Iroquois Culture free essay sample

The 6 nations included the Oneida, Cayuga, Tuscarawas,Mohawk, Seneca, and Onondaga. The Confederacy acted as an arbiter for the 6 nations. It was used in times when a nation couldnt resolve a dispute by themselves. The nations were able to aid each other in times Of war, making them a reckoning force to be dealt with. They were divided during the American Revolution, when two of the nations fought against the British and the others did not. The Iroquois had many sources of food. Three main crops were Corn, Beans, and, Squash. These plants help keep each other alive and growing well. The beans were able to grow up the corn, while also keeping the corn from falling. The squash helped keep predators away from the fields. The Iroquois had many reasons for growing these foods. They believed that these plants were a gift from the Great Spirit and were worshiped. We will write a custom essay sample on Iroquois Culture or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They also had many benefits for the Iroquois diet. The corn had many carbohydrates, the squash was filled with vitamins, and beans provided protein. Without these sources of food, the Iroquois wouldnt have been able to survive as well as they did. The architecture that the Iroquois had was made well and had many uses.Mainly, they built different kinds of longhouses. They were roughly 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide. There was no average length, some of them being as long as 150 feet. They slept and ate in these longhouses. They made storage chests out of bark, and were below their beds. They slept on corncobs mats and used pelts as blankets. A symbol was carved above the door to show what clan lived in that specific longhouse. Family was a big part of Iroquois life. The Iroquois thrived in their land. Their food and shelter played a major part in their survival as a culture.

From Unity to Diversity Essays

From Unity to Diversity Essays From Unity to Diversity Essay From Unity to Diversity Essay Diane Larsen-Freeman The way to teach in 1965 is not acceptable in 1987, there are three points that can be represented in a triangle for a better comprehension in the methodology used in 1987, each angle of the transgressions a basic area of the field. Language Learning/Language Learner The prevailing view of the language-learning process in 1962 was that learning was achieved through habit formation. The native language was seen to comprise habits that a second-language learner must overcome. Challenging this characterization of he learning process was NOAA Chomsky that argued that language acquisition could not take through habit formation because language was far too complicated to be learned in such a manner, especially given the brief time available. What is especially significant for us was the learning acquiring English as a second or foreign language were found to be committing the same sort of personalization errors as the children. One cannot fall to note that believing language solution as a process of rule formation had tremendous Implication for the role of learners. We see that In 987 learners are seen to be the bears of responsibility for how much learning take place. What changes since Chomsky first propose it, however, is the view that language learning is solely a process of rule formation. The researches like Hatch, while again not denying that grammatical competence Is achieved through linguistic hypothesis testing, nevertheless believe that nonlinguistic processes may be critical to the learner s success In this endeavor. : Hatch specifically discusses the value of native-speaker / nonnative-speaker interaction in which the native speaker adjusts the level of speech to accommodate he nonnative speakers comprehension. We will return to our considerations of learning and the learner when we discuss the impact of these views on language pedagogy. Language/Culture Syllabus design Influenced by structural linguistic, in 1962 language was seen as consisting of hierarchically organized strata, each dealing with a different linguistic structure. Homes, morphemes, and syntactic patterns Syllabi for a languorously were organize around linguistic structures carefully graded In a sequence from simple to likely work on sentence patterns with the BE verb early on, followed a few lessons eater by yes-no question, followed by short answers. The structural, the notional- functional, and the semantic-based syllabi nicely illustrate the fact that language consists of three interacting dimensions: form, function, and meani ng. Many other syllabus types exist these days, of course. One particularly interesting approach is the procedural syllabus, which does not take language as its basis at all. Instead, students learn language through the performance of certain tasks and activities. The grammar is the means through Which linguistic creativity is ultimately achieved and inadequate knowledge of the grammar would lead to a serious limitation on the capacity for communication. Another syllabus, one that has had impact on the teaching SSL in the United States, is competency-based. This type of syllabus has been developed to each survival skills to refuges who are newly arrived immigrants to the United States. The behavioral outcomes of competency-based instruction are specific survival skills. One final language related development that we should not fail to mention is the expanded view of language to injudiciousness or the structure that exists beyond the sentence level. English for special purposes. Another major trend having to do with language during these past 25 years is the teaching of English for Special Purposes (ESP.). Although all language use has a purpose, teachers of ESP. teach only the English requisite for a particular purpose, be it an occupation or a domain. Thus curriculum designers of ESP. courses conduct rigorous needs analyses, analyzing the situation in which students will likely find themselves and carefully selecting the English necessary for students to meet the language demands of these restricted domains. Content-based approach. Content-based approaches see language as a mean of achieving something else and not as and end in itself, in those approaches the learning of language is integrally linked with the learning of some other subject matter. Although various models exist in this approach, some containing explicit instruction in the target language, the assumption is that both the subject matter and the language can be learned together when De students focus is on acquiring subject-matter information. Other models that share this assumption are those providing sheltered English and those that follow the adjunct model. Sheltered English classes are employed to teach English and subject content using specially modified curricula and materials. Culture The second angle of our triangle embraces both language and culture. Many language teachers acknowledge the need to integrate the two; yet I think it is fair to say that there really is no well-articulated theory of culture that has informed our field during the last 25 years and hence that the means of teaching culture to language students have not been well developed. It is true that many texts contain vulture information in the form of cultural capsules. But knowing a culture involves so much more the transmission of information these cultural notes allow. Many applied linguistics who hold thud perspective value the pluralism that exists in the English-speaking world and feel that one can be bilingual without being bacterial, that one can and should learn English for utilitarian purposes without adopting the dominant target culture. Language Teaching/Teacher This article began with our visit to a class in Which the Audio-lingual Method (ALMA) was is still being practiced. However, it is also true that the ALMA fell into disavow in many irises in the sass. His was due in part to the refutation of the habit-formation theory of language acquisition and in part to the fact that both teachers and students often found the required repetition boring and motivating. Silent way. The emphasis on human cognition inspired by the Chomsky revolution led to a new general approach to language teaching termed cognitive code. Rather tan simply being responsible to stimuli in the environment, learners were seen to be much more actively involved in their own learning. Although Caleb Gadgets Silent Way did not involve directly from the cognitive-code approach, its principles are consisted with it. For example, one of the basic tenets of the Silent Way is the subordination of thieving to learning this principle is in accord to the active role ascribed to the learner in the cognitive-code approach. Another distinguish feature is that the teacher helps students to develop a way to learn on their own. By giving students only what they absolutely need by assisting them to develop their own inner criteria, and by remaining silent move of the time, the teacher tries to help students to come self-reliant and increasingly independent of the teacher. Suggestive George Alizarin the originator of Suggestive believes that language learning can be made more efficient than what usually occurs. Teachers can help learners to surmount these barriers and to fully tap their mental powers, by destining the learners self-imposed limitations. This can be done trough the teachers direct and indirect positive suggestion in an environment that is relaxing and therefore conducive to learning. Counseling-learning/community language learning In Curran s Counseling Learning/Community Language Learning method, teachers understand and accept their students fears and concerns. In addition, teachers try to provide a secure learning environment in which a sense of community is fostered. In such an atmosphere, students can be indecisive and their positive energies can be channeled towards the language-learning task. Another way of putting this is toss ay the syllabus is learner-generated. Comprehension Approach Comprehension Approach also acknowledge insecurities have an adverse effect on language acquisition. As a consequence practitioners of this approach do not put students on the stop by having them speak in the target language. The teacher insures that the language that child uses is comprehensible to the students, Just as parents modify the speech they use with their children. Communicative Approach. Communicative Approach assert that students motivation will be enhanced feel that they working on communicative skills. By interacting with their teacher and fellow students, students receive practice in activating this knowledge in negotiating meaning. The soaker receive feedback from the listener on what the listener has understood. Principled eclectics. None of the methods have dominated language-teaching practice to the same extent as the ALMA once did. Moreover, it is rare that one of these methods is practiced exclusively. It is not uncommon for teachers today to practice a principled eclecticism, combining techniques and principles from various methods in a carefully reasoned manner. Goal. The goal of many language teachers today is to operate their students to students how to learn. Process. Learning is seen to be natural, gradual process, through which students progress at their own rates. At first it is to expected that the students will speak or write imperfect English. The necessary practice is thought to be most successful when students are engaged in the meaningful exchange of information, rather than repeating a teachers model. Learners are thus encouraged to be creative and communicative with the language, often doing so in small-group activities, in which they can practice communication and learn from one another. One specific technique connected to the process approach to writing is personal Journal-keeping, in Which students engage in a written Exchange with their teachers. Assessment Procedures Teacher needs the information that informal, ongoing assessment gives to know whether or not lesson, and therefore course, objectives are being achieved. Indeed, when formal evaluation measures are used, they should be designed to be consistent with objectives and therefore what has been taught. Evaluation measures consistent with a communicative approach to teaching will measure how students use English, not what they know about it. Roles The general pattern in modern-day methodology is for the teaching to be learner- centered. I mean that is the teacher who serves as a guide in the learning process, UT it is the learners who assume some responsibility for the direction of the learning and who bear ultimate responsibility for how much learning takes place. Language teaching today is humanistic. There are many definitions of this term, but in this context I mean that teachers are cognizant of the need to take their students affective needs into consideration. It is recognized that students feelings and attitudes can promote or deter language learning. Subject matter The language that is presented to the students should be meaningful and conceptualized. Students should not be asked to Just manipulate linguistic forms. Students should learn to use English accurately; however, they should also be able to use the language appropriate to a given social context. Students need practice in activating their knowledge of vocabulary, structures and language functions. The language syllabi are sometimes built around language structures sometimes functions, and sometimes topics and situations. Domestics syllabus is set in advance; other times it evolves at the course proceeds either on the basis of the teachers Judgment about what to work on next or on the basis of a learner-generated sequence. Sometimes the syllabus is more tasks-oriented than it is language- oriented. CIA will not doubt play an increasingly important role in methodology as the equipment decreases in costs and therefore becomes more accessible and as the viable software matures to a point where computers full interactive potential can be exploited. Conclusion The science of language teaching has boot retched De point of being able to consistently demonstrate the superiority of one methodology over another for all teachers and all crudeness and all settings And perhaps it never will. For teaching is a combination of science and art.

Moments of Truth in customer service Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Moments of Truth in customer service - Essay Example Without customers, there is no business to speak of. Carlzon’s impressive marketing approach effectively brought out the company out of the red, from an $8 million loss in 1981 to a staggering $71 million profit in less than a year. More than taking risks in terms of grand expenditure for such a move, what really worked in this strategy was adopting a change internally instead of externally putting up a more sophisticated faà §ade.Carlzon realized the need to shift from an inward, production-oriented airline to a more customer-driven and service oriented company. People need more humanized service instead of a more technologically advanced aircraft to ride on. Carlton’s team closed gaps in customer service that caused the company to lose revenue from the customer’s defection to other airlines or from simply losing the trust and confidence of their customers. Gronroos (2001) identified common gaps between customer expectations and the perceptions of the actual se rvice delivery as management perception gap; translation gap in quality specs; service delivery gap, gaps in â€Å"promises† made in marketing; and overall gap between perceived service and expected service.In each gap, customer satisfaction hangs on a thread and if not filled immediately, the company stands to lose the customer who has the power to spread the word of his or her dissatisfaction to others who could be prospective customers.Moments of truth usually occur within encounters between customers and company staff. Thus, each member of the company should be thoroughly trained in the provision of quality customer service. Empowering the staff with the trust that they can use their better judgment in satisfying customers, they must be authorized with decision-making powers under various moment of truth situations with customers. Having knowledgeable, courteous and happy staff brings about happy and satisfied customers. These customers know that they are in good hands an d with efficient staff who are able to provide them with their needs, it is likely that their satisfaction will bring in more business. To take the advise of Nilsson, the person responsible for the resurrection of Scandic Hotels, decision-making power should be shared with sales and service-front-line workers â€Å"right at the customer level† (Goodman, 2000). Nilsson recommends a decentralized management

Organizations and Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Organizations and Behavior - Essay Example However dealing with how organizations behave, it is necessary to see how the concept of leadership is in an organization. Leadership is all about the needs of the individuals of an organization. Leadership styles are mostly related to the situation in hand. They are used by considering the requirements of people involved and the particular challenges that the organization is facing. There are apparently six different leadership styles or approaches (Kotter and Cohen, 2002, p124). The first one is Visionary. This style is needed when an organization is looking for a new direction and its aim is to move people towards a new goal. Second one is coaching. This style deals with the development of individuals and showing how they can improve their performance and connects their aims to the aims of the organization. Coaching is best for organizations in which the workers who are initiative and want more professional development (Hatch, 2006, p19). Thirdly there is the Affiliate style. This style talks about team work and how a good connection between groups is important. This approach is important in improving and increasing team harmony and morale and improving communication or repairing any type of broken trusts within an organization. However too much praise can lead to poor performance as well. The fourth one is the Democratic style. This style deals with people’s knowledge and skills and introduces a commitment towards goals. However this style will fail in times of crises and in times of urgent decisions. The fifth style is Pacesetting. This style deals with the high standards of performance. The leaders want a perfect work and better and faster things. This style fails in if used too much hence it should be used sparingly. The final and sixth style is Commanding style. This style is also known as the military model. This is the most often used one but the least effective though. It deals with less praise and more criticism; it

Issues of Trust Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Issues of Trust - Essay Example By developing effective pedagogical strategic plan of fully engagement of culturally diversified parents towards the learning process, which avoids any events that can be interpreted as discrimination of the low-income CLD families. I will foster collaborative decision-making, which is made hard by less active parents in the school by involving parents, family and the community will ensure that all students’ needs are met without racial, culture, and level of income discrimination. The focus of the engagement is to enhance collaboration and testing the response from different cultures in my school, which will help in coming up with universal goals towards representing students from diverse backgrounds. Promoting more effective and efficient federal policies guarantees equal opportunities for all CLD families irrespective of their race, gender, culture, or socio-economic status; hence, this is a practice that I will engage in to provide a culturally responsible teaching environment. The policies will be published after gathering extensive information from all families including low-income CLD families, which will enhance the accomplishment of a collaborative governance of the teaching process free from criticism. The policies have to address all differences that arise from CLD families, stipulating considerations of the special attention required by the low-income families, which ensures that all students receive quality service. This is to ensure that what I offer in the curriculum would be my move to ensure that I foster a strong nous of a culturally responsive learning environment for culturally and linguistically diversified students. This is a practice that I believe plays an important role in enhancing collaborative ties in a school despite the cultural differences. I will put measures to promote consistent communication ensures that students develop self-empowerment regardless of their cultural

A market analysis of the McDonalds corporation

A market analysis of the McDonalds corporation McDonalds is a popularly known Market Leader in the Fast food Industry or better known as the Burger Industry. Started in the year 1948, it has managed to emerge triumphant in spite of a number of companies entering the industry. The company has successfully established a popular brand image. In fact the growth of fast food has been named after the organization as McDonaldization. Marketing involves identifying what customers demand and striving towards meeting their demands. Marketing Audit involves analyzing the companys various aspects and evaluating the companys marketing strategy. It involves in bringing out the pitfalls in the organizations functioning. The following pages contain the analysis of McDonalds Corporation. We have researched the various facets of the organization functioning as to how well they have managed to reach customers. There has been an analysis of the industry aspects like the customers, competitors and the suppliers. Also the Macro Environmental analysis along with the SWOT has been performed. We have analyzed the current Marketing techniques. On analyzing the current situation of the company and the market in the fast food industry we have provided some recommendations which might prove to be useful for the organization on its successful implementation. Introduction The statistics figures show that the global fast food market reached a value of $102.7 billion in 2006, growing by 4.8%. Meanwhile, analysts forecast that in 2011, the global fast food market will have a value of $125.4 billion, an increase of 22.2% since 2006 (Fast Food: Global Industry Guide, n. d.). McDonalds is the worlds leading company in the fast food industry. It has more than 30,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries serving millions people around the global. The companys success was as a result of the policy they follow, known as the Q.S.C. V. (Quality food; Fast, Friendly Service; Restaurant Cleanliness; and a menu that provides Value). The company was first started as a drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino by the two brothers Mac and Dick McDonalds in the year 1948. It was later bought by Ray Kroc, who was their franchising agent in 1961 and opened his first McDonalds in Illinois. The companys menu initially consisted of Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, French Fries, Sodas, Milkshakes, milk and coffee, although it has grown considerably since. The company follows a unique business model described as the three legged stool wherein the three legs are the owners/operators, suppliers and Company employees. It is an organization that develops, operates, franchises and services a worldwide system of restaurants that prepare, assemble, package and sell a limited menu of quickly prepared, moderately priced food. McDonalds has pioneered food quality specifications, marketing and training programs, and operational and supply systems, all of which are considered the standards of the industry throughout the world. Marketing Mix Every business organization must develop an effective marketing strategy. The 7 Ps is used to continually evaluate and re evaluate business activities. The seven Ps are product, price, promotion, place, packaging, positioning, and people. The 7 Ps are used to ensure that the company is on track and achieve maximum results. Product Predominantly sells Hamburgers and cheeseburgers which forms the part of the standard menu worldwide Also sells various types of chicken sandwiches and products, French fries, soft drinks, breakfasts, and desserts. They sell a variety of products during limited promotional time periods. The company tests new products on an ongoing basis. Example: Chicken Nuggets in the year 1983 DIRECTION People Focuses on Friendly and Prompt service which helps them to maintain their reputation Employees have a standard uniform. Statistics of staff composition Restaurant staffRestaurant managementOffice staffFranchisees staff44,000300050025,000They have high recruitment standards, employ local staff and proper training. PATH Process Manufacturing process is transparent and visible to customers. Customers are invited to check the ingredients used in the food. Maintain high quality control standards. Use of innovative ideas and having latest technologies installed. Drive through facility Price Have Specials, two dollar burgers Competitors find it difficult to follow Generally use a value-based approach to pricing, Aim at giving consumers the best value for money Promotions Best methods to maintain high awareness and promote their image Advertising through Billboards, Television, Radio etc. Sponsorships like Ronald House and local Basketball Sales Promotion, Examples: Two dollar burger, Happy Meal Direct Marketing through Birthday and Clubs Publicity Place Placed extensively and easily accessible Have Drive through where customers can pick up food Mc Delivery offers options for home delivery Holds a different place in the consumers mind Fun place for children Physical Evidence Means looking for aspects customer uses to assess a product and evaluate its position High quality standards are maintained Emphasizes on clean and hygienic interiors of its outlets High importance to the appearance of the staff and the service provided. ACTION Current Marketing Strategy McDonalds as a world Market Leader has certain goals which it strives to achieve 100% customer satisfaction, increase its market share and optimize profitability by reducing costs. On analyzing the companys marketing position, the following are a part of the current strategy in order to reach its customers: Healthier foods To handle the change of trend towards healthier food this McDonalds have changed the way the food is prepared. It makes sure that 100% vegetable oil is used, low fat milk is used for milkshakes and the amount of sodium has been cut down. Food Quality and Nutrition The quality and safety of food items are of paramount importance in McDonalds. This is achieved through strict product standards, strict enforcement of operating procedures and work in close relationship with the suppliers. Larger Menus McDonalds aims at achieving the other important expectation from the consumers (want for choice). To this McDonalds reacted by introducing the breakfast menu with a variety of food products. Apart from this they have also introduced a lot of other products. Restaurant Diversity The restaurants in each location are customized and their menus are according to the needs and demands of the customers in the location, the food on the menu would conform to the regional and ethnic tastes. Brand Positioning McDonalds Brand positioning is mainly carried out through sponsorship of events and sports. It sponsors events like Domes community programme and learning experience and Child Safety Week. Industry Analysis Industry analysis of an organization involves the analysis in the following categories: Customer Analysis This refers to buyer force. The buyer has a great deal of selecting power due to the fact that if they are dissatisfied with the food or service they can easily switch or purchase from an alternate product. But it is undeniable that any organization cannot satisfy the needs of all the consumers. Therefore organization divides the market into segments which display similar characteristics or behavior is necessary. McDonalds market segmentation is based on demographic variables Age and Lifestyle. The primary target markets are seniors, adults and teenagers, but the most heavily targeted segment is children. The market segmentation of McDonalds can be visualized as follows: Market Segments Seniors Adults Teenagers Children Customers are those who pay money to acquire an organizations goods or services. For many years McDonalds mostly targeted the young people, however this has changed in this decade; McDonalds has turned towards a more general market. By doing this McDonalds concentrates on the family, targeting a diverse market Competitor Analysis It was said that the Fast Food industry is highly competitive (Data Warehousing Case Study: Fast Food, n. d.). McDonalds major Competitors include that Burger King, Taco Bell, Subway, and Panera Bread. Especially, KFC, which offers chicken nuggets and fries on its menu, operates over an 11000 restaurants in more than 80 countries. Fast food, especially fries, hamburger and so on, are thought as garbage-food because of high-calorie. There are high possibilities of healthy substitutes posing a threat to these companies. Of course, McDonalds is concentrating on the health side by introduction of healthy food items in the menu. The following are the findings of the competitive position of McDonalds based on the Porters five forces: Rivalry: This involves how the company differentiates itself from its competitors. In case of McDonalds, as discussed above the major rivals are Burger King, KFC and Wendys. Though McDonalds is the Market Leader currently, with the capacity of the rivals growing the competition seems intense. The rivals are trying to increase their sales by concentrating on the health factors. New Entrants: With so many popular fast food companies in the industry new entrants are not much if a threat when seen globally. McDonalds has an edge over its competitors as it is globally spread. Buyers: With reasonable prices and quick service provided by McDonalds, there is less scope for customers to move to competitors for the products. With the introduction of the wireless facility in the some of the outlets has added to the attraction. Suppliers: Except for the cold drink from Coca Cola, the company does not have a single supplier at a global level. For meat it has its own farm and other raw materials are from local store Substitutes: There are high possibilities of healthy substitutes posing a threat to the company. Though McDonalds is concentrating on the health side by introduction of healthy food items in the menu, it might still be posed with the challenge of substitutes. Supplier Analysis Supplier is an organization that provides resources for other organizations. In McDonalds three legged stool philosophy the third leg is supplier partners. McDonalds has practiced a backward vertical integration, by replacing most of its suppliers. It has done so for two reasons, To reduce costs, and To ensure that its products are of top quality. These supplies include beef and milk to be used in its products, which it gets from its farms. Other suppliers include local grocery stores that supply McDonalds with fresh vegetables. Soft drinks are supplied exclusively by Coca-Cola, which is also its ally. McDonalds supplies also include raw material such as flour, sugar, yeast, etc. . MACRO ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Companies always operate in a larger macro environment of forces and trends that shape opportunities and post threats. These forces represent non-controllable forces, which the company must monitor and respond to. In most cases, we identify macro environmental factors by an acronym, PESTEL. P: Political System of the country. E : Economical Factors S : Social / Cultural factors T : Technological factors E : Ecological factors L : Legal factors POLITICAL FACTORS McDonalds employees and job applicants are selected, trained, promoted and treated on the basis of their relevant skills, talents and performance and without reference to race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status or disability. In support of this, McDonalds also has a policy on Sexual and Racial Harassment. All McDonalds restaurants work to standards which meet the highest best practice guidelines for Building and Health and Safety regulations. ENVIRONMENTAL / ECOLOGICAL FACTORS McDonalds is analyzing every aspect of its business in terms of its impact on the environment and is committed to waste minimization with a target of a 50% volume reduction. McDonalds works only in partnership with suppliers with sound environmental practices. It also has a manager responsible for environmental affairs. A revolutionary new static waste compactor is now in 60 restaurants, which reduces waste volumes by an average of 40-50%. McDonalds is committed to using recycled materials wherever possible in its packaging and business in general. Waste oil makes up 10% of a restaurants waste and is recycled via local collectors at regional refineries, into animal feedstock and other by products. In April 1988, McDonalds switched to non-CFC foam packaging which carries the CFC-Free message. McDonalds is playing an active role in global efforts to develop more environmentally friendly refrigerants. SOCIO- CULTURAL FACTORS McDonalds feels that it address public concern regarding nutrition through a combination of stringent product standards, strictly enforced restaurant operating procedures, and close working relationships with suppliers to assure that McDonalds food is safe and of the highest quality. It also discloses nutritional and ingredient information regarding its menu items through in-store posters and brochures distributed upon request. In the early 1990s, international expansion into new cultures and corresponding eating habits resulted in new product introductions in several locations. McDonalds new items generally receive no advertising and little sales promotion during the test period. TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS McDonalds corporation has built a whole range of systems such as intranets, wireless applications or innovative kiosk systems, all based on Days Commu ­niquà ©. In their most recent initiative, the company migrated their global internet presence mcdonalds.com to our platform. An important component of McDonalds operational strategy is to anticipate customer traffic patterns and food selection based on a detailed analysis of sales history and trends. Restaurants use this information to prepare menu items in the right quantities and at the right times to have the food ready for customers when they arrive. To ensure freshness, all food not served within 10 minutes must be discarded. ECONOMIC FACTORS During the late 1990s and the beginning of the new millennium, McDonalds found itself in a regression, the first one since its conception in 1955. The Gold Arches werent shining like they once did, however there are in the process of being polished, figuratively speaking. In 2003 McDonalds ranked eighth out of 100 brands in the Global Brand Scoreboard assembled by Interbrand Corporation and Business Week, proving that McDonalds is one of the worlds best known and most valuable brands. However, that wasnt the case during 2001 and 2002. LEGAL FACTORS The legal framework includes that any company in the Food and Beverages industry must not transport commodities that are hazardous to life and property or that are contraband in nature. Example: illegal drugs and unlicensed arms and ammunition. McDonalds serves 100% beef, 100% chicken, and Grade A eggs. McDonalds food comes only from certified suppliers who are audited and inspected on a regular basis. More than 2,000 safety, quality and inspection checks surround McDonalds food as it moves from the farms to our restaurants. McDonalds requires that 72 safety protocols are conducted every single day in McDonalds restaurants. McDonaldss Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats Strong Player Global Existence and Massive Size Strong Brand Marketing Outlets easily accessible Consistency and Fast Service Weak Product Differentiation Slowed Revenue and income growth Mature Industry Strength of competition More health conscious consumers International Expansion Only serving 1% of worlds population Growing dining-out market Strengths McDonald is a strong player in international market with his competitors hardly half the business. Global existence and massive size allows him more diversification in food menu. Exceptionally strong brand recognition and aggressive marketing. A strong real estate selection makes its outlets located in the areas which are easily accessible It has the consistency in his fast food supply and success of its food items Weaknesses Lack of product differentiation. The competitors also brought about the development of similar products. Too many competitors entering the market which reduces the companys ability to increase revenue and also leads to slow income growth. Opportunities More international expansion, as it still required penetrating in many countries especially in Asia, Europe and Latin America covering only 1% of world population There has been an increase in the number of people who dine out, thus paving way for growth Threats Market saturation leaving less scope for expansion and revenue generation. Competitors are quite strong and gaining good market share with new innovations. More people are getting health conscious and switching to different eating habits. Findings and Implications Domination of the industry McDonalds Corporation services the worlds largest chain of fast food outlets and has established as a Market Leaders. It has a market share of around 7.7% in the quick service industry in the United States. It holds a market of 43.1% in the burger segment. But it may need to grow in the non-burger fast food market. Growth As far as domestic market is considered there has the growth has slowed down. The companys revenue grew by 9% to record a $21.6 Billion. The comparable sales of the organization increased to about 5.7% from the year 2005 and the system wide sales increased to 7%. Income from continuing operations per common share was $2.30 with $2.03 in 2005. The following is a five year analysis of the number of McDonalds UK retail outlets and their pre-tax profits: 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 No of restaurants 836 928 1016 1117 1184 Pre-tax profit ( £m) 100.2 82.3 127.9 137.5 141.4 The Growth of Mc Donalds in terms of restaurants can be viewed as below: International Sector McDonalds has expanded to many countries throughout the world. It has opened 744 restaurants in 2006, ending the year with more than 31000 outlets worldwide. The company has clearly demonstrated extensive and impressive growth by expanding into markets across the globe, increasing penetration into the existing markets and stretching its product range to include exciting breakfasts. It is often conceived that McDonalds is approaching the end of its extended growth phase. But with increasing population throughout the world, assuming people consume three meals a day, it serves around 1% meal a share position that provides possibilities for plenty of growth within the industry. Competition is however aggressively snapping at the base of golden arches. A new genre of restaurants seems to have emerged in the market, dubbed as the fast casual. They are offering consumers fresher, healthier and more variety of food in a more inviting ambience. Recommendations Prospects for growth Strategy High Market Share Mature Markets Market leader in one product market Maintaining Market Share Substitutes entering the market Maintaining Dominance in the market Increase of Market size Innovative redefinition of existing markets. Expand into related product market Maintaining good relationship with customers and suppliers. If high prospects for growth then entry into substitute market Buying some of the emerging firms in order to reduce competition through expansion. McDonalds is the company with the highest market share in the Fast food industry. In order to expand and grow further it is necessary for the organization to expand the market itself. This can be done by the introduction of innovative food items in the menu in order to attract all kinds of consumers. Without innovation expanding the market size might prove advantageous to the competitors too. Mature markets can be handled by redefining the existing markets in a way that from redefining new markets are created in order to expand. In order to redefine the market they can introduce jumbo sized burger and sandwiches at reasonable price which is sure to attract more customers from all categories and hence expands the market. Since McDonalds is a Market Leader in the Fast food industry, it can continue with the expansion into other related industries. Like McCafe in the coffee industry, it can expand into another field like having their own drinks produced and manufacturing. In order to maintain its current market share it should continue to maintain good relationship with customers and suppliers by ensuring more quality to its consumers When there is a threat of healthier substitutes entering the market, McDonalds can also enter into the substitute market if it has prospects for growth and it is developing in its early stages which will avoid McDonalds from facing threats. The major substitutes McDonalds have are the healthier ones. In order to face the threat from substitutes, McDonalds can make their menu healthier, they can have a low fat menu items with sandwiches, wraps and burgers that are healthier In order for McDonalds to maintain its market dominance, it can buy small but emerging firms in the industry so that the competitors reduce in number. ANSOFFS PRODUCT EXPANSION GRID PRODUCTS CURRENT NEW M A R K E T S CURRENT Market Penetration Strategies Current Products: Big Mac, Grilled Chicken Foldovers, Beverages, French Fries etc. Current Market: Students, Working Professionals, families. Collaboration with institutes, universities Opening outlets at campuses, easily accessible places, commercial areas Investments on advertisements, vouchers, coupons etc Product Development Strategies Introducing Vegetables food Healthy and Nutritious products, e.g. Brown bread instead of white one. Successful product launches in U.S. included Premium Roast Coffee, the Asian Salad and snack wrap. Combination of continental food with local food at affordable price NEW Market Development Strategies Entering into more developing countries Offering franchise in new market More Advertisement and promotion Inaugural discounts Providing membership cards Buying some emerging firms Diversification Strategies New restaurants offering various cuisines Cake shops, bakery items Improving distribution or delivery service. The Ansoffs Matrix depicts the Market expansion strategy for McDonalds. Conclusion The extensive research of McDonalds Corporation has been pursued. The company being the major player in the fast food industry has a competitive edge over the others within the industry. It has created great popularity amongst its customers especially amongst the kids who are McDonalds key target customers. The company does face a threat of expanding in the mature market and taking over by the competitors which has been highlighted. It has several key strategies which if maintained will continue to stay as the leader in the fast food industry. The key points being its quick and fast service, quality food, easily accessible and fair pricing of the food items. The Health factor towards which the trend is moving is to be considered by the organization which will be added advantage to its growth and expansion.

General Ulysses S. Grant :: essays research papers

Not long after fighting had begun in the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant went back into battle and enlisted in the army. Grant was a great military leader. He combined tactics that were taught to him at West Point with his own knowledge and with what he picked up on from the Mexican War, where he was under the command of Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott. Grant proved his leadership and strategy when he captured Fort Donelson in Tennessee. This was the first major victory for the Union. This was where Grant said a famous line when the confederate general Simon B. Buckner requested an armistice. General Grant’s answer to this was â€Å"Yours of this date proposing Armistice, and appointment of Commissioners, to settle terms of Capitulation is just received. No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.† This is where he gets his nickname Unconditional Surrender Grant. And as a result of this victory, Grant is promoted to Major General. Another important victory for Grant was his victory at Vicksburg. This battle was the deciding factor for the Union taking control of the Mississippi River, which would cut the Confederacy in half. Grant had succeeded in starving out the Confederates in order to capture the city. Grant demanded unconditional surrender from the Confederate commander, Simon Bolivar Buckner. This along with the victory at Gettysburg marks the turning point of the war. Not to long after this, Grant is promoted to Lieutenant General, giving him complete power over all armies. This is when Grant launches his new campaign of Total war, where he is not only at war with the Confederate soldiers, but also with civilians who are helping out the Confederates. He sends General Sherman on his famous march to the sea, where Sherman and his troops burn everything in their path. While this was going on, Grant was attacking Lee’s army, just battle after battle, because Lee had no reserves to replace men who have died, but the Union had many civilians in their reserve.

Ethical Leadership in Organizations Essay

Ethical leadership is leadership that is involved in leading in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of others. As leaders are by nature in a position of social power, ethical leadership focuses on how leaders use their social power in the decisions they make, actions they engage in and ways they influence others. Leaders who are ethical demonstrate a level of integrity that is important for stimulating a sense of leader trustworthiness, which is important for followers to accept the vision of the leader. Leaders who are ethical are people-oriented, and also aware of how their decisions impact others, and use their social power to serve the greater good instead of self-serving interests. Motivating followers to put the needs or interests of the group ahead of their own is another quality of ethical leaders. Motivating involves engaging others in an intellectual and emotional commitment between leaders and followers that makes both parties equally responsible in the pursuit of a common goal. Ethical leadership falls within the nexus of inspiring, stimulating, and visionary leader behaviours that make up transformational and charismatic leadership. Ethical leaders assist followers in gaining a sense of personal competence that allows them to be self-sufficient by encouraging and empowering them. What is Ethical Leadership? One typical response to the â€Å"ethics crisis† in business is a clarion call for more â€Å"ethical leadership,† yet there are few explanations of what exactly is meant by the term. Many executives and business thinkers believe that ethical leadership is simply a matter of leaders having good character. By having â€Å"the right values† or being a person of â€Å"strong character,† the ethical leader can set the example for others and withstand any temptations that may occur along the way. Without denying the importance of good character and the right values, the reality of ethical leadership is far more complex and the stakes are much higher. Over the past 25 years, in talking to executives in a number of industries about the problems of how to lead in a world of great change—globalization, democratization, and incredible technological advances—we have identified a number of touchstones for the idea of â€Å"ethical leadership.† Our experience is often contrary to the picture of business executives one finds in public discussion where they are often seen as greedy, competitive, and only concerned with compensation. In fact most executives want to be effective in their jobs and to leave their companies and the world a better place, creating value on both fronts for those whose lives they affect. Our view of ethical leadership takes into account not only the leader but also his constituents (followers and key stakeholders), the context or situation that the leader and constituents face, the leader’s processes and skills, and the outcomes that result. Leaders are first and foremost members of their own organizations and stakeholder groups. As such, their purpose, vision, and values are for the benefit of the entire organization and its key stakeholders. â€Å"Leaders see their constituents as not just followers, but rather as stakeholders striving to achieve that same common purpose, vision, and values. These follower and stakeholder constituents have their own individuality and autonomy which must be respected to maintain a moral community.† Ethical leaders embody the purpose, vision, and values of the organization and of the constituents, within an understanding of ethical ideals. They connect the goals of the organization with that of the internal employees and external stakeholders. Leaders work to create an open, two-way conversation, thereby maintaining a charitable understanding of different views, values, and constituents’ opinions. They are open to others’ opinions and ideas because they know those ideas make the organization they are leading better. Characteristics of Ethical Leaders In today’s turbulent world, ethics and values are present at a number of levels for executives and managers—leaders who devote their time and energy to leading the process of value creation. This broader concept of ethical leadership empowers leaders to incorporate and be explicit about their own values and ethics. The following list provides a framework for developing ethical leadership. It is based on the observations of and conversations with a host of executives and students over the past 25 years, and on readings of both popular and scholarly business literature. Written from the perspective of the leader, these ten facets of ethical leaders offer a way to understand ethical leadership that is more complex and more useful than just a matter of â€Å"good character and values.† â€Å"It is important for leaders to tell a compelling and morally rich story, but ethical leaders must also embody and live the story. This is a difficult task in today’s business environment where everyone lives in a fishbowl—on public display. So many political leaders fail to embody the high-minded stories they tell at election time, and more recently, business leaders have become the focus of similar criticism through the revelations of numerous scandals and bad behaviours. CEOs in today’s corporations are really ethical role models for all of society.† 1. Articulate and embody the purpose and values of the organization. Following a series of unethical activities by Citigroup employees in Japan in 2004, new CEO Chuck Prince fired several executives, publicly accepted responsibility and bowed apologetically to Japanese officials. Not only did Prince’s message resonate within Japan, but it also signalled a new era of â€Å"shared responsibility† within the culture of Citigroup where every employee was expected to take ownership for their decisions that affected the enterprise. 2. Focus on organizational success rather than on personal ego. Ethical leaders understand their place within the larger network of constituents and stakeholders. It is not about the leader as an individual, it is about something bigger—the goals and dreams of the organization. Ethical leaders also recognize that value is in the success of people in the organization. In 1998, in a bold gesture demonstrating how he valued the company’s line employees, Roger Enrico, former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, chose to forego all but $1 of his salary, requesting that PepsiCo, in turn, contribute $1 million to a scholarship fund for employees’ children. In a similar manner, the founders of JetBlue began a process of matching, from their salaries, employee donations to a charity. Today, their entire salaries go to the JetBlue Crewmember Catastrophic Plan charity, to assist staff with crises not covered by insurance. The point of these examples is not that ethical leaders donate their salaries to charities, but rather that ethical leaders identify and act on levers, such as employee loyalty, that drive organizational success. 3. Find the best people and develop them. This task is fairly standard in different models of leadership. Ethical leaders pay special attention to finding and developing the best people precisely because they see it as a moral imperative—helping them to lead better lives that create more value for themselves and for others. Finding the best people involves taking ethics and character into account in the selection process. â€Å"Ethical leaders pay special attention to finding and developing the best people† Many CEOs have said to us that judging someone’s integrity is far more important than evaluating their experience and skills. Yet, in many organizations, employees are hired to fill a particular skill need with little regard to issues of integrity. 4. Create a living conversation about ethics, values and the creation of value for stakeholders. Too often business executives think that having a laminated â€Å"values card† in their wallet or having a purely compliance approach to ethics has solved the â€Å"ethics problem.† Suffice it to say that Enron and other troubled companies had these systems in place. What they didn’t have was a conversation across all levels of the business where the basics of value creation, stakeholder principles and societal expectations were routinely discussed and debated. There is a fallacy that values and ethics are the â€Å"soft, squishy† part of management. Nothing could be further from the truth. In organizations that have a live conversation about ethics and values, people hold each other responsible and accountable about whether they are really living the values. And, they expect the leaders of the organization to do the same. Bringing such a conversation to life means that people must have knowledge of alternatives, must choose every day to stay with the organization and its purpose because it is important and inspires them. Making a strong commitment to bringing this conversation to life is essential to do if one is to lead ethically. Most people know the story of Johnson and Johnson’s former CEO Jim Burke and the Tylenol product recall in the 1980s in which, at a great short-term financial cost, he pulled all potentially tampered-with products off the shelves, thereby keeping the public’s trust intact. The less well-known background to this story, however, is critical to understanding the final outcome. Well before the Tylenol crisis hit, Johnson & Johnson had held a series of â€Å"challenge meetings† all around the world, where managers sat and debated their â€Å"Credo,† a statement of their purpose and principles of who they wanted to be as a company. The conversation about ethics at Johnson & Johnson was alive, and in many ways made Jim Burke’s choice about handling the situation clearer than it otherwise would have been. 5. Create mechanisms of dispute. This needs to be made part of the organizational culture, not just a line item in a compliance program document. Some companies have used anonymous e-mail and telephone processes to give employees a way around the levels of management that inevitably spring up as barriers in large organizations. Many executives also have used â€Å"skip level† meetings where they go down multiple levels in the organization to get a more realistic view of what is actually going on. General Electric’s famous â€Å"workout† process—where workers meet to decide how to fix problems and make the company better—was a way for front line employees to push back against the established policies and authority of management. All of these processes lead to better decisions, more engaged employees, and an increased likelihood of avoiding damaging mistakes. In a company that takes its purpose or values seriously, there must be mechanisms of pushing back to avoid the values becoming stale and dead. Indeed, many of the current corporate scandals could have been prevented if only there were more creative ways for people to express their dissatisfaction with the actions of some of their leaders and others in the companies. The process of developing these mechanisms of dissent will vary by company, by leadership style, and by culture, but it is a crucial leadership task for value creation in today’s business world. 6. Take a charitable understanding of others’ values. Ethical leaders can understand why different people make different choices, but still have a strong grasp on what they would do and why. Following twenty-seven years in South African prisons, Nelson Mandela was still able to see the good in his jailers. After one particularly vicious jailer was being transferred away from Robbins Island because of Mandela’s protest and push back, the jailer turned to Mandela and stated â€Å"I just want to wish you people good luck.† Mandela interpreted this statement charitably as a sign that all people had some good within them, even those caught up in an evil system. Mandela felt that it was his responsibility to see this good in people and to try and bring it out. One CEO suggested that instead of seeing ethical leadership as preventing people from doing the wrong thing, we need to view it as enabling people to do the right thing. 7. Make tough calls while being imaginative. Ethical leaders inevitably have to make a lot of difficult decisions, from reorienting the company’s strategy and basic value proposition to making individual personnel decisions such as working with employees exiting the organization. Ethical leaders do not attempt to avoid difficult decisions by using an excuse of â€Å"I’m doing this for the business.† The ethical leader consistently unites â€Å"doing the right thing† and â€Å"doing the right thing for the business.† The idea that â€Å"ethical leadership† is just â€Å"being nice† is far from the truth. Often, exercising â€Å"moral imagination† is the most important task. Mohammed Yunus founded the Grameen Bank on such moral imagination. By taking the standard banking practice of only lending to people with collateral, and turning it on its head, Yunus spawned an industry of micro-lending to the poor. The Grameen Bank’s motto is that poverty belongs in a museum. In addition to having one of the highest loan repayment rates in the banking industry, the bank’s program of lending to poor women in Bangladesh to start businesses has helped millions of them to be able to feed themselves. 8. Know the limits of the values and ethical principles they live. All values have limits, particular spheres in which they do not work as well as others. The limits for certain values, for instance, may be related to the context or the audience in which they are being used. Ethical leaders have an acute sense of the limits of the values they live and are prepared with solid reasons to defend their chosen course of action. Problems can arise when managers do not understand the limits of certain values. As an example, one issue common to the recent business scandals was that managers and executives did not understand the limits of â€Å"putting shareholders first.† Attempts to artificially keep stock prices high—without creating any lasting value for customers and other stakeholders—can border on fanaticism rather than good judgment. Ethics is no different from any other part of our lives: there is no substitute for good judgment, sound advice, practical sense, and conversations with those affected by our actions. 9. Frame actions in ethical terms. Ethical leaders see their leadership as a fully ethical task. This entails taking seriously the rights claims of others, considering the effects of one’s actions on others (stakeholders), and understanding how acting or leading in a certain way will have effects on one’s character and the character of others. There is nothing amoral about ethical leaders, and they recognize that their own values may sometimes turn out to be a poor guidepost. The ethical leader takes responsibility for using sound moral judgment. But, there is a caution here. It is easy to frame actions in ethical terms and be perceived as â€Å"righteous.† Many have the view that ethics is about universal, inviolable principles that are carved into stone. We need to start with principles and values, and then work hard to figure out how they can be applied in today’s complex global business environment. Principles, values, cultures, and individual differences often conflict. Ethical leadership requires an attitude of humility rather than righteousness: a commitment to one’s own principles, and at the same time, openness to learning and to having conversations with others who may have a different way of seeing the world. Ethics is best viewed as an open conversation about those values and issues that are most important to us and to our business. It is a continual discovery and reaffirmation of our own principles and values, and a realization that we can improve through encountering new ideas.

The Life History of Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley was born into a poverty stricken family on January 8, 1935. He and his twin brother (Jessie Garon who died at birth) were the sons of Vernon Elvis Presley and Gladys Love Smith Presley. Gladys Smith gave birth in two-room house built by her husband and her brother – in -law. His way of life was rough in Tupelo, Mississippi where he was born. He was born during the Great Depression. Elvis and his parents attended the Assembly of God Church; the music and preaching registered very deeply in Elvis. In 1945, ten year old Elvis stands on a chair at a microphone and sings † Old Sheep † in a contest at the Mississippi – Alabama Fair and Dairy Show, which was held in Tupelo. Elvis wins second prize, which was $5. 00 and free admissions to all rides at the fair. In 1946, Elvis's parents couldn†t afford the bicycle that Elvis wanted, so Gladys talked him into accepting a guitar instead. The guitar cost $12. 95 and was purchased at the Tupelo Hardware Company. He and his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948 to pursue a better life. They lived in low – income housing. He buys his clothes on the famous, Beadle Street, and he absorbs the gospel and blues that he hears there. Elvis graduated from Hughes High School in 1953. He recorded an album for his mother as a present at Sun Records in 1954. In late 1955 his recording contract was sold to RCA Records. The songs that he recorded was † My Happiness and â€Å"That's When Your Heartaches Begin†. Sam Phillips, finally calls him in to record â€Å"Big Boy† Crudup's † That's All Right† and song was backed by â€Å"Blue Moon of Kentucky†. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he began a whole new style of music. He was highly criticized for his music that had African American roots and his swiveling hip movements. Elvis was a total original! August 15, 1955, Elvis signs a management contract with Hank Snow Attractions, which was equally owned by Snow and Colonel Tom Parker. Colonel Tom Parker will be Elvis' manager from this time to the time of his death. Snow, soon is no longer connected to Elvis. On November 20, 1955 Elvis signed his first contract with RCA Records, which will be his label to the time of his death. Colonel Parker negotiated the sale of Elvis's contract to RCA, which included Elvis's first five singles with SUN and unreleased material of SUN. The final price was a whopping $40,000 with $5,000 bonus. No artist at that time was paid that much. September 9, 1956 † Elvis Presley Day† was proclaimed in Tupelo, Mississippi. December 31, 1956, the front page of the Wall Street Journal reported that Elvis' merchandise had grossed $22 million in sales. This would be forever part of the market of Elvis Presley, and non- – stopping never ending demanded. Elvis buys Graceland Mansion for himself, his parents, and his great – grandmother to live in on March 1957. It would be ready for them to move into by April of 1957. After two successful films, Elvis began work on â€Å"Jailhouse Rock† for MGM in May 1957. October 17, 1957; † Jailhouse Rock † premiered in Memphis. Jailhouse Rock† would come to be known as the ultimate classic of all â€Å"rock opera† movies. The â€Å"Jailhouse Rock † production number in the film would be later be recognized as the grandfather of pop and rock music videos, a music format that would become a widely popular by the 1980's. Many women were crazy over him, and were saddened when he was drafted into the army in December of 1957. March 24, 1958 Elvis was inducted into the United States Army at the Memphis Draft Board and was assigned the serial number 53310761. In August of 1958, Gladys Presley dies of acute hepatitis. She was laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery, a few miles down the road from Graceland, but later her body was moved back to Graceland after Elvis' death. He was stationed in West Germany. That is where he met Priscilla Ann Beaulieu. March 1960, he was discharged from the army. After he was discharged, he missed Priscilla. He asked Priscilla to move in with him at his legendary home, Graceland in the year of 1963. They married on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They spent their honeymoon in Palm Springs, California. On their honeymoon Priscilla got pregnant with their only child, Lisa Marie Presley. Lisa was born on Feb. 1, 1968. The busy schedule of concert tours left very little time for his family. Priscilla filed for divorce and which went though on October 9, 1973. Elvis and Priscilla made a court appearance. Priscilla was awarded custody of Lisa Marie, there is no formal visitation, but Elvis and his daughter would spend time together regularly. He loved spending time at Graceland with family and friends having backyard barbecues and riding horses. He also enjoyed the times with his daughter, Lisa Marie, at Graceland has well. He loved driving his pink Cadillac†s and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles. After years away from the stage, he final appears on television singing on December 3, 1968 on NBC – TV. This special would be known as the â€Å"Comeback Special†. It was the biggest television hits of the year. Elvis took his crown back as â€Å"The King of Rock and Roll†. You have to remember Elvis comeback during the time of Vietnam War and hippie movement, and Elvis had all things that were not popular. Elvis was against the hippie movement and the Vietnam War. He liked President Richard M. Nixon. During July 31 – August 28, 1969, Elvis was booked for a four-week engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, which was just built, has the largest showroom in the city. The engagement did break all existing Las Vegas attendance records and gets rave review from the public. Elvis opens up what is called his â€Å"Vegas† period. January 1973, Elvis makes television and entertainment industry history with his † Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii – Via Satellite Special â€Å". It was the concert by a performer to be broadcast around the world by satellite. Elvis performed for free to help benefit for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. Elvis was not know for his charitable events, but Elvis helped local organizations and pay off people's bill silently. The concert was seen by 1/4 of the world's population. It was saw by more American households has than man's first walk on the moon. Never has one performer held the world's attention in such awe. It was definitely one of the greatest moments in his career. He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim though his many, often breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 111 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist of group. Among his awards were the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at the age of 36, from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and his being named One of the Ten Most Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. This award is giving to people who are bound for the Presidency of the United States of America. Without any special privileges, he honorably served his country in the United States† Army. Millions loved his talent and good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor. Known the thoughout the world by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important cultural figures of the twentieth century. Elvis Aaron Presley (The King of Rock and Roll died in his legendary home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee on August 16, 1977 of cardiac arrest. Elvis Presley†s death sadden the world for years to come. Elvis also influenced many generations of entertainers and musicians. † Elvis Aaron Presley is one the biggest cultural figures of the twentieth century. With passion and integrity, he has reached the world like no else has. With talent and charisma, his heart and soul embraced it all. His music was diverse: country, gospel, rock, pop, soul, rhythm and blues. He obtains all these assets. He was the true King of Rock and Roll. Elvis sang it all†, said by his former wife, Priscilla Presley on the Elvis: The Tribute (It†s now or never), an ABC special.

The Role of Native Language Phonology in the Production of L2 Contrasts by Eckman and Iverson

The Role of Native Language Phonology in the Production of L2 Contrasts by Eckman and Iverson In their article, Eckman and Iverson (2013) present the research conducted to confirm or deny particular hypotheses regarding the acquisition of the contrast between English [s] and [ÊÆ'] among native speaking Koreans and Japanese. The authors provide adequate literature research and explain the background, clearly identify the topic and hypotheses, describe the study itself and discuss its findings; although the article does have some drawbacks, it is still a well-written one.Advertising We will write a custom book review sample on â€Å"The Role of Native Language Phonology in the Production of L2 Contrasts† by Eckman and Iverson specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Summary of the Article The study by Eckman and Iverson (2013) focuses on the way how the contrast between [s] and [ÊÆ'] (as in English words sip versus ship, for instance) is manifested in the native languages of the participants. Although in both languages, the pho nes [s] and [ÊÆ'] are present, and both in Korean and Japanese /s/ is pronounced as [ÊÆ'] before the high front vocoids, the significant difference can be observed. While this rule is allophonic in Korean ([s] and [ÊÆ'] are distinguished as the allophones of /s/), it is neutralizing in Japanese (the contrast between these two sounds is merged). In both languages, s-palatalization can be observed but it is manifested in different ways. Considering all of this, Eckman and Iverson (2013) state that Korean and Japanese are expected to have different paths in acquiring the contrast between [s] and [ÊÆ'], as well as make different types of mistakes. In other words, the mistakes and the way, in which every participant will acquire the contrast, are predictable due to the character of the same contrast in their native languages. The authors assume that Korean participants will apply the rule of perceiving [s] and [ÊÆ'] as allophones of /s/ to English words, which, as a consequence, wil l lead to errors. Japanese, on the contrary, will apply the rules of their own language, which result in other errors. As the authors conclude, Korean participants will make so-called NL transfer errors when /s/ is pronounced as [ÊÆ'] before high front vowels while Japanese participants will make hypercorrection errors when /s/ is pronounced as [s] even when it should be pronounced as [ÊÆ']. On the basis of these statements, hypotheses are created. To test those, the authors have chosen 49 learners of English, 23 of whom are Japanese and 26 of whom are Koreans. To gather data, the stimuli of 90 words and a program created in MATLAB have been used. The last one was needed to communicate with the participants: show a set of pictures and give commands, such as Wait or Speak, for example. The data was recorded at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and after that it was transmitted to the Ohio State University where the assistants who received it knew nothing about the hypotheses. In the end, the hypotheses turned out to be correct.Advertising Looking for book review on linguistics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Critique of the Article To start with, Eckman and Iverson (2013) clearly initiate the topic, tell why the study is important and prove that the same issue has not been addressed yet. Besides, the article has a precise structure and is organized conveniently. It is easy to navigate, even though the article is quite long. The introduction is not lengthy and contains all important ideas of the study, which are discussed briefly and laconically. The background part is rather important: it provides both good literature research showing what has already been done on this topic and explains particular characteristics of Korean and Japanese languages, which are needed for the study. It should be noticed that only relevant characteristics are provided, without any redundant information. The s tudy is described clearly and in details. No questions have arisen regarding the way in which the study was carried out or how the participants were chosen. Additionally, the level of language of the respondents is indicated. As for the research itself, it was conducted wisely. The authors’ aim was indeed to test hypotheses, not just confirm them. All data gathered during the study was transmitted to assistants who knew nothing about the hypotheses created by the authors. Hence, the final conclusion was drawn based on bare facts, without any bias. However, the study also has several drawbacks. First of all, specialized terminology usually is not identified, which is why an individual without more or less deep knowledge in the topic will need to conduct additional research to define unknown words and concepts. Secondly, while the research itself is described in details, the methodology is not clearly determined. The article does not tell about the research method or research d esign, for example. Finally, no limitations or constraints of the study are identified, as well as no directions for the further research are suggested. For example, knowing how the contrast between [s] and [ÊÆ'] is acquired among native speaking Koreans and Japanese, the authors could have suggested what other aspects of the same languages should be investigated or what other languages should be taken into account. Still, all of the drawbacks mentioned above are insignificant and do not deny the importance of the study conducted by Eckman and Iverson (2013). The article can serve as a strong base for further research and has already been cited in several related works.Advertising We will write a custom book review sample on â€Å"The Role of Native Language Phonology in the Production of L2 Contrasts† by Eckman and Iverson specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More References Eckman, F., Iverson, G. K. (2013). The Role of Native Lang uage Phonology in the Production of L2 Contrasts. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 35(1), 67-92.

The Women Position at the Workplace Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Women Position at the Workplace - Case Study Example   Actually, it is the manifestation of chauvinism from the side of males and discrimination of women at work. After all, there is no discrimination of men in the sphere of work and the question is why women should suffer. In the case of Meghan, she was discriminated when refused a partnership and was not invited to corporative parties. Her friends had difficulties returning to work when they become mothers. In the USA, Great Britain and many other developed countries the rights of women for equal conditions with men are affirmed in the law, and the attempt to violate these rights as a rule results in multimillion claims to the violator. For example, in summer 2012 a great number of claims against the corporations violating the rights of women were made. The 100 million dollars claim was submitted against the Forest Pharmaceuticals company where, according to claimants, pregnant women and young mothers were refused career advancement and the increase in salaries. The few less than 2000 employees of the Wallmart Company from 48 states of the USA submitted multimillion claims about gender discrimination at the workplace: managers of supermarkets raised salaries and offered career advancement only to men. The court agreed to pay more than 5 million dollars to the group of women who were refused the work on elimination accident’s consequences in the Gulf of Mexico because of their gen der. However, according to the research conducted in 2009 at the Cambridge University, men endure stronger stress because of the economic crisis and dismissals than the woman. Thus, women do not have enough reasons to complain concerning the conditions they work in during the last several years.  In the staff much depends on the head of this staff. His/her task is to regulate the relations between men and women to prevent such a conflict that Meghan went through. It is necessary to organize corporative parties for workers taking into account the interests of both men and women and their own schedule.  

SDLC Application on IT infrastructure of UMUC Student Healthcare Case Study

SDLC Application on IT infrastructure of UMUC Student Healthcare - Case Study Example ervice Clinic by providing a detailed information of the Development Life Cycle including the use of Servers, backups Emailing, Internet Accessibility and Software’s used in Clinical Computer System. An information system can be defined as the use of computer hardware and software to process data into information to solve a problem. The term Clinical Information System (CIS) refers to a group of systems used within a Clinic that support and enhance health care. The CIS comprises two major types of information systems: Clinical Information Systems and Administrative Information Systems. Clinical information systems are large, computerized database management systems that support several types of activities: medical, nursing, laboratory, diagnostic, pharmacy, radiology. Administrative information systems support the process of client care by managing non-clinical, client-related information, including demographics, codes for procedures and insurance. Clinical and administrative information systems may be designed to meet the needs of one or more departments or functions within the organization. They can be implemented as stand-alone systems, or they may work with other systems to provide information sharing and seamless functionality for the users. A SDLC is the traditional method used by organizations for large IT projects. The SDLC entails of sequential processes by which information systems are developed: analysis, design, programming, testing, implementation, and maintenance. A Clinical Information System is a complex system, and Clinic Attendants have a key role to play in practically all phases of its development. The beginning of the (life) cycle is a clear vision of the business process. What do we want to do with the new system? How are we going to do it? What do we need for the system to operate efficiently? So, we must determine the purpose and goals of the project, assure the necessary financial resources, carry out cost-benefit and feasibility