Microsoft Corporation Case Analysis Essay

Industry Evaluation Software is an integral part of today’s uncertain economy, as the push for greater globalization and efficiency drives much of the spending in business markets around the world. In order to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive global market, companies are spending more and more on hardware and software infrastructures (Yahoo!Finance, 2006). Microsoft is among 413 companies that produce and distribute application software products and services. These companies are all part of the Application Software industry within the technology sector, which is dominated by one software giant; Microsoft. More specifically, Microsoft is categorized into the Developmental Tools, Operating Systems, and Utility Software subindustry, which includes companies that â€Å"design, develop, market, and support software for developing, testing, and debugging applications; for computer maintenance; and for desktop management† (Hoovers.com, 2006). Microsoft, Oracle Corp, CA Inc., and SAP Aktiengesellschaft, with a four-firm concentration ratio of 39% dominate the industry. Most of the other 411 firms in the industry specialize in smaller niches, providing specialized software services such as accounting, business management, etcetera, and have profits under $1 billion per year. For this reason, the computer application industry has monopolistic competition (MSN Money, 2006). The top-selling software company is currently Microsoft, with $41.4 billion in sales in 2005, and is joined in the competitive arena by other top sellers such as Oracle Corp. with $12.9 billion and SAP Aktiengesellschaft with $10.4 billion. Other industry leaders in sales include CA Inc., Intuit Inc., Adobe Systems Inc., B.M.C. Software, Compuware Corp., and Novell Inc., each experiencing revenues exceeding $1 billion during 2005. Within the Developmental Tools, Operating Systems, and Utility Software subindustry, top competitors include Microsoft, International Business Machines (IBM), SAP Aktiengesellschaft, and Computer Associates International, who ranked a respective first, second, third, and fourth in application software sales (Yahoo!Finance, 2006). The Computer Software industry is largely dominated by Microsoft, which commands 54% of market sales among its top ten competitors, as listed above. The following chart details the market share of these ten main players in the industry (Yahoo!Finance, 2006): Within the legal environment, the software industry has been shaken by  several recent regulations that are revitalizing industries within the business market of the United States. Among them are the US Patriot Act, which dictates that companies providing financial services must have the ability to detect the occurrence of money laundering; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which mandates that companies provide â€Å"real-time disclosure of events that might affect their financial performance and deep records of e-mail and instant messages exchanged between employees† (Yahoo!Finance, 2006). Finally, antitrust laws have been an ongoing threat to the industry. Microsoft has finally reached a settlement after an ongoing antitrust investigation, and agreed to allow manufacturers to include competing software with Windows and uniformly license its operating systems (Antitrust Case Filings, 2006). New technological developments are revitalizing the software industry. The most recent and significant development includes a new set of web-friendly applications that, as of yet, has no official name. These web services can be assembled from standardized building blocks, meaning that any number of applications may be assembled in a variety of ways. Because of this, companies are able to develop enterprise applications to run on a wide range of software and hardware infrastructures and cater to the specific demands of their respective market segments. The companies that will maintain market share in the up-and-coming web era are those that are able to develop products that will be compatible on a wide range of hardware platforms. Massive consolidations have recently become characteristic of the software industry. Largely due to acquisitions, IBM’s software holdings have grown a great deal. Small specialists companies face the greatest danger from large software providers such as Oracle, who recently acquired PeopleSoft and Siebel for $10.3 and $5.9 billion, respectively. If growth slows in their subindustries, these small companies who cater to specific niches become vulnerable to large companies offering extensive suites of enterprise applications that serve a variety of functions such as the industry leaders (Yahoo!Finance, 2006). Following suit after other mature industries such as electronics and apparel,  a large number of IT and software providers have begun outsourcing much of their manufacturing and R&D functions to countries outside of the United States. Software companies are now able to hire manufacturers and product developers in countries such as India, Mexico, and China for much less than it would cost in the U.S. (MSN Money, 2006) The tragedy of the September 11 terrorist attacks as well as other post 9/11 attacks prompted another significant trend in the software industry when the United States government cranked down on security. By restructuring their communication systems, they opened a door to struggling software providers who began to provide new, more secure applications to governmental departments and agencies (Yahoo!Finance, 2006) A final trend reflects the popularity of Linux and other open-source code operating systems. While the Linux operating system is probably the most widely known and widely used open source code, the idea of open source is gaining momentum and popularity. Companies that provide their products for a nominal subscription fee and generate income based on training and support services have adopted the open source concept as a counter-intuitive business model, with which they counter the more traditional selling of products for profit model (Hill and Jones, 2005). Once online collaboration and word processing applications are fully developed and grow in usage and popularity, the researchers predict that the software industry will see a rise in sales of those kinds of products, and possibly a decline in the sale of PC compatible product that serve the same types of functions. The reason for this is that once these tools are available, consumers will realize that they may access and edit their documents or projects from any computer or PDA with internet access, without having to worry about being on the specific machine or machines that contain the documents they need. Currently, almost all users of open source software are computer-savvy programming professionals. In the future however, more consumers will use this type of software for business and personal use. This is forecasted by a  growing number of applications developed from open source codes such as Linux, as well as increasing popularity of these programs. If this comes to pass, then Linux and other open source applications and operating systems may accumulate market share, thus depriving it from Microsoft and Oracle. Strategic Evaluation Microsoft supports a number of values that translate into goals that the company strives to attain. These goals include doing business with honesty and integrity; to have passion for customers, partners, and technology; to be open and respectful, to take on big challenges and see through them; constructive self-criticism, self-improvement, and personal excellence; to help foster growth and innovation, and to be accountable to customers, shareholders, partners, and employees for commitments, results, and quality. These goals, however, are immeasurable, intangible, and unspecific. There is no timeline for achieving them, and no way to determine whether or not they have been acheived. There are, however, more specific goals that the company hopes to attain that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and tangible. Goals for the future include making technology available to one quarter of a billion people by 2010. Another goal is to fuse together Windows development and Web development to enrich Windows applications (Stu, 2003). By doing this, Microsoft may be able to convince consumes to use the rich application features of Windows. Another goal is to unify the disparate Windows communications and enterprise technologies into a common and simple framework that is competitive with Java Enterprise Edition. Microsoft needs to provide an alternative to this model unless it wants to see Java retain its lock on the server software market. This goal is consistant with Microsoft’s approach of taking the lead in developing a new computing standard. (Microsoft, 2006) The mission statement of Microsoft Corporation is â€Å"At Microsoft, we work to help people and businesses throughout the world  realize their full potential. This is our mission. Everything we do reflects this mission and the values that make it possible.†- Microsoft, 2006 The mission statement is clear in representing Microsoft as dedicated in providing the best products to help its customers achieve and â€Å"realize their full potential†. The mission statement is strong, and is very personable by saying â€Å"At Microsoft†, and repeating that this is Microsoft’s mission statement. The statement repeats itself in the third sentence, saying, â€Å"everything we do reflects† helping everyone in the world understand his or her â€Å"full potential†. Using words to repeat parts of the mission statement makes it bolder to the reader. The statement is broad enough to allow the company to expand into unfamiliar markets or businesses, or both. However, it is narrow enough that it focuses the company on aiding people in reaching their fullest potential. By adhering to this mission statement, employees at Microsoft look to the customers, not the shareholders, as the reason the company exists. It is clear to express that the company does not exist solely to make a profits or please shareholders. It reflects the desire of the management at Microsoft to make a difference in the world and help those who wish to success do so. Functional Review Marketing Analysis Microsoft focuses on the development of software, which includes products such as Office, Project, Visio, FoxPro, and more. The software packages aide in the creation of business documents, databases, and projects, as well as helps consumers manage their day-to-day lives. Microsoft has seven different product divisions: Client, Server and Tools, Information Worker, Microsoft Business Solution, MSN, Mobile and Embedded Devices, and Home and Entertainment (Microsoft, 2006). The Client segment has responsibility for engineering, product delivery, and technical architecture for the Windows product family. It also handles Microsoft’s  relationships with personal computer manufacturers, including multinational and regional original equipment manufacturer accounts (SEC, 2006). Server and Tools is responsible for the server system products and all related services. These services include providing advice for requirements needed for the system to operate properly, custom solution services, and business application planning for the operating systems. Information Worker involves licensing software to several types of users such as small to large corporations, homes, and specialized categories like students. This division releases a major change in software every two to three years. Microsoft Business Solutions deals primarily with â€Å"developing and marketing offerings to manage financial, customer relationship and supply chain management functions for small and midsize businesses, large organizations and divisions of global enterprises. MSN is accountable for delivering online services that look to empower users by bringing them to the people and information that matter most. The Mobile and Embedded Devices section is responsible for the marketing and development of products that extend the advantages of the Windows platform to many types of devices. The Home and Entertainment segment is in charge of production, development, and marketing for the Xbox video gaming system (SEC, 2006). Another way Microsoft is continuing to broaden their customer base is by establishing itself into the gaming industry. An example of this is the innovative Xbox 360 Microsoft launched during the 2005 Christmas season. Microsoft has begun to explore new markets, like television, with the rising success of the Xbox 360 and the changing demographics. Microsoft realizes that demographics are changing to a younger generation and efforts must be made to accommodate their needs as well. (Wikipedia, 2006) In the past, Microsoft’s target market has been men of the ages of eighteen through thirty-four. The company is currently expanding the market it targets by experimenting with two methods of reaching the seventeen and younger age group. The first is through the gaming industry, with the release of the Xbox gaming system. The company is also developing a television show to reach this age group (Goo, 2006). Another strategy Microsoft is pursuing involves meeting its global clientele where they are  in terms of their economic and financial needs (Evers, 2006). These changes in strategy and products reflect Microsoft’s goal of expanding its target market. While there is risk involved with these changes, there is also the potential for returns above a normal profit. Another way Microsoft is continuing to broaden their customer base is by establishing itself into the gaming industry. An example of this is the innovative Xbox 360 Microsoft launched during the 2005 Christmas season. Microsoft has begun to explore new markets, like television, with the rising success of the Xbox 360 and the changing demographics. Microsoft realizes that demographics are changing to a younger generation and efforts must be made to accommodate their needs as well. (Wikipedia, 2006) Microsoft has established a presence in the international market. The headquarters, including most of the research and development centers, is located in Redmond, Washington. The company has several manufacturing facilities to meet supply needs on a global scale. These facilities are located in various places such as: Dublin, Ireland, Humacao, Puerto Rico, Reno, Nevada and Singapore just to name a few locations. Microsoft currently employees 40,081 in North America and 63,564 world-wide to help them meet growing demand for their products (Microsoft, 2006). Microsoft uses a wide variety of media to influence the demand of their products. Traditional types of advertising are used for global campaigns including television, print, and Internet (Microsoft.com, 2006). The company uses computer magazines to compare companies or products such as the case of Linux versus Microsoft. Microsoft’s goal is to reach a certain target market. In addition, Microsoft is implementing a new advertising campaign using the Internet in competition with Yahoo and Google. In the campaign, customers will be asked to fill out a survey; from there the data will be used to display personal ads of interest to the consumer. If a consumer chooses not to fill out the survey the company will provide them with general ads that are generated from the search. The goal in the long-run is to learn the customers want and needs for future purchases (Oser, 2006). The manufacturing function for most of Microsoft’s products is outsourced. A vendor supplies the parts needed to assemble the Xbox gaming system. This outsourcing strategy can be a drawback on two counts. Firstly, Microsoft relinquishes some control of the pricing of this product because it cannot control the manufacturing costs. Secondly, there is a threat of the manufacturer leaking product knowledge to Microsoft’s competitors. At the same time however, Microsoft has no legal obligation to the manufacturer, and can manufacture these products internally. Microsoft employs several vendors to supply parts that Microsoft manufactures. These components are purchased at a discount rate, and Microsoft keeps excess inventory in stock in case of shortages (Microsoft, 2006). The company has decided to do an 18 month campaign to advertise the differences between Microsoft and Linux giving the benefits of using our products. Some advantages to Microsoft’s products include: being user-friendly software and applications, as well as having a strong reputation in that area. Therefore, the cost would be greater to retrained employee how to use Linux software in the business industry for server application use. In dealing with more recent security issues, Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) has a code-flaw in the browser that makes it vulnerable to hackers. This flaw can allow hackers to infect a system with various code-scripts, which puts the system under attack. To have security issues associated with the company’s name can produce a bad reputation. Microsoft’s goals are to have compassion for customers, for partners, and technology. The company wants to train and make technology available to a quarter of the billion people in the world by 2010. In addition, Microsoft shows passion towards customers by offering specialized advertisements to expose the varied selection of products to the consumer. Another goal is to exhibit openness and respectfulness, which will gain a huge amount of respect from the consumer. This is achieved by receiving feedback from our employees, government agencies, and community leaders which will lead to improve Microsoft’s business. Microsoft is staying on task of taking on large challenges by endeavoring to change their demographics of customers. In addition, the  company takes constructive criticism, and uses this as a way to improve; criticism in forms of comments and suggestions. Microsoft will accomplish this task through research and development and feedback. Other goals are to give personal excellence, and have accountability to customers, shareholders, partners, and employees for commitments, results, and quality. These achievable tasks would help Microsoft stay in the business for years to come (Microsoft, 2006). Production Analysis Microsoft alters its products to me needs of its global customers. The company translates the text and changes the appearance of its applications to make them understandable in that language. This is one reason Microsoft has a reputation for being developing user-friendly applications for its consumers. Other tasks the company is involved with include processing orders, payment options, processing needed information, and supplier management (Microsoft.com, 2006). These tasks are essential to maintaining good relations with Microsoft’s customers and suppliers. In addition, these tasks make it possible to make necessary changes when there are problems in distribution or manufacturing of Microsoft’s software. Microsoft outsources all of its manufacturing function except for a few, including the assemblage of the Xbox 360. A vendor supplies the needed parts for this product. This action can be a drawback because it limits Microsoft in its ability to control pricing aspects of this product. There is also the threat that suppliers will share the knowledge of this product with Microsoft’s competitors. Although this is a threat, Microsoft is under the no legal obligation to continue working with that supplier. Several vendors supply parts for all other products Microsoft assembles. Components for these products are purchased at a discount. Microsoft keeps an inventory of spare parts on hand if needed (Microsoft, 2006). Management Analysis Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in 1975, and in a few years, they  expanded to Bellevue, Washington from Albuquerque, New Mexico. From there, Microsoft began creating and developing new and revolutionary technology. In 1981, â€Å"IBM introduced its personal computer with Microsoft’s 16-bit operating system, MS-DOS 1.0† (Microsoft, 2006). Because of its quality, this operating system became popular. Microsoft’s stock went public. Over the next twenty years, Microsoft created more technical and versatile operating systems such as Windows 95, 98, and the current Windows XP. This success has lead to worldwide expansion creating thousands of jobs. â€Å"Microsoft is the world’s largest software company with over 50,000 employees in various countries as of May 2004† (Microsoft, 2006). Microsoft has become a needed portion of the personal computing market in which many PC retailers have sold their machines pre-equipped with Microsoft’s software. Because of its large and substantial business, Microsoft was found to be a monopoly among computer software and because of this, Microsoft has experience financial success. In 1998, a lawsuit found that Microsoft was using its â€Å"monopoly power to defeat its competitors† (Reference.com, 2006). Microsoft appealed and showed how changing their company’s operations would bring the financial success down increasingly. A board of directors, who play a major role in decision-making and many fundamentals of the company, run Microsoft. The Chief Executive Officer is Steven Ballmer who â€Å"joined with Microsoft in 1980 and was the first business manager hired by Bill Gates† (Microsoft, 2006). In 1998, Ballmer was appointed President and this gave him full responsibility for running the corporation. 2 years later, he became CEO (in 2000) and this gave him full privilege over all the managers and staff of Microsoft. Following Ballmer is James I. Cash, Jr, Dina Dublon, Bill Gates, Raymond V. Gilmartin, Ann McLaughlin Korologos, David F. Margaurdt, Charles H. Noski, Helmut Panke and Jon A. Shirley. A lot of talent and skill is required to work in any position at Microsoft. They seek out motivated individuals who are experienced in communications and leadership. The purpose for finding such trained individuals is to lower training costs of the company. The â€Å"Corporate Operations is Microsoft’s backbone, constructing, managing, and running the various services that support the company’s 50,000 employees† (Microsoft, 2006). This statement shows that Microsoft is dependent on two sections of their management staff; the corporate and administrative services. These departments are responsible for management, public relations, providing company-wide administrative support, building new office space, and other tasks. Financial Analysis Microsoft Corporation has achieved excellence in since 1975 in the application software industry. They finished the 2005 fiscal year with a market capitalization of $288.20 billion, doubling the closest competitor, IBM which came in second in market capitalization with $131.00 billion, and an industry average of a low $136.51 million (Hoovers, 2006). Microsoft Corporation has been enjoying a steady growth in revenue over the past three fiscal years. This has been achieved with the growing popularity of PC use in the world over this time period. Microsoft’s preliminary estimates showed a growth of worldwide PC shipments from 11% to 13%, â€Å"and total server hardware shipments grew approximately 13% to 14%† during the 2005 fiscal year compared to fiscal year 2004 (Yahoo! Finance). This has caused a growth in revenue of 8% from $36,835 million to $39,788 million from fiscal year 2004 to 2005 (U.S. SEC). This revenue growth was â€Å"driven by growth in licensing of Windows Server operating systems and other server application, licensing of Windows Client operating systems through OEMs, and increased licensing of Office and other Information Worker products† (Yahoo! Finance). The 2004 fiscal year ended with an overall growth of $4,648 billion from the previous fiscal year 2003, an increase of over 12%. Over the past five years, Microsoft Corporation has generated revenue of over $162 billion. This is an increase of 73% and about $75 billion of this is derived from net cash flow from operations. Shareholders received a return of $69 billion of this revenue in dividends and stock repurchases. With the launching of the Xbox 360, Windows Vista, and newer versions of existing software in 2006 fiscal year, Microsoft expects to have an equal or larger  increase of the past five years in the next five years (Microsoft, 2006). Net income for the fiscal year 2005 was $12,254 which is an increase of $4,086 million from the 2004 fiscal year. This is due to small decreases in operating expenses from the previous year with emphasis on research and development, a decrease of over $1.5 billion. Although decreasing in fiscal year 2005, a large jump in expenses occurred from fiscal year 2003 to 2004. Microsoft increased their total operating expenses by $5,159 million to $27,801 million in fiscal year 2004. Although decreasing expenses worked for the fiscal year 2005, decreases in research and development in the future might cause the industry to get the edge on Microsoft and revenues decrease (Microsoft, 2006). Operating income has also increased substantially during these two fiscal years with a total increase of 61%. Although it had a 5% decline from fiscal year 2003 to fiscal year 2004, operating income jumped from a marginal $9,034 million in 2004 to an excellent $14,561 million in fiscal year ending 2005 (U.S. SEC). According to Yahoo! Finance, the operating income increase for fiscal year 2005 was driven by a decline in stock-based compensation expense; increased revenue in Server and Tools, Client, and Information Worker; and a reduction in legal costs associated with major litigation. Some key ratios will point out Microsoft’s position in accordance to the industry. Holding a total debt to equity ratio of 0.00, compared to 0.03 of the industry, Microsoft has showed that they have successfully controlled their assets without any debt, dating back as far as fiscal year 1996. The total debt to total asset ratio also confirms these successes with a low 0.33. This has a great statistic from an investor or shareholders eyes because there is potential for a high payout. Microsoft has a current ratio of 2.8, compared to the industries average of 2.3. This shows us that Microsoft can pay off any debt that may occur, and can continue operating with cash left over. The quick ratio is currently at 2.5 with an industry average of 2.1. Because this number is so close in comparison with the current ratio, this tells us that Microsoft is not dependent on their inventory. These three financial ratios show us that Microsoft Corporation  is achieving excellence in comparison to the industry (MSN, 2006). Both the gross profit margin and the net profit margin percentages will show us the financial health of the company. Microsoft Corporation’s net profit margin is over 7% higher that the industries average, at 30.8% compared to 23.5%. This tells us that 31.6% of the company’s revenue can be kept as profit. Fiscal year 2005 is an increase of 8.6% from fiscal year 2004 and a small decrease of 0.2% from fiscal year 2003. Their gross profit margin is 87.3%, compared to 82.6% of the industries average. Although the industries average of these two ratios is healthy as well, Microsoft still holds better percentages (MSN, 2006). The company’s price ratios will show some different trends in comparison to the industry from the other ratios presented. Although the earnings per share (EPS) are currently much higher than the industry average and the previous year, it is lower than some of the direct competitors. The EPS in the fiscal year 2005 was 1.13, which is considerably higher than the industries average of 0.15. This is not a bad ratio if you own share in the company, but two of the closest competitors is producing a much higher rate; Google’s EPS is at 5.021 and IBM’s is at 4.875. Although this might turn some investors away, numbers have been improving over the past three years. Fiscal year 2003 had an EPS of only $0.70 but increased to $0.76 in fiscal year 2004. The large increase came in fiscal year 2005 when EPS increased almost $0.40 to $1.13. With the latest innovations Microsoft has developed, these numbers will increase as investors see the future of Microsoft. Microsoft price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is more attractive than EPS with a ratio of 22.9. Although conservative investors may feel this number is too high, this ratio is much better than the industry average of 27.3 which might influence these investors to invest in Microsoft instead of the direct competitors (MSN, 2006). Management effectiveness ratios like return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) will show us how well the management at Microsoft Corporation is doing. With an ROA of 19.4%, over 5% higher than the industry average of 13.9%, Microsoft is very profitable in relation to the total assets of the  company. This is a substantial increase from 8.8% and 12.6% in fiscal year 2004 and 2003 respectively. The profit per dollar, or ROE of Microsoft, is 29.5%. This is close to 7% higher than the industry average of 22.6% and 18.6% than fiscal year 2004. This shows that Microsoft Corporation is achieving a higher profit from their investors per dollar in comparison to the industries. Although there was a large increase from fiscal year 2004 to 2005, a decrease of 5.5% occurred between fiscal year 2003 and 2004 (MSN, 2006). The efficiency of the company is struggling in comparison to the industry in one way, inventory turnover. The inventory turnover is currently much lower than the industries. With a low 8.1 compared to 28.4 of the industry average, Microsoft’s inventory turnover might indicate poor sales. Both Microsoft and the industry average of asset turnover are 0.6, indicating that 0.6 of every dollar is revenue. Microsoft is doing a better job than the industry in comparing the accounts receivable turnover, but not a significant amount. The accounts receivable turnover is at 5.7 with an industry average of 5.2. Both Microsoft and the industry are collecting payments from its customers in a timely manner. They are, however, significantly behind S&P 500 which has an accounts receivable turnover ratio of 7.5 (MSN, 2006). A thorough research of cash flows will show the company heading in the right direction. Net operating, investing, and financing cash flows all increased from the fiscal year 2004 to 2005. Fiscal year 2005 showed an increase of 14% to $16.61 billion in cash flow from operations. This is derived from an increase in cash receipts from customers driven by the 8% revenue growth of the company. Cash payments decreased by approximately $1.8 billion from the previous year from binding legal settlements. These factors played the major role in the increase of operating cash flow. Keeping operating cash flows down was payments to the 7% increase in full-time employees added during the fiscal year 2005. This is a great recovery from fiscal year 2004 considering operating cash flow dropped by $1.17 billion from fiscal year 2003. Over two billion of this was from the Sun Microsystems settlement and the European Commission fine. The small offsetting gain is from increases cash receipts  from customers. Net financing cash flow showed a large increase from $2.36 billion in fiscal year 2004 to $41.08 billion in fiscal year 2005. This increase is driven by an additional $34.38 billion of cash dividends paid, and an additional $4.67 billion in cash used for common stock repurchases in fiscal year 2005 from fiscal year 2004. Net financing cash flow did have a substantial decrease from fiscal year 2003 to 2004 of almost $3 billion. However, this decrease is due the company not repurchasing common stock in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004 and an increase of $628 million from stock issuances of employee stock option exercises. An increase of $872 million in cash dividends during this fiscal year offset the numbers provided. Net investing cash flow for fiscal year 2005 was $15.03 billion, an increase of $18.37 billion from the previous year. Investment maturities that occurred to fund cash dividends paid increased by $23.59 billion in fiscal year 2005. Offsetting this figure was the decrease of $5.32 billion in cash from sale activity and investment purchases. Cash used for investing was $3.34 billion in fiscal year 2004, a decrease of $3.88 billion from fiscal year 2003 (Microsoft, 2006). Model Analysis The Boston Consulting Group Matrix is a representation of the status of Microsoft in the current market. There are four different categories that fall under the matrix, Stars, Cash Cows, Question Marks and Dogs. The highest category and most self-efficient is the â€Å"Stars† with very high growth and high share. Next in the matrix: â€Å"Cash Cows,† which are low in growth and high in shares. The third category in the matrix is the â€Å"Question Marks† which are high in growth and low in shares. Last are the â€Å"Dogs† which are very low in both growth and shares. Microsoft would be placed in the â€Å"Stars† category simply because the company is constantly growing and is very self-sustaining. Strategic Alternatives 1. Develop a Microsoft version of open source software by exploiting Microsoft’s distinctive competency for developing software. This will give  Microsoft an edge in the open market by allowing it to effectively compete with current alternatives to Microsoft products, such as Linux, Sun Systems, and other open source/free software products. This alternative will give Microsoft the opportunity to increase its revenues by offering support services and training for these products. 2. Acquire Red Hat Inc. or another successful Linux provider. By combining the rising popularity of the open source concept with the ongoing success of Microsoft’s application software, the image of Microsoft will improve and launch the company into the increasingly popular open source market. 3. Improve current product line. Increase research and development spending to improve the dependability and security of current products. Then, implement an advertising campaign through several mediums to stress the superior quality of Microsoft’s products.

Innocence and Hostility in Romeo and Juliet and Of Mice and Men Essay

One dictionary defines Innocence as ‘Freedom from sin, moral wrong, or guilt through lack of knowledge of evil. ’ Thus innocence is the state wherein one is, in a sense, pure; free from doubt and dread and woe, unmarred by sorrow or the countless ills running rampant in the world. Innocence is associated with children and animals and nature. But for growth to occur, Innocence must be slain in order for Experience to flourish. This bittersweet transition from child to adult is the natural course of life: one cannot stay innocent forever. Oftentimes, this transition from innocent child to experienced adult occurs in the face of hostility, as in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, where the young lovers, to combat the hatred their families have for one another, sacrifice their love, their innocence, and their lives. This theme exists as well in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, where George kills Lennie to save him from suffering, and in the doing so, also slays their shared dream of owning land and being free men. In Romeo and Juliet, the hostility between the Capulets and the Montagues creates the conflict that drives the play. This generation-spanning hatred consumes everything it touches: it causes the deaths of Mercutio at the hands of Tybalt, and drives Romeo to avenge his friend’s death by slaying Tybalt in turn. The hostility borne of this act forces Romeo to flee and Juliet to feign death; Romeo, consumed by grief, kills himself, and Juliet upon waking to find her husband dead, does the same. We see that the hostility permeates every aspect of the play. Innocence, symbolized by the young lovers, is ultimately slain by the hostility shared between the two families. In Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie, two farm hands, share a dream to own a piece of land, and in doing so, become free men. George appoints himself caretaker of Lennie, a large, abnormally strong man with the mind of a young child. The hostility that proves the downfall of these two men stems from Curley, the son of the ranch owner. A man possessed of a short temper and a violent streak, his cruelty forces his wife to seek the company of other men. She spends time with Lennie. Warned that her presence causes trouble, he attempts to silence her when she creates a scene, and inadvertently kills her, his actions driven by fear concerning the hostility of Curley. Alarmed by his actions, he flees. The slaying of Innocence occurs when George kills Lennie in order to save him from cruel treatment and death at the hands of Curley and the other men. But in slaying Lennie, George also kills their dream of owning land, and being free men, and his own innocence as well. In both these stories hostility drives the conflict, propelling actions onward to the end, where innocence is slain and experience gleaned. In Romeo and Juliet the death of the two lovers causes the families to ‘grow up,’ and abolish the hatred and hostility between the two houses. In killing themselves the title characters also kill the hostility that led them to their deaths, and though innocence dies, peace is achieved. In Of Mice and Men, the hostility of Curley does not die; what dies is the innocence of a dream and the the innocence of childhood, symbolized by Lennie. George gains experience, he ‘grows up,’ and in doing so realizes the futility of the dream of being free in the face of the hostility of the landowners, as represented by Curley. And so Innocence is slain, and gives way to experience. Hostility remains in the world to aid in that transition. One cannot be Innocent always, and death and tragedy produce lessons one must learn in order to live in the world. Lovers die, as do hopes and dreams, but no matter how tragic or heartbreaking the events may be, one always gains lessons, often severe, from these losses. Such is life, as reflected in these works. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Washington DC: Washington Square Press, 2004 Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin, 1978

IP Addresses Classes and Special-Use IP Address Space Essay

IANA (Internet Assigned Number Authority) assigned Internet Protocol Address to the vendors. Internet Protocol version four divided by five structure classes. The five structure classes are A, B, C, D, and E classes. What are the historical signification for classes A, B, and C? What are the address spaces for each class? What are RFC 1918 Internet Protocol address ranges and its special use? The first three classes (A, B, C) are mainly for public use, and the last two classes (D and E) are for experimental and reserved for multicast. The first octet in the Internet Protocol Address determines its structure class. Class A addresses are ranges from one to one hundred and twenty-six in the first octet. Class B addresses are ranges from one hundred twenty-eight to one hundred and ninety-one in the first octet. Class C addresses are ranges from one hundred and ninety-two to two hundred and twenty-three in the first octet. Class D addresses are ranges from two hundreds and twenty-four to two hundred and thirty-nine in the first octet. Finally, class D addresses are ranges from two hundred and forty to two hundred and fifty in the first octet. Class A Internet Protocol addresses are reversed for a few large organizations. The network identifiers in class A are the remaining seven bits of the first octet. Class A addresses are available up to sixteen millions host addresses. Class B addresses are for medium sized enterprise. The first two octets (16 bits) in class B Internet Protocol addresses are for network addresses. The last two octets (16 bits) in class B are for the host addresses. Class B addresses has more than 65,000 networks. Class C Internet Protocol addresses are commonly found networks in the internet. Class C Internet Protocol are private addresses. The first three octets (twenty-one bits) in class C addresses are for network addresses. The last octets (eight bits) in Class C address are for host identifiers. There are more than sixteen millions network addresses in Class C Internet Protocol. Class D Internet Protocol addresses are for multicasting and is not for general use. Class D addresses are not used for public.

Equality and inclusion in health Essay

OUTCOME 1 Understand the importance of equality and inclusion. 1.Explain what it is diversity,equality,inclusion,discrimination. Diversity – is in the service users houses I work -there are men and women and a range in ages too.Each will have their own personal experiences and preferences,for example – for food and activities,different attitudes;for example – to staff and servise users ,beliefs,health status and intellectual ability.These differences make up diversity. Equality – equality means treating everyone fairly and making equal opportunities available- this also involves respecting individuals. Inclusion – inclusion involves making the individual the centre of their life,involving them in everything that is about them,so that they are actively involved in all aspects of their life,care and support. Discrimination – negative prejudices develop against people who are different in some way. Discriminatory behaviour results in unfair ,unjust treatment.It could be done against those who are different with respect to their age, sex, nationality, ethnic background, religion, ability, financial status and size. 2.Describe ways in which discrimination may deliberately or inadvertently occur in the work setting. Ways that discrimination can occur could be based on a individual’s ability or on their financial status .Direct discrimination would occur if the care worker shows an objection,that is displays a dislike of the individual and refuses to support them,because of the level of their ability or decides  that they will withdraw their service because of the individual’s financial status which they believe does not entitle them to the support. Inadvertently discrimination would occur if the care worker worked in a way that insisted on only working with individuals or staff that met certain requirements or insisted in working is one set way without asking them or finding out from them as this would inadvertently exclude individuals from being supported. 3.Explain how practices that support equality and inclusion reduce the likehood of discrimination. Treating the individual fairly ,on the same level and providing them with equal opportunities to housing, education, employment, transport, health and social care can help as the individual will feel valued and treated fairly and not made vulnerable or set apart that will reduce ,if not eliminate any discrimination against that individual or by that individual against others. Inclusion also is important as the individual will be aware of their rights,will feel in control and will feel supported to be able to make their own choices and have their needs met and so reduce the risk of the individual being discriminated against others. OUTCOME 2 Be able to work in an inclusive way. 1.Identify which legislation and codes of practice ralating to equality,diversity and discrimination apply to own role. In my workplace we have policies and procedures on equality ,diversity,inclusion and discrimination. There are also the GSCC codes to practice for social care workers.The Equality Act and the Human Rights Act are relavant legislations. There are various pieces of legislation in place to promote equality and reduce discrimination . These include: The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 Convention of the Rights of the Child (UN 1998) The Human Rights Act 1998 The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (as amended) Employment Equality Regulations 2003. 3.Describe how to challenge discrimination in a way that encourages change. The best way to challenge the discriminatory attitudes of a social care worker or an individual is to talk through their behaviour with them and explain that discrimination will be tolerated .This is not done in a aggressive manner,but instead a way to try to get that person to recognise that they are adopting a negative attitude -this has to be explained clearly ,but also in a gentle and open – minded way .It could be done if it’s a social care worker during an appraisal as this allows them time to think- it may be that people are reminded of the impact discrimination can have and what the workplace policy and procedure says about these. All discrimination must not be tolerated and must be reported immediately to a senior member of staff. OUTCOME 3 Know how to access information,advice and support about diversity,equality, and inclusion. 1.Identify a range of sources of information ,advice and support about diversity ,equality and inclusion. Revelant legislation such as Equality Act 2010,my line manager,my companies Policies and Procedures ,my colleagues,training (Equality & Diversity, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Safe- guarding ,Person- Centred Support/Planning),the internet,the books,articles&reports,Care Quality Commision,Skills for Care,Charities&Organizations such as British Institute  for Learning Disabilities,Sense,Action on Hearing loss,Mind. Information- from individual,advocate,care plans,procedures,guidelines, legislation and codes of practice. Advice -from manager,key worker,advocate. Support – from manager,colleagues. 2.Describe how and when to access information ,advice and support about diversity,equality and inclusion. If you believe or suspect that someone is a victim of discrimination then it should be reported immediately to my senior or manager for support or advice ,as well as if you feel that as an individual you are a victim of disccrimination in any form this should be taken to my senior or manager .If you detect discrimination in the home but are unsure of how to tackle it,or even if it is justified to interfere with something then advice should be called for form a senior member of staff if the answer cannot be obtained by searching through care plans or any policies and procedures. For example: You may have had a complaint about disccrimination in the home but are unable to actually witness it for yourself and are unsure of what to do,the person may be lying or the person maybe a victim to inequality or discrimination by someone who is very carefull not be caught,it would be nearly impossible to witness something yourself ,so seeking support and advice from a senior member of staff or even another care worker could bring the situation under control with more people watching out and working to safeguard the individual in question.

Fire and Its Social and Economical Problem

Fire has been called the foundation of human civilization. Fire provides warmth and heat, protecting us from the ravages of the elements . Fire gives us light to see in the dark and to signal other people who may be looking for us. Its light also tends to keep predatory animals away. Fire enables cooking, which improves the taste of many foods and helps eliminate harmful bacteria. In extreme situations, fire can be used as a weapon, brandished against wild animals or others who intend us harm. Fire plays an important role in various aspects of the Hindu Tradition. It is both the creator and destroyed of life. Uncontrolled and misuse of fire can cause tremendous adverse impacts on the environment and the human society. Forest fire is a major cause of degradation of India’s forests. Some common causes of fire in the houses are kitchen stoves, electric blankets, faulty wiring, clothes dryers, lighting, LPG, candles, crackers, flammable liquids etc. The potential for fire is present in any workplace. But, if you’re aware of the causes and conditions, if you’re prepared, and if you think before you act, the risk of a workplace fire and its damaging effects – on you, your co-workers or your company – can be minimized. Fire extinguishers are a critical component of saving property and lives in the case of a fire emergency. Ensure that fire protection equipment (i. e. , sprinklers, smoke/heat detectors, alarms, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets) are maintained, available for use, and not impaired or concealed. Make sure fire extinguishers correspond to the potential risk. Know where they’re located and how to use them. Good housekeeping practices and fire fighting training are the crucial to fire prevention. Ultimately it is the extra economic burden on the society.

Reflectife 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reflectife 2 - Essay Example Above all the anxiousness regarding working in pairs, I am happy to say that I enjoyed working in pairs. My colleague made me feel happy toward the assignment and ensured I was satisfied with what I was doing. The way that we completed the work was well organized. From the beginning, we began to complete brainstorming. The brainstorming process was quite easy and we were able to stay focused on what we wanted for the assignment. The real trouble came when we began to work on the main parts of the assignment. Trouble arose because in class we covered many topics and the assignment was not that clear enough for us to understand. Once we moved past the clarity of the assignment, my colleague and I both became sick. Being sick made it quite difficult to get tasks done and complete the assignment. The assignment has also proven to be hard in regards to choosing references and credible sources for the assignment. This has proven to be quite difficult because although we worked twelve hours a day we did not get as many references as we would have liked. Thankfully, however we did get enough for the assignment. The assignment also required using a control chart. This also proved to be quite difficult because the calculations had to be accurate so that the control chart would have an accurate drawing. Receiving help from a previous teacher turned out to be a blessing as this helped us complete the assignment. After receiving the help completing the assignment my colleague and I were both satisfied with the results. I am now happy with how working in pairs on an assignment can turn

Separating by Leon Stokesbury Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Separating by Leon Stokesbury - Essay Example Richard is a father of four children and is particularly acknowledging of the crisis in his mid-years (Updike 2145). This is what is driving the separation from his wife who is against exposing it to their vulnerable children. By this analysis, it shows the family as a vital element in the society. It shows how people relate to one another, their responsibility to family and their willingness to hold it together. This serves to show some elements of a cultural artifact. The characters, such as Richard’s wife Joan, infer that family relationships are important at the time and should always be considered while making decisions at any time. The actions of Joan show that women at that time and place were responsible for keeping their family together. They were sensitive to matters that would affect their family’s wellbeing. The actions of Richard serve to show that men at that time were responsible for taking care of their families too. Their motivations to provide for thei r family at that time and place surpassed the reasoning whether the man and woman were in good terms. For example, Richard moved around repairing hinges, getting mowers sharpened and repairing the tennis court. This shows that a man always had the interest of the family at all times regardless of the situation (Updike 2139). The plot of the story shows that the time was full of difficulties. It was hard to let go of family at that time. It is still hard today also, the fact that Richard has another woman shows that unfaithfulness was present in that time and place. Families struggled to hold together due to the strains in their lives of some parties, in this case, Richard’s crisis this characterizes the history of the time as one with marital problems. The setting of the story is around the family’s homestead. All activity takes places there, especially dinner with the family being the most

Natural Selection Concept Redesign Research Paper

Natural Selection Concept Redesign - Research Paper Example Modeling that involves students’ hands-on involvement can help them better understand the actual biological processes. These activities require minimum expenses at a considerably affordable cost (Pugesek, 2003). Other teaching resources included in this concept comprise games, group discussion activities, activities based on the web and general ideas of fundamental biological areas, for example, common delusions, major theories, and recommended learning activities. These activities will enhance learning and remembrance. The only bias will arise in believing that all members of e.g. a group discussion are at per. The level of students’ commitment in each of the learning method will determine its success (Pugesek, 2003). Roselli (2011), describes six activities that can be used by instructors to enrich their teaching and understanding of introductory biology lessons. For undergraduate students, these systematic activities should begin with an introduction to natural selection (Roselli, 2011). It should encompass what natural selection is in simple terms and how it takes place. Discuss in details the sexual selection and molecular evolution as the second and third activities respectively. The fourth topic should entail the evolution of compound traits followed by a fifth topic on the evolution of behavior. By doing this, students will have a chance to perceive how natural selection works in different perspectives (Roselli, 2011). Testing involving pre- and post-instruction showed a substantial increase in students’ perception of natural selection after these learning successions were completed. Continuous testing through the unit proved a continual rise in student understanding. Assessments showed students relished the activities (Roselli, 2011). Nevertheless, the method does not incorporate hands-on involvement of the students in activities such as group discussions.

How Globalisation Affect Our Economic System Essay

How Globalisation Affect Our Economic System - Essay Example Hence globalization cannot be abandoned for sure, but a multidimensional approach might help in dealing with the economic problems associated with globalization. Due to the enhancement of the technology and globalization, the countries are able to increase the production basket in their economy. In addition to these, the benefits that have been reaped from it are improved consumption choices, employment opportunities, and enhanced lifestyle patterns. (Thorsby, 2001, pp 155-156) However, a more analytical view may be provided regarding the effect of globalization on the economy. To support this analysis the paper has focused on extensive secondary research and two primary sources. The basic advantages that globalization brings in are the improvement in the labor forces, the efficient structuring of organizations and the exchanges that take place between workers from various cultures. Since labor forces are the human resources and sometimes the intellectual capital of the organization we need to assess its impact on the organization as a whole. Globalisation has caused workers to associate with other workers across vast geographical distances. In addition to these the constantly changing needs of consumers across the globe is a big issue. Organizations have to utilize their human resources in a meaningful way to get the optimum productivity and efficiency. Only this will enhance the competitive advantage of an organization in the dynamic global market. In relation to this, the socio-demography plays a very important role. People who belong from different communities do have certain mannerisms. Language and culture also play a very vital role in it. All the thre e elements (labor force, organization and social demography) are correlated to one other. The absence of any one of them can prove to be fatal for each.  

Toyota Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Toyota - Essay Example To be specific about the operational aspects of Toyota, major focus areas involve its ‘supply chain management’: outsourcing to externalize its direct costs and lowering down the market risks to least. Effectively established Just-in-time (JIT) set-up to minimize inventory costs and reducing wastes, further, keeping a look at the suppliers’ channel to avoid any risks and errors. Adding to this, Toyota preferred delegating its tasks singly to the concerned specialist workers rather than giving multiple tasks to single worker. This helped in reducing errors as each task was handled by its specialist. Toyota constantly kept on identifying its errors and designing the related handling processes. Reducing process timing and increase in inventory turnover through kanban was also well-practiced by Toyota. Toyota ensures safety, environmental concern, quality performance of products and other essential attractions on affordable prices, by collecting the needs and expectat ions directly from the customers. Hence, the primary contact with the users bring the ‘customer involvement policy’ of Toyota which entitles ‘Customer First’ as its focus-line of working, clarifying that it leads to ‘Quality’ which is a distinguishing characteristic of Toyota products.

Assignment about ethics Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

About ethics - Assignment Example System 1 thinking is characterized by an unconscious and automatic way of thinking. This system has the universal cognition that occurs both in human beings and in animals, an aspect that is considered evolutionary. System one thinking is comprised of subsystems that work hand-in-hand within the same autonomy. System 1 thinking is responsible for instinctive behaviors that are programmed inherently. This system solves problems through the dependence of prior information that is associated with the system including automatic, holistic and fast cognitive ability (Kaufman & Singer, 2012). System 2 is recent compared to system 1. This system is characteristic of human beings only. This system is also understood as the explicit and rule-based system. It is slow, sequential, and domain-general and is performed in the central memory system. System 2 allows abstract hypothetical thinking that does not happen in system 1. This system functions with regard to logical standards and is rule based, demanding, analytic and controlled of cognitive capacity (Kaufman & Singer, 2012). The kind of individual ethical problem-solving that happens in business and organizations involves the application of system 1 and system 2 thinking. The use of instinctive information must be used then making an ethical decision. It also involves a holistic approach that will involve looking at the causes of the ethical problem and going towards the identification of a solution. System 2 is also significant because ethical problem solving in a business or an organization must be made using logic and reasoning. This happens in the sense that one has to think through an ethical dilemma or problem and go through certain processes that involve identification, ranking, developing an action plan, implementing it and reflecting on its success. An example of a system 1 response to an ethical dilemma in business is when

Journal 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Journal 2 - Essay Example Nonetheless, this essay aims at analyzing ethical discrimination. In most cases society have some stereotyping behaviors and they apply or use to discriminate against others in the society. For instance, the study carried out by Dr. Sinikka Elliott, a professor of sociology from North Carolina State University, shows stereotyping in the sexuality of teenage girls and boys by their parents (North Carolina State University 01). From the study, Elliott notes that parents of these set of boys and girls do not believe that their child know or have sexual desires. However, as per report, parents who think that there teenage children may have such feeling, state that their children may be driven to such actions by opposite sex children from other families. This notion is not appropriate for the cohesiveness in the society were members of the society set blames on each other. Therefore, for this case, parents must accept sexuality of their teenage children and learn ways of teaching them on the same rather than blaming the same of teenage children from ot her families thereby leading to discrimination in the society. North Carolina State University (2010, May 4). My kid wouldnt do that: Study shows parents difficulty with teen sexuality. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 8, 2013, web

What is a Social Trap Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

What is a Social Trap - Essay Example Both in the context of social traps and in the context of paradoxes, it is seen that long-term circumstantial effects must be taken into consideration when one makes a decision; and it is not proper to neglect them for the sake of short-term benefits of an individual or a group (Bazerman and Samuelson, 1983, p. 632). 2. Social traps are mostly representative of situations where a single individual or a collective group of individuals focus on generating short-term benefits in the form of profits and increased revenues from an unexpected window of opportunity through the use of a favorable law or practice ( Platt, 1973, p. 641). Social traps arise mostly due to the process of increasingly indulging in business activities today, which leads to long-term complications in the future. The complications are mutually exclusive in nature, and this eventually leads to a scenario of situational deadlock. Due to social traps, it is seen that individuals mostly resort to a similar line of reason ing in the issues that show the promise of a good opportunity which can help satisfy business or individual needs. Talking in lines of the ‘Tales of the Unexpected’, it can be said that the making, delivering and effectively executing critical decisions for the benefits of a particular scenario requires effective implementation of ideas based on common sense and rational logic (Drummond, 2001, p. 148) The piece also draws the attention of the readers to the importance of the maintenance of the fine level of balance in the case of a logically taken decision and to the evaluation of all related possibilities; it discourages from taking decisions on the basis of focus on immediate gains and opportunities. Paradoxes in the process of decision-making exist, as some problems come directly in conflict with the theory of utility and the choices that can be made (Goldstein and Hogarth, n.d., p.12). The paradoxes are created mainly because people prefer to simultaneously stick to the rational approach to decision-making and to adhere to the established rules and guidelines (Hitt, Black, and Porter, 2005, p. 370).

Performance and reward management systems at Nestl Australia Ltd Research Paper

Performance and reward management systems at Nestl Australia Ltd. (NAL) - Research Paper Example (NAL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nestlà © Company of Vevey, Switzerland. NAL operates 14 factories throughout Australia, employs 5,000 people and generates sales of A$2 Billion/annum. It manufactures and markets a diverse range of products from Maggi sauces and powders to Milo powdered beverage modifiers. â€Å"Nestlà © Australias objective is to implement policies which promote the best utilisation of its human resources in order to ensure optimum productivity and efficiency while also satisfying and meeting employees needs and expectations†. The words of NAL’s CEO Graham Campbell resonate throughout the organisation on a daily basis. This is particularly true of the department that is at the centre of employee engagement and utilisation: Team HR. The HR department within NAL consists of approximately 65 professionals spread out across all factories, distribution centres and the Head Office located in the Sydney suburb of Rhodes. Team HR is lead within Australia by the HR Director, who reports directly into the CEO of NAL. In the words of Jennifer Jones (HR Business Partner or HR BP, NAL) â€Å"The purpose of the Human Resources (HR) team is to increase Nestlà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s competitive advantage through People - by having engaged and talented individuals at the right place at the right time, driving business success†. Team HR consists of 3 distinct groups: 3. Centres of Excellence (CoE) in recruitment, talent and capability, reward & remuneration and employee relations. These are specialised sections of Team HR that focus on one area of knowledge and expertise. As one of the six core business units within NAL, the Human Resources department is involved in all stages of the development of the organisations’ business strategies. According to Jennifer Jones (HR BP, NAL), â€Å"The level of involvement of HR personnel in determining the goals and objectives for each of the business units is very impressive and certainly greater than any organisation I

What organisational forms are best suited to develop innovation Use Essay

What organisational forms are best suited to develop innovation Use relevant theoretical approaches and illustrative exemples in your answers - Essay Example Organisational forms are dependent on the resources and technology available in a given situation. Other factors include the state’s resources and role, the development of the economy, the political development, technological advancement, and similar other forces. Emergence of organisational forms also depends on three factors: 1.) technological advancement with a corresponding social structural support; 2.) power and wealth available in a given situation; and 3.) the development of labour markets. (Aldrich, 2008, p. 177) This essay will discuss aspects and factors of organisational forms that are best suited to innovations. Innovation takes place when there is a â€Å"new element or a combination of old elements† (Schumpeter, 1934 cited in Sundbo, 2003, p. 98). Globalisation paved the way for new organisational forms. This was further enhanced with the popularity of the internet, information technology and the information revolution. Many organisations have followed the horizontal set-up, freeing some reins of power to their branches and subsidiaries, while some have followed the traditional form or the vertical set up, micro-managing their branches through technology. Organisations have to continuously introduce innovations in this age of intense globalisation. Changes and innovations have to be applied on marketing strategies, product orientation, HRM practices, and many other organisational strategies. Employees have to be prepared, trained and developed. Some strategies are institutionally programmed although change has to be spontaneous. Workers have to study and learn and hold the opportunity of lifelong learning. Companies attain competitive edge through constant innovation. The first periods of the new century marked profound shifts in organisation’s strategies with aims for talents, technologies and customer focus and loyalty (Venkatraman and Henderson, 2008, p. 258). Organisations keep constant contact with

Protecting the natural environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Protecting the natural environment - Essay Example Catriona Mortimer aptly states that there should be a balance between Cronon’s wilderness-based environment view and Deluca’s human conservation-based environment concept. The key issue is whether to prioritize preserving or protecting the natural environment or filling the people’s need for wood, animal, and other natural environment needs. In Will Cronon's â€Å"The Trouble with Wilderness; or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature," the author insists that ''only by exploring the middle ground will we learn ways of imaging a better world for all of us†¦ (85).† The quote clearly shows that environmentalism should include caring for both humans and nonhumans. Environmentalism should focus on helping both the poor and the rich, men and women, all individuals (without discrimination). The quote clearly shows that Cronon’s concern for the environment includes preserving the forests, plants, and animals. Further, Will Cronon insists that the natural en vironment includes the presence of freely roaming animals and abundant plant growth by indicating that the romantic legacy defines wilderness as a wonder topic (88). People should not abuse burning or cutting the forest in order to make homes or communities. The garden tree reminds the people that there are other trees living in the far distant natural forest environment. As proof, Cronon (73) insists that Edmund Burke, Immanuel Kant, William Gilpin postulated that sublime landscapes gives one more chances to have a personally commune with God. In addition, Will Cronon(85) emphasizes that humans should preserve the natural environment. Cronon insists without trees, people will no longer be able to have forest camping trips. Cronon defined people as having the selfish interest to destroy the natural environment. Cronon prefers that the forests and national parks should be preserved instead of hiring a jobless resident to cut down the trees. Cronon desires that it is preferable for th e jobless tree cutter resident to be jobless when compared to the cutting of trees. The jobless resident’s life is secondary when compared to the preservation of the natural forest and wildlife environment. In terms of survival, Will Cronon (85) puts the human needs behind the need to preserve our natural forest covers. Cronon (85) goes to state that cutting down trees is described as environmental abuse and irresponsibility. Norton further reiterates that people have a worst impression that people live the comforts of the urban industrial civilization and pretentiously create a beautiful image that the individual’s real home should be in the wilderness, working on a nine-to-five hectic job. Cronon (81) proposes that the defenders of biological diversity balance should appeal others to ensure the untouched virginal ecosystems should be retained at all costs. Consequently, people can retain the beauty and existence of the richest and most abundant animals and plants. Cr onon (69) insists that man’s last cure his too-muchness is the wilderness. The wilderness is an unexplored place where human touch has never infected (touched or encroached).Cronon further states that the wilderness will is the only antidote to the environment-debilitating human disease. Clearly, Cronon persuades that both people and the wilderness must live on equal terms, preserving the plants, animals, and humans. On the other hand, Kevin DeLuca's â€Å"A Wilderness Environmentalism Manifesto: Contesting the Infinite Self-Absorption of Humans† directly criticize Cronon's insistence that people should prioritize saving the forests, plants and animals. Kevin DeLuca opposes Cronon’s belief that the survival of the forest should higher than preservation of human life

Time spent outdoors is Beneficial Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Time spent outdoors is Beneficial - Essay Example he greater part of the day working inside and then go home to their residential condominium buildings to rest and sleep, so that this has led to a sedentary way of life for most. This kind of lifestyle has a deleterious or adverse effect on a persons health in the long run. Outdoors refers to places in a natural setting when in some rural areas or in semi-natural environments when in out-of-town suburban places or when in highly urbanized cities, to any place that is outside of any building or dwelling. In this regard, it is vital for people to get out especially during daytime in order to get the beneficial effects of sunshine, such as vitamin D. Other than that, they also get fresh air as opposed to breathing indoor air produced by the air conditioners which have become quite ubiquitous these days and may contain toxins. Spending time outdoors and staying in the sunshine also has some psychological effects on people, as they will raise their spirits and avoid depressed moods. In other words, spending time outdoors clears the mind and raises the spirits of people as they can see and appreciate all the beauty of nature. Time spent outdoors can be particularly enjoyable if they also engage in some recreational activities or leisurely pursuits like cycling, hiking, camping or fishing. The idea of spending time outdoors is to engage in some physical activity that will let a person burn off excess calories and avoid the dangers of obesity and its associated ailments. A person who is quite active and spends a considerable amount of time outdoors tends to be a bit healthier compared to a person who sits in the office the whole day. This is why doctors and other health care practitioners and wellness advocates encourage people to be active whenever they have spare time to do so. However, people need not stay too long in direct sunlight as it is also dangerous in some respects, such as the ultra-violet rays that can cause skin cancer. A few minutes each day of sun

Case analysis Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Analysis - Case Study Example ABC focuses on accumulating cost thru activities while traditional costing focuses on accumulating costs within functional areas. ABC system is used as an internal system for management decision while traditional accounting is for external purposes used by stakeholders and government’s review. The rich information provided by the review of literature in the study further confirmed the advantages that managers acquire in terms of costs association by implementing ABC. Managers are able to reduce costs in designing products and improve coordination with suppliers and customers. However certain limitations of ABC use are observed in the case study. Particularly, the case findings said that thru statistical computations, it was proven that ABC has no dependent relationship with the Return on Assets. Further, it was gathered from the study that there was a weak evidence associating ABC and accounting profitability is dependent on plant’s operational characteristics. The above findings suggest cognizance of both methods. Profitability is a measure that is very much relevant for stakeholders. They are very much interested in ROA and profitability which are their primary concern in investing. These factors are measured by traditional method of accounting, while internal factors that will add to profitability are best measured by ABC system. Ittner, Christopher, William, Lanen, and Larcker, David. â€Å"The Association between Activity Based Costing and Manufacturing Performance.† Journal of Accounting Research, Vol. 40, June 3, 2002, pdf. Web. 11 Sept.

How are adults presented in Romeo and Juliet Essay Example for Free

How are adults presented in Romeo and Juliet Essay There is a large difference between youths and adults in Romeo and Juliet. The adults often make emotionally driven decisions, often ones that go back on what they have previously said. An example of this is Lord Capulet, who changes his mind on the marriage of his daughter. This drastically changes the plot of the story and could have been the reason for the death of Romeo and Juliet. They see the world in a different light to the youths. The younger men in the Montague and Capulet families love to fight, and would happily insult the other family in order to start a fight. However, Lord Capulet, and maybe Lord Montague, is less happy to begin the fight, although he would try to join in, like in act one scene 1. Lord Capulet says tis not hard. I think / for men as old as we to keep the peace and later on in the play he also compliments Romeo by calling him a virtuous and well-governed youth. Capulet and Montague could have ended a feud, which was started by their ancestors ancient grudge breaks to new mutiny. You do not find out what Lord Montague thinks about the feud, only that Capulet thinks that Montague has the same opinion as he. Later in act 1 scene 5 Capulet gets very angry with Tybalt for wanting to start a fight with Romeo. Capulet expects Tybalt to obey him, as he is the master of the house. When Tybalt still refuses to give in to Capulet, his multi faceted side comes out. Capulet changes from arguing to Tybalt Marry, tis time to complementing the guests Well said, my hearts! and then back to arguing with Tybalt. Lord Capulet loves his daughter very much. In act 1 scene 2, when Paris asks for Juliets hand in marriage, Lord Capulet tells him that Juliet is too young, but he can start to court Juliet and in 2 years, they may marry. You can tell that he cares about Juliet because he says that Paris may only marry if Juliet agrees, An she agreed within her scope of choice, / Lies my consent and fair according voice. This is surprising for a patriarchal society and where the daughter has to do what the father says. When Lord Capulet says that Juliet is too young to marry Paris he makes a indirect reference to his wife. And too soon marred are those so early made who we later find out married Lord Capulet when very young. Lord Capulet changes after Tybalt dies. Maybe because he loves Juliet so much he wants to help her, but instead he makes her life worse. He tries to cheer her up -believing that she cries over the death of Tybalt- by moving the date of the wedding forward to three days time Thursday. When Juliet refuses to marry Paris, lord Capulet becomes very violent, and shows another side of himself. He threatens to hit her and says unworthy as she is, that we have wrought / So worthy a gentleman to be her bride? He goes on to say that he was cursed when she was born, and then insults the nurse by calling her a mumbling fool! The nurse is used as comic relief in the play. She is bawdy and comes from a lower class than the majority of the rest of the cast. Simply the fact she is from a lower class makes her slightly funnier, and she often jumbles up her words I desire some confidence with you and speaks in prose. She gets on better with Juliet than Lord or Lady Capulet, and so Juliet confides in the nurse. The nurse is loyal and caring but very bawdy. However, when Juliet needs her most, the nurse turns away from Juliet, and changes her loyalty by saying I think you are happy in this second match, She goes on to say that Romeo is no longer there so she has to marry Paris. This is shocking because you believe that the nurse was always on Juliets side, In act 1 scene 3, the nurse talks about Juliet when she was a little girl, and of many slightly rude tales of Juliet. These stories horrify Lady  Capulet, but the audience find them funny. It shows the difference between the nurse and Lady Capulet, and their different upbringings. The nurse knows more about Juliet than her own mother The nurse brings a lot of tension into the balcony scene, because she keeps calling Juliet inside. You worry that she may come outside and ruin Romeo and Juliets romantic moment. But it also brings an element of comedy to it, because it annoys Romeo and Juliet, and you imagine in your head how she would act if she did come out and see Romeo and Juliet on the balcony, confessing their love. The nurse adds a bit of tension in act 2 scene 5 when Juliet is waiting to find out what Romeo has said about their marriage. She will not tell Juliet what Romeo has said, and even though the audience already know what has been said, they are still concerned in case something terrible has happened. When Lord Capulet is insulting Juliet about her marriage to Paris, the nurse stands up for Juliet, even when Capulet attacks the nurse verbally. This may be when the nurse has a change of thought, and decides the marriage between Juliet and Paris is a good thing.

Cells Biological Essay Example for Free

Cells Biological Essay I) Observation of starch grains 1. A potato was cut by using a cork barrier to obtain a piece of it. 2. The small piece of potato was placed on the centre of the glass slide and enough pressure was applied with fingers to squeeze it until small amount of juice was force out. The piece of potato was discarded leaving the juice behind on the glass microscope slide. 3. A drop of water was added to the potato juice and the glass slide was then covered with a clean cover slip. 4. The slide was examined: under low power (10X), then high power (40X). A drawing of 4-6 starch grains was made to illustrate the shape and other observable details for each, low power (10X) and high power (40X). 5. The experiment was preceded by staining the grains using the irrigation technique. (Irrigation technique: A drop of iodine was placed at one edge of the cover slip. A filter paper was brought into contact with the water at the opposite edge of the cover slip. As water was absorbed by the filter paper, iodine on the other side of the cover slip was drawn underneath it and the sample was stained.) 6. The iodine-stained mount was examined under low power (10X) and high power (40X). 4-6 starch grains were drawn to illustrate their shape and structure. These drawings were included in the microscope data sheet as results. II) Observation of onion cells 1. An onion was cut into half and one of its fleshy scale petals was removed. 2. The onion petal was snapped backwards and a forceps was used to tear away a piece of thin epidermal lining from inside the onion. A 1cm square piece of lining was placed onto the microscopic glass slide. 3. A drop of water was placed on the onion epidermal lining and the lining was covered with a cover slip. It was examined under a microscope at low power (10X) and then high power (40X). A drawing of the observations was made. The details that were observed in the preparation were included. . The parts of the onion cells were labelled accordingly. 4. The experiment was preceded by staining the onion lining with iodine by irrigation technique as described earlier. 5. It was examined again under low power (10X) and high power (40X). 4-6 onion cells were drawn in the microscope data sheet as observation. The parts of the onion cells were labelled completely. III) Observation of cheek cells 1. A clean glass microscope slide was obtained and a drop of water was placed in the centre of the slide. 2. A flat toothpick was hold against the inner cheek and the inner cheek was gently scraped with the flat edge of a toothpick. The cheek cells were spread in the drop of water on a microscope slide. 3. The specimen was covered with a cover slip and air bubbles were avoided. 4. It was observed under high power (40X) and a drawing of 4-6 cells was made. 5. The details that can be observed in the preparation were included and were labelled accordingly. 6. The experiment was preceded by staining the cheek cell slide with methylene blue by irrigation technique. 7. The cell with structures observed was drawn in the microscope data sheet as part of the results. Nucleus, nuclear membrane and cell membrane were labelled. Discussion: Under microscopic examination, organelles of the cell are enlarged to be observed. In onion cells (plant cell), cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus are observed. In cheek cells (animal cells), cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus are observed. The difference between plant cells and animal cells are presence of organelles and their cell shape. From the observation of onion cells and cheek cells, it there is presence of cell wall in onion cell (plant cell) but it is absent in animal cell .The presence of cell wall contributes to the fixed, rigid shape of plant cell whereas animal cell is irregular in shape. Different types of stain colour for particular parts of a cell respectively so that the translucent parts of the cells can be viewed more clearly and can be studied easily. Iodine is often used as an indicator for starch. Hence, starch grains and onion cells are more clear and visible when iodine stains starch present in the cells. During observation of starch grains, starch is mixed with iodine solution where dark blue solution is observed, representing a starch/iodine complex. Staining a plant cell with iodine allows us to see the onion cell wall. Methylene blue binds well with negative charge molecules (DNA) which allows us to see the nucleus of the cell. It stains nuclei acid found in the nucleus, making nucleus more observable. For precaution, glass slide is make sure is clean and perfectly transparent by holding the slide by its edge. Glass slide is make sure not to be dry so that the cell can be observed under the microscope. During wet mount, air bubbles that will interfere the viewing the organisms’ movement is to be avoided by putting the covers lip gently on the slide. When observing the specimen, adjust the iris diaphragm or light level to achieve optimum contrast. Low power is always to be used first as to know the location of a good area for observation.

Processes of Communication

Processes of Communication We shall study the process and elements of communication. This will: Describe the process of communication Explain the elements of communication Describe the importance of communication process in our everyday life Introduction Communication is a process of sharing of ideas, facts, opinions and the manner by which receiver of the message shares meanings and understanding with another. The objective of any communication process is to send a set of knowledge, in the form of signs, words or visuals, to a specific destination. However, there are certain parameters which are responsible for this entire process. This lesson will focus on those essential factors which make communication process successful. Process of Communication Communication is a process that uses a set of media to transmit ideas, facts, and feelings from one person to another. For thousands of years messages were communicated through spoken voice, when the sender and the receiver were in face-to-face situation. Even today in India, oral communication seems to be a part of majority population. In face-to-face communication sender gets an immediate feedback. He then easily knows about the impact, further needs or demands of the receiver immediately. In this type of communication, the process remains limited to the sender and the receiver, where in, the channel is the spoken language. Let us take another example of a teacher teaching in a class. The teacher is using various combinations of basic forms of communication- spoken, written and visual. In the lecture, the teacher uses a black board or shows the chart. He also combines written words with spoken words. In this process, the sender becomes the teacher, the receiver becomes the students, and the channel becomes the audio-visual mode of teaching. The sender of the message selects when and what to communicate and also decides an appropriate medium for its transmission. The receiver takes the message, interprets, perceives and responds to it. The entire chain here becomes the communication process. As a process, it is routine and continues forever. Every time a person transmits the facts, ideas, opinions or feelings, another person responds in turn communicating facts, ideas, feelings or attitudes. It is a never ending process which is cyclic in nature. According to Wilbur Schramm, communication requires three things: The source The message The destination The source may be an individual speaking, nodding, gesturing or writing. The message may be in the form of sound-waves in the air, or a wave of the hand or a written letter etc. The important thing is that it should be conveyed clearly so that the receiver can interpret it easily. The destination may be an individual who is listening, watching or reading the message or it may be a group of people listening to a lecture or watching a film. Harold Lasswell suggested a convenient method of describing the process of communication. Answering the following questions holds the key to understand the act of communication. The questions are- Who? Says what? In which channel? To whom? With what effect? Suppose two persons A and B are talking on telephone. Person A:Â  Hello, how are you? Person B:Â  I am fine, thank you. How are you? When are you visiting us? Person A:Â  I am fine too. I am coming tomorrow at 6 p.m. to your place. Person B:Â  Shall I pick you up from the airport? Person A:No thanks dear, I will reach myself. Person B:Â  All right, I will wait for you. In the above conversation, ‘Person A’ initiates the discussion then he is the source. ‘Who’ therefore means communicator or the source. ‘Person A’ is communicating to ‘Person B’. ‘Person B’ is the destination or ‘whom’. If the discussion is on phone then telephone is the channel used. Whatever ‘Person A’ is conveying to ‘Person B’ becomes the message. When ‘Person B’ responds to the message it is the feedback. Let’s see the Lasswell model once again: According to David K. Berlo, the whole sequence of communicating or the communication process involves six steps. The source or the initiator of the message encodes his thoughts, ideas, desires, objectives, and a purpose for communication, which is translated into a signs, symbols or code or a language. This is performed by the encoder who is responsible of taking the ideas of the source and putting them in a code, expressing the source’s purpose in a form of a message. The receiver is the target of any communication. The receiver decodes what is being communicated to him by the sender. He interprets the message and reacts accordingly. Thus, there are a few imperative components of communication which are the unchanging and dynamic essentials. Communication bridges the gap between two or more persons (sender and receiver) through producing and receiving messages which have meaning for both. How does communication take place? Encodes Decodes Sender2. Message 3. Channel4. Receiver Decodes Encodes 6. Feedback Sender of the message, first of all conceives the message in his mind and he encodes it in symbol, painting, music etc. The message thus encoded is transmitted to the receiver through a channel. The channel can be direct face-to-face-talk, telephonic conversation or through letters etc. The receiver of the message decodes it and after understanding it gives a proper response to it. If the response goes back to the sender then it is called feedback. Because of the feedback, the sender modifies his message or mode of communication to make it more effective. For Instance, if we talk about a famous film ‘Rang De Basanti’. Here, the sender is the director of the film Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra. The message is the film itself, the channel is cinema, receiver is the audience and the feedback of the film is that it was a hit. ________________________________________________________________________________ Elements of communication The elements involved in communication process are: Sender Message Encoding Channel Receiver Decoding Feedback SENDER The sender is the communicator of the message. He is the one who transmits the message. He conceives and initiates the message. He is the one who thinks of an idea that he wants to communicate and accordingly fixes on a specific channel, to the capacity of the receiver. He transmits the message in such manner that it is easily understandable to the receiver. MESSAGE Message can be defined as a data, idea or information, spoken or written, to be passed from one person to another. It is the subject matter of communication. It may involve any fact, idea, opinion, figure, attitude or course of action, including information. Message is constructed by a set of codes that has an interpretation and an individual understanding to both sender and the receiver. The code could be verbal, non-verbal or written. A code can be defined as group of symbols that can be structured in a meaningful way. Languages are codes, which contain elements like sounds, letters, words, etc. For instance, a song is a code, which has notes, syntax, tune, rhythm etc. Any form of communication thus requires code. Thus, message exists in the mind of the sender, who selects a set of codes to encode the message according to the needs of receiver. ENCODING The process of converting the subject matter into a set of codes or symbols is called encoding. The transmission of a message from sender to the receiver requires the use of codes. Therefore, the sender plans to encode the message in a particular way, depending upon the receptive power of the receiver. The sender or the communicator constructs the message using a set of codes. These codes encode the ideas for the receiver in a specific format and thereafter are delivered to its destination in the form of a message. CHANNEL After message is encoded in a format, sender decides a channel to transmit the message. Communication channel refers to medium or media through which the message is disseminated. The channel or mode of communication should be selected by the sender in such a way that it is fully understood by the receiver. For example, if the message is a song, the channel becomes the audio medium of communication. If the message is in written forms, the channel can be in the form of letters, reports, manuals, circulars, notes, books etc. Television and films use audio-visual channels of communication. RECEIVER Receiver refers to the person to whom the message is intended. Sender of the message constructs a particular message for the receiver. The receiver decodes the message and understands it. He should be mentally and emotionally prepared to receive the message. Message should be conveyed in such a manner that the receiver is able to comprehend it fully. An effective communication can not take place without the presence of receiver. He receives, interprets, perceives, understands and acts upon the message. For example if the message is a film, the receiver is the audience. DECODING When encoded message is translated and understood by the receiver, it is called decoding. The receiver converts the symbols, words or signs received from the sender to know the meaning of the message. Decoding of the message depends on the perception and the interpretation of the receiver alone. Decoding makes the message clearer and it is converted into ordinary understandable language by the receiver. FEEDBACK On receiving the message, the reactions given by the receiver is called his feedback. Feedback is very essential in the process of communication. The continuity in communication is established only when feedback is generated. Communication is a process of action and reaction. Exchange of responses is an imperative thing in this process. Unless the sender is not aware of the response or feedback of the receiver, he cannot communicate further to make the communication effective. The sending back of knowledge about the message to the transmitter is known as feedback. For example, if the film is a message, the receiver is the audience, the feedback becomes the responses of the audience i.e. if they liked the film or not. Assignments Class Assignments Whispering Gallery Play the game ‘Whispering Gallery’. The game can be played with a group of 10-15 students. A class can be divided into three or four such groups. The game begins with a group leader whispering a message to the first member of the group, who then whispers it to the second and so on, till the message reaches the last member of the group. The leader checks to see how much the message has been changed. All groups may discuss the reasons for the transformation of the messages while they were playing the game. Write down what the game tells about the communication process. Home Assignments Draw the process of communication. Fill the following table: Summing Up Communication is often considered as an activity only. In reality, it is actually a process. The process of communication includes transmission of information, ideas, emotions, skills, and knowledge. This is done with the help of symbols, words, pictures, figures, graphs, drawings, and illustrations, etc. Again, communication is the process by which we understand and in turn try to be understood by others. It is dynamic, constantly changing and shifting in response to the overall situation. Therefore, communication can be described as the interchange of thoughts or ideas. This is also referred as sharing of meaning. The thought is conceived by the sender and reaches the receiver after going through all the steps in the ‘information transfer’ or communication process. The sender first process the thought he has received for clarity as to what exactly he wants to convey to his receiver. Once there is clarity in the message to be transmitted sender decides channel through which he wants to convey the message. When the message reaches the receiver he interprets the message and follows the same steps that were followed by the sender. Possible answers to Self-Check questions (c) We cannot communicate through gestures. Sender-Message-Channel-Receiver-Response of the receiver Sender, Message, Encoding, Channel, Decoding, Receiver, Feedback True Encoding (a) Converting message in an understandable language. Terminal Questions Explain the components of the communication process Explain Harold Lasswell’s process of communication in detail. According to Wilbur Schramm, what are the three essential things to the process of communication? Explain in detail. Suggested Further Readings 1. Communication- C.S Rayudu (Himalaya Publishing House) 2. Mass Communication in India- Kewal J. Kumar (Jaico Publications) 3. Mass Communication Theory- Denis McQuail (Sage) 4. Understanding Mass Communication- Defleur Dennis (Hougptons Mifflin Company) Keywords Source: A place from which something comes, arises, or is obtained; origin. Transmission: To send or forward something to a recipient or destination. Response: An answer or reply, as in words or in some action. Destination: The place to which a person, thing or a message travels or is sent. Feedback: A reaction or response to a particular process or activity. Receiver: A person or audience that is being informed. Channel: A medium, carrier or a method through which something is directed. Encoding: To convert a message into a form that can be received by the receiver. Decoding: To convert a message from code into ordinary language. Interpretation: An explanation of the meaning of anothers artistic or creative work; an elucidation.

The Importance Of Storytelling

The Importance Of Storytelling In her insightful essay on the tradition of Pueblo Indian storytelling Language and Literature from a Pueblo Indian Perspective Leslie Silko displays the huge role that stories play in the life of the ethnic group she originates from, she reveals the importance of storytelling for her family, ancestors, neighbors, closest friends and personally herself. In spite of the title that draws our attention to the concepts of language and literature, the main and central issue of her essay, which first appeared as a speech for delivering before the audience, is story proper. Story is not a thing to be told at certain moments in certain circumstances, if we deal with the lifestyle of Pueblo Indians. The whole life of those people is saturated with the multitude of stories and stories-within-stories. A Pueblo Indian, from his/her very birth on, hears and listens to the stories, then, growing up, begins narrating them him/herself, and in such a way all his/her life is accompanied by this vivid tradition. Thus, storytelling may be thought of as a texture of their life, for, on the one hand, the entire world and reality are perceived in the light of stories, and, on the other hand, all the collective and individual experience of the Pueblos is transformed into stories and then orally passed on to the following generations. This custom is more than just an equivalent of folklore in European or Asian traditions. Leslie Silko emphasizes that a written speech or statement is highly suspect among her people as it does not allow sharing the feelings appropriately. Mere graphical symbols are not able to express all the copiousness of human experience, but an oral word is. At first sight, it seems somewhat odd for a person reared in European tradition, but if we look back at such ancient celebrities as Socrates who also rejected the written word as contributing to the deterioration of our memory, it becomes not so alien for us as well, although the following epochs established the importance and even the preferable credibility of what is written or typed. The same may be said about the Jewish tradition, its pre-Talmudic period when Torah she be-al-pe  [1]  was prohibited from being put down; the same is about early Christian tradition when Gospels were merely told by one person to another; the Vedic period of the Hindus when their sacred texts were recited orally and were not fixed in written form. There could be found much more parallels to the phenomenon of Pueblo story telling in the history of other ethnic groups and civilization. Leslie Silko goes on and says that, for the Pueblos, language is story (Silko 49). It is most clearly illustrated by the fact that many words in the Pueblo Indian language have their own stories. When a story is told, the teller often goes into the stories of words, and thusly a phenomenon of stories-within-stories emerges. The story becomes a web that is woven in all directions, which is contrary to the convention of linear step by step narrating in European tradition. Language is story, story is language that dialectic unity of Pueblo weltanschauung determines the structure and content of their stories and the essay devoted to them in particular. The basis of any nations, ethnicitys mentality lies in their cosmogonic and theogonic myths, which constitute their collective unconscious, the latter predetermines the style of thinking, living, and interacting of a certain nation. The Pueblo Indians are not an exception here, and the author introduces the Creation story for us to understand the peculiarities of Pueblo perception of the universe. The story is significant both for its parallels and discrepancies with the Biblical creation story; moreover, the latter are more numerous and are worth being mentioned first. The world was created by Thought Woman Tseitsinako thinking of her sisters and, together with her sisters, she thought of everything that is and there appeared the world. Thus, everything that is immanent in our world is a part of the whole; every element, every constituent of the reality belongs to this whole. The humans are also an inseparable element of the universe and belong to this universal entity. Contrary to the Bible where the world emerges as a result of Gods word, or Logos (Genesis 1, 3; John 1, 1-3), the universe appeared through the thought of the goddess and her sisters, the tight link of humans to the nature are also more apparent in Pueblo Creation story. In the Bible, people are created and let in the Garden of Eden directly by God, in the Pueblo tradition they come into the world due to th e hard efforts of the animals Antelope and Badger. Such a world outlook determines the monistic perception of the reality, it influences both the language and the storytelling of the Pueblo people. Stories are the part of their everyday life, they are multidimensional, web-like, organized in a complex structure that stretches far beyond chronological or formal logical framework. There are many repetitions, characteristic of the oral speech, digressions, stories-within-stories etc that make their stories a multilayer texture. There are no separate stories in Pueblo folklore each story is a part of some more general or fundamental story, and the latter in turn constitutes larger stories, so that the whole Pueblo traditional and even modern everyday discourse is one big story with a huge number of smaller and infinitesimal subdivisions. The stories are always bringing us together, keeping this whole together, keeping this family together, keeping this clan together tells us Leslie Silko. The destination of story is thus to preserve the wholeness of the universe. The author gives us three illustrations, three stories that are still being told and re-told until nowadays. The first one relates about a young man who lost his new Volkswagen and felt very bad about it. The structure of the story may be defined as the threefold one: 1) the guy earns money, purchases the car and drives it; then 2) it falls into the ravine and is broken to pieces; 3) there come his friends and relatives trying to offer him consolation. What do they do in particular? They tell stories about the people who also lost their cars in the ravine, moreover, many of them lost their children and parents when their cars were going down into the arroyo. The third part of the story is an essential element of Pueblo storytelling. Those stories join the guys life experience to those of the other people, and when put into that context, his loss is (or seems) not so great, he turns out to be relatively lucky, because he shunned the danger of losing his own and his relatives lives. The stories of the friends and neighbors turn grief into consolation, desperation into hope, loneliness into amiable support. Finally, that guys experience joins the common discourse of people whose cars fell into the arroyo, that guy consequently joins those people, he is not alone and that is the greatest consolation possible in such circumstances. The second story about a girl who drowned herself in Kawaik Lake is more dramatic. There can be also distinguished three parts: 1) girls request to her mother to cook her yashtoah, the conditions her mother announces; 2) girls decision to get drowned; 3) carrying out her decision and her mothers return home. The core part of the story seems to be the second one, for it shows the transformations in the girls decisions and intentions. There are also stories-within-stories here, and certain periods and details are highly repetitive, they are yashtoah, Im going to Kawaik and jump into the lake there and similar phrases. The girl tells the old man about her quarrel with her mother and her suicidal decision, the man, in turn, goes to her mother and tells her what her daughter is about to do. These stories are so intertwined and interwoven, so organically situated in the context, that it is problematic to take them out of there. The story is more or less organized in a chronological order, the sequence of events is not interrupted but attention should be paid to the fact that this story was heard by the author of the essay in a modernized version from her aunt. It is a vivid argument that traditions, and Pueblo storytelling in particular, possess a dichotomic nature on the one hand, they pass the ancient experience of the ancestors on to modern generation, on the other hand, they include the present experience of the people and add them to the common stock of Pueblo history. So, the previous, present and future generations are not separated, they are connected by a strong link of storytelling, which preserves the past and provides space for the future. What is more, this story explains why the butterflies are so beautiful and multicolored. The story of a girl is tightly connected to the biological diversity in the animal world. The third story happens in modern time, but it is nevertheless organized according to the existing pattern of Pueblo storytelling tradition numerous repetitions, associations, reminiscences, stories-within-story etc. The woman goes into details of the troubles of her life loss of husband and mother, hardships of employment etc but it ends with a glimmer of hope, she meets with her aunt and grandfather, the latter gives her a very dear present a silver 1907 dollar, which shocks every member of their family. Later, as she writes, I kept it for a long time because I guess I wanted to have it to remember when I left my home country. The silver dollar presented by her poor grandfather became a material token of her warm memory of her family, childhood and homeland. Thus, the storytelling does not appear to be something that is done at bedtime in the life of Pueblo Indians, it is the essence of their life. Detaching oneself from the mentioned stories, and having a look at the essay as the whole, it becomes evident that the essay itself is a Pueblo story, although told to the non-Pueblo people. It incorporates the analyzed stories, it is originally oral, it is saturated with the monistic worldview and it has a fair chance to be incorporated into a larger piece of storytelling and is already the constituent of the Pueblo Indian discourse. The essay is also peculiar for being addressed to the two worlds the traditional world of the Pueblos and the modern globalized world. This essay intends to initiate and hold a dialogue between these worlds, to deepen the mutual understanding that may result in mutual enriching of the two distinct cultures. The author herself and the people she tells the stories of are inspiring examples of the success on this way of reciprocal understanding. She and the characters of the stories are integrated into modern American society, but they did not lose touch with their cultural and ancestral legacy either. Although this view is not in full accord with Paul Lorenz who states that the values of American Indian cultures have been forced to confront the alien values of European American culture (Lorenz 59). One more important aspect of the storytelling should be paid due attention to as well the unity of teller and listener. Leslie Silko emphasizes the importance of the latter a great deal of the story is believed to be inside the listener; the storytellers role is to draw the story out of the listeners (Silko 51). Ib Johansen, however, views this issue from a bit another perspective In traditional societies storyteller plays an important role; he/she is placed at the very center of the community, and his/her activities are considered as essential to the very self-awareness or sense of identity of the community (Johansen) it is the teller whom Ib Johansen places as the key figure in storytelling. Here we see a classic example of the European approach. As it occurs to me, there is not the notion of central or key role / importance in Pueblo Indian world outlook. Important are all the inhabitants and objects of the world despite their role, size, destination; all of them are of equal relevance, all are necessary, all indispensable, all divine. The monistic and pantheistic approach to life, people, phenomena and objects determines the reverent attitude towards them, on the one hand, and creates difficulties in establishing the hierarchy of values, on the other hand. It is indeed problematic to define what passage is most important in a certain story, or what relations are more preferable either personal, or tribal, or clan ones. Paul Lorenz recognizes that the fiction of Leslie Silko is the product of American Indian, rather than Western, cultural values (Lorenz 59). Indeed, the very style of her essay shares many common features with the traditional Pueblo Indian narratives. It is evident in her reference to ethnologists and anthropologists who tend to differentiate the types of stories the pueblos tell she says that the people of her ethnic group never divide the stories into classes, family stories are given equal recognition (Silko 51). A distinctive characteristic of the storytelling among this tribal group of Indians is that they attach more importance to what is said than how something is said, the content is more important than the form according to Pueblo weltanschauung. The particular language spoken isnt as important as what a speaker is trying to say, writes the author of the essay. That peculiarity is also marked by Ib Jansen when he retells case of an Eskimo woman accused of killing a storeman. Thus, the notions of myth, legend, parable, tale and the like are not quite applicable to the tradition of Pueblo storytelling, they are difficult or, even impossible, to differentiate in the context of their culture. The Creation story, Home Country story, the story of the young mans Volkswagen and the speech of Ms Silko are of equal relevance and credibility in the eyes of Native American. They do not abandon negative stories of their own families and clans; they are always trying to convey the content, essence of the story so that the expressive means retreat to the background. The cosmogonic and sacred myths are as plausible as their own experience in the context of Pueblo Indian Culture. Summing up, it is reasonable to point out that Language and Literature from a Pueblo Indian Perspective and the other works mentioned in this paper focus on the essential characteristics of Pueblo peoples storytelling tradition, they emphasize its monistic worldview, illustrate how several stories may unite into one; their language and the whole life are tightly linked to the stories and cannot be imagined without each other. Pueblo Indian storytelling tradition cannot but be recognized as a truly valuable constituent of the American and world culture.