Internet Marketing in Business Unit Essay

Describe the role internet marketing has within a modern marketing concept: Internet marketing is the promotion of products and services using the Internet. Lower Costs, Products and services and international customers are its main advantages. This Type of marketing also keeps digital customer data management and electronic customer Relationship management (ECRM), which are widely used in businesses today. Different types businesses have benefited from internet marketing when it comes to cost, And sales, instantly millions of people can have access to company/business, its products Or services, you can do this at any time anywhere in the world. Normally communication Would be done by e-mail reducing cost in telephone calls. This benefits not only businesses That doesn’t have to spend a lot of money on traditional ways of advertising but also benefit Consumers who do not need to make telephone calls to know more about a company and Its products or services; it’s possible to find out everything with a few clicks. Internet marketing is also used to close deals which make the process easier and cheaper, For the business and the customer. Even a mobile phone contract can be done by internet. Internet marketing also helps targeting customers in other countries as products or services Easily reach customers anywhere in the world through internet marketing. The marketing mix is also an important part of internet marketing; it is a main ingredient In internet marketing it is also known as the 4p’s, which is place, promotion, products and Price, every business uses this when start up because it is simple and very affective and give A good impact on the business * Place: where your business is located, how can customers reach you? The internet is the best place for a business because customers can get on it 24/7 * Promotion: internet marketing allows business to advertise on website such as facebook which is used by the whole world. * Products: what is your target market what products should you provide. Businesses online provide a wider range of ptroducts than the business. * Price: is the price suitable for the products your providing and the location yourProviding it from. Internet marketing provide cheaper prices and better offers than the acctual branch/business

Eating Insects Essay

Introduction: Insects have been here long before human civilization, foraging the world and utilizing its nutrients. In a sense then, every human being ever has been forced to interact with insects, so then why has this â€Å"household† item not been utilized as a food source for humans? Well, that’s not entirely true. Entomophagy, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is the practice of eating insects. Using insects as a food source isn’t as uncommon as one may think, the practice of Enotmophagy has been performed for centuries, dating back to Indian tribes and Australian aborginals. Insects greatly outnumber humans and are found in nearly every possible location in the world, so their presence in and around human food isn’t unbelievable. While this practice is becoming more popular around the world, consumers in the U. S. are still skeptical of the idea Whether its eating them â€Å"a la mode†, or eating them without knowing, insects are increasingly prevalent in food consumed by humans. Main Body: Insect consumption seems a little farfetched, yet there are several reasons that this idea may not be crazy. Meat is considered to be one of the best sources of protein in diets, however, certain insects provide amounts of protein comparable to that of meat; thus making insect consumption a much cheaper alternative to meat in developing countries. Take, for example, 100 grams of dried caterpillar, providing fifty-three grams of protein, seventeen percent carbohydrates, and a whopping fifteen percent fat. In fact, they are believed to have a higher proportional fat and protein value than that of beef and fish. Also, most edible insects are proven to be much cleaner than fish. For example, According to Pulitzer prize winner, Dr. E. O. Wilson of Harvard University, there are an estimated ten quintillion (10,000,000,000,000,000,000) insects in the world, or about one hundred and fifty million insects per one human being. Insects are in no way, shape, or form, a product of scarcity; insects are found nearly everywhere, thus proving to be another reason for insects to be used for food consumption. Due to the fact that insects provide incredible amounts of nutritional value and an incredible population, they are proving to be means of income for people in developing countries. Specifically, Sudan and Nigeria trade and utilize insects as a source of income, exporting three to five tons annually to countries such as Belgium and France. This means of earning income for Sudans and Nigerians produces $41,500 annually. Insects being utilized for their nutritional value and high concentration, proves to show how incredibly useful insects are to humans, surprisingly as a food source. Many countries all over the world are taking advantage of insects as a food source. In Africa, several groups use Orthoptera as a means of food. They gather locusts early in the day, before they are active; they then boil them before group members clean and salt them. Noting goes to waste, they even use the legs by grinding them up and mixing them with peanut butter and salt. Also, performed in areas of Africa and Australia, termites are being utilized for their high protein and fat value. The big queen castes of termites, reaching three inches in lenghth, is most sought out due to its incredibly high nutritional value. They are often lightly fried and sold in markets to be eaten by hand, thought to be a snack food. However, termites can also be used as a colorless oil used when frying food.

Strategic Management mobile communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategic Management mobile communication - Essay Example In these countries, O2 has developed a strong presence in high value markets and in the provision of mobile data and Internet services. As their company strategy, O2 take seriously their responsibility to the communities in which we operate. They believe that companies, who respond to the needs of the communities in which they work, and of the wider world, are more likely to succeed on a sustainable basis. O2 was the top scoring mobile phone operator in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and they were included in the FTSE4Good, the Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility (CR) Index and the Top 100 Global Sustainability Reporters list. Under their "Can Do in the Community" programme, they have successfully developed a number of community projects across their territories, while measures to support employee fund-raising and giving to charity through payroll have been launched. In total, O2 contributed 1.7 million in charitable donations across the Group, of which over 600, 000 came from UK-based companies and a further 500,000 to the Tsunami appeal. Most importantly, they see their employees to give their time and imagination to a wide range of fund-raising schemes (O2 Annual Report, 2006). At O2, they are sensitive to public concerns over issues such as

Market Development and the Importance of Economic Development to Essay

Market Development and the Importance of Economic Development to Marketers - Essay Example An Outline of the Stages of Market Development Which a Country Passes In The Process Of Developing Its Market of a Product or Service An outline of the stages of market development that each developing country passes through include; an invention of an apt idea, selecting of the appropriate ideas to apply, building up a preferred idea and verifying its viability, evaluation of the business, Beta testing and market testing, scientific execution, commercialization and new product value (Levitt, 2006, 25). An Explanation of the Stages of the Market Development Which a Country Can Go Through Invention of Suitable Idea Invention of suitable is the first stage in setting up or developing new markets. Organizations have adopted for stage process when operating in the small market. This is made possible because undivided attention is a lad on the customer’s need. A developing country has to monitor the types of ideas it initiates into its daily operation through monitoring and studyin g of consumer needs. Good inventions of ideas lead to quick achievements of the objectives of a firm or an organization. Suitable ideas will determine the marketing policies applied by nations in building new markets (Levitt, 2006, 59). Selection of the Appropriate Ideas to Apply This is the step in which potential ideas are separated from bad ideas. Not all initiatives are inimical; as a result, screening of ideas is done to lead to a positive growth of the organization. A developing nation has its processes passed through appropriate screening and promising ideas put in place for the country to grow positively. The ideas selected should follow the principle of AIDA (Awareness, Interest, Desire and Actions). The principle helps an entity to discern what it requires from a targeted market (Levitt, 2006, 71). Building and Verifying the Viability of a Preferred Idea This is the stage where the best results are taken for implementation into other products that can compete globally to t he other markets, and the proposed are tested. Developing nations passes through this stage since all the process and procedures that they apply in their operation are verified for viability. Evaluation of the Business Evaluation of the business involves a thorough evaluation of the souk like the market size in a particular environment. Evaluation of advertising strategy is a core aspect in the expansion of stable market for a country. Most countries have espoused business evaluation in their system to lessen the process they take in market expansion. Evaluation of the business helps the author clarify some useful notions that may be a hindrance in developing a new market. Beta testing and souk testing This refers to the development of model around a product to make it unique from other products. The profits ad losses accrued are used to resolve the feasibility of the merchandise. Beta testing and market testing are both processes that a country might pass through in an attempt to e xpand its market. Scientific Execution This involves implementation of new resources to improve the operations of resources within an organization. Countries wishing to expand their existing market are bound to bring in new equipments and knowledge required to lead to the growth of the market. Commercialization Commercialization involves the advertising of new products in the market. The product in most instances is unique to the market. Comme

Church Growth ideas which can be applied to Churches that i have Essay

Church Growth ideas which can be applied to Churches that i have encounted - Essay Example Among the strong holds of the church is the prayerful nature of the church. Through its various ministries the church has been able to bring many people to Christ. Growth of the church is not a one time thing, but rather takes a process before the people receive the calling and receive the gospel. Thus, churches not having instant growth should have faith in God and wait for their faith to be rewarded (Dortch 2010, p. 64). For this church to attain the maximum growth posible several aspects have to be adapted to aid in the growth of the church. One of the ways to ensure church growth is to modify the church services to suit the whole congregation including first time visitors. The visitors should be able to feel comfortable in the church even, though it is their first time in church (Dortch 2010, p. 65). The service should be fairly short for all to enjoy the service both the praise and worship and the preaching. The long services at the church scare away visitors as they concentrate on the amount of time spent in the service instead of listening to the preaching thus the church is unable to complete its mission of preaching the word of God. Thus the church should reconsider its practices in the service to ensure they reduce the time in the service if possible to be a short as two hours. The time allocated for the preacher is also to be considered to ensure the other activities do not take much of the church service. The main purpose of the congregation attending the service is to receive the message of the day that the pa stor has prepared for them, thus the preaching should be the main agenda of the service thus being allocated a substantial amount of time. The preacher can also check on time to have some time left for evangelism after the preaching. Professional marketing of the church is of importance when opening up a new church in a

Strategic management Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Strategic management - Research Proposal Example This is because Saudi Arabia encompasses the geographical scope of the area that was inhabited by the Prophet of Islam and the various activities he was involved in, during his life and the founding of Islam. Due to this, the King of Saudi Arabia has the title â€Å"Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques† (Ramady, 2010). This is primarily because Saudi Arabia controls the two holiest sites of Islam: Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy that is controlled by the core principles of the Islamic faith (Niblock, 2006). The King of Saudi Arabia has an absolute power over activities in the kingdom and his decrees are obeyed without question (Bowen, 2008). This is necessary to preserve his authority as a major figurehead in the world of Islam. Also, the king has the right and power to appoint authorities to run the various public institutions of the kingdom (Roberts, 2007). Until the 1930s when oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia, education was mainly steeped in Islamic study and Islamic law (Roberts, 2007). By the 1940s, the need to acquire higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia was recognized by the King of Saudi Arabia (Abiur, 1988). This is because Saudi Arabia had two main options: to either rely on foreigners who had the skills or send their nationals to Europe, America or other nations with modern institutions of higher learning to get educated. This was seen as undesirable because it exposed Saudis to lifestyles that were not seen as complementary. In 1949, the King of Saudi Arabia commissioned the first college in Mecca but it was to operate a religious curriculum (Abir, 1988). A teacher training college was established in 1952 but the Ulama or religious elites controlled these institutions. Finally, in 1957, the King commissioned the University of Riyadh. Several universities and institutions of higher learning were opened after this. As Saudi public institutions, the universities are ran by authorities that are appointed by

4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

4 - Assignment Example It is unethical to gamble with human life regardless of race, gender or social status for the sake of economic prosperity. Furthermore, this drug was banned in the US and Europe as it was responsible for massive liver damages. b. It is unethical to test drugs on children during the time of emergency. That is gambling with human life which is against the human rights. Chances are that the drug may destroy immune systems of the patients and lead to a high number of casualties. Lack of proper health care in developing countries does not mean that these people are lesser beings or are immune to toxins; this should not be an excuse. 2) Since hiring the child would be unlawful, the executive may opt to take care of the child by himself or look for a guardian locally or overseas. There are many people who would be willing to help the child to meet her daily needs. However, if the guardians are unwilling to live with her, then she may be taken to an orphanage. 3) a. Look at the oil excavation from two perspectives, the good side of it and the bad side. Think about the effect on the environs and the people. When the good outweigh the bad, then you can proceed. However, if there is any form of doubt safely etched at the deepest parts of your hearts, then abandoning such a task would be the plausible thing to do. b. Outsourcing may or may not a company’s best bet. However, outsourcing would be the best option when a company needs to speed up the production process and increase the quality of their output. Division of labor ensures that parties partake on tasks that best fit them. 4) It would be ethical to outsource the production process to developing countries when the company is facing the problem of the high cost of production and low sales returns. The most reasonable thing to do would be to look for cheaper labor even if it means job cuts for employees in the mother country. Failure to do so would lead to losses

Globalization and its affects on the State of Maine Research Paper

Globalization and its affects on the State of Maine - Research Paper Example Put simply, globalization is the idea that with trade barriers falling down and connections between countries (such as the internet, cheap and efficient transportation etc.) the location of a product’s consumer and producer no longer need to have a connection to each other. Maine, like virtually every other part of the world, has been significantly affected by globalization. Globalization has had both positive and negative effects on the economy and lifestyles of people living in Maine. On the one hand Maine has been spared many of the out and out relocations of jobs to outside of the state due to the impracticality of relocating those industries that other places, such as Michigan, have had to deal with, while on the other a global market has still driven prices down, hurting manufacturers. These same falling prices, however, have been beneficial to the working class people who are most harmed by jobs moving away. Furthermore most economic theories state that, in the long ter m, Industry Globalization leads to the most efficient distribution of jobs and manufacturing across the planet in terms of money cost. Basically it states that if a job can be done or a product produced for less cost somewhere else than it is currently being done, the job or production moves to that new place. In the case of America, the largest consumer society ever seen in all of history, the calculation usually involves three fundamental principles: cost of labor, location of raw materials, and cost of shipping and production (Bilgin, 2004). America has relatively high labor costs, especially when compared with emerging markets such as China or India, which is what prompts many industries to move away(Bilgin, 2004). Luckily for Maine, however, many of the industries are impractical to move because high shipping and transport costs would more than offset any savings made by reducing labor costs. Maine has a small but important steel industry, for instance (Madar, 2009). This indus try is naturally protected from being moved elsewhere because it has such incredibly low labor costs per ton of steel produced, so even though Chinese steel foundries can often get labor for about ten percent of the cost of labor in Maine, the cost of shipping that steel from China to the consumer market on the east coast of the United States still ends up costing more than steel produced in Maine, with its higher labor costs (Madar, 2009). This same principle holds true for two of Maine’s oldest and most well known industries, the lumber and paper industries. Both of these industries involve moving around an processing incredibly heavy raw materials (wood in both cases) and have very high tonnage of product per unit of labor ratios. This means that they are inherently somewhat protected from the effects of globalization, because taking the raw materials (lumber) from Maine, transporting it to another country for processing then returning it to a consumer market in and around Maine would lead to such amazingly higher cost than just leaving the manufacturing jobs, even with high labor costs, in Maine. Maine’s other ancient and venerable industry, the fishing industry, is likewise protected to a certain degree from globalization by its very nature. The raw materials for Maine’s fishing industry can obviously be found nowhere except off the coast of Maine. While it is possible to by many of

Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Communication - Essay Example r, our on field work has showed that there exists a significant communication gap between the two sections of hospital personnel rising from inconsistent micromanagement practices and a general absence of information in the lower levels of hierarchy. There existed a general perception that the NHCGL is not a career enhancing option for senior and junior members alike. The concern over stagnation in the career graph can adversely affect the motivation level of the personnel and their subsequent work efficiency. The senior management was found not to take an active interest in the development of junior members and are alleged to be more concerned with their own affairs. In matters pertaining to the administrative policy making, there exists no mechanism for the administration to review the feedback of ‘those administered’. Another recurring concern is that of redeployment of military personnel which should ideally consider various personnel parameters such as time on contract, time on board, previous deployments and moreover ensuring that only qualified candidates are called for deployment. A majority of the staff is ill informed about the general redeployment process. These micro managerial flaws exist despite the presence of various training, development and administrative grievance redressal programs within the organization. The Command Career Counselor (CCC) ensures that the Commanding Officer is informed on all matters concerning retention. There is an Education and Training Department which requires the naval staff to undergo an annual training program which covers various topics pertinent to the staff members. The entire training session beginning at the period of initiation of a new member is tracked by a Command Check In/ Check Out program. In addition there are numerous orientation programs emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to training and services. But none of these addresses the concerns of those members who are well initiated into the

Milky way Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Milky way - Essay Example 324). As one looks at the night sky, they observe a hazy band of white light that they always infer to be the Milky Way. Apparently, this is not true because every star and celestial body seen by the naked eye in the night sky all belong in the Milky Way. However, the band of white light comes about as a result of the accumulation of unresolved stars and other materials. A dark region can also be observed within the white band. The shaded area corresponds to blocked light from the distant star by interstellar dust. The Milky Way mainly consists of a bulging center and a spiral disk. The spiral disk can further be classified into a thin and thick disk. The flat disk rises about a 1000 light years below and above the galactic mid-plane, and the thick disk extends to about 3500 light years on both sides of the plane. When one considers the flatness of the galaxy then the galactic disk is said to be 120,000 light-years across. Our sun is about 28,000 light-years from the galactic center within the thin disk. There is also a halo that surrounds the entire disk, but it is not visible because of its dark matter composition. The Milky Way consists of many stars. These stars vary in lots of ways, from their individual size to their composition. The stars also vary depending on where they are found within the galactic disk, for example, those in the halo differ from those found on the disk. Consequently, they are said to belong to different stellar population. The mass of a star also translates to its life span; their weight is usually measured in terms of solar mass. The lighter the solar mass the longer the stars life span. The Milky Way is just one galaxy in a collection of a group of galaxies called the Local group. The Milky Way moves at 300 km/sec in the direction of the constellation Virgo. The Milky Way is in constant movement with the other galaxies in the Local Group. The galaxies found within the local

Financial Ratios and Division Managers Essay Example for Free

Financial Ratios and Division Managers Essay The front desk receptionist routinely takes an extra 20 minutes of lunch to run personal errands. Agency Problem: she took an extra 20 minutes to do her personal errands instead of working, which she puts her own self interests before the best interests of the company. Occurred cost: the salary that the company pays to her. The solution would depend on the boss on her work performance in the past. If she has an important personal errand to do during that time, then boss might need to talk to her and explain the solution for her. This problem can be final dealt by clocking-in and clocking-out even time for lunch hours. B) Division managers are padding cost estimates so as to show short-term efficiency gains when the costs come in lower than the estimates. Agency Problem: Division managers use their authority to mislead information and a problem exists when management and stockholders have conflicting ideas on how the company should be run in short-term. It will mess up the management in order to plan costs. Also it might ruin the number balance sheets and which could affect future gains. This might mean that the division managers who wish to engage in capital expenditures can now secure a short-term benefit from lower estimates. Occurred cost: The solution is management should monitor division managers performance and might give managers the performance shares which result in meeting the stated performance goals. These goals must be more efficient and accurate in order for management to plan goal to generate profit. Agency cost: By reducing and by providing appropriate incentives to align the interests to division managers. C) The firm’s chief executive officer has secret talks with a competitor about the possibility of a merger in which he would become the CEO of the combined firms. Agency Problem: The chief executive officer risks negative behavior because of dealing with the competition and did not involve his company’s best interests. He is putting his needs of planning a secret merger with his competition, which most likely can result potential profit for him, and possibly his company, if the merger is a positive one. Since he knows that his merger will occur (due to the fact of his direct â€Å"under the table† dealings with his competition), he can then go forward openly with his own company to promote the merger. Occurred cost: The CEO should know himself and the risks of CEO overconfidence. His behavior results in exactly this type of good faith mismanagement of the business. It is very important that the company should continue improving both legal and non-legal mechanisms that remedy conflict-of-interest problems by guarding against looting, fraud, and other forms of corporate corruption and disloyalty and by incentivizing managers to maximize shareholder value. The added challenge for corporate governance is to move beyond managerial motives to account more for human psychology and how managers actually behave and make business decisions when they are well-intentioned. D) A branch manager lay off experienced fulltime employees and staffs customer service positions with part-time or temporary workers to lower employment costs and raise this year’s branch profit. The manager’s bonus is based on profitability. Agency Problem: the branch manager created the personal goal to get more bonuses which depends on profitability and did not look into the company’s performance. Occurred cost: the management should be able to see that profitability does not come from sales. The cross section analysis helps the analyst to find out as to how a particular firm has performed in relation to its competitors. Time-Series analysis evaluates performance overtime by comparing current to the past performance. To look at significant year-to-year changes may be symptomatic of a major problem. Time series analysis helps to the firm to assess whether the firm is approaching the long-term goals or not. The Time series analysis looks for (1) important trends in financial performance (2) shift in trend over the years (3) significant deviation if any from the other set of data. So, I will compare the actual year 2007, 2008 and 2009. Liquidity by look at the current ratio and quick ratio that evaluating the speed with which certain accounts are converted into cash and its look at the ability of a company to meet its short-term obligations. As actual year 2009 the current ratio (2. 48) and quick ratio (1. 35) higher than the industry average and the higher is the better for company. If we look at the balance sheet we will see that the current asset and the current liability is decreased which is the big decreased from accounts payable. This shows that Marin Manufacturing Company have enough quick assets to pay off all current liabilities. Activity It shows relationship between the sales the assets. By evaluate inventory turnover, average collection period, and total asset turnover. As the inventory turnover of the Marin Manufacturing Company is less the industry average which I recommends that the company should manage inventory more efficiently. The average collection period is higher than both industry average and the past year which the manager should emphasis on the collection to decrease this number. It means that they have to change their policy of lending business for more efficiency of debt collection. The total asset turnover for the actual year is 1. 6 which more then the past year but it still less than the industry average. So, the company needs to increase sakes to meet the industry average. Debt can analyze by debt ratio and time interest earned ratio. The debt ratio of actual year 2009 is higher than the industry average it continue increasing since year 2007-2008. Its means that the company has high leveraged and might borrows more money in the year 2008. Also the higher debt ratio means higher risk for lenders and investors. For the time interest ratio which decrease from year 2008 at 1. 9 to be 1. 6 in year 2009 and lower than industry average it means the company might facing the risk that cash flows from operations will be insufficient to cover interest and principal payment. Profitability by evaluate gross profit margin, net profit margin, ROA and ROE. Gross Profit Margin is measuring how much amount is left to meet other expenses earn net profit which actual 2009 is at 27% that higher than the industry average (26%). Its mean that the company has high ability to sell goods at intended selling price. At 0. 65 % of net profit margin that decrease from 1. 1 % in 2007 to 1. 0% in year 2008 and less than industry average (1. 2%) that create low safety to the company. The higher risk that a decline in sales will erase profits and might result in net loss. The ROA and ROE both in year 2009 are decreasing to be less than the industry average and decresing from the past year. This show that the managerment is not managing asset effeicincy or assets are not being utilized effectively and lower ROE might caused by high debt. It seem like when this company are not very attractive for invertor if they looking at return on stockholders investment which is decreasing to be lower than industry averange. Market can analyze from P/E ratio and M/B ratio. For P/E in year 2009 is 34. 4 compare with the industry average at 43. 4 which lower and if compare to the past year it lower than year 2008. It means that investors are not perceive good growth potential of Marin Manufacturing Company.

Ophelia and Gertrude Essay

Ophelia and Gertrude Essay The classical and world-renowned Shakespearean play Hamlet has two very prominent and important female characters as the main roles, Ophelia and Gertrude. As to a surprise, they are similar in many ways. This essay will inform the reader about their similarities or likeness. It is quite obvious that both Gertrude and Ophelia are both motivated by love and a desire for quiet familial harmony among the members of their society in Elsinore. Out of love for her son does Gertrude advise: Dear Hamlet, cast thy nighted color off, And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark. Do not for ever with thy vailed lids Seek for thy noble father in the dust. (1.2) Likewise does she ask that the prince remain with the family: â€Å"Let not thy mother lose her prayers, Hamlet, / I pray thee stay with us, go not to Wittenberg.† Later, when the heros supposed â€Å"madness† is the big concern, Gertrude lovingly sides with her husband in the analysis of her sons condition: â€Å"I doubt it is no other but the main, / His fathers death and our oerhasty marriage.† She confides her family-supporting thoughts to Ophelia: â€Å"And for your part, Ophelia, I do wish / That your good beauties be the happy cause / Of Hamlets wildness,† thereby attempting to keep a loving relationship with the young lady of the court, even though the latter is of a lower social stratum. When Claudius requests of Gertrude, â€Å"Sweet Gertrude, leave us too; / For we have closely sent for Hamlet hither,† Gertrude responds submissively, â€Å"I shall obey you.† Familial love is first among Gertrudes priorities. When, at the presentation of The Mousetrap, she makes a request of her son, â€Å"Come hither, my dear Hamlet, sit by me,† and he spurns her to lie at Ophelias feet, Gertrude is not offended; her loyalty to family overrides such slights. She considers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to be friends of her son, and only for that reason sends them to learn about him; she would never use them as Claudius later does in an attempt to murder Hamlet. And even at the moment of her death, her last words include, â€Å"O my dear Hamlet.† Yes, Gertrude is pro-family. Ophelia manifest great familial affection In similar fashion does Ophelia manifest great familial affection, agreeing to comply with the advice of her brother Laertes: â€Å"I shall the effect of this good lesson keep / As watchman to my heart.† When her father, Polonius, makes inquiry regarding the â€Å"private time† which Hamlet has been giving to Ophelia, she replies unreservedly, â€Å"He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders / Of his affection to me,† and elaborates mightily on the subject. Polonius insists that she â€Å"from this time forth† not â€Å"give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet,† and Ophelia dutifully complies with his wishes: â€Å"I shall obey, my lord.† She later even gives him her love-letters from Hamlet. When she acts as a decoy so that Polonius and Claudius can observe the prince, resulting in Ophelias chastisement by the protagonist, she nevertheless keeps him as the main focus in her life: â€Å"O, what a noble mind is here oerthrown!† Her love for brother, father, boyfriend, and others generally, override her love of self. Her respect for the opinions of immediate family is greater than her respect for her own opinions even in the matter of her courtship. Bonds of family and friends Another similarity between these two lady-characters is that they suffer from a severing of the bonds of family and friends. Gertrude is displeased with Hamlet when, with The Mousetrap, he upsets King Claudius: Guildenstern says to Hamlet, â€Å"The Queen, your mother, in most great affliction of spirit, hath sent me to you.† And when the hero meets with his mother, her concern is: â€Å"Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended.† Of course, Gertrudes grief over the kings upset is soon upstaged by her sons killing of Polonius behind the arras: â€Å"O me, what hast thou done?† and â€Å"O, what a rash and bloody deed is this!† Gertrude, unaware of Claudius murder of King Hamlet, probes the prince for the cause of the disturbance within him: â€Å"What have I done, that thou darst wag thy tongue / In noise so rude against me?† and â€Å"Ay me, what act, / That roars so loud and thunders in the index?† Even when Hamlet has afflicted his mother s soul with great distress, she still tries to preserve the mother-son relationship by referring to him as â€Å"sweet†: â€Å"O speak to me no more! / These words like daggers enter in my ears. / No more, sweet Hamlet!† Even after Hamlet has done considerable emotional damage (â€Å"O Hamlet, thou hast cleft my heart in twain.†) Gertrude still tries to keep the familial bond from being totally severed by asking â€Å"What shall I do?† and by not revealing to Claudius that her son mistook Polonius for his uncle. Similarly, Ophelia suffers from the severing of the bonds of family and friends. She is traumatized by Hamlets visit after the ghosts appearance, when he has assumed the â€Å"antic disposition,† with â€Å"his doublet all unbraced; / No hat upon his head; his stockings fould,† and other aspects which make him appear as one â€Å"loosed out of hell.† Frank Kermode says that this â€Å"antic disposition† is a foil to Ophelias coming madness (1137). Polonius asks, â€Å"Mad for thy love?† and Ophelia responds, â€Å"My lord, I do not know; / But truly, I do fear it.† This is a time of uncertainty for her, for she has invested herself heavily in â€Å"the love for Hamlet, and her filial love† (Coleridge 353). When she later agrees to be a lure for Hamlet so that her father and the king can study his conduct in her presence, she feels the full loss of the princes affection for her: â€Å"Get thee to a nunnery: why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? [. . .] We are arrant knaves all; believe none of us. Go thy ways to a nunnery.† The severance of the ties with Hamlet cause her to pray for help: â€Å"O, help him, you sweet heavens!† and â€Å"O heavenly powers, restore him!† and â€Å"O, woe is me, / To have seen what I have seen, see what I see!† Later, as the Mousetrap begins, Ophelia readily consents (â€Å"Lady, shall I lie in your lap?†) to Hamlets resting his head on her lap: â€Å"Ay, my lord,† hoping to somewhat restore a dying relationship along with the heros sanity. And she cannot be too agreeable in her efforts with him: â€Å"You are as good as a chorus, my lord,† and â€Å"You are keen, my lord, you are keen.† Male influences Both Ophelia and Gertrude are victimized by male influences in the play. Ophelia is interfered with in her love-life by her brother Laertes, her father Polonius and by Hamlet himself. She is presented â€Å"almost entirely as a victim† (Boklund 123).Gertrude is intruded upon in her relationship with Claudius by Hamlet, by Laertes and by Claudius. The rejection of Ophelia by the prince, plus the loss of her father at Hamlets hands, brings about madness in Ophelia, and later indirectly her death. The devious machinations of Laertes and Claudius effect the accidental death of Queen Gertrude, who imbibes the poisoned cup. Deaths Both Ophelia and Gertrude die incidental, unostentatious deaths of no special moment. Hamlets death and royal burial by Fortinbras is in sharp contrast to the passing of these ladies. Ophelias demise is publicized by the queen: â€Å"One woe doth tread upon anothers heel, / So fast they follow; your sisters drownd, Laertes.† That Laertes should respond with the question, â€Å"Drownd! O, where?† seems out of place, since the most logical question from a loved one would be, â€Å"How?† or â€Å"Why?† The queen replies that â€Å"her garments, heavy with their drink, / Pulld the poor wretch from her melodious lay / To muddy death.† Laertes says briefly, â€Å"Alas, then, she is drownd?† and the queen even more briefly, â€Å"Drownd, drownd.† Until the reaction of Laertes and Hamlet in the grave, Ophelias passing seems to go almost unnoticed. Likewise, when Queen Gertrude later drinks from the poisoned cup on the occasion of the Laertes-H amlet contest of foils, she experiences a quick, quiet death: â€Å"No, no, the drink, the drink,O my dear Hamlet, / The drink, the drink! I am poisond.† And there is no more to the matter, possibly because everyone else is dying at the same time. Another experience which both Ophelia and Gertrude have in common is that they are both attacked verbally by Hamlet. When the prince suspects that Ophelia is a lure (Coleridge 362), he lambasts her with: â€Å"Or, if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool; for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them. To a nunnery, go, and quickly too. Farewell.† The Queen The queen also bears the brunt of Hamlets melancholic mood. After the â€Å"play within a play† Gertrude asks to see her son, who comes immediately but not in a good humor. At one point he is so aggressive that she thinks perhaps he is going to murder her: â€Å"A bloody deed! Almost as bad, good mother,/As kill a king and marry with his brother.† This alarms the queen, who blurts out, â€Å"As kill a king!† in her appalled mental state, shortly followed by â€Å"What have I done, that thou darst wag thy tongue/In noise so rude against me?† Hamlet leaves the queen in an emotionally spent condition: â€Å"I have no life to breathe / What thou hast said to me.† Both Ophelia and Gertrude possess complex temperament and motivation, thus qualify as rounded, not flat or two-dimensional, characters (Abrams 33). Also both women have a delicacy about them. In recognition of this delicacy, the ghost asks the protagonist to disregard revenge on Gertrude: â€Å"Taint not thy mind, nor let thy soul contrive / Against thy mother aught.† Ophelias delicacy is revealed in the appearance of her insanity and later death resulting from the loss of her father and the affection of her boyfriend. WORKS CITED Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 7th ed. New York: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1999. Boklund, Gunnar. â€Å"Hamlet.† Essays on Shakespeare. Ed. Gerald Chapman. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1965. Burton, Philip. â€Å"Hamlet.† The Sole Voice. New York: The Dial Press, 1970. N. pag. http://www.freehomepages.com/hamlet/other/burton-hamlet.htm Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. Lectures and Notes on Shakspere and Other English Poets. London : George Bell and Sons, 1904. p. 342-368. http://ds.dial.pipex.com/thomas_larque/ham1-col.htm Kermode, Frank. â€Å"Hamlet.† The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. G. Blakemore Evans. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1974. Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html No line nos.

Moringa Oleifera Health Benefits and Nutrition

Moringa Oleifera Health Benefits and Nutrition According to Dr. Lydia M. Marero of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Philippines, Moringa oleifera is one of the worlds most useful plants. It is used as food, effective water treatment, antibiotic, source of oil, and coagulant for turbid waters. Moringa Oleifera has several health benefits that are one of the reasons why it is named the Miracle Tree and the Tree of Life in many cultures. People benefit from Moringa Oleifera both in terms of prevention and healing. Moringa Oleifera is nutritious, natural and energizing. The immature pods are the most valued and widely used of all the tree parts. The pods are extremely nutritious, containing all the essential amino acids along with many vitamins and other nutrients. The immature pod can be eaten raw or prepared like green peas or green beans, while the mature pods are usually fried and possess a peanut-like flavor. The pods also yield 38 40% of non-drying, edible oil known as Ben Oil. This oil is clear, sweet and odorless, and never becomes rancid. Overall, its nutritional value most closely resembles olive oil. The root is used as pickle. The leaves are eaten as greens, in salads, in vegetable curries, as pickles and for seasoning. The Bark can be used for tanning and also y ields a coarse fiber. The flowers, which must be cooked, are eaten either mixed with other foods or fried in batter and have been shown to be rich in potassium and calcium. Moringa Oleiferas on Dr. Oz Show These are some of the uses of Moringa Oleifera: Moringa Oleifera for Diabetes Relief Moringa Oleifera for Healthy Skin Moringa Oleifera for Nutrition Moringa Oleifera to sleep better Moringa Oleifera for decreased depression and anxiety Moringa Oleifera  contains more than 92 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. Moringa leaves contain all the essential amino acids to build strong healthy bodies. Moringa  is said to cure about three hundred diseases and almost have all the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables. Even in larger proportions. With all the health benefits of this miracle herb, it can easily be termed as the most nutritious herb on Earth. There are no side-effects which also has tried, tested, documented and proved evidence to support the same. Some Facts about Moringa Moringa has following properties: 92 Nutrients 46 Antioxidants 36 Anti-Inflammatories 18 Amino Acids, 9 Essential Amino Acids Nourishes The  Immune System Supports Normal Glucose Levels Natural Anti-Aging Benefits Provides Anti-Inflammatory Support Promotes Healthy Digestion Promotes Heightened Mental Clarity Boosts Energy Without Caffeine Encourages Balanced Metabolism Promotes Softer Skin Provides Relief From Acne Supports Normal Hormone Levels Few Nutritional Value of Moringa Gram-for-gram comparison of nutritional data: 2 times -the Protein of Yogurt 3 times the Potassium of Bananas 4 times the Calcium of Milk 4 times the Vitamin A of Carrots 7 times -the Vitamin C of Oranges The Vitamin and Minerals Component of Moringa  Leaves and Pods Vitamins are soluble either in water or in lipids. They help regulate almost all physiological processes in the body. When any vitamin is absent from the diet the body begins to show signs of deficiency. Minerals are also essential for our health; they are used by our body for building tissues such as bones, teeth, muscles. Some minerals are components of enzymes and help to regulate metabolic function of the body. Lack of minerals in diet can impair normal functioning of the body and may lead to a number of disease. Without enough calcium and phosphorous our bones fail to grow properly. The detail of vitamins and minerals in Moringas fresh dried leaves and its pod are presented in the following tables. Table No. 1: Moringa Oleifera Pods [Raw] Nutritional Value Per 100  g (3.5  oz) Energy 26  kcal Fat 0.10 g Carbohydrates 3.7 g Protein 2.50 g Dietary fiber 4.8 g Water 86.90 g Vitmans Vitamin A equiv. 0.11 mg Calcium 30 mg Thiamine (vit. B1) 0.05 mg Iron 5.3 mg Riboflavin (vit. B2) 0.07 mg Magnesium 24 mg Niacin (vit. B3) 0.20 mg Manganese 0.25 mg Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.79 mg Phosphorus 110 mg Vitamin B6 0.12 mg Potassium 259 mg Folate (vit. B9) 44 ÃŽÂ ¼g Sodium 42 mg Vitamin C 120.0 mg Zinc 0.45 mg Source: USDA Nutrient Database Table No. 2: Moringa Oleifera Leaf Nutrient Composition Calories Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  92 cal Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  49 cal Macronutrients Protein Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  6.70 g Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  6.5 g Fat Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  1.70 g Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  0.55 g Carbohydrates Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  12.5 g Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  9.2 g Micronutrients Carotene (Vit.A) Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  6.78 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  4.54 mg Thiamin (B1) Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  0.06 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  0.63 mg Riboflavin (B2) Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  0.05 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  4.92 mg Niacin (B3) Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  0.8 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  1.97 mg Vitamin C Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  220 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  4.15 mg Calcium Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  440 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  480.72 mg Copper Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  0.07 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  0.14 mg Fiber Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  0.90 g Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  4.61 g Iron Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  0.85 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  6.77 mg Magnesium Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  42 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  88.32 mg Phosphorus Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  70 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  48.96 mg Potassium Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  259 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  329 mg Zinc Fresh Leaves (Value/100g):  0.16 mg Dried Leaves (Value/24g):  0.79 mg Source: The National Academies Press Amino Acids: The foundation of our body Our bodies need twenty different amino acids or proteins that are the building blocks for a healthy body. Nonessential amino acids are those that the body can synthesize for itself, provided there is enough nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available. Essential amino acids are those supplied by the diet.   They must be consumed as the human body either cannot make them at all or cannot make them in sufficient quantity to meet its needs. Of the 20 amino acids required by our bodies, eleven of them are nonessential and nine are essential. Functions of Amino Acids: Proteins act as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. They maintain fluid balance and acid and base balance. They also transport substances such as oxygen, vitamins and minerals to target cells throughout the body. Structural proteins, such as collagen and keratin, are responsible for the formation of bones, teeth, hair, and the outer layer of skin and they help maintain the structure of blood vessels and other tissues. Enzymes are proteins that facilitate chemical reactions without being changed in the process. Hormones (chemical messengers) are proteins that travel to one or more specific target tissues or organs, and many have important regulatory functions. Insulin , for example, plays a key role in regulating the amount of glucose in the blood. The body manufactures antibodies (giant protein molecules), which combat invading antigens. Antigens are usually foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses that have entered the body and could potentially be harmful.If these critical components for a healthy body are not provided as part of a healthy diet, the body will look for other sources for them.   This can include breakdown of our organs, leading to chronic problems such as liver and kidney problems, diabetes and heart disease among others. Moringa as a Food Moringa is considered a complete food as it contains all of the essential Amino Acids required for a healthy body.  The dried leaf is a nutritional powerhouse and contains all of the following Amino Acids. Ann Hirsch, PhD One of the things that impress me most about Moringa is the fact that it has the full complement of the essential amino acids those humans beings need-there are nine of them that we cannot synthesize, so we have to get them from our food. Ann Hirsch, PhD, Professor of Botany at University of California Los Angeles Malnutrition In developing tropical countries, Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers. Three non-governmental organizations in particular Trees for Life, Church World Service and Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization advocate Moringa as natural nutrition for the tropics. Leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or stored as dried powder for many months without refrigeration, and without loss of nutritional value. According to Optima of Africa, Ltd., a group that has been working with the tree in Tanzania, 25 grams daily of Moringa Leaf Powder will give a child the following recommended daily allowances: Protein 42%, Calcium 125%, Magnesium 61%, Potassium 41%, Iron 71%, Vitamin A 272%, and Vitamin C 22%. These numbers are particularly astounding; considering this nutrition is available when other food sources may be scarce. Moringa as medicine Scientific research confirms that these humble leaves are a powerhouse of nutritional value. The Moringa tree has great use medicinally both as preventative and treatment. Much of the evidence is anecdotal as there has been little actual scientific research done to support these claims. Indias ancient tradition of ayurveda says the leaves of the Moringa tree prevent 300 diseases. One area in which there has been significant scientific research is the reported antibiotic activity of this tree. Moringa and cancer Findings of a study made in India, which were used as the basis of many news reports on malunggay as a wonder plant, states that moringa contains anti-cancer compounds (phytochemicals) that help stop the growth of cancer cells. Moringa is said to be effective in treating ovarian cancer, among a host of other diseases like arthritis, anemia, heart complications, kidney problems, scurvy, asthma, and digestive disorders (ulcer, gastritis, diarrhea, dysentery). Another area of folklore which research supports is in cancer treatment. Moringa species have long been recognized by folk medicine practitioners as having value in the treatment of tumors. Studies examined certain compounds for their cancer preventive potential. Recently two of these compounds were shown to be potent inhibitors of activation of lymphoblastoid (Burkitts lymphoma) cells. One of these compounds also inhibited tumors in mice bred to be prone to tumors. In another study, Bharali and colleagues examined skin tumor prevention following ingestion of drumstick (Moringa seedpod) extracts. Liver and Moringa Moringa has been observed by scientists to contain unique compounds and enact mechanisms that help purge the liver of these toxins and even reverse the damage that they cause. Silymarin is a flavonoid or specialized molecule found in moringa that has been shown to help reduce the effects of hepatoxins on the liver, improving its resiliency. It also protects the liver from the toxic effects. Moringa has also been observed to be an effective treatment against a wide array of liver diseases, such as both chronic and acute hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, fatty degeneration of the liver, and the metabolic liver disease brought about by alcohol and drug use. This is because moringa not only stops the toxicity that causes these diseases, but also helps reverse it. On its own, the liver is a very resilient organ, able to regenerate its cells and grow back even after over half of it is destroyed or removed. Moringa accelerates this regeneration process by about four times the normal speed, eventually helping the liver regain full functionality. Water purification After the oil is extracted from the pods, the seed-cake remaining contains the active components for removing turbidity (solid particles) from water. Because bacteria adhere to the solids, this seed-cake also effectively removes bacteria. At the Thyolo Water Treatment Works in Malawi, Africa, two researchers from the University of Leicester, England, have worked on substituting moringa seeds for alum to remove solids in water for drinking. Conclusions This tree is truly a Miracle Tree offering hope; nutritionally, medicinally and economically to devastatingly poor 3rd world countries. It has just recently begun being used as a supplement in a juice form and in powdered leaf tablets. We are not talking about believing us, the data is already out there to show the benefits of Moringa Oleifera.What has been missing, so far, is the willingness to create awareness about this. In our local language it is called SOHANJNA References: Broin M (2006). The nutrient value of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves: What can we learn from figure? 2006 Moringa news work shop. http://www.moringanews.org/doc/GB? Posters?Broin_poster.pdf. accessed 18/05/2010. Fahey JW (2005). Moringa oleifera: A review of the Medical evidence for its nutritional, Therapeutic and prophylactic properties. Part 1. http://www.TFLjournal.org/article.php /20051201124931586. accessed 15/03/2010 Anjorin TS, Ikokoh P, Okolo S (2010). Mineral composition of Moringa oleifera leaves, pods and seeds from two regions in Abuja, Nigeria. Int. J. Agric Biol., 12: 431-434. Anwar F, Sajid L, Muhammad A, Anwarul HG (2007). Moringa oleifera: A Food plant with Multiple Medicinal Uses. Phytother. Res., 21: 17-25. Foidl N, Makkar HPS, Becker K (2001). The Potential of Moringa oleifera for Agricultural and industrial uses. What development potential for Moringa products? October 20 th- November 2nd 2001. Dar Es Salaam. Fuglie LJ (2001). Combating malnutrition with Moringa. In: Lowell Fugile, J.(Ed), The Miracle Tree: The Multiple Attributes of Moringa. CTA Publication, Wageningen, The Netherlands, pp. 117-136. Gidamis AB, Panga JT, Sarwatt SV, Chove BE, Shayo NB (2003). Nutrients and anti-nutrient contents in raw and cooked leaves and mature pods of Moringa oleifera, Lam. Ecol. Food Nutr., 42: 399-411. Babu S (2000). Rural nutrition interventions with indigenous plant foods-a case study of vitamin A deficiency in Malawi. Biotechnol. Agron. Soc. Environ., 4(3): 169-179. Barminas JT, Charles M, Emmanuel D (1998). Mineral composition of non-conventional vegetables. Plant Food Hum. Nutri. 53: 29-36.

Violence In Leda and the Swan by W.B.Yeats Essay -- essays research pa

Violence In Leda and the swan by W.B.Yeats â€Å"Leda and the Swan† is one of the most well known poems by Yeats, although it’s controversy as to what really happens during the lines of this sonnet. There are many different ways as to how one can approach the interpretation of the poem, is it influenced by Yeats’ own life, in which case he puts all his frustration towards Maud Gonne into words, or is it a poem about power, or about politics? I have deliberately chosen not to take into consideration the political and social background of Ireland at that time. This, because I prefer to restrain my analysis to the poem itself, and how one could interpret its proper meaning. As a consequence, it is interesting and important to remember that one of Yeats’ many interests was Greek mythology, more precisely issues linked to Helen of Troy. In this poem, Yeats shows his vision of how Leda got pregnant by Zeus who was disguised as a swan when he raped her. This act gave birth to two eggs, and one of them was to become Helen of Troy. It is her birth that was the real cause of the Trojan War and Agamemnon’s death. To write this poem Yeats was inspired by a carving, a Hellenistic bas-relief reproduced in Elie Faure's History of Art (1921) , which he owned. His description of what happens in the poem concurs with this carving. This is a strong poem, where the image of a woman can be seen as dirtied, dehumanised, and shameful, the girl was not only raped in a ‘normal way’, but it was an animal that carried out the act. Still, Yeats describes what happened in such a way that one wonders if at some point, Leda’s body actually is led by lust, and puts back her fear, or if she is really trying to fight back, as we will see further on, in... ...me, he does play on provocation, as when the poem was written Gaelic tradition included a strong involvement of the catholic church both in law making, and in morality. There were censorship everywhere, in books, films, and to show how far it went, we can add that even contraception and divorce was made illegal! Yeats was against all this, and it can be felt in his poem, as it touches pornography, and female purity. Bibliography: Cullingford Elizabeth, Gender and history in Yeats’ love poetry, New York: Syracuse Hargrove, Nancy D., â€Å"Aesthetic Distance in Yeast’s ‘Leda and the Swan,’† in Arizona Quarterly, Vol. 39, 1983 Scott C. Holstad, California State University, Long Beach, Yeast’s 'Leda and the Swan': Psycho-Sexual Therapy in Action Univ.Press W.B.Yeats, Selected poems, Penguin Modern Classics www.sparknotes.com

The Battle Of Midway Essay -- American History

The Battle of Midway On June 3rd, 1942, the United States declared war on Imperialistic Japan and Nazi Germany. Due to the bombing of the United States' naval base at Pearl Harbor by the Japanese the U.S. was forced to take action. The United States began their first naval battle near the Midway islands in defense of its pacific fleet and positioning. Midway was the Japanese' last goal for its western expansion in the Pacific. Just after midnight on June 4th,1942, the United States attacked a fleet of Japanese transport ships. One American torpedo plane took out fleet tanker "Akabono Maru". Later that morning at about 6:30am, Japanese planes began bombing midway island installations, though causing minimal damage to the U.S. naval base. Between 9:30am and 10:30am the U.S. took out Japanese aircraft carrier's "Kaga, Akagi, and Soryu". During the battle the Japanese recovered three U.S. naval aviators. But after interrogating these men, the Japanese murdered them. On June 5th, 1942, a battleship, under the command of Rear Admiral Spruance, pursued the Japanese fleet westward leaving salvage workers to repair the U.S. aircraft carrier "Yorktown"(which was damaged a day earlier by a Japanese submarine torpedo). The last of the air attacks of the battle took place on June 6th, 1942, with the United States beginning to emerge victorious with the sinking of 2 destroyers, 1 heavy cruiser, and 1 cruiser. Meanwhile a Japanese submarine torpedoed aircraft carrier "Yorktown" and the destroyer "USS Hammann", though it took a day for the carrier to turn over and sink. The Japanese submarine escaped with-out destruction soon after the torpedoing. (Naval Historical Center, Battle of Midway:4-7 June 1942, Department of the Navy... ...he U.S. complete control over the Pacific Ocean. This defeat also gave the Allies an absolute victory over Japan and the remaining Axis powers. The infamous Battle of Midway officially ended on June 7th 1942. Works Cited Baikie, Eric. Ngo, Kevin. Collins, McKenzie. "Major Battles of WWII". Viking Press. January 2002. Bruce, George "Sea Battles of the 20th Century", Stopping the Tide: the Battle of Midway 4th - 7th 1942, Department of the Navy, May 1990 Cressman, Robert, J. "No End Save Victory", Naval Historical Center, June 1998 Dingman, Roger, The origins of naval arms limitation,"Power In The Pacific", Naval Institute Press, 1998. Naval Historical Center, "Battle of Midway: 4th -7th June 1942, Department of the Navy. June, 30, 2003. Naval Historical Center, "Preparation For Battle" Department of the Navy, April 1999

marriage and funeral in ancient greece :: essays research papers fc

Marriage and Funeral in Classical Athens Marriage in Classical Athens was inevitable. It was a part of life. Everyone had to get married, just as everyone had to someday face death. Although most people would not see a connection between marriage and death, the Greeks did. Both define an irreversible physical change—the loss of virginity and the loss of life. This idea of loss, rebirth, and renewal are present in both wedding and funeral. This is evident in the way wedding and funeral ceremonies complement each other in character and content. Both ceremonies are interwoven with ritual meaning and overlapping rites.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are three distinctive parts to a Greek marriage: the engue, ekdosis, and gamos (Powers). The engue refers to the betrothal arranged by the kurioi, which are the fathers of the bride and groom (Duby 273). In this ceremony a verbal contract is made called engye. This is basically an agreement upon marriage between the groom and father of the bride. The dowry is also paid to the groom during this time. The agreement is sealed by the phrase ‘I hand over this woman to you for the ploughing of legitimate children’ (Blundell 101). Witnesses were present as proof of engue in case the legitimacy of children was ever questioned.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As the engue marked a pledge the ekdosis marked a transformation of the bride as she shifted from a child to an adult, a virgin to a wife. Actions that symbolized this transfer included cutting of the bride’s hair, removing the girdle she wore since puberty, and taking a ritual bath in water from a sacred spring.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During the ekdosis the daughter is given away by the father to her husband. The bride and groom prepare for the wedding with offerings, dedications, and sacrifices. All of these rites are for purification and conciliation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The bride offers locks of her hair to the virgin deity Artemis in hopes that the god would ease her passage from virginity. The bride’s girdle is also taken off and consecrated to Artemis or Athena (Blundell 105). This pre-wedding ritual is one of the few events women are allowed to participate in.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The bride and groom both take a ritual bath which is believed to induce fertility (Avagianou 6). Sacred spring water for the bath is carried in a loutrophorus which means â€Å"someone who carries the bath water† (Rehm 15).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The bride is then assisted in adorning herself for the public ceremony which begins with a feast at the family’s home.

Youth obesity

Game consoles, MacDonald's, KFC, all companies that provide entertainment and fried foods for kids are the main causers of the growing number of children becoming obese. These companies are so prevalent on today's youth's lives that they make a profound impact on their health. With the rate that these companies are expanding worldwide, the rate at which children are becoming obese is bound to become even worse. Every corner you go around especially in America you will find a fast food restaurant. This is the main reason why America has the highest youth obesity rate. During the past 30 years the percentage of obese children between the ages of 6 and 11 has tripled. It is amazing is it not all we have to do to change this is adjust our food intake and watch our daily activities so I ask of you to join me and change for the better of our own lives. There are three causes of youth obesity that stood out from the rest for me. These are poor nutrition, low self esteem and a less – active – youth. Eating healthy means taking a lot more time to prepare a meal and it costs more than a readymade, extremely fast, unwatched while being cooked and full of oil fast food meal. A lot of parents are not educated with what is right for their children to be eating. So they leave their children to enjoy what they like instead of having a balanced diet. Children's self esteems lower when they are obese because of society's influences on being thin. As they get more obese their social interactions with other youths decrease because of this influence. Now the low self esteem that develops leads to children no longer being around others thus making them become less active which helps to make children even more obese. A study performed by Research Triangle Institute International for the Centres of Disease Control in Washington, DC surveyed 986 parents on childhood obesity and prevention. The results were as follows 49.5% did not feel schools had the right to record children's weights. 72.9% felt that schools needed to provide weight loss and exercise programs. 39.1% thought an increase on the tax of fast food was constructive. 42.31% favoured the standardization of food portions in restaurants. You must be thinking that to stop obesity means we just have to remove fat from our diets. But you would be wrong stopping obesity does not just mean removing fat from your diets. Usually when people remove fat from their diet they will increase their intake of sugar, high density carbohydrates, and starches. This means you are having a low protein and fat meal which often leave people feeling hungry which leads to them filling their stomachs as soon as possible with whatever they can find to eat. That is wrong. You need to have and stick to a balanced diet. Most of us eat 3 large meals, breakfast, lunch and supper. That too is wrong. You need to eat six small meals and your last meal should be eaten at least two hours before going to sleep to allow for you to burn all fat and energy from the meal. This information was given to me by an actual dietician from CFB. Coming back to the topic of game consoles and I would like to add into that topic television. The question is, is television a friend or foe of youth obesity is what I shall answer for you. Every hour a child sits and plays a video game or watches TV they may double their risk of becoming obese. Glenda Nichols, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Tarrant County College she stated in an interview that on average a child watches or plays a video games for 7.1 hours a day. That equals to 25,000 hours of being in front of a television by the time that they would be seniors in high school. That is extremely dangerous because children are guaranteeing their chances of becoming obese. Some long term effects of childhood obesity are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. These are all very dangerous for the human body. But these are just a few of the many associated problems. More problems associated with obesity are: 1. Diabetes 2. Hyperlipidemia 3. Blood circulation diseases like arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and palsy 4. Skin disease 5. Joint problems, back, knee, and ankle pain 6. Liver disease 7. Cholelithiasis 8. Menstrual abnormalities 9. Female infertility 10. Breast cancer 11. Endometrium cancer 12. Decline in libido 13. Mental stress We all live in a society that sends out very strong messages about beauty and body weight. Girls are encouraged to constantly diet and exercise until they attain a fit, thin body. Boys are told to constantly work out and do whatever is necessary to attain a buff, muscular figure. Am I wrong? So come on let's follow the messages society sends to all of us together. I ask all of you to not do it for me but to do it for yourself. You will not forget it especially in the long run. So come on let's get healthy.

Zara Fast Fashion

1. Features of Zaras pedigree set that affect its operating economics Zara owns often of its takethion and well-nigh of its exactlyt ins, tour competitors hurly burly and H&M own both(prenominal) last(predicate) of their lay ins further outsource all of their merchandise. Be netton, on the an some other(prenominal) hand, owns all of its outturn merely goes to foodstuff finished and through licensing agreements. Zara places oer truly oft violence on spurward plumb integproportionn. issue runs argon unforesightful and live source is purely potencyled. This is in contrast to diligence trends of eminent volume return. Zaras harvest-feast bike age from the blueprint phase to the manufacturing phase is 4 to 5 weeks temporary hookup the pains clean is 6 to 9 months. The short make pass clip en sufficients Zara to commit to a majority of its product such(prenominal) later than its competitors. 85% of Zaras in-house toil occurs after the len ify has started in contrast to 20% in-house output signal of traditionalistic sellers. Zaras pricing is dishonor than its competitors, except service margins atomic shape 18 juicyer due to tell efficiencies gained from a shortened, unslopedly integrated, supply drawing string.At Zara, a high inventory dollar volume rate results in minimal obsolescence be, dynamic headroom sales or mark devours. Zara estimated 15%-20% of positive sales as markdowns/close-outs vs. 30% to 40% for its competitors. This helps to economize a buckram clear margin and bolster commercialise image as a moldiness defile at present destination. Zaras advertising expenses atomic number 18 minimal (avg. 0. 3% of revenue) comp atomic number 18d with 3% to 4% for other specialty retail merchants. These helps demoralise expenses and preserve strong win margins. Zara, in turn, invests much money in renovating its entrepotfronts and buying outpouring real estate for shop locations. At Z ara, 75% of display sell is glum ein truth 3 to 4 weeks which cor reacts to the add up era amidst client visits. The fair Zara shopper visits the chain 17 times a year. In contrast, the controersy records an sightly of 3 to 4 guest visits per year. Zaras image creates a sense of urgency and forces loyal clients to change course in often for the latest elbow rooms. 2. Zaras Quick Response Capabilities upriver and downstream activities Zaras expeditious- re f arwellee mental skill is establish on modify coordination between retail stores and product manufacturers.This coordination al humbleds Zara to react faster to fake trends, thus creating a hawkish returns for Zara. Effectively utilizing culture technology and erectly-integrated manufacturing furthers Zaras quick chemical reaction faculty. Upstream Activities Design Teams continuously track node preferences via data sent electronically from individualist storefronts. Additionally, sales data is sent u pstream from the stores to get to blink feedback on Zaras sensitive product lines generating replenishment coiffes for sold product.This instant upstream feedback, pitd with Zaras rapid product development gives Zara a compelling commercialise usefulness. Zara sources cloth and finished products from external suppliers development purchasing offices in atomic number 63 and Hong Kong. 50% of the fabric remains undyed to facilitate in-season updating via Comditel, a subsidiary of Inditex that manages the discolor and patterning of unfinished fabric. Delaying production of unfinished fabric allows randomness flowing upstream to entrance Zaras production. 40% of all grooms ar construct up republicly or by subcontractors hardened undecomposed Zaras headquarters. This 40% represents the closely mold adequate to(p), time-sensitive garments that Zara considers risky. Zaras local anaesthetic production internet facilitates flexibility and risk-taking on fashion trends . Downstream Activities Zara owns its own statistical dissemination midpoint in Arteixo. All merchandise from both internal and external suppliers passes through this distri barg yetion sum of money. Shipments occur twice a week to each store. Items move through the summation very right away.For example, a great majority of items atomic number 18 at the center just a few hours and no item stays at the center for to a greater extent than trio days. On total, Zara spends 0. 3% of its revenue on media advertising, which is focused on opening season and end of season sales. Product cycles through the stores rapidly, with in the raw blueprints arriving every terzetto weeks. This fast perturbation results in a substantive reduction of fireed merchandise. debunk shelves are sparsely stocked creating a sense of urgency (buy now) in the minds of shoppers, resulting in immediate sales. location is critical for Zara to attract repeat customers. Stores are occasionally relocat ed in response to ever-shifting popularity of shopping districts and traffic patterns. 3. Why power Zara fail? Zara could fail due to fall into what is humpn as the fruit trap. In the beginning, Zara established itself as selling middling- fictional character fashion article of clothing at low-cost legal injurys. Zara went on to gain a war handle receipts in the diligence by ontogenesis a quick response capability while at the same time take foring low customer pricing.As Zara begins to rarify internationally, the potential to lose their agonistical vantage increases. For example, in South America, Zara had to present a high-end rather than a mid- commercialize image. This goes against the image of medium quality fashion at afford commensurate prices that Zara had create and takeed since their inception. As Zara restrains to grow, their stores may eventually be found on every street corner round the initiation. As a result, Zara runs the risk that their products may become less unique in the eyes of the consumer.According to the out issue trap, efforts to grow discharge blur uniqueness, create compromises, narrow fit, and ultimately lowmine private-enterprise(a) advantage. In the end, Zara runs the risk of nice an ordinary retail chain as they lose bundle of their competitive advantage and become more like every other retail player. In severalise to maintain their commercialize share, Zara should remember their roots and focus on the excellence of their quick chain with very minimal increases in selling space.Zara quick FashionInditex Zara tight fashion theoretical account analysis telephoner social organise and Goals Overview Zaras vision on evolution and spheric dodge -Building up fixed assets - vertical integ proportionalityn -No advertising, creating premium stores -Fashion fol frown QR to fashion trends -Strongly customer oriented -Stable growth -Markdowns half the comely (15% as supposititious to 30% ) -Pricin g food market themed argument model -Vertical ope rations and downstream activities -Multi-chain concept -Creative design police squad -Competitive advantage sustainable growth As attachment ostiariuss pentad forces Company organize Financials) Problem argument Growth contest 20% per annum anticipate, 76% of legality prize implicit on Inditexs stock price was based on expectations on coming(prenominal) growth. sorrow to deliver expected growth results powerfulness gain a serious scratch line in go withs market upper- carapace letterization. Room for non-local growth in average a retail merchant was present in 10 countries while e. g. a pharmaceutic federation averaged trading trading operations in cxxv countries.Problem line is In what geographical area(s) should further Zara intricacy follow? Should thither be a nonher logistics-distribution centre created as increase of operations might cause dis-economies of scale? Should it adopt additional irons given the complexity of managing those and the risk of own-product-replacements? wield the margins (visible threat to the sustainability of indications competitive advantage) Evaluation of the alternate solutions 1. Growth challenge Notes non much potential on the local market - variant markets require divergent emplacement -though cost grow as distance grows, prices similarly change (margins are kept) -50% of all trade is to developing countries -Zara shopper visits the store 17 times a year, average is 2-4 times -Creating a climate of scarceness and opportunity in stores Evaluate growth options in divers(prenominal) markets Spain Europe str4 production in trade union Africa, tur expose and easternmost Europe. US production in Mexico and the Caribbean subjected to sell oercapacity, less fashion- prior than Europe, inquires larger sizes and exhibits considerable internal variations Japan no quotas to restrict imports, produced in China. teenage market segment c onsidered as the trendiest in the world Italy fashionable, visit stores frequently and spend more on clothing 2. Change in marketing dodging Current troika types of entering a market social club owned stores, formulate ventures, franchising Strategy is well-worn across the countries -No adv -One astronomical shop key city (capital) Followed by smaller ones (spreading roughly the arena) -Shop windows used to a fault -Products do not differ much from country to country -Model is downstream -No friendship is shared -From design to stores within 4-5 weeks , exertion average 9 months -Due to product testing, trial rate yet 1% compared to perseverance average of 10% 3. Change in pricing strategy Current Prices diverge on the distinct markets, due to exile be (all supplied from the base in Galicia) this changes positioning Lower mark-down than industry averageZara refrain FashionThe Spanish retail chain Zara has unique supply chain vigilance practices that enable it to gain a competitive advantage all everywhere other fashion retailers in the industry. Zaras rapid response time enables the firm to quickly respond to ever-changing fashions while deliberately under producing products. This strategy, which is supported by competencies in logistic concern, design and information systems, allows the familiarity to maintain less inventory and high profit margins and is a give away factor to Zaras success. The firm should keep on to add apprise by attempting modernistic opportunities to spread in the retail market and maintain their sustainable growth.Financial psychoanalysis creation aware of a unions financial health and advantageousness of its competitors is passing essential for everyone interested in agreeable in melodic phrase with Inditex. In this part of the paper, through analysis of 4 let on ratios and return on invested capital, we are red ink to discover some of the gilds drivers of sustained competitive advantage. The 4 key ratios go out focus mainly on attach tos liquidity, activity, solvency and profitability, while ROIC result visualise how well the phoner manages the capital invested in operations of the pipeline.In state to measure ability of Inditex to meet its short term obligations and to assess liquidity, it is all important(predicate) to bode accepted ratio. As shown in exhibits subsection downstairs, in 2001, Inditedx had 1. 02 million in current assets, while Gap and H&M had 1. 48 and 3. 4 million Euros in current assets for every Euro in short-run debt. This indicates that Inditexs main competitors demonstrate greater ability to meet current payments of debt thusly liquidity is not one of the associations success drivers. When it comes to comparing play alongs sales to various assets categories it is monumental to take a look at the total assets turnover.This ratio indicates how efficiently assets are macrocosm used to support sale. From 1999-2001, this ratio ch ange magnitude by 1. 2% that it was windlessness downstairs industry performance. shortly Inditex is industry drawing card with total assets turnover of 1. 8. This shows that federations recourses are being well managed and that company is able to unclutter high direct of sales from its investments in property, plant and equipment such as manufacturing facilities. Debt to equity ratio is used for solvency evaluation. The main innovation of this ratio is to show companys ability to repay tenacious-term creditors.As shown in exhibits section, this ratio drop-offd from 1999-2001, however, when compared to its rivals, Inditex confirm to cede the best leverage among them. When it comes to companys financial flexibility and profitability it is highly essential to calculate dinero Profit Margin ratio. This ratio measures how boffo a company has been at the agate line of fashioning profit for each euro earned.As presented in the exhibits section, Inditex was and lock is an i ndustry leader with Net Profit Margin ratio of 10. 6% in 2001 and 13. 10% in 2010 which intend that company has currently . 3 of net income for every dollar sale. In addition, according to Inditexs income statement, we could see that company is delivering higher net income due to its ability to carry through operating expenses and COGS much lower than competitors. Furthermore, the company is able to gain sustained competitive advantage by making its own products, efficiently covering lower advertising expenses and maintaining cost-effective number of employees per store. In order for Inditex to maintain continuous growth it is important to keep its profit margins at the high level.Last but not least ROIC (Return on Invested Capital) gives a better judgment on how well a company is using its money to bring back returns. Inditex ROIC varied through past couple of years but is currently able to earn most 7% on each euro invested. From the exhibit table below, we could end that th e company is making wiser investment decisions than its competitors. SCP depth psychology Zara competes in a monopolistically competitive industry due to the number of players. No problem in this type of industry has total control over the market price and there are no barriers to compliance and exit.Because of its monopolistically competitive playing grounds, Zaras read is to increase its market power by producing demand for its heterogeneous products. Through specialization and cost leadership, Zara attempts to increase market demand by offering new items hebdomadally while keeping a low inventory, thus making its products unique and sweet to consumers. Because of its backward vertical integration model, Zara creates a strong synergism throughout its production move.Zara has sustained a competitive advantage globally by expanding into new markets and becoming more efficient. In a onopolistically competitive industry, Zara is expected to realise profits in the short run but entrust break even in the long run because demand leave behind return as average total costs increase. This message in the long run, a monopolistically competitive firm, such as Zara, go away make zero economic profit (AmosWEB, 2001). Porters Five Forces Barriers to Entry Due to the new-made recession and weak economic market, numerous an(prenominal) a(prenominal) new players rent avoided entering the retail industry. Zara has taken advantage of this opportunity to be the first to enter into many markets across the world before its competitors.With the economic future improving, Zara get out be facing more and more competition especially in the United States. Rather than implementing new strategies on how to differentiate itself even more, Zara will make to focus more on creating marker ken and staying on top in the game. Zara has been the odd ball in the industry with its creative business model but with more and more retailers quickly communicable on and critiquin g their business model to outfit the economy changes, Zara faces intense competition. Unlike other retailers, for example Gap and H&M, Zara postulate to fight threats around the globe.In the states, Zara competition is intensified with Ameri rear retailers because many customers still do not know who Zara is or what it offers. In Europe, Zara is like a Macys for us in the states so the brand awareness is there but competition is still too high. Many retailers in Europe offer the same products as Zara, at the same or similar prices indeed Zara needs to find ways to keep ahead of competition. negotiate Power of Buyers Zara is renowned for its business model of just in time inventory. No other retailer john produce a garment from scratch and have it hanging in the stores within weeks than Zara.Zara also distributes large number of shipments to its stores around the world twice a week. All merchandise is shipped from Spain and all stores see shipment on the same days, Monday and Thursday. Zara produces nigh 16,000 new designs a year which is much more than leading(p) competitors. With the constant changing outfit Zara keeps its inventory levels extremely low. Zara customers know that if they see something in the store to buy it right then and there because tomorrow that garment will not be there. US customers are still adapting to this quick turnaround time.With their advanced technology, Zara knows what its customers want and will deliver that to them within 2 weeks time. Bargaining Power of Suppliers Zara manufactures all its clothing in house. This way it has control of the inherent process and clear make changes more quickly and efficiently when needed. After the garments are snub and seduce for assembly, Zara sends out the fabric to different sewing companies to assemble the pieces. There are many competitors that Zara tail assembly choose from when deciding where they want its clothes put in concert which makes the bargaining power weak.Zara also took control of this process by taking over Comditel. Comditel is in charge of n primordial the entire garment process. once the garments are ready and fully assembled they are then stored in Zaras own distribution centers. From the distribution centers they are then shipped around the globe to the thousands of Zara stores. ilk many other aspects of Zaras business model, the distribution center moves even more quickly. Once the garments are in the distribution centers, they only stay there for a upper limit of 3 days before be sent out to the appropriate destination.Substitutes almost may describe Zara as a higher end replica of fashion forward items. The items featured on Prada, Chanel, and St. legerdemain runways will be replicated in 2 weeks in Zara stores at a much more affordable price but poorer quality. Therefore, there are not many substitutes that customers can use because a majority of the products are out of the price head for the hills of many customers. This i s a huge acquire for Zara because its customers are willing to pay a much less price for a lesser quality replica.Competition Zaras get hold of competitors include H&M, Gap, and Benetton. H&M offers nearly the same products as Zara to its customers, but a much lower quality and price. For those customers who are price sensitive, H&M would be their choice of retailer. The Gap possesses more competition in the states because it has been around time-consuming and has its loyal customer base which is indecisive to shop elsewhere. Even though these retailers give Zara a run for its money, none of them can keep up with Zaras business model.Other retailers do not have in house production like Zara and ship their production to other countries for the cheesy labor costs. This does save money but it increases time. Time is money so while others are still in production stage, Zara is already selling out of the garment. VRIO Analysis We can use the VRIO framework to govern the competitive potential of Zaras resources and capabilities. As we analyze Zaras resources and capabilities, it is evident that Zara has built a highly effective, self-reinforcing business system. cardinal elements in particular (1) extensive vertical integration, (2) the companys flavourless direction building, and (3) exceptional intercourse and coordination throughout the business system allow Zara to successfully do its Very Quick Fashion companion business model. Each of the three make the grade of being Valuable, Rare, costly for competitors to Imitate, and for which the company has Organized to take advantage. Extensive Vertical Integration Zara prides itself in its vertical integration, with near full control over its appreciate chain through to the end-user.The company owns or intimately controls its manufacturing and distribution facilities, manages its own logistics and transportation, and wheresoever possible owns its own stores (except for in markets with high risk or bar riers to access). This integration brings foster primarily through speed-to-market, as Zara has achieved importantly shorter cycle times than its peers. Full vertical integration is rare in the robe industry, which typically sees companies foregoing direct matter in elements of the look upon chain (e. g. , H&M outsourced all of its production, and Benetton sold the volume of its production through licensees).It would be extremely costly for a competitor to observe Zaras vertical integration, and even if they were able to do so it is unclear how much or how soon they would profit from it, as much of Zaras advantage comes from the dot to which it has developed its integrated organization over many years. Flat Management Structure plot of ground the drive, insight, and guidance provided by hold Amancio Ortega and other top executives have ostensibly been crucial to the success of Inditex, it is the mental synthesis and incentives they have put in place that actually drive Zaras exceptionality.Zaras management structure is very tied(p), with autonomy and significant incentive-based compensation for store managers, thus closely aligning their interest with that of the company. This structure adds shelter to the company through diligent hands-on management at the local level, something so rare that Zaras CEO historied that the availability of store managers capable of treatment these responsibilities was the single most important coldness on the rate of store additions. The structure would be highly difficult for ompetitors to re-create, as it has been built into the culture and processes of the company over several decades. Zara has certainly turn up that it is able to organize around the flat structure model in fact many of the companys business processes think on the communication and input of enabled employees at the edges of the business system. Exceptional Communication and Coordination From early on, Zara developed a focus on communicatin g and coordinating activities up and down the value chain and across functions.This capability focused on speeding important information on customer preferences and trends to the store network, and feedback on successful and unsuccessful products back up the line to headquarters. Exceptional communication and coordination are crucial to maximizing the value derived from Zaras vertical integration and flat management structure. A look at the more disjointed businesses systems of peers such as The Gap and Benetton demonstrates how rare it is for all of a companys capabilities to simultaneously reward each other, and how difficult it would be for them to imitate Zara.Zara has successfully organized to coordinate its activities around the fast communication of accurate information about designs, customers, competitors, and micro- and macroeconomic factors both up the line to top management and to the edges of the network where store managers and employees interact with its customers. Each of these three capabilities passes the VRIO test, indicating that they are indeed key competencies for Zara. quartette Actions Framework In order to ascertain how Zara created a new value for both the buyer and the company, we utilize the Blue maritime 4 Forces Analysis.Starting with what factors Zara raised to a higher place model, we see what is also Zaras key resource, the companys application of vertical integration. While Zara is involved in both backward and forward integration, what sets it apart is just its backward integration into manufacturing. For instance, its competitors Gap and H&M are both practicing forward integration and unlike Zara, outsourcing their production. Zara is also eternally in communication with employees at the edges of its business system such as store managers in order to better point and track customer preferences and trends.The company encourages increased frequency of customer visits with its short cycle times customers flock to the stores in order to catch the current fashion trends and product lines. In addition, the company also raised responsibility and accountability for store managers by hiring experienced employees promoted within which the CEO believed was a necessary judgment especially for store additions. Zara increased market saturation leading to better economies of scale thus significantly cutting costs and raising higher awareness and increasing sales.On the other hand, Zara reduced several factors well below the industry standard in order to cut costs and increase customers willingness to pay. For instance, the company decreased the failure rate for new products with its intensified product testing syllabus which included store-level personnel in the process. Zara also reduced its cycle time for design which enabled the company to offer the customer new designs in four to five weeks and existing products in two weeks the industry standard for this process was six months for design and three mo nths for manufacturing.A pioneer in its industry, Zara proudly enjoyed engendering revenues at full price with only 10%-15% of its sales generated at discount prices compared to its European industry at 30%-40%. Lastly, Zara reduced its ad spending below industry standard at 0. 3% of its revenue while its competitors advertised 3%-4%. Although it is relatively unlikely for an apparel company to create factors that its industry has never offered, Zara organize a distinct vision among its competitors. The company was the first within its main rivals to impregnate international markets as fast as it did.Zara is a global apparel retailer with a truly international scope. While from 1980s to 2011 H&M added eightsome countries to its international expansion, and Gap five, while Zara was at thirty two countries. In the competitive apparel industry, Zara managed to eliminate what its competitors continuously took for granted. The company focused on a flat management system which allowed c apturing trend preferences this instant from the customer and applying to mass markets. Eliminating the separation between merchandising and manufacturing was especially beneficial to a fast and productive design aggroup.strategic Vision establish on our analysis, Inditex has proven to be financially stable and can successfully manage its capital invested in its operations. Therefore, to maintain their sustainable growth and continue to add value, Inditex should use their commercial teams micro/macro evaluations to seek new country market opportunities. They should to continue to use one of the three modes of entry company-owned stores, joint ventures, and franchises, to open additional stores in European countries that have high apparel markets.Italy, Germany and United Kingdom are markets that show promise, especially Italy because of its high per capita spending on apparel. As discussed in our analysis, one of Zaras core competencies is its extensive vertical integration, and b ecause the case mentioned a plunk for distribution hub already being built in Zaragoza, Spain, it can support additional European stores without being subject to diseconomies of scale. Increasing the density of Zaras store locations in Europe will achieve logistic efficiencies.Zara keeps transportation costs low on the supply side, since most of the production takes place in Spain. efficient distribution and inventory systems help Zara defame costs. Demand based production means there is very little inventory in Zaras supply chain, which results in lower working capital requirements and lower supplier opportunity costs. Another market that has potential is the United States. With changing consumer behaviors as a result of globalization, there are growth options available for specialty retailers like Zara.For example, Gaps current ratio of 2. 18 is higher than Zaras 1. 71 however Zaras 13. 10% net profit margin is preferred over Gaps 8. 21% (as illustrated in Exhibit A-1). Therefo re, as long as Zara can maintain its low production and overhead costs, which are high for its competitors, they should be able to compete in the US market. Inditex should invest in prime locations in major cities such as youthful York, Chicago and Los Angeles to maintain its positioning strategy. Zara should most likely develop a second cardinal distribution center in America.Zara can strategically locate its central distribution center in or near countries where manufacturing can be through with cheap labor cost, such as Mexico. The close proximity of the distribution center to the American market will decrease logistics and help maintain Zaras model of fast fashion and economies of scale. Internet sell is another(prenominal) market opportunity that Inditex should consider. Zara can reach consumers faster and easier in the countries they are trying to expand into.This method can also help gauge consumer preferences from country to country. The internet retailing market will inc rease sales revenues and has a very low business risk considering the products are already being produced for the retail stores. Zaras online shop would complement its stores, adding an extra level of service for its customers. It would also expand its customer base to reach areas where stores are not located. Patrons can shop from anywhere in the world and at any time of day or night.This essentially means more shoppers and more sales for the business. Based on our analysis, the monopolistically competitive industry structure is not the key factor hotheaded Zaras significant performance. Zara has leveraged its key resources to feature low price with product note to create value and succeed in this industry structure. Zara has been able to increase the customers willingness to pay by continuously rotating its merchandise and creating a climate of scarcity and opportunity for customers.In conclusion, Zara has the potential for sustainable growth due to its competitive advantage a nd its ability to increase customers willingness to pay while decreasing its opportunity cost. The company keeps its operating income high, has a comforting business model with unrivaled synergy and has various opportunities for expansion in the retail industry. Zara must continue to re-invent their image in order to stay fresh in the apparel industry and as long as they maintain their core competencies, they will continue to succeed.Zara Fast FashionInditex Zara Fast fashion Case analysis Company Structure and Goals Overview Zaras vision on growth and global strategy -Building up fixed assets -Vertical integration -No advertising, creating premium stores -Fashion follower QR to fashion trends -Strongly customer oriented -Stable growth -Markdowns half the average (15% as supposed to 30% ) -Pricing market based Business model -Vertical operations and downstream activities -Multi-chain concept -Creative design team -Competitive advantage Sustainable growth As attachment Porters Fi ve forces Company structure Financials) Problem Statement Growth challenge 20% per annum expected, 76% of equity value implicit on Inditexs stock price was based on expectations on future growth. Failure to deliver expected growth results might cause a serious offset in companys market capitalization. Room for non-local growth in average a retailer was present in 10 countries while e. g. a pharmaceutical company averaged operations in 125 countries.Problem statement is In what geographical area(s) should further Zara expansion follow? Should there be another logistics-distribution centre created as increase of operations might cause dis-economies of scale? Should it acquire additional chains given the complexity of managing those and the risk of own-product-replacements? Preserve the margins (visible threat to the sustainability of Indexs competitive advantage) Evaluation of the alternative solutions 1. Growth challenge Notes not much potential on the local market -different marke ts require different positioning -though costs grow as distance grows, prices also change (margins are kept) -50% of all export is to developing countries -Zara shopper visits the store 17 times a year, average is 2-4 times -Creating a climate of scarcity and opportunity in stores Evaluate growth options in different markets Spain Europe str4 production in North Africa, turkey and East Europe. US production in Mexico and the Caribbean subjected to retailing oercapacity, less fashion-forward than Europe, demands larger sizes and exhibits considerable internal variations Japan no quotas to restrict imports, produced in China. teenage market segment considered as the trendiest in the world Italy fashionable, visit stores frequently and spend more on clothing 2. Change in marketing strategy Current Three types of entering a market company owned stores, joint ventures, franchising Strategy is standard across the countries -No adv -One big shop central city (capital) Followed by smal ler ones (spreading around the country) -Shop windows used excessively -Products do not differ much from country to country -Model is downstream -No knowledge is shared -From design to stores within 4-5 weeks , industry average 9 months -Due to product testing, failure rate only 1% compared to industry average of 10% 3. Change in pricing strategy Current Prices vary on the different markets, due to transport costs (all supplied from the base in Galicia) this changes positioning Lower mark-down than industry average