War literature has common themes such as loss, patriotism and Dissertation

War literature has common themes such as loss, patriotism and futility, how far is this true in relation to the literature of ww - Dissertation Example Such sentiments continued as basic war themes in various poems, dramas, and novels, right to the end of the nineteenth century. With the coming of the twentieth century, however there appeared a wave of modernism that removed all ideologies of romanticism from the realms of war literature. Romanticism, heroism, and patriotism were replaced by the theme of death, cynicism, and dilemma on the futility of the wars fought and lives lost. The Vietnam War, which belongs to the postmodern era, conveyed a picture of realism that focussed on mainly on evils of war. This article will examine the transformations in the war literature that took place for almost over a century, starting with the nineteenth century era of romanticism and hero worship, to the modern twenty- first century wars that speak of death and gory in the battlefield, with special emphasis on WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam war. War themes in the literature of WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War 1 Introduction Soldiers, prepare! Our ca use is Heaven's cause; / Soldiers, prepare! Be worthy of our cause: / Prepare to meet our fathers in the sky: / Prepare, O troops, that are to fall to-day! Prepare, prepare!† – William Blake (A War Song to Englishmen) Throughout history, war has always played the role of a major determining factor in shaping a country’s socio-economic, cultural, and religious aspects. War, right from start of human civilisation, received societal approval, until the end of the 19th century. Therefore, it is of little wonder that war has been a persistent theme in art and literature, throughout the various ages. War literature always mirrored the hopes and aspirations of men in the battlefield, and also that of the society back home. There was a conscious feeling of patriotism, which intermingled with a pervading sense of futility about the lives lost in the various wars. The literature of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, also show a certain air of romanticism attached to the notions of war and the heroic actions of the brave soldiers at the front. However, all these started changing with the beginning of the twentieth century, when war slowly became a more grim matter, an issue of death, dying, and endless suffering, with a complete lack of the Victorian glorification of the war. We notice this slow transformation during the WWI when the era of modernism with its themes of  individualism, a deep mistrust towards all state and religious institutions, and a general air of breaking away from social and conventional norms, entered the literary world. The basic principles of modernism can be summarised as related to concerns centred upon â€Å"the deepest problems of modern life derive from the claim of the individual to preserve the autonomy and individuality of his existence in the face of overwhelming social forces, of historical heritage, of external culture, and of the technique of life" (Simmel, 2004, 79). The Vietnam War was however like a huge jolt, which shook the entire social world out of its repose, while also transforming the genre of war literature, making it more realistic, and reflecting the large scale destruction that war actually spelled out. The Vietnam War further removed all traces of nationalism from

Music falls Essay Example for Free

Music falls Essay This third activity was chosen because it provides the children with this means of communication, giving them the opportunity to express themselves freely. Doing this helps them progress emotionally and cognitively in all other areas of their learning. Music falls under Donaldsons construct mode, under value-sensing. She argues that emotion and thought are frequently related closely to one another (Palmer, 2001).  Neill (1927) also favoured music within the curriculum, as he alleged that it had a therapeutic function, particularly with children with psychological problems. He also acknowledged that it gave the less academically challenged pupils something they may excel at. This activity, therefore, assists in increasing the childs self esteem, giving them more confidence in other areas of the curriculum too. Differentiation  The possibilities for differentiation within this lesson are extensive. As it is a relatively free activity, the children can move as much, or as little as they like. Interaction from the practitioner could be by means of praising those who demonstrate effort and capability, or by encouraging the children to express themselves and by giving them the confidence to move as they wish. Those who do not attempt to join in could be partnered with others, to provide further encouragement and enjoyment. Evaluation  This activity provides the children with the freedom to move their bodies in ways which are normally considered inappropriate within the classroom. There is no specific way in which the children are required to move and so they have the opportunity to truly express themselves without the usual confines and barricades. Skinner (1971) believes that behaviour is not something a child is born with, it is shaped by consequences. The conditioning adopted by the setting determines the catalogue of behaviour the child has at his disposal (cited in Palmer 2001). Skinner recognised that children respond to positive re-inforcement. The practitioner in this activity praises the children, encouraging them to express themselves further. Bandura suggests that adults can gain childrens attention and highlight the behaviour patterns they want to encourage (David T et al, 2003). He suggests that the children will mimic the behaviour they see in others. In this activity, if the children see the practitioner praising one child as suggested by Skinner, their behaviour will be reinforced and this should encourage more of this behaviour. As the rest of the children bear witness to this development, Bandura suggests that they will reproduce this behaviour to gain recognition for themselves. This was apparent when watching the behaviour of the whole class. When one child became slightly over-excited and silly, others began to imitate him. The practitioner quickly took control of the situation by praising one of the children who was making slower, more gentle movements and the children responded swiftly by slowing their movements down too. Conclusion Each one of these activities proved to be successful. The children enjoyed them and were keen to stay on task throughout. The relevant areas and aspects of learning were adequately covered and the children gained a great deal from participating. From carrying out this research, it is apparent that it is necessary for practitioners to plan their scheme of work effectively in order to guarantee that the foundation stage curriculum is covered throughout the year. This work has examined the long, medium and short term plans and has explained why they are used. It has researched the emergence of the foundation stage curriculum and the ways it can be adapted and moulded to fit into many different types of early years settings. Using the three activities this work has established the theoretical underpinning of the curriculum and demonstrates the strategies which can be applied to differentiate the experiences effectively. Bibliography Books Bee, H. Boyd, D. (2004) The Developing Child, Tenth Edition USA: Pearson Education, Inc.  Boushel, M., Fawcett, M. Selwyn, J. (2000) Focus on Early Childhood: Principles and Realities Malden, Mass: Blackwell Science  Carnie, F (2003) Alternative Approaches to Education: A Guide for Parents and Teachers New York: Taylor and Francis

Cell Phones And Driving: Dangers Involved with Cell Phone Use While Dr

Most people don’t abide by the rules and regulations of the road. Most people don’t even know that they are breaking the law because they do it so often. Talking on the cell phone and driving has become a very popular thing these days. Technology is coming out with the newest phones that can do everything for you and people are attracted to that. There are people that don’t have hands free and drive their car with only one hand, people that text and totally take their eye off the road and type conversations to each other. Bluetooth is another technological breakthrough where you wear an ear piece and can receive phone calls by one touch of a button on the ear piece. This alone takes our attention off the road and into the cell phone. This is ridiculous and everyone has these gadgets and they drive their car day in and day out. Whether it be talking using your hands, talking by text or talking hands free; are all dangerous. It is likely that everyone has ta lked on the cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. I believe that this is a very bad issue that we have going on and not much enforcement is being made. I have five different sources that all say that driving and talking on the phone is dangerous, even fatal. The Governor Highway Safety Association(GHSA), presents us with cell phone driving laws and has made a chart showing the states that have cracked down the cell phone usage with laws. They say that several states restrict cell phone use while driving. This shows us that this is a problem and that states are making laws to control drivers to obey the rules and pay attention on the road. 29 states have collect crash data from cell phone use and driving. 9 states have preemption laws. 5 states have handh... ...elf, or another person due to a non important conversation that could wait depending on the drive. Just pull over and talk. Remember, you have voicemail for a reason. Works Cited â€Å"Cell Phone Driving Laws† by Governor Highway Safety Association, 30, March 2008. http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html Insurance Information institute, â€Å"Cell Phone and Driving† April 2008. http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/cellphones/ Live Science, â€Å"Drivers on Cell Phones Kill thousands, snarl traffic† 01, February 2005, http://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.html Cnet, â€Å"Cell phones as dangerous as drunk driving,† 01, July 2006. http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-6090342-7.html ABC News, Why Cell Phones and Driving Don't Mix, 29, June 2005. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/DyeHard/story?id=889064&page=1

Circuit City Stores Essay

Objectives: * achieve leading market share in each served market in order to benefit from ad and logistics synergies * resist take over attempt Current Business Strategy * In retail stores, they measure by per unit square foot to measure capacity( exhibit 3b) * They sell brand name product * Cut commissions * Customer survey to support customer satisfaction * Switched management teams. * Invested in the POS system * Store remodeling, ex. Expanding to Canada, with small stores Evaluate External analysis * Market: is massive, growing at 8 % a year forces: * Rivalry: – Cost circuit city more to get out of business – Number of the competitors; and revenue are big, these will intense the rivalry – Product mix: there is a lot of product differentiation, ability to differentiate, can focus on different target market. This makes the market rivalry less intense. – Customer services is declining, could lead to increasing? * Barrier to entry: – not hard to enter the market – not hard to open a specialty electronic store; no need to special skills, and no need for massive inventory Brand loyalty to the product not the store Substitute for electronic retail * Ebay, online ( not very competitive, not a strong force) * Customer * No brand loyalty, low switching cost * Purchase dispersed * Demand is not declining * Supplier * Specific supplier are required * Fast and efficient supply chain * Require good relationship with supplier is critical (ex DVD sales) * No shortage in supplier

Discuss Friel’s presentation Essay

In the time ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ was set Gerry and Chris’s relationship would have been extremely unorthodox and would have circulated a lot of town gossip. Having a child out of wedlock was extremely shocking and making the decision to then keep Michael even more so. In 1936 women had very few rights and with the shock of Michael being born only the towns respect for their brother, a missionary, kept them from being societal lepers. Friel presents the relationship between Gerry and Chris by using stage directions to show the true feelings between them and how their relationship is sustained. Having Gerry and Chris talking in the garden while the four other sisters are inside listening intently shows how little privacy the two have in their relationship. When Gerry first arrives Chris appears extremely cold and offhand in front of him using one word answers ‘Chris: Hello, Gerry†¦ yes†¦yes. ’ All of this gives the impression that she has very little time for him and doesn’t particularly care about him. However Friel’s staging shows the audience that she really does care because we see her reaction before Gerry comes on stage. Friel portrays her as standing stock still in shock then, when coming to her senses, rushing around panicking, ‘adroitly adjusts her hair and clothes. ’ It is the panic before the extract that shows her much Chris truly does care about Gerry and also about how little the sisters have in their lives due to the their scramble to make themselves presentable. This highlights how Gerry is a key romantic figure in the play because even though all the while the sisters are saying ‘Kate: He won’t stay the night here’ and ‘Rose: I hate him!’ they still all end up crowding around the window to listen in and watch, suggesting that though disapproving they still half wish to be in Chris’s shoes. The social constraints of the situation lead them to wanting Gerry out of the families lives, but still the desire is there through the constant comments. These comments are key to the suggestion of an invasion of privacy, ‘Maggie: you should see the way she’s looking at him†¦Kate: they’re not still talking are they? ’ Friel is trying to show how hard it must be for Gerry and Chris to live in such an enclosed area where everyone knows everyone’s business, thus exploring a theme of romance, or lack of romance. This is continued throughout the extract, the fact that Gerry never visits ‘Chris: 13 months’ making the relationship seem very one sided – Chris remembering the last visit to the day while Gerry can’t remember the month. Gerry proposes to Chris at the very end of the extract and this gives a sign that maybe he does care about her. Even though Chris turns him down there is still the slight remembrance of this moment throughout the rest of the play, leading to the audiences opinion that maybe Gerry does truly care for Chris despite leaving her alone with child. However through Michael’s narrative closer to the end of the play in the second act we find out that Gerry already had ‘a wife and three grown children’, Friel choosing to leave this revelation till the end to produce a far more dramatic climax to their relationship. It is then that the audience realises that Gerry never intended to marry Chris and only offered in the knowledge that she would refuse. This all gives the impression that there is never any real closeness or intimacy for the two of them and the whole summer of happiness before, ‘suddenly he takes her in his arms and dance. ’ was a lie. A large influence on Friel when writing ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ was the changing role of women in society. Thatcher had just been Prime Minister and women’s rights were becoming much more accepted in the 1990’s, perhaps why Friel chose to make this such a large part of the play. Set in 1936 the Mundy sisters would not have been at all accepted by society with Chris having Michael out of wedlock and then deciding to keep him. Changing attitudes within society would have influenced Friel’s interpretation of Chris and Gerry’s relationship. Friel depicted this family as an example of what is yet to come, the sisters supported Chris throughout and after her pregnancy even though it went against societies beliefs, thus inflicting Chris’s embarrassment upon themselves as well yet still sticking together as a family. Friel emphasizes that women should have the right to do as they please through the disruption of outside influences. At the beginning of the play the sisters are happy in their little bubble making jokes about the outside world ‘Maggie: steady on girl, today its lipstick; tomorrow it’s the gin bottle’ although never participating in it. It’s when they begin to allow others into their circle that things begin to go down hill for them. Before Gerry’s arrival they were all dancing and laughing but his arrival marked a change for them all, Friel perhaps suggesting that women don’t need the influences of men and all they bring with them is destruction. Danny Bradley and Rose are another example of this, the death of Rose’s defenceless white rooster is symbolic of mans predatory nature and the violence of this act implies violence between Rose and Bradley. Therefore Friel is portraying women as stronger without the male interference, Chris and Gerry’s relationship is used to highlight this as it is obvious to the audience that Chris would have been better off without Gerry in the first place but it is this continued procrastinating relationship that truly destroys her. The audience views Chris and Gerry’s relationship with trepidation throughout the play due to Friel’s depiction of him as a stereotypical womaniser. Kate calls him a ‘Loafer! Wastrel! ’ but conveniently neglects to mention the obvious charisma he has. In a short few minutes of conversation he has turned Chris from cold and unwelcoming ‘Chris: Thirteen months. ’ To one who is warm and laughing and allows Gerry to ‘dance her lightly, elegantly across the garden. ’ The audience views this exchange with surprise having heard only very negative things about Gerry from the sisters; the easy acceptance from Chris confuses them. The audience’s mistrust of Gerry’s character increases after the small discussion of Agnes between the two. Having already seen Agnes’s rigid, almost forced disinterest in Gerry, and then to have Gerry asking specifically after her Friel creates a slight unease for the audience, suggesting that something may have between the two of them. This leads to the audience beginning to see the cracks in the family’s foundations with Gerry seemingly at the centre of this. Friel enforces this idea of him being a womaniser later in act 2 when he begins to flirt with Agnes ‘Gerry: Dance with me Agnes.’ and then kisses her forehead, all of this watched by Chris. The audience begins to really mistrust Gerry at this point as it is obvious that he is the cause of conflict between the family they have come to love. The audience is seeing men in a bad light which relates to the feelings at the time it was being performed when the term ‘glass ceiling’ was coming into existence, women in the workplace being oppressed by men and now, in the play, them to being oppressed in relationships. There is the feeling that men can get away with any sort of misdemeanour by just walking away, leaving, whereas women i.  e. Chris, are always left with the result – a baby. Gerry’s carrying on represents this stereotypical male so that when the audience discovers that Gerry in fact has ‘a wife and three grown children’ it comes as no surprise. In conclusion, Friel presents Gerry and Chris’s relationship as something parallel to that of a pre 1990’s relationship. He wants to suggest to the audience that women no need longer depend on men by showing how much better off the Mundy sisters were before the arrival of Gerry and the conflict he brought within the family. Although the influences on Friel were all about the empowerment of women, he presents Gerry and Chris’s relationship with Gerry as the dominant figure, putting the play in the context of its setting and to show how the male dominance was a cause of the family breaking down. Through his presentation of the relationship he is evoking the idea that there are more possibilities available to an empowered women rather than a dominated one.

The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications

The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications Executive summary In the business environment today, making decisions on an effective strategic sourcing method to adopt has become one of the key supply chain management challenges that managers are faced with as they seek better sourcing methods which favor them against intense global competition, short product life cycles and increasingly demanding customers.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In strategic sourcing, the decision to adopt in-sourcing, near-shoring or on-shoring plays an important role in enhancing the performance of an organization. When a manager in an organization decides to adopt a framework for sourcing, what will determine the concept to be used are the advantages or gains a business intends to make. Studies point out that increased effectiveness and efficiency in a business is a factor that has a close relationship with cost. In-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring decisions have been identified as important key drivers of long-term approach towards saving current cost challenges on supply functions facing businesses. As such, owners of business with complex products and high changing demands must ensure that they decide on sourcing strategies that do not interfere with their business’ total output. In terms of hiring workers, the decisions to in-source are advantageous in saving cost as employees can be hired via intern practices with other local business organizations, and mentoring activities for newly hired employees can be done internally. In-sourcing decisions allow managers to standardize their local systems and tools by effectively and efficiently using their local stuff saving cost of hiring multiple specialists from elsewhere to perform roles. From a theoretical perspective, the effective operations of a business rely on decisions to adopt effective sourci ng strategies to foster gaining of competitive advantage. Flexibility and capacity have become some of the key benefits that businesses which have adopted in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring are enjoying. Research has shown that many business supply functions for companies that are outsourcing and off-shoring are susceptible to threats, dangers and loses. Analysts point out that the new concepts of sourcing strategies that businesses have adopted today have cushioned them from technicalities presented by outsourcing and off-shoring. Effective and efficient service improvement has become one of the key factors that have caused most companies that were using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring strategies to decide on in-sourcing and near-shoring methods to improve service quality.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 In decision making, during the p rocess of requesting for proposals (RFP), evaluating the tangibles of a supplier is the simplest process. Engagements, number of members of staff, and financial figures are some of the quantifiable information that scored and reported easily. Neoclassical economists point out that in all competitive markets, cost management, consolidation, cost reduction and cost cutting are central for a maximization of profits, business growth and development. Abstract Making managerial decisions that enhances the growth of a business has become an important practice that many managers are faced with today. Of critical importance to this paper is decision making on sourcing strategies to adopt. As the market for commodities and services is increasingly becoming global, many businesses that have been using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring methods have now adopted new strategic perspectives of in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring to improve the overall performance of their businesses . The methods have been effective in cutting supply costs and boosting profits of businesses. Besides, in-sourcing aids businesses in sustaining organizational resources and minimizing technicalities related to time and distance. Introduction In the business environment today, making decisions on an effective strategic sourcing method to adopt has become one of the key supply chain management practices that managers are faced as they seek better sourcing methods which favor them against intense global competition, short product life cycles and increasingly demanding customers. As market for services and products is increasingly becoming global, many businesses that have been using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring methods have now adopted new strategic perspectives of in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring to improve the overall performance of their businesses. As this paper shall analyze using general trade theory, organizational supply management theory and congruency theory, these new concepts are vital for lowering costs, demand flexibility, process capability, strategic risk and gaining competitive advantage. This paper shall examine why managers are deciding to adopt the new concept of strategic sourcing, their implications and long-term impacts on the operations of the supplies function.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The New Concept of Strategic Sourcing and Its Implications specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Definition of strategic sourcing concepts In strategic sourcing, the decision to adopt in-sourcing, near-shoring or on-shoring plays an important role in enhancing the performance of an organization. Bakker and Kamann (2007) point out that many managers in organizations are opting the new concepts of strategic sourcing with a bid to re-design and optimize their supply systems or supply chain. It is imperative to point out that these decisions could have been p rompted by imitation of other business leaders, attempts aimed at cutting cost or competitive pressures. Studies on transaction cost economic points out that the type of strategic sourcing a given organization adopts is based on economic governance structures. This are characterized in terms of uncertainty, transaction-specific investments and dimensions of frequency. Factors and costs When a manager in an organization decides to adopt a framework for sourcing, what will determine the concept to be used are the advantages or gains a business intends to make. Barnes and Lea-Greenwood (2006, p. 260) point out that this involves substituting the contemporary practice of out sourcing with the new concepts of either in-sourcing, near shoring or on-shoring. The following are some of the important factors that deciding to adopt in-sourcing methods might bring to a business in terms of costs and related benefits. Higher cost effectiveness in the emerging global business operation dynamics C ai and Yang (2008) point out that increased effectiveness and efficiency in a business is a factor that has a close relationship with cost. In-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring decisions have been identified as important key drivers of long-term approach to saving current cost challenges on supply functions facing businesses. They also indicate that due to the aforementioned concepts, cost effectiveness has been demonstrated through lean thinking, and has seen most business reengineering their services with an aim of increasing productivity. As such, businesses have maintained service quality and reduced expenditure. It is important to note that in the present business environment, in-sourcing decisions have been lauded by many analysts as the best strategies for driving business efficiency on a long-term basis. Process adherences Studies indicate that owners of business with complex products and high changing demands must ensure that they decide on sourcing strategies that do n ot interfere with their business’ total throughput time. The studies further point out that any interference with the normal supply chain may easily affect the reliability and reputation of a business towards customers. As such, businesses with an understanding of the difference between low cost and low prices of operations as well as costs of total life cycles should substitute outsourcing and off-shoring practices with in-shoring and near shoring methods.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 Figure 1: Figure showing how in-sourcing enhances process adherences Source: http://findingmillions.wordpress.com/ In his publication, Carter and Rogers (2008) point out that decisions to replace outsourcing with in-sourcing has become important in process adherence in the sense that the new concepts have not only effectively lowered cost of supplies or production, but have also improved performance criteria by taking into account quality, flexibility, reliability and speed. Labor arbitrage In terms of hiring workers, the decisions to in-source are advantageous in saving cost as employees can be hired via intern practices with other local business organizations, and mentoring activities for newly hired employees can be done internally. Carter and Rogers (2008) argue from the perspective of transaction cost theory by indicating that on average, the decision to in-source workers ensures that compensation cost, hiring and burdened salary costs drop due use of rural resources and not h aving to hire workers from large cities where the cost of living is high. It is imperative to note that there are many individuals who are skilled and may want to work in a rural environment near their homes. This when compared to outsourcing, may be beneficial in lowering compensation costs as a manager cam manage labor locally and not halfway across the globe. Figure 2: A graph showing how in-sourcing is increasingly being used in the US to hire workers Source: ncpa.org/pub/ba480 Skilled resources In-sourcing decisions allow managers to standardize their local systems and tools by effectively and efficiently using their local stuff saving cost of hiring multiple specialists from elsewhere to perform roles. By using skilled personnel within a company, hiring contract specialists will not be necessary, and if needed may be done on part time basis. Besides, many medium and small sized companies do no require enterprise architects and project managers. Figure 3: Figure showing the ef fectiveness of in-sourcing service jobs Source: theatlantic.com/national/archive/2009/06/in-sourcing/19416/ For competitive advantage From a theoretical perspective, the effective operations of a business rely on decisions to adopt effective sourcing strategies to foster gaining of competitive advantage. International management textbooks illustrating general trade theories clearly exemplify that a sourcing strategy, with particular emphasis on in-sourcing, is critical to a supply business’ competitive advantage in terms of innovativeness, labor cost and price (Christopher, 2000). Gaining a competitive advantage requires identifying and deciding strategic sourcing methods that are appropriate. According to transaction cost theory, being able to supply high quality products at a low cost and still maintain a competitive advantage requires that companies restructure their sourcing strategies and capabilities in such a way that supply functions are done at a low cost possible ( Christopher, 2000). Increased flexibility and sustainability capacity Flexibility and capacity have become some of the key benefits that businesses which have adopted in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring are enjoying. Brege, Brehmer and Lindskog (2010) point out that the in-sourcing method has offered many businesses that have adopted it flexibility they need in carrying out their supply functions. In the rapidly changing business environment, it has aided businesses to respond faster to circumstances and policies that keep changing, without being tied to procedures that can be expensive to alter. Basing the argument on congruency theory, businesses adopt a sourcing strategy depending on the complexity of their products and the environment they are in. To sustain expertise and capabilities In his publication, Asta (2005) points out that adoption of in-sourcing strategy by most companies has facilitated their ability to sustain expertise and capabilities in policies, organization and processes (POP), and has aided them to respond to business agenda that keep changing. As such, supply management, how it is selected, evaluated, managed, valued and differentiated as marketing strategy functions have been made easier. In addition, in-sourcing is important since they enable a business to provide flexible, responsive and cohesive local services. Through it, businesses which are in the retail industry have become innovative and adopted a transformative approach that have enabled them to be efficient in service delivery, and as such, have made quick efficiency gains. Figure 4: A pie chart showing how in-sourcing sustains a countries expertise ans capabilities Source: globalprofitsalert.com/china-stock-digest/who-cant-handle-the-truth-chinas-tiny-economic-surprise-119058 Enhanced simplicity and guaranteed risk minimization Research has shown that many business supply functions for companies that are outsourcing and off-shoring are susceptible to threats, dangers an d loses (McKenna Walker, 2008). The study further indicates that for that reason, most businesses have resorted to shift from outsourcing to in-sourcing in order to minimize risks and simplify service delivery. It is worth noting that contractual, consultancy and negotiation process when out sourcing can be costly and time consuming. To manage this, in-sourcing, on-shoring and near-shoring have been considered by analysts as best strategies to tackle the processes as they are less complex and have minimum risk levels. To cushion a business from technicalities McKenna and Walker (2008) point out that the new concepts of sourcing strategies that businesses have adopted today have cushioned them from technicalities presented by outsourcing and off-shoring. One of the major disadvantages includes communication problems. For instance, a company in Kenya intending to supply or buy from Asia may find it cumbersome to contact a supplier due to cultural differences and language barrier. Stu dies derived from network literature indicates that individuals and partners with general cultural and language differences often fail to succeed in their ventures due to the potential problem of reaching an agreement, (Alguire Frear, 1994). Therefore, it is imperative to note that since the new concepts of sourcing strategy works within a nation, adopting them will make the issue of communication ceases to be an issue of concern. Effective and efficient service improvement to deliver added value Effective and efficient service improvement has become one of the key factors that have caused most companies that were using the contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring strategies to decide on in-sourcing and near-shoring methods to improve service quality. Barnes and Lea-Greenwood (2006) point out that in-sourcing has been one of the current concepts that most supply businesses have used to bolster local economies, create employment opportunities and boost training. As such, through ser vice improvement and value addition, they have enhanced their local customer base. For instance, studies on APSE indicate that through its supply chains and strong local employments, it generates  £1.64 to the local economy from the £ 1 of money that it receives from the taxpayer. This has enhanced its customer base and aided it in gaining competitive advantage. Figure 4: A figure showing how in-sourcing boosts effective service delivery Source: emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=865350show=html Measurement In decision making, during the process of requesting for proposals (RFP), evaluating the tangibles of a supplier is the simplest process. Engagements, number of members of staff, and financial figures are some of the quantifiable information that scored and reported easily. Best measurement practice for evaluating in-sourcing activities can be achieved by looking at the capabilities and key questions in the RFP. To determine the sourcing relationship of the intangibl es, careful selection is necessary and which include looking at cultural affinity, supplier engagement and growth with a client over the years. Getting measurements to such questions require applying methods such as interviews where vendors, reference clients and colleagues asked questions to provide essential answers that will help in measuring intangibles. Analysis Neoclassical economists point out that in all competitive markets, cost management, consolidation, cost reduction and cost cutting are central for a maximization of profits, business growth and development. Edward argues that minimizing losses due to outsourcing and can be achieved by adopting the cost cutting in-sourcing methods. According to Keynesian paradox of thrift saving cost through better sourcing methods will boost aggregate output and income of a firm. Analysts with mainstream thinking argue that Keynesians are wrong in their arguments because by insisting that business adopt means that cut costs impacts on a business’ spending and hurt its revenues and profits. The argument is that cutting costs does not lift profits, instead as people save, the economy runs into a slump. Indeed, they are right because as a business use in-sourcing methods to save costs of certain aggregate income levels, consumption in other areas decreases. However, what is wrong with trimming costs through in-sourcing methods to enhance profits? Is cost cutting not an effective means a business can enhance its profits? It is undoubtedly true that a business that uses in-sourcing methods and not outsourcing efficiently cuts costs and transitions into profits since it is using its own or local resources. In a nutshell, a company that decides to adopt in-sourcing creates real wealth and generates positive results. Conclusions To sum up, this review has based its arguments from the thesis statement â€Å"In the business environment today, making decisions on an effective strategic sourcing method to adopt has be come one of the key supply chain management practices that managers are faced with as they seek better sourcing methods which favor them against intense global competition, short product life cycles and increasingly demanding customers†. From the review, it is evident that many businesses are shifting from contemporary outsourcing and off-shoring methods to in-shoring, in-sourcing and near sourcing for the numerous advantages analyzed in the paper. Besides, it is imperative to note that different companies differ in organization, style, size, market position and strategy. As such, dynamic sourcing with a design that is less expensive is required. References Alguire, M. Frear, R. (1994). An Examination of Determinants of Global Sourcing Strategy. Journal of Business Industrial Marketing, (9:2) 62-75. Asta, S. (2005). Managing Supplier Relations in Western Purchasing from China. Proceedings of the 14th IPSERA Conference, Archamps, France, 925-936. Bakker, E. Kamann D. (2007). Perception and Social Influence as Influencing Supply Management: A Research Agenda. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 13(4): 304-316. Barnes, L. Lea-Greenwood, G. (2006). Fast Fashioning the Supply Chain: Shaping the Research Agenda. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 10(3): 259-271. Brege, S., Brehmer, P. Lindskog, H. (2010). Sourcing, insourcing and two times outsourcing: four phases of procurement of telecommunications services within the Swedish public sector. Strategic Outsourcing: an International Journal, 3(2)144-162. Cai, S. Yang, Z. (2008). Development of Cooperative Norms in the Buyer-Supplier Relationship: The Chinese Experience. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 44(1): 55-70. Carter, C. Rogers, D. 2008. A Framework of Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Moving Towards New Theory. International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, (38:5)360-387. Christopher, M. (2000). The Agile Supply Chain. Industrial Marketing Managem ent, (29)37-44. McKenna, D. Walker, D. (2008). A study of out-sourcing versus in-sourcing tasks within a project value chain. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business 1(2): 216-232.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind essays

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind essays Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind As an entertainment medium the feature film has advanced exponentially over the last 150 years .The advent of sound and later color have made the feature film an ever more immersing experience. Now the dawning of the era of digitalisation and seemingly endless possibilities in the realm of computer special effects complicate the auteurs struggle to produce a successful film. They must break through mediocrity to achieve critical and public acclaim. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a successful film both critically praised and well received by the public although largely unnoticed in comparison to the mammoth of a Hollywood blockbuster. From what basis then shall one measure a film to be successful? Its merits as a piece of artistic expression or its popularity? Eternal Sunshine doesnt rely heavily on modern computer effects and rather opts to minimize computer usage in place of clever camera wizardry. Italian director Michel Gandrys vision involved the use of longer takes and an eccentric narrative straying from generic conventions. Joel and Clementines relationship is romantic film territory and the themes of memory and technology stock sci-fi staples. The appeal of most modern blockbusters lies in the overblown budget and photo-perfect special effects. A true example of style over substance, spectacle often distracts or takes prevalence to the quality of narrative. However with Eternal Sunshine Gondry holds the reigns of balance, managing to deliver a surrealistic cinematic delight while keeping his direction true to the requirements of the plot. Joel and Clementines relationship is still the focus of his movie and the dreamy world created by Joels memories doesnt diverge from but rather consolidates their fractured relationship through Joels interactions with Clem in his mind. His m...