E-Commerce Business Model Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

E-Commerce Business Model - Assignment Example The main objective of the e-commerce organisation is to attract online customers and to increase the sales (SportsDirect, 2013). The following image will show screen-print of SportsDirect: SportsDirect follows Business-to-Consumer (B2C) business model. There are significant differences between Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) customers. Concerning B2C customers, it involves business transactions between organisations and customers. The basic concept behind this business model is that e-retailers can sell the products to the customers through various tools such as internet shops or telemarketing. On the other hand, in B2B business model, both purchasers and sellers are business organisations. The purchasing procedure in B2C and B2B is also dissimilar. In B2C, the purchasing method is simple where customers use their credit or debit cards along with providing other necessary information in order to make a sale. Conversely, in B2B business model, the payment can be done through invoice, especially for bulk purchases (Barkley & et. al., 2007). There is substantially more stake in sales opportunities in B2B websites in comparison to B2C websites. However, it can be observed that several B2B websites had faced bad customer experiences than B2C websites. Majority of B2B websites focus on designing websites for themselves rather than for the suitability of customers. Thus, this attitude creates a hindrance in the way of potential customers who use internet in order to discover organisations which can satisfy their requirements. However, it is worth mentioning that internet had significantly altered the relationship between organisations and customers where majority of interactions are demand oriented (BusinessWire, 2006). The quick development of collaborative internet services has resulted in a continually increasing number of e-commerce websites. With the increase in e-commerce

Flight 1862 Report Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Flight 1862 Report - Case Study Example The Captain Yitzhak Fuchs, First Officer Arnon Ohad, and Flight Engineer Gedalya Sofer were on board. Anat Solomon, who happened to be the only passenger on board, was an employee of E1 A1 traveling to Tel Aviv to be married to a colleague. (El Al Flight 1862 retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Al_Flight_1862) Flight 1862 was originally scheduled to depart at 5:30 PM, but the departure was delayed till 6:20 PM. At 6:22 PM, Flight 1862 took its departed from runway 01L on a northerly heading. Immediately it went away from the runway, it turned to the right so as to follow the Pampus departure route, with the help of the Pampus VOR/DME navigation station. Soon after the turn, at 6:27 pm, just above the Gooimeer, a lake somewhere near Amsterdam, a very sharp bang was heard above while Flight 1862 was climbing through 6500 feet. Engine 3 was separated from the right wing of the aircraft, and thereby damaging the wing flaps, and struck engine 4 in the process, and this separated it from the wing. The two engines fell off from the plane, attracting the attention of some pleasure boaters who had been taken aback by the loud noise. The Netherlands Coast Guard was immediately notified by the boaters of two strange objects they had seen falling from the sky. A mayday call was made by Captain Fuchs to the control tower and made indications that he wanted to return to Schiphol. At exactly 6:28:45 PM, the captain reported that they had lost the number 3 and number 4 engine, number 3 and number 4 engine. Personnel information The flight crew included the captain, the first officer, and the flight engineer. A review of the qualifications and background of the flight crew revealed that the captain was 59 years old, held an Israeli airline transport license. The flight captain had 25,000 hours total flying time, and 9,500 hours flying the B-747. The first officer, age 32, held an Israeli ATPL with type ratings in the Boeing 747 and Boeing 707. He had 4,288 hours flying time, with 612 hours in the Boeing 747. The flight engineer, aged 61, held an Israeli flight engineer license, with ratings for the Boeing 747 and Boeing 707. He had 26,000 hours total flying time, and 15,000 hours in the B-747. (Flight safety foundation accident prevention 1996) The Route of the fatal flight The enormity of the situation was not yet grasps by ATC. In aviation world, the word "lost" as used by Captain Fuchs generally refers to a loss of engine capacity. As a result of this, ATC therefore believed that the two engines had merely stopped functioning, and did not realize that they had actually fallen off. Probable the crew too did not realize that the engines had fallen off the aircraft. The visibility of the outboard engine on the wing of a 747 from the cockpit is quite difficulty, while the inboard engine on the wing is not visible at all. It is most likely that the crew did not know that both engines had broken away from the right wing. The Emergency landing attempt The runway available for traffic at Schiphol was runway 06 (the Kaagbaan) on the evening of October 4, 1992, that notwithstanding, Captain Fuchs requested for runway 27 (the Buitenveldertbaan) for an emergency

Emergence Of Neoliberal Development Theory Economics Essay

Emergence Of Neoliberal Development Theory Economics Essay Introduction This essay aims to justify the emergence of neoliberal development theory by analysing the historical, political and economic backgrounds in the second half of the twentieth century and identify the key features of its success. Also, the essay aims to establish the reasons behind the failure of the Keynesian model that was dominant prior to the neoliberal theory. Firstly, it will define development, outline its origins and goals and look back at the history of development to identify major theories prevailing in global economics. Secondly, it will account for the transition from the Keynesianism to neoliberal theory and argue that the main drawback of the former extensive state intervention in economics was the reason behind the rise of the latter. Finally, it will analyse the neoliberal development theory in terms of its strengths and weaknesses and conclude with suggesting perspectives of the theory in the future. What is development? Development presents an elusive concept to define. As the term itself is incredibly broad, the simplest definition of Good Change (Chambers 1997) will not suffice: factors such as time, perspective and focus should be considered to encompass the term (Thomas 2000). Development does not happen overnight, therefore, to understand it we need to look at a series of changes throughout history and the inevitable processes which accompany it. Secondly, understanding of development shifts depending on the vision or perspective of what development aims to achieve (modern society, maximum use of human potential or fixing the faults of progress). Finally, development could be seen as a focused effort to eradicate a problem (i.e. poverty, hunger, AIDS, etc.). Generally, development is summarised as a process of developing countries trying to catch up with developed countries (Kiely 2007). If we look at the current goals in development outlined by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), we can see that in developing countries by 2015: Extreme poverty should be reduced by one half. Universal primary education should be ensured and gender disparity in education eliminated. Infant/child mortality should be reduced by two thirds and maternal mortality by three quarters. National strategies for sustainable development should be implemented (OECD 1996). On the surface these goals appear to tackle social problems (quality of life and education) but they are deeply intertwined with both politics and economics. In order to achieve those state leaders need to work along with international organisations whose economic expertise can help to shape needed policies. No matter how noble these aspirations sound, it is the question whether they are realistic enough to implement that we should ask ourselves. It is possible to assess the chances of success better by looking back at the history of development and its former achievements. The modern history of development begins with the end of the Second World War in 1945 when new states emerged and the old international order was reshaped. The key theme in development was expanding the economic growth through industrialisation. The unique position of the USA after the war (minimal losses) facilitated its becoming a super power. Not only did it have an exceptional political influence in the international affairs but it also helped to promote capitalism and democratic values in Europe as well as the developing countries. The USA did this not only through foreign aid and direct investment but creating such international organisations as the UN, the IMF and the World Bank. The Cold War split the world into two camps: capitalist and communist. While the superpowers were trying to win more political influence, they also helped to modernise developing countries by boosting their economies. Of course, it came with a price joining a camp of the donors. The USA supported national liberation of the colonies and promoted development of anti-communist ex-colonies. This period from 1950s to 1970s is also known as the golden age of capitalism. High rates of profit facilitated high rates of capital accumulation and unprecedented economic growth, high productivity, high wages, expanding demand (Kiely 2007). Such growth resulted in full employment, creation of welfare system and a spread of globalisation. However, by the 1970s problems with the system became obvious: states had monopolized important industries (coal, steel) which limited the capacity of economic growth, thus investment was dominated by political not economic reasons. Preston argues that there was an assumption that states have the right to intervene directly in production and distribution (Preston 1996: p. 154-156). This resulted in capital not being allowed to cross borders without government approval, so states could set domestic interest rates, fix the exchange rate, tax and spend as they wanted to secure national economic objectives, moreover, the divide between developed and developing countries remained high (Leys 1996). The decline in profit rates recorded in the developed countries at the end of the 1960s deepened and in the 1970s spread into an open capitalist crisis, characterized by a swing of the whole system into monetary-financial chaos, exploding inequalities, and mass unemployment (Herrera 2006). The Keynesian model The golden age of capitalism was dominated by the Keynesian development model, which maintains that the level of economic activity is determined by the level of aggregate demand (Palley 2004). John Maynard Keynes, the forefather of modern macroeconomics, argued that if markets were depoliticised, completely free from the intervention of governments, it would cause a period of economic depression and financial crisis. In order to prevent such a downfall he suggested that governments should control fiscal and monetary policies. Within this theory unemployment could be explained through weakness in the aggregate demand generation process that capitalist economies are subject to. In the aftermath of the post war period it was this particular model that allowed states to rebuild and boost economies. A weak point, however, was the so-called spending ratchet governments provided additional support for workers during hard times but it was politically difficult to take them away during a booming economy. Therefore, the rate of economic growth slowed down and the risk of inflation rose. This was not the only problem with the Keynesianism. According to Palley (2004) there existed two sub-theories about income distribution: one originating in the USA, the other in the UK. American Keynesians advocated the neoliberal paid what you are worth theory of income distribution, while British Keynesians argue that income distribution depends significantly on institutional factors. Palley then explains it in detail: It meant that not only do a factors relative scarcity and productivity matter, but so too does its bargaining power, which is impacted by institutional arrangements. This explains the significance of trade unions, laws governing minimum wages, employee rights at work, and systems of social protection such as unemployment insurance. Finally, public understandings of the economy also matter, since a public that views the economy through a bargaining power lens will have greater political sympathies for trade unions and institutions of social protection (Palley 2004: 2 ). In essence the two schools differed in their understanding of the factors involved in (simply put) wages and income. For example an American Keynesian, would view an employees bargaining power in wage negotiations as entirely dependent on demand for the employees skills, its relative scarcity and the employers ability to pay. The British view in however would encompass such additional factors as unions (in the case of employment) enforcing collective bargaining or national minimum wage structures. The British view therefore contained a more realistic accounting of income distribution versus a more pure capitalist view. One of the major factors of the transition from the Keynesianism to neoliberalism was the unstable prices for petrol in the OPEC in the 1970s. Another factor is of social nature the USA has promoted individualism that rejected the communist collective economic approach and kindled the debates in favour of free markets not controlled by the government. Combined with the divide between the train of Keynesian thought in the UK and the USA the theory slowly started to be replaced with neoliberalism. What is neoliberal development theory? Like development neoliberalism is a disputed notion. This term could be attributed to describe a theory of International Relations, an ideology, a development theory or economic theory. To avoid confusion we suggest a definition by Harvey: Neoliberalism  is  a  theory  of  political  economic  practices that proposes that human well being can best be advanced by liberating individual entrepreneurial freedoms and skills within an institutional framework characterized by strong property rights, free markets and free trade. The role of the state is to create and preserve an institutional framework  appropriate to such practices (Harvey, 2005: 2). Neoliberal development theory has emerged in 1970s with the end of the golden age of capitalism. As the world economy was entering a recession, old strategies ceased to work and neoliberalism claimed to provide tools to overcome the financial crisis. The core of the theory lied in an assumption that bad policies were rooted in extensive governmental intervention in economics. Economic growth could be restored by policies ensuring competitiveness in the world economy. Neoliberal development theory aimed to enhance growth, create free markets, replace the Keynesianism that proved to be weak, and eliminate the intervention of the state in the economy that resulted in poor economic performance in many countries (Harrison, 2005). This approach was adopted by major international organisations such as the IMF and the World Bank which made the transition faster. This theory accumulated popularity as the USSR economic growth began to slow down in the 1980s and with the collapse of the Soviet Union, capitalism had proven to be a superior political-economic system to those that had  been its alternatives (Flew 2012). In order to understand what neoliberalism could offer that the Keynesianism could not Herrera (2006) splits the neoliberal strategies into domestic and international ones. They are both aimed at ensuring that the USA sustains and develops its hegemony. Firstly, at the national level, implementing the government control free economy by: (1) deforming the structure of capital ownership to the benefit of the private sector, (2) reducing public spending for social purposes, and (3) imposing wage austerity as a key priority in fighting inflation. Then, to internationally maintain the dominance of the American dollar with the help of the major international organisations and to promote free trade. This argument is in line with the Washington Consensus development strategies which included fiscal discipline, keeping inflation under control, welcoming foreign trade and investment, reducing the role of the government in general, and promoting new exports (Skidmore and Smith, 2005: 59). As com plementary to these goals, the Consensus also advocated tax reform including cutting marginal tax rates (reducing taxes for the rich), creating a unified and competitive exchange rate, and securing property rights (particularly for foreigners in developing countries) (Todaro and Smith, 2006: 538). During the last 30 years this objective has resulted in the proliferation of neoliberal policies of deregulation, privatisation and marketisation (Cahill 2010). When portraying neoliberalism it is paramount to mention the basic principle of individualism. Neoliberalism implies that at the very heart of the concept lies the uniqueness of an individual that leads to subjective and self-centred preferences. Cahill (2010) argues that neoliberals base the defence of free markets on this: liberty is depicted as a core aim of society in which markets represent spheres of voluntary exchanges between individuals. Based on the assumption that from rational point of view individuals would only engage in an exchange that was beneficial for them, markets allow them to satisfy preferences free from external interference or coercion. This way markets represent an excellent platform for spreading liberty. From the economic point of view free markets, with voluntary exchange at their core, let the preferences of rational self interested utility maximisers to be expressed and satisfied. In this case prices represent markers of such preferences and along with the freedom of choice ensure that resource allocation is subject to the preferences. Such system leads to the claim of neoliberals that are not only moral but efficient means for producing and distributing goods and services. Freed from governmental involvement markets produce better results unlike when being under state control with politicians inevitably choosing one industry over another. It appears that better results could be achieved with a shift from the public to the private sector. Strengths/weaknesses In order to establish if the transition to the neoliberal development theory was successful it is necessary to go back to the goals that the theory proponents wanted to achieve: free trade, economic growth, liberalisation, depoliticising of economics and privatisation. While there is evidence that free trade facilitated economic growth it has been slower than expected and still connected with state intervention: there is a positive correlation between an economys exposure to international trade and the size of its government in the years from the 1960s to the 1990s (Rodrik 1998) and similarly whereas levels of trade and levels of government expenditure are positively correlated, countries in which trade has increased more quickly in recent decades have experienced slower growth in government spending (Garett 2001). At the same time free trade and liberalisation has facilitated the emergence and development of globalisation opening new prospects of integration in the international economics and society. On the other hand, globalisation has its own drawbacks, especially in regards to developing countries they still have to catch up with more advanced states but the competition is a lot higher. Without modern technologies which are too expensive, tight budgets and a lack of mass production capability the developing countries, for example in sub-Saharan Africa, remain behind the western states or BRIC countries. Moreover, they have not achieved political freedom either the international organizations call on national governments to adopt neoliberal economic policies imposed from without while the globalized financial markets dispossess these states of their sovereignty and foreign core capital insinuates itself into the periphery countries capitalist ownership structure (Herrera 2006: 5). Promoting democracy and liberalisation could mask more egoistic than altruistic reasons. Neoliberal reforms concentrate on achieving them at the expense of other important factors of development, such as environmental protection, human rights and most important elimination of global absolute poverty (Todaro and Smith, 2006: 548). Conclusions and considerations Summing up the explanation of the emergence of the neoliberal development theory we argue that although the theory has proven to be flawed, nevertheless, its world domination is justified and it is likely to continue its course in the future. While the Keynesian model was efficient during the post-war period and helped to rebuild the economy, it could not provide the international community with the tools they needed to overcome the financial recession in the 1970s. The state-controlled economics framework could not accept and embrace the free market and privatisation because it would mean losing a substantial part of political influence for the governments. Therefore, neoliberalism was the rational choice to adopt in order to revive the economy. As the major superpower (and after the end of the Cold War the unitary) the USA hegemony started to spread further the IMF, the World Bank and other international institutions promoted the development of neoliberalism in both developed and developing countries. Neoliberals believed that markets are able to manage and distribute capital better than states. For the developing countries it also meant more options for employment by expanding the output of exports. Conversely, the emergence, development and finally establishment of the neoliberal development theory as the dominant one has created a number of issues that are complicated to resolve: the widening gap between the rich and the poor, the slowdown of the economic growth and the recession. Promoting democracy and liberal values often hide states own interest, i.e. the war in Iraq in 2003, recent interventions in Syria and Libya. Although economy has become less state-oriented the goals of multinational corporations do not comprise of reducing poverty and inequality as their primary objective. In order to sustain the neoliberal model, it should be re-developed to provide better social security, lessen inequality and poverty, pay greater attention to human rights and create truly independent and unbiased institutions. Only then the 2015 goals of development could be achieved.

A Raisin in the Sun vs. The Glass Menagerie Essay -- Raisin Sun Glass

A Raisin in the Sun vs. The Glass Menagerie   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  America is known around the world as the land of opportunity, a place where you can follow your dreams. No matter how selfish or farfetched ones dream may be, their goal will always be available. Whether it be the pursuit of the woman of your dreams, like that of Jay Gatsby, or the hunt for something pure and real, like Holden Caulfield. A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, and The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, exhibit the various types of American lifestyles and the aspiration that surface among each character. The dreams between the characters in the two literary works differ in selfishness, and availability.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tom is a young man bearing the responsibility of his handicapped sister, Laura, and his suffocating mother, Amanda. He works in a factory, and uses his paycheck to provide for the family. Jim, a fellow factory worker and former high school friend, knows Tom as Shakespeare, in that Tom writes poetry, sometimes to alleviate his suppressed feelings of frustration. Poetry is one of Tom’s methods of escape from the lunacy in his home. Adventure is something Tom does not experience much of, and is angst toward his less than mediocre life is expressed in many of his arguments with Amanda. â€Å"Man is by instinct a lover, a hunter, a fighter, and none of those instincts are given much play at the warehouse,† (Williams 64). Love, hunting and fighting are adventurous matters, and with Tom’s run of the...

How Celtic is Iron Age Britain?

The construct of sorting a period of prehistoric culture as the Iron Age was foremost introduced in the nineteenth century, and subsequently validated by the massively important finds at Hallstatt and La Tene. Subsequently, the epoch was broken down into chronological periods, against which the British Iron Age is now defined. For easiness of definition, The British Iron Age tends to be broken into three periods, Early, Middle and Late, crossing approximately 1000 old ages, from 800 BC to the second century AD, and is so named owing to the find and development of Fe taking prevalence over the usage of bronze. The term Celtic, holding passed into the slang, is now nil more than a obscure generic term. The traditional position was that Iron Age Britons were portion of a huge Celtic Commonwealth which so stretched across Europe, a universe of peoples who spoke related linguistic communications, and who shared a typical set of values, societal establishments, spiritualty, art and other facets of life and civilization. ( James 1997, 2 ) . This is now acknowledged to be a monolithic simplism, a romanticised impression Born of theories put frontward by eighteenth century bookmans, based on classical Latin and Greek beginnings. Edward Lhuyd proposed that Welsh, Scottish and Irish languages all root from the ancient Gaulish. The label Celtic was so transposed from the linguistic communications to the people themselves, landscapes, and their sensed civilization and art. Historically and archaeologically talking, this word is unhelpful and uninformative. Indeed, Simon James has suggested that naming the Iron Age Celtic is so deceptive that it is best abandoned. ( James S. 01.06.98 ) As the term Celtic is virtually nonmeaningful, for the intent of this piece we shall look into to what extent the autochthonal population of Britain were influenced by their Continental opposite numbers. It was thought that the Iron Age Britons ( consisting of diverse and frequently warring folks and were in no manner unified ) were capable to a figure of Belgic invasions during the Iron Age. Some of the grounds for this theoretical account comes from Caesar, who states that anterior to his ain expeditions of 55 and 54 B.C. , the population of the coastal parts of south-eastern Britain had themselves migrated from Belgic Gaul, foremost in hunt of loot, and later in order to settle for good. He besides reported that in his ain life-time, Diviciacus had been non merely the most powerful swayer in all Gaul, but had besides exercised sovereignty in Britain. ( D.W. Harding 1974, 201 ) There is archeological grounds which has been used to back up this theoretical account. The find of the Battersea shield in 1857, an elaborately decorated piece, is similar to a bronze shield found in the river Witham in Lincolnshire. Both are similar in design to artefacts found at La Tene. These discoveries, combined with graveyard sites in Aylesford, Welwyn and East Yorkshire, which bore close relation to Gaulish burial rites, were taken as verifying the theory of invasion as the principal, even exclusive, cause of alteration in prehistoric Britain. ( James 1997, 12 ) With the coming of Fe came a figure of bastioned defense mechanisms or hillforts. There are about 3,300 such defense mechanisms on mainland Britain. It was originally thought that these were a response to an invasion in the third century B.C. allowing loose sets of Gaelic warriors over big parts of the south state. ( Harding 1974, 54 ) However, subsequent probe has found that techniques such as lumber lacing, which was prevalent on the Continent, was besides adopted in Britain. This presents us with the fact that there were so links with the Continent, which were non needfully hostile, as their engineering is shared and assimilated. Some folks depended wholly on agribusiness where the land and dirt permitted ; others in coastal parts where the land was non so hospitable, subsisted wholly from the sea. Settlement types varied consequently, from the normally used roundhouse, to the Lake Village close Glastonbury in the Somerset degrees, to the rock built brochs of Northern Scotland. Such diverseness does non look to hold been echoed on the Continent, although there were similarities in some countries. Mentioning to a colony in Kent, Caesar wrote that the edifices were situated in close propinquity to each other, and really similar to the colonies of the Gauls. However, there remains small grounds to day of the month to propose a strong relationship between the homes on the continent, and those in Britain. The economic system chiefly relied on agribusiness and the industry of certain goods. Barry Cunliffe describes it therefore: a loosely parallel development between Britain and the Continent, the two countries retaining a close contact, which encouraged a free flow of thoughts and an exchange of goods, while autochthonal traditions remain dominant. ( Cunliffe 1991, 442 ) The usage of mintage came into pattern around 100 B.C. and straight emulated the Gallic system. There were comparings with the economic system of the Continent, but the British remained insular to some extent until the ulterior Roman invasion. We have some archeological grounds of the funerary patterns of antediluvian Britain, but merely classical mentions inform us as to the Gods, Druids and priesthoods intrinsic to these beliefs. Harmonizing to Caesar, the Gauls and the British shared several patterns, including the preparation of Druids. In the early Iron Age, the disposal of organic structures left no archeological hint. The in-between Fe age sees graveyards and burials with goods, whilst the late Iron Age sees the debut of cremations form Gaul. In add-on, many organic structures from this epoch have been retrieved from peat bogs throughout northern Europe, frequently with marks of multiple causes of decease, possibly bespeaking ritual forfeit. Evidence suggests that similar beliefs are held throughout Europe at this clip, and would look to denote a belief in some signifier of hereafter. Much is made of the Celtic caput cult, but this mostly depends on reading of the grounds. ‘There is no uncertainty that the cap ut was considered the most of import portion of the human organic structure the accent on head-hunting demonstrates this and the emphasis on the caput in Celtic art is incontestible. Yet I believe it is a error to believe in footings of a specific head-cult’ ( Green 1986, 216 ) . In decision, how Belgae Gallic was Iron Age Britain? Surely, many facets of Iron Age life were influenced by the Belgic Gauls, to changing grades throughout the period. But to name the British Iron Age Celtic is a simplified generalization ; some countries were touched by Continental patterns, others, more geographically remote from the south seashore will hold felt their influences far less. However, it seems far less likely that Britain was invaded per Se. Simon James states that Britain in the Iron Age grew with critical, if non fickle, parts and influences from Continental Europe in the signifier of trade, kinship links, and reasonably surely some localized in-migration, particularly in the late Iron Age South. ( James 1997, 84 ) The revisionist theory seems at this minute far more plausible than the construct of sweeping invasion. Bibliography Cunliffe, Barry, Iron Age Communities in Britain, Routledge 1991Green, Miranda, The Gods of the Celts, Gloucester 1986.Harding, D.W. , The Iron Age in Lowland Britain, Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1974James, S. & A ; Rigby, V. , Britain and the Celtic Iron Age, British Museum Press 1997James, S. , 1998 Peoples of Britain ( online ) UK ; Available: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/prehistory/peoples_03.shtml Accessed 29th April 2005

Case study of dove soap Essay

â€Å"I think Canada was just really ready for it,† says Aviva Groll, group account director at Ogilvy, who has worked on Dove since 2004. â€Å"There was a lot of support internally at Unilever, it struck a chord†¦ [It was] a time of great experimentation and great leadership that allowed that to happen. † Groll also notes that having the budget available and co-operation amongst the product categories to allow for a campaign centred on the brand as a whole meant everything fell into place for a Canada-first launch. What followed was unexpected buzz as the campaign gained traction around the world, becoming a major water cooler topic before the days of social media spreading ideas like wildfire. New Dove products were launched using the same creative idea – showing real women with different hair types, skin types and body types, loving themselves and their favourite Dove products, often in their underwear. While the water cooler buzz and media attention escalated (Oprah had those underwear-clad women on her show), one of the most talked-about aspects of the campaign came as a complete surprise to MacLeod and her team – the viral power of striking the right chord. By now, almost everyone has seen the â€Å"Evolution† video on YouTube (12 million people and counting), depicting a woman who gets transformed, through makeup and Photoshop, into a model, proving that even The Dove billboard can easily be compared to the story of the â€Å"World of Wrestling† from Barthes Mythologies. In the story, wrestling is described as a myth for the simple reason that the audience doesn’t care if a wrestling match is rigged, but rather what it is seeing taking place. They don’t think about reality or truth. In fact, they really don’t think at all; they see (Barthes 2000, p. 15). This can be applied to the Dove advertisement because the audience is only engaged with what it sees, not with the truth and persuasion of the ad. The target audience doesn’t realize that what they’re seeing was all a process to evoke a certain message and get them to think a certain way about their product or have meaning to the audience. And think a certain way they did. Ultimately Dove’s daring strategy increased their sales and market share. Women were able to connect to the ad, which in turn made them buy the product. The campaign led to the Dove Self Esteem Fund, which gave Dove even more media exposure with the making of YouTube videos and clips. As one can see, Dove successfully turned around their advertising tactics, which led to increased sales and changed feelings toward Dove products. These products were the same beauty products before and after the new campaign, but successful advertising allowed for people to view the products as something totally different. According to the Magic Bullet or Hypodermic Needle Model, mass media has a powerful influence over people, and can deliberately alter or control the mass audiences’ behaviour. I suppose this is not in argument today. The Dove billboard can easily be compared to the story of the â€Å"World of Wrestling† from Barthes Mythologies. In the story, wrestling is described as a myth for the simple reason that the audience doesn’t care if a wrestling match is rigged, but rather what it is seeing taking place. They don’t think about reality or truth. In fact, they really don’t think at all; they see (Barthes 2000, p. 15). This can be applied to the Dove advertisement because the audience is only engaged with what it sees, not with the truth and persuasion of the ad. The target audience doesn’t realize that what they’re seeing was all a process to evoke a certain message and get them to think a certain way about their product or have meaning to the audience. And think a certain way they did. Ultimately Dove’s daring strategy increased their sales and market share. Women were able to connect to the ad, which in turn made them buy the product. The campaign led to the Dove Self Esteem Fund, which gave Dove even more media exposure with the making of YouTube videos and clips. As one can see, Dove successfully turned around their advertising tactics, which led to increased sales and changed feelings toward Dove products. These products were the same beauty products before and after the new campaign, but successful advertising allowed for people to view the products as something totally different. According to the Magic Bullet or Hypodermic Needle Model, mass media has a powerful influence over people, and can deliberately alter or control the mass audiences’ behaviour. I suppose this is not in argument today. The Dove billboard can easily be compared to the story of the â€Å"World of Wrestling† from Barthes Mythologies. In the story, wrestling is described as a myth for the simple reason that the audience doesn’t care if a wrestling match is rigged, but rather what it is seeing taking place. They don’t think about reality or truth. In fact, they really don’t think at all; they see (Barthes 2000, p. 15). This can be applied to the Dove advertisement because the audience is only engaged with what it sees, not with the truth and persuasion of the ad. The target audience doesn’t realize that what they’re seeing was all a process to evoke a certain message and get them to think a certain way about their product or have meaning to the audience. And think a certain way they did. Ultimately Dove’s daring strategy increased their sales and market share. Women were able to connect to the ad, which in turn made them buy the product. The campaign led to the Dove Self Esteem Fund, which gave Dove even more media exposure with the making of YouTube videos and clips. As one can see, Dove successfully turned around their advertising tactics, which led to increased sales and changed feelings toward Dove products. These products were the same beauty products before and after the new campaign, but successful advertising allowed for people to view the products as something totally different. According to the Magic Bullet or Hypodermic Needle Model, mass media has a powerful influence over people, and can deliberately alter or control the mass audiences’ behaviour. I suppose this is not in argument today. The Dove billboard can easily be compared to the story of the â€Å"World of Wrestling† from Barthes Mythologies. In the story, wrestling is described as a myth for the simple reason that the audience doesn’t care if a wrestling match is rigged, but rather what it is seeing taking place. They don’t think about reality or truth. In fact, they really don’t think at all; they see (Barthes 2000, p. 15). This can be applied to the Dove advertisement because the audience is only engaged with what it sees, not with the truth and persuasion of the ad. The target audience doesn’t realize that what they’re seeing was all a process to evoke a certain message and get them to think a certain way about their product or have meaning to the audience. And think a certain way they did. Ultimately Dove’s daring strategy increased their sales and market share. Women were able to connect to the ad, which in turn made them buy the product. The campaign led to the Dove Self Esteem Fund, which gave Dove even more media exposure with the making of YouTube videos and clips. As one can see, Dove successfully turned around their advertising tactics, which led to increased sales and changed feelings toward Dove products. These products were the same beauty products before and after the new campaign, but successful advertising allowed for people to view the products as something totally different. According to the Magic Bullet or Hypodermic Needle Model, mass media has a powerful influence over people, and can deliberately alter or control the mass audiences’ behaviour. I suppose this is not in argument today. The Dove billboard can easily be compared to the story of the â€Å"World of Wrestling† from Barthes Mythologies. In the story, wrestling is described as a myth for the simple reason that the audience doesn’t care if a wrestling match is rigged, but rather what it is seeing taking place. They don’t think about reality or truth. In fact, they really don’t think at all; they see (Barthes 2000, p. 15). This can be applied to the Dove advertisement because the audience is only engaged with what it sees, not with the truth and persuasion of the ad. The target audience doesn’t realize that what they’re seeing was all a process to evoke a certain message and get them to think a certain way about their product or have meaning to the audience. And think a certain way they did. Ultimately Dove’s daring strategy increased their sales and market share. Women were able to connect to the ad, which in turn made them buy the product. The campaign led to the Dove Self Esteem Fund, which gave Dove even more media exposure with the making of YouTube videos and clips. As one can see, Dove successfully turned around their advertising tactics, which led to increased sales and changed feelings toward Dove products. These products were the same beauty products before and after the new campaign, but successful advertising allowed for people to view the products as something totally different. According to the Magic Bullet or Hypodermic Needle Model, mass media has a powerful influence over people, and can deliberately alter or control the mass audiences’ behaviour. I suppose this is not in argument today. The Dove billboard can easily be compared to the story of the â€Å"World of Wrestling† from Barthes Mythologies. In the story, wrestling is described as a myth for the simple reason that the audience doesn’t care if a wrestling match is rigged, but rather what it is seeing taking place. They don’t think about reality or truth. In fact, they really don’t think at all; they see (Barthes 2000, p. 15). This can be applied to the Dove advertisement because the audience is only engaged with what it sees, not with the truth and persuasion of the ad. The target audience doesn’t realize that what they’re seeing was all a process to evoke a certain message and get them to think a certain way about their product or have meaning to the audience. And think a certain way they did. Ultimately Dove’s daring strategy increased their sales and market share. Women were able to connect to the ad, which in turn made them buy the product. The campaign led to the Dove Self Esteem Fund, which gave Dove even more media exposure with the making of YouTube videos and clips. As one can see, Dove successfully turned around their advertising tactics, which led to increased sales and changed feelings toward Dove products. These products were the same beauty products before and after the new campaign, but successful advertising allowed for people to view the products as something totally different. According to the Magic Bullet or Hypodermic Needle Model, mass media has a powerful influence over people, and can deliberately alter or control the mass audiences’ behaviour. I suppose this is not in argument today. The Dove billboard can easily be compared to the story of the â€Å"World of Wrestling† from Barthes Mythologies. In the story, wrestling is described as a myth for the simple reason that the audience doesn’t care if a wrestling match is rigged, but rather what it is seeing taking place. They don’t think about reality or truth. In fact, they really don’t think at all; they see (Barthes 2000, p. 15). This can be applied to the Dove advertisement because the audience is only engaged with what it sees, not with the truth and persuasion of the ad. The target audience doesn’t realize that what they’re seeing was all a process to evoke a certain message and get them to think a certain way about their product or have meaning to the audience. And think a certain way they did. Ultimately Dove’s daring strategy increased their sales and market share. Women were able to connect to the ad, which in turn made them buy the product. The campaign led to the Dove Self Esteem Fund, which gave Dove even more media exposure with the making of YouTube videos and clips. As one can see, Dove successfully turned around their advertising tactics, which led to increased sales and changed feelings toward Dove products. These products were the same beauty products before and after the new campaign, but successful advertising allowed for people to view the products as something totally different. According to the Magic Bullet or Hypodermic Needle Model, mass media has a powerful influence over people, and can deliberately alter or control the mass audiences’ behaviour. I suppose this is not in argument today.

Die Prinzen Deutschland and Millionär German Lyrics

Die Prinzen 'Deutschland' and 'Millionr' German Lyrics Pop music fans in German-speaking countries are very familiar with the band Die Prinzen. They topped the charts in the 80s and  90s with songs like  Deutschland and  Millionr, and their songs are filled with satirical lyrics about German society. If you have yet to discover this famous pop band, now is a perfect time. Two of their hit songs are included below with a direct English translation that demonstrates the bands humor. An Introduction to Die Prinzen (The Princes) With 14 gold and six platinum records  and over five million recordings sold, Die Prinzen (pronounced  DEE PRINT-sen)  are one of the most popular German pop bands of all time. Before they became Die Prinzen, the groups members were all in the Thomanerchor of the Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church) in Leipzig, which is one reason they specialize in  a capella  music (singing without instrumental accompaniment). In the 1980s, the bands members were Sebastian Krumbiegel, Wolfgang Lenk, Jens Sembner, and Henri Schmidt. The lyrics of their songs are usually satiric and humorous, with tongue-in-cheek criticism of the German government and German society. In 1990, the bands album Das Leben ist grausam, and the singles Gabi und Klaus and  Millionr  were big hits. The band gained more recognition when it toured with Germanys Rock-Opa  Udo Lindenberg  in 1992. Their second album, Kà ¼ssen verboten, with its title hit song, sold well. In later albums, the band also added an instrumental techno sound to their voices. After a lull in the late 1990s, Die Prinzen regained their popularity in Germany with the popular song Olli Kahn, referring to Germanys World Cup star goalie Oliver Kahn. The band has played concert tours in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.   Popular Songs A few of Die Prinzens songs were really big hits, and many of them can be found on the Ganz  oben  - Hits album as well as the albums they were originally released on. Millionr (1987) Album: Das Leben ist grausamAlles nur  geklaut (1993) Album: Alles nur  geklautKà ¼ssen verboten  (1992) Album: Kà ¼ssen verbotenSchwein sein  (1995) Album: SchweineSchlottersteinhymne  (1996) Album: Die CD  mit  der  mausDeutschland  (2001) Album: D Deutschland Lyrics Album: DReleased: 2001 Deutschland  is an irreverent, satirical song that makes a few pointed remarks about the homeland of Die Prinzen. This single from the album D (for Deutschland) was released on the 40th anniversary of the building of the Berlin Wall in 2001.   Some references in the song text are borrowed from right-wing, neo-Nazi phrases and the opening chorus of Deutsch, deutsch, deutsch... is reminiscent of Nazi times. But the song satirizes such overt patriotism and other behaviors that are typisch Deutsch. In case theres any doubt that this is satire, Die Prinzen use their favorite word (Schwein) at the very end to replace sein (to be). Below you will find the original German lyrics to Deutschland along with an English translation. Only the primary verses have been included and the chorus  Deutsch,  deutsch,  deutsch... is repeated between most verses. WARNING: Some words in these lyrics may be offensive to some people.   German Lyrics Direct Translation by Hyde Flippo Natrlich hat ein Deutscher Wetten, dass* erfundenVielen Dank fr die schnen StundenWir sind die freundlichsten Kunden auf dieser WeltWir sind bescheiden - wir haben GeldDie Allerbesten in jedem SportDie Steuern hier sind WeltrekordBereisen Sie Deutschland und bleiben Sie hierAuf diese Art von Besuchern warten wirEs kann jeder hier wohnen, dem es geflltWir sind das freundlichste Volk auf dieser Welt Of course a German invented Wetten, dass*Many thanks for the enjoyable hoursWere the friendliest customers in this worldWere modest - we have moneyThe very best in any sportThe taxes here set a world recordVisit Germany and stay hereIts this kind of visitor we wait forAnyone who likes it can live hereWere the friendliest people in this world Nur eine Kleinigkeit ist hier verkehrtUnd zwar, dass Schumacher** keinen Mercedes fhrt Just one little thing is out of whackAnd that is, Schumacher** doesnt drive a Mercedes Refrain:Das alles ist Deutschland - das alles sind wirDas gibt es nirgendwo anders - nur hier, nur hierDas alles ist Deutschland - das sind alles wirWir leben und wir sterben hier Refrain:All that is Germany - all that is usYou wont find that anywhere else - only here only hereAll that is Germany - all that is usWe live and die here Es bilden sich viele was auf Deutschland einUnd mancher findet es geil, ein Arschloch zu seinEs gibt manchen, der sich gern ber Kanaken beschwertUnd zum Ficken jedes Jahr nach Thailand fhrtWir lieben unsere Autos mehr als unsere FraunDenn deutschen Autos knnen wir vertraunGott hat die Erde nur einmal geksstGenau an dieser Stelle, wo jetzt Deutschland istWir sind berall die besten - natrlich auch im BettUnd zu Hunden und Katzen besonders nett Many people are arrogant about GermanyAnd some think its cool to be an aholeThere are some who like to complain about Kanaken [foreigners]And travel to Thailand every year to f-We love our cars more than our womenBecause we can trust German carsGod kissed the earth just onceRight on the spot where Germany is nowWere the best everywhere - naturally also in bedAnd were especially nice to dogs and cats Wir sind besonders gut im Auf-die-Fresse-haunauch im Feuerlegen kann man uns vertraunWir stehn auf Ordnung und SauberkeitWir sind jederzeit fr nen Krieg bereitSchnen Gru an die Welt, seht es endlich einWir knnen stolz auf Deutschland... SCHWEIN! Were really good at busting someone in the chopsWe can also be relied on for starting firesWe like order and cleanlinessWere always ready for a warFriendly greetings to the world, understandWe can be proud of Germany... SWINE! Millionr Lyrics   Album: Das Leben ist grausamReleased: 1987 Millionr is another of  Prinzens hit  songs. It was first released on the Das Leben ist grausam (Life is Cruel)  album. The lyrics are about how great it would be to become a millionaire and, as you can see, it is definitely another satirical song. Again, the main verses of this song have been included here with the English translation. The phrase Ich wr so gerne Millionr... (I would love to be a millionaire) is repeated between most verses. German Lyrics Direct Translation by Hyde Flippo Ich wr so gerne MillionrDann wr mein Konto niemals leerIch wr so gerne MillionrMillionenschwerIch wr so gerne Millionr Id really like to be a millionaireThen my account would never be emptyId really like to be a millionaireWorth millionsId really like to be a millionaire (Geld, Geld, Geld...) (Money, money, money...) Ich hab kein Geld hab keine Ahnung, doch ich hab n groes MaulBin weder Doktor noch Professor, aber ich bin stinkend faulIch habe keine reiche Freundin und keinen reichen FreundVon viel Kohle hab ich bisher leider nur getrumt I have no money, have no clue, but I do have a big mouthIm neither a doctor nor a professor, but Im terribly lazyI have no rich girl friend and no rich male friendUnfortunately, up to now Ive only dreamed of having dough Was soll ich tun, was soll ich machen, bin vor Kummer schon halb krankHab mir schon paar Mal berlegt: Vielleicht knackst du eine BankDoch das ist leider sehr gefhrlich, bestimmt werd ich gefasstUnd auerdem bin ich doch ehrlich und will nicht in den Knast What should I do, what should I try? Im half sick with worryA few times before I thought: Perhaps you could rob a bankBut unfortunately thats very dangerous; Id get caught for sureAnd besides Im actually honest and I dont want to go to jail Es gibt so viele reiche Witwen, die begehrn mich sehrSie sind scharf auf meinen Krper, doch den geb ich nicht herIch glaub das wrd ich nicht verkraften um keinen Preis der WeltDeswegen werd ich lieber Popstar und schwimm in meinem Geld There are so many rich widows who want me badlyTheyre hot for my body, but I wont give it to themI dont think I could handle that for any price in the worldThats why Id rather become a pop star and swim in my money The German lyrics are provided for educational use only. No infringement of copyright is implied or intended. The  literal, prose translations of the  original German  lyrics is by Hyde Flippo.

Aquatic Communities

Aquatic Communities Aquatic communities are the worlds major water habitats. Like land biomes, aquatic communities can also be subdivided based on common characteristics. Two common designations are  freshwater and marine communities. Freshwater Communities Rivers and Streams are bodies of water that continuously move in a single direction. Both are rapidly changing communities. The source of the river or stream usually differs significantly from the point at which the river or stream empties. A variety of plants and animals can be found in these freshwater communities, including trout, algae, cyanobacteria, fungi, and of course, various species of fish. Estuaries are the areas where freshwater streams or rivers meet the ocean. These highly productive regions contain widely diverse plant and animal life. The river or stream usually carries many nutrients from inland sources, making estuaries capable of supporting this rich diversity and high productivity. Estuaries are feeding and breeding grounds for a variety of animals, including  waterfowl, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. Lakes and Ponds are standing bodies of water. Many streams and rivers end in lakes and ponds. Phytoplankton are usually found in the upper layers. Because light is absorbed only to certain depths, photosynthesis is common only in the upper layers. Lakes and ponds also support a variety of plant and animal life, including  small fish, brine shrimp, aquatic insects, and numerous plant species. Marine Communities Oceans cover approximately 70% of the earths surface. Marine communities are difficult to divide into distinct types  but can be classified based on the degree of light penetration. The simplest classification consists of two distinct zones: the photic and aphotic zones. The photic zone is the light zone or area from the surface of the water to the depths at which the light intensity is only around 1 percent of that at the surface. Photosynthesis occurs in this zone. The vast majority of marine life exists in the photic zone. The aphotic zone is an area that receives little or no sunlight. The environment in this zone is extremely dark and cold. Organisms living in the aphotic zone are often bioluminescent or are extremophiles and adept at living in extreme environments. As with the other communities, a variety of organisms live in the ocean. Some include  fungi, sponges, starfish, sea anemones, fish, crabs, dinoflagellates, green algae, marine mammals, and giant kelp.

Bentley University Acceptance Rate and SAT Score Facts

Bentley University Acceptance Rate and SAT Score Facts Bentley requires test scores as part of its admissions process. Students can submit either SAT or ACT scores, and neither is preferred over the other. Bentley is a selective school, and only admits 42 percent of applicants each year. To apply, students must fill out a Common Application, complete with the writing/personal statement section. In addition, students must submit test scores, an application fee, and high school transcripts. Bentleys admissions are holistic, meaning that they look at more than just grades and test scores. Students who participate in extracurricular activities and have work or volunteer experience are encouraged to list their activities and experience on their applications, to help set them apart. Will You Get In? Calculate Your Chances of Getting In  with Cappexs free tool. Admissions Data (2016) Bentley University Acceptance Rate: 46%GPA, SAT and ACT graph for Bentley Test Scores:  25th / 75th Percentile SAT Critical Reading: 510 / 620SAT Math: 550  / 670SAT Writing: - / -What these SAT numbers meanACT Composite: 25  / 30What these ACT numbers mean Bentley University Description Located on a 163-acre campus in Waltham, Massachusetts, Bentley University is not a typical New England college. The great majority of Bentley students major in some area of business, but the school is nevertheless a comprehensive university where the liberal arts and sciences play a central role in the curriculum. Ethics, social responsibility, and global culture are all important components of a Bentley business education. Bentley has a 12 to 1  student/faculty ratio  and an average class size of 24. The university frequently ranks among the top 50 business schools in the country. On the athletic front, the Bentley University Falcons compete in the NCAA Division II, within the Northeast-10 Conference. Popular sports include track and field, football, basketball, and soccer. Bentley University Mission Statement To educate creative, ethical, and socially responsible organizational leaders by creating and disseminating impactful knowledge within and across business and the arts and sciences. Enrollment (2016) Total Enrollment: 5,506  (4,222 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 59% Male / 41% Female98% Full-time Costs (2016 - 17) Tuition and Fees: $45,760Books: $1,260  (why so much?)Room and Board: $15,130Other Expenses: $1,200Total Cost: $61,005 Bentley University Financial Aid (2015  - 16) Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 76%Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 68%Loans: 49%Average Amount of AidGrants: $25,343Loans: $8,540 Academic Programs: Most Popular Majors:  Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Computer Science, Mathematics, Global Studies, Business/Corporate CommunicationsWhat major is right for you?  Sign up to take the free My Careers and Majors Quiz at Cappex. Graduation and Retention Rates: First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 94%Transfer-out Rate: 3%4-Year Graduation Rate: 83%6-Year Graduation Rate: 89% Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Mens Sports:  Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, and Diving Track, and Field, Basketball, Ice Hockey, BaseballWomens Sports:  Field Hockey, Basketball, Track and Field, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country Bentley and the Common Application Bentley University uses the  Common Application. These articles can help guide you: Common Application essay tips and samplesShort answer tips and samplesSupplemental essay tips and samples Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

Targeted Work Class Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Targeted Work Class - Research Paper Example Human resource planning should serve as a link between human resources management and the overall strategic plan of the organization. Workforce planning is defined as: A process in which an organization attempts to estimate the demand for labor and evaluate the size, nature and sources of supply which will be required to meet the demand. For example, aging populations in most western countries and growing demands for qualified workers in developing economies have underscored the importance of effective Human Resource Planning. The circumstance that the world is changing daily as we move forward in the future demands that the process be an iterative one. Organizations are also changing to fit into the future. A planning model is therefore needed that allows us to anticipate the future and to use this anticipation with the analysis of our organization-its culture, mission, strengths and weaknesses-to define strategic issues, to chart our direction by developing strategic vision and pla ns, to define how an organization will implement these plans and to specify how an organization will evaluate how it is planning to implement these plans. Every organizations wish is its continuity to succeed. In order to prosper, an organization acquires the support and resources it needs to fulfill its mission. In the end success is measured by how well and the organization accomplishes its missions and vision. In his book, he suggests that to achieve a favorable future, an organization should involve all the resources, the interested parties, that is, anyone interested in achieving the organizations goals in envisioning the most desirable future and to work together to make that vision a reality, together as an organization. Committees are created to oversee the process of planning. Planners are then guide by the organizations mission, vision or values to carry out the process. In some cases, the planners identify the external environment and determine the planning structure on t he basis of these. Indeed, with the use of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis is crucial in addressing the methods to be used. This helps to set up priorities which will be used to analyze the results of the plans. It is important that the organizations involved ensure that the plans are sustainable. Sustainability of the organization is important because the strategic planning initializes a process that focusses on the future of the organization. The communication between the stakeholders is very important in sustaining a suitable working environment. Therefore, the key to strategic management in the organizational change is to understand that people communicate and actually work together to create that future. However, this does not mean that strategic mean that strategic management replaces traditional management activities such as budgeting, controlling and monitoring. The change that takes shape is rather the integration of these activities into br oader context, taking into account the external environment, internal organizational capabilities, and the organizations overall purpose and direction. For example, budgeting is done to not only oversee the operations of the organization at certain period of time, but, it is constructed to lift the organization to its missions and objectives, which is long term objective. This is also carried out in all the other

Cultural Aspects of Moving to Japan Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Kelly's Assignment in Japan - Case Study Example Based on the information given in the case study there could be identified several clashes in cultural customs and expectations. The first clash in cultural customs and expectations has occurred when Kelly and her family arrived in Tokyo and saw their new apartment. Despite a high rent price, their new apartment was very tiny that they could hardly move fit in their personal belongings. This was the first big disappointment for the whole family. The second clash in culture customs has occurred when Kelly exchanged the handshake greetings with Japanese colleagues. In Japan bowing and presenting business cards are absolutely appropriate and expected forms of greeting. Moreover, the formalized exchange of business cards is the whole ritual in Japan, called â€Å"the meishi† (Gesteland, 2005). A handshake is appropriate for Europeans and Americans, but not for Japanese (Reisinger, 2009). The Japanese bow is an important aspect of non-verbal communication, which represents respect, personal humility and social harmony (Nixon & West, 1995). The fact that the new boss was a foreigner, and more importantly a woman was another serious clash in cultural customs, as in such culture as in Japan with high masculinity index, woman-boss and foreigner is a foremost difference (Solomon & Schell, 2009; Yoshida, Yashiro, and Suzuki, 2013). Another clash has occurred when Kelly asked the teams to prepare presentations. The Japanese were reluctant to preparing it as they perceived that group commitment was required for it. This behavior can be explained by differences in context orientation, as Americans have individualistic orientation, while Japanese – group orientation (Reisinger, 2009).  

Buyer Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Buyer Behavior - Essay Example e a product is relatively expensive and possibly technologically complex, prospective purchasers often go through a complex search and evaluation process prior to making a purchase. Various models of consumer behaviour have been developed over the years. The models reflect the different buying situations in which consumers find themselves. Factors influencing consumer behaviour must be considered as well as similar factors influencing the buying decisions in business to business transactions. An understanding of these factors and how they influence the buying decision are extremely important when putting together a selling strategy. Market research also plays an important part in helping to identify relevant facts about buyer behaviour (consumer or organizational) and provides all kinds of information which forms the basis of strategy formulation. A motive to make a certain purchase is an internal state of the purchase. While consumer behavior is observable, motives are psychological constructs that can only be inferred. Buying motives for consumer products may be classified as economic, emotional, product, and retail patronage. Some of the motives may be rational while others are emotional. To illustrate, economic motives include product durability or economy in use. Emotional motives might include romance, pleasure, or prestige. Product purchase motives might involve ease for making repairs or ease of installation. Patronage motives relate to variety for selection or promptness in delivery. Motives relate to perception. Motives come from the consumers real self, self-image, ideal self, and looking-glass self. The way consumers envision the situation to themselves helps to shape their reactions or responses to marketers appeals (Sharon, Boyle, 2004: 343). Consumer goals and needs are constantly changing in response to environmental conditions, interaction with others, and physical conditions. As individuals realize their goals, new objectives may be

Nasa risk management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nasa risk management - Essay Example Understanding the stakeholder’s expectations is primary as they can also opt to implement a constraint that will limit the performance of the organizations. Conducting a performance measurement is also imperative due to the expansion of research of realizing the risks involved, as well as the opportunities involved. The main weaknesses in the RIDM flowchart case study include the imposition of constraints that is not done by the organization directly, but rather by the stakeholders. The stakeholders can induce a very limited space for the organization to spur in its efforts to develop a higher level of success and great performance. Another weakness is in the assessment conducted through the second step whereby preliminary evaluations are conducted. This is because the results accrued are rather solidly understood as grounds for approval or disapproval. When the evaluation is conducted, the conditions may be more favorable then, and provide positive results that may not be achieved should the environmental conditions alter. The use of RIDM (risk- informed decision making) to determine the performance measures can be presented in a qualitative and quantitative format. The quantitative format presents this information in numerical characters and provides a mathematical volume analysis of the performance measures. It is highly differentiated from the qualitative format that rather presents information that does not have numerical values and is rather defined in ranking position terms. Some of the qualitative measures in RIDM include; technology readiness level, and it presents the information required without using any numerical values and constructs a qualitative scale the defines the ranking position of the performance measures. The main challenges that are accrued from utilizing the qualitative measures while defining the

What is buddhism Is it a philosophy or a religion Essay

What is buddhism Is it a philosophy or a religion - Essay Example s study on whether Buddhism is a religion or a philosophy putting into consideration some of the theories applied, the history of Buddhism, Buddha – its religious figure and its literature. The paper will not lie on one side of the thesis question i.e. whether Buddhism is a religion or philosophy, but it will evaluate both notions mostly according to Olson’s conclusions on the matter. In the book ‘The Different Path of Buddhism’ Olson starts by first making a quick account of the early Buddhist tradition of how an old woman, friends with the monks, died and the monks were inconsolable. After which Buddha told them the story about kaka Jataka, the crow and the day when one of the crows got very drunk and was swept out to the sea and drowned; he used the story for symbolism where the sea was a metaphor for the suffering associated with life and the crows represented the human beings (Olson 1). Olson says that during this time of Buddhism, Buddha was considered an common man of flesh and blood, and an exceptional fascinating teacher; not a manifestation of divine being. He is best known as an educator, philosopher, and founder of a major world religion; significantly, he is not like other religious figures that were considered to be holy beings like Jesus (Christianity) or Muhammad (Islam). However, like these other religious figures, Buddha gathered a small group of followers who were attracted to his charisma and teaching, but insisted on the creation of a monastic community that shaped those who joined it and influenced Indian culture, and the laity who were necessary for its support (Olson 3). Before the formation of Buddhism, there were only two religious movements in India; the Brahmins – Brahmanical culture and the holy wanderers – Indian culture; notably, the Buddhists supported the holy wanderers and rejected certain ways of the Brahmanical religion but accepted others (Olson 5). Buddhism was later formed from an incorporation of some features

Slavery in 19thcentury America vs. Arabia Research Paper

Slavery in 19thcentury America vs. Arabia - Research Paper Example As slaves begin to populate into countries such as modern day Arabia new lucrative of trading slaves became a common theme. The elite sought this opportunity to trade amongst themselves and business flourished. This become a focal point which facilitated the growth of imperialism. Conquest was crucial not only to supply labor force, but to also extend its boundaries. One of the biggest motivating points for slavery in the Arabian Peninsula was the economy itself that was most intriguing. The Arabian state was in the state of conquer where the influx of wealth enabled labor to thrive. With the ever-growing economy, it only made sense that the agriculture force needed to be amplified. At its peak, this part of the continent was flourishing from East to West as its border dominated the agriculture front. The Arabs needed to a labor force, for properties and landowners, who propagated the cause. This was especially true during the 19th century where the significance of breaking the Ottom an Empire was crucial. The enormous amount of wealth that was accumulated from the wars resulted in wealthy landowners. These landowners in essence also become politicians in the senate and pushed for the cause. Since citizenship was only granted to Arabs and elite status wealthy land owners, the slavers never got the level of citizenship. Hence, it was inevitable that slavery was already part of the lifestyle. Another interesting element about the Arabs slave trade was to execute gender and conquest. This was excruciating considering the fact that men were utilized impregnate conquered women. One of the major differences between slavery in in America was the fact that Americans were not trying to be imperialistic at this stage. Slavery was just another element that was embedded because of globalization that took place. The era of industrialization became a crucial factor that

What is buddhism Is it a philosophy or a religion Essay

What is buddhism Is it a philosophy or a religion - Essay Example s study on whether Buddhism is a religion or a philosophy putting into consideration some of the theories applied, the history of Buddhism, Buddha – its religious figure and its literature. The paper will not lie on one side of the thesis question i.e. whether Buddhism is a religion or philosophy, but it will evaluate both notions mostly according to Olson’s conclusions on the matter. In the book ‘The Different Path of Buddhism’ Olson starts by first making a quick account of the early Buddhist tradition of how an old woman, friends with the monks, died and the monks were inconsolable. After which Buddha told them the story about kaka Jataka, the crow and the day when one of the crows got very drunk and was swept out to the sea and drowned; he used the story for symbolism where the sea was a metaphor for the suffering associated with life and the crows represented the human beings (Olson 1). Olson says that during this time of Buddhism, Buddha was considered an common man of flesh and blood, and an exceptional fascinating teacher; not a manifestation of divine being. He is best known as an educator, philosopher, and founder of a major world religion; significantly, he is not like other religious figures that were considered to be holy beings like Jesus (Christianity) or Muhammad (Islam). However, like these other religious figures, Buddha gathered a small group of followers who were attracted to his charisma and teaching, but insisted on the creation of a monastic community that shaped those who joined it and influenced Indian culture, and the laity who were necessary for its support (Olson 3). Before the formation of Buddhism, there were only two religious movements in India; the Brahmins – Brahmanical culture and the holy wanderers – Indian culture; notably, the Buddhists supported the holy wanderers and rejected certain ways of the Brahmanical religion but accepted others (Olson 5). Buddhism was later formed from an incorporation of some features

Windshield Survey of No Highlands Essay Example for Free

Windshield Survey of No Highlands Essay North Highlands, CA is a suburb of Sacramento. This community is made up of a diverse group of people that includes middle and upper middle-income families but there is also a large element of crime, prostitution and drugs. The research will paint you a picture of the good, the bad and the ugly sides of this community so many call home. Boundaries and Housing North Highlands is a good-sized city in Sacramento County that started out as farmland in the 1930’s and over the next 80 years developed into the community we see today. Boundaries North Highlands was originally zoned for dry farming and grazing. Things started to change in the 1930’s after the military built McClellan Airbase. The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission (1974) defined the boundaries of North Highlands as McClellan Airbase to Elverta Rd to the county lines of Placer and Sacramento to the train tracks. From there to Antelope Rd to Interstate 80 at Garfield to arcade Creek to Walnut to Pasadena to Winding Way to the Sacramento city limits back to McClellan Airbase. Housing With the opening of the airbase brought people and growth to the area. A large growth spurt was evident in the 1940’s when the Plane Haven, North Haven and Highland subdivisions were built. With the opening of Interstate 80 brought more development to North Highlands (Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission, 1974). The airbase officially closed in 2001 and has been converted today into a business park with housing and parks and ball fields. In addition, is also home to the Aerospace Museum of California (Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission, 1974). Today, it seems the economy may be hurting this area as you drive thru the neighborhoods homes are boarded up and empty and some are in need of some much-needed care. The majority of homes were built from the 1930’s to the 1970’s with identifiable sub communities Highland, Hillsdale-Foothill Corridor, Auburn and Madison and McClellan Park (Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission, 1974). ââ€" ª Estimated median house or condominium value $176,722 (City-Data.com, 2010). ââ€" ª Estimated median gross rent $929 (City-Data.com, 2010). The people that live in this housing are very culturally and ethnically intertwined if you live in the neighborhood you might have an Asian or African American family living next door or down the street. They may even be Russian or Indian. Religion is also diverse in this neighborhood but it is predominately Christian. Politically North Highlands is split almost down the middle with Democrats and Republicans with about 1% of the community registered as Independents (City-Data.com, 2010). Total Population 43,215 ââ€" ª Caucasian 23,211 (54.4%) ââ€" ª Hispanic 10,077 (23.6%) ââ€" ª African American ââ€" ª 4,609 (10.8%) ââ€" ª Mixed Races 2,052 (4.8%) ââ€" ª Asian ââ€" ª 1,997 (4.7%) ââ€" ª American Indian 381 (0.9%) ââ€" ª Native Hawaiian and ââ€" ª Other Pacific Islander ââ€" ª 289 (0.7%) ââ€" ª Other race ââ€" ª 78 (0.2%) (Neighborhood Scout, 2012). For population 15 years and over in North Highlands CDP: ââ€" ª Never married: 31.8% ââ€" ª Now married: 45.0% ââ€" ª Separated: 3.2% ââ€" ª Widowed: 5.9% ââ€" ª Divorced: 14.1% (Neighborhood Scout, 2012). Parks and Recreation While exploring the community several parks were seen during the day families were noted in the parks, while evening brought soccer and baseball teams out to the parks as night fell you saw a scarier element of people hanging out yelling obscenities at people, a fight was noted. As the night grew later and the park emptied at one park, an older man was seen making a bed on a picnic table. The parks are well groomed no graffiti noted, grass cut and very green. Garbage was picked up tables clean. The playgrounds are large and in good repair. The recreation Center on Watt has a public pool that appeared well used by the community, as there were many people there at the time. The rec center also offers classes such as cooking, dance, ceramics and English as a second language just to name a few of the many fun things they have listed. Schools, Crime, Employment and Community Services The school district for North Highlands is the called Twin Rivers. According to Neighborhood Scout (2012), there are 56 schools for a total of 31,632 students. ââ€" ª Caucasian 30.3% ââ€" ª African American 15.4% ââ€" ª Hispanic 36.1% ââ€" ª Asian 10% ââ€" ª American Indian 0.8% ââ€" ª Economically Disadvantaged 76.8% During this survey, a couple of the schools were seen and appeared to be in good repair. Children were seen riding their bikes in the parking lot and running around playing. They appeared to be having fun. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol and Sac Metro Fire Department protect North Highlands. During this survey fire stations 41, 42, and 112. There was no fire department noted during this survey but I saw a high police presence in the community day and night. The crime rates in this community are a little intimidating with a crime index with 100 being safest the North Highlands community it is 22. ââ€" ª Violent Crimes 248 ââ€" ª Property 1219 ââ€" ª Annual Crimes per 1000 resident 33.95 (City-Data.com, 2010). ââ€" ª 100 Registered Sex Offenders (Megan’s Law, 2011). This community is a hard working blue-collar community predominately with most of the community working in construction and retail. Although, the unemployed rate is a whopping 9.5% in North Highlands. Jobs held: ââ€" ª Construction 22% ââ€" ª Retail trade 14% ââ€" ª Manufacturing 10% ââ€" ª Administrative and support and waste management services 8% ââ€" ª Public administration 7% ââ€" ª Accommodation and food service 5% ââ€" ª Educational services 5% (City-Data.com, 2010). North Highlands is a very interesting community with a lot of twist and turns. The diversification of this community’s people adds to its charm. The lower housing cost is a draw for families to the area, but this can also bring an element that brings higher crime rates. I hope that as the economy improves and unemployment declines business will return and grow in this community and crime will decrease and North Highlands will thrive as it did 80 years ago.

Reflection on Te Tiriti O Waitangi in Practice Setting

Reflection on Te Tiriti O Waitangi in Practice Setting Assessment Task 1 During my placement my coordinator and I had been practicing te tiriti o Waitangi in all aspect of service given to clients. It has four principles namely partnership means a written agreement between the client and the social worker through consenting contract in which the client allows the social worker to conduct consultation to gather information and disclose all relative information that will help in caring for the client. Protection means taking good care of one’s culture such as in te tiriti o Waitangi it is stated that maori have their ownj absolute sovereignty in term of their tonga relatively clients should be make aware of their own protection right that greatly serve their culture, traditions and customary practice allowing them express their feeling using their own language respecting them whatever their situation, providing gender appropriate social worker, and by giving privacy and confidentiality. Participation means involvement of nwhanau in all levels of care, consultation and in making of care plans. Also using Maori models of health such as te whare tapa wha which covers all the aspect of wellbeing namely hinegaro, wairua, tinana and whanau. Permission means allowing them to practice their own culture by giving them the right to speak te reo maori any time and providing them accessible service to health. Assessment Task 2 Context/Setting Individual/group Age group Summary of reason for admission to residential care L.J. young adult The client has committed several times of criminal offending and her family could not control him anymore. Meetings and Communication (related to admission process) Date Notes/key points of information provided to the residents We gave the client a brief information about the facility his going to stay for a brief time, also information about what his going to expect from us and the facility. Furthermore, we described the admitting process so he will be able to cooperate accordingly. The information that I gathered from the clients that determines his place of residence are the following spiritual beliefs, cultural and spiritual practices. I made sure that he can still observe his routines like attending church and perform cultural related acts such as karakia. I also gather information with regards to his health condition if there is any history of disease he has and medication he had been taken if there is any. His dietary requirements if there is limitation or required diet he should take any allergies to food, I made sure that in his placement he will still be able to eat their traditional food. I formation about his whanau and support people is the most important, I asked him some questions about his family background so that I know where to contact them for the progress of the client. Lastly I interviewed him about his hobbies and activities that his been doing before so that I can help him in pursuing it while his inside the facility or give him certain ac tivities that will help him divert his attention. First is that we made sure that his safety is prioritize in a way that he has a safe environment and away from people or things that triggers his aggressiveness. Second, we assessed him with regards to his health situation, any medication his taking also his education and social history. Third, we interviewed his whanau to gather significant information regarding their son’s behavior any gather information with regards to the reason of his offending acts. Lastly, we sort out the information gathered and determine the appropriate placement he needs that will suits his over all wellbeing. we made sure that all relevant information are gathered by having some time to talk with his peers, because we supposed that he is more close to his friends and more comfortable in telling their emotions rather than his parents, to know what are their social activities to determine the main reason of his acts. Assessment task 3 Contribution to planning for care of the resident Date Notes/key points of any meetings or other communication details of actions related to planning for the care of the resident Through meetings with his whanau we were able to gather relevant information of what they observe on their child that can affect his deeds. We also assessed and involved the client in making the plan. Factors that we considered during planning are the following his appropriateness of the service given by the facility, special needs that they can provide such as health needs if he has regular medication, educational necessities like enrolling for an alternative school, cultural needs wherein his given time to attend church to practice his customs and beliefs and making sure that his social needs are met like involving him in a community activities that suits his interest or hobbies. We also considered other agencies that could help on facilitating his rehabilitation such as CYFs. matching of the resident’s needs with the services provided by the residence, objectives of the plan, resources that are available to achieve the objectives of the plan, time frame that is consistent with the use of available resources, the roles and responsibilities of people in the plan, methods of evaluating progress. We made sure that the client and whanau are always involved in all levels of care in order to produce and promote effective care planning that suits his needs and desires while rehabilitating him. Assessment Task 4 Contributions to care of resident Date Notes/key points of any meetings or other communication, details of actions related to care of residents After planning we informed the client that the information that he gave to us during planning will reflect to the cares that will going to deliver. My roles and responsibilities for the client are to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the resident as their first consideration at all times. I was able to fulfil all their allocated responsibilities in accordance with the social worker’s role in the residential care plan such as assessing, planning, intervening, and evaluating. It is important to have an ongoing contact by the whanau throughout the stay of the client in the facility with accordance with the residents plan. Providing contact plan for the resident to know if the whanau comes during the desired day to visit. We facilitated the contact through regular visitation, telephone call if the family is unable to come personally and planned joint meetings with residential staff. Supervision and custodial care of the resident is carried out according to the plan and residential requirements such as secure environment and making sure that the family have a regular visit to the client. We also made sure that legislative requirements are followed, health and safety management is implemented and behavioural management is noted. As a healthcare provider I encourage self-determination through engaging the client in making the plan to fulfill their identified roles and take ownership of these roles. I made sure that I am promoting client’s self determination by outlining agency’s objectives and appropriate legislation. Notifying client and whanau regarding the restrictions and extent of the meeting and allowing them to identify the best options. Mostly, working collaboratively with the family to discover a focus where agency mandate and whanau choices aren’t aligning. We discourage dependency through providing enough room for the family to create their own possible solutions and we also step aside in order for them to step up. During decision making we made sure that all his cultural beliefs and values are given importance. Moreover, care given to him are always based on their customs and in accordance of the te tiriti o Waitangi. Assessment Task 5 Contribution to evaluation of residential care plan Date Notes/key points related to the evaluation of the resident care plan After all the interventions and cares done to the client we are required to have an evaluation. We informed the client about his progress and update about the evaluation process to be done that will determine his objectives are met. I monitored my client’s progress through confirming his safety and wellbeing. I reviewed his daily care plan to know the outcomes related to the achievement of objectives and to know if there are any further options that can be identified. I did a completion of checklist wherein I reviewed his objectives and tick the list of implemented actions that was successfully done and kept accurate records of conversation and meetings. Also regular check of hi placement wether it is secured and safe from triggers like addiction and bad peers. Regarding his wellbeing we made sure that he is regularly checked up by the GP and make sure that all his medication are taken regularly and not lapsing tom cure his current mental illness. Making sure that he is attending the alternative school placement and he keeping his curfew. Secured his information and made sure that only necessary people can access his file and kept his confidentiality by not disclosing the information that I know from people who are not relevant or helpful in his situation. Health and Safety Act 1992 it is relevant because it contains all the important rights of the client on what he can expect from his healthcare provider or social worker. This legislation is helpful in dealing with my client because I know where to based my actions and decisions to make sure that all of it are right and relevant to the outcome for the client.

Essay examples --

Gaucher’s disease is a human metabolic disease. Other names for the disease are glucocerebrosidase deficiency, Gaucher splenomegaly, glucocerebrosidosis, or glucosyl cerebroside lipidosis. The disease is caused when someone lacks the enzyme called glucocerebrosidase. Though Gaucher’s disease is very rare, it most commonly occurs in people of Eastern and Central European Jewish heritage. It affects 1 in 500 to 1,000 people of Jewish decent, and very rarely in other backgrounds. It is an inherited disease in the autosomal recessive pattern. Both parents have to be carriers of the genetic mutation for their children to develop the disease (U.S National Library of Medicine). Gaucher’s disease is passed down from generation to generation. A person can get the disease if both of their parents carry a recessive copy of the gene. If someone only gets one recessive copy then that means that they are a carrier. A carrier has the capability of pass the disease on to their children though they do not have Gaucher’s disease. Gaucher’s disease (pronounced go-shayz) is a hereditary disease dealing with metabolism. It is known as a lysosomal storage deficiency. Mutations of the GBA gene cause Gaucher’s disease. The mutation causes toxic levels of glucocerebrosidase to build up within the cells. A person with the disease lacks the enzyme that gets rid of unwanted substances in the cell so the buildup becomes a problem. It occurs when the lipid, or fat, glucosylceramide accumulates to an unhealthy amount in certain organs in the body. These organs include the liver, lungs, spleen, and possibly the central nervous system or brain. People who have Gaucher’s disease don’t all experience the same symptoms. Usually the first symptom is an enlarged s... ...in Zavesca that helps patients. This is the only approved oral medication for patients with type 1 Gaucher’s disease. Zavesca is only for people who cannot get enzyme replacement therapy. This form of treatment may cause serious side effects. Side effects of Zavesca include diarrhea, weight loss, neurologic problems, and low platelet count. (ZAVESCAÂ ®) Gaucher’s disease was first described by a French medical student named Phillipe Charles Ernest Gaucher in 1882. Gaucher treated a woman whose spleen was enlarged. He later found that it was the cells that were swollen and not her spleen as a whole. Medical communities have continued to advance in understanding of the disease in the century. Doctors and scientists are working to fully understand Gaucher’s disease so that one day we can have a cure to save the many lives that have been lost to this metabolic disorder.

Feline Companionship in Cat in the Rain Essay -- Cat in the Rain Essay

Feline Companionship in Cat in the Rain I chose to write about Hemingway's "Cat in the Rain" in part because it is one of the few of his stories I have read which has an "ending." There is a specific event at the end of the story which wraps up the story's events and gives the reader a sense of finality not found in most of Hemingway's short works. Written in his characteristic sparse style, "Cat in the Rain" is seemingly simple in plot and character, but a careful reading reveals deeper meaning behind its elements. The American wife's quest to save a kitty from the pouring rain becomes a more complex statement about her frustration and her isolation from human comforts. I think the portrayal of the wife captures these feelings which many women can recognize. In the first paragraph, the theme of isolation is introduced, as the author tells about the American couple on foreign soil with no friends or acquaintances. He also describes the beautiful park below the window and the many people who come to enjoy it, only to add that it is now raining and the wife may only look out the window and dream. The wife soon sees the poor cat, getting drenched in the rain and feels sympathy for it. Her reading husband is indifferent to her discovery, except to volunteer half-heartedly to get the cat (most likely to keep her from complaining). The woman can not seem to connect with her husband, who treats her almost like an annoying child, as much as with the pathetic cat outside. As she ventures out of the room to rescue the cat, she first passes the hotel-keeper in his office. In a series of parallel phrases, the author describes the hotel-keeper, or padrone, and what the woman likes about him. This passage sho... ...he husband's complacency about his wife and her desire for respect, admiration, and emotional fulfillment. A related but more direct contrast is between the husband and the padrone, who represent the status quo and the desires of the wife, respectively. In the final few paragraphs, Hemingway mentions that it is getting dark outside, and later that "it was quite dark and still raining in the palm trees" (170). Then, just before the maid comes to the door with the cat, a light comes on in the square. The amount of light seems to correlate with the hopes of the wife and the chance she has to change her situation. The light near the end is a signal for the arrival of the cat, a gift from the hotel-keeper. The reader is left to wonder whether the woman will demand more respect from her husband now that she has experienced a feeling of importance and self-worth.

The Return: Midnight Chapter 5

â€Å"I thought you wanted to get out so we could talk to Damon,†Stefan said, stil hand in hand with Elena as she made a sharp right turn onto the rickety stairway that led to the second-floor rooms and, above that, to Stefan's attic. â€Å"Wel , unless he kil s Matt and runs I don't see what's to keep us from talking to him tomorrow.†Elena glanced back at Stefan and dimpled. â€Å"I took your advice and thought a little about the two of them. Matt's a pretty tough quarterback and they're both only human now, right? Anyway, it's time for your dinner.† â€Å"Dinner?†Stefan's canine teeth responded automaticaly – embarrassingly quickly – to the word. He real y needed to have a word with Damon later and make sure Damon understood his place as a guest at the boardinghouse – nothing more – but it was true, he could do that tomorrow. It might even be more effective tomorrow, when Damon's own pent-up rage was spent. He pressed his tongue against his fangs, trying to force them back down, but the smal stimulation caused them to sharpen, nicking his lip. Now they were aching pleasantly. Al in response to a single word: dinner. Elena threw him a teasing glance over her shoulder and giggled. She was one of those lucky females with a beautiful laugh. But this was a clearly mischievous giggle, straight from her wicked, scheming childhood. It made Stefan want to tickle her to hear more; it made him want to laugh with her; it made him want to grab her and demand to know the joke. Instead he said, â€Å"What's up, love?† â€Å"Someone has sharp teeth,†she responded innocently, and giggled again. He lost himself in admiration for a second and also suddenly lost hold of her hand. Laughing like a musical cascade of white water over rock, she ran up the stairs ahead of him, both to tease and to show him what good shape she was in, he thought. If she had stumbled, or faltered, she knew he would decide that her donation of blood was harming her. So far it didn't seem to be damaging any of his friends, or he would have insisted on a rest for that person. But even Bonnie, as delicate as a dragonfly, hadn't seemed to be the worse for it. Elena raced up the stairs knowing that Stefan was smiling behind her, and there was no shadow of mistrust in his mind. She didn't deserve it, but that only made her more anxious to please him. â€Å"Have you had your dinner?†Stefan asked as they reached his room. â€Å"Long ago; roast beef – cooked.†She smiled. â€Å"What did Damon say when he final y realized it was you and looked at the food you'd brought?† Elena made herself giggle again. It was al right to have tears in her eyes; her burns and cuts hurt and the episode with Damon justified any amount of weeping. â€Å"He cal ed it bloody hamburger. It was steak tartar. But, Stefan, I don't want to talk about him now.† â€Å"No, of course you don't, love.†Stefan was immediately contrite. And he was trying so hard not to seem eager to feed – but he couldn't even control his canines. And Elena was in no mood to dal y either. She perched on the bed, careful y unwinding the bandage Mrs. Flowers had just wound on it. Stefan suddenly looked troubled. Love – He stopped abruptly. What? Elena finished with the bandage, studying Stefan's face. Well – shall I take it out of your arm instead? You're already in pain and I don't want to fool with Mrs. Flowers's anti-tetanus treatment. There's still plenty of room around it, Elena said cheerful y. But a bite on top of those cuts†¦He stopped again. Elena looked at him. She knew her Stefan. There was something he wanted to say. Tell me, she pressed him. Stefan final y met her eyes directly, and then put his mouth close to her ear. â€Å"I can heal the cuts,†he whispered. â€Å"But – it would mean opening them again so they can bleed. That wil hurt.† â€Å"And it might poison you!†Elena said sharply. â€Å"Don't you see? Mrs. Flowers put heaven knows what on them – â€Å" She could feel his laughter, which sent warm tingles down her spine. â€Å"You can't kil a vampire so easily,†he said. â€Å"We only die if you stake us through the heart. But I don't want to hurt you – even to help you. I could Influence you not to feel anything – â€Å" Once again, Elena cut him off. â€Å"No! No, I don't mind if it hurts. As long as you get as much blood as you need.† Stefan respected Elena enough to know that he shouldn't ask the same question twice. And he could hardly restrain himself any longer. He watched her lie down and then stretched out beside her, bending to get to the green-stained cuts. He licked gently, at first rather tentatively, at the wounds, and then ran a satiny tongue over them. He had no idea how the process worked or what chemicals he was stroking over Elena's injuries. It was as automatic as breathing was to humans. But after a minute, he chuckled softly. What? What? Elena demanded, smiling herself as his breath tickled. Your blood's laced with lemon balm, Stefan replied. Grand mama's healing recipe has lemon balm and alcohol in it! Lemon balm wine! Is that good or bad? Elena asked uncertainly. It's fine – for a change. But I still like your blood straight the best. Does it hurt too much? Elena could feel herself flush. Damon had healed her cheek this way, back in the Dark Dimension, when Elena had, with her own body, protected a bleeding slave from a whiplash. She knew Stefan knew the story, and must know, each time he saw her, that the almost-invisible white line on her cheekbone had been stroked just this gently into healing. Compared to that, these scratches are nothing, she sent. But a sudden chil went through her. Stefan! I never begged your pardon for protecting Ulma at the risk of not being able to save you. Or, worse – for dancing while you were starving – for keeping up the society pretense so we could get the Twin Fox key – Do you think I care about that? Stefan's voice was mock-angry as he gently sealed one cut at her throat. You did what you had to in order to track me – find me – save me – after I'd left you alone here. Don't you think I understand? I didn't deserve the saving – Now Elena felt a smal sob choke her. Never say that! Never! And I suppose – I suppose I knew you would forgive me – or I would have felt every jewel I wore burning like a brand. We had to chase you down like a fox with hounds – and we were so scared that a single misstep could mean you'd be hanged†¦or we would be. Stefan was holding her tightly now. How can I make you understand? he asked. You gave up everything – even your freedom – for me. You became slaves. You – you – were â€Å"Disciplined†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Elena asked wildly, How do you know that? Who told you? You told me, beloved. In your sleep – in your dreams. But, Stefan – Damon took the pain for me. Did you know that? Stefan was silent a moment, then responded, I†¦see. I didn't know that before. Scenes strewn from the Dark Dimension bubbled in Elena's mind. That city of tarnished baubles – of il usive glitter, where a whiplash that spread blood across a wal was as much celebrated as a handful of rubies strewn on the sidewalk†¦. Love, don't think about it. You followed me, and you rescued me, and now we're here together, Stefan said. The last cut closed, he lay his cheek on hers. That's all I care about. You and I – together. Elena was almost dizzily glad to be forgiven – but there was something inside her – something that had grown and grown and grown during the weeks she was in the Dark Dimension. A feeling for Damon that was not just the result of her need for his help. A feeling that Elena had thought Stefan understood. A feeling that might even change the relations between the three of them: her, Stefan, and Damon. But now Stefan seemed to assume that everything would return to the way it was before his kidnapping. Oh, wel , why fret about tomorrow when tonight was enough to make her weep with joy? This was the best feeling in the world, the knowledge that she and Stefan were together, and she made Stefan promise her over and over that he would not ever leave her on another quest again, no matter how briefly, no matter what the cause. By now, Elena could not even focus on what she had been worried about before. She and Stefan had always found heaven in each other's arms. They were meant to be together forever. Nothing else mattered now that she was home. â€Å"Home†was where she and Stefan were together.