Sinbad The Sailor Essays - Sinbad The Sailor, Sinbad, Free Essays

Sinbad The Sailor Essays - Sinbad The Sailor, Sinbad, Free Essays Sinbad The Sailor Sinbad, the Non-Classical Hero The stories on Sinbad the Voyager from the Arabian nights, are fantastic tales of voyages of a merchant named Sinbad. The stories are told as Sinbad tells them to a humble porter named Hindbad, who after complaining about his lack of financial fortune outside of Sindbads luxurious home is invited into Sindbad's home. Sinbad offers Hindbad dinner and a hundred sequins, a substantial amount, to listen to his stories. Throughout the stories of Sinbad the Voyager in the Arabian Nights the main character Sinbad lacks the classic properties of a hero and is only respected because of his exotic stories and his wealth. Sinbad throughout his stories fails to prove himself worthy and respected for any virtues that make up a hero. He lacks such fundamental virtues like courage strength and mental superiority. His only distinguishing traits are that of luck and perseverance and his love of travel. However although Sinbad may be an appealing and charismatic character its the stories that are appealing and not his behavior. The fantastic creatures and lands that Sinbad speaks of are the main attraction of the stories and Sinbad is merely a merchant traveler who lives to tell their tale. Although he is the one who manages to escape with his life when confronted with the perils however its luck that liberates him from the hazardous situations. Sinbad fails to show any courage in any of his seven voyages. His apparent acts of bravery are brought forth by his will to live, and are not influenced by any noble cause. He musters up enough courage to burn out the single eye of the giant on an island, but only in the desperation of having watched his companions eaten by the giant. Even in that situation they poke out the eye of the monster without any courageous encounter, in fact they poke out the eye of the monster when he is asleep and then they run for their lives. In Sindbads encounter with the roc, or the gigantic two-headed bird, he ties himself to the birds giant leg in order to escape from his giant nest. This act is also an act of desperation, once not other alternatives are available Sinbad turns to his only available option leaving his life in the hands of fait. Even such more modern characters who bear great resemblance to Sinbad such as Robinson Crusoe, shows more courage than Sinbad. Robinson Crusoe is also a sailo r and a voyager who becomes stranded on a remote island after his shipwrecks. Robinson Crusoe faces cannibals that frequent his island in order to save other savages from being eaten. Sinbad never attempts to save anyone but himself. Sinbad shows neither leadership skills nor traits of an individual, he is no different then the men traveling with him. He refers to his fellow travelers as comrades and does not see himself as being more important in any way. His crucial role, and his most prominent trait is that of his story telling skills. Most classical heroes posses a skill that is more refined than the average man, whether it is skill to battle or a superior intellect, often they are aware of this skill and are able to distinguish themselves. For example Ulysses, was also a sailor and a voyager, however his heroism came from his ability to lead men, and to use his intellect to escape seemingly unforgiving situations. His voyages were also as exotic as Sinbads, however even his people regarded him as the hero. Sinbad, believes that he deserves the luxurious life he leads because he endured so many hardships, however the hardships were brought upon him by his own will. He was never placed in a situation where he was forced to endure such hardships, but put himself in these high risk situations through his own love for traveling and sailing. His riches were not earned through hard work, but luck of escaping situations, which he placed himself in. Most classical heroes are rewarded, or offered a reward for their actions or commit their acts of bravery because of a noble cause. Mullan, fought to protect her sickly father from being drafted into the army, which was a

How to Write a Perfect Teaching Resume (Examples Included)

How to Write a Perfect Teaching Resume (Examples Included) if you’re a teacher (or looking to become one), it can be a daunting path: years of education, internships, certification hoops and tests. and once you get through all of those, you still have another stretch to look forward to: the job hunt. whether you’re just starting out or looking for your next opportunity as an educator, we’ve got some sample resumes that you can use as a guide. 1.Teaching paraprofessional / classroom aide resume2.Experienced science teacher resume3.School principal resumefirst up, let’s look at Greta’s resume. Greta is just out of school, and wants a job as a teaching paraprofessional (classroom aide) as a starting point for her career in education.download this resume in ms wordgreta berman 75 mockingjay lane farmingdale, nj 12345 (444) 666-7777 gretab@emaildomain.comexperienced, caring education professional with special needs student experience seeking a position as a classroom paraprofessional.core competencies  indi vidualized tutoring and lesson plansworking with students with diverse learning styles and educational needsgreat with kidsutilizing and modeling organizational skillsworking as part of a student-oriented teamknowledgeable about learning methods for elementary and middle school studentseducationplymouth rock university a.s., educationfrank sinatra high school high school diplomawork experiencespecial education classroom assistantfriendship school (magnet elementary school), springfield, nj august 2013 – june 2016planned lessons and curriculum in conjunction with the teacherassisted students with classwork and during recreational timesprovided 1-on-1 support for students with a variety of learning styles and needsmonitored classroom activitiesprovided afterschool care for special needs studentsplanned and executed group art projects for the classroomtutorbridges learning center, farmingdale, nj march 2011 – presenttutor students in reading and math at the elementary and middle school levelskeep students on track with curriculum and lesson plansassign homeworkconduct group tutoring sessions in addition to 1-on-1 lessonsplan and run parent tutoring training seminars to facilitate at-home tutoringaverage student grade improvements: 15 pointsgreta is very upfront about her goal, via her objective statement: she cares about students and wants to leverage her experience with special needs students into a next-level education role as a classroom paraprofessional. she doesn’t have tons of professional classroom experience yet, so she starts by emphasizing her core competencies (skills).next comes her education, to show that she’s on the education degree track, and has already gotten an associate’s degree in the field. her experience is broken into two parts: her professional experience, and her volunteer experience. volunteer experience isn’t necessary to list on your resume, but in a case like this, where it directly relates t o your work experience and your career path, it’s a good idea to include it. here, it shows that greta has a lengthy history of working with students outside the classroom.want to find the perfect paraprofessional job for you? thejobnetwork has you covered: search here for open positions nationwide.next, let’s look at Herman’s resume. Herman is a former teacher who’s trying to get back into the classroom after a break.download this resume in ms wordherman carson 1276 first st santa fe, nm 99999 (999) 777-8888 herman@emaildomain.comaward-winning high school science teachercommitted educator eager to resume teaching full-time currently substitute teaching district teacher of the year committed to positive student growth and learning outcomes strong classroom managementawards and certificationsdistrict teacher of the year, 2006 santa fe school districtnew mexico teacher certification renewed 2015experiencesanta fe hills high school (santa fe, nm) substit ute teacher (grades 9-12) august 2008 – presentsubstitute teacher rated highly for dependability, flexibility, and commitment to keeping students on curriculum.implement curriculum and study plans for long- and short-term assignments in earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics classestake attendance and manage classroom orderschedule and host student and parent conferences during longer-term assignmentsplan lessons for studentsst. albert high school (santa fe, nm)earth sciences/biology teacher (grades 10-12), 1998 – 2008girls’ soccer coach, 1999 – 2003created engaging lesson plans in line with state curriculum standards across several science disciplineschaired the annual st. albert science fairheld conferences with students and parents to update them on student progress and improve student outcomes as necessarycoordinated and coached the after school girls’ intramural soccer programherman has a bit of a challenge: he used to be a full-time t eacher (and apparently a popular one), but has been substitute teaching for a few years in the meantime. he wants to get back in his own classroom full-time, but how can he move closer to that goal with his resume?basically, he does it here by creating a banner/theme (that he’s a qualified, award-winning educator), then focusing on his long years of experience. notice he doesn’t go into specifics about why he was substituting for the past several years- he can use his cover letter or interview to offer more context about the whys. otherwise, he sticks with the standard reverse-chronological format, listing his experience and then wrapping up with his skills.looking for a job as a full-time classroom teacher? thejobnetwork has options all over the country: search here for open positions nationwide.last but not least, we have Derek, who is trying to move up a level to become a principal.download this resume in ms wordDerek Gabarelli 54 dog lane framingham, ma 33333 (333) 222-1111 dpgabarelli@emaildomain.comresults-oriented leader, administrator, and educator with more than 20 years of experience implementing curriculum, developing sustainable initiatives, and exceeding benchmarks.experienceassistant principalsamuel adams middle schoolnorth framingham, ma 2005 – presentimplemented the samuel adams success (sas) plan that increased student achievement and attendance rates over a two-year period, and successfully implemented common core curriculum and benchmarks.spearheaded the school improvement initiative in conjunction with six other district schools.applied for and received the massachusetts school improvement grant in 2014, with a focus on sustainable student initiatives.onboarded common core curriculum across all departments. identified testing goals, monitored progress, and course corrected to meet established benchmarks.manage $1.5 million dollar annual budget, with an emphasis on developing sustainability initiatives, minimizing studen t suspensions and maximizing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.oversaw implementation of school breakfast program.identified and organized professional development opportunities to address gaps in staff teaching and student learning.manage a faculty and staff of 85.social studies teacherbranford middle school leominster, ma1990 – 2005  Derek wants the reader to know that he’s built the leadership skills necessary to take over as principal for a school. as such, he goes with a strong summary statement that emphasizes his high-level accomplishments, then goes right into his specific work experience. the reverse-chronological format works well here, as the reader can see that Derek has a strong background. Also, note that Derek doesn’t necessarily include every job he’s ever had- he focuses on the ones that support his goal of becoming a principal. sure, his college job waiting tables may have helped him develop resilience or peo ple skills, but those aren’t necessarily the skills he wants to emphasize to get to the next level of his career. it’s important to keep your resume energies focused on the skills and experience that matter most to the job for which you’re applying.on the hunt for a school administration job?  check out the following listings on thejobnetwork:school principalschool assistant principalschool guidance counselorWant more resume samples?How to Write a Perfect Administrative Assistant Resume (Examples Included)How to Write a Perfect Barista Resume (Examples Included)How to Write a Perfect Caregiver Resume (Examples Included)How to Write a Perfect Cashier Resume (Examples Included)How to Write a Perfect Certified Nursing Assistant Resume (Examples Included)How to Write a Perfect Cosmetology Resume (Examples Included)How to Write a Perfect Construction Resume (Examples Included)How to Write a Perfect Customer Service Representative Resume (Examples Included)How to Wr ite a Perfect Customer Service Resume (Examples Included)How to Build a Great Dental Assistant Resume (Examples Included)

Ideal Society in the Eyes of Locke and Swift Essay

Ideal Society in the Eyes of Locke and Swift - Essay Example It also states that, essentially, the natural state of mankind is anarchic. Anarchy exists anywhere and everywhere, whereever no legitimate government is found. In Chapter 4 ("Of Slavery") Locke justifies slavery, very much like More's Utopia, where slaves are allowed upto a maximum of two per household and they are allowed freedom based on their good behaviour. Thus the concept of an ideal society is comparatively varied in all the works analysed and ironically contain shortcomings that challenge the inherent ideological bias of their authors and the ages to which they belong. Locke's Second Treatise gives the vision of a free community, where all individuals are equal, and most importantly, possessed of natural rights. The notion of property is linked to this concept too. He maintains that men will inevitably want to acquire goods and will come into inevitable conflict. Locke's etymological explanation of "property," lies in his dervation of its meaning that is life, liberty and estate, including one's self. Thus he proposes that a natural law of morality should come to govern them before they enter into a social arena. Here the irony is underlined since Locke realizes that the natural rights must be compromised so as to enter into a social structure. ... But the tricky business is with abiding by these very standards of behavior. The civil society is formed for the rights of the property, and Locke asserts that there is a non-political interest within its members for the state's function is protection and keeping intact the property that belongs to one. If the purpose of government is the protection of property, the latter must exist independently of the former. Thus society must allow this property to become a private property. The people entrust this body of standards or laws with the members of the protectors or the State. But if there is an abuse of power and this body of government ceases to act in the way the people expect, or do not represent the people's ideals, and instead just represent either their selfish needs or some other ideal, there is the possibility of a revolt or rebel. Locke suggests that not only should they rebel but overthrow that government and thereby replace it with people who will represent them better. Taken into fact that Locke was justifying his opposition to Charles II, all these concern seem fitting to his cause of an iconoclasm that he expected out of the people when the government ceases to be the mouthpiece of the people it seeks to protect. Locke's Second Treatise justifies the revolution of King William so as to explain the circumstances, under which the people of the state have ultimate right to raise concern and seek rebellion and replace one government with a better o ne. The idea of an unlimited property and that of a corrupt government are addressed in terms of Governmental intervention; since if the government comes to possess people's property then it

Performance Management in Corrections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Performance Management in Corrections - Essay Example There are several problems with this team member that need to be addressed appropriately by Gary when he has the meeting with this team member.   The first issue at hand is to discuss the team member’s strengths. Then, after having recapped what he appreciates about the team members work performance, he should then try to tackle the more pressing issues that make this team member’s work performance so dismal as of late. The first major issue is that the team member has unexplained absenteeism. The second major issue is that the team member has been sleeping on the night shift. The third major issue is that the team member is not making mandatory security checks. All of these issues are going to be discussed here. alerted by Gary that one should not be absent so much for work. Not only is this unreliable on his part, but it shows that he doesn’t care much for his job or think about the safety of his co-workers. It demonstrates a visible and obvious lack of professionalism, and as well as demonstrates that the team member is not taking his or her job seriously by continually having repeat absences occur. Gary must let the team member know that such behaviour will not be tolerated—and that if he or she does not change his or her ways, that person will no longer be employed on the team—standards that everyone has to indeed follow. member is not getting paid to sleep on the job; the team member is being paid to be awake during some of the most important hours of the day in order to stop problems from happening. If the team member is asleep, however, he or she cannot prevent small issues from snowballing into even larger ones. Sleeping on the night shift could be especially detrimental to a corrections officer if there was a prisoner at-large, and that could cost the team member his or her life. A lot of these people in the jail facility are hardened criminals, and it is very possible that this could pose a problem in the future if the team member continued to sleep on the job while other important things were going on and happening.

Research Evaluation Tables Essay Example for Free

Research Evaluation Tables Essay Through this study, Henri intended to determine whether dynamism in performance measurement systems was appropriate for any change an organization underwent, or if there were circumstances where revision to the performance measurement systems were not needed.  Henri also intended to determine if the link between dynamic performance measurement systems and the performance of an organization were contingent on a level of internal or external change. The third goal of this study was to add additional data on this subject to the scant body of research available on the dynamism of performance measurement systems. | Research Methods| Henri used quantitative/confirmatory analysis in this study. Henri used a mail survey to gather data. The survey used seven point Likery-type scales to assess changes to the performance measurement systems, to determine innovativeness and learning orientation of the organization and organizational performance. All of the tools used in the questionnaire were validated in advance. | Audience| Henri focused this study on two main audiences. The first was to provide information to manager, executives, and professionals charged with running organizations. Henri also intended to add additional research for managerial accounting literature. | Research Evaluation| The researchers in this study used Likert Scale questions to assess performance measurement at the organization. Likert Scales are frequently used when a researcher wants to measure attitudes about a certain topic (Plano Clark amp; Criswell, 2010). The researchers also demonstrated the validity of the study by having experts in the field test the instrument in three different groups and provide feedback (Plano Clark amp; Criswell, 2010). One problem with this study was the response rate was only 24 percent which increases the risks of bias in the study (Bowling, 2005). This study is written to cover the topic of how performance measurement should change, and when, which is a practical topics for managers to review. The overall conclusion of this study found organizations willing to periodically review performance measures have better overall organizational performance. This information would be beneficial to my agency because we use performance measures to make decisions in the organization. Evaluating performance measures to ensure they are still applicable to our work will allow us to adjust performance measures to increase overall organizational performance. McCoy and Kinyua completed a cross-sectional study reviewing General Find disbursements over a 12-month period. McCoy and Kinyua chose to look at funding instead of expenditures because they determined it was more accurate and completed. The researchers looked at the population of the countries, the income levels, government funding and also funding sources to identify countries in need of disbursements from the Global Fund more than others. The data was all collected from spreadsheets that were found on the Global Fund website. The date was prepared and present in text, tables and charts. | Audience| This study was intended for executives and decision makers linked to the Global Fund, government officials, donors and health care professionals in the countries receiving money from the Global Fund. | Research Evaluation| This study took the information from public documents located on the Global Fund website. The complete information could be analyzed and because it was factual information and not interview data there were fewer opportunities for bias in the data (Plano Clark amp; Criswell, 2010). The esearchers in this study followed the process of quantitative data analysis (Plano Clark amp; Criswell, 2010). A significant problem with this study and the recommendations are the external factors in each country which guide leaders in how they decide to spend funds obtained. Each country is different and many of the countries served have had documented corruption problems which could influence the reliability of the information. This information and process used is useful for the policy makers the study was intended for, but for practical management it is not specific in making recommendations for changes. This process could be used in more practical ways if the planning led to gathering data specific to the situation. The process of determining how to disburse funds depending on need could be useful in my organization. We have a fund to provide financial assistance to patients that are not able to pay for services. Looking at this study, it is important that we develop some methods to determine need based on other funding sources to more objectively determine funding.

jane austen Essay -- essays research papers fc

This 5 page paper considers the limited roles of men and women in Jane Austen's society and assesses the social conventions, enforced by gossip, that keep women in line. This paper specifically explores the characterization of Elizabeth Bennett in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and argues that she is a representation of a modern woman in a nineteenth century world. 6 pages in length. Typical of Jane Austen’s novels, the author strives to portray a more equitable relationship between the genders. In Persuasion, the character of Anne represents Austen’s conduit amid women and the patriarchal society in which they have been compelled for centuries to exist. The writer discusses the manner in which Austen perpetuates the ongoing struggles with regard to gender oppression is of critical importance in relation to Anne’s character; indeed, hers is represented by the author as one who exemplifies the need for a favorable and fair approach to professional and domestic life. Bibliography lists 7 sources. This 12 page report discusses Jane Austen’s novel â€Å"Mansfield Park† (1814). Jane Austen presents her late 18th and early 19th century world to readers of the 21st century with such clarity and distinction that it becomes impossible to not apply the universal truths of her time to the contemporary age. In â€Å"Mansfield Park† she presents the reader with a vision of stateliness, propriety, and the confines of good taste. â€Å"Mansfield Park† should also be thought of as Jane Austen’s venture...

Porter’s generic strategies Essay

Introduction Porter’s generic strategies of cost leadership, differentiation and focus can be (and often are) adopted by competitors in any given industry and can be provably successful in 21st century business. According to Porter: Effectively implementing any of these generic strategies usually requires total commitment and supporting organizational arrangements that are diluted if there is more than one primary target. . . . [These] generic strategies are approaches to outperforming competitors in the industry. Porter (1980: 35). Furthermore, Porter argues that â€Å"the firm failing to develop its strategy in at least one of the directions–a firm struck in the middle–is in an extremely poor position† and is doomed to essentially low profitability. Porter (1980: 41). In cost leadership situation an organization sets out to be the low-cost producer in its industry. It caters for many industry segments. If an organization can achieve and sustain overall cost leadership then it will achieve superior performance. Cost leadership can be obtained by focusing on key accounts, reaping economies of scale, controlling costs† (Sultan Kermally; 2003, 66-67). Main Body In order to achieve an proper competitive positioning and above average performance, Porter has proposed the following strategies which are termed as generic strategies: Cost leadership A differentiation strategy Focus strategy Cost leadership (attaining the lowest cost position) is clearly not within every firm’s ability to strive toward and attain. In fact, not more than one or two firms in any industry can give value arising predominately from cost-effective operations. By far the majority of firms succeed through the implementation of one of the other two strategies. Even in the case of supposed commodities, companies strive to raise other dimensions of value given to consumers rather than seeking just to compete on a cost basis. Mobil and Exxon are amongst the petroleum firms that attempt to position their gasoline as being superior in quality (anti-clog, non-freeze, etc.), additionally to which their service stations stock an increasing array of convenience items. Mercedes Benz focuses on the prestige and image-conscious end of the automobile market, while Toyota’s manufacturing efficiency gives it a cost and quality facilitator which is reinforced by its marketing wizardry. Combinations of these strategies are also probable, as when instant oil change (focus) specialists look to establish a low-cost position due to the high volume of business generated by a sensible response to customer’s minor automobile service needs. The cost leadership strategy frequently requires a `lean’ culture and is usually perceived as `unattractive’ with the constant focus on cost management and efficiency. A leaning to be production or operations led therefore emerges. This produces a concentration on standardization of products, components as well as processes with the minimization of variations/derivatives. A fine balance needs to be attained between maintaining a contracted range of products/services and meeting the varying needs of diverse customer groups. It is these tensions between either giving a differentiated approach to match customer require and gain competitive advantage, or pursuing cost leadership to gain profit margin and value advantage, that frequently leads in practice to a mixed approach. This means that the advantages of neither competitive position are attained. This being `stuck in the middle’ yields no competitive advantage and corrodes the position of the business unit. Differentiation would involve an organization in providing something unique to its target customers. The uniqueness can be related to products, the way it delivers its goods and services, the way it markets its products or anything that shapes a customer’s perception in relation to differentiation. This could be the way products and services are branded or designed and the customers perceive such offerings as unique† (Sultan Kermally; 2003, 66-67). The differentiation strategy is often the most `attractive’ in that it gives the opportunity for a more resourceful approach to the market. For this reason the organization tends to be marketing led. It is fundamental in these business units that the cost/benefit analysis of any new type of differentiation is thoroughly evaluated. In addition, sensitivity analysis should be used to look at the capability of the associated cost base at different levels of sales performance and in diverse market conditions. The primary challenge with differentiation is one of competitor replication, where the benefit is temporary and, once replicated, becomes an increase in the industry/market cost base for all competitors. This growing migration of the cost base can over time destroy an attractive market segment. According to Grant (1991): â€Å"Differentiation is different from segmentation. Differentiation is concerned with how the firm competes — in what ways the firm can proffer uniqueness to its customers. Such exclusivity might relate to consistency (McDonalds), dependability (Federal Express), status (American Express), quality (Marks & Spencer), and innovation (Sony). Segmentation, in terms of market segment choices is concerned with where the firm competes in terms of consumer groups, localities and product types†. Whereas segmentation is a feature of market structure, differentiation is a strategic choice by a firm. A segmented market is one that can be partitioned according to the characteristics of customers and their demand. Differentiation is concerned with a firm’s positioning within a market or a segment in relation to the product, service and image characteristics that influence customer choice†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Sultan Kermally; 2003, 66-67). Michael Porter also has addressed the issues of competitive advantage in relation to the nations. In his book ‘The Competitive Advantage of Nations’ (1990), Porter’s view has an impact in relation to global competition and consequently global marketing. He puts forward a view that national conditions influence a firm’s competitive advantage in globally competing industries. Then comes focus strategy that â€Å"involves an organization being selective in terms of the segments it wants to serve and focusing on these segments to the exclusion of other segments. The focus strategy can either be cost focus or differentiation focus. If an organization does not choose generic strategies it wants to focus on then as Porter puts it, it will be ‘stuck in the middle’. The extent to which a generic strategy can be sustainable will depend on competitors’ behavior and action. The organization constantly has to be a step ahead of its competitors† (Sultan Kermally; 2003, 66-67). Porter’s generic strategies are based on the competitive methods and possibility of the organization, both of which compromise its strategy. His recommendations have perceptive appeal. Unfortunately, Porter does not cite any contributing literature in the development of his typology. It is also unfortunate that Porter’s deductively derived typology was not convoyed by an attempt to validate its contents empirically. However, separate research efforts have been directed at subjecting Porter’s conceptualized typology to empirical verification. One of the first empirical tests of Porter’s hypothesis was conducted by Dess and Davis, who examined 22 firms in the paint and related products industry (Dess and Davis, 1984). A total of 78 executives from these firms completed questionnaires by representing the importance of 21 competitive variables (Woo and Cool, 1983). The resulting correlation matrix of this distinctiveness was subjected to factor analysis to isolate the competitive dimensions linked with Porter’s three generic strategies. The principal factor solutions hold three elements that were matched against Porter’s generic strategies. A panel of seven academicians was then surveyed to establish the importance of each competitive means for each of the generic strategies. Overall, general agreement was attained between the panel’s definition of cost leadership and differentiation and that resultant via the factor analysis. However, disagreement existed over the panel’s idea of focus strategy and that which was labeled through the beginning. So as to differentiate firms according to discrete patterns of strategic behavior, Dess and Davis entered the factor scores of each firm into a group algorithm. Performance data (return on assets and annual sales growth) were provided for 15 of these firms. The authors observed four separate clusters, of which three were hold as pursuing distinct generic strategies (cost leadership, differentiation, or focus). They labeled the fourth cluster â€Å"stuck in the middle.† Return on assets for both the cost leadership and differentiation strategies were considerably higher than that generated by the â€Å"stuck in the middle† strategy, lending some support to Porter’s argument that generic strategies produce superior performance. However, the focus cluster was also shown to have the lowest profitability, signifying that Dess and Davis’s results were not conclusive. The authors also raised questions concerning interpretation of factor scores, given concerns they had with the constancy of factor loading in the sample set. The study is also limited in that it implicated only one industry. In a separate study, White examined 69 business units from 12 different businesses from the Profit Impact of Marketing Strategies (PIMS) data base in order to determine the â€Å"proper† organizational requirements approved for Porter’s three generic strategies (White, 1986). A differentiation strategy was operationalized by high relative cost and price, whereas a cost leadership strategy was distinct by low relative price and cost. The organizational â€Å"context† of the business unit was operationalized along three dimensions: autonomy, frequency of reports/reviews, and functional coordination. Performance was determined according to return on investment (ROI), real sales growth, relative market share, and cash flow from investment. By statistically comparing different organizational characteristics, White was capable to demonstrate that businesses within a common strategy class had similar organizational contexts within the overall corporation. For businesses that followed a cost leadership strategy, higher ROIs were linked with low autonomy and more frequent reviews and measures of performance. For businesses following differentiation strategies, higher ROIs were linked with an opposite set of interorganizational characteristics. These results were reliable with Porter’s contention (Porter, 1980). However, when White employed other measures of performance (for instance, real sales growth), the previously mentioned relationships did not always hold. In addition, the combination strategy of both low cost and differentiation produced the highest overall ROI results and higher real growth consequences than a simple pure cost strategy. This suggests that, differing to Porter’s hypothesis, some successful businesses follow a combination of two or more â€Å"generic† strategies concurrently. Another study based on testing Porter’s hypothesis was performed by Woo and Cool. The primary aim of this study was to contrast the performance of Porter’s differentiation and cost leadership strategies with non-generic strategies. The study concentrated on domestic manufacturing businesses over the period from 1976 to 1979 and used the PIMS data base. Woo and Cool chose relative price and cost as representative of the major dimensions that reflect Porter’s differentiation as well as cost leadership strategies. Performance was represented by four factors: return on investment, real sales growth, relative market share, and cash flow to investment. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure was performed that designated mixed results for the generic strategies. According to Woo and Cool, â€Å"In all cases, non-generic strategies as a group seem to achieve as well as the generic strategies.† (Woo and Cool, 1983, 17). These results seem to corroborate those findings of White. In addition, the use of discriminant analysis recognized differences in the functional components of Porter’s two generic strategies and revealed that (1) differentiation strategy was recognized with higher product quality and product R&D and (2) cost leadership was linked with lower discretionary spending and a heavy emphasis on forward integration. In all, Woo and Cool’s conclusions challenged two aspects of Porter’s hypothesis, namely, that generic strategies produce superior performance and that the useful components of particular generic strategies are static and deductively particular The generic strategies make the postulation that the company intends to persist in a concentration mode, that is, limit its horizons to a single product/service or attain a predominant portion of its sales in one industry. Few large or medium size firms confine their product horizons. Characteristically it is small businesses that start with such a focus. With success and growth usually comes a desire to reduce dependence on any one product/market. Diversified firms have more established sales and earnings. Risk reduction unquestionably helps improve shareholder value. Most firms have historically been uncomfortable about â€Å"sticking to their knitting† lest they knit a sweater that’s no longer in style or that someone else can make at half the price (perhaps with a machine they’ve just invented). The unwillingness to place all one’s eggs in one basket is quite comprehensible since it could result in binding the company’s future to just one product, a product that might be rendered obsolete or alternated by alternate products. Also, competitors could prove to be more competent at value formation by identifying the desired components of value more accurately or delivering them more efficiently. Continuous value enhancement in a single product area is positively laudable, but prudence dictates that other stakeholders’ needs (shareholders, employees, creditors, and suppliers, for instance) also be taken into thought. Diversification is an important strategy in assuring that the needs of a diversity of stakeholders are given careful enough attention to merit their strong support. Moreover, expanding the product as well as market scope of the firm widens its range of customers, providing even more opportunities for delivering value in completely novel ways. Diversification has, of late, come under fire for being the reason of many firms’ declining ability to compete with domestic and foreign rivals. It is, however, conglomerate diversification that distracts a firm from its work of value. When a firm has numerous product and service offerings, few of which have any association to each other, the objective becomes to exploit shareholder value (stock price and/or dividend). Commitment to a product line or to its customers is noticeably absent at the corporate level. Conglomerates not simply keep their eggs in different baskets, they often forget where their baskets are! On the other hand, concentrically diversified firms–General Electric, Matsushita, Procter and Gamble, IBM, and Honda, to name a few–seek new product or market opportunities with a view to ongoing their prior success in value creation. IBM, for instance, has excelled at providing engineering, installation, maintenance and other types of services to customers. This source of value has been deliberately developed and maximized regardless of whether the product is a mainframe computer, a microcomputer or peripheral equipment. Procter and Gamble, whether in consumer non-durables or in its more recent food/pharmaceutical ventures has, certainly, always been known for its clear conceptualization and faultless construction of value? However, its capability to unerringly communicate the value inhabiting in its products–through timely and well-planned distribution, superb promotion, and rapid assimilation of customer comments-is what enables P & G to exploit value in its erstwhile as well as new product areas. Thus, Porter three generic strategies are alternative, workable approaches to dealing with the competitive forces.†Ã‚   However, the uniqueness of Porter’s cost, differentiation, and focus strategies has been empirically supported by Dess and Davis, White, and Woo and Cool. These same researchers have also suggested that various combinations of these strategy taxa (cost, differentiation, focus) often result in superior performance. Here, the central matter is focused on the proper level of abstraction in conceptualizing generic strategies. As such, cost, differentiation, and focus (or their derivatives) have been equally viewed as representative of lower levels of concept and as such are more appropriately measured as strategy â€Å"types† or â€Å"strategic factors† that in combination make up the taxa or composite strategies. Conclusion Porter’s generic strategies can be linked directly to the competitive positioning strategy. Product specialization, high-quality offerings, and product innovation are all derivatives of Porter’s differentiation strategy; the combination strategy type recognized in this study relates to Porter’s cost and differentiation strategies. Porter also suggests four strategic alternatives in global industries: broad line global competition, global focus, national focus, and protected niche. These broad patterns resemble aspects of the internationalization dimension. For instance, the domestic strategy type identified in this study is closely linked to Porter’s national focus strategy. Porter also does not mention either exporting or mixed international strategy types. Porter has yet to differentiate fully his conceptualization of global strategy in terms of internationalization and competitive positioning. Indeed, his own perspectives of global strategy seem to have matured with time, perhaps as a consequence of mounting criticism leveled against his cost/differentiation generic strategies. To Porter, the essence of a global strategy can be captured through strategic focus. Yet by defining global industries throughout international parameters, it becomes imperative to determine both whether and how member businesses are in fact competing internationally. Later Porter expands his earlier conceptualization of global strategy by defining it as â€Å"one in which a firm seeks to gain competitive advantage from its international presence through either concentrating configuration, coordination among dispersed activities, or both.† (Porter 1986a: 20) With this definition, global strategy is no longer portrayed as just a function of the one-dimensional geographic experience captured by strategic focus. Rather, it is reflected in the essence of internationalization captured in this study. Porter has always faced a complex challenge subordinating his own four–largely internationalization–strategy types to his leading generic strategies. Indeed, by identifying global strategies through predominantly internationalization, Porter is seen implicitly supporting an agreeing strategic emphasis on both competitive positioning and internationalization. For instance, a broad-line global competitor will compete either on the basis of low cost or differentiation. Thus, cost and differentiation are dimensions of a global strategy, and the same a global strategy is rooted in cost or differentiation advantages. Work Cited Dess G., and Davis P. ( 1984). â€Å"Porter’s (1980) generic strategies as determinants of strategic groups’ membership and organizational performance†. Academy of Management Journal, 27, 467-488. Grant, R.M. (1991). The Resource-based Theory of Competitive Advantage: Implications for Strategy Formulation. California Management Review, Spring, Vol. 33, No. 3, pp. 114-135. Kim, Eonsoo, Dae-il Nam and J.L. Stimpert (2004) ‘The Applicability of Porters GenericStrategies in the Digital Age: Assumptions, Conjectures, and Suggestions’ Journal of Management, 30:5, 569–589 Millar, D. (1992), ‘The Generic Strategy Trap’, Journal of Business Strategy, 13, 37–41. Parnell, John A. (2006) ‘Generic strategies after two decades: a reconceptualization of competitive strategy’, Management Decision, 44:8, 1139–1154 Parnell, John A. and Lewis Hershey ‘The strategy-performance relationship revisited: the blessing and curse of the combination strategy’, International Journal of Commerceand Management, 15:1, 17–33. Porter M. ( 1986a). â€Å"Changing patterns of international competition†. California Management Review, 28, 9-40. Porter M. E. ( 1980). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. New York: Free Press. Sultan Kermally; Gurus on Marketing Thorogood, 2003 White R. ( 1986). â€Å"Generic Business Strategies, organizational context and performance: An empirical investigation†. Strategic Management Journal, 7, 217-231. Woo C., and Cool K. ( 1983). Porter’s (1980) generic competitive strategies: A test of performance and functional strategy attributes. Working paper, Purdue University.

Mercury Athetic

Net Present Value of Mercury Athletic Enterprise The results of my financial analysis based on the Free Cash Flow Method considering the base case of financial projections and assumptions for Mercury Athletic Footwear collated and developed by John Liedtke indicate that that the project to acquire Mercury Althletic has a positive net present value at $243,025 (in thousands) [ given by PV(FCF)=86,681+ PV (Terminal Value) =156,343] which is also greater than the recommended acquisition price of $186,216 (in thousands),therefore Active Gear Inc. hould proceed with the acquisition of Mercury’s operation. Free Cash Flow The free cash flow from Mercury’s business operations was determined using the base case for the consolidated operating income, expenses, tax rate and depreciation to determine the net operating profits after tax (NOPAT) for the years 2007-2011. Free cash flow was then calculated using the formula (FCF= NOPAT + Depreciation-? Net Working Capital -?Fixed Asset s) which was evaluated at $21,240, $26,727, $ 22,097, $25,473 and $29,545 for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively. The Cost of Debt and the Cost of Equity The next step was to determine the coast of debt, using the assumptions made by Mr. Liedtke which outlines a tax rate of 40%, the cost of debt of 6% for a leverage of 20% debt. The after-tax cost of debt (RD) was determined to be 3. % [using RD =(R*(1-Tax Rate), where RD =after rate cost of debt, R= cost of debt] The cost equity estimated using the CAPM approach, Surfside Footwear was selected as a comparable company since its EBIT Margin of 9. 3% was the same as the average consolidated EBIT Margin of Mercury Athletic for period 2004-2006, the Equity Beta for Surfside from Exhibit 3 was 2. 13. The risk free was determined to be 4. 69% using US Treasury Bills Yield given in the case Footnotes on page 7. The 5 year T-bill yield was selected as†¦

Ethical issues in US Immigration Policies essays

Ethical issues in US Immigration Policies essays The sun seems unrelenting as it beats down on the two families huddled together in a rickety makeshift boat. The rafters have been floating in the open sea for what seems to them like years. Their food and water supplies have run out and the littlest ones cry out of hunger. But the keep going. Because they know that once their feet touch the land of opportunity their prayers will be answered. Finally, their raft makes it to the ankle-deep waters and they are only a few short steps away from dry land and freedom. As quickly as the wave of relief and happiness rushes over the rafters, so does it disappear. The Coast Guard is there and telling them that they will be shipped back. So close to freedom. Other families know what its like to have freedom snatched away. After years of working six days a week for miniscule wages, sewing dresses or picking vegetables, they have had freedom and the opportunity of a better life taken away after being rounded up by Immigration Naturalization Services and deported back to Guatemala, Honduras, or Mexico. These are only two examples of the travesties that occur daily in the land of opportunity and freedom-the Unites States of America. The United States was built by immigrants, many seeking a new life in a new land. Before 1882, anyone could move to the United States. As the population grew, however, the Federal government decided to control immigration. But they have done this in a very inconsistent manner, letting some people in from one country more than others from another country. The current U.S. immigration policy is immoral, unethical and inconsistent in its dealings with immigrants. Early immigration laws aimed to preserve the racial, religious, and ethnic composition of the United States, which was then largely European (Wilbanks, 1993, p.1). The first immigration laws were aimed at nonwhites. In 1882, for example, the Chinese Exclusion Act suspended immigration from China for sixty yea...

Galvanic or Voltaic Cell Definition

Galvanic or Voltaic Cell Definition A galvanic cell is a cell where chemical reactions between dissimilar conductors connected through an electrolyte and a salt bridge produce electric energy. A galvanic cell can also be powered by spontaneous oxidation-reduction reactions. Essentially, a galvanic cell channels the electrical energy produced by the electron transfer in a redox reaction. The electrical energy or current may be sent to a circuit, such as in a television or light bulb. The electrode of the oxidation half-cell is the anode (-), while the electrode of the reduction half-cell is the cathode (). The mnemonic The Red Cat Ate an Ox may be used to help remember reduction occurs at the cathode and oxidation occurs at the anode. A galvanic cell is also called a  Daniel cell or a voltaic cell. How to Set Up a Galvanic Cell There are two main setups for a galvanic cell. In both cases, the oxidation and reduction half-reactions are separated and connected via a wire, which forces electrons to flow through the wire. In one setup, the half-reactions are connected using a porous disk. In the other setup, the half-reactions are connected via a salt bridge. The purpose of the porous disk or salt bridge is to allow ions to flow between the half-reactions without much mixing of the solutions. This maintains charge neutrality of the solutions. The transfer of electrons from the oxidation half-cell to the reduction half-cell leads to a buildup of negative charge in the reduction half-cell and of positive charge in the oxidation half-cell. If there were no way for ions to flow between the solution, this charge build-up would oppose and half the electron flow between the anode and cathode.

Rolex Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Rolex - Essay Example were being charged on products like gold along with silver utilized for the cases he specialized in was making the costs rise beyond what he could afford. The company was then registered as the Rolex Watch Company which has remained its name since then. However, after the death of Hans’s wife in the year 1944, the founder created a foundation that would handle the entire shares his company owned. He made sure that all the company’s’ income would from then on be going to charity thereby making the company the private trust it still is today. This implies that the company’s shares are not also traded on the stock exchange (Fernande, 2011). According to Fernande, the company has recently been witnessing a decline in its sales along with profitability. The company currently has a debt expenditure of over 2.28 billion dollars but has attracted private capital investments to the tune of 1.5 billion dollars. The company in collaboration with the individual investors aims at producing motor vehicle parts like gearboxes, wheel hubs for the purpose of diversifying their revenue collection efforts. In the year 2010, the company reported a loss of 73.48 million dollars from their net sales that were worth 1530.0 million dollars. This again showed a loss of over 9 million dollars from their previous year’s net sales worth 2593.0 million dollars (2011). The company is currently battling the sale of fake Rolex watches which have adversely affected their sales along with profitability. The company has opened up branches across many nations in the world to help in the distribution of their products. The revenue collected is directed to charity work across many parts of the world (Fernande,