Netball Analysis of a Performer Below my Standard Essay Example

Netball Analysis of a Performer Below my Standard Essay The person I have chosen to analyse does not play netball as a sport outside of school. She has played netball as part of compulsory P. E lessons but not as a part of school teams. I observed her in a game situation in a variety of positions and also in a structured practice situation, where I was focusing on particular skills. Core Skills Passing/Receiving The ability to successfully and efficiently pass and receive the ball is central to the game of netball and one of the most basic skills. A person who plays at any level should have a reasonable ability in this area. The performer I observed had fairly good coordination and ability to catch the ball, and rarely dropped it. There were some occasions in a game where she wasnt quite ready to catch the ball and wasnt able to adapt quickly to the situation she was put in. When the ball was passed to her above her head she tended not jump for the ball and preferred to wait for the ball to come to her, which meant that several of these passes were quite easily intercepted.. In a game situation she always caught the ball with two hands and in a structured drill she was very reluctant to use one hand to catch ball and had very little control over it. We will write a custom essay sample on Netball Analysis of a Performer Below my Standard specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Netball Analysis of a Performer Below my Standard specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Netball Analysis of a Performer Below my Standard specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This could be disadvantage in a situation in the goal circle when trying to receive the rebound if the ball is heading off court. A one handed catch is also beneficial when trying to intercept a pass. In a game situation she favoured chest passes most of the time and there was very little variation in the passes she used throughout the game. There were many situations in the game when a different pass would have been more suitable, however she wasnt able to adapt to the situation. For example, when two players were defending her and the area was well marked, a bounce pass or an overhead pass might have been a better choice of pass. However, she used a chest pass, which was easily intercepted. She executed her chest passes with the correct technique and the advantage of using a chest pass is that it can be received easily as it is at chest height and can also be adapted for longer and shorter distances. Although she was reluctant to use vary her passes in a game situation, in a practice situation she was able to perform several different passes correctly. She may have been reluctant to use these passes in a game situation due to a lack of experience and confidence. Footwork In a game situation her footwork was very inconsistent. She didnt appear to be properly aware of the footwork rules, and would often take one extra step on landing. There were mistakes made several times on pivoting, by using the wrong foot to pivot on. There were also several occasions where a pivot would have made her passing options much better, but she didnt take advantage of this and struggled to make a pass from the position she was already in. She always used a one-footed landing. A two-footed landing can be preferential as it provides better cushioning and also the choice of which leg to use as the pivot leg however using a one-footed landing does not necessarily have any disadvantages. There were a couple of times when she overstretched on her landing, which caused a lack of balance. This made it difficult for her to make a successful pass. She usually anticipates the ball quite well, however she sometimes misjudged the arrival of he ball, and would have landed before she caught the ball. She didnt use any complex footwork skills that you may see an experience player use. In a practice situation her footwork was much more consistent than in a game situation and she seemed more aware of the rules However once in a game situation and under more pressure, she was not able to apply what she could do in practices/drills. Shooting The player I analysed favours attacking positions, and her strength within the game is shooting, therefore her shooting skills are of equal standard if not better than mine. Her aim was quite accurate and she was fairly consistent, particularly when in a practice situation. Her close shots are more consistent than her distance shots. When she takes shots from near the edge of the goal circle, they tend to fall short or go much to high. In a game situation she tends to panic and doesnt take her time over her shots, which means that she is not always as accurate as she could be. Although she is quite a competent shooter, there are some occasions where passing to another player would be better than attempting a shot, for example when either very close of very far away from the goal. However, there were some situations where taking a shot went to her advantage as a pass would have probable been easily intercepted due to a well defended goal circle. In the game she didnt always recognise these options, and attempted a shot instead, and often an opposing player caught the rebound. She used the correct technique (two hands, one hand underneath, one at the side of the ball). A two- handed shot is better than a one handed shot as the ball is better protected and balanced. If this technique is used then there is more spin on the ball, and the shot is easier to control. A one- handed shot is poor technique as the ball is less protected and controlled and not as much strength can be applied to the shot. In a game she did not use techniques such as a step shot, however in a practice situation she was able to successfully perform a step-shot without losing balance or control. Moving Free This aspect of the game was analysed mainly through observing her playing in a game. She did not have very good special awareness and wasnt really aware of the importance of finding space around the court. She tended to move herself towards ball and crowded around the other players on the court. She did not really pay much attention to the positioning of he other players on the court; therefore she often wasnt in the best position to receive a pass. When in a game situation she tried to signal for the ball, however her signals were not always bold /clear enough so were not noticed by the other team members. There were also occasions where she made a signal for the ball when she was not in particularly good position to receive the ball, and consequently the possession of the ball was lost to the opposition. Throughout the game she didnt have much change in pace around the court, which was to her disadvantage when trying to move free from her opponent. When dodging her opponent she didnt use the correct technique and was very static. Instead of trying to fool her opponent into thinking she was moving in a different direction, her technique was just to try and move around her player and get in front of them, which wasnt always very successful. Often in doing this she tried to obstruct the play of her opponent and infringed the contact rule, and consequently was penalised. Marking (defence) She does not favour defence positions, however the ability to mark/defend is necessary in any position. When playing as goalkeeper, she was not very confident. She often forgot about the 3foot rule so was penalised for contact. This was often due to a lack of balance causing her to step too close to her opponent. She didnt have much confidence when marking the goal shooter, and did not stretch very much to mark/follow the ball. She did manage to receive a couple of rebounds in the goal circle but her reactions were not always quick enough. Around the court, she seemed to lack in stamina and would often lose the pace of the game and her opponent would quite easily get free from her. She also tended to follow her opponent rather than leading her opponent around the court. Although this meant that she was making the effort to let her opponent get free, she also didnt take the opportunities she had to get into a good position, and her partner had much ore control over her movement during the game. She didnt use block marking at all when marking her opponent, which meant she wasnt always aware what her opponent was doing, and could not mark the ball if her opponent had it. She would often stand in front of her opponent when stationary, but would forget to watch her opponent making it possible for them to move free. She would also use a side stance. This was quite good as it enabled her to watch her opponent and the game situation. She wasnt always aware of opportunities to intercept the ball and didnt react quickly enough or misjudged the timing of the throw, but she did make a couple of successful interceptions during the game.

Case Study Analysis of Casual Togs The WritePass Journal

Case Study Analysis of Casual Togs Introduction Case Study Analysis of Casual Togs ). There is a wide range of problems that may adversely affect the progress and competitiveness of organizations. These include structural problems, communication, management issues and failure to embrace change. Given that there is no fixed approach to management that is ideal for all organizations, each company has to ensure that it adopts the most ideal approach, which can be determined by several factors in the internal and external factors that are specific to the company (Hill et al., 2014). Businesses also need to ensure that they are flexible enough to promptly change in response to the adjustments that might be taking place in the tastes and preferences of their clients or even the tactics that their competitors in the industry are using. Companies that are not flexible enough might fail to maintain their relevance towards their target market segments and lose their competitive edge (Carter et al., 2013). This report presents a case analysis of Casual Togs, a women’s apparel company that is known for its moderately priced products. Most of the company’s products are blouses, shorts and knit dresses. In the analysis, the report highlights the problems that are being faced by the company and the factors that might have contributed to these issues. The importance of addressing these issues in a business is that it provides a guidance or basis for formulating strategies that will help to improve the company’s performance. The report also provides recommendations for Cy, Casual Togs’ principal stockholder, on the changes that he needs to make in the company. It also provides recommendations on how the company should change its management practice, structure and response to change, so as to avoid a recurrence or the problems it faces. The major problems facing the firm With reference to the case study of Casual Togs, there are a number of problems that are currently being faced by the company. One of these is that many of its products are being returned by consumers because of their low quality. For any business, the quality of products that are offered to clients is among the key attributes that determine its performance in the market (Bhardwaj Fairhurst, 2010). For Casual Togs, this also led to the loss of a major portion of its old loyal consumers. It also posed a challenge to the company in attracting new clients. Consequences of this issue include a drop in the company’s revenue and its overall brand position in the industry. It has also been outlined in the case study that the company also faces stiff competition from companies that have long been in the apparels industry as well as new upcoming ones. Another issue that faces Casual Togs lies in the human resource department. The company has failed to attract the necessary skills for it to run successfully. This is evidenced by the halt in the construction of the company’s distribution centre in the middle of the construction, which was attributed to the fact that the company did not get a qualified person who could supervise the construction project. In addition to this, two of the company’s designers resigned. This contributed to a drop in the company’s overall production in its nine centres by approximately 15%. The fact that Andy Johnson, the company’s budget manager and Sol Green, the market analyst could not speak to one another also clearly depicts a communication flaw among the employees in the firm. Judy, who was the company’s vice president, is also depicted in the case study as being aggressive in her communication with other employees. There are several incidents mentioned in the case study that highlight the failure by a section of the company’s executives and employees to embrace change. For instance, Judy objected most of the proposed changes, arguing that they were either too expensive or that they had been suggested by incompetent individuals. Another incident was when Andy rejected suggestions that were made by Bill Smith, his assistant, on new approaches that could be used in the collation and analysis of daily sales printouts so as to make better sales forecasts. Even though there are several other issues that are faced by Casual Togs in its operations, three main issues have been outlined in this section. These include the decline in the company’s competitiveness, human resource issues and the resistance to change among a section of the company’s staff. Causes of the Problems The first problem about the company is the fact that it is losing its old customers, and more of its products are being returned as a result of either poor quality or late delivery to customers. For any business to effectively win over the loyalty of its target customers, it has to be dependable in terms of the products and services it delivers (Dervitsiotis, 2011). Prolonged incidences of poor quality products and services or inconsistencies tend to repel customers. As earlier mentioned, there is high competition on the apparel and fashion industry, which also increases the purchasing power of buyers. Failure of one company meet consumer expectations, regardless of how slightly the gap may be, will make even the loyal customers to switch brands (Talib et al., 2011). Late delivery of products to customers also denotes the incompetence of the department that is concerned with the delivery of the company’s products. Another issue that is affecting Casual Togs lies in the human resource management approaches. With reference to the case study presented, there is evidence of a lack of equal of opportunities for career advancement in the company. An example is Andy, who had worked with the company for 15 years without any promotion because was not related with the other managers and was also of a different nationality. According to Choi et al. (2012), one of the causes of employee turnover is the failure of organizations to provide all the employees with a chance to attain their ultimate career goals. The aggressive nature with which Judy addresses employees in the organization also intimidates the employees and lowers their self esteem. This has an adverse effect on the organizational commitment of employees and has and ultimately, affects their levels of productivity (Adler, 2013; Lutgen-Sandvik Tracy, 2012). The issue of rigidity and failure to embrace change has also contributed to the problems being faced by Casual Togs. One of the organizational aspects that have led to this is the fact that Cy, the company’s president gave all the departmental heads the freedom to make decisions that they considered to be fit for the organization. Whereas it can be argued as an approach that is relevant to the present-day business environment, it poses a challenge to decision making when rapid change are to be made because the opinions of every departmental supervisor have to be considered (Myers et al., 2012). These factors have affected the effectiveness with which Casual Togs adjusts in response to the changes in the market, leading to its dwindling performance. This shows the need for organizations to be flexible enough to maintain its relevance to the target markets (Dervitsiotis, 2011). This section has presented some of the main factors that have led to the existence of the issues that faced by Casual Togs. These include the failure of the company to adhere to quality in the design of its products and the failure to motivate employees, which adversely affects their levels of commitment. Several measures have to be put in place to ensure that the earlier mentioned issues have been overcome. Suggestions for changes to be implemented by Cy, Casual Togs’ President In regard to the issues that have been earlier identified, there are different approaches that ought to be used to change the current situation of the organization. With regard to the quality issues that have led to a loss of clients by the company and increased returns of goods, the direct measure that has to be taken is to ensure that the designers of the company’s apparel products pay attention to detail so as to enhance the quality of the products (Bhardwaj Fairhurst, 2010). There is also a need to intensify the quality management process to ensure that defective products are minimized (Rosenfeld, 2012). As presented in the case study, market research that is carried out mainly focuses in the levels of sales that should be expected in certain seasons. However, it is also vital for the organization to incorporate the on-going trends in fashion so as to effectively address customer needs (Witell et al., 2011). Human resources in any organization are among the most valuable assets, and have a key contribution towards its overall success. However, it is vital for organizations to motivate them so as to increase their productivity and organizational commitment (Bratton Gold, 2012). One of issues that are evident at Casual Togs is that employees from a certain nationality are more likely to be promoted than the other employees. In this regard, Cy, the company’s president, needs to ensure that an equality policy is implemented to provide all employees with an equal chance of promotion within the organizational ranks (Giuliano et al., 2011). This will not only motivate employees to work more, but will also attract talented job seekers. The management meetings that were held between managers and other departmental leaders within the organization were informal, marred with emotionally charged arguments, shouting and door slamming. This is a clear indication of the failure to recognize authority an order during these meetings. It is also quite unlikely that such meetings met the intended objectives. To avoid recurrence of such scenarios, the company’s president needs to change the way board meetings are held from informal to formal (Diefenbach Todnem, 2012). This will instil a sense of order, and will increase the possibilities of attaining the goals set to be met in the meetings. In the presented case, there is evidence of interference of departmental operations by managers or vice presidents of different departments. An individual from a different department could question an action carried out in another department that has no connection to his. Whereas there is need for cross-functional communication and cooperation within an organization (Hongjun Yajia, 2012), such interferences as those depicted at Casual Togs are destructive. To limit this, the company’s president needs to change the structure of the organization (Deb, 2009). Suggestions to prevent future issues at Casual Togs To prevent future problems from occurring at the organization, it is necessary for Casual Togs to ensure that it makes the necessary adjustments. These include structural changes, management practices and their response to changes taking place in the competitive environment. Suggestions for change are provided in further detail below. Management Practice There are a number of changes that ought to be made in the management practices of Casual Togs. The individual in management that raises concern in the case study is Judy, the vice president. Her aggression towards employees, as well as her interference with operations across all departments within the organization, has to be addressed. Given that she is among the majority shareholders in the company and related to the president, there is no possibility of sacking her from the position she holds. Instead, she needs to be encouraged to attend management seminars so as to improve her employee management approach (Bratton Gold, 2012). Rather than being autocratic in her management and aggressive in communicating with other employees in the organization, she needs to change and become a persuasive or democratic in her management and assertive in communication (Adler, 2013). In persuasive management, managers provide a clear explanation to their employees as to why they have made a certa in decision. In democratic management, employees are allowed to make suggestions in the decision making process, and the opinion with the highest votes is selected (Hill et al., 2014). By being assertive in communication, points or arguments are firmly put across to other employees, but respect is still maintained (Adler, 2013). Cy’s approach of management is too lenient to departmental heads within the organizations. This has also affected the way in which he handles suppliers, who often take advantage of his leniency to secure tenders even though they are supplying products at a higher price. Even though his consultative approach to management allows departmental heads to take part in decision making, there is still a need for him to exercise authority, especially when holding meetings with them (Diefenbach Sillince, 2012). Structural Change Before making a suggestion on the structural changes that ought to be implemented in the organization, it is vital to describe the organizational structure of Casual Togs as depicted in the case study. Based on the informal nature of meetings between departmental heads and the company’s president and the lack of a clear hierarchy of authority in the firm, it can be argued that the organizational structure of the company is adhocratic (Deb, 2009). Even though such a structure is ideal in encouraging creativity and innovation among employees and effectively adjusting with the changes in the market, it also has several demerits. These include a difficulty to solve routine problems that may arise in the organization, an unclear line of authority and high exposure of the organization to risk (Diefenbach Todnem, 2012). With reference to the case study, even though Judy is the vice president, she seems to have more authority that the company’s president, Cy. In this regard, the company needs to consider changing its structure to a more formal and well structured bureaucratic structure (Dervitsiotis, 2011). Even though such structures are known to limit innovation and creativity within the organization, it may be ideal for Casual Togs for a number of reasons. These include easing the decision making process, reduction of the exposure to risk and the acknowledgement of a certain structure of authority that has to be adhered to (Bratton Gold, 2012). Implementing such a structure is likely to eliminate the emotionally charged informal meetings’ scenarios and also the interference of individuals like Judy in all organizational departments. Responding to Changes in the Competitive Environment Based on the fact that the apparels industry is highly competitive and dynamic, it is also necessary for the company to be flexible enough and ready to implement changes that will maintain its relevance to the target markets (Rugman et al., 2012). One of the measures that have to be undertaken to attain this objective is to intensify market research and carry it out on a regular basis. This could be through seeking customer feedback or studying the changing trends through observation. Market research also involves studying the tactics or strategies that are being used by competing companies in the industry (Witell et al., 2011). It is through these market research efforts that the Casual Togs will be able to adjust its product designs and marketing strategies to fit the market preferences while at the same time ensuring that it effectively competes with other players in the market. Maintaining a competitive edge in the industry also depends on the skills that the company has in its human resource force (Dervitsiotis, 2011). It is important for Casual Togs to hire employees that are not only qualified, but also innovative enough to come up with designs that will be well accepted by the target markets. Innovation can also be nurtured among employees in the organization by utilizing appropriate motivational and reward strategies (Wright et al., 2012). Workers at Casual Togs also need to be informed on the inevitability of change in organizations, and why they should always be ready for it. By so doing, resistance to change among employees will be reduced. Some of the changes that may need to be implemented at Casual Togs include technological advancements in the production of its apparel and alteration of product designs to reflect the needs in the market (Myers et al., 2012). Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusion This report has presented a case study analysis of Casual Togs, a fashion business that mainly deals in the manufacture and distribution of women’s apparels. After two decades of operation, the company’s performance in the market dropped due because of a number of reasons, which have been highlighted in the report. One of these is the poor quality of products, which led to an increase in the volume of returned products. It also led to the withdrawal of many old customers. Another issue that has been identified is the failure to keep employees motivated enough to increase their organizational commitment. The causes of these issues at Casual Togs have also been presented in the paper, as well as some suggestions on how the president of the company can make the necessary changes to improve the situation at the company. Suggestions that have been provides comprise of management changes, structural changes and how the company can respond faster to changes and competition in the market. Further recommendations that can improve the company’s brand position are presented hereunder. Recommendations In order for the company to appeal to a wider market and increase its returns, it needs to consider expanding its product line. As opposed to the current products that only target ladies, Casual Togs can also consider introducing men’s and children’s clothes. As presented in the case, the products that the company distributes are mainly shorts, blouses and some knit dresses. Introduction of other female apparel like skirts, trench coats and pants can also be advantageous for the company. The case has also highlighted the high costs of production that the company incurs. Though some of these costs are inevitable, the company can reduce the overall costs by using appropriate lean production strategies, which are aimed to minimize the cost and maximize production. Some of the approaches that can be used include minimization or even elimination of errors in the design and production of products and standardization of work processes. In terms of human resource management, the company needs to ensure that it hires and strives to maintain talented and innovative employees that will contribute towards its progress in the market. Some of the approaches to motivation include offering them a reasonable remuneration and rewarding them for unique contribution. Given that the fashion industry is quite competitive, failure to motivate and retain skilled employees may tempt them to cross over and work for competitor companies, which may be detrimental for Casual Togs. References Adler, G., 2013. Management Communication. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Bhardwaj, V. Fairhurst, A., 2010. Fast fashion: response to changes in the fashion industry. The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 20(1), pp.165-73. Bratton, J. Gold, J., 2012. Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice (5th edition). London: Palgrave. Carter, M.Z., Armenakis, A.A., Feild, H.S. Mossholder, K.W., 2013. Transformational leadership, relationship quality, and employee performance during continuous incremental organizational change. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 34(7), pp.942-58. Choi, S., Cheong, K.K. Feinberg, R.A., 2012. Moderating effects of supervisor support, monetary rewards, and career paths on the relationship between job burnout and turnover intentions in the context of call centers. Managing Service Quality, 22(5), pp.492-516. Deb, T., 2009. Managing Human Resource And Industrial Relations. Excel Books. Dervitsiotis, K.N., 2011. The challenge of adaptation through innovation based on the quality of the innovation process. Total Quality Management Business Excellence, 22(5), pp.553-66. Diefenbach, T. Sillince, J.A., 2012. Crossing of Boundaries–Subordinates’ Challenges to Organisational Hierarchy. Research in the Sociology of Organizations, 35, pp.171-201. Diefenbach, T. Todnem, R., 2012. Reinventing Hierarchy and Bureaucracy: From the Bureau to Network Organizations. Bingley: Emerald Group Publishing. Giuliano, L., Levine, D.I. Leonard, J., 2011. Racial Bias in the Manager-Employee Relationship An Analysis of Quits, Dismissals, and Promotions at a Large Retail Firm. Journal of Human Resources, 46(1), pp.26-52. Hill, C., Jones, G‎. Schilling, ‎M., 2014. Strategic Management: Theory: An Integrated Approach. Mason: Cengage Learning. Hongjun, L. Yajia, G., 2012. Study on Chain Companies Human Resources Management. Information and Business Intelligence, 267, pp.227-32. Lutgen-Sandvik, P. Tracy, S.J., 2012. Answering Five Key Questions About Workplace Bullying How Communication Scholarship Provides Thought Leadership for Transforming Abuse at Work. Management Communication Quarterly, 26(1), pp.3-47. Myers, P., Hulks, S. Wiggins, L., 2012. Organizational Change: Perspectives on Theory and Practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Rosenfeld, S.A., 2012. Competitive Manufacturing: New Strategies for Regional Development. New Jersey: Transaction Publishers. Rugman, A.M., Oh, C.H. Lim, D.S., 2012. The regional and global competitiveness of multinational firms. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 40(2), pp.218-35. Talib, F., Rahman, Z. Qureshi, M., 2011. A study of total quality management and supply chain management practices. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 60(3), pp.268-88. Witell, L., Kristensson, P., Gustafsson, A. LÃ ¶fgren, M., 2011. Idea generation: customer co-creation versus traditional market research techniques. Journal of Service Management, 22(2), pp.140-59. Wright, B.E., Moynihan, D.P. Pandey, S.K., 2012. Pulling the Levers: Transformational Leadership, Public Service, Motivation, and Mission Valence. Public Administration Review, 72(2), p.206–215.

Cute Birthday Quotes

Cute Birthday Quotes Forgot your best friends birthday? Dont expect to escape unscathed. Perhaps you are thinking about gifting your friend an expensive belated birthday gift. Here is a better idea. Use these cute birthday quotes to make an outstanding birthday card. These cute birthday quotes will melt a touchy heart without being overt. Now, isnt this idea more personalized and yet lighter on your pocket? Benjamin FranklinOne today is worth two tomorrows. Robert FrostA diplomat is a man who always remembers a womans birthday but never remembers her age. Jean Paul RichterOur birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time. Lucille BallThe secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. George HarrisonAll the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much. Steven WrightI remember when the candle shop burned down.Everyone stood around singing Happy Birthday. Oprah WinfreyThe more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. Menachem Mendel SchneersonBecause time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again. John GlennThere is still no cure for the common birthday. Jonathan Swift May you live all the days of your life. PlautusLet us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words. George William CurtisAge is a matter of feeling, not of years. Benjamin FranklinAt 20 years of age the will reigns; at 30 the wit; at 40 the judgment. Johnny CarsonThe worst gift is a fruitcake.There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other. Robert OrbenThe best birthdays of all are those that havent arrived yet.

Industry analysis. Parking services Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Industry analysis. Parking services - Term Paper Example QPark is focused at going international after ensuring that it meets the needs of its customers in the Philadelphia market. In order to ensure that it is ready to meet the diversified needs of global customers, QPark will rely on Porter 5 model that deals with five forces which include bargaining supplier power, competitive rivalry, bargaining power of buyers, threat of new entry and threat of substitution. By analyzing each of the Porters aspects, QPark will have the ability to face off its competitors while at the same time maintaining loyalty and trust among all the stakeholders. On supplier power, for instance QPark will access how easily the suppliers will drive up our prices in the market. Another major aspect covered by Porter is competitive rivalry. In order to be successful in Philadelphia market, we will undertake a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to determine our position in the market. It is vital to note that there is no high level of riv alry that QPark will face in the Philadelphia market. However, in a scenarios where we face large number of competitors and where they offer similar products most likely we will have less power since buyers and suppliers will have more alternatives.2. Bargaining power of our buyers is another primary aspect that will affect our pricing strategies of our services. Some of the major aspects that will influence the bargaining power of our buyers include information availed to our buyers, the sensitivity of our customers towards our prices and our switching costs as compared to those of our customers. Our buyers will have a bargaining power. In this way they will put vital pressure on our product thus ensuring that they get a quality product that is worth their money. Despite giving our buyers opportunities to exercise their bargaining power, QPark will ensure that the business sales are enough to cover the fixed as well as variable costs incurred by the company. To address the threat o f substitution in our business, we will emulate modern technology and extensive marketing awareness campaign as well quality improvement. In this way, our customer will be more attracted to our services thus putting at bay our key competitors in the Philadelphia market. Being a major aspect by Porter model, threat of new entry will have an implication on our business3. Key threat of the new entrants is stiff competition. Additionally, the ability of other firms entering the car park industry may result to production of similar products thus making it hard for customer to differentiate QPark from its competing brands4. This implies that to create a difference between our services and those of the competitors; we will adopt an effective marketing mix that includes price, promotion, product and place. Business trends refer to those factors that will affect the ability of local and international firms to cope with their customers and to make sustainable profit. Example of business trend includes cost of input that determines whether the business is viable, raw material needed component increasing or decreasing or stable in costs. In the parking industry, business owners have to decide whether to increase the cost of goods or cope with the losses alone. Innovation is one of the key strategies being adopted in the industry. For instance, through self services which are automated in nature, QPark will be in a position to track customer’s vehicle even after default on payment. Environmental trends entail government

POLITICS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

POLITICS - Essay Example (2003) political ideas and ideologies can act as a kind of social cement, which in turn could provide social groups with a set of unifying beliefs and values. In this regard one could consider that governments are set up to help provide a relatively unified set of codes by witch to govern a society. In the American context one could present the argument that the ‘First Continental Congress’ which was a meeting of twelve of the thirteen original colonies which banded together to present grievances to the British Monarchy was the original congress. However it was the second continental congress which met again in 1776 which declared the colonies free, effectively beginning the American Revolution and in turn was the entirety of the United States government. According to English (2003) it is the case that the original congress held such responsibilities as directing the war, commerce, the enforcement of laws, however they were not free to collect taxes and held the key distinction of allowing the independent colonies (States) the ability to remain sovereign and as such they would effectively be free to ignore any legislation passed by congress. As one would naturally assume, this system was rife with flaws. In this regard a kind of compromise was made in which a house of representatives was established in which officials would be elected directly by the people based on the population of the states and the senate would provide a type of equal representation by the state regardless of population. Now it is the case according to Davidson et al. (2006) that the United States congress has a number of direct powers identified in the United States Constitution however there are a number of implied powers which owe their nature to the Necessary and Proper clause. In general the congress handles affairs pertaining to the setting and collection of taxes, defense, the paying of debts, regulation of commerce, the establishment of courts (lower than the Supreme Court). It

The Sound of the Sea Essay Example for Free

The Sound of the Sea Essay â€Å"The Sound of the Sea† is a sonnet by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, describing the sounds of the sea and relating it to human inspiration. Through only auditory images of the sea and other powerful natural forces, Longfellow effectively alludes to the nature of human inspiration. Through detailed and sensory imagery, Longfellow communicates the subtle details of the human soul and how inspiration functions. The Sound of the Sea† consists of fourteen lines and a particular rhyme scheme (abba abba cde cde). The first eight lines of the poem consist of one drawn out sentence, which is the description of the sound of the sea and other natural forces, which then in the final sestet, which also consists of only one sentence, are used by Longfellow as a metaphor to allude to the inspirations of the human soul. The change in the rhyme scheme of the sonnet and the two concrete sentences, serve to aid this transition from description of the sea to meditation on the source of inspiration. Longfellow uses this depiction of the sea to communicate the nature of human inspiration, which he claims comes to us from an unvisited and solitary space in our soul and though we credit it to ourselves, it is in fact something beyond our control or understanding, something of a divine nature. With the starting line, Longfellow effectively conveys this concept that inspiration comes from an â€Å"inaccessible† space within us by describing the sea as having â€Å"awoken† at â€Å"midnight†, as midnight is associated with the center of the night, the dark and the unknown, this suggesting that inspiration is aroused within dark dimensions of ourselves, somewhere our conscious mind has not strayed. This also suggests that the sea, whose many vast dark depths remain unexplored, represents this unknown space within our soul, and this imagery is furthered by the description of the wave of the tide rushing onto the â€Å"the pebbly beaches far and wide†. Beaches are the extremities of the sea, where land, a terrain very well known to us, begins and sea ends, and this imagery suggests that these beaches are the edge of our consciousness. Furthermore the labial sounds of the letters â€Å"p† and â€Å"b† in â€Å"pebbly beaches† give an uneven pronunciation to the words, which are contrasted with the smooth drawn out â€Å"ar†, â€Å"ide† sounds in the words far, wide and tide. This contrast serves to communicate the scattered nature of our consciousness with the unity, elegance and fluidity of our subconscious. Furthermore, these drawn out sounds serve to also further the imagery of the tide’s â€Å"uninterrupted sweep† which is particularly effective in conveying the image of the wave rushing to envelope the shore, the word â€Å"uninterrupted† conveying this sense that the wave of inspiration is all smooth and relentless. This imagery is furthered by the 3 line-long segment, uninterrupted by punctuation. Yet, the central point made in these four lines is when the speaker states that â€Å"(he) heard† the waves. The description of the sea gives you a mental image, but Longfellow stresses upon the fact that the speaker only hears the tide, as this can be seen reflected in the title of the poem â€Å"The Sound of the Sea†. Hearing is an auditory action that allows one to be aware of the presence of the object through the sound, but not visually or physically grasp it. This suggests that inspiration is similar, in the sense that one can be aware of it but cannot consciously grasp, control or dominate it. In the fourth line, Longfellow states that it’s â€Å"A voice† from the â€Å"silence of the deep†. Here, the reader once again encounters this concept of being limited to only the auditory senses, yet in this instance, a â€Å"voice† is something distinctly human. The concept of a voice you can listen to and follow, but not see the source, is usually associated with a divine presence. This concept is solidified by the description in the following line, describing it as a sound â€Å"mysteriously multiplied†, as the word mysterious suggests that its provenance is not known and the word multiplied insinuates this multiplication of the strength of the voice, communicating a sense of power. This sense of power is furthered by the natural descriptions in the two consecutive lines, where the voice is compared to a â€Å"cataract from the mountain’s side† and a â€Å"roar of winds upon a wooded steep†. Both these descriptions are natural phenomenons of immense power, and who’s sources one can’t see, the wind being invisible and the cataract having its source deep within the mountain. These four lines can be related to the last four lines of the poem, where it claims that these inspirations aren’t our own, but some â€Å"divine foreshadowing and foreseeing of things beyond our reason or control†. This insinuates that this inspiration is in fact some sort of divine glimmer, a voice shedding light, and that these divine influences are like the tide, beyond our human understanding or control. There is a cyclical pattern in the poem, where the content of the first four lines with rhyme scheme abab, are tied with the content of the first three lines with the rhyme scheme cde and conversely between the second and fourth part of the poem. The first and third part of the poem insinuate that inspiration comes from within an unknown part of your soul, conveyed through imagery of the sea, and the second and fourth part convey the sense that these inspirations are actually due to a divine presence, communicated through imagery of powerful natural occurrences. These two concepts are intrinsically interlinked, and Longfellow uses this poem structure to further this concept, which is that inspiration comes from within you because God is within you, and he uses natural imagery to communicate God within nature. In conclusion, â€Å"The Sound of the Sea† effectively creates a parallel between the metaphor of the sound of the sea with the divine nature of inspiration. Longfellow does so effectively through finely detailed imagery that gives rather precise insight into the human soul.

Lesson Learned in Warfare Essay example -- Warfare

This paper examines lessons learned that are timeless in their relevance for all types of warfare with respect to the lesson materials discussed in the Warfare Studies course. The first lesson learned that this paper examines is the United States’ adaptability in response to changing nature of warfare. The United States has experienced various types of warfare ranging from war of annihilation, war of attrition, or fourth-generation warfare; the United States has no identifiable American way of war. Second, this paper looks at the importance and enduring nature of fourth-generation warfare and counterinsurgency operations. These events are here to stay and will be significant in the future conflicts. The third lesson learned discusses America’s poor planning and preparation for stability, security, transition, and reconstruction operations (SSTR) and demonstrated the need to avoid stovepiped, single agency planning. The apparent lack of planning for SSTR operations severely complicated and extended the United States mission in Iraq. Fourth, America must always strive to be on the cutting edge and maintain technological superiority over our adversaries in order to secure great advantages. However, the United States cannot solely rely on technological savvy military to achieve success. The last lesson learned discusses the growing relevance of information IOP as a powerful tool of war and the importance of it in shaping public opinion. The first lesson learned is the adaptability of United States to evolving nature of warfare. Adaptability is a trademark of the American way of war. The American way of war is usually associated with war of annihilation in which aims for decisive victory or war of attrition in which aims fo... ...ia and Military Operations. Carlisle Barracks, PA: US Army War College, 2008. Murray, Williamson. â€Å"Decisive Battle and the Ghost of Napoleon.† Marine Corps Gazette 84, no. 7 (July 2000): 36-37. Parker, Geoffrey. â€Å"The Western Way of War.† In History of Warfare: The Triumph of the West, 2-9. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995. Snow, Donald M. and Dennis M. Drew. Making Twenty-first Century Strategy: An Introduction to Modern National Security Processes and Problems. Maxwell AFB, AL.: Air University Press (January 2006). Ulrich, Marybeth P., â€Å"A Primer on Civil-Military Relations for Senior Leaders.† In US Army War College Guide to National Security Issues, Volume II: National Security Policy and Strategy. 3rd ed. Edited by J. Boone Bartholomees, Jr. Carlisle Barracks, PA.: US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute (June 2008): 241-252.

School Physical Plant Management

School Physical Plant Management What do you understand with the term school plant? The school plant is the totality of all things that make up a school system. It involves the physical and material facilities in form of buildings, school site and the environment that embody the school. Moreover, a school plants include the site, the building and equipment and this include the permanent structures like workshop, libraries, classrooms, laboratories and semi permanent structures like the educational system itself.The school facilities consist of all types of buildings for academic and non-academic activities, equipment for academic and non- academic activities, areas for sports and games, landscape, farms and gardens including trees, roads and paths. Others include furniture and toilet facilities, lighting, acoustics, storage facilities and packing lot, security, transportation, ICT, cleaning materials, food services, and special facilities for the physically challenged persons. Descri be the 2 major functions of school plant?An Environment to Facilitate Learning The primary purpose of the teaching and learning process is to bring about in the learner desirable change in behavior through critical thinking. This process does not take place in a vacuum but rather in an environment structured to facilitate learning. Hence, this environment of an organization as all elements relevant to its operation and they include direct and indirect action elements. School facilities, constitute the major components of both direct and indirect action elements in the environment of learning. Feature Article –Â  Country School – Allen CurnowThese facilities play pivotal role in the actualization of the educational goals and objectives by satisfying the physical and emotional needs of the staff and students of the school. Knezevich (1975, p. 563) emphasized that the physical needs are met through provision of safe structure, adequate sanitary facilities, a balanced visual environment, appropriate thermal environment, and sufficient shelter space for his work and play. His emotional needs are met by creating pleasant surrounding, a friendly atmosphere, and an inspiring environment.The educational system has undergone tremendous changes in the form of its philosophy, broadened goals and objectives, new approaches to service delivery and architectural design, quantum leap in school enrolment, multiplicity of curricula programmes and extra-curricula activities, introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and expanded academic support services such as guidance services to students, teachers and the community, integration of the school and community. 3. In what ways does instructional program influence the nature of school plant? Schools exist for the purpose of teaching and learning.Human and material resources are deployed for this purpose. School facilities are the material resources provided for staff and students to optimize their productivity in the teaching and learning process. The realization that the transfer of knowledge does not only take place in the four walls of the classroom from the teacher to the students but rather that learning takes place through discovery, exploration, interaction with the internal and external environment has necessitated the creative and innovative development of teaching and learning facilities that reflect these changes.Schools exist to serve socio-economic and political needs of the ever-changing society, consequently, they are in constant interaction with their external environm ent. They receive inputs from the external environment in the form of human and material resources, processes them and empty same into the society as finished products and services. The quality of the products bears a direct relationship with the quality of the facilities deployed in the process of the production.This demands that state of the art facilities are provided in schools to prepare school leavers for life in the global village. Several studies have shown that a close relationship exists between the physical environment and the academic performance of students. Nwagwu (1978) and Ogunsaju (1980) maintained that the quality of education that children receive bears direct relevance to the availability or lack thereof of physical facilities and overall atmosphere in which learning takes place.For example, research findings have shown that students learn better when a combination of methods and materials are employed during teaching. Furthermore, emphasis has shifted towards gi ving individual attention to students as against teaching large classes which presupposes that all students in a class have the ability to learn at the same pace. The implication of the foregoing is that in designing school plant, provision should be made for individual and small group interaction and for large groups for academic and social activities.

I History of Taj Mahal Essay

The Taj Mahal of Agra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for reasons more than just looking magnificent. It’s the history of Taj Mahal that adds a soul to its magnificence: a soul that is filled with love, loss, remorse, and love again. Because if it was not for love, the world would have been robbed of a fine example upon which people base their relationships. An example of how deeply a man loved his wife, that even after she remained but a memory, he made sure that this memory would never fade away. This man was the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who was head-over-heels in love with Mumtaz Mahal, his dear wife. She was a Muslim Persian princess (her name Arjumand Banu Begum before marriage) and he was the son of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir and grandson of Akbar the Great. It was at the age of 14 that he met Mumtaz and fell in love with her. Five years later in the year 1612, they got married. Mumtaz Mahal, an inseparable companion of Shah Jahan, died in 1631, while giving birth to their 14th child. It was in the memory of his beloved wife that Shah Jahan built a magnificent monument as a tribute to her, which we today know as the â€Å"Taj Mahal†. The construction of Taj Mahal started in the year 1631. Masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome-builders and other artisans were requisitioned from the whole of the empire and also from Central Asia and Iran, and it took approximately 22 years to build what we see today. An epitome of love, it made use of the services of 22,000 laborers and 1,000 elephants. The monument was built entirely out of white marble, which was brought in from all over India and central Asia. After an expenditure of approximately 32 million rupees (approx US $68000), Taj Mahal was finally completed in the year 1653. It was soon after the completion of Taj Mahal that Shah Jahan was deposed by his own son Aurangzeb and was put under house arrest at nearby Agra Fort. Shah Jahan, himself also, lies entombed in this mausoleum along with his wife. Moving further down the history, it was at the end of the 19th century that British Viceroy Lord Curzon ordered a sweeping restoration project, which was completed in 1908, as a measure to restore what was lost during the Indian rebellion of 1857: Taj being blemished by British soldiers and government officials who also deprived the monument of its immaculate beauty by chiseling out precious stones and lapis lazuli from its walls. Also, the British style lawns that we see today adding on to the beauty of Taj were remodeled around the same time. Despite prevailing controversies, past and present threats from Indo-Pak war and environmental pollution, this epitome of love continuous to shine and attract people from all over the world. II Taj Mahal Story Male Protagonist: Shah Jahan (Prince Khurram) Female Protagonist: Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu Begum) Taj Mahal, the magnificent monument that stands at the heart of India has a story that has been melting the hearts of millions of listeners since the time Taj has been visible. A story, that although ended back in 1631, continues to live on in the form of Taj and is considered a living example of eternal love. It’s the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, two people from the course of history who set an example for the people living in present and the future to come. An English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold best describes it as â€Å"Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passion of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.† The story that follows next will prove why the statement is true. Shah Jahan, initially named Prince Khurram, was born in the year 1592. He was the son of Jehangir, the fourth Mughal emperor of India and the grandson of Akbar the Great. In 1607 when strolling down the Meena Bazaar, accompanied by a string of fawning courtiers, Shah Jahan caught a glimpse of a girl hawking silk and glass beads. It was love at first sight and the girl was Mumtaz Mahal, who was known as Arjumand Banu Begum at that time. At that time, he was 14 years old and she, a Muslim Persian princess, was 15. After meeting her, Shah Jahan went back to his father and declared that he wanted to marry her. The match got solemnized after five years i.e., in the year 1612. It was in the year 1628 that Shah Jahan became the Emperor and entrusted Arjumand Banu with the royal seal. He also bestowed her with the title of Mumtaz Mahal, meaning the â€Å"Jewel of the Palace†. Though Shah Jahan had other wives also, but, Mumtaz Mahal was his favorite and accompanied him everywhere, even on military campaigns. In the year 1631, when Mumtaz Mahal was giving birth to their 14th child, she died due to some complications. While Mumtaz was on her deathbed, Shah Jahan promised her that he would never remarry and will build the richest mausoleum over her grave. It is said that Shah Jahan was so heartbroken after her death that he ordered the court into mourning for two years. Sometime after her death, Shah Jahan undertook the task of erecting the world’s most beautiful monument in the memory of his beloved. It took 22 years and the labor of 22,000 workers to construct the monument. When Shah Jahan died in 1666, his body was placed in a tomb next to the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. This magnificent monument came to be known as â€Å"Taj Mahal† and now counts amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. This is the true story of the Taj Mahal of India, which has mesmerized many people with its bewitching beauty. III Taj Mahal Architecture Involvement of 22, 000 workers including masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome-builders and other artisans called on from all over the central Asia and Iran, and some 22 years later when a monument with a unique blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles came into its own, it was a sight to behold! The grandeur of the structure then created was such that even decades after its creation, it is still regarded as one of the most arresting and attention-grabbing manmade monuments of the world. Not just Taj, even structures alongside it add to the architectural beauty and artistic wonder of the place. The entire Taj complex consists of five major constituents, namely Darwaza (main gateway), Bageecha (gardens), Masjid (mosque), Naqqar Khana (rest house) and Rauza (main mausoleum). The Taj Mahal covers an area of 42 acres in total with the terrain gradually sloping from south to north, towards the river Yamuna in the form of descending terraces. The main gateway situated at the end of the long watercourse, decorated in calligraphy with verses from Holy Quran and a domed central chamber, was constructed from the period 1932 to 1938. The original door of this massive sandstone gateway was made out of solid silver. It was constructed to serve the function of preventing the people from getting any glimpse of the tomb until they are right in the doorway itself. With a vertical symmetry, the main gateway of Taj Mahal stands bordered with Arabic calligraphy of verses from the Quran, made up of black stone. The main tomb of Taj Mahal stands on a square platform that was raised 50 meter above the riverbank and was leveled with dirt to reduce seepage from the river. The four minarets on each corner of this square are detached, facing the chamfered angles of the main and are deliberately kept at 137 feet to emphasize the beautiful and spherical dome that itself is 58 feet in diameter and 81 feet high. The western side of the main tomb has the mosque and on the eastern side is the Naqqar Khana (rest/guest house), both made in red sandstone. The two structures not only provide an architectural symmetry, but also make for an aesthetic color contrast. One can only marvel at the mosque and the rest house as despite being on the opposite ends, the two are mirror image of each other. Out of the total area of 580 meter by 300 meter, the garden alone covers 300 meter by 300 meter. The immaculate symmetry with which this garden has been laid out can be experienced everywhere. The Islamic style architecture of this garden also has a well defined meaning that symbolizes spirituality and according to the Holy Quran, the lush green, well watered is a symbol of Paradise in Islam. The raised pathways divide each of the four quarters into 16 flowerbeds with around 400 plants in each bed. Even today, the garden boasts of being a tranquil and soothing region in the entire complex and is considered best place for taking snaps of the main tomb. A shadowy burial crypt inside the Taj Mahal houses the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan himself, who was buried there after he died. Above these tombs is the main chamber that has the false tombs and perforated marble screens have been used to transmit light into the burial chamber, typical of mausoleums of the Mughals. Semi-precious stones are exquisitely inlaid in both the tombs. Calligraphic inscriptions of the ninety nine names of Allah can also be found on the sides of actual tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj has some wonderful specimens of polychrome inlay art both in the interior and exterior on the dados, on cenotaphs and on the marble jhajjhari (jali-screen) around them. Shah Jahan’s tomb, which lies next to that of Mumtaz Mahal, was never planned and deranges the otherwise perfect symmetry of the Taj. IV Inside The Taj Mahal As majestically dazzling as it looks from the main gateway, with the glorious view of the mosque and the guest house on the sides and the main mausoleum in the centre with four minarets standing proud at each corner, the insides of TAj Mahal are no less stunningly beautified either. Rather, the painstakingly designed and richly carved interiors brilliantly compliment the grandeur of the entire structure with subtleness. With basic elements in Persian, the large white marble structure that stands on the square plinth consists of a symmetrical building with an arch shaped doorway known as Iwan, which is adorned with exquisite calligraphy and is topped by a large dome and a finial. The angles of the tomb consist of semi-octagonal arched alcoves of equal size. Attached pilasters rising from the base of the tomb demark each of the porticos, on both the sides. The main chamber houses the false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan; as the actual graves are located at a much lower level. Moving ahead, all the elements, architecture, furniture, and decorations culminate together to create an eschatological house for Mumtaz Mahal, and that of Shah Jahan. Formed with black marble inlaid in white, the floor of the Taj is paved in a geometrical pattern consisting of octagonal stars alternating with cruciform shapes. One of the longest echoes of any building in the world can be heard in this perfectly designed hall of 24 feet to a side, with two tiers of eight radiating niches. The natural and beautiful flowers like tulips, irises, daffodils, and narcissus filled in opulent vases appear here in basic tripartite arrangement rather than individual flowering plants of the pishtaq halls outside. Another remarkable feature that surrounds the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan in the central chamber is the intricately carved marble screen or jali and is a delight to look at. The semi precious stones forming twining vines, fruits, and flowers inlaid delicately form the rest of the surfaces. The burial chamber is located right beneath the central chamber and consists of the actual graves of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan covered by two cenotaphs. And since the Muslim tradition forbids elaborate decoration of graves, these cenotaphs have different motifs in their decoration. The real cenotaph of Mumtaz The cenotaph of Shah Jahan that was added much later is bigger than the cenotaph of his wife and is more simplistically decorated than his cenotaph above. Although the same designs appear on the sides of the sarcophagus elements, they are smaller in size. Coming out of such elaborately designed structure as Taj is like coming out of an era that had gone by, an era that added to the world in more than one way, an era that has been kept alive by the wonder that is Taj Mahal.

Quotes From The Awakening, Kate Chopins Banned Novel

Quotes From 'The Awakening', Kate Chopin's Banned Novel Kate Chopins novel, The Awakening is the famous tale of Edna Pontellier, who leaves her family, commits adultery, and begins to rediscover her true selfas an artist. It is considered to be one of the most important early feminist texts. Here are a few famous quotations from the novel.   Mr. Pontellier wore eyeglasses. He was a man of forty, of medium height and rather a slender build; he stooped a little. His hair was brown and straight, parted on one side. His beard was neatly and closely trimmed.- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningYou are burnt beyond recognition, he added, looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage. She held up her hands, strong, shapely hands, and surveyed them critically, drawing up her fawn sleeves above the wrists.- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningHe reproached his wife with her inattention, her habitual neglect of the children. If it was not a mothers place to look after children, whose on earth was it?- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningThe mother-women seemed to prevail that summer at Grand Isle. It was easy to know them, fluttering about with extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious brood. They were women who idolized their children, worshiped their husb ands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels.- Kate Chopin, The Awakening The voice of the sea is seductive; never ceasing, whispering, clearing, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander for a spell in the abysses of solitude; to lose itself in mazes of inward contemplation. The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace.- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningHer marriage to Leonce Pontellier was purely an accident, in this respect resembling many other marriages which masquerade as the decrees of Fate. It was in the midst of her secret great passion that she met him. He fell in love, as men are in the habit of doing, and pressed his suit with an earnestness and ardor which left nothing to be desired.- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningA feeling of exultation overtook her as if some power of significant import had been given her to control the working of her body and her soul. She grew daring and reckless, overestimating her strength. She wanted to swim far out, where no woman had swum before.- Kate Chop in, The Awakening That she was seeing with different eyes and making the acquaintance of new conditions in herself that colored and changed her environment, she did not yet suspect.- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningThe past was nothing to her; offered no lesson which she was willing to heed. The future was a mystery which she never attempted to penetrate. The present alone was significant...- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningI would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children, but I wouldnt give myself. I cant make it more clear; its only something which I am beginning to comprehend, which is revealing itself to me.- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningShe was seeking herself and finding herself in just such sweet, half-darkness which met her moods. But the voices were not soothing that came to her from the darkness and the sky above and the stars. They jeered and sounded mournful notes without promise, devoid even of hope.- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningIt sometimes entered Mr. Pontelli ers mind to wonder if his wife were not growing a little unbalanced mentally. He could see plainly that she was not herself. That is, he could not see that she was becoming herself and daily casting aside that fictitious self which we would assume like a garment with which to appear before the world.- Kate Chopin, The Awakening Woman, my dear friend, is a very peculiar and delicate organisma sensitive and highly organized woman, such as I know Mrs. Pontellier to be is especially peculiar. It would require an inspired psychologist to deal successfully with them. And when ordinary fellows like you and me attempt to cope with their idiosyncrasies the result is bungling. Most women are moody and whimsical. This is some passing whim of your wife, due to some cause or cause which you and I neednt try to fathom.- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningHer husband seemed to her now like a person whom she had married without love as an excuse.- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningThere was something in her attitude, in her whole appearance when she leaned her head against the high-backed chair and spread her arms, which suggested the regal woman, the one who rules, who looks on, who stands alone.- Kate Chopin, The AwakeningThe water of the Gulf stretched out before her, gleaming with the million lights of the sun. The voice of the sea is seductive, never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander in abysses of solitude. All along the white beach, up and down, there was no living thing in sight. A bird with a broken wing was beating the air above, reeling, fluttering, circling disabled down, down to the water.- Kate Chopin, The Awakening She looked into the distance, and the old terror flamed up for an instant, then sank again.- Kate Chopin, The Awakening Study Guide Review: The AwakeningComplete Text - The AwakeningQuotesQuestions for Study DiscussionKate Chopin - ProfileAwakening Books and Editions

Battle of Contreras - Mexican-American War - Battle of Padierna - Winfield Scott

Battle of Contreras - Mexican-American War - Battle of Padierna - Winfield Scott Battle of Contreras - Conflict Dates: The Battle of Contreras was fought August 19-20, 1847, during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Armies Commanders United States Major General Winfield ScottMajor General William Worth8,500 men Mexico General Antonio Lopez de Santa AnnaGeneral Gabriel Valencia5,000 men Battle of Contreras - Background: Though Major General Zachary Taylor had triumphed in a series of victories at Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Monterrey, President James K. Polk decided to shift the focus of the American war effort from northern Mexico to a campaign against Mexico City. Though this was largely due to Polks concerns about Taylors political ambitions, it was also supported by intelligence reports that an advance against Mexico City from the north would be exceptionally difficult. As a result, a new army was formed under Major General Winfield Scott and instructed to capture the key port city of Veracruz. Coming ashore on March 9, 1847, Scotts command moved against the city and captured it after a twenty-day siege. Constructing a major base at Veracruz, Scott began making plans to advance inland before yellow fever season arrived. Moving inland, Scott routed the Mexicans, led by General Antonio Là ³pez de Santa Anna, at Cerro Gordo the following month. Pressing on, Scott captured Puebla where he paused to rest and reorganize through June and July. Resuming the campaign in early August, Scott elected to approach Mexico City from the south rather than force the enemy defenses at El Peà ±Ãƒ ³n. Rounding Lakes Chalco and Xochimilco his men arrived at San Augustin on August 18. Having anticipated an American advance from the east, Santa Anna began redeploying his army to the south and assumed a line along the Churubusco River (Map). Battle of Contreras - Scouting the Area: To defend this new position, Santa Anna placed troops under General Francisco Perez at Coyoacan with forces led by General Nicholas Bravo to the east at Churubusco. On the west end of the Mexican line was General Gabriel Valencias Army of the North at San Angel. Having established his new position, Santa Anna was separated from Scott by a vast lava field known as the Pedregal. On August 18 Scott ordered Major General William J. Worth to take his division along the direct road to Mexico City. Moving along the east edge of the Pedregal, this force came under heavy fire at San Antonio, just south of Churubusco. Unable to flank the Mexicans due to the Pedregal to the west and water to the east, Worth elected to halt. As Scott pondered his next move, Valencia, a political rival of Santa Annas, elected to abandon San Angel and moved five miles south to a hill near the villages of Contreras and Padierna. Santa Annas orders for him to return to San Angel were refused and Valencia argued he was in a better position to defend or attack depending on the enemys course of action. Unwilling to mount a costly frontal assault on San Antonio, Scott began contemplating moving up the west side of the Pedregal. To scout the route, he dispatched Robert E. Lee, recently brevetted to major for his actions at Cerro Gordo, along with an infantry regiment and some dragoons west. Pressing into the Pedregal, Lee reached Mount Zacatepec where his men dispersed a group of Mexican guerrillas. Battle of Contreras - Americans on the Move: From the mountain, Lee was confident that the Pedregal could be crossed. Relating this to Scott, he convinced his commander to change the armys line of advance. The next morning, troops from Major General David Twiggs and Major General Gideon Pillows divisions moved out and began constructing a path along the route traced by Lee. In doing so, they were unaware of Valencias presence at Contreras. By early afternoon, they had reached a point past the mountain to where they could see Contreras, Padierna, and San Geronimo. Moving down the forward slope of the mountain, Twiggs men came under fire from Valencias artillery. Countering this, Twiggs advanced his own guns and returned fire. Taking overall command, Pillow directed Colonel Bennett Riley to take his brigade to the north and west. After crossing a small river they were to take San Geronimo and cut off the enemys line of retreat. Moving over rough terrain, Riley found no opposition and occupied the village. Valencia, engaged in the artillery duel, failed to see the American column. Concerned that Riley was isolated, Pillow later directed Brigadier General George Cadwaladers brigade and Colonel George Morgans 15th Infantry to join him. As the afternoon progressed, Riley scouted the rear of Valencias position. During this time, they also detected a large Mexican force moving south from San Angel. This was Santa Anna leading reinforcements forward. Seeing the plight of his comrades across the stream, Brigadier General Persifor Smith, whose brigade was supporting the guns that were firing on Valencia, began to fear for the safety of the American forces. Unwilling to directly assault Valencias position, Smith moved his men into the Pedregal and followed the route used earlier. Joining with the 15th Infantry shortly before sunset, Smith began planning an attack on the Mexican rear. This was ultimately called off du e to darkness. Battle of Contreras - A Quick Victory: To the north, Santa Anna, faced with a difficult road and a setting sun, elected to withdraw back to San Angel. This removed the threat to the Americans around San Geronimo. Consolidating the American forces, Smith spent the evening designing a dawn attack intended to strike the enemy from three sides. Desiring permission from Scott, Smith accepted Lees offer to cross the Pedregal in the darkness to take a message to their commander. Upon meeting Lee, Scott was pleased with the situation and directed him to find troops to support Smiths effort. Locating Brigadier General Franklin Pierces brigade (temporarily led by Colonel T.B. Ransom), it was ordered to demonstrate in front of Valencias lines at dawn. During the night, Smith ordered his men as well as Rileys and Cadwaladers to form for battle. Morgan was directed to cover the road north to San Angel while Brigadier General James Shields recently arrived brigade was to hold San Geronimo. In the Mexican camp, Valencias men were cold and tired having endured a long night. They were also increasingly concerned about the whereabouts of Santa Anna. At daybreak, Smith ordered the Americans to attack. Storming forward, they routed Valencias command in a fight that lasted only seventeen minutes. Many of the Mexicans attempted to flee north but were intercepted by Shields men. Rather than come to their assistance, Santa Anna continued falling back towards Churubusco. Battle of Contreras - Aftermath: The fighting at the Battle of Contreras cost Scott around 300 killed and wounded while Mexican losses numbered approximately 700 killed, 1,224 wounded, and 843 captured. Recognizing that the victory had unhinged the Mexican defenses in the area, Scott issued a flurry of orders following Valencias defeat. Among these were orders which countermanded earlier directives for Worths and Major General John Quitmans divisions to move west. Instead, these were ordered north towards San Antonio. Sending troops west into the Pedregal, Worth quickly outflanked the Mexican position and sent them reeling north. As the day progressed, American forces drove forward on both sides of the Pedregal in pursuit of the enemy. They would catch up with Santa Anna around noon at the Battle of Churubusco. Selected Source PBS: Battle of ContrerasBattle of Contreras: Official Report Battle of Contreras - Map

Kodak and Fujifilm Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Kodak and Fujifilm - Assignment Example The organization has its headquarters in New York, US. George Eastman established the company in the year 1889. The organization is known for its photographic film products. The adoption of blades and razor strategy by the company led to its selling cheaper cameras in the market. The company also made huge amount of margins from its production of consumables such as films and chemicals. The company flourished during the later part of the year 1976. At that point in time, a major portion of the film sales and camera sales were commanded by the company in the US market. Fujifilm is considered as a multinational organization dealing in services such as photography and imaging services. The company is officially known as Fujifilm Holdings Corporation and has its headquarters in the Tokyo city of Japan. The company is engaged in the business of colour paper, colour photographic film, sale of digital cameras, and photofinishing equipment, etc. The approach of the company with regard to management has made the organization a strong consumer brand which is considered to have a sound technology base. The strategy of the management of the company is considered as different with regard to managing and undertaking innovation. PEST analysis is considered as an important tool to analyze the macro environment of an organization. It seeks to identify those factors that have a considerable bearing on an organization’s demand and supply levels and also on its cost structure. There are numerous advantages of PEST analysis as follows: Political: it is required by the copyright law of US that any print and subsequent release of digital images taken by photographers considered as professional cannot be released without having a copyright of release. The company has its operations in various countries and so it is of utmost importance for the company to comply with the regulations of such countries