Johnson & Johnson Global Business Environment

Johnson & Johnson: Successfully Strategizing for the Changing Global Business Environment I. Introduction Johnson & Johnson is the world's largest healthcare company. Founded in the United States in 1886, the company has been profitable for 75 straight years and currently operates 250 subsidiary companies in 57 countries. Its products fall into three segments: pharmaceuticals, with 39% of total sales; medical devices and diagnostics, with 36%; and consumer products, with 25%. Additionally, the company employs 119,200 people worldwide and sells its products in 175 countries.A truly global corporation, Johnson & Johnson has securely positioned itself to overcome the challenges its ever-changing business environment poses, as well as take advantage of the opportunities presented. With a focus primarily on Johnson & Johnson’s pharmaceutical segment, this paper seeks to explore the complex multinational environment within which the company operates as well as the opportunities and threats that the environment poses. Next, the paper will analyze Johnson & Johnson's current positioning, describing its value-chain and competitive positioning.The paper will close by evaluating how Johnson & Johnson both can seize these opportunities to realize the goals of the company. II. Analyzing the Environment In industries as competitive as pharmaceutical, medical devices and consumer goods, analyzing the environment is vital for being able to make sound strategic decisions. Since Johnson & Johnson strives to anticipate the external factors that affect its international business environment, as well as adapt to those changes, it is important that it understands the environment in which it is operating.The two sets of external forces that face the company are competitive and contextual. A. Competitive Environments – Five Forces Model Michael Porter’s five forces model provides a way of analyzing Johnson & Johnson’s competitive environment. Due to a lack of available information about the bargaining power of suppliers as it applies to Johnson & Johnson, this paper will address the four other forces: the threat of new entrants, the threat of substitutes, the bargaining power of customers, and the rivalry among industry competitors. 1. The Threat of New Entrants – High Barriers to EntryThe threat of new entrants is not of particular concern to Johnson & Johnson. Barriers to entry, especially in the industries of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, are extremely high if not unsurpassable. The world’s top pharmaceutical companies have extensive manufacturing capabilities, distribution systems, and economies of scale that have been built up over decades and would be virtually impossible for a new entrant to replicate. These top firms also have patents that protect their current products, as well as established research pipelines that ensure the continual development of new products.Also, they have strong brand names and la rge marketing budgets with which to defend them. Finally, the exceptionally high capital requirements for founding a pharmaceutical company and the sharp retaliation that new entrants could expect from the established competitors render the threat of new entrants very low. The medical device industry has similarly high barriers to entry. While entering the consumer goods market is easier, relatively, the vast number of competitors makes this industry very competitive, thus a strong brand name is vital for standing out.As the world’s most respected company according to Barron Magazine, new entrants to the consumer goods market do not pose a threat to Johnson & Johnson. 2. The Threat of Substitutes – The Rise of Generics The threat of substitutes is much more problematic than that of new entrants, especially in the pharmaceutical segment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that generic drugs be bioequivalent to their brand name counterparts, making them seri ous substitutes. Once a patent expires, generic manufacturers are quick to reverse-engineer the formerly proprietary drugs and sell generic versions at a fraction of the cost.Virtually all the top pharmaceutical companies, Johnson & Johnson included, face an influx of upcoming patent expirations. The impending loss of sales when generic versions of the drugs inevitably become available is a serious threat to the profitability of many players in the industry. For example, Risperdal, a drug for schizophrenia made by a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson’s called Janssen-Cilag, was a significant source of profits, with sales that totaled $3. 5 billion in 2005 and surged 21% percent in the first quarter of 2006, to $1. 2 billion.However, when the patent for Risperdal expired in December of 2007 and became available in generic form in October of 2008, the company’s revenue from pharmaceutical sales stagnated. In fact, in July of 2007, Johnson & Johnson announced plans to elimin ate up to 4,800 jobs, citing patent expirations as the main motivation to trim the workforce and thus save money. If the company does not prepare for the difficult transition between enjoying market exclusivity and losing that security as those patents expire, it will face more negative consequences. 3. The Bargaining Power of Buyers – Influence of GenericsIn the pharmaceutical industry, buyers include patients, medical doctors who prescribe drugs, pharmacists, hospital boards, insurance companies, and other health authorities. The bargaining power of patients goes hand in hand with the threat of substitutes. When drugs are patent-protected, pharmaceutical companies enjoy a monopoly where they can set prices to include high profit margins. Since there are few to no substitutes for their products during this time, customers have little choice but to pay these prices, especially if their lives depend on the drugs.However, once cheaper, generic versions of the drugs become avail able, buyers gain more power. Patients’ switching costs, an important element in determining the bargaining power of buyers, are fairly low, and price-sensitive buyers will likely switch to generic versions once available. Johnson & Johnson’s main tool in combating this problem is its strong brand name. Many customers have more trust in brand name products and are willing to pay extra for this perceived security. The other groups within buyers of pharmaceutical products, while fragmented, have more power than patients.Within the American healthcare system, insurance companies and health maintenance companies (HMOs) have considerable bargaining power, as they decide which drugs to endorse and provide. Since they have an interest in lowering costs, they exert a strong downward pressure on drug prices, partly due to the threat of the availability of generics. European governments’ national healthcare systems have a similarly high level of power, if not higher due t o strict price controls. Thus, pharmaceutical companies have a need to establish successful relationships with these groups and market towards them heavily. 4.The Degree of Rivalry – Fierce and Changing Competition Competition in the pharmaceutical industry is intense and growing in intensity. While the numerous competitors remain fairly fragmented, mergers and acquisitions have increased rivalry, as the top firms’ areas of expertise began to overlap. Rivalry is especially intense in saturated markets, such as the pain reliever segment, in which Johnson & Johnson competes with its products Tylenol and Motrin. In growing markets, innovation is a key driver of competition since pharmaceutical companies depend on â€Å"blockbuster† drugs for a large proportion of their revenue.With only one out of every 10,000 discovered drugs approved to be sold, stakes are high to find the cash cow drugs that recuperate the increasingly high costs of development. Since â€Å"me too† drugs are not as profitable, innovation drives the race to be first-to-market. While the main competitors in the pharmaceutical industry are concentrated in the United States, Europe, and Japan, an increasing number of players – especially generic drug manufacturers – are appearing in developing countries, such as China and India. These companies are driving the shift in the industry toward becoming more commoditized.Also, numerous biotech upstarts, which are smaller, more agile, and have lower overhead costs than their conglomerate competitors, are growing in power and taking market share. As the dynamics of the industry change, the established companies will find themselves facing stiff competition from all sides. B. Contextual Environment – PEST Analysis A PEST (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological) analysis is a useful tool for understanding the larger environment within which the company operates. Companies can use this tool to identify a multitude of important aspects of their environments that may impact their businesses. . Political Environment – Changing Politics and Policies First, the politics on local, regional, national, or international scales can exert strong forces on businesses. Since Johnson & Johnson operates worldwide, it must keep track of the political developments that may affect its business. For example, in the Czech Republic, health care is the subject of a major political debate. Changes in the healthcare system may affect to whom Johnson & Johnson needs to market, and with whom it needs to negotiate if the company wants its products covered by the Czech healthcare system.Also, Johnson & Johnson should be aware that the Czech Republic has a weak Parliament that will change in 2010’s elections. The company needs to anticipate which policies may shift under the new government. Finally, Johnson & Johnson should be aware that the Czech Republic will serve as president of the Council of the European Union for the first six months of 2009. This is the best time for the Johnson & Johnson branch located in the Czech Republic to lobby for any policy changes regarding the company’s interests and the business environment. 2.Economic Environment – The Crisis and the Euro The economic climate is also important for Johnson & Johnson to analyze in order to predict when its business may face challenges, as well as when it can seize an opportunity for growth. Operating in the European Union and larger European community means that Johnson & Johnson has felt the effects of the current economic crisis. Aware of the crisis, the company has been able to plan for its impact, and fortunately, the effects on Johnson & Johnson have not been severe, as medical products remain necessities even in periods of economic downturn.In respect to the Johnson & Johnson branch in the Czech Republic, the economic environment is one that quickly transitioned from a communist, plan ned economy to the free market. Though the Czech Republic has embraced free market principles since the fall of the Soviet Union, it is important that Johnson & Johnson recognize that this change was relatively recent, and certain aspects of working in the Czech Republic may still be affected by this history. Finally, discussions surrounding the use of the euro and the benefits and disadvantages of a common currency are debates that Johnson & Johnson should be aware of in this time period.While Slovakia adopted the euro in January 2009, the Czech Republic has kept its own currency. A switch to the euro in the Czech Republic could have a wide range of effects, some positive and some negative, and Johnson & Johnson should understand the implications for its business if that change occurs in the Czech Republic. For example, adopting the euro would make transactions with other countries more convenient, and Johnson & Johnson should be prepared for a possible increase in transactions or the speed in which transactions take place in order to take advantage of the opportunities this change could provide.It should also be ready for the numerous practical difficulties with tasks such as accounting that may occur with a change in currency. Keeping these economic scenarios in mind is the kind of forward-thinking that is crucial to Johnson & Johnson's success. 3. Social Environment – Aging Population and Public Health Problems There are two major social changes on the horizon that will both affect Johnson & Johnson as well as provide tremendous opportunities. The first is the aging population.The gigantic baby boomer generation, consisting of those born between 1946 and 1964, has had a huge social and economic impact on the world since its birth. This trend will continue as the generation is beginning to enter old age. The influx of senior citizens will create huge demands throughout all realms of medical care. Johnson & Johnson can expect to see increased sales ac ross all three of its segments – pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics, and consumer goods – in the coming decades, and must plan production accordingly to be able to meet the needs of this huge generation as they enter their most medically-dependent years.Additionally, in order to cater to the aging population, Johnson & Johnson is pioneering developments in preventative medicine as well as less invasive surgery techniques. Another major social change affecting Johnson & Johnson is the phenomenon of surging rates of various health problems, especially in developed societies but spreading worldwide, from obesity and diabetes to cancer and mental disorders. Though highly problematic for society, companies in medicine-related industries such as Johnson & Johnson are finding themselves with an increasing number of people to treat and cure.As a company that invests heavily in research and development, Johnson & Johnson has the opportunity to lead the way in find ing ways to address these serious public health issues. 4. Technological Environment – Promising New Fields As many pharmaceutical drug markets become saturated and the blockbuster drug strategy becomes obsolete due to the major changes occurring in the industry, innovation and breakthrough medical technologies are essential for finding blue oceans in which to compete.Predictive medicine, which entails predicting diseases based on genetics and preventing them, and personalized medicine, which involves managing a patient’s health based on his or her individual characteristics as opposed to following the more traditional â€Å"standards of care† model, are growing fields into which Johnson & Johnson can expand. The company’s strong emphasis on research and development and its leadership in the medical devices and diagnostics segment put it in an excellent position to become a frontrunner in making new discoveries in these promising new technological fields. C. Determining Threats and Opportunities 1.Threats – The Uneducated Consumer and Mergers and Acquisitions One of the biggest threats facing a company like Johnson & Johnson is the uneducated consumer. Especially within the consumer products and pharmaceuticals markets, with the increasing availability and lower cost of generic products, a key component of continued competitiveness is the discerning consumer who has preferences when it comes to treatment options. Johnson & Johnson must continually work hard to make sure that people are aware of its products and the quality that it ensures through effective branding and promotional practices, as well as consumer education.Patent expirations are also a constant concern for Johnson & Johnson as proprietary information is an integral part of sustained revenue streams. Mergers and acquisitions (M) present both potential opportunities and threats for Johnson & Johnson. The company has pursued M that have served to expand the compan y’s resources and help penetrate new and diverse markets. For example, Johnson & Johnson recently acquired Mentor Corporation in order to expand its operations in to the aesthetic and reconstructive medicine market.Also, an important new medical product called the Fibrin Pad was developed with the cooperation of three Johnson & Johnson-owned subsidiaries. These are just a couple examples of how Johnson & Johnson is able to both grow and innovate through M. On the other hand, M between other companies in the healthcare industry have the potential to upset Johnson & Johnson’s value chain and competitive advantages. Johnson & Johnson must pay close attention to the actions of rival companies in order to maintain its market-leader positions and barriers to entry against competitors. 2.Opportunities – Research, Synergies, Emerging Markets, and the Aging Population Johnson & Johnson’s greatest opportunity is found in its heavy investment in research and develop ment. This is especially important for its medical devices and diagnostics and pharmaceutical divisions. It is necessary for the company to be on the leading technological edge when it comes to medical devices to ensure that it can offer the most accurate and up-to-date machines available. As for the pharmaceutical sector, patent expiration and generic drugs demand constant innovation and addition to Johnson & Johnson’s pipeline of products for sustained success.Strong pipelines in its pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors are a major source of confidence in the company’s long-term success. With eight new late-stage compounds in the pharmaceutical sector and the introduction of several new products to new markets in the medical devices sector, Johnson & Johnson seems to be advancing its pipeline quite progressively. It also strives to be a consistently innovative company, and around 40% of its current products have been developed within the last 3-4 years. In 2008 , Johnson & Johnson spent $7. billion on research and development. The reinvestment of 11% of sales in to R, versus the industry average of 3%, demonstrates a source of competitive advantage for the company. Synergies between product branches are yet another source of opportunities for Johnson & Johnson. Through the well-coordinated efforts of its pharmaceutical and consumer products divisions, Johnson & Johnson was able to make the formerly prescribed drug Zyrtec available as an over-the-counter drug, which came to be the company’s most successful product launch in 2008.This is yet another example of how the company is able to pool its resources in order to find ways to fulfill both the needs of both its customers and stakeholders. Other opportunities for Johnson & Johnson are present in emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. Its products are currently available to only 25% of the world’s population. However, through its decentralized management app roach and the adjustment of its products and strategies to match local needs and preferences, Johnson & Johnson is reaching an ever-increasing consumer base.One method Johnson & Johnson has been able to reach a broader consumer base through is the de-featuring of products, such simplified blood-glucose meters, which allows for access to lower-income customers and dampens the parasitic effect of cheap substitutes. One final opportunity exists in the demographic trend towards an ageing population. People are living longer, and because of this, new types of medical needs are arising all the time. Many types of medical treatments and surgeries are being developed and becoming more commonplace, such as hip replacements and plastic surgery.Patients want to be able to fix their ailments and expect a quick and uncomplicated recovery afterwards. It is up to Johnson & Johnson to develop and provide the best possible equipment and supplies to do this and fulfill the company promise of customer success. III. Establishing European and Global Opportunities A. Expansion into New Markets – Developing Countries Despite the many challenges of working in both the European and global business environments, it is clear that these environments also allow Johnson & Johnson to strengthen and continue to grow its business.With income and living standards on the rise in many European countries such as Turkey and the Czech Republic, where sales have already increased, and across the globe in developing countries like China and India, Johnson & Johnson has many opportunities to sell its products in new markets or expand more in markets it has previously penetrated. In order to take advantage of the broadening market field, Johnson & Johnson has begun to offer products that will appeal to people in less affluent nations. Its objective is clear: make products that are affordable for most of the world.To do this, Johnson & Johnson has created de-featured versions of products that can be sold at a lower price, thus becoming accessible to more patients. B. Domestic Market Defense – Competition and Mistakes While Johnson & Johnson expands to serve more customers in new markets, it must also maintain its secure position domestically. Though the consumer segment only accounts for only 25% of its total sales, the company realizes that keeping up its reputation and remaining a household name will help it as it moves into foreign markets. To put it simply, Johnson & Johnson must remain synonymous with quality, safe products.Next, Johnson & Johnson must be ready to compete with an even greater number of competitors, such as Pfizer, Merck, Novartis and Eli Lilly. Despite being the world's largest healthcare company, it still faces competition and has run into problems when it has attained the market lead, grown too confident in its product, and then lost the lead. Because Johnson & Johnson has twice lost its lead with one particular product, a heart stent, it now seems aware of this problem in its business strategy and therefore will be prepared for similar situations as it continue to penetrate new markets.IV. Analyzing Johnson & Johnson’s Current Position A. Value Chain Analysis – Synergies, Cost Reductions, and Relationships A value chain analysis of Johnson & Johnson reveals several key sources of value generation. Johnson & Johnson consists of 250 companies that operate in 57 countries worldwide. The widespread nature of its operations and decentralized management practices allow for a high degree of local autonomy and adaptation. This makes Johnson & Johnson very efficient in discovering and reacting to changing consumer demands across the globe.Also, the convergence of knowledge and information from branches across the globe gives the corporation a great advantage in the development of new products and technologies. Flexibility and detailed, location-specific knowledge coupled with heavy investments in technology, most n otably IT, are the main production-based value drivers of the corporation. They allow for timely, adaptive responses to changing needs and the ability to achieve first leader power in emerging markets. Johnson & Johnson is making progress in finding ways to reduce costs.Standardization initiatives in its pharmaceutical sector enabled the company to streamline operations and cut costs by $1. 6 billion in 2008. Cost savings are also created by means of acquisitions. For example, Johnson & Johnson’s acquisition of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare is expected to generate up to $600 billion in â€Å"cost synergies† by unifying the efforts of the two companies. Johnson & Johnson also emphasizes the importance of relationships with both its consumers and employees in its company credo.A talented and dependable workforce is important for innovation and efficiency in operations for any corporation. The company demonstrates its desire for employee welfare with healthcare services and carefully developed online resources. With an employee turnover ratio of less than 5%, Johnson & Johnson demonstrates that it is capable of attracting and retaining the right kind of people to help it remain successful. B. Competitive Positioning – Differentiation and Resource Allocation As stated in the annual report, Johnson & Johnson is a company focused on broad-based human healthcare.It offers a plethora of products throughout its pharmaceutical, medical devices and diagnostics, and consumer products divisions. These products are made in response to both local and global consumer demands, representing solutions for many different customer segments. These factors are evidence that Johnson & Johnson has chosen the competitive strategy of differentiation. Using this strategy affords Johnson & Johnson a sense of prestige and quality and this is evident in its pricing practices.However, the company does use competitive pricing strategies and is continually trying to find ways to lower costs without sacrificing quality or reputation. Johnson & Johnson is constantly seeking to expand its product portfolio across all divisions and spends large amounts of money in R&D to that end. A Johnson & Johnson representative said, â€Å"Be the first, be the best. † This is the most effective way for the company to enter new markets and secure a strong position by being the first to offer the right products in the right locations in a time efficient manner.Johnson & Johnson’s ability to perform these actions successfully is due to the sprawling nature of its subsidiaries and the amount of resources dedicated towards making sure that they all work with each other and share information. Johnson & Johnson holds a very strong competitive position versus other corporations due to the amount of its resources and depth of its operations. It is able to maintain its position as market leader in several product categories, as well as penetrate emerging markets, be cause of its ability to adapt quickly and intelligently.The company must remain vigilant, however, as complacency can result in loss of market share. V. Assessing Effectiveness and Conclusion In today’s fast-paced business environment, any firm needs to consistently reevaluate its strategic positioning, but in industries as competitive as the ones in which Johnson & Johnson competes, continual evaluation is vital for long-term success. By any quantitative measures, Johnson & Johnson is a very successful company, and the fact that it has earned a profit for 75 straight years suggests that there is a definite plan for long-term success.The company’s famous credo, known as â€Å"Our Credo† and written by former chairman Robert W. Johnson in 1943, may have a role in this success. The credo outlines Johnson & Johnson’s responsibilities to its customers, employees, communities, and finally its stockholders. It also establishes the principles that guide the comp any, from making high quality products and recognizing employees’ merit to protecting the environment and experimenting with new ideas. Johnson & Johnson’s credo has endured, unchanged, for over 65 years. While it does not explicitly state long term goals, the principles within it express the company’s intrinsic values.According to the company’s website, â€Å"Our Credo is more than just a moral compass. We believe it’s a recipe for business success. The fact that the Johnson  & Johnson is one of only a handful of companies that have flourished through more than a century of change is proof of that. † Johnson & Johnson has indeed flourished. It consistently tops the corporate reputation charts and is a role model for social responsibility. Moreover, the company is clearly prepared for the many challenges its ever-changing international business environment poses.Due to its strategic positioning and eye on the future, Johnson & Johnson will likely survive another century. REFERENCES Academic Visit to Johnson & Johnson, Prague, Czech Republic. â€Å"2008 Annual Report. † Johnson & Johnson Gassman, Oliver, Gerrit Reepmeyer and Maximilian von Zedtwitz. â€Å"Leading Pharmaceutical Innovation. † Springer â€Å"The Global Pharmaceutical Industry. † Duke University â€Å"Mental health drug market tapped out? † CNNMoney. com â€Å"Our Credo Values. † Johnson & Johnson. â€Å"Patent Expirations Behind J&J Cuts, C&T Looks Closer at Patents. † Cosmetics and Toiletries

Saving Energy

As globalization makes the world become smaller, it becomes increasingly easy to see how the lives of people everywhere especially on our OU’s campus synced up with one another. The truth is that every single thing we do every day has an impact on the planet—good or bad. The good news is that as an individual you have the power to control most of your choices and therefore, the impact you create: from where you live to what you buy, eat and use to light your dorm/apartment, to where and how you travel to classes. Today when something is broken, or worn out, it is thrown away.Recycling conserves our natural resources, saves landfills space, conserves energy and reduces water pollution, air pollution and the green house gases emissions that cause global warming. Many may not understand the real benefits of recycling, four things are most important when it comes to recycling including Saving Energy, Reducing Pollution, Saving Natural Resources, and Saving Space. On our col lege campus, there is almost endless variety of programs, weather academic or administrative, that require information to be collected and stored on a regular basis.These can include admission or job application request and RSVP’S for training events, among others. While all these forms are being used, do people have in mind how many trees they are using and how they can give back to the environment and to the university by daily recycling. There are many ways of recycling and going green on campus. By the end of this paper you’re going to want to live green and recycle for the cost of the earth and you’re on campus environment.Saving Energy is one of the major concerns here on Oakland University campus. After doing some intense research I came to find out that OU’s campus spends over six million dollar a year on heating, cooling, and electricity. Many times students take living on campus for granted and don’t realize how expensive things are, beca use they don’t have a direct electricity bill. So when you’re in your dorm and leave the television, the light, and your cell phone plugged in you wasting electricity which is causing harm to your campus.One way of saving energy is to simple cut off your laptop, and when you’re not using your phone charger, television, toaster, microwave, and so forth just unplug the appliances and keep in mind it’s for your campus, earth, and not to mention your pockets; when it comes to tuition payments. Another way of saving energy is compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use about seventy five percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. I would recommend that Oakland University adopts saving energy through lighting every dorm, apartment, bathroom, and hallway with compact fluorescent light bulbs.Reducing pollution is the second issue that needs to be addressed on OU’s campus. People go on their everyday daily routine wit hout noticing the environment surround them. I must say Oakland University campus is very clean but there are some underground pollutants that you just don’t see walking to class. However, there are diffidently some changes that can be made by everyone to even better our OU’s community. In order for this school to reduce or eliminate the amount of pollutant and waste it generates, an attitude of â€Å"less is better† should be adopted.All students, teachers, administrative staff, and janitors must ask themselves â€Å"Is there a different way to do this that generates less waste or uses safer materials? † This is the part of recycling that is fun and for everyone to take apart in. First, dispose of all litter in trash cans so that the litter does not get washed into near-by storm sewers. Next, use recycle products on campus as much as possible, such as paper and other environment-friendly products. Water based paints, and non toxic floor and desk cleaner would be good idea to bring forward to the janitor.

Horses of the Night Notes Essay

Vanessa was 6 years old, and Shallow Creek was a very cold environment o†No leaves grew†¦breath of seals and polar bears snuffled out steamily and turned to ice† – IMAGERY †¢Chris was fifteen when Vanessa met him †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦let him stay at the Brick House.† ïÆ'Ÿ significance? †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦high low-sweeping spruce trees shutting out the sun with their dusky out-fanned branches.† (pg 283) – IMAGERY †¢Ã¢â‚¬ At last the front screen door was hurled open and Grandfather Connor strode into the house, followed by a tall lanky boy.† (page 283) – IMAGERY †¢Chris’s physical appearance – â€Å"Grey eyes were slightly slanted, and his hair the colour of couchgrass at the end of summer when it has been bleached to a light yellow by the sun.† (pg 284) †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦warmly but shyly.† – irony/oxymoron †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦,looking as granite as a statue in the cemetery.† – SIMILIE †¢Ã¢â‚¬ He’d been lucky to get it, if you ask me anything, Wilf’s family hasn’t got two cents to rub together†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg 285) – grandparents are extremely judgemental of Chris’s family, shows that Chris isn’t the same â€Å"social† class as them †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦curled into the bay window like a black giant seashell.† – SIMILE †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ just as though he had not heard a word my grandfather was saying.† – shows that Chris had high tolerance †¢Ã¢â‚¬ He simply appeared to be absent.† ïÆ'Ÿ significant? †¢Ã¢â‚¬ The trees were still growing, and the leaves were firmly and greenly on them. The branches has been coaxed into formations of towers and high-up nests where you could look out and see for a hundred miles or more.† – IMAGERY †¢The lake was full of fantasy creatures – water monsters, creatures with necks like snakes, rooster’s comb, hard leather tough. †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Two riding horses† & â€Å"He missed the horses†¦Ã¢â‚¬  ïÆ'   any significance/reference to title of story †¢Story takes place during The Great Depression †¢Vanessa was nine when Chris left Manawaka, mentions Brick House again †¢Ã¢â‚¬ he was not at Shallow Creek. He has not gone abck†¦ northbound train at the first stop after manawaka, cashed his ticker and thumbed a life with a truck to Winnepeg† – shows Chris’s ambition †¢Aunt Edna – unemployed because insurance company cut down staff, moved back to Manawaka †¢Vanessa’s brother, Roderick was born the year Grandmother Connor died o†The strangeness , the unbelievability, of both these events took up all of me.† page 291 †¢When Vanessa was eleven, Chirs returned to Manawaka oChris’s appearance did not change – â€Å"the same knife-boned face with no flesh to speak of† †¢Chris was a travelling salesman who sold vacuums – tried to sell Vanessa’s mother a vacuum, but failed (they couldn’t afford one) †¢Chris then sells magazines, and said he would earn $100 in a month if every sixth person subscribed †¢Chris then produces wool products (socks) with an old-fashioned sewing machine oThinks he hit jackpot – |I think this thing could be quite a gold mine.† †¢Vanessa’s father dies †¢Chris is unemployed again because there were no jobs on the market †¢Ã¢â‚¬ The grass that shone like green wavering light while the horses flew in the splendour of their pride.† ïÆ'   significant? †¢Ã¢â‚¬ He looked different, not only thinner†¦ face and neck were tanned red-brown†¦ wearing denims, farm pants, and a blue plaid shirt.† – Chris became a farmer †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬ËœThe limousine’s over here.’ It was a wagon and two horses† – IRONY †¢ â€Å"Youngsters swam in and out of the house like shoals of nameless fishes.† – SIMILE †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ hardly see the food for the iridescent-winged blue-black bodies squirming all over it.† – IMAGERY †¢ â€Å"The lake was not lonely or unthreatened†¦ I looked at the grey reaches of it and held threatened. It was like a view of God which I had held since my father’s death.† page 296 †¢ â€Å"‘How much brighter the stars are when you’re completely away from any houses?’ †¦ ‘I guess most people don’t give them much thought at all, except maybe to say – very pretty – or like that †¦ They’re gigantic†¦Ã¢â‚¬  – page 297 †¢Chris was 21 and was sent to the army – â€Å"Chris left Shallow Creek some months after the war began.† (page 299) †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ my mother heard from Aunt Tess. Chris had been sent home from England, discharged from the Army because of a mental breakdown. He was now in the provincial mental hospital.† p.299 osignificant because Chris loses his mind †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Animation gone from his face.† †¢Ã¢â‚¬ All his life’s choices had been grown narrower and narrower† †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Only to be a turmoil which appalled him and which he dreaded†¦Ã¢â‚¬  †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Useless strokes of fantasy against a depression that was both the world’s and his own† ïÆ'   SIGNIFICANT †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Slowly, slowly, horses of the night-† – TITLE †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Night must move like this for him †¦ land he journeyed through was inhabited by terrors, the old monster-kings of the lake, or whether he had discovered at last a way for himself to make the necessary dream perpetual† ïÆ'   SIGNIFICANT *** ________________________________________ Vocab – detested, sweltering, cameo, equanimity, simpleton, bludgeoning, wisecrack, malevolent, chivvying, illicitly, jubilant, spiel, overshoes, pronouncements, subterraneon oracle, utterances, engrossed, torrent, fortnight, pallid-eyed, monosyllabic, saurian, perpetual View as multi-pages

Cultural Differences in the Light of Marx's Class Theory Essay

Cultural Differences in the Light of Marx's Class Theory - Essay Example There is a large social inequality in each society. "Social inequality" means a condition in which members of a society have different amounts of wealth, prestige, or power. But the impact of social inequality may vary in different cultures - according to the main values of a certain society. In particular, in Western countries social values are the following: Also, either Western or Eastern society has a stable model of management, which is common and familiar for all its members. Thus, it is wrong to compare them on the main criteria "better-worse" or "fair - unfair". For instance, in the United States, the problem of the large gap between executives' and workers' salaries really exists, but there are many options of career growth so that one is able to change jobs and to make a rapid career in several companies. On the other hand, in Eastern countries, admission to the company means admission to a family or a community - for almost the whole life long. In such 'family' everyone is to participate in company problems solving and is to share corporative responsibility. The western world is dynamic, and it is not considered embarrassing to leave a job for another place with more suitable salary and conditions, while according to the Eastern moral values, leaving the ‘family’ means betraying it. Personal growth of an employee is quite slow, as the differential between managers’ and workers’ salaries are not so large.  

Electronica Music and Its Impact on the Music Industry Essay

Electronica Music and Its Impact on the Music Industry - Essay Example Electronica Music and Its Impact on the Music Industry The beginnings of electronica as a music genre started when technological advancements in music instruments such as the introduction of electronic-based instruments and sound synthesizers in the music scene (Collins, Schedel, & Wilson, 2013; Mickley, 2011). This went well in conjunction with the rise of the disco or dancing as recreational activities by the younger generations, making electronica and other music genre that descended from it as staples of the electronic dance music revolution (Keith, 2012). While during the late 1990’s the popularity of electronica waned due to various factors such as it being over-hyped by some in the music industry, it did not disappear entirely as it became a famous genre for other areas such as in the advertising industry (Dunn, 1992; Taylor, 2007). Ultimately, within a span of a decade the elements comprising the original electronica genre were reborn within the recent music scene itself, as it became infused with other popular genres such as hip-hop, rap, rock, and dance music (Bogdanov, 2001). This helped the next generation of audiences in appreciating electronica’s legacy as one of the earliest predecessors of contemporary music today. Outline: I. The historical background of electronica as a musical genre A. Its origin 1. Originally in Hollywood movies for background music (Collins, Schedel, & Wilson, 2013) 2. Frequent use outside movies was in late 1960’s Europe, most notably in Germany (Keith, 2012) 3. Avant-garde music scene, futuristic and space-themed music (Dunn, 1992; Reynolds, 2007) 4. Influenced by classical music, altered to imply detachment from reality (Collins, et al., 2013) 5. Cultural purpose is to widen and increase what is considered to be musical sounds (Dunn, 1992) B. Historical development 1. Composers of early electronica a. William S. Burroughs (Keith, 2012) b. Klaus Schulze (Reynolds, 2007) c. Walter Carlos (Reynolds, 2007) 2. Performers of early electronica a. Tangerine Drea m (Reynolds, 2007) b. Tomita (Reynolds, 2007) c. Can, Faust and Neu! (Keith, 2012) d. King Crimson (Keith, 2012) e. ELP (Keith, 2012) 3. Important changes in the electronica genre a. Trickling incorporation with traditional instruments (Collins, et al., 2013) b. Gradual acceptance of a wide variety of electronic instruments in commonly-heard music (Dunn, 1992) c. Increased use of electronic music instruments in the growing disco scene (Mickley, 2011) 4. Cultural-related development of electronica (Dunn, 1992) a. Evolution of technological advancement b. Availability of synthesizers, analogs and other electronic-based instruments c. Increased acceptability of electronica amongst listeners 5. Important genres that evolved out of electronica (Bogdanov, 2001) a. Electronic dance music (EDM) b. Funky Beats c. Dance-pop d. Techno e. Experimental Rock II. The cultural background of electronica A. Demographics 1. Listeners and audiences a. Late teens-early 30’s (Campbell, 2011) b. Ne ar-equal mix of genders (Campbell, 2011) c. US, Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain), Asia (India, Japan) (Mickley, 2011) d. People from middle or working class (Campbell, 2011) 2. Changes in the demographic throughout the genre’s history a. Expansion of geographic locations to South America, Africa, Southeast Asia (Mickley, 2011) b. Expansion to lower-working class and elites (Campbell, 2011) B. Performance context 1. Places where electronica is most often heard a. Disco scenes (Keith, 2012) b. Dedicated music festivals (Keith, 2012) c. Movies (Collins, et al., 2013) 2. Additional venues where electronica is performed a. Radio (Taylor, 2007) b. Television (Taylor, 2007) c. Places with large spaces (Campbell, 2011) 3. Cultural â€Å"rules† in electronica performance and appreciation (Campbell, 2011) a. Expect loud and/or repetitive music b. Clapping, dancing to the music, singing, as long as no disturbances such as riots happen C. Clothing styles and

Liturgy Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Liturgy Religion - Essay Example Reading the verses from the Gospel has been a tradition observed by the churches for centuries, where it is performed while standing at the seats, though the Bible is listened to by the people attending Liturgy while sitting on their seats It has frequently been witnessed that churches follow different religious traditions while delivering sermon during liturgy; sometimes, the priests deliver sermons, called homily, by concentrating upon the verses recited from the Gospel (Chadwick, 1975, p.259) . Similarly, many a times, the priests select the verses from one or more of the sixty two Books of Holy Bible to include in the church service as homily. Although the church ministers and priests had established the church decorum in the aftermath of Paul’s first letter to the church of Corinth (Latourette, 1975, p.196) , yet apostles and saints had not defined one specific rule to be applied related to homily. Consequently, both these traditions are followed by the ministers and prie sts at the churches. ... Consequently, homily in the UK churches contains the parts of Gospel already read by the attendants while standing. The supporters of applying the verses from Gospel in homily are of the opinion that since Eucharist is not complete without Gospel reading, and thus reading the same is compulsory and mandatory, continuation of the identical part of the Holy Scripture would be beneficial in understanding the verses already studied en masse earlier. Secondly, it is actually the Gospel, which could be stated to be narrating the sacred life of Jesus Christ, which the Old and New Testaments are unable to give account of. Moreover, being the sum of the message of the Christian Faith, according to Damascene, and especially the good news that Christ has saved mankind from the eternal consequences of sin, that He has overcome the central problem of the world—death, both bodily and spiritual—by means of His Incarnation, Death, and Resurrection, all have been described in the four b ooks of Gospel (2009, p.223)5. Since the is no other source more authentic, powerful and accurate than the Gospel, which could provide a detailed account of the life, sayings and journeys attributed to Christ, reading the same is the best possible way of communicating Christ’s holy message to his followers (Littleton, 2001, p.106)6. For instance, the Bible is unable to provide a detailed overview of the Sermon on the Mount, on which the foundation of the basic moral teachings of Christian faith is erected. Hence, the Christians have to consult chapter 5, 6 and 7 from the Gospel of Matthews7 in order to get acquainted with the sacred message the Holy Christ has communicated to entire humanity. Furthermore, it is Gospel that elucidates his noble mission, astounding miracles,

How are tourism businesses using ICT to improve the tourist experience Essay

How are tourism businesses using ICT to improve the tourist experience - Essay Example 109). This implies that the application of an array of communications- and computer-assisted, and electronic technologies are being used to a greater extent to improve the performance and implementation of business operations in the tourism industry, and to enhance tourist experience. One of the primary functions of ICTs is the processing and speeding up of information flow to and from the customers. In addition to the World Wide Web, other technology devices, such as smartphone and GPS, have boosted the tourist experience (Mamaghani, 2009; Cantoni, Kalbaska, & Inversini, 2009). Homogenisation of communication technologies allows global reception of mobile phones. Tourists use GPS to quickly and conveniently acquire directions and information about present locations. The combination of standard technologies and systems also has given suppliers the opportunity to lessen costs, and enhance the tourist experience. For instance, airline businesses launched mobile check-in by combining th e check-in procedure with the newest mobile phone technologies (Frew, 2000; Kourtit et al., 2011). Customers gain from further ease or convenience and the tourism sector gains from cost efficiency by supplanting employees with kiosks. Other technologies that the tourism sector can use nowadays in order to enhance the tourist experience are the QR Code, augmented reality, MP3 guide, and geolocation marketing. Quick Response (QR) Codes are a kind of barcode that can be seen through QR reading gadgets such as smartphones. QR Code can be used by tourists to access addresses, maps, and locations through their mobile phones (Hall & Williams, 2008). Augmented reality is a latest technology that erases the line separating what is unreal and what is real by improving people’s senses. This technology is guiding tourists and gives them a surreal experience of magnificent tourist destinations (Conrady, 2010, p. 248). MP3 guide provides tourists access to maps, from historic destinations to the most popular attractions. This technology eliminates the need for tour guides, and makes the tourist experience convenient and trouble-free (Conrady, 2010). Geolocation is a process of detecting a physical location using a wireless device. It can detect a person’s longitude and latitude coordinates to identify his/her precise position. The tourism sector may use geolocation marketing to enhance its services by making local information available to its customers. Tourism businesses may concentrate its marketing efforts and advertise to local populations (Yunker, 2010, p. 76). Geolocation marketing is giving the tourism sector the opportunity to show services that are offered in specific locations. ICTs in Tourism Much of the progress in the tourism industry is rooted in technology processes and facilities that businesses buy for their standard activities. Recently, ICT systems have produced numerous process innovations. Processing of accounts, checking in of guests, and bookings has become considerably downsized, and additional facilities for maintenance made operations more versatile and flexible (Zhou, 2004; Ruiz-Molina, Gil-Saura, & Moliner-Velasquez, 2010). Cooper and colleagues (1998 as cited in Page & Connell, 2006, p. 44) have observed that these ICTs are

We Were Soldiers Once and Young Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

We Were Soldiers Once and Young - Essay Example The following observation by the author indicates how the soldiers, many of them young and a few war veterans, stood by the â€Å"7 Army Values of "Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage" Moore argues in the prologue, â€Å"We were the children of the 1950s and we went where we were sent because we loved out country.†(xviii) This sums up all the qualities that are expected of an American soldier. The story of the book from Chapter I, â€Å"Heat of the Battle’ to Chapter 26, â€Å"Reflections and Perceptions,† provides the vivid accounts of what must have transpired at the battle front and in the minds of those who died and the mute witness were their mutilated bodies. Those who survived provided the vital information about the historic days of war. November 14, 1965 was the fateful day. Four hundred and fifty men of Harold Moore’s battalion engaged the Vietnamese regulars in a helicopter assault on a landing Zone in the Ia Drang Valley of South Vietnam’s Central Highlands. America was trying out new tactics and weapons since World War II. The troops were far outnumbered, with more than two thousand enemy soldiers who challenged men under Moore’s command. Brutal firefights followed until November 16 and the enemy was repulsed. Counter attack by the North Vietnamese was fast. Next day another American battalion was attacked, taking the American army by surprise. They held the battlefield, but suffered heavy casualties. Casualties on either side were heavy. Two hundred and thirty-four Americans were killed in the battle of Ia Drang. Each death was an extraordinary example of heroism and describing one such martyrdom of a soldier Moore writes, â€Å" We discovered in that depressing, hellish place, where death was our constant companion, that we loved each other, we killed for each other, we died for each other.†(6) Narrating one specific incident he sums up, â€Å"Just

Supporting parents through the experience of their childs cancer Dissertation

Supporting parents through the experience of their childs cancer treatment - Dissertation Example In this case, the study focuses on the support rendered to the parents of a child with cancer, which according to numerous researches they normally undergo both disheartening and distressful experiences (Boman, Bjork & Lindahl, 2003). This is especially when they watch their children experience painful incidences on daily basis with little knowledge on how to alleviate it or help them (Kars et al. 2008). Consequently, in this situation parents end up experiencing depression, stress and shock (Boman, Bjork & Lindahl, 2003). The latter (shock) characterizes parents of newly diagnosed children with cancer, which persists almost throughout the entire treatment period though there are strategies by varied entities meant to help them. These encompass instituting support mechanisms for both the parents and children during the long-term treatment period (Yun-Shan & Verklan, 2008). They embrace availing adequate information to the parents or the guardians, supporting their coping strategies/m echanisms (like fellowshipping together) and intervening where possible with the necessary support (Ferrandis et al. 2008). Availing adequate information to the parents goes beyond imparting them with literature about cancer but equipping them with the necessary knowledge regarding what is affecting their children (Rogers, 2011). Therefore, this entails effective parent-clinician communication intended to give caregivers psychological peace (Clarke & Neil, 2010). However, due to certain factors in the medical institutions, this has somehow failed. This is evident with confusions that the parents have experienced when dealing with diverse pediatricians handling their children cases, whereby they seem to have contradicting ideas concerning their children’s cancer predicaments. Consequently, this leaves parents with doubt regarding the expertise of the oncologists tackling their child’s health predicament (Boman, Bjork & Lindahl, 2003). This study seeks to highlight exper iences of parents having a child with cancer, how they react to stress (based on gender), their coping mechanisms and effectiveness of varied strategies meant to support parents through the treatment period. Rationale The topic is essential in relation to my field as a pediatrician whereby its core focus entails highlighting the epidemic of child cancer and what their parents experience. Mostly, this encompasses support mechanisms so far instituted by varied related authorities aimed at helping parent manage child cancer as well as granting them the necessary psychological peace (Wills, 2009). The recent aspect that has prompted me to contact this study was to ascertain; the state of parent-clinician communication in the medical field and forms implement to impart parent with the necessary information (Clarke & Neil, 2010). The latter encompass developments, which pediatricians have devised and stated as effective in their quest to impart parents with adequate knowledge regarding ca ncer, which is through leaflets besides utilizing electronic media (Rogers, 2011). Relevance of the Study The topic, which is about support given to parents during their child’s long-term treatment, is among numerous duties that are within the area of my specialization. Definitions The study utilizes the word â€Å"ailing† instead of â€Å"suffering†. Since, the latter has a wide scope of definitions and implications compared to â€Å"

Critical thinking essay 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critical thinking 2 - Essay Example While water scarcity has always been a source of concern around the world, it had never got so much attention from the governments. But today, economies have begun preparing themselves for a water crisis and the Middle East which is one of the most poorly endowed regions in terms of water is faced with formidable task of providing clean and safe drinking water to its growing populations. What is challenging about the water scenario in the Middle East is the power it holds on economies and governments. In fact, countries here are divided and ranked on the basis of those who can manage to pay for access to or the creation of new sources of water and those who do not have the pecuniary prowess to do so. Conflict here is invoked not because water is not accessible but because it is not equally accessible. Water is extremely important for human survival but given its inequitable distribution in the Middle East, there is a mad scramble by governments to control and possess whatever they can get their hands on. For example, in the Upper Nile Basin, the Ethiopian government planned to build dams to secure its water supply for irrigation which was strongly opposed by the Sudanese and Egyptian governments because once a dam is constructed on a river it not only reduces the flow of water to downstream users but can also cause harm by affecting soil and water qualities downstream. Similarly, in the Euphrates Basin, the Southeast Anatolia Development Project (Dam) is causing much tension by benefiting Turkey but exhausting the water supply to Syria and Iraq and polluting the soil there. Conflict over water is not just about possession, it also has a lot to do with the modifications to the quality and quantity of the resource. Like Abu Saeed of Jiftlick Popular Committee points out in the Documentary, Jordan Valley Blues, â€Å"The Israeli side has done a good job stealing water by drilling deep into the aquifers specifically in many

Great West Casualty V. Estate of G. Witherspoon Case Study - 1

Great West Casualty V. Estate of G. Witherspoon - Case Study Example Gertie Witherspoon was on her way to work on July 1 1998 at 4:30 AM when one of her tires on her automobile blew out and the car careened into a roadside ditch. With her car disabled, Witherspoon decided to walk along US route 71 near Adrian Missouri. Still shaken from the accident, Witherspoon attempted to cross the highway to reach for help. At that moment, two trailers, each moving at a speed of 70miles side by side spotted the small figure as she crossed the highway. The truck drivers tried stopping the vehicle but could not avoid hitting her and she died on the scene. In the weeks following the incidents, Mrs. Lang, the only daughter to Mrs. Witherspoon sought more information on the death of her mother. However, all she got was indifferent information from the highway patrol and the owner of the truck company. Frustrated, Lang rang the adjuster at Great West Casualty to ask for more information regarding the case. However, according to the adjuster, there was no fault on the pa rt of their client, Vernon County Grain and Supply. The adjuster pronounced the case closed prompting Lang to seek out help from an attorney. Believing that the family was preparing to sue the company, the claims representative at Great West Casualty filed a suit on behalf of the company against the estate of Mrs. Witherspoon. Five months later, Mrs. Lang received notice of a legal suit filed against her family for damages on the truck that hit her mother.

Flaws with Utilitarianism Essay Example for Free

Flaws with Utilitarianism Essay Among the most glaring problems that I see with Utilitarianism is its inclusion of animals under the umbrella that blankets this theory. It seems irrefutable that there exists an inordinate number of cases where the consequence that is against the best interest of an animal is favorable to humans, yet that dictating action is one that has been continually taken and condoned by the general public. This is a fundamental challenge, as the Utilitarian philosophy decrees that the pleasure and pain experienced by all individuals, including animals, has equal worth and must be considered when determining the net benefit of an actions consequences. The most drastic and prevalent of examples that one could provide to illustrate this contradiction would be the practice of using animals to provide food. It cannot be argued that it is in the best interest of a cow, a chicken, or another animal to be slaughtered to serve the dietary needs of mankind. Accordingly, Utilitarian reasoning suggests, in direct opposition to the intuition of humanity, that it is morally impermissible to kill the animals. While a Utilitarian philosopher might provide the counter-argument that such is natural order of the world that there exist a hierarchical food tree. Further they would insist that the greater good is that humans be nourished and provided for by the meat, for our pleasure is superior in quality to that of the beast. This reasoning, however, is flawed in two ways. Initially, the method by which meat finds its way to grocery stores for our purchase and eventual consumption is not one governed by the ways of nature, but rather is one engineered for efficiency by humans. Animals are bread forcibly, then nourished with specific intent of managing fat content, meat flavor, and healthiness, each of which discounts the Utilitarian claim that nature makes our carnivorous methods ethically permissible. Secondly, and perhaps more fundamentally, such a claim is in direct contradiction to the Utilitarian tenet that each individual has equal value regardless of identity or stature. Because humans could be sufficiently nourished without the killing of animals, it cannot be argued that the consequence of causing death to an animal is equivalent or less substantial than that of feeding a man. Conversely, there exist equally as many challenges to raise had the ethicist taken the alternate position that animals have equal value and accordingly that their pleasure is impermissibly infringed upon when they are killed for human interest. Arguments could be presented for a bevy of actions taken on a daily basis by society as a whole. One might address the fact that using animal testing for the advancement of medicine has benefits that outweigh the pains. Similarly, while the development of land effectively kills the previously animal inhabitants, it is an accepted result that society has displayed it is willing to disregard. In each of these cases, the majority of society condones such behavior, as evidenced by their existence as common public practice. While it is undeniable that opposition to each behavior does exist, the magnitude of this resistance is far outweighed by those in finding the long term benefits worthy of the negative consequences. In the end, it grows apparent that while it may be valuable to consider the interests of animals when calculating the net benefit of a given action, neither their pleasure nor their pain should be equated to ours. Such a principle has been introduced through the ethical thought experiment The Dilemma of the Swine. Resultantly, human existence constitutes higher pleasure that does that of an animal and we are often better served by making such a distinction through intuitive analysis rather than applying Hedonistic Calculus. The fact that Utilitarianism can be forced into contradictions regardless of the stance they choose makes the inclusion of animals under their ethical umbrella a significant problem.

Recruitment and Selection in Company Expansion

Recruitment and Selection in Company Expansion Khajurico Nepal is a family owned cottage industry based at Chapagaun, Lalitpur, Nepal. It was established in 1990 with a brand name of Khajuri foods and late in 2003 it was trademarked under Khajurico. Khajuri foods started its brand name by introducing bread and since 1994 it has been expanding widely with diversified products such as cookies and puff pastry. It is the only company where all the production employee is women from which we can see how Khajurico Nepal is promoting women empowerment. Today, Khajurico Nepal not only supplies its product at Nepal but also has opened its new factory in India named after Khajurico India Pvt. Ltd. and supplies its products to Australia, Tibet, Ghana, etc. (n.d.) Establishing a company in a foreign country is a risk. It isnt confirmed whether the company will work or not. There may or maynt be the market for the product that you are going to launch. Similarly, there might also be a problem with the tax, wages and law since the law of one country varies from another and the change in law can occur anytime. Likely, the cultural and language barrier also creates problem while launching a product as the company doesnt know what the local prefers. (Goodman 2015). Recruitment is the process where the organisation seeks for the new employee through the forms and cv that are applied by the candidates. Recruitment can either be internal or external. Internal recruitment takes place within an organisation whereas in external recruitment company brings new staffs by following up certain procedures such as job analysis, job description, job advertisement, etc. (Anon 2017). Selection is the process where right candidates are picked from the list of applicants through different methods such as: testing, gathering information and interview. A candidate is selected after he/she clears all the track races of the selection process. During the selection process, a person should neither be underqualified nor overqualified for the applied post. Hence, they will be placed a misfit for the post. While the selection process it is also important to review their past experience and references (Muhammad Umer Khalid Habib 07:20:48 UTC) Along with this the recruitment and selection process is also a crucial process as the company either needs to recruit their own staff or recruit the staff from the host country of from foreign country. All of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. PCN: Parent country Nationals HCN: Host country Nationals TCN: Third Country Nationals (Gomes 2012) Talking about the recruitment procedure of Khajurico Nepal Pvt. Ltd., currently in Nepal KNPL follows the strategic HR planning of NTBI (National Banking Training Institute) which adheres the following principle: Fair and Transparent Recruitment Competence knowledge, skills and attitude of the candidates Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) External and Internal sources The Recruitment procedure of KNPL: In order to recruit their staffs KNPL follows the following procedure; Sources of Recruitment So as to hire and fill the vacant position KNPL follows the following methods; Advertisement in a National daily newspaper. Advertisement in the Company web site / notice board. External job web sites Outsourcing. Through Talent Hunt and the Company data base (already collected CVs) Any vacant position shall also be full filled internally from the existing pool of staff without going for external vacancy announcement. However, this shall be done on a strong recommendation from the line manager based on the staff performance and upon approval from the Chairman / Chief Executive. In case of all hires within the Chairmans authority, this will be formally notified to the board for information and ratification. Usually, during the selection of candidate the head of HRD submits the evaluation sheet to the CEO which indicates the names of candidates, marks obtained by them in both written and interview and the total score. And through that sheet the CEO makes further appointment. If any of the recommended candidate is unavailable for the appointment, then the next candidate will be appointed. However, it is upon the CEO on how to select the candidate for vacant position. Hence, the appointment will be disqualified and will not be appointed in the institute if; If he/she is below 18 years of age. If he/she is medically unfit. If he/she has had previous employment terminated on grounds of lack of integrity, honesty, misuse of funds and pilferage. If he/she is convicted by a competent court on criminal charge, involving imprisonment of more than six months. If he/she is a foreign national except on conditions approved by the Board with permission of the Labour Department of Government of Nepal. Achieving high performance from the new employees Whether the company is established at home country or a host country it is obvious that they expect high performance from their staffs individually. And in order to achieve a good performance certain steps should be taken which are explained below; Induction/orientation: Induction/orientation is the process of letting the new employees to get adapted towards their new working place. In this phase, the new recruited employees are introduced to their workplace, their work colleagues and their role in that organisation. Usually, every company does an induction/ orientation programme since every candidate has their own prospective (Anon 2016c). In every organisation the induction usually take place in the first day where all the information regarding the company and business code of conduct are provided to the employees. Training: Training is the process of providing extra knowledge, skills, attitudes or social behaviour to the staffs so as to perform the job more efficiently, effectively and skilfully as per the trend and technological change in the market. Since, training takes lots of effort and time, it is very important for an organisation to think regarding the need and objective while providing training to their staffs since high qualified professionals are used.(Anon 2016a) Coaching: Coaching is a technique where the managers act as a coach and guides its sub-ordinated through their experience and knowledge. (Anon 2016b). Coaching can also be defined as a facility that is given by the higher level to their subordinates so as to help them to achieve their goals, develop their own personal strategy and improve their efficiency of doing the work (SEGERS et al. 2011). Hence, it is the way of achieving through daily feedbacks and communication of the staffs. Performance Review: Performance review helps keep track of all the activities and achievements of the employees, thus helping employees stay motivated. Periodic performance review helps employees know how they are doing in terms of their performance and motivates them to do better. It also helps them understand their weakness and how they should improve them. Thus, performance review helps in achieving high performance. Hence, performance = employee ability, motivation and opportunity to participate. (Boselie et al. 2005) Rewards: Rewards are the benefits that an employee deserves after his/her excellent performance in an organisation. Rewards can either be financially or non-financially, financial reward includes salary increment, bonus, allowance, etc. whereas non-financial reward includes accommodation, insurance, etc. Every employee joins an organisation with an expectation of getting reward as per their performance(2017).However, these include linkages with performance expectations in: Positive terms (merit review) Neutral consequences (lateral reassignment to improve person/job match) Negative outcomes such as progressively stronger counselling sessions Succession Planning: It is an implication that identifies the problems, reviews it and works on the problems along with their best employees so as to meet performance expectations for a job different from the one she/he currently holds with greater responsibility. It helps to boosts its employee morale by providing them the position as their performance. Hence, succession planning is done so as to fill the vacant position. (Anon 2016d) Career Development Programs: Career Development Program is carried out by every organisations so as to develop individual capability so as to achieve their future goal and career. Since it fulfils the requirement of both employee and organisation it has been an important need for both of the parties.(Anon 2015) An effective Career Development Program: Is critical for the retention of superior performers. Builds internal bench strength, reduces costs associated with outside hires, and maintains continuity in overall performance of the organization. Today, as per the change in the economic, cultural, environmental and political status, it is a challenging thing for any organisation to establish as well as maintain a goal to achieve an affective commitment from their new employees. According to Sayeed (1989) the personal character, role related factors and structural factors are the board antecedents of organisations commitment. Allen et al. (1990) says that organisational commitment is either affective or emotional attachment towards the organisation. (Kumari Afroz 2013) In this technological era, it has brought up many changes in the working environment of the people. People not only seek good working condition but also seek higher income, benefits, commitment, etc. So as to get achieve a commitment from their employee an organisation needs to fulfil every employee needs. However, a company can achieve an affective commitment through its employee by their employees psychological state such as; (Anon n.d.) (Jaaron 2009) Affective Commitment Continuance Commitment Normative Commitment Affective commitment: It is the emotional attachment of an employee towards its organisation. Here, he/she doesnt fear of any losses but strictly follows the company rules and regulations and states the organisations goals and objective. Continuance Commitment: Some employee fears that by leaving the job they might face problems such as low salary, pension, low allowance, working environment, etc. due to which they get stuck to their job thinking that their change in job might create trouble in their life. Hence, these type of commitment is more seen in higher level staff as they are already established in the particular company and fear to lose the position. Normative Commitment: It is a thinking of the employee that he must work in the organisation. Here, he/she feels that it is their responsibility to work in that organisation. There might be several reasons of an employee to have such commitment such as the company might reward them by paying their education or it might be their own perception to do so. However, it is very much important for an organisation to gain the commitment from their employees so as to increase their level of quality and performance. Culture is the characteristic of particular group of people that belongs to certain part of religion, place and language (Zimmermann et al. 2015). A culture may vary from the people of same or different country. For an organisation, it is a must to understand the culture of the host country and should be sociable with the consumers. They should be updated regarding the potentialÂÂ   business challenges to overcome the competitive market. Following can be the issues on cross cultural management; (PGPExecutive 2015) Ambiguity: People have their own way of thinking, doing, talking or seeing. A word can have several meanings, for example a person can utter a word that might be the same language as of the another but the other person might take it differently which increases misunderstanding between the people. Likely, every culture has its own unique value, and might be reluctant in adapting new culture in the host country. Hence, ambiguity creates an incorrect perspective within an information that one wants to deliver to the listener. Inflexible attitude: There are some people who go to the host country and hesitate to participate in their culture which gives an impression that they are not comfortable with the environment that the host country is providing. Showing this kind of behaviour will hamper the person rather than the host because he/she is the one to lose the team and destroy the relationship of the business with the host country. Ethnocentrism: It is the perception of the people where they think that their own culture is correct. Even though these kinds of people are sent to the host country they dont try to accept the new culture. Rather, they start judging the host countries culture on the basis of their own culture. However, these issues can be corrected by following: By understanding the communication style of host culture By understanding the cultural values By developing the right competencies It is obvious that an organisation faces challenges during their working period. There are several challenges that Khajurico Nepal Pvt. Ltd. should follow up; Customer demography: Customer demography denotes the age, sex, gender, income, race, status, etc. which helps the organisation to target their customer. KNPL should not only understand the demography of the customers but also needs to understand what exactly the company needs to do inorder to maintain relation with their potential customer (Staff 2017) Working culture: The working culture of an organisation may vary from its host country. Working culture is the surrounding of the company on how the company treats their employees and how their employee follows the principles and guidelines of the organisation. An organisation having a good working culture directly influences the staffs to work well with their colleagues. (Anon n.d.) Political Issue: The political issues can both be internal and external. External issues include the following; (Contributor 2015) Governments tax policy which can fluctuate at any given time affecting the companys targeted profit, goals and objectives. Corruption Effects of pressure groups leading to change in governments policy which might affect the production. Trade control Hence, if such issues occurs KNPL should either ask for compensation with the host country or purchase political risk insurance ( it doesnt guarantee that the company will get its compensation through insurance as soon as the event occurs) (Phung 2006). The internal issues occur within the organisation. It might include the following; Strike by trade unions for not meeting their demands Autocracy Disregarding employee performance because of the fear of being replaced by top leaders. Hence, if the internal issue occurs KNPL should organise frequent meeting between the staffs and the management, equal opportunities should be given as per their level of performance and the management should have a flexible approach towards the employees feedback.

The History Of The European Union Politics Essay

The History Of The European Union Politics Essay The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the European Union. The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between its neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace The organization oversees cooperation among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport and employment. (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six countries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus under a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, and regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration following the end of the World War II were: Konrad Adenauer Sir Winston Churchill Alcide de Gasperi Walter Hallstein Jean Monnet Robert Schuman Paul Henri Spaak Altiero Spinelli In 1957, the Treaty of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC), or Common Market. Building on the success of the Coal and Steel Treaty, those six countries expanded cooperation to other economic sectors. They signed the Treaty of Rome, creating the EEC determined to lay the foundations of an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe. (Goldberg, 2003) The idea was for people, goods and services to move freely across borders. In the 1960s, the early European Community continued to progress. The EU started its common agricultural policy in 1962, giving their countries joint control over food production. All farmers were paid the same price for their produce. The EU grew enough food for its needs and farmers earned well. There were unwanted side-effects, such as overproduction with mountains of surplus produce. Later in 1963, the EU signed its first big international agreement, a deal to help 18 former colonies in Africa. To date, this has expanded to 78 countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) regions. In 1968, the original six countries removed customs duties on goods imported from each other, allowing free cross-border trade for the first time. They also applied the same duties on their imports from outside countries. The worlds biggest trading group was born. Trade among these six countries and of the EU and the rest of the world grew rapidly. In the beginning of the 1970s pollution was starting to become a problem especially in Scandinavia and Germany because of acid rain which was destroying forests. The EU eventually adopted laws to protect the environment, introducing the notion of the polluter pays for the first time, and since then Institutions such as the EU with its countries like the Netherlands and Germany have made it a cornerstone of their environment. (Bruyninckx, 2009) This led to the founding of pressure groups such as Greenpeace. In 1973, the original six countries expanded to nine when Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom formally enter the EU. As a result, in 1974 to show their solidarity the EU leaders set up the European Regional Development Fund. Its purpose was to transfer money from rich to poor regions to improve roads, communications, attract investments, and create jobs. This came to account for one third of all EU spending. In 1979, EU citizens directly elected the members of the European Parl iament for the first time. Previously they were delegated by national parliaments. Members sat in pan-European political groups (Socialist, Conservative, Liberal, Greens, etc.) and not in national delegations. The influence of the Parliament was constantly increasing. Figure . European Summit at work.The EU continued its economic growth, political expansion, and industrial modernization. Membership of the EU reached double figures when Greece joined. They had been eligible to join since its military regime was overthrown and democracy restored in 1974. In the industrial sector, computers and automation were changing the way people lived and worked. To stay in the forefront of innovation The EU organized ESPRIT, the European Strategic Program for Information Technology in 1984. (Grande, Hanson, Lackman, 1994) That was the first of many research and development programs. Automated robots soon joined car factory production lines in the 1980s as well. In 1986, Spain and Portugal entered the EU, bringing total membership to 12. However, trade was not flowing freely across EU borders because of certain obstacles and differences in national regulations. european summit.jpg The Single European Act of 1986 launched a vast six year program to sort out those trade problems. The Act also gave the European Parliament more input and strengthened EU powers on environmental protection. Next in 1987, The EU launched the Erasmus program to fund university students that wanted to study in another European country for up to one year. Since then, more than 2 million students have benefited from this and similar EU plans. The collapse of communism across Central and Eastern Europe which began in Poland and Hungary, symbolized the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Faced by a mass exodus of its citizens to West, the East German government opened the gates. Germany was united after more than 40 years, and its Eastern part joined the EU in1990. The fall of the Berlin Wall led to some economic issues At the same time, consumers suddenly had access to goods and services that hadnt been available behind the Iron Curtain, and, for the first time in decades, entrepreneurs were able to start their own companies. (Tucker, 2009) More major expansions took place in the 1990s for the EU, and later the European Community was officially recognized as the European Union. In 1992, the Treaty on European Union (TEU) was signed in Maastricht. The Treaty established Community policies in six new areas: trans-European networks, industrial policy, consumer protection, education and vocational training, youth, and culture. (EU Legislation, 2007) It was a major EU milestone setting clear rules for the future single currency, foreign policy, security policy, and closer cooperation in justice and homeland affairs. Under the treaty, the name European Union officially replaced European Community. With old barriers gone, people, goods, services, and money moved around Europe as freely as within one country. In 1993, the single market and its four freedoms were established: the free movement of goods, services, people, and money had become reality. As the EU has expanded, more than 200 laws have been agreed on since 1986 covering tax policy, business regulations, professional qualifications and other barriers to try and open more frontiers. Unfortunately, free movements of some services were still delayed. In 1995, Austria, Finland and Sweden joined the EU which increased membership to 15 countries which covered almost all of Western Europe. In the late 1990s, the Schengen Agreement took effect in seven countries: Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Travelers of any nationality could travel between all of those countries without any passport control at the borders. Other countries have since joined the passport-free Schengen area. In 1997, there was the signature of the Treaty of Amsterdam. It built on the achievements of the treaty from Maastricht by laying down plans to reform EU institutions, to give Europe a stronger voice in the world, and to concentrate more resources on employment and the rights of its citizens. Later that year, EU leaders agreed to start the process of membership negotiations with 10 countries of Central and Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The Mediterranean islands of Cyprus and Malta were also included in negotiations. In 1999, the Euro (European Currency) was introduced in 11 countries for commercial and financial transactions only, notes and coins would come later. The Euro countries were Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland (Greece later incorporated the Euro in 2001). However, a countrys old currency must have had a stable exchange rate for two years and because of that Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom decided to stay out of the Euro area for the time being. There were other conditions as well, such as interest rates, budget deficits, inflation rates, and the level of government debt. Moving into 2000, changes to the Treaty of Nice agreed to open the way for enlargement by reforming EU voting rules. In 2001, the EU stood firmly alongside the United States in the fight against international terrorism after the terrorists attacked the World Trade Center killing over three thousand people. Moving into 2002, Euro notes and coins were introduced. Printing, minting, and distributing them in 12 countries was a major logistical operation. More than 80 billion coins were involved, and notes were the same for all countries. Coins had one common face, giving the value, while the other carried a national emblemà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦all currency circulated freely. Figure . EU PeacekeepersIn 2003, as part of its foreign and security policy, the EU took on peace-keeping operations in the Balkans. Their main concern was in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and then in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In both cases, EU-led forces replaced the NATO units. Internally, the EU agreed to create an area of freedom, security, and justice for all citizens by 2010. EU Peacekeepers.jpg In 2004, the EU finally finished the process of membership with eight countries (Bulgaria and Romania still remained candidate countries) of Central and Eastern Europe: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia joined the EU. This finally ended the division of Europe which had been decided by the Great Powers 60 years earlier at Yalta. Next, twenty-five EU countries signed a Treaty to establish a European Constitution in 2004. It was designed to streamline democratic decision-making and management in an EU of twenty five or more countries. It also created the post of a European Foreign Minister. The Constitution had to be ratified by all 25 countries before it could go into force. When citizens in both France and the Netherlands voted No to the Constitution in referendums in 2005, EU leaders declared a period of reflection. (EurActiv, 2007) The constitutional treaty signed in 2004 was meant to make the EU more efficient. In 2007, two more countries from Eastern Europe, Bulgaria and Romania, joined the EU. This brought the total number of member states to twenty-seven. Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey were candidates for future membership, but have not yet been accepted. Later that year, the twenty seven EU countries signed the Treaty of Lisbon, which amended the previous Treaties. It was designed to make the EU more democratic, efficient and transparent, and thereby able to tackle global challenges such as climate change, security, and sustainable development. The Treaty of Lisbon aimed to make the EU primarily act more efficiently in security matters. Also in 2007, a Council decision was made determining the order in which the office of President of the Council should be held. The position is held for six months by each Member State on a rotational basis. The Council is the main decision-making body of the European Union. The ministers of the Member States meet within the Council of the European Union. Depending on the issues on the agenda, each country is represented by the minister responsible for that subject (foreign affairs, finance, social affairs, transport, agriculture, etc.). Council responsibilities included: The Council passes laws, usually legislating jointly with the European Parliament. The Council coordinates the broad economic policies of the Member States. The Council defines and implements the EUs common foreign and security policy, based on guide lines set by the European Council. The Council concludes, on behalf of the Community and the Union, international agreements between the EU and one or more states or international organizations. The Council coordinates the actions of Member States and adopts measures in the area of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters. The Council and the European Parliament constitute the budgetary authority that adopts the Communitys budget. In 2008, Cyprus and Malta incorporated the Euro, increasing the size of the Eurozone to 15 Member States. The value of the Euro reached an all time high on July 18th at 1.5843 to the U.S. dollar. However, later in the year, the worldwide recession began to take its toll on the currency and European economies. Also in 2008, Sweden ratified the Lisbon Treaty. Slovakia incorporated the Euro in 2009, and the Eurozone now included 16 Member States. In December, the worlds three main credit ratings agencies downgraded Greeces debt, sending financial markets tumbling and raising concerns about other weak European economies like Portugal, Spain, Ireland and Italy. Concerns started to show as The leaders of the European Union gathered in Brussels in an emergency summit meeting that seemed to highlight the very worries it was designed to calm: that the world economic crisis has unleashed forces threatening to split Europe into rival camps. (Castle Erlange, 2009) Later that year, the previously signed Lisbon Treaty entered into force. As the EU struggled in 2010 to contain the debt crisis, Standard Poors in April downgraded Greeces sovereign debt to junk status, and cut Portugal and Spains credit ratings. The Eurozone finance ministers met in May to approve a à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬110 billion ($146 billion) loan package to Greece. That June, the Euro reached a four year low, falling below à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬0.862017 ($1.19). Eventually the Euro began to comeback the EU recovered from the global financial crisis faster than expected, with business investments growing by an estimated 2% in 2010, but with public investment and housing development lagging. Strong corporate profits should enable this recovery to continue in 2011. (The World Factbook) To date, the EU continues to progress and move forward amid untimely setbacks. In closing, the European Community formed as a result of WWII with the intent of preventing European countries from another war, devastating destruction, and the loss of lives within its soon to be member States. The European Community gradually evolved into the European Union with the purpose of increasing economic integration, citizen socialization among its member States, modernizing industrialization, and to centralize a monetary currency among its member States. European citizens now have the freedom to live, work, and study in any part of the EU. Since the European Community began over half a century ago, the EU has taken great strides in achieving a greater sense of unity among its members States and throughout Europe. The future of the European Union rests in its ability to balance supranational (social) and intergovernmental (monetary) issues. While the EU decision-making process might become bogged down as the number of member States around the table increases, the EU has a solid foundation to evolve and prosper with the right unified leadership from within its member States.

Sir Jaso and the Giant :: English Literature Essays

Sir Jaso and the Giant Sir Jaso turned his head in the direction of the woman’s gaze and there before him stood the giant that he had heard so much about during the past few days. It stood almost 20 feet off the ground and carried a club bigger than Sir Jaso himself. The stench of rotting human corpses emanated from its disgusting body and insects of every sort imaginable crawled freely through its hair and under its skin. Sir Jaso stood motionless, stunned for a moment by the unbelievable hideousness of the creature. "How could a God who created the beauty of things such as the forests and mountains also be responsible for creating such filth?" thought Sir Jaso. He then put his hand on his sword and grasped it tightly. Was this giant more than he could handle? Would his pride and honor lead him to his death? If Merlin was right, and God was not on his side, how could he expect to win this fight? Sir Jaso’s stomach began to churn as all these thoughts flew through his mind and he clenched Cal adbolg even tighter. The giant was carrying the bodies of twelve peasants on its back. The sight of the dead men and women the giant had so mercilessly killed enraged Sir Jaso. This beast would pay dearly for its crimes if he had anything to do with it. "May great God in heaven, who rules the world, give you a short life and shameful death! Surely you are the foulest fiend that was ever formed! Guard yourself, you dog, and prepare to die, for this day my hands will kill you!" exclaimed Sir Jaso. The giant answered Sir Jaso by raising its massive club and swinging it at him. Sir Jaso could feel a gust of wind blow against him as the tree-sized club whipped through the air towards him. He raised his shield with his head covered in an attempt to block the giant’s blow. This was the worst part of fighting for Sir Jaso, not being able to see what was happening, he would have to leave his fate up to God. The blow came quickly, completely jolting and stunning Sir Jaso and shattering his shield into sawdust, but at least he was still alive. If God was to forsake him, today was not the day He did so. Sir Jaso’s strength and confidence grew after he survived the first blow for he believed God would protect him tonight.

Immigrants and The American Dream Essays -- Essays on the American Dre

The "American dream" is different for every person. To some it means financial success, to others it means freedom of expression, while others dream to practice their religion without fear. The "American dream" is a complex concept providing immigrants with the hope of better life. The U.S. government provides the environment and resources for everyone to pursue their dreams. Each year millions of people around the world apply for the Diversity Visa lottery program provided by the U.S. government, however only a few thousand people are lucky enough to come here. America is the place where people are judged by their achievements instead of having references or connections. Even though the American economy is in recession and the achieving of the American Dream is harder, many immigrants still achieve religious, political, financial, and sports dreams here in the U.S. Throughout the history of this nation there are thousands of upon thousands of immigrants coming to this country and achieving the American dream. The Irish immigrated to the United States in 1840 – 1850s in big numbers driven by hunger and by the oppression of the British. Many of them became successful politicians, police officers and businessmen. One of the brightest examples in the history of Irish immigration success is Henry Ford. His grandfather immigrated in the 1840s escaping the potato famine. Henry Ford himself was born in a poor family in Dearborn, Michigan went on to become the most successful car builder in the country (Hennigan). Between 1880 and 1920 the first wave of Italians mainly from South Italy immigrated in the United States (Hendin 13). Many escaped from the poor countryside in Southern Italy to seek better life in America. Shining ex... ...cal Engineering 122.10 (2000): 82. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 8 Mar. 2013. More About the Film â€Å"Joe DiMaggio: The Hero’s Life. Joe DiMaggio. PBS., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. â€Å"The Bulgarians beyond the ocean.† BTV the Reporters. BTV Channel. 19 Feb. 2011. Television. Thomas, John F. Documentation. Cuban Refugees in the United States. N.d. 46-57. International Migration Review. Web. 1 Mar. 2013. Thomas, Oliver "Buzz". "How To Keep The 'United' In United States: Coping With Religious Diversity In The World's First 'New' Nation." Church & State Feb. 2007: 19+. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 1 Mar. 2013. "U.S. Coptic church gets bishop." Christian Century 113.3 (1996): 70. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 1 Mar. 2013. Wills, Chuck, Destination America: The People and Cultures That Created a Nation. New York: DK Publishing, 2005. Print.