The two approaches of accounting research

The rationalist attack and the critical attack are the two attacks of accounting research. This article explains the constructs of rationalist attack and critical attack, and so explains some of the jobs of these two attacks. This article discusses the inter-relationship between accounting research, accounting criterions and accounting pattern. Through the research findings, this article use the instance of intangible assets to exemplify how accounting research impact on accounting criterions. Second, this article shows how accounting criterions effects accounting pattern. Third, this article explains the inter-relationship between accounting research and accounting pattern.IntroductionThe rationalist attack and the critical attack are the two methodological analysiss of accounting research. Hooper, Davey, Liyanarachchi and Prescott ( 2008, p20 ) described that the rationalist attack is by and large considered to be a combination of initiation and tax write-off. The traditional posit ion for the positive attack to research is to understanding and work outing jobs. The traditional features of the positive attack are empiricist philosophy, logic and causality. These features are frequently referred to as ontological, epistemic and methodological features of a research paradigm. Positive accounting research experiments to depict â€Å" what is † without doing any value judgements as to how things should be. The positive attack has been of import in recent old ages. The critical attack to accounting research does non supply a peculiar method or methodological analysis for research but instead a dialectic and Socratic attack to the rating of cognition claims ( Hooper et Al, 2008, p33 ) . The critical research focal point on the accounting theory that is concerned with deciding struggles between the corporation and general populace. The lone political orientation is the belief in humanity and the accompaniment and emancipation of world. Critical theory offers p rocedures for the consideration and rating of cognition claims without supplying a individual manner forward for the research worker. These two accounting research attacks are non reciprocally sole but are complementary. Hooper et Al ( 2008 ) states that the positive attack has a figure of jobs, such as deficiency of understanding on what the positive attack really is ; entreaties to the authorization of scientific discipline but focuses on behaviour and so on. The critical attack besides has some jobs, such as the critical research can non generalise findings ; critical research can non foretell or retroflex surveies. Both of these two theories have its ain advantages and disadvantages, it is necessary to unite the two methodological analysiss in existent accounting pattern environment. Accounting research helps accounting criterions compositors and others understand the economic universe, but accounting research does non seek prescriptions of techniques to do the universe better. However, cognizing what works and what does non work can assist corporations or standard compositors choose techniques that have the best opportunity of working in every bit yet unseasoned state of affairss. Accounting criterions have been categorized on the footing of their nature into two classs: principal-based criterions and rule-based criterions. Hooper et Al ( 2008 ) states that accounting criterions are based on a set of principals and constructs. Intangible assets defined as non-physical and non-monetary beginnings of likely future economic net incomes accruing to the house as a consequence of past events or dealing ( Canibano et al, 2000 ) . Intangible assets should be accounted and reported in the fiscal statement. Pine tree states, A Bartov, Fairfield, and Hirst ( 2003 ) states that for matter-of-fact grounds, most research on intangible assets focuses on those intangibles, intangible assets generated by R & A ; D expenditures. R & A ; D expenditures informations are widely available because R & A ; D expenditures must be disclosed individually under FASB No. 2, Accounting for Research and Development Costs. Because there is no such demand for other types of intangibles assets. Canibano et Al ( 2000 ) describes that control of the likely hereafter benefits originating from the intangible investing is considered by most accounting criterions puting organic structures as a basic necessity for acknowledgment. Lev and Zarowin ( 1999 ) suggest that intangible assets should be accounted for following the same methods applied for touchable assets, but at the same clip some statement arise that there are important differences between touchable and intangible assets which make it necessary to use different standards for the acknowledgment and rating of the latter ( Hendriksen, 1982 ) . Harmonizing to the SFAC6, paragraph 25, the FASB ( 1985a ) considers the ownership or control of the future benefits as the chief necessity for the acknowledgment of intangibles. If it is focus on the ownership of the benefits, so intangible assets such as human resource could be recognized. There is a new tendency in accounting research, which seems to be supplying strong support to coverage intangibles ( Canibano et al, 2000 ) . Accounting research suggests to utilize revelations on intangibles assets and those intangibles outgos have future much benefits, but that these future benefits are more like unsure than those associated with conventionally recognized assets. Therefore, there is some empirical support for the capitalisation of estimated R & A ; D intangibles. Given research consequences, Maines et Al ( 2003 ) makes the undermentioned recommendations: foremost, back up the FASB ‘s determination to add another undertaking which considers the revel ation and acknowledgment of information related to intangibles assets. Second, believe that the FASB needs to see acknowledgment of internally generated intangibles assets, because current accounting criterions require capitalisation economic similar as intangibles assets acquired externally. Third, Despite our support for intangible assets ‘s revelations related to and possible acknowledgment, we encourage the FASB to continue carefully on revelations and acknowledgment information on intangibles, given important uncertainnesss related to accounting research in this paticular country. Concerns related to this research include the undermentioned. Finally, while research paperss associations between intangibles information and designs make causal illation hard. All of the accounting research in this country is based on R & A ; D expenditures for informations handiness grounds. It is non clear how easy these accounting research consequences generalize to other types of intangibl es assets. Accounting Standards play an of import function in accounting pattern. McCombie and Deo ( 2005 ) province that accounting criterions provide the comptroller with a guideline to studies economic minutess and events for an organisation. The accounting criterions are besides described â€Å" as a piece of delegated statute law†¦ parliament has given the power of doing accounting criterions to a organic structure that has experts on it instead than developing the paperss itself as a organic structure of legislators † ( Ravlic, 2003 ) . The figure of companies that have to use criterions in fixing fiscal studies is hence rather of import. Macve ( 2010 ) states that audited histories are portion of an organisation that defines the economic environment in a state, or across states, and enables investors to hold assurance in the system as a whole as one to which to intrust their money. This was justified by Edwards ( 1938 ) in his call for a radical reform of UK accounting patter n. It still seems as true today. In the position of the US SEC it is the overall government of criterions of corporate administration, accounting, scrutinizing and enforcement in a state that lowers the cost of capital to houses in that economic system and thereby stimulates investing and economic growing. This consequence is likely greater than what any single house can accomplish by bettering its ain accounting and revelations ( californium. Botosan, 2006 ) . The speed uping growing of accounting patterns over the old ages has changed the format of corporate one-year studies. International Accounting Standards ( IASs ) and International Financial Reporting Standards ( IFRS ) , along with other statutory demands, have changed the manner in which fiscal statements are reported ( Gouws and Cronje , 2008 ) . All the information is generated by a diverseness of accounting patterns, all of which are hence deserving researching. Accounting research leads to an enhanced apprehension of th e fact that these patterns are driven by two systems that provide the information included in corporate one-year studies. This shows that patterns peripheral to traditional accounting patterns besides have an of import function to play, both for educational establishments and accounting. Accounting patterns should non be seen in isolation ( that is, merely from an accounting position ) , as they are multidisciplinary in nature. Environmental patterns and information, societal patterns and information, ethical patterns and information, every bit good as direction accounting patterns and information, together with fiscal accounting patterns and information, organize the context within which describing in corporate one-year studies takes topographic point ( Gouws and Cronje , 2008 ) . Accounting Research have made Accounting Practice more efficient and effectual, but Accounting research and accounting pattern are non ever seemed to be synchrony. One of the great attractive forces of carry oning applied accounting research in accounting pattern is that the research subjects extend beyond the normal boundaries. It brings worldviews into struggle, improves accounting pattern, and raises uncertainties about professional societal and values ( Schiehll, Borba, & A ; Murcia, 2007 ) . HENDRIKSEN ( 1982 ) corroborates this statement, adding that accounting theory may be defined as logical logical thinking in the signifier of two rules that: ( 1 ) accounting research provide a general frame of mention by which accounting pattern can be evaluated, and ( 2 ) accounting research guide the development of new accounting patterns and processs. However, some of the research shows consequences of accounting research have non led to alterations in accounting pattern ; this may be caused by practicians non accepting the research findings or a slowdown in seting new accounting theory into accounting pattern. This has been an over-emphasis on a theory and the research consequences in some instances, and it is right that standard-setters and practicians have non accepted or have been cautious in utilizing the accounting research consequences as a footing for new accounting regulations and patterns, such as market efficiency research. However, in other instances research appears to be rather utile to standard compositors as they set up new regulations and patterns, such as net incomes direction research. Llewellyn and Sue ( 1996 ) states that theories for pattern would put more accent on theory as â€Å" a map or formula or instructions manual which provide agencies by which we can make things in the universe or header with events † . Auditing Practice, Research, and Education, A Productive Collaboration, published in 1995 through a joint attempt of the American Accounting Association and the AICPA, set the end of fixing a monograph â€Å" documenting the successes of anterior, less-harried times when collaborative attempts produced important penetrations and frequently solutions to disputing scrutinizing jobs † ( Bell and Wright, pg 178 ) . They explain the â€Å" rich heritage of practician or academician coaction in turn toing scrutinizing challenges. † The writers indicate the importance of a periodic reappraisal of academic research for usage of those in pattern. The monograph besides calls for increased interaction with practicians, the usage of â€Å" academic research chaps † in pattern, and integrating of the research procedure into audit instruction ( Anderson et al, 2003 ) . Accounting pattern depends on accounting research, and accounting research guide the development for accounting pattern.DecisionBoth of the rationalist attack and the critical attack has its ain advantages and disadvantages, the best manner to utilize accounting research is to unite the two methodological analysiss in existent accounting pattern environment. The inter-relationships between accounting research, accounting criterions and accounting pattern are Accounting research helps accounting criterions compositors and others understand the economic universe, accounting research have made accounting Practice more efficient and effectual, but accounting research and accounting pattern are non ever seem to be synchrony. Accounting criterions provide the comptroller with a guideline to studies economic minutess and events for an organisation.

Marketing plan Essay

This Report presents the strategic Market entry plan of Victoria Secret in Singapore. Victoria Secret is an American brand owned by Limited Brands Company with retail of Lingerie, Women’s Wear and beauty products with annual revenue of USD 8. 7 billion and market share of over 50 percent in North America. It was launched in 1970 by Roy Raymond who started this chain when he had nightmare experience while showing Lingerie for his Wife. He believed that â€Å"Underwear† is not just an Innerwear but can be converted into a Fashion product by tuning in proper colours, styles and patterns and make a product a sex symbol. As it caters to large market in its home country it has been strongly based but now for better growth and more returns Victoria secret has started International expansion. It is one of the fastest growing Lingerie products under Limited Brands Company Umbrella and contributing more than 40% of profits. 1000 number of Stores give strong presence to Victoria Secret and Online shopping ads to the charm. Victoria Secret invests heavily on Advertising with USD 65 Million average for year. The brand symbolizes romance, class, love, desire and romantic moments. They marketed these products by show casing their products with angel looking models breaking ice of set standards of modelling. It is one of the most watched and appreciated Fashion Shows of the world and features world’s best Supermodel as there showstopper creating a feel of sensation in female gender. The brand also took lines from Dove Advertisements by redefining beauty and showing the product users with boosted confidence and sexier looks. The company has done horizontal integration by expanding product range from Lingerie products only to cosmetics, women wear and cosmetics. The appealing brand image gave quick returns on the new product range and helping Victoria Secret in capturing new markets at higher pace. Also what is helping Victoria Secret is its excellent supply chain and IT collaboration which have helped in cutting down overheads. As companies are looking for growth and stability the expansion into Asian market is unavoidable so is for Victoria secret. Singapore being expanding and booming economy can be next destination for Victoria Secret. Singapore also has high fashion conscious population with high income. Singapore being financial hub and supply chain hub is residence for people who have highest per capita expenditure on luxury brands in all segments. In Asia, Singapore boosts for being top market for growing luxury brands. Country also boosts strong tourism and having largest malls in South east Asia helps cater to being selected as best destination in Asia for expansion. Being business friendly government adds to positive of Singapore. Business environment Factors Demography Population rose 2. 5% in 2012. Total population was 5. 4 Million. The Demography of Singapore consists of mix of Chinese, Indians and Malays which account for 74 %, 9 %, and 13% respectively with maximum population between 20-64. Singapore also is world tourist attractor and counts for approx 12 million tourists a year. Total female population is approx 50% and this results in large market size. Female also play dominant role in the society as they also earn. This results in freedom of females and opportunity for them to satisfy their needs. Political Stability Singapore the synonym for freedom to do business was ranked in top 10 best countries to start business. It takes 3 Days on average to start business in Singapore and this is result of stable political System in the country. It has been ranked among top countries for business environment for consecutive 14 years setting benchmark. Singapore is worlds one of the least corrupt country in the world. It ranks 1’st in corruptions perception Index, 2013. The political Stability in the country has provided the most stable economy in South East Asia. Economy The Economy of Singapore is strong with 5. 1% in 3’rd of 2013. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Singapore was worth 274. 70 billion US dollars in 2012. The Expected Net GDP for Singapore is expected to beat market trends and grow more positively in 4’th quarter. The Economy is supported by FDI, skilled labour and fully planned and excellent Infrastructure. The Rising economy has lead to rising per capita income. With the current economic scenario Singapore will attract more youth and global players which will bring more fashion conscious society which will indeed help growth of luxury segment. Industry With rising brand conscious population and trending international brands today brand is equally important for innerwear as is for outer wear. This was proved by growth of this segment industry even during depression of 2008. The rising economies of scale and large production numbers has led to reduced price of product which has increased demand and purchasing capacity. The following factors have contributed largely for growth of this industry: 1) E-Commerce: With rising e-commerce trend and more sophisticated players coming in picture the market has been taken by storm by these players. The customers have not fallen but E-commerce has attracted more customers because of easy access and getting products sitting home. Singapore boosts well E-commerce network with many local players in market along with international Players. The E-commerce has led to fall in prices of product as it involves lesser overhead costs. Association with global E-Commerce players has helped Victoria Secrets attain marvel in other countries and can do the same in Singapore also. 2) Sophisticated Supply chain: With rising use of Sophisticated IT tools for inventory planning, forecasting, Designing and scheduling has helped to reduce costs and development of industry in total. Many Global Brands with innovation in Supply chain have set example for the world. Singapore boosts excellent supply chain network and being Supply chain Hub is excellent destination. Market Analysis Singapore Market size Increase in Per capita income has led to entry to Luxury and premium brands coming in Singapore. The Size of market is expanding and will have higher success rate in coming years. The Table Below shows the growth of Women’s Inner-ware in Singapore. Source: Euro monitor International from trade associations, trade press, company research, trade interviews, trade sources a) Target Females in Age group of 18-50 which means 200,000 females. Middle and Upper Class Tourists Young and Brand Conscious Generation. Competition Triumph , Aerie , Calvin Kline , Armani , Sorella , Etam , La Perla Adore-Me offers direct-to-consumer lingerie at about half of Victoria’s Secret prices Intimint asks customers to take a quiz and sends them new lingerie selections every month, based on their preferences True ; Co. sends women five bras a month, giving them the option of keeping what they like and sending back what they don’t. Low Price and high variety local Players who have well established network in Singapore c) Porters 5 Forces 1) Supplier Power: LOW, As Victoria Secret has Production facilities in Thailand and India the supplier Power is very low. Buyer Power: HIGH, As Singapore already has high end Lingerie brands in its vicinity the Customers have wider options and can shift their preferences. The market has both lower prices segment and more premium segment. 3) Competitive Rivalry: HIGH, As Singapore already houses Premium Luxury lingerie brands who have worldwide recognition, Victoria Secret has high competition. 4) Threat of substitution: HIGH, The price range plays critical role as Victoria Secret has Competition with lower, same and high price range Products. 5) Threat of New Entry: LOW, Being well established worldwide name has its own fan following which attracts masses. New entries will take time to create impact and in that mean Time Victoria secret can come up with Contingency plan. Landscape a) Independent Women: Singapore being modern and economically sound has Independent women who earn well and spend well. This has led to brand conscious population b) Internet Penetration and Media sensitivity: Singaporeans are always connected to Internet. This has led to Strong E-commerce market here. The Media plays important role as Singaporeans try new western brands more frequently and invest heavily in it if the like the brand . Population Mix: Being strong economy Singapore has attracted  nationalities from various countries which have brought in sense of fashion, demand for authentic classy items. This Demand is of high end products. d) Location: With production plants in nearby countries such as Thailand and India and Strong Supply chain hubs the Location is also ideal. Singapore being small can’t accommodate Production facility so being centre for supply chain helps. ENTRY IN SINGAPORE: MARKET FEASIBILITY STUDY Design Victoria Secret is renowned for its strong designing team which comprise mixture of people around the world to understand each geographic trend. Once they understand the trends they create new trends in the market. It defines Sexiness as youthful, mature, energetic, adorable and intimate. The competitors have targeted another value like Triumph emphasises on Simplicity. Victoria Secret will benefit from point that Singapore is mix of many. The Design Teams have large market size which they can target with larger variety. Bold and Loud Brand Promotion This brand brings sense of comfort and pride among women. This is reflected in there promotion activities. The brand highlights the beauty of every individual and helps concealing imperfections with its unique designs. It is most bought product by models. Their Catalogues feature world’s hottest and sexist women in the world. Singaporeans are vivid about Fashion and Luxury products. With Rising Per capita income and proper promotion by hiring trending models of Singapore Victoria Secret can target masses. The Footfall in malls is one of the highest in Asia which can contribute to high sales if located at proper places. Rapid Growth of High-end Female Market Women are booming rapidly in Singapore who are either in White collar jobs, Leaders, Elites, working in Multinationals, entrepreneurs etc. These women have decent jobs, High disposable income and strong purchasing power. Maximum percentage of Women are highly educated. They are open and eager to accept and use trendy and fashionable Products with good quality. They Care about their Lifestyles, Health and bodies. This is supported by fact that Singapore has low obesity Rate of 7. 3 % in females and ranks much below America where obesity is 35. 5% in females. As women consider themselves independent and delicate it is highly possible for them to spend a remarkable amount of income on underwear and branded lingerie for self rewards. This will help Victoria Secret to enter the market easily and reap Benefits of growing and educated economy. Price Barriers and Distribution Channels Normal bra Ranges from 40-80 USD in US which reduces to almost half during sales. Singapore can also cater to demand with same or lesser Price as there are production facilities in India and Thailand. This will help in taming local players who play games of lower prices. Price would not be a Barrier for Victoria Secret to enter into Singapore. Having strong supply chain network with both these countries and being placed near the demand can be met. The Retail Distribution channels are strong and can be built easily in Singapore owing to small country size and Strong local infrastructure. Being Business friendly environment will help Victoria Secret to Establish Strong Distribution channels in Shorter Periods. Overview Retail market in Singapore is up by 3. 3% in August 2013 is back on track after falling slightly. Total number of Retailers in Singapore is more than 30000 with less than 1% for Lingerie Products. The Scope of market is high. Singapore is heavily sustained on Imports from US, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia. Market Challenges and Opportunities Singapore has tightened foreign nationals working in labour market and this has led to increase in labour markets. The Rentals have gone for toss and are very high. The overheads cost the most for setting up business in Singapore. Being business friendly country the market attracts large number of players who provide cheap products, copied items from various world renowned brands. With challenges are opportunities also, being supply chain hub the country can act as stepping stone to enter bigger markets like of china. The Strong judiciary System and quick decision making helps to curb challenges faced such as intellectual copyrights and those related to design copying. SETTING UP RETAIL OUTLET IN SINGAPORE 1) Documents Required for Registration The following documents/information is required for registering a Singapore branch office: a) A certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the foreign company. b) A certified copy of Memorandum and Articles (MAA) of the foreign company. c) Particulars of the directors of the foreign company. A memorandum of appointment and details of at least two persons resident in Singapore who will act as the agents for the Singapore branch office. e) A memorandum executed by or on behalf of the foreign company stating the powers of the local agents. f) Details of the registered office address in Singapore 2) Registration Procedure and Timeline The professional firm hired to handle the branch office registration will take care of all the necessary registration formalities. No physical visit of company executives is required from headquarters. The registration process consists of two basic steps: 1) Name approval 2) Entity registration. The name for the Singapore branch must be the same as that of the parent company. It will generally be approved unless it is identical to any existing company name or is vulgar in nature. Assuming necessary document are ready and there are no delays in the name approval process, registration of a Singapore branch can be completed in 1-2 days. The company registrar will send an email notification confirming the registration of the Singapore branch 3) Retail Outlets – Key Facts and Requirements a) Business Incorporation: Before one can begin operations, retail outlet must first be registered with the Singapore Companies Registrar, ACRA. This involves just two procedures that can be completed online within 24 hours. It is best if retail outlet offers unique products and services that are not currently available in Singapore’s colourful retail market. b) Approval for Premises: One must ensure that intended business premise is an approved location for retail business. To have retail outlet in a conservation building or private property, approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA) is required for making additions or alterations to the premises. A Fire Safety Certificate from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) must be obtained to verify that retail outlet meets all fire safety requirements. If outlet is located in a shopping mall, the landlord may expedite the necessary approvals for you. 4) Licenses for Setting Up a Retail Outlet in Singapore Depending on the nature of the merchandise or products offered by retail outlet, apply for the relevant licenses. If outlet offers products which can affect human health and safety, relevant licenses may be required. To Import and sell cosmetics products domestically, notify the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) before placing the product in the market via the HSA’s PRISM site. The fee for the notification of cosmetic products is pegged to each product’s risks and variation (colour etc). 5) Hiring Staff Starting a retail outlet or franchise means that one may need to bring on board employees from home country to oversee operations. If one intends to employ or transfer employees from home country, apply for the relevant Singapore employment pass on their behalf. The Singapore employment pass is however subject to approval by the manpower authority and must meet Singapore’s new productivity vision. 6) Taxation of Singapore Branch A Singapore branch is generally considered a non-resident company for tax purposes. Non-resident companies are not eligible for tax benefits resulting from available tax incentives and tax treaties meant for resident companies.   Annual Filing Requirements Section 373 of the Companies Act requires a foreign company to file its Annual Report and the audited accounts of its Singaporean branch office within two months of its Annual General Meeting, or within 7 months from the  end of its financial year whichever is earlier. Also, each Singapore branch is required to file a Tax Return on an annual basis. MARKET ENTRY STRATEGY Victoria secret can enter Singapore Market in following ways: American exporters use agents or distributors to serve the Singapore market and other markets in Southeast Asia. Singapore firms are aggressive when it comes to representing new products and usually respond enthusiastically to new opportunities. Singaporean companies are open to joint venture proposals. Price, quality and service are the main selling factors in Singapore. Prospective exporters to Singapore should be aware that competition is strong and that buyers expect good after-sales service. Selling techniques vary according to the industry and product, but are comparable to the techniques used in any other sophisticated market. It is also important for U. S. firms to visit their representatives and maintain a good relationship with them. Victoria Secret has expanded in Maximum countries with 100% ownership strategy expect countries where it is difficult or impossible. As Singapore is business friendly and Provides Option for 100% investment Victoria Secret should come as 100% subsidiary. RECOMMENDATIONS 1) Enter the Singapore with 100 % subsidiary 2) Launch all product range in one go from Innerwear, shoes, cosmetics and clothes. 3) Target Shopping Centres for their retail operations for better Visibility 4) Promotion using both international and domestic models for better appeal 5) Enter with 2-3 Stores in Initial Phase for better understanding and Expand Further after setting customer base 6) Join hands with E-Commerce industry both domestic and International to promote brand 7) Target not only Young but also Middle age and Old age 8) High Variety and Utmost quality to remain Core of Business in Singapore also 9) Customized Marketing using social media and Electronic Platform 10) Customized Designs for Singapore Customers as per their taste and like 11) Customer Engagement using print media 12) Virtual Trial Rooms and trained Women staff for guidance on shape and size

A Kiss Before Dying- Summary and Analysis

A Kiss before Dying A Kiss before Dying  is a novel written in 1953 by  Ira Levin. It won the Edgar Award in 1954, for Best First Novel. The book was adapted twice for the cinema: first in  1956  and later in  1991. This novel summary is: Bud and Dorothy is a couple who in love happily with each other. They study at Stoddard College in Blue River. They belong together and one day Dorothy is pregnant. That is really bad time for them to have a baby this time, especially for Bud; the Bud’s future plan or dream will be uncompleted. Dorothy wants to get married: Bud doesn’t want.That means he must to leave the college and to struggle in real life and earn to family. Bud tries to persuade Dorothy to take some pills to eliminate the baby, and tells Dorothy if the pills don’t work, he will marry her. Dorothy tries the pills: they don’t work at all. Bud feel really worry because of Dorothy’s pregnancy; he may not get the good education he wants, t he proper jobs he wants or he will get a poorer paid jobs. He decides he needs to kill her, Dorothy! Bud plans to kill Dorothy really carefully, and prepared what need to be prepared.But his plans fails, and he starts to get more and more desperate, since the wedding day approaches in a hurry. He tries to set everything like the Dorothy’s ‘suicide. ’ On the wedding day, on the top of the building where the Marriage Bureau is, He pushes Dorothy off the edge, and it all looks like her suicide. After murder, Bud moves to Caldwell College. Bud and Ellen becomes lover and Ellen is Dorothy’s elder sister. Ellen goes to Blue River because of Dorothy’s suicide; she really wonders about her younger sister’s suicide.She wants to know obviously what really happened. She writes Bud a letter to explain the case. In Blue River, she narrows it down to two doubts which she will know later is innocent. Ellen gets to know one of the suspects that is Dwight Pow ell. He and Dorothy go out together, and one time she follows him home. He goes upstairs to get something and Bud is waiting for him upstairs. Bud kills Powell by shooting him with cold blood. Ellen leaps up the stairs and Bud tells Dorothy Powell tried to kill her. In Dorothy’s understanding that time, Bud is the hero.Later the same night she is dead. In the same year, he goes back home. He thinks about to kill the third daughter of Leo Kingship, Marion. In the other hand, he will gain the great benefits if he has Leo Kingship as a father-in-law. He moves to New York to know Marion. In a short time, she falls in love with him, because he knew everything about her surprisingly, and he wrote down a list of things about her. Suddenly, Gordon Gant appears in New York. Bud tells about his plans to Leo Kingship, but Gant doesn’t want to listen to Bud.But Bud changes his mind about hearing when Gant finds the list of things Bud wrote. One day, Bud went with Lei and Marion an d Gant to Leo Kingships Copperworks. They take a tour around the company. After that, Gant try to encounter Bud with the murder on Dorothy and Ellen: Bud rejects every accusing. They are threatening him by trying to push him near the copper smelter. At the final, he admits all and he falls into the smelter carelessly. The tragedy is here at the Leo Kingships Copperworks. The theme analysis A Kiss before DyingThe theme of the story is about betrayal and detective. The murderer, who is Bud, tries to love each other with the ladies who are the Leo Kingship’s daughters. He wants to gain benefits from their father because they are rich. When they fall in love, he betrays the ladies; he kills Dorothy because she got pregnancy all at once. He is afraid if he doesn’t kill her, his future life will fall apart: he needs to leave the college, to find the job, or to work hard to treat her and the baby. He also betrays Ellen by to kill her because she saw he shot Powell in the buil ding.Ellen knows the secret, so she deserves death. Bud is good at investigating; he knows everything about his ladies by finding out the personal data. In the story, he tries to think how to do the trick on writing message by other person. In addition, Marion is better at investigating. She firstly wonders about her younger sister’s death and she try to find out. At last, she knows everything about the death that is not a suicide: it is the murder. The kingships try to investigate and they get it at last. The Style analysis A Kiss before DyingThis novel, A kiss before Dying, is written by using easy and modern language style with dialogue, which makes the readers busy and interested. The readers can understand easily the story and the language can capture the readers’ mind because it is modern. The novel is divided into three parts called  Dorothy,  Ellen  and  Marion, which are divided into chapters from 1 to 15 in each part. The author uses personal narratio n to narrate the whole story. The perspective is alternated between different characters. The author sets some interested detective scenes in the novel, also thriller scenes in each part.And there is none of the gratuitous violence and gory detail that readers expect from thrillers novel. Personal Response A Kiss before Dying Firstly, I need to read this novel in the class and I start to read it with the lukewarmness because it is pretty thick book. When I read it for four to five pages of book, I feel it is a bit fun. So, I continue read it all. In the story, I really sympathize Dorothy and the baby because they are killed pitifully. They didn’t do anything wrong, especially the baby; the baby does nothing.In my understanding, Marion is really clever; she investigates and tries to find the truth and she got it at the final. Bud is heartless, he kills the innocent. I strongly like this writing style of this novel: it is divided in many parts many chapters. The can read only o ne or two chapters and pause and do other thing and I can back to read again. The thrillers make me fun and scared sometimes. I feel pity for the Kingships. The Kingships daughters were killed. And Bud deserves falling into the smelter because he did many really bad things to other. Glossy Word dapted – changed in order to improve or made more fit for a particular purpose couple –   a pair who associate with one another pregnant – carrying developing offspring within the body or being about to produce new life struggle – an energetic attempt to achieve something persuade – cause somebody to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of action twist somebody's arm eliminate – terminate, end, or take out suicide – a person who kills himself intentionally smelter – an industrial plant for smelting tragedy – an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

Paper Based on Four Movies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Paper Based on Four Movies - Essay Example The title in itself gives a hint of the plot, somehow one feels that it is bound to be a rags to riches story. In contrast, the movie The Pianist describes a man, caught in the horrors of war, who gets by because of his amazing talents and the compassion and humanity of other people. The title The Pianist is somehow still distinct from the Amelie because the latter is a proper name, while the former is not. The movie Amelie and the use of the name of the lead character as the title of the film suggests an intimacy that perhaps is not there in the two other films. The third movie wishes to establish an intimate and personal connection between the movie watcher and the character, drawing the watcher into the life and emotions of the character. So while all three movies focus on characters, the way they choose to do so are in different ways, all of which, however, set the stage for the unfolding of each of the movies’ rich narratives. Second question The depiction of space and pl ace in the movie Slumdog is best seen during the scene when the two boys who come from the slums work as â€Å"tourists† in the Taj Mahal. One can see the resplendence of the Taj Mahal as a towering symbol of Indian elite and it contrasts starkly with the material realities of the two boys who show tourists around. What is striking as well is the ease with which the boys, especially Jamal, walk around the Taj Mahal, as if comfortable in its splendor and luxury. This to me suggests an image of India that is replete with contrasts and dissonances, but somehow these contrasts and dissonances merge seamlessly into each other: as though poverty is used to and not appalled by the obscenity of wealth, and luxury has become so indifferent to poverty. One is jarred to the core by the horrific scenes of child exploitation, as for example a syndicate in the business of collecting beggars and deliberately maiming children so they can bring in more income. And then we are shown the busy s treets of India’s gleaming urban landscape, the call center capital of the world where dreams are fashioned from the magic wand of outsourcing. One too is struck by the scene where Jamal jumps into literal feces, an apt metaphor for the lives the â€Å"slumdogs† lead. And yet the characters, particularly the poor ones, accept this dichotomy with indifference, even acceptance. The images of space and place highlight the contrasts with clarity, and one is left with an image of India as a country straddling between economic greatness and dire poverty, an uneasy mixture that will soon explode in its face. Fourth question Ciki is a Bosniak soldier who finds himself in a trench with a Bosnian Serb during the height of the Bosnian war. He finds himself in an absurd situation with Nino, the Bosnian Serb, as they confront each other while under threat of an exploding land mine but stop short of killing each other. As the media gathers and international human rights observers jo in the fray, the exchange between Ciki and Nino becomes an interesting tableau of both the capacity of human beings for comedy amidst the tragedy of war. Ciki is extremely important to the film because he moves the story forward and delivers the necessary decisions and actions to allow the plot to unfold, e.g., jumping over Cera so the bomb would not explode, shooting Nino. Jane Livingstone is also in the film No Man’

Total Quality Management and Operational Management Control Assignment

Total Quality Management and Operational Management Control - Assignment Example Although a generalization is made based on the evidence gathered but if, even a single logic is proved wrong the whole generalization is considered inappropriate. These generalizations are made only if after the data is organized. Our research methodology is based on this strategy and the answers to the questions are generalized to make conclusions about the company strategy. Questionnaires reduce bias. There is uniform question presentation and no middle-man bias. The researcher's own opinions will not influence the respondent to answer questions in a certain manner. There are no verbal or visual clues to influence the respondent. Questionnaires are less intrusive than telephone or face-to-face surveys. When a respondent receives a questionnaire in the mail, he is free to complete the questionnaire on his own time-table. Unlike other research methods, the respondent is not interrupted by the research instrument The questionnaires give more objectives and standardised responses than the interviews as a particular defined pattern is specified. Questionnaires are the quickest way to collect information, however they take a relatively long time not only to design but also to apply and analyse. The main advantage of questionnaire over other research techniques is that more information can be collected in short span of time from a large portion of a group. Although returns from questionnaires are usually low but these return rates can be dramatically improved if the questionnaire is delivered to specific targeted groups and is responded in time. The questions in the questionnaires can be of two types: open ended and close ended. Open ended questions are targeted to get obscure information from a person and the analysis on the questionnaire is done on the basis of the answer of the questionnaire. Whereas closed ended questions are targeted questions in which particular information is asked by the person and a pre analysed answer sheet is usually maintained, based upon which results are formulated. Advantages of Closed-Ended Questions These questions are quick to answer as they are targeted to specifics of the subject. Usually such questions are multiple choice questions which require only the selection of right answer. Close Ended questions are easy to code as the questionnaire mainly consist of multiple choice questions. The answers can be analysed quickly on the basis of a prepared Performa. The answers are not differentiated between articulate and inarticulate respondents (Hendricks, K. B., and V. R. Singhal. 1997). Disadvantages of Closed-Ended Questions Close Ended questions also have some disadvantages. Few can draw misleading

Defense of Arrested Persons Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Defense of Arrested Persons - Essay Example It will then go further to distinguish between these law enforcement agencies, which one is state and which one is local, also which one is criminal law enforcement agency or which one provide defense service to the accused. The document is organized into five sections each sections addressing the agency in each regions. Northeast The office of the Windsor County State Attorney is in Vermont and is found in the Northeast region. Its main function is to prosecute persons who have been arrested in the district court or county court. It helps victims to get justice in the prosecution of criminal offenses, child abuse and neglect cases, juvenile delinquencies, mental health proceedings and other civil matters. The office collaborates with law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, victims and members of the public to seek justice in the cases under investigation. The department protects and promotes public safety (DSASA, 2012). Southeast Georgia Department of Corrections is a sta te agency in the Southeast. It is located in Georgia State. It enforces criminal law. It functions to protect and serve the public by managing the offenders and creating a safe and secure environment for Georgia residents. It achieves its goal by providing correctional industries where the offenders are taken used to manufacture various commercial products. These products are targeting mainly the government agencies as the consumer. The government is the sole preferred consumer for these products to ensure that the market for the products is maintained and the correctional process through labor is thus maintained (GDC, 2012). The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, also in the Southeast region, is a state agency mandated to issue licenses and regulate businesses and professionals in the Florida state. It is therefore a law enforcement agency. In business, the agency licenses and regulates five major industries which are: alcoholic beverages and tobacco; Condomiums, T imeshares and mobile homes; drugs, and cosmetics; hotels and restaurants; and Pari-Mutuel Wagering. The agency is divided into various divisions of which each deal with a specific industry under the mandate of the agency. The division of alcoholic beverages and tobacco issues licenses necessary to operate these kinds of businesses. The division of condomiums, timeshares, and mobile homes protects the consumer from malpractices by this category of business. It regulates yatch and ship brokers, cooperatives, timeshares and mobile home parks. The division of drugs, devices and cosmetics safeguards health, safety, and welfare of the local Florida residents against injury from the use of adulterated, contaminated, misbranded drugs, drug ingredients and cosmetics by administering the Florida Drug and Cosmetic act. The division of building codes and standards ensures the residents safety in staying is safely constructed buildings. The division of hotels and restaurants licenses inspects an d regulates public lodging and food service establishments in Florida. It also regulates and licenses elevators, escalators and other vertical conveyance devices. The division of pari-mutuel wagering is vested with regulation of the state’s mutual, cardroom and slot gaming industries. It is also charged with collecting and protecting associated revenues due to the state (DBPR, 2012). Midwest The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation under the Office of the Attorney

Customer satisfaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Customer satisfaction - Essay Example According to Kotler (1995) customer satisfaction can best be defined as an individual’s pleasure or displeasure resulting from comparing the outcome or performance of a product, with prior expectations about performance of the same product. Another definition which exemplifies customer satisfaction is provided by Stank et al. (2007). The scholars posit that customer satisfaction refers to consumers’ evaluation and perception of a specific service or product after purchasing and utilising it. Earlier definitions denote that customer satisfaction constitutes feedback provided by buyers about a service or a product after consuming it (Fornell, 1992; Oliver, 1981). As can be discerned from these definitions, customer satisfaction stems from a customer’s perception of the suitability of a product in comparison to actual experience after consumption. Cochran (2003) emphasises that customer satisfaction is a high subjective concept, since consumers derive pleasure from commodities on the basis of various variables such as the price of the service/product, availability, and reliability, among other attributes. Judging from the various definitions and explanations of customer satisfaction, it is apparent that this concept bears immense significance to companies like Apple, which are currently competing within the global context. For instance, recognising customer preferences and product expectations ensures that the Company manufactures computers and computer peripherals that satisfy buyers. Accounting for customers’ taste and preference in computerised gadgets partially explains Apple, Inc.’s success internationally. This is because customer satisfaction paves way for repeat purchases and heightened customer loyalty. Allbal (2011) points out that there is a wide variety of factors that influence customer satisfaction, since

Human resource problems - Google Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Human resource problems - Google - Essay Example trying to find ways to improve its workforce performance this could be effective through smart hiring, Google has to investigate how to improve managers. Improper hiring may lead to everything that will follow to be less fine. They should seek for a way to recruit the best candidates. Going to the data to find the optimal number of those to interview to Identify top talent and not running them off too arduous of a recruiting process. It can be discovered that the group hiring barred too many personal preferences in the process and an algorithm reviews declined resumes to get outlined applicant and bring them back to the rotation. Also on the other hand Google should investigate the lifestyle of the candidate before recruiting them in the social media such as; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram among others to be sure of their public images and how they participate in them (Youndt, et al. 866). Since recruiting and training cost incur some of the significant costs to the corporate, it has to consider keeping the existing talent to make the system affordable route to success. Google has to do crunching of the numbers to recognize which employees are expected to leave so that they can preclude the unwanted abrasion. Through this, they could be able to improve retention by more than 35%. This will also enable the company to retain the excellent employees who have set good standards in their performance; through this the company may improve its quality of performance and even improve it as time goes by (Collins, et al. 745). Managing the top leadership team; the most effective ways of the best leadership which most of the employees prefer is through one-on-one coaching, personalized response and interest in the employee personally has a positive impact on retention and job approval. Managers are rated two times annually by their staffers to fill the Google data machine and make certain all is well. Also, the managers could treat the employees through giving them some

Law on Euthanasia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Law on Euthanasia - Essay Example A common method of active euthanasia is the administering of barbiturates or sleeping pills. The distinction between passive and active euthanasia can be summed up as actually doing something to bring about the death of a patient or doing nothing to save the patient's life. Predictably, euthanasia is the subject of much debate as it generates emotional consideration of moral and social values making it difficult for judges in the U.K. to formulate and adhere to a strict legal code. Each case has to be decided on its own merits. Each time social and moral issues have to be delicately balanced against the applicable law. In 1993, Lord Browne-Wilkinson in the House of Lords, explained that, "The judges' function in this area of the law should be to apply the principles which society, through the democratic process, adopts, not to impose their standards on society. If Parliament fails to act, then judge-made law will of necessity through a gradual and uncertain process provide a legal answer to each new question as it arises. But in my judgment that is not the best way to proceed."(Airedale N.H.S. Trust v Bland 1993) Lord Browne-Wilkinson went on to say, "For these reasons, it seems to me imperative that the moral, social and legal issues raised by this case should be considered by Parliament. " (Airedale NHS Trust v Bland 1993) Public opinion is sharply divided in cases of euthanasia. There are those opposed to any form of euthanasia on the grounds that it requires passing judgments on the quality of the patient's life. The opponents to euthanasia conclude that refusing to administer medical treatment to a patient or actively discontinuing a patient's medical treatment is morally wrong. On the other hand, those in favor of euthanasia argue that the patient is only suffering with no relief in sight, and therefore to keep the patient alive when he is for all intents and purposes, dead, is morally wrong. This is the moral and social background that makes it difficult for courts to apply strict legal guidelines. The moral and social implications were considered in both Re A [2000] HRLR 721 and Airedale NHS Trust v Bland [1993] AC 789. In Bland's case on appeal to the House of Lords, Lord Geoff said "This is because the question is not whether it is in the best interests of the patient that he should die. The question is whether it is in the best interests of the patient that his life should be prolonged by the continuance of this form of medical treatment or care." (Airedale NHS Trust v Bland [1993] AC) By saying this, Lord Geoff dispensed with the moral issue and identified the applicable legal principle upon the issue of euthanasia rests. Is it in the patient's best interests to that his life should b prolonged by continuing with the medical treatment. The court and the law is not concerned with social implications or moral values. The court and the law is only concerned with the patient himself. What is best for him, as opposed to society will guide the court. To better understand this application of legal principles and the disposal of moral

Marketing channel proposal for bank of America Essay

Marketing channel proposal for bank of America - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that marketing channels are important to a firm’s distribution objectives. The first is specialization and the second is contractual efficiency. The principle of specialization refers to the assignment of distribution tasks to firms that possess the necessary expertise. The paper presents the opening a 200 branch retail network embedded within the BS network. The marketing channel has two important parts: the physical distribution structure that moves a product from the manufacturer to the consumer or user and the consequent marketing structure that is established as a part of the channel of distribution to ensure the manufacturer that all marketing objectives are accomplished. The primary marketing objective of Bank of America is to profitably reach as many potential consumers of their products as soon as possible. The bank branch remains a viable and important delivery channel for retail banking customers and is the primary locatio n for new product sales. The Bank of America still expresses a need for the traditional bank branch. The advantages of a retail bank branch are security, branch business productivity and continuity, financial transactions, risk management, compliance with new regulations and preserving customer trust by building customer trust. Moreover, a bank branch can implement multiple sales promotions the whole year through sales contests and incentives; and special promotional deals (e.g., discounts offered during a specified period of time). Pull promotions are directed at end-use customers and are designed to encourage them to request a product from channel members such as wholesalers, retailers, or both. OPTION II. Utilising an internet only channel for its current account product. An internet only channel is an electronic marketing channel which enables clients to use banking and other financial services by employing various information technologies with no need for a direct contact with a bank clerk. This electronic banking is faster, better and cheaper.Bank of America can build a whole marketing strategy around high technology and quality. The issue of quality is a goal and a bond among all corporate functions. To exploit commitment opportunities, the bank can preempt its competitors. The business, however, has to be especially wary of environmental changes that can erode the value of its early investments. Size is beneficial only when there are compelling advantages to being large, such as economies of scale, scope, or experience. Advantages through preferred access to resources, information, or customers can give a business a sustainable advantage that is independent of Bank of America will inform their clients of the time schedule within which they can order individual services and the time of execution of orders for each individual state-of-the-art electronic marketing channel. Consequently, there will be trade-offs. Greater convenience increases security risks, and greater complexity reduces convenience. OPTION III. Adoption of the current MBNA model which focuses on the telephone as the core channel for its credit card, loans and insurance services. The challenge for banks is to create value and to retain control over their customers. Telephone service is crucial for banks. Telephone service enables wire transfers, automated clearing house transactions, automated teller machine transactions and inquiries, remote processing, and teller terminals located in branches but connected to an off-site host computer. It also fosters the numerous bank functions that rely on voice connections. However, the telephone as a core service and marketing channel for the bank suffers from specific weaknesses. One, when there is no electricity, there is no telephone service. Second, telephone outages which result from natural disasters can cut off bank transactions for a given period of time. In order to improve customer service, the bank can offer

Illegal Immigration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Illegal Immigration - Essay Example The federal government, to no one’s surprise, has been no help. The fundamental reason for the flood of immigration from Latin America, specifically Mexico, is the disintegration of the Mexican economy predominantly resulting from free-trade strategies employed by the North American Free Trade Agreement and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The rampant corruption within the Mexican government has also contributed significantly to the collapse of the Mexican economy. â€Å"Due to IMF policies regarding Mexico, its economic output dropped 33 percent in the past two decades† (Small, 2005). During this period, its foreign debt rose 359 percent because of widespread looting of the national coffers. These factors caused the â€Å"collapse of all areas of productive economic activity and employment, is the primary driver of the flood of emigrants desperate to leave Mexico, to find some livelihood for themselves and their families in the United States† (Small, 2005). Stopping immigration into the U.S. from Mexico would further cripple the Mexican economy as evidenced by data collected from the Gallup World Poll. â€Å"Thirty-two percent of Mexican respondents in the Dec., 2005 poll claim to have relatives living abroad, and 15percent of those say their households receive a monthly cash aid from such relatives.† (Rios, Crabtree, 2006) According to the poll, approximately five percent of Mexican households, about 20 million people, obtain financial aid from relatives who immigrated to the U.S. Ending this flow of this greatly needed money southward would be harmful for poor Mexican citizens living in depressed city and rural regions. Obviously Mexicans take immigration laws and American attitudes towards immigration personally, how could they not? They do not understand what harm illegal immigration causes for Americans. â€Å"Mexicans believe that migration benefits not only the home countries and the families of

Black Consciousness in the Twentieth Century Essay Example for Free

Black Consciousness in the Twentieth Century Essay Ralph Ellison began his 1952 novel with the sentence; â€Å"I am an invisible man.† (Ellison 3) These five words summed up the way in which the majority of Black Americans felt about their place in society at the time. The Civil Rights Movement was still years away, and the caste of American society had placed the Black American near the bottom. The book is in the first person narrative, narrated by a man who considers himself by society’s view point to be invisible because of his race.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The self-awareness of the Black American was limited to only what the white establishment would allow – and in the majority of the country, that was very little. However, the essence for the change that would occur had already been born. The awakening, in the late 1950s, of the Black American would take place in religion, politics, self-awareness and literature. This would become exemplified by the manner in which women in the black communities were treated. The rise of domestic violence was an issue, even in 1950s America – and in both the homes of blacks and whites.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There would be, though, differences in which this awakening would manifest itself. For some, like those who would march with Martin Luther King, non-violence and pacifism would be the dominate tool to their awakening. For others, the awakening would come in the form of a religious rebirth, and strong assertion of their place in society. There was a responsibility being neglected in the role of the black male to uphold his place of caregiver to his wife and family – as well as to the community as a whole. This was an important issue to realize, as the teachings of Islam would tell. â€Å"The white man wants black men to stay immoral, unclean, an ignorant†. (223). During the course of the novel the protagonists lists ways in which he has become invisible and the reaction he stirs within society because of his ‘blackness’, and as Ellis illustrates in the prologue of the book, â€Å"I live rent-free in a building rented strictly to whites, in a section of the basement that was shut off and forgotten during the nineteenth century.† (Ellis prologue).   The narrator goes on to state that light is a necessity for him since light to him is equivalent to truth (much as it was in Plato’s cave – so here the reader gains a sense of philosophy and of intelligence from the narrator). Throughout the course of the events that aid in defining the narrator the major first event occurs on his college’s campus.   The epiphany that the invisible man has during this time is that a black man whom he had once aspired to be like (i.e. to leave a legacy for his college) is not at all worthy of his aspiration but instead is merely a black man who has disguised himself enough to be able to ‘survive’ in the white dominated society.   Thus, the invisible man has his first exposure to mis-identities and the almost innate need that black men feel they have to become someone else in order to be a part of white society. In another act of deception in the book, the narrator (after a boiler room ‘accident’) is hospitalized; during a state of consciousness he discovers that he has been experimented upon with shock treatment without his knowledge.   This is a severe breach of his constitutional rights as well as his humanity.   Thus, the narrator finds out that he is not considered to be human, or even subhuman but rather a thing, an object, a less than real entity whose presence is a constant element of scorn and fear to the white race (at least through each of the experiences the invisible man has had with white people). Thus, not only is he destroyed through the perception of white people but through his own culture and race as Dr. Bledsoe has given the invisible man letters of recommendation whose intent was merely to waylay the invisible man from coming back to college and to not (as the invisible man had thought was their intention) to get him a job.   Therefore the invisible man is hoodwinked by a person whom he thought he could trust and this leads him to further epiphanies of himself and his race and either’s misconception. The novel is truly about self-awareness through objective perception.   Although the narrator finds brief solace with the Brotherhood and brother Jack (a black organization seeking to unite the black community in New York), this soon turns into another form of hate through jealousy.   The narrator’s position is replaced and he travels outside of Harlem only to return and find his friend dead.   Despite efforts to try and unite the Brotherhood again, the narrator is soon forced to recognized his grandfather’s maxim, â€Å"over come em with yeses, undermine em with grins, agree em to death and destruction. . . (Ellis). The novel is about a man whose invisibility is plagues by mis-identity, and whose overall undertones of outside prejudices define his life as well as his identity up to a point.   The ‘yes man’ that his grandfather advised him to do was a type of camouflage technique in which a man can exist wholly without being noticed by being, in essence, no one at all – by becoming invisible in order to survive.   The sacrifice that the invisible man does is to waylay his hopes and dreams in order to be nothing so that he may survive, not be gunned down by either Brother Jack or by the police.   In essence Ellis’ book contributed greatly to the recognition of the black consciousness and the state of the Civil Rights movement in order for blacks to not be invisible in order to exist. WORKS CITED Ellison, Ralph. The Invisible Man. Random House Inc. New York.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1952. Gates, Henry Louis. The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   New York: Oxford UP, 1988. Klein, Marcus. After Alienation: American Novels in Mid-Century. New York: World, 1964. McSweeney, Kerry. Invisible Man: Race and Identity. Boston: Twayne, 1988.

Rise And Growth Of Communalism

Rise And Growth Of Communalism India has always been a hub of cultural and religious diversities and its orientation goes back in the historical times. India has a number of religions and they co-exist side by side peacefully. This diversity includes a large number of Hindu populations and a minority of Muslims. Despite this factor there had never been much of a problem between the two religions. So what led to the disputes between these two diverse religions? There is a belief that people following same religion have common thinking and cultural, social, economical and political interests. The communalist emphasizes that Hindus and Muslims cannot have common secular interests, instead their interests are bound to be opposed to each other. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian communalisms have similar ideologies. The rise and growth of communalism Communalism emerged as a consequence of the emergence of modern politics. As Jawaharlal Nehru said One must not forget that communalism is a latter-day phenomenon which has grown up before our eyes, which means that this ideology came into being in the recent-past and it was a result of the conditions which have in other societies produced similar ideologies and phenomenon. The consciousness of communalism in India arose under the impact of colonialism and the need to fight against the system, which was not accepted by the citizens of India during the colonial rule. The new ways of common interests started building up amongst the people because of the growing political, economic and social amalgamation of the regions, the developing opposition between colonialism and the citizens of India and the common desire to make India into a nation. This also followed from the birth of the new politics during the late 19th century. It was based on the increasing number of politicization and mob ilization of the Indians. The transformation in the ideologies was a gradual and difficult process. The process included the spread of modern ideas of cultural and linguistic development, nationalism and the need to raise voice against discrimination on the basis of region, race, religion, caste, color, etc. In the process of spreading and accepting these ideas and identities, gave a way to some other new ideas and identities. The religiousness consciousness was transformed into communal consciousness in some parts and sections of the country. This transformation took place as there were some factors that favored its growth in that situation and served these sections of the society. The ideology of communalism grew across the country during in the 20th century as it had political and socio-economic roots. The resulting economic downfall and the impact on the Indians produced conditions which were favorable to division and opposition within the society. Some of the problems like unemployment, especially for th e educated middle and lower-middle classes who could not fall back on their land and the absence of development of health, education, etc., led to socio-economic deterioration. This situation gave birth to some of the popular movements including nationalist movement, which enabled to look for long term solutions to the problems of the people by fighting against colonialism. The lower-middle and middle classes were the ones who were part of the military nationalist movement and left wing parties. But because of intense competition after the economic downfall among the individuals for jobs, the middle class individuals used other group identities such as religion, caste, region, etc. for getting a larger share of economic opportunities. Communalism benefitted these individuals in the short run but at the same time gave birth to communal politics. People started using this technique of communalism to achieve their individualistic goals. However, it played short-term and partial role in the social existence of the middle classes. Communalism often misinterpreted social tension and class conflict between the exploiters to different religions as communal conflict. Most often, the exploiting sections were the upper class Hindus and the exploited were Muslims or lower class Hindus. The Muslim communalists used to grumble that the Hindus are exploiting Muslims or the Hindu Communalists used to complain about the Muslims destroying their property. The struggle between landlords and tenants in various parts of the country also portrayed the struggle between Muslims and Hindus. The landlord-moneylender coercion, attack by rural poor on rural urban and many such cases were represented as oppressions by Muslims on Hindus or by Hindus on Muslims. One aspect of the growth of communalism in Punjab was the attempt by the higher level Muslim landlords to protect their economic and social position by using the way of communalism as revenge against the act performed by the Hindu moneylenders and traders against the Muslim ten ants to protect their threatened class interests. Communalism also enabled the colonial rulers and the upper classes to unite with the lower classes and to utilize the politics of the later to serve their own needs. The Divide and Rule policy under the rule of British bore special responsibility for the growth of communalism in modern India. But it is true that the reason for this success was the internal political and social conditions. They used communalism to counter and weaken the growing national movement. It was being portrayed as a problem of the defense of minorities by the British. The disunity between Hindus and Muslims and the need to protect the minorities and the suppression by the majority was a form of justification for protection of the British rule. An attempt was made to put caste against caste, region against region, leftist against rightist and even one class against the other. But the most successful was the communal division which survived till the end. The colonial authorities did whatever they could do by staking everything on it to make Indians fight against each other. Communalism was not developed to such an extent that it could divide the country into two, but the powerful support of the colonial rule increased the chances of division of the country. It was communalism that helped the British in influencing the workers, the middle and lower middle classes and the peasants which gradually included all the sections of the society. The peasants during the 19th century lacked the understanding of the colonial system and the social movements itself and also lacked the possession of new ideologies that we as a nation can have a concept of an alternative and self-governing society. The concept that would unite the people in a common struggle and develop political movements that would last for a long term. On 26th March 1902, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, in one of his speeches included the condition of the country, the condition of finances of the country and the poverty of the people. He came to a conclusion that the condition of the people is deteriorating gradually and its the worse in the economic history of the world. He set to analyze the budget in detail and showed how the land and other taxes had been going up even in cases of drought and famine. He asked for reduction of these taxes so that the middle and the lower middle classes would not be harassed. He was victorious as his proposal was accepted by the British government. Bharat Singhs, one of the revolutionaries, approach towards politics was very secular and he understood the conditions of the people more clearly and the danger that communalism posed to the nation and the national movement. He and his companions were against and openly opposed the suggestion that youth belonging to religious-communal organizations should be appointed as a member of the Sabha. He wrote that a new group of youth was coming forward who did not recognize any differences based on religion and saw a person as a human being and then as an Indian, instead of discriminating on the basis of religion. He admired Lala Lajpat Rai as a leader but he didnt stand by him during the last years of his life as Lajpat Rai switched to communal politics. He saw the importance of making the people free from all the mental burden of religion. A large number of revolutionaries started criticizing the colonial ideologies and some turned to Marxism, some had the idea of a socialist revolution and the others joined the Revolutionary Socialist Party, the Communist Party, the Gandhian wing of the Congress and the other Left parties. In the years following the Non-cooperation Movement, 1922, the conviction of nationalism was still alive in the hearts of the Gandhian followers, who kept the Government on its toes by not following the colonial policies and protested and fought for their rights. The colonial operations by the British colonialists in India led to growth of the communal organizations and movements. These organizations focus on promoting the interests of that particular community. Some of these organizations were Hindu Mahasabha, All India Muslim League, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, etc. Indian National Congress (INC) was found in the 1885 in order to narrow the Hindu-Muslim divide and all sorts of discrimination between Indians on the basis of religion. But Sir Sayed and many such Muslim leaders portrayed the Congress as a representative body of Hindus, so they tried to hinder the unity between Hindus and Muslims. Poor participation of Muslims in the INC proves it. The majority of number of seats was being dominated by Hindus. At the same time Hindus were against the Congress as the religious and communal leaders thought that this movement was supportive of the Western cultural assault. All India Muslim League was a movement that started by the Muslim leaders on 30th December 1906 as a proposal for a political association for the Muslims in India. The motive behind this proposal was to counter Congress influences, to protect Muslim interests and to support the British administration. The 1st meeting of this proposed entity took place in Karachi on the 20th December, 1907. It gave the Muslim leaders a platform on local, national and international levels. Khilafat Movement (1919-24), was an Islamic movement in India during the colonial rule. It was an effort by the Indian Muslim community to unite together against the Turkish Empire ruled by the Khalifa, whom the Muslims considered as the caretaker of Islam. The leaders involved the Khilafat movement fully supported the non-violent methods of Gandhi facilitating the establishment of Muslims and Hindus against colonialism. This effort formed a major threat to the British rule. This movement did not last long and resulted in violent incidents and the final outcome was deaths of many Indian and British people. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, one of the members of the Gandhis congress party, made speeches on pressurizing Hindus and Muslims to live together, but later in 1935 when he returned to India he came up with a mission to save Indian Muslims from Hindu domination. He built up a moribund Muslim League which he later disclosed that this union was only for the Muslims. Hindu Mahasabha was a Hindu nationalist organization which was found in 1915 to oppose the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League. This movement started at a small scale as a conference in Allahabad by the leading Hindus. Many socio-political problems led to emergence of Hindu Mahasabha as a communal organization. A certain section of Hindus decided to organize the Hindus with the motive of self-defense. Madan Mohan Malaviya enlightened his fellow Hindus that Muslims and Christians had been carrying on activities since a long time resulting in non-participation of Hindus. Conclusion There have been many such conflicts between Hindus and Muslims in India since the beginning of the colonial rule which may be in the form of violence or non-violence. Before the colonial rule, both the religious groups: Hindus and Muslims were able to live together peacefully. There were communal movements and conflicts in the country which were based on religious communities and strong feelings of nationalism in India during the late 19th century. Some Muslim leaders desired to call for a communal Muslim society. This belief led to initiation of a separate community for Muslims. It became very difficult for them to follow the colonial policies, culture and power. They started refusing to learn English and to associate with the British. They found that Hindus were at better positions with the British in government than they were and they started believing that they favored Hindus. On the other hand, Hindus protested against the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League as they believed that the other religious communities were getting the opportunity to participate in political events but they were neglected. The British took advantage of the disputes and misunderstandings between these two religious groups by strategizing one against the other and by favoring the seemingly more peaceful Hindus and Sikhs over the Muslims and enforcing their belief systems upon each religion. Jinnah took an astonishing decision by demanding a separate nation for Muslims in the sub-continent. Later, in the year 1947 he was rewarded with a new country, Pakistan because of the growing communal tensions.

Different Types Of Diversification Strategies Marketing Essay

Different Types Of Diversification Strategies Marketing Essay Expanding a business can be quite hard so business owners and their teams tend to use a diversification strategy to be able to increase their sales and be successful in their expansion. The business diversification strategy is what companies do (increasing the sales volume) in order to increase their profits. The increase in the volume of sales can be done by developing new products and targeting new market. The diversification strategy can be used at the unit level of a business as well as in their corporate level. In a company expansion in unit level of a business, the strategy can be a new segment idea that is related exactly to the existing business. For the corporate level, the new business can be without relation to the existing business. Different Types of Diversification Strategies There are three basic types of diversification strategies that may composed of several plans that range from the designed and development of new products to the licensing of these new technologies. They may also be a combination of these plans with two or more of it included. They are the concentric diversification where the technology stays the same while its marketing plan alters significantly. The technical knowledge is an edge when it comes to this type of strategy. The next one is called horizontal diversification. In this type, the technology used is somehow far from the existing business. Though the new products are not related to the existing ones, the customers who are loyal still patronized the products. This is very effective when a business have many loyal customers. Last but not the least is the lateral diversification. This strategy is almost similar to the horizontal diversification. The only thing that differentiates it from horizontal diversification is that lateral strategy targets new customers instead of targeting their existing loyal customers. Diversifications Advantages and Disadvantages When using the business diversification strategy, you must consider some things to succeed. Diversification can really help businesses achieve its full potential in the market. It helps the company increase their customers by attracting new ones and retaining loyal ones. Furthermore, it enhances the product portfolio of the business by launching products which compliments their existing products in the market. Nevertheless, the company must hire or have sufficient knowledge about diversification so that no problem can arise in the future. The management team of the company must be well trained and educated about the processes that must be followed. Lack of information and knowledge about the latest trend in the market can really be upsetting in your business goals. You must ensure that all are taken care of and you have the ability and capability of handling those things. If not, hire someone who is a professional in this kind of situation. Types of Diversification The different types of diversification strategies include the modernization and development of new products, updating the market, new technology licensing, distribution of products by another company and even the alliance with the said company. The three types of diversification strategies include the concentric, horizontal and conglomerate. Diversification is a method of risk management that involves the change and implementation of different investments stated in a specific portfolio. This is practices because of the rationale that a portfolio containing a variety of investments can yield higher profits and serve as a lower risk to the independent investments in the same portfolio. It is only through investing more securely that the benefits of diversification may be fully reaped. Investment through foreign securities may also reap benefits because of the decreased correlation between local investments. The concentric diversifications specify that there exists similarities between the industries in terms of the technological standpoint. It is through this that the firm may compare and apply its technological know how to an advantage. This is through a careful change or alteration in the marketing strategy performed by the business. This strategy aims to increase the market value of a particular product and therefore gain a higher profit. The horizontal diversification tackles products or services that are in a sense, not related technologically to certain products but still pique the interest of current customers. This strategy is more effective is the current clientele is loyal to the existing products or services, and if the new additions are well priced and adequately promoted. The newest additions are marketed in the same way that the previous ones were which may cause instability. This is because the strategy increases the new products dependence on an existing one. This integration normally occurs when a new business is introduced, however unrelated to the existing. Conglomerate or lateral diversification is where the company or business promotes products or services with no relation commercially or technologically to the existing products or services, however still interest a number of customers. This type of diversification is unique to the current business and may prove quite risky. However, it may also prove very successful since it independently aims to improve on the profit the company accumulates with regards to the new product or service. At times there are certain defensive actions that may promote to the risk of contraction within the market, or that the current product market seems to have no more growth opportunities. This must also be considered before initiating a certain type of diversification strategy. Another factor is the outcome of the chosen diversification strategy. The expected result is expected to generate a profitability growth that will complement the ongoing activities within the company. Diversification strategies are used to expand firms operations by adding markets, products, services, or stages of production to the existing business. The purpose of diversification is to allow the company to enter lines of business that are different from current operations. When the new venture is strategically related to the existing lines of business, it is called concentric diversification. Conglomerate diversification occurs when there is no common thread of strategic fit or relationship between the new and old lines of business; the new and old businesses are unrelated. DIVERSIFICATION IN THE CONTEXT OF GROWTH STRATEGIES Diversification is a form of growth strategy. Growth strategies involve a significant increase in performance objectives (usually sales or market share) beyond past levels of performance. Many organizations pursue one or more types of growth strategies. One of the primary reasons is the view held by many investors and executives that bigger is better. Growth in sales is often used as a measure of performance. Even if profits remain stable or decline, an increase in sales satisfies many people. The assumption is often made that if sales increase, profits will eventually follow. Rewards for managers are usually greater when a firm is pursuing a growth strategy. Managers are often paid a commission based on sales. The higher the sales level, the larger the compensation received. Recognition and power also accrue to managers of growing companies. They are more frequently invited to speak to professional groups and are more often interviewed and written about by the press than are managers of companies with greater rates of return but slower rates of growth. Thus, growth companies also become better known and may be better able, to attract quality managers. Growth may also improve the effectiveness of the organization. Larger companies have a number of advantages over smaller firms operating in more limited markets. Large size or large market share can lead to economies of scale. Marketing or production synergies may result from more efficient use of sales calls, reduced travel time, reduced changeover time, and longer production runs. Learning and experience curve effects may produce lower costs as the firm gains experience in producing and distributing its product or service. Experience and large size may also lead to improved layout, gains in labor efficiency, redesign of products or production processes, or larger and more qualified staff departments (e.g., marketing research or research and development). Lower average unit costs may result from a firms ability to spread administrative expenses and other overhead costs over a larger unit volume. The more capital intensive a business is, the more important its ability to spread costs across a large volume becomes. Improved linkages with other stages of production can also result from large size. Better links with suppliers may be attained through large orders, which may produce lower costs (quantity discounts), improved delivery, or custom-made products that would be unaffordable for smaller operations. Links with distribution channels may lower costs by better location of warehouses, more efficient advertising, and shipping efficiencies. The size of the organization relative to its customers or suppliers influences its bargaining power and its ability to influence price and services provided. Sharing of information between units of a large firm allows knowledge gained in one business unit to be applied to problems being experienced in another unit. Especially for companies relying heavily on technology, the reduction of RD costs and the time needed to develop new technology may give larger firms an advantage over smaller, more specialized firms. The more similar the activities are among units, the easier the transfer of information becomes. Taking advantage of geographic differences is possible for large firms. Especially for multinational firms, differences in wage rates, taxes, energy costs, shipping and freight charges, and trade restrictions influence the costs of business. A large firm can sometimes lower its cost of business by placing multiple plants in locations providing the lowest cost. Smaller firms with only one location must operate within the strengths and weaknesses of its single location. CONCENTRIC DIVERSIFICATION Concentric diversification occurs when a firm adds related products or markets. The goal of such diversification is to achieve strategic fit. Strategic fit allows an organization to achieve synergy. In essence, synergy is the ability of two or more parts of an organization to achieve greater total effectiveness together than would be experienced if the efforts of the independent parts were summed. Synergy may be achieved by combining firms with complementary marketing, financial, operating, or management efforts. Breweries have been able to achieve marketing synergy through national advertising and distribution. By combining a number of regional breweries into a national network, beer producers have been able to produce and sell more beer than had independent regional breweries. Financial synergy may be obtained by combining a firm with strong financial resources but limited growth opportunities with a company having great market potential but weak financial resources. For example, debt-ridden companies may seek to acquire firms that are relatively debt-free to increase the lever-aged firms borrowing capacity. Similarly, firms sometimes attempt to stabilize earnings by diversifying into businesses with different seasonal or cyclical sales patterns. Strategic fit in operations could result in synergy by the combination of operating units to improve overall efficiency. Combining two units so that duplicate equipment or research and development are eliminated would improve overall efficiency. Quantity discounts through combined ordering would be another possible way to achieve operating synergy. Yet another way to improve efficiency is to diversify into an area that can use by-products from existing operations. For example, breweries have been able to convert grain, a by-product of the fermentation process, into feed for livestock. Management synergy can be achieved when management experience and expertise is applied to different situations. Perhaps a managers experience in working with unions in one company could be applied to labor management problems in another company. Caution must be exercised, however, in assuming that management experience is universally transferable. Situations that appear similar may require significantly different management strategies. Personality clashes and other situational differences may make management synergy difficult to achieve. Although managerial skills and experience can be transferred, individual managers may not be able to make the transfer effectively. CONGLOMERATE DIVERSIFICATION Conglomerate diversification occurs when a firm diversifies into areas that are unrelated to its current line of business. Synergy may result through the application of management expertise or financial resources, but the primary purpose of conglomerate diversification is improved profitability of the acquiring firm. Little, if any, concern is given to achieving marketing or production synergy with conglomerate diversification. One of the most common reasons for pursuing a conglomerate growth strategy is that opportunities in a firms current line of business are limited. Finding an attractive investment opportunity requires the firm to consider alternatives in other types of business. Philip Morriss acquisition of Miller Brewing was a conglomerate move. Products, markets, and production technologies of the brewery were quite different from those required to produce cigarettes. Firms may also pursue a conglomerate diversification strategy as a means of increasing the firms growth rate. As discussed earlier, growth in sales may make the company more attractive to investors. Growth may also increase the power and prestige of the firms executives. Conglomerate growth may be effective if the new area has growth opportunities greater than those available in the existing line of business. Probably the biggest disadvantage of a conglomerate diversification strategy is the increase in administrative problems associated with operating unrelated businesses. Managers from different divisions may have different backgrounds and may be unable to work together effectively. Competition between strategic business units for resources may entail shifting resources away from one division to another. Such a move may create rivalry and administrative problems between the units. Caution must also be exercised in entering businesses with seemingly promising opportunities, especially if the management team lacks experience or skill in the new line of business. Without some knowledge of the new industry, a firm may be unable to accurately evaluate the industrys potential. Even if the new business is initially successful, problems will eventually occur. Executives from the conglomerate will have to become involved in the operations of the new enterprise at some point. Without adequate experience or skills (Management Synergy) the new business may become a poor performer. Without some form of strategic fit, the combined performance of the individual units will probably not exceed the performance of the units operating independently. In fact, combined performance may deteriorate because of controls placed on the individual units by the parent conglomerate. Decision-making may become slower due to longer review periods and complicated reporting systems. DIVERSIFICATION: GROW OR BUY? Diversification efforts may be either internal or external. Internal diversification occurs when a firm enters a different, but usually related, line of business by developing the new line of business itself. Internal diversification frequently involves expanding a firms product or market base. External diversification may achieve the same result; however, the company enters a new area of business by purchasing another company or business unit. Mergers and acquisitions are common forms of external diversification. INTERNAL DIVERSIFICATION. One form of internal diversification is to market existing products in new markets. A firm may elect to broaden its geographic base to include new customers, either within its home country or in international markets. A business could also pursue an internal diversification strategy by finding new users for its current product. For example, Arm Hammer marketed its baking soda as a refrigerator deodorizer. Finally, firms may attempt to change markets by increasing or decreasing the price of products to make them appeal to consumers of different income levels. Another form of internal diversification is to market new products in existing markets. Generally this strategy involves using existing channels of distribution to market new products. Retailers often change product lines to include new items that appear to have good market potential. Johnson Johnson added a line of baby toys to its existing line of items for infants. Packaged-food firms have added salt-free or low-calorie options to existing product lines. It is also possible to have conglomerate growth through internal diversification. This strategy would entail marketing new and unrelated products to new markets. This strategy is the least used among the internal diversification strategies, as it is the most risky. It requires the company to enter a new market where it is not established. The firm is also developing and introducing a new product. Research and development costs, as well as advertising costs, will likely be higher than if existing products were marketed. In effect, the investment and the probability of failure are much greater when both the product and market are new. EXTERNAL DIVERSIFICATION. External diversification occurs when a firm looks outside of its current operations and buys access to new products or markets. Mergers are one common form of external diversification. Mergers occur when two or more firms combine operations to form one corporation, perhaps with a new name. These firms are usually of similar size. One goal of a merger is to achieve management synergy by creating a stronger management team. This can be achieved in a merger by combining the management teams from the merged firms. Acquisitions, a second form of external growth, occur when the purchased corporation loses its identity. The acquiring company absorbs it. The acquired company and its assets may be absorbed into an existing business unit or remain intact as an independent subsidiary within the parent company. Acquisitions usually occur when a larger firm purchases a smaller company. Acquisitions are called friendly if the firm being purchased is receptive to the acquisition. (Mergers are usually friendly.) Unfriendly mergers or hostile takeovers occur when the management of the firm targeted for acquisition resists being purchased. DIVERSIFICATION: VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL? Diversification strategies can also be classified by the direction of the diversification. Vertical integration occurs when firms undertake operations at different stages of production. Involvement in the different stages of production can be developed inside the company (internal diversification) or by acquiring another firm (external diversification). Horizontal integration or diversification involves the firm moving into operations at the same stage of production. Vertical integration is usually related to existing operations and would be considered concentric diversification. Horizontal integration can be either a concentric or a conglomerate form of diversification. VERTICAL INTEGRATION. The steps that a product goes through in being transformed from raw materials to a finished product in the possession of the customer constitute the various stages of production. When a firm diversifies closer to the sources of raw materials in the stages of production, it is following a backward vertical integration strategy. Avons primary line of business has been the selling of cosmetics door-to-door. Avon pursued a backward form of vertical integration by entering into the production of some of its cosmetics. Forward diversification occurs when firms move closer to the consumer in terms of the production stages. Levi Strauss Co., traditionally a manufacturer of clothing, has diversified forward by opening retail stores to market its textile products rather than producing them and selling them to another firm to retail. Backward integration allows the diversifying firm to exercise more control over the quality of the supplies being purchased. Backward integration also may be undertaken to provide a more dependable source of needed raw materials. Forward integration allows a manufacturing company to assure itself of an outlet for its products. Forward integration also allows a firm more control over how its products are sold and serviced. Furthermore, a company may be better able to differentiate its products from those of its competitors by forward integration. By opening its own retail outlets, a firm is often better able to control and train the personnel selling and servicing its equipment. Since servicing is an important part of many products, having an excellent service department may provide an integrated firm a competitive advantage over firms that are strictly manufacturers. Some firms employ vertical integration strategies to eliminate the profits of the middleman. Firms are sometimes able to efficiently execute the tasks being performed by the middleman (wholesalers, retailers) and receive additional profits. However, middlemen receive their income by being competent at providing a service. Unless a firm is equally efficient in providing that service, the firm will have a smaller profit margin than the middleman. If a firm is too inefficient, customers may refuse to work with the firm, resulting in lost sales. Vertical integration strategies have one major disadvantage. A vertically integrated firm places all of its eggs in one basket. If demand for the product falls, essential supplies are not available, or a substitute product displaces the product in the marketplace, the earnings of the entire organization may suffer. HORIZONTAL DIVERSIFICATION. Horizontal integration occurs when a firm enters a new business (either related or unrelated) at the same stage of production as its current operations. For example, Avons move to market jewelry through its door-to-door sales force involved marketing new products through existing channels of distribution. An alternative form of horizontal integration that Avon has also undertaken is selling its products by mail order (e.g., clothing, plastic products) and through retail stores (e.g., Tiffanys). In both cases, Avon is still at the retail stage of the production process. DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT TEAMS As documented in a study by Marlin, Lamont, and Geiger, ensuring a firms diversification strategy is well matched to the strengths of its top management team members factored into the success of that strategy. For example, the success of a merger may depend not only on how integrated the joining firms become, but also on how well suited top executives are to manage that effort. The study also suggests that different diversification strategies (concentric vs. conglomerate) require different skills on the part of a companys top managers, and that the factors should be taken into consideration before firms are joined. There are many reasons for pursuing a diversification strategy, but most pertain to managements desire for the organization to grow. Companies must decide whether they want to diversify by going into related or unrelated businesses. They must then decide whether they want to expand by developing the new business or by buying an ongoing business. Finally, management must decide at what stage in the production process they wish to diversify. FURTHER READING: Amit, R., and J. Livnat. A Concept of Conglomerate Diversification. Academy of Management Journal 28 (1988): 59304. Homburg, C., H. Krohmer, and J. Workman. Strategic Consensus and Performance: The Role of Strategy Type and Market-Related Dynamism. Strategic Management Journal 20, 33958. Luxenber, Stan. Diversification Strategy Raises Doubts. National Real Estate Investor, February 2004. Lyon, D.W., and W.J. Ferrier. Enhancing Performance With Product-Market Innovation: The Influence of the Top Management Team. Journal of Managerial Issues 14 (2002): 45269. Marlin, Dan, Bruce T. Lamont, and Scott W. Geiger. Diversification Strategy and Top Management Team Fit. Journal of Managerial Issues, Fall 2004, 361. Munk, N. How Levis Trashed a Great American Brand. Fortune, 12 April 1999, 830. St. John, C., and J. Harrison, Manufacturing-Based Relatedness, Synergy, and Coordination. Strategic Management Journal 20 (1999): 12945.