A&P and Greasy Lake

Greasy Lake by T. Coraghessan Boyle and A&P by John Updike are both stories about coming of age. Over the generations there have been many changes. In these two short-stories it proves that, although it takes place in different generations, coming of age is still a time to prove one’s self. A&P is about a nineteen-year-old boy that works at a local grocery store. The main character, Sammy, stands up against his manager in an attempt to defend and hopefully impress the girls he was attracted to, who were not â€Å"decently dressed. Greasy Lake on the other hand is told from the narrator’s point of view, about several nineteen years old boys who play a prank on a â€Å"bad† character and experience what bad characters are capable of doing. For the narrator and Sammy they realize their lack of infantility after their conflicts with other people in the stories. In Sammy’s case, â€Å"enraged that Lengel has humiliated the girls†, he quits his job tryin g to defend and impress the girls. The girls just ignore Sammy and leave the store after all of the arguing had died down. Sammy is then left by himself, without a job and without the girls. When he looks back at the store from outside, â€Å"[his] stomach kind of fell as [he] felt how hard the world was going to be to [him] hereafter. † Obviously, he is feeling a sense of regret when Sammy mentions the hardship in his life after he quits his job at the grocery store. The narrator in Greasy Lake also learns a lesson for the story. He learns that one’s appearance does not represent one’s true self. Three of the â€Å"dangerous characters†, including the narrator and his friends, â€Å"drive out to scum-and refuse-clotted Greasy Lake in search for action. †

Food Contamination Essay

Introduction When food is unsafe for consumption is called food contamination. Food contamination occurs when foods are spoiled because they might contain microorganisms, such as bacteria , parasites, or toxic substances that make them unsafe for consumption.Bacteria and parasites on uncooked food can linger on the food if not handle or cooked properly. Food contamination is serious because it results in diseases that affect appromiaxally seventy-six million people in the United States, 300,000 leading hospitalizations and an estimate of 5,000 deaths yearly. Signs you should look for when contaminated food is consumed like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal, cramping, and fever. While food poisoning is often caused by bacteria, it can also result from eating poisonous plants some mushrooms for instance and animals pufferfish. Every year more than 76 million people get sick from food poisoning, especially during the summer when food may not be kept cold enough to stop bacteria from growing. when contaminated food is consumed it can last about 2 days. When Hands are not wash in between foods like meat to vegetables. Raw meat has many bacteria on its surface and when hands touch it and then it touches the vegetables your hands are transferring the bacteria to the vegetables. since people normally don’t cook vegetable like lettuce and carrots they are eating all the bacteria and viruses that is on the vegetable surface. Contaminated food can be cause by the environment because pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemical agents can enter the food supply.There are many chances for food to become contaminated as it is produced and distributed to markets and resturant salmonella, E. Coli, shigella, campylobacter, and botulism are some common types of bacteria that can contaminate foods. Salmonellae is mostly found in the intestinal tract of animals.. salmonellae occurs most often in institutions like child care centers and nursing homes. Shigella occur in the gastrointestinal tract of men.What can cause Campylobacter is handling raw food poorly and eating raw poultry meat. Campylobacter has the foremost cause of diarrheal illness in the United States.a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin this is called Botulism which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. A major cause of food borne illnesses is Escherichia coli. E. Coli resides in intestines and these are harmless. Chapter One: Social life Impact When people cross path with food contamination they get effect with bacteria and viruses that the body can’t fight off causing them to become sick. Food poisoning last at least 2 days and people have job to attend but they can’t because the are to sick to work. each day they are sick they are losing money and can not take care of their families. Resturants get affect by food contamination because they can possibly lose costumer or even shut down.An American’s home is the most likely place where that person will suffer the effects of food contamination – although restaurants generate more headlines and more concern for most people.the growth of certain bacteria, and is a concern of the business as well as the consumer. A single case of food poisoning can instantly cause a restaurant to no longer exist. To prevent contamination which might result in illness, chopping boards should be sanitized thoroughly and frequently. The employees’ hands should also be washed regularly. It is acceptable to handle raw food with bare hands, however with cooked or ready to eat food disposable gloves or other utensils such as spoons, spatulas, or tongs should be used. Latex gloves should be changed at least once every hour or if they become torn or contaminated. It is never acceptable to reuse gloves after they have been removed once (Public Health). Chapter Two: Environment Impact The enviroment can play a major part on food contamination simply because of the animal living condition. When animals are slaughter there fecal matter can be crossed contaminated with the meat causing contaminated poultry.Contaminated water that contains animal manure and human sewage can cause fresh fruits and vegetables to be contaminated. Food processing is also possible to contaminate from infected food handlers. Poor hygiene in the home can also be a factor of many bacteria on raw food.Among the most serious food-borne diseases is Salmonella enteriditis, usually found in raw and undercooked eggs and which can cause death from salmonellosis. Salmonella is generally to be considered the chief among the microbiological threats from the food supply. Symptoms include nausea, fever, headache, abdominal pain and vomiting but careful Chapter Three: Economic Impact Farmers are losing money when they are producing contaminated product. Restaurants and food market will not buy there products because they are contaminated. If restaurants buy contaminated food they lose money in two way. one way is they buying food products that are contaminated and they can’t use them the second way is if they use the contaminated food people can get food posioning and can threaten the business by the lose of costumers and possible chance of the restaurant shutting down.People are rediscovering the beneï ¬ ts of buying local food. It is good for your local economy because buying directly from family farmers in your area helps them stay in business. There are between 20 million and 40 million reported cases of food contamination annually in this country with the cost in medical bills, lost wages and product recalls as high as $10 billion, according to federal estimates caused by the microbial contamination of such foods as poultry, eggs, dairy and seafood. economic impact of food poisoning is substantial. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that food poisoning costs the United States between 5 and 6 billion dollars annually in direct medical care and lost productivity the Refrences http://www.diet.com/g/food-contamination http://www.emedicinehealth.com/food_poisoning/page3_em.htm#Food%20Poisoning%20Symptoms http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ans/psychology/health_psychology/types.htm

Performance Criteria for Cavity Wall and Pitched Roof

Performance standards for pit wall and pitched roof Report Contentss Introduction Cavity Wall Block Insulation Brick Wall Neckties Plasterboard Mortar Elementss for a pit wall U-Values Decision Pitched Roof Types of Roof Coverings: There are two basic traditional types of pitched roof: The benefits of Trussed Rafters: Decision MentionsIntroductionThis assignment aims to explicate the troubles of public presentation standards for an external pit wall and a pitched roof of a domestic home. This assignment focal point on the information provided from the sanctioned document â€Å"Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings† L1A The chief types of walls:Cavity Wall / Cavity walls lose less heat than solid walls, and are much easier to insulate.Solid Wall / constructed from one tegument of masonry built from brick/blockwork in this type of walls hard to accomplish high criterions of thermic insularity.Cavity WallThe pit wall is the external wall of a house constructed of two parallel walls ( two teguments ) , with a infinite of at least 50mm between them and filled with insularity by many different methods. The outer tegument, built from brick or blockwork. The interior tegument is normally of blockwork and joins the two walls together by metal tie resistant’s. The weathering is put in at suited topographic points to forestall the consequence of a prostration. The chief map of this external pit wall is to cut down heat loss by make fulling the pit with stuff that would halt heat transportation ; and as such well cut downing warming costs and condensation. Inside the house pit wall insularity regulates the heat indoors, so it will gives warming in winter and chilling in summer, protecting against moistness and mould growing and minimising sound transportation. A good pit wall entirely does non forestall the job of moistness ; to to the full proof a house a good thermal dielectric is besides recommended. This does nil for the outside of the belongings so there are some suggestions below to assist with the enterprise:BlockThe blockwork is made from organic minerals obtained from clay and natural stuffs, which gives the support and stableness for the edifice. Blocks are built foremost when get downing to construct a pit wall. The benefit of utilizing blocks is that it provides a higher degree of thermic mass. When it is good insulated it gives as efficient energy as lumber. There are many different types of blocks ; barricade type Thermalite Hi-Strength 7 Blocks with a measuring of 100mm has the U-Value of precisely 0.28 W/m2K for the external wall and has been chosen for those grounds.InsulationThe determination was made to utilize mineral wool insularity to carry through a 75mm pit wall dimension. This adds first-class public presentation i n relation to heat loss. Mineral wool has high quality glass and comparatively light weight. This will intend easiness of handling, cutting and installing. Mineral wool insularity is cost efficient which is 50 % lower than standard froth insularity. The efficient insularity will be measured for zero heat loss and it can be done by curtailing the air motion through the spread between the intern and outer walls. For a zero heat loss accomplishment the pit will necessitate to be to the full filled. An added benefit to this is the sound decrease belongingss of the merchandise. The limitation of air through the pit will besides impact on the sound ways seeking to pervade the walls. Brick The infinite between the bricks should be filled with howitzer to forestall any escape or structural troubles. The surplus should so be removed via cleansing to forestall added wet. As I have mentioned above, the brickwork is made from organic minerals gettable from clay and natural stuffs. This has the versatility of shadiness, coloring material and texture. Brick is an astonishing stuff to construct with ; it provides a delighting aesthetic to the house with a customizable coloring material. The natural stuffs in brick are chemically inserted so it does non lend to any air pollution in your place. Brick is besides fire opposition while being a stuff that is reclaimable and insulating. This allows for money to be saved by take downing heat addition and heat loss. For the usage of the bricks a measuring of 103mm brick will be considered for a pit wall of 75mm dimension. A to the full filled pit wall will cut down the heat loss in the edifice. The type of brick work selected will be stretcher bond because of the easiness of cutting that this stuff provides.Wall NecktiesNeckties when right fitted should incline downward from inner to outer wall. This helps to fore stall rain and other conditions related affair to traverse the pit. This will add another facet of wet protection for the interior of the house. For the 75mm pit wall ; 200mm wall ties were selected to be topographic points between the blocks and the bricks. The horizontal articulations will besides be attached to palisade ties, to give the wall more stableness. This will forestall the likeliness of impetus between the walls. The stuff will besides be made from unstained steel so as to forestall corrosion of the metal.PlasterboardLightweight Plaster ( Inner Finish )MortarThe determination was made to include a thin bed of howitzer to the brick/block work. This will:The build clip will be reduced because of the easiness they are constructed. Construction clip can be less than 60 proceedingss until the stuff is considered dry and ready for component installing.The stuff increases the thermic public presentation of the edifice and in so making will cut down the U-Values.The thin Mortar will better building qualityElementss for a pit wallThe undermentioned stuffs were chosen for the creative activity of a suited pit wall: 103mm brick Stretcher bond 75mm pit wall fully-filled with insularity 100mm block Thermalite Hi-Strength 7 200mm wall ties Thin Mortar bed Lightweight Plaster for inner coatingU-ValuesThe jutting heat loss will be calculated depending on the U-Values. The lower the value the better the stuff as is shown in L1A certification. This papers provides that if the U-Value is less than 0.2 W/m2K so grounds is needed to corroborate that the edifice design is feasible.DecisionExternal walls are considered to be thermic component. That being considered the chief intent of insularity is to conserve fuel and power in new home. It prevents the incursion of conditions to the internal surface of the wall. The added benefit of cut downing the proprietors carbon footmark by bettering the energy-efficiency of the place means that this is of great importance. This creates the advantage of dramatically cut downing the sum of heat needed for the life infinite. This means that unless heat is already generated by a heat pump the likeliness is that the place will necessitate gas, oil, coal or gas to bring forth heat. These all have their impact on the environment so decrease of usage is needed. The external wall is non merely for the inter benefit as a good external wall can add great beauty to the visual aspect of the edifice. Pitched RoofPitched roof is a type of the ceilings which consists of two surfaces slotted together from the terminal top of the walls to meet together in the top such as a corner ( jointly called roof ) required by the nature of the design and the type of building. The usage of such roofs is popular in countries of high rates of rain or snow and the chief intent of a pitched roof is to protect the house from the air current ( upwind opposition ) , rain and redirect H2O and snow every bit much as possible to conserve heat inside the house.Types of Roof Coverings:Asphalt Shingles, the asphalt herpes zosters still standard because they are economical, used on most roofs in many colorss, and may last for long clip.Metal, such as Steel, aluminum and Cu characterized solidness and low care.Wood Herpes zosters and Shakes, as friend of environment and is a popular pick for placesConcrete or Plain Tiles, tile is easier to utilize than concrete and roofing tiles are fire-retardant and easy to repair itSlate, it is really expensive but beautiful and resists fire and mold.There are two basic traditional types of pitched roof:Purlin pitched roof ( cut roof ) / Cut roof lumbers are made on site and edifice up the roof utilizing balks, ridge boards, joists and purlins where they are fixed in the locationRafter pitched roof ( truss roof ) / they are designed in the mill so delivered to put ready and complete and merely erected. Furthermore each type could be warm deck or cold deck.Trussed Rafters this type of roof is largely used for lodging and is presently designed by specializers in the industrial companies by utilizing computing machine design. After the completion of the design, the roof is moved to the site and easy installed in the specified topographic point. Trussed Rafters are fast and easy to sit and moreover can be designed so adding more suites in the roof is possible, called Attic trusses. So the recommendation would be to utilize Attic Truss ( room in the roof ) type of tied balks because it is speedy and easy to sit on site, roll uping in the mill as a fit quality for Attic trusses, specially designed to transport all extra weight. Roof truss exposures The benefits of Trussed Rafters:Suitable for many types of the roof constructionsFast building and on clip bringing which is cheaper than other due to the ready constituentsEasier repairing so non as much workSimple industry process’ cut down the emanations and pollutionThermal dielectric is better than others and more flexible than many other methods of roof buildingDecisionThe Pitched Roof is a really of import subdivision of the house so it must be built good, strong, stable and lasting. This means that the house will be protected from the outer clime factors such as the Sun, the air, the rain and snow. This besides will intend that the the spread of fire from house to house is reduced as the insularity will maintain the heat inside the house. This will back up warmth every bit much as possible because it is the chief country from the house where heat loss may go on. Pitched Roofs are able to back up tonss ( weights ) , the incline of the roof has a chief consequence on the aesthetics and the right coloring material is selected it will give the place a beautiful form. MentionsL1A Conservation of fuel and power in new homes hypertext transfer protocol: //australbricks.com/sustainability/the-benefits-of-bricks/ hypertext transfer protocol: //source4me.co.uk/calculate_cavity_wall.php hypertext transfer protocol: //www.glengery.com/brick-products? utm_source=glengerybrick.com & amp ; utm_medium=domain-referral & amp ; utm_campaign=301-redirect hypertext transfer protocol: //australbricks.com/getmedia/256750aa-5b5d-4e15-94e2-9cf896a23b73/Bricks-For-Living-Brochure.aspx/ hypertext transfer protocol: //www.markgroup.co.uk/homeowners/insulation/cavity-wall-insulation? gclid=CPKMrd7A-cECFRMatAod0DsAjA hypertext transfer protocol: //www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/externalwalls/ hypertext transfer protocol: //www.unitedinsulations.co.uk/cavity-wall-insulation-faq hypertext transfer protocol: //www.homeworksenergy.co.uk/external-wall-insulation/ hypertext transfer protocol: //www.greenhus.co.uk/about-external-wall-insulation/benefits-of-external-wall-insulation/ hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ask-hanson.com/u-value-calculator.html hypertext transfer protocol: //www.diydata.com/general_building/roof_construction/roof_construction.php hypertext transfer protocol: //www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/roof/ hypertext transfer protocol: //www.builditgreen.co.uk/products-services/roof-finishes.html hypertext transfer protocol: //www.tra.org.uk/trussed-rafters.php? id=30 hypertext transfer protocol: //www.fforest.co.uk/PDFs/wolf_systems_trussed_rafter_technical_manual.pdf hypertext transfer protocol: //www.trada.co.uk/images/onlinebooks/7E93B0B4-0131-475E-8C39-563AD4FBF9E9/ hypertext transfer protocol: //great-home.co.uk/a-guide-to-roof-construction/ hypertext transfer protocol: //www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/Services/Technical-Services-Department/U-value-Calculations.aspx Mike, R ; Alison, C ( 2014 ) .Construction Technology 1: House Construction. 3rd erectile dysfunction. Hampshire: PALGRAVE MACMILLAN. 276-294. Numan Samha 1420688

Republic of Angola - Prospects and Opportunities Essay

Republic of Angola - Prospects and Opportunities - Essay Example epublic of Angola started to work its way towards becoming a regional player in Africa after the war was through the collaboration with some of the developed countries that include the United States. There was the formation of the U.S-Angola Chamber of commerce that made attempts to sponsor a wide array of the companies in Angola as well as a number of the international companies. Partnership with the United States by Angola has created particular forms of opportunities that arise as a result of international cooperation, the presence of private investment and the increase of trade between the two countries and many others (Renato 2006, par. 1-10). Since the end of the war, Angola has been able to reflect a lot of social, political and economic progress over a period of five years. For instance, there has been an ambitious program that has been created in relation to the provision of rehabilitation services following the massive destruction that took place in the country following the war period. It is related to the development and improvement of the social infrastructure, the provision of a steady economic growth, the stabilization of political institutions as well as the improvement of the security conditions (Roque 2014, par. 1-8). There are therefore a lot of prospects and opportunities presented to the Republic of Angola in its efforts to become among the leading regional players in Africa. Being the second largest producer of oil in the Sub Saharan Africa, after Nigeria, the country has been able to experience a boom in oil production between the years 2002 and 2008 since the production of oil state at several fields in deep water. The Republic of Angola has taken a great step towards ensuring that it maintains its rate of production and export by being a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Companies (OPEC) (Birmingham 2006, p. 92). Oil production and export in Angola is another major prospect and opportunity that is likely to place the

Global health issues(focus on AIDS) Literature review

Global health issues(focus on AIDS) - Literature review Example Mondal and Shitan (2013) present a different point of view, proposing that the factors contributing to the rapid spread of AIDS include higher adolescent fertility, which increases the risk of HIV. The factors limiting the spread of the disease include cultural restrictions like those of Muslims and the sufficiency of medical personnel. Coovadia and Hadingham (2005) and Milbank Memorial Fund (2004) point out that the search for solutions to the AIDS pandemic has included the formation of different international funds; the major target of these efforts has been poorer regions, but the mitigation measures seem not to reverse the rapid spread of AIDS. In particular, Milbank Memorial Fund (2004) discussed the efforts of the US towards combating the AIDS pandemic, where it pledged to given USD 15 billion, over the 5-year period that started in 2003. Mondal and Shitan (2013) and Alfsen (2004) point out that, the efforts of combating the crisis have included increasing the numbers of physicians in practice, as well as relying on religious restrictions. Alfsen (2004), Morrison (2001) and WHO (2011) in particular, stated that the national efforts aimed at addressing the problem include the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. In addition to the supply of antiretroviral medication and treatment, the World Health Organizat ion has partnered with national government in preventing the spread, through the initiation of behavior change programs; care delivery, strengthening healthcare systems and increasing the availability of HIV/AIDS information (WHO, 2014). CDC (2012) and Alfsen (2004) point out that, more advanced medical-related efforts of addressing the spread of AIDS have included the funding of research, with the aim of developing virucides and microbicides. The AIDS pandemic has been intensifying globally, despite that some regions are affected more. Lewis,

The Science of Muddling Through , Decision Making Essay - 1

The Science of Muddling Through , Decision Making - Essay Example Root methodology in decision making involves administrators who are mandated to define objectives from the aspects which are viewed as most important to the least important. In rational decision making approach, the desired outcomes are prioritized by the administrator so that the most desirable alternatives of reaching the outcomes are implemented. In root decision making it is the role of the administrator to decide on what is considered to be the best alternative or approach of solving a problem (Stillman 224). Incrementalism or branch decision making on the other hand has a specific objective which is subject to amendment depending on the situation at hand. In branch decision making methodology, the administrator makes use of a wide range of alternatives which would possibly help in providing a solution but he or she does not astray from procedures which have been proved through experience or history as most appropriate (Sutcliffe and Gerry 485). Root decision making approach is advantageous because it focuses on the desired results or outcomes which a specific alternative in decision making would attain (Stillman 220). However, this approach to decision making has been criticized because it consumes a lot of time. Moreover, the possibility of failure is high because the administrator may choose the least appropriate alternative of reaching a solution. This is because of the limited number of alternatives in root methodology of decision making as compared to incrementalism. Moreover, root decision making has a disadvantage of making an assumptions that there are value in the approach which both sides agree on even though these approaches would have failed before. Moreover the root decision making approach does not allow for amendment of the objectives so that the most appropriate approach of solving a problem would be used (Sutcliffe and Gerry 490). Branch decision making

Fertility and Social Change in Oman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fertility and Social Change in Oman - Essay Example On the contrary, being a real estate agent may require you to spend long hours away from home. However, being a real estate agent enables you to have a more flexible time at work. With a good time management program, you will be able to have the option of arranging the time when you can meet up with your prospective clients. In terms of financial income, you can earn along $30,000 each year in the holiday ornament business as compared to at least $40,000 per annum if you could complete at least four appraisals each week at the value of $200 each. In other words, the possible financial gain out of making the ornaments is way much less as compared to the profit you can earn if you choose to become a real estate agent. In any business, operational expenses are always expected to be high in the beginning. Given that you are able to complete at least six appraisals each week at the value of $200 each, you will be able to earn as much as $57,600 revenues per annum. For this reason, the $10,000 start-up costs associated with becoming a real estate agent is not a big issue. If we deduct $10,000 start-up costs in your annual revenue of $57,600, you will still end up earning $47,600 on your first year. This amount of income is really promising as compared to the holiday ornament business. Depending on your ability to close a business deal, your annual revenue could still increase over the next few years to come.

Legalization of Cannabis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Legalization of Cannabis - Essay Example Of course, all of that enormous market is illegal now; the government doesn't get a cent from this business. Those who use cannabis live under the threat of being caught and accused of drug abuse by the police, but it doesn't stop them from smoking. The doctors now say that cannabis makes less harm than the nicotine does. Thus, it's obvious that marijuana should be legalized, just for to let the government control its use, prevent its abuse, and get the taxes from those who run this business. Cannabis has been used in therapeutic purposes for several centuries already, but during the previous century its use have been strictly limited, as this substance became a subject of misuse and abuse. Since the use of cannabis as a medication was forbidden in the U.S in 1937 the continuous struggle has been led between the supporters and the opponents of using cannabis for treatment of certain conditions. Marijuana, which is another name for this drug, more widespread than the word cannabis is defined as a "preparation made from the dried flower clusters and leaves of the cannabis plant, usually smoked or eaten to induce euphoria." in an entry on the Free Dictionary Website. The authors of this document mention that the ad... as a "preparation made from the dried flower clusters and leaves of the cannabis plant, usually smoked or eaten to induce euphoria." in an entry on the Free Dictionary Website. The Marijuana Legalization Organization gives several reasons for which marijuana should be legalized on their website. Those are: People have a basic right to make choices for themselves as long as their actions do not harm others The government is wasting our time and money by prohibiting marijuana Prohibition is not an effective solution to the problems associated with marijuana use We have learned a lesson from history. Alcohol prohibition did not work, and there is no logical reason to believe that marijuana prohibition is a better idea. The authors of this document menti on that the adult responsible person should be given the right to choose for himself or herself whether to use cannabis or not. Marijuana is not so harmful for health as for to deprive people of the freedom of their choice towards it. It's obvious that lots of those who stand against the legalization of this substance are just misinformed about the effects marijuana has and the consequences of its use. The stereotype has been built during the last two-thirds of the past century that cannabis is something very dangerous and harmful to health, the same as cocaine or heroine is. If we'll recall the characteristic features of stereotyping, we'll find out that the information that supports the existing stereotype is believed willingly by its holders, but the information that overturns it is usually perceived worse and believed much less than the first type of info. The quantity of articles, TV shows and magazine publications that persuade people in the harmfulness of this substance is en ormous, thus this stereotype is  strongly supported.  

Poem Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Poem - Annotated Bibliography Example The oppression was being advanced by the whites in various forms such as restrictions to certain facilities and mistreatments. The authors thus portrays how Phillis Whitley composed the poem â€Å"On the Death of General Wooster† which depicts a form of resistance to the state and a protest in a way. Phillis expresses her outrage regarding how the Africa’s race was being treated by the white people. The book can be described as credible since the authors have written other books on the topic before. In the book Stony the Road We Trod: African American Biblical Interpretation, Felder, the author, analyses various poems regarding the poetry works by various authors especially in the 18th century such as the â€Å"An Ante-bellum Sermon† composed by Paul Laurence Dunbar in the 1890s. According to Dunbar’s analysis, the poem is more of a protest as well as a plea to other African Americans to resist the slavery that was being facilitated by the white and which was a great source of poverty among the black race. The poem employs a lot of humor where Dunbar calls for â€Å"Moses† to come and rescue the black people from the slavery. The book Stony the Road We Trod: African American Biblical Interpretation is a compilation of credible analysis of poems from various poets thus can be described to be trustworthy. Haralson is the author of the popular book Encyclopedia of American Poetry which is a compendium of various poetry works in the history of America. In one of the poems is â€Å"The Slave Auction† which was composed by a renowned poet, Watkins Harper in the slavery period of America. In the book Encyclopedia of American Poetry, the author attempts to analyse the various issue presented by Watkins such as the torture and a hard time that African Americans endured at the time of his composing the poem. He condemns the

International Marketing Essay Example for Free

International Marketing Essay Introduction The last two decades, probably after World War II the economic growth have speeded up by multinational enterprise. In the 1990s foreign direct investment made by these firms grew as faster arte than both international trade and GDP (Cieslik Ryan, 2011). The foreign direct investment already created lots of fortune for world economy; however, it is not luck to each international firm. Some of them also faced huge risk, even failure. Throughout history, it seems like it is not easy for companies to entry foreign markets. Some of firms were very successful in the their home countries; however, they were failed in foreign markets. Those corporations adopted the same marketing strategies that they used in their home countries because they thought using the same methods would bring much profit in the foreign countries. However, the results were not they expected before. Why? The main reason is that the foreign market environment is not the same with their home countries. There are many different conditions in foreign, and those differences would make international companies rearrange strategies for new markets. Such as, culture, geography, religion, politics, etc. Among those differences, the most important is culture difference. Culture is a system of values and norms that are shared among a group of people and that when taken together constitute a design for livingwhere values are abstract ideas about what a group believes is good, right, and desirable, and norms are the social rules and guidelines that prescribe appropriate behavior in particular situations. Therefore, international firms cannot use the same marketing strategies that they used before to apply different foreign markets. In addition to strategy difference, in the past, standard products were popular by international enterprises since they can operate multinational supply chains by standard operations. However, recently, more firms design their product more localization, it is because international firms want to fit in deeply foreign markets. Sometime, the companies even need to adjust their products for foreign customers, like Starbucks and Coca-Cola adjusted their recipes for local markets. Facing the different markets, the corporations should use different strategies to fit in the different markets, and customized product for local customers. International enterprises need to restart to think many details about their customers, product, service, supply chains, etc. In addition, there are different modes for foreign firms to entry the different countries, such as exporting, contractual agreements, strategic alliances, and direct foreign investment. Each mode has its risk, and international companies should find out the best mode to for itself. Choice of entering foreign mode is always a good argument for literature. The primary option is foreign direct investment. It can bring lucrative benefit, but it has biggest risk. The direct selling and setting the branches are costly, and business organizations would face bigger risks by this directly foreign selling mode. Well know examples of such organization are using this mode to set up their value chain in foreign countries, such as Banyan Tree, UTC, and Volkswagen (Jonsson Foss, 2011). Other is separating ownership and control, likes contractual agreement. Although this mode could not bring the benefit directly, it is long-term investment and has low investment risk (Brown, Dev, Zhou, 2003). Other is strategic international alliance, it is based on some specific conditions that are controlling cost and arranging schedule, to generate this mode, such as, the air industry (Brown, Dev, Zhou, 2003). Whichever mode do the companies decide, and they still need to review their strategies for foreign markets. It is because the company would face changing quickly environment, the shopping behavior, units of employee, and political issues. Companies can predict some considerations and take the reactions, but firms should take the risk for some of issues that they do not have reaction (Raff, Ryan, Stahler). In this paper we would learn form it internationalization experience and strategies, and multinational corporations’ organization. Also, we would see conversions from the standardly operation to localize management and production. Then, we would discuss about other modes to entry foreign market (Chen Chang, 2010). Literature Review According to the survey of IMF, the foreign market entry has been a popular topic in international business research during the last couple of decades. Firms need new market to increase sales, to avoid competitor, and to cost down. Manufacturing industries become the initially parts of main interest in entry the foreign market studies because they want to acquire the advantage of resource efficiency, such as labor force, natural resources, policy of foreign investment, to make more profit. However, with the fast movement of technology and the growing of many potential markets like China, India, and Brazil, entering a foreign market becomes the critical issue for a company to reach more customers and earn more profit. To expanding the business to global market, the manufacture industries now have to put effort on both manufacturing and service. Today, there are more different ways for companies to enter foreign markets. Thanks for the Internet, it speeds up the globalization and connects the global information quicly. Not only business organizations can sell their product in different modes, but also they can gather more information than before. With the help of IT techonology, a corporation can track customers action and consuming habit. Although the Internet provides many variety ways for companies with diversity methods to sell a merchaindise, the risk of entering foreign markets are still very high. Before companies entering foreign market, they should do more research about new markets to avoid the risks that they can predict. There are some reasons that demostrate why research is so important. First, the capital is limited. Even though the big company as Walmart and eBay, they still cannot suffer huge amount of loss in a market. That is why they stayed back to the Asia market. In addition, doing local research can help companies know their customer better, so they can adjust their marketing st rategies efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, by researching the information of the competitors, the companies can decide which ways to enter foreign markets, to go with an agent or do with a joint venture, and what strategy can make the companies stand out in the market and segment with the competitor. Therefore, utilizing information is significant to knock out today’s multinational business. When it comes to brick-and-motor, targeting at developing countries with high disposable income seems to be easier to success (Polly Chan, 2009), because both of domestic demand and personal income are growing. Once a corporation focus on a high potential market, they should learn how to localization. Firms should not get locked into their glory in the original market and shoul make strategy flexible as they internationalize. They face different culture, government laws, consumer behavior, and business model of local partner, so the strategy should be localized. Moreover, the corporation must be sure that the brand image and core concept deliver precisely to the customers, then educating them to find the value in the business merchandise and service; therefore, it can outshining in the blue sea as what Apple did. Innovation also plays an important role of success as well; especially when innovation combined with brand value tightly, so do not be afraid of being different. Last, using resourse wisely and keeping good relationship with other corporation might be a competitive advantage in the future. However, cost down is not the only mesure to increase profit or secure a business. To pursue futher development, firm must avoid stocking with a particular mode due to they feel comfortable with it. In conclusion, gathering enough and critical information, the right and in-time decisions from management, market choosing, evaluating the local economy and culture are significant factors to success in foreign market entry, rather than the firm size or how many financial asset it has. To support our finding and theory, we are providing the case of three international businesses, UTC in technology industry, Banyan Tree in tourism industry, and Volkswagen in manufacture industry. Banyan Tree Introduction The first Banyan Tree resort opened in 1994, transforming an ecological wasteland into an environmentally sensitive resort – Banyan Tree Phuket (Banyan Tree, 2012). Banyan Tree’s philosophy is based on providing a place for renew of the body, mind and soul. Each Banyan Tree property is designed to fit into natural surroundings, using indigenous materials and reflecting the landscape and architecture of the destination. Banyan Tree group currently consists of 30 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas 80 retail galleries, and aggressive expansion plans for the future (Banyan Tree, 2012). Banyan Tree Hotels Resorts has grown into one of Asias most successful hospitality brands with numerous international awards and accolades from publications like the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler and others. Even during the SARS outbreak in Asia in 2003, the company still emerged profitable by achieving average occupancy rates of 65-67% (Roll, 2006). In 2011, the revenue is 270 million US do llars (Exhibit 1). Banyan SWOT Analysis Strengthens Eco-friendly Accommodation. Accommodation of Banyan Tree group emphasizes rejuvenation, eco-friendly, romance, and luxury. The corporation reminds customers that while you are enjoying the vacation, you can still do something for environmental protection. Therefore giving the customers an important message that Banyan Tree is not only a profit-oriented company, it still cares about of the global environment and commit itself in sustainable management. Fast Business Expansion. Banyan Tree expands the business global in a rapid speed. Both Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts are taking an ambitious movement in entering new traveling location, such as China, Greek, and India. With two brands on the way, the expansion rate is much faster than other competitors; hence, Banyan Tree group can acquire market share more rapidly in the new holiday paradise and enjoy the first mover advantage in those areas. Brand Extension. Angsana is a more affordable resort brand that helps Banyan Tree to attract lower level of customers. This differentiation not only helps Banyan Tree to gain more business but also creates a more vivid atmosphere to give customers a brand-new experience. Despite Angsana’s price is cheaper, it does not mean the service or the landscape are less impressive. Angsana still offers a high quality value as Banyan Tree does. SPA Specialty. Spa training school, which set in Phucket, might cost amount of fee; however, both the quality and service are be guaranteed. Moreover, the therapist has to go practical training as well. This is also why Banyan Tree and Angsana Spa won amount of awards in travel industry. Community Development. Banyan Tree group also delicates in community development, a part of profits is used to build school and childcare center, and help the local artist to develop their career. This is the kind of social responsibility that everyone eagers to s ee. The more profit one company earned, the more it should feedback to the resident and society. Weakness Politic Issue. Government law is different from one country to another; thus before entering a new market, Banyan Tree should exam the law carefully and has to think what the worse situation could happen. In some countries, Banyan Tree should go with joint venture, while in others countries they might welcome direct investment. Tax also plays a critical role in the profit. The instable political situation can greatly affect the business and profitability in a period. Taken Thailand as the example, in 2009, the protesters of red-shirt caused fears and panic in tourists, in the end, causing the slum in the whole hospitality industry. No matter what method, the company must prepare for the rainy days. Human Resource. Human force is another weakness of Banyan Tree business. As the expansion of the resorts, Banyan Tree must find more labor force that can communicate in English fluently. But, in nowadays, English might not be enough because of the rising of Chinese market. Furthermore, not every customer speaks neither in English nor Chinese, so looking for multi-language employees would be an urgent issue. Natural Disaster. Many Banyan Tree Resorts locate in the tropical area around by beautiful sea. Natural hazards, such as typhoon and earthquake, influence the rate of occupancy tremendously. For example, in 2004, the tsunami damaged the travel industry in Phuket and Maldives. The only thing Banyan Tree could do is to repair the resorts and to wait for tourism back. Opportunities Chinese Market. As Chinese economy continues growing, the amounts of wealthy Chinese people pay more attention to vacation and family activities, thus booming the international and national tourism market. Moreover, more and more people show interest in going to Asia and experiencing the culture of Asia. Because Banyan Tree started in Asia and is very active in establishing business in China, Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts would have a great advantage in the segment of luxury hotel. Besides China, there are still many new hot spot that Banyan Tree could enter, such as Europe, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. Member of Luxury Hotel Group. The Banyan Tree Resorts and Angsana Resorts are the members of The Leading Hotels Of The World (LHTW) (The Leading Hotels of the World, 2012) and Okura Hotels and Resorts (OHR) (Banyan Tree, 2012). Marketing alliance with LHTW and OHR also ensure the quality of the Banyan Tree. To be the member of LHTW, five stars is the basic requirement. A hotel must have additional conditions, such as delicate design, high-class service, amazing food, and breath-taking landscape. The marketing alliance is a magnificent method to increase Banyan Tree’s exposure and to enhance its business. Cooperate with Agent. Cooperate with agencies is another great opportunity to let people notice the brand and attract more customers. Many wealthy people do not do researches or plan a vacation by themselves; instead, they prefer to book a package tour or flight plus ticket plan when they plan a vacation. This type of people will recommend the hotels and the agency if they are satisfied with the trip. After all, by word-of-mouth marketing strategy is very powerful tool to increase the fame. Threaten Luxury Hotel Competitors. Maintaining a niche position as market matured was an ongoing issue for the company. New luxury hotels are building, such as Aman Resort in the vacation paradise and Marriot in the city. In order to be sustainable in the global market place, Banyan Tree can no longer just rely on competing with costs from manufacturing efficiencies or low cost production. Banyan Tree needs to reinforce on unique culture experience and convey the brand value to customers. Economic Recession. Many 5 stars hotels, maybe not as luxury as Banyan Tree, have begun the price war in recent years when the global economy went down. In economy recession, customer chose a cheaper hotel to stay and deducted the entertainment fee. From aviation industry to hotel industry, they all faced the decrease in revenues. This factor might cause Banyan Tree’s revenue dropped dramatically in 2009. UTC Introduction United Technologies Corporation (UTC) is the ranked number 150 on the Fortune 500 of 2011, and it is the ranked number 48 of the United States companies. Its revenue is 58,190.0 million and profit is 4,979.0 million in 2012 (Fortune Magazine, 2011). UTC is a diversified company that provides†¨a broad range of high-technology products, services to the global aerospace and building systems industries. The diversified manufacturer which owns Carrier air conditioning and heating company, Otis elevator company, and Sikorsky, a builder of commercial and military helicopters. In addition, UTC has a strategically balanced product portfolio that enables the company to tap diverse set off (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). In 2011, UTC announced a reorganization of our commercial and aerospace businesses. UTC commercial businesses are Otis elevators and escalators and the new UTC climate, controls security, which includes Carrier and UTC Fire security. UTC’s aerospace busin esses are Sikorsky aircraft and the†¨new UTC propulsion aerospace systems, which includes Pratt Whitney aircraft engines and Hamilton Sundstrand aerospace and industrial products (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). UTC SWOT Analysis Strength Strategically Balanced portfolio of Products and Revenue streams. UTC has diversified product. The company operates thought business segments to military area. Also, the company has a diversified revenue streams. Revenues from company’s subsidiaries were well balanced. The balanced products and revenue streams allow UTC to address a wide base that reduces the business ricks and enables the company catch opportunities in new existing markets (Datamonitor, 2011). Strong emphasis on Research and Development. UTC has a strong emphasis in research and development. The company conducts its research and development activities by United Technologies Research Center (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). The center is focused on developing new technologies and upgrading existing technics in UTC’s product areas. In addition to United States, UTC operates research in many countries, China, Cork, and Ireland. Besides, UTC invests lot of budget in the technology development and research. For example, during FY2011, UTC’s research and development expenditure was $2.1 billion or 3.5% of total sales (Marketline , 2012). Such focus on research and development helps UTC incorporating newer features to its existing range of products and also in bring out latest technologies in the varied areas. Thus, the company strong emphasis on research and development allows it to uphold the technological leadership in most of its product segments (Marketl ine , 2012). Industry Recognition. UTC has a strong recognition in the industry. Otis, is one of the world’s largest elevator and escalator systems, and Carrier, is the world’s largest manufacturer of heating, ventilating air conditioning and refrigeration systems (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). In addition to UTC, Pratt Whitney is also one of the world’s leading suppliers of aircraft engines for commercial and military. Moreover, Hamilton Sundstrand is one of the leading suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and indusial product and aftermarket services for diversified industries worldwide. Also, Sikorsky, is a strong suppliers of helicopter (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). Strong recognition across varied categories ensures its status as one of the strongest players in industry, which further enhance the brand image of the company and gives it a competitive advantage (Marketline , 2012). Weakness Legal Proceedings. UTC has several pending lawsuits. For example, the company was sued by the Department of Justice(DOJ) in 1999 in the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, claiming that Pratt Whitney violated the civil False Claims Act and common law. In relation to this lawsuit, the trial court judge fund that Pratt Whitney violate the False Claims Act and is liable for a fine of up of $624 million. Moreover, there are others lawsuit and the fines are not cheap (Datamonitor, 2010). Although UTC maintains reserves to cover the costs for claims and lawsuits, those litigations would impact the company’s brand image and reputation. Significant Debt. UTC has outstanding debt and other financial obligations and significant unused borrowing capacity. In FY2011, the company had total significant debt of $10,260 million (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). The debt could force the company to allocate a considerable portion of cash flows from operations to debt service payments; limit the company’s ability to obtain additional financing; and lose advantage against its competitors who may have less debt. In other words, much debt would impact significantly companies’ performance (Marketline , 2012). Opportunities Surge in defense spending in China and India. UTC provides a wide range of technology products and services to global defense industry, including the fastest growing markets, China and India. The increasing global defense spending would provide the topline growth for the company in the short to medium term (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). Strategic acquisitions. UTC made significant acquisition in 2010 and 2011 from the company’s Fire Security segment. This acquisition will allow the company to expand its offerings of high quality gas and flame detection products (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). UTC uses to take the acquisition from other segment to develop other segments that UTC planned. Such strategic acquisitions would provide the company an opportunity to increase its global presence and revenue base (Datamonitor, 2011). Positive outlook for HVAC equipment market. The global HVAC equipment market has witnessed a strong growth since last few years. The global HVAC equipment market is forecasted to grow at a rate of approximately 6% annually, which is expected to drive the market to $93.2 billion by the end of 2014 (Marketline , 2012). UTC through its Carrier business segment provides products including residential, commercial and industrial heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems and equipment. The company is well positioned to capitalize on the growing HVAC equipment market (Datamonitor, 2011). Threats Intense Competition in Aerospace Business. The aerospace, global defense, space and aerospace industries businesses are subject to substantial competition from domestic manufacturers, foreign manufacturers and companies that obtain regulatory agency approval to manufacture spare parts. Customer selections of engines and components can also have a significant impact on later sales of parts and services. In addition, the US government’s and other government’s polices of purchasing part from suppliers other than the original equipment manufacturer affect military spare parts sales (Marketline , 2012). Government Contracting Risks. The US government contracts are subjected to termination by the government, either for the convenience of the government or for default as a result of UTC’s failure to perform under the applicable contract. Those U.S government contracts are not easy to make profit, but UTC has many kinds of this contracts with the U.S governments (Datamonitor, 2011). Foreign Currency Fluctuations. UTC conducts its business on a global basis. The company derived approximately 60% of its total FY2010 segment sales from international operations. Therefore, the currency risk is an extremely important factor for UTC’s earnings. Any changes in demand and refinancing conditions, fluctuations, in exchange rates have a significant impact on the company’s earnings (Marketline , 2012). Volkswagen Introduction Volkswagen has been the largest carmaker in Europe since the 1970s. It also has the largest assembly plant (Wolfsburg) and best-selling car (Golf) in Europe.   Being a German company, Volkswagen group positions its brands at the premium part of the market Audi is mass premium, Volkswagen is semi-premium while Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti are prestige marques. Only the Spanish SEAT and Czech Skoda target at the lower end of the market, but they still share the high quality and engineering standard of the group because of extensive platform and component sharing.As the worlds leading car manufacturers, Volkswagen group is the typical transnational business template, Volkswagen historical analysis, it is clear to get a development model targeted analysis. Volkswagen SWOT Analysis Until the early 21st century, the worlds leading international automobile manufacturers have found that this â€Å"fertile land† which have not been fully reclaimed. However, in more than a decade of dominance, Volkswagen brand cannot shake the brand influence. Until today, VW brand identity is the identification of the most well-known automobile. Strength Brand Awareness. From Volkswagens own point of view, the most important point is that the layout of the product. Since Volkswagen was into China early, and thus its product line pulled very long, the vast Chinese market is a large hierarchy of needs and different techniques have competitive products on the price level, to ensure that the public give full play to their own advantages. Volkswagen’s popular products always have been durable, reliable performance and good reputation. Products Targeted. Finally, there is the introduction of the new Skoda, Volkswagens product family has been more fully into the Chinese from Audi, the high-end flagship Volkswagen in different market segments, each with good results and competitiveness. Room to grow. Volkswagen is now one-step ahead of the introduction of the latest addition to the vehicle platforms, engines and other key technology production, in order to ensure that they can have enough growth space. In addition, the development of new products based on the specific situation of the Chinese market in support of SAIC and FAW, Volkswagen began to actively exploring. Localization makes Volkswagen to be strengthened competitiveness in the Chinese automobile market, the future Volkswagen will become important weapon to compete in Chinas automobile market. Weakness Inappropriate Choice of Market Strategy. Volkswagen seems to have deviated from the direction of the public, and fully intends to make a difference in the luxury segment. Decline in market share. The data show that the Chinese auto market hotspots Global the major Automotive Group competition, the Volkswagen Groups market share in China hold the first place, but the share declined. To keep the advantage, Volkswagen has announced an additional investment of 1.6 billion euros for the construction of two new factories and other projects in China. Models look rich enough, a single product line. Conservative single shape is Volkswagens standard. Now everyone pursuit of individuality society shape is a good way to Volkswagen, however, how you can easily imagine the serious and cautious changes of German companys philosophy. Opportunity Growth of the private car market in China. With the rapid development of Chinas social productive forces, the sound and rapid development of economic construction has made each grade highway construction great achievements, people travel more convenient than before. The private car market gradually matured. The purchasing power for the entire auto market is improved. Development of new energy technologies. Volkswagen is now for electric vehicles to develop a clear product release schedule. Electric drive car with internal combustion engine-driven vehicles will coexist. Technologies in this field will be further strengthening. In order to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions significantly, these measures will allow Volkswagen to a leading position in the zero-emission car market. Improve public relations effect. In modern society, manufacturers and distributors, the service is an important means of marketing. Consumer satisfaction is their survival of the lifeline. By having a closer look on the sales figures, Volkswagen is very successful in selling their cars in China. It is also an effective way to explore and establish a good relationship with government, so that Volkswagen will once again return to the core area of ​​the Chinese people and market. Threat Japanese car competition. Strong competition from competitors, especially the Japanese auto strong competition for the Volkswagen from Germany is a big impact. As the oil belongs to the non-renewable resources, along with the gradual expansion of the use of inevitably less and less, plus the worlds largest oil-producing region of the Middle East political instability, oil prices fluctuated, the overall trend is gradually Shanghai Volkswagens fuel economy is relatively certain deficiencies. Shanghai Volkswagen has brought certain threat. Return risk. Volkswagen is committed to clean energy and energy-saving vehicles developed new energy is also the world in the development of R D, the threat is that the publics investment in can be rewarded. Developed a higher energy consumption of resources, and that Volkswagen will go to recover the huge investment. In addition, the Japanese small car in the energy and environmental protection more highlight the advantages of a smaller investment in environmental protection in transition. The public why the assurance that their input is value for money a significant threat to public investment cannot maintain a leading level will be for their own development. Service Competition. In order to progress automotive competition, Shanghai Volkswagen had make in the current situation. Must be able to advance with the times, and the development and use of its own suited to the development of the marketing strategy, market demand, and solve problems for customers, and strive to make customer satisfaction. Improve the pre. Sale, service, and strive to improve the scientific and technological content of products and services. Volkswagen is currently lagging behind in this regard in the Japanese and Korean car manufacturers. Analysis Doing business in home country is quite different in other country. In the class, we already know some essential conditions for multination corporations. Moreover, we will discuss that these multination enterprises have some similar characters to success in today’s environment. Also, we can understand what foreign challenges they are facing when they are entering global markets. Similarity Brand awareness. It is very critical for a company to keep leadership or earn profit in an industry. How to let customer embrace the idea of company is a significant issue for marketing strategy. Volkswagen is a wild-known Germany car brand with high quality and brand recognition. â€Å"Volkswagen – Das Auto†, the slogan of Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand combines the three core values: â€Å"innovative†, â€Å"providing enduring value† and â€Å"responsible† (Volkswagen, 2008). It launched many successful car models such as Volkswagen Golf and Beetle. Next, Banyan Tree Hotel Resort, the Asia based luxury hotels group, also has a strong brand awareness. A Sanctuary for the Senses is the philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul (Banyan Tree, 2012), thus giving the customers the greatest experience and building its name. Otis, the brand belongs to UTC, is one of the world’s largest elevator and escalator systems, and Carrier, and is also the world’s largest manufacturer of heating, ventilating air conditioning and refrigeration systems (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). From this three brand, we saw that they are dedicating in creating brand awareness, because it is the key to expend to the future business. Expending market in China. China is the biggest market in the world. With high economic growth rate, in China more and more people have disposable income to enjoy the material life, and more and more enterprises are thriving, too; therefore, a huge amount of commodities are needed. From the manufacture industry (Volkswagen and UTC) to tourism industry (Banyan Tree), they are heading and accelerating their business in China. Not only the national market that enterprises focus, but also target at the international customers that come to do the business or travel in China. In the next three years, the Banyan Tree group, including Angsana, plans to open 20 resorts in China (Banyan Tree Hotels Resorts, 2012). UTC will try to have business relationship with Chinese government on the global defense spending in the short to medium term. Face on fierce competition. Even though each brand, Volkswagen, UTC, and Banyan Tree, is one of brand leader in its own industry; however, they still face tremendous competition. In the luxury high-end car model, Volkswagen faces the competition of Ferrari, Mercedes, and BMW. In the cheaper models, it has to compete with Japanese car such as Nissan and Toyota. In hotel industry, Banyan Tree group has encountered many luxury hotel groups in their business location, such as Four Season hotels in Macau and Bali, One and Only resorts in Maldives, and Aman resorts in Phuket. UTC also struggle with the competition in global defense, space, and aerospace industries businesses. Because these fields are subject to substantial competition from domestic manufacturers, foreign manufacturers and companies that obtain regulatory agency approval to manufacture spare parts. In addition, the US government’s and other government’s polices of purchasing part from suppliers other than the original equipment manufacturer affect military spare parts sales (Marketline , 2012). To stand out in the blue sea, these three companies have to build a strong marketing strategy to convey and create the value for their customers. Politic restriction. It is not the unusual issue for the foreign and global company. Every country has its own regulation. That is to say, the marketing strategy must to adjust country by country. Moreover, the politic is not so stable in some area, hence increasing the risk of investment, decreasing in sales and profits, or both. Doing deeper researches becomes more critical for a company before planning and implementing its market strategy in a country. Difference Product position. Since having different product positions in marketing, it makes them also have different marketing relationships, marketing strategies, and management systems. For example, Banyan Tree and serve and product are targeted at traveling and tourism, and it was classified into business to customer (B2C), as well as Volkswagen. Therefore, people are easy to see their advertisements. Moreover, Banyan Tree not only includes hotel industry but also traveling services. Thus, it is critical for Banyan to guarantee its services quality since it would has deep relationship with their traveling industry (Banyan Tree, 2012). In addition, Volkswagen focuses its product most. Every year, Volkswagen need to investigate new markets and focus different levels of customers before it publishes new car (Volkswagen, 2008). Although the serve is also important to Volkswagen, the new cars’ attraction is vital for Volkswagen expanding markets. UTC’s marketing relationship is business to business (B2B), it is different from other two cases. It would focus on its product technique and quality (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). Since UTC’s products are various, it includes many of business requirements, it is benefit fro UTC to maintain long-term relationship with their customers. Marketing impact. Nowadays, each company’s market is not always stable. The factors from marketing impact are also various. Some factors come from external, such as environment, economic recession, etc.; and some are belonged to corporation internal. For example, first, the frequent marketing impacts to Banyan Tree are natural disaster, such as typhoon and earthquake (Banyan Tree, 2012). The only thing Banyan Tree could do is to repair the resorts and to wait for tourism back. Second, UTC has significant debt, and it would limit the UTC’s ability to obtain additional financing; and lose advantage against its competitors who may have less debt. In other words, much debt would impact significantly UTC’s marketing performance (Datamonitor, 2010). Last, the decline in Volkswagen’s marketing share is a serious problem, especially in China market. Since more and more competitors share car marketing, Volkswagen has to find another way to increase its marketing share (Volkswagen, 2008). Marketing Strategy. Corporations should have new strategies for increasing market share since more and more competitors are also in unstable-fast markets. According to case reports, these three corporations also have new marketing strategy to attract new customer and maintain its original customers. For example, Banyan adopts marketing alliance, and it is a magnificent method to increase Banyan Tree’s exposure and to enhance its business. It would ensure the quality of Banyan Tree, such as delicate design, high-class service, amazing food, and breath-taking landscape (Banyan Tree, 2012). Second, UTC re-organized its company for utilizing its resource efficiently and creating new markets. UTC uses to take the acquisition from other segment to develop other segments that UTC planned. Such strategic acquisitions would provide the company an opportunity to increase its global presence and revenue base (Marketline , 2012). Also, Volkswagen tries to attract it new customers by developing new energy technique. Volkswagen believes this technique, that reduces the fuel consumption and emissions significantly, will allow Volkswagen to a leading position in the zero-emission car market (Volkswagen, 2008). Risk considerations. Having business in abroad should not only consider the market, but also economic risk and government risk. For example, Banyan would have a serious impact in economy recession since customer chose a cheaper hotel to stay and deducted the entertainment fee. From aviation industry to hotel industry, they all faced the decrease in revenues, such as in 2009 (Banyan Tree, 2012). UTC’s would have a significant impact on the company’s earnings, if there are any fluctuation in exchange rates. It is because UTC derived approximately 60% of its total FY2010 segment in abroad (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). However, according to Volkswagen case, the major risk of Volkswagen is competitors. Volkswagen should find other way to distinguish its competitors (Volkswagen, 2008). Conclusion These three cases all have good reputations in global industry, and their product and services are also predominant in their area. Banyan Tree provides good quality service and hotel in tourism industry, UTC has high technique in aero industry, transport area, and weather control system, and Volkswagen has large market share in car industry. In addition, they are not new multinational companies, and they have long history in their home markets and global markets. According to the report, we know that international business share some strength factors and also face same challenges. Although their product and service are different, they still have some similar conditions, such as owning brand recognition, having politic issue, jointing Chinese markets, and facing global competitors. In addition, we believe that those enterprises are capable to deal with different global challenges, including marketing their product into different countries, predicting any risk from external, and creating new marketing. Under turbulently changing environments, enterprises survive through dynamic reactions. Those reactions should not only depend on experience but also create new marketing strategies. Also, having sensitive recognition to global market and creating marketing method are vital to nowadays environment. It is not difficult to identify that Banyan Tree, UTC, and Volkswagen already own these characters. Because of their experience and creating marketing thinking, they can have outstanding performance distinguish from their competitors. Through this report, we understand that being multinational corporations would have similar successful characters to overcome foreign challenges. In this quick-changing era, it does not matter what product or service is, fixable and executable international marketing strategies are vital to global companies to conquer the global market. Reference Banyan Tree. (2012). Home Page. Retrieved from Banyan Tree Hotels Resorts: http://www.banyantree.com/en/ Roll, M. (2009). Banyan Tree Branded Paradise from Asia. Retrieved from Official Weblog for the book Asian Brand Strategy: http://www.asianbrandstrategy.com/2009/06/banyan-tree-branded-paradise-from-asia.asp United Technologies Corporation. (2012, February 24). United Technologies Corporations annual report. Retrieved November 2, 2012, from United Techonlogies: http://www.utc.com/About+UTC/Company+Reports United Technologies Corporation. (2012, May 1). About Us. Retrieved November 4, 2012, from United Technologies Corporation: http://www.utc.com/About+UTC Brown, J., Dev, C., Zhou, Z. (2003, May 8). Broadening the foreign makret entry mode decision: spearating ownership and control. Journal of International Business Studies . Cieslik, A., Ryan, M. (2011, April 28). Productivity differences and foreign Market Entry in an oligopolistitc Industry. Springer Science Business Media . Chen, M.-Y., Chang, J.-Y. (2010, Aug 11). The choice of foreign market entry mode: An analysis of the dynamic probit model . Economic Modelling . Datamonitor. (2010). Company Profile -United Technologies Corporation . New York: Datamonitor. Datamonitor. (2011). Company Profile -United Technologies Corporation . New York: Datamonitor. Fortune Magazine. (2011, July 25). Fortune500 Companies of 2011. Retrieved November 2, 2011, from Cnn Money: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2011/snapshots/421.html

Understanding Workforce Diversity Through Human Resource Management Business Essay

Understanding Workforce Diversity Through Human Resource Management Business Essay   Workforce diversity leads to the diversification of business management. Managing and taking advantage of diversity has been recognized as an important factor in organizational enhancement (Brian, OLeary, Weathington, 2006, p.297). HRM includes the understanding of cultural diversity and makes full use of these diverse cultures to find new approach. The present challenges and opportunities organizations facing is how to correctly handle diversity. Motorola was chosen as the case in the part. As a multinational company, Motorola attaches great importance to HRM. The biggest challenge of HRM is diversity management. Some diversity procedures are designed to avoid litigation, while others focus on employee training for developing awareness of and sensitivity to discriminatory and prejudicial behaviors (Carolyn, Chavez and Judith, 2008, p.333). Managing diversity includes human resource planning, recruitment, training, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and career planni ng (in table 1). They are analyzed as following. Human resources strategic planning The appropriate employees Motorola need would significant change when business strategy changed, such as Motorola changed phones from analog to digital. Human resources departments should adjust the demand coping with this change and make new planning. Recruitment In recruitment, human resources department has a special sub-division. Some people take responsibly to search talents from various sources, some are responsible for recruiting on campus and some are focus on balance of staff, such as the balance of the male and the female in China. The ratio of the male and the female is almost equal in Motorola. There are 664 managers, and manageress is 23% of the total. The ratio plans to be rise to 40%. Training Specialized training institutions are provided by Motorola University. The training is not only to internal staff, but also to customers. Motorola put a lot of manpower, material and financial resources for Staff training every year and provides each employee 40 hours at least to accept work-related learning. Learning content includes job training, corporate culture training, professional skills training, management skills training, language training and overseas training. In training, there are also management and technical courses. Secondary school graduates could be managers. That means technical staff can engage in management as well as management staff being technology. Compensation Benefits Motorola has a very comprehensive welfare system, including fixed salary, variable salary, bonuses, insurance, and welfare. HR department make a competitive compensation and benefits system every year according to market research. The key for employers is to make diversity an asset within the organization. (Neil Reichenberg, 2001, p.8). Career planning Motorola provide development opportunities for staff, such as training, job planning. So staffs enable to constantly adapt the transformations in the new organizational structure. Staff development plans were formulated and implemented according to business development. Organizational structure is redesigned if the agency is reorganized, so are staff development plans. Others Motorola is focused on others of staff management. The information systems department is the special one to put human resources-related information online so that staff can search human resources policies, and personal information. HR department has their publication. Management staff meetings are organized every season and so on. All these promote corporate culture, and communication between staff. Advantages and disadvantages As a global enterprise, diversity management is reflected in the long-term planning and development as well as in ways adapting to the market, and reducing management cost. The advantages and disadvantages of diversity management in Motorola are as following: Advantages HR is not a control department, but a service one which meet the need of employees and operations in Motorola. All functions of human resources department are to satisfy two requirements: business needs and employee needs. Motorola has also emphasis on the partnership between employees and executives. The change is not change of concept, but a deeper innovation. This approach gives staff greater autonomy and democracy. On the other hand, it is the liberation of the managers thoughts. The relationship between employees and supervisors will be more harmonious with this concept. They are more mutual assistance and progress, which is the work and tasks diversity management commit to do. Attach importance to staff personal development HR departments often communicate with a staff to help him design career and life and establish the performance evaluation system with it. U.S. managers perceive diversity management as a means to better use talent and to increase creativity within organizations (Gilbert Ivancevich, 2000, p. 98). HR is no longer a harsh supervision, but a service and support department to meet their needs. Staffs initiative, enthusiasm and creativity are driven with Common interests and goals. Employee loyalty is greatly enhanced. Turnover rate is very low in Motorola. Emphasis on the assessment of training Training is important ¼Ã…’but Motorola has also established post-training evaluation system: examining the response of employees ¼Ã…’examining the mastery if contents, examining whether staff transfer the knowledge into corresponding ability and finally examining benefits that investment in training bring to the division and employees. Disadvantages Objective of diversity management is to improve social productivity and organizational efficiency. But cultural conflict could also be more and more evident with a higher level of diversity management. Managers from different cultural backgrounds could take different behaviors because of different values so that cultural conflict is there. In the internal management, different values, goals and norms of behavior lead to administrative costs increased and difficulty of coordination and even low efficiency of operation. In the external business, cultural conflict may be affect market competition. Tregaskis suggests that combining ideas must consider the conflict between the need both for conformity and for differentiation, and consider the diversity of institutional contexts influencing multinationals operations. (Gunter, Stahl Ingmar, 2006, p.19) Conclusion With the globalization, geographical mobility and changes in population structure, labor structure has great changes. A variety of labors result in managing diverse in organization and management. On the same time, diverse management also affects policy of human resource management, recruitment, education and training, welfare and compensation and performance evaluation and development. It will become a reality to strengthen workforce diversity management. Organizations should not only accommodate diversity, but also promote it, so as to develop competitive advantage. In the report, understanding and knowledge of managing diversity were stated. Advantages and disadvantages of diversity management in organization were discussed. Two big large organizations were chosen as the cases to analyze the steps of human resources management. The second organization was Motorola. Some aspects were discussed from human resource planning, recruitment, training, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and career planning. Finally advantages and disadvantages of Motorola were also analyzed. It is critical that g the multidimensionality of diversity was studied in organizations to build on diversitys strengths and address its weaknesses (Brian, OLeary, Weathington, 2006, p.289). Diversity management of both organizations showed that managing diversity an organization could treat employees fairly, respect them for their full development and make good use of employees ability and potential. Managing diversity improve an organizations profitability.

British Colonialism In Daniel Defoes Roxanna English Literature Essay

British Colonialism In Daniel Defoes Roxanna English Literature Essay Max Weber in The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism claims that Capitalism educates and selects the economic subjects it needs through a process of survival of the fittest (Weber 154). Weber believes that there is a direct link between institutions and individual characters. In other words, one can say that Capitalism would not survive without economic men and also economic men could not maintain their social place without Capitalism. In the following the researcher tries to show that at least certain men and women, were swayed by the logic of Capitalisms productive possibilities. Defoe was intensely interested in capitalist modes of production, efficiency and improvements and in the exploitation and expansion of new markets along imperialist lines that would favor English trading interests. Defoe was also interested in the politics of his time and in the social issues. Defoe was a mature product of the cultural process initiated by Capitalism. In other words he is a master over circumstances, over nature. He has the confidence, despite his mediocre birth, to comment on the social, political, and economic affairs of his day. In turn, Roxana was a woman, who, despite her reverses and her own mediocre birth, could entertain princes and kings. In the beginning of this emerging capitalist interest, and with the thirst of reform, Defoe was able to synchronize in his own life Capitalisms vision of a new social order, of commerces role and change. All his novels are rich in content and context. Roxana has been called by modern critics Defoes darkest novel. Many critics have claimed that the greatest difference between Defoe last novel and his earlier works is Roxanas greater gravity. Many critics described it as a novel whose primary concern is with the psychological nature of Roxana and Amys sin. Roxana has most often been appraised as a story of moral decay, in which the heroine progresses from virtuous poverty to corrupt wealth. Roxana has also been criticized as a woman with a cynical attachment toward those who love her and whose rational self-interest places her as the embodiment of Defoes vision of a corrupt society. Roxana is a heroine who rushes toward material comfort and self transformation at the price of her soul. Roxanas internal world of memory and guilt concerning her various sexual partners, the death of her daughter Susan at the hands of Amy, and the like, becomes the price Roxana pays for the control she assumes in external world of financial and sexual interests. In this aspect, two factors about Roxana should be emphasized: the nature of Roxana as a new economic woman caught between profit and spirituality and the issues of empire and slavery which were not only important in the fictional life of Roxana, but also in Defoes life. Considering the above mentioned remarks, some examples are traceable in the novel. For instance, when Roxana discusses the dangers of marrying a foolish husband her remarks repeat one of Defoes favorite maxims about the nature of commerce, while also underlining the context of commerces international nature: I was a Warning for all the Ladies of Europe, against marrying of Fools; a Man of Sence falls in the world, and gets-up again, and a Woman has some Chance for herself; but with a FOOL! Once fall, and ever undone; once in a Ditch, and die in the Ditch; once poor, and sure to starve (ibid 96). Roxana addresses her comments to the Ladies of Europe, and Roxana like so many of Defoes novels is at the center of attention internationally and all these shows that Roxanas warning have larger international designs. Another example of this imperialist economic instruction can be found in Sir Robert Claytons disquisition on prudent money management. As he instructed Roxana, he talks about industry as such: If the Gentlemen of England would but act, every family of them would increase their Fortunes to a great degree (ibid 167). That international commerce and empire are part of the overall fabric of Roxana is also evident in the rituals of adornment which Roxana undergoes with each of her lovers. Because the English female body and female dressing were powerful motives of 18th centurys imperialist ideology. Roxanas Turkish dress is an example of this motif. This dress comes to the hands of Roxana from a Malthese Man of War, which had captured as spoils a Turkish ship and enslaved its passengers, one of which Roxana bought during her tour of Italy (ibid 173-174).This dress enables Roxana to market herself to English court culture. Roxana explains: that Notion of the King being the Person that dancd with me, puffd me upto that Degree that I à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ was very far knowing myself (ibid 177). Further, this dress is also, as Roxana emphasizes, a counterpart to the slave she purchases. She says: I bought the rich clothes tooà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦as a Curiosity, having never seen the like (174). Here Roxana confront s the other in the form of a person, and the material culture of that other. The dress is explained as extraordinary fine indeedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ the Robe was a fine Persian, or India Damask à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ embroidered with Gold, and set with Pearl in the Work, and some Turquoise stones(ibid 174). Both the slave and the dress are also delivered to Roxana through the agency of imperialist aggression- by the acts of a Malthese Man of War (ibid174). Significantly, Roxana who is without Amy on her travels throughout Italy uses her slave as a means to put the dress, with its various decorations, on her body. In other words, she learned how to cover herself in the dress of the other with the aid of an other. Literally, Roxana is using the local knowledge of the Turkish womans material culture in order to use that knowledge to her advantage and this is a good example of the methodology of imperialist expansion. On the other hand, Roxanas dress is an important metaphor for imperial expansion; another important metaphor is her purchase of a slave. Defoe, like many of his contemporaries during the early eighteenth century, was ambivalent about the issue of slavery; in other words, Defoe was no abolitionist. Defoe demonstrated his ambivalence toward the slave trade by generally giving it strong support to increase his nations share of the market in human chattel, and in the African trade in general. Like Defoe, Roxana was also interested in what profits she could reap from the slave trade. She versed herself in the culture of the Turkish woman she bought from the Malthese, so one can assumes that Roxana did not find her slave, or her slaves manners, repugnant or distasteful. In dressing for her second husband, Roxana even set her picture in diamonds above her heart, which was a compliment among the Eastern peoples (ibid 247). In fact, in learning the language of the Turkish woman, Roxana sought to know this Turkish slave and her culture in a way that was far more intimate than most Westerners at this time could have claimed or even imagined. The knowledge Roxana acquired of her Turkish slave is used to advance her socially and for a time, in London court society. Therefore, for Defoe and Roxana alike, prosperity could be found in the slave trade, and in the monies and knowledge of the world found in that trade. Like Defoe, Roxana claims that I could give up my virtue, but not gi ve up my money (ibid147). In conclusion, while Roxana is a novel with an emphasis on the psychology of sin, that psychology is informed by more than just her own guilt, and her quest for individuality. It is informed by issues that concerned her creator: trade, imperialism, and slavery. Each was used to create networks of knowledge and power over the world within sight of both Defoe and Roxana. Like any other good capitalist, they both used knowledge to further their own ends. The acquisition of this knowledge was, in turn, directed toward populations of others- Africans, Arabs, Native Americans, etc. who could most readily serve their interests. For Defoe it was in form of improving Britains economy and social structure and for Roxana in the form of improving ones social status. Therefore, Roxana, as a creation of Defoe, mirrored Defoes life as a capitalist. Yet she mirrored it as a seeker of personal aggrandizement than as a person committed to seeing Britain flourish. In conclusion, this may ultimately ex plain Roxanas fall.

MoveOn and the New Front of Grassroots Activism :: Essays Papers

MoveOn and the New Front of Grassroots Activism This election year, a new style of grassroots activism has risen up to a very strong position. When the two owners of computer software company Berkeley Systems (made famous for the After Dark flying toaster screensaver and the popular game You Don’t Know Jack) decided to sell their company for $14 million dollars, they were unaware of what their future held. In 1998, during the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton, Wes Boyd and Joan Blades decided to put together a list of names in effort to petition Congress to reprimand Clinton and then â€Å"move on.† When their list grew to more than 300,000 names within one month, they knew they had something big on their hands. Although their efforts concerning the Clinton impeachment failed, they were not about to give up. They went on to protest the 2000 presidential election campaign, raise $2 million to air a television ad called â€Å"Child’s Pay† during the Super Bowl (which was denied by CBS due to its policy against issue advertisements), and then to go up against President George W. Bush concerning the war in Iraq. MoveOn is best known by its website (www.moveon.org), which has drawn millions of visitors since it was established. Though many Republicans and some Democrats protest MoveOn’s so-called â€Å"extremist† advertising, there is no doubt about it: grassroots campaigning had a new face. With MoveOn’s overwhelming success, other smaller activist groups began springing up all over the Internet in effort to catch some of MoveOn’s success. The fact is many of them are doing just that. The Internet is slowly becoming the largest political campaign tool available. And with the ease of connecting with millions of people with the simple click of a button, the voices grassroots activists is more powerful than ever before. MoveOn’s next mission is by way of mass telephone calls, hoping to reach 800,000 people a day. MoveOn plans on beginning these calls in late October. How is this possible? MoveOn has created a way in which volunteers (both old and new) dial a toll-free number, punch in their special identification number, hear a brief message concerning the strategy of their calls for that day, and then be instantly connected to an American somewhere.

Essay on Gender and School Violence -- Argumentative Persuasive Topics

  Ã‚  Ã‚   The most recent acts of violence by children have prompted us as a nation to look at the causes and possible solutions to this crisis in our schools. In fact, according to Public Agenda, a national organization that conducts public opinion research on educational issues, school safety was identified as the most important issue affecting schools by those surveyed (Johnson & Immerwahr, 1994/1995). Yet school violence does not exist in a vacuum. It is directly related to the violence in our society. And for many children, particularly those who experience family violence early in their lives, school can often be their only safe haven. In 1992, over three million youngsters were reported to child protection advocates as possible abuse victims (U.S. Department of Justice, 1992). Thus, for many children in our society, schools are often safer than the environment where they live.    Aggression and violence are the direct result of learned behavior. Our society is full of examples of violence and aggression that unfortunately have become a part of our daily lives regardless of where we live, work, or play.    Our children are both the victims and, as seen from last year's headlines, the perpetrators of violent crimes. Although there is a sharp increase in violence among girls and women, females continue to be more often victims than perpetrators of crime in our society. In a Harvard University Violence Against Women class presentation, Nancy Issac and Deborah Prothrow-Stith reported that four million women in the U.S. are severely abused every year by their spouse or partner. And 26 percent of all females who were victims of murder were slain by husbands or boyfriends, while three percent of male victims were killed... ...rns of aggression against children in general, and girls specifically in our society.    Works Cited and Consulted Bachman, R. (1994, January). Violence against women: A national crime victimization survey report. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. Giroux, H. (1992). Border Crossings. New York: Routledge. Isaac, N., & Prothrow-Stith, D. Violence Against Women class presentation. Harvard University: Harvard School of Public Health. Johnson, J., & Immerwahr, J. (1994/1995, Winter). What Americans expect from the public schools. American Educator, 4-13. Noguera, P. A. (1995, Summer). Preventing and producing violence: A critical analysis of responses to school violence. Harvard Educational Review. 65(2), U.S. Department of Justice. (1992, October). The cycles of violence. Washington, DC: Author. Essay on Gender and School Violence -- Argumentative Persuasive Topics   Ã‚  Ã‚   The most recent acts of violence by children have prompted us as a nation to look at the causes and possible solutions to this crisis in our schools. In fact, according to Public Agenda, a national organization that conducts public opinion research on educational issues, school safety was identified as the most important issue affecting schools by those surveyed (Johnson & Immerwahr, 1994/1995). Yet school violence does not exist in a vacuum. It is directly related to the violence in our society. And for many children, particularly those who experience family violence early in their lives, school can often be their only safe haven. In 1992, over three million youngsters were reported to child protection advocates as possible abuse victims (U.S. Department of Justice, 1992). Thus, for many children in our society, schools are often safer than the environment where they live.    Aggression and violence are the direct result of learned behavior. Our society is full of examples of violence and aggression that unfortunately have become a part of our daily lives regardless of where we live, work, or play.    Our children are both the victims and, as seen from last year's headlines, the perpetrators of violent crimes. Although there is a sharp increase in violence among girls and women, females continue to be more often victims than perpetrators of crime in our society. In a Harvard University Violence Against Women class presentation, Nancy Issac and Deborah Prothrow-Stith reported that four million women in the U.S. are severely abused every year by their spouse or partner. And 26 percent of all females who were victims of murder were slain by husbands or boyfriends, while three percent of male victims were killed... ...rns of aggression against children in general, and girls specifically in our society.    Works Cited and Consulted Bachman, R. (1994, January). Violence against women: A national crime victimization survey report. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. Giroux, H. (1992). Border Crossings. New York: Routledge. Isaac, N., & Prothrow-Stith, D. Violence Against Women class presentation. Harvard University: Harvard School of Public Health. Johnson, J., & Immerwahr, J. (1994/1995, Winter). What Americans expect from the public schools. American Educator, 4-13. Noguera, P. A. (1995, Summer). Preventing and producing violence: A critical analysis of responses to school violence. Harvard Educational Review. 65(2), U.S. Department of Justice. (1992, October). The cycles of violence. Washington, DC: Author.