The color purple Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The color purple - Research Paper Example It'd kill your mammy" (1). What Celie is forbidden to articulate publicly is her repeated rape by the man she believes to be her father; this violation of both Celie's body and her voice speaks of an underlying socio-linguistic censorship that relegates the female subject to an objectified position, as passive, absent, and silent. In this paradigm the maternal must be sacrificed if the subject is to speak. The relationship between Celie and Alphonso illustrates this phenomenon, as the paternal interdiction relies upon the premise that if Celie speaks, she is forsaking her "mammy" (1). Celie comes to represent this forced contract between a woman and the Law of the Father, where a female's body, spirit, and speech are sacrificed in an act of socio-symbolic rape; however, as Celie's subversive authorship suggests, it is a sacrifice she is unwilling to make. In her article "Women's Time," Julia Kristeva speaks of the role language plays in violating female subjectivity; she states, "a n ew generation of women is showing that its major social concern has become the socio-symbolic contract as a sacrificial contract, †¦that they are forced to experience this sacrificial contract against their will" (Kristeva’ ‘Women’s Time’ 25). ... e, identification with the sacrificial logic of separation and syntactical sequence at the foundation of language and the social code leads to the rejection of the symbolic--lived as the rejection of the paternal function and ultimately generating psychoses" (Kristeva’ ‘Women’s Time’ 25). The psychoses that Kristeva identifies can be seen as reflecting hysterical discontent, as a conflict of gender that is realized through linguistic disruption. Kristeva posits two possible strategies to counter the exclusion and silence experienced by women: the first, to attempt to possess the symbolic by adopting the dominant ideology; the second, to approach language as a "personal affect experienced when facing it as subject and as a woman" (Kristeva’ ‘Women’s Time’ 24). Such an approach suggests a need to "break the code, to shatter language, to find a specific discourse closer to the body and emotions, to the unnamable repressed by the soci al contract" (Kristeva’ ‘Women’s Time’ 24-25). Kristeva's perspective of language posits a revolt against the exclusion of the symbolic contract. In About Chinese Women, Kristeva identifies women as able "to give a name" to the repressed, as able to restore the body back to a place of significance (Kristeva ‘About Chinese Women’ 30-35). In this context, the body becomes intertwined with Kristeva's notion of the semiotic, as a sort of expression that exists outside of the symbolic, preceding language while simultaneously existing within language, albeit in a repressed form. Semiotic discourse moves beyond the symbolic by opposing structures of exclusion. The mother-child bond becomes the definitive relationship of semiotic discourse, as it exists beyond binary differences of gender and sexuality. When viewed in this

The Accounting Cycle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Accounting Cycle - Essay Example 5) Preparation of an adjusted trial balance. 6) Using the information given in the adjusted trial balance, preparation of the financial statements. 7) Entering closing entries into the general journal and then to the general ledger. 8) Preparation of the post closing trial balance. The transaction must be identified from an authentic or original source. These sources can include deposit slips, invoices, purchase orders etc. This steps provides important information about the date on which the transaction took place, the amount of transaction, description and, if it is possible, the name and contact information of the party with which the dealings took place. In this step, the accounts that are being affected because of the transaction are determined. The effect includes either an increase or a decrease. The amount by which they are being affected must also be determined. The transaction must be then entered into the journal. This must be done on both, the credit and the debit sides of the journal. There are some important facts that must be considered. A general journal is always maintained in the chronological order. Journal may refer to the general journal, the sales journal, cash receipts journal and so on. Entries are posted in the trial balance. A trial balance presents a list of all accounts (transactions) and their balances. The purpose of this step is to verify whether or not the sum of the credit and debit sides is equal. If they are unequal, the trial balance must be adjusted. The trial balance that has unequal sides can mean that there is a problem. This step involves preparation and posting of deferred and accrued transactions to the T- ledger accounts journals. Adjusting entries are usually made on the last day of the given accounting period. The reason for this is to ensure that the financial statements reflect the revenue earned during the given period

TOYOTA IN THE BUSINESS WORLD Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

TOYOTA IN THE BUSINESS WORLD - Term Paper Example This has become possible through globalization which eliminated the barriers including finance so that the company could open up its way into the world market. Actually, Toyota has managed to achieve the top position in the world market owing to its successful approach of the market development and the accomplishment of the efficient management style. Toyota's first car matched American and European cars, like Dodge but these days Toyota produces its own unparalleled models on the groundwork of new technologies. The multinational giant in the beginning had its strategic functioning oriented on the international markets as the local, Japanese market was not able to physically consume the products produced by the company. According to Volti (2005) Toyota has its manufacturing and assembling plants for cars not only in countries like the US, Australia, South-Eastern Asia, the EU, but it has also entered markets of other countries like China, Argentina, Mexico, and others. Sakichi Toyoda, a productive inventor, instituted the Toyoda Automatic Loom Company. This company was based on his innovative designs. One of the innovative plans was licensed to a British company for 1 million yen with the money going towards the creation of the Toyota Motor Company (http://www.toyoland.com/history.html accessed 9 November 2009). Between the years 1936 and 1943 only 1757 cars were produced out of which 1,404 sedans were produced and 353 phaetons. Actually Toyota had more success in producing their trucks and buses. The Toyota KB, a 4x4 was a two ton truck which was produced in 1941. Its loading capacity was 1.5 tons and it could go up to around 43 mph. (http://cr4.globalspec.com/blogentry/673/December-8-1945-Toyota-Resumes-Production accessed 9 November 2009). The Crown Toyotas' first luxury car was produced in the year 1955. This car was provided with a four cylinder, 1.5-liter engine and had a three-speed column shift. The luxury car was followed by the 1-liter Corona. Only about 700 cars per month were produced in 1955, 11,750 in 1958, and 50,000 per month in 1964(http://www.toyoland. com/history.html accessed 9 November 2009). In the year 1959 Toyota's first plant outside Japan that is in Brazil was instituted. From then on, Toyota observed an attitude of localizing both production and design of its products. The company believed that this would help them to build long-term kinships with local providers and local labor. Toyota has thus established a network of design and R&D facility in North America and Europe (http://www.toyoland. com/history.html accessed 9 November 2009). Market of Toyota To a considerable degree, the international market development of Toyota was achievable due to the development of globalization. This process involves the economic integration of countries, removal of financial obstructions between countries and the support of free trade. The production chain of Toyota has spread all over the world thus proving that Toyota is in fact a global company (http://www.essay-911.com/samples /toyota.htm retrieved 9 November 2009). On the other hand, in the modern years, Toyota has elaborated its existence in the world increasing its business in many countries. Several of these countries are third world countries and include Philippines, Venezuela, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Czech Republic, Vietnam, Mexico and Argentina (Volti, 2005). Globalization

Intercultural communications Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Intercultural communications - Term Paper Example As it is almost impossible to describe or explain any culture in a few words, but picking the most important facts, Thai culture could be said to be dynamic. One cannot describe Thai culture well without, first of all, mentioning the royal family. Everything in this South East Asian country rallies around the Thai King, who is both the official and constitutional head of Thai Kingdom (Baker & Phongpaichit 35). There are countless festivals, seasonal celebrations and rituals to mark the King’s birthday, the royal history and the history of Thailand. A short insight into the history of Thailand revealed that past Thai Kings had fought many battles to keep Thai people alive. Till today, Thailand is one of the countries in the world that has never been colonized by any foreign powers. So, Thai culture is almost unaffected by any strange culture unlike in case of many former colonist countries, where the colonialist cultures, be it British, French or Portuguese have changed the way people in such countries behave. Thai culture remains traditionally Thai, though modernity is changing the people’s lifestyles, but it doesn’t forcefully erase Thai traditional ways of life. Starting with fashion, the traditional Thai fashion is made from the shining Thai silk that has several colors. Shirts could be made for men using the silk, and Thai women often adore themselves with tight skirts, wrappers and blouse sewed from the Thai silk. A typical festival in Thailand would reveal how colorful this Thai silk is, and how fitting they look on Thai people. In the area of food and dishes, there are traditional but delicious Thai cuisines: prominent among them are the Tom Yum Kung and rice and noodles. Like most Asian dishes, Thai foods are salty, peppery, spicy, sweet or n\bitter. Rice appears to be the staple food for Thai people, but they eat it with varieties of soups and other side

A Portfolio in Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Characteristics Essay

A Portfolio in Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Characteristics - Essay Example The paper tells that the creation of a business plan will not be acted upon unless the business concept is created. Concepts are based on the ideas of the group members who are planning to put up a business. This process is called idea generation. Idea generation puts emphasis on creativity, and on the discovery of new ideas. Not all ideas are turned into a business concept; it has to be weighed based on its appeal and substance, and the best idea that is chosen is the one used for commercialisation. It is the method used to stimulate and pick up internal, as well as the external ideas. In idea generation, the obtained ideas are being converted into an instrument that helps organisations reach their objectives. Since the process of creating a business plan takes a long time, it is crucial to choose the most appropriate idea to be used for commercialisation, to save time and effort. The success of an entrepreneurial venture depends on the accuracy of the business plan, and the accurac y and effectiveness of a business plan depend upon the ideas that were generated through the process of idea generation. Strategic objectives are extensive, long-term goals, which identify the basic nature and direction of an entrepreneurial venture. It serves as the basis for the decisions made by the members of the group or organisation that are planning a business. It takes into account the necessary information required in the making of a new product or business such as the product or service used as the main attraction, the primary target market, and the designated location. (Crosson and Needles, 2011, p.6). When the members of an organisation have already chosen the strategy to be implemented for the proposed business, strategic objectives have to be designated. It will help them recognise the probable outcome of the strategy and identify the targeted results of the business plan. However, one must ensure that the objectives are definite and assessable, and this can be done th rough including the targeted dates, the values to be attained and the milestones that are aimed by the firm (Stutely, 2002, p.113). Market Analysis and Research Information with regard to the target market, competitors, and marketing trends are seen in the market analysis section of the business plan. The target market is the group of people to whom the organisation wishes to sell or offer its product or service. This group of people is classified and identified through the process of market segmentation. Market trends can be classified into two, and these are industry trends and target market trends. Market research involves the methods used to obtain relevant information that are useful in making accurate and preventing inappropriate business decisions. The giving of questionnaires, polls, and surveys are some of the techniques used in market research. Competition Business competition is fundamentally a contest of product or service salability. Competitors are rival

Technical Marketing in Engineering Research Paper

Technical Marketing in Engineering - Research Paper Example An attractive field that makes a combination of science and engineering expertise with people’s skills is that of a sales engineer. A sales engineer is a person who is professionally trained to market and sell highly technical products and services. With the field of technical marketing in place, there is high demand for sales engineers with the description of abnormal increases in employment as stated by the U.S. Department of Labor. From the lists provided for the recent graduates for a position of technical marketing by several companies. Before every detail is put down, there is a question to deal with. What particular work do specialized advertisers perform? It is a good question to get everything started. Technical marketers sell products in that the product’s installation and optimal use needs great handle from experts. In addition, they give information about the firm’s products, help the future and probable customers with their technical problems. Make design plans for the proposed machinery layouts, give an estimation on the cost savings, give recommendations on the improved materials and machinery and lastly make suggestions on the training schedules provided for the employees (Nitto, 324). In answering these questions, this report gives an analytical review of information acquired from certain professionals as well as from literature. The following analysis gives an examination in the field’s employment outlook, the required and available skills and personal qualities, the career benefits, and the disadvantages and certain entry options. Regardless of the way that promoting and deals are utilized reciprocally, the specialized showcasing is included with more deal lives up to expectations.  

Analysis of Nike Inc Essay Example for Free

Analysis of Nike Inc Essay The brand name â€Å"Nike† is one of the most recognized around the globe. The name is synonymous with high-quality athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories in the minds of many people worldwide. Perhaps it is the compelling marketing that commands attention. Or maybe it is the association between the brand name and its famous endorsers, such as Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. Alternatively, it may be Nike’s cutting-edge sporting vision and technology that entrances multitudes of consumers. Quite conceivably, it is a combination of these factors that has propelled Nike to the top of its industry. However, not the entire of Nike’s story is ideal. In recent years, the company has faced criticism in connection with its use of contract labor in developing nations. The purpose of this case is to provide an understanding of the company’s background, its general business strategy, and its use of contract labor. The Athletic Apparel and Footwear Industry The athletic apparel and footwear industry experienced steady growth for more than two decades, beginning in the early 1980’s. For example, the volume sales in the footwear market are projected to reach 13. 3 billion pairs by the end of 2012, and by the year 2015, the world footwear market is forecast to reach $195 billion. Consumers were not just professional athletes, but ordinary men, women, and children who wore athletic apparel for both sports and leisure. The industry became more fashion-oriented, resulting in higher levels of innovation and cutting-edge technology. As a result of the emphasis on style and fashion and customers’ demands for improving performance and comfort, the industry experienced short life-cycles for individual products. The industry was characterized by fierce competition in global markets. Industry leaders jousted for supremacy in the professional, female, and youth segments. By 2005, the U. S. market was considered to be mature, and global markets were likewise rapidly approaching maturity, resulting in intensified competition for market share. There also was heated competition for advertising and promotional licenses, particularly between the two industry giants, Nike and Adidas. For instance, Adidas sponsored one of the world’s premiere soccer clubs, Real Madrid, while Nike sponsored Manchester United, also a world class soccer club in Great Britain. Adidas was also the Official Supporter of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and the Germany 2006 World Cup in soccer. However, Nike’s presence was very evident in the World Cup: many teams in this tournament wore uniforms emblazoned with the unmistakable swoosh. The athletic footwear and apparel industry has enjoyed a measure of stability beginning in the 1980’s, due in part to the high barriers to entry that new firms faced. There were high start-up costs due to expensive raw materials; costly innovation, technology, and advertising; and the high market share held by the industry’s leaders. Existing companies achieved economies of scale that were not available to potential new entrants. In addition, established companies had distinct identities and brand-loyal customers. New entrants would have needed to match these companies in research and development and advertising expenditures to win over customers loyal to the other brands. The world economic recession has affected the world footwear market with sales witnessing erosions in developed countries and growth slowing down considerably in developing countries. The decline in income levels have reduced the spending on clothing especially apparel and footwear (including casual, outdoor, sports, and formal footwear). Tight liquidity and financial constraints have redefined value and have induced simplicity in lifestyles and this marks the beginning of shifting consumer focus towards value for money bargains. The recession induced price sensitivity, and trading down to lower price points, has therefore constricted revenues in the marketplace, even though expanding opportunities to value brands and private label brands. Premium priced branded athlete footwear market, which exhibited resilience at the start of the recession, has witnessed quick deterioration in business opportunities, with the number of sports participants and enthusiasts declining. The economic pressures of the recession impacted consumers interest in taking up sports, and the drop in sports participation is reflected in the widespread postponement of renewal of club membership fees. Against this backdrop, the global market for athletic footwear is expected to increase at a modest pace during 2007 through 2015 period. Nike, Inc. – From Humble Beginnings†¦ Although headquartered in Oregon, U. S. A. , Nike operated around the world. As of 2006, the company employed approximately 26,500 individuals worldwide. From humble beginnings, Nike had risen to lead the athletic footwear and apparel industry. Nike began life in 1964, co-founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. Bowerman was an Olympian, then an Olympic coach, then head track coach at the University of Oregon from 1948 to 1973. On a trip to New Zealand during the early 1960s, he noticed people running for and for the sheer joy of running. The concept intrigued him, and upon his return to the United States, he started the country’s first running club. He also wrote a book entitled â€Å"Jogging† in which he explained how to run for fun and fitness. During Bowerman’s tenure at the University of Oregon, he had coached a young middle distance runner named Phil Knight. Knight wrote a research paper arguing that cheaper, high-performance Japanese shoes could overthrow German dominance of the U. S. athletic shoe industry. On a trip to Japan, Knight contracted with the Onitsuka Tiger Company to sell its quality athletic shoes in the U. S. He made up the name Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS) in 1962 and formed a partnership with Bowerman in 1964, each partner investing $500 in the business (Nike Timeline, 2006). Bowerman designed most of the prototypes and made suggestions for improvement to the Tiger Company, while Knight distributed the shoes from his father’s basement and out of the back of his car at track meets. In 1965, Jeff Johnson, Knight’s former track competitor at Stanford University, became the first full-time employee of BRS. Under his guidance, BRS opened its first retail outlet in Santa Monica, California, in 1966 (Nike Timeline, 2006). In the following year, the company was incorporated. In 1971, Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student that Knight met at Portland State University, designed the swoosh for $35. Later that year, Jeff Johnson devised the name Nike, after the Greek goddess of triumph and victory. â€Å"Nike† edged out Knight’s idea of calling the company â€Å"Dimension 6† (Nike Timeline, 2006). In 1970, Bowerman created the first running outsole by pouring liquid rubber into his wife’s waffle maker, an innovation that forever changed the design of running shoes (Nike Timeline, 2006). In 1972, Nike and the Onitsuka Tiger Company parted company. Later that year, Romanian tennis player Ilie Nastase became the first professional athlete to sign an endorsement contract with Nike. Nike’s signing of American record-holder track athlete Steve Prefontaine in 1973 led to many athletes converting to the new brand. In 1974, the waffle trainer was introduced and quickly became the best-selling training shoe in the nation. Subsequent endorsement contracts, advertising campaigns, and athletic footwear innovations (such as Nike air cushioning shoes in 1979) established Nike as a force to be reckoned with. In 1986, corporate revenues exceeded $1 billion for the first time (Nike Timeline, 2006). To Industry Leader In 2005, Nike generated total revenues of $13. 7 billion, an increase over 2004 of 11. percent. Nike held 40 percent of the global market for athletic shoes and apparel (Nike, Inc. , Datamonitor, 2005). Adidas’ acquisition of Reebok in January 2006 made that company a serious rival to Nike’s industry dominance, cornering 20 percent of the worldwide market (Nike, Inc. , 2006, Hoover’s Company Records). The remaining 40 percent market share was divided among other industry contenders, such as Puma AG Rudolf Dassler Sport, K-Swiss, Adams Golf, Callaway Golf Company, and Columbia Sportswear. Nike continued to lead the industry, largely due to its strong international presence. In 2003, Nike’s international sales outstripped its U. S. sales for the first time; in 2005, international sales generated 62. 7 percent of all revenues. Nike sold about 200 million pairs of athletic shoes, and the footwear division contributed 53. 1 percent of all sales for 2005. In 2007, Nikes revenue totaled $16. 326 billion, making a total gross profit of $7. 16 billion. In 2012, for the quarter ended 29 February, Nike’s net income rose 7% to $560 million from the same period last year. Nike said that worldwide future orders for its footwear and apparel, scheduled for delivery from March to July 2012, came to $9. billion up 15% from the same period last year. In North America, Nike’s revenues surged by 17% to $2. 15 billion, and in China, gained by 25% to $694 million. Revenues in Western Europe, which has been suffering from sluggish growth and a debt crisis, rose by 4% to $962 million, but these are expected to increase prominently this summer, with the European football championships in Poland and Ukraine and the 2012 Olympics in London. Finally, the total revenues rose 15% to $5. 8 billion. In January, Nike agreed compensation in a dispute with workers in Indonesia over unpaid overtime. Its Indonesian subsidiary will pay $1 million to about 4,500 workers. Nike’s Vision, Mission and Values An effective and successful Vision statement is powerful and compelling, conveying confidence and inspiring views of the future. The importance of a Vision Statement should not be underestimated. One good paragraph will describe the values, services and vision for the future. The main reason for an organizations existence is to follow through on the mission, vision values, and goals taking into considerations all key stakeholders. However, every company has different set of stakeholders varying in power and significance. The Nike organization uses the collaborative process in functional areas identifying the key stakeholders to facilitate appropriate interactions. In defining the company, strategic managers must identify all of the stakeholders groups and weigh their relative rights and their relative ability to affect the firms success (Pearce Robinson, 2009). Resourcing the key stakeholders to recommend strategic action plans that support the organizational structure and facilitate the organizations success. The Nike Mission is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world and if you have a body you are an athlete (Nike, 2010). This refers to the fact that Nike exists to supply everyone in the world with the shoes, equipment, or apparel that if anyone has a body then anyone has the potential of becoming an athlete. From the start one understands that Nike intends to merchandize to the world of athletes or people who have a body. That is a huge undertaking, which involves various sets of stakeholder groups. The mission is the catalyst that drives the organization. The stakeholders have power to influence the process of accomplishing the mission, vision, values and goals. However the stakeholders groups have varying ideas, goals, objectives and expectations on how to accomplish the mission. Thus claims must be reconciled in a mission statement that resolves the competing, conflicting and contradicting claims of stakeholders (Pearce Robinson, 2009). The mission must be clear and concise with a solitary purpose that represents the firms goal. Nikes vision is to help Nike, Incorporated and our consumers thrive in a sustainable economy where people, profit, and planet are in balance (Nike, 2010). By integrating information from the various stakeholders roups, rethinking pass mistakes and processes will allow Nike to continue, implementing sustainable principles. This information enables Nike to make changes in the industry and in the company. Identifying challenges, brainstorming solutions, deciding and acting to evaluate, monitor, and reevaluate if the vision is in line with expectations. Nikes values are formed by the strategy teams whose primary focus is to work repeatedly on each part of the vision, strategy, factories, environment, community people, and culture the process keeping Nike in line with working toward the goals of Nike organization. The goal for Nike is believing in the partnerships formed valuing the opportunity to work together with all stakeholders in the apparel industry and to share best practices. Nike has built a stronger relationship with the European governments by considering legislation that will form the future of the clothing industry in areas such as recycling, environmental labeling, consumer awareness, and sustainability. Nike supports the goal of partnerships that bring solutions to enhance sustainability throughout its supply chain and helping the world. Nikes mission, vision, values and goals take on the responsibility living up to these stated purposes. Working together to provide inclusiveness, and diversity inventing ways for people, products and profit to thrive for the Nike organization. Creating systems that work together with partners to rethink, reshape, and analyze challenges. Each component builds upon the other to accomplish primary reasons that Nike exists, for the athlete, the planet and to profit. A company’s core philosophy has the power to influence, inspire and challenge employees on a daily basis. Nike, being the progressive company they are, employs an emergent strategy, one that originates in the interaction of an organization with its environment. Nike’s philosophy is of an extremely importance, not only because of the great success it has garnered Nike and their products, but also because of the continuous call to creativity and innovation it facilitates. The Nike core purpose, experiencing the emotion of winning and crushing your competition, is also important in developing the foundation of a brand promise and value proposition.