The Golden Lily Chapter 9

THOSE OF US WHO KNEW what to look for could instantly spot Moroi by their pale complexions and tall, slim builds. To most human eyes, those features stood out but weren't a vampire tip-off. Humans just noted the features as striking and unusual, much as Lia regarded Jill as the perfect ethereal runway form. I didn't want to play upon stereotypes, but after a quick assessment of Mr. Ivashkov's Moroi-paleness, long face, dour look, and silver hair, I kind of wondered that he didn't get mistaken for a vampire more often. No, vampire wasn't really the correct term, I decided. More like undertaker. â€Å"Dad,† said Adrian stiffly. â€Å"Always a pleasure.† â€Å"For some of us.† His father studied me, and I saw his eyes fall on my cheek. He extended a hand. I took it, proud that shaking hands with Moroi was a non-event for me now. â€Å"Nathan Ivashkov.† â€Å"Sydney Sage,† I replied. â€Å"It's very nice to meet you, sir.† â€Å"I met Sage while I was bumming around out here,† explained Adrian. â€Å"She was nice enough to give me a ride from ll.A. today since I don't have a car.† Nathan looked at me in astonishment. â€Å"That's a long drive.† Not nearly as long as the drive from Palm Springs, but we'd figured it would be safest – and more believable – to let him think Adrian was in Los Angeles. â€Å"I don't mind, sir,† I said. I glanced over at Adrian. â€Å"I'll go get some work done. You want to text me when you're ready to go?† â€Å"Work?† he asked in disgust. â€Å"Come on, Sage. Go buy a bikini and enjoy the pool while you're hanging around.† Nathan looked between us incredulously. â€Å"You made her drive you out here, and now you're just going to make her wait around for your convenience?† â€Å"Really,† I said. â€Å"I don't – â€Å" â€Å"She's an Alchemist,† continued Nathan. â€Å"Not a chauffeur. There's a big difference.† Actually, there were days at Amberwood I doubted that. â€Å"Come, Miss Sage. If you've wasted your day driving my son here, the least I can do is buy you lunch.† I shot a panicked look at Adrian. It wasn't panicked because I was afraid of being with Moroi. I'd long since gotten used to these sorts of situations. What I was unsure of was if Adrian really wanted me around for his family reunion. That hadn't been part of the plan. Also, I wasn't sure that I really wanted to be around for said reunion either. â€Å"Dad – † Adrian attempted. â€Å"I insist,† said Nathan crisply. â€Å"Pay attention and learn common courtesy.† He turned and began walking away, assuming we'd follow. We did. â€Å"Should I find a reason to leave?† I whispered to Adrian. â€Å"Not when he uses his ‘I insist' voice,† came the muttered response. For a moment, catching sight of the gorgeous terrace restaurant and its sunny ocean view, I thought I could handle the Ivashkovs. Sitting out there in that warmth and beauty would be well worth the drama. Then, Nathan walked right past the balcony doors and led us to the elevator. We followed obediently. He took us down to the hotel's ground floor, to a pub called The Corkscrew. The place was dim and windowless, with low-hanging wood beams and black leather booths. Oak barrels lined the walls, and what light there was came filtered through red glass lamps. Aside from a lone bartender, the pub was empty, which didn't entirely surprise me this time of day. What did surprise me was that Nathan had taken us here instead of the ritzy outdoor restaurant. The guy was dressed in an expensive suit that looked like it had come straight from a Manhattan boardroom. Why he'd ignore a trendy, elite restaurant for lunch and instead choose a stuffy, dark – Dark. I nearly groaned. Of course the terrace wasn't an option, not with Moroi. The sunny afternoon that made such enchanting conditions for me would have resulted in a pretty miserable lunch for the Ivashkovs – not that either of them looked like they planned on enjoying this one anyway. â€Å"Mr. Ivashkov,† said the bartender. â€Å"Nice to see you back.† â€Å"Can I get food delivered down here again?† asked Nathan. â€Å"Of course.† Again. This subterranean lair had probably been Nathan's mainstay for all meals since arriving in San Diego. I allowed the terrace one last, wistful thought and then followed Nathan and Adrian inside. Nathan selected a corner table intended for eight people. Maybe he liked his space. Or maybe he liked pretending he was presiding over a corporate meeting. The bartender gave us menus and took drink orders. I got coffee. Adrian ordered a martini, earning disapproving looks from his father and me. â€Å"It's barely noon,† said Nathan. â€Å"I know,† said Adrian. â€Å"I'm surprised I held out that long too.† Nathan ignored the comment and turned to me. â€Å"You're very young. You must have just started with the Alchemists.† â€Å"They start us all young,† I agreed. â€Å"I've been working on my own for a little over a year.† â€Å"I admire that. Shows a great deal of responsibility and initiative.† He nodded thanks as the bartender set down a bottle of sparkling water. â€Å"It's no secret how the Alchemists feel about us, but at the same time, your group does a lot of good for us. Your efficiency is particularly remarkable. Too bad my own people don't pay more attention to that example.† â€Å"How are things with the Moroi?† I asked. â€Å"With the queen?† Nathan almost smiled. â€Å"Are you saying you don't know?† I did – at least, I knew what the Alchemists knew. â€Å"It's always different hearing an insider's perspective, sir.† He chuckled. It was a harsh sound, like laughing wasn't something Nathan Ivashkov had much practice with. â€Å"The situation's better than it was. Not great, though. That girl's smart, I'll give her that.† I assumed â€Å"that girl† was Vasilisa Dragomir, teenage queen of the Moroi and Rose's best friend. â€Å"I'm sure she'd rather be passing dhampir laws and hereditary laws – but she knows those are only going to anger her opponents. So, she's finding ways to compromise on other issues and has won a few of her enemies over to her already.† The hereditary laws. Those were of interest to me. There were twelve royal lines among the Moroi, and Vasilisa and Jill were the only two left in theirs. Current Moroi law said a monarch had to have at least one other family member, which was how Jill had become such a political game piece. Even hardcore assassins would have a difficult time taking out a wellguarded queen. Removing her half sister would provide the sa me results, however, and invalidate Vasilisa's rule. That was why Jill had ended up in hiding. Nathan's thoughts followed the same lines. â€Å"She's also smart to hide that bastard sister of hers.† I knew he meant â€Å"bastard† in the sense of an illegitimate child, not an insult, but I still winced. â€Å"Rumor has it your people know something about that. Don't suppose you'd give me an insider's perspective on it?† I shook my head and tried to keep my tone friendly. â€Å"Sorry, sir. Insight only goes so far.† After a few moments of silence, Nathan cleared his throat. â€Å"Well, Adrian. What is it you wanted?† Adrian took a sip of his martini. â€Å"Oh, did you just notice I was here? I thought you'd come to see Sydney.† I sank into my chair a little. This was exactly the kind of situation I'd wanted to avoid. â€Å"Why must every question yield some difficult answer with you?† asked Nathan wearily. â€Å"Maybe it's the kinds of questions you ask, Dad.† This pub wasn't going to be big enough to hold the rapidly increasing tension. Every instinct told me to become invisible, but I found myself speaking anyway. â€Å"Adrian's in college,† I said. â€Å"Taking art classes. He's very talented.† Adrian shot me a questioning – but amused – look at that. Some of his pieces were quite good. Others – especially when he'd been drinking – looked like he'd accidentally spilled paint on canvas. I'd helpfully told him so on a number of occasions. Nathan looked unimpressed. â€Å"Yes. He's done that before. It didn't last.† â€Å"Different time, different place,† I said. â€Å"Things can change. People can change.† â€Å"But often, they don't,† declared Nathan. The bartender returned to take our lunch orders, though none of us had even looked at the menus yet. â€Å"I'll just order for us all, shall I?† Nathan opened the menu and scanned it quickly. â€Å"Bring us a platter of the garlic butter mushrooms, the goat cheese fondue, the bacon-wrapped scallops, and the fried oyster Caesar salad. Enough for three on the salad, obviously.† The bartender made a couple of quick notes and was gone before I could even say a word. â€Å"Heavy-handed much, Dad?† asked Adrian. â€Å"You didn't even ask if we minded you ordering.† Nathan looked unconcerned. â€Å"I've eaten here before. I know what's good. Trust me, you'll like it.† â€Å"Sage won't eat any of that.† This really would be easier, I decided, if they'd both just pretend I didn't exist. â€Å"Why ever not?† asked Nathan, looking at me curiously. â€Å"Are you allergic to seafood?† â€Å"She only eats healthy stuff,† said Adrian. â€Å"Everything you just got is dripping in fat.† â€Å"A little butter won't hurt her. You'll both see that I'm right. It's all good. Besides,† Nathan added, pausing to sip at his water. â€Å"I did order a salad for the table. Lettuce is healthy.† I didn't even attempt to point out that no amount of Romaine was going to make up for fried oysters or Caesar dressing. I wouldn't have had a chance to speak up anyway because Adrian was on a roll and – I noticed with some surprise – halfway through his martini. â€Å"You see?† he said in disgust. â€Å"That's exactly how you operate. You assume you know best for everyone. You just go ahead and make these decisions, not bothering to consult with anyone, because you're so certain you're right.† â€Å"In my vast experience,† said Nathan coldly, â€Å"I am usually right. When you too possess that kind of experience – when you can actually claim to be an authority on, well, anything – then you can also be trusted with important decisions.† â€Å"This is lunch,† Adrian argued back. â€Å"Not a life or death decision. All I'm saying is that you could have at least made some effort to include others. Obviously, your ‘vast experience' doesn't apply to normal courtesies.† Nathan glanced over at me. â€Å"Have I been anything but courteous to you, Miss Sage?† My chair, much to my dismay, didn't swallow me up or offer to hide me. Adrian finished his martini in a gulp and held up the glass to catch the bartender's eye. â€Å"Leave her out of it,† Adrian told his father. â€Å"Don't try to manipulate her into proving your point.† â€Å"I hardly need to manipulate anyone into proving my point,† said Nathan. â€Å"I think it's made.† â€Å"Lunch will be fine,† I blurted out, fully aware that this altercation between father and son really had nothing to do with my eating habits. â€Å"I need to try more things anyway.† â€Å"Don't give in to him, Sydney,† warned Adrian. â€Å"That's how he gets away with walking all over people – especially women. He's done it to my mom for years.† The bartender silently appeared and replaced the empty martini glass with a full one. â€Å"Please,† said Nathan, with a heavy sigh. â€Å"Let's leave your mother out of this.† â€Å"Should be easy enough,† said Adrian. I could see lines of tension in his face. His mother was a sensitive topic. â€Å"Seeing as you always do. I've been trying to get an answer out of you for weeks on how she's doing! Hell, I've just been trying to figure out where she's even at. Is that so hard for you to give up? She can't be in maximum security. They must let her get letters.† â€Å"It's better that you don't have contact with her while she's incarcerated,† said Nathan. Even I was amazed at how coldly he spoke about his wife. Adrian sneered and took a sip of his new martini. â€Å"There we are again: you knowing what's best for everyone. You know, I'd really, really like to think you're keeping this avoidance attitude with her because it hurts too much. I know that if the woman I loved was locked away, I'd be doing everything in my power to reach her. For you? Maybe it's too hard. Maybe the only way you can cope without her is to block her out – and by keeping me away too. I could almost understand that.† â€Å"Adrian – † began Nathan. â€Å"But that's not it, is it? You don't want me to have contact – and you probably aren't having contact – because you're embarrassed.† Adrian was really getting worked up now. â€Å"You want to distance us and pretend what she did doesn't exist. You want to pretend that she doesn't exist. She's ruined the family reputation.† Nathan fixed his son with a steely look. â€Å"Considering your own reputation, I'd think you would see the wisdom in not associating with someone who has done what she's done.† â€Å"What, screw up?† Adrian demanded. â€Å"We all screw up. Everyone makes mistakes. That's what she did. It was bad judgment, that's all. You don't cut off the people you love for mistakes like that.† â€Å"She did it because of you,† said Nathan. His tone left no question about what he thought of that decision. â€Å"Because you couldn't leave well enough alone with that dhampir girl. You had to flaunt your relationship with her, nearly getting yourself in as much trouble as her in your aunt's murder. That's why your mother did what she did – to protect you. Because of your irresponsibility, she's in prison now. All of this is your fault.† Adrian went pale – more so than usual – and looked too shocked to even attempt any response. He picked up his martini again, and I was almost certain I could see his hands shaking. It was right around then that two waiters from the upstairs restaurant showed up with our food. We stared in silence as they arranged our place settings and artfully laid out the platters of food. Looking at all that food made me nauseous, and it had nothing to do with the oill or salt content. â€Å"Mr. Ivashkov,† I began, despite every reasonable voice in my head screaming at me to shut up. â€Å"It's unfair to blame Adrian for her choices, especially when he didn't even realize what she was doing. I know he would do anything for her. If he'd been able to stop this – or take her place – he would have.† â€Å"You're sure of that, huh?† Nathan was piling his plate with food and seemed quite excited about it. Neither Adrian nor I had an appetite. â€Å"Well, Miss Sage, I'm sorry to shatter your illusions, but it seems you – like so many other young women – have been fooled by my son's fast-talking ways. I can assure you, he has never done anything that didn't serve his own interests first. He has no initiative, no ambition, no follow-through. From a very early age, he was constantly breaking rules, never listening to what others had to say if it didn't suit what he wanted. I'm not really surprised his college attempts have failed – and I assure you, this one will too – because he barely made it out of high school. It wasn't even about the drinking, the girls, and the stunts he pulled†¦ he just didn't care. He ignored his work. It was only through our influence and checkbook that he managed to graduate. Since then, it's been a constant downward spiral.† Adrian looked like he'd been slapped. I wanted to reach out and comfort him, but even I was still in shock from Nathan's words. Adrian clearly was too. It was one thing to go on and on about how you thought your father was disappointed in you. It was an entirely different thing to hear your father explain it in excruciating detail. I knew because I had been in both situations. â€Å"Honestly, I don't even mind the drinking so much, so long as it knocks him out and keeps him quiet,† continued Nathan, through a mouth full of goat cheese. â€Å"You think his mother suffers now? I assure you, she's far better off. She was up countless nights, crying over whatever trouble he'd gotten himself into. Keeping him away from her now isn't about me or him. It's for her. At least now, she doesn't have to hear about his latest antics or worry about him. Ignorance is bliss. She's in a better place not having contact with him, and I intend to keep it that way.† He offered the scallops to me, as though he hadn't just delivered a huge chastisement without taking a breath. â€Å"You really should try this. Protein's good for you, you know.† I shook my head, unable to find words. Adrian took a deep breath. â€Å"Really, Dad? I come all the way here to see you, to ask you to give me some way to contact her†¦ and this is all I get? That she's better off not talking to me?† Looking at him, I had a feeling he was working very hard to stay calm and reasonable. Breaking into snarky Adrian retorts wouldn't win him any ground, and he knew it. Nathan looked startled. â€Å"Is that the only reason you came here?† It was clear from his tone that he thought it was a foolish reason. Adrian bit his lip, probably again to hold back his true feelings. I was impressed at his control. â€Å"I also thought†¦ well, that maybe you'd want to hear how I was doing. I thought you might be glad to know I was doing something useful.† I gasped. For a moment, his father simply stared. Then, his confusion melted into one of those awkward laughs. â€Å"Ah. You're joking. I was puzzled for a moment.† â€Å"I'm done with this,† said Adrian. In a flash, he downed his martini and was out of his seat, heading toward the door. Nathan continued eating undisturbed, but I was on my feet as well. It was only when I was halfway across the pub, trying to catch up with Adrian, that Nathan bothered to say anything else. â€Å"Miss Sage?† Every part of me wanted to run after Adrian, but I paused to glance back at his father. Nathan had taken out his wallet and was flipping through a stack of bills. â€Å"Here. Allow me to pay you for your gas and your time.† He held the cash out, and I almost laughed. Adrian had forced himself to come here for all sorts of reasons, money being one of them. He'd never gotten a chance to ask for it, yet here his father was, offering it up. I didn't move. â€Å"I don't want anything from you,† I said. â€Å"Unless it's an apology to Adrian.† Nathan gave me another blank look. He seemed sincerely confused. â€Å"What do I have to apologize for?† I left. Adrian had either taken the stairs or immediately caught an elevator because there was no sign of him outside the pub. I went back up to the lobby and peered around anxiously. A bellman passed by, and I flagged him down. â€Å"Excuse me. Where's the nearest place you can smoke?† He nodded back toward the front door. â€Å"Far side of the circle drive.† I thanked him and practically ran outside. Sure enough, over in the designated smoking area, Adrian was leaning against an ornate fence in the shade of an orange tree, lighting up. I hurried over to him. â€Å"Adrian,† I exclaimed. â€Å"Are you okay?† He took a long drag on his cigarette. â€Å"Is that really a question you want to ask, Sage?† â€Å"He was out of line,† I said adamantly. â€Å"He had no business saying any of that about you.† Adrian inhaled on the cigarette again and then dropped it to the sidewalk. He stamped the cigarette out with the toe of his shoe. â€Å"Let's just go back to Palm Springs.† I glanced back at the hotel. â€Å"We should get you some water or something. You took down that vodka pretty fast.† He nearly smiled. Nearly. â€Å"Takes a lot more than that to make me sick. I won't throw up in your car. I promise. I just don't want to stick around and risk seeing him again.† I complied, and before long, we were back on the road again. We'd spent less time in San Diego than it had taken to drive there. Adrian stayed silent, and this time, I didn't try to coax him out or distract him with meaningless conversation. No words of mine would help. I doubted anyone's words would help. I didn't blame Adrian for his mood. I'd feel the same way if my father had laid into me like that in public. Still, I wished there was something I could do to ease Adrian's pain. Some small comfort to give him a moment of peace. My chance came when I saw a small gas station outside of Escondido with a sign reading BEST SLUSHES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HERE AT JUMBO JIM'S! I remembered his joke about switching to a slush-based diet. I turned my car off the highway, even though I knew it was silly. What was a slush compared to the disaster we'd just left behind? Still, I had to do something – anything – to make Adrian feel better. He didn't even seem to notice we'd stopped there until I was getting out of the car. â€Å"What's up?† he asked, managing to drag himself out of his dark thoughts. The look on his face tore me apart. â€Å"You've got half a tank.† â€Å"Be right back,† I said. I returned five minutes later, a cup in each hand, and managed to knock on his window. He got out of the car, truly puzzled now. â€Å"What's going on?† â€Å"Slushes,† I said. â€Å"Cherry for you. You have to drink it out here, though. I'm not risking the car.† Adrian blinked a couple of times, as though maybe I was a mirage brought on by too much sunlight. â€Å"What is this? A pity party for me? Because I'm so pathetic?† â€Å"It's not always about you,† I scolded. â€Å"I saw the sign and wanted a slush. Figured you'd want one too. If you don't, I'll throw it away and just drink mine.† I only got one step away before he stopped me and took the bright red slush. We leaned against the car together and drank without talking for a while. â€Å"Man,† he finally said, when we were about halfway through. There was a look of wonder in his eyes. â€Å"I'd forgotten how good these are. What kind did you get?† â€Å"Blue raspberry.† He nodded and slurped loudly on his. That dark mood still hung around him, and I knew a childhood beverage wasn't going to undo what his father had done anytime soon. The best I could hope for was a few moments of peace for him. We finished shortly thereafter and tossed the cups in the trash. When we got back in Latte, Adrian sighed wearily and rubbed his eyes. â€Å"God, those are awesome. I think I needed that. The vodka may have hit me harder than I thought. Glad you decided to branch out into something that isn't coffee for a change.† â€Å"Hey, if they'd had coffee flavor, you know I would've gotten it.† â€Å"That's disgusting,† he said. â€Å"There isn't enough sugar in the world to make that even remotely – † He stopped and gave me a startled look. In fact, he looked so shocked that I stopped backing up and kicked the car back into park. â€Å"What's wrong?† I asked. â€Å"The slush. That thing's like 99 percent sugar. You just drank one, Sage.† He seemed to interpret my silence as though perhaps I hadn't understood. â€Å"You just drank liquid sugar.† â€Å"Maybe you drank liquid sugar,† I said. â€Å"Mine was sugar free.† I hoped I sounded convincing. â€Å"Oh.† I couldn't tell if he was relieved or disappointed. â€Å"You freaked me out there for a minute.† â€Å"You should've known better.† â€Å"Yeah. I suppose so.† He fell back into his blue mood, the slushes only a temporary distraction. â€Å"You know what the worst part of all that was?† I knew we were back to his father, not slushes. â€Å"What?† â€Å"You'd think it'd be that I didn't get the money or that he just ripped my life apart or that he has no faith in me sticking to college. But that's okay. I'm used to that from him. What really bothers me is that I really did ruin my mom's life.† â€Å"I can't imagine you did,† I said, shocked at his words. â€Å"Like you pointed out, we still love people who make mistakes. I'm sure she loves you too. Anyway, that's something you need to discuss with her – not him.† He nodded. â€Å"The other thing that bothered me†¦ well, he said all that in front of you.† That was a shock too. I brushed it off, feeling a little flustered that he would think so much of my opinion. Why should he care? â€Å"Don't worry about me. I've been with much more abrasive people than him.† â€Å"No, no†¦ I mean†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Adrian looked at me and then quickly averted his eyes. â€Å"After what he said about me, I can't stand the thought that you might think less of me.† I was so surprised that I couldn't muster a response right away. When I did, I just blurted out the first thing that came to mind. â€Å"Of course I don't.† He still wouldn't look at me, apparently not believing my words. â€Å"Adrian.† I laid my hand over his and felt a warm spark of connection. He jerked his head toward me in astonishment. â€Å"Nothing he said could change what I think of you. I've had my mind made up about you for a long time†¦ and it's all good.† Adrian looked away from me and down to where my hand covered his. I blushed and pulled away. â€Å"Sorry.† I'd probably freaked him out. He glanced back up at me. â€Å"Best thing that's happened to me all day. Let's hit the road.† We got back on the highway, and I found myself distracted by two things. First was my hand. It still tingled and felt warm from where I'd touched his, which was kind of funny. People always thought vampires were cold, but they weren't. Certainly not Adrian. The sensation was fading the longer I drove, but I kind of wished it'd stay. The other thing that kept distracting me was all that sugar I'd just consumed. I kept running my tongue over my teeth. My whole mouth was coated in sickening sweetness. I wanted to brush my teeth and then drink a bottle of mouthwash. Liquid sugar. Yes, that was exactly what it had been. I hadn't wanted to drink one, but I'd known if I'd just brought a slush for Adrian, he really would've read that as pity and refused. I had to act as though I'd wanted one too, with him as an afterthought. He seemed to have believed my lie about the drink's sugar content, though a quick trip into the gas station would have quickly alerted him to the fact that Jumbo Jim's most certainly didn't carry sugar-free slushes. I'd asked them. They'd laughed. Skipping lunch wasn't going to compensate for those calories, I thought glumly. And I wasn't going to get that sugary taste out of my mouth anytime soon. With as quickly as Adrian had sunk back into his depression, I suddenly felt stupid for even attempting this ruse. A slush couldn't change what his father had said, and I'd be a pound up on the scale tomorrow. This probably hadn't been worth it. Then, I thought back to that brief moment by the car, and Adrian's fleeting look of contentment, followed later by: God, those are awesome. I think I needed that. A brief moment of peace in the midst of his dark despair. That was what I had wanted, and that was what I had gotten. Was it worth it? I rubbed my fingertips together, still feeling that warmth. Yes, I decided. Yes, it was worth it.

Terry Gouâ€the Founder of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co

In recently years, Apple’s products sweep the world. I think everyone only knows Steve Jobs, but not much people know Terry Gou who is the founder of Foxconn which is the supplier of Apple is a Taiwanese. Most of Apple’s products were assembled by his factories. He not only cooperates with Apple but also cooperates with many international companies such as DELL, Intel, COMPAQ, etc. In 1974, Terry Gou used around $7500 to create his first company which is â€Å"Hon Hai Plastic Products Co. †. Their master product was the buttons of televisions.Until 1981, he successfully created new product which is computers’ â€Å"connector†. The following year, he changed his company’s name to â€Å"Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. † and he had around $530 thousand assets in that time. In 1985, he created a branch which is Foxconn in U. S. (MBAlib) In March 2012, Terry Gou was ranked as 184 of the world’s billionaires with $5. 5 billion by Forbe s. (Forbes) Terry Gou has three main business philosophies. 1. Daring to give For Terry Gou, he always remembers these words: â€Å"Thousand soldiers get easily, a will difficult beg. He trusts that hiring and cultivating employees is one of the most important things for a company. He has never niggard to cultivate their employees. On the other hand, he puts high value on hiring talents. (WIKIPEDIA) 2. Daring to invest He has never niggard to spend money on buying more advanced equipment or give more reward for his employees. He thought that long-term investment and development of talents is the only key for company to grow fast. Therefore, he had said, â€Å"Everyone thinks that spend money is a kind of enjoyment.I think spend money is a kind of pursuit. This is my philosophy. †(WIKIPEDIA) 3. Daring to face problems During Terry Gou created his Hon Hai Empire, he got a lot of huge problems. But every time when he faced those problems, he always thought if he is breakthrough , it can let him get the biggest rewards, have more and more strength. (WIKIPEDIA) He had said a sentence: â€Å"I like to work with those people who have no retreat. †(MBAlib) Because he thinks the people who don’t have retreat, they will do whatever they can do. He doesn’t have any high ducation degrees or wealthier background. All he has is his specific leadership. From $7500 to billions, Terry Gou successfully creates his â€Å"Hon Hai Empire†. Describe how your or a firm encourages innovation? It is important for company to keep innovating. For me, if I have a company, I will encourage my employees to keep innovating by following rules: 1. There is no useless idea. I trust there is no useless idea only have useless attitude. Some good ideas are always killed by those bad attitudes. People usually hate to have change because it wastes time and money.They think it is good enough to keep the same situation. Therefore, I will create a communication chann el in my company for all employees having a way to give me their ideas. 2. Never stop learning I will supply many opportunities for my employees to learn something is out of his professional area. Let their knowledge structure are more complete and much more creative. 3. Sweeping the â€Å"innovation killers† Some people don’t say anything in front of everyone, but they would criticize secretly. This kind of people is poisonous. They will impede company’s growth and innovation.I will try to find out this kind of people and sweep those people from company as soon as possible. ? How do you cope with accelerating change? Nowadays, economic and technology develop very fast. Many companies cannot follow the steps and easy to be eliminated in the fierce competition. For me, I will follow the following principles to cope with accelerating change. 1. Focus on the core competence Even everything changes very fast, all we need to do just focus on developing our core compe tence. Don’t blindly pursuing new technology.If we put more efforts on our core competence, we would not be eliminated easily. 2. Diversification When we focus on developing our core competence, we should also try to create new market. Basing on what we have and develop in different area. 3. There is always a better way Don’t settle for the status quo, keep innovation. If a company keeps developing in one way, it could not handle the accelerating change, and it would be eliminated. Therefore, try to keep finding a better way on development or solving problems. It would let whole company stay in a great condition and cope with accelerating change.

Green marketing Essay

With the rise of growing consciousness for environmental protection, people are now becoming more less-sensitive with price premiums as long as they earn the benefits of these eco-products. This environmental concern revolution has begun to also uncover the various factors that enable consumers to purchase these specially-packaged products. This stage was able to assess the following: (a) price sensitivity issues, (b) package convenience, (c) environmentally-concerned, and symbolic environmentally-concerned aspects of the individual which are depicted in the results made by the Mintell Poll in Great Britain. From the study of the poll, a considerable number of people are concerned on putting value in the process of packaging of these bio products. See the following for the results The rise of green marketing Peattie (2005:357) It was only during the 1980’s when people start to speak about green marketing. Almost suddenly, consumption of the greenest products and health consciousness came to be the talk of the town. Like any new phenomena, it was soon the topic of the marketing research of most firms. With this awareness of the green market, companies have reverted to environmentally-friendly modes of production and operations. However, there also came to a point when this green marketing was only about selling, and that the green aspect was all a disguise. Legislations and other policies rose to halt this growing and gnawing concern. Redefinition of green marketing A number of marketing processes have been enumerated to reshape the approach of this market, as follows:   a redefinition of the product which encompasses the means of production and distribution. A willingness to change markets as well as changing products as a sustainable economy will require more than new product developments   an emphasis on benefits from product use to show the joys of product ownership   marketing communication that aims to inform rather than impress a focus beyond current customer needs   a willingness to manage demands and expectations   an emphasis on costs rather than price   taking more responsibility on consumer and societal welfare Most firms have long been focused on selling and just making profits, whereas the customer has always been into the marginal interests. Since the birth of green marketing, consumers have favored this product, and thus the producers or the firm has to follow this lead. This would work in a world of entirely marketing oriented firms, but neglects mostly the internal environment. Changes in Medicine / Bio-cosmetics Akoh (2004:513) We have clearly presented our views and thorough research in the previous sections and will now give light to the other side of bio-cosmetics – the various changes in medicine that may help or hamper the lives of the individuals using these products. Innovation in medical treatments in terms of technological-use or through the minimally invasive techniques (MIT) prompted the way for advancements to significantly reduce pain, recovery time, and even hospital stays with marked improvements in cosmetic outcome and overall cost effectiveness. Bio-cosmetics for one, has enabled practicing surgeons to aid their treatments with the latest surgical cares that will serve as a catalyst to one’s full recovery. Yaron Munz (2004:223) MITs were used in a wide range of procedures long before they were applied to surgery, but only then did they become exposed to the general public. Through the close collaborations of innovative surgeons and technologists, MIT was rapidly advanced in the society. Conrad (2005:3-14) Since 1980’s profound changes happened in the field of medicine that have created a huge impact in health conditions. Patients started to become more knowledgeable and involved in the medical information on various treatments even in choosing their health insurance policies and in seeking out medical services. The biotechnology industry in particular has their ups and downs but it definitely gave birth to a promising future that may indeed revolutionize healthcare. Such products of these dynamic changes are the bio-products, such as bio-cosmetics. Bio-cosmetics Ethics Todd (2004:86) In line with the field of an innovative scene in biotechnology, environmental ethics and eco-marketers come together to reinstate the status of these bio-products to garner consumer appeal and make them realize the importance of being socially-involved and responsible. So the question arises, in an era where eco-friendly is hip, how do we infuse ethics and product aesthetics? Ethics simply realizes and acknowledges the fact that these bio products, specifically bio-cosmetics targets the image of beauty related to health and not marked by politics. However, not everyone seems to be pleased with all these biotechnological advancements as these groups believe that these cosmetics, drugs or other bio-products have the potential of threatening the â€Å"soul† or â€Å"dignity† of the person given the extent of effect it impacts the one who intakes. Although these are not sufficiently backed-up by scientific evidences, still the concern or the argument is present. Judgments regarding these agents or products still rely heavily on the ethical principles of both the buyers and the sellers. Holtug (1999:4) In ethics, it is also important to note that in the process of considering the usage of these bio-products for medicinal purposes, we should also draw the line between enhancing or treating. What is indeed the distinction between the two that justifies the use of these products or agents? Treatment can be referred to as an intervention that aims to cure a disease or an ailment. Enhancements on the other hand, do not attempt to cure a disease or reduce its effects. Therefore, the question on whether one should enhance or treat a person is touching on the ethical composition of the individual. With the pool of genes in a person, in the community and in the world, how can one identify which feature or trait should be eliminated or enhanced through medical interventions? How is it being determined? How are people with these inequalities being compensated for their state of difference? At the end of the day, how will it also affect the social attitudes of those undergoing medical treatments or enhancements?

Diet Recommendations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Diet Recommendations - Essay Example Another vitamin that aids my immune system D. This functions to reduce inflammation in the body. Vitamin E is another vitamin that supports my immune system. It functions by protecting cells against free radicals. As my diet is deficient in both these categories, I could improve this requirement by adding salmon, Swiss cheese, and tomatos. In terms of minerals, one of the important minerals I consume for my immune system is selenium. Selenium functions by aiding proteins that help the thyroid function and protect the immune system. Zinc, another mineral in my diet, aids my immune system by building T-lymphocyte cells that fighting invaders into the body. I can increase selenium by consuming more cashew nuts, as well as tuna. Finally, I can improve my zinc intake my consuming bran cereal and pine nuts. II. In examining my diet and other risk factors for cancer I recognize that there are a few elements that could be considered factors for concern. In terms of food intake one of the mos t important foods to avoid when possible are processed foods (Adams, 2007). I recognize that in many aspects my diet includes processed foods that could be replaced with more natural alternatives in an effort to improve overall health and long-term risk for cancer. In addition to avoiding processed foods, I recognize that another food I consume in high amounts is refined sugars and grains; particularly, I consume these elements, respectively, in the use of artificial sweeteners for coffee, and white flower for baking. Rather than consuming refined sugars in large quantities I could incorporate natural sweetener into my diet, or even use honey in coffee drinks. As far as activities, I recognize that extra time I spend directly in the sun can accumulate in skin cancer, and should remain aware of utilizing sun screen and staying out of the sun for prolonged periods. III. In examining my diet for hypertension and heart disease I recognize that there are a few elements that can potential ly contribute to these factors. One of the primary foods that contribute to hypertension is salt. While my diet isn’t extremely high in salt, I recognize that there are days when my consumption goes over the recommended levels to avoid potential risks for hypertension. In these regards, I can work toward limiting my salt intake to six grams per day. Another food that I consume that contributes to hypertension is caffeine in both tea and coffee. While I find it difficult to do without caffeine, I can make an effort to reduce my intake of caffeinated beverages. In terms of heart disease, I recognize that my consumption of eggs, which are high in cholesterol, can potentially contribute to my risk for heart disease. In all, my diet is healthy in terms of risk for heart disease, yet I recognize that I need to remain vigilant about not incorporating too many elements that could potentially contribute to heart risk. I also recognize that maintaining an active lifestyle, with daily p hysical activity is important for avoiding heart disease and hypertension. IV. In terms of my diet and general activities I recognize that there are a number of aspects that may potentially contribute to my risks for diabetes. One of the main dietary concerns I have in regards to potential risk for diabetes is through my consumption of processed meat ("Foods that cause," 2009). In these regards,

The Highest Quality of Under Armour Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 95

The Highest Quality of Under Armour - Case Study Example It is not well established as compared to the established competitors like Nike, Puma, and Adidas, Under Armour is gain, ng lead in the industry. The function is in terms of the products abilities to conform to situations and perform as per the expectations. Since the company concentrates on the American domestic market, the information necessary to pinpoint performance is timely. Domestic sales are an indicator that Under Armour has a small sales volume. Apart from using the function system to pinpoint performance results, the company can use the area and unit system to pinpoint performance results. Benchmarking is essential to any organization (Baiman and Joel pp. 201). While aware of the existing competitors who include Nike, Reebok, Puma, and Adidas among others, the Under Armour, through benchmarking has managed to evaluate its performance. An issue of concern is its high dependence on few third-party suppliers. The competitors rely on a variety of third party providers thus easy to counter pricing and ensure efficient product distribution all over the market segments. Under Armour suffers massive losses because of relying on few suppliers who end up demanding high prices. Should the demand for suppliers’ products exceed what the company supplies, it can end up affecting its operations due to reduced access to supplies and raw materials. A key measure and standard that Under Amour upholds is obeying laws and regulations. It is an important element in its code of ethics. Launching of a new product in market demands Under Armour to observe standards of identifiability, accessibility, substantiality, and measurability. It is an indicator to show the company’s ability to assess response patterns and incorporate marketing mix in its standards. Trough this information, Under Armour can segment its market and strive to attain a competitive advantage. The strategy is in line with its recommended strategic plan, which has a passionate taglineâ€Å".

Delivering Added Value Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Delivering Added Value - Essay Example Management of Hilton Hotel(McGinnis C., 2005) has been known to take each customer encounter critically. Critical in the sense that all its services and facilities are geared towards satisfying the immediate business, comfort and leisure needs of the important customer. Hilton Hotel uses the value added activities (Harrison & Enz, 2005) that pertain to physical assets and processes including maximizing the people resources to win the hearts of its clients. Superior physical facilities are obvious sources of competitive advantage. Hilton Hotel is very famous for its very good use of the company's physical Hilton hotel is known worldwide for its high quality services in terms of satisfying the minimum requirements of the hotel guests of a good night's rest, comfort in the different venues of the hotel like the coffee bar, the entertainment section, the swimming pool, the sauna bath, and even where casinos are permitted inside the hotel premises. The Value chain, (Cooke, P., 1990) in Hotel Hilton's setting, divides the organizational processes into distinct activities that create value for the customer. Hotel Hilton's Value added activities are sources of strength or a competitive advantage when they give unique quality services to its many guests. This is what we call as quality in processes. Value added activities start from the Hotel Hilton's front desk, where c... This is what we call as quality in processes. Value added activities start from the Hotel Hilton's front desk, where check in is fast, enthusiastic and courteous. Employees, here, greet the customers with a happy face saying "aloha" or hello how can I help you, madame The clients, when checking out, will have fast and accurate billings for credit expenses from the client's stay at the coffee bar, the nightly entertainment section, the food service and the room services as well. Advertising is another major value adding activity for the Hilton Hotel. Magazines and newspapers as well other media outlets like the powerful television stations are being used as advertising outlets for Hilton Hotel. Its many services are even offered in the internet. One internet click at the word Hotel Hilton and the customer can register in any of its hotels. The customer can make a reservation check in a few days before flying to the hotel destination. The room service will be just one dial tone away. Another value added activity includes the support departments. These include the Hilton Hotel management, Hilton Hotel housekeeping department, the accounting and the purchasing departments. Another part of the value chain in a hotel setting is the information system and legal department. The different departments of the hotel must have accurate and up to date information for immediate decision making by the hotel staff assigned. The company often compares how it conducts its value added activities with the value added activities of its many competitors including other five star hotels in Europe. This comparison is needed so that the hotel can study the difference, in terms of services and facilities, and make the necessary

IPod Research Progress Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

IPod Research Progress - Essay Example libraries and online journals in a bid to achieve this purpose and a lot of potential books and magazines have been earmarked for further use during the course of the study. To keep track of the required excerpts and information from these various books, an excel sheet has been prepared and is being constantly used to keep track of the specific pages and sections within these literary sources so that it may be possible to revert to a specific page within a particular book or magazine with minimal effort, thereby providing more time to invest qualitatively in performing the requisite analysis. In a similar fashion, efforts are also underway to study and understand various market research theories and methodologies with the intention of selecting the appropriate ones that can be used for the research. Information pertaining to market research is available from a plethora of related books that contain vast discussions on areas such as product design, marketing, competitor analysis and branding. Although the study is being performed in a highly structured manner, it is true that certain difficulties were observed. Although local libraries contain a plethora of information on Apple’s products, it was soon evident that a large part of this information was in fact a few years old and the best books available offered information up to a few years since the launch of the iPod. To counter this deficiency, it was soon decided to rely extensively on online digital libraries such as Questia and the ACM portal. These online sites provided access to the latest books and journals, thus helping provide up to date information and helping make the research outcome more productive and qualitative. To obtain data on market perceptions and latest trends, it had been mentioned earlier that the study would utilize the inputs from various companies and professionals dealing in market research within the consumer electronics market with a specific focus on digital music players. To

Quantitative Methods Portfolio Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Quantitative Methods Portfolio - Assignment Example Quantitative research studies involve collection of data from a given sample. The data is usually numerical or one that can be coded (Myers, Well, & Lorch, 2010). Quantitative research approach uses either primary or secondary data. Primary data is obtained from participants through interviews, questionnaires, and observations whereas the secondary data is obtained from secondary sources such as journal articles, websites, and books (Pedhazur & Schmelkin, 2013). This research will employ questionnaires to collect primary data for the purposes of achieving its main aim. There are different statistical applications or techniques for analyzing numerical data. SPSS is one of the statistical applications used in conducting data analysis. SPSS is a software package that analyzes different numerical data (Miller & Acton, 2009). SPSS is useful in predicting with confidence what is likely to happen based on the numerical information collected (Mitchell & Jolley, 2012). This research study wil l employ SPSS to analyze the numerical data with an aim of understanding and predicting the perceptions and behaviors of tourists. In doing SPSS, there is need to code the primary data especially in cases where the data provided options that are qualitative (Myers, Well, & Lorch, 2010). ... Frequency also refers to the number of times a given question is answered (Creswell, 2013). In this research study, the SPSS software will be used in obtaining the number of responses to a given question. For instance, if a question asks for a â€Å"yes† or â€Å"no† answers, the frequency will identify how many respondents agree with the question as opposed to the number of respondents that disagree with the question (Myers, Well, & Lorch, 2010). Frequency in this study will be used to understand the perceptions of tourists. The other concept is cross tabulation. Cross tabulation is a statistical process that aims at providing a summary of a given set of data or results; hence, developing a contingency table (Miller & Acton, 2009). This study will use cross-tabulation to summarize the frequencies and develop a table for better illustration. Lastly, this study will employ t-test. A t-test is a statistical technique for testing whether the means of two samples are signif icantly different based on the assumption that the sample statistics follow a student’s-t distribution when the hypothesis is tested (Pedhazur & Schmelkin, 2013). In this respect, t-test is used to identify whether samples are different. This study will use the t-test to compare the means of various pairs of the data such as gender versus the income, gender versus the origin, and gender versus age amongst others. List of References Creswell, J. W., 2013, Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications, Incorporated. Miller, R., & Acton, C., 2009, SPSS for social scientists. Palgrave Macmillan. Mitchell, M. L., & Jolley, J. M., 2012, Research design explained. CengageBrain. com Myers, J. L., Well, A. D., & Lorch, R. F., 2010, Research

Influence of the Relationship between Politics and Religion in Western Research Paper

Influence of the Relationship between Politics and Religion in Western Civilization Conflicts - Research Paper Example Muslims believe in the holy war and observe the pilgrimage to Mecca which Christians neither believe in nor practice. During the Medieval period, both Christianity and Islam promulgated their religious beliefs and practices in territories where the majority existed. Christianity employed the use of missionaries whereas Islam employed offensive practices such as conquests, political rule and returning crusaders in spreading their faith (Spielvogel 238-243). 3. The expansion of trade The expansion of trade during the High Middle Ages resulted from developments in voyages of exploration by Vikings, growth of states, contacts with the Muslim world and the arrival of the Portuguese. Vikings exchanged goods as they sailed along trade centers in search of profit. The existence of various environmental zones and agricultural practices influenced trade to flourish. These resulted to the evolution of settlement as well as prosperity that in turn contributed to urbanization and the growth of st ates. In addition, contacts with Muslim merchants in the Trans Saharan trade involved the trade in kola nuts, gold, ivory, and slaves. The arrival of the Portuguese opened an outlet for West African manufactured products such as cloths. The utilization of Arab script and Muslim officials in complex bureaucracies remained as the impact of the expansion of trade on medieval society (Spielvogel 252-254). 5. The decline of papacy The papacy of the Roman Catholic Church had reached the peak of its power with the doctrine of temporal universal authority over secular rulers and fullness of power. However, the claims of temporal supremacy kept losing ground due to the growth of European secular monarchs. This created conflicts between papacy and the territorial states it never conquered.

Test Review Chapters 1-3 Essay Example for Free

Test Review Chapters 1-3 Essay Day 1 Review (Monday) * Website review: themes and learning objectives from Chapter 1 * http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072424362/student_view0/chapter1/ * includes review Multiple choice and essay questions Topics to review: * Summarize the changes in European society that led to the era of exploration between 1400 and 1700. (pg. 9-12, 23-28) * Describe the Spanish Empire in the New World during the 1500s. Include political, military, economic, social, and cultural considerations. (pg. 11-20) * Discuss the economic and religious motivations that led to the establishment of English colonies in North America. (pg. 23-27) * Explain the French process of colonization and interaction with the natives. (pg. 27) Day 2 Review (Tuesday) * Website review: major themes and learning objectives from Chapter 2 * http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072424362/student_view0/chapter2/ * Includes review Multiple choice and essay questions Topics to Review: * Compare and contrast the development of Virginia with that of New England. Consider social, economic, political, and religious differences (Page: 34–49) * Explain the underlying causes and the unfortunate consequences of Bacon’s Rebellion. (pg. 39-40) * Contrast the early years of Pennsylvania with the early years of Georgia. (Page: 52–54, 58–59) * Compare and contrast the religious, economic, and social cultures of the Puritans and Quakers. (Page: 40–49, 52–54) Day 3 Review (Wednesday) * Website review: major themes and learning objectives from Chapter 3 * http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072424362/student_view0/chapter3/ * includes review multiple choice and essay questions Topics to Review: * Compare and contrast the institutions of white indentured servitude and African slavery in early colonial America. (Page: 66–67, 71–75) * Compare and contrast the lives of colonial women in the Chesapeake with those in New England. (Page: 69–71) * Compare and contrast the economies of the southern colonies with those of the northern colonies in the 1600s and 1700s. (Page: 77–89) * Compare and contrast the society found on a southern plantation of the late 1600s with that of a Puritan community of the same period. (Page: 83–87) * Explain how religion developed in the New England colonies during the 1600s and early 1700s. (Page: 89–91) * Compare the growth of education and organized religious thought in eighteenth-century colonial America. (Page: 89–94) Test Review Chapters 1-3 Day 1 Review (Monday) * Website review: themes and learning objectives from Chapter 1 * http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072424362/student_view0/chapter1/ * includes review Multiple choice and essay questions Topics to review: * Summarize the changes in European society that led to the era of exploration between 1400 and 1700. (pg. 9-12, 23-28) * Describe the Spanish Empire in the New World during the 1500s. Include political, military, economic, social, and cultural considerations. (pg. 11-20) * Discuss the economic and religious motivations that led to the establishment of English colonies in North America. (pg. 23-27) * Explain the French process of colonization and interaction with the natives. (pg. 27) Day 2 Review (Tuesday) * Website review: major themes and learning objectives from Chapter 2 * http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072424362/student_view0/chapter2/ * Includes review Multiple choice and essay questions Topics to Review: * Compare and contrast the development of Virginia with that of New England. Consider social, economic, political, and religious differences (Page: 34–49) * Explain the underlying causes and the unfortunate consequences of Bacon’s Rebellion. (pg. 39-40) * Contrast the early years of Pennsylvania with the early years of Georgia. (Page: 52–54, 58–59) * Compare and contrast the religious, economic, and social cultures of the Puritans and Quakers. (Page: 40–49, 52–54) Day 3 Review (Wednesday) * Website review: major themes and learning objectives from Chapter 3 * http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072424362/student_view0/chapter3/ * includes review multiple choice and essay questions Topics to Review: * Compare and contrast the institutions of white indentured servitude and African slavery in early colonial America. (Page: 66–67, 71–75) * Compare and contrast the lives of colonial women in the Chesapeake with those in New England. (Page: 69–71) * Compare and contrast the economies of the southern colonies with those of the northern colonies in the 1600s and 1700s. (Page: 77–89) * Compare and contrast the society found on a southern plantation of the late 1600s with that of a Puritan community of the same period. (Page: 83–87) * Explain how religion developed in the New England colonies during the 1600s and early 1700s. (Page: 89–91) * Compare the growth of education and organized religious thought in eighteenth-century colonial America. (Page: 89–94)

Investigating the winners and losers of globalisation

Investigating the winners and losers of globalisation Globalisation over the past hundred years has undoubtedly made the world more interconnected including closer societies, politics, economies, cultures and the environment. The world has seen all these dimensions influenced by the process of globalisation and the resultant winners and losers. Primarily, the economies of nations around the globe have experienced the most significant globalisation process, with the foundation of this dating back to the 14th century. The globalisation of economies has resulted in numerous winners including most western nations, some third world labourers and international institutions. There have also been many losers including most third world countries, the environment and ironically even most western countries. Thus, it can be said that the globalisation process of integrating nations economies has had both positive and negative effects on the world. The globalisation of nations economies has undeniably improved the lives of millions across the planet, in both developed and developing countries. Economic globalisation can be defined as the process associated with increasing economic openness, growing economic interdependence and deepening economic integration between countries in the world economy.  [1]  By far the major winner from this process has been the citizens and corporations of developed countries. This is due to many factors that have come to fruition in the later half of the twentieth century. Specifically, the roles of transnational corporations, global financial institutions and consumerism all have ties to economic globalisation. Transnational or multinational corporations are corporations that have a headquarters in one country and operate in several other countries. These have been influential in globalisation and have brought much wealth to developed countries. The largest transnational corporation in the wor ld currently is Wal-Mart Stores, with sales for 2003 reaching 256.33 billion dollars.  [2]  With a sales figure of this proportion, Wal-Mart took in more money than many developed nations total gross domestic product. Charles E. Wilson who was a Chairman of General Motors said Whats good for General Motors in good for the country.  [3]  This quote highlights the positive aspects of globalisation for developed countries as often when transnational corporations win so do developed countries. Despite the criticisms that surround transnational corporations, they have been directly investing in developing countries and with their expansion into these markets, have actually raised the standard of living in many third world countries. The fourth largest non-financial transnational corporation, Vodafone has a total 207,458 million dollars worth of assets, where a staggering 187,792 million of that is made up of foreign assets. This shows the corporations expansion into core and periphery countries, bringing technology, employment and higher standards of living. Another example of a transnational corporation creating winners with the globalisation process is McDonalds. This is a prime example of globalization in both the economic and cultural sense, with nearly 50 million people around the world being served daily. The primary economic winner in recent times from McDonalds globalisation process has been East Asia, as in 1975 when McDonalds opened it first restaurant in Hong Kon g, it brought with it a high standard of professional service and the first restaurant to continually offer a clean eating environment, which customers came to demand from all restaurants later.  [4]   Another lesser-known winner of the globalisation process, are the third world workers employed by transnational corporations. Although the western world sees sweatshops as immoral and unethical, the labourers who work in these places are often being paid a higher wage than most of their fellow citizens. In 2005 in Honduras a developing country, where sweatshops are commonplace, the average apparel worker earned $13.10 per day; this is compared to the 44% of the countrys population that live on less than $2 per day.  [5]  This means through the economic globalisation process and cross border corporations, workers in developing countries have the opportunities to survive and beat the poverty cycle. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank have both actively been helping the developing countries. This has been occurring through loans, economic re-development and economic management. Both these institutions have played major roles in the economic assistance of developing countries over the past fifty years. A recent example is the World Bank implementing policies to help eradicate poverty through achieving universal primary education for all children. In 2006 a report showed that the United Nations and World Bank invested heavily in government schools in Ethiopia, as a result primary enrolment more than doubled from 22% in 1990 to 47% in 2004.  [6]  The globalisation of economies has resulted in many winners from the developed nations while also improving improved the standard of living in many developing nations. While there have been many winners from economic globalisation, there have also been and will continue to be many losers. The primary loser from globalisation has been the developing countries, who have supplied the labour and raw material necessary to fuel globalisation. In many third world countries, globalisation has had the negative effect of creating sweatshops, where workers are paid low wages to do hard manual labour in often poor conditions. These sweatshops are run by transnational corporations, that have the aim of minimising costs by taking advantage of the relaxed labour laws often in developing countries. An example of a transnational corporation that uses sweatshops is Nike, as its shoes are made in many Asian countries at a low cost and then sold in western countries for a profit. After the goods are sold and the wages paid, the transnational corporations take any profit made back to their headquarters or home country. This leaves the developing countries in poverty as the workers are being exploited for a minimal wage while the country sees very little of the profits. Another, problem associated with economic globalisation, is that citizens of developing countries are leaving their countries in order to achieve higher education, better job prospects and generally higher standards of living. This problem is called the brain drain and has significant economic implications for the countries involved. In the African nation of Ghana, an estimated 68 percent of all trained medical staff left the country between 1993 and 2000.  [7]  A large majority of developing countries are experiencing the brain drain problem and it is further fueling the poverty cycle, in which globalisation is playing a negative role. However, not only are the developing countries affected by economic globalisation, the developed countries that are often at the centre of globalisation also experience problems. A major loser that has resulted from the integration of economies specifically in times of economic downturn has been all economies, including both developing and developed. This is caused by the increasing integration and interconnectedness of economies all over the world, a problem arises when one nations economy goes into downturn and then due to the integration causes others to go into downturn also. The most recent examples of where this has occurred was the East Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 and the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. In both these situations, a crisis in one countrys economy, which was closely interlinked to the world economy, caused severe economic repercussions throughout the world. A subprime lending crisis in the US housing market eventually blew up to trigger the single largest eco nomic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The effects of this crisis are still being felt around the world today, with trillions of dollars being wiped off share markets, banking institutions collapsing and huge national debts. The problem associated with the integration of nations economies will be an ever present problem as economic globalisation increases in the future. It can be seen that the primary losers from economic development are developing countries; however, developed countries can also be losers. Another significant loser from economic globalisation is the environment; this problem affects all countries on the planet and has been getting worse over time. The environment has been abused and neglected since the beginning of the industrial revolution and today is currently at a precipice. Developed countries are the worst offender when it comes to the abuse of the environment. In recent times, the economies of China, India, Russia and Brazil have started rivaling the world powerhouse economies of America and Europe in terms of carbon dioxide pollution and environmental degradation. The primary environmental concern of recent has been the effects of increased carbon dioxide emissions and the effects on the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The resultant effect of a buildup in greenhouse gases will have serious problems for everyone including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, polluted oxygen and many more problems  [8]  . These problems have ties to economi c globalisation; this is due to many developed countries and transnational companies using limited resources and resultant pollution. Economic globalisation has been the driving force for sustained economic growth in both developed and developing countries. Along with this the need of transnational corporations to gain greater profits and expand into new markets has further increased the consumption of scarce resources and increased emissions. This is evident by the fact that developed countries are some of the worst polluters with America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand the top four emitters of carbon dioxide per capita and population in 2000.  [9]  However, developing countries are also increasing their emissions and speeding up their depletion of natural resources. In Brazil between 1978 and 1988, annual rainforest clearance rose from 78,000km squared a year to 230,000km squared.  [10]  The Amazon rainforest is considered the lungs of the earth and provide the vital ta sk of helping to remove pollution from the atmosphere. This means that the increasing economic globalisation has continued to assist developed countries achieve higher levels of consumerism and has helped developing countries achieve record levels of economic growth, which has actually had a very negative effect on the environment. This negative effect means that both developed countries and developing countries are both losers as globalisation makes it mark on the earths environment. There are positive aspects of globalisation as seen in developed countries, also now many developing countries are to some degree enjoying the benefits. In saying that, developing countries are still being generally exploited by transnational corporations and the developed world. Similarly, the planets environment is still being expended at a faster rate than it is being replenished or replaced and will surely cause problems for future generations. Therefore, if changes are not made to the mode and medium of economic globalisation, the costs will soon outweigh the benefits.

The change kaleidoscope

The change kaleidoscope Table of content Introduction Describe the strategic change context in 2002, at the start of the change process at Faslane. You should apply Balogun and hope Hailey’s change Kaleidoscope and discuss your findings. You should also briefly describe the type of change (use Balogun and hope Hailey’s type of changes model). You may additionally use any other relevant academic reading to develop and support your ideas. 1.1 Balogun and hope Hailey’s change Kaleidoscope. 1.2 The kaleidoscope Change Kaleidoscope 1.3 The contextual features of change in Faslane , (Kaleidoscope Model ) 2. Compare and contrast the internal features of the organizational when it was run by the MOD and Royal Navy (Up to 2001) with when it was run by Babcock Marine (2002-2010). You should apply McKinsey’s Seven S framework (do this twice – once for ‘up to 2001’ and once for 2002-2010) and discuss your findings. What, for example, where the most significant differences? You may additionally use any other relevant academic readings to develop and support your ideas. 2.1 McKinsey’s Seven S framework 2.1.1 Importance of McKinseys Seven S structure 2.1.2 McKinsey’s Seven S framework 2.2 Faslane run by the Royal Navy and MOD (up to 2001) 2.3 Falsane run by the Babcock Marine (2002-2010) 3.Critically evaluate the Faslane change using Kotter’s change steps. 4.Would you describe the strategic change process at Faslane as more â€Å"intended† or more â€Å"emergent†? You should use examples from the case and relevant academic reading to support your answer Conclusions Introduction The main aim of this paper is to focus on the strategic changes at Faslane from different perspectives of the Babcock marines and the Ministry of Defense (MOD). The objective is to understand the change and the studies of strategic leadership. Taking into consideration a number of different theories and models to analyze internal and external influences of the organization. In the year 2002 Faslane which was previously managed jointly by the Ministry of Defense and the Royal Navy decided to partner with Babcock Marine, a private sector company. The main aim of such partnering agreement was for the purpose of reducing cost and improving their services. Babcock Marine was given the responsibility to save the cost as well as to improve their operational effectiveness. They were given a target of  £76 million saving within five years. With a significant change Faslane was able to achieve the target and was considered best. Describe the strategic change context in 2002, at the start of the change process at Faslane. You should apply Balogun and hope Hailey’s change Kaleidoscope and discuss your findings. You should also briefly describe the type of change (use Balogun and hope Hailey’s type of changes model). You may additionally use any other relevant academic reading to develop and support your ideas. Balogun and hope Hailey’s change Kaleidoscope Change Kaleidoscope was produced by Hope Hailey Balogun (2002) to be a method for pulling together and arranging the extensive variety of logical highlights and usage choices that require thought amid change. In this sense Change kaleidoscope is even more a model than a strategy, however it is usable instrument for conceptualizing the way of progress. By its plan, the model speaks to an exhaustive system which manages the greater part of the variables that the creators regarded noteworthy by the writing. The kaleidoscope model was utilized interestingly to reflectively investigate a change project embraced in a first pharmaceutical organization. The kaleidoscope contains an external ring which is concerned with the highlights of the change setting that can either empower or oblige change, and an inward ring that contains the menu of usage choices open to change specialists. Comprehension of the context oriented highlights empowers change specialists to judge the fittingness of any methodology for their specific setting. 1.2 The kaleidoscope Change Kaleidoscope The kaleidoscope Change Kaleidoscope theory was developed by Hope Hailey Balogun has three rings: The outer ring relays to the broader strategic adjustment context. The central ring relays to specific contextual issues that need to be considered when expressing a revolution plan. The internal circle gives a set of choices of selections and interferences, design selections obtainable to change. Time -How rapidly is change required? Is the association in emergency or is it concerned with longer-term vital improvement? Scope -What degree of change is needed? Does the change affect the whole organization or only part of it? Preservation -What authoritative resources, attributes and practices need to be kept up and secured amid change? Diversity -Are the diverse staff, expert gatherings and divisions inside the association generally homogeneous or more various as far as qualities, standards and disposition? Capability -What is the level of authoritative, administrative and individual capacity to execute change? Is there a need to enhance this ability before the change methodology can be begun? Capacity -How much asset can orgnaisation INVEST in the proposed change as far as money, individuals and time? Readiness for change How prepared for change are the representatives inside the association? Is it accurate to say that they are both mindful of the requirement for change and roused to convey changes? Power -Where is the force vested inside the association? What amount of scope of carefulness does the unit expecting to change and the change pioneer have? 1.3 The contextual features of change in Faslane , (Kaleidoscope Model ) 2. Compare and contrast the internal features of the organizational when it was run by the MOD and Royal Navy (Up to 2001) with when it was run by Babcock Marine (2002-2010). You should apply McKinsey’s Seven S framework (do this twice – once for ‘up to 2001’ and once for 2002-2010) and discuss your findings. What, for example, where the most significant differences? You may additionally use any other relevant academic readings to develop and support your ideas. 2.1 McKinsey’s Seven S framework The McKinseys Seven S structure grew by well-known business specialist Robert H Waterman Tom Peters in 1980. McKinseys Seven S system is an administration model which incorporate Strategy, Structure, Systems, staff, style and style. McKinseys Seven S structure is habitually utilized as an Organizational examination instrument to quantify and screen changes in the inward state of an association. 2.1.1 Importance of McKinseys Seven S structure †¢ Examine the execution of an organization. †¢To rearrange authoritative change. †¢ To close how best to actualize arranged technique. †¢ Inspect the probable impacts of inevitable changes inside an organ 2.1.2 McKinsey’s Seven S framework Mainly McKinsey’s Seven S framework can be divided in to two major categories, they are hard elements and Soft Elements Strategy – The plan formulated to continue and build competitive benefit over the competition. Over-all, strategy is the one that’s obviously expressed, is long-term, helps to grasp competitive benefit and is reinforced by sturdy vision, mission and values. Structure Strategy signifies the way business divisions and units are planned and contains the data of who is responsible to whom. In other words, structure is the organizational map of the firm. It is also one of the most noticeable and easy to change fundamentals of the framework. Systems – Systems are the methods and actions of the organization, which expose business’ regular happenings and how choices are made. Systems are the zone of the firm that concludes how business is done and it would be the main attention for managers through organizational adjustment. Shared values – Share values can be highlighted as the core of McKinsey’s Seven S framework. Shared values are generating an organization that admirations each and every worker, committed to the environment and constantly attempts for waste elimination and perfection in everything it does. Skills Skills are the capabilities that firm’s workers accomplish very well. They also contain competences and capabilities. During administrative conversion the question often rises of what skills the company will really necessity to strengthen its fresh strategy or different construction. Staff – The general meaning of staff is the employees and their general competences. Staff component is apprehensive with what type or how many workers an organization will require and how they will be employed, educated, encouraged and satisfied. Style Style signifies the way the company is control by top managers and how they intermingle, what movements do they take and their representative value. In addition style is the administration style of company’s leaders. 2.2 Faslane run by the Royal Navy and MOD (up to 2001) 2.3 Falsane run by the Babcock Marine (2002-2010) Critically evaluate the Faslane change using Kotter’s change steps. Establishing a sense of urgency Faslane needed prompt change so Babcock assumed control over the administration framework and continue for change. They need to decrease cost and enhance operation proficiency without influencing administrations to Navy. Creating the guiding coalition They urge staffs to impart thoughts and insight additionally give energy to make own gathering and arrangement for division. They lessens administration layer to 4. Developing a change vision They make focus to attain to 76 million of expense sparing in 5 years period without influencing the administrations gave to the Navy. They help and bolster representatives to embrace the change process. Communicating the vision of buy in Babcock Marine decrease administration layer to 4and make association structure straightforward. They completely bolster representative for change and make a point to accomplish the association objective. Empowering broad based action They decrease political interference and administration layer. They likewise evacuate the trepidation of representatives for change process. Experience workers for change methodology were brought so that other existing representatives of Faslane will embrace change rapidly. Generating short term wins They effectively actualize change in low level and change impression of worker that change methodology is for good. They enhance execution and quality in administrations. They additionally break their 5 years plan and make yearly target which was to attain to 3 million however they had the capacity accomplish 14 million. Never letting up Babcock Marine discover positive change after lessen in worker view of apprehension and administration layer. New administration style was ideal to accomplish the focus of association. Incorporating changes into the culture The new administration and administration for Faslane was accomplishment to meet target. They enhance the quality and administrations for client. Thus, Faslane got opportunity to oversee whole UKs submarine armada. Would you describe the strategic change process at Faslane as more â€Å"intended† or more â€Å"emergent†? You should use examples from the case and relevant academic reading to support your answer Emergent Faslane was in requirement for quick change, so in 2002 they cooperate with Babcock Marine with understanding of acquiring positive change entire association. They have an arrangement to attain to  £76 million of expense sparing in five years of period without influencing the administrations gave to the Navy. Meanwhile for accomplishing their targets they apply distinctive expected and new technique according to needed. Change was not simple for Babcock in light of the fact that at first the client was not to support them. So to change individuals outlook Babcock begin to spurring for change as their acquiring was taking into account the sparing of the expense. Babcock urges to impart new thoughts and insight through entire day exchange. Babcock was knowledgeable about change process they knew the things need to decrease and enhanced in Faslane. They reengineer the structure of an association. By decreasing the administration layer from 7 to 4 they were accomplishment to decrease c ost and enhanced operational adequacy without influencing in nature of administrations. They concentrate on straightforward correspondence through and through level of administration. They decrease around 400 full-time equal posts. From distinctive explanatory apparatuses used to examine for inward and outside change environment make us straightforward the particular change prepare in Faslane. Babcock has admirably utilized their experience and method for change process which make them accomplishment to attain to their target furthermore more than desire CONCLUSION The contextual analysis demonstrated that particularly amid times of progress a trade of expertise is indispensable. This exchange must happen in the middle of new and experienced workers, generalists and experts, et cetera. Likewise, it got to be clear that cost decreases and administration upgrades are conceivable in the meantime. What is required is a reasonable objective (key pioneers obligation), a certain independence for representatives (constrained self-rule is liable to be ineffectual because of long choice making techniques) and the incorporation of every single influenced partner in the change process (clients, workers, nearby group, and so forth if there should be an occurrence of Faslane). Faslane has possessed the capacity to consent to all the five components of Successful and viable key authority. It had the capacity impart associations motivation to all the partners. It was additionally fruitful in keeping up moral standard and overseeing HUMAN RESOURCES. With its great execution, it had the capacity meet its target and had the capacity deal with the whole UK submarines armada. Proof for this administration style being successful can be seen in the choice that Faslane would turn into the home base for atomic submarines as well as for the whole UK submarines armada which means up to 2000 more JOBS. Faslane was extremely intriguing contextual investigation and considered associations MANAGEMENT and by what method can shrewd changes influence everything. Referencing A. Franken, C. Edward, and R. Lambert, ‘Executing Strategic Change’, California Management Review, (2009), pp. 49-71. Lynch, R., (2009) Strategic Management, 5th Edition, Prentice Hall J. Kotter, ‘What leaders really do’, Harvard Business Review, December (2001) Johnson, Gerry, and Kevan Scholes. Exploring Corporate Strategy. London: Prentice Hall Europe, 1999. Print. Johnson, Gerry et al. Integrated Business Applications. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: Pearson Australia, 2013. Print. Kotter, and Kotter International. The 8-Step Process for Leading Change Kotter International. Kotter International. N.p., 2015. Web. 3 Apr. 2015. Kotterinternatinal . 2014. The 8-Step Process for Leading Change. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.kotterinternational.com/the-8-step-process-for-leading-change/. [Accessed 22 April 15]. Ambrosini, VeÃÅ' ronique, Gerry Johnson, and Kevan Scholes. Exploring Techniques Of Analysis And Evaluation In Strategic Management. London: Prentice Hall Europe, 1998. Print. 1

Emerson :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Emerson was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Emerson graduated from Harvard University at the age of 18 and for the next three years taught school in Boston. In 1825 he entered Harvard Divinity School, and the next year he was certified to preach by the Middlesex Association of Ministers. Even with ill health, Emerson delivered occasional lecture in churches in the Boston area. In 1829 he became minister of the Second Church (Unitarian) of Boston. That same year he married Ellen Tucker, who died 17 months later. On Christmas Day, 1832, he left the United States for a tour of Europe. He stayed for some time in England, where he made the associate of such British literary notables as Walter Savage Landor, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Thomas Carlyle, and William Wordsworth. His meeting with Carlyle marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On his return to the United States in 1833, Emerson settled in Concord, Massachusetts, and became active as a lecturer in Boston. His lectures including â€Å"The Philosophy of History,† â€Å"Human Culture,† â€Å"Human Life,† and â€Å"The Present Age† were based on material in his Journals (published posthumously, 1909-1914), a collection of comments and notes that he had begun while a student at Harvard. Emerson applied these ideas to cultural and logical problems in his 1837 lecture â€Å"The American Scholar,† which he delivered before the Phi Beta Kappa Society of Harvard. In it he called for American intellectual independence. A second address, commonly referred to as the â€Å"Address at Divinity College,† delivered in 1838 to the graduating class of Cambridge Divinity College, produce great controversy because it attacked formal religion and argued for self-reliance and unconscious spiritual experience.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first volume of Emerson's Essays (1841) includes some of his most popular works. It contains History, Self-Reliance, Compensation, Spiritual Laws, Love, Friendship, Prudence, Heroism, The Over-Soul, Circles, Intellect, and Art. The second series of Essays (1844) includes â€Å"The Poet,† â€Å"Manners,† and â€Å"Character.† In it Emerson tempered the hopefulness of the first volume of essays, placing less importance on the self and acknowledging the limitations of real life. Emerson succeeded her as editor in 1842 and remained in that capacity until the journal ceased publication in 1844. In 1846 his first volume of Poems was published (dated, however, 1847).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Emerson again went abroad from 1847 to 1848 and lectured in England, where he was welcomed by Carlyle. Several of Emerson's lectures were later collected in the volume representative men (1850), which contains essays on such figures as Greek philosopher Plato, Swedish philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg, and French writer Michel Eyquem de Montaigne.

Reader Response Essay - Slave Purchases and Breeding: Unruly Slave :: Reader Response Essays

Reader Response Essay - Slave Purchases and Breeding: Unruly Slave While reading the letter written to Andrew from G.B. Wallace many things ran through my head. There were three main thoughts though, a difference in society and acceptance and a different language and form of writing, and the way some of the words and terms were used. I found all three of the topics very interesting when I further looked into them. The thing that really hit me was how common and normal slavery and slave trade was in 1855. We all have learned in our history classes that slavery existed and all about it, but for some reason this letter really struck me as real. It really shows how the slave world worked. The trading and buying of other human beings is so casually talked about. The terminology for the slaves is also a very telling part of the letter. The word Negro and dispose of are nothing that we would ever say today. To hear â€Å"the Negro of whom I wish to dispose† would be totally unheard of and inappropriate today. The differences are amazing. The style in which it is written is another interesting aspect of the letter. The words used and the forms in which they are used are different from what we are used to seeing today. I found that when I was reading the letter I had to read it very slowly and over a few times. The letter is written in a very formal business-like manner, and that adds even another aspect to confuse a student. I personally, and I would assume most students my age have had little or no experience in the business world and with formal writing and reading. It is a different and many times difficult thing for me and others to deal with. I also found the terms â€Å"breeding Negro woman†, â€Å"young acting Negro man† and â€Å"dispose of† very interesting. I guess I never really thought about certain women being â€Å"used† for breeding purposes only. It makes me wonder what they did with the â€Å"breeding women† after they were past their breeding years. I am also really amused by the â€Å"young acting Negro man†. Could he sell him for more money if he was young acting?

Movie Analysis: “Goodfellas” and “A Clockwork Orange”

Goodfellas: a film on Juvenile Delinquency. The film â€Å"Goodfellas† by Martin Scorcese showcases the day-to-day life of a Mafia family. As compared to other mafia movies that focus on an individual character, Goodfellas showcased the mafia account as a whole, general point of view. The movie’s main character is Henry Hill, whose transition from a street scum to a mafia became the main plot of the story. All the other events were more in-depth analysis of the formation of a mafia family, its management, its initiation, and its ups and downs (Cannon, 1997). Henry Hill dreamt of a mafia life. He spends time on the streets, looking at working-class people, thinking about their clothes, cars, and basically every luxury that he could dream about. For him, mafia is the only way to achieve a luxurious life. He started running errands for small time gangsters, until one time, Paul Cicero took him under his wing as his apprentice. He became Pauli’s sort of a right hand. As an apprentice, he has adopted some of the mafia ways, and came into liking it, getting accustomed with it. Young Henry’s ways were never a good sight for his parents. They didn’t like him getting along with his gang that’s why they always fill him with arguments, telling him to get away from them. But he never listened to what they say. He liked the gangster life: he easily gained a following, using these people to scare others, thus gaining â€Å"respect† from many people. You are respected by a lot of people if they fear you, and that’s what Henry Hill wanted to earn. Henry failed his schooling, something that his parents never found out, since he put on some frighteners on the postman to make sure that the letters from the school never reaches his parents. There came a time when Henry was arrested by the local police. He was investigated, asked who was with him, but he chose to put a tight lid in his lips. He never squirmed, even with the threats and the physical pains that they gave him. Unknowingly for Henry’s part, he has just completed the final part of the initiation; he is now officially a â€Å"goodfella.† He has been tested by the top leaders of the mafia family, including Pauli, James Conway, and Tommy DeVito. The following years were the â€Å"good times† for Henry. Money was flowing like water for him. The respect he was looking for back then is easily given to him at these good times; even the cops fear him and give him respect. At a certain point in his career, he met a fine young woman, Karen. This Jewish girl becomes his wife and bore of his kids after a few years. Meanwhile, Henry hasn’t given up on a life of a women and wine, wherein he has mistresses and keeps on going into nightclubs. Well, they can have anything they want in these â€Å"good times.† The glory days came to an end when another member, Tommy, killed an important mafia member. Pauli and Henry wind up in jail, but their lives were merely affected: they’re respected even in prison. But his family suffered. Karen was deserted by the people she trusted because there is no more Henry to earn them respect. While in prison, Henry became addicted to drugs. This broke him to half the man he was before. It was then became his problem when he was finally released. A Clockwork Orange. This is set in the future England, 30 years from the actual time that it was made. It revolves around the character of Alex de Large, age fifteen; a leader of a small group of gangsters, which calls themselves as â€Å"droogs.† His activities revolve around deriving pleasures from classical music, to raping various women, and ultraviolence – a random act of unjustified, extreme violence (Dirks, 1996). Alex’ character is basically full of negative aspects, wherein he is used to abusing other people just for the fun of it. He is sent to school by his parents but chose to skip and not attend at all. He has an eccentric character which is justified by his terrarium and a pet boa named Basil. He also has an expensive audio system: a stereo sound deck that plays most of his classical recordings collection. The reign of the evil Alex after an arrest: this was set-up by his droogs. He learns that the person they robbed died, leaving him as the only suspect for the crime, as a murderer, not just a robber. He was sent to prison with 14 years in his head. After two years, he was given a chance to be set free by means of a parole. This is through a deal: he will be a test subject of a certain Ludovico technique, wherein it was said to solve societal crimes. Because of that, he became incapable of violence, and also not able to touch naked women, and not being able to stand Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. When he was released, he has nowhere to go. His parents did not welcome him in their own house. While wandering in the streets of London, he encountered previous acquaintances. These people were oppressed by the evil Alex. Apparently, they have returned the favor and all attempted to kill him. They were assaulting him, and Alex is left with nothing to do but run. The Ludovico left him as a violence-free man, wherein he can’t fight back, even in self defense. He came into the woods and came into a house of a writer. The writer discovered that it was Alex who has raped his wife and has beat him to a pulp. He then drugged Alex and planned to drive him insane by making Alex hear the Ninth Symphony in full blast. Alex decided to kill himself by jumping out of the window, but he did not succeed in killing himself. The movie came to an end with Alex returning to his old self, and a narration, telling that he was cured. Characteristics of Juvenile Delinquents. Looking closely at how the movies portrayed these delinquents, it could be generalized that these delinquents exhibit certain characteristics different from their peers. These characteristics can be classified as either fundamental personality factors, mode of social interaction, or some background traits. It could then be seen as that this traits could be significant indicators of delinquent activity in a person. This is essential in finding out the sources or causes of certain delinquencies, thus making it easier or better to understand these people (Mason, 2004). Fundamental personality factors are often seen as the major trait of a certain delinquent. They exhibit these traits in front of the people, unknowingly or knowingly, since it is their innate trait in them. These traits include hyperactivity, alcoholic tendency, and psychosis. They are often small in stature and of poor health conditions. These are more on the males than the occurrence in females. Their outlook towards the society, or their social interactions could also be a proof of their delinquency. This is associated with bad temper or short temperedness, which is commonly found on most of the delinquents. The traits that are indicators of their social interactions can be unpopularity among peers, disruptive behavior is school, a difficult childhood as perceived by parents, violence towards others, and poor performance in school works and activities. Theories of delinquency. The theory that could be applied in the movie â€Å"Goodfellas† was the Strain Theory. This is theory states that the conditions of a society which could be detrimental to the success or social status of a person could cause him to become a delinquent. In the movie, the young Henry Hill was transformed to become a juvenile delinquent because of his dream of becoming a mafia, because he wants to alleviate his position in life. He is living a poor life, that is why he was somewhat driven to live a life of a gangster. This is a solid manifestation of juvenile delinquency under Strain Theory (â€Å"Strain Theory†, 2001). The theory that could be associated with the movie â€Å"Clockwork Orange† is the Self –Control Theory of Delinquency, proposed by Gottfredson (Welch, 1998). In this theory, it is stated that self control is the main theme in which crimes originates. It is not deterministic; hence the people who engage on these crimes seek a sort of gratification, a certain pleasure that is why they engage on various analogous behaviors. These behaviors that provide this short time pleasure or gratification are smoking, drinking, gambling, irresponsible sex and much more. These are commonly manifested by criminals, who are looking for that instant achievement of pleasure or gratification. Causes of delinquency. In the movie â€Å"The Goodfellas,† as well as the â€Å"Clockwork Orange,† the main cause of his delinquency was his motivation to alleviate his social status from poor to a well-off person, and he views that the only way he can achieve it is through becoming a gangster. With this, he opened himself on becoming a juvenile delinquent. He didn’t attend school, he was involved in fights and other illegal activities, and he adapted the ways of the gangsters who was with him. Analyzing this carefully, we could see that a cause for his delinquency was his social status: he was poor, and he didn’t want to stay that way. Another is the environmental factors that play on a person’s life. This is accounted by his frequent rendezvous with these gangsters, which is also the reason why he adapted a delinquent kind of lifestyle. Juvenile Justice. Juvenile justice is a law in the justice system that deals with persons which are found to have committed crimes below the legal age which is 18 years old. This juvenile justice system is aimed towards rehabilitating these young criminals, since they are not yet of the right age, and assumed to be not in the right frame of mind. But they could relinquish their hold on these criminals depending on the weight of the crime, or the court waives to do so (Burns, 1994). There is legislation for the protection, care, and custody of these children under their jurisdiction, since they are the ones that manage these legal concerns. People often deal with this delinquency problem by looking at the root of the problem: society and its components The society shouldn’t rely on the authorities alone. They have a lot of other concerns that they may have little time to deal with juvenile delinquencies. The people should start with their own homes and see whether they have proper communication with their children. Another is making sure that the environment is safe, free from other factors that could elicit delinquency. If it still couldn’t be managed, then that’s the time we need professional help. The authorities are more than willing to help, especially if the people are cooperating with them. There should be partnership with the authorities and the locals in order to solve the problem of juvenile delinquency. References: Burns, K. S. (1994). Juvenile Justice System. from http://www.karisable.com/crpunyouth.htm Cannon, D. (1997). GoodFellas (1990).  Ã‚   Retrieved April 8, 2007, from http://www.film.u-net.com/Movies/Reviews/GoodFellas.html Dirks, T. (1996). A Clockwork Orange (1971) Retrieved April 8, 2007, from http://www.filmsite.org/cloc.html Mason, T. (2004). The characteristics of delinquents. from http://www.timothyjpmason.com/WebPages/Deviance/Deviance4.htm Strain Theory. (2001).  Ã‚   Retrieved April 8, 2007, from http://www.skidmore.edu/academics/english/courses/en205d/student7/anomie.html Welch, K. (1998). Two Major Theories of Travis Hirschi.  Ã‚   Retrieved April 8, 2007, from http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimtheory/hirschi.htm