Saturday, September 7, 2019

The Solution to Terrorism Essay Example for Free

The Solution to Terrorism Essay Incidents of terrorism are among the biggest problem being faced in the international community. Terrorism is the use of coercive force to spread terror, fear and chaos amongst innocent victims. Terrorism is usually perpetrated to impose an ideological goal in which terrorists believe that targets must be deliberately aimed at, disregarding the outcome of their actions, the welfare of their combatants and their impacts upon innocent civilians.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Terrorism is a widespread phenomenon. Most of the countries suffered from its effects since the dawn of history. While there have been modifications and aspects at which it is employed by terrorist groups, the ultimate goal is to instill fear and to weaken the states in order to impose their ideologies towards other societies. Thus, international terrorism has indeed posted a great amount of uncertainties, doubts and fear among the people. The solution to the terrorist incidents is yet unknown, however there are different views that are of great importance in order to solve this dilemma.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   United States of America, with its hegemonic leadership, has also claimed about being victims of terrorism. Attacks launched against United States have put them under fire. And as such, the actions committed against their government and stability fueled counterattacks, and the has rather put the emphasis in battling terrorism intensified than ever. United States Terrorism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The terrorist attacks committed against the United States of America flared up a number of heated reactions and counter aggressions. The attacks on September 11, 2001 marked the aggressive counter insurgency acts against their perceived opponents. Simultaneously, the United States government made an international statement that involved United States allies in their â€Å"fight against terrorism† (Zunes).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When the attacks occurred in United States, the government was prompted to retaliate and create plans of action in order to restore peace in the country. Counter terrorist actions are also geared towards eradicating terrorists activities around the world. The United States government under George W. Bush administration claimed that the actions that they initiated were aimed at helping other countries that are suffering under the claws of terrorism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, some observers within the international community had different views on the United States intention behind their savage plans of action against the countries which they thought and believed were supporting terrorist groups. Given the history of warfares that United States engaged in, some believed that there were far larger motives behind the attacks they launched, specifically against Iraq. Solution to Terrorism     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The incidences of terrorism have been excessively alarming. And the past counterattacks to subdue terrorism have never been proven to become useful in solving the terrorist dilemma. Instead, the counterattacks that targeted United States aggressors rather intensified the chaos brought by insurgencies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Religious disputes have been for long, the root cause of ideological differences which often result in religious wars. The United States deliberate refusal to recognize their religious differences with the Muslims, further heightened the animosity between Muslim states and United States and their allies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Violence is never a solution for violence; as such, war will not be able to put an end to wars. The recent experiences of United States in their engagement in wars will prove that further involvement in such will only increase atrocities rather than solve the conflict. During the three years wherein United States participated in the war in the Middle East is a proof that chaos countered with chaos shall only never succeed in bringing democracy in Iraq, Israel or countries in the Middle East that are being questioned for support to terrorism (Zinn).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These actions from the United States are only proof of them being â€Å"inevitably indiscriminate and morally reprehensible† (Zinn). The truth that the United States resorted to use violent means in dealing with such situations, rather than employ democratic ways of solving conflicts is a proof of their refusal to make amends to ensure international peace. In addition, these attempts to seize the lands and territories of Unites States opponents have only acquired them more enemies rather than allies. It further increased the animosity between races and religions, which definitely will not work to the benefit of the people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It must be reiterated that increasing the animosity between two sides who believe in different religion, culture and ideologies will never put an end to international chaos. Rather, if two opposing sides will try to meet despite their differences rather than widening the gap, international peace may be attainable.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this light, it must be put into consideration that indeed religious differences are important factors in solving the terrorism dilemma. People must learn to believe that Islam is not, and was never the source of terrorism in the world. The concept of â€Å"Islamic Terrorism† in the world has widened enough the gap between the Muslims and people who belong to different religious groups. Islam is not cause of terrorism. And as such, acceptance of this fact may lead the international community towards a solution in combating terrorism in a rather peaceful way (Yahya).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Islamic believers and scholars, Muslims do not view war as the sole solution to bring peace in the world, neither to impose their beliefs amongst the people. The values taught to them from their religion states that spreading terror amongst the society is never an option, nor killing innocent lives. Religious wars and retaliations are only allowed and necessary if their beliefs and race are being trampled by other people (Yahya). The Root Cause of Terrorism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The increasing trend of third world animosity is one of the most important factors that contributes to the occurrences of terrorism. Islam, being a widespread religion and belief among members of the third world countries has become a target for first world countries who have beliefs different from what they are accustomed for.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Members of the first world countries, the United States in particular have always been a fanatic of providing â€Å"enlightenment and camaraderie† amongst less developed countries. Americans and their allies have always assumed the role of â€Å"leaders† and international pacifier. Thus, they have neglected the need to recognize their differences with other people of other descents.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This animosity and eagerness of the Westerners to â€Å"educate and liberalize† their counterparts in the East has increased the gap between the more powerful West and the less developed East, particularly the Muslim nations who have always considered their beliefs as sacred. The Westerners inability to understand these differences caused the Muslim Easterners to feel dislodged from the international community. And the massive attempts done deliberately to lure them into embracing the Western culture only aggravated the gap and the hostility among nations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Terrorism has occurred as a response to the Westerners, particularly United States attempts to extend their influence over other countries. These retaliations were geared towards preserving their culture, and protecting their beliefs and territories from foreign invasion. However, United States with their distinct influence and control over the majority of less developed countries were able to rationalize their attacks and actions against Muslim countries as noble acts that are only intended to keep the international community peaceful and less chaotic. Conclusions and Recommendations for the West   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Western notion on the use of terror in the Islamic context is often misplaced and deliberately misused to serve the Westerners purpose. The continuous beliefs by the majority of the world that Islamic fundamentalists are terrorists add to the animosity and anxiety of Muslims against people from different race and religion. If this shall perpetuate and continue, the gap between Muslims and Christians, Westerners and Easterners and third world and first world countries shall never be resolved.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to put an end to these animosities, the continuing clash of civilization must stop first. The notion of West superiority and their desire to civilize the East will not work at all times. Other states will retaliate and oppose this â€Å"noble† cause. As mentioned, the Muslims are highly trained to believe that their religion is sacred, and attempts to forge another belief into them will cause further violence rather than peaceful amendments. Thus, rather than trying to impose a new culture, religion and set of beliefs to them, the Westerners should learn how to cope with their differences and try to become rather open in dealing with them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most importantly, the source of all the conflicts in the international arena is anchored on the ignorance of the people and their deliberate attempts to enforce bigotry rather than acceptance. Thus, instead of insurgencies and counterattacks against those who believe differently from what they have been accustomed at, people from different countries must try to become open at accepting differences.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gaining a better understanding of the occurrences behind terrorism and recognizing the differences between races, ethnicities and religions, a solution to terrorism may be found in increasing the openness of different societies with each other. Cultural and religious relativism may decrease incidents of terrorism. In addition, recognizing the pursuit towards political, economic and religious autonomy from the dictates of more powerful nations may help in subduing terrorist threats.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Different people who belong in different races are always prone to misunderstandings. However, given enough concern and openness to the varying opinions from people who were raised in different cultures and societies will lessen the hostility between races and ethnicities. Thus, instead of engaging in wars and resorting to violent means of resolving these differences, governments of states must think of better and more proper ways of reaching out to other states. Imposing ones influence through the use of coercive force is not effective, it rather brings forth violence while instilling fear among the citizens. If we want the world to become peaceful and less chaotic, we must start employing peaceful methods to battle terrorism, violence and hostilities between countries.       Works Cited Yahya, Harun. (n.d). â€Å"Islam is Not the Source of Terrorism, But its Solution.† Islam Denounces Terrorism. 24 July 2008 http://www.islamdenouncesterrorism.com/mainarticle.html Zinn, Howard. (2006). â€Å"War is Not a Solution for Terrorism.† Boston News. 24 July 2008 http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2006/09/02/war_is_not_a_solution_for_terrorism/ Zunes, Stephen. (2001). â€Å"International Terrorism.† Foreign Policy in Focus. 24 July 2008 http://www.fpif.org/briefs/vol3/v3n38terr.html

Friday, September 6, 2019

Corporate finance Essay Example for Free

Corporate finance Essay There are three main reasons companies purchase investments in debt or stock securities. The first reason is if corporations have extra cash that they don’t need for immediate purchase of operating assets. The second reason is; Companies purchase investments to generate earnings from investment income. The third reason companies purchase investments is for strategic reasons. A company can exercise some influence over a customer by owning a significant, but not controlling, interest in that company. Or, a company may purchase a non controlling interest in another company in a related industry in which it wishes to establish a presence. (Weygandt, Kimmel, Kieso, 2010). Sometimes corporations will have excess cash for investment reasomns. It may invest in things, incase in the future the economy falls then it has money to fall back on when money is gone, or low. 3. Low-risk, high-liquidity, short-term securities such as government-issued securities are best when investing for short periods of time. 4. Debt securities, from banks and other financial institutions and stock securities from mutual funds and pension funds generate earnings when investing. 5. 6. Stocks of companies in a related industry or in an unrelated industry that the company wishes to enter Q: E12-2 Foren Corporation had the following transactions pertaining to debt investments. Jan. 1 Purchased 50 8%, $1,000 Choate Co. bonds for $50,000 cash plus brokerage fees of $900. Interest is payable semiannually on July 1 and January 1. July 1 Received semiannual interest on Choate Co. bonds. July 1 Sold 30 Choate Co. bonds for $34,000 less $500 brokerage fees. Instructions (a) Journalize the transactions. (b) Prepare the adjusting entry for the accrual of interest at December 31. A. Jan. 1 Debt investments $50,900 Cash $50,900 July 1 Cash $2000 Interest rev.$2000 July 1 Cash $33,500 Debt Investment $33,540 Gain on sale $2,960 Dec. 31 Interest receivable $2000 Interest revenue $2000 References Weygandt, J. J., Kimmel, P. D., Kieso, D. E. (2010). Financial accounting (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Walt Disney Company Analysis | Five Forces and SWOT

Walt Disney Company Analysis | Five Forces and SWOT Multinational Corporation (MNC) is a large company with plants or other direct investment in one or more oversea countries. In the same way, it is also called a transnational corporation or an international corporation. The multinationals usually provide technology, finance capital, and marketing skills in return on a profitable market and where they operated in developing countries. However, even the high class industrial nations may be the scenes of investment by multinational companies. The multinationals have power that can influence over the foreign governments. It has been the criticism target, but many host countries have imposed regulations and given them a larger share of profits, jobs, and markets. (Investments Income, 2007-2010) Multinational corporations can be categorized into three types integrated according to the structure of their production instruments, such as horizontally integrated multinational corporations, vertically integrated multinational and diversified multinational corporations. Horizontally integrated multinational corporations manage production establishments located in different countries to produce the same or similar products, like McDonalds. Vertically integrated multinational corporations manage production establishment in certain country/countries to produce products that serve as input to its production establishments in other country/countries, like Adidas. Diversified multinational corporations manage production establishments located in different countries that are neither horizontally nor vertically integrated, like Microsoft. (Investments Income, 2007-2010) Company Information 2.1 Company History The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) is the second largest media and entertainment corporation in the world, after Time Warner. It founded on October 16, 1923 by brothers Walt and Roy Disney as a small animation studio. But now it has become one of the biggest Hollywood studios, and owner of eleven theme parks and several television networks, including the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The Walt Disney Companys corporate headquarters and primary production facilities are located in California at the Walt Disney Studios (Burbank). The headquarters is located in USs large-scale multinational corporation. The primary service manufactures including the entertainment program, subject park, toy, books, computer game and media network. The philosophers stone movie company, the Miramax movie, Hollywood Movie Company (company), the abundant great audio and video product, the ESPN sports, the ABC television network all is its uneven under company brand. (Usahm.net, n.d) Since its founding in 1923, The Walt Disney Company and its affiliated companies have remained faithful to their commitments that produce unparalleled entertainment experiences. It based on the rich legacy of quality creative content and exceptional storytelling. The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with four business segments, such as media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment and consumer products. (disney.com, n.d) 2.2 Company Structure Walt Disneys Creative Organization Chart (Source: Kuang, C., 2009) Roy Disney was fighting for a strangely organized company that the Walt Disney Company created in many aspects. It depended to refining remarkable ideas rather than hovering profits. In other words, check out his organization chart of Disney under Walt Disneys Creative Organization Chart (above). (Fast Company, 2010) As At Issue points out, this wasnt your standard pyramidal corporate hierarchyit was one used to giving autonomy to the people. And it actually making the films, and letting each of their own processes works out themselves. Naturally, as Disney grew into a corporate behemoth, that organization was swept away in favor of layers of VPs and SVPs. Hence, Disney never makes movies again like they used toJust as Roy always argued. (Fast Company, 2010) 3 Globalization 3.1 Definition Globalization is the system of interaction among the countries of the world in order to develop the global economy. Globalization depends on the integration of economics and societies throughout the world. Globalization involves technological, economic, political, and cultural exchanges made possible largely by advances in communication, transportation, and infrastructure. (Hubpages Inc., 2010) There are two different types of integration, such as negative integration and positive integration. Negative integration is breaking down of the trade barriers or protective barriers such as tariffs and quotas. The migration of barriers can be profitable to a country if it allows for products that are important or essential to the economy. For example, by removing barriers, the costs of raw materials imported will decrease and the supply will increase. Therefore, it can make cheaper to produce the final products for export (like electronics, car parts, and clothes). (Hubpages Inc., 2010) Besides, positive integration is used to standardize the international economic laws and policies. For instance, a country which has its own policies on taxation trades with a country with its own set of policies on tariffs. In the same way, these particular countries must have their own policies on tariffs. By following the positive integration and the continuing growth on the influence of globalization, these countries will process on having similar or identical policies on tariffs. (Hubpages Inc., 2010) 3.2 Impacts of Globalization Global tourism is maybe the most obvious performance of a shrinking world to the western citizen. It allows short term travel to almost any part of the world, an avenue for greater social and cultural awareness and understanding. Vacations may now only a couple of days, instead of the month long tours on past centuries, no longer the domain of the ultra wealthy with increasingly cheaper flights. Disposable income and leisure time increased have empowered the western citizen to travel beyond national borders cheaply and easily. The Walt Disney Company manages the worlds largest vacation resort: Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, as well as managing the top eight most visited theme parks in worldwide (TEA, 2010), occupying the leisure tourism market. It is significant to recognize that all the worlds offerings, so many people choose to vacation at Disney resorts. Even in the richer countries, tourism is very often a luxury unaffordable of the majority, especially regular internatio nal traveling. (Disney, 2010) Disneys power is dramatic. It will able to pressure governments of many major countries. Firstly, when Disney decided to create a central Asian resort, the company decided sites in China, South Korea, Singapore and India in order to set in Hong Kong (TNF, 2010). Disney was able to play offset the majority of countries against one-another as to secure the greatest financial benefit for the Walt Disney Company. A strategy is previously exercised in Europe (primarily between France and Spain) for Euro Disney (Lainsbury, 2000), and before that in California between the city councils of Anaheim and Long Beach for their second California park (Blue Sky Disney, 2007). In Hong Kong, Disney was able to secure a 43% stake in the resort, even if the contribution is less than 20% of the construction costs (Balfour, 2009) due to the enormous tourist boost Disney would guarantee (Hong Kong, 1999). (Disney, 2010) Globalization seems to have produced a commoditized, corporate-controlled experience of the world. For instance, being the relatively new Disney tour company Adventures by Disney. The Walt Disney Company applies the unlimited practices of its theme parks to real locations in pre-arranged itineraries such as Peru Vacation and Cities of Knights and Lights in London and Paris (Disney, 2010). Convenience and luxury replace uncertainty, providing the experience of backpacking adventure in a controlled manner effectively, and its all lead by knowledgeable Disney guides. For Adventures by Disney, perhaps the world isnt shrinking and the uninteresting parts are simply being cut out. For better or worse, what was once exotic and unusual is now becoming a tourist hotspot, where real culture is replaced in favor of tourist expectations and demands. The tourist gaze empowers the tourists contribution to the symbols of a culture unwisely. (Disney, 2010) Whether globalization is truly global, or simply an expression of Americanization, is uncertain. In terms of the Walt Disney Company, it is proudly American. The company devotes Disneyland to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America, in the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world (Marling, 2004). Disney is not only benefitting from this Americanization, but spreading it or even forcing it in some cases. Disney are adopting and selecting which elements they wish to claim as their own in line with Western ideologies. Probably in the future, this may balance, but as present there is certainly an American, or at least, Western governance. As so many of the folk stories and fairytales that had inspired, the designers of Disneyland Paris planned their project honestly to be a gift of the best of Americana to Europe, and sharing American culture with the continent that had provided Walt Disney. The result is a combination of genuine i nternational communication, and business practices. (Disney, 2010) Porters Five Forces Model 4.1 Threat of New Entrants Since the Walt Disney Company has been able to find a very unusual niche within the industry, the entrance barriers are high relatively. The company is able to grow over a long term period, and has to develop from the departments of Research and Development (RD), marketing, and finance. By depending on past experience, the company officials know to a large extent what the target customer wants. (scribd.com, n.d.) Threat of Substitute The products or services are moderate to low. Other cartoon figures, theme parks, and movies can search the market in which the Walt Disney Company is operating in, but this is obviously representing a significant threat. The Walt Disney Company has placed price controls on many of its product lines already, and should be able to cope with other new competitors. However, by upgrading products and services, the threat alone of new entrants into the market requires the Walt Disney Company to hedge against such risk by simultaneously. (scribd.com, n.d.) Bargaining Power of Suppliers The suppliers are governed by a few companies as the Walt Disney Company is operating in a highly differentiated and unique industry with high switching costs associated with operations. Besides, they are most probably very concentrated. However, the Walt Disney Company is a unique company and important customer of many suppliers. Furthermore, the size of the company may be a great advantage certainly. The company will create a dependency relationship in the industry by being able to order large volumes of unique products from unique suppliers. (scribd.com, n.d.) Bargaining Power of Buyers The bargaining power of buyers is high in the service and in the entertainment industry. The customers have powers certainly since a large number of customers are needed to make the Walt Disney Companys operations run smoothly. For example, if the price on a particular home video is too high, customers may be averse to spending the money needed to purchase the products. Another example is the entrance fee charged at the Walt Disney Companys theme parks. Furthermore, the entertainment industry does not take the buyer money, even if it is planned in a way that it will make the buyer spend more. A majority of the Walt Disney Companys product mix focuses on intangible returns of the buyers money. However, some customers may not realize that they are getting such a return may increase the bargaining power of the customers. (scribd.com, n.d.) 4.5 Rivalry among Existing Firms It does not play a very important role in the Walt Disney Companys external operational environment. Nevertheless, it is true that the companys exit barriers are extremely high. Furthermore, capacity is expanded in extremely large investments. However, there are no closer direct competitors to the Walt Disney Companys operations. Competitors such as Lonely Tunes retail stores do not appear to appoint themselves to expensive advertising campaigns in order to obtain market shares. Moreover, the Walt Disney Companys products are highly differentiated. The switching costs are therefore quite significant. A multinational corporation such as the Walt Disney Company faces internal weaknesses and strengths, which can to a certain extent be controlled. The external forces such as opportunity and threats are more difficult to control, and the Walt Disney Company has to adopt and take advantage to those forces. (scribd.com, n.d.) SWOT analysis 5.1 Strength The Walt Disney Companys main strength is in its resources, its experience in the business, and its low-cost strategy. Besides, the company has developed clearly a very strong and well known brand-name through many years. The company has also been able to diversify its operations and products to hedge against decreasing sales in product lines. In recent years, it has categorized into Home Video, Film, merchandise, Radio broadcasting, Net-work television and in theme parks. It has also effectively diversified globally its operations from USA to Japan and Europe. The main strengths in internal resources relate to human resources and financial stability. Employees in the Walt Disney Company studies appear to be extremely creative and they have produced several box-office productions in these recent years. A company without new ideas is bounded in todays competitive business environment. However, the low-cost-corporate-strategy is a benefit for the company. The company can control costs, and still produce quality goods and services. Financial risks have been minimized by sharing initial investment costs with a maximum number of outside participants. (scribd.com, n.d.) Weaknesses Corporations always have internal weaknesses. The Walt Disney Companys main weaknesses are the following: A very large work load, often changes in top-management, and high overhead expenditures. The company has 58,000 employees in 1991. This fact represents possible communications problems, and a high bureaucracy level through the corporation. The companys work load will increase even larger, and the organizational structure has to be able to support an extension of the work load by varying into more businesses and niches. The company has a very frequently changes and its corporate officers makes the corporate structure even more difficult. There are many positive things that often changes, but the changes are also associated with resistance, and high expenses. (scribd.com, n.d.) Opportunities External opportunities should be recognized, analyzed, and responded to in a very early stage. The Walt Disney Company is facing several external opportunities. However, the external threats facing the company are out-numbering the opportunities. Opportunities include the following; positive government attitudes towards its operations, barriers of entry are significant, and include the entertainment industry itself. Legal and legislative forces are usually identified as negative external factors to the company. Furthermore, the French government contributed greatly in the Euro Disneyworld project in the Walt Disney Companys case. The French government invested in the project to built communication facilities, and gave the Walt Disney Company tax reliefs on cost of goods sold accounts. In addition, since the barriers of entry into the highly specialized industry in which the Walt Disney Company is still operating, competition will find it difficult to penetrate the companys highly div ersified product or service mix. Therefore, large initial capital investments are required to enter the industry accordingly. (scribd.com, n.d.) Threats Major threats to the Walt Disney Company include the following; Over saturated markets, politics and economic aspects from a global perspective, and foreign competition. As the supply of products and services in the entertainment industry is starting to saturate the markets, competition will be more exciting, and only the most powerful companies will be able to survive finally. The Walt Disney Company has leveraged this risk to a certain level as it has diversified and globalized its operations, but still, the company is in the service/entertainment business. The Cable-giants such as Turner Broadcasting Systems (TBS) may not be able to manage the stress on its operation such as the Network-television division. (scribd.com, n.d.) Strategies The Walt Disney Companys corporate level strategy is based on a horizontal and scattered informal management approach. Ideas are born within the departments and are processed throughout the low hierarchy relatively from the final decisions. The management is placed on group creativity and in teamwork. For example, the most creative employees usually met the target in the purpose of generate with new ideas and new business strategies. As seen in this example, a large emphasis is focused on employee participation, especially on the most talented employees. Furthermore, the company is always refreshing its top management with new executives. Top-flight managers from the entertainment corporation and the financial business think new ideas and concepts which can be applied in the Walt Disney Company. There is however a significant increase in expense attached to attracting the very best to join the company. This increase in expense is related to special perk-packages directly, higher bonu ses and escalated salaries that are offered to the top-executives. (scribd.com, n.d.) Another interesting strategy is the focal point that is focused on enhancement of the business. The corporate policy is to grow slowly instead of impress others. It is important for the company to meet demand with a sufficient supply of goods and/or services. It can be accomplished by effective distribution channels and marketing department. This leads us to another corporate policy, efficiency and suppression. Recently, movie industry trend towards increase in costs rapidly, it have a direct effect on the profitability of the company. By reducing the costs involved in making and marketing Disney films, it is cheaper and more profitable movies can be produced. Efficiency enforced by tight budgets and expected high returns, Disney must be able to produce more efficiency and cheaper than its competition. (scribd.com, n.d.) In addition, the corporate strategy is clearly focusing on diversifying its products and services. The expansion overseas rapidly and an increase in the product and service mix have created an umbrella effect. Thus, risks have been reduced and minimized. If one product line fails, other product lines have to cover for its losses. (scribd.com, n.d) The Walt Disney Company is able to produce more and more products to the others countries which do not have Disneyland. Instead of going toward the countries that have Disneyland, the customers also can buy the Disney products in their own countries. Conclusion As a conclusion, Walt Disney is a master in globalization. It is one of the largest companies on the planet. Disney markets worldwide itself, creating big amount of revenues and further establishing itself as a global brand. It brand has been further developed as a result of merchandising. Merchandising has played a huge role in establishing the brand. (Suite101.com, n.d.) An important factor in the success of Disney has been the integrated nature of its products, with synergies between film and television, between media and theme parks, and between theme parks, hotels and resort operations, according to the 1998 book Embracing and Managing Change in Tourism: A Globalised Theme Park Market? The Case of Disney in Europe. (Suite101.com, n.d.) 8 References WEBSITES Multinational corporation (MNC) [Online] Available at: http://www.investmentsandincome.com/investments/multinational-corporation.html [Assessed 11st November, 2010] The Walt Disney Company Introduction [Online] Available at: http://www.usahm.net/news.asp?id=86 [Assessed 13rd November, 2010] The Walt Disney Company Overview [Online] Available at: http://corporate.disney.go.com/corporate/overview.html [Assessed 13rd November, 2010] The Walt Disney Company Structure [Online] Available at: http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/cliff-kuang/design-innovation/roy-disney-rip [Assessed 15th November, 2010] Definition of Globalization [Online] Available at: http://hubpages.com/hub/Definition-of-Globalization [Assessed 20th November, 2010] Impacts of Globalization [Online] Available at: http://www.theneverlandfiles.com/misc/ColeYoungerDisneyGlobalization.pdf [Assessed 20th November, 2010] Porters Five Forces Model [Online] Available at: (function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "https://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })() [Assessed 28th November, 2010] SWOT analysis [Online] Available at: (function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "https://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })() [Assessed 3rd December, 2010] The Walt Disney Company Strategies [Online] Available at: (function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "https://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })() [Assessed 6th December, 2010] Conclusion http://www.suite101.com/content/disney-and-globalisation-a196391#ixzz17mk5w65J [Assessed 7th December, 2010] PICTURES, IMAGES AND PHOTOGRAPHS Walt Disneys Creative Organization Chart, 2009. Chart. [Electronic print] Available at: http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/cliff-kuang/design-innovation/roy-disney-rip [Assessed 15th November, 2010] Disney and Globalisation, 2010. Marketing the Brand. [Electronic print] Available at: http://www.suite101.com/content/disney-and-globalisation-a196391#ixzz17mk5w65J [Assessed 15th November, 2010] Walt Disney, 2008. Header Logo. [Electronic print] Available at: http://www.toxel.com/design/2008/08/20/20-famous-logo-designs/ [Assessed 6th December, 2010] Disney Motion Picture Art, 1998-2010. Collections. [Picture] Available at: http://www.motionpictureart.com/Disneyana-p-1-c-35.html [Assessed 6th December, 2010] 9 Appendices Appendix 1 Source: Walt Disney, 2008

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

student :: essays research papers

Strategies For College Writing: Sentences, Paragraphs, Essays Second Edition Jeanette Harris, Texas Christian University Ann Moseley, Texas A&M-Commerce Appropriate Courses Designed for courses in Developmental Writing and Basic Writing. Summary Strategies for College Writing offers full coverage of the basics of writing essays, paragraphs, and sentences with a focus on preparing students for academic writing and reading assignments. The book starts with detailed attention to the writing process at a pace that is comfortable for the developmental student. It emphasizes the importance of the controlling idea, the process of gathering information from both personal experience and other sources, the structure of an essay, and the way in which ideas are arranged and connected. In Part Two, students learn how to use models for each of the patterns of development. The sentence/grammar material is self-contained in Part Three for flexible use by students studying independently or by teachers who might want to focus on a particular topic. Students learn how to construct different types of sentences and how to use appropriate punctuation. Ample exercise material reinforces the instruction. Part Four, Critical Reading Strategies, focuses on the process of reading and relates it to the process of writing and provides students with effective strategies for summarizing, note-taking, and annotating reading material. Features An emphasis on academic writing and reading assignments prepares students to deal successfully with college work. Integration of reading and writing instruction reinforces how these two fundamental skills complement each other and helps students deal more effectively with academic discourse. Abundant exercise work includes group activities called â€Å"Participating in the Academic Community† at the end of each chapter to help promote active learning through collaboration. Chapters on doing research and conducting interviews and observations support students' efforts to look outside themselves for writing topics. A separate section of readings is grouped thematically and offers material from academic and popular sources for practicing critical reading and writing skills. Sentence exercises, including cloze and sentence-combining types, allow students to focus on the discrete skill being taught and then to work with the skill in the context of a paragraph or essay in passages provided in the text and in their own writing. Extensive examples of student writing are included in the writing sections of the book to provide examples that are accessible to students. An extensive instructor's manual supports a variety of course methods and emphases. Contents Each chapter ends with â€Å"Chapter Review,† â€Å"Participating in the Academic Community,† and â€Å"Writing Assignment.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

PSY 301, Introductory Psychology, 1998, Exam 2 :: UTEXAS Texas Psychology

Introductory Psychology -- Pennebaker Test 2 Please write your name and social security number on THIS PAGE as well as on your Scantron form. Be sure and blacken in the correct dots for your SSN, name, and test form. 1. Hans and Franz are identical twins that were separated at birth. The finally meet at age 45, and find that both of them have become psychology professors. What is the most likely explanation for this similarity? a. both twins had strong psychology genes. b. both twins had strong teaching genes. c. something in the twins’ genes led them to see the world the same way. d. identical environments. e. all of the above are true. 2. Functional fixedness interferes with a. objects or events that are functioning properly. b. looking back to evaluate the success of a strategy. c. defining the problem and goal. d. choosing a solution. e. implementing the chosen strategy in solving a problem. 3. When people of varying cultures were asked to match facial expressions with specific emotions a. there was little agreement, even among people from the same culture. b. there was agreement within a specific culture but not across cultures. c. people from underdeveloped societies had responses not seen in industrial societies. d. there was remarkable agreement among members of all cultures. e. there were large differences between rural and urban societies. 4. The innate physiological mechanism that keeps an individual's body weight at a genetically programmed level is known as the a. homeostatic trigger. b. hunger median. c. genoprogrammatic releaser. d. metabolic master. e. set point. 5. The cessation of breathing during sleep is called a. sleep apnea. b. narcolepsy. c. insomnia. d. paradoxical sleep. e. simulated death. 6. Unlike sex in humans, sex in animals typically takes place a. far more frequently. b. after elaborate courtship and foreplay. c. in run-down hotels. d. in the absence of physiological cues. e. only at certain times of sexual readiness. 7. The affiliation motive often strengthens when people are in a situation involving a. performing a work task. b. helping others. c. the threat of danger. d. independent behavior. e. casual discussions 8. The fact that some people who are very good at some intellectual skills (such as reading or verbal reasoning) are frequently rather poor at other intellectual skills (such as solving math problems) tends to contradict the concept of a. the "g" factor. b. specific intelligences. c. instrumental (operant) conditioning. d. componential IQ. e. factor analysis. 9. Of the following, the BEST example of an aptitude test is a. the MMPI. b. a college final exam. c. a 5th grade spelling test. d. an academic achievement test in arithmetic. e. the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. 10. If Mother Goose sees one of her eggs outside the nest, she will go through a series of steps to move the egg back with her bill.

Monday, September 2, 2019

Comparing Cantebury Tales and The Decameron Essay -- Papers

Comparing Cantebury Tales and The Decameron There are many different roles for women shown in â€Å"The Canterbury Tales† and â€Å"The Decameron†. Both books take place around the same time frame, 1300AD. â€Å"The Canterbury Tales†, takes place in London, England and â€Å"The Decameron† takes place in Florence, Italy. It would be just to think that since both books take place in a western civilization, both books would reflect the same morals and daily life styles. This is not the case at all. Throughout this paper I will attempt to show how these two books portrayed a totally different lifestyle. In â€Å"The Decameron†, by Giovanni Boccaccio, the rolls of men and women are what you would expect of a western society in the 1300’s. Women are generally seen as gentle beings that were somewhat naà ¯ve. There was a very distinct line that separated men from women. Through out the stories I noticed a consistent story line of women being very loyal to their men. The men would end up doing terrible things to the woman. In some cases the husbands would actually put the wife through massive suffering and n... Comparing Cantebury Tales and The Decameron Essay -- Papers Comparing Cantebury Tales and The Decameron There are many different roles for women shown in â€Å"The Canterbury Tales† and â€Å"The Decameron†. Both books take place around the same time frame, 1300AD. â€Å"The Canterbury Tales†, takes place in London, England and â€Å"The Decameron† takes place in Florence, Italy. It would be just to think that since both books take place in a western civilization, both books would reflect the same morals and daily life styles. This is not the case at all. Throughout this paper I will attempt to show how these two books portrayed a totally different lifestyle. In â€Å"The Decameron†, by Giovanni Boccaccio, the rolls of men and women are what you would expect of a western society in the 1300’s. Women are generally seen as gentle beings that were somewhat naà ¯ve. There was a very distinct line that separated men from women. Through out the stories I noticed a consistent story line of women being very loyal to their men. The men would end up doing terrible things to the woman. In some cases the husbands would actually put the wife through massive suffering and n...

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Father Steals Best: Crime in an American Family Essay

This particular story is about a family of criminals in Oregon and received attention throughout the United States and has been cited by politicians, law enforcement agencies, and researchers in criminology, and psychology. Dale Vincent â€Å"Rooster† Bogle, taught his children to steal, so that by age 10 his sons were already breaking into liquor stores or stealing tractor-trailer trucks. His daughters turned to petty crimes in order to support their drug addictions. By the time of his death in 1998, 28 of the Bogle clan had been convicted of crimes, including several of Rooster’s grandchildren. Tracey Bogle, the youngest of Rooster’s sons, is quoted as saying, â€Å"Rooster raised us to be outlaws†¦There is a domino effect in a family like ours†¦What you’re raised with, you grow to become. You don’t escape.† The Justice Department’s statistics show that approximately 47 percent of inmates in the state prisons have parents o r other close relatives who have also been incarcerated. The Justice Department believes that ignoring this family cycle of criminality may be very difficult, and end up costing tax payers an expediential amount of money. It is astonishing that given all the research that is done about other issues on criminals, there is either no research or very little research regarding this subject of family criminal activity. This I’m sure is due to the limited availability of records that contain the criminal records of multiple generations of families. It is possible that with the proper research and funding, that reducing crime today may also reduce crime in the future. Moreover, research may underestimate the effects of policies that treat or deter criminal behavior by not taking into account the effect on future generations. Although there are studies that provide some evidence of intergenerational criminal correlations, there is no real focus on identifying why this relationship exists. Criminal behavior has always been a focus for psychologists due to the age old debate between nature and nurture. Is it the responsibility of an individual’s genetic makeup that makes them a criminal or is it the environment in which they are raised that determines their outcome? There has been limited research regarding this debate which has resulted in a conclusion that both genes and environment do play a role in the criminality of an individual.