Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Business Management Integrated Strategy Framework (ISF)

Question: Discuss about the Essay for Business Management of Integrated Strategy Framework (ISF) . Answer: Strategic contexts of Lafarge Tarmac Introduction Considering the construction business, there are two main things, which are required to be dealt with viz., the risks involved with the business processes along with the professional skills and high costs (Franks et al. 2014). However, the global construction companies are committed to their respective works by finding an appropriate way such that to conduct the construction processes in an eco friendly and sustainable manner. It should be noted that the UK is one of the most finely constructed countries in the world where the main credit for the same goes to the professional skills and the capabilities that the construction companies impart in the country. The company well knew entire UK for its role in construction business. Vision, objectives, and goals of the company The mission of the company is to be the first choice for the building materials and services for its customers around the world by providing them with the essential needs for the development. Basic vision of the company is to remain sustainable in the market with dedication to implement safety on the construction sites. In addition, the values of the construction company are diversified relating to the construction business. The company aims at developing a strategy, which needs to be playing a significant aspect in the business cycle. According to the annual report of the company in 2013, the company had stated safety to be the utmost priority such that the company would be focusing more on the safety in the construction process even before the revenue and profits (Coscelli and Horrocks 2014). The objectives of the company are to protect the environment. The main vision of the company is to operate its business processes in such a way that it is enhanced in the future with the minim um effect in the environment. Issues involved in the strategic planning of Lafarge Tarmac Strategic planning issues An effective strategic plan requires the manager to properly plan before executing the same. It is the responsibility of the manager to implement an effective strategy such that to enhance the construction process of the company in an eco friendly manner. This could be achieved by implementing the latest technology within the business process (Floros 2015). Lafarge Tarmac aims at implementing the safety of the environment within its construction process. The managers are also required to implement an effective strategy planning such that to meet with the demand and expectations of the customers. Strategic thinking: Ansoffs growth vector matrix Products Markets Existing New Market penetration Product development Existing Building reputation value added chain Repositioning Exposure to international market New Market development Diversification Use of digital technology hosting global events strategic partnership gaining competitive advantage Table 1: Ansoff growth matrix Source: Created by author From the analysis of the above Ansoff matrix, it can be evident that the strategy of the Lafarge Tarmac Company is governed by four factors. The market penetration strategy deals in understanding the needs of the customers such that to grow its existing roots in the market. The main aim of the company is to provide the best products and services to its customers such that to meet with their expectations. The market development strategy would thus, enable the company to expand the business and explore on the global market. Planning system: Lafarge Tarmac, as a part of the wider growth strategy, has plans to acquire Tarmac Building products from Anglo Americans, which could help in increasing the foot printing of the company in the fast growing rejuvenated market like the construction of a house (Bon et al. 2013). During the stabilization and integration phases, the company needs to maintain an effective relationship with its customers (Mende et al. 2013). This approach would be enabling the company to continue its legacy in the construction sector by improving on the customer service in the future as well. The managers are required to be trained such that to conduct portfolio analysis for the construction company, which could enable them in developing appropriate strategies for enhancing the growth, rate of the firm in the rapidly changing market. The development of an appropriate strategic plan requires the manager to implement various approaches including the upside down, bottom up and top down approaches. The manage rs should be implementing a combination of these approaches in order to meet with the objectives of planning an effective strategy for the organization. Planning techniques Appropriate tools for the growth share perspective of the organization Directional policy matrix The technique is significant in formulating an effective strategy by incorporating two most important elements. First element is the positioning of the company on the market. The position of the business in the market is also known as the capability if the market (Proctor 2014). This element helps in defining the strength of the company in the market. Lafarge Tarmac Company has very strong market recognition as it is one of the leading construct service companies in the UK. The second element is the positioning of the company in respective of its products in the market. Now use the matrix, Lafarge Tarmac can be considered as a very strong competitor in the construction sector. The products of the company are attractive for the customers. Thus, from the information being gathered from the matrix, it can be evident that Lafarge Tarmac is one of the strongest competitors in the construction industry and has every opportunity to grow in the competitive market. Thus, as per the directiona l policy metric, the managers are required to plan and implement an efficient strategy for facilitating the growth of the company in the market in the UK (Proctor 2014). Space matrix The matrix is one of the best techniques for reverse engineering. The matrices in quadrants that help in defining the strategies that are required be implemented by Lafarge Tarmac Company. The quadrants incorporated in the matrix are Aggressive, Defensive, Competitive, and Conservative (Tafti et al. 2013). The strategy of the company to be implemented depends on the nature of the market and the demand of the customers in the market. Lafarge Tarmac is one of the leading construction service provider in the UK market and hence, it need to be dominating in the market. Thus, the managers are required to implement an aggressive strategic plan for facilitating the growth of the company in the market. Produce an organizational audit for Lafarge Tarmac SWOT analysis Strengths Lafarge Tarmac is the leading service provider for the construction sector in the UK. The company is best known for its quality consecution products including cement and ready concrete cement. Weaknesses Though, the company provides the best quality products in the market, it lacks the implementation of the latest technology in its products. Moreover, the company does not implement diversification of its products. Opportunities Green living is what the majority of population are opting for in the present modern world (Shiva 2016). The company has been planning to incorporate the lasted technology in the production of the construction products, which could use less carbon content and hence, would be causing less pollution in the environment in the future. Threats The only threat that the company is facing is the threat for the competitors in the market who are better versed with the utilization of the latest technology in the manufacturing o their products (Bull et al. 2016). Value chain analysis The value chain analysis model implements the analysis of the activities of Lafarge Tarmac, which is followed by the evaluation of values at each step in the production. The evaluation of the value is conducted at the maximum potential. The managers are then, required to identify if any social change is required in the production process on the basis of the value being evaluated in the value chain technique (Jaligo et al. 2016). Analysing the business process of Lafarge Tarmac, it can be evident that the inbound logistics is the primary activity, which act as the raw materials for the company. The logistics includes the processing of tons of limestone for the production of cement. Moreover, the logistics of the company is highly valuable for the company, which includes the manufacturing of quality products. Marketing and sales of the company are the secondary activities, which are valuable for the company, helping in enhancing the profitability in the future. The managers of the comp any are required to implement the strategies such that to enhance the productivity of the business processes involved with the manufacturing process (Jaligo et al. 2016). They are also required to implement an effective marketing strategy, which could be helpful in promoting the products in the market and increasing the growth and profitability of company in the future. Scenario planning The scenario planning or scenario analysis is used by the organizations such that to ensure long term plans for the business (Stewart et al. 2013). The Lafarge Tarmac is a provider of services and products related to the construction sector, which aims at incorporating the latest technology within its business processes. Thus, the managers are required to plan and implement an effective business strategy based on the existing technology and materials for a longer term. Product Position The product positioning strategy is the technique, which incorporates the comparison of the products with the competitive substitutes in the market (Gao et al. 2013). As Lafarge Tarmac is the leading provider of the construction product and services and hence, should be having a high level of opportunity to enhance its growth and profitability in the market. Strategic positioning: There are many tools, which could be used by the managers to evaluate the strategic positioning of the company in the market. One of the effective tools for evaluating the position of the company in the market is the Ansoff matrix. Ansoff matrix First task in the matrix includes the evaluation of the market penetration. Lafarge Tarmac has signed the deals with the Holcim Ltd, which is itself a leading company in the cement industry. Second is the matrix development, which is conducted in order to evaluate the ability of the company to explore and sustain in the new market. The third part of the matrix is the product development, which could be helping in the development of the existing products and launching of new products in the market. The fourth matrix is the diversification, which can be defined as the combination of all other three parts of the Ansoff matrix (Hussain et al. 2013). Environmental audit for Lafarge Tarmac PESTLE Political The political section includes the impact on the business performance of the company in case the UK government launches some new policy of taxation for the construction sector. Economic Economic environment is very crucial for Lafarge Tarmac as the economic condition of the country and demand of the customers during a specified time would be deciding on the sustainability and profitability of the company. Social The company has planned to incorporate the health and safety of the individuals working in its business environment. This is an important factor, which deals with the safety of the individuals by providing the same with the utmost priority, Technological The technology is another important aspect, which could help the company in renovating its products in the market. Environmental The environment is yet another significant aspect, which requires the company to consider the same such that to minimise the effect of gather construction processes on the environment (Gillam and Siriwardena 2013). Porters 5 forces Threat of the competition by new entrants Lafarge Tarmac is the leading service provider of the construction products in the UK. Moreover, the merging of the company with the leading cement producer in the market has created a barrier for the new companies to enter into the merely. Threat of the competition from existing companies A stated earlier, the company has been the leading construction service provider in the market such that it is able to gain more market penetration than its competitors are. Bargaining power of the customer The company has been implementing various strategies and has planned to incorporate the latest technology within its manufacturing process such that to meet with the expectations of the customers. Bargaining power of the suppliers The company maintains a healthy relationship with the suppliers in order to get quality goods. This could help the company in manufacturing the best products in the market. Rivalry As the company is the leading company in the construction sector, it is obvious that the company has to experience serious competition by the existing companies in the market. However, owing to the unique strategic implementation, the company has been able to sustain in the market in a very shorter time (Anton 2015). Significance of stakeholder analysis Stakeholders Requirements Objectives Management Board Guiding the proper implementation of the strategies Facilitating the construction company with skillful resources Managers checking whether the strategic implementation is conducting properly reducing down on the production costs associated with the construction project Employees Implementing the latest technology in the construction project increasing the productivity of the construction company Suppliers Supplying quality raw materials including Limestone for the manufacturing of quality cement Maximizing the productivity of the business Table: Stakeholder analysis Source: Created by author Possible alternative strategies related to the substantial growth, limited growth for Lafarge Substantive growth strategies: The substantive growth is also very successful way to grow in the market. Sustainable growth can be prove out be very beneficial for Lafarge Tarmac which would be helping in covering up the deficiencies in its business processes (Mitchelmore and Rowley 2013). Considering the construction business, there are two main things, which are required to be dealt with viz., the risks involved with the business processes along with the professional skills and high costs. However, the global construction companies are committed to their respective works by finding an appropriate way such that to conduct the construction processes in an eco friendly and sustainable manner. The market penetration strategy deals in understanding the needs of the customers such that to grow its existing roots in the market. The main aim of the company is to provide the best products and services to its customers such that to meet with their expectations. The market development strategy would thus, enable the compan y to expand the business and explore on the global market Lafarge Tarmac, as a part of the wider growth strategy, has plans to acquire Tarmac Building products from Anglo Americans, which could help in increasing the foot printing of the company in the fast growing rejuvenated market like the construction of a house (Bon et al 2013). During the stabilization and integration phases, the company needs to maintain an effective relationship with its customers. This approach would be enabling the company to continue its legacy in the construction sector by improving on the customer service in the future as well. The managers are required to be trained such that to conduct portfolio analysis for the construction company, which could enable them in developing appropriate strategies for enhancing the growth, rate of the firm in the rapidly changing market (Hollensen 2015). The company, being the leader in the provision of quality products in the construction sector, it could grow sustainability in the market. The most commonly practiced techniques involved with the substantial growth are the merger an acquisitions. However, the main disadvantage of the substantial growth strategy is that there could arise a financial problem post the merging of two companies. Disinvestment strategy The disinvestment strategy would be helping in enhancing the business performance of the company, which could help it to become more stable financially (Garca-Armesto et al. 2013). The company has been dealing with the production of wider range of products including cement, concrete, and bricks. However, the competition commission is requiring the company to be focusing on one of its products in order to impart more quality on the product. As a matter of consequence, the company has planned to focus on the cement by merging with the leading cement manufacturer, Holcim. Three strategies from the perspective of the competition commission and the shareholders Market entry strategies: Market entry strategy for the company include its merging with the leading cement producer in the UK, Holcim. This alliance with the organization has helped the company to launch its products in the UK market (Holtbrgge and Baron 2013). However, the company should be looking forward to licensing for its branches such that to enhance its growth in the market. Limited growth strategies: An effective strategic plan requires the manager to properly plan before executing the same. It is the responsibility of the manager to implement an effective strategy such that to enhance the construction process of the company in an eco friendly manner (Grant 2016). This could be achieved by implementing the latest technology within the business process. Lafarge Tarmac aims at implementing the growth strategies within its construction process. The managers are also required to implement an effective strategy planning such that to meet with the demand and expectations of the customers. Growth strategy: Lafarge Tarmac, as a part of the wider growth strategy, has plans to acquire Tarmac Building products from Anglo Americans, which could help in increasing the foot printing of the company in the fast growing rejuvenated market like the construction of a house. During the stabilization and integration phases, the company needs to maintain an effective relationship with its customers. This approach would be enabling the company to continue its legacy in the construction sector by improving on the customer service in the future as well. The managers are required to be trained such that to conduct portfolio analysis for the construction company, which could enable them in developing appropriate strategies for enhancing the growth, rate of the firm in the rapidly changing market (Grant 2016). The development of an appropriate strategic plan requires the manager to implement various approaches including the upside down, bottom up and top down approaches. The managers shoul d be implementing a combination of these approaches in order to meet with the objectives of planning an effective strategy for the organization Appropriate future strategy Most feasible strategy suitable for Lafarge Strategy selection: Lafarge Tarmac is the joint venture and has signed for merging with Holcim Ltd. and hence the best option for the organization would be to diversify in the countries other than the UK. In this sense, the diversification would be the best option to diversification would be the best option of growth for the company (Pachur and Galesic 2013). The diversification strategy would be helping in the growth of the company in the market but also gain the competitive advantage over the competitors. The strategy of diversification would be thus, highly acceptable for the Lafarge Tarmac. Comparing the role sand responsibilities for strategy implementation Strategists and their responsibilities Management Committee The management committee is the most important stakeholder of the Lafarge Tarmac who would be responsible for implementing the strategies within the work culture of the company (Kerzner 2013). The main responsibility of the committee would be to implement the process determination. The committee would also be responsible for evaluating the improvement during the management of the controlling function. Board of Directors One of the most important strategies involved with the strategic implementation of the Lafarge Tarmac Company would be the Board of Directors (Knyazeva et al. 2013). The activities involved with the strategic implementation of the Directors would be the design the mission statements. Marketing managers The marketing managers are responsible for facilitating the strategic implementation with tin the workplace by conducting the environmental analysis (Lantos 2015). The analysis would be conducted by implementing the surveys and interviews. Strategic managers The strategic managers would be responsible for the evaluating the competitive advantage of the company in the market (Hill et al. 2014). The managers would also be responsible for analyzing the market on the basis of the financial reports of the company. Strategy Practice model There are three basic influences of the business operations involved with the strategy pricing model in Lafarge Tarmac includes the culture, system and structure of the company. The impact of the influences on the business operations has been described below as: Strategy implementation Culture The culture as evident in the workplace environment of the company is influenced by the strategies being implemented in the workplace (Moghaddam and Russ 2015). The strategy of the company to provide the best quality products and services to its customers should be reflecting in the work culture and employees for getting the strategy to be oriented with one common objective. Structure The three aspects, which have a deep impact owing to the strategic implementation in the workplace, includes the decision making, communication and coordination among the different teams in Lafarge Tarmac. The employees would be required to be responsible for changing in a positive way for increasing the productivity of the company in the future (Black and Kim 2012). System The systems involved with the various business processes of the company would be having an impact owing to the implementation of the new strategies. This implementation would be responsible for creating a greater impact on the output of the organization. The strategies would also affect the employees and the integrating system of the company as well (Cina 2013). The realization of the strategic plans should be implemented by implicating a proper communication of the strategy plan with the employees of the company. Resource requirements to implement a new strategy a.) Resource allocation: Finance As Lafarge Tarmac has been established by the venture between two market leaders of the construction industry, the assets of the organization are double the value of its liabilities. Thus, the financing would not be an issue for the company to implement the strategic implementation within the workplace. However, the financial manager is required to estimate the budget for the implementation of the implementation project within the specific timeline. Human Resources The human resource manager is required to manage the resources of the company by allocating the tasks according to the capabilities of the individuals. The main responsibility of the human resource manager would be to explore on the performance of the individual according to their potentials such that to ensure the successful implementation of the strategies. Physical resources Infrastructure and raw materials for the manufacturing process of the products are highly valuable assets of the company. The strategy of the company to manufacture quality construction products would depend on the quality of the limestone and other raw materials being supplied by the suppliers of the company. Targets for achievement in a given organisation to monitor a given strategy. The targets for achieving and monitoring the strategy of Lafarge Tarmac includes the tools of evaluation, theoretical standpoints and the targets to be evaluated in the strategic implementation process. Benchmarking The benchmarks for the monitoring of the given strategy within the work culture of the company would be evaluate the perforce of the entire business process by comparing the performance of the organization with the performance of entire construction solution providers in the industry. SWOT analysis The strategists are required to evaluate if the strategies being implemented in the work culture actually, help in increasing the strengths of the company. It the strategies are evaluated to be increasing the weaknesses of the company, then, the managers should not be continuing to implement the same within the business processes of the company. KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) Evaluation of the key processes for the organization would be helpful in finding out the effectiveness of the strategies as implemented in the business processes (Parmenter 2015). References Anton, R., 2015. An Integrated Strategy Framework (ISF) for Combining Porter's 5-Forces, Diamond, PESTEL, and SWOT Analysis. Black, B. and Kim, W., 2012. The effect of board structure on firm value: A multiple identification strategies approach using Korean data.Journal of Financial Economics,104(1), pp.203-226. Bon, J., Crocioni, P. and Sala, F., 2013. There is Always a First Time: Coordinated Effects via Vertical Structural Changes in Anglo/Lafarge.Lafarge (June 11, 2013). Bull, J.W., Jobstvogt, N., Bhnke-Henrichs, A., Mascarenhas, A., Sitas, N., Baulcomb, C., Lambini, C.K., Rawlins, M., Baral, H., Zhringer, J. and Carter-Silk, E., 2016. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats: A SWOT analysis of the ecosystem services framework.Ecosystem Services,17, pp.99-111. Cina, C., 2013. Creating an effective customer satisfaction program.Journal of Consumer Marketing. Coscelli, A. and Horrocks, A., 2014. GREAT BRITAIN EUROPE: Making Markets Work Well:" E UK Market Investigations Regime.Competition Pol'y Int'l,10, pp.24-346. Floros, J.D., 2015. Academic Leadership through Strategic Planning.Academic Leadership in Higher Education: From the Top Down and the Bottom Up, p.161. Franks, D.M., Davis, R., Bebbington, A.J., Ali, S.H., Kemp, D. and Scurrah, M., 2014. Conflict translates environmental and social risk into business costs.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,111(21), pp.7576-7581. Gao, Y., Liu, Z., Song, S. and Zheng, J., 2013. Technological Capacity, Product Position, and Firm Competitiveness: An Empirical Analysis.Chinese economy,46(1), pp.55-74. Garca-Armesto, S., Campillo-Artero, C. and Bernal-Delgado, E., 2013. Disinvestment in the age of cost-cutting sound and fury. Tools for the Spanish National Health System.Health policy,110(2), pp.180-185. Gillam, S. and Siriwardena, A.N., 2013. Leadership and management for quality.Quality in primary care,21(4), pp.253-259. Grant, R.M., 2016.Contemporary strategy analysis: Text and cases edition. John Wiley Sons. Hill, C.W., Jones, G.R. and Schilling, M.A., 2014.Strategic management: theory: an integrated approach. Cengage Learning. Hollensen, S., 2015.Marketing management: A relationship approach. Pearson Education. Holtbrgge, D. and Baron, A., 2013. Market entry strategies in emerging markets: An institutional study in the BRIC countries.Thunderbird International Business Review,55(3), pp.237-252. Hussain, S., Khattak, J., Rizwan, A. and Latif, M.A., 2013. ANSOFF matrix, environment, and growth-an interactive triangle.Management and Administrative Sciences Review,2(2), pp.196-206. Jaligot, R., Wilson, D.C., Cheeseman, C.R., Shaker, B. and Stretz, J., 2016. Applying value chain analysis to informal sector recycling: A case study of the Zabaleen.Resources, Conservation and Recycling,114, pp.80-91. Kerzner, H.R., 2013.Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley Sons. Knyazeva, A., Knyazeva, D. and Masulis, R.W., 2013. The supply of corporate directors and board independence.Review of Financial Studies,26(6), pp.1561-1605. Lantos, G.P., 2015.Consumer behavior in action: Real-life applications for marketing managers. Routledge. Mende, M., Bolton, R.N. and Bitner, M.J., 2013. Decoding customer-firm relationships: How attachment styles help explain customers' preferences for closeness, repurchase intentions, and changes in relationship breadth.Journal of Marketing Research,50(1), pp.125-142. Mitchelmore, S. and Rowley, J., 2013. Growth and planning strategies within women-led SMEs.Management Decision,51(1), pp.83-96. Moghaddam, H. and Russ, M., 2015. A Study on the Effect of Culture and Human and Social Capital on Entrepreneurial Strategies in Family Businesses in Iran.Quantitative Multidisciplinary Approaches in Human Capital and Asset Management, p.153. Pachur, T. and Galesic, M., 2013. Strategy selection in risky choice: The impact of numeracy, affect, and crossà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ cultural differences.Journal of Behavioral Decision Making,26(3), pp.260-271. Parmenter, D., 2015.Key performance indicators: developing, implementing, and using winning KPIs. John Wiley Sons. Proctor, T., 2014.Strategic marketing: an introduction. Routledge. Shiva, V., 2016.The violence of the green revolution: Third world agriculture, ecology, and politics. University Press of Kentucky. Stewart, T.J., French, S. and Rios, J., 2013. Integrating multicriteria decision analysis and scenario planningReview and extension.Omega,41(4), pp.679-688. Tafti, S.F., Jalili, E. and Yahyaeian, L., 2013. Assessment and Analysis Strategies according to Space Matrix-case Study: Petrochemical and Banking Industries in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE).Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences,99, pp.893-901.

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Toys That Gender Stereotypes Essays - Play, Toy, Barbie, Tonka, Doll

Toys That Gender Stereotypes To Great of a Toy Toys describe how children should act. Adults expect girls to play with dolls like Barbie and Cabbage Patch dolls. They expect boys to play with action toys such as X-men, GI JOE dolls, and Hot Wheels. This sexually stereotypes a kid, because this is suggesting that they girls to chase after so called cute looking guys at the mall and always be interested in fashion and money. For boys they are expected to be tuff and buff and shed no tears they are the ones with the racecars, and the toys also makes them violent. Toy is a major contributor to sexually stereotype girls and boys. Barbie dolls help stereotype girls by making them the airheads type. Mattel Toy makes the doll with big breast and always a blonde hair doll that always has a boyfriend to the side of her. The always have things that includes with her like with its line of dolls outfits and accessories. For example Mattel toys recently introduced Cool Shoopin Barbie with an unlimited credit limit MasterCard that sings credit approved when run through a tiny toy scanner (Hua 1998) This makes girls want to shop and go out and do things like an older woman. This is showing that girls are suppose to be which the girls are going to want do in the near future. A recent article in the Corvallis Gazette-Times Newspaper demonstrates the stereotypical marketing tactics used by a major toy company, Hasbro. Hasbro is targeting little girls in their marketing by reintroducing the toy My Little Pony and by developing new toys such as the McDonaldland Happy Meal Girl and the Dial-A-Doctor Baby, which includes a cellular phone to call the doctor when baby is sick (Schlank). In a real-life survey made by Oregon State University, they found out that 40% of the respondents said they would buy a toy truck or car as a gift for a little boy. 61% percent answered they would buy a doll as a gift for a little girl. More importantly, the majority of the gifts for boys included activity and/or violence-oriented toys such as legos, games, sporting goods, sling shots, and guns. The gift list for girls included gifts such as stuffed animals, dress-up outfits, toy houses, kitchen sets, and medicine kits. This again shows how the stereotypical gender roles are introduced to children by the toys they interact with, which are introduced by adults. This teaches them that Rachel is learning how to be a good mother. She is learning the importance of nurturing her children, which imp lies that the female role is in the home (Goodman, 52). GI JOE toys are another factor towards sexually stereotyping but this is towards boys. They provide a stereotype by having the toys are have a lot of muscles, they have ruff or mean names. Also when boys tend to play with GI JOE they want to be the good guy who wants to fight crime. Another toy, which is Tonka Construction Kit, it includes tools like a power saw, drill, and screwdriver. This is teaching boys that they have to use their hands instead of thinking. They are the ones who always have to fix up things. Tonka also makes a toy called Tonka Car Kit, this includes tools and car parts that the kids have to connect and try to build a car. This is teaching them that they have to have a fancy car, always add new things to the car, and always have to fix on it. Another toy that contributes to this is an electronic game system called Nintendo, mostly all the games are targeted to boys. They mostly have games that are has violence or sports game. There are very few video games for children so boys play the sports and the fighting games. Toys stereotypes kids in a big way. They represent whom they are and what they are suppose to do. Girls are supposed to be going to the malls and chasing after the guys and are the ones who have to stay home and raise babies. As for as boys they are suppose to be the ones who has to be

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Shrek Essay Example

Shrek Essay Example Shrek Paper Shrek Paper Essay Topic: Film Shrek is a comical animated fairytale based variously on literary archetypes and Disney-esque tropes. However, this fairy tale theme has been subverted using numerous presentational devices throughout the film, in many different ways. I am going to explain thoroughly how this is revised and shown in the film. At the opening of the film, the audience is led to believe that this is different than a traditional fairy tale. It starts off with an old distinguished story book, opening to reveal a traditional style fairy tale. The historic style of font, picturesque illustrations, and general gentle setting, lead to the preconception that it is another archetypal tale. With the traditional story book phrases, such as Once upon a time and conventional storylines such as The princess was locked in the highest room of the tallest tower, awaiting true love and true loves first kiss. Near the end of the short fairy tale, a large green hand rips the last page out of the book. Comically implying he used the page as toilet paper, based on the mise en scene and editing of Shrek emerging from an outhouse after tearing out the page and the sound of diegetic flushing. This kind of behaviour would not be shown in an archetypal fairy tale, leading the audience to see this is not the type of story they were expecting. The main character, Shrek, is an ogre. This is a clear subversion of a fairy story, as the main character, or hero, tends to be a handsome prince. It is also a subversion of his character as traditionally ogres are brutal, cruel and most importantly, of evil temperament. However also in the beginning Shrek is seen behaving in a human fashion. His habitat is quite homely and domesticated and is even shown performing a human cleansing ritual involving brushing his teeth and even having breakfast. This immediately alerts the audience or at least makes them suspicious, that Shrek must surely be a positive character as he is acting like an approachable human being and not a man eating ogre. However, a little later in the film, Shrek is seen confronting a gang of villagers who are trying to ambush him at his home. Suddenly his character seems a lot more sinister, as he uses traditional archetypal ogre threats, (such as Ill grind your bones to make my bread). But instead of carrying out his threats, he simply tells them to run away. Then terrifyingly roars in the faces of the villagers. This is shown by a close up of Shreks open mouth with food encrusted teeth. This adds to the traditional image of a disgusting ogre, unlike the humanised character we saw in the first scene. The two different sides of him revealed here show that he is a conflicted character. Torn between acting like a traditional ogre and a human character, these parallel images are reflected throughout most of the film. The presentational devices used in this chapter of the film help show this subversion as traditionally an ogre would not show any human characteristics at all and would not doubt the content of his own nature. During his travels, Shrek is introduced to Donkey. They meet when Donkey is pursued by a gang of soldiers and Shrek scares them away. Donkey is grateful and begins to chat to Shrek in a friendly manner. Shrek clearly struggles with the idea that someone does not judge him as a traditional ogre but as a human. Shreks character is more aggressive towards Donkey as he evidently doesnt know how to deal with the situation. This again shows Shreks conflicted character and how he finds it difficult to cope with not being judged on first impressions. Later on, Shrek and Donkey go on a quest issued by Lord Farquaad to rescue the Princess Fiona. When found, the princess appears to be another archetype; the beautiful damsel in distress, waiting to be rescued. However all is not as it seems, as later she is seen performing unladylike actions, such as burping and violently attacking a gang of men who mistakenly attempt to rescue her. The princesss role in a traditional animated fairy tale is to be a weak, beautiful, innocent, damsel in distress. This completely shows the misogynist viewpoint of male/ female roles in fairy tales. Lord Farquaad has all the aspects of a heroic character with his large castle and kingdom, riches and the fact that he wants a princess as his bride. However, his first impression and the actions he is seen doing persuade the audience otherwise. When we first meet lord farquaad, the presentational skills and devices used create a sinister, negative impression of him straightaway. A low angle shot is used to make him appear large and intimidating while he strides down a corridor. The dim background lighting and harsh marching music also add to the daunting effect of the scene. Even his first actions seem chilling, as he is precisely putting on his gloves showing that he means business. After this scene, he is shown torturing another character, the Gingerbread Man, for information. He even threatens the Magic Mirror to make him into a king. After hearing the mirrors solution to marry a princess, he then hires someone else to recue her for him. These are not things an archetypal hero would do at all, in fact, he shows more of the characteristics of a villain; again subverting the stereotypical tale. When Shrek and Donkey visit Duloc, more presentational devices are used in favour of Lord Farquaad. When Shrek and Donkey are discussing with Lord Farquaad the nature of the quest, Lord Farquaad is on a balcony far above them. A low angle shot is used to make him more impressive and show his higher status from the other characters. This was also cut to another shot of a close up behind lord Farquaad, creating a mise en- scene and making him seem bigger and therefore more important in comparison with Shrek. These presentational devices accurately help show the difference in status between characters, establishing their direct contrast to one another. In conclusion, the presentational devices used in Shrek help subvert the archetypal fairy tale through many aspects. Firstly, the use of low angle shots helps to establish status and contrast between characters and even with the characters themselves. For example, a close up of a characters face helps to display their emotions to more accurately. The themed background music used also helps to create a certain atmosphere or setting for a particular character, helping the audience perceive a character easily. Overall, the use of presentational devices in the film Shrek, assist in subverting the generic conventions of traditional fairy tales in a humorous and easy viewing way for the audience.

Friday, February 21, 2020

Personal Statement - Edit and Improve Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Personal Statement - Edit and Improve - Essay Example At the moment, I am studying international foundation programme at the University of Bristol. Besides, I take selected courses in English Literature and Communication Studies as the two main units. The foundation programme that I am enrolled to has provided me with ample chance to shape personal career goals based on clear understanding of contemporary issues. Therefore, it progressively nurtures my desire and attraction in media and communication facilitating a restructure of studies towards this field. An opportunity for studies in your university will empower and set me apart in my professionalism. Particularly, it will compliment my understanding of human relationship and new media products. The skills will enhance my relevance and further advance interests in media production and information dissemination. Apart from the academic life, I exhibit excellent leadership skills as I am currently the elected public relations official of the Chinese Society. The post provides me with a platform for interaction and enhances my communication skills. The roles also provide new insights about future occupation. Besides that, previous experiences show that I became adept in this sphere long before making this choice. In the past, I worked as a radio host at Only One Radio (Hong Kong) on a program about professional wrestling. It was particularly interesting, and I liked how music and lightning effect impacted on audience and stimulated their reactions from storylines. During this period, observation of crowd behaviors became valuable for as I learned how to influence public in subtle ways. In addition, I am a shareholder artist manager at WOW Entertainment (Hong Kong). The position has enabled me to perfect interpersonal relations with artists whom I helped in audition when the company started. The imperative lesson from the role is that everyone has his or her talent and sometimes individuals need to do talent

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

A Concept of Citizenship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A Concept of Citizenship - Essay Example What is citizenship? A citizen is an integral participant of the social life. A political community consists of citizens, whose participation is directed on the state’s welfare. Citizens gain benefits from their nation and thus they have to follow laws and regulations of their country. There are many aspects in the concept of citizenship. On the one hand, citizenship is a benefit, which enables citizens to vote or to receive insurance etc. On the other hand, citizenship is a hard work, which introduces obligatory involuntarily actions, obtruded by the government on its citizens.  Ã‚  For example, citizens have to pay taxes, work in favor of the country, to get secondary education and many other obligations are invented by the state and must be followed by the citizens. Citizenship is a great responsibility. It is a hard work and every citizen should remember of his daily obligations, dictated to him by the state. There is no welfare of the country without daily obligations c ompleted by the citizens. Thus, it is evident that citizenship is an integral part of the country. It is a trigger of the state’s functioning. We can summarize that there is no way out from this scope of duties. Nevertheless, it should be noted that not all people living in the state are citizens.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Factors Affecting The Frequency Of Digital Oscilloscope Information Technology Essay

Factors Affecting The Frequency Of Digital Oscilloscope Information Technology Essay Oscilloscopes are measuring equipment which displays electric waveforms on a screen like a small Television.   An oscilloscope is known as CRO, DSO, scope or an O-scope. Its common usage is to observe wave shapes of signal. There are four sections in an oscilloscope: the vertical and horizontal controls trigger controls and finally the display screen (the screen consists of cathode ray tube).   The research on oscilloscope has been done through books, internet, magazines etc. Karl Braun was the inventor of oscilloscope in 1897 (http://inventors.about.com/od/bstartinventors/a/Karl_Braun.htm). The main sector oscilloscopes used in are engineering, medicine, telecommunications and science. In October 2010 Tektronix Inc manufacturer of oscilloscopes discovered that Series of digital and mixed signal oscilloscopes that now deliver 100 GS/s sampling rate performance. This enables lower noise along with increased data points on 5x oversampled 20 GHz acquisitions (http://www.prlog.org/11 013155-tektronix-raises-bar-for-oscilloscope-sampling-rates-signal-integrity.html) There are several numbers of oscilloscope e.g. digital, analogues, dual beam, mixed signal etc.   This reports main focus will be the design and operating principle of digital storage oscilloscope.   Firstly the report will look into how the oscilloscope works, and then it will follow on to how its designed and finally how to set it up. A digital oscilloscope is a measuring instrument that uses binary numbers which writes to samples of the voltage.   ADC (analogue to digital converter) is used to change the analogue data into digital data then it makes the signal digitally.   For it to be displayed in the screen its then converted back to analogue. A digital oscilloscope has its limitation to performing just like an analogue oscilloscope.   There is a limit to the frequency which it can work up to. The limits of frequency are affected by analog bandwidth front-end section which is known as -3 dB point  and sampling rate of the oscilloscope,  the samples is taken in regular breaks.   When the sample rate is high, the frequency increases on screen.  Ã‚   Factors affecting the frequency of digital oscilloscope: Bandwidth specification Oscilloscope sample rate Bandwidth specification The bandwidth specification determines the frequency range which the scope (oscilloscope) measures accurately in the display. As the frequency is increasing the oscilloscope accuracy decreases. The bandwidth is mainly defined as a drop of 3 decibels (dB) or sensitivity at lower frequency at 0.707. Bandwidth in Hz x rise time in seconds = 0.35. E.g. to resolve an oscilloscope pulses with the rise of 2 nanosecond would have a bandwidth of 700MHz. but for a digital oscilloscope the sampling rate would have to be ten times higher frequency to resolve. E.g. 10megasample/second would measure up to 1 megahertz of signals. Oscilloscope sample Rate The oscilloscope sampling rate indicates on digital oscilloscopes how many samples per second the analog to digital converter can gain. The quicker it can sample, the accurate the results are displayed for fast signal. The maximum sample rate is given by MS/s which is mega samples per second. The minimum sample rate might come in handy if you need to look at signals changing slowly. The sampling rate can be change by the controls (sec/div) on the oscilloscope. Digital storage oscilloscope The digital storage oscilloscope is of the three digital oscilloscopes but DSO is the conventional form of digital oscilloscope. Its screen is like a computer monitor or TV screen as it uses raster type screen. By using the raster screen its helps to display images that fill the whole screen and it may include text on the screen. (www.Radio-electronics.com). First you have to store the waveform in the digital format to get the raster type display on screen. As a result of storing the waveform form digitally it can be processed by the oscilloscope or by connecting to a computer. This enables a high degree of processing to be achieved, and the required display provided very easily and often with a very cheap processing platform. It also enables the waveform to be retained indefinitely, unlike the analogue scopes for which the waveform could only be stored for a very limited time. (www.Radio-electronics.com). The operation of the digital storage oscilloscope is pretty simple, The first stage the signal enters within the scope is the vertical amplifier where some analogue signal conditioning is undertaken to scale and position the waveform. Next this signal is applied to an analogue to digital converter (ADC). (www.Radio-electronics.com). The samples are taken at regular intervals. The sampling rate is important because it determines the resolution of the signal. The samples are taken in per second or MS/s (mega sample rate). All the samples are stored within is the oscilloscope as waveform points, and several samples of waveform make up a single waveform point. The overall waveform is stored as a waveform record and its start is governed by the trigger, its finish being determined by the horizontal time base time. (www.Radio-electronics.com). The digital storage oscilloscope is an in the digital format which means there is a signal processor. With having a signal processor it helps to process the signal in different ways, before it passes the display memory and the display. Digital storage oscilloscope www.doctronics.co.uk Controls of digital storage oscilloscope Screen this is where all the waveform signals are displayed by using the X axis and Y axis. www.photoshelter.com Switch to turn ON the oscilloscope and to turn OFF. X-Y control its used to display component characteristic curves. Its mainly used for output position. TV-separation it allows the display to be shown on TV system so it can compare signals different points. TIME / DIV by using this control V/t graph horizontal scale can be changed. Trigger controls it allows the oscilloscope display to be coordinated with the signal you want to look into. Intensity and focus this control is used to change the brightness of the scope by adjusting it. X-POS by using this control the whole V/t graph can be moved side to side. X-MAG horizontal scale of the V/t graph is increased by 10 times in the IN position. CAL outputs -the top terminal gives square wave at 0.2  V peak to peak but the lower terminal gives square wave of 2  V peak to peak at 50 Hz. Component tester A changing voltage is provided by the output socket to allow component characteristic curves to be displayed. Y-POS I and Y-POS II this control allows the resultant outcome to move up or down Invert when its invert the waveform signal on the screen is turned upside down. CH I and CH II inputs using the BNC plugs the signals are connected to the BNC input socket. The smaller socket is called earth or ground. VOLTS / DIV independently the vertical scales for CH I and CH II can be adjusted. DC/AC/GND slide switches In the DC position, the signal input is connected directly to the Y-amplifier of the corresponding channel, CH I or CH II. In the AC position, a capacitor is connected into the signal pathway so that DC voltages are blocked and only changing AC signals are displayed (www.doctronics.co.uk) Trace selection switches settings of control switches for oscilloscope screen. How to set up an oscilloscope First you warm up the oscilloscope by switching it on. At this stage do not connect any input leads. Select the DC/AC/GND switch to DC (the Y-input) Select the X-Y/SWP to SWP (sweep) Put the trigger level to AUTO Select the trigger source to INT (the Y input, internal) Put 5V/cm at the Y-AMPLIFIER Put the TIMEBASE to 10ms/cm Select 1 or Cal for the time base VRIABLE control. to map out the middle of the screen adjust the Y-SHIFT (up/down) and X SHIFT (left/right) to brighten up the focus adjust the INTENSITY and FOCUS now the oscilloscope is ready to go http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/cro.htm Digital storage oscilloscope Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope Bandwidths 100  MHz 200  MHz 500 MHz, 300 MHz, 100 MHz Sample rate 2  GS/s Real Time 5 GS/s Channels 2 or 4 Channels 2 or 4 Channels 8 Hours of Continuous Battery Operation with Two Batteries Installed, Hot Swappable for Virtually Unlimited Freedom from AC Line Power Full VGA Color LCD on all Models Optional Power Application Software offers the Broadest Range of Power Measurements at its Price Point Built-in Floppy Disk Drive for Easy Storage and Documentation Measurement Quickly Document and Analyze Measurement Results with OpenChoice ® Software or Integrated CompactFlash ® Mass Storage 21 Automatic Measurements Fast Fourier Transform FFT Standard on All Models FFT for Frequency and Harmonic Analysis Triggers Advanced Triggers to Quickly Capture the Event of Interest Advanced Triggers, such as, Glitch, Width, and Logic Traditional, Analog-style Knobs and Multilanguage User Interface for Easy Operation Multi-Language User Interface Quick Setup and Operation with Auto set Menu, Auto range, Waveform and Setup Memories, and Built-in, Context-sensitive Help Quick Menu User Interface Mode for Quick, Easy Operation Backlit Menu Buttons for High Visibility 9-bit Vertical Resolution 11 of the Most Critical Automatic Waveform Measurements Telecommunications Mask Testing (TMT) Centronics Port Standard on all Models for Quick, Convenient Hardcopies Extended Video Application Module Support for Active Probes, Differential Probes, and Current Probes that Provide Automatic Scaling and Units Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope http://infrared.als.lbl.gov/content/PDF/equipment/Tektronix_TDS3052_Data_Sheet.pdf Digital storage oscilloscope http://www2.tek.com/cmswpt/psdetails.lotr?ct=pscs=psuci=13304lc=EN

Monday, January 20, 2020

Torquato Tasso :: Essays Papers

Torquato Tasso The life of Torquato Tasso (1544-1595) can at best be called unfortunate. Born in Sorrento on the eleventh of March to Bernardo Tasso, himself a poet of some esteem and a member of the very minor nobility, Torquato was able to benefit from the education that was available to those of his station. He studied at the court of Duke Guibaldo II delle Rovere of Urbino until 1560, when, at his father's request, he left to study law and philosophy at the University of Padua. It was during this time that Torquato Tasso (Tasso) wrote his first major romantic poem â€Å"Rinaldo†, which dealt with the stories of Charlemagne. Tasso's father, upon reading this manuscript relieved Tasso of his legal and philosophical studies so that he might further explore and develop his poetic talents. Thus, Tasso enrolled at the University of Bologna in 1563, and after three years of study, became a courtier of Cardinal Luigi d’Este at Ferrara, under whose patronage, Tasso thrived in what could probably be called the happiest years of his life. Later, he entered into the service of the Cardinal's brother, Alfonso II, duke of Ferrara. It was at this time that Tasso produced his â€Å"L'Aminta† and his masterwork about the First Crusade, La Gerusalemme liberata (Jerusalem Delivered), which was completed between 1559 and 1575. However, it was through this work that Tasso's life and work would no longer be his to control. While in the process of completing his masterpiece, Tasso sent out portions to his friends and other critics for their evaluations and suggestions. The responses that he received were altogether unfavorable and the work was very harshly criticized, even to the point that some of the clergy dubbed Tasso a heretic for writing it. Tasso, sensitive to this criticism, fell into an unhealthy state of depression and melancholy and was prone to fits of irritability and instability. His condition was made worse by the knowledge that some of the critics who had criticized his work began to publish pieces of it publicly. His condition at one point reached such a state that one night in 1577 Tasso stabbed one of his servants who he believed to be spying on him. After this incident, Tasso was jailed but later escaped and fled to his sister's house in Sorrento.