Central Causes of the Global Financial Crisis - 1295 Words

Central causes of the global financial crisis By Norbert Tallosi The global financial crisis of 2007-present caused the largest meltdown of major economies worldwide since the great depression of 1930. It involved the collapse of large investment banks and as a result affected all markets in the western world. A number of books, newspaper articles and media reports have been written in relation to what caused the crisis; due to the vast source of information and discussion on the topic, origins of the crisis could now be misconstrued. All forms of credible information; accurate financial data, statistics and reports are available to draw a conclusion from as to the cause, but greed was a motivating factor through the use of subprime†¦show more content†¦(Kirchhoff, Block, 2004) These home loans came with higher than usual interest rates and due to stressful periods in people’s lives; paying high lawyer fees during divorce proceedings or extensive medical bills due to prolonged illness, people signed for the loan anyway. (Knowledge @Wharton, 2008) With an inflated rate of return, in a few years these loans became unserviceable. Why did financial institutions lend a product with such high interest knowing that some people would eventually default? They proceeded because it made them money from loan fees when initially writing the loan. (Knowledge@Wharton, 2008) The lenders would make their money on fees and then sell the mortgages to other Investment banks like Fannie Mae and relinquish full responsibility. (Knowledge@Wharton, 2008) If the loan went into default, it would be the Investment banks problem not the original lenders. (Knowledge@Wharton, 2008) To avert the snide practice of predatory lending in the future, the U.S government implemented legislation to curtail it. (Kirchhoff, 2004) Once again, why would lenders complete such practices if not for greed? Lenders took advantage of vulnerable individuals, during a crisis point in their lives and weak financial regulations, passed by Government. (McLaugh lin, 1999) However, predatory lending was just spot-fires in a much larger problem.Show MoreRelatedFactors That Affects The Global Economy And Its Impact On The Nigeria And Egypt Economy1568 Words   |  7 Pagesthe factors that affects the global economy and their impact on the Nigeria and Egypt economy. In 2007, the financial crisis, which later extended to the global financial crisis began in the United States of America. The origin and elements of the 2007/2012 global financial crisis have been widely discussed in the literature throughout the period. The aim of this work is to, however, try to point out the reasons and also the macroeconomic effects of the financial crisis in both countries economy andRead MoreThe Role of Banks in Economic Recessions1644 Words   |  7 PagesThe role of banks in economic recessions 05.05.2009 In today’s wavering global economic context, the word `crisis` is omnipresent, taking the media by assault and infringing into the population’s daily life, although many countries haven’t even officially entered recession yet. Although recession is generally referred to as a negative Gross Domestic Product growth for a period of at least two consecutive quarters, other important economicRead MoreThe Global Financial Crisis Of India1441 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: The Global financial sector had seen one of the worst Global economic meltdown of staggering proportions. The root cause of the problem was substandard loans offered to a large number of customers with inadequate income by the United States Mortgage market. This crisis was commonly known as the Sub-prime crisis. These sub-prime mortgages were packaged and traded into securitized paper investments and were sold by the major financial institutions across the globe. Subsequently, theseRead MoreFinancial Crises And Its Effects On Global Economic Crisis1068 Words   |  5 PagesThe 2007-2008 Financial Crisis- Its Causes and the Involvement of the FED The financial crises that occurred in 2007-2008 had such a big impact on the world that it is now considered a global financial crisis (GFC) or global economic crisis. It is commonly believed that it began in July 2007 with the credit crunch; U.S. investors lost trust in the value of subprime mortgages which caused a liquidity crisis. This had the effect that the U.S. Federal Bank injected a large amount of capital into theRead MoreThe Financial Crisis And The G20 Essay1456 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: The collapse of the financial market in the United States created an accelerated momentum that pushed the global economy towards a detrimental downward spiral during 2008. In response to the crisis, the world’s top economies created the G20 leaders’ forum in order to manage the financial downturn. Although the crisis was somewhat managed by the G20, the Great Recession left the world with a weak and stagnate global economy. The rise of secular stagnation was a viable threat followingRead MoreWhy India Recovered Quickly From The 2008 Global Crisis Essay1594 Words   |  7 PagesIndia recovered quickly from the 2008 global crisis? Vivek Shah MBA AF 629 December 12, 2016 Introduction It’s the most heard term about the global economy in the recent years and it’s the year we have been always hearing about its 2008. We all have been a part of it in some or the other way and all the major economies had been affected by the global turmoil which eventually lead to the worst situation after the Great depression of 1929. The sub-prime crisis in USA which lead to great recessionRead MoreThe 2007-2008 Financial Crisis: Causes, Impacts and the Need for New Regulations1563 Words   |  7 PagesTHE 2007-2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS: CAUSES, IMPACTS AND THE NEED FOR NEW REGULATIONS The initial cause of the financial turbulence is attributed to the U.S. sub-prime residential mortgage market. The sustained rise in asset prices, particularly house prices, on the back of excessively accommodative monetary policy and lax lending standards during 2002-2006, increased innovation in the new financial instruments, unusual low interest rates resulted in a large rise in mortgage credit to households; particularlyRead MoreThe Global Financial Crisis During The Great Depression Of The 1930s1103 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS† A financial crisis is a situation in which the value of financial institutions or assets drops rapidly. A financial crisis is often associated with a panic or a run on the banks, in which investors sell off assets or withdraw money from savings accounts with the expectation that the value of those assets will drop if they remain at a financial institution. Contents: ïÆ' ¼ Introduction ïÆ' ¼ Causes of the Crisis ïÆ' ¼ Impact of financial crisis ïÆ' ¼ Solution of financialRead MoreThe Financial Crisis Of 2007-2008928 Words   |  4 PagesDefine: Introduction The Financial Crisis of 2007-2008 was considered to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression in the decade preceding World War II. The Global Financial Crisis threatened large range of the financial organizations. Although the central banks and other banks were trying to keep away from the crisis, the stock market still suffered a huge decline internationally. Other than the global stock market, the house market was also influenced greatly, causing the unemploymentRead MoreThe Impact Of Expansionary Monetary Policy During The Great Recession1720 Words   |  7 PagesInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) as the worst global recession of the 20th century since the Great Depression [1]. After eight years, global economies today continue to struggle to find sustainable recovery and robust growth. The crisis was a massive institutional failure that involved the bursting of the asset bubble, the collapse of the stock market, and the moribund employment rate among others. The c risis has since triggered economists, governments, and financial institutions to critically revisit their

The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain - 1433 Words

At the beginning of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Huck treats Jim as nothing more than Miss Watson’s Negro that does all the dirty work. Huck regards Jim as simple, trusting, and gullible; in fact, Huck never really notices Jim because of his color. Huck’s society treats Negros as objects of no importance to the world. Huck figures out for himself that Jim is a real human with a heart just like he has. Throughout the novel, Huck goes through several experiences which help him form his own perspective on race. As Huck and Jim take their journey down the Mississippi River, Huck’s views change toward Jim and their bond is strengthened. Huckleberry Finn grew up without any responsibilities whereas Jim works hard as a slave. Huck grew up running wild on his own, making his life the best he could with what he had as a result Huck believes in doing things his own way even though Miss Watson’s main goal is to civilize Huck. Huck appreciat es what Miss Watson is doing for him but he has no interest in following her rules or the way she lives. The only rules that Huck accepts are society’s rules about Negros. He accepts his culture’s views on slaves and blacks because he grew up being taught that slaves and blacks are not as important as the white class. Even Huck’s father Pap, the town drunk, is higher socially only because of his color. The color of Pap’s skin is the only thing that separates him and the Negros. His main activities are getting drunkShow MoreRelatedThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain830 Words   |  3 PagesThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is â€Å"A Great American Novel†, because of its complexity and richness. Twain writes dialogue that brings his characters to life. He creates characters with unique voice and helps the reader connect to the book. Anyone who reads it is forced to develop feelings for each character. Even though there is a great amount of controversy over the use of some choices, such as the â€Å"n word†, it makes the book more realistic. In the beginning of the novel Huck,Read MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain1103 Words   |  5 PagesDmitri Van Duine Jr English Mr. Nelson November 27th The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Written by Mark Twain filled his stories with many examples of satire as to convey a message while also writing an interesting story. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn revolves around the adventures of a young boy called Huckleberry Finn, who is about thirteen years old. Tom Sawyer is Huck’s best friend and around the same age as Huck. He is onlyRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain Essay1055 Words   |  5 PagesZambrano Mrs. Patmor AP Lit-Period 5 28 September 2016 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 1835 Mark Twain embodies realism in almost every aspect of his writing not excluding The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which in he portrays such a lifelike setting that it almost gives you this sense of reality through the point of view of a young man that has an urge for freedom yet struggles to conform to society s norms due to his adolescence. Twain s ability to unmask the true identities of the charactersRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain931 Words   |  4 PagesWolski Mrs. Goska English 2H Period 3 22 October 2014 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Mob mentality is the way an individual’s decisions become influenced by the often unprincipled actions of a crowd. Mark Twain penned The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twain grew up in America’s southern states during the early 1800’s, a time in which moral confusion erupted within the minds of humans. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn s protagonist is a young boy named Huck who freely travels alongRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain1375 Words   |  6 Pagesmention the years spent growing and maturing physically. Teenagers are stuck in an inbetween state where they must learn who they want to become and what they want to be when they grow older. The same is true for Huckleberry Finn, from the book â€Å"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn† by Mark Twain. This is a book that was written in a time of great confusion over moral codes and standards. It was a world split in half by two different worlds of people; those who opposed, a nd those who promoted slavery.Read MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain2083 Words   |  9 PagesSatire in Huckleberry Finn In the novel â€Å"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn† by Mark Twain, we are told a story about a young boy and his slave companion’s journey down the Mississippi River and all of their encounters with other characters. Twain constructed a beautiful narrative on how young Huck Finn, the protagonist in the story, learns about the world and from other adult characters, how he is shaped into his own person. At the time this book was made however, this novel provided serious socialRead MoreMark Twain and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn1575 Words   |  6 Pages Mark Twain and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Controversy Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, is a highly recognizable figure in American literature. Born in Florida, Missouri Mark Twain and his family moved to Hannibal, Missouri where Twain discovered and fell in love with the mighty Mississippi River. The river and his life in Hannibal became his inspiration and guiding light in most of his writing. Although Twain loved the river and did a great deal of traveling, he eventuallyRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain1005 Words   |  5 Pages In the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn written by Mark Twain in the 19th century is about a young boy named Huck Finn and Jim, a runaway slave who go on an adventure. The two travel on a raft along the Mississippi river creating a bond and making memories. Mark Twain presents Huckleberry Finn as a dynamic character who at first views Jim as property and eventually considers Jim as a friend, showing a change in maturity. In the beginning of the book, Huck Finn clearly sees Jim as nothing more thanRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain1335 Words   |  6 Pagesyear The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is placed in the top ten banned books in America. People find the novel to be oppressing and racially insensitive due to its frequent use of the n-word and the portrayal of blacks as a Sambo caricature. However, this goes against Mark Twain’s intent of bringing awareness to the racism in America. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is classified under the genre of satire and is narrated by a fictional character named Huckleberry Finn. The novelRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain810 Words   |  4 PagesBefore Mark Twain started to write two of his most famous novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark was known to use his characters to display his own thoughts and opinions. â€Å"This device allowed him to s ay just about anything he wanted, provided he could convincingly claim he was simply reporting what others had said.† (Twain, 1283). Mark Twain used this process to be a foundation of his lectures, by manipulating his popularly with his readers. During the story

Evaluation Of Self Manage Learning Approach Education Essay Free Essays

There are many larning methods to take from. One of them best understanding techniques sing peculiar and professional life development are Self-managed learning attacks and Life-long acquisition attacks ( LLL ) . The followers we are sing the rating connected with Self-managed apprehension. We will write a custom essay sample on Evaluation Of Self Manage Learning Approach Education Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now Evaluation of Self-manage larning attack: Before coming into the profession sphere, people truly should convey the nice extent connected with assurance which frequently retains them inspired for their work. Self-managed apprehension techniques play a large bend in making this self-confidence interior of. As shortly as people recognize what they may be skilled at, that they start giving more clip on that will sector. SML aids the staff throughout calculating out their peculiar know-how countries and actuate these to variety their peculiar career on it. Diligence originates on the watercourse every bit shortly as an single loves his/her calling. The existent planned method throughout SML AIDSs staff to be able to plot their peculiar apprehension utilizing methods and that they besides must concentrate much more on future demands at the. Gary the appliance cat. Most advanced engineering. The existent employees should be able to confront fluctuations inside group at the. Gary the appliance cat. When a fresh new goods and service s is really announced. With this method the employees should come to recognize their peculiar duties and they ‘re traveling to put their peculiar attempt much more outstandingly and really good. The existent course of study cost-free method specifies that the employees perform get expertness by the rudimentss and dreams of the coevalss plus the group entirely. Undertaking 1.2 Wayss to promote womb-to-tomb acquisition of the employees: A ratting in order to we now have many methods lifelong understanding on the staff throughout professional and peculiar life may be encouraged. Let ‘s look into a few methods to promote womb-to-tomb understanding on the staff throughout professional life: The staff should be required services and conferences to make these persons adapted while utilizing the wholly new devices or engineerings which are on brands usage of by the corporation. The decision makers truly should speak to the staff to measure whenever they are content with their peculiar calling of class, if they may be in your caput organized for it. The organisations can offer the college cost to be able to the employees that do n’t even hold a making. The staff may be made available cost-free papers preparations. Let ‘s look into a few methods to promote womb-to-tomb understanding on the staff throughout peculiar life: The staff may be given duties to seek and make like a aggregation. They can analyze on one another and understand a few truths throughout wholly new attacks. It ‘s the director ‘s calling to maintain the employees motivated on the work. The existent employees may be called or short occupation interviews or single direction utilizing decision makers to be able to excite these persons. Particular apprehension is dependent upon work forces and adult females. It depends on each and every staff members the sum they may understand from carbon monoxide employees or decision makers. Undertaking 1.3 Benefits of self-managed acquisition: SLM method could be the best apprehension for merely about any member of staff to construct up his career like a corporation peculiar individual. On any work industries, assurance are needed to turn up that has a really good standing. Self-managed understanding provides a work force that wills assurance. Simply because by manner of self-managed understanding staff learn mostly off their activities. These people get to cognize what they may be proficient at, whereby they are able to give their full capacity effectivity. It ‘s really of import sing the two members of staff and corporation that the single member of staff is really given duties throughout his/her know-how topographic point. The existent staffs besides need to bask their peculiar calling in the event they want to give their peculiar 100 % enterprises indoors. Via Self-managed understanding staff survey on their peculiar co-workers, their peculiar decision makers. Supervisors act as mentoring employees in this peculi ar procedure. These people discuss with the member of staff what they may be sing sing their peculiar duties. The existent staffs in add-on receive possibility to give their peculiar reappraisals sing any wholly new engineerings or ware the organisation has ended proceeding. SML ever additions the two workers plus the corporation. It provides the organisation that has an assured set of workers that know about their peculiar ability. The corporation in add-on extends to acknowledge how efficient his workers may be at different duties. Undertaking 2.1 Required accomplishments and competences required for client helpers: One of the purchaser assistants a few expertnesss are indispensable prior to the organisational aims and professional outlooks. Interpersonal Communication Skill: Antic public conversation proficiency is required. Conversation proficiency is defined as split in to a twosome expertises. There ‘re: O Speaking accomplishment: A antic communication proficiency is required one of many purchaser helpers to be able to acquire in touch with the clients can utilize along with other employees. Most people hold the same problem them to be non able to explicate truth such method that will everybody knows. Buyer Assistants ought to be detailed and apprehensible for your clients. o Listening Skill: Jamming proficiency is n’t traveling to stipulate merely listening ; what ‘s more, it signifies groking what is being said. Buyer plus truly should hold a really good hearing proficiency. They ought to find what the clients can utilize state or bespeaking at the first illustration. Pull offing Skill: Buyer helpers besides have to manage different state of affairss clip and energy to clip period. These people should be able to manage those people state of affairss easy and success. That ‘s the ground the humble taking attention of proficiency is required. Adaptability: Daily new merchandises and engineerings are now being used at each and every group. Buyer plus truly should can accommodate these persons throughout highly speedy clip period. Oahu is the versatility which frequently specifies the nucleus power on the employees. Undertaking 2.2 Possible development demands for the same class of workers: You ‘ll happen ever a few countries to develop. The existent workers inside same category may hold a few development demands. Let ‘s look into the executable development demands for your same category of workers plus the actions forced to carry through these persons: Intercommunication Skill: The existent intercommunication proficiency between your same category workers may be developed. It is really needed for same aggregation staff member to cognize one another to run the occupation motion. They should be really clear with each other. Adaptability: Similar category workers truly should accommodate the occupation theoretical account and motion of each and every extra right off. A same project can affect a figure of workers and machines. The existent workers on the same aggregation should be cognizant the fact that machines map and should accommodate while utilizing the wholly new engineerings. Committedness: The existent workers ought to be dedicated to look at their full capacity that can assist one another at work. For that corporation to develop it is important that the employees are really helpful together. Undertaking 2.3 Development chances and the activities required to run into them: I have already been touching John concluding a few times and we ‘ve talked about the development chances sing your ex along with other single employees. Many of us, jointly, are constructing a peculiar development scheme ( PDP ) sing your ex. They have besides been working at Tesco mark in the community connected with Structure Hamlet like a purchaser plus sing concluding 8 a few months. Via an extended conversation we ‘ve determined from which industries John believes you ‘ll happen opportunity for your ex to develop. There ‘re: Pull offing different state of affairs: John senses a spot discerning at times every bit shortly as he ‘s got to manage unannounced state of affairss. He senses that they are n’t able to confront those people state of affairss. Sometimes the retail merchant director has got to can be found in entryway to pull off those people state of affairss sing your ex. John believes in the event he or she and his co-workers acquire some good much more preparations sing the manner to manage these sort of eldritch state of affairs, that will present the assurance in that individual. Listening Skill: The clients are from different path record utilizing different characteristic. John senses at times he ‘s got a tough clip groking what a few clients are bespeaking. He believes he or she needs to execute progressively more listening preparation to be able to different characteristics. The existent SML method may assist at this clip. He believes he can better the hearing proficiency through discoursing with people connected with different characteristic every bit shortly as he could be outside. Talking Skill: John does n’t truly experience any lack connected with pass oning expertness throughout your ex. Although he or she believes in the event he can larn a small spot of basic words from extra front-runner ‘languages ‘ throughout Liverpool, he can steer the clients can utilize much more. He believes this proficiency may be greater perchance by the group giving them short phrase list to analyze or through themself seeking to larn from the people because geting a few gratifying clip period together every bit shortly as he could be traveling out inside diversion country or sites prefer that. Undertaking 2.4 The jobs take into consideration although making the right and professional development scheme is really discovered and discussed down below: First job, Just about all single employees should be straightforward utilizing themselves. They have to do clear their peculiar lacking and attempt and work on those people. Identifying the demands plus the aims inside group work sector at the. Gary the appliance cat. Require connected with experient and professional staff, enhance throughout markets, beginnings for illustration personal computing machines and so forth. Supervisors from all concern units truly should steer seeking the aims and explicate these to the employees. Finding out at that place the extra staffs ‘ experience and expertness to run into up with the demands connected with disposal crew. It ‘s really of import to fix Conferences, Classes, and preparations to further better up the expertness. Another antic job could be the development charge ; the proportion which the staff are set uping. It could be obtained with development assignments where by different duties and clip period agenda on their behalf may be given. Forces can acknowledge how well they have moved on through sing the complete duties. Finally, the existent staff should be reasonable sing their peculiar given duties. They have to go distinct to run into up with the disposal demands and their peculiar development demands. Undertaking 3.1 Procedures and activities required to implement the development program: Talking over jointly we and John possess made a list of processs and actions which frequently are necessary to implement the development scheme. There ‘re: Finding a mark clip frame: It ‘s really of import to be able to get down a clip frame when the execution on the scheme ought to be happening. Measuring the accomplishments, abilities, and cognition: One more critical procedure and exercising would be to mensurate the expertness, abilities and cognition of single employees merely like John. For case, John is designed for some type of computing machine absolutely and there ‘s surely one of his co-worker that is non that well really good utilizing computing machine. In the event that every bit are called to seek and make the same project on computing machine their peculiar timeframe to seek and make the occupation are n’t traveling to be same. Learning Schemes: The existent employees ought to be given duties because aggregation and encouraged to look at SML because their peculiar apprehension method. In this mode they will accommodate the radical apprehension right off. Learning Resources: Understanding beginnings may be text editions, instruction paperwork, computing machine and so forth. The staff should be effectual equal brand usage of the beginnings to set up to be able to implement the development scheme. Geting feedbacks: Feedbacks are a powerful manner to measure the promotion on the member of staff. It ‘s really of import to judge the design and map a spot client study to acquire the effectivity on the staff above the thought. Undertaking 3.2 Undertake and papers development activities as planned The existent Prepared development actions are because stick to: Training the employees: The existent staffs are educated utilizing a undertaking dependent work and duly clip frame. With the instruction they have discovered wholly new techniques and utilizing the beginnings they have discovered to be able to accommodate to the radical ideas rapidly. Forming the survey groups: The existent staffs are split in to research communities. The existent staffs making work in the same sector is in the same aggregation so they can work on their peculiar professional countries jointly. Mentoring and Oversing: The existent staff are mentored and administered by the decision makers plus the trade name decision makers. They ‘ve kept really good face for the staff to find their peculiar promotion on their ain so when friends. Consultation: Soon after each and every aggregation project is performed the staff receive treatment off their trade name decision makers sing their peculiar effectivity and what they have to execute heighten their peculiar gait and truth. Undertaking 3.3 Critically measuring the staff larning against original purposes and aims set in the development program: Self-managed apprehension, by manner of my personal expression at, provides each staff members a peculiar cognition about what the organisation needs from them. These people get to cognize what this company is really low in for illustration experient workers. Via subscribing to the aggregation direction it assists these persons groking the radical attacks running a concern and so they receive adapt to these persons really easy. Via this technique in add-on, they can analyze on their peculiar co-workers. Therefore, the thought provides these persons the liability to get the hang merely about every 2nd. Additionally they provide the option implement their peculiar ideas speaking about while utilizing the trade name decision makers through the treatment Sessionss. The most good subdivision of this understanding method is really that they do n’t hold to research text editions ; they are able to analyze on persons all over these persons. Therefore, in my expression at Self-managed apprehension is frequently an effectual manner to construct up the staff for his or her peculiar and professional life. Undertaking 3.4 Suitability of updating the PDP: The existent feedbacks and in-progress rating provided by the decision makers and trade name decision makers ought to be consumed really critically plus the PDP connected with John along with other work forces and adult females ought to be up-to-date on the footing of those people feedbacks and rating. The existent feedbacks and testimonies demonstrate the industries where by John demands to have developed and to boot, there are reappraisals sing his powerful proficiency industries excessively. With the feedbacks, John is really missing is really conversation and versatility. Therefore, right now John is cognizant what he or she needs to work on progressively more. He should heighten his conversation proficiency and expression at acquiring effortless while utilizing the wholly new engineerings. Increasing the versatility may really good be a tough project sing your ex however he can in add-on have the feedbacks from his trade name director after holding a certain clip period. Therefore, it is rather ideal to be able to update the PDP connected with John based on the feedbacks and in-progress testimonies he ‘s got acquired. He needs to put enterprises to hold better feedbacks when. Will assist you your ex acquiring progressively experienced and it will likewise steer your ex acquiring particular offers. Undertaking 4.1 Solutions to work-based jobs: Through the PDP I bought a few work dependent troubles for illustration sing a short clip My spouse and I has been sing bored stiff making the government dependant is effectual each twenty-four hours. Therefore, My spouse and I wanted my personal trade name director give us some more answerabilities. This excess some more duties in my calling. I ‘d to be effectual harder. Although my spouse and I have been pleased with the thought sing that the humdrum has been absent from us. The following problem my spouse and I has been traveling through has been pass oning while utilizing the cat people connected with my personal aggregation. The existent people were from different coevals. My spouse and I tried blowing a spot more clip period while utilizing the common people people. Which helped us a whole batch acquiring together with these persons? One more problem I bought has been surely one of my personal aggregation associate has been really hapless utilizing computing machine expertness. Once we were given duties related to computing machine many of us were reasoning subsequently. My spouse and I made available your ex to show your ex a few lessons on computing machine proficiency within merely my personal expertness. He lief contracted and within merely a short while he or she developed a whole batch. These are by and large many of the troubles my spouse and I experienced in the class of PDP and my spouse and I could decide these persons at the same clip. Undertaking 4.2 There are assorted manners of communicating e.g. verbal, non-verbal, preverbal etc. But in order to pass on with assorted degrees at work I think self-asserting communicating manner is the best 1. The typical Supervisors can acquire in touch with the decision makers by manner of this manner giving wholly new waies and besides showing respect for them. The existent decision makers can supply orders on the purchaser helpers along with other staff throughout aggressive manner. Via this manner the heads on the group can acquire in touch with the lowest most well-thought-of member of staff on the group. Every individual can larn every clip wholly new ware is traveling to be released. Merely about every employee truly experience their peculiar significance inside corporation. This difficult drives these to work harder. There are many much more communications fluctuations used through the work for illustration mark linguistic communication. Although those people are merely merely through the is effectual. In order to acquire in touch with different phase, I do believe aggressive conversation method is the foremost a individual. Undertaking 4.3 Time Management: Occasion disposal is frequently a tough project. This ought to be done by holding a prepared manner. While I have already been given the responsibility to remain demand on the trade name for your 7 yearss, I ‘ve got to manage my personal work clip period. I ‘ve got to go really economical although picking out my personal transportation clip period. I ‘ve got to direct from the entryway through the busy clip period on the clip. Let me besides have to manage some clip agenda to offer the employees a brilliant economical work displacements to be effectual alongside one another. As I was the trade name director for your 7 yearss, I want to seek the advice of the radical employees to measure right now there effectivity and My spouse and I in add-on truly should blend up the clip period agenda to show these persons a manner to work with more experient and effectual employees. The existent work-loads, my spouse and I should seek to part throughout a smart manner that the experient workers are working for the most hard duties plus the extra workers understand from them. How to cite Evaluation Of Self Manage Learning Approach Education Essay, Essay examples

Breadtalk Research free essay sample

Talk Local brand; regional success. BreadTalk Group Limited started out in 2000 as a local bakery chain best known for its signature floss buns, before firmly establishing its brand name and evolving into a major food retailer in less than 10 years. It currently operates in three main segments: bakery, food court and restaurants. It entered the restaurant segment in 2003 after acquiring the Singapore franchise rights to the renowned Din Tai Fung restaurant brand. The food court business soon followed in 2005. The group was listed on SGX in 2003. China to spearhead the next growth phase. From Singapore, it moved to the rest of the region and China is currently one of its key markets outside of Singapore. Given the sheer size of the consumer market in China, we believe that it will be the future catalyst for BreadTalks growth. While Singapore currently remains the largest revenue contributor to the Group, BreadTalks diverse brands of various food offerings and established foothold in Beijing and Shanghai should allow it to take advantage of rising disposable incomes as well as react quickly to new consumer trends in China. We will write a custom essay sample on Breadtalk Research or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In terms of number of outlets, China already outnumbers Singapore with 20 food courts, 3 Carls Jr fast food restaurants, 3 RamenPlay restaurants and 184 bakery outlets. Rising costs, an issue, but manageable. We believe that BreadTalk will be able to maintain a gross profit margin of about 55%, which is in line with its margins over the past five years despite potential hike in food costs. Previous fluctuations in raw material prices had not resulted in any significant impact on gross profit margins, and the group also plans to improve its margins by shortening its supply chain and bulk sourcing globally for its supplies. Initiate with BUY and fair value estimate of S$0. 74. We project revenue growth of 26% YoY for FY2011F on the back of outlet expansions and stronger sales from existing stores. Backed by strong sales projections, its growing brand recognition and its continuous commitment to review and enhance its offerings, we are initiating coverage on BreadTalk with a BUY rating and a fair value estimate of S$0. 74 based on a discounted cash flow-to-firm valuation model with a WACC discount rate of 8. 02%. This valuation translates to an upside potential of about 11. 6% based on the last traded price of S$0. 66.

Harvey Norman Business Analysis free essay sample

Executive Summary3 Introduction4 Current Strategic Position4 Figure One: Financial Analysis for Harvey Norman5 External Factors6 PESTLE Analysis6 Economic Forces6 Technological Forces6 Political-Legal Forces6 Ecological/Environmental forces7 Socio-cultural forces7 Porters Five Forces7 Figure Two: Porters Five Forces7 Figure Three: External Factor Analysis Summary8 Internal Analysis8 Figure Four: Internal Factor Analysis Summary9 Recommendations10 Conclusion11 Executive Summary Harvey Norman Holding Pty Ltd (HNH) in June 2012 delivered a net profit of $227. 41 million, a decrease of 39. % from the previous year (HNH Annual Report 2012). Clearly the company was not meeting the ever increasing demand of the retail consumers, that were becoming increasingly savvy and expecting more specification through on-line shopping and a getting in-store experience (Baird Kilcourse 2011). Slow off the mark, HNH finally recognised the power of online platforms and its influence as a sales channel it invested heavily in the fiscal year of 2012 to develop an integrated retail, franchise, property and digital operations with its release of the Omni-Channel Strategy. We will write a custom essay sample on Harvey Norman Business Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Online sales have been low as initially predicted, within HNH announcing it has been established for future gain (HNH Annual Report 2012). However, the retail industry would argue that HNH has not only been slow in changing the with retail environment, it has also failed to recognise that its new strategy will only address some of its business concerns, labelled with a poor customer focus and in store service (Reidy 2013). Using Porters Five Forces analysis HNH faces high threats from rivals within the market, competing with well-known brands like Myer and savvy businesses that have embraced change like JB HiFi whom integrated its online experience five years ago (Reidy 2013; Wheelen Hunger 2012). HNH also faces threats from consolidation of suppliers and the infinite possibilities online providing the consumer with greater knowledge and expectations (Wheelen Hunger 2012). Whilst both its internal and external factor analysis have indicated that HNH is rated below average, it has the ability to pull itself out of this business rut, as a result of its strong branding position and asset base. To again be competitive within the market place it is recommended that HNH not only embraces its online technology, but also looks to update its strategic vision, purpose and values in line with Omni-Channel Strategy, along with undertaking ongoing consumer reviews, looking to improve its lean practices within its supply chain, improve its marketing and advertising strategies and look at exploring new market opportunities. Introduction HNH Holding (HNH) is one of the largest retailers in Australia and operates through a combination of company operated stores and franchise operated stores. It currently has 213 franchised stores in Australia and 76 company-operated stores HNH owns a third  of its stores which it leases to franchisees and provides them services in return for a percentage of sales (HNH Annual Report 2012). In fiscal year of 2012, HNH approved a new strategic approach to integrate its retail, franchise, property and digital operations into an Omni-Channel† Strategy (HNH Annual Report 2012), which promises customers a seamless on and off line shopping experience and has seen many of the top retail brands diversify for a ‘competitive advantage’ (Baird Kilcourse 2011). This report will provide an internal and external analysis into HNH’s change in strategic approach, its current positioning and recommendations for future strategic growth. Current Strategic Position HNH’s decision to adopt an Omni-Channel strategy in 2012 came out of a need to mitigate some of the damaging past business decisions and to adapt to the changing retail landscape. Sales dropped 8. 6% in the first six months of the 2013 fiscal year in Australia (Reidy 2013). HNH within the retail industry is known for its poor customer service and inflated prices. HNH’s Chairman was also out of touch with current trends and refused to acknowledge the internet as a sales channel let alone a mobile-commerce (Reidy 2013). HNH’s new strategic slogan of â€Å"click, pay and collect† supports the businesses commitment to become more viable and robust in a complex and difficult market (Reidy, 2013). The Omni-Channel strategy HNH implemented in 2012 includes (HNH Annual Report 2012, p. 4): 1. The ability to diversify product offerings to franchise operations, 2. Strong balance sheet underpinned by real, tangible property assets, 3. Strong asset position and working capital allows to conservatively manage the debt levels, 4. The digital, store and distribution centre channels are fully integrated. The business challenge retailers are coming to terms with is that the supply chain model was based on fulfilling consumer demands within stores (Baird Kilcourse 2011). With the entrant of virtual technology increasing the knowledge and expectations of consumers, traditional strategies are largely missing out on consumer demands. The opportunity for the retail industry is to develop a clear pathway for consumers through the infinite channels to ensure the end result is a purchase within its stores. As studies show that 95% of all purchases by the consumer are still within a ‘bricks and mortar’ store (Baird Kilcourse 2011). The below chart displays three key financial performance indicators for HNH from 2008 until 2012. Net sales can be used as an indicator of growth rates, return on equity (ROE) ‘reflects how much the firm has earned on the funds invested by shareholders’ (Anthony, Merchant Hawkins 2011, p. 68) and Gross Sales Margin is an indicator of the businesses profit margin. [pic] Figure One: Financial Analysis for Harvey Norman From this financial data it is clear that HNH sales have been unstable over the past five years and that the return on equity is displaying a negative trend over this period. An interesting point is that the gross sales margin has remained relatively flat throughout the period, which says that reduced returns cannot be significantly attributed to reduced margins. Overall these trends do not paint a positive view for HNH and go some way to displaying that the company is not in a good competitive position and that the strategies being followed during this period have not been sound. External Factors To consider the external factors that impact on HNH the PESTLE and Porters Five Forces Analysis have been undertaken below. PESTLE Analysis Economic Forces The IMF observed modest improvement in economic conditions and estimates global growth to reach 3. 5% in 2013 from 3. 2% in 2012 (Anonymous 2013a). The Australian Dollar continues to be strong (Ryan 2013), which positively affects the retail industry. The trend for online shopping continues to increase. Online retail sales in Australia increased by 26% in 2012, compared to 0. 4% for the traditional retail sales (Oster, White Davis 2013). The online purchases have reached 5. 8% of the traditional retailing, with the split of 73% to 27% between domestic and international retail sales (Oster, White Davis 2013). Technological Forces Online shopping continues to be one of the fastest growing platforms. The OECD forecasts that online sales will become the main channel in the next 10 years (OECD as cited in Ha Coghill 2008). The development of the smartphone technology has taken online shopping to a new level (Baker 2009). Currently 47% of Australian consumers use mobile device to find products and services (Elsworth 2012). The trend is likely to continue and the retailers that haven’t already developed mobile apps for Android and iOS platforms will find themselves behind the competition (Farfan 2013). Political-Legal Forces Imported goods worth less than $1000 are not subject to GST, which has given online purchases an automatic advantage over the traditional retail sector and is a significant issue for retailers. HNH, Myer and 19 other retailers have united forces and campaigned to the Government to change the taxation law (Apostolou 2011). The introduction of the carbon tax has had a mixed reception, research by the Australian Retail Association indicates that 80% of the businesses have experienced a negative impact (Hammond 2012). Ecological/Environmental forces The aspects and impacts of the activities undertaken in the retail sector on the environment continue to be one of the major challenges facing the retail industry. The government contracted agencies such as the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) Council to work closely with the industry to reduce the environmental footprint of the retail sector (Anonymous 2011a. ) Socio-cultural forces The social media has enabled customers to share insights, voice their opinion and put pressure on organisations more than ever before. The retail industry has to be actively involved in discussion with consumers to understand the needs and establish a relationship (Teuber 2012). By establishing social network communities and opening direct lines of communication, consumers are invited to actively shape the services and offerings of retailers which may potentially lead to increases in sales and consumer loyalty (Anonymous 2011b). Porters Five Forces Figure Two: Porters Five Forces Figure Three: External Factor Analysis Summary | |External Factors |Weight |Rating |Score | |Opportunities |Strong Australian economy |0. 5 |4 |0. 6 | | |Online shopping continues to increase |0. 1 |2 |0. 2 | | |Mobile technology continues to develop |0. 1 |2 |0. 2 | | |Advance product visualisation technology |0. 05 |1 |0. 05 | | |Social media and networks |0. 15 |3 |0. 5 | | |Specialised and tailored service based on demographics |0. 1 |3 |0. 3 | |Threats |Increase in overseas online purchases |0. 1 |2 |0. 2 | | |Carbon tax |0. 05 |3 |0. 15 | | |Environmental Legislation |0. 05 |4 |0. | | |Social media – negative views, boycotts and scandals |0. 15 |3 |0. 45 | | | |Total we ighted score |2. 8 | From the various external factors resented in the PESTLE analysis and Porter’s Five Forces analysis, ten opportunities and threats have been selected to create an External Factor Analysis Summary (EFAS) table below (Wheelan Hunger 2012, p. 126). The total weighted score for an average company is 3. 0. A score of 2. 8 is therefore below the industry average, which indicates that HVH is slower to react to current and emerging external factors. This is true when comparing HNH to JB HiFi who integrated an Omni-Channel Strategy into its business five years ago (Reidy 2013). Internal Analysis The HNH mission is to (HNH Limited 2008b, p. 3): †¢ Be recognised as a world leader in delivery of retail services in the fast moving consumer goods sector †¢ Generate superior returns for shareholders Create an inspiring workplace †¢ Be welcomed in the communities in which we operate Whilst the mission statement does address the needs of the four key groups of stakeholders (customers, owners, employees and the community), it does little to give direction to the company. Of further interest when considering the company’s financial performance and new strategic position its mission does not appear to have been updated sin ce 2008. HNH’s long history as a store retailer sees the company’s internal resource strengths and capabilities situated around retailing i. . locating stores in suitable demographic populations, sourcing quality products, attracting consumers to the stores and completing the sale. In light of the increasing ease of access to product information over the internet and the trend towards online purchasing, it is evident that a number of internal resource and capability weaknesses exist which are contributing to the reduced profitability of HNH. Assessing the key areas of strategic functional resources and capabilities within a business as proposed by Wheelan and Hunger (2012, pp. 58-62; pp. 47-163), a variety of strengths and weaknesses have been determined. This list of strengths and weaknesses has been considered in conjunction with the concepts that ‘competitive strategy is about being different’ (Porter 1996, p. 64) and that competitive advantage is gaine d when resources and capabilities are difficult to copy (Collins Montgomery 2008, p. 142). Nine strengths and weaknesses have been selected to create an Internal Factor Analysis Summary (IFAS) table below (Wheelan Hunger 2012, p. 164). The total weighted score for an average company is 3. 0. Since HNH has scored 2. 5, the company is considered below average in terms of its competitive internal resources and capabilities. This is supported by the retail industry views that HNH offers poor customer service and high prices (Reidy 2013). Figure Four: Internal Factor Analysis Summary [pic] As HNH is an almost pure retailer and has little upstream activities, the company’s value chain (Wheelan Hunger 2012, p. 146) is considered reasonably simple and short, certainly if compared to a manufacturing company for example. Nevertheless, costs and profit margins still rely on the efficiency of this value chain. The realisation of the potential ‘economies of scope’ (Wheelan Hunger 2012, p. 147) for marketing and distribution is a reason for the company’s Omni-channel strategy. Whilst HNH has now addressed the distribution side of its business, there has been little change in the supply side of the business, thus it is likely that opportunities still exist in this area. Recommendations HNH has lost much of its previous competitive advantage in its market segment due to an inability to evolve with the changing industry and consumer environment (Thompson et al 2012). As identified above, the rivalry amongst competitors is high, with many looking to online sales to give them the edge. HNH’s delay in embracing the new technology has left it behind competitors who offer similar products (JB-HIFI for example). It is common for companies to ‘deliberately aim to be similar, to be able to compete’ (Kennedy Ehrenberg 2000, p. 1). Without an online business HNH is missing a key competency that competitors have already developed. However, with a strong asset base and a brand reputation that has been built up over the years, HNH is well positioned to move from a declining position and begin a revival. We make the following recommendations to help achieve this: Perform more effective market analysis HNH has a defining vision, sense of purpose, and values in which it aligned its business, however has failed to update its strategies in-line with the changing external environment to ensure a competitive advantage could be maintained (Thompson et al 2012). Effective Market analysis would help the business identify changes in the external environment and alter strategy to suit. Undertake customer satisfaction surveys Taking customer satisfaction surveys when creating competitive strategy can help align business units, products and services to achieve a winning formula (Martin 2010). Business should look for feedback from both internal sources and external sources and not just rely on the opinions of the senior management team (Thompson et al 2012). Undertaking customer surveys to obtain their views and input can be crucial to understanding the market environment (Kotler et al 2010). Access Value-Chain opportunities Break down the different elements within the value chain to assess what does not create value and amend as necessary (Ghemawat Rivkin 2006). This could help identify areas that HNH can create value. While the scope for vertical integration is limited, partnerships with suppliers can help drive costs down (Wheelan Hunger 2012). Look to Lean Operations and Inventory Systems Holding costs can be significant for business such as HNH. By working with suppliers these costs can be marginalised by implementing lean inventory management. With time and after developing the competencies for inventory control the business can look to move to a Just-In-Time inventory system (Liker 2003). Develop required technological competencies With the market trending towards online sales HNH needs to move with the times. By developing their online business they will be able to successfully compete with industry rivals. Technological innovation is a constant process that businesses need to undertake to remain competitive (Wheelan Hunger 2012). Development of a phone application would further drive this. Maintain competencies in marketing and advertising Marketing and advertising are key to the retail sector that HNH competes in (Kotler et al 2010). With advertising on traditional channels on the decline HNH should look to capitalise on the rise in online advertising. This can achieve synergy with the development of their online business. Look for new market opportunities The current market segment already has fierce competition. Competing in this ‘Red Ocean’ is HNH’s primary revenue stream and should not be forgotten. However by identifying under developed market segments HNH can create a ‘Blue Ocean’ segment which research shows are significantly more profitable due to the lack of competitive forces (Ghemawat Rivkin 2006). For example the business could work with builders/designers of homes to fully furnish new houses. Conclusion With a new strategic vision, HNH has a chance to reverse its current declining market presence. With the current market shifting towards online based businesses, HNH will need to adapt to remain relevant in the future. By applying sound strategic principles outlined in this report, lessons from past failures and achievements and staying true to their company vision and values, HNH will be positioned to return to the financial success of the past. References Anonymous 2010, The Australian Consumer Trends Report Secondary Research Report 2010, The Australian Centre for Retail Study (ACRS); Monash University Business and Economics. Anonymous 2011a, Economic Structure and Performance of the Australian Retail Industry, Australina National Retail Association, Manuka ACT 2603. Anonymous 2011b, Social Media World Forum; Retail Brands Investigate Social Shopping Trends at Social Media World Forum Europe 2011, Marketing Weekly News, p. 1026. Anonymous 2013a, Modest Growth Pickup in 2013, Projects IMF, IMFSurvey Magazine: In the News, viewed 01/03/2013, . Anonymous 2013b, Consumer confidence hits a 2-year high, updated 14/02/2013, Switzer Media, viewed 28/02/2013, . Anonymous 2013c, About APC; National Environmental Protection Measure, Australian Packaging Covenant, viewed 04/03/2013, . Anthony, RN, Merchant, KA Hawkins, DF 2011, Accounting: text and cases, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, New York. Apostolou, N 2011, Australias retail revolution, vol. 82, Jun 2011. Baker, M 2009, Top 10 global retail trends, Fairfax Media, viewed 04/03/2013, . Baird Kilcourse, 2011 Collis, D J Montgomery, C A 2008, ‘Competing on resources’, Harvard Business Review, July-August, pp. 40-150. Elsworth, S 2012, Use of mobile phones, tablets to shop online surges to more than $5 billion, updated 14/11/2012, News Limited Network viewed 05/03/2013, . Farfan, B 2013, Mobile Retailing Research Reveals Largest Retail Chains Invisible to Mobile Shoppers Latest Retail Mobile Data and What Retail Leaders Aren’t Doing About It (LTD, DRI, TJX, KSS, SVU), updated 28/02/2013, About. com Guide, viewed 05/03/2013, . Ghemawat, P Rivkin, J 2006, Creating Competitive advantage, Strategy and the business landscape, Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Ha, H Coghill, K 2008, Online shoppers in Australia: dealing with problems, vol. 32, January 2008, p. 13. Hammond, M 2012, Carbon tax has damaged eight in 10 retailers, industry body claims, updated 20/12/2012, Startupsmart, viewed 03/03/2013, . Harvey Norman Holdings 2012, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited 2012 Annual Report, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited, viewed 2 February 2012, Harvey Norman Holdings 2011, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited 2011 Annual Report, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited, viewed 2 February 2012, Harvey Norman Holdings 2010, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited 2010 Annual Report, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited, viewed 2 February 2012, Harvey Norman Holdings 2009, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited 2009 Annual Report, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited, viewed 2 February 2012, Harvey Norman Holdings 2008a, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited 2008 Annual Report, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited, viewed 2 February 2012, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited 2008b, Code of Conduct, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited, viewed 3rd March 2013, Janda, M 2012, Democratising tax evasion, updated 21/09/2012, ABC, viewed 26/02/2013, . Kennedy, R Ehrenberg, A 2000, Brand user profiles seldom differ, Report 7 for Corporate Members, Ehrenberg-Bass Institute. Kim, J Forsythe, S 2008, Adoption of Virtual Try-on technology for online apparel shopping, vol. 22, Spring 2008. Kotler, P, Brown, L, Burton, S, Deans, K, Armstrong, G 2010, Marketing, 8th edn, Pearson Australia, Frenchs Forest, NSW. Liker, J 2003, The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the Worlds Greatest Manufacturer, 1st edn, McGraw-Hill. Martin, R 2010, ‘The age of customer capitalism’, Harvard Business Review, vol. 88, no. 1-2, pp. 8-65. Oster, A, White, T Davis, T 2013, NAB Online Retail Sales Index Indepth report – January 2013, National Australia Bank. Porter, M 1996, ‘What is Strategy? ’, Harvard Business Review, Nov- Dec, pp. 61-78 Ryan, P 2013, Reserve Bank signals dollar frustration, ABC News, viewed 01/03/2013, . Teuber, B 2012, The rise of social media in retail, The Guardian, viewed 3/03/2012, . Thompson , AA, Peteraf, MA, Gamble, JE Strickland III, AJ 2012, Crafting and Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases, 18th edn, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, New York, NY. Thomson, J 2011, 5 reasons big retailers are wrong, Smart Company, viewed 03/03/2013, . Wheelan, T Hunger, J 2012, Strategic Management and Business Policy, 13th Edn, Pearson Education, New Jersey. BUSS 5390 Strategic Management [pic] Click, Pay Collect – Omni-Channel Strategy Threat of New Entrants: Medium Current economic scenario makes retail market less attractive to new players. HVN has established itself in a variety of market space which makes it difficult for new entrants to come and expand rapidly. However, entry to the retail sector via the internet and online shopping platforms has reduced the barriers for new entrants. Threat of Substitute: Low The products sold by HVN have become essential for the modern family . The substitute for current technology is new technology. Threat Buyers – High Development of online shops selling similar products adds pressure to traditional retailers. In current economic scenario retail market is getting highly competitive there by giving customers both choice of substitutes and alternatives. It is a challenge to attract new customers and retain customer loyalty Threat of Suppliers: High Consolidation of suppliers has allowed suppliers to negotiate better terms with retailers. Availability of alternate selling medium such as direct selling, online stores have potential impact on retailers. Threat of Rivals: High Competes with other retailers like David Jones, Myers, Masters who offer similar products and services. The trend towards online purchasing, particularly of electronic products, has increased over the last several years and retailers have discounted heavily to retain sales in the stores. 7

Religion in Germany

Religion in Germany For good reason, the intersection of the huge topics â€Å"religion† and â€Å"Germany† is understandably Martin Luther. Luther was born in Eisleben, Germany, in 1483, and his family soon moved to Mansfeld, Germany. Luther received a superb basic education in Latin and German, entered the University of Erfurt in 1501, where he received his baccalaureate degree in 1502 and his master’s degree in 1505. Urged by his father, Luther undertook graduate work in law, but switched to theology within six weeks, owing, he said, to a violent thunderstorm that so terrified him (â€Å"besieged by the terror and agony of sudden death†) he promised God to become a monk if he survived. Luther began his so-called priestly formation at the University of Erfurt, became a priest in 1507, transferred to the University of Wittenberg in 1508, and completed his doctorate in 1512, which the University of Erfurt granted based on his studies at Wittenberg. Five years later, the rift with Catholicism that became the Protestant Reformation began and the ripple effect of Luther’s Ninety-five Theses in 1517 changed the world forever. Today, Germany is still a Christian nation, although, in keeping with religious freedom, there is no official religion. â€Å"Religionen Weltanschauungsgemeinschaften in Deutschland: Mitgliederzahlen† analyzed results of the 2011 census and found that ca. 67% of the population identified themselves as Christian, i.e., Protestant or Catholic, while Islam comprised ca. 4.9%. There are very, very small Jewish and Buddhist groups that are barely measurable, so the remaining population, i.e., ca 28%, either belong to unidentified religious groups or do not belong to any formal religious group. The German constitution (Grundgesetz fà ¼r die Bundesrepublik Deutschland), which opens with these stirring words: â€Å"Human dignity is inviolable,† guarantees freedom of religion for everyone. The core of this guarantee of religious freedom is based on â€Å". . . the freedom of religion, conscience and the freedom of confessing one’s religious or philosophical beliefs are inviolable. Uninfringed religious practice is guaranteed.† But the guarantee does not stop there. The very nature and form of the government reà ¯nforce and bolster that guarantee with many safeguards that strengthen one another synergistically, e.g., a democratic society, popular sovereignty, a strong emphasis on social responsibility, and binding federalism among the sixteen German states (Deutsche Bundeslnder). There is an excellent, in-depth discussion of religious freedom in Germany in Wikipedia  which provides many details and examples for those who wish to know specifics. It is certainly worth one’s time. The overall distribution of religious affiliations can be outlined roughly as follows: you’re more likely to encounter Protestants in the North and Northeast and Catholics in the South and Southwest; however, â€Å"Germany Unity†- the joining of the German Democratic Republic (the â€Å"DDR†) and the Federal Republic of Germany (the â€Å"BRD†) on 03 October 1990- skewed this rule of thumb. After 45 years of communist rule in East Germany, many, many families had drifted away from religion altogether. So, in the former German Democratic Republic, you’re more likely to encounter individuals and families who don’t identify themselves with any church affiliation. Despite the rough geographic distribution of various religious adherents, many of the holidays that began as religious holy days centuries ago are still part of German culture, regardless of location. â€Å"Fasching†- also known as Karneval, Fastnacht, Fasnacht, Fastelabend- begins either a 11:11 on 11 November or on 07 January, the day after the Feast of the Three Kings, depending on your locale, and runs until Ash Wednesday (der Aschermittwoch), the beginning of Lent- the fortyday period of fasting and abstinence immediately preceding Easter. Knowing that they will have to set their frivolity aside during Lent, people party extensively; perhaps to â€Å"get it out of their system† (verrà ¼ckt spielen). The celebrations are mostly local and vary from village to town to city, but inevitably culminate in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday. Participants dress in outlandish costumes, prank one another, and generally try to have a frivolous time. It’s mostly harmless, playful, and inconsequential silliness. For example, Weiberfastnacht is the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, usually in the Rhineland, but there are pockets of Weiberfastnacht all over. Women kiss any man who catches their fancy, snip off their ties with scissors, and end up in bars to laugh, drink, and recount the day’s exploits. There are parades of various sorts and sizes over the weekend before Easter weekend. Costumes abound, groups strut their stuff (â€Å"stolzieren ungeniert†), as they say, with lots of good-humored hooting and hollering. Rosenmontag, the Monday before Ash Wednesday, has the most extravagant carnival parade in Cologne, but very respectable rival parades also take place throughout the Rhineland, all of which the German television network broadcasts, not merely nationwide, but to other Germanspeaking areas, particularly in Austria Switzerland. The next day, Fastnachtdienstag, additional parades take place, but the focal point of this day is the so-called burning of the â€Å"Nubbel†. The Nubbel is a straw-filled figure- a scapegoat- that the merrymakers fill with all the sins they committed during the carnival. When they burn the Nubbel, they burn their sins away, leaving them with nothing to regret during Lent. After sacrificing the Nubbel and not wanting to waste a good Lent at their disposal, the revelers once more start partying into the wee hours of the night just before Ash Wednesday, in hopes of having something about which they can be a bit contrite, even remorseful. This attitude is in keeping with a very human exchange Luther had with Philip Melanchthon, one of Luther’s companions and an early Protestant theologian. Melanchthon was a rather circumspect man whose unwavering mien annoyed Luther from time to time. â€Å"For goodness’ sake, why don’t you go and sin a little?† urged Luther in exasperation. â€Å"Doesn’t God deserve to have something to forgive you for!† For the record, Martin Luther was a rather lusty, earthy monk who, after the Catholic Church excommunicated him, married and commented several times about how delightful it was to awake to find â€Å"braids on the pillow† next to his. Luther would have loved and sanctioned the very ethos of Fasching, for he said â€Å"Wer nicht liebt Wein, Weib, und Gesang, Der bleibt ein Narr sein Leben lang.† (â€Å"Who loves not women, wine, and song, Remains a fool his whole life long.†)

English composition II Unit 4 Db Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

English composition II Unit 4 Db - Essay Example The other argument that is used to support the anti-abortionist agenda is that legalizing abortion gives the impression that it is right, and therefore risks setting a precedence of procuring abortions. This precedence may be difficult to regulate in the long run and may prove detrimental to the society in general (Riddle, 2009). Peer number one’s counter-argument states that abortion should be illegalized because it violates the fundamental right to life. I consider this argument credible but also weak. This is because it ignores the fact that sometimes women have to abort for lack of better options. For instance, when the life of a pregnant woman is endangered because of the very pregnancy that she is carrying then there is a solid basis for aborting. The woman has the right to life as well, and by aborting and living she may be able to give birth in the future (Riddle, 2009). Apart from this, poverty and an inability to provide puts pregnant women in a huge dilemma. Every mother wants the best for her children, and if they cannot be provided for then there is no reason to bring them into the world only to watch them suffer and end up being sucked into crime and other illegal activities. The last weakness or fallacy associated with this counter-argument involves the debate over the way in which a fe tus is viewed. Is a fetus a person? If it is not a person then aborting it should not be considered as murder. Peer number two’s counter-argument is based on the opinion that legalizing abortion may set a dangerous precedence that may be detrimental in the long run. Although this is true, it fails to incorporate other perspectives that would make it much more credible. Legalization of abortion is often done after appropriate legislations and laws are enacted in order to prevent people from taking advantage of this action (Musser, 2010). The notion that abortion will spiral out

Film Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Film Art - Essay Example While Zombieland may exist in the kitsch horror genre, the film can be analyzed with the same critical tools as more artistic films. This essay examines a portion of Zombieland to consider the way elements of mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound combine to help the viewer understand the complete film. A film’s mise-en-scene is perhaps its most comprehensive element. Mise-en-scene is a French term referring to everything that appears on the screen.1 There are a number of prominent mise-en-scene elements in the clip from Zombieland. From an overarching perspective one considers that the entire film world has been altered as a means of establishing the post-apocalyptic environment. In this way there is minimal order. There are overturned cars in many scenes. Businesses are depicted as ransacked. In addition to these atmospheric elements, these scenes establish many of the narrative concerns that will be featured throughout the film. For instance, in one scene the mise-en-scene contains a football field, a man running, and a zombie running after the man. These elements are used to establish the importance of escaping zombies. In another scene the film displays an individual sitting on a bathroom stall. In this scene, mise-en—scene elements are combined with sound noises to create suspense and horror. A medium-range shot establishes the individual sitting in the bathroom stall. Loud zombie noises are then heard, before the individual is finally attacked by a zombie. Another major film element is cinematography. Cinematography is the movement of the camera capturing the film.2 This specific scene makes great use of cinematography. The opening shots feature an upside-down car. The camera is then turned upside-down as a zombie enters the screen. The next major scene is a long-shot the world. This long-shot of the world demonstrates to the viewer how large-scale the zombie problem has become, as it is clear that the

Volunteer Turnover of a Sporting Club Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Volunteer Turnover of a Sporting Club - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that football has successfully outmaneuvered many other team sports, such as ice hockey, basketball or handball, and has been accepted as the number one sport with regard to media attention and audience reception worldwide. The non-profit organization makes arrangements for the conducting of sports in order to generate money for some charitable purposes. Since these sports events are not conducted with any profit motifs behind them, volunteers are invited to participate in them for the recreation of the public on the one hand, and for some noble social cause on the other. Consequently, players, spectators and staff members attend the sporting club as regular participants and generate huge donations for the club. Since the staff and workforce play most important part in the development of an organization, decline in the volunteer turnover is really startling for the CEO, who has to make quick action in respect of exploring the reasons behind t he decrease in volunteer turnover. For this purpose, he should conduct interviews from the volunteers in order to extract the reasons behind their leaving the voluntary organization. The first question included in the interview would be decline in their interest as volunteers. The main reason behind asking the very question is the exploration of the causes that drift the fresh graduates away from the organization. The answer could be low salary, less growth opportunities and low social status as well. It is therefore the graduates will feel proud and delighted to work at Microsoft Corporation, but will not demonstrate any enthusiasm while working at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, though both are owned by the same person. Macionis states that the non-profit organizations provide limited growth and exposure opportunities, which are not attractive and fascinating for the youth. Another important reason behind leaving the non-profit organization is this that all staff members wo rk against almost the same positions, and there are very dismal chances of promotion and salary increase. Thirdly, the voluntary clubs require very hard efforts from the staff members in order to generate money from different contacts and sectors on the on hand, and to keep the ball of struggle rolling for the social welfare purposes on the other. Somehow, in order to retain the volunteers at the sporting club, the CEO will highlight the benefits of the welfare and development of society. He will infuse new spark of hope and courage in them by stating that they are the distinguished individuals that would bring positive changes and revolutionary alterations within their social establishment by dint of their innate talent, hard work and dedication to the noble cause. The CEO will also reveal the benefits of sports and games, which keep the society healthy, vigorous and efficient. In addition, he will encourage them by stating that they are accomplishing the Herculean task by promotin g sports and recreation on charity basis, which will earn name, fame and respect for them for the future years to come.

Hydroxyapatite as a Substrate for Bone Reconstruction

Hydroxyapatite as a Substrate for Bone Reconstruction To combat the shortcomings of autografts and allografts associated with limited availability of tissue, morbidity of the donor site, risk of disease transmission and immunogenic rejection; clinicians have started centuries ago implanting artificial materials in the body to aid and restore functioning of organs or tissues.1-6 The high incidence of morbidity, skill required to harvest bone from donor, and so many factors have been the rationale for the increase in applications of bone substitute materials.7-9 Hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics produced synthetically or by processing biological substrates and is used widely and successfully for bone reconstruction. There are many natural sources for HA which include human bone, bovine bone1,2 coral3,4 chitosan5,6fish bone7and egg shell8, and so. However a concern with natural HA is risk of transmission of diseases when proper preparation is not followed to remove all protein9. Synthetic HA is more commonly used, because of easily availability, and free from disease transmission risk. HA are available as granules and blocks with different pore sizes or as injectable material. HA is osteoconductive in nature and serves as a structural scaffold for the building of new bone tissues. Several authors have suggested HA is prone to intraoral degradation or dissolution10-25 but others have shown no resorption13-22 like our case. Here we report clinical cases which showed the radiological evidence of bone formation after more than 4 years of follow up. Clinical Report 1- In our study group the Male patient aged 65 yrs had recurrent OKC on lateral part of the mandible (Figure-1) which required partial hemi mandibulectomy with disarticulation. Patient was not ready for any other modalities of reconstruction except condylar stainless steel recon plate. Considering patient age and denial for distant or free flaps, our team of doctors inspired by orthopedic replacement strategies and indigenously designed hydroxyapatite block. Which has been prepared by Biograft (IFGL Ceramics Kolkota, India) on request. This has been used for reconstruction of lateral mandibular defect distal to canine. The block fixed to stainless steel condylar plate using 26 gauze wires. (Figure-2 Figure-3)After 5 years of evaluation the patient had no complications, absorption, dislocation but very little bone formation seen radiologically (Figure -4, Figure-5 Figure-6). Clinical Report 2- The Male Patient of 20 yrs, reported to our department with swelling in anterior mandible since 8 yrs which was small initially and progressively grown to the present size.( Figure-7) Under general anesthesia the lesion has been resected leading to a mid-line defect. The patient denied for any other reconstruction options including distant flaps and free flaps because of affordability. So it is decided to have reconstruction using SS recon plate with a block graft for support. (Figure-9) In this case we are expecting connective tissue and later bone formation as the graft block is in contact with the bony edges on both sides. Clinical report 3- Case of unicystic ameloblastoma in a patient aged 55 years male crossing the midline, undergone resection and reconstruction using BBHA and SS reconstruction plate. (Figure-9 Figure-10) In this case we are expecting bony bridging between interface of the bone fragment and graft end on both midline and ramus area of mandible. Surgical Considerations: The surgeon should change gloves before handling the BBHA material because oral flora and debris previously picked up on gloves during the pre-grafting stages of surgery could contaminate the BBHA, resulting in a subsequent infection. In its initial form, BBHA is brittle and must be handled and shaped carefully so it does not inadvertently fracture, although the material becomes very strong after healing. It is important to use irrigation when cutting the individual grafts from the larger blocks with a bur and when refining the contours. BBHA grafts can be used as interpositional (inlay) grafts placed between osteotomies or as facial augmentation (onlay) grafts or for mandibular reconstruction of lateral/midline defects. They can be applied to the maxilla, mandible, chin, orbit, zygoma, nose, forehead, and cranium. Onlay grafts may require stabilization by placing bone screws through the material, as in BBHA chin or cheek onlay grafts. A lag screw/wire technique should be used with m inimal tightening to prevent fracturing of the grafts. Rigid fixation is paramount to provide the necessary stability and stress protection for the BBHA grafts to heal properly. The grafts in the maxilla should be accurately contoured and wedged in position. If there is excessive mobility between the bone segments and BBHA grafts or a functional overload, the grafts may displace or fracture. Alternatively, a significant decrease in the amount of bone growth through the implants could occur, resulting in a nonunion. A soft diet is encouraged for 3 to 4 months during the initial post-surgery healing phase to minimize loading and micro movement, thus preventing displacement, fracture, or nonunion of the grafts. The use of 4 bone plates is recommended to stabilize the maxilla, with 2 bone screws above and 2 bone screws below the level of osteotomy for each bone plate.47,48 Postsurgical displacement or fragmentation of the BHA grafts can occur as a result of the following:38 1. Inadequate rigid fixation and stress protection, 2. Improper contouring or placement of the implant into the osteotomy site, 3. Parafunctional habits (i.e., clenching, bruxism), 4. Poor patient compliance, 5. Trauma. Discussion: The use of bone graft material both particulate12,14,16,18,19,21,38-40,54and block graft13,15,17, 19,20,22,23,41 studied in humans and animals. The majority of animal studies found bone formation within graft material10,11,18,42-51 and others reported connective tissue formation.43,52,53 The human studies reported formation of bone 12-17,29-32,37-40,54 and others reported connective tissue surrounding HA particles.18,19,29 Long-term retention biocompatibility of BHA has been established fact in orthognathic and craniofacial surgery.50 Histologic studies29,30,35 and a long-term clinical study demonstrate good biologic acceptance of the grafts in association with the maxillary sinus. The immobility of HA is crucial factor for initial healing20 as mobile particles induce connective tissue formation and immobile foster bone formation. Wolford et al. introduced the use of porous BHA as a bone graft substitute in orthognathic and craniofacial surgery.30 Rosen and Ackerman reported complication rate of 4.3% after a follow-up period of 6 to 20 months in orthognathic surgical BHA grafting48,49 Ayers et al17 Holmes et al31 and Nunes et al.16 demonstrated an average composition of 48.5-53% hydroxyapatite matrix, 18-27% bone, and 33.5-21% soft tissue in BBHA grafts through histomorphometry after 4.7 to 16.4, mean 19.1 months respectively with biopsies of BBHA grafts which were used in corrective jaw surgery in patients. The composition of the adjacent normal maxillary and mandibular bone averaged 66.5% bone and 33.5% soft tissue, indicating that the ratio of hydroxyapatite/bone to soft tissue/vascular space is equivalent to normal bone.17 The study also demonstrated that bone growth through the BBHA grafts was essentially complete in 4 months, with further progression of the healing process resulting in maturation of the ingrown bone. The grafts had less soft tissue than the adjacent bone (30% soft tissue) and bone contact over 60% of their surfaces which is a near-balance between the BBHA grafts and surrounding bone.16 There was no significant difference in micro hardness values between the bone in the BHA grafts and the adjacent maxillary bone.17 Bone ingrowth appeared to plateau at around 20 months, reaching an equilibrium in which the relative amount of osseous tissue remained constant. 17 Different theories proposed on the mechanism of bone formation. Early vascularization followed by connective tissue formation16,43,44 bone gradually inserted around the HA particles21,43,44 and non-inducing creeping substitution21,22 also proposed. Very recently the bone induction has been seen with nano-crystalline HA. The use of BBHA as an alloplastic grafting material has several advantages over other types of grafts: no donor site morbidity is involved, adjacent bone will not be resorbed, there is no known hypersensitivity or immune response, the substance is easily manipulated, there are no working time constraints, surgical time is decreased, blood loss is decreased, the volume is unlimited, and healing is faster resulting in a shorter recovery time. Interpositional bone grafting is indicated in orthognathic surgery to provide bony continuity, improve healing, improve stability, decrease surgical relapse in traditionally unfavorable jaw repositioning movements during orthognath ic surgical procedures. This type of reconstruction options will increase the survival rate and lesser morbidity. The incorporation of autogeneous bone, platelet rich plasma, rhBMP-2 showed good bone formation.50 The studies have shown hydroxyapatite is osteoinductive.51,52 Recently studies have shown use of Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor ÃŽ ² (TGF-ÃŽ ²), BMP, and stem cells in bone regeneration.50 The BBHA will provide structural architecture for BMP to achieve better and earlier function. These laboratory concepts were regarded a visionary a few years ago, but now they reached clinical reality.53-59 Our report is milestone in reconstruction of continuity defects of mandible. Hydroxyapatite is a versatile biocompatible graft substitute that does not cause any chronic inflammatory, allergic, or toxic reaction. Results of both densitometric and radiographic studies suggested that the use of synthetic hydroxyapatite graft material has the potential to accelerate bone formation in an economical way.60-63 Conclusion: The primary aim of the reconstruction was to have a proper face form, aesthetics and structural balance for face which has been achieved in a very economical way. Our plan to have implant supported prosthesis in the HA blocks in near future for these patients is planned. This type of reconstruction with indigenously designed and prepared block graft can suffice the aim and objective of successful reconstruction which is a viable modality economical. No clinical signs of pathosis were identified around the graft, no infection or discomfort was elicited upon palpation.

Comparing John Milton’s Paradise Lost to Pleasantville Essay -- Compar

Comparing John Milton’s Paradise Lost to Pleasantville I don’t know if I connected the experiential dots with any dexterity regarding John Milton’s Paradise Lost until I visited Disney World recently. It wasn’t until Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Cruella De Vil, Jafar the evil sorcerer, the Beauty, and the Beast came down Main Street, U.S.A. that I was more able to appreciate the prodigiousness of the procreative masque within Paradise Lost. Panorama grabs the viewer; and, with a mere touch of the remote control, it thrusts him/her into Eden, Main Street, or Pleasantville. Panorama doesn’t settle for facile spectatorship; it invites the viewer into the action and synchronizes the viewer’s pulse with the pulse of its [panorama’s] own creative slide show. To ignore that invite is to not only avoid the tree of knowledge, but to refuse its existence. That tree was not put in the garden to be ignored but to be avoided – a challenge of our obedience towards a sovereign, a tempter of our curiosi ty, a pulse quickener. And so we sat there in the cool of the shade from our own tree, askance of Main Street but within reach of the remote. We were just far enough away to observe the parade with condescension and just close enough to feel the discomfort of the sorcerer’s leer. First the big mouse, then the princess, then Goofy, then the sorcerer, then the beast – always the beast. I watched the 5-year-old near me and wondered if he felt like Adam may have felt on that lofty mount, as Michael revealed one dramatic historical upheaval after another. I was glad that I didn’t have to worry, didn’t have to get involved. I was happy to know that this bit of fancy was but a type of reality, scripted by that master of artifice, Walt Disne... ...ly â€Å"delivers† both of his worlds by becoming part of the panorama. He pushes the remote button and affects the circumspection of the real with the creativity of the fanciful. The real and the fanciful have an almost singular or codependent relationship with one another; neither can be ignored in attending to the health of the other. In Bud’s situation, the absenteeism of his corporeal nature is illumined by the activism of his panoramic experience. At the end of the movie â€Å"Pleasantville,† Bud is able to take a satisfying look into the television screen, the conduit for his panorama, and know that he was taken out of the shade and into the light. He risked joining the pageantry and ended up having a good day. Next time I’ll sit closer to the parade. Work Cited Milton, John. Paradise Lost. 1674. Ed. Scott Elledge. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1993.

Thailand Culture

FULBRIGHTER’S INTRODUCTION TO THAILAND: ? ADVICE AND COMMENTARY Text: Scott McNabb, College of Education, The University of Iowa ? Commentary: Porntip Kanjananiyot, Executive Director,? Thailand-U. S. Educational Foundation (Fulbright) The following essay has been written to provide orientation thoughts for American scholars who are embarking on a Fulbright assignment in Thailand. I hope that it will provide insights that will help Fulbrighters to understand, appreciate, and engage fully with their academic colleagues and other Thais they will encounter.It is not meant only as a â€Å"survival† guide; our hopes are far greater than that. It is written to help individuals maximize the cross-cultural gift that they have been given—to live and work among the Thai people for a significant period of time. This essay is based on my 19 trips to Thailand which span the period 1968 to 2011, from Peace Corps teaching at Thammasat University through two Fulbrights and multi ple other teaching, evaluation and research trips.I have taught International Education and qualitative research classes at The University of Iowa since 1979. In this essay, I will indulge in the kind of generalizations I never allow my students to make. In my classes, I encourage my students to think tentatively and carefully about cross-cultural issues, and make few if any broad conclusions. Here, in the interests of encouraging discussion and giving usable advice, I will risk making general comments about Thai culture. This essay, then, is written less as an academic piece than as a kind of user’s manual. I have asked my colleague and friend Porntip Kanjananiyot to provide commentary from her perspective of being deeply engaged in Thai-American educational exchange work for a number of years. Porntip is currently the Executive Director of the Fulbright program in Thailand. We hope that our discussion back and forth will provide additional insights. ?This article includes a dvice on language learning, behavior to help you engage in Thai culture, and some responses to issues that you may well encounter with your Thai colleagues and other Thais whom you get to know. ?Opening Advice and Questions?In general, the more â€Å"out there† you can be—learning the language, trying all kinds of food, engaging with all kinds of people (monks, market people, academics, and so on), learning to joke Thai-style (including making jokes about yourself), taking unwarranted compliments without resisting them too much, and so on—the more you will learn about and appreciate various aspects of the â€Å"Thai view of the world. † The â€Å"authentic† Thailand is surprisingly close physically to the â€Å"tourist† Thailand—it’s just under a bridge or around a corner or down an alley where tourists typically don’ venture. . . r it’s on full display before most tourists typically wake up, like watching the mon ks make their early morning rounds. Within a relatively short walk from Khaosan Road, the backpacker mecca in Bangkok, there are amulet markets near Thammasat University that are rarely visited by foreigners, where one can venture deeply into the spiritual beliefs of the Thai people. Don’t be afraid to wander (within reason) wherever your curiosity takes you. If you are actively searching for something, cultivating the â€Å"treasure hunt mind,† you may well find what you are searching for, or something equally interesting.Or your quest may bring additional questions about the initial â€Å"treasure† you were seeking. For example, if you go to the amulet market in search of a small statue of the Hindu deity Hanuman, you will certainly find many other intriguing deities along the way—all of whom demonstrate incorporation of the Hindu religious figures, and Mahayana Buddhism, in Thai Buddhism. Why is Ganesh so popular in Thailand? Or Kwan Yin (Yao Mae Kuan Im)? With whom are the various deities popular? In many ways, Fulbrighters can benefit from the outlook and skills that qualitative researchers develop; that of the participant observer. You are taking part in the culture that you are trying to understand. PORNTIP COMMENTS: Go out to meet people and you will find that Thai people generally welcome foreigners. Smile with them and show your interest in what they are doing, they will be even friendlier! Learning Thai ?Learn certain basic Thai phrases. Now! Your colleagues may well speak excellent English, but once you are out in the markets, you will need to speak some Thai.Plus, it’s fun. Develop a specific working vocabulary in Thai. Figure out what phrases you will need on a daily basis and ask a Thai friend to drill you on the pronunciation and tones until they are second nature. This vocabulary should include greetings, directions, numbers, and foods, among other things. ?Yes, clear pronunciation and tones are important. But they can be overemphasized. Speak with conviction. If you speak tentatively, your phrases will tend to go up at the end, like the inflection we use in English, which will confuse your Thai listener.Speak with your limited vocabulary with an air of confidence and the receiver will have a far better chance of understanding you. They will think that you know more than you actually do, but that’s O. K. You can learn to accept their over-the-top compliments gracefully. Also, your Thai need not be perfect to be understood. We have much to learn from the Thais as â€Å"reviewers† of our mispronunciations and tonal goof-ups, patience we could use in similar interactions at home. The Thais go way past half-way to try to figure out what you are trying to communicate.The fact that you are trying to speak their language is also a clear indication of your cross-cultural sincerity. Thais will often be impressed with your progress because they spend years studying English in scho ol without a great deal of success. Acting things out helps, too. This also works on the cultural level of â€Å"sanuk†Ã¢â‚¬â€you are having fun (and the joke is sort of on you) trying to communicate a specific idea. And when you succeed, it is a cause for joint celebration! Learn these phrases right now:? Kaw bia song kuat (Please bring me two beers) Kaw cowpot moo jon nung (Please bring me a plate of fried rice with pork)? Kaw cowneo maamuang song jon (Please bring me two plates of mango with sticky rice) Some basic food to order: guy young (friend chicken) cowpat moo (fried rice with pork) tom ka guy (coconut soup with chicken) pat thai guy (fried noodles with bean sprouts and chicken) kwitdeo sen yai nua sot (beef noodle soup) kow naa bed (duck with sauce over rice) ky jiow (Thai-style omelet) kao moo dang (pork with red sauce over rice) dom young gung (spicy shrimp soup). PORNTIP COMMENTS: One way to learn the Thai language could be through food as Thai people love to o ffer food. When observing that their foreign guests enjoy it, the Thais could feel even more comfortable to talk with them†¦ and naturally, urge the foreigners to have more food! ?Thais also enjoy listening to foreigners speaking Thai†¦. even just a few words because they think the Thai language is very difficult so they feel really impressed. Don't feel embarrassed if you make mistakes and your Thai friends start laughing. They know the challenges you have to face with the tones.Their laughs simply mean your pronunciation is ‘narak' (cute). Thai people have patience to listen and try to understand Americans when speaking Thai. American Fulbrighters being in Thailand will be more aware how difficult it is for Thais when they are in the US as quite a number of Americans may not have similar patience. Engaging Thais ?If you want to get below the surface with your Thai friends, engage them on their own terms; choose topics where they can teach you about aspects of Thai culture. Pursue whatever aspects of Thai culture, religion, history (spirit houses?The Sukhothai period? Some aspects of Buddhism like meditation? ). The point is that you will be in their cultural ballpark. They will appreciate your genuine interest, and this will give you an entree into the Thais’ enormous cultural generosity. They will help you meet interesting people, plan field trips, and so on. Just give them the chance. On one of my Fulbright assignments, I was teaching in Nakorn Prathom. I mentioned to a teacher that I would like to visit Praviharn—the controversial Cambodian wat located on the Thai-Cambodian border—on my last weekend with them.My Thai friend had never been there before, either. Despite the initial negative reactions from some of the other faculty (It’s too far—the trip will take too long; it’s too hot. . . ), she organized what was a memorable venture to the famous temple. It was a wonderful culminating event for m y time with my Thai colleagues—many of whom wound up going and enjoying the trip despite their initial protestations. PORNTIP COMMENTS: ?Thai people are really hospitable so they could go out of their way to please you. Ask to see their reaction first and wait to see their next move.If they are quiet, it could mean they can't accommodate your request. Inconsistencies in Thai Culture ?When you are operating in someone else’s culture, inconsistencies seem to abound. This is partly due to the fact that in our own culture, we are too close to things to see what â€Å"don’t make sense,† and our initial observations are relatively superficial in Thailand (you know the most during your first two weeks here; then it starts getting much more complicated), and that, at least in my view, there ARE things that don’t seem consistent here. But of course, that is true in all cultures. Take Thai Massage ?Thai culture in general steers around confrontations; in the ir view the key in human relations is harmony. The focus is on working things out without anger and keeping a cool heart† (Jai Yen) in all social situations. Thais are raised to make others feel welcome, relaxed, and â€Å"sanuk† (happy). In the West, of course, our fundamental goal is to make OURSELVES satisfied. Simply put, we are more individually oriented, the Thais more communally oriented. So you might think that when it came to massage, the Thais would offer massage that is soothing, relaxing, comforting. Ha!Thai massage aggressively confronts the muscles that are stiff or bunched up with elbows and knuckles and knees—boring in on them until they give up their tightness and relax. Sometimes it hurts. O. K. , often it hurts. Where is all this Thai non-confrontation, avoidance of pain and making the other guy feel good? It goes out the window, as far as I can tell. This feels more like American no pain-no gain to me. Of course, it works. But along the way, t he attacks on muscle bundles and the stretches are not all that sanuk (fun, in this context). Of course, the pain is meted out with typical Thai humor and grace. Jep Mai? † (they ask with a chortle). â€Å"Jep Maack† (It hurts a lot) I respond, to more chortles. Yes, no pain no gain. ?The Case of Luang Paw Koon? In general, Thai Buddhist monks live a highly disciplined life. They must live by a total of 224 precepts, which provide strict behavioral rules. Like religious groups in all cultures, a few stray in terms of relationships with women and other sins and are tossed out of their temples. But for the most part scandals are rare and monks are respected for their discipline, dignity and wisdom.? Luang Paw Koon is one of the most popular monks in the country.You often see his picture in the northeast part of Thailand, and frequently in the taxis in Bangkok, many of whose drivers are from the northeast. ?What the pictures show is a smiling monk deliberately flaunting Bu ddhist conventions, puffing on a cheroot or overtly handling money. He is seated in a squatting position like a northeastern farmer, not cross-legged like a monk. He speaks in the common language of farmers, not in â€Å"proper† Thai.? Why is he so popular? Some Thais respect his rebellion, while still demonstrating the key Buddhist tenets of poverty, integrity, honesty and generosity.Funds given to him are known to go directly to the projects they are given for, most often schools and hospitals. No middlemen. No corruption. I think that is the message of the picture with Luang Paw Koon handling money—â€Å"Your donations are safe with me. I will get your donations to their proper destinations. † Consistency with the principals of a monk’s life? Yes and no. Unconventional? Absolutely. Effective in terms of charity work? This certainly seems to be the case. And a great case for bending the social rules to serve a higher cause. Maybe we all love rebels.PORN TIP COMMENTS:? Treat the inconsistencies as surprises and enjoy the learning experiences! Short Takes– ? Watch Thai TV Watch the soap operas, the variety shows, the shows on the monarchy. Ask lots of questions. Before you criticize, think about The Bachelor and Fox News and Two and a Half Men and other stellar representations of our own culture. Thai soap operas present cultural melodramas where actors confront each other and act in ways one would never see in polite Thai society with its emphasis on decorum and harmony. Is it just entertainment?Cultural wish fulfillment? Ask your friends. ?In general, when things don’t seem to make sense, ask. Find good friends who are absolutely â€Å"culturally-insult proof,† who know that your questions may be clumsy and politically incorrect but that your intentions—to understand things a bit better—are pure. These are the people to ask potentially sensitive questions about the â€Å"Red Shirts† and the â€Å"Yellow Shirts†, and about the monarchy. PORNTIP COMMENTS: ?Soap operas could better your Thai while helping you understand that many times, they don't reflect the ‘real' Thai culture.It could be misleading if viewers take it literally to think that Thai women always go after guys, love screaming and yelling plus slapping others' faces. The way they dress to work is far from being professional either†¦.. as if they went to an evening party even. It may be good to understand that the Thais value ‘riab roi' and being very proper (far too formal at times). Perhaps Thai soap is something Thais quietly think the society could loosen up a bit. Be discreet when discussing or asking questions about Monarchy as there are lese majeste charges which could be complicated for you to understand fully.The conflicts that seem to separate ‘yellow shirts' and ‘red shirts' are not easy to understand either. The suggestion to find a ‘culturally-insult pro of' friend sounds great to get to know more about the monarchy and political conflicts. Small Bits of Advice? Take a zillion showers and guzzle water by the gallon. Keep your body temperature down and your internal system happy. When you feel culture shock coming on, retreat. Take some down time. Listen to your iPod. Watch a favorite movie (it is undoubtedly pirated here). No one should try to tackle a foreign culture 24/7.You will burn out. It’s hot here. And humid. Incredibly humid. And you are constantly on stage. I can’t do one more impromptu speech, explaining who I am and why I am here. It can be exhausting. O. K. , it will be exhausting. Every moment you spend working on your Thai is a move in the right direction culturally. Even the process of learning Thai with your Thai friends has all kinds of cultural learning possibilities.? Take notes of your observations—not for Facebook or to Tweet about so much as for your own record of cultural discovery.Youâ €™ll be able to see how far you have come by the end of your Thai adventure.? Remember that part of your job as a Fulbrighter is to play the role of cultural ambassador, representing your country with integrity here and portraying Thailand with fairness and accuracy to your friends back home. ?Learn to bargain. Again, it’s not so much about the result, which is pretty much predetermined, as it is about your participation in the process, and HOW you participate (with a smile and acting out things—â€Å"Oh, man, you’re killing me here! †). Be a good sport Accept the Thais’ overwhelming generosity.They are happy to have you here. We are conditioned to be suspicious of others’ generosity, and it’s a tough assumption to get over.? Sometimes conversations are just exercises in enjoyable social banter, without a â€Å"punch line. † You talk about the weather, family, where you are going. . . just for the sake of the pleasant conve rsation. In our culture, we are used to seeking the â€Å"point. † ? Develop a short introduction in Thai that explains who you are and why you are here in Thailand. Saying that you are an â€Å"achjan† (a teacher/professor) explains a lot.This will be very helpful, so that people know who you are, how long you will be here, and so on. It puts everyone at ease. ?Never divide up the bill at the restaurant. The most senior person will â€Å"liang. † It’s the Thai cultural law. Hierarchies define the nature of power in relationships in Thailand; royalty over commoners, men over women (women cannot be ordained as monks in Thailand), and age over youth. By the way, the best way to reciprocate in terms of food is to buy candy or fruit to share with your Thai colleagues on your trips together. This is perfectly acceptable, and appreciated.Never assume that your English is being understood by your students. Slow down. Ask them lots of questions. Be patient; Thai students are used to lecture-style classrooms. Tell stories. Keep them with you (on topic). Try to relate your topics to Thailand, Thai applications of things, even if it is a stretch. Joke around a bit. Show that you can â€Å"take† a joke—tell one on yourself. Lighten up and the Thais will appreciate it and your communication will be far better. Over-serious classrooms are over-rated. Always share what you are eating. (That can’t be over-emphasized. Wherever you are living, establish your own little village; people you see and fuss over every day, like the noodle folks, the flower lady, the 7-11 folks, and your favorite night market vendors. The substance of the conversation is not the issue, it’s the attention. Simply remarking on the sweetness of the oranges (waan maach! ) or commenting on the heat (always safe) is fine. With just a bit of friendly banter it becomes â€Å"your neighborhood,† a little like Norm walking into â€Å"Cheers. † I have found these simple, smiling conversations are a source of â€Å"friendly energy† I can enjoy every day.Banter begets banter which makes you feel more at home. Get in shape! Many Thai temples are located on the top of hills. And just maintaining your energy levels in this heat takes some oomph. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to appreciate and learn from various aspects of this religion. Remember, the Buddha said that you should only apply the aspects of Buddhism to your life until after you have experimented with them and they seem to make sense to you personally. There is no pressure to believe in an overarching philosophy; just a big, broad display of spiritual and practical ideas to experiment with and learn from.Sort of like the experience of living in Thailand itself. PORNTIP COMMENTS:? Even though the more senior Thais will buy you meals almost every time, you may wish to offer to do it in return once in a while. It might not work but that generous offer will be appreciated. Buying some kanoms or some little gifts to give to the more senior and friends would be a nice gesture to show your thoughtfulness. Thai students love learning by listening so storytelling is the good way to attract their attention and it's fun while keeping them focused and remember what they've heard.It could be difficult to have some deep discussions with quite a number of Thais but don't lose hope. Sometimes, it's just because of the language. Other times it could be because Thai people aren't used to expressing their ideas extensively unless they feel very close to the persons. Having discussions with Thais regularly will also help Thais think and interact faster too. Enjoy learning about Buddhism in a practical way†¦.. by understanding ‘the middle path’, it helps you ponder upon ways to balance your life. Learning how to meditate would simply lead you to have some peaceful moments.