Walt Disney Company

Strategic Business Units and application in Disney Strategic Business Units are the divisions that an organization creates to deal with specific issues affecting it in the market (Koontz Weihrich, 2007). They are usually self-contained in that they operate independent of the other units in an organization.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Walt Disney Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The pooling of different sections of an organization allows SBUs to cut across diverse lines and geographical locations in order to serve specific market needs more efficiently (Koontz Weihrich, 2007). For the SBUs to achieve their intended goals, they need to account for corporate responsibilities and the needs of the organization. This way, it becomes easier to allocate finances and resources and hold each unit accountable for its deeds. The Walt Disney Company has four SBUs in its organizational structure (Banton, 200 8). The four strategic business units found in Walt Disney are Disney consumer products which develops and sells Disney branded products, studio entertainment (which comprise of theater and music divisions), park and resorts (responsible for the operation of the holiday resorts and theme parks), and media and broadcasting (which gathers the entities entailed in the promotion and advertising of the brands through the media) (Banton, 2008). Walt Disney uses SBUs to independently reach its different segments in the market. This is an indication of just how diversified the company is. This has ensured that the company reaches its different consumers in different geographical regions by pooling of resources from different units in a more efficient manner. As a result, Disney has managed to maintain its market share, consumers, competitive edge, and profits. Vision and mission statements A mission statement describes the fundamental purpose of the company. In this case, it tries to explai n why the company exists (Ledgerwood, 2006). On the other hand, a vision statement focuses on the future of the organization as it tries to answer what it would like to achieve. In general, the difference between a vision and mission statement is that whereas the latter places more emphasis on the present state of an organization, the former emphasizes on the future of the organization. Walt Disney Company operates using a mission statement without the inclusion of a vision statement across all its strategic business units. The reason why a company may choose to operate with a mission statement and not the vision statement is that a mission statement clarifies a company’s direction, purpose and values (Ledgerwood, 2006). For example, Disney’s mission statement contains all these aspects as its direction is to develop the most innovative and creative experiences based on profitable entertainment (Branton, 2008). Its values are upheld on its usage of brand portfolio in t he provision of its products and services. The direction of an organization defines its vision. Therefore, in one way or another, a mission statement contains a vision statement albeit indirectly.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another useful aspect for using a mission statement is that it finds application in the process of strategic planning as it defines the values and specifies products of a company, services, target consumers, profitability, growth plans, geographical allocations, and its philosophy (David, 2009). This can be used to focus on the present and the future. Therefore, a company can operate without the inclusion of a vision statement as a mission statement is more powerful and acts as a directive to the company. Copyright Infringement Some of Walt Disney’s strategic units have been involved in copyright infringement especially the media networks , broadcasting and consumer products units. For instance, the company has been in and out of lawsuits after some companies used the Disney consumer products or brands without consultation. According to Smoodin (1994), Disney is usually anxious and litigious when its copyrights are infringed. For instance, when Ontario town in Canada planned to celebrate by erecting a statute that resembled the Milne character, Walt Disney warned that its copyrights had been violated (Smoodin, 1994). A deal had to be struck to solve the issue. In another incident in Florida, the Disney characters were used without proper license, prompting Walt Disney to sue the company as they believed that Mickey Mouse was part of its copyrights and the use of stakeholders finances had to be accounted for. In 1989, Disney sued Motion pictures academy for using its characters in a production that was termed as awful (Smoodin, 1994). The motion picture academy had to apologize publicly to Walt Disney as this was a cl assic example of copyright infringement. The company also sued 500 vendors as defendants on the claim that they had sold fake movies. The reason behind these lawsuits it to protect Walt Disney’s intellectual properties from companies willing to use them maliciously or by taking advantage of its brand name. The use of copyrights gives a company a competitive edge as it reduces the number of players in the market. Furthermore, a company is also able to control its products. This reduces competition encouraging innovation and creativity in the production sector. The company has also been able to make profits by selling its copyrighted products. Selling or using of products and services that are not copyrighted implies that the owner of the intellectual property does not get proceeds from the sales made. In order to safeguard its key assets, Walt Disney has to cooperate with other players in the economy by ensuring that its products are copyrighted and the laws distributed to its collaborators. Walt Disney can also collaborate with other Hollywood companies to ensure that proper mechanisms are put into place to counter copyright infringements. Economic Downturn During the Great Depression it is claimed that individuals indulged in movies as a way of escaping from reality. The current economic downturn is affecting almost all strategic business units of Walt Disney. For example, before the 2008 market and financial crisis, the parks and the resorts were the largest contributor of the Disney’s growth.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Walt Disney Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, the financial crisis has since reduced the disposable income of the consumers leading into inclination to the Disney theme park visitors (Branton, 2008). People can no longer afford the luxury of visiting the park as inflation has increased the cost of living and consumers have to live w ithin their budgets. Watching movies from networks and broadcasting channels owned by Disney has not been affected much as people continue to watch these movies. However, cinema halls have been adversely affected as the cost of living has doubled. For example, during the Great Depression the fuel price was not affected as is the case now. People are trying to minimize their electricity bills and the cost of fueling their cars to and fro the movie cinemas halls. This will adversely affect the studio entertainment as the cost of fuel has limited consumers’ disposable income. Therefore entertainment expenses have increased (Branton, 2008) forcing them to turn to low cost entertainment. However, watching movies does not require a great or real deep economic crisis to act as a motivator. Based on scientific studies, people always want to be entertained when they are in bad moods or situations (Pincus-Roth, 2009). People consume entertainment as part of their adaptive measures in m ood management. Therefore, the current global recession is not likely to reduce the number of movie goers. Disney will continue to have more movie consumers but not around the cinemas. Since the company has initiated entertainment through the internet and the iPhones, the entertainment strategic unit will not be affected much by the recession. Business strategic units are essential in operations of a company as they assist in developing a competitive edge within an organization. Walt Disney has been using SBUs to reach different segments of its target population (David, 2009). Intellectual property rights like copyrights reduce copyright infringements as they protect the owner from competitors and other users. It also gives a competitive edge to the company. Through regulations, issues associated with copyrights can be minimised. People like entertainment as a part of mood management. Therefore, the current recession is less likely to affect the entertainment sector of Disney Compan y. However, its cinemas and park themes and resorts will be adversely affected as the cost of living; fuel, unemployment, and inflation have risen affecting the disposable income of the people. Reference List Branton, M. (2008). Walt Disney Company-2007. 30-43. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall/PearsonAdvertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More David, F.R. (2009). BUS 490: Strategic management concepts and cases: 2009 custom edition (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall/Pearson Koontz, H., Weihrich, H. (2007).  Essentials of management: An international perspective. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill. Ledgerwood, J. (2006).  Transforming microfinance institutions: Providing full financial services to the poor. Washington, DC: World Bank Pubns. Pincus-Roth, Z. (April 12, 2009). â€Å"Hollywood tries to come up with its best recession fare†. Los- Angeles Times. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-apr-12-ca-escape12-story.html Smoodin, E. L. (1994). Disney discourse: Producing the magic kingdom. Newyork, NY: Routledge publishers. This case study on Walt Disney Company was written and submitted by user Kabuki to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Walt Disney Company The Walt Disney Company was established in the year 1923 by two brothers: Roy Disney and Walt Disney. The company started from a very humble beginning as a cartoon studio, but later ventured deeply into the entertainment industry by introducing its own films such as the animated films.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Walt Disney Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Today this company has many affiliate companies and also sells consumer products such as clothes and electronics. Moreover, Walt Disney Company has improved its productivity because of good organizational culture that is practiced by employees and stakeholders of the organization. Disney encouraged people to participate in the civil war by producing pieces that expressed the theme of fighting during the First World War. Victory Through Air Power and Education for Death are among the films that were used to spread awareness during the civil war. However, Walt Disney died in 1966, and five years later his brother also passed on. Their death was a big blow to the company, but fortunately the people who were left in charge of the company had been trained by the two brothers, and thus they were able to follow their legacy (Neal, 2007). The success of Walt Disney Company is owed to its strong emphasis on values and work ethics. The company’s values include innovation, quality, community, storytelling, optimism, and decency. The values are part of Disney’s core mission of â€Å"providing quality entertainment for people around the world† (Disney, n.d, para. 2). The company has an established code of ethics that must be observed by all employees regardless of their location or duty. The company is committed to the wellness of its employees and this is done by availing a favorable working environment where there are adequate and efficient channels of communication between the employees and the administrat ors. In addition, Neal (2009) outlines that the company strives to produce goods and services of the best quality which is essential to meeting its customers’ needs. The items and services offered by Disney are regularly vetted to make sure they are safe. The success of quality is attributed to efficient communication between the customers and the company; customers provide feedback on Disney’s products to help the company in improving product quality. Cohesion is also encouraged at Walt Disney, which makes it possible for employees to team up in achieving organizational goals. The teams at Walt Disney are comprised of people from various backgrounds and it is this diversity that guarantees excellence due to the difference in skills and abilities.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Likewise, the company is recognized as an equal opportunity employer becau se it does not discriminate against race, gender or any other matter. Furthermore, if an employee has to be fired there are established procedures that are to be followed to retain the integrity of the company and the employee (Neal, 2007). Similarly, the company boasts of many achievements one of them being the setting up of Disney parks which are used as parents and children amusement parks. The company has won various trophies in the past such as the academy award, which was accorded to The Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs films. Moreover, the company has managed to buy most companies in the entertainment industry and some of them include Marvel Entertainment and ABC. In this light, Miner (2007) suggests that when the espoused values of an organization align with its enacted values, the company is able to increase its productivity. Disney’s achievements show that the company’s values are appreciated by its employees and the target market because it fulfils their expe ctations. Despite all these achievements Walt Disney has encountered a lot of resistance from people who argued that some of its films had sexually explicit content. The Catholic Church in the US has been discouraging its followers from purchasing products made by Walt Disney because of the company’s stand on homosexuality. Even though the two brothers are long dead, the company has continued to thrive day after day because of good organizational culture. References Disney. (n.d). The Walt Disney Company and Affiliated Companies – Culture. Retrieved from https://jobs.disneycareers.com/ Miner, J. (2007).Organizational Behavior: From Theory to Practice. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe, Inc. Neal, G. (2007).Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. New York: Random House.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Walt Disney Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This research paper on Walt Disney Company was written and submitted by user Braydon Wright to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Major Developments in China Since 1976 essays

Major Developments in China Since 1976 essays The year 1976 was a watershed year for the development of China. Three of the most senior officials of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) - Zhou Enlai, Zhu De and Mao Zedong - died in that year. The year was also marked by mass demonstrations and criticism of the Maoist regime. When Deng Xiaoping attained power in 1978 he created a new atmosphere of political and economic promise, which in many ways sharply contradicted governmental and political proceedings of the previous two decades. One of the most significant changes implemented by Xiaoping was on the economic front, which included a series of far-reaching economic reforms.. Yet, the most essential change in China since 1976 has been the decisive move away from the Maoist emphasis and focus on the class and political struggle to a There are many reasons for the reforms in China. The fact that the previous communist reforms were not capable of sustaining and creating economic growth in the country is one of the reasons for the reforms. Other very cogent reasons are that China needed to join the international community for economic and developmental reasons; and because China had for many years come under pressure, particularly in terms of its social traditions, to conform to international standards. The demand for modernization is an important aspect that contributed to China's reform and this was increased by Western influences. China eventually had to face the reality that political strategies alone could not increase productivity. This issue came to a head in the 1970's and resulted in the "Four Mobilizations" program, which was intended to reform and energize the Chinese economy. These mobilizations or areas of focus were agriculture, industry, science and technology and the military. The important aspect that underl...

Changing Role of Women in Hamlet by Shakespeare

The role of women changed dramatically with time. Women are no longer considered low-income and can always stand in the shadows of men, share light, and stand on their side evenly. It was a tough fight, many people failed the battle, but eventually I found an equal way. In the 16th century, women were mainly used as maids and mothers, but men liked working with men. Ophelia is no exception in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. In the past, it has played a small role in society. According to social, economic, and political women, Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' play women are not portrayed as important persons. Female characters in drama such as Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, Ophelia Hamlet's lover, etc are all complex and contrary to each other. This is two different roles, but Shakespeare explains that their small role is negative. Acceptance in the world, and their sorrow Caroline Miller Tuck English Lady 124 November 30, 2015 Hamlet playwright, women of the poet William Shakespeare live in tim es when women have no chance. For example, women can not act in dramas, but female roles. This women's perspective was brought to Shakespeare's role in his play. This is the most evident of the tragedy of Danish Prince Hamlet. - It is sustained, reality is an illusion (Albert Einstein). This view of life is surrounded by many literary works. In many cases, the main character must distinguish between reality and fraudulent fantasy. The hero continues to explore resolve to solve the dilemma confronting the enemy. Likewise, the enemy must maintain the illusion of hairspring to manipulate the hero In order to understand the analysis drama of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, first you must understand the basic principle of drama, that is, the main character, confrontation, expo, ascending behavior, crisis, climax, determination. I will study William Shakespeare's Hamlet. This is a good example of this article. It shows a clear and excellent example. The main character, the main figure of th e play. This is his or her story. - Analysis of William Shakespeare 's Hamlet Regardless of past, present and future, the whole world consists of a series of events that inspired ideas from a series of actions.

Hewitt v Debus Case Note Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hewitt v Debus Case Note - Essay Example The vendor issued a notice of termination, and the solicitors for Debus alleged misrepresentation. Hewitt sold the property to another buyer, Mr. Darren Gillham, with their agreement being â€Å"subject to and conditional upon† termination of the agreement with Debus. Debus treated Hewitt termination as repudiation and she terminated the agreement herself. Debus did not seek a similar remedy, however she emphasized that her termination of the contract was valid and claimed substantial refund of the money she had paid. She demanded that Hewitt return the money she had paid. A trial judge decided that the purchaser was right because in accordance to the law, a purchaser cannot have both the land and purchase price. The vendor demanded leave to appeal. The application was heard on full submission so that, in case she was granted the leave to appeal, the appeal would be decided without a further hearing. The central matter in this appeal was whether the deed provided that time was important in the performance of Hewitt obligations to pay the amounts required by Clauses 1(c) and (d) and whether the contract between the two parties was validly terminated by the vendor’s notice of termination. Facts The vendor is entitled to terminate for a failure by the purchaser to comply with any term of the agreement irrespective of whether it is an essential term The vendor has a right to terminate where the purchaser fails to pay deposit on time or dishonours cheque for the deposit. Issue The main issue in this case was whether time was important in the performance of Hewitt obligations to pay the amounts required under their agreement and whether the vendor’s notice of termination validly terminated the contract. Holding The seller has a right to terminate for a breach of any term of the agreement irrespective of whether it is an essential term. Analysis Time was not of essence for the payments of the amounts referred in the agreement because the contract was closely similar to a contract for sale of land. A condition of time in land sale contract in equity is not important unless there are special circumstances and the contract has to clearly state that time is essential and has to be implicit from the nature of the contract in the surrounding circumstances. The agreement between the Hewitt and Debus did not have any special circumstances, which implicitly made time for performance important. Because there was no stipulation of time, the vendor was not entitled to terminate the contract because of a delay in the purchaser performing her obligation to pay the instalments. If the period were an essential obligation under the agreement, Hewitt would have been entitled to terminate the contract because of Debus having not considerably performed the necessary obligations. Debus failure to perform within the reasonable period constituted a breach of contract, however Hewitt was not entitled to terminate the contract because Debus substant ially performed part of her obligations. The judges cited section 13 of the Conveyance Act to determine whether a time stipulation was essential in equity. From the act, the judges construed that in case the vendor did not regard time to be essential in

Role of Mentor in Evaluating Student Learning Essay

Role of Mentor in Evaluating Student Learning - Essay Example NMC (2008) emphasizes that qualified mentors are equipped with certain qualities which helps them to facilitate learning and assess students in practice settings. Some of these qualities as defined by Kerry and Mayes (1995) are: role modelling; nurturing attribute; capable of enhancing professional competencies of mentee; and building constructive relationship not only as teacher, friend or counsellor but as one of carer that is sustained over a period of time. The mentors exert extensive influence on the learners and often act as role models for them. Consequently, the moral responsibilities of mentor are significantly more pronounced. Most importantly, in the era of fast globalization, ethical considerations and moral obligations become critical factors in healthcare industry and effective mentoring helps to inculcate and promote ethics within their profession. As per NMC (2008), mentoring involves eight major roles as: preceptor; assessor; clinical educator; clinical supervision; clinical supervisor; Practice teacher; registrant, supervisor. Preceptor primarily has basic minimum qualification of atleast twelve months’ experience in the desired area.UK government provides the facility of preceptors to all new nurses to help them to become dedicated registrants. While assessor is equipped with necessary skills to assess students’ competencies, Clinical educators, clinical supervision and clinical supervisor help the nursing students to enhance their skills in clinical setting through effective feedback. Waskett (2010) believes that it helps the students to become confident and acquire skills that improve their performance. The rest of the roles of mentor differ with different areas in healthcare and medical environment. Hawkins and Shohet (2006) assert that supervisors as mentors are important as they help

Users Who Will Benefit from Financial Statements Essay Example for Free

Users Who Will Benefit from Financial Statements Essay The users of Financial Statements need them in order to satisfy some of their different needs for information. The following are the users and the ways in which they use this information in their decision making. Investors They are the providers of Capital for the entity. They require information in order to determine whether they should buy hold or sell. Shareholders are also interested in information which enables them to assess the ability of the entity to pay dividends. Employees They are interested in the information since they need to know about the stability and profitability of their employers. They are also interested in information which provides remuneration, retirement benefits and employment opportunities. Lenders Are interested in information that enable them to determine whether their loans and interest attached to them will be paid when due. Suppliers and other Creditors They require information in determining whether the amounts due to them will be paid when due. Trade creditors are likely to be interested in information an entity over a shorter period than lenders unless they are dependent upon the continuation of the entity as a major customer. Government and its agencies They are interested in allocation of resources, and therefore, the activities of entities. They also require information in order to regulate the activities of entities, determine taxation policies and as the basis for National income and similar statistics. Public Entities make a substantial contribution to the local economy in many ways including the number of people they employ and their patronage of local suppliers. Financial Statements may assist the public by providing information about the trends and recent developments in the prosperity of the entity and range of its activities.

What It Means To Be Australian :: essays research papers

What It Means To Be an Australian Australia is a very unique place, along with our multiculturalism there is also a strong heritage surrounding us. At first thought of Australian heritage we think about such landmarks as Uluru, The Sydney harbour bridge and The Sydney opera house, The Great Barrier reef and other internationally recognised places. But our heritage goes much deeper than that; it is far more than outstanding icons. Along with these icons there are also unsung places like the old cattle stations, Aboriginal missions, migrant hostels, War memorials, our unique wetlands and the towns and cities we have built. Adding all of these things together, helps to tell the story of who we are and how we have shaped this land in the unique identity it has today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  But familiar landmarks and also the unfamiliar ones aren't the whole make-up of Australia's heritage. It's the people that make a difference. Australia is made up of people from all walks of life who have migrated here for different reasons. Among these, the most common migrants are from Greece, Italy, Russia and Asia. Australia is made up of material culture: the places and objects, but also Living culture: In forms such as Music, Crafts, Literature etc. It is an interplay between international cultures and beliefs, the claims of nationalism and ethnic and religious traditions, as well as the local and community priorities that’s make up the unique Australian heritage. The Aboriginal people of Australia were here thousands of years before European settlement and we forced them to adapt to the changes of environment around them. This change might be for better or worse, but we will never find out. But with the European settlement came the birth of industry, agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, manufacture, electricity, gas and water just to name a few.

Popular Culture: Effects of Big Corporations on Society Essay

The field of business plays an important role in the economies of various countries as well as the financial robustness of the world market. In this realm, big corporations have larger responsibilities in steering the direction of the economy in terms of the decisions that they make and the operations that they do. Their influence is not merely over other smaller corporations or companies because they also have a great impact in the society. These large corporations affect the society in numerous ways especially when it comes to the different means by which they approach their clients in marketing their products or services. However, the impact of these corporations still needs to be analyzed especially on how they shape the society at large. There are observable advantages and disadvantages that big corporations have over the general public that must be given due attention. It is the aim of this paper to identify and discuss the role of large corporations in the society. In line with this, the part that big corporations contribute in the field of business and in sustaining the needs and wants of the public will also be emphasized. Furthermore, the methods that most of these companies use in their business operations like commercials, advertisements, and mainstream media will also be accounted for. Lastly, the impact and effects of large corporations and the means that they use will also be assessed in terms of how it control the trends and fads in the society as well as how an individual view his or her self. Large Corporations Despite the feeling of some people with regards to the behaviour and mode of operation of large corporations, they cannot deny that this institution also have a contribution in the society. These corporations are mainly responsible in the material well-being of most people. It is through the services and products that they render that the public could be able to have their necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. Almost all corporate employees work everyday in order to cater to the needs and wants of the people. This kind of situation is very observable in the current society wherein almost everything in the lives of most individuals involves corporate business. The corporations have its faults and failures but the fact still remains that the corporation is an efficient institution that was created by human beings for the purpose of distributing resources for individual’s usage (Bishop). However, the corporations’ efficiency in doing its purpose comes with a cost. Some people are saying that in order for the corporation to function the society must give this institution the leeway when it comes to societal constraints so that they can pursue material ends. Having the freedom from political, moral, and ethical concerns has largely benefited these corporations but these have been a source of frustration by most governmental and social organizations. Serious concerns have resulted in the leniency that corporations has such as: pollution, environmental degradation, product disposal, natural resource depletion, worker welfare, urban decay as well as the long-term health effects from their improper waste management. According to Bishop Rooke, these issues are indeed important and must be immediately address. However, if the corporations were not given the freedom with regards to societal constraints then this would dampen the development of the modern industrial society. The World of Marketing Baker regards marketing as a field of discipline and an endeavour which existed for a considerable amount of time in the world to date but remains to be something that still brings fascination and wonders to today’s organizations (3). The primary goal and focus of the efforts of marketing is to inform the people with regard to the products and services (Steinberg 1). For large corporations, this is used in launching the products and services that they have and introducing it to their target market with the idea that the population from the said group should be enticed to buy the product that is being presented. This serves as the connection between the companies and the society wherein the former infuses several values to the latter through the use of different forms of media such as that of the television, the radio, the internet, the newspapers, and other print and visual forms so long as it allows them to create an image for the products. In doing so, the companies are able to make their corresponding contribution to the popular culture of the society. As previously mentioned, there are certain values that are sent with the marketing efforts of the companies. In identifying the relationship between popular culture and the different forms of marketing campaigns that affect it, it is important to define what popular culture means. McGowan and Kitson defines popular culture as â€Å"entertainment that is produced by the culture industries, composed of symbolic content, mediated widely, and consumed with pleasure† (138). Popular Culture and Marketing of Large Companies The relationship between popular culture and the marketing of large companies may be seen as two-fold. Popular culture serves as the sources of ideas for the marketing efforts of the large companies. Just the same, the biases that are contained within the marketing activities, such as advertising, commercials, and mainstream media, also affect and revolve back into the popular culture of the society. The latter relationship between the two serves as the focus of the next discussion. Several forms of technological advances today has allowed the large companies to create images within their advertisements, which may or may not reflect what is real. While deception could be seen as an element of the marketing efforts and activities, people could not easily filter this easily. These images created by the large companies easily â€Å"circulate in culture† (Schroeder 7). This is because of the ease that is associated with technological advancements to reach a wider set of audience and deliver their messages with much impact. A classic example of how the media has affected the popular culture is the way the concept of beauty is reflected and perceived by people. For example, companies such as Max Factor and Ponds, large corporations which deal with products related to aesthetics, are giving much emphasis on beauty that adheres to the standards of the white Europeans and Americans (Moreno 137). It is important to note that since these large companies caters to international consumers, they are able to affect the perceptions of people from outside the European and American countries with regard to beauty. The result is a notion created that people need to be white, tall, slim, and adopt the characteristics of people from these countries in order to become beautiful. In a sense, the advertisements and the commercials launched by the large companies have limited the images of beauty and make a limited sense of the values and characteristics that people should accept. Along with this, discrimination is felt by those who are not able to follow the trends set by the marketing campaigns of the large companies. Likewise, the very nature of these companies, wherein they are capable of making big initiatives, are financially stable, and are able to establish their names and credibility, has strengthened their impact with that of the society. To a certain extent, their words are seen as something that people follow because they have created a sense of influence and are seen as leaders in the industries to which they belong. Conclusion Large companies have affected the society in several ways. First, they have made their organizations available and answerable to the different societal concerns. This is brought about by the need for them to abide by the principles of corporate social responsibility. Second, they have affected the popular culture such that their marketing efforts have led them to send messages and images that are accepted by the society. It is important for the people to filter these images. Likewise, it is necessary that a review of the ethical conducts of the companies is maintained.

Computer technology Essay

The salon I am doing on is a business owned by Boitumelo Michaels. It is a privately owned company that specializes in doing different types of hair-does. Her business is located in Mododitshane. She has about fifteen helpers helping her in treating the customers. Computer Project Questions 1. What kind of work does your business specialize in? 2. Do you use computers in your business? 3. Would you like your business to be computerized? 4. Where do you keep information about your customers? 5. Do you have problems with your existing system? 6. What kind of files do you keep? 7. What kind of problems do you face in your business? Do you keep records of all receipts incase of emergencies? 9. Do you know how to use a computer? 10. How do you want the new system to help you? 2. SUMMARY Though this company uses a manual system, its sales are very high and they receive more and more customers each year. Miss Michaels handles everything including employing assistances. She keeps all her appointments in a book and all her stock purchase in a different book. She writes down receipts for her customers and also keeps a record of the receipts that she has given out. She would like her business to be computerized one day when she has enough profit. She also knows how to use computer and therefore she would have no problem in using them. The new system to be developed is a system that covers everything in the business, including its finance, customers, appointments and others. Everything from the old system is going to be transferred to the new system. If this system works without fail, it is possible, in the near future, to update everything that has been stored in the computer system. Also in the new system, information will be typed directly into the computer and all kinds of calculations will be done on the computer as well. SOFTWARE After I described all kinds of software to Miss Michaels, she decided to use Microsoft Access 2000 in the new system. She said that she would also like to use Microsoft word and Excel 2000. HARDWARE Miss Michaels said she would like to buy a computer that is Window ’00. She would be using an inkjet printer, which is pretty fast, to print out what she needs. Miss Michaels would like to buy an Intel Inside Pentium 11. I advise her to do so because this kind of computer is quite fast when using. USER LEVEL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS Miss Michaels has gone to a computer college, and therefore she is very familiar with the layout of the keyboard. She would have no trouble with the new system. She also learnt a little about some of the hardware on computers and therefore she would have no problem in using Microsoft Access. Miss Michaels has requested to use Microsoft Access; therefore a database package would be needed for this. She will be using the most commonly used programming languages rather than any old or confusing one. Microsoft Access has all the requirements that are needed in the formation of the new system.

The Normal Heart

The Normal Heart Larry Kramer wrote The Normal Heart, a semi-autobiographical award-winning play based on his experiences as a gay man during the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York. The protagonist, Ned Weeks, is Kramer’s alter ego - an outspoken and acerbic personality who was the voice of reason so many people both inside and outside the gay community refused to listen to or follow. Kramer himself originated the Gay Men’s Health Crisis which was one of the first groups founded to help victims of AIDS and spread awareness of the disease. Kramer was later forced out of the group he helped to found due to the board of directors feeling he was over confrontational and hostile. Sexual Revolution In the beginning of the 1980s, the gay population in America was experiencing a sexual revolution. Especially in New York City, gay men and women finally felt free enough to come â€Å"out of the closet† and express pride in who they were and the lives they wished to lead. This sexual revolution coincided with the outbreak of HIV/AIDS and the only prevention advocated by medical personnel at that time was abstinence. This solution was unacceptable to a population of oppressed people who had finally found freedom through sexual expression. Kramer and his alter ego Ned Weeks, did his best to talk to his friends, send out information, and get government assistance to convince the gay community of the real and present danger of the as yet unnamed plague that was being transmitted sexually. Kramer was met with resistance and anger from every side and it would take over four years before any of his efforts found success. Plot Synopsis The Normal Heart spans a period of three years from 1981-1984 and chronicles the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York City from the perspective of the protagonist, Ned Weeks. Ned is not an easy man to love or befriend. He challenges everyone’s viewpoints and is willing to speak and speak loudly, about unpopular issues. The play opens at a doctor’s office where four gay men wait to be seen by Dr. Emma Brookner. She is one of the few doctors willing to see and attempt to treat patients who come to her with the varied and bizarre symptoms with which AIDS first presents. By the end of the first scene, two of the four men are diagnosed positive for the disease. The other two men are worried about possibly being carriers of the disease. (This bears repeating: It is important to note that the disease is so new it doesn’t have a name yet.) Ned and a few others found a group to help spread awareness of this new and deadly disease. Ned butts heads with the board of directors frequently because the board wishes to focus on helping those already infected and in trouble while Ned wants to push ideas that may prevent the spread of the disease - namely, abstinence. Ned’s ideas are distinctly unpopular and his personality renders him incapable of winning anyone to his side. Even his partner, Felix, a writer for the New York Times is reluctant to write anything having to do with this supposed homosexual disease that only seems to affect gays and junkies. Ned and his group attempt to meet with the governor of New York several times with no success. In the meantime, the number of people diagnosed and deceased from the disease begins to rise exponentially. Ned wonders if any help is ever going to come from the government and strikes out on his own to go on radio and TV to spread awareness. His actions eventually lead the group he created to force him out. The board of directors does not support his insistence on having the word â€Å"Gay† on the letterhead or return address on mailings. They do not want him doing any interviews (since he wasn’t voted president) and they do not want Ned as the main voice speaking out for the gay community. He is forced out and goes home to help his partner, Felix, now in the final stages of the disease. Production Details Setting: New York City The stage is meant to be â€Å"whitewashed† with statistics about the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic written in plain black lettering for the audience to read. Notes about what statistics were used in the original production can be found in the script published by the New American Library. Time: 1981-1984 Cast Size: This play can accommodate 14 actors. Male Characters: 13 Female Characters: 1 Roles Ned Weeks is difficult to get along with and love. His ideas are ahead of his time. Dr. Emma Brookner is one of the first doctors to treat the new and nameless disease infecting the gay community. She is under-appreciated in her field and her advice and prevention ideas are unpopular. The character of Dr. Emma Brookner is confined to a wheelchair due to a childhood bout of polio. This wheelchair, along with her illness, is a subject of discussion in the  dialogue of the play and the actress playing her must remain seated in the wheelchair the entire production. The character of Dr. Emma Brookner is based on the real-life doctor Dr. Linda Laubenstein who was one of the first doctors to treat patients with HIV/AIDS. Bruce Niles is the handsome president of the support group Ned helped found. He is unwilling to come out of the closet at work and refuses to do any interview that might out him as a gay man. He is terrified he may be a carrier of the disease as so many of his partners have been infected and died. Felix Turner is Ned’s partner. He is a writer for the fashion and food sections of the New York Times  but is still reluctant to write anything to publicize the disease even after he is infected. Ben Weeks is Ned’s brother. Ben swears he supports Ned’s lifestyle, but his actions often betray an underlying uneasiness with his brother’s homosexuality. Smaller Roles David Tommy Boatwright Craig Donner Mickey Marcus Hiram Keebler Grady Examining Doctor Orderly Orderly Content Issues: Language, sex, death, graphic details about the end stages of AIDS Resources Samuel French holds the production rights for The Normal Heart. In 2014, HBO released a movie of the same name.

Country analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Country analysis - Essay Example sser powerful sections of the society are prone to expect and accept a powerful autocratic force which acts in paternalistic format and is not in favor of democratic rights of the lesser powerful. b) Ranking2 – The ranking of Mexico 81 suggests that Mexican society experiences lesser degree in distribution of power and wealth. The general mass of the society expects and accepts the superiority of few and has to live with the socio-cultural set-up of the society that has the concentration of power and wealth in few hands. d) Analysis of the difference in ranking – Over 40 ranks differentiates USA from Mexico which means that while in Mexico workplace there is a marked difference between superiors and subordinates and both consider themselves different from one another. While in USA the process of work tends to be bit more democratic and subordinates are expected to provide their views to management. a. Definition3 – individualism outlines the degree of integration of groups among individuals of the society. Individualistic societies are marked by higher degree of stress put on individualistic nature and personal achievements. On the other end of individualistic societies, we find collective societies which are dominated by individuals who remain part of a common group, which are generally marked by huge extended familial ties and relations. b. Ranking4 – The ranking of Mexico 30 which clearly outlines the state of individualism in the Mexican society which is marked by higher degree of collective groups than reliance on the achievements of individuals. d. Analysis of the difference in ranking – The work culture and business systems of individualistic society tend to do business on performance basis contracts whereas in collectivistic society like Mexico the business is usually carried out through family links. a. Definition5 - This defines the society’s tolerance or the lack of the same for uncertainty and ambiguity. It is reflective of the degree

Negotiation between USBU and the companys management Case Study

Negotiation between USBU and the companys management - Case Study Example As an example of a successful negotiated compromise was the agreement reached on superannuation. The management team had set a goal of 3%. The Union had demanded 15%. While this gap seems extremely wide and would appear to be irreconcilable, part of the reason was due to management’s overly aggressive goal. Management wished to leave the superannuation at the existing level of 3%. This was probably unrealistically low when confronted by the Union’s demand of a level 5 times that amount. However, management had had the foresight to set a more realistic acceptance level of 9%. This was the agreement that was eventually reached. Offering 4% and accepting no more than 8% may have better served management. The initial offer of 4% would have been viewed as an increase instead of the maintenance of the old rate, and the Union might have been more willing to negotiate towards that level rather than insisting on negotiating towards their 15%. The issue of wages was another source of contention as the Union asked for an unreasonable 15% plus increases linked to the consumer price index (CPI). This was later reduced, but it became generally accepted that it was a key Union demand. This excessive demand was not helpful when management was only offering 1%. The final agreement was for 1.5%, which was considerably higher than managements offer. However, management had expressed no limit on wages or bonuses. ... However, management had expressed no limit on wages or bonuses. This was further exemplified by the Union's demand of a 12% bonus as contrasted to management's offer of 5%. Management was coerced to reach an agreement of this point and had set no acceptance level. The negotiated bonus was 12%, exactly what the Union had demanded. This level may have been reduced if management had set a ceiling and negotiated some of the other soft points in the contract that did not impact the bottom line. The problem was that the priorities were all set with similar importance, which left this priority ill defined. In other areas management totally acceded to the Union's demands. The issue of hiring and staffing was agreed to on the Union's original terms. The goal of management to retain discretion in the hiring of new employees was given up. Management also gave up their ground on the issue of training. Management's original goal of utilizing an outside third party consultant to reach an agreement on how best to implement the training requirements and program was discarded and the Union was able to get nearly all of its original demands. These were issues that the management team could have been more adamant about holding their ground and using the issue to get a more favourable agreement on the more important issues of wages and bonuses. In retrospect, the management team could have been better prepared by setting acceptance levels that could have been agreed upon on wages and bonuses. Failing to have a goal resulted in giving into the Union's demands. In addition, the management team could have made a more realistic offer in the areas of wages, superannuation, hiring, and training. By only offering the pre-existing policies the Union perceived the process as