Investigation of factors affecting the adoption of mobile shopping Essay

Investigation of factors affecting the adoption of mobile shopping (DBA, Dissertation) - Essay Example The chapter is organized into six sections. In section 2.2, the definition, enabling technologies and current development of mobile shopping is briefly reviewed. The Technology adoption theories and research on factors influencing online shopping and mobile shopping adoption of consumers are described and discussed in detail in section 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5. The gaps in the previous literature are identified in section 2.6. A preliminary conceptual model for this study is developed in section 2.7 with the associated hypotheses developed based on supporting literature to be further tested in the current research. Finally, conclusions are presented in section 2.8. 2.2 Overview of Mobile Shopping With the integration of web browser functionality in mobile telephones, the benefits of virtual storefronts have become inevitable for consumers. With the development of the mobile Internet since the use of 3G networks, despite its high expectations, mobile shopping has not received an extremely fav orable response from the market so far. Only those digital products like ring tones and mobile application are popular. The transaction activity of real products still failed to attract the customer's attention. 2.2.1 Definition There are different definitions of what is mobile shopping. The simplest definition of mobile shopping is the purchase of product at mobile site or portal through the mobile network. A more broaden the definition of mobile shopping is the usage of wireless Internet service for shopping and purchasing by the consumers through their cell phones (Ko et al. 2009). Varshney and Vetter (2002) classified cellular business applications in eleven categories, based on the mobile characteristics. The categories are wireless data centers, mobile inventory management, proactive services management, mobile entrainment and gaming services, wireless re-engineering, mobile offices, mobile public sale and reverse sale, mobile distance education, mobile advertising, mobile sho pping, and mobile financial applications. This classification is based on the traditional view that shopping is viewed as a multi stage process instead of the single payment action at the cashier counter. The buying cycle comprises the shopping approaches and policies of end users. This also explains the reason behind the searching objectives by means of the internet can be a precursor of e-shopping. It has been identified that end-users set criteria and action plans for shopping so that to execute composite shopping behaviors (Darden & Dorsch, 1990). As per Funk, â€Å"early mobile shopping was driven by sales in packaged music and videos and fashion, where the latter includes clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, accessories, furniture, and health-related products† (Funk, 2007). Improvements along mobile technologies accelerate the physical dependency over the virtual side. Nowadays, traditional retailers also think in a multichannel way because their customers are cross-channel. A s per dealers, current attractive, potential, advanced and congregated cellular products are diminishing the positions that split shopping channels. Mobile shopping is being integrated into the in-store shopping experience. Mobiles can be used not only to check product features including competitive offers, but also to take suggestions from friends to make a better and confident decision. Innovative retailers have been taking advantage of m-commerce to pledge the benefits of in-store and online store, with competencies including barcode scan for cellular analysis as well as for cost evaluation, along with in-store cellular vouchers (Westenberg anzd Bethlahmy, 2009). Cisco IBSG Connected Life Market Watch research illustrates, nearly seventy percent of users

The Ship that Never Reaches Shore Essay Example for Free

The Ship that Never Reaches Shore Essay â€Å"Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time† (Hurston). Men long for things they do not have. Some men get what they long for. Other men never get what they long for. What they dream of having is clear to them, but never attainable. They know that their dreams are unattainable, but still watch the ships that never reach the shore. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, the American Dream is unattainable due to Gatsby’s lack of morality. Additionally, in John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, the American Dream is unattainable due to Lennie and Georges’ lack of faith. Furthermore, in the movi, A Raisin in the Sun, the American Dream is unattainable due to the families lack of financial security. Lastly, in Arthur Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman, the American Dream is unattainable due to Willy’s lack of follow through. Overall, these American literature authors show their readers that the American Dream is not attainable to all people. In the first place, in Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, the American Dream is unattainable due to Gatsby’s lack of morality. Gatsby achieves his wealth through criminal activity, which he does to gain wealth for Daisy. Additionally, Gatsby tried to steal Tom’s wife, Daisy, away from him. Not only did Gatsby fail to get the woman of his dreams, but Tom blamed the killing of Wilson’s wife on Gatsby, which resulted in Gatsby’s death. Lastly, he is prepared to take the blame for Daisy driving the car and killing Myrtle. â€Å"Of course I’ll say I was driving† (Fitzgerald 143), he says. This can be seen as a heroic action, but he shows his dishonestly in a legal situation. The love and protection he had over Daisy cost him his life, and the end to pursuing his American Dream. At the end, his dedication to the achievement of wealth which he pursued throughout his life failed because he denied his true roots and his true self. In addition, in Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, the American Dream is not attainable due to Lennie and Georges’ lack of faith. The ranch is full of men who had abandoned their dreams, and spent their pay on temporary pleasure. For example, George blows all the money they had been saving for their ranch to stay all night in cat houses. He lost faith in his dreams right when things slowly started to take a downfall, and as the other men, he turned to temporary pleasure. In addition, Lennie had lost faith in himself when he says, â€Å"Now I won’t get to tend the rabbits† (Steinbeck 85). Lennie thought George was going to be disappointed in him after he found out that he had killed Curley’s wife and the pup. Lennie made a run for it because he lost control, and was disappointed in himself, and was afraid of George’s reaction. Lastly, George had his doubts about getting his own ranch; he knew from the beginning he was not going to achieve it because of Lennie’s illness, and that he had always known in the back of his head that Curley’s wife was going to cause trouble with Lennie, and mess things up. Furthermore, in the movie, A Raisin in the Sun, the American Dream is not attainable due to the family’s lack of financial security. Walter received the money he wanted for his liquor business from his mother; he then gave the money to his â€Å"business partners† to help him get his liquor license and without realizing it, and they had betrayed him. His dream was then deferred. In addition, Ruth’s dream was unattainable because she wanted to be wealthy and have a fine family. When Walter lost the money, she also lost her dream. Lastly, Beneatha’s dream of becoming a doctor was crushed when she found out Walter did not put any money in the bank for her medical school. â€Å"All the talk about dreams and sunlight that goes on in this house, its all dead now (Raisin), Beneatha said when she gave up hope in her dream of becoming a doctor. Lastly, in Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman, the American Dream is not attainable due to Willy’s lack of follow through. â€Å"You can’t raise a carrot in the backyard† (Miller 17), says Willy. His spacious dream house becomes surrounded with new apartments being built around it. The hope of his dream house fades away and the hopes it once stood for. In addition, Willy spent his whole life trying to convince himself and the people around him that he was popular and successful, but when he had died, he didn’t not achieve his illusions because no one showed up to his funeral. Lastly, Willy hopes for a family who has the ability to obtain wealth. He then takes his own life because he believes that his family will be financially secure if he was dead. He hopes for twenty thousand dollars from the insurance policy, but his son Biff does not receive the money because suicide was not covered in the policy. Willy’s lack of follow through had a huge impact on his dreams. In conclusion, these American literature authors show their readers that the American Dream is not attainable to all people. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, the American Dream is unattainable due to Gatsby’s lack of morality. Additionally, in John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, the American Dream is unattainable due to Lennie and Georges’ lack of faith. Furthermore, the movie, A Raisin in the Sun, the American Dream is unattainable due to the family’s lack of financial security. Lastly, in Arthur Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman, the American Dream is unattainable due to Willy’s lack of follow through. Society is the blame for people who strive for dreams that are unattainable. From the times we were children, society told us that we can do anything if we set our minds to it but, it is unrealistic and it results to disappointments in those who were told to dream. Works Cited A Raisin in the Sun. Dir. Kenny Leon. Perf. Sean Combs, Sanaa Lathan, Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad. Sony Pictures, 2008. DVD. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York; Scribner, 1925. Print. Hurston, Zora. Their Eyes Were Watching God. Trans. ArrayPublishers in 2006. 10 East 53rd Street, New York, Print. Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. Lit Charts. N. p.. Web. 4 Jun 2013. Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York; Penguin Group, 1937.

Crusades Essay -- Religion, Power Struggles, Christian Church

Power struggles have always been occurrences that have had the ability to plague an entire nation. While evidence of this fact can be seen all throughout history, it is especially evident within medieval times. Specifically, power struggles developed between the Roman church and various groups such as non-believers, Muslims, kings, and even common people all throughout the High Middle Ages. As a result, Christian fighters, known as â€Å"crusades,† were asked to fight for their beliefs by the pope in order to take back land that non-believers lived on as well as eliminate anyone who challenged the authority of the church hierarchy. It was not hard to convince most people to become crusaders and many documents throughout history can show one exactly why this was. Due to the fact that Roman church figures were very good at convincing people of what God wanted, people were easily persuaded by their love for God, hate for infidels as well as heretics, and need to feel noble which convinced them to become crusaders. After the fall of the Roman Empire during the 5th century, the Christian church became very powerful. It owned vast regions of land and played an important role in the economy. The church became so powerful â€Å"that the western church announced its independence from secular rulers and it’s power over them, and it established authority over rulers and commoners alike (Wiesner 172).† People who were not faithful to the Christian church or simply did not believe its people should have that much power were very upset with this shift in authority. Immediately issues occurred as other groups and figures challenged the church for power. First off, it is easy to see that the largest component that drew people to be crusaders was their ... ...God and partly an honorable and brave act that men gained confidence, reward, and importance from joining. After reviewing documents of crusaders it is easy to see that most went to battle because they were easily persuaded to do anything for God, they felt a true hatred for the infidels and heretics, as well as the sense of importance and nobility the soldiers gained from going to battle. Crusades played a major role in the High Middle Ages and even though they were not terribly successful, they still are very famous historical figures. This act of God was to help deal with the internal and external conflict that the Roman Church was having in trying to remain in power. However, it also displays that people of this time were very susceptible to persuasion and even propaganda. This period of time truly emphasizes how far people will go in order to obtain power.

An Analysis of Andrew Sullivans Let Gays Marry :: Let Gays Marry Andrew Sullivan

"Let Gays Marry" is an article written by Andrew Sullivan arguing that homosexuals should be given the right to be legally married in the United States. In this essay, Sullivan argues that homosexuals have just as much right to marry as heterosexual couples. Sullivan argues that throughout US history that the definition of marriage has been altered several times to accommodate changing times, and that it is time to recognize gay's right to marry. Throughout the article, Sullivan uses several sources to back up his argument, but also makes several comments to weaken his argument. To add to Sullivan?s credibility, he is an editor of The New Republic, which was established in 1914 with a mission to provide its readers with an intelligent, stimulating and rigorous examination of American politics, foreign policy and culture, the author of several books, including Virtually Normal: An Argument about Homosexuality, as well as having been published in several news magazines including Newsweek. Sullivan?s article is an inductive argument directed at persuading and perhaps even educating all people on why gay marriage should be allowed in the United States. Throughout the essay, Sullivan uses multiple techniques, including Pathos, Ethos, Logos, and even Mythos to squarely support his argument, all of which help to aid in the credibility of the topic. Sullivan?s argument, while generally successful, has some weak points. The argument is generally written in a very relaxed manner, which may or may not discredit the argument. People looking to argue against Sullivan?s article may view the relaxed format as a sign of lack of knowledge or support of the argument. On the other hand, being composed in accessible language readily understood by the general population, and not perceived as accessibly intellectual may help this argument appeal to a broader population. Having been published in Newsweek Magazine on June 3, 1996, Sullivan?s article seems to be credible. Newsweek is a credible news source, and generally publishes credible materials. Despite having been published in Newsweek, this argument is biased when in the first sentence Sullivan identifies himself as a homosexual. ?For the first time in Supreme Court history, gay men and women were seen not as some powerful lobby trying to subvert America, but as the people we truly are?? When Sullivan uses the term we, he is identifying that he himself is a homosexual, and therefore I must assume that he is arguing from a homosexual point of view, and not an unbiased point of view.

The Concert

The Concert The Third Day concert in April 2012 brought a sold out crowd of over 3000 people to Joplin’s Memorial Hall. When the ushers finally opened the doors people were lined up down the street. People flooded into the lobby where the band’s merchandise was being sold. The merchandise was set out on eight tables that were arranged in a U-shape against the entire back wall. The wall behind the tables was lined with t-shirts and hats. Half of the people were buying merchandise, and those who weren’t were at one of the two concession stands that were at either end of the lobby.The lobby smelled like an outdoor barbeque from the hamburgers that were being cooked on the grill. Music was playing softly, but all the people talking made it hard to hear. Slowly, people funneled into the auditorium to find their seats. The auditorium was huge. It had a lower level and a balcony. The center of the auditorium was full of seating for the VIP’s. The auditorium was a bout three quarters full when the band started. The lights went dim and the stage filled with smoke. You could hear the beat from the drums, but you could not see the drummer.The guitarist started playing. It was so loud it shook the walls. When the lead singer started singing, the crowd went nuts. They were yelling and chanting his name,† Mac, Mac, Mac. † Finally the smoke started to dissipate and the band was on stage dressed in torn jeans and flannel shirts. After the first song, Mac introduced the rest of the band. Each member did a short to showcase their skills. The next three songs were hit songs from their most recent album. The audience showed their approval into by waving their hands and singing with the music.To keep the audience involved in the show, Mac would hold the microphone toward the audience and have them sing the. Suddenly, everything went dark. It was so dark people couldn’t see the person next to them. Then a small light emerged in the middl e of the floor. The light grew brighter and brighter. Until it was recognizable as a make-shift camp fire. The music started again softly, and then got louder and louder. The band walked to the camp fire playing acoustic instruments. They stood around the fire playing older songs from their first albums, even playing songs that were never released.Eventually the band went back on stage and played their last few songs. They thanked the audience for a good night and left the stage. The people started chanting the band’s name over and over, hoping for an encore. The band finally returned to the stage and played one final song. The concert was finally over and everyone tried to leave at the same time. The front lobby was packed tight with people trying to get to the doors. The large number of people in the small building made for a long wait to leave, but ultimately, everyone got outside and was able to continue their evenings.

Stereotypes †the Outsiders Essay Essay Example

Stereotypes – the Outsiders Essay Essay Example Stereotypes – the Outsiders Essay Paper Stereotypes – the Outsiders Essay Paper Essay Topic: The Outsiders Ever felt targeted? Witness person be judged by how they spoke? Felt as if no 1 belongs? Is it because they dress. act. or larn otherwise or a certain manner? Most immature grownups go through these types of battles. Stereotypes are preconceived labels subjected on the populace. When adolescents do things out of the ordinary. frock otherwise. or hang out with specific people they tend to be measured up into or against these stereotypes. A common happening in high school. these stereotypes that try to specify adolescents. can impact them either positively or work against us in negatively. When people are labeled it is normally through a stereotype. they are judged on their visual aspect. attitude. personality. and friends along with many other superficial constituents. â€Å"Instead of being presented with stereotypes by age. sex. colour. category. or faith. kids must hold the chance to larn that within each scope. some people are nauseating and some are delicious. † ( Manson ) Characterization is a tool used to picture person through the traits of their personality and association with those around them. Of class. with the clang of characters and imposed stereotypes. struggle between people is about certain. Rivalry. a by-product of struggle and the jurisprudence of endurance is ever at drama within society. S. E. Hinton uses these literary techniques of stereotypes. word picture and struggle throughout the novel of The Outsiders to picture they cardinal subject of competition. In The Outsiders. every character has been classified as â€Å"a greaser† . being stereotyped like that is pretty cruel. When Ponyboy said. â€Å"We both need a haircut and some nice apparels. They’ll know we’re goons the minute they see us! † ( Hinton. 64 ) He admitted to yielding to his stereotype. Proving to the readers that the Greasers were based on their visual aspect. When people see them. they think that because they wear raggedy-down old vesture they are hapless. non of import. juvenile delinquents. Additionally. apart from being judged on their visual aspect. they are grouped together. all being seen as punks with no room for individualism. Ponyboy. Dally. and Johnny met two immature Soc misss at the drive-in film theatre. Dally’s rude and unpleasant attitude gave the two misss a bad first feeling of the Greasers as a whole. Subsequently on. Ponyboy talked to Cherry. altering her position wholly through the deep conversation he has with her. go forthing her wholly astounded at his intellectuality and at the find that the Greaser stereotype she had fitted him into was wholly erroneous. In the beginning. Ponyboy drops the narrative to pass a few pages feeding the readers with a brief sum-up on the characters mentioned throughout the book such as Sodapop. Darry. Steve. Two-Bit. Dally. and Johnny. Ponyboy tells the readers that the ground his group is called The Greasers is because of their long greasy looking hair. â€Å"My hair is longer than a batch of male childs wear theirs. squared off in back and long at the forepart and sides. but I’m a wetback and most of my vicinity seldom fusss to acquire a haircut. Besides. I look better with long hair. † ( Hinton. 1 ) He informs the readers that the ground him and Sodapop have interesting names. is because it expresses the love their parents felt for them and it describes their personalities. He mentioned that Steve is smart and really cocky. Two-Bit neer takes things earnestly. ever jesting about. merely goes to school for the boot of it non to travel to larn or anything. Dally’s existent name is Dal las. he mentions that he’s tougher. colder. and more mean than any other Greaser. Readers are left with the idea that Johnny is frightened. unloved. victimized. abused. and helpless. When a auto full of Socs pulls up. Pony and Johnny seek to run off. Alternatively. those Socs trap them down. As Pony is about to submerge in an ice-cold park fountain. Johnny stabs a Soc. The Soc who was managing pulls him out. Johnny tells Pony that he stabbed a Soc as Pony’s seeking to retrieve his breath. Pony looks over to see a Soc on the land and puddle of blood merely to throw up. To avoid any more jobs they leave and go to an old wooden church far from place. Spending five yearss at that place entirely. they cut their hair to look different from the newspapers. Merely as they were approximately to travel place. the church catches fire. †Ã¢â‚¬â„¢I’ll acquire them don’t concern! ’ I started at a dead tally for the church. and the adult male caught my arm. ‘I’ll acquire them. You kids remain out! ’† ( Hinton. 91 ) Pony explains to the readers that several kids are inside the combustion church and there is non a whole batch of clip to wait for the fire section to come and deliver them. Pony wakes up. in a infirmary bed being reunited with his brothers. He is told that Dally is all right. but that Johnny is in critical status and might decease. When he gets out he’s told that there will be a rumble with the Greasers vs. the Socs. Being in good status. Pony wants in on the battle. Dally is released merely in clip for the battle. After the rumble. Dally got the intelligence that Johnny is deceasing. When he gets to the infirmary to state him the triumph of the bash. he is told that contending doesn’t solve anything and see Johnny’s painful decease. Dally being really disquieted make-believes to be armed and goes to the constabulary merely to be shot to decease. fall ining Johnny. As demonstrated. struggle has arisen in this narrative as a cause of the two opposing forces of the Socs and Greasers. The stereotypes show the cause for misconstruing and how stereotypes are neer right and that a group of people can neer are categorized as the same. True individualism radiances through with the usage of word picture. turn outing the stereotypes to be erroneous. The struggle in this narrative is the effect. the monetary value paid for the competition. which was cause of preconceived impressions and ignorance. Stereotypes are revealed to be false. individualism is at last illustrated through the development word picture throughout the narrative. and the concluding blow out is a representation of what ignorance. labels. and rivalry bring about. Plants CitedHinton. S E. The Outsiders. N. p. : n. p. . 1962. N. pag. Print. Manson. Margaret. â€Å"Stereotype Quotes A ; Quotations. † Think Exist. N. p. . n. d. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //thinkexist. com/?quotation/?instead_of_being_presented_with_stereotypes_by/?327616. hypertext markup language gt ; .

gender roles Essay

gender roles Essay gender roles Essay Society places different values on being male and female, it’s these values that define us as individuals. Through a cross-cultural comparison I will be exploring the concept gender through a micro level within my family and then throughout the Maasai culture. The aspects of gender differ within concepts such as family life, roles and status, and power and authority. In the Maasai culture there a clearly prescribed social roles and status for the people. The Maasai people have many celebrated rituals that announce the change of the individual from one role to the other. (Donelly, etal, 2008) One of the most distinctive of this celebrations is the becoming of a Moran (warrior) it’s the transition from childhood to adulthood, within this ritual the initiate must under go circumcision and show his bravery by showing no pain during the process to prove he will be able to face the challenges he will be dealt with once becoming a Moran. Only men can become a Moran because it is seen as a mans role in society, and never a woman’s. The Moran’s obtain much honour by protecting their people against attack either groups or animals or any other type of harm to their people. It is the Moran’s role to take on any challenging tasks and their status is acknowledged and praise within the community by being given the best food. (Donelly, etal, 2008) Traditional Maasai family structure is based on polygamous marriage. There is a hierarchy within the family structure, the husband is head of the family and makes the decisions. The wife is responsible for running the household and has little to no say in the major decisions made. Because of the polygamous marriage lifestyle they live the Maasai men can marry as many women as they can afford to support. The Maasai women are also allowed to have different lovers. (Donelly, etal, 2008) Males are seen to have more power and authority over the women, the women understand that she does what her husband or another male tells her to do because if not she is seen as disrespecting him. The Maasai have to under go different rituals before being able to be married. For women this is the circumcision of the clitoris, it usually happens around

My Personal Leadership Vision Example

My Personal Leadership Vision Example My Personal Leadership Vision – Coursework Example Introduction I have a vision of becoming the best person possible when it comes to friendship, team player, a friend, colleague, or citizen. I am passionate to become a leader, and this motivating factor directs my goals towards achieving the dream. The vision has made me choose the following characteristics as the ones for the leader I want to be.My Leadership VisionI would wish to be enthusiastic. I want to be a good leader in future by showing interest and great excitement towards my work or course. Enthusiasm will enable people to respond openly and freely with dedication and passion to me as their leader. I will remain to collaborate closely with my staff team towards achieving the stipulated goals.I anticipate being confident and inspirational. To be able to lead and provide direction as a leader, I will need to appear confident as an individual and in my role as a leader (Adair, 5). Confidence will enable me to inspire others in order to draw out confidence, best efforts and t rust in them to complete tasks however challenging it is.In addition, I aspire to be a trustworthy leader. I will be a leader with exemplary character with utmost importance to others. I would wish, to be honest, trusted, and practice integrity by walking my talks (Adair, 5). Through trustworthiness, I will gain actual authority from respect for my good character as a person who leads my team.In addition, I would also wish to be committed to excellence. In discharging my duties as a leader, I at no time would aspire to be second because that does not lead to success. I will remain proactive to raise the bar as well as maintaining high standards to achieve all round excellence.ConclusionThe leadership vision I have will therefore cover the above features to become not only popular that is admirable to the society. I will, therefore, work tirelessly to develop and strengthen a leadership role.Adair, John E. Develop Your Leadership Skills. 2013. Print.

The Cost and Reimburstements of Medicare Research Paper

The Cost and Reimburstements of Medicare - Research Paper Example This study focuses on cost and reimbursement of Medicare as well as challenges facing the program. Medicare services can be provided to the beneficiaries either through traditional fee-for-service (FFS) program or private health plans such as Medicare Advantage (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2008). Whereas clients can be served in any hospital and by any doctor under FFS those using Medicare Advantage should be treated by providers in a network or pay extra charges for treatments received from out-of network providers (Mason et al., 2013). The program is available in four parts namely Part A, B, C and D. "Medicare covers Hospital Insurance (part A), Medical Insurance (part B), Prescription Drugs (part C) and Medicare Advantage" (part D) (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2008). Clients who apply for part C receives various benefits offered in other parts. Currently, some people prefer Medicare Advantage because it offers extra services in addition to those provided under FFS. Part A of the Medicare is financed through payroll tax charged on employees and the employers whereby each contributes 1.45% to make a total of 2.9% while for self employed persons they contribute full 2.9% since they are both employees and employers (Mason et al., 2013). Part C and D are financed by premiums contributed by enrollees of the Medicare and revenue from the general fund. Medicare in partnership with local insurance companies pay compensation to claims presented each year by the Medicare beneficiaries (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2008). The Medicare uses various methods to compensate the medical service providers for the services they offer to their clients covered by health insurance. For example, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services introduced Accounting Care Organization model to harmonize medical service delivery among the service providers by enabling them to coordinate their service delivery to reduce expenses, improve quality and outcome of the

Change the united states into a Utopia (the word means nowhere). What Essay

Change the united states into a Utopia (the word means nowhere). What changes should me made and why should they should be made - Essay Example There are several things that can be done to change America to utopia. Some of these things may have certain disadvantages. However, it is also true that majority of benefits may accrue from them. One of the things that may be done to change America to nowhere is ensuring that barriers are limited for the international community to access America (Frazier et al, 31). This may be done by reducing the number of requirements as well as qualifications that anybody wishing to come to America may have to meet. This may include reducing the number of policies that bar such movements involving migrations as well as immigrations to America. The influx of such people to America is quite advantageous to the American society as well as America as a whole. This is because, when the rate of immigration is heightened, a number of people will find their way into the country. This will be economically beneficial in a number of ways. First, the rate of consumption of the American goods by such a growi ng population will massively shoot. This will place more demands on the goods and services from the American industries thereby impacting positively on the businesses in America. This is quite beneficial to both the American society as well as America as a country. This follows that the economy of the country will be affected in an appreciating perspective, thereby leading to more economic stabilization (Frazier et al, 41). In addition, it is of crucial significance to note that the process of learning is always affected in a certain manner following the entry of alien individuals in a new land. Therefore, changing America to nowhere relates to an increase in accessibility of the country by people of different origin, races, ethnicity as well as cultures (Frazier et al, 47). This promotes the issue of intercultural education. This helps in

Business models group project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business models group project - Essay Example This argument indicates that electronic commerce emerged a long time ago, but it was known to only few industries. This also means that electronic commerce has spread around the world in recent times because of the development of the internet through the World Wide Web (Funk 10). Therefore, organizations should embrace the internet because it is the most significant platform that enables them to conduct business electronically between themselves and consumers and also between them and other businesses. According to the author, the development of the internet enabled electronic commerce to grow by 1000% annually in the years between 1996 and 1997 (Timmers 1). This growth rate is so huge and it indicates that the internet has had a massive effect on the ways in which organizations conduct their businesses. The article also argues that the research that was conducted by Data monitor in 1997 indicated that by the year 2002, around 630,000 organizations in the United States and other 245,000 in the European Union would be conducting all of their functions electronically (Timmers 1). This means that if these statistics were expected to take effect in 2000, in the current times, the organizations that conduct business electronically exceed this number both in the United States and in the European Union. The author has, however, not indicated the statistics for other parts of the world such as Asia, Africa, and Australia. These regions also have organizations that conduct their functions online, and it means that the author did not research on them efficiently. In this section of the article, the author classifies various business models into groups. Timmers begins this section by defining a business model as a design of the flow of services and products in an organization (2). The design also explains the roles of the actors who take part in the flow of the goods and services. According to the author, the

Application of Financial Statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Application of Financial Statement - Essay Example The Income Statement The income statement is â€Å"a financial statement listing all revenue and expenses for a fiscal period leading to net income or net loss: a statement that describes the operations of a business over a period of time (fiscal period)† (Kravitz, 1999 p63). The income statement is therefore a financial statement that shows the results of the operations of a business. This involves financial information about the income that a business makes and the expenditure that the business incurs over a given period of time. In effect, the income statement matches the revenue of a business with its expenses and provides the net income or net loss. In other words, the income statement provides an insight into the kind of revenue inflows and outflows that were incurred during the normal trading activity of the business. Another aspect of the income statement is that it is a period statement. In other words, it captures the financial picture of a business's trading activit ies over a defined period of time. This means that the income statement is mainly concerned with how a business performed in trade over the specified period of time. Tracey (2009) identifies that the main purpose of the income statement is to identify the profit or loss made by a business in a given period of time (p13). This means that the income statement identifies the performance of a business in terms of how much profits or losses that the business made over the specified period for which the accounts were prepared. This shows clearly that the income statement is mainly a tool for the measurement of the financial viability or otherwise of a given business in a stated period of time. â€Å"The income statement summarizes the sales revenue and expenses of a business for a period, usually 1 year† (Tracey, 2009 p13). This indicates that most businesses prepare their income statements over a period of 12 months. The GAAP and other legal statutes require businesses to prepare financial statements once every 12 months. However, in some instances, a business might opt to prepare an income statement for periods that are less or more than the 12 month period. If a business began trading in the middle of they year, they many prepare income statements for a period that is less than 12 months. Such a financial statement might be pro-rated for taxation and other financial purposes. This means that the number of months for which the accounts were prepared will be identified and divided by the 12 months period to find out the true worth for certain statutory purposes like tax. Typically, the tax rate that is invoked on such a business is calculated by identifying the number of months for which the accounts were prepared and dividing it by 12 before the figures are multiplied by the annual tax rate. The main motive is that income statements must be prepared over a given period and there should be definite cut offs within which the income and expenditure captured ar e compared. Tracey (2009 p13) identifies four main steps in the preparation of income statements. In the first step, the sales revenue is matched with the cost of goods or services that were sold. In other words, this involves the matching of income or payments made by customers to the business against the cost the business incurred in producing the goods sold.

Graphology Vs Forensic Document Examination Assignment

Graphology Vs Forensic Document Examination - Assignment Example It does analytical unveiling photocopies, check writers as well as typewriters of certain texts under scrutiny (Headrick & Huber, 2010). It can examine to note any similarity amid inks and uncover exact writing too used. FDE also observes any alterations, hence acting as a legal basis for forensic identification of a trailed culprit (Headrick & Huber, 2010). In the U.S, for one to be recognized as a forensic document examiner he or she needs certification by The American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE), unlike for graphologists (Lewis, 2014). In addition, recognized firms normally before considering one eligible for this profession emphasizes on an individual who has a baccalaureate degree, which is a basis for membership. Therefore,  for one to be an FDE candidate he or she ought to have an undergraduate or master’s degree (Lewis, 2014). Conversely, most graphologists gain their respective know-how by themselves. Graphology endeavors to prognosticate character traits or behavior through a close scrutiny of one’s handwriting. FDE entails scrutinizing as well as ascertaining any comparisons amid documents with known material to ascertain who could be the author and exact source of the text. Graphology is entirely diverse from FDE (Headrick & Huber, 2010). These organizations have been there for quite a long time, with the former instituted in 1977 and the recent one 1913. This is unlike graphology, which has no well-instituted organization but an analysts group which is dated back only 18 years (Lewis, 2014). The objectives of the forensic document boards embrace devising, maintaining as well as and enhancing qualification standards for its experts. The graphology web page links young graphologists to experts in graphology to help them improve on their skill (Handwritingpro, 1998).

Application of Financial Statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Application of Financial Statement - Essay Example The Income Statement The income statement is â€Å"a financial statement listing all revenue and expenses for a fiscal period leading to net income or net loss: a statement that describes the operations of a business over a period of time (fiscal period)† (Kravitz, 1999 p63). The income statement is therefore a financial statement that shows the results of the operations of a business. This involves financial information about the income that a business makes and the expenditure that the business incurs over a given period of time. In effect, the income statement matches the revenue of a business with its expenses and provides the net income or net loss. In other words, the income statement provides an insight into the kind of revenue inflows and outflows that were incurred during the normal trading activity of the business. Another aspect of the income statement is that it is a period statement. In other words, it captures the financial picture of a business's trading activit ies over a defined period of time. This means that the income statement is mainly concerned with how a business performed in trade over the specified period of time. Tracey (2009) identifies that the main purpose of the income statement is to identify the profit or loss made by a business in a given period of time (p13). This means that the income statement identifies the performance of a business in terms of how much profits or losses that the business made over the specified period for which the accounts were prepared. This shows clearly that the income statement is mainly a tool for the measurement of the financial viability or otherwise of a given business in a stated period of time. â€Å"The income statement summarizes the sales revenue and expenses of a business for a period, usually 1 year† (Tracey, 2009 p13). This indicates that most businesses prepare their income statements over a period of 12 months. The GAAP and other legal statutes require businesses to prepare financial statements once every 12 months. However, in some instances, a business might opt to prepare an income statement for periods that are less or more than the 12 month period. If a business began trading in the middle of they year, they many prepare income statements for a period that is less than 12 months. Such a financial statement might be pro-rated for taxation and other financial purposes. This means that the number of months for which the accounts were prepared will be identified and divided by the 12 months period to find out the true worth for certain statutory purposes like tax. Typically, the tax rate that is invoked on such a business is calculated by identifying the number of months for which the accounts were prepared and dividing it by 12 before the figures are multiplied by the annual tax rate. The main motive is that income statements must be prepared over a given period and there should be definite cut offs within which the income and expenditure captured ar e compared. Tracey (2009 p13) identifies four main steps in the preparation of income statements. In the first step, the sales revenue is matched with the cost of goods or services that were sold. In other words, this involves the matching of income or payments made by customers to the business against the cost the business incurred in producing the goods sold.

Archeology Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Archeology Research Paper - Essay Example Gertrude Bell was a prominent explorer and traveller and became one of the first mountain or rock climbers of her time (Morell 3). Bell went to Jerusalem to study Arabic, and developed an obsession for archaeology in her travels there. Kathleen Kenyon, on the other hand, was one of the most celebrated female archaeologists of the 20th century and is well-known for her cautious excavation of the earliest city of Jericho. Kenyon was full of learning, a careful and precise recorder and wrote well (Morell 3). The Leakey family finally, made of Louis, Richard and Mary, was a family of archaeologists, as well as anthropologists (Morell 3). This family is considered to have made the main strides in people’s understanding and interpretation of the development of man, or otherwise early man, in Africa (Morell 4). They all resided in Kenya where they carried out their archaeological roles. For this reason, this paper has picked Louis Leakey as its subject and will discuss his contributi ons to the field of archaeology. Louis Seymour Leakey lived from 7th August, 1903 to 1st October, 1972. He was an English archaeologist and paleoanthropologist whose career was significant in creating human evolutionary growth, in Africa, especially through his findings in Olduvai Gorge (Bowman 15). Leakey also played a vital role in developing firms for future study in Africa, as well as for advocating for wildlife protection in Africa (Bowman 15). Having been the main mover in developing a custom of palaeoanthropological inquiry, Leakey motivated the following generation to carry on with it, particularly in his own family, most of whom became famous, as well. He took part in nationwide activities of British East Africa in addition to Kenya in the 50s. In the Philosophy of Nature, Leakey affirmed Darwins evolution theory solidly and set about to establish

Compariosn of pre 1914 and Wilfred Owens poems Essay Example for Free

Compariosn of pre 1914 and Wilfred Owens poems Essay By comparing and contrasting a selection of war poems, consider the ways in which attitudes to war have been explored and expressed. When considering poetry written post 1900 concentrate on a selection of poems written by Wilfred Owen. War has been an influential topic for poetry for many centuries and through its catastrophic cruelty and sense of patriotism has created some of the most brilliant poets and most controversial poems ever written. With each different war comes different poets who want to write their views on it and just as motives of war differ, so do the opinions of the poets; some see war as barbaric and destructive, whereas others portray it as a way of ennobling oneself. Before the technology and media coverage we have nowadays, stories of battle were passed down by word of mouth and were often written in poetic form so they could be memorized easily. Just as the artillery used in the wars has changed, the way war is portrayed has as well. Before World War 1 began in 1914, it was seen as a glorious opportunity for men to serve and defend their country. In many poems war is compared to a game, for example in Vitai Lampada written by Henry Newbolt, the refrain Play up! Play up! And play the game! is repeated at the end of each stanza to try and rally the soldiers and ready them for battle. Newbolt uses the leitmotif of comparing fighting to playing a cricket match to ease the pressure off the soldiers by making it seem fun and competitive. He uses the simile: Beat through life like a torch in flame to portray how the schoolboys have responsibilities and also to show how these must be passed down through the generations to protect their country, just like the Olympic torch. War is also compared to a game in Henry Vs speech in Shakespeares play, Henry V. He declares: The games afoot, once again understating the enormity of the battle. In addition Shakespeare uses the battle cry God for Harry, England and Saint George! to show that the English are on the righteous side and have a duty to serve their country. Before 1914, there was no compulsory military service and therefore Britain did not have a huge army like other European countries. However World War 1 was so large, conscription needed to be introduced, meaning all men of the appropriate age were obliged to go to war. Along with conscription came the propaganda to encourage men to join up and a popular form was poetry. Poets like Jessie Pope and Rupert Brooke wrote poems convincing men that war would be an exciting opportunity with their friends and that it is their duty to honour and serve for England. However, one of the most famous war poets, Wilfred Owen, had a different view of the war. At first he wrote in a similar way to the likes of Pope and Brooke, but after experiencing first-hand action in the front line his work became less idealistic. One of Owens most famous poems is Dulce et Decorum est. The Latin title means it is sweet and fitting to die for your country and it is used ironically to anticipate an idealistic poem, but it is quite the opposite. Owen wrote this poem in reply to the jingoistic recruiting poems written by Jessie Pope; they glorify war and make it seem like a great opportunity for men to have an adventure with their friends. In the first two lines of Dulce et Decorum est, Owen uses the vivid imagery of old beggars and coughing like hags and the reader thinks that he is describing someone elderly or of low status. However, in the lines that follow, we realize that Owen is actually talking about soldiers who are walking away from the front line: Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs And towards our distant rest began to trudge. Owen uses the word haunting to portray that the battle they have endured will stay in their minds forever. To convey the exhaustion of the men Owen uses hyperbole: men marched asleepdrunk with fatigue. This shows how fighting was physically draining for the soldiers and contradicts the glamorous image that Popes poems conjure up. In the second stanza Owen illustrates the terrifying scene of a gas attack. He repeats the word GAS for a second time in capital letters to convey a sense of urgency and also to imply how fatigued the men were as they needed it to be repeated louder a second time for them to realise the situation. Owen uses polysyllabic words like ecstasy and fumbling and clumsy to convey a sense of panic and alarm. He describes how one man did not get his gas mask on in time and is floundring like a man in fire or lime. This portrays that the gas he is inhaling is burning and the image as under a green sea, I saw him drowning is very powerful because it shows that the gas overwhelms his lungs just as water does when you drown. The line In all my dreams, before my helpless sight shows how Owen will remember that scene forever, and the word helpless suggests that he cannot do anything about the flashbacks and horrible memories he will have to endure but it also implies that he could not do anything to help the soldier who was dying. Owen uses the adjectives guttering, choking, drowning to illustrate the soldiers horrific death; the word guttering is especially effective as you use it to describe a candle about to go out, just as the mans life is about to be extinguished. Owen bitterly attacks Jessie Pope in the last stanza. He sarcastically addresses her as my friend and uses gruesome comparisons like Obscene as cancer and bitter as the cud of vile to portray the horror of war. The line incurable sores on innocent tongues implies that the some soldiers who were very young will have terrifying memories with them for the rest of their lives. He appeals to the senses by using hideous and graphic imagery: If you could hear, at every jolt, blood- Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs. The adjective froth-corrupted illustrates how the mans lungs had been plagued by the gas and what a horrific death he had to endure. He uses the simile: like a devils sick of sin to describe the soldiers face, suggesting a sense of repulsion and disgust. Owen depicts the soldiers as children ardent for some desperate glory portraying that Popes recruiting poems wrongly persuaded boys that were not of age to vulnerably serve their country. In the last two lines Owen frames the poem by repeating the title, but he uses it ironically as he says it is The old Lie, contradicting other pre World War 1 poems that give the impression men will be considered heroic if they serve their duty. Owen once again opposes the notion that women will treat soldiers, who return home from war injured, like heroes in his poem Disabled, Owen opposes the idea that women will treat the soldiers, who return from the war injured, like heroes. In the poem Fall In by Harold Begbie, he persuades men to join the army by using the sexual attractiveness of women. The lines: When the girls line up in the street, Shouting their love to the lads come back, implies the men will be seen as courageous and gallant for fighting. However, Owen explains this is not the case in the lines: Now he will never feel again how slim, Girls waists are, or how warm their subtle hands, All of them touch him like some queer disease. The metaphor like some queer disease expresses how the women are afraid he may be contagious and how they find him repulsive. Just as in Dulce et Decorum est, at the beginning of the poem we think Owen is describing an elderly man because he uses the phrase ghastly suit of grey which infers old age. But then we discover how he threw away his knees; he chose to enlist for the army and that is portrayed a grave mistake, a waste of his life. The line: Poured it down shell-holes till the veins ran dry also infers that the man opted to fight as the verb poured suggests that he did it himself. In addition, Owen portrays how the boy was not motivated by principles to sign up: Someone had said hed look a god in kilts. He had been induced by vanity and also to please his Meg; once again the notion of impressing the women is used. Even though his face was younger than his youth the line Smiling they wrote his lie: aged nineteen years, shows that the authorities were unscrupulous as they knew he was just a boy but still let him sign up. Disabled is a very contrasting poem and Owen repeats the word now to emphasize the contrast between what he was, and what he has now become: Now he is old. Owen uses the motif of football throughout, but not in the positive way Newbolt does in Vitai Lampada. He uses it ironically to show the difference between his life before the war when he was fit and agile, and now when he is condemned to a passive lifestyle in a wheelchair. When he was playing football he liked a blood smear down his leg, implying that he thought it looked manly and would impress the girls. Now however, he can only watch boys playing football: voices of play and pleasure after day and the women do not see him as heroic as their eyes Passed from him to the strong men that were whole. The word whole creates a strong image of him being limbless and is powerful as it is not very compassionate, just like the women. In the last two lines, Owen repeats the rhetorical question: Why dont they come? The first question is directly addressing the nursing staff, portraying that they do not care for the wounded solider or are disgusted by his wounds and the second question portrays a sense of abandonment; he is confused because he fought in the war and people should honour what he has done instead of pitying and disposing of him. Owens Mental Cases has a similar theme to Disabled except it focuses on the mental aspect of fighting and not the physical aspect. The purpose of this poem is to describe to the reader that the conditions were so terrible in the First World War that it drove people insane. The tone of the poem is an angry one; Owen portrays his opposition to the war through line such as: Multitudinous murders they once witnessed. The word multitudinous means the common people and shows how Owen thought that the ordinary people of Britain were being slaughtered and that young, fit men were the subject of untimely deaths. It also emphasises the vast scaled of the murders and the intensity of the war. Owen uses very powerful and vivid imagery in the first stanza with phrases such as drooping tongues and purgatorial shadows to describe the men. The word purgatorial suggests that they are trying to cleanse their soul of the sins they have committed, but are trapped by their own violent actions in the war. Owen uses the word shadows to portray them as ghosts, men that go unnoticed because they are insane and not normal. This is ironic because they were probably once very fit and able and are now spending their lives in an institute. The first stanza poses the question of what made the men mad and Owen uses rhetorical questions to engage the reader: but what slow panic gouged these chasms round fretted sockets? This phrase conjours up a strong image of the men being wide eyed with a constant look of terror upon their face. Owen utilizes the phrase slow panic to infer that the men have been subject to a form of torture and that they have painfully been made to suffer. The phrase deeply gouged suggests wrinkles implying that the men are quite old; however we learn that the men have not lost their minds due to age, but due to war. The lines: Always they must see these things and hear them, Batter of guns and the shatter of flying muscles, use realistic and gruesome imagery to describe the battles. Onomatopoeia is used through the words shatter and batter making the reader almost hear the tremendous bangs of the guns and making them understand the intensity of the situation. The phrase human squander portrays Owens thoughts that many multitudinous murders took place and that their lives were lost for no reason; it was a mistake. In the final stanza Owen describes to the reader how the mental cases wish they were dead so they did not have to remember the atrocious carnage that they have seen: Dawn breaks open like a war that bleeds afresh. This simile is effective because usually dawn brings new beginnings and fresh opportunities, but to these men it just means they have to endure memories of what the war did to them. This poem is a very personal one as in the last four lines; Owen uses words like us and brother. This shows that the men blame us for allowing what happened to occur, and how they wish that they did not have to be reminded of it any longer. Wilfred Owens wrote Anthem for Doomed Youth not to portray the mental and physical effects of war like Disabled and Mental Cases, but to explain how a whole generation of men were subject to gruesome injuries or brutal deaths during the First World War. The title is deliberately ironic because the word Anthem usually suggests celebration; however the tone of this poem is bitter and mournful. It also infers that Owen is mocking poets like Rupert Brooke who say it is honourable to die in the war. The first line is a rhetorical question and it uses plosives, portraying an angry tone. The metaphor for these who die as cattle is effective because it infers that the soldiers are being slaughtered. The soldiers are referred to as Doomed Youth as there were no prayers nor bells for them as they died on the battlefield, just the monstrous anger of the guns, suggesting that the amount of deaths were so widespread there was no separate emotion for each man, their deaths were unimportant like that of cattle. This personification also infers that the weapons were taking control of the soldiers and that their actions are that of monsters. Owen portrays how there is no time for sentiment of the battlefield in the line: The shrill demented choirs of wailing shells; this personification is effective because when a person dies they are believed to be at peace, but when you die on the battlefield the destruction and devastation carries on around you regardless. Owen portrays how the men came from ordinary backgrounds in the phrase: sad shires and he describes how the family of the soldiers did have funerals for them back at home in the line: what candles may be held to speed them all? The devastation of their deaths is shown through the line: the pallor of girls brows shall be their pall; suggesting that their girlfriends are sorrowful and also by using the plural it shows how a whole generation of women may not be able to find husbands because so many young men were killed in action. In the last line, a drawing-down of blinds is a fitting way to end the poem, but it could also be associated with traditional drawing down of blinds in a room where a dead person lies and furthermore it infers that so many soldiers lives were now over. I enjoyed reading Wilfred Owens poetry more than the pre 1900 poetry as it gave me a realistic view of what the effects of war were on the soldiers and their families. World War One was the most devastating and barbaric war to date and therefore I believe that Owens poetry is more fitting as it gives a personal aspect to the poems, portraying the soldiers as humans, not just as statistics, but also showed them like animals to make the vast scale of the murders evident.

Walmart Success In Mexico Canada And China Marketing Essay

Walmart Success In Mexico Canada And China Marketing Essay Global expansion has been gaining a lot of attention from all businesses that planned to expand abroad. Important factors that needs to be considered in the decision making process will be business strategies, entry modes, and threats and opportunities available in the markets. Appropriate strategies used will also help to minimize the risk of failure in the international markets. When a firm makes the right choice of business strategies and entry modes, the firm will then be able to succeed in the market and do well in the market as well. The choice of entry modes and business strategies will influence the future of the retailer in the targeted markets as well. Therefore, retailers who wish to go global should use the most suitable approaches to enter their targeted markets to ensure success to their business. Keywords: global expansion, business strategies, entry modes, threats, opportunities, Walmart Introduction Many researches had been done to study more about internalization of the retail industry and the majority of researches done are mainly used to describe the motivations and scales for international expansion by retailers (Akehurst Alexander, 1995; Williams, 1992). Besides that, many models of internalization explained the sequence of foreign expansion that shows that the companies who go international will do better in foreign markets that are similar to their domestic markets. This is why Walmart chose to enter the markets of Canada and Mexico (Johanson Vahlne, 1977). There are several reasons why international retailing had been a popular issue. Retailers who take the step to go into the international market is mainly because the domestic markets is saturated, needs for larger diverse investments, economic pressures and many external and internal forces that leads retailers to enter new markets and it is important for the retailer to choose the right market entry strategy into th e international markets (Sternquist, 2007). There are several researches done with a conclusion that retailers can minimize the risk of entry strategies by choosing the markets which are similar to the domestic market from the aspects of cultural, geographical and growth potentials. (Barkema Vermeulen, 1998; Welch Welch, 1996). Walmart is established in 1962, by Sam Walton. Walmart got its name from the family name Walton, giving Walmart the meaning of Waltons mart in long. Walmart is a strong company and it managed to survive in the 2008 recession hit in United States. Walmart had been growing fast throughout the years and the sales and market growth were increasing every year. For a fast growing retailer like Walmart, it is important to have use the best entry modes to enter a new market (Fred, 2011). Global expansion Global retail expansion has attracted many businesspersons, especially big sized companies which wish to increase their businesss profits and market share. Global expansion not only attracts large organizations but also small to medium-sized companies, some companies who are new to international expansion as well, and those who are in more mature organizations. The success achieved by newer specialty retailers in the international market, for example, Zara (Spain), HM (Sweden), and Shanghai Tang (Hong Kong) have motivated and created the way for other organizations to follow. However, there is also numerous numbers of well-known retailers who have failed in their expansion in certain global markets which is caused by several reasons, such as regulatory, legal and cultural challenges, competition, and trying to change shopping behavior (Cox, 2011). Besides that, retailers who made the decision to operate only in neighboring markets, as well as it is located geographically close to the ir home markets, will expect to face a lower level of such risks (Burt, 1993; Davis, Desai, Francis, 2000; Hollander, 1970: Knee, 1993; Robinson Clarke-Hill, 1990). Numerous top managers are also becoming more cautious on the problem of maintaining a common identity and culture in the process of trying to build up global enterprises (Joshua Chi, 2007). Moreover, it is very tough for businesses to make their decisions on choosing the most appropriate markets for their business development because there is no accurate and reliable information provided to the businesses. Domestic players in the markets will only portray the potentials side of the markets and hide the disadvantages just to attract businesses into the market (Jackson, Houdard, Highfield, 2008). Comparison of business strategies used by Walmart in Mexico, Canada and China There are different business strategies used by Walmart in Mexico, Canada and China. In Mexico, Walmart acquired Central American Retail Holding Co. who was struggling with accounting issues in 2006. After the acquisition, Walmart renamed the business with Walmart Centroamà ©rica. Central American Retail Holding Co. was previously the largest retailer in Central America. Walmart took the step where they re-launched the whole chain of retail stores under the Central American Retail Holding Co. with wider product assortments, and lower pricing strategy. The reason why they does this is because low pricing strategy is the basic strategy to expand Walmarts philosophy, Every Day Low Price to all part of the world (Basic Strategy: Be More Walmart!, 2011). Walmarts main strategy in Mexico is the multi-format strategy where through this strategy; Walmart can serve different groups of consumers at the same time being able to fulfill all the various needs of these groups of people. Bodega Aur rera in Mexico is the companys fastest growing format. There are three versions of this store. Bodega Aurrera Express stores are designed as very small outlets to serve urban areas such as Mexico City and Monterrey. Mi Bodega Aurrera is designed to serve rural towns and these stores created a great achievement for Walmart (Multiple Formats Equal Flexibility, 2011). In Canada, Walmart Canada is creating a new home branding effort that place the Better Homes Gardens license as the core for both hard and soft home categories (Wal-Mart International Improves Game, 2007). Every products offered has clear and obvious differences from any other products in the market and this will leave a strong image in the customers minds that these products were originated from Walmarts fashion and value chain (Wal-Mart International Improves Game, 2007). Besides that, Walmart Canada is implementing the use of Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) which involves 20 stores and about 12 of their suppliers. This implementation was influenced by the parent country in United States where this system will help eliminate inventories out of stock. The implementation was an important step in the United States and it is important to Walmart Canada as well. Walmart Canada will focus on the use of this technology to improve their supply chain as well as customer se rvices. Equipped stores will be able to use the system to track tagged items in the stores and they can take necessary actions if anything happens. The system is a very important goal to be achieved by Walmart Canada because it can reduce errors occurred in manual restocking methods and the most important issue is that it can reduce over stock in the stores, and it can reduce unnecessary transportation caused which then leads to reduction in emissions of carbons (Mammarella, 2007). The success of Walmart can also be seen through its achievement in having a large grocery insert in its Canadian discount stores where the insert was called Grocery Shelf that provides a big return on capital at low risk (Orgel, 2005). In China, Walmart is targeting to be one of the national retail chains in the country with no interrelated national distribution system.  With this aim, it can be obvious that the rewards are huge, if Walmart is able to succeed. Besides that, the mainland retail market are estimated to be worth US$750 billion by 2008 and this will be a supporting point for Walmart to succeed.  The only thing Walmart need to be worried about is the distribution system.  This is because; the company has given in to unionization demands from the state-run, All-China Federation of Trade Unions, where it shows an important climb down from Walmarts anti-union US point of view (Distribution critical to Wal-Mart China strategy, 2006). However, Walmart will not be influenced. The marketing strategies used by Walmart for BRIC and other developing countries will still involve great huge discounts and great values on all of their products like how they do it in their home country, maintaining low prices ev ery day to all their customers, especially middle-class customers, on the same time, maintaining the growth of their profits as well. According to JPMorgan and analyst Charles Grom, Walmarts main objective for future success is not to overdo Target in the United States. They also said that, Walmart will start to work on more interrelated marketing strategies and merchandising messages to serve their low end customer as well, instead on just focusing on middle-class customers and this could implied to the BRIC countries Walmarts expansions as well (Frazier, 2007). Besides that, Walmart in China had a great success in using cost leadership and this strategy had generated huge revenues for Walmart in China. Therefore, Walmart planned to continue with the cost leadership strategy, as well as implementing a new strategy, that is differentiation (George, 2007). Comparison of entry modes Another reason for retailers to expand into the global markets is because the market in their home country is highly saturated and this created a more competitive market. Therefore, multinational retailers will choose to expand into markets which are less saturated than their home markets. For example, Sears, Kmart and Walmarts most successful expansion is to expand to Mexico and Canada, which is categorized in the North America region. How do multinational retailers choose their entry mode to the selected markets? Multinational retailers that are expanding to markets which are culturally diversified will choose to have a local joint venture with local retailers in the country to help them learn more about the country (Sternquist, 2007). Walmart in Mexico penetrated the market with a joint venture with its local player, CIFRA. CIFRA is the largest retailer in Mexico and Walmart is the largest retailer in the USA. With this reason, Walmarts decision to have a joint venture with CIFRA will definitely be a success because CIFRA will help Walmart have better knowledge on Mexican markets. In Mexico, CIFRA supplied Walmart will supplier connections, knowledge about the local culture as well as helping Walmart to work with local authorities. This will ensure successful expansion of Walmarts power in the Mexican markets, and Walmart can have the greatest influence in the shortest time period. In return of CIFRAs help, Walmart transfers their logistics knowledge to CIFRA which will also help CIFRA to improve on their supply chain management. (Sternquist, 1997). Under Walmarts agreement with CIFRA, Walmart opened membership warehouse clubs, known as Club Aurrera, which does catering to small businesses and selected groups of c onsumers. The first Club Aurrera was opened in Mexico City in December 1991. (Global Push Begins in Mexico, 2012). Besides that, CIFRA and Walmart also announced another two joint ventures, the first one is to start up a wholesale discount Aurrera stores, and the second one is to start up an import-export company that will provide CIFRAs Mexican suppliers to have access to other Walmart outlets in the United States (Millman, 1991). Walmart entered the Canadian markets through the entry mode acquisition. In 1994, Walmart announced its entry into Canada with the purchase of 120 out of 142 Woolco discount stores which are located on the north of the border from the Woolworth Corporation. In 1993, the Woolco stores had total sales of $1.14 billion (Woolco Purchase Yields Entry Into Canada, 2012). Walmart had avoided a time-consuming problem, which are faced by other American retailers who entered the Canadian market, which is to build up stores. Walmart had save their time because they took the step to buy the established stores of Woolco, where most of it had floor space of 100,000 square feet or more. Walmart had also benefited from the making choices for strategic and attractive leases (Woolco Purchase Yields Entry Into Canada, 2012). In 2011, Walmart Canada announced that it had also completed another acquisition from Target Canada with a total of 39 store locations which is currently occupied by Zellers (Canad a Newswire, 2011). Most multinational enterprises had the same thought that entering China is not an option for their business to expand, but it is a strategic necessity for the future of their business. The economy in China is growing rapidly that supports the living of the whole population in China, which is 1.3 billion. China is believed to be a country which has economic superpower and it is a very huge market in the 21st century (Schlevogt, 2000a, 2000b). On the other hand, Walmart is facing slow growth in the United States, and with these available attractive reasons, Walmart aimed to be the top in the retail sector in China with its acquisition of Trust-Mart (Naughton, Schafer, Ansfield, Lin, 2006). Other than using the acquisition strategy, Walmart also used the offshore sourcing strategy. Walmart sees that China is a major production or assembly source country and Walmart needed the help of China for the production and assemble of their products in the United States. Walmart then took the off shore sourcing strategy. Today, Walmart is the single largest export channel from Chinese manufacturers to the United States, with a record of at least 4% in Chinas overseas sales (Goldstein, 2003). Interestingly, Walmart does not have any manufacturing plants in China and it does not have a direct control over the production process of its suppliers in China. Instead, the suppliers are those who take control and responsibility to meet certain levels of requirements, for example cost, quality and delivery (Shih, 2004). With this strategy, Walmart can hold to their Everyday Low Price philosophy. This is because; Walmart can keep their production cost low, at the same time gaining the maximum benefits. Walmart also utilizes its strong bargaining position, at the same time maintaining a high level of ownership. This can be seen in their selling strategy, where Walmart buys the products at a cheaper price from China, and reselling them at a higher price in the United States and other pa rts of the world, at the same time gaining the profits and achieving their aim in providing the lowest prices. In other words, Walmart maintains a high level of ownership control but its management control is low (Goldstein, 2003). Comparison of opportunities and threats Threat and opportunity are two terms which are often used in terms strategic management in businesses (Mintzberg, Raisinghini, Theoret, 1976; Nutt, 1984). These categories are often used to make strategic decisions and it had become a necessity for firms to use these two terms to evaluate their selected markets. The results and issues obtained from environmental analysis are categorized as threats and opportunities faced by the business (Christensen, Andrews, Bower, Hamermesh, Porter, 1982). Opportunities Mexico In 2007, Walmart de Mexico had made a huge investment of $1 billion dollars for new developments and they opened 136 new units from all its existing business formats. This development includes opening of new units of 57 Bodega Aurrera units, 16 Walmart Supercenters, 6 Sams Clubs, 4 Superamas, 15 Suburbia stores and 38 Vips and El Porton Restaurants. The new stores opened spreads on two categories, the existing cities and new cities. The expansion in new cities can increase the firms coverage of new customers, and as for the existing cities, Walmart will have the advantage to dominate the market more widely. Besides that, the expansion of new stores will help boost the amount of new customer, as well as result in greater sales (DATAMONITOR: Wal-Mart de Mexico., 2008). The consumers today have changing preferences on choices of places to buy groceries and other daily products. customer now no longer prefer traditional retail, and they now prefer larger and more standardized hypermarket and supermarket chains, and the most important is the stores can offer lower and more attractive prices, as well as providing the convenience to the customers. In Mexico, the market share of modern formats of stores had increased almost 50% as compared from year 2005-2010. The change in the customers preferences will create an opportunity for Wal-Mart to expand its chains to more cities in Mexico (DATAMONITOR: Wal-Mart de Mexico., 2008). China Walmart Stores had signed an agreement to acquire a little stake of Yihaodian.com, Chinas largest online retailer. If the acquisition is successful, Walmart will have the chance to expand their business to the world of online shopping market, which will then generate more revenue. However, Chinas anti-monopoly bureau considers the acquisition might create an effect that exclude or restrict the competition of value-added telecommunications services market segments in China (China approves Wal-Mart control of Yihaodian., 2012). Apart from Walmart having control of services of Yihaodian.com, Yihaodian.com can also take the advantage of using Walmarts supplier and logistics resources to increase their stock-keeping unit by tracking the inventories closely using the system (Mass Grocery Retail., 2012). Another opportunity available for Walmart is the concept of discount store formats. Walmart can take the first step to start a discount store format expansion before other retailers do because the discount store format is now an attractive option for retailers in China. Walmart is the biggest retailer in China because of the acquisition of Trust-Marts 100-outlet-strong hypermarket network. Therefore, Walmart has the opportunity to expand in China, by launching a new discount compact hypermarket format formed under Trust-Mart in China (Mass Grocery Retail., 2012). Canada Walmart in Canada can expand its chain to the food retailing sector in Canada, since Target will be a competitor of Walmart in Canada. Walmart will have the competitive advantage over Target if they were to get involved in the food retailing industry because Target may be limited in food retailing (Orgel, 2011). Walmart Canada had announced the retailers planning of opening three supercenters in Quà ©bec. Walmart also ensures the quality of products they offer in the new store to gain customers confidence (Canada, 2011). Besides that, Walmarts low price strategy had given Walmart a great opportunity compared to other retailers in Canada, and this will ensure that Walmarts path in Canada will be stable (Swain, 1994). Another opportunity for Walmart in Canada is their decision to bring their warehouse club, Sams Club into Canada and this will help Wal-Mart by gaining increasing popularity in the market (Robin, 2003). Threats Mexico In February 2006, Mexicos retail association Asociacion Nacional de Tiendas de Autoservicio y Departamentales (ANTAD) sent many requests to the Congress to approved the proposals to upgrade the anti-monopoly laws to an international standards. This will affect Walmart de Mexico, because, if the laws are being approved, Walmart de Mexico will lose its advantage of its better technology and larger size as compared to other smaller retailers, to offer the lowest prices in the market. Walmart Stores is also facing this problem in the companys parent country in United States because, Walmart is a big retailer, and they are offering low prices and this will affect smaller retailers to quit from the industry. In this case, Walmart de Mexicos expansion plans in Mexico will be affected by the laws and regulations in Mexico (DATAMONITOR: Wal-Mart de Mexico., 2008). Other than that, another main issue that Walmart Mexico faces is opposition towards their expansion in Mexico, mainly from the government and local retailer. A slow growing economy will cause a lower purchasing power in a country. The economy in Mexico is an important threat to Walmart because the slow growth in the Mexican economy will affect the consumer spending and it will affect Walmarts growth in Mexico (DATAMONITOR: Wal-Mart de Mexico., 2008). Besides that, the intense competition in Mexico will also be a threat for Walmart. In Mexico, Walmart is also facing a strong competition from Mexican supermarket chains because the retail industry in Mexico is saturated. Some examples of Walmarts strong international and domestic competitors are Organizacion Soriana, Controladora, Chedraui, and Gigante. These retailers are having an intense competition with Walmart. The increasing competition from these retailers might affect Walmart de Mexico, especially in terms of profitability (DATA MONITOR: Wal-Mart de Mexico., 2008). China Walmart plans to expand bigger in China and the company had planned to open another ten stores throughout the urban areas. However, the effort faced some challenges, mainly from the government of China. Chinas state-controlled All-China Federation of Trade Union (ACFTU) had planned to take the action to sue Walmart as well as other non-Chinese companies if these companies do not have union branches in their Chinese operations. The main problem in this issue is, Walmart is well-known for their anti-union stance. In order for them to survive in the market, Walmart had agreed to respect the choice of their employees in China who wants to set up a union. This action may benefit China, but Walmart will have restrictions handling employee benefits and limited ways in resolving grievances. Even though there were many problems faced, as a multinational retailer, it is a must for Walmart to adapt to the specific markets they are operating in (Wal-Mart: in union with China, 2005). Canada Walmart Canadas largest threat will be the acquisition of Zellers Inc. by Target Corporation. The entry of Target Corporation will be another add-on to the intense competition of retailers in Canada. In the acquisition, Target took over 220 stores under Zellers, and this could impact Walmart as a big retailer because Target is growing fast after the acquisition (Orgel, 2011). The retail industry in Canada is very intense and saturated and the retail market is full of strong grocers and this will be a threat for Walmart because there will be more competition and this will slow down and eventually reduce Walmarts sales in Canada (Dunn, 2006). Besides that, Walmart also faces Canadas regulatory threats where Walmart needs to face the legal challenges from Saint-Hyacinthe certification (Springer, 2005). Besides that, Walmart is trying to introduce organic food in the country as well, and this will be a threat to Walmart because Walmart does not have a proper marketing strategy to market the product in their stores in Canada because there are other small-sized organic food suppliers which can offer a lower price (Goodbaum, 2006). Discussion Walmart is indeed a good example of a successful retailer that successfully expands and survives in the international markets. This also proves that there is the potential for retailers in domestic markets to expand their business into the international market with the condition that they use the appropriate marketing strategies and entry modes to penetrate the market. However, Walmart should also have sufficient information on the markets so that they can adapt into the market with lesser barriers. Walmart had been a successful retailer in the United States and today, and they are still growing across the world, mainly in United States, Canada and Mexico. Walmart also uses different types of marketing strategies and entry modes to dominate the markets, and this gives the large retailer a huge competitive advantage over other retailers in the market because, Walmarts philosophy, Every Day Low Price had been successfully applied throughout the world where this philosophy had helped Wa lmart greatly in surviving in different markets on the same time providing Walmart with a bright future. Walmart choices of strategies in the Mexican, Canadian and China markets also portray the firms success in adapting into the country. Walmart in Mexico used the multi format strategy to set up different types of stores to satisfy majority needs and demands of the markets, and this helped Walmart in achieving a greater amount of concentration of customers. The Bodega Aurrera store chains are proves the firms intelligence in dominating the market. These stores have different concepts such as discount stores and convenience stores that will serve different types of customers in different areas in Mexico. Secondly, in Canada, Walmart uses the retail format development strategy to approach the market. Walmart in Canda extend their offerings into the home furniture sector where these furnitures can only be found in Walmart. This will create brand awareness and brand loyalty towards Walmart in the customers. Besides that, Walmart also made full use of their satellite communication system to frequently check on the inventories in Walmart stores to decrease shortage in supply. In Canada, Walmart also have discount stores where these stores can generate high profits with low risks in the country. Thirdly, Walmart in China had achieved a huge success by using the cost leadership strategy in the country to attract more people. This is because, the population and economy in China is growing, and Walmart can have large sales volumes, with lower price, to achieve high sales records to maintain their sustainability. Other than these successes, Walmart had also used the appropriate entry modes to enter the markets. In Mexico, Walmart uses the joint venture mode with Mexicos largest retailer, CIFRA. This joint venture had benefited Walmart in the sense that, CIFRA can provide the firm with information on the markets in Mexico, and Walmart can save their time on the process of understanding the markets. This will give Walmart the advantage to grow faster in the market. The strategy used by Walmart in Canada is the acquisition mode, where the firm took over the operations of Woolco, a weak retailer in the Canadian markets. With this acquisition, Walmart does not need to worry on the locations of their stores, because the Woolco buildings were available, since the firm had took over them. In China, Walmart use the offshore sourcing strategy together with the acquisition strategy where Walmart can reduce their cost to find new locations, as well as reducing their production costs because production co sts in China is lower compared to the United States. From the different choices of entry modes that Walmart chose, all of the strategies are working well in different markets, where these strategies helped Walmart to have a strong base in the markets. Walmart have the potential in growing in the spread of their retail stores to outside their region. With the strong market base that Walmart is standing on, it will not be a major problem if Walmart were to expand into other regions in the world. However, Walmart needs to take care of the regulations of the countries they are penetrating, as well as the intensity of the competition in the markets. Conclusion Walmarts decision to expand globally had made a huge success to the firm and this can be seen in Walmarts domination in the markets. Walmarts success had been a glorious story in the business world for being able to sustain their businesses not only domestically, but also in the global context. The business strategies and entry modes used were wisely chosen and it ensures long term profitability to the firm. Even though there are challenges faced in the respective markets they penetrated successfully, Walmart still have outstanding performances in overtaking their competitors in the retail industry. Besides that, Walmart also have very strong strategic management skills because, Walmart choose their locations and targets countries carefully where this leads to the route of success for Walmart as well. Walmart success can also be credited to their efforts in satisfying their customers from all classes. Walmart offers a wide range of products where it covers all varieties of products, from the highest price to the lowest price which is still the lowest retail price in the retail industry. With this point, Walmart will have loyal customers that will make repeated purchases in the stores. Another notable success of Walmart is, the firm is able to survive even in the toughest period of the economy, during recession. Not all businesses can survive in the recession period, because during recession, the cycle of business processes will contract, which will result in slow business growth and there will be unemployment all around. Yet, Walmart still can survive and continue its business operations during the recession period. With only this point, Walmart is considered the most successful retailer in the retail industry for being able survive no matter what environment they are in.

New Telemarketers :: Internet Computers Technology Media Essays

New Telemarketers The other day, while doing what should have been a five-minute task, I was online searching for a web page. Because I am a horrible speller, and mostly because I was in a hurry, I typed in the wrong web address. Instead of Google.com, I got Goggle.com. Instantly I was bombarded with fifty, yes I counted, fifty pop-up ads on my computer screen. As Internet users, I am sure that you know that these advertisements are not only annoying, but very frustrating when trying to get things done quickly. And they are, in this particular instance, confusing to both me and my computer. Ironically, or maybe a stroke of marketing genius, the very last pop-up was an ad for a free â€Å"pop-up killer† program that you could download. The ad worked because after â€Å"killing† all those ads, I found myself downloading the program to stop those annoying things. Then, I swore it worked because the next three times I went to Goggle.com there were no ads. (There was also no search engine, which took me a few more minutes to figure out why). Since then, I have become extremely annoyed with the program and removed it from my computer, but only after the program asked me another three times if I was sure I wanted to remove it or buy the profe ssional version. While even I will admit these ads and tactics seem like marketing gold, they also seem intruding and unethical. They may even lead to the demise of the Internet itself. And yes, I do realize that statement seems a bit extreme. Using the web as a communication medium is a good function of the World Wide Web. Communication mediums are one of the many functions that the web has to offer our society. But, these pop-up ads and other forms of irritating promotional tactics, such as spam, re-routing and faux error messages, are unethical. They are unethical because they â€Å"mislead users into displaying advertising; some are unethical because promoters are forcing advertising messages on people† (Farkas 110). And as you know and can tell from my experiences, they happen way too often. But how can these unethical practices hurt society and the Internet? Well, as Marshall McLuhan states, â€Å"like any other extension of man, typography had psychic and social consequences that suddenly shifted previous boundaries and patterns of culture† (McLuhan 233). In his chapter he implies that print and type lead to industrial revolution; the Internet can impact society just as greatly.

Illegal Street Racing Essay -- Descriptive Racing Car Essays

Illegal Street Racing Vivid moonlight, dim city, slight overcast on the noxious night. Cool breeze blows over your sweltering body. Heart racing, sweat pouring, adrenaline pumping through the body like gas through the engine of a car. Body trembling, hands shaking, eyes twitching, foot uneasy as beady eyes observe your every move. Thunderous noise coming from the crowd, situation getting heavier the closer you get to the line. Tension raised to the max as time draws nearer†¦.5-0 no where to be found, time to go. Moment of truth draws near, one hand rises, heartbeat rises with it. Second hand rises, heartbeat rises even more with it. The body tightens up; the mind focuses as you get ready. Hands drop just as fast as your foot drops to the floor. Loud squealing coming from behind you, body is thrown back, scenery passing by, quickly becoming a blur. Hands in a death-grip, body is pulsating, mind is clear, feeling of freedom overcomes. Focus quickly turns to mirror to glance at opponent just as quick as it focuses back. Eyes now focused on goal ahead, body also feeling the closeness of the goal. Embracing of the feeling, then silence†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Triumph, glory comes as the moment ends and the mind and body slowly returns back to normal. Now comes the return to the real world. What you have just experienced is a driver’s perception of an illegal street race. This is done to set a base as to why drivers even do it. Street racers live and thrive for those couple of seconds while racing. It is their way of escape from the world around them. It is their way to get away from their everyday jobs and to do something that they love the most. They are not like the regular people that do average things to get away and escape. ... ... them to find ways to race while a safe supervised place to race will bring in some of the racers but not all of the them. Racing on a track is not the same as racing on the street. The street racing experience is a one of a kind and always will be. Works Cited Amijo, Mark. Pros Want to Curb Illegal Street Racing. 6 Mar. 2004. 28 Mar. 2004 NHRA. Illegal Racing Stats. 2003. 28 Mar. 2004 Rendon, Paul-Mark. â€Å"THE THRILL THAT KILLS.† Maclean's 114.38 (Sept. 17, 2001): 36-39. Academic Search Premier. 28 Mar. 2004 Warner, Fara. Driving; Too Fast. Too Furious. Too Old?. 7 Nov. 2003. 28 Mar. 2004

Important factors shaping social relationships under the French

Social relationships were important components of the French absolute monarchy. Historians agree that to achieve supreme control and national unity, Kings relied heavily on military strength. There is little question that absolutist France came to posses the largest standing army Europe had ever seen. Armies made France a powerful state, and the King a powerful ruler. However kings also controlled through non military means, establishing bureaucratic and legal systems and developing an absolutist culture with the King at the centre.These manifestations of absolutism, at raying degrees of significance, helped shape social relationships, and in turn, enforced the absolutist regime. Contrastingly, other historians maintain that the absolute system worked within pre-existing social codes, which were more influential in shaping social relationships. Historians herald the significance of these different factors because they take a variety of historiographer's approaches. Absolutism redefin ed the socio-political structures and language of court society. Court cabals and courtesies became important factors that influenced social relationships.Emmanuel Eel Roy Ladies uses the court memoirs of Duct De Saint Simons, to explain the system of court cabals. Ladies explains how the King placed himself at the top of the court hierarchy, and held a number of favorites. L Lower courtiers would group around these powerful Individuals, such as King Louis Xiv wife Madame De Imitation, to gain power, wealth, status and other privileges through association. 2 Saint Simony's court memoirs are a more traditional historiographer's source, detailing friendships, marriages and patronage relationships that formed and separated court cabals. However Lauder himself admits the limitations of the source, stating that It has a tendency to be subjective with some bias, and Inaccurate facts. 4 But as Ladler states, his purpose was not statistical detail, but to present a ‘model' for the net work of social relationships in court society, and to reveal that they placed the king in an enormous position of influence to determine courtier's social standing. 5 Rest Raman consults similar sources and concludes that courtesies were a new political language that redefined the way courtiers socialized and communicated, while also being a political tool for negotiating the cabal system.Raman analyses Theodore Goddesses Grand Ceremonial De France from 1619, one of the many courtesy manuals written for courtiers. 6 Absolutist monarchies did not invent courtesies, but Raman argues that these manuals justified and systematized these social codes. 7 Courtesy rules dictated the nature of social affiliations and interactions, becoming a vital political language in court society, as a means of showing or denying respect or favor to individuals and cabals. For example â€Å"hat doffing†¦ And lowered eyes† became the language of respect that carried on along the hierarchy, with the King at the top. Ere â€Å"insults to God himself, † enforcing enormous regal authority. 9 Moreover, under Louis XIV, all topics except frivolous small talk, were branded ‘discourteous,' in an attempt to repress uprisings. 10 Both historians analyses similar sources and share the conclusion that absolutism created a new social order, designed to enforce the Kings power. Sarah Hanley however, argues bureaucratic models, established by the absolutist state, were important factors shaping family and gender relationships.Hanley investigates the ‘Family State Compact,' revealing that it enforced distinct gender oleos and enshrined the patriarchal family model in legislation. This model was in turn used to explain and Justify absolutism. 11 Hanley approaches her study with an â€Å"ethnographic† perspective. 12 She states that conventional historiography has always been a uniform process of selecting documents to confirm a point, but more recent scholarship on social history now seeks to gain greater scope and depth by viewing a range of non-traditional sources. 3 From these historians may distill messages about social life. 14 Hanley use of primary government legislation and court case documents, are examples of expanding historical sources. The Marriage Regulations, Reproduction Rules and Marital Separation Arrangements ensured family finances remained under paternal authority, helped guarantee the legitimacy of children and made it harder to break up marriages and families. 1 5 But as Hanley indicates, the underlying purpose of these laws was to constitutionalism patriarchal control over all family affairs. 6 It was a key bureaucratic factor that helped enforce male social and economic dominance, within the family. Furthermore, the patriarchal family worked to Justify and naturalist the appointment of an absolutist ruler, who could be seen as he â€Å"husband† and â€Å"father† of the state. 17 Furthermore, Hanley exam ination of court cases exposes legal limitations on female political and economic privileges within their marital and civic relationships.Women gained social and economic status through marriage and childbearing, but the Compact put men in greater control these activities, disemboweling women and forcing them to break laws for economic and social survival. 18 In the Diagram- du Piqued case for example, Barber- Francoise Diagram was charged with â€Å"supposition attendant† because she faked the birth of a child to avoid becoming a childless widow and losing socioeconomic status. 9 Furthermore, this source reveals that legal structures shaped collaborative relationships between women of different social classes, as Barber sought the assistance of midwifes, paupers and a prostitute. 0 Thus while primary accounts such as Saint-Simony's Memoirs explain social and genealogical connections at their surface, Handless wider variety of social records reveals in greater depth, the gend ered social constructions that defined social relationships in the absolutist monarchy, as well as unexpected cross-class relationships. Cultural manifestations of absolutism in art, gardens and entertainment were further significant factors shaping social relationships. Diverging from traditional and social historiographers, Peter Burke, Chancre Muskier and Craig Callously take an art historical concepts to court social life.He argues that the language of allegory, hyperbole and euphemism in songs, literature, sermons, painting and other mediums communicated a lofty ‘high style' that associated the King with exalted figures and ideas. 21 For example Louis XIV was pained as SST John the Baptist and Apollo. 22 Courtiers learnt these references and conducted themselves accordingly, with grandeur and dignity. 3 In turn, this new language displayed, magnified and rationalized the King as a sublime and spiritual ruler. 24 In contrast, Muskier applies geopolitical concepts to unders tanding social relationships.Muskier references historian Michel Faculty's theory that 17th century society began to view material possessions as indicators of wealth and power. 25 Increasing trade, scientific and technological innovations made material items more prominent in social gatherings and conversations. 26 Muskier argues absolutism worked within this materialist culture, valuing land the most as a material item. 7 In a geopolitical way, Kings enforced power by appropriating and manipulating land into formal gardens. In turn, this established material ownership as a language of power. 8 Material goods came to dominate social and political relationships during the 17th century. 29 Callously similarly seeks specialized research on theatre and festivals, alongside primary accounts. However he argues the political purposes of nocturnal entertainment were significant factors shaping court life. 30 For example, Baroque night time theatre developed and through its illusionist's li ghting, performances such as Louis Xiv Ballet De la Unit,† physically presented Louis as a ‘radiant' King. 1 Furthermore, court diaries from Versailles reveal an increase in concerts, balls, and billiards, offering different opportunities for solicitation. 32 Nocturnal activities changed and began to characterize social life. 33 Memoirs by Louis XIV and absolutist critic Jean De La Buyer (1645-96) also divulge that night time entertainments were deliberate distractions from political issues. 34 Callously maintains Kings communicated and secured their power through nocturnal spectacles, which consequently transformed court social relationships. 35However unlike other historians discussed, James Afar argues social relationships were shaped by concepts of ‘Honor' that pre-dated absolutist expressions of power. Like other historians, Afar relies on a primary source: Farther Lame's eye witness account of the trial and execution of disgraced nobleman Philippe Group. Unco nventionally, Group did not confess his crime, thus preserving honor but damning his soul. 36 More important to him was maintaining honor for his family and young son. 37 Honor defined people's positions of power and status. 38 It was treated as an item that could be appropriated through displays of respect. Lame's text, confirmed by trial records, reveals Group bowed and spoke respectfully to colleagues and onlookers, to earn back some of the honor he had lost. 40 Through displays of respect, Group also sought favor with his patron the Prince of Condone, who could gain him a Kings pardon. 41 Fear's study revises primary documents and challenges past historians such as Ladies and Rest, previously discussed. Courtesy codes, and court cabals were not Just to gain political power, but were part of a possible, albeit largely speculative, that Kings consciously manipulated this established framework of honor to their political advantage.But what Group's trial reveals is honor was a preci ous commodity, and was central to the way people conversed and connected. The majority of historians discussed, agree that the most important factors shaping social relationships under the absolute monarchy, were essentially the absolute monarchy itself. Absolutism established a new laws, social customs, entertainment and art that had a dramatic impact on social relationships involving gender, class, marriage, family ties and friendships. But in contrast, historians also argue that, as in any society, there were already complex social codes that absolutism worked within.