Jazz Essay -- essays research papers

Early Jazz The soonest effectively accessible jazz chronicles are from the 1920's and mid 1930's. Trumpet player and vocalist Louis Armstrong ("Pops", "Satchmo") was by a long shot the most significant figure of this period. He played with bunches called the Hot Five and the Hot Seven; any chronicles you can discover of these gatherings are suggested. The style of these gatherings, and numerous others of the period, is regularly alluded to as New Orleans jazz or Dixieland. It is described by aggregate impromptu creation, in which all entertainers all the while play ad libbed melodic lines inside the consonant structure of the tune. Louis, as an artist, is credited with the development of scat, in which the vocalist makes up babble syllables to sing ad libbed lines. Other prominent entertainers of New Orleans or Dixieland jazz incorporate clarinetist Johnny Dodds, soprano saxophone player Sidney Bechet, trumpeter King Oliver, and trombonist Kid Ory. Different styles well known during this period were different types of piano jazz, including jazz, Harlem step, and boogie-woogie. These styles are entirely particular, however every one of the three are described by musical, percussive left hand lines and quick, full right hand lines. Scott Joplin and Jelly Roll Morton were early jazz pioneers. Fats Waller, Willie "The Lion" Smith and James P. Johnson promoted the step left hand design (bass note, harmony, bass note, harmony); Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis formed this into the quicker moving left hand examples of boogie-woogie. Duke "Fatha" Hines was a musician who was particularly known for his correct hand, in which he didn't frequently play full harmonies or arpeggios, playing rather "horn-like" melodic lines. This has gotten ordinary from that point forward. Craftsmanship Tatum is considered by numerous individuals to be the best jazz musician ever; he was positively one of the most in fact skilled, and his consonant experiences made ready for some, who came after him. He is once in a while thought about a forerunner of bebop. Large Band Jazz and Swing Despite the fact that the enormous groups are regularly connected with a marginally later time, there were a few huge groups playing during the 1920's and mid 1930's, including that of Fletcher Henderson. Bix Beiderbecke was a cornet soloist who played with a few groups and was viewed as a legend in his time. The mid 1930's welcomed on the swing time and the development of ... ...c piano, Ron Carter and Dave Holland on bass, John McLaughlin on guitar, and Tony Williams and Jack DeJohnette on drums. Tony Williams shaped a stone arranged band called Lifetime with John McLaughlin, who likewise framed his own high vitality gathering, the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Through the 1970's Miles kept on investigating new headings in the utilization of hardware and the joining of funk and rock components into his music, prompting collections, for example, Pangea and Agharta. Different gatherings consolidated jazz and rock in an all the more prevalently situated way, from the hybrid Top 40 of Spyro Gyra and Chuck Mangione to the to some degree increasingly exclusive guitarist Pat Metheny. Other famous combination groups incorporate Weather Report, highlighting Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, and bass players Jaco Pastorius and Miroslav Vitous; Return To Forever, including Chick Corea and bassist Stanley Clarke; The Crusaders, highlighting saxophonist Wilton Felder and keyboardist Joe Sample; the Yellowjackets, highlighting keyboardist Russell Ferrante; and the Jeff Lorber Fusion, which initially included Kenny G on saxophone. As of late, a few combination groups have made a lot of business progress, including those of Pat Metheny and Kenny G.

Changing the system of a video library Essay Example for Free

Changing the arrangement of a video library Essay The present framework is a manually written and hand took care of by Mr Roberts. It is a paper database where all subtleties of the individuals, exchange and return subtleties are put away. Mr Roberts as of now works all the framework without anyone else and he does this to track all the appointments out of the recordings, he does this by pen. He finds the page in the book assigned to the part, composes when the individual needs to bring it back in, takes the installment at that point gives the video to the part. At the point when another part joins Mr Roberts brings all the subtleties down in his book, at that point gives the new part a part number. Mr Roberts needs to check each night for past due recordings. At the point when an individuals page is full, at that point Mr Roberts needs to get another page, this equitable adds to the ever-developing document of Mr Roberts. There are heaps of issues with the framework, it is moderate, it would wear out with over use, he can't adapt to the developing number of clients, He needs to check each night to see which recordings are past due and hand type each letter and send them off that night. This would be progressively troublesome when bunches of individuals join. Another issue is that the recordings all must be numbered and when a video is taken out a card is placed in the first case giving the video number and bring go back. The new framework would need to show all the subtleties of the individuals on one screen and show when last rental and return was. It ought to have the option to show every single late video on one screen. It ought to be exceptionally quick and accelerate all parts of the shop. On the off chance that the database is quicker and simpler to oversee, at that point the quantity of individuals will increment and accordingly so will the benefit. Jonny Sharpe Possible arrangements Mr Roberts could take care of every one of his issues by utilizing a file organizer. This would take care of every one of his issues with data taking care of. The upsides of this would be that a file organizer is simpler to adapt than a documenting book, the weaknesses are that it is as yet dependent on paper and they could without much of a stretch be harmed or lost. Another issue is that it is still tedious and would not be any quicker, in the event that anything more slow than previously. Another approach to adapt to this issue is putting all the records onto a PC. The PC would store all the data without any problem. The upsides of this are it would essentially improve the speed and simplicity of running the video shop. The drawbacks are that it might cost a ton of cash and all staff may not be prepared in how to utilize a PC A PC program could be writ yet aptitude would be required for this and this skill I don't have. The following best option is that you could utilize a previously existing system, for example, Microsoft Access. The data would be put away on various spread sheets, the data would comprise of the considerable number of individuals subtleties and the video subtleties also. These eventual great since they can deal with bunches of duplications and can look through data Imprint encourage System Choice Microsoft office xp proficient version. Pcworld: I 519 Inc tank Any PC could be picked as long as it has Microsoft get to and a printer for printing reports. Programming Justification Justify decision of programming: Word: The program needs to deal with numbers yet word is truly adept at composing letters. Exceed expectations: This program would be alright for the video shop however there would need to be 1 sheet for the recordings and 1 sheet for the individuals subtleties. This program would not have the option to type letters up and print the letters off. Access: This program is fantastic, this is on the grounds that you can consolidate the video subtleties and the individuals subtleties together to give records of advances. This program can likewise deliver reports in letter structure and print them off. Information required 1. This database is for the recordings, it should show the number code, name. 2. Individuals subtleties ought to be appeared on this page, name, address, participation number, phone number, current video leased and the date it is expected back. Configuration segment This shows I have made two tables to store data, one for the individuals subtleties and one for the video subtleties. I have entered 50 recordings and 5o individuals into the tables. I have structured the framework to alarm me when there are past due recordings and to have the option to book out recordings and book in recordings effortlessly. I connected the two together by making a connection between the enrollment number and the video number as demonstrated as follows. These next pictures are of my questions. They are update inquiries which update booking in and booking out of recordings. They are connected between the two tables and show the recordings booked out and the participation number of the individual alongside certain subtleties. This is my structure plan. The structure is for a part to fill in to consequently add his subtleties to the individuals table. This is my report. This is essentially to advise individuals that they are in control of a past due video and they have to bring it back. Individuals have their own participation no and every video has its own video number. Along these lines individuals and recordings dont get stirred up. This is an application structure for the video shop, individuals are approached to round out essential subtleties. Examination 1) What do I need from my database. I need it to store data about my individuals, including their name, address, phone number, participation number, date of birth. Likewise in every part record will be put away the video they have leased (its code, not its title to speed things up) and furthermore the date it is expected back. Clients can just lease one video for every day and it must be restored the following day. I likewise need the database to store data about the recordings, including its code, title, value, testament and classification, eg repulsiveness, activity, parody and so forth. I need a framework that will let me book recordings in and out rapidly, just by entering the individuals number and the video code. I likewise need a framework to check which recordings havent been returned and make a letter that could be conveyed on the off chance that it hasnt been returned following multi week. In some cases individuals overlook they have it so this ought to be a courteous update. On the off chance that they havent returned it following 2 days, at that point I as a rule telephone them, so I would require it to create a rundown of names and phone numbers. I will respond to different inquiries sometime in the not too distant future as there are clients in the shop. Respects. Mr Roberts 2) To gather information from new individuals I have a structure that they round out. They compose on it their name, address, tel. number, and date of birth. I compose their new enrollment number on it. 3) Each part has a participation number. It is a four-digit number, beginning at 1000. 4) I dont use Visa subtleties as there is an excessive amount of security required. 5) For new individuals I need two types of distinguishing proof, one with their name and address, I. e. a bank explanation or gas bill for instance and one with their photograph on, I. e. theirs drivers permit or visa. 6) I havent got a secret word framework. In the event that you figure I ought to have one told me how you figure it would function. The issue is that clients would need to reveal to me their secret phrase and different clients could catch it so it wouldnt be that protected. Assessment I think the last item satisfies the guidelines set by Mr. Roberts. The main missteps I have made is that I have given the model individuals, enrollment numbers beginning at 200 and they are just 3 digit. The last item can do everything determined in the plan necessities made by Mr. Roberts. The assessments of the clients would be on the poll I made. The main enhancements that could be made to my database is that I could possibly create a programmed report showing all the data of the part on a report whos video is late, rather than simply having a fundamental layout.

Genre Kryptonite Guidebooks to Wonder

Genre Kryptonite Guidebooks to Wonder In my professional life, I pin down the documented facts of historical events big and small. While the lingering presence of the past has an incredible amount of power, and I will always read books about the magic that happens inside an archive, I sometimes worry that history-as-facts drains it of anything resembling awe. When I get too hung up on this worry, I turn to books about the worlds real wondrous places. In descriptions  of places that dont quite make sense or events that cant be easily explained, I find  places where the past and the present butt up against each other, illuminating both and inspiring astonishment  that were all  here,  now. Books about the worlds mysteries seem to be having a moment. Maybe its because this year  has been one giant kick in the teeth, so the thought of running off to caves hidden along a shoreline or setting out to the worlds most isolated place is especially appealing. Maybe its because, paradoxically, as technology makes knowing where you are geographically  simpler, it makes knowing existentially where you are that much harder. Whatever the reason, Ill happily take it. When I need to imagine being someplace else, Ive been dipping in and out of  Atlas Obscura: An Explorers Guide to the Worlds Hidden Wonders, edited by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thomas, and Ella Morton. This book is beautiful color photographs, maps, excellent graphic design and has over 600 short entries about extraordinary places and things all over the world. Each includes an address and GPS coordinates so you can set off on a journey right now, if you want. Because of this book, Im now daydreaming about the thousands of fireflies that flash in unison by a group of  mangrove trees in Kuala Lumpur. Closer to home, I am now desperate to visit the Weeki Wachee Mermaid Show. Thats got to feel a bit  like walking in to Karen Russells amazing book Swamplandia!, right? Atlas of Improbable Places: A Journey to the Worlds Most Unusual Corners  by Travis Elborough, with maps by Alan Horsfield, is a curated guide  to places that just dont quite make sense. Elborough organized the book by  theme Dream Creations, Floating Worlds, Otherworldly Spaces, and more rather than geography, which makes it easy to  decide what genre of oddity or  improbability you want to consider based on your mood. The large black and white photographs, coupled with beautifully simple maps, gives this book an air of sophistication and inspires more than a little awe.  After browsing through this atlas, I have an  intense desire to visit The Lost City of San Juan Parangaricutiro, abandoned after an eight-year volcanic eruption in 1943! Thats 73 years ago but still  feels so recent to just abandon a city. As much as I love lusciously illustrated atlases books that will help me plan my next adventure, as a format, the atlas  is wrapped up with notions of conquest and consumption. When I want a break from books that encourage  viewing the worlds wonders as something to reach or obtain, I turn to Judith Schalanskys lyrical, meditative  Pocket Atlas of Remote Islands: Fifty Islands I Have Not Visited and Never Will  (translated from German by Christine Lo). This book is a visual and textual guide to islands of self-discovery. Neither fiction nor non-fiction, Pocket Atlas of Remote Islands  presents the reader with  50 different islands and their stories. Schalansky used various real  events, historical figures, and scientific studies as the starting point for essays in which she reflects on what space, wonder, history, geography, and isolation mean. Finally, sometimes the only way to consider a place is without images of that place to distract you. Lauret Savoys  Trace: Memory, History, Race, and the American Landscape will make the familiar unfamiliar. This incredible book is explicitly about confronting the ways that Americas history is all around us, rich with meaning and tempered by ironies. This book inspired  awe (and more than a little horror) in me as I saw the American landscape anew. So, where are we off to next? Full disclosure: I do freelance writing and event planning for Atlas Obscura. However, I genuinely like their book. They did not ask me to write this piece.

Genital Mutilation And Its Effects On Women - 1374 Words

genital mutilation is linked to proper sexual behavior, so by reducing the libido you reduce the chance for sexual promiscuity. Globally war s that have taken place in the 20th and 21st centuries have caused an increase in violence and harm done to women and children, as approximately 1 in 3 women in the world is beaten, coerced into sex, and otherwise abused (Shaw 506). In fact rape is a common weapon in a warring nation. The United Nations Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security was adopted in 2000. It focuses on measures to protect women and girls for gender based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, in situations of armed conflict. Still, some countries condone or legalize such crimes, and others accept such violence against women as necessary consequences of war and/or civil unrest, and ethnic cleansing (Shaw 506). Unfortunately, other countries are not the only ones that have high rape rates. In the United States it is estimated that Over 22 millio n women in the United States have been raped in their lifetime (Feminist). At least 10% of all [rape and sexual assault] victims are male (Rccmsc). The FBI estimates that only 46% of rapes and sexual assaults are reported to the police. Factoring in unreported rapes, about 6% of rapists will ever spend a day in jail. 15 out of 16 will walk free (Feminist). There is a shocking statistic of underage sexual assaults, abuse and rapes. In 2006, 78,000 children were sexually abused.Show MoreRelatedFemale Genital Mutilation : A Violation Of Human Rights1469 Words   |  6 PagesThe World Health Organization (WHO) defines female genital mutilation (FGM) as â€Å"all procedures which involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons.† There are four classifications of female genital mutilation: type I consists of the removal of the prepuce; type II is the removal of the clitoris and labia minora; type III is the removal of the external genitalia and the restrictingRead MoreFemale Genital Mutilation : Carolina Macias1688 Words   |  7 Pages Female Genital Mutilation Carolina Macias HSC 425 Matza-Fall 2016 Word Count- 1537  Abstract/Introduction The World Health Organization, also known by the acronym WHO, has defined female genital mutilation as â€Å"procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.† FGM (acronym for female genital mutilation) is highly prevalent in Africa and the Middle East. An estimated 200 million and counting have been victims of this practice (UNICEFRead MoreThe Role Of Female Genital Mutilation On Malian Culture890 Words   |  4 PagesAbstract In Africa, especially in Mali female genital mutilation is a common practice. This mutilation is a historical and cultural practice that is deeply-rooted in the Malian culture. The practice is part of the Malian rite of passage, that marks a young girl s transition from childhood to adult life. However ,this issue compromises and violates women s rights. The Purpose of this paper is to find out how will the ban of Female Genital Mutilation affect malian culture and what measures have beenRead MoreEssay on FGM: Female Genital Mutilation Must be Outlawed Worldwide1456 Words   |  6 PagesFemale Genital Mutilation, shortened to FGM in most medical texts, is â€Å"collective name given to several different traditional practices that involve the cutting of female genitals.† FGM is a common cultural practice in many parts of the world, especially Africa and Asia that was established hundreds of years ago. There are many different types of FGM, ranging from clitoridectomy, to cutting and infibulations (Skaine 7). Even though these procedures are accepted in the areas they are practiced, FGMRead MoreThe Contribution Of The Enlightenment Era1725 Words   |  7 Pagesworld, regardless of gender, race, social status, and religion, deserve to be treated. Female genital mutilation is a procedure that is considered an important human ri ghts issue in some parts of the world by the international community. Female genital mutilation or FGM is defined as a procedure involving partial or total removal of female genital organs . â€Å"Subjecting girls and women to female genital mutilation violates their rights that are protected in international and regional instruments .† It isRead MoreFemale Circumsion1179 Words   |  5 Pagesagainst such practices. Women from around world are subjected to cultural practices that are deemed ‘heinous’ and ‘unjust’. The most shared problem is that which such practice creates a situation where lives of people are put at risk. An eminent practice which is taken into attention is female genital mutilation. This writing shall discuss clashes between human rights and cultural relativism with my personal stance about these two ethical dilemmas. Female genital mutilation is considered as unlawfulRead MoreFemale Genital Mutilation Essay1562 Words   |  7 PagesFemale Genital Mutilation Introduction Pain, shame, lack of ability to reproduce. Marie, who suffers from each of these symptoms, is one of the many women from Africa who have suffered from female genital mutilation. When Marie was only two years old, she had her clitoris and labia cut off. Since then, she has moved to New York yet is still suffering from the many consequences you get from female genital mutilation. Female genital mutilation, also known as FGM, is a very common procedure primarilyRead MoreFemale Genital Mutilation Throughout America1032 Words   |  5 PagesFemale Genital Mutilation in America Female circumcision has been a cultural tradition practiced in different parts of the world for many years in order to secure virginity until marriage. In Africa female genital mutilation tradition is a part of the Muslim culture and parts of the Middle East, for the women to be desirable by her husband. (JPEG) Consequently, girls the ages of 4 through 14 are to endure the severe pains of female circumcision in order to not betray their culture and family beliefsRead MoreEssay about Female Genital Mutilation1633 Words   |  7 Pages The practice of female genital mutilation, also known as female circumcision, occurs throughout the world, but it is most common in Africa. Female genital mutilation is a tradition and social custom to keep a young girl pure and a married woman faithful. In Africa it is practiced in the majority of the continent including Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, Upper Volta, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Mozambique and Sudan. It is a cross-cultural and cross-religious ritual, which is performed by Muslims, Coptic ChristiansRead More Female Genital Mutilation Essay1698 Words   |  7 PagesFemale Genital Mutilation Female Genital Mutilation is believed to have started in Egypt 2,000 years ago and spread from there. Only a few years ago, FGM was considered a cultural tradition, but now the United Nations has labeled it as a violation of human rights. Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States has declared Female Genital Mutilation grounds for seeking asylum and is a punishable offense (1).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many of us never heard of Female Genital Mutilation until the story

The Ethics Of Genetically Modified Organisms - 1184 Words

Science has been a prevalent topic over the course of history. Moreover, as scientific research continues to develop it sometimes is contradictory towards the humanities. Similarly, the focus on genetically modified organisms (GMO) have been fundamental in highlighting the difference between science and the humanities. Consequently, this paper will emphasize the ethics of genetically modified organisms and the basic ethical concepts and theories necessary for reflecting upon moral beliefs using scholarly resources that underline that if people are aware of genetically modified organism they will tend to disregard GMOs. Entine, Jon. â€Å"2000+ Reasons Why GMOs Are Safe to Eat and Environmentally Sustainable.† Forbes. Forbes, 14 Oct. 2014. Jon†¦show more content†¦24 Oct. 2013. Web. Hontz-Ward displays that different cultures have distinct opinions on GMOs. Hence this exploits the ethical values and identifies the vital connection between GMOs and the humanities. This article is written for a religious audience that implants religious and culture to their ethical values. Over all Hontz-Ward contradicts that crops that are not grown are genetically modified therefore some cultures refuse to buy them. Hence this article supports Schiffman’s article which also states that people that are informed on the effects of GMOs are more likely to not buy these good than the uneducated that do not know the outcomes or possible effects of these products. Kaldveer, Zack. â€Å"13 lies GMO labeling opponents are recycling in Washington state.† 21 Aug. 2013. Print. Zack Kaldveer does a unique review of GMOs and concludes that GMOs are risk free and are not harmful to the environment. Kaldveer uses evident facts and provides a well-organized journal to promote that GMOs should be studied so that the user can be educated and have enough knowledge to decipherer whether to buy or avoid GMOs. Further, this article is written for an environmentalist audience since it provides a gist of the environmental impacts and shows that the ethics that involve making decisions can be greatly influenced by the background knowledge one might have pertaining the topic. This journal relates to Entine’s article sinceShow MoreRelatedEthics Of Genetically Modified Organisms816 Words   |  4 PagesIn the last thirty years, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been used for in the production of medicine and food and are widely used in scientific research and the production of other products (Junod, 2009). A GMO is any organism whose genetic material has b een altered using genetic engineering techniques, including mutation, insertion, or deletion of genes (Nelson, 2010). GMOS and GM technology have become a topic of great concern among scientists, regulators, consumers, farmers, andRead MoreEthics Of Genetically Modified Organisms1382 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) entails a process whereby plants, animals, and microorganisms can be altered at the genetic or DNA levels in a way that does not occur naturally through mating or natural recombination. Human involvement in the natural selection process has been around since the dawn of humanity; originally in the form of specific animal breeding to gain better species with more adaptations for their specific uses. The arguments that surrounds the topic of Genetically ModifiedRead MoreGenetically Modified Foods and Organisms Essay949 Words   |  4 Pagesand ecological problems. As the amount of genetically modified (GM) crops have increased rapidly in recent years, the debates on whether GM foods are truly beneficial or not have become prevalent. Scientists around the world are making their sentiments known. Over eight hundred scientists around the world signed an open letter to all governments, the UN, the World Trade Organization, and the U.S. Congress calling for a ban on genetically modified organisms, seeds, and foods (Batalion). The Union ofRead MoreBiocentric Ethics Analysis Essay1060 Words   |  5 PagesBiocentric Ethics Analysis SCI/362 - Environmental Issues and Ethics January 27, 2014 Howard Schmidt, M.S., M.B.A. Biocentric Ethics Analysis Inherent and intrinsic value both refer to the value that is within the item or organism, it has value in and of itself; the value within the item or organism is â€Å"independent of the interests, needs, or uses of anyone else† (DesJardins, 2013, p. 113). Inherent value refers to the value that is found or recognized within the item or organism; whether spiritualRead MoreBenefits Of Genetically Modified Organisms1598 Words   |  7 Pagesmay find some products that promise no GMOs, but what exactly are GMOs? Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are organisms that have been engineered to express desired traits. The most traditional way to modify organisms is through selective breeding. New technology now has given the ability to physically move or add to a new organism. The organisms are altered at the molecular level, usually they receive genes from organisms whose traits could not be obtained easily. Modification is done by usingRead MoreGenetically Modified Organisms1 582 Words   |  6 PagesGenetically Modified Organisms also known as GMO’s are commonplace items today on the shelves of the local grocery store, or even the racks of the local department store. Technology today has allowed companies to modify the genetics of everything from corn and soybeans, to cotton and salmon. It hasn’t been known until now how many products really contain these genetically modified organisms. This paper will discuss the origins of GMO’s, the companies that produce these GMO’s, how GMO’s are createdRead MoreGenetic Engineering: Good or Bad?899 Words   |  4 Pagesmodify the genes of living organisms is a very controversial subject, spawning many debates about its uses, ethics, and dangers. On one hand, the possibility of modifying livestock and plants to produce more food and useful products is tempting. Medical uses for genetic modification are also abundant, and can change medicine for the better. On the other hand, prob lems about the ethicality of tampering with the natural world, legal rights on genetically altered organisms, and various possible negativeRead MoreArguments Of Proponents And Opponents Of The Safe And Accurate Food Labeling Act1744 Words   |  7 Pagesweakness of each side’s argument. One argument that proponents make about genetically modified food is that they are no different than natural foods. An argument that opponents make is that genetically modified organisms have not been tested enough because they are fairly new and some scientist truly don’t have an understanding of how it will affect humans bodies differently than natural foods. Proponents argue that genetically engineered foods have no needs for labeling; it would lead to consumer confusionRead MoreMonsanto Business Ethics Paper1465 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper about Monsanto Corporations Business Ethics Thesis Statement I will outline some of the ethical issues Monsanto Corporation has faced, I will focus on the predatory litigation of farmers that have been contaminated by Monsanto’s Genetically Modified seed and then sued for using that seed to plant subsequent crops. I will provide examples and citations of what I feel are unethical practices and cases involving Monsanto. Introduction â€Å"The Justice Department is investigating whetherRead MoreGentically Modified Organisms are the Topic of Conversation718 Words   |  3 PagesIn the past decade or so, genetically modified foods and genetically modified organisms, also known as GM Foods and GMO’s, have been a never ending topic of discussion. GM Foods and GMO’s have adversely affected people’s health all over the world. GMO’s are developed through taking genes of different species, then combining them through genetic engineering. Neither of those things can happen naturally or out in nature. That should raise lots of red flags to our society already. Adding these altered

48 Laws of Power - Essay - 12782 Words

The 48 Laws of Power byRobert Greene Maurice Fischer INB491 The 48 Laws of Power Law 1 Never Outshine the Master Make the people above you feel greater than you are, even if they are not. This makes sense in many cases but don’t apply to others. All people working for someone will see that this law will apply to them, the boss or in this case the â€Å"master† is on top. The person on the top, most likely, worked his or hers way up and does not want to be thrown from his or hers throne. It is in the human nature to get rid of threats if one has the power to do this. He may feign appreciation, but at his firs opportunity he will replace you with someone less intelligent, less attractive, less threatening. Do not let that happen†¦show more content†¦It can be done in small style or as seen with Otto von Bismarck, in big style, to win wars. To rise power people will do nearly or actually everything. I would call concealing your intentions are nowadays nothing more than bluffing. Most people are open to others, they tell their intentions and opinions when asked. They do this for several reasons. First, it is easy and natural to always want to talk about one’s feelings and plans for the future. This can be taken for ones advantage, but if they bluffing one will be the one who was falling for it. Second, many people believe that by being honest and open they are winning people’s hearts and showing their good nature. Those people are easy to spot, if they want to be liked, they will have to pay the price. This Law requires two main skills. One, to have the control over your words and gestures, but also to read peoples gestures and sometimes call their bluff. Pretend t hat you believe what you say gives your words great weight. If you let your self believe that what your say is true for the moment, it will help it appear to be true and give your gestures more expressions. Also a smoke screen for your actions is a great advantage to mask your intentions. Lead your opponents into a trap with distraction and misdirection to reach your ultimate goal, either with noble gestures or a constant pattern. Behavior like this is barely legal in some points and might be fraught. But to reach your goal this will give youShow MoreRelated48 Laws of Power - Essay12798 Words   |  52 PagesThe 48 Laws of Power byRobert Greene Maurice Fischer INB491 The 48 Laws of Power Law 1 Never Outshine the Master Make the people above you feel greater than you are, even if they are not. This makes sense in many cases but don’t apply to others. All people working for someone will see that this law will apply to them, the boss or in this case the â€Å"master† is on top. The person on the top, most likely, worked his or hers way up and does not want to be thrown from his or hers throne. It is in theRead More Machiavellian Advice from The Prince1097 Words   |  5 Pagescynicism about human nature, and shrewdness in interpersonal behavior, and named this syndrome after Machiavelli (â€Å"48†). Machiavellianism is described as a manipulative strategy of social interaction and personality style that uses other people as tools of personal gain (â€Å"48†). In this excerpt from The Prince, Machiavelli’s most recognized and popular discourse on morality and power, the author discusses and compares numerous aspects of the necessary attributes of a successful ruler. While he debatesRead MoreThe Impact Of Political Science On Public Admin istration1703 Words   |  7 PagesFrom essay #1 â€Å"Wilson (1887) argued that political science should concentrate on how governments are administered, focusing not only on personnel problems, but also on the organization and management in general. 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Music of the Baroque Essay Example For Students

Music of the Baroque Essay Churches used the emotional and theatrical qualities of art to make worship more attractive and appealing. The middle class too, influenced the development of the baroque style, for example prosperous merchants and doctors commissioned realistic landscapes and scenes from everyday life. 3. Write a paragraph that includes the characteristics of Baroque music. A. Unity of mood Usually expresses one basic mood: what begins joyfully will remain Joyful throughout. Emotional states like Joy, grief, and agitation were represented. Composers molded a musical language to depict the affections; pacific rhythms or melodic patterns were associated with specific moods. B. Rhythm Rhythmic patterns heard at the beginning of a piece are repeated throughout it. This rhythmic continuity provides a compelling drive and energy-the forward motion is rarely interrupted. The beat, for example, is emphasized far more in baroque music than in most Renaissance music. C. Melody There is a continuous expanding, unfolding, and unwinding of melody. This sense of directed motion is frequently the result of a melodic sequence, that is, successive repetition of a musical dead at higher or lower pitches. Many baroque melodies sound elaborate and ornamental, and they are not easy to sing or remember. It gives an impression of dynamic expansion rather than of balance or symmetry. D. Dynamics The level of volume tends to stay fairly constant for a stretch of time. When the dynamics do shift, the shift is sudden, like physically stepping from one level to another. The main keyboard instruments of the baroque period were the organ and harpsichord, both well suited for continuity of dynamics. E. Texture It is predominantly polyphonic in suture. Usually, the soprano and bass lines are the most important. Not all-late baroque music was polyphonic, a piece might shift in texture, especially in vocal music, where changes of mood in the words demand musical contrast. F. Chords and the basso continuo Chords gave new prominence to the bass part, which served as the foundation of the harmony. The whole musical structure rested on the bass part. The new emphasis on chords and the bass part resulted in the most characteristic feature of baroque music, an accompaniment called the basso continuo. The basso continuo offered the advantage of emphasizing the all-important bass part, besides providing a steady flow of chords. G. Use of words in the music Baroque composers used music to depict the meaning of specific words. Rising scales represented upward motion; descending scales depicted the reverse. Descending chromatic scales were associated with pain and grief. Composers often emphasized words by writing many rapid notes for a single syllable of text; this technique also displayed a 4. What was the role of music in Baroque society? It served as musical expression for brilliant composers, a source of entertainment for aristocrats, a way of life for musicians and a temporary escape from the routines of daily life for the general public. 5. What was the goal of the group known as the Camera? The Camera wanted to create a new vocal style modeled on the music of ancient Greek tragedy. Since no actual dramatic music had come down to them from the Greeks, they based their theories on literacy accounts that had survived. The Camera wanted the vocal line to follow the rhythms and pitch fluctuations of beech. 6. Write a detailed description of each of the following new forms in Baroque music: A. Concerto gross Extended composition for instrumental soloists and orchestra, usually in three movements: (1) Fast, (2) Slow, (3) Fast. B. Fugue Polyphonic composition based on one main theme or subject. C. Opera Drama that is sung to orchestral accompaniment, usually a large-scale composition employing vocal soloists, chorus, orchestra, costumes, and society. D. Solo concerto A piece for a single soloist and an orchestra. E. Baroque suite A group of dance, usually in the name key, with each piece in the binary form or the ternary form. .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e , .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e .postImageUrl , .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e , .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e:hover , .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e:visited , .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e:active { border:0!important; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e:active , .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u18cf0a8ffc462ba563dd3f40616ea34e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Jazz and the Brightside Tavern EssayF. Oratorio Large- scale composition for chorus, vocal soloists, and orchestra, usually set to a narrative text, but without acting, scenery, or costumes; often based on biblical stories. G. Sonata In baroque music, an instrumental composition in several movements for one to eight players. In music after the baroque period, an instrumental composition usually in several movements for one or two players. H. Church cantata Composition in several movements, usually written for chorus, one or more vocal soloists; and orchestra. The church cantata for the Lutheran service in Germany during the Baroque period often includes chorales. 7. Write a complete definition for each of the following terms: A. Movement Piece that sounds fairly complete and independent but is part of a larger composition. B. Libretto Text of an opera written by the librettist (dramatists) and set to music by the composer. C. Aria -Song for solo voice with orchestral accompaniment, usually expressing an emotional state through its outpouring of melody; found in operas, oratorios, and cantatas. D. Recitative Vocal lines in an opera, oratorio, or cantata hat imitates the rhythms and pitch fluctuations of speech often serving to lead into an aria. E. Overture (in opera) -Short musical composition, purely orchestral, which opens an opera and sets the overall dramatic mood. Orchestral introductions to later acts of an opera are called preludes. F. Chorus (in opera) A body of singers who sing the choral parts off work. G. Ground bass Variation form in which a musical idea in the bass is repeated over and over while the melodies above it constantly change; common in baroque music. H. Chorale Hymn tune sung too religious text.

Analysis of Organisational Culture at Google The WritePass Journal

Analysis of Organisational Culture at Google 1.Introduction Analysis of Organisational Culture at Google 1.Introduction2. Organizational Background3. Analysis3.1 Data collection3.2 Theories applied4. ParadigmOrganizational Perception Interpretation4.1 Burrell Morgan’s Sociological Paradigms Sociological Paradigms 4.2 Definition of Organizational Culture with Google culture4.3 Evaluation of Google organizational culture on the Cultural Dimension Theory4.3.1- Power Distance4.3.2 -Individualism4.3.3 -Masculinity 4.3.4 -Uncertainty Avoidance Index4.3.5 -Long term orientation5. Evaluation of Google organizational culture on Edgar Schein’s Three levels of Culture5.1 Artifacts:5.2 Espoused Values:5.3 Basic Assumptions and Values:6. Criticisms 6.1 Cultural dimension theory:6.2 Sociological Paradigm: Conclusion ReferencesRelated 1.Introduction Analyzing an organization is no more than studying first its genesis its mottos and beliefs and the future it holds for the society that it resides in. For most companies, an organization is neither a science nor an art; it’s an oxymoron. It is not a result from systematic, methodical planning but, shaped more by politics than by policies. However, perceiving an organization from a critical point of view would overshadow all the development and technology that many organizations have contributed to our society. In the words of Walt Disney co-founder of the Walt Disney Company states that â€Å"Whatever we accomplish is due to the combined effort. The organization must be with you or you dont get it done In my organization there is respect for every individual, and we all have a keen respect for the public†. The author has chosen to talk about the Google culture from an Interpretivism perspective as she worked as an Ad Words Representative for the organisation. 2. Organizational Background Google Inc an American public corporation earns its proceeds primarily from its advertising which is related to its Internet search, e-mail, online mapping, office productivity, social networking, and video sharing. Google is not a conventional company and with no intention to become one either. Throughout Google’s evolution as a privately held company they have always done it differently, where the emphasis is laid on the creativity and challenge of its people which has resulted in providing unbiased, accurate and free access information for its users. The genesis of this organization begins with its co- founders Larry Page and Sergey Bin alumni of Stanford University where it was incorporated as a privately held organization on September 4, 1998 and then was moved to public ownership on August 19th 2004. The organization is globally spread across starting from the Head office in Mountain View California, with some of its subsidiaries being India, United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Czech Republic, Poland, South Africa, etc. With approximately 20,000 employees working for this organization it has been voted by Fortune Magazine as ‘The Best Company’ to work for the second time in February 2008. 3. Analysis 3.1 Data collection The analysis of the organization is done with respect to the Indian subsidiary that is geographically located in the south of India- Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.   The author worked as an As Words representative for the organization. The data collection for this analysis is based on a subjective and objective perspective, the subjective data being the author’s observations, perceptions and experiences, and the objective being that which is communicated and believed within the organization over the years. The author relates the analyses to the one year work experience, work relationships, work climate and culture, training and evaluation methods which was gained and undergone at the organization. The author also takes into count the strength of the workforce and the significant department in concern in which the author was a count for and worked for. The strength of the workforce noted to be an exact number of a 1000 employees for the year 2007- 2008 who worked for this subsidi ary handling the Online Sales Operation for Asia Pacific, with Ad Words being the main revenue generating product other than that of Ad Sense. 3.2 Theories applied The analysis of the organization has been done on the transformational factor, Organizational culture, with a correlation to that of the author’s paradigm on Burrell Morgan’s Sociological Paradigms and Organizational Analysis, Heinemann, 1979 . Geert Hofstede’s ‘Cultural dimensions theory’ has been used as the main model of analysis, however, to move beyond the national culture dimension and towards the organizations levels of culture Edgar Schein’s ‘Three levels of culture’ has also been applied. Burrell Morgan’s Sociological Paradigms gives an outlook of the author’s quadrant of perception on the company. Furthermore, the focus of study is from a radical humanistic point of view, the author falls under this paradigm believing that change begins with individual. The below given study also covers the founders view of organizational culture which is supported by the interview with Fortune Magazine. 4. Paradigm Organizational Perception Interpretation 4.1 Burrell Morgan’s Sociological Paradigms Understanding that the paper necessitates a more focused and specific analysis Burrell Morgan’s Sociological Paradigms and Organizational Analysis, Heinemann, 1979 paradigms has been applied as this synchronic model makes sense, which it places to time dimension on the study and understanding of organizations. It can be comprehended that a paradigm is a lens through which we perceive the world, each lens giving their own meaning and assumptions about the nature of the world and the way it is ought to be made sense of.   There are many different lenses, which exist for viewing and understanding the world, and what follows will be a necessary simplification of a complex and constantly shifting set of boundaries that define the current paradigms (Penny cook, A. 2001). Explaining Burrell Morgan’s Theory it is developed by a 22 matrix scheme to help classify and understand existing sociological theories based on four major paradigms. The matrix was structured based on th e four main debates in sociology, which was then further consolidated into two fundamental issues that form the axis of the 22 matrix. Sociological Paradigms Functionalist Paradigm (objective regulation): Individuals in this paradigm rest upon the premise that society has a real concrete existence and a systematic character and is directed toward the production of order and regulation. The social science enterprise is believed to be objective and value-free. This paradigm possess a pragmatic orientation, it is concerned with understanding society in a way that produces useful, usable knowledge. (Craig Paul, 1991) Interpretive Paradigm (subjective regulation): From this perspective, social reality, although possessing order and regulation, never realizes an external concrete form. Instead it is the product of inter-subjective experience. The goal of this paradigm is of developing a purely ‘objective’ social science is a specious one. (Craig Paul, 1991) Radical Humanist Paradigm (subjective radical change). The perception in this paradigm shares its assumptions with that of the interpretive paradigm that everyday reality is socially constructed and maintained. Theorists in this paradigm are mainly concerned with releasing social constraints that limit human potential. They see the current dominant ideologies as separating people from their true selves. (Craig Paul, 1991) Radical Structuralist Paradigm (Objective Radical change): This paradigm believes that social reality is considered to be largely independent of the way it is socially constructed. It has an external existence of its own. The social world is featured by intrinsic tensions and contradictions; these forces serve to bring about radical change in the social system as a whole (Craig Paul, 1991). The paradigms correspond to theories of organizations, that which coexists symbolizing and expressing confirming and contradictory views about what and organization is and what it is ought to be and how could we go about acquiring such knowledge. Figure 1 Sociological Paradigms After having being administered the Sociological Paradigm questionnaire, the author’s paradigm was established as being on the Interpretivist Paradigm of the Quadrant. Although, a radical humanist may share the assumption that everyday reality is socially constructed and maintained with that of the interpretive paradigm, this social construction is tied to’ pathology of consciousness’, a situation in which the author finds herself a prisoner of the social world that she creates (Craig Paul, 1991). However, as well said by David Collins (1996), understanding the person’s paradigm from a questionnaire cannot give the person the right view of which paradigm we fall in as its just simple exercise and the reader understanding and mood at that point of brings a big impact on the way the reader answers the question. Therefore, though this evaluation may give the authors paradigm further scrutiny on various occasions would help confirm the evaluation. 4.2 Definition of Organizational Culture with Google culture Louis, (1980) defines culture as an understanding or meanings shared by a group of people. Similarly Edgar Schein goes a little further and explains organizational culture as â€Å"apattern of shared basic assumptions that the group learned as it solved its problems of external adaptation and internal integration that has worked well enough to be considered valid and, therefore, to be taught to new members as the correct way you perceive, think, and feel in relation to those problems† (Schein.   H,1997) Although, the shared cognition or beliefs may seem the simplest understanding of organizational culture, it also interprets a team effort and the significance of sharing the same views and progressing that belief or perception but not regressing. Google also maintains its organizational culture on the simple terms of futuristic and selfless thought which is to be shared and followed, as rightly put across by one of its founders Sergey Brin â€Å"I actually don’t think keeping the culture is a goal. I think improving the culture is†. (Adam. L, 2008) Furthermore, as described by Google’s Chief culture officer Stacy Savides Sullivan â€Å"I would characterize the culture as one that is team-oriented, very collaborative and encouraging people to think non-traditionally, different from where they ever worked beforeworking with integrity and for the good of the company and for the good of the world, which is tied to our overall mission of making information accessible to the world† (Elinor, M. 2007) Following the strategies of the global market Google understands that the organizational culture should be modified with accordance to the national culture making it one among the best in the industry. Which increasing globalization, performance and values of the employees aligned with the company’s strategy and manipulate culture to achieve the organizational objective according to (Ogbonna and Harris, 2002). 4.3 Evaluation of Google organizational culture on the Cultural Dimension Theory Noting that the analysis is done on Google’s Indian subsidiary, there is no appropriate theory than that of the cultural dimension theory, judging that the theory was structured to observe the interactions between the national culture and the organizational culture. Geert Hofstede study demonstrated that there are national and regional cultural groupings that affect the behaviour of societies and organizations, and that are very persistent across time. Applying the skills of an ‘Interpretivist paradigm’ and comprehending and analyzing the organization an evaluation has been done on the five dimensions of the theory. The five dimensions being power distance, Individualism and collectivism, Masculinity and feminity and uncertainty avoidance Hofstede. G, (1997). Figure 2. Cultural Dimensions of India PDI Power distance, IDV Individualism, MAS Masculinity, UAI Uncertainty avoidance index, LTO Long-term orientation. 4.3.1- Power Distance On this dimension there is an insignificant distribution of power distance between the superiors and subordinates of the organization. The distance, which is even brought to notice, can be accounted for because of the employee’s job profiles or experience within the organization and not because of the kind of inequality brought among the employee relationship. Bringing to notice Hofstede’s dimensions for culture in India on the dimension of Power distance India ranks 77 as compared to the world on an average of 56.5 Hofstede.G, (1997), Google India Pvt. ltd seemed distant from this dimensional score. On reflection, the author recollects that even though the work experience in the organization was the first of her professional life, her start at the organization did not give her a distant feeling. The right of expression and freedom of thought and creativity was encouraged in the organization. Employees are supported, in addition to their regular projects, to spend 20% o f their time working in what they think will most benefit the Organization. The organization believes that many of their significant advances have happened in this manner for example, Adsense and Orkut. Additionally, the company falls under the flat organization structure, emphasizing on the importance of nooglers (new employees) taking up team responsibilities and thereby creating a sense of belonging. Furthermore, to remove the distribution of power distance the company believes in transparency of information from the CEO Eric Schmidt sharing information with that of a junior most employee such as that of an Ad Words Representative. Portals are constantly created for employees to voice their opinion and come up with solutions and ideas for existing and futuristic problems. Though, the organization being based nationally in that of India the organizational culture has not been influenced as yet by the national culture. 4.3.2 -Individualism Hofstede.G, (1997) stated that management in an individualist society is management of individuals. Subordinates can usually be moved around individually; if incentives or bonuses are given, these should be linked to an individual’s performance. Understanding that Individualism is appreciated with a stress on collective effort or team work, recruiters are always on the search of such employees who can maintain their individualism as well as perform collectively as a team. The organization encourages and motivates collective and team work, for which the appraisal is given on an Individual performance. Individualism holds that the individual is the primary unit of reality and the ultimate standard of value. This view does not deny that societies exist or that people benefit from living in them, but it sees society as a collection of individuals, not something over and above them. The organization is concerned about its employees well being and gives every opportunity to learn best practices through teams. Team meeting and inter team events are highly supported and are undertaken with a serious candor. In addition it promotes other employee clubs funding Googler network, Google Women Engineers and the Glbt- Gay, Lesbian, bisexual and transgender googler. Google being an American based organization with an Indian investment there is no difference on this dimension. 4.3.3 -Masculinity Defining the value placed on traditionally male or female value systems this dimension evaluates as to whether the organization gives importance to competitiveness, assertiveness, ambition and accumulation of wealth characteristics of the masculine culture or emphasis on relationships, and quality of life which represents that of the feminine culture.   As explained by Hofstede, G. (1997) masculinity and femininity when comparing the culture prevailing in one organization can be analyzed in he view of values in the organization. Morgan (1986:54) talks about modelling the behaviours implied in the values statement ‘The modelling of appropriate behaviour must occur at each level of the organization result in employees being modelled in these same behaviours.’ Looking at the Google culture it can be roughly said that the organization promotes a masculine value system in the organization because of the benefits it provides to its employees. Benefits such as, along with the basic salary a quarterly bonus and a company an annual bonus in the month of December, furthermore, transportation and food requirements which I provided with no charge and in abundance, health facilities as a gym and a spa along with a medical check up and medical coverage of Rs.5, 00,000 Indian currency on the employees and their immediate dependants. Additionally, day care centres for working parents and quarterly outings and entertainment (called movie nights) are held along with a total support to adventure, book and drama clubs, also, employees are given a discount in the most affluent stores and restaurants in the city. However, this may seem as a totally dominating masculine culture the founders of the Organization have not forgotten their corporate social responsibility and also believe in encouraging the feminine culture within the organization. The most significant commandment of the organization ‘Don’t be Evil’ this belief relies on the fact that com pany ought to do good for the world even if it has to forego some short term gains. Moreover, as users believe in their systems it is their duty to provide and unbiased and objective service. In addition to this it promotes the concept of team development and peer feedback to better the level of employee relationship within the organization. From a radical humanist paradigm though this may seem a balanced organizational culture it seems to be a strategy for the company to get hold of the employees from moving to different organization. 4.3.4 -Uncertainty Avoidance Index This dimension reflects the level of anxiety of the organization that is the extent up to which the organization attempts to cope with anxiety by minimizing uncertainty. Cultures that scored high in uncertainty avoidance prefer guidelines and structured circumstances, and the employee’s tenure in the company is longer. As expressed by Hofstede, G. (1997) â€Å"Laws and rules are ways in which a society tries to prevent uncertainties in the behaviour of people.† However, with regards to the organization there is awareness that business environment changes rapidly hence there is no hesitation to take high risk. The organization believes in funding projects that have 10% chance of earning a billion dollars over the long term as in the past pursuit of such projects have resulted in long term success. Although it cannot be quantified the specific level of risk that the organization is willing to undertake, as the ratio of reward to risk increases, the organization is ready t o accept projects further outside the current businesses, if the initial investment is small relative to the level of investment in our current businesses. To evaluate this as a high or low level of uncertainty avoidance is difficult to tell as it seems but natural that most organizations would definitely keep this as an ideal margin. Furthermore, the organization prides itself on doing business with and selling its products on policies and guidelines. With respect to policies and rules outside the business scenario for the employees it can be said that the regulations are minimum that which is in the best interest of the employee example ID badges, and transportation checks for the security of the employees. As clearly seen from the above graph India among all cultural dimension uncertainty avoidance is the lowest where it is always people likes or has a habit of breaking rules with regards to the organization it can be said there are no rules to be broken in the first place. Howev er, if minor offenses are committed employees are aware and are mindful of the fact that time is money and in time serious offenses can cost them their employment. As Brown(1998) states that rules and regulations of an organization bonds to have a good ethics in the work place and not which impose emotional stress on the behaviour of employees in the organization. Nonetheless, the rules and regulations in Google understand the freedom of the employees with knowledge of the importance of the national culture of the location of the organization. 4.3.5 -Long term orientation This dimension describes the time horizon, the long term or short-term vision of the individual. Hofstede.G, (1997) explains this new dimension of long term orientation verses the short term orientation can be analyzed related to the job security and the long term vision of the employee in the organization with respect to growth in an organization. Google determines that employees within the organization are happy with their current job. They have an added advantage of requesting the manager to give a work experience in different projects. Employees are moved to different project where Google aims to use employee rather than firing them, this shows that Google cares about its employees. The organization believes that business decisions will be made with the long-term welfare of the company and with share holders in mind and not based on accounting considerations. Therefore it can be stated that Google has a long-term oriented culture with respect to seeing the future of its employees . 5. Evaluation of Google organizational culture on Edgar Schein’s Three levels of Culture To understand the organization the best way to do it would be understanding the culture. Schein divides organizational culture into three levels: 5.1 Artifacts: This is being the most surface level of the organization example being the dress code in the company. 5.2 Espoused Values: Just below the level of the artifacts this level consists of the conscious strategies, goals and philosophies 5.3 Basic Assumptions and Values: the last lever is the core or essence of culture which is represented by the basic underlying assumptions and values, which are difficult to discern becausethey exist at a largely unconscious level. Figure 3. Schein’s Three levels of Culture Figure 4. Google’s Three levels of Organizational Culture 6. Criticisms Although the above models have been applied to help analyze the organizational culture, like any other theory they have their shortcomings. 6.1 Cultural dimension theory: Schwartz, (1992) argues that Hofstede’s survey based on one organization (IBM) in his view of culture in an organization; one cannot conclude that culture in all organization in that country practice the same. Furthermore, Brown (1998) criticizes Hofstede’s claims that he identified multiple national cultures or differences between such cultures, challenging his research approach. Brown also questions whether national culture dimensions uniform national actions and institutions agree with brown as a challenging environment in the present world organizations are challenging culture of work irrespective of the national culture. Finally, McSweeney, Brendan (January 2002) states Hofstedes work has not just also been criticized because he seems to identify cultures with nations based on the supposition that within each nation there is a uniform national culture. Other types of cultures are acknowledged to exist but allowed little, if any influence. 6.2 Sociological Paradigm: Though the sociological paradigm has been a well-accepted theory in Organizational management its acceptance within the social sciences have done so with little regard to the model’s internal consistency. Pinder and Bourgeoise (1982) state that Burrell and Morgan’s application of ontology has been misplaced. In addition, another fundamental issue is that whether the intra paradigm perspectives adhere to similar images of the subject matter. Hence, like most significant theories every shortcoming gives thought for future theories. Conclusion In conclusion the task has been challenging and educative for the author in comprehending the structure and culture of an organization though in many instances the observations could be in many aspects be influenced as an employee or my inadequacies of being a good observer to have noticed any kind of pro’s within the organization. However, my opinion on Google have changed understanding the difference of culture in an organization challenging the national culture in certain areas and understanding the cultural practice comparing other organization in different parts of the world. The author being in the quadrant of the Interpretivist Paradigm identifies with the organization being a merge of care and value systems. References google.com/ Adam Lashinky(January 29, 2008) ‘Google wins again’. From the link http://money.cnn.com/2008/01/18/news/companies/google.fortune/index.htm. Retrieved on 29th July 2009. Brown, A (1998) Organisational Culture, London, Financial Times. Burrell, G., Morgan, G(1979). Sociological Paradigms and Organizational Analysis:Heinemann, pp. 1-37 Collins, D. (1996) New Paradigms for Change: Theories of Organisation and the Organisation of Theories. Journal of organisational change management, Vol. 9 No. 4 pp9-23 Craig, S., Paul, D. (1991). The Management research handbook. London: Routledge, 318, pp. 24-38.. Elinor Mills (April 17, 2007)’ Meet Googles culture czar’ from the link http://news.cnet.com/Meet-Googles-culture-czar/2008-1023_3-6179897.html Retrieved on 1st August 2009. Hofstede, Geert. (1997) Culture and Organisations: Software of the Mind, Newyork, Mcgraw Hill. Louis, M.R (1997) Organizations as culture. McSweeney, B. (2002). Hofstedes Model Of National Cultural Differences And Their Consequences:A Triumph Of Faith- A Failure Of Analysis. Human Relations , 89-118. Mills, E. (2007, April 27). news.cnet.com. Retrieved 07 21, 2009, from Meet Googles culture czar: http://news.cnet.com/Meet-Googles-culture-czar/2008-1023_3-6179897.html Mintzberg, H(1983). Structure in Fives Designing Effective Organizations:Prentice Hall Inc. Ogbonna, E. Harris, L.C.(2002), Organizational Culture: A ten year, two phase study of change in the UK food retailing sector. Journal of Management studies, 39 (5), Culture pp. 673-706. Penny cook, A. (2001) Critical applied linguistics : a critical introduction. Mahway, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum., 2001. Schein, E. (1997, October). Organizational Culture Leadership . Retrieved 07 21, 2009, from www.tnellen.com: tnellen.com/ted/tc/schein.html Schein’s model 12manage.com/methods_schein_three_levels_culture.htmlWeber, M (1987). Economy and Society. Berkeley: University of California Press.Yu, E. S. K., Mylopoulos, J(1994). From E-R to â€Å"A-R† Modelling strategic actor relationships for business process reengineering. Manchester; 13-th Int. Conf. on the Entity-relationship Approach.

The Ideas and Inventions Attributed to Archimedes

The Ideas and Inventions Attributed to Archimedes Archimedes was a mathematician and inventor from ancient Greece. Regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians in history, he’s the father of integral calculus and mathematical physics. Here are some of the ideas and inventions that have been attributed to him. While there’s no exact date for his birth and death, he was born approximately between 290 and 280 BC and died sometime between 212 or 211 BC in Syracuse, Sicily. The Archimedes Principle Archimedes wrote in his treatise â€Å"On Floating Bodies† that an object submerged in fluid experiences a buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. The famous anecdote for how he came up with this was started when he was asked to determine if a crown was pure gold or contained some silver. While in the bathtub he arrived at the principle of displacement by weight and ran through the streets naked shouting Eureka (I have found it)! A crown with silver would weigh less than one that was pure gold, Weighing the displaced water would allow calculation of the density of the crown, showing whether or not it was pure gold. The Archimedes Screw The Archimedes screw,  or screw pump, is a machine that can raise water from a lower to higher level. It is useful for irrigation systems, water systems, sewage systems and for pumping water out of a ships bilge. It is a screw-shaped surface inside a pipe and has to be turned, which is often done by attaching it to a windmill or by turning it by hand or oxen. The windmills of Holland are an example of using the Archimedes screw to drain water from low-lying areas. Archimedes may not have discovered this invention since there is some evidence they existed for hundreds of years before his life. He may have observed them in Egypt and later popularized them in Greece. War Machines and Heat Ray Archimedes also designed several claw,  catapult, and trebuchet war machines for use against the armies laying siege to Syracuse. The author Lucian wrote in the second century AD that Archimedes used a heat-focusing device that involved mirrors acting as a parabolic reflector as a way to set invading ships on fire. Several modern-day experimenters have attempted to show this was possible, but have had mixed results. Sadly, he was killed during the siege of Syracuse. Principles of the Lever and Pulleys Archimedes is quoted as saying, Give me a place to stand on and I will move the Earth. He explained the principles of levers in  his treatise â€Å"On the Equilibrium of Planes.† He designed block-and-tackle pulley systems for use in loading and unloading ships. Planetarium or Orrery Archimedes even built devices that showed the movement of the sun and moon across the sky. It would have required sophisticated differential gears. These devices were acquired by General  Marcus Claudius Marcellus as part of his personal loot from the capture of Syracuse. An Early Odometer Archimedes is credited with designing an odometer that could measure distance. It used a chariot wheel and gears to drop a pebble once per Roman mile into a counting box.

Examine consulting processes and techniques Assignment - 1

Examine consulting processes and techniques - Assignment Example Answering the above mentioned questions will help the management to step forward to the proper direction. Pilot project generally means a test or trial project which is undertaken prior to undertaking the main project. Thus, the failure of the pilot project provides the management a chance to make the necessary changes in the technique and in the processes of the project. In this regard, to respond to the above mentioned questions, there is a requirement of intense evaluation. The client had implemented SAP in his organizational operations related activities for the better integration and flexibility but instead of generating solutions to the identified problems, the client faced various issues. Firstly, the implementation failed because of the wrong approaches and investment of a lot of capital which had been largely wasted. Various consulting and managerial roles were not present in the client’s approach in the process of implement of the project successfully. These managerial and consulting roles include planning, organizing, staffing, directing, controlling, the leader, the liaison, the disseminator, the monitor, the entrepreneur, spokesperson and the disturbance handler. In this regard, various implementation strategies also were needed to be built such as location and pricing strategies (Wickham & Wickham, 2008). A consulting project aimed at creating specific outcome could be used to address and solve the problem in a much appropriate way. As the client wants to handle his departments such as financial performance management, supply chain management (SCM), manufacturing processes and sales thus job specific consulting project could be appropriate to provide attention in each single department. SAP ERP mainly delivers a comprehensive asset of business benefits that includes risk reduction, better financial management and corporate governance. As the firm was facing a problem related to the financial management

Poetry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 14

Poetry - Essay Example Four stanzas characterize The Road Not Taken, each having five lines. The scheme of the rhyme in the poem is ABAAB. This means that the rhymes are masculine and strict, meaning that the speaker is in a dilemma to choose a path that is rarely used by people. The poem the road not taken has received widespread recognition based on which it reflects dilemma when an individual has to make a choice in life. Based on the simple words used in The Road Not Taken the author employs (â€Å"I shall be telling this with a sigh / I took the one less travelled by†), scholars stipulate that the poem is easy to memorize without the reader really understanding it. In the case of the poem, the persona stipulates â€Å"the passing here/ Had won them really about the same.† Ideally, the two roads â€Å"that morning/ In leaves no step had trodden black.† This means that in the case of the two roads, one of them is less travelled. As such, it is inappropriate to ignore the after-effects prevalent based on the way in which they are portrayed in the poem, since the persona is unsure on the path in which he should follow. In this case, the speaker stipulates that â€Å"I took the less travelled by / And that has made all the difference.â €  The major attraction evident in the poem is the archetypal dilemma, meaning that the narrator cannot make the right decision on the path to follow. The reader encounters it both figuratively and literally numerous times and in an instantaneous manner. The paths present in the folks and woods reflect deep-rooted and ancient metaphors for a lifeline. In this case, the persona stipulates that â€Å"The roads diverged in a yellow road / To where it bent in the undergrowth.† They reflect crisis and decisions that one has to make in life. The similar folks are a symbol for fate and free will. People are free to choose anything, but they are unaware of what lays ahead based on the choice they make. The speaker states, â€Å"hen took the other, as

Effect of Foreign Direct Investment in the Retailing Sector

Effect of Foreign Direct Investment in the Retailing Sector The effect of foreign direct investment in the retailing sector  on the economy of Russia Abstract Following the dramatic, although sometime erratic growth of the retail sector in Russia, this paper provides an insight into the growth of this sector of the Russian economy, particularly concentrating upon the impact of foreign direct investment. As part of this process the research studies the potential benefits that are available to the foreign corporation together with the difficulties that making such an investment can experience. It is concluded that, providing Russia maintains a democratic political structure and can eliminate the adverse elements of their current system, such as corporate crime, the country provides an attractive market for retail globalisation, which will continue to benefit the Russian economy. Executive Summary Since the barriers of communism have been eradicated and a capitalist structure introduced, the Russian retail sector has experienced significant growth. As this report shows, much of this has been achieved through the relaxation of the Russian approach to foreign direct investment. From the research conducted for this paper it can be seen that FDI has contributed significantly to the present growth levels being experienced in Russia. Nevertheless, upon analysis of the benefits and disadvantages that face an international retailer wishing to take advantage of this emerging market place, it has been found that there are issues that need to be addressed if the current level of growth is to be sustained in the future. There is little doubt that, with the size of its consumer population and the continuing level of demand for western products, that Russia represents a major new market for the international retailer corporation. As revealed within this paper those who have already established outlets within this market place have already created a competitive advantage for their businesses. The report finds that there are some significant difficulties that still exist, which create a level of reluctance with new entrants. Most of these are based upon the demographic spread of the population, together with the cost of entry that is increased as a result of the current tax and regulatory regime. Similarly, the current domestic retailers are, in some instances, showing reluctance to participate in proposed mergers or takeovers. Whilst this low level of entry from external firms continues, the domestic retailers are also taking advantage of the situation by consolidating their own position within the market. This is being done by way of mergers and also by using the Western concept of retailing and extending their reach and coverage, not only through the main towns and cities, but also throughout the more rural areas. In reality, if they maintain these strategies, it will only serve to further increase the cost of entry to external firms and, from the FDI view, this would further delay their ability to benefit from the available market share. Therefore, we would suggest that two issues be addressed. That, if they wish to be active players in the increasing Russian retail market, the should evaluate whether the cost of immediate entry outweighs the potential loss of future competitive advantage. In respect of the Russian government, it is suggested that there should be consideration given to incorporating a more level of tariffs that is more in line with international standards, thereby increasing the attractiveness of their retail markets to foreign organisations. This is particularly important as they are also competing against other emerging countries and, if they want to benefit from the available investment, like the corporate retailers, they need to consider the advantage of early entry. Table of Contents Abstract Executive Summary Table of Contents List of Tables List of Figures List of Figures Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Motivation for the research 1.2. Aims and objectives 1.3 Overview Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Russian change to capitalism 2.2 The Russian Retail Sector 2.3 Foreign Investment in Russia’s Retail sector 2.4 Summary Chapter 2: Methodology 2.1. Research method 2.2. Research material choice 2.3. Research performance Chapter 3: Findings and Analysis 4.1 Russian retail sector 4.2 Foreign Direct Investment 4.3 Problems and benefits to FDI 4.4 Advantages of FDI to Russian Retail Sector Chapter 6: Conclusion Bibliography Books Journals List of Tables Table 2 FDI in emerging countries in Europe Table 3 Russian major retailers. Table 3 FDI levels 2006-2007 Table 4 Potential FDI retail entrants List of Figures Figure 1 Russian retail growth Figure 2 Breakdown of retail sales Figure 3 Russia Hot Drink sales Figure 4 retail sales 2005 Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Motivation for the research Since the Russian political environment changed in the early 1990’s from the closed communistic approach to the more open capitalist format, which has allowed for the involvement of external financial institutions and corporations, the country’s economy has undergone a dramatic evolutionary process. As a result of this change, and notwithstanding the severe difficulties experienced in 1998, the Russian economy has achieved a remarkable pattern of growth over the past two decades. Nowhere has this growth factor been more noticeable that in the country’s retail sector, which according to recent research (RNOS 2006) has seen a recent growth of 30.8%, of which the food sector itself accounted for 22%. The same report forecasts a dramatic increase on these figures by the end of 2008, with food sector growth expected to double. However, such a dramatic increase in the rate of growth experience could not have been achieved solely by the privatisation of the internal marketplace. As with the economies of other emerging capitalists markets the Russian retail sector has attracted the attention of international corporate players, who have shown an interest in opening outlets in places like Moscow so that they can gain a significant share of the extremely large Russian consumer market. Many international corporations have already established a presence in this marketplace and other corporations such as the American giant Wal-Mart are seriously discussing projects that help them gain entry to this sector of the Russian economy. 1.2. Aims and objectives The purpose of this paper is to evaluate what effect this FDI[1] by external corporations has had upon the Russian retail sector. In conducting this research the objectives are to: To provide a better understanding of the economic forces that currently operates in the Russian retail sector. To evaluate the benefits and difficulties experienced by foreign corporations that have already established a presence in the Russian retail sector. To provide an indication of the issues that corporation intending to invest in the Russian retail economy will need to consider. To evaluate the impact that FDI has on the Russian Retail market It is intended that this paper will add to the existing literature available on the issues raised and provide an indication of areas whether further research needs to be considered. 1.3 Overview Following on from this introduction a review and evaluation of the current available literature relating to the issues raised will be conducted in chapter two. In chapter three the methodology for our research is explained in detail and this is followed by an analysis and discussion of the findings of that research. Chapter five concludes the paper and includes appropriate recommendations as well as indications of where the authors feel that further research on the subject may be beneficial. Chapter 2: Literature Review Within this literature review it is the intention to provide an understanding of the historical growth of the Russian retail sector economy since the capital free-market approach was adopted. As an integral part of this review will concentrate upon the political structure and how this differs from that of more developed countries, such as the UK and US. Furthermore, this chapter will review research that has previously been conducted in respect of the external organisations that have already began to operate within this sector of the Russian economy, outlining the experiences that they have had working within this relatively new capitalist environment. 2.1 Russian change to capitalism Following the collapse of communism in the late 1980’s, Russia began the slow steps towards building a free market economy, and this has caught the attention of numerous academic writers and observers. Many researchers, such as Dyker (2004), Medvedev (2000) and Gustafon (2001), have commented upon the fact that in the initial stages this free-market development was hampered by the continuing power struggle that was still taking place between the old hardliners and the new democratic factions. However, when Yeltsin defeated the attempted coup in 1992, power was finally wrestled from the central politicians and the process of conversion to capitalism could and did begin (Medevdev 2000, p.11). This forward move to a capitalist structure was reinforced in the same year by the â€Å"de-controlling† of prices (Gustafon 2001, 10). However, like fledgling free market economies, in the early stages of development the transition bought with it some difficulties. One of the major difficulties was the financial problem resulting from falling output. A Dyker (2004, p.5) and Granville and Oppenheimer (2001, p.3), comment in their research, it was expected that the transition would be â€Å"weak†, and they have expressed some surprise that the West â€Å"despite their expertise on communist regimes,† as Granville and Oppenheimer (2001, p.3) comment, were not prepared for this event. Others have also commented upon the levels of dishonesty in those early years. In Vadim Volkov (2002, p.3 and p.10) study of the Russian Mafia and organised crime, he reveals that there was a significant rise in business crime, particularly extortion and protection rackets. Volkov’s research shows that by the end of the 1980’s the reported incidences had exceeded 4,500 per annum and that it continued to grow dramatically during the early part of the 1990’s, reaching a peak of 17,169 cases in 1996 and the state was struggling to control this situation. The only beneficial effect of this racketeering as far as Volkov (2002, p.142) was that it led to a growth of a retail security sector. Russia also experienced a significant financial disaster in 1998, which saw the relatively new stock market index fall to 38 points, a 60% drop on its opening position, during which time the country fell back on it â€Å"familiar trade activities and exported natural resources, together with outside help to survive the crisis (Turnock 2005, p.130). Things began to change when President Putin came to power. Despite the fact that many researchers consider his approach to be the creation of a â€Å"managed democracy† (Terterov 2005, p.3), with observers being particularly critical of the lack of competition during the 2004 elections. Despite this perception, Putin was able to restore some measure of order to the process of transition. It is the general view that most of Putin’s reforms, perhaps with the exception of the variety of legislations that â€Å"restricted companies freedom of [financial] action† (Granville and Oppenheimer 2001, p.218), did contribute to a more positive free-market economy evolution (Dyker 2004; Granville and Oppeheimer 2001 and Turnock 2005). As Hoffman (2003, p.372), a trustworthy retail-banking environment was being built and additionally retailing outlets being released from state ownership into the hands of private owners. Granville and Oppenheimer’s (2001, p.511) produced evidence of this from a survey, which reported that, â€Å"by the end of 1995, 34 per cent of retail pharmacies had become independent juridical entities.† Oleinik (2005, p.214) confirms this position, revealing, â€Å"Roughly 50 percent of State-owned retailers, wholesale enterprises, public catering and transport enterprises were privatised as of July 1994.† In fact, in the early years much of the early change to capitalism was centred on internalised privatisation and restructuring of the various infrastructures, which researchers such as Burawoy (1996) and Turnock (2002) considered being a normal part of the process to be conducted before economic evolution can begin. 2.2 The Russian Retail Sector Whilst Russia has relied heavily upon its traditional manufacturing and natural resources to provide economic growth in the past, with the onset of capitalisation, it has been widely acknowledged within researches (Gufaston 2001 and Medvevev 2000 are two of these), the retail sector began to have an increasing impact. In fact it is held that in Moscow, which accounts for 27% of the country’s retail trade, this and â€Å"the growth of its consumer sector was the main factor in Russias economic turnaround† (Gustafson 2001, p.186). Many writers have studied the retail phenomena in an attempt to provide an understanding of the theory surrounding it, and how groups within the retail arena will react (e.g. Porter 1979, 1980; McGee Thomas 1986; Caves Porter 1977, 1978). Roth and Klein (1999, p.173), produce a general system theory that results in a multiple of outcomes irrespective of the fact that all firms may be subject to the same environment. The retail development in Russia over the past decade or tow certainly follows this theory. The growth of firms has been subjected to the many differing consumer demands, with a historical preference for open market and small store shopping. Similarly the geographical situation is Russia, whit a small number of major towns and cities dispersed over a wide area, has made also affected their growth patterns. Despite the fact that it is generally consider that the authorities approach to the retail sector has been correct (Terterov 2005, p. 28), there are others that argue that â€Å"business found it hard going, burdened as they were not only by taxes and the extortions of corrupt officials but also by the cruel racketeering that kept growing stronger† (Medvedev 2000, p.23). Similarly, others believe that there the development of the consumer sector was poor (Dyker 2004, p.57) and, in comparison with more developed economies, the levels of â€Å"integration were rather low† (Wehrheim 2002, p.19). Furthermore, this is said to have led to a wide variance of standards, with some improving and others not (Medvevev 2000, p.91). Thus it is little wonder that such researchers in the early 2000’s, should consider that â€Å"Russia was not the most successful country in pursuing the shift from plan to market( Wehrheim 2003, p.17). However during the last five years this position has begun to change, with the retail sector now growing at a dramatic rate. In fact its growth position is second only to India. This is being partially attributed to the increase in personal and disposable income (see table 1), GDP and the rise in the currency value. (Newswire Today 2007). This growth is encouraging attention from foreign businesses, who are looking for business or joint-venture opportunities in the Russian retail sector, such as the food industry (Wehrheim 2003, p.136) 2.3 Foreign Investment in Russia’s Retail sector Prior to Gorbachev’s accession to the Russian Presidency, FDI in Russia had been banned since the late 1920’s (Brady 2000, p.185). However, since this ban was lifted, and particularly during the past decade, FDI has become an increasingly important part of Russia’s economic growth (Dyker 2004, p.207), However, FDI interest was slow to begin with. Turnock (2005, p.3) advances the theory that this was due to the fact that â€Å"Whilst FDI and economic growth are linked, it does not necessarily follow that FDI helps in improving the investment climate, it usually requires the climate to be good in the first place.† Similarly, as foreign investors had learnt with other emerging countries, there is no â€Å"pain without Gain (Dyker, 2004, p.20). Nevertheless, once the free-market economy begun to flourish for internal organisations, Western corporation became interested, and this led to an increase in investment from overseas, which rose by â€Å"155 in dollar terms† by the end of 1994 (Brady 2000, p.205). Investors wanted to get a share of the market stock, â€Å"even though they often knew nothing about the companies , a situation encouraged by Russian tycoons (Hoffman 2003, p.207 and p.361). The one incident that did produce an adverse effect to FDI in Russia was the financial crisis of 1998 when, because of the apparent inability of the market â€Å"to restore order in its economy has forced foreign investors to take their money and head for the exit† (Medvedev 2000, p.296) However, once this crisis had been resolved, the flow of FDI continued to grow (see table 2). By the end of 1995 it had reached a position where five percent of the Russian consumer market was in the hands of foreign owners or their subsidiaries (Medvedecv 2000, p.156). Table 2 FDI in emerging countries in Europe Source: Turnock 2005, p.5 The position has also increased dramatically in the years post those in the above table. For example, the CIA Fact book (2007) showed that FDI doubled from $14.6 billion to $30 billion between 2005 and 2006. These figures were building on the back of a $9.4 billion FDI amount in 2004 (Special Report 2005), and there is little sign of this situation slowing down in the foreseeable future. In addition to the taking over of domestic retailers, foreign corporations are also setting up their own within the country, with Ikea, which â€Å"has 50,000 workers and 159 stores in 29 countries making and selling over 10,000 articles around the world and is one of the largest furniture companies† (Turnock 2005, p.237) being one of the most noticeable. 2.4 Summary It would appear from the literature that has been reviewed here that, whilst most academics agreed that Russia’s road to capitalism had a less than favourable start, and was also interrupted by the crisis of 1998, it’s economic growth has now become more stable and, despite the current political disquiet that exists about the country, the current levels of growth and FDI are set to continue for the foreseeable future. Chapter 2: Methodology 2.1. Research method Due to the complexities of the research being undertaken, together with the geographical and time constraints, it was felt that the best method of approach for this research was to use a quantitative approach. In view of the study being conducted, it is felt that this approach a wealth of literature, information that would span a sufficient level of governmental, independent observers and research sources to enable this paper to achieve its objectives. Similarly, such is the breadth of these resources that it is felt they ensure accuracy and ample range for comparative purposes. In the view of the author this approach has provided an adequate research base for purpose of this study. 2.2. Research material choice In terms of the government resources, the relevant data has been selected from various national international and global organisations. Other data in respect of FDI and the retail sector activity within the Russian market place, has been collected and researched using academic publications, together with industry news and press reports, supported by surveys and other technical data. Furthermore, we have used the data available on several corporate bodies that have secured a position within this market sector. 2.3. Research performance Using this data, the first step was to study the movement of the retail sector itself during the past few years, then to outline the events within the foreign direct investment factor, including a brief study of some of the external corporations that have sought to invest in this market place. During this process we have been able to also identify the benefits and disadvantage that such a move might bring to the investing corporation company. From these actions we have then been able to conduct analysis and outline areas for discussion. Chapter 3: Findings and Analysis 4.1 Russian retail sector The Russian retail sector, as previously indicated previously, has seen a period of continued growth since the beginning of this century. According to research carried out by RNCOS (2006), The market in 2004 grew to a value of $193.2 million, which represents a year-on-year performance increase of nearly thirty one percent, making in one of the most attractive retail markets globally. The same report also states that the expectation is for the growth rate to continue to exceed GDP during the course of the following years. Later resources available from the Russian Trade federation (see figure 1), show that this growth is continuing and is anticipated to accelerate in the next three years, with the major concentration on the main cities and towns. Figure 1 Russian retail growth Source http://www.russiantradeny.com/index.php?chapter=rtaction=showid=41 Additionally, the Russian statistics service (Rosstat) have released figures for the first quarter of 2007, which show that in that period alone the grown has been 13.6%, which at $117.456 billion, puts the sector on course to reach $500 billion for the who year. , in Russia, retail sales grew 13.6% YOY to reach the level of 3.043 Trillion Rubles (US$117.456757 Billion) from January to April 2007. However, retail sales grew 13.8% to reach around 814.8 billion rubles (US$31.4504652 Billion) in this April alone. A further report by Kuipers (2006) shows a further breakdown of these sales. From this analysis, it can be seen that, whilst food retail is growing appreciably at 17.6%, the non-feed area is doing even better (see figure 2). Figure 2 Breakdown of retail sales Of these amounts approximately 48% represent retail sales attributed to imported goods. The increases n this area has been brought about partially as a result of recent changes that the Russian authorities have made to various duties and levies. For example, as a recent Euromonitor (2006) study shows, the import duty on â€Å"raw coffee beans was abolished in 2006, with the direct intention of encouraging new players such as Nescafe and Starbucks. The following graph shows the effect that it is estimated this will have on the market for hot drink sales over the next few years. Figure 3 Russia Hot Drink sales There has been a significant growth of retail in the past few years in Russia and, as a result of this, Russia’s 76.3% increase in trade outlets is out-stripping the performance of other Eastern European countries (Czech 0% and Croatia 17%) and Europe as a whole (20%). The generally held view, as voiced by Vitaly Podolskyi, CFO of the Russian retailer Pyaterochka, during an interview with Kuipers (2006), is that by 2010 Russia could well become the largest retail market in Europe. However, in a later interview Vitaly Podolskyi, also stated that it was a difficult sector for domestic retailers, and for foreign entrants who were seeking to establish a profitable business in a reasonable timescale, simply because of the geographic fragmentation of the market place. In this respect his view was that for the foreseeable future, the best route for new entrants would be by mergers and acquisitions. As will be seen later this is a route already being preferred by some of the countries domiciled retail corporations. This view is supported by other research conducted by Kuipers (2006), which confirms that the country’s retail sales are still being generated upon old traditional lines. As can be seen from the following graph (figure 4) (Kuipers 2006), nearly half of all shopping is conducted in open-air markets, with modern trade outlets accounting for only around 20%. and the rest being generated through smaller outlets. Figure 4 retail sales 2005 Much of the reason for the slow pace of change in consumer buying habits is because of the fact that most development in this sector has taken place in the major cities such as Moscow and others mentioned in figure 1 above (see page 20). As mentioned earlier, with such a large geographical area and spread of population involved, it is difficult to impact these methods upon the larger population. However, as the growth rates in these metropolis begin to slow down, so the major retailers are beginning to look for growth further afield (Zeitung 2004), this is currentlu concentrated upon areas where the population is more than one million, but as this development continues, as with economies like the UK, smaller areas of population will no doubt be targeted in the future. As of 2004, as reported in a study conducted by Harri Larentz,, the major retailers within the Russian sector are still predominantly of domestic origin (see Table 3), with only three external competitors at that time. These can generally be broken down into three types of operators. †¢ discounters – developed by Magnit, Pyaterochka, Dixi and Kopeika. They feature a limited assortment (up to 4,500 SKUs), selling space of 250-1,000 m ², and a gross margin of 17-24 per cent. They are normally located in residential areas. †¢ traditional supermarkets – developed by Seventh Continent, Perekriostok, Ramstore, Rewe and, recently, by Auchan, with locations in city centres, along highways and in residential areas. Typically they generate a gross margin of 25-32 per cent and have an assortment of up to 20,000 SKUs. †¢ hypermarkets – developed by Auchan, Metro, Perekriostok, Mosmart, Lenta, Karousel and Seventh Continent – with selling space from 4,000-16,000 m ², 15,000-40,000 SKUs and a gross margin of 13-20 per cent. However, since this report was produced, the chains of Pyaterochka and Perekrestok have been merged to form the largest food retailer in the country by turnover.(X5 Retail Group NV 2007). Table 3 Russian major retailers. Source: Harri Lorentz 2004 From the consumers viewpoint, these new retail formats are having a beneficial effect, and not only in increasing the range of choice, but in the early days they increased the consumers purchasing power by bringing down price increases, although in latter years this has not been maintained (Anon 2005). Although the Russian economy experienced a downturn during the first half of 2005, from 7.6% to 5.6%, the position has improved since then, and the advances being made within the retail sector are driving much of this improvement. 4.2 Foreign Direct Investment As has been previously identified within this research, FDI is continuing to increase within the Russian economy (see table 2, p.16) and the latest figures produced by the Russian Federal state statistics service confirms this position for 2006-2007 (see table 3 below). However, as can be seen from this table. The amount of FDI directed at the retail sector is still a relatively small percentage of the overall investment. Table 3 FDI levels 2006-2007 Nevertheless, although this is the case, some of the balance of FDI is going to manufacturing industries that serve as production and supplier organisations for the retail sector. For example, in 2006 Nestle and their main competitor Kraft â€Å"launched and built† instant coffee production facilities (Eurmonitor 2006), which will no doubt encourage other foreign corporations to make the same move. Food Retailers There are already some international corporations already investing in the retail sector. As was noted in the report by Harri Larentz (2004), Auchan from France, Martloraf and Metro from Germany, Ramstore from Turkey, Spar from the Netherlands and Stockmann from Finland already have a foot in the door. But, apart from Ramstor and Metro, which have around 2 and six stores respec