Analysis Of The Book I Ain t Preachin - 872 Words

Passage and Page Number: I ain t preachin no more much. The sperit ain t in the people much no more; and worse n that, the sperit ain t in me no more. Course now an again the sperit gets movin an I rip out a meetin , or when folks sets out food, I give em a grace, but my heart ain t in it. I on y do it cause they expect it. pg.27 Reference: When Tom Joad sees Jim Casy as he walks to the Joad ranch after being dropped off from the truck, he asks Jim Casy if he preaches anymore because he remembers Jim Casy as a preacher. Jim Casy says he does not preach anymore because he does not believe in God. After he went into the forest and rediscovered more about life, he changed the way. Jim Casy has moved on from what he used to do to a new understanding to religion and life. Commentary: This passage is very significant in knowing where Jim Casy is coming from. This passage also shows that after Jim Casy went into the forest, he became a changed man. He begins to represent the prophet and leads the Joad family spiritually. He finds his own definition of spirituality and somewhat represents transcendentalism. His philosophy is different from what the Christianity is and he decides not to be a preacher anymore. Through his teachings throughout the novel, he has become a spiritual guide for the Joad family as they head west to California. His philosophy is also similar to the other new variations to the Christianity where Mormons for example have their own

Seminar in Global Supply Chain Management Essay - 2825 Words

Seminar Research Paper By Mars Mellish DDBA 8510 Seminar in Global Supply Chain Management Dr. Moutaz Abou-Robieh Walden University June 30, 2013 Abstract This paper was done to cover the DDBA-8510-1 Seminar Global Supply Chain Management final seminar research paper. Supply chain management, is the active management of supply chain activities to maximize customer value and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. It represents a conscious effort by the supply chain firms to develop and run supply chains in the most effective efficient ways possible (Handfield, 2011). Global Supply Chain Management involves a business or a company’s worldwide interests and suppliers rather than simply a local or national orientation.†¦show more content†¦These devices are imperative for global supply chains. The farther the goods are from the final endpoint, the riskier its arrival. Before RFID scans, supply chain managers took inventory weekly or monthly to track sales and supplies. Now, many companies like Wal-Mart track their products with RFID technology. The RFID readers’ purpose is to cross-examine RFID. Advantages and Disadvantages of GSCM Some advantages of global supply chain management for businesses are to increase profit and sales, globalization increases sales because various market options are open, reduces the pressure of relying on local business, competitive advantage, enhance speed and efficiency, product cycle time reduction, and lowers supply chain cost. Some disadvantages of going global in regard to supply chain management is investment of money, time and resources, supplier selection and relationships can become very challenge. The norm disadvantage is as companies go global cooperating within groups and organizations could be very challenge. With cultural barriers, foreign tax laws and regulations companies going global should understand it may take years for supply chain to gain rewards and increase sales. 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Founded by Sam Walton (Walton) in 1962, Wal-Mart had grown into a global company with more than 1.3 million associates worldwide and nearly 5,000 stores and wholesale clubs across 10 countries. The most admired retailer according to Fortune magazine had just completed one of the best years in its history. In 2004, Wal-Mart generated revenues of $256.3 billion and a net income of $9 billion. The retail chain had a distinctive culture shaped by

Playing Billy Beane Free Essays

Since publication in 2003, Moneyball has entered the baseball dictionary.   When a team decides to brush off traditional strategies, they are said to be playing moneyball. This is what Billy Beane, the general manager of Oakland Atheltics and the hero of Moneyball, is best known for. We will write a custom essay sample on Playing Billy Beane or any similar topic only for you Order Now    Beane, as a player was not so great, but as the A’s manager at the sidelines, he started a revolution. In a nutshell, Beane knows how do more with so much less.   The A’s $55 million salary fund would pale in comparison to the Yankees’ $205 million (Hammonds 84).   Given the economics, Beane admits they can’t do the same things the Yankees do.   But with roughly one-third of the Yankees’ salary cap, the A’s still managed to finish big with the second-best win-loss record in the league—next only to the Yankees. How did Beane do it? Beane’s tactics and exploits off the field were the center of Michael Lewis’ Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game.   Professional baseball is a sport divided by teams who have much and teams who have none.   It is a derby between big-market teams who wave hefty paychecks temptingly under the noses of star players and smaller clubs who scrap for what’s left. That is the first managerial philosophy of Beane—scooping up potential team assets that rivals have ignored and undervalued.   As far as Beane is concerned, statistics and math work but only when they properly correspond to a player’s economic value. (86)   The Beane formula is to find players on the rise, potential superstars who are not red hot at the moment but could catch fire later on.   He will keep them until market catches up, give them away at a point he can no longer compete. A classic example was when Oakland signed 28-year-old Matt Stairs, a washed-up outfielder from the minor league.   Beane got him for $130,000 per year in 1996. Everyone though it was a bad catch, everyone except Beane.   But the former first round pick was right.   Over the next four years, Stairs hit the ball.   In 2000, his performance dipped as his market price went up.   Then Beane let him go for a pitcher. For Beane, every recruit has a potential to make it big.   Every move has its own risk but also its own purpose. Instead of looking at a player’s batting averages, fielding, or getting fascinated with his home runs, Beane focused on walks, on-base percentages and power. (85)   Oakland sought for players who can get on base like patient hitters who could tire out the opponent and finish it with a walk or a base hit.   The A’s type of player is one who can contribute in ways other ball clubs do not value as much. Beane is an expert in exploiting market mismatches.   He firmly believed that the criteria and standards set by scouts and managers in spotting players have been previously illogical.   Beane is gutsy, he takes risks.   But unlike most general managers, he finds a way to reduce the risks as the season progresses. He has learned the importance of calculated opportunism and this was evident in the 2002 draft when the A’s went the all-college approach. Gone are the days when general managers judge potential players by their sheer abilities.   These days, in a sport that has become a serious money-making venture, economic feasibility prompts every decision.   At the same time, as general manager, he says he had to evaluate players not only by their current feasibility but also his future trend. Citing all the numbers and statistics, Beane says baseball is predictable. (87)   He says there is always a way to least risk.   Like a true economist, he believes there is a great chance that the team will get some return on a particular asset. With Beane’s unconventional sports economics, Moneyball has been recognized not only by sports critics but also by economists.   Beane knows the baseball market place.   He acknowledges the gap between the market and the player’s value.   Knowing that market price and a player’s performance do not follow the same rules, he made sure to leave a way to narrow the gap. Considering the fact that Oakland cannot afford much, Beane has learned to thrive within windows of opportunity.   Like a baseball analyst says, the A’s are in a â€Å"commodity-management business†.   Beane’s philosophy is to keep the organization as flexible as he can.   He is good at creating options and the same time knows how to look at things the grown-up way.   Players are commodities with a tag price and the good thing is he knows whether that commodity is sinking or rising. As a general manager, Beane also knows that he has to rebuild.   The stakes evolve and therefore expecting continued success by doing the same things over and over has become impossible.   For Beane, it’s a matter of â€Å"identifying the moment.†Ã‚   One has to be creative enough to know when to trade off existing players and start fresh.   He cautioned however that when one chooses to rebuild, he must give it all.   No hesitations.   All or nothing.   It’s either a team rebuilds or not. As general manager, Beane also makes sure the players and the coaching staff knows who’s the boss.   Beane says he takes full responsibility of what happens in and out of the field.   He believes in giving his directors autonomy but during critical decision-making, he says he has to be there and cast his lot. A baseball club has a tight inner circle.   There is no bureaucracy and hours of organizational meetings fishing for hundred different opinions do not happen. Beane’s managerial style deviated form the traditional.   He acknowledges that all he can afford is to operate within windows of opportunity.   He has perfected the formula of matching a player’s performance metrics with his economic value.   He knows how to use his guts and correspond it with the statistics on paper that other teams might ignore. Oakland is an underfinanced team and it cannot afford superstars.   As the boss, Beane is expected to think differently, take risks, and effect changes.   At a time when scouts judge players by computers, Beane decided to oversimplify the thought.   Baseball’s traditional sabermetric community has been critical about this approach saying baseball’s math is much complex than Beane likes to admit. However, Beane insists that he recognizes the importance of statistics and that numbers are still at the heart of what the A’s do when they are out in the field.   The only difference is that Beane does not content himself with just what percentages or averages say.   He has learned how to relate this with how much a player is truly worth. As a baseball insider, Beane understands that the sport is predictable.   This gives Beane the chance to play the casino.   There is no way he could lose. The painful truth however is that building and sustaining are two different things all together.   With the A’s doing much with less, it is safe to assume that Beane as general manager has been successful in building.   The question now is can he sustain it?   Will the A’s keep on winning?   Between building and sustaining, the latter is much difficult to come by. Works Cited Hammonds, Keith. â€Å"How To Play Billy Beane.† Fast Company Magazine. April 2003: 84-87.    How to cite Playing Billy Beane, Essay examples

We Like It free essay sample

My persuasive speech will be on the topic of Animal Testing. Animal testing is the testing and experimentation of products on animals to test the safety levels and reactions. I chose to select this topic, because it really bothers me that animal testing is still allowed today. I have pets, and all my friends have pets and its just something I could never imagine them going through. I will need to find information concerning the laws on animal testing, the different types of animal testing used, the types of animals used, a list of companies that use animal testing, the harmful effects, and the benefits of animal testing. This information is free on the web, and it is a credible source. There are many articles and documentaries on animal testing. For example, http://www. time. com/time/health/article/0,8599,1815241,00. html , is a reliable resource out of Time Health Magazine. This is an important topic for this audience, becuase most of us own pets, or our friends have pets, and no one would ever want to see them get hurt or suffer. The audience already knows that animal testing is cruel, but they do not yet know the details and the hard cold facts behind the topic. The audience needs to know the different products that they are using that are being used for animal testing, and what their products are being tested on animal wise. I will adapt this to my audience by using their pets as examples, relating it to everyday products we use, and encourage them to make a difference in their lives, because it could help save an animal. Persuasive Speech Outline Purpose: To persuade the audience that animal testing is cruel and unnecessary. Thesis: We need to work together to stop animal testing. I. What is animal testing? a. Background on animal testing b. Products used during animal testing that we u use every day. II. How animal testing affects us and the animals a. How animal testing affects the animals b. How animal testing affects us as human beings. III. What we can do to stop animal testing. a. Actions we can take b. Alternative solutions to animal testing Introduction: A. Attention Getter: In the year 2000 over 2 million animals were used for animal testing in the UK. Animals are being used from all over for animal testing that ranges from drugs to our simple everyday shampoo. Almost every medicine, or treatment you have ever used has been tested on innocent animals for your benefit. B. /C. Relevance/Credibility: I have a dog at home that I absolutely love, and would never want to see her get hurt, or see something bad happen to her. Most of us all have pets at home, and if we dont, we definitely know someone that a beloved pet. Could you imagine seeing your pet get tortured for your own sake? Animal testing has become the sole method to testing products and medications prior to human use. D. Thesis: We need to work together to stop animal testing. To fully understand the terrible act of animal testing, I will first answer what animal testing is exactly, then I will explain how it affects both the animals and us, and finally we will learn how to take steps to stopping animal testing. Conclusion: Now that we know how cruel and unnecessary animal testing is, we can take steps to putting it to an end. We now know what animal testing is, how it affects us and the animals, and what we can do to stop it. If you cant imagine seeing your innocent pet getting tortured day in and day out why should any other similar animal have to do the same? Persuasive Speech Final Outline Purpose: To persuade the audience that animal testing is cruel and unnecessary. Thesis: We need to work together to stop animal testing. Claim: Value Organizational Pattern: Problem-Solution I. Introduction A. Attention Getter: Each Year, over 100 million animals are used for animal testing worldwide. Animals are being used from all over for animal testing that ranges from drugs to our simple everyday shampoo. Almost every medicine or treatment you have ever used has been tested on innocent animals for your benefit. black screen) B. /C. Relevance/Credibility: (Visual of sutter) I have a dog at home that I absolutely love, and would never want to see her get hurt, or see something bad happen to her. Most of us all have pets at home, and if we dont, we definitely know someone that a beloved pet. Could you imagine seeing your pet get tortured for your own sake? Animal testing has become the sole method to testing products and medications prior to human us e. (Black screen) D. Thesis: We need to work together to stop animal testing. E. Preview: To fully understand the terrible act of animal testing, I will first answer what animal testing is exactly, then I will explain how it affects both the animals and us, and finally we will learn how to take steps to stopping animal testing, and the alternatives to animal testing. Transition: To begin, we will learn about the facts and figures of animal testing. II. Body A. Animal testing is a cruel procedure, and there are many things that we need to know about it to fully understand it. 1. (Visual) Everyday innocent animals are harmed during animal testing. They are forced to endure chemicals and products being put on their skin, eyes, stomach, and lungs. According to the website Peta. org’s Animal Testing 101 article, â€Å"Monkeys are addicted to drugs and have holes drilled into their skulls, sheep and pigs have their skin burned off and rats have their spinal cords crushed. Tiny mice grow tumors as large as their own bodies, kittens are purposely blinded, and rats are made to suffer seizures. In archaic medical training courses, pigs and dogs are cut open and killed and cats and ferrets have hard plastic tubes forced down their delicate throats. Animal testing isn’t even 100 % accurate, because animal’s biological makeup is different than our own, and the results are usually misleading. Testing is required for certain drugs, vaccines, chemicals, cosmetics, and other products we use on our bodies, or put in our bodies. Most tests kill over 2,000 animals every time they are used. 2. There are many companies whose products we use on a day to day basis, that still use animal testing. Here are a few†¦ *JohnsonJohnson(Visual) *Aveeno(visual) *Crest(visual) *Downy(visual) *Febreze(visual) *Maybelline(visual) *Pantene(visual) *Suave(visual) *Tide(visual) *Vaseline(visual) *Windex(visual) Transition: Next, we will visit the effects that animal testing has on both animals and humans. (black screen) B. Animal Testing is a cruel, unnecessary act that negatively affects both animals and humans. 1. (Visual ) In Time Magazine’s article How Much Does Animal Testing Tell Us? By Laura Blue, a significant point is mentioned, â€Å"We often hear you cant give aspirin to cats because its toxic to them, or you shouldnt give chocolate to dogs. Chocolate, which is very safe in humans, is not safe in dogs. † Animals are not the best method to test chemical products on, because their biological makeup differs from ours, like I stated earlier. All of the side effects of animal testing are negative to them, and include conditions such as Illness, skin irritation, pain, genetic mutation, and almost always result in death. The animals come from many places such as zoos, compounds, and breeders. Although the animals may be suffering physically from the pain and torture, they are also suffering by being taken away from their home environment’s and family’s. It has also been scientifically proven that animal’s feel pain and emotion cognitively as well. (Black screen) 2. It is argued that Human’s benefit from animal testing, because in return we do not have to be tested on. In reality, most of the results coming from animal testing do not correlate with human beings reactions. According to the article Ethical and Scientific Considerations Regarding Animal Testing and Research by Hope Ferdowsian and Nancy Beck, â€Å"Recent systematic reviews of treatments for various clinical conditions demonstrated that animal studies have been poorly predictive of human outcomes†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Therefore, why use animals for testing, when the results aren’t even worth anything? Transition: Finally, we will learn how to help put an end to the detrimental process of animal testing. C. If we know the right steps to take, we can all help to put an end to animal testing once and for all. 1. One of the things we can do to stop animal testing, is buy cruelty-free products. We can also invest in cruelty free companies stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Cruelty free companies are businesses that do not support animal suffering. We can also join organizations against the cruelty of animals such as PETA, in an effort to exploit the companies that do test on animals. Lastly, we can write to our representatives in congress, asking them to reconsider the ethics of animal testing, and help to put an end to it once and for all. . Along with our efforts to put an end to animal testing, it is also important to know the alternatives to it. (Visual) An in vitro human skin equivalent was created to directly mimic all the characteristics of human skin. According to the article Human Skin Equivalent as an Alternative to Animal Testing by Heike Mertshing and Michaela Weimer â€Å"The 3- D skin equivalent can be viewed as physiologically comparable to the natural skin and therefore is a suitable alternative for animal testing. Also, according to the GEARI websites page on alternatives to animal testing, some other options to consider are â€Å"Computer modeling, Improved statistical design, and the LLNA. †(black screen) Transition: By learning all about the cruelties of animal testing, it is time for us to make a change and to put a stop to it once and for all! I. Conclusion: (Visual) Now that we know how cruel and unnecessary animal testing is, we can take steps to putting it to an end. We now know what animal testing is, how it affects us and the animals, and what we can do to stop it. If you cant imagine seeing your innocent pet getting tortured day in and day out why should any other similar animal have to do the same? Persuasive Speech Annotated Bibliography Persuasive Speech Annotated Bibliography Blue, Laura. (2008). How Much Does Animal Testing Tell Us? Retrieved October 20, 2012, from http://www. time. com/time/health/article/0,8599,1815241,00. html PETA (N. D. ). Animal Testing 101. Retrieved October 20, 2012, fromhttp://www. peta. org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/animal-testing-101. aspx Ferdowsian, H. R. , Beck, N. (2011). Ethical and Scientific Considerations Regarding Animal Testing and Research. Plos ONE, 6(9), 1-4. doi:10. 1371/journal. pone. 0024059 Mertsching, H. , Weimer, M. , Kersen, S. , Brunner, H. (2008). Human skin equivalent as an alternative to animal testing. GMS Krankenhaushygiene Interdisziplinar, 31-4. Justin. (N. D. ). Alternatives to Animal Testing: Or, Alternatives to the Use of Animals in Research. Retrieved October 20, 2012, from http://www. geari. org/alternatives-to-animal-testing. html

Issues in International Business GDP

Question: Discuss about theIssues in International Businessfor GDP. Answer: Introduction Internal business has been increasing tremendously since the year 2000, with multiple companies expanding abroad to gain several benefits(Hodgetts, 2006). International trade has multiplied more than a hundred times since 1955 with globalization accounting for more than 25% of world GDP. But internalizing of businesses poses a number of challenges inspite of its several benefits. Benefits from international trade include easy access to resources, markets, technical expertise, production inputs, and lower labor costs and so on. Challenges from international business include cultural, constant flexibility to adapt to changing environments, political risks and risks from strategic choices(Bjrkman, 2007). The scope of this report is to study and analyze the potential cross-cultural impact on international business. Whereas discussion on international business can be extended to lengths, but this paper reviews scope of Singapore business culture with that of United States of America. Hofs tedes cultural dimension is an important tool that helps in analysis of cross-cultural parameter, which is used for discussing the two countries issues in international business. In the report host country is USA whereas home country is Singapore, hence we are considering a business from Singapore internationalizing in USA. Figure 1 : International Business Singapore with United States of America Source : (Incorporation, Retrieved on 16th November 2016) Cultural Analysis of Host Country Cultural includes traditional habits, behaviors, belief and conduct of people from a particular country or origin. There are several components and ways in which culture can be divided or analyzed as demonstrated below; Aesthetics includes imagery and artistic aspects of a culture which includes music, painting, dance, drama and architecture and so on. In United States due to the liberal and democratic point of view, business from other culture especially selects vibrant color in product packaging or advertising as blue or red. Whereas in Singapore colors combinations is preferred, reflecting culture influenced by ideologies and traditions(Kim Cheng Low, 2006). Music used in advertisement often relate to a persons sentimental, emotional or traditional values. Values and Attitude forms ideas, beliefs, customs that individuals are attached to. Attitudes form evaluations of feelings and behaviors of individuals. USA has high value towards their job and low towards their family in comparison to Singapore(Gelfand, 2011). Manners and Customs refer to appropriate ways and methods of speaking, behavior and conducting oneself. USA people as well as business have a more friendly approach to doing business and do not have such customs that needs to be maintained. In Singapore, manners and customs forms the pillars of individuals as well as businesses, thus one needs to be aware of them and abide by them. Religion refers to the human values that are developed from religious beliefs. Religion shape a person understands of work, god, and material goods and so on. USA has a mixed cultural society with majority people belonging to Christian community. But people do not observe their religion stringently. In Singapore majority religion is Christianity, Buddhism with high level of emotional dependence on it. A business from Singapore operating in USA will not face major issue in terms of religion, as both have similar religion but traditions differ(Trocki, 2006). Social Structure includes a cultures fundamental aspects as social groups, positions, friendship and so on. In USA majority of the social structure includes nuclear families or live-in couples, homosexual couples and so on. In Singapore joint large family with relatives is common. In Singapore people generally like to associate and belong to a particular group which is not the case in USA, where people enjoy their freedom from a small age(Luo, 2007). Personal Communication includes ways and processes to convey feelings, thoughts, knowledge, speech, action and writing. USA has its official language as English and all transactions in business are conducted in English. In Singapore official language is English as well as Mandarin. Business from Singapore entering in USA will not face much trouble while conducting business, as they are conversant in the language. Physical Environment includes the various physical attributes of a place which helps in culture transfer. USA has diversified topography, whereas Singapore is an island(Rugman, 2009). USA has been influenced by diversified type of cultures which is reflected in its demographic processes. Singapore has been mostly been impacted by Chinese, who have traditional structure and value systems. Though Singapore has overcome certain dimensions of its past cultures, it is yet to overcome all of them. Business Culture of the Host Country USA has a Westernized culture, in Singapore most of business aspects are westernized apart from certain tradition that has been inherited from the Chinese and Christianity(Incorporation, Retrieved on 16th November 2016). Business environment in USA is characterized by presence of a large number of multinationals and global businesses. They are highly competitive and innovation is their key driving force. Individuals in USA are highly dependent on internet for their transactions as well as for their promotions. Business operating from Singapore in USA needs to focus on personal needs to an individual more and shape advertisements and promotions accordingly. USA also has high reliance on entrepreneurial spirits as against Singapore. USA offers a huge and versatile market for various kinds of products and services with high amounts of dynamism(Bjrkman, 2007). They value time and innovation in processes as well as products. As against business environment in Singapore which in larger sense is dominated by traditional methods of doing business. Hofstedes 5 Cultural Dimensions Analysis of the Host Country Geert Hofstede formed and developed a framework for cross-cultural communication analysis. He used various dimensions of culture in order to explain difference amongst two cultures(Soares, 2007). Cultures in USA and Singapore can be analyzed using this mechanism to understand areas in which difference lies as follows; Power Distance, is measured as the aspect of inequality or degree of power an individual exerts over the others behaviors and ideas. As individuals are not equal in a society, power distance expresses attitude of culture to measure such inequalities. As USA is a fully transformed, developed westernized economy with freedom of speech, power distance is minimum amongst people(Adler, 2007). In Singapore power distance is high due to existing Chinese culture, values and traditions in their system. In Singapore powerful individuals often exert influence over the non-powerful to mold ways according to their benefits, be it in political or business relationships(Tung, 2008). Business from Singapore operating in USA will need to ascertain that they do not exert any power on employees or business personnel in this regards. As they do not value such power exertion and sees it as having negative influence. Individualism is measured as the degree of independence enjoyed by various members of a society. In individualistic societies people look after themselves as is the case in USA whereas Singapore is Collectivism based society, where individuals prefer to belong to a group. In USA majority of people stays alone without family or being in a group, whilst in Singapore people prefer to belong to a family. Americans premise comprising of liberty and justice for all, highlights rights provided to citizens by government. They have a loosely-knit society where people look after themselves. Americans often do business with unknown people as there are not shy and demonstrate self-reliance(Taras, 2012). Any business from Singapore considering diversion to USA needs to consider and respect USA trends for individualism. Masculinity indicates extent to which society provides importance to its male gender, competition, success. Low score on feminity refers to dominant values in society as well as quality of life. USA score of Masculinity is at 62, reflecting their masculinity drive in society. At school, work and other areas, Americans reflect their high masculinity index with demonstration to perform in best possible ways. People of USA often talk regarding their achievements in life and success. In job setting they have specific targets for accomplishment or for showing their capabilities to perform at a job. Monetary rewards motivate Americans the most and they have a positive dynamism in their society which reflects their willingness for betterment perspective in every aspect(Drogendijk, 2006). In Singapore though it is a westernized society, yet they do not have such high masculinity values and they are dominated by family and social values more. Businesses from Singapore can use monetary and rec ognition reward to motivate their employees by setting up achievable targets. Whereas in Singapore motivators will consider extrinsic motivators. Uncertainty Avoidance is the ambiguity that one feels threatened by unknown situations. Cultures often try to avoid beliefs as well as institutions through which they feel threatened, is demonstrated in their score on Uncertainty Avoidance. USA has a low score on Uncertainty Avoidance of 46 as they have a high degree of acceptance towards new ideas, innovations, and willingness for trying something different or new. Whereas in Singapore the score is particularly low reflecting that individuals are less eager to try new ideas or processes that they are not familiar with(Johnson, 2006). Business from Singapore diverting into USA can hope to develop new processes and products through way of their normal proceeding which is not the case in Singapore. Figure 2 : Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Singapore with United States Source : (Christian, Retrieved on 16th November2016) Long-term Orientation is the factor where a society maintains some links with its past for dealing with present and future challenges(Jackson, 2008). USA has a score of 26 on this dimension whereas Singapore has a relatively high score. High score indicates pragmatic approach to prepare for future. People of USA have a tendency to analyze new information without any pragmatic approach. They have a mental bend of mind with high practicality. They have strong ideas and views regarding right and wrong, where they can make their own decisions. Therefore, businesses in USA present a shorter time view of their performance on quarterly basis, which is also considered by individuals as the motivating factor for achieving higher results. In Singapore this score is typically high as there is a high reliance on traditional beliefs and performances. Businesses from Singapore need to have respect and tolerance of people of USA in this factor as it is quite different compared to its own country. Indulgence is the extent to which individuals attach control over their impulses or desires. A weak control over impulse is referred to as indulgence and having strong control is called Restraint. USA have an Indulgent score of 68 as it has belief to work hard. They exert stringent control in areas where they want controlled activities(Kirkman, 2006). Singapore has a relatively low score in comparison to USA as it has a more Restraint approach. In this parameter as well Singapore and USA is quite deferent hence businesses from Singapore needs to understand and analyze this dimension for conducting and developing good business relationships. Singapore is a country from Asia whereas USA is a typically westernized country, there ways and processes differ significantly. But with rapid globalization and internationalization of businesses, Singapore is rapidly transforming itself. Singapore is trying to match up westernized means and procedures such that it can emerge as an Asian hub for business and gain economically. Recommendation and Conclusion USA is a land of diversified cultures and immense opportunities. It offers an immense market with varied needs and huge capabilities that can be utilized by businesses. Singapore on the other hand is a developing country, where its companies are trying and expanding into international business to make their mar felt. Several businesses from Singapore is present today in multiple parts of the world and is highly successful. When a business considers diversifying into USA, it needs to do a proper cultural analysis of the Hofstedes study that has been undertaken. Whereas both the countries enjoy some amounts of similarity in their culture, they are highly diverse in their needs and demands. A successful company will be one who is able to successfully analyze such differences and meet any gaps existing in the same. References Adler, N. J. (2007). International dimensions of organizational behavior. Cengage Learning. Bjrkman, I. S. (2007). Cultural differences and capability transfer in cross-border acquisitions: The mediating roles of capability complementarity, absorptive capacity, and social integration. . Journal of International Business Studies, 658-672. Christian, S. (Retrieved on 16th November2016). Hofstede cultural dimension Singapore with United States. https://singaporechristian.com/tag/cross-cultural-communication/. Drogendijk, R. . (2006). Hofstede, Schwartz, or managerial perceptions? The effects of different cultural distance measures on establishment mode choices by multinational enterprises. . International business review, 361-380. Gelfand, M. J. (2011). Differences between tight and loose cultures: A 33-nation study. science. 1100-1104. Hodgetts, R. M. (2006). International management: Culture, strategy, and behavior. . McGraw-Hill Companies. Jackson, G. . (2008). Comparing capitalisms: Understanding institutional diversity and its implications for international business. . Journal of International Business Studies, 540-561. Johnson, J. P. (2006). Cross-cultural competence in international business: Toward a definition and a model. Journal of International Business Studies, 525-543. Kim Cheng Low, P. (2006). Father leadership: The Singapore case study. . Management decision, 89-104. Kirkman, B. L. (2006). A quarter century of culture's consequences: A review of empirical research incorporating Hofstede's cultural values framework. . Journal of international business studies, 285-320. Luo, Y. . (2007). International expansion of emerging market enterprises: A springboard perspective. Journal of international business studies, 481-498. Rugman, A. M. (2009). International business. Pearson Education. Soares, A. M. (2007). Hofstede's dimensions of culture in international marketing studies. . Journal of business research, 277-284. Taras, V. S. (2012). Improving national cultural indices using a longitudinal meta-analysis of Hofstede's dimensions. . Journal of World Business, 329-341. Trocki, C. A. (2006). Singapore: Wealth, power and the culture of control. Psychology Press. Tung, R. L. (2008). The cross-cultural research imperative: The need to balance cross-national and intra-national diversity. . Journal of International Business Studies, 41-46.

The five competitive forces of Michael Porter

Business strategists’ primary function in companies is their ability to understand competition and create plans to cope with such. The five competitive forces Michael Porter discusses in his article are the threat of new or potential entrants, negotiating power of suppliers, bartering power of customers, threat of substitute products and/ or services and competition among direct rivals.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The five competitive forces of Michael Porter specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More An industry’s structure is characterized by the comprehensive competition of the five forces. These forces also outline the temperament of aggressive interaction within an industry. It is important for company strategists to have a thorough understanding of the five forces in order for them to plan out strategies for the company. In understanding the five competitive forces, the company will be able to †Å"reveal the roots of an industry’s profitability and provide framework for anticipating and influencing competition and profitability† (Porter, 2008). Understanding a given industry’s structure is also essential in the positioning of a company. The industry structure determines the strength of the five forces. Such is characterized by the economy and technological advancement (Porter, 2008). The five forces which shape strategy differ from industry to industry with regards to their configuration. Evaluating and analyzing the five forces may enable companies to understand the challenges present in the industry. The first force is the threat of new players in the industry. The presence of new entrants affects the industry’s prices, costs and rate of investments. â€Å"New entrants bring new capacity and desire to gain market share. This force puts a cap on the profit potential of an industry† (Porter, 2008). Entry barriers and the reactions of incumb ents determine the competition and profitability of an industry. Industry incumbents have an advantage through the seven entry barriers which are supply-side economies of scale, demand-side benefits of scale, capital requirements, incumbency advantages independent of size, unequal access to distribution channels and restrictive government policy. In planning out company strategies, managers must take into consideration the relationship of entry barriers and potential players’ capabilities. The second force which affects strategy is the power of suppliers where â€Å"they try to gain more value for themselves by charging higher prices, limiting quality or services or shifting costs to industry participants† (Porter, 2008).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another force is the power of buyers where customers tend to coerce sellers in lowering product prices, deman ding superior quality and services. Customers can influence the increase of costs at the expense of the profitability of an industry. The fourth force is the threat of substitutes. Substitutes can threaten the profitability of an industry for they can act as an alternative when a customers are not satisfied with a given product. Lastly, the rivalry among existing competitors is the fifth force which shapes competition. These rivalries can be manifested in different forms such as price competition, product innovations, marketing and advertising campaigns and improvements of services. Profitability of industries is limited when rivalry among industry players is high. â€Å"The degree to which rivalry drives down an industry’s profit potential depends on the intensity which companies compete and the basis on which they compete† (Porter, 2008). An industry’s profit potential is determined by the industry structure. Understanding the five forces enables companies to regulate how economic value is created in the industry. Strategists must consider the five forces in keeping the overall industry structure in mind and must focus on structural conditions. Aside from the five forces, strategists must also take into consideration factors which affect industries namely the growth rate of the industry, technology and innovation, government policies and complementary products and services. An evaluation of an industry’s forces and factors may provide an understanding that industry structure constantly undergoes adjustments and such can change sporadically. Changes in the industry can originate from within the industry or it can be attributed to factors outside the industry. The outcomes of the changes in the industry can be an advantage or a disadvantage. The importance of understanding the five factors enables strategists to identify the framework of the industry thus they can expect such developments and anticipate the impacts of such changes i n the industry’s profitability. Such changes may include the shifting threat of new entry, changing supplier or buyer power, shifting threat of substitution and new bases of rivalry.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The five competitive forces of Michael Porter specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The thorough understanding of forces, factors and changes in the industry allows strategists to plan out how companies should position themselves, exploit industry change, shape industry structure and define the industry. In developing strategy, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the forces which shape the competition of a given industry. The five forces expose the profitability of an industry and a thorough understanding of such together with the factors affecting the industry as well as the changes brought about justify such profitability. The five forces expose the most important features of an indus try’s competitive environment. A detailed understanding of the forces enables strategists to determine the standard strengths and weaknesses of a company in a given industry. The knowledge of industry structure helps managers shape strategies for companies to compete in the market. Works Cited Porter, Michael. â€Å"The Five Competitive Forces that Shape Strategy.† Harvard Business Review January (2008): 78 – 93. Web. This essay on The five competitive forces of Michael Porter was written and submitted by user Kylah C. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

What You Need to Know About Commedia DellArte

What You Need to Know About Commedia Dell'Arte Commedia dellarte, also known as Italian comedy, was a humorous theatrical presentation performed by professional actors who traveled in troupes throughout Italy in the 16th century. Performances took place on temporary stages, mostly on city streets, but occasionally even in court venues. The better troupes - notably Gelosi, Confidenti, and Fedeli - performed in palaces and became internationally famous once they traveled abroad. Music, dance, witty dialogue, and all kinds of trickery contributed to the comic effects. Subsequently, the art form spread throughout Europe, with many of its elements persisting even into the modern theater. Given the vast number of  Italian dialects, how would a touring company make itself understood? Apparently, there was no attempt made to change the performances dialect from region to region. Even when a local company performed, much of the dialogue would not have been understood. Regardless of region, the oft-used character  il Capitano  would have spoken in Spanish,  il Dottore  in Bolognese, and  lArlecchino  in utter gibberish. The focus was placed on physical business, rather than spoken text. Influence The impact of  commedia dell’arte  on European drama can be seen in French pantomime and the English harlequinade. The ensemble companies generally performed in Italy, although a company called the  comà ©die–italienne  was established in Paris in 1661. The  commedia dell’arte  survived the early 18th century only by means of its vast influence on written dramatic forms. Props There were no elaborate sets in  commedia. Staging, for example, was minimalistic, with rarely anything more than one market or street scene, and the stages were frequently temporary outdoor structures. Instead, great use was made of props including animals, food, furniture, watering devices, and weapons. The character  Arlecchino  bore two sticks tied together, which made a loud noise on impact. This gave birth to the word slapstick. Improvisation In spite of its outwardly anarchic spirit, commedia dellarte  was a highly disciplined art requiring both virtuosity and a strong sense of ensemble playing. The unique talent of  commedia  actors was to improvise comedy around a pre-established scenario. Throughout the act, they responded to each other, or to the audiences reaction, and made use of  lazzi  (special rehearsed routines that could be inserted into the plays at convenient points to heighten the comedy), musical numbers, and impromptu dialogue to vary the happenings on stage. Physical Theater Masks forced actors to project their characters emotions through the body. Leaps, tumbles, stock gags (burle  and  lazzi), obscene gestures, and slapstick antics were incorporated into their acts. Stock Characters The actors of the  commedia  represented fixed social types. These types included  tipi fissi, for example, foolish old men, devious servants, or military officers full of false bravado. Characters such as Pantalone (the miserly Venetian merchant), Dottore Gratiano (the pedant from Bologna), or Arlecchino (the mischievous servant from Bergamo), began as satires on Italian types and became the archetypes of many of the favorite characters of 17th- and 18th-century European theatre. Arlecchino  was the most famous. He was an acrobat, a wit, childlike, and amorous. He wore a cat-like mask and motley-colored clothes and carried a bat or wooden sword.Brighella  was  Arlecchinos  crony. He was more roguish and sophisticated, a cowardly villain who would do anything for money.Il Capitano  (the captain) was a caricature of the professional soldier - bold, swaggering, and cowardly.Il Dottore  (the doctor) was a caricature of learning who was pompous and fraudulent.Pantalone  was a caricature of the Venetian merchant, rich and retired, mean and miserly, with a young wife or an adventurous daughter.Pedrolino  was a white-faced, moonstruck dreamer and the forerunner of the modern clown.Pulcinella, as seen in the  English Punch and Judy shows, was a dwarfish humpback with a crooked nose. He was a cruel bachelor who chased pretty girls.Scarramuccia, dressed in black and carrying a pointed sword, was the Robin Hood of his day.The handsome  Inamorato  ( the lover) went by many names. He wore no mask and had to be eloquent in order to perform speeches of love. The  Inamorata  was his female counterpart; Isabella Andreini was the most famous. Her servant, usually called  Columbina, was the beloved of Harlequin. Witty, bright, and given to intrigue, she developed into such characters as Harlequine and Pierrette.La Ruffiana  was an old woman, either the mother or a village gossip who thwarted the lovers.Cantarina  and  Ballerina  often took part in the comedy, but for the most part, their job was to sing, dance, or play music. There were many other minor characters, some of which were associated with a particular region of Italy, such as  Peppe Nappa  (Sicily),  Gianduia  (Turin),  Stenterello  (Tuscany),  Rugantino  (Rome), and  Meneghino  (Milan). Costumes The audience was able to pick up on the type of person actors were representing through each characters dress. For elaboration, loose-fitting garments alternated with very tight, and jarring color contrasts opposed monochrome outfits. Except for the inamorato, males would identify themselves with character-specific costumes and half-masks. The  zanni  (precursor to clown), such Arlecchino, for example, would be immediately recognizable because of his black mask and patchwork costume. While the inamorato and the female characters wore neither masks nor costumes unique to that personage, certain information could still be derived from their clothing. Audiences knew what members of the various social classes typically wore, and also expected certain colors to represent certain emotional states. Masks All the fixed character types, the figures of fun or satire, wore colored leather masks. Their opposites, typically pairs of young lovers around whom the stories revolved, had no need for such devices. In modern Italian  handcrafted theater, masks  are still created in the ancient tradition of  carnacialesca. Music The inclusion of music and dance into  commedia  performance required that all actors have these skills. Frequently at the end of a piece, even the audience joined in on the merrymaking.