Soviet Union From A Utopian Society - 1704 Words

Utopia is a state that a nation can only hope to achieve. A perfect society is virtually impossible to attain, but some countries still strive to reach that standard of living. After the failed attempts at implementing Communism by previous leaders, Mikhail Gorbachev did not dismantle the communist system but rather tried to make it work. Through Perestroika, Gorbachev sought to improve the Soviet Union to match the level of Western civilizations; however, despite Gorbachev’s aspiration to achieve the ideal society that Western communities displayed, the rapid and radical means of advancing the Soviet Union to this level led to the quick collapse of the reform. From the corruption of government officials to the shortcomings of job†¦show more content†¦In Peter J. Boettke’s article Why Perestroika Failed, he addressed six propositions that potentially contributed to the collapse of Perestroika. Of the six propositions Boettke addressed, the first two proposition s support the idea that the illusion created in regards to Russia’s economy, and overall Russian society, were direct causes for the failure of the reform. The first proposition that â€Å"Soviet economic strength was an illusion† looks to give an explanation to Russia’s seemingly sound economy (Boettke 3). The Soviet Union depicted its economy as an economy with the ability to sustain itself alongside other Western societies, in particular, America. When Ronald Raegan’s military build-up during that time pressured the Soviet Union to bolster its military capabilities, the already suffering economy was burdened even more. Majority of its failure due to the lack of effective structure, the Soviet economy was predicted to fail well before the added strain of military advancement. The structure was flawed, allowing few to manipulate the system for their own gain and leaving the rest in a state of discontent, although everyone generally suffered. Despite the Soviet Union’s inability to keep up economically, the country was still able to produce â€Å"†¦ newly built shopping centers and restaurants catering to the ‘new Russians’ and expatriates [that]

U.s. Illegal Immigration And The United States - 2232 Words

Aiden C. Max Mr. Pring AP U.S. Government 161 - 3 22 April 2016 U.S. ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION The United States of America has always been a symbol of the free world. It has offered many generations of immigrants the opportunity to start a new life, a free life. America has collected immigrants from all over the world; however, some arrive legally and some make their way in illegally. In the U.S. today, this issue is dividing Americans between their morals and the law. In November of 2014, President Barack Obama claimed, â€Å"My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too (Somanader, Tanya. â€Å"We Were Strangers Once, Too: The President Announces New Steps on Immigration†). Many believe illegal immigrants should be deported, while others say they should be welcomed with open arms. Current illegal immigrants deserve the privilege to remain in the United States and be led on a path to citizenship, however measures should be taken to prevent further illegal immigrants. Immigration in America goes back hundreds of yea rs and it is important to understand its background. The United States, was founded by immigrants seeking a new life in the new world and throughout its history. In November of 2014 at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, President Obama said: We didn’t raise the Statue of Liberty with her back to the world, we did it with her light shining as a beacon to the world. And whether we were Irish or Italians or GermansShow MoreRelatedIllegal Immigrants And The United States Illegal Immigration966 Words   |  4 Pages Illegal Immigrants In the United States illegal immigration is a major problem. this problem has led to other issues in this country and has existed for decades . 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OverRead MoreThe United States and Illegal Immigration Essay1086 Words   |  5 PagesIllegal immigration was an issue in the past and is a pressing problem in the present. The U.S. Government has been trying to find a resolution to this issue for years. The United States approved the Immigration Reform and Control Act in 1986, which allowed the American Government to punish American companies that consciously employed illegal immigrants (Nadadur 1037-1052). The United States’ Government Immigration Reform and Control Act has been unsuccessful in controlling illegal immigrationRead MoreImmigration Of The United States1618 Words   |  7 Pagesthat happened to the United States, the issue lurking around for over 250 years and counting, which began ages ago, is immigration. In the U.S daily, there are approximately 70,000 foreigners that travel here from various countries from different parts of the world . 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Are there any possible solutions to this trend? Immigrants cross the border either by the means of, swimming, using fake documents or by the means of using work visas. â€Å"Nearly half of the 12 million-plus illegal aliens in America arrived legally with non-immigrant visas,† said David Seminara, a tenured member of the U.S. Foreign Service (Illegal Immigration). Usually after the workRead MoreImmigration During The United States1078 Words   |  5 PagesIn the U.S.’ growing population, not only are the number of Americans growing each day, but also the number of illegal aliens. While immigrants brought a mass variety of races and culture to the U.S., only recently has it become a bigger, more illegal problem. Change needs to happen with this problem for it is illegal and the country knows what is happening. While immigration has been with the U.S. from the very beginning, it’s becomi ng worse with every year. 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Seamus Heaney Free Essays

Write a close analysis of ‘Death of a Naturalist’ explaining how the poet uses natural imagery and the structure of the poem to convey the themes of the loss of childhood innocence and the formulation of adult identities. How typical is it of the collection ‘Death of a Naturalist’ in terms of the representation of these themes? Seamus Heaney was born in Northern Ireland in 1939. Heaney’s father was a farmer, and a cattle dealer, he was also very popular within the community. We will write a custom essay sample on Seamus Heaney or any similar topic only for you Order Now It can be said that Seamus Heaney’s reference to farming and love of nature can be due to his upbringing, as well as his regular mention of love and pride for Northern Ireland. Seamus Heaney’s feelings towards Ireland’s cultural controversies are addressed in the majority of his poems, this brings Irish and English literary traditions to attention, and many critics have praised him for the particular attribute. Natural imagery conveys the theme of childhood innocence in ‘Death of a Naturalist’ with the use of ‘childish’ language for example ‘bubbles gargled delicately’, has a paradox effect as the statement is contradictory, it also carries the sense of childhood innocence as playing with bubbles is an activity associated with children. Also, ‘gargled’ is onomatopoeic and pleasant sounding. The quote emphasises children’s innocence and naive outlook on the world and nature. The use of ‘swimming tadpoles’, ‘daddy frog’, ‘mammy frog and ‘little eggs’, all depict an image of childhood innocence, through the basic ‘childlike’ language used as well as the family links, for example ‘mammy’ and ‘daddy’ depict the happy-go-lucky ideology that many young children have, again suggesting that the speaker is a naive, young child. ‘But best of all was the warm thick slobber’, the unattractive, slime is something that appeals to children, conveying further the theme of childhood innocence. The structure also plays a role in conveying the theme of childhood innocence. The whole first stanza has an ignorant tone to it, with the message that nature is amazing, and so problem free, ‘there were dragon-flies, spotted butterflies, but best of all was the warm thick slobber’ the tone being so simple minded, as although the speaker is describing the most beautiful aspects of nature, they are fascinated with the thick slobber that appeals to children. The fact that they describe it as ‘best of all’ shows the simplicity of a child’s innocence, and what little it takes to amuse them. It also creates the image of a beautiful appy natural world that appeals to children. There is also a tone that carries a sense of fascination, ‘for they were yellow in the sun and brown in rain. ’ Because speaker is quite interested in, or fascinated by the frog spawn, and we know this due to the tone of the poem ‘best of all’ etc, we are introduced to the fetish by the constant positive description of nature. This coul d reflect to the phase that many children go through, or it could by symbolic of when a child learns something new, so applies it to all aspects of life. The use of enjambment ‘here, every spring I would full jampotfuls of the jellied specks†¦ ’ creates a sense of excitement, the disability to pause, due to the thorough interest emphasises a childlike fetish and innocence. Natural imagery conveys the theme of adult identities emerging, the second stanza starts off with ‘Then’ this appears as though the speaker is reminiscing on their childhood, which suggests the formulation of adult identity. The speaker suggests that as a child they were blind or unaware to the reality of the frogspawn, ‘To a coarse croaking that I had not heard before. ’ The alliteration of ‘coarse croaking’ contrasts to the positive tone used in the first stanza, the quote appears to suggest that the speaker has experienced realisation, or reality, as they have suddenly realised that the frogspawn have a ‘coarse’ sound and that they are now aware that the frogspawn is not as amazing as they first believed. Also there is a line break and the word ‘Before’ appears on the next line starting with a capital letter, this could be symbolic of the fact that the ‘coarse croaking’ had always been around, yet the speaker has just acknowledged it, or realised it was there, emphasising the point of realisation, creating a further image of the formulation of adult identity. Gross-bellied frogs’ suggests that the frogs seem ugly to the speaker now, which contrasts to the description of frogs made in the first stanza ‘but best of all was the warm thick slobber of frogspawn’ the contrast indicates the change in mind, or the loss of childhood innocence, and the formulation of adult identities. ‘I sickened turned and ran’ implies that the speaker felt repulsed by the nature whereas as a child they loved the nature so much that they would ‘wait and watch’ this appears to be a child changing as adult identities are introduced. That if I dipped my hand the spawn would clutch it,’ expresses the speakers feelings; if they played around with nature again bad would come from it. This forms the idea that as an adult the speaker has learnt their lesson and will not be childish and play with it anymore. The second stanza carries army connotations, implying that the frogs are going to get revenge or attack the speaker, this is suggested with the use of ‘rank,’, ‘angry,’ , ‘obscene threats,’ ‘poised like mud grenades,’, ‘great slime kings,’ and ‘vengeance,’. These words and phrases suggest that the frogs are there to take revenge in a war like manner, for the fact that the speaker stole the spawn as a child, the words all describe the frogs in a harsh, aggressive way, which again contrasts to the description made in the 1st stanza ‘nimble swimming tadpoles,’. However, the use of the word ‘kings’ in the second stanza indicates that the speaker may still admire the frogs, despite all the negative feelings they have towards them. vThe speaker is suggesting that frogs are everywhere and they are ugly, ‘gross-bellied’, pictured with assonance in the phrase ‘cocked on sods’. Their flabby necks are described by Heaney with the simile ‘pulsed like sails’. The sound of their movements is expressed by onomatopoeia: ‘slap and plop’, which obviously disgusted Heaney who felt that these were ‘obscene threats’. In line thirty their stance is described by the simile ‘Poised like mud grenades’, an image that echoes the war-like connotation of the word ‘invaded’ in line twenty-four. Heaney again voices his distaste for the sound of the frogs in the phrase ‘their blunt heads farting’. This negative description indicates the speaker’s annoyance at the realisation of the frogs, as the adult identity is introduced. The structure of the 2nd stanza contrasts to the 1st stanza. Where the 1st stanza has a loving, fascinated tone, the 2nd stanza carries an angry, hateful tone, ‘obscene threats. ’ The fact that the first stanza is almost double the length of the second, connotes that the speaker had an enjoyable childhood, and the second stanza resembling the adult identities came too quickly and brought along realisation that nature wasn’t what it seemed and also the annoyance that the speaker learnt so late that what they loved as a child wasn’t at all reality. The use of alliteration and assonance emphasise the hatred and annoyance felt towards nature, for not being what they thought it was. This can suggest the adult identity being formed, learning new things and realising childhood was innocent and naive. It can be a metaphor for life, thinking, as a child that life is amazing yet when you grow up, and are an adult you realise that life isn’t as great as what you first thought. Blackberry-Picking is poem that resembles Death of a Naturalist, its use of structure and natural imagery to convey the themes of loss of childhood innocence and formulation of adult identities. Natural imagery and structure convey the theme of loss of childhood innocence with basic language such as ‘big dark blobs’ to describe the blackberries and with the description of lust for the berries connotes a childish fetish or fascination for picking and eating the berries ‘Leaving stains upon the tongue and lust for picking. Summer’s blood ‘connotes the hard work and effort put into picking the berries during the school holidays, which conveys the theme of childhood innocence. Structure conveys the loss of childhood innocence in this poem with the only rhyming couplet signifying the child’s enjoyment of berry picking, ‘glossy purple know among others, red, green, hard as a knot. ’ The half rhyme that goes through the poem also conveys a child like tone; it carries a playful, fun message. Natural imagery and structure also convey the theme of formulation of adult identities. ‘A rat grey fungus glutting on our cache. ’ The inclusion of the word ‘rat’ in the metaphor emphasizes the distaste of this deterioration. Also ‘the sweet flesh would turn sour. ’ As well as ‘the lovely canfuls smelt of rot. ’ These quotes all suggest a positive object turned negative, which could metaphorically resemble the speaker’s life; as a child it was lovely and fun, and then as an adult it changed to difficult and bitter. The structure also conveys the theme of the formulation of adult identities with the use of the half rhyme representing berries that could have been sweet, and ‘right’ but instead being sour and ‘wrong’. The last two lines of the poem have a rhyming couplet, ‘lovely canfuls smelt of rot. Each year I hoped they’d keep, knew they would not. ’ This could signify the continuation of hope through the adult life, metaphorically speaking; hope that life would go back to being youthful and fun. To conclude I would say that it is typical of Heaney’s styl e of writing to convey the themes of adult life and child innocence through natural imagery and structure. Heaney uses natural imagery in many of his poems and as well as symbolising the themes we have looked at he also uses natural imagery and structure to convey the message of his Northern Irish roots. The use of natural imagery and structure conveys the themes of loss childhood innocence and formulation of adult identities and is typical through many of Heaney’s poems. How to cite Seamus Heaney, Papers

Hotel and Hospitality Management

Questions: 1. What do the readings mean to me as an executive, my management team, and my company? 2. What opportunities and challenges does it identify for us? 3. What changes in goals, strategies, policies, practices, and structure might it point to? 4. What connections can I make to theory / other readings? Answers: 1. The impugned article is very encouraging to me since I am an executive as well as to my management team and my company. It gives us an insight into incredible management techniques which enable a business to survive as well as reach top levels in the present times. This goal can be achieved only with the help of an able leader. It makes it evident that an able leader has the potential to turn the tables for an organization. It teaches us that even in hard phases of business if we keep our goals set and make able decisions we may get over such situations. In unfavourable circumstances also an able leader keeps calm and makes such decisions which would help the organization to excel. 2. The impugned article identifies the following challenges to us: In order to make a business last we must endeavour to make changes to it with the changing times and needs. If we stay aloof of the changing requirements of the society the business would not be able to survive. Other challenges include, managing funds, making products more and more appealing to the consumers. The opportunities which may be identified from the said reading are as follows: Franchisee based restaurants are ideal as they provide for steady cash flow and comparatively low capital investment. Providing to the customers a distinct brand which offers good food at affordable prices. 3. The impugned article sets an example for other business organizations which are undergoing a hard phase. The reading gives us an insight into the changes in policies and procedures one must adopt so as to strive in business. We must first set up an ambition and a roadmap. Once the roadmap is set the management team ought to figure out whom they would serve. Popeye had chosen the franchise owners as its first priority. Then the interest of the customers and the employees were taken care of. It was the belief of Bachelder that one must love the people they lead. Thus franchise satisfaction was one of the foremost goals of Popeye. The next goal of Popeye was to expand the business by opening up more and more restaurants so that the importance of Popeye is felt everywhere. They also aimed at having maximum number of delighted customers and employees. 4. The connections which we may draw between the said reading and theory are as follows: With proper managerial skills a business can be managed effectively and may also be made to reach heights of success. The success of a business is totally dependent on the leadership capabilities of the individuals occupying managerial positions. The theory of servant leadership has to be adopted by the leaders to achieve success like the Popeye. Servant leaders are the ones who serve others and not themselves. The foremost quality of a servant leader is to listen whereas generally leaders are into putting forth their views. They possess empathy for the co workers and the subordinates as well.

Instruments to Collect Data

Europe and the Revolutions of 1848 essays

Europe and the Revolutions of 1848 essays From ancient times until well into the nineteenth century, people were often considered subjects (not citizens) of their states and countries. The people wanted to see a change, which is why socialism was discovered. Socialism focused its aim on economic, political, and social justice for all people. The possibility of achieving these aims was first envisioned in the last quarter of the eighteenth century. It was a time of extraordinary social and political upheaval. Socialism grew out of the French Revolution and its intellectual growth and demand for equal rights, absolute democracy, and the redistribution of property. Socialism was first developed because of the revolutionary impact capitalism had on European society. Capitalism first emerged late in the Middle Ages throughout the Industrial Revolution. Capitalism (or the market economy) broke all the social bonds that had been seen during the Middle Ages. The class structure, in which everyone had a fixed position and individual responsibilities in society, was demolished. For the first time, a large class of factory workers came forth whose livelihood depended on wages. They were considered to be deprived of property because they owned no means of production. The value of their labor was seized by the capitalists for profit, while at the same time, their wages were kept as low as possible. Socialists saw the possibility of class conflict in this new capitalist economic structure. The conflict that arose was between the number of exploited workers and their capitalist exploiters. Because of this conflict, the socialists predicted the eventual transfer of the ownership of private property (the means of production) from the owners to the workers. Karl Marx's The Communist Manifesto discusses how a revolution could come about. Ever alert to ironies, Marx observes that it was the Industrial Revolution itself that had been organizing the workers most effectively. History, of cours...

Model employed by Massive Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Model employed by Massive Inc - Essay Example It will also help publishers offset the skyrocketing costs of video game development, which can in turn benefit gamers, keeping game prices affordable and opening the door to free game play, free content, tournaments and other possibilities that add realism and entertainment value to the overall game experience. The gamming industry in Australia stretches decades of years back. Over time and again games industry has earned a reputation for quality in a vast wide world market hungry for the new content. The government on the other hand has been very supportive by realising that digital games create growth and generate jobs for many people including developers, hardware manufacturers, publishers and retailers, it has resorted to developing a large and thriving 'high-tech' sector by funding strategies through providing Sony PlayStation 2 and Xbox Development Kits to local companies that would usually not be able to afford them and grab a bigger share of the market. This has been promulgated funding local game content through Film Victoria's Digital Media Fund. In a nut shell the Australian games industry is made up of over 40 companies employing more developers. 2The amalgamation encompassing local branches of large international publishers, established larger local companies, plus smaller and newer companies that only have a few employees is also a monumental key driver in the Australian game industry since three quarters of these companies are in the business of developing games. A growing number of tertiary institutions that offer Diploma and Degree courses in games development are meant to create a bridge in the technical expertise in the gaming industry by focussing and teaching strictly on the design aspects of games while others take an IT and programming-based approach. Potential Vulnerability. The worst anathema facing games industry, according to trade body the Interactive Entertainment Alliance of Australia (IEAA), is piracy. Which represents 15 of the top game platform holders and publishers, including Electronic Arts, Vivendi, Sony Computer entertainment, Nintendo and recent joinee Nokia Research commissioned by the IEAA in 2002, estimated the cost of piracy at $100million a colossal figure that was growing with the economy. The widespread availability and low cost of CD burners had clearly facilitated the growth of these sources of pirated product, the IEAA claims. The impact of computer markets on the games retail channel varied across Australia, according to retailers contacted by. One publisher that confirmed it would ship unclassified games to Australia is running with Scissors, a small US game publisher whose game Postal was banned in Australia in 1997. Any local publishers did not pick up the sequel, Postal 2, and thus it was not submitted for a rating through t he OFLC. Popular web auction site eBay is another avenue in which buyers can obtain banned games, either domestically or from overseas. And the infiltration of illegal games. Hot spots for the sale of pirated games and mod chipping in Sydney include Liverpool, Campbell town and Flemington, says distributor Tech Pacific's games category manager Nathan Dingle. Description & analysis of the online market in

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 - Essay Example Glucose is the major source of energy and is often derived from food and the liver’s ability to manufacture glucose from its glycogen stores. During the first phase of the disease, insulin secretion is regulated with the balanced production and output of glucose by the liver. The defects of the beta-cell function, results in the loss of inhibitory effects (Daniels & Nicoll, 2011). During a carbohydrate load from a meal, glucose production by the liver is not a requirement, however, owing to the loss of inhibitory effects, the liver continues to produce glucose thus contributing to a state of hyperglycemia in the body (Daniels & Nicoll, 2011). In the pre-diabetes state, the high glucose levels build up over the years and eventually triggers insulin secretion (hyperinsulinemia), for the purposes of regulating blood glucose and to counteract the tissues that are resistant to insulin. During the second phase, the beta-cells continue to secrete high levels of insulin for years to r egulate blood glucose levels. Eventually, the beta-cells failure occurs resulting in a decrease in insulin production. These slow and stealthy pathophysiologic changes in type 2 diabetes occur gradually taking up to 20 years to develop (Daniell & Nicoll, 2011). There are a number of identifiable risk factors of diabetes. These factors include obesity, old age, family history of diabetes, and history of gestational diabetes, insulin resistance, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity and less than optimum intrauterine environment.

Educational Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Educational - Research Proposal Example Literature Review: The benefits derived through the Internet have resulted in widespread use of the Internet by students. This has come at the cost of use of the Internet for academic cheating purposes. Use of the Internet for cheating by students occurs in all branches of study and at all levels of study. Educational institutions tend to downplay the issue of the use of the Internet fir academic cheating, Research Question: Does the use of the internet devalue the worth of a degree to the stakeholders? Methodology: Students and the teaching faculty are the participants of this research. Focus group questionnaire is applied to the students and structured open ended questionnaire is applied to the teaching facility as data collection instruments. Fifty students and twenty faculty members are the targeted participants. Results: Analysis of the literature review shows that academic cheating occurs at a high level, which demeans the value of the degree obtained. 1. Statement of the Topic Cyber researchers or cyber cheats: does the use of the internet devalue the worth of a degree to the stakeholders? 2. Review of Literature The pervasion of the Internet into educational institutions is both dramatic and striking. ... It has brought with it concerns that could lead to worries in education and society (Hope, 2007). The Internet demonstrates the use of technology in stimulating learning in students (Schroder et al, 2002). The benefits that accrue from the Internet have caused the Internet not to be restricted to the lower levels of education, but in all the higher education forums (Gunashekaran et al, 2002). The benefits that have come with the Internet in education have a price tag in that it encourages students to cheat. According to Macklem, 2006, it is the widespread use of the Internet that has led to plagiarism and academic cheating becoming common. Plagiarism is not a new concept. It is just that the Internet has made it easier to copy the works of others (Fisher & Hill, 2004). Easy access to an electronic copy makes it easy to cut, copy and paste, which is a temptation not many students can resist (Errami & Garner, 2008). The popular use of plagiarism extends into the realm of professional c ourses too (Kenny, 2007). Evaluating for plagiarism and academic cheating in physiotherapy, pharmacy, humanities, business, biomedical science and education, it was found to be present in all these branches of study, but variances were observed in the extent of indulgence (Bates et al, 2005). The issue of plagiarism and cheating has not become such a matter for concern in society, because of the lack of awareness, as universities tend to keep issues of plagiarism and cheating in academics under wraps (Gulli, 2007). However, the problem of cheating in academics will not be under wraps for long as it is becoming a part of the student culture, which will be difficult to turn around, as according to Fisher and Hill, 2004, p.18, â€Å"80% of the country’s best students

Global Transportation and the Logistics Industry

Global Transportation and the Logistics Industry The Transportation Logistics sector spans a wide range of service offerings such as by air, road, rail, sea as well as related services such as warehousing, handling, and stevedoring. The extent of coverage includes value added services such as packaging, assembling, labelling etc. In addition to these, Transport Logistic providers undertake the management role of planning, administering and coordinating. Over the years, the sector has reshaped in manner where most players have a tendency to consolidate; resulting in larger, integrated groups operating in more than one of the Transport Logistics sub-services/sectors. As a result, the limits between the sub-services/sectors become more and more indistinct. The benefits of globalisation and business process outsourcing of logistics services generated double digit revenue growth in the industry in the early part of the 21st century. However the co-existence of other pressures, threats and limitations such as the economic downturn, and fuel price hike contribute to the dramatic changes faced by contenders in the sector. With privatisation and liberalisation, more complexities were introduced to the sector. In addition, trade routes are changing and networks have become increasingly complex as have the agreements between companies sharing resources. There have been several regulatory requirements which have changed substantially in the recent years. Due to more IT enabled interconnectivity in companies, it operates across national. Hence, issues pertaining to customs, tax compliance, accounting and governance have increased. Companies looking to build a sustainable business need to continuously offer value additions to its stakeholders. Therefore with the changing business models in the industry, many companies are evolving from forwarding and warehouse managing businesses to highly industrialised, IT driven supply chain providers; adopting a holistic approach in their service. Impact of the economic downturn Over the past years, the Transport Logistics industry has been profiting considerably from positive economic conditions and the demand for raw materials, capital and consumer products. Since 2008 though, the trade was suddenly faced with some of the most complex market conditions in history. A tightening global credit crisis and economic downturn that began in the U.S. quickly spread throughout the globe, impacting many organizations in nearly every aspect of the business. Changes in consumer buying patterns have led to less significant transport volumes, and shifts to less expensive delivery modes, with a sizeable impact on the express business. The volatile oil price coupled with a stronger focus on emission reduction has increased pressure on transportation companies, especially airlines, leading to a record in airline insolvencies. In addition, the economic recession places more fundamental challenges on the Transportation Logistics industry: consumer patterns and a general cur b of demand thereby causing a lower level of the flow of goods. Opportunities in the emerging markets For a countrys economy, in addition to the tourism sector, even the transportation sector is often viewed as an important indicator of growth. With the rise in commercial trade activities, the location of manufacturing facilities and distribution centres can have a major impact on the growth of a countrys transportation sector and transportation infrastructure. The relative location of these manufacturing facilities and distribution centres can dictate whether the country becomes a centre within a logistics network or a spoke in the wheel, serving in effect as a transit passage. Such matters are of particular importance to emerging economies where the transport and logistics infrastructure is making rapid development. Logistic providers are faced with clients who wish to source out of low-cost countries or access these new markets. They need to ensure that they can help their clients meet their objectives, understand the emerging markets environment, and expand their competencies and resources. These companies are at a crossroads in their development and have several strategic questions to consider. Should they expand or try new a niche? Should they move into an acquisition? Should they look at a stock-exchange float? Should they invest in IT/new technology? Should they look at optimising their cost base to counteract the trend towards smaller margins? How can they differentiate from competition by convincing customers that they add value to the business? About FedEx Corporation Introduction http://www.csustan.edu/manage/harris/case4.html Federal Express is an express transportation company, founded by Frederick W. Smith in 1973. During his college years, his intuition that the U.S. was becoming a service-oriented economy and needed a reliable, overnight delivery service company designed for dedicated transportation of packages and documents was the cornerstone of the companys existence today. He started Federal Express with over $80 million, making it the largest company of its time ever funded by venture capital. He found investors willing to contribute $40 million, used $8 million in family money, and received the rest from bank financing. Background Federal Express became successful due to the fact that they pioneered in advanced IT interventions ahead of its competition. They built a super-hub in Memphis, Tennessee, where all packages from the United States would be loaded and shipped out each night. Today, Federal Express has over 143,000 workers worldwide, and delivers more than 3 million express packages to 211 countries daily. One major change has affected Federal Express. In January of 1998, Federal Express the company re-launched as FDX Corporation. FDX Corporation now includes Federal Express, Roadway Packaging System (RPS), Viking Freight, Roberts Express, and Caliber Logistics. Even though FDX owns all these companies, Federal Express still remains independent. Federal Express CEO is currently Theodore Weise. FDXs strategy is to corroborate on selling and synergies for all FDX companies, but run operations separately and keep each companys strengths and markets separate. Therefore, some information will be about FDX, but most will be for Federal Express as its own company. FDX Corporate Subsidiaries All business units of FDX follow the corporate mission statement of the parent company. This synergy allows for growth. It also puts the entity in a position to acquire more companies whose operations are similar. Currently, these are the names and descriptions of the companies under FDX, other than Federal Express. 1. RPS: North Americas second-largest provider of ground small-package delivery. It also services 28 European countries and Puerto Rico. 2. Viking Freight: The premier brand name in less-than-truckload freight movements throughout the western United States. 3. Roberts Express: Engineer and execute time-specific, door-to-door surface and air-charter delivery solutions that solve special-handling challenges for FDX customers within North America and Europe. 4. Caliber Logistics: Develops and implements customized logistics solutions that help FDX customers manage costs, improve customer service and focus on their core business activities. In the Sales Breakdown for these FDX companies, Federal Express still accounts for 83 percent of total revenues. The next largest is RPS, bringing in 11 percent of FDXs total revenues. Strategic vision http://apps.shareholder.com/sec/viewerContent.aspx?companyid=FDXdocid=784953 FedEx Corporations vision is a world where goods and information move quickly and seamlessly. A world where businesses source raw materials and parts globally, then move high-value goods quickly between continents and across time zones. A world where global information and transportation networks can shrink time and distance, creating competitive advantages for customers. FedEx has experienced consistent growth in terms of net income in just about every year of its operation, which has meant three decades of growth. One of the companys greatest strengths is undoubtedly its business concept. No matter what the economy is doing, there will always be a need for package delivery of some sort by companies and individuals involved in nearly every industry. Even when times are tough and companies are seeking to save money, FedEx has less expensive delivery alternatives from which to choose. Of course, being the originator of the express delivery concept is also a key strength. FedEx became a household name before any of its competitors ever arrived on the scene, and thus has become synonymous with the idea of express package delivery in the minds of many, if not most, consumers. Visionary leadership (introduction to founder CEO) Fred Smith recognized the need for a reliable, overnight delivery service. Smith presented the idea in a Yale term paper in the 1960s, and received a C grade for his efforts. Between 1969 and 1971 Smith, however, secured $90 million ($40 million from investors, $8 million from his family, and $42 million in bank financing) to launch Federal Express as the then largest startup funded by venture capital. Federal Express began offering overnight and second-day delivery to 22 American cities in 1973. Today, The FedEx Express unit is one of the five subsidiary organizations that comprise Federal Express. The FedEx Express unit is the primary focus of this study. FedEx Express is the global market leader in express transportation. The firm moves an average of three million packages daily. FedEx Ground is a subsidiary of FedEx Express. FedEx Ground provides ground delivery of packages in North America. FedEx Freight is a less-than-truckload carrier. FedEx Freight operates throughout the United States. FedEx Freight has two operating subsidiaries à ¹ FedEx Freight East and FedEx Freight West. Access is what makes all forms of interaction and exchange possible between people, businesses and nations. Increases in Access boost opportunities and empower people with the ability and confidence to improve their current conditions and future prospects. Mission Statement The Mission Statement of FDX is to produce superior financial returns for stockholders, by providing high value-added logistics, transportation and related information services through focused operating companies. This mission statement shows that FDX has a clear focus. (1) The main focus is to bring returns to stockholders. (2) They will emphasize adding value above and beyond just their service of transporting an object from one place to another. (3) Their focus of operations will be logistics, transportation, and related information. This mission statement is focused enough to keep FDX from diversifying into for example, food products; yet vague enough to allow growth in all of those areas. Philosophy FDX and Federal Express, in particular hold a People-Service-Profit philosophy. The ‘People goal is the continuous improvement of managements leadership. The ‘Service standard is 100 percent customer satisfaction. The ‘Profit goal is much like any other companys goal, and is essential to long-term viability. This philosophy governs how FDX runs its business, and defines strategies. Customers Markets, Globalization and Services The scope of the Federal Express operation covers business-to-business, business-to-individual and individual-to-individual accounts. Federal Express markets include more than 200 countries where 90 percent of all the worlds revenues originate. Federal Express provides both document and freight deliveries as well as supporting services. Stemming from the visionary leadership of the CEO, the company follows market reach global footprint and a business strategy. Competitors Federal Express list of competitors include: United Parcel Service (UPS), Airborne Express, Emery Worldwide, BAX Global, DHL Worldwide, and United States Postal Service. Federal Express holds 46.5 percent, the largest portion, with UPS and Airborne Express as the largest competitors. As shown from the preceding information, Federal Express is clearly a large, strong, and growing express transportation company. Environment screening analysis This section will show the services Federal Express provides; its strengths and weaknesses as an organization; the opportunities and threats, current problems and issues faced. Services Federal Express provides delivery on documents and packages both domestically and internationally. Further, the company also provides supporting services. In the United States, Internationally Supporting Services Priority Overnight Priority interNet Ship Standard Overnight Economy Collect on Delivery Same Day Next Flight Location Service First Overnight First Dangerous Goods Service Express Freight Priority Freight Worldwide Logistics Weekend Shipping Economy Freight U.S. Government Shippers Alaska and Hawaii Airport to Airport International Government Guide S.W.O.T. Analysis Company Strengths and Resource Capabilities: Globalisation: Federal Express largely operates on a global scale. They operate in 211 countries. They provide services that appeal to most of the world. They have such a large market in which to operate which generates tremendous revenue for the business. Benefits of global economies of scale become available to players that operate in such a large playing field. Innovation: Federal Express took the first-mover advantage by identifying airplanes and trucks as a source and resource to gain business advantage. This helped them to remain the industry leader since 1973. Technology and Communication: Federal Express uses and continues to search for new technology. They allow spending of $1billion a year, 10% of total revenues on IT interventions such as integration. The companys commitment to introducing new customer centric service models through IT keeps customers from switching to other providers. Federal Express also has excellent communication with their customers. They use tracking devices on all shipments and customers can trace their shipment through many different avenues including a user-friendly Web site. Federal Express customers can feel assured that FedEx will always be on top of technology. Strategic Vision: Company CEO Frederick Smith built an industry leader, and sustained the title since 1973. The strategic vision of the company is cascaded through top managers who are in charge of the strategic direction of the business. First-Mover Advantage: The company has had first-mover advantage in several areas: (1) Being a global express transportation logistics company (2) Advanced IT interventions that attributed to the continued success of the company (3) Incorporating smaller business units with similar operations under its belt to synergize and control more of the market. Consolidating its resource capabilities at an optimized level has attributed greatly to its success. Strong Brand Image: In 1990, Federal Express became the first organization awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in the service category. Further, in 1994, the company was the first in global express transportation to obtain simultaneous system-wide ISO 9001 certification in international quality standards. Federal Express has also developed its own quality system that matches their customers standards. Company Weaknesses and Resource Deficiencies: Escalating prices: Federal Express prices are priced above its competitors. This can be a weakness if their customers do not perceive a difference between Federal Express and its competitors services. Labour Disputes with Pilots: Federal Express pilots have formed the FedEx Pilots Association. This organization demanded changes in the pilots salaries, retirement benefits, and suggested outsourcing some foreign flights instead of giving their own pilots the job. The pilots have a Web site where news is posted and any grievances are communicated. During the busy Christmas season in 1998, the pilots threatened to strike. Federal Express and the FedEx Pilots Association have developed a tentative agreement, which is published on the pilots Web site. However, the pilots do not believe this agreement fully meets their expectations. The pilot dispute is definitely an internal weakness for Federal Express, considering they have 3,500 pilots employed with them. The business operations would suffer if there were strikes. When UPS employees went on strike in 1997, Federal Express took the extra 800,000 shipments a day. If Federal Express employees went on strike, their competitors could gain an immediate advantage. The reason for running subsidiaries separately: FDX has deliberately chosen to keep its subsidiaries separate. According to FDXs 1998 Annual Report, CEO Frederick Smith states, Simply layering the unique resource and operating requirements of a time-definite, global, express-delivery network onto a day-definite, ground small-package network would surely result in diminished service quality and increased costs. Under the FDX umbrella, we will leverage our shared strengths while operating each delivery network independently, with each focused on its respective markets. Frederick Smith is confident this will be a strength, instead of a weakness. Company Opportunities: Expansion Globally: Federal Express can continue to expand its global footprint. Expansion Internally: Federal Express can continue to acquire more similar smaller business which could offer Federal Express leverage to expand into new technologies or areas in their industry. Run Subsidiaries Together: If FDX doesnt profit from running the subsidiaries separately, they can change to integrating their operations to achieve better synergies and economies of scale. Contracts with Large Corporations: To stay the industry leader, Federal Express should form contracts with companies who will add cost-saving or value-adding benefits to their services. Joint-Ventures: Federal Express can form joint ventures, such as already with Netscape and American Express, to enjoy the growth of integrating their customer bases. Expansion of e-commerce: Federal Express already has a major presence of shipping online. They should keep finding Internet companies to contract delivery of their products. Since the growth of e-commerce is rapid now, Federal Express could enjoy both profits and brand name recognition from this kind of expansion. Company Threats: Y2K Problem: If Federal Express communication and tracking systems arent actually Year 2000 ready, they will experience lost shipments, lost customers, and lost profits. This is a threat for every business, but a global company will be affected on a larger scale. Community Responsibility in the U.S.: Federal Express might be subject to community disapproval in expansion within the United States. Right now, Federal Express has plans to build a second super-hub in Greensboro, NC. The airport is supportive, but the citizens of the community are not. Federal Express has to decide whether the community support or building the centre is more important. Relations with Foreign Countries: Through Federal Express expansions globally, they are subject to laws and regulations of all foreign countries. There could be major problems in this area, stunting growth and raising costs. Already, Great Britain will not let Federal Express fly their own planes for shipments. Federal Express must either load their cargo on to British planes, or use ground transportation. This is very inefficient for Federal Express; however, it keeps competition out for British Air Transportation companies. Everywhere Federal Express goes, they are at risk for regulations that hinder their operations or efficiency. Economic and Political Conditions: Federal Express is subject to the entire worlds economic and political condition in the areas of fuel prices and supply, customer purchase of their services, and relations with foreign countries. As a global company, they are subject to much more risk than domestic companies. Current Problems and Issues Federal Express has several current issues and problems. Decisions about these issues will affect Federal Express profits and brand name in the future. Federal Express Pilots disputes with the company over their salary and compensation, retirement benefits, and Federal Express outsourcing some foreign flights. Federal Express spends only 13.17 percent of total operating expenses on their labor expense. The industry average is 14.81 percent. However, Federal Express main competitors spend 20 and 24 percent of total operating expenses on labor. This is why the pilots are voicing their disagreements, and demanding change. Fuel Price Fluctuation: Federal Express raised their prices and developed contracts with oil suppliers to cover fluctuating fuel costs and volatility of supply. Creation of super-hub in North Carolina: Federal Express does not have the communitys support. Alliance with Netscape: FDX created an alliance with Netscape in order to simplify the world of electronic commerce. FDX will offer delivery services on Netscapes Internet portal site. This will allow both companies to achieve mutual business targets that could not be achieved otherwise. Alliance with American Express: Federal Express offers a 10 to 20 percent discount on many delivery services to customers using an American Express Small Business Corporate Card. Federal Express offers many different services spanning the globe; this is why Federal Express has many strengths, and opportunities. However, Federal Express must also be concerned with their weaknesses and current problems. Industry Analysis Dominant Economic Characteristics Federal Express is in the Air Freight or Air Cargo Transportation Industry. This industry had sales of $34.2 billion in 1998. This industry is in the early maturity life cycle because entry is difficult, yet current competitors are still growing. Companies can realize economies of scale in this industry in marketing and purchasing. Services in this industry are essentially identical, with the exception being the value-added services. General Economic Conditions The current global economic crisis can affect this industry by stunting foreign expansion and reduced utilization of express shipping services. The current crisis in Kosovo may affect business for these companies if any countries they do business in feel the United States is wrong and want to boycott American-originating products and services. Porters 5-Forces Model Rivalry Among Competing Sellers: This is a strong force in this industry because the competitors use price cuts to compete, there is a low cost and ease to switching brands, and the companies in this industry diversify and acquire other companies for strategic growth and synergy. Competitive Force of Potential Entry: This is a weak force in this industry. Each company currently in the industry has strong brand images, leaving a harder job for new companies. The capital expenditures to start an express transportation company are large, and the companies currently are achieving economies of scale by going global. Any smaller company will not be able to achieve these right away, not allowing them to compete on prices. Another factor threatening potential entrants is trade tariffs and international regulations. Most companies currently in the industry have already established relations with foreign countries. New companies will have to prove themselves to foreign companies, suppliers, and customers. Competitive Pressures of Substitute Products: This is a weak to moderate force in this industry. Businesses and individuals that wish to ship cargo and packages can do it with other modes of transportation such as trucks, trains and boats. However, the customers that use air freight transportation usually desire convenience, speed, and low cost. Traditional transportation modes do not offer all three of these. Businesses and Individuals who want to ship documents can use e-mail, the Internet, and Facsimiles. However, these can take some time to scan and load, and then it is uncertain that your document will get to its destination. Power of Suppliers This is a strong force if the suppliers serve industries other than Air Freight. If a supplier only has accounts, or the majority of their accounts with these companies, they will not be able to control prices and supplies. Suppliers that are involved in this industry are: vehicle manufacturers, airplane manufacturers, fuel suppliers, labor, airports, and shipping materials manufacturers. Power of Buyers This is a moderate force in this industry because competition keeps prices similar among the companies. The only difference is companies, such as Federal Express who have value-added services that allow a higher price. Also, the buyers of the services in this industry are reactionary. They do not know the technology before it happens. They become dependent on the technology, service and speed offered by the companies in this industry and will pay for it. Industry Prospects and Overall Attractiveness A trend among Air Freight shippers is to use the Internet for communication with customers and even obtaining shipping contracts with companies selling on the Internet. This alliance with the fastest-growing industry will bring exponential growth to the Air Freight industry, above and beyond what they would normally have realized without this. This industry should remain attractive, with concentration on competition for market share, service differentiation, and brand image. Current Advertising has been aimed at being better than the competitor for different reasons. Performance Analysis FDX has an impressive performance record for example in 1998 they had revenues of $15.9 billion. We can also look at their Net Income for 1998, as well as for the last five years. This information is shown in 4 on Page 3 of the Appendix. As you can see, sales have been growing steadily for the past five years. Looking at the net income, though, it isnt that impressive. It even declined in 1997, from the rising fuel costs during that year. However, in 1998 it grew from $200,000 to $500,000. That could be from reduction in operating costs, or from the acquisition of the subsidiaries which had lower operating costs compared to Federal Express. The financial ratios for FDX compared to Airborne Express (ABF) are in Table 2 on Page 3 of the Appendix. Most of the ratios show Airborne Express in better financial condition than FDX. However, this can be explained through FDXs size as compared to Airborne Express. Airborne Express does not offer as many services or types of shipments as FDX, and it only has half the market share as FDX. Since UPS does not have air shipments, we could not benchmark FDX to them. Clearly though, FDX and Federal Express is the market leader in this industry, have outstanding sales, a healthy profit, and a safe amount of debt. A 5-Year analysis of Federal Express profitability and activity ratios is in s 5 and 6 on page 4 of the Appendix. These ratios over time show a steady increase, except for year 1997, where fuel costs hurt Federal Express deeply.TNT N.V. is an international express and mail delivery services company with headquarters in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, TNT operates the national postal service under the name TNT Post. The group also offers postal services in eight other European countries, including the UK, Federal Express Five-Point Strategy Federal Express has five strategies that govern business tactics. These are to improve service levels, lower unit costs, establish international leadership and sustain profitability, get closer to the customer, and maintain the People-Service-Profit Philosophy. Major Strategic Issues FDX is focused on three primary growth strategies. A collaborative sales process that leverages their shared customer relationships, aggressive global marketing of the broad FDX portfolio to targeted prospective customers, and a strategic application of information systems to reduce costs and improve customer access and connectivity. Introduction to the business strategy Expanding Access Through Our Networks While the benefits and mechanisms of Access are too vast and complex to attribute to any one creator, FedEx is proud to have been the driving force behind many milestones and advances, beginning with overnight express delivery in 1973 from our hub in Memphis. At first connecting 25 U.S. cities — and today, 220 countries — express delivery was a historic breakthrough in Access, collapsing the time and distance between places and connecting people everywhere. Through our expanding networks, anyone shipping a package can now tap into unprecedented speed and worldwide reach. Shaping the Way the World Connects FedEx delivers systems and solutions, not just packages. In recent years, weve increased Access by moving information in the form of bits as close to its destination as possible before converting it into atoms. For example, when one customer planned to host a leadership seminar in New Delhi, FedEx Kinkos transferred tons of materials digitally to China, printed them in one day, and shipped them to India the next. With FedEx Office Print Online capability, any individual can do the same — printing documents remotely and having them delivered locally. Its one major new way FedEx is contributing to greater Access. Today, thanks in part to the Access provided by the internet and FedEx, its possible for a leading electronics company to synchronize its microchip factories in China to the pulse of global demand, flying the finished chips as needed to manufacturing lines in Shanghai, Seoul or Singapore. The chips are bound for laptops and phones that create personal connections in their own right, while the corresponding transformation of China into the worlds factory is expected to lift half a billion people out of poverty by 2020. New FedEx hubs in Guangzhou and Hangzhou will increase the global Access of homegrown Chinese companies and contribute to greater quality of life, while helping companies outside this market to navigate and grow their business here. Changing Whats Possible For 35 years, FedEx has been dedicated to changing whats possible and improving life for people everywhere by promoting greater Access. Every day around the world, we see first-hand how Access empowers people to improve their lives, their businesses and their communities. Because we see this power, we have a unique perspective on Access. Infrastructure/supply chain value chain FedEx has done several things with its value chain to develop new business. First they have always recognized the need to have technology and IT work to communicate the logistics that they run. They have developed internet technologies that work simply and efficiently to enable customers and sellers to use FedEx as a go between. This has enabled many companies to integrate FedEx technology into their own web sites for customers to use. However, up until January 19, 2000 the organization of Fe

Colonial Differences Essay -- essays research papers

The differences in development between the New England colonies and the Chesapeake or Middle colonies occurred for a many number of reasons. First, they were different people. They come from different places and had different ways of life. Not only did the two regions both have different governing systems, but they were also driven to the New World by different religions or incentives. Even their slight economic differences helped to shape the individuality of the two areas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most could probably see that is was painfully obvious as to who the religious fanatics were. New England’s colonists seemed to have a more religious tone, than did that of the Middle or Southern regions. The Puritans, who had apparently come to America to escape ridicule and religious persecution, were taking up on that very idea, punishing all those whom did not share in their ideas. They were stiff, strict people and did not allow for much, but the main idea is that they were driven by a higher power, God. This made the Puritans successful Massachusetts’s colonists in that they were strong-willed and willing to make their government work. The type of government chosen by the Puritans worked well, a theocratic environment. A theocracy is defined as government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided. According the John Winthrop, who was to be their governor for some number of years, it seemed that t heir grand purpose in A...