Sunday, November 3, 2019
The Anti Slavery Movement In Britain in Birmingham Coursework
The Anti Slavery Movement In Britain in Birmingham - Coursework Example This is because of the fact that though Britain was one of the most influential and prosperous nations in this regard, other nations were no les behind. The practice of slave trade was rather a tricky affair and the basis of such trade was 'need'. Ships from ports such as Liverpool and Bristol used to head towards the backward African mainland laden with small goods such as spices, fabrics, arms and knives etc. things were by far petty and simple for the white man, but something that was of extreme value and demand to the African people. This is because these were some of the many things that the African were deprived of in those days given their backwardness. More often, such goods used to be of very cheap quality, for which Africa proved to be a lucrative 'dump'. As the topic of the essay ges to say, the anti slavery movement has an important association with Britain, and among these, the city of Birmingham has come to hold an important place. Most of these low quality and sub-standard goods were made in Birmingham and were popularly referred to as 'Brummagem ware'. In return for these goods, the African people had to pay the heaviest price they could have ever thought of-'themselves'. Goods were exchanged for large number of African people, who were then brought back or taken to other territories, where they were either sold of slaves or made to do hard work in the form of slaves in those territories. Many of them were captured in armed conflicts with the Europeans winning all of them given the kind of firearms they possessed in comparison to the bows and arrows, wherein the former outclassed the latter.After having been captured or being brought in as part of the trade, these people were then packed like sardines into these slave ships and were brought home to Britain in such inhuman and inhospitable conditions that many of them would perish midway. The conditions were so worse that they would not have the opportunity t o do even the commonest of other daily activities (as they were jam-packed), which resulted in the outbreak of disease. By the turn of the eighteenth century, the trade of slaves had risen to such terrific proportions that ships from Britain were now bringing back as many as 50,000 slaves every year. Those slaves who managed to survive through all the above-mentioned hardships were then sold for transportation to places such as the windies or the America to work in plantations, factories, mills etc1. The goods produced by the slaves within those regions would then come back to Britain, where they were then sold or sold in the colonies for exorbitant prices. Thu, it can be understood that the practice of slave trade profited Britain in particular, and the countries of Europe in general have benefited in huge ways by making huge profits on many trade-related fronts. On the other hand, the slaves who labored hard were made to live and work in inhospitable conditions ridden with poverty and disease. Thus, their fruits of labor were enjoyed by the people back in Britain (and Europe). Moreover, there was no sense of knowledge within the British public largely about the conditions that existed in these plantations and factories, while many just did not bother to know any2.But, as time passed by and decades rolled past, a sense of consciousness began to emerge
Friday, November 1, 2019
Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 100
Assignment Example Poverty, joblessness and dysfunctional families are common traits of highly segregated groups. This leads to high rates in crime as a way of venting stress. 3. Ethnic diversity has economic and social benefits. Economically, such cities achieve high rates of growth because of minimal segregation and, therefore, workers tend to have peace of mind at their workplaces hence increasing their overall efficacy. On a social perspective, ethnic diversity improves the talents of individuals. For example, the diverse genres of music present in the U.S. are positive consequences of ethnic diversity. 4. Los Angeles is among the most highly populated cities in the U.S. It has most Latinos than anywhere else in America, but is ethnically diverse. One reason is because of the presence of ethnic enclaves such as ‘Little Ethiopia,’ ‘Chinatown’ et cetera, which gives each group a sense of belonging. In addition, it is a busy city with numerous opportunities making people too busy to be segregating themselves. d. San Francisco, California- Other groups are the ethnic minorities because the city has ethnic diversity and has other races relatively well represented (Mapping America: Every city, every block, 2010). a. Southern Cities- Memphis, Nashville, Birmingham, Jackson, and Atlanta have Black or African American as the main race. This is because of their location. It is likely that during the early entry and slavery of the Blacks, most gained entry into America from these regions and settled there. d. Our three largest cities- New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have Whites who are not Hispanic or Latinos as the main race. However, Blacks and other races also make up a significant fraction of the population. This is because they are chief economic hubs thereby attracting ethnic diversity. 7. The three types of boundaries that can be seen from the map are racial boundaries in
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
The Effectiveness of Organizational Actions, Structures, and Research Paper
The Effectiveness of Organizational Actions, Structures, and Multiagency Involvement in Response to Homeland Security - Research Paper Example Terrorism is definitely a serious issue for the super power America as it has faced one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in century (Bullock et al, 2012 p. xv). Positioning statement The department of the Homeland security( DHS) was founded by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) signed on November 25, 2002 with departments from 22 different government agencies initiating official operations on March1, 2003. The DHS has since then underwent a series of restructurings and reorganizations with the aim to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. This section will deal with the actions taken by the US government in tackling the counter terrorism aspect and its subsequent development of a strong base structure with the involvement of the multilateral agencies engaged in tackling the counter terrorism issue. Literature Review Background of the problem The aspect of terrorism is a transnational threat that entails potential risks to the global interests of United State s’ manifested and developed from the international and the domestic surroundings. The core theme of the United States efforts in addressing these transnational issues is to detect, deter and defeat the terrorist faction, primarily the Al Qaeda (Painter, 2011, p. 8). Supporting evidence The Obama administration recognized the significance of the home ground jihadist threat in two of its recent strategy documents. In June 2011, the administration announced the National strategy for the counter terrorism which focused on the Al Qaeda, its affiliates and its adherents. Obama’s top counter terrorism advisor John Brennan publicly described that homeland security is the primary area of emphasis with respect to counterterrorism efforts. In August 2011, the Obama administration released a strategy for combating the violent extremism revolving around the counter action of the radicalization of all types of potential terrorists. The domestic focus of the policy was the protection of the civil rights, federal cooperation with the local leaders in the private and the public sectors. In 2004, Congress passed the project Bio Shield in order to encourage the private sector to develop certain biological counter measures to protect the lethal effects of the biological menace done by the terrorist attacks (Painter, 2011, pp. 8-10). The National Counterterrorism Center is the primary organization for the integration and analyzing the processes involved with terrorism. The system provides all source intelligence support to the government wide counter terrorism activities and establishment of the information technology systems and architectures and infrastructure between the NCTC and the other agencies. The NCTC serves as the chief advisor to the Director of National Intelligence on the international organizations for the strategic operation planning of the counter terrorism (Counterterrorism, n.d., p.3). In the fall of 2001, the anthrax incidents induced the potentia l biological attacks against the nation. In January 2001, President Bush declared a supplementary appropriation with an amount of around $ 1 billion to tighten the states’ capabilities of the bio-terrorism. Developments were made by the states in the utilization of
Monday, October 28, 2019
Harry Jay Knowles Essay Example for Free
Harry Jay Knowles Essay Harry Jay Knowles is not a celebrity, a director, or a producer, but despite that, he remains a leading authority in the entertainment business. Well, his face may not be recognized by the people, but with what he does for a living, he could either make or break an entertainment project. Harry Knowles can be considered as one of the most respected movie critics that the entertainment industry has today. Whatever he publishes, people will read. Anything he says, people will believe, well, most if not all of them will. However, with his status as an important movie critic, it can’t be helped that some people would also criticize him. But despite these criticisms, Knowles has nothing less in his mind than to deliver whatever information that he has when it comes to entertainment. He is very eager to share whatever he learns, very much like a child astonished with new discoveries. This can be reflected by the website that he runs, the Ain’t It Cool News (Knowles). Knowles was born and raised in the entertainment world. His family relied mainly on public entertainment for a living, something that Knowles cherished as he was growing up to the man that he is now. He was fond of reading comic books and illustrated readings, as well as watching bootlegged movies from his family’s collections (Poland). Perhaps as a child, Knowles already knew what he wanted when he grows up. He treasured his experiences during his childhood, using it as a building block for his future career. Looking at this point in his life, we can say that Knowles has a root in the entertainment industry. Even as a child, he was surrounded by things like old movies, comic books, magazines, all available for his consumption. At that point in time, even though Knowles would just be a young boy, his environment seemed to be pushing him towards the entertainment business. It was when he was bedridden because of an accident that brought him closer to the internet, to his future neighborhood. As Knowles discovers the wonders of information sharing, his appetite for new things in the entertainment world grew. He began writing reviews of movies and of events, until he became recognized by many because of his works. There are many controversies that people seem to stick to Knowles’ name. Some claim that he’s being paid to make good reviews of some movies, for publicity or just for the sake of attaching his name in the project (Davis). He is an authority in this field; so many people are actually looking to benefit from that. Regarding that, there is no certainty whether he indeed receives payment for doing reviews, but what is certain is that Knowles loves what he’s doing. He seems not to care about anything in this world as long as he’s able to deliver new information on whatever is worthy to talk about. He received various reactions from people, ranging from praises to lawsuits (Ryfle). He gladly accepted whatever came his way, whether positive or negative. From what I see, Harry Jay Knowles pursued a career as a movie critic not because of the fame or the other kicks that he gets from it. Instead it is more of a passion, a culmination of his life’s works. He likes sharing new things to people, whether it is just a gossip or a full-blown marketing strategy. Knowles is not doing these things in favor of other people; he is doing this to satisfy his wants. Knowles as a movie critic may or may not be paid for his work, but he makes sure to get the job done. Ain’t that cool? Works Cited: Davis, Erik. Caution Ahead: Harry Knowles Reviews Cloverfield'. 2008. February 2 2009. http://www. cinematical. com/2008/01/11/caution-ahead-harry-knowles-reviews-cloverfield/. Knowles, Harry. Aint It Cool News. 2009. February 3 2009. http://www. aintitcool. com/. Poland, David. Harry Knowles. 2000. February 2 2009. http://www. lukeford. net/profiles/profiles/harry_knowles. htm. Ryfle, Steve. Extra: The Trouble with Harry Knowles. 2000. February 3 2009. http://www. hollywood. com/news/EXTRA_The_Trouble_With_Harry_Knowles/311968.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Salvador sausage business plan Essay example -- essays research papers
1.0 Executive Summary †¢ By focusing on its heritage and the strength it brings into the products, their quality, and uniqueness, Salvador's will increase its sales to more than $2 million by the turn of the century, while improving the gross margin on sales cash management and working capital. †¢ This business plan leads the way. It renews our vision and strategic focus on the quality and value we put in our products and the market segment originally targeted. Our vision has been broadened by the success we have found in the marketplace, to the extent of adding new products and current plans on additional items and services. It has given us a step-by-step plan to meet and exceed our goals for increased sales, gross margin, and profitability. †¢ This plan includes this summary, and chapters on the company, products and services, market focus, action plans and forecasts, management team, and financial plan. 1.1 Objectives 1. Increase sales to more than $1 million over the next three years. 2. Move gross margin to above 55% over the current product line and maintain that level. 3. Add products and services to meet market demand, again at 55% margin or above. 4. Sell $2 million of salsa and related Hispanic food items and service by 2000. 5. Improve inventory turnover, reduce the cost of goods sold while maintaining the high quality of the products. 6. To provide jobs to the Hispanic community that are rewarding and fulfilling. 1.2 Mission Salvador's was built on offering the highest quality and value in its authentic hot salsa, filled with the history of the Hispanic community. Time honored family recipes have been passed down through the generations, rich with ethnic heritage. Knowledgeable consumers were looking for authentic products, filled with the best ingredients. The consumer was crying out for a change! They wanted real down home Hispanic salsa. Salvador's answered this call, first with its hot salsa, then adding mild and extra hot salsa, followed by yellow and blue corn chips. Constantly striving to supply what the consumer is asking for, we continually review what is available in the marketplace, and what isn't. Improving on what is available and providing new products and services to the areas of need will assure our success in a market driven by consumer demand. 1.3 Keys to Success 1. Delivering high quality products that set ... ...itional Ratios     1996     1997     1998     RMA Assets to Sales     0.22     0.30     0.34     0 Debt/Assets     35%     -12%     -24%     0 Current Debt/Total Assets     55%     25%     14%     0 Acid Test      0.58     2.46     5.43     0 Asset Turnover     4.59     3.29     2.91     0 Sales/Net Worth     7.08     2.95     2.34     0 Dividend Payout     $1     0.00     0.00     0
Thursday, October 24, 2019
The Case of Physician Disclosure of Information
Any medical information especially those which are involved in the practice itself or in the process of medical operations are just as important, or shall we say critical, as the information needed in an investigation by the police or the testimonials needed by lawyers in court or just any kind of information the human’s inquisitive minds require in understanding things. The on-going debate regarding the disclosure of physicians’ information which includes disciplinary records, hospital privileges and most especially the disclosure of medical errors, has yet to come to a close.Scholars and experts from different universities and institutions have been reviewing a lot of published related literature with the goal of coming up with the right decision regarding the case (University of Iowa, 2006). According to Science Daily (2009), although a lot of physicians have gone to protest, still some have been participating in the investigation by joining surveys and focus group d iscussions that would contribute to the study’s progress.It is the right of the physicians to disagree with what the study is proposing. At one point, records of errors which possibly may not be caused solely by the practitioner, is not enough for clients to use as judgment for the physician’s capability. In addition to this a study has shown that the lack of feedback when sending to report systems is one of the main reasons why doctors are not motivated to disclose their errors (bio-medicine.org, 2006). Given the fact that the experts who are primarily involved in the situation have already expressed thoughts regarding the case, it is still anybody’s responsibility to reveal important information especially the ones needed in the process of investigating what went wrong. According to Lauris Kaldjian, M. D. , Ph. D. , associate professor of internal medicine in the UI Roy J. and Lucille A.Carver College of Medicine, â€Å"The patient should be the main fous of the physician, but when a medical error has occurred, the professional involved is also to be considered†(bio-medicine. org, 2006). The physicians themselves as well as the hospitals, through disclosing information, should inform their clients well to be able to work closely with them in providing medical care. The Hillsboro Area Hospital could be an example as the details and affiliations of each physician can be accessed by clients through their website (. hillsboroareahospital. org, 2008). References: University of Iowa (2006, August 3). Studies Examine Physician Disclosure Of Medical Errors. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 9, 2009. http://www.hillsboroareahospital.org/physiciandisclosure.php
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Renaissance Artemisa Gentileschi Essay
My idol of the Renaissance period is the famous woman artist named Artemisia Gentileschi. She was born in Rome on July 8, 1593. Her father was a well-know Roman artist named Orazio Gentileschi and my mother was named Prudentia Monotone. She died when Artemisia was twelve. Most women artists in this post-Renaissance era were limited to portrait paintings and poses. She was the first woman to paint major historical and religious scenarios, such as her painting, Judith Beheading Holofernes, c. 1620. At an early age she experienced loss. Two of her brothers died during childhood and her mother died while giving birth. Showing some artistic skill, Artemisia received some early training from her father. After art academies rejected her, her father hired his friend, Agostino Tassi, to teach her. In 1612, she was sexually assaulted by him. The trial was seven long months. Artemisia was tortured with thumb screws in order to make her tell the truth of her claims. He was ultimately convicted, but Artemisa had a tarnished reputation after. She had been publicly humiliated and was severely criticized then and in her life forward. Artemisia’s first painting was named, Susanna and the Elder, c 1610. She was seventeen when she painted it. Michelangelo had a major influence on her style. The painting depicts the biblical story of Susanna, a young wife who was sexually harassed by the elder of her community. She shows her as vulnerable and frightened, while the men are conspiring behind her. This painting was completed before the rape, but it might be a depiction of the harassment from Tassi. The trauma of the rape impacted how she painted; she often painted graphic depictions of people dealing with pain. In 1612, she came to Florence, Italy where her father arranged for her to marry a Florentine artist name Pietro Antonia di Vincenzo Stiattesi. They became official members of the Academie del Disegno (Academy of Design) in 1616, which was a prestigious honor for me, a woman. Her first child, Giovanni Battista was born in September of 1613. Her second son, Cristofano, was born in November of 1615. Her husband is starting to prefer gambling over working. They are in much debt. In August of 1617, she gave birth to a daughter named Prudentia; sometimes called Palmira. She continued to live with Pietro even though it was loveless. He left me 10 years later. She had a second daughter in October of 1618, but she died in June of 1619. It was a difficult time and unbeknownst to Artemisia, they are even in more serious debt than I had originally thought. In 1621, she returned to her hometown in Rome as ordered by Cosmo II de Midici. She was supposed to return in order recover from an illness and her family problems. She also spent time in Venice from 1627 to 1630. She never returned to Florence. She went to Genoa for a short time with her father and painted, Jael and Sisera. Some of her patrons while back in Rome were cardinals Francesco and Antoni Barberion, both wealthy and influential prelates. By 1630, she moves to the city of Naples. Charles I of England and the Duke of Modena also purchased her paintings. Naples was the wealthiest city in southern Europe at this time. She also worked in England for a while beginning in 1638 where her father had a position at the court of Charles I. She returned after her father death in 1639. As noted above, her most famous painting, Judith Beheading Holfernes, illustrated an event from the Old Testament Book of Judith. Holofernes, the Assyrian general, was preparing to destroy the land of Judah. Judith then goes to a maidservant, Abra, to the Holorenes’ camp. She poses as a deserter from the Hebrews. Judith seduces him with her beauty, gives him alcohol, and then severs his head! After her death, her grave marker was lost during church renovations and the inscription on her headstone, rather than mentioning her artwork, remembered her sexual scandal instead. In time, Artemisia was often forgotten about in the Art world and her paintings were often wrongly attributed to her father or other artists. Centuries later, renewed interest in Artemisia uncovered her story, properly attributed her work and finally restored her reputation as one of the world’s most important female artists and a major artist of the Italian Baroque period. Gentileschi often chose historic and biblical subjects that featured a female protagonist: Susanna, Bathsheba, Esther, Judith. Her style was heavily influenced by dramatic realism and marked contrasting light and dark of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1573 – 1610). The first book devoted to her, Artemisia Gentileschi – The Image of The Female Hero in Italian Baroque Art. by Mary D. Garrard, was issued in 1989; her first exhibition was held in Florence in 1991. A TV documentary, a play, and more recently, a film have advanced her visibility as an important artist. As noted above, Artemisai Gentileschi, was inspired to paint by her father and by famous artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Today she is regarded as one of the most progressive and expressionist painters of her generation. After moving back to Rome French artist, Pierre Dunostier le Neveu, made a drawing of her hand holding a paintbrush. She along with her father were one of many artists invited by King Charles I of England to decorate the ceilings of the Queen’s house in Greenwhich. I am inspired by her because she chose to stand up and compete against the men of that time. Woman of that era had such difficulties trying to gain recognition for their work. She is one of the first women who eventually overcame adversity. Her technical skill showed human emotion from a â€Å"woman’s†perspective which some say is a breakthrough in art. In the words of Mary D. Garrard, she â€Å"has suffered a scholarly neglect that is almost unthinkable for an artist of her caliber.†[pic] Susanna and The Elders c 1610 [pic] Judith Slaying Holfernes Cited Work http://www.artbible.info/art/biography/artemisia-gentileschi http://www.artemisia-gentileschi.com/index.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_Gentileschi http://www.themasterpiececards.com/famous-paintings-reviewed/bid/31786/Female-Artists-Artemisia-Gentileschi
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Zara Case Essay Example
Zara Case Essay Example Zara Case Essay Zara Case Essay Q1a. Should the company upgrade the POS terminals to a modern operating system? It might not be in the retailer’s best interest to perform such upgrade, as the new system will replace three of the existing legacy systems in terms of ordering and fulfillment. The IS department will perceive such upgrade as a radical move and is expected to show high resistance in response to it. Even though Zara has a decentralized decision making process, the retailer’s IS department exercises absolute autonomy on the IT infrastructure and design. The fact that â€Å"only one person had left the department†in the past 10 years further confirms that the retailer is suffering from cognitive and action inertia, and thus creating a huge barrier for such upgrade. Nevertheless, Zara should still perform such upgrade in the long run. Q1b. Should the company build in-store networks? Yes, it will remove some redundancies in daily operations. For instance, employees no longer have to collect data physically from each POS terminal in order to obtain daily sales totals. In-store network will also enable store managers to have a more comprehensive understanding of sales activities on both a consolidated level and section (Men, Women, or Children) level. Q1c. Should the company give employees the ability to look up inventory balances for items in their own stores? Yes, this will result in a more efficient and systematic stock auditing and ordering process. In specific, it will not only provide store managers with updated inventory balances, it also helps them when reviewing the latest offer from La Coruna and preparing â€Å"the order†in the face of the narrow 24-hour order window. On the other hand, the store product managers can now retrieve more reliable and updated sales figures from each store. This enables the managers to be more effective when making store-to-store transfers. The commercials responsible for matching aggregate supply with demand from each store will demonstrate higher quality of decision making, especially when allocating inventory amongst stores in times of shortage of an SKU. Last but not least, the improved inventory figures will result in a better production schedule and planning that reflect the constantly changing customer demand for different SKUs. Q1d. Should the company give employees the ability to look up inventory balances for items in other stores? If employees have the ability to look up inventory balances of their own stores, granting employee access to inventory balances for items in other stores is icing on the cake. The is because store managers can have better inventory control, and will be in a better position respond quickly to unexpected surge of demand for a particular item. In the event that commercials at La Coruna didn’t deliver the full amount of a specific item that the store ordered, the store manager can immediately seek for â€Å"help†from stores that have extra inventory and thus capturing sales that might otherwise be lost. Q2. What is the Zara â€Å"business model†? How is it different from the business model of other large clothing retailers? What weaknesses, if any, do you see within this business model? Is it scalable? What information does Zara need to operate its business model? Zara â€Å"business model†The Zara business model is to link customer demand to manufacturing and link manufacturing to distribution. Terefore, Zara needs to respond very quickly to the demand of target customers, who are young, fashion conscious city dwellers with fast changing tastes. Differences between Zara and other large clothing retailers The business model is different from other large clothing retailers in the followings: -Zara does not rely on advertising and marketing to drive their business. It only spent 0. 3% of its revenue in marketing, as compared to 3% to 4% in other large clothing retailers. -The lifespan of the clothes is short. On average, 75% of its merchandise are sold within 3 to 4 weeks. -The decision making in Zara is decentralized. The employees in Zara are empowered to decide what garments to be put in the stores. The â€Å"commercials†at La Coruna have great discretion in deciding what clothes would be designed and produced, unlike other companies which use a small elite team for design and production. Weaknesses within Zara Business Model -Since Zara has a short lead time for delivering products, it keeps no buffer stock and most, if not all, logistics arrangements were centralized at the head office in La Coruna. This makes Zara very vulnerable to accidental incidents. -As the store managers are empowered to decide what products to be put in the store, their business sense are crucial. However, since the store managers are not expertise in this area, they may not be able to pick hot items and certain sales opportunities may be lost. Information needed to operate in this business model -To operate this business model, the store managers should have the access to accurate and updated sales and inventory data for them to decide what to order and what not to order. In addition, they should know the availability of the products they would like to order eg. by having access to the inventory level of other stores. -With the tight order deadline with La Coruna, the store managers need on-time inventory balance to plan for the re-order point and optimal order quantity. Q3. What current or potential weaknesses do you see in Zara’s IT infrastructure and IT strategy? IT infrastructure -Critical core services are relying on out-dated O/S (Operating System) and Hardware Technology, where failure of the services could heavily impact normal operations. As the Zara in-house POS system is implemented on an O/S which the vendor has dropped support, no official fix will be prepared once system or software bugs are identified which might lead to unstable system behavior or security leakage. -Running critical services on out-dated O/S will also limit the compatibility and extensibility with the improving software and hardware. This will prevent Zara from sustaining business growth by further improving scalability of services using enhanced hardware architecture or enhanced networking capabilities with other IT software/inventory systems. Moreover, as IT hardware is improving in a rapid pace, legacy hardware components might not be available in the market for Zaras purchase. Zara might face difficulties in purchasing commercial license for O/S that vendor has dropped support. -Unconnected terminals between headquarters and POSs might implied out-sync or inconsistent information sharing in time-critical information such as inventory. Bottl eneck in information sharing or slow responsiveness from customers query are fatal to real time sales, especially Zara is focusing on Fast Fashion Business and place Inventory Management as their competitive advantage. IT strategy -Zara fails to identify how IT can further improve and achieve the companys competitive advantage. For example, while Zaras success based heavily on competitive Inventory Management, the company fails to further improve it by enhancing communications of instant inventory data delivery to front line sales. -Zara fails to recognize the dependency on IT to achieve competitive advantage and it does not perform continuous improvement (or innovation). This will make Zara moving from Strategic Mode to Factory Mode especially when other companies are catching up Zara with similar strategy. Zara does not have dedicated planning, decision making or leading role for IT operations and strategic planning. While the General management core could share these responsibilities, they cannot concentrate their focus on IT incident management (upon system failure) and they do not have up-to-date knowledge and technical exposure for strategic planning, expansion and upgrade decision. For insta nce, Global CIO (Chief Information Officer) and/or Chief Operations Officer) should be employed for Global directions/planning and local CIO/COO (per region) should be assigned for local incident management and business process improvement. Zara does not have solid planning on ever greening of IT services. Ever greening of IT services will ensure the Company placing their IT assets on compatible and up-to-date O/S and hardware where vendor support or human expertise can be located promptly and efficiently for resolution against service failure or consultancy on service improvement. There is no regular strategic alignment with Company’s goal. Regular strategic alignment can help adjusting Zaras IT direction. -There is no constant operational improvement. Constant operational improvement is important for the optimization of IT work flow. It can reduce unnecessary IT overhead and improve service responsiveness. Also, Zara should reshuffle hardware resources after constant review of system usage. This will improve hardware utilization, which in turn improves Zaras ROA (Return on Assets). -There is no strategy to enhance extensibility which is the key to information sharing success. Great flexibility and readiness to interface with different data sources will improve Zara’s ability to perform data analysis or forecasting and to achieve fast responsiveness to fashion change or new source of marketing statistics.
Monday, October 21, 2019
black woman in advertising essays
black woman in advertising essays In recent years black woman have made big strides in the area of advertising, but regardless of these efforts black woman all still shown as submissive or being dominated. Few women are shown as strong or self-sufficient. I believe a lot of black woman are made to deal with racism and the fact they don't look like a white woman on their job. I will try to show that although things may look like it is changing. The present is still closer to the past than we realize and there is much that is still the same. Past Black Woman In Advertising (verse one) In past advertisement, black woman have been depicted as big lip, fat, very dark, always willing to please. This physical appaerance was a tiypical sterotype held by many non-blacks American. In the nineteen century the view of black woman was always distorted. One place you can find a miss representation of a color woman is the film "Driving Miss Dasey". Black woman in adds were always presented very asexual with a big stupid looking smile on they face. I often wonder how hard it had to be to go to work with a smile when you know that racisum and sexism is all around you. A prime example of what I have stated so far is the Aunt Jemima's adds off the late 1940's. Here was a black woman with her hear tied with a kerchief, big fat lips, very dark skin, and with a very big smile on her face. By the early 80's the features began to change, she became lighter and the smile became more realistic. I believe the only reason for these changes was the woman's movement of the late 60's early 70's and the civil rights movement of the 60's. Today's Black Woman in Advertising (same song Although much has change from the ads of pass black woman. Such things For example were the kerchief, dark skin, and lips. Women are still being portrayed as submissive or being dominated in ads. In a white dominated so...
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Saints and Sanctity
Saints and Sanctity Saints and Sanctity Saints and Sanctity By Mark Nichol The Latin adjective sanctus, meaning â€Å"consecrated†or â€Å"holy,†is the root of a family of words that sometimes but not always have a religious context. Definitions of those words follow. Saint (from the Anglo-French word seint) originally was simply an adjective applied to the name of a person who had been canonized, or officially designated as holy, but it soon became a noun and eventually a verb as well, though that latter usage is rare. By extension, it informally describes a person of remarkable patience or virtue. Saint, in reference to a person or as part of a place name, is spelled out in formal contexts, but occasionally it is abbreviated to St. (In place names, the Spanish masculine and feminine equivalents, San and Santa, respectively, are never abbreviated.) As a surname, it is spelled out or abbreviated according to personal preference (in French usage, it is spelled out and hyphenated to the following word); consult a biographical dictionary for accuracy. Sanctity is the quality of holiness; sanctimony and sanctitude are less common synonyms, though the former is often seen in its adjectival form, sanctimonious, to refer pejoratively to someone who is falsely pious. (The positive sense is obsolete.) To sanctify is to make holy. A sanctum is a holy place; the Latin phrase sanctum sanctorum, meaning â€Å"holy of holies,†has been borrowed directly into English, and in secular contexts, â€Å"inner sanctum†refers to a private place of retreat. Sanctuary originally referred to a building designated for worship (it also applied to a sacred relic or any other holy object), and because some churches served as refuges where fugitives were generally immune from arrest, the word was applied outside of religious contexts to a place of protection or safety, including one set aside as wildlife refuge. The adjective sacrosanct means â€Å"especially sacred†and, by extension, applies to any belief adhered to with great devotion. (A follow-up post will discuss sacred and related words.) To sanction is to make sacred or to confirm or decree; the word also applies, as a noun, to an act of doing so or the confirmation or decree itself. As with other related terms, it also has a secular connotation, and in this sense is a near contronym (also known as a contranym or autoantonym): Sanction means approval or permission, but it also applies to punitive but nonviolent measures one or more nations take to compel another nation to conform to international law. (The word also pertains to something that prompts action or judgment in response to a question of morality.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Apply to, Apply for, and Apply withUse a Dash for Number RangesPeople vs. Persons
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Breast Cancer Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1
Breast Cancer - Research Paper Example ost cases, the onset of breast cancer does not cause pain and has very little noticeable symptoms .When it progresses; some symptoms start to show up including lymph or a small thickening near or in the breast. Other symptoms include change in the size of the breast and nipple discharge. The breast becomes tender or turns inwards and causes skin irritation. Some breasts have some form of dimpling and scaliness. However having one or more of these symptoms does not necessary mean, that one has breast cancer. Cancerous tumors sometimes invade surrounding tissues and often appear in the liver, bones, brain, or lungs. People should know the symptoms of breast cancer to ensure early diagnosis. Other symptoms include change in skin texture or enlargement of pores or selling of the breast or any shrinkage. Treatment of breast cancer has different forms that include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, and hormone therapy. All these treatments can be used together or individually. It depends on the diagnosis and stage of the cancer .Screening of breast cancer is done at the early stages but diagnosis happens at a later stage when someone has the symptoms as discussed above. Doctors must take into consideration the grade and stage of cancer, general health, and whether a patient has reached menopause. When it comes to surgery it depends on the type of cancer someone has, which is then followed by chemotherapy or biological treatment that also depends on the type of cancer. According to Andreeva and Pokhrel (2013) Europe is divided into Eastern Europe, Western Europe. Eastern Europe has many economically, and culturally distinct nations that are marked by post communist transitions, detrimental health practices and underfunded prevention measures. Breast cancer cases in Eastern Europe are mostly diagnosed at late stages. Screening of women varies widely; about 57 percent of Hungarian women and 3% of Georgian women were seen to have been examined
Friday, October 18, 2019
The impact of Oil price changes on the Gulf Council Countries (GCC) Dissertation
The impact of Oil price changes on the Gulf Council Countries (GCC) stock markets - Dissertation Example The author has rightly presented that energy is one of the most important factors of global economy. A country, which has enough sources of energy, can be one of the richest countries of the world. At present oil is the primary and most used sources of energy in world. Gulf countries are the major sources of oil, so their economy is one of the strongest in the world. The changes of the world economy majorly depend on the changes of oil prices. When the oil price increases, then the manufacturers around the world has to incur more cost in the manufacturing process. The cost of transportation also increases. Because of the increment in the operating cost, the profit of the company decreases. A country’s economy mostly depends on the performance of the companies. When the performance of the company decreases that is the profit of the company decreases, then the economy of the country also get affected. The foreign investors also feel less attracted for the economy of the oil impo rting country. The investors feel that if they invest that amount of money elsewhere then they can generate more return as the efficiency of the oil importing countries have been decreased due to the oil price hike. However, it is also a fact that the present era is the era of globalization. In this era of globalization, the economy of one country has certain effect to the economy of other country. As the oil price hikes so, the country, which imports oil from some other country, found problem in manufacturing. They have the problem in the manufacturing of the products, which are the need of the oil exporting countries. (Aliyu, pp. 8-9). The product price will also be high. The inflation increases and the price of the goods and services increases. The value of the currency comes down for the oil importing countries. For the oil exporting countries the price of goods, which they have to import from any other country increases. Though they make huge profit by exporting oil to other co untries, they also have to pay more than the normal for the goods they import from the other countries. The oil price hike does not only increase inflation, but also it affects other macro economical factors like gross domestic product, unemployment rate of the country. As the productivity of the companies decrease due to the hike of oil prices, the gross domestic product of the country also decreases (OECD, pp.5-6). As the productivity of the companies decreases, the unemployment rate also increases. If the productivity of the company decreases and the unemployment rate increases, the economy would suffer huge blow. The capital inflow in the market would decrease. The stock market of the countries would have less capital flow and the market indices will be down, as it was in the case of the global recession of 2007-2010. In the era of globalization, when the stock market of one country depends on the performance of the performance of the stock market of some other country, then the stock market of the richest countries even get affected. This happens in case of the gulf Council Countries also. The gulf council countries are consisting of Qatar, Baharin, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait. All are the countries from Middle East. The countries of the Middle East are one of the largest oil producing countries (International Monetary Fund, â€Å"The Impact of Higher Oil Prices on the Global Economy†). Though they get benefit from the price hike of oil, their stock market also get affect from the events. Objective of the Project The objective of the study is to examine the effect on the
Answering the questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 11250 words
Answering the questions - Assignment Example 3. It is extremely difficult to precisely define religion because there are several counterexamples posed. Diverse authors have provided various features of religion in their definitions. The feature of religion to express the complete reality of goodness in all aspects of living has been proposed by F.H. Bradley. On the other hand, C.P. Tiele has explained religion as the pure and authentic reverent disposition which is present in the mind frame and known as piety. 4. The working definition is that religion is constituted by a set of beliefs, actions and experiences, both personal and corporate, organized around a concept of an Ultimate Reality. Their definition is not satisfactory because a given religion, with its preferred attitudes and emotions, its prescribed rituals, its important stories and myths and its recommended way of life can never be fully understood. 5. Beliefs are truth claims or statements which are accepted to be true. In a particular sense, all religious have the ir bases in beliefs. The five basic areas of beliefs are as follows: a) Humans find themselves in a predicament b) Humans need a way to resolve the predicament c) There is an existence of a transcendent being which assists humans or is the very objective of existence d) This â€Å"something†can be approached or known in a particular manner e) Something must be done by human to achieve liberation or salvation 6. Philosophy of religion is the attempt to analyze and critically evaluate religious beliefs. This is mainly because philosophy is the study of beliefs and religious philosophy tries to evaluate the diverse beliefs on which religions are based. Religious philosophers try to seek answers to religious beliefs in determining whether they are consistent and coherent. Critical questions are raised as to whether religious beliefs are plausible, probable, meaningful and true. The twentieth century witnessed an advent of religious philosophers to be influenced by analogy. Thus, religious philosophy may also be referred to the study trying to analyze and clarify significant arguments and concepts. 7. a. The editors have an approach to critically review the diverse religious beliefs by trying to and clarify significant arguments and concepts. b. The issue in the discussion of â€Å"the God of the philosophers†and â€Å"the God of faith†is that rigorous intellectual investigation has nothing to offer to devout faith. 8. The unreflective persons are those who have not made a serious attempt to reflect on the grounds of opinions. On the other hand reflective persons are those who responsibly look at all relevant arguments, clarify key ideas and carefully trace the implications of beliefs. 9. The three points of a philosopher of religion is to try and think critically about the issues related to the theistic concept of God, respect serious and responsible thought despite the outcome and respecting the rational process demands that the points rec ognize the stance of philosophers of religion on significant issues. Assignment 1. A â€Å"person-relative view of proof†means that the argument should be sound with accurate premises and a valid conclusion should be drawn from the premises. A person should know the argument to be sound for it to function as a proof. The role of proof helps in extending knowledge and this
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Rethorical anlysis of the smoker Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Rethorical anlysis of the smoker - Essay Example Upon any further contemplation, a reader will stumble at the question whether choosing a life-partner is such a light matter as it is presented in the story. Schickler does not show any clear hints that the way Nicole chooses Douglas as her life-partner is wrong. Rather Schickler refers to the glaring flaws of traditional arranged marriage by presenting the ironies in a light tone. From the beginning to the end, the story flows at a smooth and easily palatable speed. But the readers cannot but raise their brows when they find Nicole’s father to propose Douglas at their first encounter. From here a reader’s reasoning starts and necessarily has to focus on Douglas’s and Nicole’s personality traits. Until then, a reader reads the story as a traditional story of a school girl’s romantic infatuation with her 12 years older teacher. What is disturbing in Samson’s approach to her daughter’s marriage with Douglass is that he makes its justifia ble depending on his own conjugal life. He refutes Douglass’s objection to the age gap on the ground that he has â€Å"got twelve years on Paulette†(Schickler 5). It essentially reveals that Samson’s judgment about the compatibility between his daughter and Douglass is self-centered.
Participative Leadership Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Participative Leadership - Term Paper Example This paper discusses various aspects and forms of participative leadership. Participative leadership plays an important role in empowering the organization’s members as well as instilling perception that the employees can establish their work roles and achieve consequential work. Participative leadership is arguably one of the modern styles of leadership that emphasizes on follower’s perspective and creates a distinctive leadership style and approach. There are varieties of forms of participative leadership that can be applied by the leadership or management. A number of theorists agreed on distinctive and meaningful decision making procedures namely autocratic, consultation, joint decision and delegation. It is important to note that the decision making procedures vary from non participative autocratic decision making which is almost outdated to very participative decision making procedures. In participative decision making procedures, the members have great influence on the outcome of the decision made. However, there are both positive and n egative influences of participation (Ricketts, 2011). Participative leadership offers an array of potential benefits such as higher decision quality and overwhelming approval by the participants. The participants are normally satisfied with the decision making process as well as having a good opportunity for developing decision making skills. Participative decision making process may lead to contribution and sharing of knowledge. Members of the organizations may have vital knowledge, talent or skills in solving the issue at hand which the leader may not have thus improving the quality of decision made. Participation in decision making can further make the participants perceive the decision as their s by owning it thus boosting the implementation of the decision. This kind of leadership usually emphasize on avoidance of issues that bring conflict amongst members by either improving on the issues
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Rethorical anlysis of the smoker Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Rethorical anlysis of the smoker - Essay Example Upon any further contemplation, a reader will stumble at the question whether choosing a life-partner is such a light matter as it is presented in the story. Schickler does not show any clear hints that the way Nicole chooses Douglas as her life-partner is wrong. Rather Schickler refers to the glaring flaws of traditional arranged marriage by presenting the ironies in a light tone. From the beginning to the end, the story flows at a smooth and easily palatable speed. But the readers cannot but raise their brows when they find Nicole’s father to propose Douglas at their first encounter. From here a reader’s reasoning starts and necessarily has to focus on Douglas’s and Nicole’s personality traits. Until then, a reader reads the story as a traditional story of a school girl’s romantic infatuation with her 12 years older teacher. What is disturbing in Samson’s approach to her daughter’s marriage with Douglass is that he makes its justifia ble depending on his own conjugal life. He refutes Douglass’s objection to the age gap on the ground that he has â€Å"got twelve years on Paulette†(Schickler 5). It essentially reveals that Samson’s judgment about the compatibility between his daughter and Douglass is self-centered.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
What Kinds Of Psychological Transformation AA Members Undergo Essay
What Kinds Of Psychological Transformation AA Members Undergo - Essay Example Their mysterious 12-step program is promoted as one of the most effective methods for the treatment of addiction by many professionals and researchers. Ironically, nobody knows exactly how the steps work for addiction and why the method is so life changing for its members. What will AA members experience during the AA activity? The psychological transformation among AA members may answer this question. That is why we have to look at the 12-steps closely and study how it applies to alcoholics and their inner journey from seeking help, to conquering alcoholism, to achieve sobriety. A member who completed the 12-steps program is most likely to experience the whole psychological transformation as he achieves sobriety towards the end. The 12-steps and 12 traditions are the primary tenets of AA. The 12 traditions are known as the perspective of AA. This keeps AA anonymous, non-religious and non-profit. The 12 steps can be defined as a step-by-step program for members to follow. Once a member strictly follows the first step, then he can move on and begin with the second. After he goes through all steps and understand and embodies all of the steps, he will achieve long term sobriety. When a person participates in the program, he undergoes a great transformation than will lead him to stop drinking. Those experiences include admitting powerlessness, appeal for the â€Å"higher power†, confession and a new social relationship. Although the actual success rate of AA is hard to estimate, some researchers have found realistic data to reflect how AA succeeds. Hal Arkowitz and Scott Lilienfeld, in their online article, â€Å"Does Alcoholics Anonymous Work?†describe the statistic about AA. The authors cite an investigation called â€Å"Project Match†, issued in 1997 proves that AA is effective in achieving sobriety through abstinence. The experiment divided more than 900 alcoholics into three different therapies. One is mainly 12-steps program associated with a
Monday, October 14, 2019
Osama Bin Ladens Strategy Essay Example for Free
Osama Bin Ladens Strategy Essay What were Osama bin Laden’s intended strategies in response to the â€Å"Arab Spring and why did he consider it a formidable event?†In response to the revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protest (both non-violent and violent) throughout the Arab world, Osama Bin Laden wanted to reevaluate how Al-Qaida as a whole conducted their operations within the Muslim world. Osama Bin Laden viewed Al Qaeda’s in ability to attract followers as a weakness, â€Å"He believed that a media campaign should be launched to incite people who have not yet revolted and exhort them to rebel against the rulers†, (Lahoud et al. 2012, 3). By avoiding joining political parties and focusing on combat operations, for example in Afghanistan the Taliban were â€Å"weakening†the United States which had a negative effect on the United States ability to assist leaders in the Muslim world with combating the Arab Spring, (Lahoud et al. 2012, 3). Osama Bin Laden viewed the Arab spring, which was sweeping across the Muslim World causing riots and protest as a time filled with great opportunity because of the effect it was having on Governments such as Tunisia and Egypt. â€Å"At the time he was writing, the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt, Zein al-`Abidin bin `Ali and Husni Mubarak had fallen. Bin Laden was convinced that their fall was bound to trigger a domino effect, and â€Å"the fall of the remaining tyrants in the region was inevitable†, (Lahoud et al. 2012, 48). Explain Osama bin Laden’s relationship with regional jihadi groups at the time of his death. Senior Al Qaeda leadership held mixed feelings in regards to how to deal with regional jihadi groups. These regional groups were likely attracted to Al Qaeda after its much successful attack on September 11, 2009. While some Al Qaeda leadership felt that regional Jihadis should not be accepted into Al Qaeda, other leadership felt that only be including regional insurgents could Al Qaeda grow it’s numbers. â€Å"Bin Laden represented a third position, as he wanted to maintain communication, through his own pen or that of his inner circle, with â€Å"brothers†everywhere, to urge restraint and provide advice, without granting them formal unity with al-Qa`ida†, (Lahoud et al. 2012, 11- 12). Explain how King and Taylor describe the radicalization process for the purposes of their study, and why their study focused on the radicalization of homegrown jihadists. King and Taylor describe the radicalization process as one, which requires more than point of view to understand. This is why King and Taylor conducted analysis of all five radicalization models at one time in order to understand the process of radicalization. By comparing each method King and Taylor were able to note similarities and difference amongst the methods. The study focused on â€Å"homegrown Jihadists†because of the current threat towards the west as a result of radical ideology produced by terrorist organization such as Al Qaeda, (King and Taylor, 2011). Why do King and Taylor take the position that basing counter-terrorism or counter-radicalization strategies on models that have not been empirically validated can be misleading and risky? In addition, why do King and Taylor take the position that the narrative promoted by jihadists is amenable to empirical research? King and Taylor believe the understanding and process of radicalization cannot be narrowed down to one method because the reason behind one individuals path towards terrorism may differ from another, (King and Taylor 2011, 616). Also, King and Taylor believe insurgents use propaganda to their benefit. For example, by leading Muslims to believe the West is attacking not only Muslim countries but also Islam itself they are able to instill into Muslim that they must defend their fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. This is one method that is used in describing the early stages of the Radicalization, as described by the NYPD, (King and Taylor 2011, 617). What conclusions do King and Taylor reach, regarding their study of radicalization of homegrown jihadists and what recommendations do they make regarding future research? At the conclusion of their research, King and Taylor decided that each method provided important information in regards to their own respected method. â€Å"When brought together, however, the commonalities and discrepancies between these models offered even greater insights, which may be used as a guiding framework for future research concerning homegrown jihadi radicalization†, (King and Taylor 2011, 617). The conclusion primarily focused on three factors which King and Taylor label as â€Å"contributing factors†to the radicalization process, reaction to group relative deprivation, management of identities and lastly personality characteristics, (King and Taylor 2011, 617-618). Along with these three factors King and Taylor suggest further research also focused on the internet and how it leads to ra dicalization and also the Jihadi narrative and its ability to influence homegrown jihadists, (King and Taylor 2011, 618)
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Analysis of Indian Food in the UK Food Industry
Analysis of Indian Food in the UK Food Industry EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Eating out in U.K has become a haute gastronomical adventure with lip smacking results. Curry houses are a British institution, as much a part of the national fabric as the local pub. Surprisingly there are more Indian restaurants in London than in Delhi (Capital of India) (Hemisphere Magazine, 2005). The study was aimed at discovering the various problems that besiege the industry in UK. The dissertation weaves through various problem scenarios and the search to find it solutions. The three main problems which were discovered through face to face interviews were Problem of retaining customer through Service Quality Problem of retaining customer due to limited workforce Problem of promotion policy: advertising and sales promotion For these problems two theories of Hospitality marketing were chosen. These two theories i.e. Theory of Service quality and Promotion policy in restaurant industry were taken in conjunction with the fieldwork analysis of the restaurants in London. Problems were then discussed in parallel to the theories. The discussion gave rise to some hypothetical situations which were again tested in further research. The methodology used in the study was selected after careful consideration of the research question and the limitations. Using the appropriate research tools, an in-depth study was done and it was known that all three problems were not isolated in themselves rather they were well connected. The concept of Service Quality was seen missing extensively in the philosophies of the Restaurateurs. In a nutshell, it can be mentioned that nearly all problems seem to stem from deficiencies in service quality. However at this point, it should be noted that no single problem can be the main culprit nor a particular solution, a panacea for all ills. It is with this in mind that this study should be viewed. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION For the purposes of this research, the term Indian food covers food from the Indian, Bengali and Pakistani traditions. The market includes sales through restaurants, pubs and takeaways. ready meals (both frozen and chilled) sauces pastes, accompaniments and curry powder. The introductory part of this research contains Present Scenario The largest ethnic minority group in Britain are Indians (approx 10,000,000 people) (Crown,2004) with over 40% of them (approx 800,000) living in the Capital i.e. London which contribute to 6% of the total population of London (LFC,2004). These facts justify the existence of over 1000 Indian restaurants in UK and 4000 only in London and the South east (Grove International,2004). The survival of these Curry Houses is a blessing for the true Indian food connoisseur. But recently the Indian Food Industry in UK have undergone some major structural changes. With the popping up of Giant restaurants in the Capital like the Cinnamon Club (Westminster), Tamarind (Queen Street) and Zaika (Kensington High Street) in the past couple of years, this has invited the interest of lot of the professional bodies like Time Out Guide, Evening Standards, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times etc. The various reviews (Iqbal Wahab,2004) given by them to the acclaimed Indian restaurants in London speak of their v aried interests. ‘Indian food is a  £3.2 billion industry in Britain, accounting for two-thirds of all eating out (Geraldine Bedell, May2004). This modern evolved Indian Cuisine in London has sparkled since the time when Tamarind and Zaika, Indian restaurants in London, were awarded the Michelin star. The famous dish ‘Chicken Tikka Masala is now an authentic English national dish (Robin Cook,2004) All these facts about this Industry makes it big and at the same time it evolves many prospects and problems in itself. Importance of Indian Restaurants In the last half-century, curry has become more traditionally English than English breakfast. Some fitting facts in this milieu are According to Mintel reports, Indian restaurants is  £ 1733 million industry in Britain which is more than two third of the total food industry in Britain.(Appendix 1) In an exclusive consumer survey commissioned by Mintel, 42% of the respondents stated that Indian/Bengali/Pakistani food was among the types of food that they most enjoyed, up from 38% in 1999. Indian food is most popular with 25-54-year-olds and, in contrast to Chinese food, shows a strong up market bias (Mintel, 05/2004) It is one of the biggest industries in Britain employing over 60,000 people (menu2menu, 2005) There are over 8500 Indian restaurants in UK and 3500 only in London (Grove International, 2004). Indian restaurants are the major players in Brits ethnic cuisines overshadowing Chinese outlets which are around 7400. (Mintel,2005) Indian restaurants serves 2.5 millions Brits every week besides David Beckham celebrated after scoring the goal that qualified England for the World Cup, at Manchesters Shimla Pinks, with his favorite chicken korma. Madonna, more and more the Anglophile, has apparently taken to ordering the taxi curry takeout from the Noor Jahan restaurant near her London home in Westbourne Grove (Guardian,2004, Issue 2). Every high street has its Star of India or Taj Mahal. Surprisingly twice as much Indian food is sold in Britain as fish and chips (Economist, 1999) and McDonalds have had to adapt their British menus to include â€Å"curry and spice†. These ubiquitous curry houses are coming up in the world. They are no longer consigned to the ranks of post-pub grub besides there is a gradual growth rate in the Indian restaurant market since 1999. (Appendix 1) Also the fact that Indian restaurants have a strong influence on the retail sector is undeniable. They have provided most of the recipes and are the sole benchmark for authenticity for products like Indian ready meals, sauces, pastes and accompaniments. UK Food Industry The food industry in the UK has undergone dramatic change over the last few decades, a phenomenon which has been named the consumption revolution [Ritson, C. and R. Hutchins (1991)]. Fragmentation of demand has been coupled with concentration in supply, so that the majority of food expenditure is now channeled through five major supermarket groups [Waterson, M. J. (1995)]. This has posed threats to the small agrifood producer, who is typically unable to meet the volume and consistency of supply requirements of the large retailers. However, opportunities have also arisen: many small producers have successfully targeted niche markets, often through direct marketing or distribution through independent outlets. Their offerings commonly carry the typical characteristics of niche products, in that they possess added value, are differentiated from competitive offerings and charge a premium price. With such characteristics it is possible for small producers to succeed within a highly competi tive environment [Phillips, M. (1994)]. However, recent opportunities have also arisen in the food multiple sectors, as supermarket groups show an increasing interest in stocking specialty and value-added food products. This interest stems in part from a desire to improve product range and enhance consumer choice. However, it could also be viewed as a response to public criticisms of the negative social and environmental effects of concentration in food distribution: in particular, the development of centralized distribution systems which mitigate against the use of smaller, local suppliers by food multiple chains. Some supermarket groups in the UK are now attempting to improve links with such suppliers, by, for example, devolving decision-making power to store managers, improving purchasing technology and creating opportunities for buyers and producers to meet and discuss one anothers needs [Carter, . Shaw (1993)]. There was a Greek community in Greek Street, London as long ago as 1677 so Greek cuisine is not exactly new to Britain. The influx of Cypriots started in the 1920s and 1930s and they began opening restaurants after the Second World War. Greek Cypriots tended to settle in Hackney, Palmers Green, Islington and Haringey and Turkish Cypriots in Stoke Newington. Greek Cypriots appeared in Soho in 1930s then Camden Town after the war and then Fulham by the mid 1960s. The main influx of Turkish Cypriots was in the 1960s and by 1971 the Greek Cypriot community had turned its attention to Wood Green, Palmers Green and Turnpike Lane. Only around one third of the 550 or so Greek restaurants in Britain are in London, most of these being in North and West London. Some 40% of the 150 or so Turkish restaurants are in the capital with a heavy concentration in North London. Turkish cuisine is also well represented in Scotland. One of the earliest Greek restaurants was not in London at all but Georges in St Michael Street, Southampton in 1940, slightly pre-dated by The White Tower in Londons West End in 1939. Kalamaras in London W2 opened in 1966 and remains popular today. The most successful of the Turkish restaurants at present is the Efes Group which started in London but is now in several locations throughout the country. Aims and objectives of the research The mechanisms of globalization has made the world a `smaller place and, while this has helped to introduce various cuisines to new regions, it has subsequently resulted in the development of `fusion foods, which has implications for the Indian restaurant market. The image of men behaving badly, gulping downing super-hot curries with several pints of lager, are long gone. Today, a trip out for a curry is a posh affair, with some of the countrys top chefs cooking up sophisticated dishes of complexity and variety. (LFC,2004) With these growing fashion of globalization, there is a huge threat to Indian restaurants which are traditionally managed by the family members. According to the Economist:- But once trends become clichà ©s they have a way of nose-diving. Open the pages of the â€Å"Good Curry Guide, and you will discover that all is not well. According to the guide, last year there were at least 300 closures of Indian restaurants in Britain, compared with just over a hundred openings. Indian restaurants, while still the biggest players in the industry, are losing market share eastern cuisine, such as Thai and Japanese food. (Economist, 2005) The main aim of the research is:  · To assess the major issues that determines the performance and efficiency of the Indian foods/restaurants in UK. The Objectives are to  · To Assess the Service quality and the Supply Chain Management.  · To Assess the consumer Perception towards Indian Foods and the relevant Marketing Mix to exploit the opportunities Rationale Indian Cuisine which the westerners commonly call ‘Curry is highly popularized by the Indian restaurants in UK. These restaurants which are generally owned by Indians reflect the specialty of every region of India. The spread of curry beyond its home in the sub-continent is inextricably linked to the presence of the British Raj in India. Army personnel and civil servants acquired a taste for spicy food whilst in India and brought their newly found dishes home. Since then spicy Indian dishes are highly liked by the people in UK. London is a hub of Indian foods and restaurants. With the growing area of specialization and people trying new and creative things in their restaurants in London the problems have started increasing. Problems of not only external environment like increasing competition , strict food and health policies or inflation, etc but also the internal problems which relate to the marketing strategies, sourcing of raw materials or inefficient management, etc. This study will explore SCM issues with reference to market fragility and market access; purchasing power; purchasing decisions and relationships; understanding of customer needs; barriers and frustrations; and strengths and successes. This report is premised on the belief that supply chains are important for maximizing efficiency. But supply chains are far more important than that: the management of supply chains increasingly influences the nature, scale and participation in enterprise development and sustainability. In other words, supply chains are re-structuring the lines of business development in knowledge-based economies. This study will further high light the consumer perception and the Marketing mix. CHAPTER 2 Literature Review 2.0 Chapter Overview As Indian Restaurants are a part of the hospitality industry, this chapter contains the literature taken from the subject of marketing in hospitality industry. Two main theories are used to analyze the three main problems stated in the previous chapters. They are * Service Quality and Supply Chain * Promotion Policy: Advertising and Sales promotion The two theories are then analyzed in light of the problems. A relationship is developed between the industry and theories by researching the trends. These theories are then used for drawing conclusions and recommendations in further chapters. For the reader, this chapter will be the base of understanding the ongoing trends in the Indian Restaurant industry. 2.1 Introduction to Hospitality Marketing in Restaurants Nowadays marketing isnt simply another function of business rather its a philosophy, a way of thinking and a way of organizing your business and your mind. The customer is the king (Iverson, 1989). According to Kotler (2000, Ch. 1), satisfying the customer is a priority in most businesses. But all customers cannot be satisfied. There has to be a proper selection of customers which enable the restaurants to meet its objectives. In the Restaurant industry, many people confuse marketing with advertising and sales promotion. It is not uncommon to hear restaurant managers say that they do not believe in marketing, when they actually mean that they are disappointed with the impact of their advertising. In reality, selling and advertising are only two marketing functions, and often not the most important. As Kotler said in his book, Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism (1996, Chapter-1), advertising and sales are components of the promotional element of the marketing mix. Other marketing mix elements include product, price and distribution. Marketing also includes research, information systems and planning. The aim of the marketing is to make selling superfluous. The aim is to know and understand customers so well that the product or service fits them and sells itself.(Drucker,1973,p. 64-65) The only way selling and promoting will be effective is if we first define customer targets and needs and then prepare an easily accessible and available value package. The purpose of a business is to create and maintain profitable customers. Customers are attracted and retained when their need are met. Not only do they return to the same restaurants but they also talk favorably to others about their satisfaction. Customer satisfaction leading to profit is the central goal of Hospitality Marketing. (Kotler Bowen Makens, 1996, Chapter- 1) Fewer repeat customers and bad words of mouth are deeds of the manager who interprets profits above customer satisfaction. A successful manager will consider profits only as the result of running a business well, rather then its sole purpose. So in this service based industry (Indian restaurants) the entrance of corporate giants with mesmerizing marketing skills have increased the importance of marketing within the industry. Now lest see how far these Hospitality marketing stunts can save the appalling scene in the industry. 2.2 Service Quality Daryl Wyckoff has defined service quality as, â€Å"Quality is the degree of excellence intended, and the control of variability in achieving that excellence, in meeting customers requirements.†( Wyckoff, 1984, p 81) This theorem of quality is however not accurate as experts says ‘Quality is whatever the customer says it is and the quality of a particular product or service is whatever the customer perceives it to be (Powers,2000, p 179). So the main emphasis is on the customer and perceived quality. A more professional way of looking at quality is by conceptualizing it broadly along the two critical dimensions i.e. technical quality and Interpersonal quality. Technical Quality is generally the minimum expected from a hospitality operation.(Did things go right, Was the food hot) (Powers, 1997). This dimension of quality is relatively objective in nature and is thus measurable. Interpersonal Quality is a comparatively difficult dimension (Was the waiter friendly? Did the service staff go out of their way to be helpful? Did the customer feel welcome or out of place?) As Gronroos (1980) points out â€Å"Even when an excellent solution is achieved, the firm may be unsuccessful, if the excellence in technical quality is counteracted by badly managed buyer-seller interactions.†And vice versa the charm in this world will not make up for bad food or a lost reservation. So each dimension is critical. 2.3 Concept of building customer satisfaction through quality The fundamental strategic decision to be taken by the Indian Food manufactures at the outset is to consider the service system either standardized or routine/customized. In the former, more importance is given to technical quality, operation goes by the book and little importance is paid to employees discretion. While the later gives importance to both qualities and more discretion is given to the employee. Customized system of service is recommended to the restaurants as consumers go to the restaurant that they believe offers the highest customer delivered value or customer satisfaction i.e. the difference between total customer value and total customer cost: * The customer derives value from the core products, the service delivery system and restaurants image. * The costs to the customer include money, time, energy and physic costs. Quality is made up of two components viz. technical and interpersonal. Managers must keep in mind that in the end the customer perceptions of the delivered quality are what is important. Customers assess delivered services against their expectations. If perceived service meets expectations, they view the service as good quality. If perceived service falls short of expectations, they view the service as poor. Expectations are formed by past experiences with the restaurants, word of mouth, the restaurants external communication and publicity. A widely used model of service quality is known as the five gap model. This model defines service quality as meeting customer expectations. The principle behind the formation of this model was to discover the expectation of the customer which is possibly the most critical step in delivering service quality. This model is closely linked to marketing since it is customer based. This model has five gaps, Gap 1: Consumer expectations versus Management Perception Gap 2: Management Perception versus Service Quality Specifications Gap 3: Service Quality Specifications versus Service Delivery Gap 4: Service Delivery versus External Communications Gap 5: Expected Service versus Perceived Service The detail study of this 5 gap model is out of the boundary of this research. But the question is whether this aspect can solve the issue, can it benefits the industry? The answer is discussed in Chapter 4. 2.4 Supply Chain Most Important aspect for increasing service Quality performance is Supply Chain Integration. Effective Supply Chain Management can:- * Cut Down The Total Cost Significantly. * Increase the productivity and Performance. * Improve time and labour economy. * Can differentiate Service quality. * Can provide optimum Speed and comfort in quality Service delivery. In other words it provides better economy of scale and competitive advantage. The Value Chain Source: Johnshon and Scholes, 2004 The Value Chain will be discussed in the essence of the Supply Chain Management Issues. These elements of a brand are illustrated in 1. It has long been recognized that products have meanings for consumers beyond providing mere functional utility. Symbolic consumption was recognized by Veblen (1899) in his Theory of the Leisure Class and termed conspicuous consumption. Noth (1988) quotes Karl Marx and his metaphor of â€Å"the language of commodities†in which â€Å"the linen conveys its thoughts†(p. 175) while Barthes (1964) discussed a semiotic threshold with the semiotic existing above the â€Å"utilitarian or functional aspects†of objects. Given the symbolic usage of brands it is no surprise that semiotics, as the study of signs in society, is increasingly being used in understanding consumer behavior. Initially used in facilitating understanding of the consumption behavior surrounding cultural products such as film and other works of art (Holbrook and Grayson, 1986) and fashion (Barthes, 1983), its widespread usage to interpret symbolic consumption in all aspects of consumer behavior is anticipated (Mick, 1986). The theory behind this research technique is that brand equity is built on consumers perception of the emotional benefits or brand affinity, combined with physical or Concrete benefits The performance delivered by the product or service offered. The technique attempts to evaluate each of these two aspects in detail, providing a clear understating of its importance for the category under investigation as well as for the brands in that category. During the development of this technique we identified and coded the emotional factor that repeatedly appeared in all markets in the study, allowing us to conclude that They are valid for virtually any product or service category when the subject is brand equity evaluation. These aspects can be classified into three groups: brand authority, level of identification that the user or consumer has with its positioning, and level of social approval it offers to its user or consumer. Authority might be defined by the brands heritage or long-standing reputation and leadership, by the trust or confidence it inspires to consumers, and by aspects associated to innovation or technological development as perceived by consumers. Thus all the branding theories leads to the consumers Perception. 3.2 Consumer Perceptions Of Foods Investigation and analysis of food purchase and consumption is well-documented within the discipline of consumer behavior. Studies in this area tend to stress the complexity of factors which drive food-related tastes and preferences, and some authors have proposed models which attempt to categories and integrate these factors and so offer insights into the formation of food preferences and choices. Shepherd. R, (1989) provides a review of such models, from Yudkin, J. (1956), which lists physical, social and physiological factors, to Booth and Shepherd (1988) which summarizes the processes influencing, and resulting from food acceptance, and lists factors relating to the food, the individual and the environment. However, none of these models incorporate a consideration of the role of place in food, and consumer perceptions of this attribute. It may be noted that, by their very nature, food products have a land-based geographical origin (Bà ©rard, L. and P. Marchenay 1995), which would suggest that people readily make strong associations between certain foods and geographical locations. On the other hand, the process of delocalization of the food system in the twentieth century, as described by Montanari , (1994) has weakened the traditional territorial and symbolic links between foods and places. The inference is that the concept of Indianity in foods may no longer be important or attractive to the modern food consumer, who is faced with such a wide array of exotic and international products all year round. Thus it may be that in the mind of the consumer, specific names, production methods or presentational forms of particular foods are no longer associated with the geographic areas from which they originate. An opposing view is taken by Driver, (1983) however, who describes resurgence in the interest in traditional Ind ian dishes in the UK, which perhaps reflects the symbolic importance that particular foods have in our lives and culture. These debates highlight the need for empirical investigation of peoples perceptions and understandings of Indianity in food. Linked to this debate of the perceived meaning of Indianity in foods is the concept of authenticity. If Indian foods are linked in some way to origins and tradition, it implies that producers of Indian foods are involved in providing and communicating intangible attributes of heritage, tradition and authenticity in their product offerings. These require careful management, particularly in view of authors such as MacCannell [1989], Hughes, (1995) and Urry, (1995), who, in relation primarily to tourist experiences, point out the difficulty in defining what is authentic, and in communicating this to an increasingly sophisticated and diverse audience of consumers. In relation to Indian foods, information is needed on consumer perceptions of app ropriate attributes of products, which are the most attractive and why. CHAPTER 4 METHODOLOGY A-RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY APPROACH In the previous chapters, author has outlined research aim and objectives with examining the relevant literature review. However, the successful completion of any study is heavily dependent on the choice of an appropriate research method and approach. Moreover, the appropriate research methodology provides guidance for the development and evaluation process of study. Wit the appropriate methodology the author can justify the achievement of the objective. Research process The research process adopted is based on exploratory approach, but prior to that it is necessary to highlight upon the methodological frame work. The recognized exponents in this field are Hussey Hussey (1997), Zikmund (2000), Saunders et al (1997, 2000) and others who presented different methodological framework from which researchers can conduct their research. Most of these frameworks follow certain similar central theme. The author has adapted the below-illustrated methodological framework to fulfill the research aim and objectives. This is chosen, as it supports the author research design and process, Furthermore, methodology has been designed where data is collected and interpreted. The findings and analysis with conclusions and recommendations at the end follow this. METHODOLOGY Research aim The main aim of the research is:  · To assess the major issues that determines the performance and efficiency of the Indian foods/restaurants in UK. Research objectives  · To Assess the Service quality and the Supply Chain Management.  · To Assess the consumer Perception towards Indian Foods and the relevant Marketing Mix to exploit the opportunities Research Philosophy Easterby-Smith et al (1993) states three reasons why it is useful to state the research philosophy about proposed research before collecting data: * To clarify the research design-the method by which data is collected and analyzed-taking a holistic view of overall configuration. * To help recognize which designs will work and which will not * To help identify and create research design to adopt research approach according to the required research aim and objectives. There are two main types of research philosophies in existing literature. They are Positivism and Phenomenological. â€Å"They are different, if not mutually exclusive, views about the way in which knowledge is developed and judged as being acceptable. They have an important part to play in business and management research†. (Saunders et al, 2005, p 83) The positivistic philosophy which â€Å"seeks the facts or causes of social phenomena†(Hussey Hussey,1998) is more objective, analytical and structured and the researcher is independent of the subject. (Remenyi et al., 1998:33). In addition, the quantitative data should be collected and statistical analyzed when test the certain theories.(Saunders et al, 2005, Hussey Hussey,1998) On the other hand phenomenological philosophy which â€Å"understanding human behavior from the participants own frame of reference†(Hussey Hussey, 1998) is more subjective and the researcher is dependent on their mind. Qualitative method can be used such as a case study. It is important that which philosophy is better for my project. Saunders et al. (2005) state that no philosophy is better than others so choosing philosophy depends on the research question. Having considered the aims of this research project, I will choose phenomenological philosophy because this research question is â€Å"How the Supply Chain helps the Indian Food Industry in UK in achieving efficiency and the significance of Consumer perception to the marketing mix†. The research will be qualitative. In order to answer the research question, I would do case study on Chinese and UK textile and clothing firms and collect data by using interviews. Research Approach Inductive or Deductive Research Undoubtedly the research approach is very important for the project. There are two research approaches, which is the deductive approach and the inductive approach. As mentioned in Saunders et al (2000), the major differences between the deductive and inductive approaches to research are as follows: Deduction emphasis Induction emphasis Scientific principles Gaming an understanding of the meaning humans attach to events The need to explain cause and effect relationship between variables A close understanding of the research context The collection of quantitative data The collection of qualitative data The application of controls to ensure clarity of definition and highly structured A more flexible structure to permit changes of research emphasis as the research progress Researchers independence of what is being researched A realization that the researchers is a part of research progress The necessity to select sample of sufficient size in order to generalize conclusion Less concerned with the need to generalize Deductive approach aims to develop a theory and or hypothesis and design a research strategy to test it. Deductive approach is a rigid methodology, which not permits alternative explanation. It emphasizes on scientific principles and moving from theory to data. It is a highly structured approach and need more operationalisation of concepts to ensure definition. Oppositely inductive approach is which the researcher would collect data and develop a theory as a result of data analysis. It is an alternative approach and theory building followed data collection. In addition, it is the better way to study the small sample because of concerning with the context in which the events are taking place. (Saunders et al, 2005, p 85) Easterby-Smith et al. (2004) state that if the researcher have interested in understanding why something happening the inductive approach is more appropriate. Having considered the aims of this research project, it seems that inductive approach is more suitable. First ly, according to Saunders et al (2005), inductive approach is closely related to phenomenology. Secondly, although there are many author contributed to theories about international branding but not specifi
Saturday, October 12, 2019
The Transition Of Public Management in America Essay -- Public Managem
The Transition Of Public Management: 2000s A puzzling question is what can be expected from public management and public managers in the new millennium? What are the important issues such as regulatory reform, public sector budgeting, human resources management, strategic policymaking, ethics, and corruption, now and in the future? Will the alternative to government delivery of service be privatization? The concepts of Rational Administration, Accountability, Planning, Control, Budgeting and Financial management are major factors in the future of this nation and the world. Having a well managed public sector and having America function at peek efficiency seems to be the goal of public management but there are obstacles that are a constant plague in trying to reach this goal. This analysis is an attempt to help understand what may happen in Public Management in the future and why. (Ott) Many Public Service Organizations are trying to make privatization the major method of handling daily mundane operations such as environmental management, building maintenance, methods of transportation, administrative task, etc. â€Å"The Privatization of Public Service: Lessons from Case Studies" report was researched and written by Eliott Sclar, a professor of urban planning at Cornell University. Many FPE locals are familiar with Dr. Sclar and his work on dispelling the myths of privatization. The report follows three examples of public sector privatization over a four-year period: vehicle maintenance in Albany, N.Y., state highway maintenance in Massachusetts and vehicle maintenance in Indianapolis. The research shows that in Albany and Massachusetts there was no evidence that contracting saved money or improved service quality. I... ...r/ib/2000/041200.htm) Irving B. Harris, Graduate School of Public Policy Studies. Public Management. On line. Available: (http://www.harrisschool.uchicago.edu/academic/public_management.html) OECD programme on Public Management and Governance (PUMA). Home Page. Online. Available: (http://www.oecd.org/puma/) J. Steven Ott, Albert C. Hyde, Jay M. Shafritz. Public Management: The Exxential Readings. Lyceum Books/Nelson-Hall 1991 Privatization of Health Care Position Statement. Online. Available: (http://www.nursesunions.ca/ps/privatization.shtml) Rational Expectations -- Fresh Ideas that Challenge Some Established Views of Policy Making 1977 Annual Report essay. Online. Available: (http://minneapolisfed.org/pubs/ar/ar1977.html) The Privatization of Public Service. Home page. On line. Available: (www.aft.org/fpe/articles/privatization.html) The Transition Of Public Management in America Essay -- Public Managem The Transition Of Public Management: 2000s A puzzling question is what can be expected from public management and public managers in the new millennium? What are the important issues such as regulatory reform, public sector budgeting, human resources management, strategic policymaking, ethics, and corruption, now and in the future? Will the alternative to government delivery of service be privatization? The concepts of Rational Administration, Accountability, Planning, Control, Budgeting and Financial management are major factors in the future of this nation and the world. Having a well managed public sector and having America function at peek efficiency seems to be the goal of public management but there are obstacles that are a constant plague in trying to reach this goal. This analysis is an attempt to help understand what may happen in Public Management in the future and why. (Ott) Many Public Service Organizations are trying to make privatization the major method of handling daily mundane operations such as environmental management, building maintenance, methods of transportation, administrative task, etc. â€Å"The Privatization of Public Service: Lessons from Case Studies" report was researched and written by Eliott Sclar, a professor of urban planning at Cornell University. Many FPE locals are familiar with Dr. Sclar and his work on dispelling the myths of privatization. The report follows three examples of public sector privatization over a four-year period: vehicle maintenance in Albany, N.Y., state highway maintenance in Massachusetts and vehicle maintenance in Indianapolis. The research shows that in Albany and Massachusetts there was no evidence that contracting saved money or improved service quality. I... ...r/ib/2000/041200.htm) Irving B. Harris, Graduate School of Public Policy Studies. Public Management. On line. Available: (http://www.harrisschool.uchicago.edu/academic/public_management.html) OECD programme on Public Management and Governance (PUMA). Home Page. Online. Available: (http://www.oecd.org/puma/) J. Steven Ott, Albert C. Hyde, Jay M. Shafritz. Public Management: The Exxential Readings. Lyceum Books/Nelson-Hall 1991 Privatization of Health Care Position Statement. Online. Available: (http://www.nursesunions.ca/ps/privatization.shtml) Rational Expectations -- Fresh Ideas that Challenge Some Established Views of Policy Making 1977 Annual Report essay. Online. Available: (http://minneapolisfed.org/pubs/ar/ar1977.html) The Privatization of Public Service. Home page. On line. Available: (www.aft.org/fpe/articles/privatization.html)
Friday, October 11, 2019
Kimberle Crenshaw’s “The Intersection of Race and Genderâ€Â
Kimberle Crenshaw’s arguments and research in â€Å"The Intersection of Race and Gender†offer an insightful and probing look into the state of women of color in the current racial and gender climate of our culture. Her main point, that women of color experience both their race and their gender together in a way that is NOT mutually exclusive, as they are so often treated, and are informed one by the other and as they occur simultaneously, is one that almost sparks a flippant attitude of â€Å"No kidding.†When the argument is first introduced, it seems to simple and so self-evident as to be self-explanatory (and taken for granted); at first it almost seems like a waste of time to be delving into something so painfully obvious. However, through her very thorough research and her carefully pieced argument which clearly shows how â€Å"X†relates to â€Å"Y†relates to â€Å"Z,†Crenshaw is able to take something that does indeed seem li ke it should be plainly obvious and more or less proves, as much as it can be â€Å"proven,†that even still today race and gender are not given the adequate attention the two together deserve.As Crenshaw is painstaking to point out, both issuesâ€â€issues of race and gender, that isâ€â€receive quite a bit of popular attention in our current culture climate. In fact, the issues have been made so big that they are difficult to contain in any one argument.Nowadays, so many things become either an issue of race or an issue of gender, it is difficult to discern which issues legitimately need to be addressed by these â€Å"isms†and which have simply been lumped into them by sheer popular appeal (i.e., race and gender issues are the new hot-button â€Å"It†topicâ€â€if any discussion is going to occur on the large-scale mainstream popular platform of the media, one of the two had better be involved). However, through all of this seeming social desi re to focus so much on gender and race, the fact that the two can also intersect and create a whole new array of complicated issues for a person and a culture seems to have been totally missed.That last little bit is my own digression, and not part of Crenshaw’s argument; this is simply what struck me as so entirely shocking. While we’ve been so caught up discussing race and gender, we’ve completely missed the discussion of race with gender. Crenshaw has a plethora of information and examples to cite which show how race with gender has been entirely neglected by everyone, including the antiracists (who predominantly serve black men) and the feminists (who predominantly serve white women).Here, Crenshaw further contains the overall argument into speaking strictly in terms of violence against women, and how violence against women of color is treated and viewed as being the same as violence against women in general, completely ignoring the deeper-lying comp lications of layers of different of social structures which affect women of color that DO NOT affect white women (something that, if women of color are to be treated in a way that is beneficial and acknowledging of them and their plights, simply cannot be ignored).Again, Crenshaw brings so much â€Å"evidence†to the table that her point rings loud and clear: the separate and distinct plights of women of color are not recognized by any other vocal group as being anything noteworthy. And this attitude further perpetuates this belief of their own negligible experiences in the minds of those very same women of color. And so is the vicious cycle.I found Crenshaw’s essay to be extremely culturally important and incredibly relevant. For as much as antiracist and feminist groups preach about â€Å"Otherness,†they too are guilty of â€Å"Othering†in order to further their own causes (or, worse than â€Å"Othering,†just flat-out ignoring).Any effective kind of identity politic must be informed by all aspects of a person’s identity; not just race, and not just gender (or, for that matter, class, religion, sexual orientation, age, profession, education, employment history, disability, proclivity to heart disease, or anything else), but a combination of all the various intricacies that creates a person’s identity. To separate one out makes a person no less of the other, and the only way to truly address them is to do so in a way that accommodates how they all come together to form their own separate and unique experience. Perhaps this is where the postmodernists really got it right: identity is fluid, after all.
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