers and technicians in the physical and life sciences, as well as IT and telecom specialists, continue to decline. The lack of technical personnel and RD specialists is a serious threat to the continued competitiveness of UK industry. Patent applications have also been on the decline, meaning that innovations may slow down, further compromising competitiveness (UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). 2.5 Environmental The UK is a strong participant in the formulation of global policies, particularly with respect to agreements dealing with the environment, emission reduction, and sustainable energy source. However, the UK is also known to have a high level of air pollution. The European Commission issued a final warning to UK for the poor quality of its air, prompting the country to expedite a solution to the problem (BBC, 2014; Mathiesen, 2014). High air pollution, due to exhaust fumes and emissions from power stations and factories, prevails in London, while dangerous levels of NO2 have been recorded in Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester (BBC, 2014; Dugan, 2013; Mathiesen, 2014; UK Country Profile, 2013). Government policies, however, will continue to tread the middle ground between environmental protection and economic development (UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). 2.6 Legal The UK has a legal system that is organised, transparent and efficient, and efforts are being exerted to make the processes in the courts simpler and more efficient and transparent (Great Britain Ministry of Justice, 2011). The legislative system favours a high level of freedom in business, primarily to enable investor trust and confidence. There is effective enforcement of the law; in the World Bank’s Doing Business indicators 2013, UK ranks at the 21st position among 185 countries with regard to enforcement of contracts. Challenges remain, however, in terms of tax evasion, and balancing personal liberties against the threat of terrorism. These challenges are being addressed by current proposals to amend legislation (UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). Porter’s Five Forces Porter’s Five Forces analysis is a model used for industry analysis. Apple plays a significant role in four businesses, namely the communication equipment industry, the music and video industry, the mobile phones industry, and the personal computer (PC) industry. Because its participation in the overall PC industry is comparatively small compared to its other products, only the first three industries shall be analysed here. Apple’s overall business includes eight product lines: iPhone, its related products and services; iPad and related products and services, Mac portables and other music related products and services, Mac desktops, iPod, software, services and other hardware (Apple, Inc., 2014; GCEIP, 2014). 3.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers Communication Equipment Industry Buyer power is moderate. Apple communications equipment caters to individual buyers, but each buyer has little bargaining power as he/she bargains for him/herself alone. If the company loses just one consumer, the effect on the company will be insignificant. Collectively, however, buyer power may be more significant, as switching costs are low. Fixed line telecommunication devices have a low degree of differentiation and there is little innovation taking place in this area, for which reason buyers are sensitive to price levels and could easily transfer from one supplier to another. Apple’s major competitors in this market include Lenovo, Nokia, and Samsung (GCEIP, 2014; CEIPUK, 2014). Music and Video Industry The bargaining power of buyers is moderate. As with the communications equipment industry, there are many buyers in this market, thus reducing their bargaining power. Offsetting this, however, is the low switching costs that enables customers to transfer brands quite easily. Also, there is a trend towards greater preference for online retail channels and digital download sales due to their greater convenience. Buyers are therefore sensitive to price, recommendations, availability, loyalty schemes, and brand image. In the global music and video industry, Apple’s key competitors are Amazon, Tesco, and Wal-Mart Stores (GMVIP, 2014; MVIPUK, 2014). Mobile Phones Industry The bargaining power of buyers is moderate. There are two types of buyers in this market, the retail outlets (e.g. Europe’s Carphone Warehouse, Walmart) which purchase handsets for sale to consumers, and the mobile network operators that now make their own retail sales bundled with the service they offer. The large retailers are at a disadvantage because they need to stock up on the latest innovations to meet end-user demand. When new innovations or models appear, unsold inventory of earlier models become obsolete. Apple is at an advantage because the firm is capable of forward integration – i.e., they conduct their own retail operations. As a result, buyer power is diluted. Apple’s closest competitors in this industry are LG Electronics, Nokia, and Samsung (GMPIP, 2014; MPIPUK, 2014). 3.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers Communication Equipment Industry Mobile Phones Industry Supplier power is moderate. There are only a relatively small number of large multinationals who supply parts and components to this market, reducing market players’ options when sourcing for products. While backward integration is difficult due to high costs of telecommunication manufacturing, it is however not impossible; for instance, British supermarket brand Tesco will launch its own smart phone device, which if successful and followed by other retailers will reduce supplier power. Aside from their scarcity, suppliers are also benefitted by the level of customer loyalty that firms develop for their manufacturers. Apple, however, is one of those few companies which sell their products online and which operate their own retail shops (GCEIP, 2014; CEIPUK, 2014). Music and Video Industry Supplier power is relatively high in the music and video industry. The suppliers in this industry pertain to the purveyors of content, such as the record companies, TV studios and film studios. End-user tastes drive demand, and when the particular content is specifically in demand then market players are compelled to stock on popular products so as not to miss out on revenues for songs, movies, or shows that have high appeal. Also, suppliers such as large film and TV studios tend to integrate forward, that is, they sell directly to the retail market through their own websites. In these situations, there is strong supplier bargaining power (GMVIP, 2014; MVIPUK, 2014). Mobile Phone Industry Supplier power is moderate in the mobile phone industry. Mobile phone manufacturers are much larger than their suppliers, and are therefore in a position to better influence supply contracts. Operating systems are vital components to smartphone manufacturers, but in the case of Apple and Blackberry the operating systems are developed by the manufacturers themselves, and therefore one element of supplier power is diminished (GMPIP, 2014; MPIPUK, 2014). 3.3 Threat of Substitutes Communication Equipment Industry The threat of substitutes is moderate to strong, as product substitution may potential exist within the market. Landline phones and mobile devices are substitutes for each other, although mobile devices have the advantage of flexibility, portability and mobility. In developing countries, counterfeits may proliferate, drawing demand away from legitimate retailers, but such risk is gradually being eroded by regulation, law enforcement, and security measures. Cheaper second-hand products are also substitutes for new models, which may challenge the higher-priced Apple products in certain market segments (GCEIP, 2014; CEIPUK, 2014). Music and Video Industry The threat of substitutes, particularly from counterfeit media, is very strong; this becomes apparent when one considers that digital video and audio content are easily duplicated. Pirated titles appear online, on CDs, and more recently through streaming and file sharing websites. While lawsuits have been filed and litigation pursued in some cases, the lawsuits are so slow that by the time they take effect, damage has already been done that cannot be undone for the titles thus distributed. The same contents made legally accessible online also act as substitutes for the same content formatted on CDs and DVDs. Although demand for the latter may decline, there will still remain buyers who prefer their music or shows on a physical device (GMVIP, 2014; MVIPUK, 2014) Mobile Phones Industry The threat of substitutes is low. The threat posed by landline telephones as substitute for cellular phones is weak, due to the greater flexibility, portability and wide area coverage offered by mobile phone usage. Neither are laptops a strong substitute due to disadvantages in size, weight, and the capacity for outward calls (GMPIP, 2014; MPIPUK, 2014). 3.4 Threat of New Entrants Communication Equipment Industry The threat of new entrants is moderate. There is a low degree of differentiation among the products and services that players in this industry can offer; this signifies that customer loyalty is low, and customers tend more to follow the brand of the manufacturer rather than the retailer. Since buyers can easily switch retailers, low cost entry into the market is possible. Entry barriers are thus low, and threats of new entrants is strong, despite the fact that more established and larger-sale retailers would have developed better relationships with their suppliers as well as enjoy economies of scale (GCEIP, 2014; CEIPUK, 2014). Music and Video Industry The threat of new entrants is strong, and entry barriers to this market are low. If the prospective player already runs a retail business, then entry into the market becomes easy. Switching costs among vendors is low, and enables customers to transfer among players depending on the price, stock or brand image. Larger players carry strong brand images; however, this alone will not be sufficient basis to draw market share away from new entrants (GMVIP, 2014; MVIPUK, 2014). Mobile Phones Industry The threat of new entrants is moderate. The popularity of smartphones continue to attract new players which offer the same features as the established brands, such as Apple and HTC. A good number of the more mature mobile phone manufacturers offer their own smartphones. A market for cheap feature phones thrives in developing economies. New entrants are nevertheless faced with challenges, such as the huge amount and the specialist skills and experience required for capital outlay for RD in which Apple is well entrenched (GMPIP, 2014; MPIPUK, 2014). 3.5 Internal rivalry Communication Equipment Industry Internal rivalry in this market is low to moderate. The market for global communications equipment is highly fragmented; market participants are numerous and diverse, including large foreign companies as well as local independent shops. Competition is slightly more intense among specialty shops than it is for the larger firms that have a presence in several markets. Even so, competition tends to ease because the demand for digital communications products is still expanding, enabling all firms to acquire a reasonable share of the market (GCEIP, 2014; CEIPUK, 2014). Music and Video Industry Internal rivalry is strong, mainly due to the similar choice of products offered by competing players and the low switching costs among market players. Unless the content is originally produced or published by the player, it would not be able to sustain any long-term competitive advantage over its rivals as content and processes are common and indistinguishable (GMVIP, 2014; MVIPUK, 2014). Mobile Phones Industry Internal rivalry among mobile phone manufacturers is moderate, with the lion’s share of the market being shared among a few large and well-known firms (i.e. Apple, Nokia, LG, Samsung). A second tier of smaller manufacturers are directed towards specific niches and do not really pose strong competition to the larger firms (GMPIP, 2014; MPIPUK, 2014). SWOT Analysis (Datamonitor, 2011; MarketLine, 2014) 4.1 Strengths Apple’s several businesses are the result of a combined horizontal and vertical integration. Horizontal integration is comprised of its wide range of products, while the interconnectivity among such products is the result of the vertical integration. This has enabled the firm to create strong competitive advantages that competitors find difficult to challenge. Apple continues to enjoy strong growth rates and cash flows, as sales remain brisk particularly on its online stores. Apple commands high Application Service Providers (ASPs) which continue to perform well in the market while demand for ASPs of other company providers has declined. 4.2 Weaknesses Apple failed to anticipate certain product categories such as phablets, and therefore was a later entrant into them. Until recently, Apple had not launched a larger screen phone, despite having invented the tablet. Samsung outperformed Apple in this respect, having pioneered in the phablet with Galaxy Note in 2011, and now has a commanding presence in the phablet market. Apple positions itself in the premium category and prices itself at a single price point. Consumers who could not afford the premium price therefore turn to Samsung and other brands that have a range of differentially priced products for different markets. Apple has an overdependence on the iPad and iPhone for its revenues and growth rates; the revenues from these two products comprise 72.1% of its total revenues for 2013. Eventual decline in the sales of these products will threaten the company’s sustainability and viability. 4.3 Opportunities The iPhone and iPad remain popular in the personal gadgets market, and further growth in their sales could still be explored in the corporate arena. A trend known as bring-your-own-device has become popular in the workplace, as people have appropriated these personal devices for their business purposes. Companies have only begun to exploit mobility strategies to offer better choices to the customers, and iPads may be tapped for this. Apple has yet to fully tap the growth prospects in the emerging markets. There is a rising middle class in India in which Apple may carve out a greater market share. It should be recalled that India is a member of the Commonwealth with which the UK is developing increasingly closer ties. The vast market in emerging countries is far from saturation, and Apple in UK is in a position of take advantage of it. 4.4 Threats One of the weaknesses of Apple cited is its premium pricing policy. This policy shall prove detrimental to any efforts to penetrate an emerging market, because few if any will be able to afford it. Therefore, in the event of any economic downturns that tend to erode the buying power of consumers, demand may shift from Apple’s more expensive products to lower-priced competitors like Samsung. The complex environment of electronic communication devices is constantly innovating and poses a serious challenge to Apple’s position in the market. Players are aggressively competitive, principally because of the fluidity of this disruptive innovation that allows for constant redesigning and modification. Conclusion The business of Apple, Inc. is a viable investment in the UK, although recommendation of entry stock price will have to await a valuation analysis of the stock based on financial and economic models. Being an investment that relies in technological innovation, Apple will have to be a growth buy, that is, it may not have long-term prospects but it will continue to have a strong market presence in the medium term. The principal concern of investors will be the sustainability of Apple’s cutting-edge innovations in the post-Steve Jobs era. Apple should continue to maintain its core competence in technological innovation and its competitive advantage in its horizontal and vertical integration to remain a viable investment. 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