Growing Up Asian in Australia Creative Story Essay

I just had an enormous fight with my mother, â€Å"I forbid you to ever go near the athletic track when you’re under my roof.† She didn’t take the news of my athletic training too lightly. â€Å"You go back there, you’re out! Out on the streets!† I grabbed my runners and slammed the front door on her. When she was out of earshot, I started insulting her with every swear word I knew, in both English and Vietnamese. I started running as fast as I could, but I should stop there and explain the whole thing. This morning I drifted between consciousness and sleep while everyone bustled around getting ready. They all get up so early and seem to stomp around the house for what feels like an hour before they finally leave. When the noise had subsided I managed to fall back asleep and woke up to my alarm and the foul smell of pho wafting from the kitchen. When I had dragged myself out of bed, I shuffled to the kitchen, enjoying the emptiness of the house. I like having it to myself in the morning, in fact I’d rather have it to myself most of the time, but my family never seem to leave. The house always feels so full. I unfolded and perched myself on one of the new kitchen stools my mum decided on. I picked out the pieces of chicken from the pho and threw away the rest of the noodle soup. I keep asking for something more edible for breakfast, like vegemite on toast, but mum insists that we eat our traditional cuisine. I left for school, jogging to school is my favourite part of the day. There’s just something about jogging in the morning, I can taste the crisp air as I breathe in and the feeling of it whipping my face and legs wakes me up. I sat outside of the locker bay, I can’t stand going in there during ‘peak hour’, the stench, a combination of sweat, deodorant, and old food, makes me want to puke. There’s always that crowd of older girls staring at me with that look of disgust as I walk through the corridor with my shiny black hair held up in a bun with some chopsticks and my uniform skirt that reached my knees that my mum made me wear. This was in contrast to the blonde hair and pasty white skin the other girls had. Their school uniforms barely covered their bums and I could almost see what they had for breakfast. I was used to it now though, being different to the other kids. My mother was big on  honouring our traditional culture, it was getting a bit ol d for me though. But I strolled through the door catching my breath, and ignored the girls as I have come accustomed to doing every morning. As I made my way to English I reminded myself why I hate school and I couldn’t wait to get to the athletic track just as my mum had told me not too. I despised English, I was no good at it, I always managed to get it confused with my home language. I was so conscious not to make mistakes. The other kids would give me the strangest of looks when I couldn’t think of the right words, I could hear them whispering amongst themselves whenever I raised my hand to speak. Shazza in the back row would always have a remark, â€Å"Here we go, dark one,† after being called anything and everything enough times, I stopped wincing. But class went quickly anyway, which most kids would be thankful for, but I hated lunchtime. I couldn’t stand the other kids staring at my lunch in the cafeteria, I was always eating something different to the other kids, they would grab there salad sandwiches and eat quietly together, whereas everyone could smell my goi from a mile away. I was lucky to get spring rolls one day, at least it was familiar to the other kids. I dreaded lunch time for that reason, I was sick to death of everyone starin g at me and asking, â€Å"what is that?† â€Å"where did you get that from?† â€Å"why does it smell like that† Not to mention there was always that one blatantly rude person that would walk past and simply just say, â€Å"ew, yuck† I just wasn’t in the mood today after the morning I’d had. After school, I made my way quickly to the athletics track, I knew my mother wouldn’t approve of this choice but it was the only place I could be myself. I quickly got changed into my active shorts and Nikes and made my way around the track. I could feel the breeze skim through my hair as my loose shirt caught the brisk air behind me. This was my sanctuary, the feeling was bliss. I made my way home, bracing myself for the approaching argument I was about to have with my mother. That feeling of pleasure left my body as quickly as it arrived. I stepped into the front door, and closed it behind  me as quietly as I could, maybe she wouldn’t notice I was late home. But before I could even take the first few steps inside, I heard mum coming from the kitchen, â€Å"where have you been!† â€Å"I told you not to go back to that athletics track!† â€Å"does this family mean nothing to you?† â€Å"you are too come home and do your homework afterschool, not run around willy nilly out on that track!† â€Å"now go and get those shoes off and go to your room!† The next day, I went straight home after school like my mother had said, she made me sit at the bench perched up on those hideous stools and do my homework until dinner time. She keeps telling me to respect our culture, and how if I were in Vietnam, I’d still be at school at this hour. Hearing about Asia frustrates me, it just reminds me that I don’t belong anywhere. But I didn’t have a choice, I sat there alone in front of my open books. I was almost the queen of procrastination, so I found myself questioning why I let her dictate how I spent my afternoon and why those nasty girls at school continuously direct cruel comments at me.. I was much more alert the following day, I sat in bed awake until I heard the front door close, it was the silence of the house and just the sound of clocks ticking, when I knew that the house was finally empty. I jumped out of bed, more enthused than ever, I ran straight into the bathroom and snapped the chopsticks I usually pin in my hair. I spent my time straightening my hair and piling on the makeup. This was something I’d never done before, it took me ten minutes to realise what the mascara was for, only after reading the fine print on the side of the bottle. I plucked and pampered myself until I felt like one of those geisha dolls, I was just missing the pointed conical hat. But I wasn’t thinking about Asia today, today I was purely Australia. A true blue Aussie Sheila. I was enjoying the emptiness of the house as I ran into my bedroom and pinned my school dress up to the top of my leg, a length that my mother would never catch me dead in. I was excited about scho ol today, I was excited for my salad sandwich that I’d just freshly cut diagonally and to see the look on the other girls  faces when they see me in the corridor. It was my favourite part of the day, my jog to school, it was more liberating this morning, I was more excited to arrive at the front gate, although I found myself running slower than usual. The wind wasn’t whipping my face at the same speed, I was conservative, I didn’t want to work up a sweat or do anything that might ruin my hair or smudge my mascara. I didn’t wait outside the locker bay today, I was ready to face everyone bright and early. I walked past the girls whom stand in the same place every morning and instead of the greasy look I get most mornings, each and every one of them looked me up and down, but in a good way. They actually seemed impressed to see me. The look on their faces was worth all the effort I had been to that morning and I was even more excited to get to class. People treated me differently today, it must’ve been about the way I looked. The kids in the cafeteria looked at me differently than usual, instead of a look of repulse, they were almost captivated to see what I had for lunch. Although my salad sandwich wasn’t as satisfying to the tastebuds as my traditional cuisine, I was more satisfied within myself especially when a few of the older boys said hello to me as they walked by, I couldn’t believe it! I was content with myself today, this was a feeling I hadn’t experienced for a while. I was even more excited to go to the athletics track this afternoon, I knew my mum would disapprove but maybe she wouldn’t know, I could just go there quickly and she might not realise what time it is when I get home. So I made my way there, I jogged to the track to save time warming up when I arrive. I sprinted into the change room, the smell of sweat was overwhelming and I just got a hint of a mild scent of cheap fragranced deodorant, that didn’t stand a chance in the old water damaged change rooms. I quickly threw my hair up into a messy bun, this wasn’t too different to usual, but my hair was still so silky straight that I looked like I’d gone to a lot of effort. I ran out onto the track as quickly as I had arrived and jumped straight into my lane. It was an exhilarating feeling, side by side my biggest competitor, she always undermined my abilities, but after the day I’d had I  was ready to take her on, I was sprinting as fast as I possibly could coming down the 100m stretch, I looked up and to my surprise my mum was standing up in the stand at the finishing line. She looked cross, but all I could think about was beating the girl beside me, she started to fall be hind, but I pushed through to the end and stepped over the finish line a length in front. I set a personal best! As I caught my breath I turned to my mum who was walking towards me, she still looked mildly unimpressed although the hint of a little smile was seeping through her smirking lips. I felt her arms wrap around me, which was totally unexpected as I hugged her back. â€Å"I am proud of you,† she said. â€Å"I’m sorry I didn’t let you train, I didn’t realise how happy it made you.† â€Å"But that beaming smile proved me wrong, and you’re so talented.† These words were more than touching coming from my mother, she then asked about the remainder of the makeup that was running down my face, I’d forgotten to wash it off in such a rush! I explained to her about the people at my school, and that I felt half & half, like I didn’t belong anywhere. She enlightened me to the fact that I didn’t have to change my identity to meet other people’s expectations, she said she supported me in my choice to be half Aussie and I was then allow to attend the training track whenever I wanted.

A Crucible analysis in terms of language and structure Essay

In times of moral and social chaos between any civilised or uncivilised society, when the threat of any opposing force or alliance turns citizens and parliament alike into accusative fools; when ‘the voice’ itself is riddled with paranoia and irrational thinking, (most likely by the simple arrival of something unknown or new,) other elements of society come forth to offer through their art, an alternative point of view whether it be subtle or public;  Arthur Miller a leading American playwright of several decades with such acclaimed works as Death of a Salesman and The Man Who Had All the Luck to his name. Although Miller’s dramas took a familial setting, he earned a reputation for dealing with the contemporary political and moral issues of the time. One dramatic device used in a piece studied by myself and piers was an allegory: the use of characters or events to represent ideas or principals in a play, story or picture. At the height of the McCarthy era, when indeed social order and security were replaced by paranoia and an element of superstition, Miller’s allegoric play The Crucible conveyed the insanities and fears of the future by showing on stage a similar occurrence in the past. By playing to the audiences of 1950’s America, Miller brought to light the resolution of 1700’s Salem, how they coincide, and how if the â€Å"witch hunt† in the present day continued one of the biggest public  blunders of the past which would repeat itself. I use the term â€Å"witch hunt† because of the nature of accusations and their ability to root out the weeds of society fifty years ago- the communists.Senator Joe McCarthy takes his place in history as the main figure leading the anti-communist movement. As the threat of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) loomed over the west, and the iron curtain acted not only as a barrier of communications between the two parts, but as point of alienation; east meets west, communists meet democrats, any crossover between the two met its climax at panic, hence the trials in the United States to which Miller was no stranger to. The playwright was brought to trial to assist the court in finding those who were witnessed to meeting and socialising with him; they were deemed communist. In various quotes and accounts given from Miller himself, we can see how his personal involvement in the communist raids appear in the play in the thoughts and feelings of the characters and the overall message that can interpreted from The Crucible: I believe this to be the ethos of boundaries and limits of human beings- how far we can push ourselves before we find the things we would die to hold onto. Are we Abigail with limitless lack of morals persevered by the incomprehensible consideration for self, with her only boundary being her obsession with passion, embodied in a Mr John Proctor? Or are we those minor characters, who Miller had seen in court? â€Å"I saw accepted the notion that conscience was no longer a private matter but now one of state administration. I saw men handing conscience to other men and thanking them for the opportunity of doing so.† ‘Minor’ that is in the sense of having one thing in common; a common boundary which was non-existent it seems when it came to handing over names of â€Å"guilty† friends. If we are not, we are then John Proctors: those who would die for sanctity and purity of one’s name. Miller’s personal input into The Crucible is one that manifests itself in the character of John Proctor: this character is based on the playwright’s boundaries and pride. The strength of Proctor comes from Miller’s beliefs which are mirrored in a quote taken from court- â€Å"I am not protecting the Communists or the Communist Party. I am trying to protect my sense of self. I have taken responsibility for everything I have ever done, but I cannot take responsibility for another human being.† However, I believe that what Such was Miller’s astonishment that history was to be repeated when the world had learnt and moved on from the ‘evil displayed by the judges of these trials and the prosecutors of the Salem witch trials,’ that he took it upon himself to dig up and publicise the past as the events had so much to teach- â€Å"It was as though the whole country had been born anew, without a memory even of certain elemental decencies which a year or two earlier no-one would have imagined could have been altered, let alone forgotten. Astounded, I watched men pass me by without a nod whom I had known rather well for years; I knew that the terror in these people was being knowingly planned and consciously engineered , and all they knew was terror.† This quote also tells us of Miller’s suspicion of the US government: that a fear with no real public threat (communism) had such a massive affect on the general population. I believe he thought that the will of the democratic government increased the hype of communism to keep America what is was and still is, a democracy- no matter how many chapters of history may come back to haunt them.

Leadersip , effective leaders what makes them effective Research Paper

Leadersip , effective leaders what makes them effective - Research Paper Example The research paper explores the phenomena of leadership, an intriguing subject that has attracted much attention of researchers and scholars of every age. It is undoubted that leadership is one of the most researched upon subject in the history of mankind and literature available on the topic is extensive in nature with variance in each theory and philosophy. For the purpose of simplicity this research would only focus on the attributes or practices that make a leader effective and inspirational. The domain considered for this research is the business arena, excluding political, public or social leadership. The analysis or research methodology for this endeavor is based on explorative approach where management books, articles from reliable sources and peer reviewed journals would be considered. The purpose of this research is to explore and understand the recent trends in leadership and the attributes that make a leader effective, comparing popular literature with real life leaders s erving their organizations. According to Stephen R. Covey (2003), highly effective people have seven habits that make them great leaders. These habits essentially point towards the attributes possessed by great leaders of modern post industrial revolution or knowledge based economy. The first habit, being proactive indicates that effective leaders take initiatives, make decisions and own the consequences of decisions made. The second habit or attribute defined by Covey (2003) is the ability to predict the future, devise a vision and a mission statement by self discovery with alignment to values and principals inherent in the leaders beliefs and faced scenario that bring success to the group. The third attribute of putting first things first, emphasize on the planning skills of leaders, prioritizing the most important issues while keeping check the principals and

Narrative Analysis of Assessment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Narrative Analysis of Assessment - Assignment Example Experience in Administering the Pre-Test and Post-Test to the Student(s) during the IPPR Lessons Each of the IPPR lesson presented different experiences to the teacher. There was a common trend in almost all the lessons. The students were not performing well in the pre-test. This is despite the fact that they had internalized and understood the concept properly during the previous lesson. However, the performance of the students improved markedly during the post-test. For example, at the end of lesson 1, topic on place value, every student was expected to place numbers of up to four digits in the correct place mat to the thousand place with 100% accuracy. The students were assigned 2-digit problems without regrouping using base ten blocks on the overhead Place Value Mat to activate their prior knowledge. In this test, only five students managed to solve the problems correctly. As this was the first lesson, the students were not well acquainted with the teacher. They exhibited nervous ness and uneasiness when doing the pre-assessment test. Most of the students had not conceptualized the topic resulting in poor results in the pre-test. At the beginning of the lesson, students also demonstrated difficulty in using the teaching aids. The students were not very confident when using the place mat value, the deck index cards, and the base blocks. In addition, the students were unprepared for the lesson. Most of them had not removed their books when I first stepped into the class. When I was administering the pre-test, some of the students had not fully settled. In the post-test, there was a significant improvement from the pre-test. 15-20 students met the objective. They solved 8 or more problems correctly with 10 students out of them solving all problems correctly. Through guidance and continued reassuring by the teacher and a healthy student-teacher interaction, the students understood the concept properly. The students appeared more relaxed when doing the post-test. The use of teaching aids and teacher’s demonstration in the course of the lesson helped the students understand the concept thus improved performance in the post-test as compared to the pre-test (Schoenfeld, 2002). In lesson plan 2, students were supposed to learn computation of whole numbers. At the end of the academic year, the students were expected to multiply or divide 2-digit numbers with 80% accuracy with a calculator and add different digit numbers with regrouping without using a calculator with 80% accuracy. In pre-test, the students were assigned addition and subtraction to activate their prior knowledge. The students demonstrated significant improvement in the pre-test during IPPR 2 as compared to IPPR 1. The students were at ease. They were well acquainted with their teacher. Since the teacher had clearly stated what he expects from each student from the beginning to the end of the lesson, the students were well prepared for the lesson. They had all their books a nd reading materials ready when the teacher entered the classroom. In addition, the student had prior knowledge today’s lesson. However, the students performed poorly in the pretest as compared to the post-test. The teacher encouraged student participation in the class. The teacher called a group of ten students to the front of the class, one at a time, to demonstrate the concept of addition. As each of the ten students walked to the front of t

Discussion Question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 18

Discussion Question - Essay Example A conjunction, disjunction, negation or ordering relation is all naturally available in practical examples so that it is basic to make use of this relationship. General approaches from duality can also be applied in order theory to Boolean algebras. The order dual of every Boolean algebra obtained by interchanging AND and OR is also a Boolean algebra. By interchanging 0 with 1, the law that applies to Boolean algebras can be changed into another valid dual law. Each Boolean algebra (A, AND, OR) produces a ring (A,,*) that defines a + b = (a AND b) or (b AND a) and a * b = a AND b. the 0 element of this ring matches the 0 of the Boolean algebra while the multiplicative identity element is the 1 of the Boolean algebra. a *a = a for all the rings in A. such rings are called Boolean rings. On the other hand, given a Boolean ring A, this can be turned into a Boolean algebra by the definition x OR y = x +y + xy and x AND y = xy. We can conclude that every Boolean algebra rises from a Boolean ring and vice versa. Goodstein

Destination marketing strategy- patagonia Essay

Destination marketing strategy- patagonia - Essay Example in the previous assignment, however the hard adventure segment has shown promising growth over the past 5 years in a global perspective (Adventure Travel Trade Association, 2013). This makes Patagonia a lucrative business proposition for tourism companies. The customers who are considered as the hard adventurers are mostly looking for challenging tours in places with hostile environment. Such people will strong appetite for adventures will get strongly attracted to Patagonia, owing to its extremely cold environment (U.S. Commercial Service, 2012). Despite of the strong potential of Patagonia as a destination place, there are significant issues with the location. The TWOS matrix conducted in the assignment presentation clearly indicates towards the issues with the health and safety concerns owing to the poor regulations. Moreover, in Patagonia high quality accommodation cannot be expected and at the same time language problem is always a problem. However, while targeting at the hard adventurers, these issues may not pose as drastic challenges as it might to the soft adventurers. This is mostly because the hard adventurers more attracted towards challenging situations. Thus it can be stated that Patagonia can be a potential tourist destination for hard adventurers. This section focuses on the strategies that are appropriate for attracting the target customers. The target customers selected for the Patagonia tourism are the hard adventurers. Before designing any strategies for attracting the target customers, it is imperative to have detailed discussion regarding the behavioural and psychological aspects of the customers (World Tourism Organization, 2007). The global tourism can be divided in to two definite segments, one is for the soft adventurers and the other is for the hard adventurers. The soft adventurers include average tourist who are enthusiastic to see new places and gain new experiences about a particular region and its culture. These individuals usually

Aircraft Performance Reassessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Aircraft Performance Reassessment - Essay Example The flight span is anywhere from around 50 to 500 feet above the ground. Aircrafts fly wing-tip to wing-tip at speeds greater than 500 miles per hour. This report describes the aircraft of the model, Cassutt 3m, a formula one racing aircraft. The Cassutt 3m is a model of a Formula One racing aircraft that is fit with various specifications that make it suitable for racing on a track. Its engine and aerobatic features are unique and subscribe to the general requirements of track racing (Filippone, 2006). The safety and the loading features enable it to maneuver bends without the risk of causing accidents. The aircraft is run by the Continental 0-200 engine that saves on consumption of fuel. This aircraft runs at a terrific speed of 185-200 MPH whilst consuming 6 gallons of fuel hourly (Filippone, 2013). Like other racing aircrafts, Cassutt 3m has high aerobatic features enabling it to attain high climb rates of about 3700 feet per climb. Cassutt 3m prominently features in Formula One World Racing Championships. Its unique features make it adaptable to the Formula One Racing Championship that exhibits a show of acrobatic maneuvers in aircrafts (Saarlas & Maido, 2006). Visible features that make this aircraft effective in air racing include the structure of winglets that minimizes drag and thus improving lift coefficient. The stretch of pilot’s cockpit is characteristic to Cassutt 3m and differs from other racing aircrafts (Saarlas & Maido, 2006). Steel tubes, fabrics, and composites comprise components making up lower and upper fuselages of this aircraft. The landing gears are made up of spring steel and spring aluminum cantilevers. The overall design of Cassutt 3m is unique and differs from the design of normal airplanes. The design of the wing is inimitable and has attracted praises over the years. Cassutt 3m maneuvers across the lands like any normal small plane reaching destinations.  

Contraception Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Contraception - Essay Example Religion and culture plays an important role in following strict parameters for entering into the relationship. Unplanned pregnancy do not have a bright fate and may culminate into abortion which has serious repercussions at the later stages of life. Adopting contraceptive means at the early stages of life is also against the ethics and nature as it disconnects sex from reproduction and bring serious health implications. Mass population control is a kind of sterilization and it may lead to dishonest behavior, as the partners seek sexual relationship elsewhere. Therefore advocates against the contraception finds it equivalent to abortion. On the other hand contraception provides the liberty to the women to control her own body and keep the population low. It keeps the family small and also prevents the unwanted pregnancies. Contraception aids in better facilities for all the family members, they can devote quality time with each other and thereby contribute to the progress and development of the children. This prevents competition for food and space. It is the best means to control the population as every human beings must bear ethics towards the planet and mother Earth, by giving birth to too many children the health of the female becomes a serious matter of great concern. Less children in the family lessens the financial burden and also the burden on the earning members to the family and parents could afford for better education and better life and facilities to their wards. It is the means which must gain ethical consideration as it is for the cognitive development of the family, the smallest unit of the society and hence of the society and the nation. It is a means that brings gender equality and aids in demographic advantage. It is a means that brings us close to the nature and prevent environmental hazards. Thus contraception must be promoted by the government of all the nations to save the environment form burden which

Government office and its customer service Essay

Government office and its customer service - Essay Example However, the government has been criticized because of its inefficiency that arises from influences of the politicians that are interested in keeping power via investment. The DPS has been too aggressive because it is one of the significant partners in the government. This was criticized because it caused delay in the privatization of the national telecoms carrier. Further, it caused inefficiency in the tobacco company that forced serious restructuring of government. The DPS’s ethnic of the Turkish constituency has a significant interest in the tobacco sector, and during 2007, it was criticized of frustrating the sale of tobacco under the successor government. According to Cohen, Eimicke, and Heikkila (10), the government, especially DPS has been moving to modernize its capability to offer fast, high quality customer service, but it lags behind the private sector. The government is viewed as wasteful and corrupt when offering the resources required in a different office. This has affected the credibility and even the possibility of efforts to organize, legalize and plan the customer services. Meanwhile, the government has lost its image as an institution where people can do well and serve their fellow customers. The government employees have suffered an essential decline in status in the recent years due to increase of negative perception from public. It has been criticized because it lacks methods to convince customers to effect change and improve their lives via working in government offices. The government’s forceful effort to attack the pentagon has not significantly changed the common perceptions of government. According to Cohen, Eimicke, and Heikkila (5), the focus on tax cut and downsizing the customers have increased the criticism of government because it finds more difficult to respond to crisis of persistent public problems. This is caused by the inefficiencies in the government budgeting and

Born in the Usa Essay Example for Free

Born in the Usa Essay The song deals with the effects of the Vietnam War on Americans that can be depicted after going through the wordings of the song. The song is often misinterpreted as a patriotic song as the starting lines and the body of song resembles so. The song was initially written in 1981. It served as a title song for the film maker Paul Schrader. The song became so popular that Springsteen used it for his multi-platinum album. During his concerts, the crowd used to enjoy a lot with national flags. The song was treated as a patriotic song. People were generally not focusing on the wordings in the song. The song tries to show up the cultural diversity been faced by the people who had experienced Vietnam War. It is a tribute to Springsteen’s friends who were involved in the war. Some of them did not come back. These people tried to get fitted in Vietnam, but they found themselves unsuccessful. When they came back, they faced too much of hardships. The songs narrative traces the victims’ working-class origins, induction into the armed forces, and disaffected return back to the States. An anguished lyrical interlude is even more jolting, describing the fate of the writer’s brother (in some recordings or live shows, the word brother is replaced with buddy): â€Å"I had a brother at Khe Sanh Fighting off the Viet Cong Theyre still there, hes all gone He had a woman he loved in Saigon I got a picture of him in her arms now† Springsteen is talking about the country that he was born into, raised in, touted as the greatest in the world. He is talking about it in context to the Vietnam War. The character in the song has a brother and a lover of his brother, both whom are killed during this meaningless conflict. Down in the shadow of the penitentiary Out by the gas fires of the refinery Im ten years burning down the road Nowhere to run, aint got nowhere to go The above lines show that these vets are living dead-end lives with little or no positive change in their future. Even the line where he talks about the woman and his brother Theyre long gone, shows that some people really did not pay any attention to the people returning from Vietnam. The North Vietnamese Army was involved in the Battle of Khe Sanh, not the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam (the Viet Cong) heard in the song lyrics. Eventually the Americans prevailed and broke the siege, only to withdraw from the outpost a couple of months later. Khe Sanh thus became one of the media symbols of the futility of the whole war effort in the States. Some of the scholars writing in the journal American Quarterly explored the song as a grievance for the embattled working-class identity. Deeply analyzing the unspoken feel behind the song, it can be noted that the anthem chorus contrasts with the desperate narrative, a tension which informs an understanding of the songs overall meaning: the nationalist chorus continuously overwhelms the desperation and sacrifice passed on in the verses. The imagery of the Vietnam War could be read as metaphor for the social and economic siege of American blue-collar communities at large, and that lyrics discussing economic devastation are likely symbolic for the effect of blind nationalism upon the working-class. The song as a whole, express grief on the destabilization of the economics and politics protecting the industrial working class in the 1970s and early 1980s, leaving only a deafening but hollow national pride. In attaining the hollow national pride, the miseries of War affected people were neglected. The writer clearly describes his frustration regarding the negligence given to a particular culture. He says about non-acceptance of the culture by their own people. He is not saying that the group he is addressing is not capable of meeting challenges of the culture, but the culture was not accepting those people in their ethnic group. Ultimately those people were left alone in their own society and the society didn’t bo ther about them.

The Different Types Of Conflict

The Different Types Of Conflict Statistics of the U.S. researchers showed that an average user management 21% of the time during the week to resolve the contradictions and conflicts within the company.Thus, conflict resolution and conflict so satisfied with a job that managers need to pay attention to promote the company work better. Conflict is a process in which one side perceives that its interests are opposed or negatively affected by another side . Conflict is inevitable. The potential conflict is found everywhere. Conflict as well as conflicts within an organization can occur at many levels from small to large.This topic talks about how to identify the type of conflict, the origin of them and give appropriate treatment strategy of conflict. Conflict has an important influence in business administration such as high level of conflict will create a loss of control in the organization, reduced productivity and increased hostility between people. Energy for the work have to use for conflict and contradiction. Wit h high levels of conflict, anger will tend to focus on individuals rather than dispute can be resolved . From here the coordination disappeared and confidence threatened. Great disadvantage and loss for many companies. In addition to the above disadvantages, conflict can function to promote the development of an organization. The nature of conflict is not bad but its consequences in a positive or negative depends on how to solve them. So, figure out the cause of the conflict is the key to manage them in the direction of creating positive consequences for the organization. GROUP CONFLICT LITERATURE REVIEW The group is a collection of individuals who satisfy the following four factors: There are 2 or more members; have time to do certain work together, sharing the same or perform general one task or plan to reach theobjectives that the group expected, operating under the general provisions of the group. Group work brings good results that the individual can not do or that the efficiency is not high. Also allows individuals to overcome personal obstacles and society to achieve or accomplish results, higher goals.At the same time leads to the development of other members to join the group. The result of the first group help the second group learning experience. Participate in group have some benefits such as: Take advantage of talent, skill and ability of each member make it become collective strength, can learn from each other work experience, life experience and social experience. The group can support each other to solve the problems of the individual, help the individual to develop a nd reach the common goals of the group. Help groups behavior change, personal attitude in a good way by individual self-improvement. For example: Personally speaking crowd will be more confident. Working group to help solve problems more effectively, due to the many different members, with experience and knowledge. And work together are factors that make motivation for all members. The group is a collection of people with different characteristics and demands of purpose and work method completely different. Therefore conflicts arising is normal. Conflict is complex psychosocial issues in collective activities of the organization. It is a psychological phenomenon among human. Manage relationships through the team requires leadership, management should have proper awareness about conflict and how to resolve conflicts in the organization. Conflict is a social psychological phenomenon the status changes to previous psychological balance. Collective conflicts in the contradictory nature of antagonism arose between human in the process of working together in groups. As we all know, human activity is purposeful activities; activities each can to achieve different purposes (for example, achieve a purpose to achieve objectives B, with the purpose B to achieve the purpose of C). But the ultimate goal that everyone wants to achieve is always a benefit to meet the physical and spiritual needs of his. Through searching the benefit human have relations with the enviroment and relations with each other. Thus, the conflict is the interaction between people (between subjects with other subjects) in the direction hinder, exclusion each other or struggle each other. Debate is an inevitable and necessary part of the work group. However, it is useful only when it debates in peace and all revolve around issues of common work. In fact, the debate easily out of control and negative impact on work and relationships of the group. Conflict can bring positive or negative results, dependi ng on the nature and intensity of the conflict, and conflict resolution. So why conflict need resolution? As the nature of conflict does not go away by itself, if dont solve the problem can create greater conflicts. Effective conflict resolution will bring benefits such as: Improving understanding and mutual respect among team members. Improve team collaboration through discussion, negotiation in resolving conflicts. Strengthening the human link when the conflict is resolved effectively, they will understand the others about feelings, preferences and circumstances. Improve understanding of each member due to personal conflicts push them more efforts to quickly pass the rival of them, help them understand the real issues most important to them, and lead them to success faster. However, if the conflict is not resolved in a scientific and effective way, they can cause unpredictable consequences. Conflict in the work easily turn into personal conflicts. Team work is broken, wasted talen t, and easy to protest and blame on each other make the spirit of teamwork disintegration and this is very detrimental to any company or organization. This literature review will clearly state the causes of conflict, conflict category. Once you understand the source of conflict will be easy to understand and figure out the direction to solve it effectively. This is a very useful topic for all kind of professions, social class. This skill helps people avoid embarrassment before the scene of conflict and minimize conflict. Key words: Conflict, Group behavior, Group Conflict, Cause of Conflict, Resolving Conflict, Conflict Style.. TYPES OF CONFLICT There are three types of conflict include: Conflict between individuals and individuals, Individuals and groups. Or conflict between groups and groups. In essence, the conflict is the clash of interests and values à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¹of human Individuals to Individuals: In the organization possible conflicts between the individual and the individual.The cause of the conflict is very different: the incompatibility of psychology; misunderstood each other; disagreements in perspective, lack of understanding, mutual trust, the crowding out of other people for. Psychological conflicts between individuals can occur such as : One side Conflict is only one person against another in a positive way in the form of public or non-public. Or two side Conflict come from both parties are actively involved.The evolution of the conflict without solve conflict first step will be a logical progression in the upward direction. Both parties refused to accept the proposal of each other, making the conflict a progression. After that conflict evolve become very strong. Drastic actions of the two sides, can not be controlled. Then conflict evolve explosion: This is often conflict started after the insiders have to silently endure and contradiction s become extreme stress in a moment of explosive conflict. These conflicts often have great strength and ended very quickly. The conflict can be ended as diverse as: Resolving thoroughly, extinguish the conflict when it is completely finished with the victory of the people and the failure of others, or by compromise, concession each other. One side conflict, when a person has cleared his inhibition, then the conflict is resolved completely. If not resolving thoroughly it can turn into a dormant state that the two parties are fatigue and risk of back anytime. Or the other way it would be a false ending in the illusion of wraps of conflict due to one reason or another, while the cause of the arising conflict is still not resolved. When the enemy back stance, his earlier opinion, the conflict between the two sides became more intense, reproducibility conflict is huge. Individual to the group: There is a conflict between a member of the collective. This type of conflict is caused by many reasons. May be due to the reason comes from the individual or from the collective.For example: All the many elements of bad, lazy, undisciplined good personal conflict, positive; conflict between a bad individual selfishness, dishonesty in dealing with a collective good; conflict between the development of the collective characteristics of leadership style. Etc.. Type of conflict between groups and individuals by the views or interests do not match.For example, in a sales team, a majority of the members of the group want to lower the product for quick consumption and more.But there is one person in the group do not agree so that it can affect the overall profit and customer may be rated poor quality.In this case, conflicts between individuals and groups occur Groups and the Groups: In an organization can have multiple groups.View of the interests of the group do not agree with each other such as division of labor no reason not understand each other, conflicts between individuals with different individuals in the two groups caused conflict between the two groups, ordue to competition between groups leads to conflict occurs CAUSE CONFLICT: To successfully resolve conflicts that arise in the work is not easy it requires you to know exactly the origin arising conflicts and provide reasonable solutions. Conflict is a disagreement, dispute occurs when there is a difference: Work methods between people: Each person has different way of working.There are people who like to work fast, but also those who want to work slowly but surely.Or more emotional work while others are rational.There are also those who want to work for profit regardless of tricks but there are those who work with responsibility and conscience.Different styles lead to conflict at work Communication Barrier: Conflict is more likely to occur in this case because of the misunderstanding of communication.In particular, differences in language and customs are the most common problems. Besides the geographical barriers of distance or transmitted by mouth through many people incorrect information leads to misunderstandings and contradictory arise together. Personality: Sometimes the tension and stress and pressure, leading to an individual feel uncomfortable so the easy anger unusual and lost faith in the people around.They feel out of place in the group when the workload is too much due to the uneven division of labor. From that easy to cause jealousy, competition, personal steam along with other Besides, due to the following reasons : Different target, Stress / psychological pressure, Ambiguity about the scope of the powers,.. CONFLICT STYLES Here are the five conflict management direction useful for those who always face conflict.Each direction effectively solve different specific circumstances, it is important to understand the time to apply them wise. Forcing This is a quick method, but not collaborative, it is resolved in favor of the direction of power. They find ways to reach the goal with any price (intimidate, oppress, crush, etc.), they do not care to demand others. This method is best used in situations that require quick decisions that are vital, such as in the case of an emergency. This type of person always aims to compete for a better position the company, they know what they want. They usually start from a powerful industry, they are lured by position, social status, theyre intelligence, and have a good vision. But when they decide not to match, they find ways to defend themselve. However they feel unhappy, depressed when to do the job without challenges. Accommodating This method is not definitive, but it collaborative and opposition to competitive methods. The leader using this style can ignore their own interests in order to satisfy the needs of others. They see the relationship is paramount and their interests are secondary. They are willing to sacrifice the purpose, benefits as long as other people love them. They think that to avoid conflict to keep the peace. This method can promote the best performance when the problem to be solved become especially important for people other than yourself Avoiding This method is indecisive, no cooperation. Those who use it will not be solved conflict. It is often applied to problems less importance. Therefore, the cost to resolve the said conflict is usually higher than the subsidized amount to solve it. They are always run away from conflict. They are the kind of people who execute the decisions, not opinions and do not want to touch anyone. They like to do the job at bringing competitiveness, argue against them is cheap method. So, this is a type who was very weak. It is important for you to recognize each type of person in your company, you can use them only when you think its best to resolve the problem you are experiencing. You can also solve them by instinct, experience and learn how to change the resolution if necessary. Collaborating This way both resolute and collaborative, it is the opposite of elusive style.When collaborating, individuals often try to work with others to find a solution that both parties are satisfied. It is often used in situations both parties interests are important to compromise Tube aims to try to reconcile and recognize that all people are equally important. This type of person is very useful when you need to combine the views of the people to give a best solution that everyone feel good; when there is conflict in the group for a long time;, or when you have a very important case that can only be resolved by agreement between the members. They see conflict as a problem to solve, they find ways to reduce stress, they are not satisfied until reaching common goals and solve problems between the two sides. Compromising This is how to solve the intermediate nature of assertiveness and cooperation. It is located in the middle of the competition and help. This method be applied when the purpose set out in moderation and it is essential to quickly go to the settlement. When unresolved conflict team members may begin to divide faction and of course no group solidarity. That is why it is important for the leaders to resolve the conflict if it occurs. This kind of people aims to compromise in order to try to find a solution to satisfy everyone. They sacrificed a neutral interests to find a solution in order to achieve common goals. They also mobilize their opponent to do the same RESOLVING CONFLICT To resolve the conflict, you should apply the following methods: Keep good relationship is the top concern. Be polite and calm with people, build a culture of mutual respect and avoid people feel pressure in everyday relationships. Separate issue from the people will helps you to have a lively debate that does not affect the relationship between colleagues together. Pay attention to the existing benefits by listening carefully you will understand why people accept their current position. Listen before speaking to solve a problem effectively need to listen in order to understand their needs. By following these methods, It can resolve conflicts in a calm and polite.This helps you to prevent the protests could lead to reckless in the company Steps to resolve conflict: Step 1: Analyzes: Resolve conflicts when it started, avoid prolonged easy arising conflicts. Described conflict as a common problem to be solved, not as a struggle with winners and losers. Identify contradictions content as specific as possible. Step 2: Exchange: Listen, clarify, evaluate each others opinions. Flexible and ready to change the view to be convinced. Focus on demand, purpose and discover the difference between the two sides. Step 3: Understand: Try to find out the circumstances of the other by putting yourself in their situation. Step 4: Agreement: Find out wise solutions beneficial to both. If there are errors, please be willing to apologize If all else fails, ask the help of expert because bystander opinion always fair and objective DISCUSSION Most of the conflicts between individuals are so opposite in personality and effective communication.There can occur when people do not like each other, when the belief does not exist. They can also conflict when vying a position or interest. Anger is the heart of each individual conflict. There are many notions of conflict.The version that conflict is bad, negative, creating stress, distrust, suspicion, reduced performance, reduced commitment and cohesion, increase resistance to change, so should be avoided.The second conflict is also negative; however, the notion that the inevitable third school that conflict is natural and comes from the interaction between individuals or between individuals withelements within the organization.Therefore, in itself, is neither good nor bad, but the potential positive or negative consequences depending on where it arises, awareness. DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH Future studies relevant and useful includes Group think or Group Decision Making.Because to understand the nature of the group, or of each member will be easy to make the final decision and avoid unnecessary conflicts occur.Solidarity in the group is very important.If a team has more talent, but every individual fighting with each other, the result will not work as expected with the break plans.But if a group agrees, to comply with the principles set out and mutual respect with the slogan We are one will achieve certain success.Besides also strengthen human love, the colleagues, friends. CONCLUSION In group activities can not avoid conflict.Some Confict may have no benefit for the organizational, but also the conflict will change the team become better. Conflict is always present, in the scale, scope and frequency of different organizations.Identify conflicts, their causes, and therefore, conflict management, an effective way requires a lot of knowledge, skills. Although conflict is a normal phenomenon in society, but it is a phenomenon that should be considered research, because it not only helps us to correctly identify conflict, but also the right choice method of solving conflictfor human and social benefit.

The Virtual Umwelt :: Internet Communication Essays

The Virtual Umwelt In my last reflexive paper titled Semiotics in Cyberspace (April, 1995), I referred to the following statement from Philip Elmer-DeWitt's article Welcome to Cyberspace: What is it? Where is it? And how to get there?: "Stripped of the external trappings of wealth, power, beauty and social status, people tend to be judged in the Cyberspace of the Internet only by their ideas and their ability to get them across in terse, vigorous prose." This statement was used to prove a point in that context. The point was that Cyberspace is a place for the discovery and exploration of semiosis. I found Elmer-DeWitt's comment to be an excellent example of the kinds of issues that semioticians could argue about when analyzing the semiosis of the Internet. In his statement, Elmer-DeWitt depicts Cyberspace as what appears to be a world without umwelts. He implies that the only reference we have from others in Cyberspace is their writing and composition abilities (as if those by themselves were not signs leading to a million interpretations). I very much disagree with Elmer-DeWitt's argument. Semiosis in Cyberspace is a lot more complex than just the act of signification from writing styles and well chosen words. Most of us would agree that when communicating through the Internet we all must realize that we do so with other human beings, not with machines. Those machines might be considered to be one of the components of our umwelt in the context of that experience. The technological devices we need to interact with are bear essentials of Cyberspace and they establish the first element of characterization we use to impersonate other human beings. We know that our correspondents must have access to the technology and should have a certain amount of skills in order to get to Cyberspace. By simply making this assumption (which in most cases is true) we are issuing a set of new set of labels and re-localizing our correspondents in a specific spot within our umwelts. We might very easily connect characteristics like the access to highly technological devices with a relatively high socio-economical status or with a certain level of academic achievement. I also believe that most of us conduct very dynamic communications through the net. We do not just read messages. Instead, we try to find out more from the person who wrote it. We start by looking at things like their e-mail addresses.

Christianity And Paganism In 4-8 Cent. :: essays research papers

The consensus among many historians has been that the transition from paganism to Christianity in the Mediterranean world was effortlessly accomplished by the end of the fourth century. In Christianity and Paganism in the Fourth to Eighth Centuries, Ramsay MacMullen sets out to disprove the consensus, which he maintains is an understandable misinterpretation considering the "corrupt foundation" of historical records it rested upon. He makes his case by covering a wide range of material to show that Christianity did not destroy paganism as much as merge with it. Through his brilliant and original display of primary and secondary source material it becomes evident that paganism remained alive and deep-rooted long after Constantine. Many factors appear to have caused this, most prominently the vast extent of the empire and consequent diversity of tribal and local customs, which met people's daily needs. Christianity replaced paganism only when the people believed it coul d do more for them what paganism had done (1). This was especially true of protection and of healing, primarily physical but also psychological. People flocked to the shrines of Asclepius and others; Could the Christian god, or more likely, the Christian saints, fill those shoes? Most scholars of religious history probably accept, if they are honest to themselves, that religious history is a notoriously slippery business. Therefore, it is to the benefit of all historians to be aware of the great variety of interpretations that are available. History is an ongoing discourse, in which many different interpretations can and should be written on the same history, each striking at least one chord that supporters of an opposing or different view can find significant. The validity of an interpretation of a particular history is fundamentally dependent on the existence of a sufficient amount of quality narratives or records of historical events to provide a skeletal structure to assist in pinpointing relationships between people, time and space (2). MacMullen maintains that the historical records of late antiquity are not only insufficient, but also distorted. The Late Antique historical record seems to falsely suggest that paganism was not only defeated by the end of the fourth century, but had in fact successfully converted all of the pagans. In addition to the fact that the majority of historical records involving a conflict tend to focus on the winner, he asserts that the reason the historical records of Late Antiquity are unintelligible is because ecclesiastical and secular authorities destroyed or distorted them.

Comparing The Jewel in the Crown and Wuthering Heights Essay -- compar

Similarities in The Jewel in the Crown and Wuthering Heights      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "He stood a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurl'd... What had he been?   What was he, thus unknown? Who walked their world, his lineage all unknown?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   George Gordon, Lord Bryon (1788-1824)       This except of a poem from the Romantic period could be used to describe two characters from two different works of different time periods.   Heathcliff - the "dark-skinned gypsy" with the "manners of a gentleman"(WH 5) is the villain/hero of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights (1847) and Hari - the very English, Hindu-Indian, outcast/hero of Paul Scott's The Jewel in the Crown (1966) share many common characteristics.   Both represent a lower class of dark-skinned people that are disadvantaged by the times and societies that they live in.   Each fights outward prejudices as well as their own inner battles to determine self-worth.   Heathcliff and Hari find themselves in love with white-skinned women who represent the superior class in...

Car Rental Business plan Essay

The purpose of this business plan is to raise $300,000 for the development of a car rental agency while showcasing the expected financials and operations over the next three years. The Car Rental Agency Inc. (â€Å"the Company†) is a New York based corporation that will provide the rental of economy, standard, and luxury automobiles in its targeted market. The Company was founded in 2009 by John Doe. 1.1 Products and Services As mentioned above, the Car Rental Agency will be actively engaged in the rental of economy class, standard, and luxury vehicles for tourists and vacationers within its targeted market. A bulk of the Company’s revenues will come from the daily rental charges for vehicle usage. The business will also recognize revenues from the sale of insurance services and gasoline charges to customers. At the onset of operations, the Company intends to have a leased fleet of 30 vehicles. The third section of the business plan will further describe the services offered by the Car Rental Agency. 1.2 The Financing Mr. Doe is seeking to raise $300,000 from as a bank loan. The interest rate and loan agreement are to be further discussed during negotiation. This business plan assumes that the business will receive a 10 year loan with a 9% fixed interest rate. 1.3 Mission Statement The Car Rental Agency’s mission is to become the recognized leader in its targeted market for renting affordable vehicles to the general public on a daily basis. 1.4 Mangement Team The Company was founded by John Doe. Mr. Doe has more than 10 years of experience in the automotive industry. Through his expertise, he will be able to bring the operations of the business to profitability within its first year of operations. 1.5 Sales Forecasts Mr. Doe expects a strong rate of growth at the start of operations. Below are the expected financials over the next three years. 1.6 Expansion Plan The Founder expects that the business will aggressively expand during the first three years of operation. Mr. Doe intends to implement marketing campaigns that will effectively target individuals, tourists, and business travelers within the target market. 2.0 Company and Financing Summary 2.1 Registered Name and Corporate Structure The Car Rental Agency, Inc. The Company is registered as a corporation in the State of New York. 2.2 Required Funds At this time, the Car Rental Agency requires $300,000 of debt funds. Below is a breakdown of how these funds will be used: 2.3 Investor Equity Mr. Doe is not seeking an investment from a third party at this time. 2.4 Management Equity John Doe owns 100% of the Car Rental Agency, Inc. 2.5 Exit Strategy If the business is very successful, Mr. Doe may seek to sell the business to a third party for a significant earnings multiple. Most likely, the Company will hire a qualified business broker to sell the business on behalf of the Car Rental Agency. Based on historical numbers, the business could fetch a sales premium of up to 4 times earnings. 3.0 Products and Services Below is a description of the car rental services offered by the Car Rental Agency. 3.1 Daily Car Rentals The primary source of revenue for the business will come from the direct daily rental of the Company’s fleet of approximately 30 vehicles. The Company will have three tiers of rentals including economy, standard, and luxury. Management expects that 75% of all rentals will fall into the economy or standard class. A limited number of luxury vehicles will be held on the lot for wealthy tourists and business travelers. Daily charges to clients will range from $49 to $99 per day depending on the type of vehicle they intend to rent. 3.2 Insurance Fees and Ancillary Services In addition to daily charges made to vehicle renters, the Company will earn secondary streams of revenue from the sale of additional insurance. This is an important secondary steam of revenue for the business as sales of additional car insurance will generate substantial gross margins for the Car Rental Agency. Additionally, the Company will charge substantial fees to customers that do not return the vehicles with full gas tanks. Approximately 25% of the Company’s aggregate revenues will come from the sale of insurance and gas fees. 4.0 Strategic and Market Analysis 4.1 Economic Outlook This section of the analysis will detail the economic climate, the car rental industry, the customer profile, and the competition that the business will face as it progresses through its business operations. Currently, the economic market condition in the United States is in recession. This slowdown in the economy has also greatly impacted real estate sales, which has halted to historical lows. Many economists expect that this recession will continue until mid-2009, at which point the economy will begin a prolonged recovery period. However, Car Rental Agencies typically operate with a strong degree of economic stability as business travelers will continue to need vehicles for their business trip needs. 4.2 Industry Analysis Within the United States, there are more than 5,000 companies (that operate one or more locations) that provide daily car rental services to the general public. Each year, these businesses aggregately generate more than $20  billion dollars of revenue and provide jobs to more than 120,000 people. Aggregate payrolls in each of the last five years have exceeded $3.1 billion. This is a mature industry, and the future expected growth rate is expected to equal that of the general economy. As mentioned above, despite the currently high gasoline prices, the industry will continue to remain profitable as business travelers will continue to require rented vehicles during their business trips. 4.3 Customer Profile In this section of the analysis, you should describe the type of customer you are seeking to acquire. These traits include income size, type of business/occupation; how far away from your business is to your customer, and what the customer is looking for. In this section, you can also put demographic information about your target market including population size, income demographics, level of education, etc. 4.4 Competitive Analysis This is one of the sections of the business plan that you must write completely on your own. The key to writing a strong competitive analysis is that you do your research on the local competition. Find out who your competitors are by searching online directories and searching in your local Yellow Pages. If there are a number of competitors in the same industry (meaning that it is not feasible to describe each one) then showcase the number of businesses that compete with you, and why your business will provide customers with service/products that are of better quality or less expensive than your competition. 5.0 Marketing Plan The Car Rental Agency intends to maintain an extensive marketing campaign that will ensure maximum visibility for the business in its targeted market. Below is an overview of the marketing strategies and objectives of the Car Rental Agency. 5.1 Marketing Objectives †¢ Establish relationships with airports and travel agents surrounding the target market. †¢ Implement a local campaign with the Company’s targeted market via the use of flyers, local newspaper advertisements, and word of mouth advertising. †¢ Develop an online presence by developing a website and placing the Company’s name and contact information with online directories. 5.2 Marketing Strategies Mr. Doe intends on using a number of marketing strategies that will allow the Car Rental Agency to easily target tourists and business travelers coming to the target market. These strategies include traditional print advertisements and ads placed on search engines on the Internet. Below is a description of how the business intends to market its services to the general public. The Car Rental Agency will also use an internet based strategy. This is very important as many people seeking local services, such as car rental agencies, now the Internet to conduct their preliminary searches. Mr. Doe will register the Car Rental Agency with online portals so that potential customers can easily reach the business. The Company will also develop its own online website, which will include functionality for people to book and pay for vehicle rentals directly through the Company’s online platform. This marketing feature is common to most companies that rent cars to the general public. The Company will also place advertisements on major travel portals such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity. Mr. Doe will also develop relationships with local travel agents that will make arrangements for rentals among people that are traveling through the target market. 5.3 Pricing In this section, describe the pricing of your services and products. You should provide as much information as possible about your pricing as possible in this section. However, if you have hundreds of items, condense your product list categorically. This section of the business plan should not span more than 1 page. 6.0 Organizational Plan and Personnel Summary 6.1 Corporate Organization 6.2 Organizational Budget 6.3 Management Biographies In this section of the business plan, you should write a two to four paragraph biography about your work experience, your education, and your skill set. For each owner or key employee, you should provide a brief biography in this section. 7.0 Financial Plan 7.1 Underlying Assumptions †¢ The Car Rental Agency will have an annual revenue growth rate of 16% per year. †¢ The loan will have a 10 year term with a 9% interest rate. †¢ The Owner will acquire $300,000 of debt funds to develop the business. 7.2 Sensitivity Analysis In the event of an economic downturn, the business may have a decline in its revenues. However, among business travelers, renting a car is a necessity. As such, the Car Rental Agency will be able remain profitable despite a drop off in tourist activity. 7.3 Source of Funds 7.4 General Assumptions 7.5 Profit and Loss Statements 7.6 Cash Flow Analysis 7.7 Balance Sheet 7.8 General Assumptions 7.9 Business Ratios Expanded Profit and Loss Statements Expanded Cash Flow Analysis

Project Risk Management Essay

I.Introduction I am the Project Manager developing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The development of this state-of-the-art airplane will include an international team of aerospace companies led by Boeing. The advances in this airplane will reduce the use of fuel by 20%, increase cargo capacity, increase nautical miles in a mid-range airplane, and improve passenger comfort. Boeing expects sales of 3,500 units over the next 20 years. (Norris & Wagner, 2009) To really understand the impact of multiple providers, along with the logistics to coordinate assembly, I will illustrate, discuss, and provide a conclusion using two decision tree analyses. The first fault tree will detail the delivery system and identify the failure that could result in delivery failure. The second fault tree details the lack of labor to assemble the airplane. Both pose results that have the potential to financially impact the project. The fault tree diagram will provide a visual representation of the risk and help analyze the cause by looking backwards to identify the root cause. II.Fault Tree One III.Discussion of Fault Tree One There are over 40 Companies/Business Units contributing to the success of developing the 787 Dreamliner. Nine of the Companies/Business Units are located outside of the United States. Given these two elements alone there are a number of faults that could cause the final assembly and completion date to be impacted. The first probable cause for missing the completion date is the supply chain. The supply chain flow ensures the material is available according to the inventory levels to continue building. Supply chain push systems help keep inventory levels set according to contractual agreements. When the quality throughput of the component is less than 95%, the demand is increased. Quality measures are in place to alert the supplier when the throughput is less than 95% as desired but additional demands with reduced quality requirements keep the supplier from delivering. Original plans called for specific manufactured items for each component yet the supplier elected to use a less expensive alternative which isn’t meeting quality requirements. To help mitigate the supplier risks, determine the supplier’s attitude to safety, quality, and environmental aspects to delivering components. Another treatment would be to appoint an onsite supplier liaison manager responsible for signing off on any supplier and/or design changes. It would also be helpful to have back to back contracts with sub-contractors. IV.Fault Tree Two V.Discussion of Fault Tree Two In the second fault tree I illustrated the impact of labor on the delivery of the 787 Dreamliner. The labor to assemble the airplane components at the Boeing facility in Everett is critical to ensure the on-time delivery of the airplane. The union labor to assemble the Dreamliner is under contract review, the contract will expire two months prior to the first assembly. The expiration of the machinist contract and failure to arrive at a new mutually acceptable contract would lead to a possible strike. Discussion between the labor union and the company would be required to mediate the dispute. The lack of a compromise would cause a significant impact on the scheduled completion date. However, negotiations to resolve this dispute are required to ensure employees feel fairly compensated and do not walk out during assembly. The use of risk treatment should provide a minimum of efficient operation of the organization, internal controls, and compliance with the laws and regulations. To assist with labor treatment risk, re-allocate internal staff and cross train non-union members to complete the assembly of the airplane. Assess the technical skills required, develop a skill requirement profile for assembly, and identify other critical skills required for replacement. Treatment could also include the establishment and maintenance of an internal/external skill profile of current, previous, and potential employees to assist should a labor strike occur. VI.Conclusions Above I only identified one risk analysis technique however there are many others available. Many are qualitative and don’t show the dependencies between events. The tree technique I used above takes into consideration the logical combination of causes that contribute to the identified failed event. The fault tree technique brings sufficient understanding to the nature of the failure and how to manage the failed event(s). Fault tree one helped me identify that an onsite supplier liaison manager would have eliminated the failure along with standard work, forms and signatures to authorize such changes to the bill of material for the component. Similarly, fault tree two identified adequate compensation as the root cause of the delivery/labor failure. Treatment of the risk could have included managing the risk earlier in the contract and/or establishing a contract bridge or extension to avoid a strike. VII.Works cited Cortez, A. (2010). The complete idiot’s guide to risk management. New York, NY: Penguin Group. Fraser, J., & Simkins, B. (2010). Enterprise risk management. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Kerzer, H. (2011). Project management metrics, kpis, and dashboards. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Norris, G., & Wagner, M. (2009). Boeing 787 dreamliner. Minneapolis, MN: Zenith Press. Schuyler, J. (2010). Risk and decision analysis in projects. (2 ed.). Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute, Inc. Turner, A. (2011). The birth of the 787 dreamliner. Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Emerging Economies

Business Development in Emerging Economies Business Development in Emerging Economies Coursework Coursework Contents A. In your opinion, what is the future of emerging economies? Support your answer with relevant evidence. (2000 words)3 Introduction4 What are emerging economies4 Future of emerging economies5 Microeconomic approach6 Long-term economic perspectives7 The â€Å"Euro† perspective8 Facts about the future9 Forecast11 Opinion12 Risks for emerging markets12 B. Critically discuss the factors driving the growth of emerging MNEs. Use relevant company and country examples. 500 words)14 What are MNEs (Multinational Enterprises)15 Facts about MNEs15 C. How formidable is the competition posed by emerging markets MNE's to the â€Å"Western† companies? Could it be country- or/and sector-specific? (500 words)18 References21 Business Development in Emerging Economies Coursework Submission A. In your opinion, what is the future of emerging economies? Support your answer wit h relevant evidence. (2000 words) B. Critically discuss the factors driving the growth of emerging MNEs. Use relevant company and country examples. (500 words) C.How formidable is the competition posed by emerging markets MNE's to the â€Å"Western† companies? Could it be country- or/and sector-specific? (500 words) A. In your opinion, what is the future of emerging economies? Support your answer with relevant evidence. (2000 words) Introduction What are emerging economies The emerging markets story began almost thirty years ago. In the mid-1980s, developed economies started on a debt-fueled consumer spending binge that lasted more than two decades. This provided an incredible opportunity for developing economies.So, emerging markets or emerging economies are nations with social or business activity in the process of rapid growth and industrialization. The seven largest emerging and developing economies by either nominal Gross Domestic Product or GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) are China, Brazil, Russia, India, Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey. Some characteristics that define an economy as emerging are the following: * Intermediate income: its PPP per capital income is comprised between 10 % and 75 % of the average EU per capital income. Catching-up growth: during at least the last decade, it has experienced a brisk economic growth that has narrowed the income gap with advanced economies. * Institutional transformations and economic opening: during the same period, it has undertaken profound institutional transformations which contributed to integrate it more deeply into the world economy. Hence, emerging economies appears to be a by-product of the current globalization. Emerging markets are sought by investors for the prospect of high returns, as they often experience faster economic growth as measured by GDP.Investments in emerging markets come with much greater risk due to political instability, domestic infrastructure problems, currency volatility and l imited equity opportunities (many large companies may still be â€Å"state-run† or private). Also, local stock exchanges may not offer liquid markets for outside investors. These countries do not share any common agenda, so there are various lists of emerging markets, developed by various analysts such as The Economist, the International Monetary Fund, Dow Jones etc.. If we had to make a summary list it would be the following:Afghanistan|   Estonia|   Lithuania|   Qatar|   Sudan|   Argentina|   Hong Kong|   Malaysia|   Romania|   Taiwan|   Bahrain|   Hungary|   Mauritius|   Russia|   Thailand|   Bangladesh|   India|   Mexico|   Saudi Arabia|   Turkey|   Brazil|   Indonesia|   Morocco|   Singapore|   Tunisia|   Bulgaria|   Iran|   Nigeria|   Slovakia|   UAE| Chile|   Israel|   Oman|   Slovenia|   Ukraine| China|   Jordan|   Pakistan|   South Africa|   Venezuela|   Colombia|   Kuwait|   Peru|   Sr i Lanka|   Vietnam| Czech Republic|   Latvia|   Philippines|   South Korea|   Sudan|   Egypt|   Estonia|   Poland|   Qatar|   Taiwan| Future of emerging economiesIn the past decade emerging markets have established themselves as the world’s best sprinters. As serial crises tripped up America and then Europe, China barely broke stride. Other big developing nations paused for breath only briefly. Investors bet that rapid growth in emerging markets was the new normal, while leaders from Beijing to Brazil lectured the world on the virtues of their state-centric economic models. More than 80% of the world’s population lives in countries with emerging economies. As we can see in Figure 1, the share of emerging markets in global output has increased from below 20% in the early 90’s, to more than 30% today.Considering the cost of living differences, the share of emerging economies in world GDP already exceeds 45%, which is 13 percentage points higher than in the early 90’s. According to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF), World Economic Outlook, this share will exceed 50% in 2013. Figure [ 1 ]: Share of emerging economies in world GDP in recent periods While these economies are already large, they keep growing strongly. Growth in emerging economies and increased resistance to economic and financial shocks mean good news for the global economy, which can definitely rely on the dynamism of emerging economies more than it did in the past.The residents of emerging economies’ countries benefited a lot from this rapid growth, as it led to rising living standards. During the period 2000-2009, the per capita GDP in these countries increased by more than 70%. The integration of emerging economies in world markets for goods and services happened smoothly. Regarding global exports of goods and services, the share of emerging economies almost doubled between the early 90’s and 2010, reaching 35%. Microecono mic approach The most important role of the emerging economies and reflected at the micro level.Specifically, six of the 25 largest companies in the world, for example, in terms of market value come from emerging markets. These companies are listed below, according to Global 2000 list for 2012, an annual ranking of the top 2000 public companies in the world by Forbes magazine. The ranking is based on a mix of four metrics: sales, profit, assets and market value. Rank| Company| Headquarters| Industry| Profits (billion $)| Assets (billion $)| Market Value (billion $)| 05| Industrial and Commercial Bank of China|   China| Banking| 25. 1| 2,039. 1| 237. 4| 07| PetroChina|   China| Oil and gas| 20. | 304. 7| 294. 7| 10| Petrobras|   Brazil| Oil and gas| 20. 1| 319. 4| 180| 13| China Construction Bank|   China| Banking| 20. 5| 1,637. 8| 201. 9| 15| Gazprom|   Russia| Oil and gas| 31. 7| 302. 6| 159. 8| 19| Agricultural Bank of China|   China| Banking| 14. 4| 1,563. 9| 154. 8| Long-term economic perspectives The present of emerging economies seems promising, but the future seems even better. According to forecasts for long-term growth based on demographic trends and models of capital accumulation and productivity, it seems that the role of emerging economies in the global economy will be even larger.More specifically, according to various surveys, the growth prospects of these economies are striking. The share of Brazil, Russia, India and China, if considered together, could by 2025 correspond to a rate of more than 50% share of the current six largest industrialized economies and to overcome it in less than 40 years. The â€Å"Euro† perspective From the perspective of the euro, the growing role of emerging economies provides various opportunities. More specifically, the dynamic growth of emerging economies is increasing demand for certain goods and tradable services where the euro zone has a comparative advantage.Also, competition from emerging ma rkets increases motivation for further progress in structural reforms in the euro zone, which are either way necessary. In addition, the Eurozone is capable of seizing new opportunities created by emerging economies. Exports and imports of goods and services of the euro zone represent a significant share of the GDP. Considering this, it is remarkable that the share of the euro zone exports (excluding trade within the euro zone) to Asia increased from 19% in 2000 to 22% in 2009, while exports to the United States decreased from 17% to 12% over the same period.China's share in total exports of the euro zone increased from 2% in 2000 to 5. 3% in 2009. Exports to Russia more than doubled over the same period from 1. 8% to 3. 9%, thus exceeding the exports to Japan, although the share of Russia was higher in 2008 (5. 0%), before the global trade collapsed. A similar trend was observed in India, though on a much smaller scale, as India’s share was 1. 7% of euro zone exports in 2009 . The crisis When the global financial crisis struck, emerging economies responded energetically: China launched a huge stimulus, Brazil’s state-owned banks avished credit, interest rates were slashed. They succeeded so well that by 2010 they were forced to reverse course. To squash price pressures they raised interest rates, curbed speculation and allowed their currencies to appreciate. With a lag, that tightening has had the predicted result. Still, the slowdown has proved much sharper than expected. Europe’s sovereign-debt crisis is partly to blame. It has sapped demand for the developing world’s manufactured exports and restrained prices of their commodities; South Africa is a notable casualty.European banks had been conduits for foreign money flowing into emerging markets. Now they are pulling back as they grapple with the problems at home. The issues of slowing growth, high government debts, rising unemployment, and aging populations within developed econo mies such as the United States presented headwinds for emerging market countries, which in the past had been much more reliant on the health of developed markets. However, because of earlier fiscal discipline, countries such as China, Brazil and Indonesia were able to stimulate economies on their own with low interest rates and massive stimulus packages.The central banks were recourse to those who needed to borrow money, in order to avoid a major crisis. In December 2011 and February 2012, the European Central Bank announced long-term refunding, while European banks borrowed about 1 trillion euros. The U. S. Federal Bank, along with many central banks from developed countries went on with liquidity injections. That move resulted to massive relief, as the markets stabilized and industrial production increased again. The question then was if this would last, allowing the global economy to keep on growing.This was more of concern for emerging economies, which were considered to be safe r than economically advanced countries. Many of them faced difficulties when they actually started developing, as they had to deal with massive poverty. Facts about the future Sadly, many emerging-world governments have interpreted the crisis in rich-world finance as a reason to preserve a more muscular role for the state. China has reserved some sectors for state-owned enterprises. In Brazil the big state-controlled oil company, Petrobras, and the tate-controlled banks have become virtual appendages of government policy. Having so much leverage over the economy is indeed helpful during a crisis, but in the long run it will stifle competition, starve the private sector of capital, deter foreign investment and know-how, and breed corruption. When the dust settles, emerging markets will still be growing faster than they did before 2003. But getting back up to the speed of the past decade will mean maintaining the macroeconomic discipline and returning to the microeconomic reforms that made it possible in the first place.A strong infrastructure has significant long-term benefits, such as a growing manufacturing base, an educated workforce and more mobile, and therefore more easily employable, societies. The build-out of fixed asset infrastructure in China, which has been strong over the past 15 years, continues today, particularly as the population becomes more urbanized. Brazil also continues to invest in infrastructure, with estimates in excess of $800 billion in infrastructure spending as the country prepares to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. For example, the case of India.Since 2009, India has deliberately inflated its deficit in order to offset the economic slowdown. Fiscal expansion was very efficient in promoting growth of demand and supply after several years’ restriction. However, now the expansion is limited. Unlike developed countries, most developing economies are under inflationary pressure, which can be worse than additional expensed. Thus, the short-term future seems to be reserving various dangers. Nevertheless, medium and long-term perspectives about emerging economies are positive. Countries that save money, invest in human capital and provide good governance can achieve rapid growth again.India, for example, saves and invests more than 30% of its GDP, devoting a significant percentage of these sources to infrastructure. Thus, the possibility of India expanding its business increases. Investors seem to take seriously into account this perspective. They seem to be very hesitant towards investments in private equity funds. Nonetheless, they provided India with 43,8 billion dollars in long-term direct investments during 2011-2012. Despite the current crisis, the outlook seems encouraging for other emerging economies too, such as Brazil, China and Indonesia.It’s obvious that during the second half of 2011, developing economies that have faced the economic crisis kind of well, star ted to feel pressure as the euro zone crisis was getting worse. Growth in Brazil, India, China and other countries noted a remarkable slow down. Global economy seems to be focusing on fast-growing markets that are outside BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) as there is the perception that they are capable of integrating faster than the BRIC countries into the global economy due to a number of trade, investment, technological and cultural criteria.These markets achieve constantly high rates of economic growth at the same level with the BRIC countries. Turkey, Indonesia and Mexico come just after China and India in terms of GDP growth between 2000 and 2015. Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Malaysia and Vietnam, along with some countries and regions of Africa are ready to be included in the list with the most dynamic countries in the world, regarding investments. It’s becoming more and more admissible that these countries are the most significant sources of income for the future ye ars.Same prospects seem to appear for South Africa, Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey, which are considered to be the most competitive ones. Executives from all around the economy world claim that they are planning to raise their investments in these markets. As goods’ and services’ trade goes back to the levels it was before the financial crisis and the flow of funds appears to steadily increase, technology and cross-border exchange of ideas will continue forcing growth and promoting globalization. Forecast Forecasts concerning the period of time from now and by 2015 don’t seem really encouraging for Europe and emerging economies.The last year’s liquidity injection was deemed to be an efficient policy, but it was certainly not a radical solution. No crisis looms, but serious concern is justified, for the emerging world faces two distinct risks: a cyclical slowdown and a longer-term erosion of potential growth. The first should be reasonably easy to deal with. The second will not. Fiscal discipline and investment has delivered for emerging economies up to this point. This can significantly contribute to future growth. If Europe can succeed in promoting large fiscal and banking reforms and put its economy in order, the crisis will probably subside.Otherwise it will remain until the end of 2014 and then Europe will be before high risk once again. Regarding the developing countries, they will definitely be influenced by the U. S. and Europe – the two largest economies in the world. Their slowdown will directly affect all developing countries. The analyst, Jean Louis Martin claims though, that emerging economies will account for 52% of the global economy. His forecast is based on current prices and exchange rates-compared with 38. 9% in 2011. Opinion Looking through the past as thoroughly as I can, and considering the risks, my opinion about a potential recovery tends to be negative.A slump in these countries thus looks unlikely; so, however, does a return to the past decade’s growth rates. China, for one, doesn’t want it. Its economy has become over-reliant on investment; its leaders want to usher in a phase of more sustainable but slower growth, led by consumers. Beyond China, it is increasingly clear that many emerging economies have been growing beyond their underlying potential. Optimists once thought India could sustain Chinese-style growth of over 9% a year; but that led to stubborn inflation and current-account deficits, suggesting that India’s potential growth may be more like 6-7%.There is no guarantee that emerging markets will experience stable, sustainable development, since numerous economic and political risks are lurking. Emerging countries are still vulnerable to economic changes that occur in developed countries. Risks for emerging markets There’s a number of potential sources of macroeconomic and political instability such as high fiscal deficits, over-dependence on oil revenues and gas, increasing disparities in income leading to social tensions and acroeconomic and financial instability. Many reports also highlight the pressures on natural resources from the rapid growth in emerging economies, including the increasing difficulty of keeping global warming within the maximum limit of two degrees Celsius. While new unconventional sources like shale gas have reduced fears of depletion of fossil fuels, the risks associated with the most unstable global climate patterns are expected, to follow a steady upward trend.Issues such as taxation of executive compensation, the proper scope of financial regulation, and international M;A have come to the foreground in the wake of the crisis, and stark international differences in opinions and policies on these matters are already evident. The differences will only become more pronounced as discussions about the appropriate near-term policy response to the crisis give way to debates about who should pay and how much.The multinational firms best able to anticipate and manage the related risks and opportunities will have the strongest competitive edge. B. Critically discuss the factors driving the growth of emerging MNEs. Use relevant company and country examples. (500 words) What are MNEs (Multinational Enterprises) As the name implies, a multinational corporation is a business concern with operations in more than one country. These operations outside the company's home country may be linked to the parent by merger, operated as subsidiaries, or have considerable autonomy.Firms tend to locate where barriers are easier to overcome. For firms in emerging countries, this initially meant locating in nearby countries with regional, cultural or language ties (so-called South-South FDI). This trend seems to be changing, however, as firms from emerging economies gain prominence. Facts about MNEs There are over 40,000 multinational corporations currently operating in the global economy, in additi on to approximately 250,000 overseas affiliates running cross-continental businesses.The top multinational corporations are headquartered in the United States, Western Europe, and Japan; they have the capacity to shape global trade, production, and financial transactions. Multinational corporations are viewed by many as favoring their home operations when making difficult economic decisions, but this tendency is declining as companies are forced to respond to increasing global competition. Multinational corporations follow three general procedures when seeking to access new markets: * merger with or direct acquisition of existing concerns * sequential market entry and joint ventures Here’s an example of sequential market entry, which often includes foreign direct investment, which involves the establishment or acquisition of concerns operating in niche markets related to the parent company's product lines in the new country of operation. Japan's Sony Corporation made use of s equential market entry in the United States, beginning with the establishment of a small television assembly plant in San Diego, California, in 1972. For the next two years, Sony's U. S. perations remained confined to the manufacture of televisions, the parent company's leading product line. Sony branched out in 1974 with the creation of a magnetic tape plant in Dothan, Alabama, and expanded further by opening an audio equipment plant in Delano, Pennsylvania, in 1977. After a period of consolidation brought on by an unfavorable exchange rate between the yen and dollar, Sony continued to expand and diversify its U. S. operations, adding facilities for the production of computer displays and data storage systems during the 1980s.In the 1990s, Sony further diversified it U. S. facilities and now also produces semiconductors and personal telecommunications products in the United States. Sony's example is a classic case of a multinational using its core product line to defeat indigenous competition and lay the foundation for the sequential expansion of corporate activities into related areas. Multinational corporations are thus able to penetrate new markets in a variety of ways, which allow existing concerns in the market to be accessed a varying degree of autonomy and control over operations.Multinationals today are viewed with increased suspicion given their perceived lack of concern for the economic well-being of particular geographic regions and the public impression that multinationals are gaining power in relation to national government agencies, international trade federations and organizations, and local, national, and international labor organizations. Despite such concerns, multinational corporations appear poised to expand their power and influence as barriers to international trade continue to be removed.They share many common traits, including the methods they use to penetrate new markets, the manner in which their overseas subsidiaries are tied to the ir headquarters operations, and their interaction with national governmental agencies and national and international labor organizations. In particular, factors that benefit MNEs growth are: * labor is relatively cheap * Ownership advantages encompass the development and ownership of proprietary technology or widely recognized brands that other competitors cannot use.Empirical analysis shows that multinationals are often technological leaders that invest heavily in developing new products, processes and brands, which are then kept confidential and are protected by intellectual property rights * technology being adopted is leapfrogging much of the legacy IT infrastructure that is still in use in developed countries * Localization advantages refer to the benefits that come from locating near the final buyers or closer to more abundant and cheaper production factors, such as expert engineering or raw materials multinationals internalize the benefits from owning a particular technology, brand, expertise or patent that they find too risky or unprofitable to rent or license to other firms due to the difficulties of enforcing international contracts * management and production expertise from the parent concern Other concerns raised by respondents included government regulation, established competition, and the availability of communications and digital infrastructure. C. How formidable is the competition posed by emerging markets MNE's to the â€Å"Western† companies? Could it be country- or/and sector-specific? 500 words) Right now more than 20,000 multinationals are operating in emerging economies. According to the Economist, Western multinationals expect to find 70% of their future growth there—40% of it in China and India alone. But if the opportunity is huge, so are the obstacles to seizing it. On its 2010 Ease of Doing Business Index, the World Bank ranked China 89th, Brazil 129th, and India 133rd out of 183 countries. Summarizing the bank’ s conclusions, the Economist wrote, â€Å"The only way that companies can prosper in these markets is to cut costs relentlessly and accept profit margins close to zero. Western companies have had many difficulties entering emerging markets to date, as they seemed to apply a wrong entering strategies, which were due to lack of knowledge and experience. Many companies have already been lured by the promise of profits from selling low-end products and services in high volume to the very poor in emerging markets. And high-end products and services are widely available in these markets for the very few who can afford them: You can buy a Mercedes or a washing machine, or stay at a nice hotel, almost anywhere in the world.Our experience suggests a far more promising place to begin: between these two extremes, in the vast middle market. Consumers there are defined not so much by any particular income band as by a common circumstance: Their needs are being met very poorly by existing low-en d solutions, because they cannot afford even the cheapest of the high-end alternatives. Companies that devise new business models and offerings to better meet those consumers’ needs affordably will discover enormous opportunities for growth.Take, for example, the Indian consumer durables company Godrej & Boyce. Founded in 1897 to sell locks, Godrej is today a diversified manufacturer of everything from safes to hair dye to refrigerators and washing machines. In workshops we conducted with key managers in the appliances division, refrigerators emerged as a high-potential area: Because of the cost both to buy and to operate them, traditional compressor-driven refrigerators had penetrated only 18% of the market. The markets and operating environments in India are radically different fromMNCs’ home markets, making it possible a wide range of competitive encounters and outcomes. For example, there are several layers of product and customer segments that reward different app roaches from competitors, making it possible for both local challengers and patient MNCs to find different starting places and, over time, compete more directly. Competition appears to be formidable for â€Å"Western† companies, since they are not really qualified to deal with MNEs of emerging markets, which keep on developing.Furthermore, it seems that the competition could definitely be both country and sector specific, as, regardless of the difference in trends perceived as important and the reported level of preparedness, companies, both Western and emerging multinationals, take a similar approach to the critical actions needed to address emerging countries’ consumer market trends. These include developing new products and services, adapting the brand strategy, conducting market research, and adapting the marketing communication strategy.References * Contessi S. , El-Ghazaly H.. (2010). Multinationals from Emerging Economies Growing but Little Understood. Available :http://research. stlouisfed. org/publications/regional/10/07/multinational. pdf. * Matthew J. Eyring, Mark W. Johnson, and Hari Nair. (2011). New Business Models in Emerging Markets. Available: http://hbr. org/2011/01/new-business-models-in-emerging-markets/ar/1 * Ernst & Young. (2013). Focusing on emerging markets. Available: http://www. net. gr/? i=news. el. article&id=338400 * Jean Louis Martin. (2012). Emerging Economies in 2020. Available: http://www. capital. gr/news. asp? id=1497484 * Unknown author. (2013). Challenges in development of emerging economies. Available: http://www. stockwatch. com. cy/nqcontent. cfm? a_name=news_view&ann_id=165565 * K. Ghosh and L. Yu. (2012). The future of emerging markets. Allianz Global Investors. 12 (1), 1-4 * AmCham and Booz & Company.