Marketing Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Promoting - Dissertation Example 110). While this is increasingly articulated abroad, as France and Germany have been appeared in an examination to pay attention to corporate stewardship more than do Americans, Americans despite everything accept that corporate obligation is significant †â€Å"a late review of nearly 2500 Americans found that 36 percent guaranteed they truly viewed as a company’s corporate citizenship when concluding whether to purchase its products† (Paine, 2003, p. 110). Besides, if an enterprise does activities that are objected to †say, it is uncovered that the company conducts pointless and pitiless tests on creatures †this damages the main concern, and can prompt blacklists, which are a PR bad dream and can prompt a genuine plunge in buyers purchasing its items (Paine, 2003, p. 110). The motivation behind why I picked this subject is on the grounds that creature testing, particularly when the testing isn't fundamental for headways for human wellbeing, just like the case with beauty care products testing, is one that rouses a lot of enthusiasm on either side of the inquiry, and is a significant component of corporate social duty. For certain individuals, any sort of creature testing ought to be verboten, regardless of whether the testing is done in light of a legitimate concern for discovering human fixes. For other people, creature testing probably won't be an issue in light of the fact that, all things considered, they are â€Å"just animals.† For still others, specific sorts of creature testing may be adequate, particularly if the testing would prompt a clinical fix, while different kinds of testing, for example, testing in regards to beauty care products, would not be worthy. How every one of these gatherings see this component of corporate social obligation would be the focal point of the request. C. Points and Objectives The points of this venture will be to find the sentiments of individuals from every one of the three of the abo ve gatherings with regards to specific organizations that utilization creature testing. Do they purchase from organizations that utilization creature testing? If not, why not? Provided that this is true, why? Maybe an energetic creature supporter may purchase items from a corrective organization that creature tests †what may clarify this incongruence? Besides, I am keen on finding if organizations that don't test on creatures accentuate this reality in the promoting efforts. Ultimately, I am keen on discovering how these battles influence purchasers, and whether shoppers are more averse to purchase from organizations that are known to test on creatures, and bound to purchase from organizations that tout the way that they don't test on creatures. D. Introductory Literature Review One of the inquiries that is of intrigue is the reason a few people care more about basic entitlements than do others. The motivation behind why this is a significant inquiry is on the grounds that it c an answer why certain purchasers won't accepting items from corrective organizations that utilization creature testing, while others couldn't care less in any case. Unti and Rowan (2001) hypothesize that youth perspectives represents who has more sympathy for creatures than others (Unti and Rowan, 2001, p. 27). Different speculations express that the worry from creatures goes to a worry for the persecuted (Unti and Rowan, 2001, p. 27). With respect to the topic of whether organizations underline their corporate social duty, there is some sign that they don't (Blyth, 2003, p. 16). With respect to the inquiry concerning how corporate flippant practices, for example, creature testing, influence buyers, it is helpful to look at how shoppers respond to other corporate social untrustworthy

Gaps Model of Service Quality Essay Example for Free

Holes Model of Service Quality Essay Model are information hole, principles hole, conveyance hole and correspondence hole. Information hole is the distinction between customers’ desires and the retailer’s view of these customer’s desires. This happens when an individual don't have the foggiest idea what the clients expect or need. By applying information hole to Hamp;M retail location, it alludes to the sales rep not recognizing what their clients anticipate/need. For instance, a client visiting the Hamp;M store may expect quick checkout at the clerk and shorter lining time at the fitting rooms. In any case, the sales rep may feel that the clients wouldn't fret lining for a more drawn out time however would incline toward agreeable help from them and better quality garments. Subsequently, such distinction between customers’ desires and retailer’s impression of their customers’ desires will prompt information hole. So as to decrease the information hole, overviews, associations and client objections should be possible. Right off the bat, Hamp;M can do review after every individual exchange. Hamp;M can lead their reviews or criticism frames by dispersing to each client after they have made their installment. After they are finished topping off the study on their general visit at Hamp;M, they can hand up their structures to the sales rep at the counter. Something else, Hamp;M can put an input box along the edge to make things simpler for everybody. Also, is through associating with their clients and staffs. Hamp;M can get important criticisms from their store representatives on approaches to enhance certain territories dependent on theirs or customer’s recommendations and remarks. Aside from that, Hamp;M can really interface with their clients through web based life, for example, Facebook, Twitter and so on. Since internet based life are generally utilized these days, clients would post helpful remarks or criticisms via web-based networking media, for example, on their Facebook dividers. Hamp;M can viably collaborate with their clients through such social stages and better comprehend what clients expect or need. In conclusion, through client objections, Hamp;M will at that point have the option to discover their concern and amend it to additionally enhance their administrations, and so on. Guidelines Gap is the distinction between the retailer’s view of customers’ desires and the administration gauges it sets. For instance, the administration principles Hamp;M sets for all their sales rep might be to carry the client to that particular segment when the individual asked where it is. Be that as it may, the retailer’s impression of customers’ desires might be simply to direct and bring up to them which level and which part it is situated at as opposed to presenting to them right to the zone they need. Thus, such distinction between the retailer’s impression of customers’ desires and the administration gauges it sets will prompt guidelines hole. So as to diminish the norms hole, solid duty to support quality by the top administration ought to be finished. Top administration should give data and preparing to their administration staff in order to offer quality support to their clients. Additionally, give away from of the jobs of specialist co-ops by defining explicit and quantifiable objectives dependent on customer’s desires. In conclusion, to quantify administration execution of their administration staffs, reviews and puzzle shopping could be directed to perceive how well their representatives admission when they serve a client. All these would assist with setting proper guidelines to convey top notch administration to their clients. Conveyance hole is the contrast between the retailer’s administration norms and the real assistance gave to clients. For this situation, Hamp;M isn't relevant to conveyance hole as this administration quality is limitless as there is no particular time a sales rep is given to help or â€Å"clear† their clients. Correspondence hole is the distinction between the retailer’s genuine help and the administration that the retailer’s correspondence program guarantees. Similarly, this is likewise not pertinent to Hamp;M as it is a retailer store as opposed to a vehicle administration that necessities to convey a real an ideal opportunity to the clients.

Starbucks Strategies for Profitability

Starbucks Strategies for Profitability 1. Presentation Significant target of this examination is to reveal insight into the techniques and endeavors made by Starbuck to take care of its issues identified with benefit. So as to do a cautious investigation of inside activities is embraced to have a thought regarding the achievement of these activities to come back to a steady pace of gainfulness development by Starbucks. To have development in gainfulness Starbucks needs to produce upper hand among the opponent firms. Starbucks should consider by and large patterns of industry, with the goal that since quite a while ago run gainfulness development can be guaranteed. Both the inside and outer elements confronted with the firm are broke down independently so as to have a dependable future position. 1.1. Positive Aspects related with Starbucks and Recommended Strategy Starbucks gives sound workplace to its representatives and have point by point and worker amicable investment opportunity plans. In addition, the significant qualities of Starbucks lie in the appealing shop structure and agreeable shop condition. Starbucks expects to turn into a top espresso outlet at local level as well as at universal level. So the methodology of globalization will help Starbucks to expand its gainfulness. So as to effectively execute this system execution focuses for directors should be set so they are given the motivating force to improve their exhibition. 1.2. Targets of Starbucks Clean flexibly of espresso. Make promptly glad customers all the period. Give a unimaginable work spot and handle pride and each other with deference. Acknowledge decent variety being a significant component in the way we do organization. Utilize the best necessities of value towards the purchasing. Lead decidedly to the towns and our condition, and notice that achievement is imperative to our potential achievement. 2. Issues looked by the Firm 2.1. Inside Issues Constrained Product Range: Starbucks offers an item run included single source and around thirty items , Coffee machines, propelled treats, espresso cups, espresso embellishments card, a put away worth card, espressos, frap-puccino caffeine items, espressos, mixers, kind of frozen yogurts, sound, distributions, films, house Starbucks and blessings. Constrained Advantages gave to Employees: Many clashes among laborers have been seen since in different outlets of Starbucks everywhere throughout the world and the primary explanation was low-pay and broadened work hours. As the weight of work stays high the representatives feel exhausted and consequently they think that its hard to keep working at Starbucks. 2.2. Lacking Growth of Alternatives Available At the point when the business was begun there were only 17 cafés however now the outlets are running in 39 countries everywhere throughout the world having very nearly 12,240 outlets. The overall pace of development related with cafés is excessively high when contrasted with that of Starbucks. This reality prompts make a serious nervousness for Starbucks and limits the development openings accessible to the firm. 2.3. Client Relationships The customers of Starbuck are not so much expanded and have a place with practically comparative gathering. Then again it not the situation with other worldwide espresso brands. Another thought is appended with the Starbucks association with their customers. Starbucks is viewed as exceptionally magnificent espresso brand when shopper contemplations are concerned. In the area of Beijing where Starbucks as of late shut an outlet because of ethnic contrasts among makers can likewise be viewed as a danger to the future development of a business. Some progressive enemy of private enterprise activists left the Starbucks turning out to be previous customers, yet moreover Starbucks and particularly little individuals even not endorsed inside the company’s feel uncomfortable or shops. On account of Starbucks fast turn of events, the maker so dropped its interesting accommodation for clients and keeps on being commoditized. Significant Issue Faced by Firm Based on above conversation it is discovered that significant issue for Starbucks is constrained development openings which might be aftereffect of feeble client connections. 3. Investigation of Financial Ratios Liquidity proportions: Tells us about the capacity of a firm to pay its transient obligation commitments. The most normally utilized liquidity proportions are present proportion, brisk proportion and income proportion. Current proportion (Cr) = Current Assets/Current Liabilities Current proportion shows that the amount of current resources a firm has so as to have the option to pay its transient obligation. For the year 2009 Cr =403.60/309.30 = 1.30 For the year 2010 Cr =476.10/318.50 = 1.49 End: The present proportion is 1.30 in the year 2009 which shows that the firm had current resources of $ 1.30 so as to pay obligation of $1. In the year 2010 the firm had $ 1.49 to pay the risk of $1. The improvement in current proportion is showing that the situation of firm as present advantages for account its obligation has been improved. Speedy proportion ( Qr)= (Current resources Inventory-Prepaid)/current Liabilities Speedy proportion shows that the amount of convertible resources a firm has so as to have the option to pay its momentary obligation. For the year 2009 Qr =403.60-119.20-44.30/309.30 = 240.3/309.30 = 0.77 For the year 2010 Qr = 476.10 115 †47.30/318.50 = 313.8/318.50 = 0.98 End: The present proportion was 0.77 in the year 2009 which shows that the firm had convertible resources of $ 0.77 so as to pay risk of $1. In the year 2010 the firm had $ 0.98 to pay the risk of $1. The improvement in brisk proportion is demonstrating that the situation of firm as convertible advantages for money its obligation has been improved. Money proportion (Chr) = Cash/Current Liabilities Money proportion shows that the amount of money a firm has so as to have the option to pay its transient obligation. For the year 2009 Chr = 54.50/309.30 = 0.17 For the year 2010 Chr = 76.70/318.50 = 0.24 End: The money proportion was 0.17 in the year 2009 which shows that the firm had money of $ 0.24 so as to pay obligation of $1. In the year 2010 the firm had $ 0.24 to pay the risk of $1. The improvement in real money proportion is showing that the firm has more money to take care of its obligation has been improved in 2010 when contrasted with 2009 which is a decent sign for Starbucks. Influence Ratios: These proportions inform us regarding money related structure of organization. The wellsprings of fiancã © of a business are appeared by influence proportions. It shows the parts of obligation financing, value financing and self financing of a firm. Obligation to value proportion = Total Debt/Total value. It shows the parts of obligation and value in firm’s capital structure. For the year 2009 (DEr) = 1827.80/ - 1033.60 = - 1.76 For the year 2010 (DEr) = 1783.10/ - 696.40 = - 2.56 End: negative estimation of value is demonstrating that the estimation of an advantage used to make sure about an advance is not exactly the remarkable parity on the credit. The estimation of advantages is far beneath the remarkable equalization on the advance used to buy those benefits which is indication of conceivable budgetary trouble of the firm. Obligation to value proportion is more prominent than 1 demonstrating that the part of obligation is a lot higher than that of value in firm’s capital structure. The obligation segment has been diminished in 2010 when contrasted with 2009. Obligation to resource proportion (DAr)= Total resource/Total resources. It shows the amount of firm’s resources are financed through obligation for example parts of obligation and value in firm’s capital structure. For the year 2009 ( DAr) = 1827.80/794.20 = 2.30 For the year 2010 (DAr) = 1783.10/1086.70 = 1.64 End: The proportion of 2.30 in 2009 is demonstrating that segment of obligation in complete resources is right around over multiple times that of value. Anyway this proportion is diminished in 2010 which is indicating that value level of obligation has been diminished in firm’s capital structure when contrasted with 2009 which is a decent sign for this firm as there is a danger of monetary misery and liquidation related with elevated levels of obligation trouble. 4. Analysis of Firm Performance Gainfulness Ratios: Profitability proportions mirror the presentation of an organization it shows that whether firm execution is improving or falling apart. Profit for Assets = (Net benefit/all out resources) * 100. This proportion shows that how much benefit is being produced by firm’s resources or what is the commitment of firm’s absolute resources in its productivity. For the year 2009 ROA = (48.80/794.20) * 100 =6.14 % For the year 2010 ROA = (327.30/1086.70) * 100 = 30.1 % End: ROA of 6.14% in the year 2009 is demonstrating that each $ 100 contributed creates $ 6.14 as benefit. ROA has been improved in the year 2010 as now each $ 100 contributed will create 30.1 as benefit. So the productivity is improved in the year 2010 which is a decent sign. Net Profit Margin = Net Profit/Sales It mirrors the measure of every deal dollar left over after the sum total of what costs have been made. This proportion enables an organization to decide how much real benefit is produced using every deal earned. The higher the net revenue, the better the organization is doing at transforming deals into benefit. For the year 2009 NPM = (48.80/1295.90) * 100 = 3.7 % For the year 2010 NPM = (327.30/1321.40) * 100 = 24.76 % End: net revenue has been extraordinarily expanded in the year 2010 when contrasted with that of 2009 which is a solid positive sign. The improvement might be a direct result of solid deals or diminished expenses and overhead. Based on above determined proportions it very well may be reasoned that general money related situation of the firm has been improved in 2010 when contrasted with 2009. Anyway there is high danger of money related pain because of overwhelming obligation trouble. 5. Answers for Issues looked by Starbucks Changing related with an outside environment of the association prompted cause different issues identified with the business and added to the end of the shops of the association inside the USA. These issues are for the most part identified with the busin

Prison Models Essay Sample free essay sample

There are three hypothetical records of jails that have been exceptional in American since the mid 1940’s: custodial. rehabilitative. also, reintegration. Each hypothetical record is structured in any case dependent on its overruling end. what's more, this influences the physical plan. approaches. what's more, designs that are executed inside every one of the hypothetical records. Custodial ModelArchaic Reason: Control. point of convergence is on maintaining security and control. Objective: Punishment. this is the best way to gracefully disincentive against future offense. Center: Prisoners must be rebuffed for their blunders and jail life must be made so disagreeable with the goal that transgressors will falter to execute any new offenses upon discharge. Hypothesis: Classical. conviction that people work under through and through freedom and a transgressor makes a pick to indict in condemnable conduct accepting advantages exceed the expenses. Structure: Radial. this takes into consideration prisoners to hold less contact with one another and takes into account watchmen to administer more hostages at one clasp. We will compose a custom paper test on Jail Models Essay Sample or on the other hand any comparable subject explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page The board Style: Military way assault is utilized to order hostages. Concentrate is on subject and request with a reasonable and relentless progressive system of who is in control. The assurance methodology is left to the removal and the detainees are relied upon to be dutiful and follow all the guidelines without oppugning. Managerial Style: Control hypothetical record. approval is the guardianships of the jail removal. Jail chiefs are resolute and gracefully exacting power over inmates’ lives. Correspondence is formal and proficient and is confined to authentic channels and should follow a proper link of offer. Favorable circumstances: Good control. gives open sentiment of security and requital. tight protection from flights. Inconveniences: Inhumane intercession of prisoners. makes high tensenesss and savage climate. improves likeliness of open violences. Rehabilitative ModelModern Reason: Rehabilitate Objective: Treatment Center: Determining what made the hostage execute the offense with the goal that they can be dealt with and restored. On the off chance that a transgressor gets the best possible clinical and mental consideration they will be â€Å"cured† of their criminalism. Hypothesis: Positivism. conviction that offense is caused or dictated by mental elements or organic needs and these can be analyzed and treated by logical offices ; believed that a miscreants activities are out of their control. Plan: Courtyard. this permits hostages to hold each piece much â€Å"fresh air† as conceivable which is known to hold numerous clinical and mental advantages. The executives Manner: Hospital. jail staff has increasingly proficient readiness. what's more, hostages are treated as patients. Utilize kind approval to helpfully modify prisoners from savage reserved criminals to productive members of society. There is an unmistakable and organized link of offer. in any case, detainees are urges to be associated with their consideration. Prisoners are non engaged with any assurance formulating systems. also, have no signifiers of self-administering. Authoritative Manner: Consensual hypothetical record. less prohibitive restorative condition. Correspondence is both formal and casual. Circumstances covering with prisoners requests are formal while twenty-four hours to twenty-four hours associations with detainees are less formal. Open conveying is empowered. The detainees are permitted to oppugn their intercession choices however the jail staff and removal has the approval to do the entirety of the judgments. Points of interest: Lower recidivism rates. progressively others conscious. prisoners can gain help may non hold in any case had the option to obtain. Burdens: More costly. simpler for flights. intercession can be uneffective. Reintegration ModelProgressive Reason: Reintegrate Objective: Education Center: Prisoners ought to be allowed each chance to larn obligation and great citizenship by offering a variety of guidance plans and assisting with reemergence into society, for example, happening housing and occupations. Hypothesis: Social complication. an inadequacy of guidance and assets causes network cultural controls have separated doing a condemnable human progress to develop. By providing a guidance and distributing the best possible assets to detainees to reemerge these networks. you are doing combating the powers that keep networks disrupted. Miscreants will larn new ways and have better assets and will non hope to return into the condemnable human progress they originated from. Plan: Campus. this takes into account a more school like climate so detainees can focus on guidance. larning new achievements. what's more, how to oblige once again into society. The executives Manner: Academic. jail staff and removal are at that spot to learn and direct detainees on the achievements and assets expected to reintegrate into society. It is dependent upon the prisoner to exploit administrations and plans advertised. Detainees are permitted to take a functioning capacity in the assurance concocting method. what's more, are urged to request strategies and processs. Prisoners transparently and uninhibitedly show their suppositions. Managerial Manner: Responsibility Model. jail removal keeps up request by puting limitations however prisoners are permitted to self-oversee inside the confined condition. Correspondence is casual and detainees are permitted start discussions which energizes an increasingly cultural scene Favorable circumstances: Inexpensive. Encourages detainee confidence. Teachs obligation. Detriments: System can be manhandled simple. little control. failure to mensurate effectivity. Notices Clark. D. N. ( 2004. 08 09 ) . Reintegration or recidivism of discharged people. Recovered from hypertext move convention:/fcwpp. Companion. organization/reintegration A ; recidivism paper. pdf Gaines. L. K. . A ; Miller. R. L. ( 2013 ) . Condemnable justness in real life. ( seventh ed. ) . Belmont. Calcium: Wadsworth Cengage Learning Salinas. G. L. ( 2009 ) . A fundamental examination: Prison hypothetical records and jail heading hypothetical records and the Texas jail framework. ( Unpublished master’s theory. Texas State University ) Retrieved from hypertext move convention:/advanced. library. txstate. edu/bitstream/handle/10877/3639/fulltext. pdf

Importance of Understanding Culture in International MA

Importance of Understanding Culture in International MA We can name several huge mergers that ultimately failed, and we can also point out several reasons for these failures. It could be that there is a lack of forward-thinking among the parties involved, or it could also be that not enough research was conducted to fully justify the merger or acquisition. In some cases, the two companies have completely opposing visions, and they do not really meet halfway, enough to merit business integration, or to make one work. Poor governance and weak leadership are also instrumental in single-handedly destroying a deal, and poor communication among the parties will only drive the nail even further. These are all true, even when we speak of MA on a larger scale, specifically international MA. © Shutterstock.com | Vector GoddessIn this article, we will explore 1) international MA and 2) the role of culture in international MA, take a look at an example of 3) Daimler with Crysler and Mitsubishi, and finalize with 4) contributing factors to cultural integration.INTERNATIONAL MAThe increasing activity in international markets is continuously stirring the global business landscape, tempting more and more businesses to get a piece of the action. Thus, they look into various international market entry strategies and entering into cross-border transactions, with their eyes set on creating, or being part of, a global network of businesses. It’s simple, really. Entry into new markets means greater opportunities, faster growth, and higher profit.The Wall Street Journal is touting 2015 to be the “biggest MA year ever”, with 112 deals announced in the beginning of December 2015, involving small to large companies from all over the world. Data providers said that the global MA v olume is now estimated at $4.304 trillion.Some of the international MA deals announced include the acquisition of London’s SABMiller plc by Anheuser-Busch InBev for $108 billion. The Belgium-based company is currently the world’s largest brewer, and SABMiller happens to be the second-largest brewer, in terms of revenue. Another international MA that is getting a lot of press is the acquisition of Pfizer Inc. of Dublin-based Allergan PLC for around $160 billion.Granted, these MA deals have only been announced, and whether they will succeed or not will be seen in the coming months. There is still that probability that the MA will not close, and it could be due to several reasons, most of which have been mentioned earlier.Some of the main reasons for failure of international MAs include:Lack of involvement of the owners, who are operating under the assumption that, once they hire professional advisors to oversee the deal, their work is done. That is not the case, because the adviso rs are only supposed to provide advice and assistance; it is the owners who must be directly involved every step of the way.Unrealistic expectations. On paper, the numbers may look good, and anyone looking at it may think that there is no way the deal will not succeed. However, due to lack of research and realistic analysis, the theoretical valuation may not coincide with the practical proposition of the benefits that are expected to arise from the merger.Poor execution of the integration process. Many think that the deal is done once the integration has been performed; they fail to consider the post-merger integration stage, where there are still critical areas that need to be addressed. After the merger, there may be inefficiencies that fail to be dealt with immediately, so the integration is not as clear as they would have wanted.Cost inefficiencies. It is possible for the companies undergoing integration to hemorrhage cash during the integration. They may end up investing more t han they can actually earn back in the long run, which is a sure way to make the deal fail. These may also arise from errors incurred during the negotiation process.But there is one factor that is seen by most as the most pervasive reason for failure, particularly in international MA: culture.THE ROLE OF CULTURE IN INTERNATIONAL MACulture, by itself, cannot be seen as a reason for international MA deals failing to close, or giving the results expected by the parties after the integration. What makes culture a stumbling block in many MA deals are the differences that arise during the integration.The term “culture” is not strictly confined to the set of characteristics or norms that differentiate one country or nationality to another (although national culture can also get in the way of MA, as will be discussed later). When we say culture in the context of international MA, it specifically means the cultural gap in the corporate or organizational cultures of the merging companies. Organizational culture refers to that set of values, norms and assumptions that govern how the people within an organization act, interact, and work on a daily basis.MA denotes a partnership, or a relationship that both will benefit from. In order for a solid relationship to establish, it is important to know who your partner is. Looking at their culture is one way to go about it.In order to understand the importance of culture awareness when it comes to international MA, let us look into its role, or how it shapes mergers and acquisitions.Culture â€" whether national or organizational culture â€" will give you a clearer understanding on a company’s way of doing business. Much of the daily and regular operations of a business are driven by culture, and you will be able to feel a bit more of the “pulse” of a business by first acquainting yourself with their culture.Understanding culture will provide explanations on what the target company does differently from the acquiring co mpany. But it is not enough that you know what the differences are; the most important part is understanding why these differences exist. By understanding their culture, you will be in a better position to figure out whether the two companies will be compatible, and also get an indication on the level of success of the MA.Since culture essentially refers to the way of doing things, it also means that it affects how a business is managed. Many cross-border MAs have failed, pointing to mismanagement as the main reason. However, when they dig deeper, it is often seen that the new manager had a management style that was deemed unfamiliar by the workforce. A classic example was the failure of the US’ Walmart when it attempted to enter Germany by acquiring two German companies â€" Wertkauf and Interspar â€" in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The Germans questioned the leadership of the American managers, because they simply did not understand that it is how the Americans do it.The culture of the target company is also indicative of the culture of the market being entered. If there is anyone who knows the market best, it is the company that actually operates in it. Therefore, one way to gain an understanding of the market is by looking at the culture of the company being acquired or merged with.DAIMLER WITH CHRYSLER AND MITSUBISHIAutomobile giant Daimler is a good example of international MA gone wrong, when it was involved in a couple of major cross-border or international deals: first with Chrysler, and then with Mitsubishi.DaimlerChysler AGLet us first take a look at one of the pivotal and most publicized international MA deals that went south due to cultural differences.The merger between Daimler and Chrysler in 1998 made waves in the global business landscape. Here, you have two of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world â€" Germany’s Daimler and United States’ Chrysler â€" merging as “equals”. It was even called by many as a “marriage made in heaven”. The result was DaimlerChrysler AG.In 2007, barely 10 years after the historic merge, the two companies decided to split, with Daimler selling Chrysler to Cerberus Capital Management for over $6 billion.Cultural differences were identified as the main culprit of the failure of the $38 billion merger between these two giants. Apparently, there was a wide cultural gap in the two companies’ corporate cultures. Daimler’s was described as “conservative, efficient, and safe”. The Detroit-based company Chrysler, on the other hand, was “daring, diverse, and creating”.One difference that was cited was the attitude of the employees to hierarchy. Over at Daimler, they are used to having a clear and unambiguous chain of command. The ranking persons of authority are at the top, and they deserve all the respect from the subordinates below them. Chrysler, however, utilizes a more egalitarian approach, encouraging a team-oriented atmosphere among its people.This is bound to b e problematic for Chrysler, which is not used to having to kowtow to anyone in authority. There was also the fact that some were not entirely convinced that it was a merger of equals between the two companies. Some critics said that, rather than an equal merger, it was Daimler acquiring Chrysler, so there was an expectation that Chrysler should adhere to the culture of the former. This naturally led to mistrust between the groups of employees of the two companies. It certainly did not help any when the Daimler executives were seen as “high-handed” in imposing their culture on the people of Chrysler.There was also the difference between how the two companies viewed what is important to their clients. According to Daimler, customers value reliability in their automobiles, and they expect nothing less than the best quality. Chrysler, the daring and creative one, insisted that customers prefer more flash and style, so it put more emphasis on the designs and competitive pricing. As a result, they were not coordinate or cohesive on how the manufacturing process should go, resulting in division.Daimler and MitsubishiThis is a classic case of national culture causing differences between two companies in an MA. After the merge, DaimlerChrysler wanted to enter the Asian market, and what better way to do that than by striking an alliance with one of the major players in the Asian automotive market?DaimlerChrysler started an alliance with Mitsubishi Motors and, right off the bat, the major differences between German culture and Japanese culture were causing conflicts. Daimler either did not care, or they were not aware, of the Japanese “way of doing business”.The Japan business culture was deeply grounded on trust, empathy and paying attention to how others are feeling. German business culture is more on the pragmatic side, putting more stock on facts and figures, and paying little to no heed to personal relationships.The Japanese workforce of Mitsubishi Alliance also did not take kindly to the people of Daimler barging in and giving orders as if they are in their home turf. The Japanese tend to be territorial, and this applies to business as well. Having complete strangers telling them what to do â€" in their own territory â€" clearly did not sit well with them.There was also a marked difference in the orientation of the two cultures in terms of their goals. The Japanese are more long-term oriented, meaning they are patient, so they were not easily swayed by the initial difficulties that besieged Mitsubishi Motors at the time. Daimler, however, was looking at the short-term. They saw the financial difficulties as indications that the company is not in good shape financially. Since they were not seeing immediate profits coming in, they saw no point in investing further. This resulted to the two companies being more distant than ever, leading to the dissolution of their alliance.In both cases, Daimler’s aggressive “it’s our way or the h ighway” attitude in leading posed problems, since they were imposed on cultures that were not used to it.CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO CULTURAL INTEGRATIONLike it or not, culture has a great impact on business. It also goes without saying that, in MA, cultural integration takes a lot of work. It’s actually quite a sensitive area that people engaged in MA must tread with caution. Here are some factors that would make cultural integration smoother, paving the way for international MA deals.Awareness of partner’s corporate and national culture. Knowing who your potential business partner is means looking into how they do business, and how their unique national or regular culture influence the way they do things.Leadership and leadership support. Understand how they lead, if there is a chain of command and how it works. This entails getting a feel of their business hierarchy, or how authority is established and followed through. It is also highly advised that the integration take steps to empower local management. Employees of an acquired company may be aware of, and accepting of the fact, that they have been acquired by another company, and that there are bound to be changes. However, it takes time for them to get used to new leadership and new leadership styles. By empowering local management, they will have a smoother transition, and help facilitate the integration.Skills and training. People governed by a certain organizational culture are likely to have a different way of acquiring skills and expertise. By knowing what these are, the potential partners will be in better positions to reconfigure the organizational framework that will best benefit the new partnership.Sufficiency and consistency of communication. Communication is one of the most important ingredients of a successful business. By bridging cultural differences, you are also encouraging the smooth flow of communication and, in the process, facilitating the buildup of trust between and among the emp loyees of the two companies.When undergoing global or international MA, there are possible two ways to prevent cultural differences from destroying a potentially successful merger or acquisition.Agree to set aside cultural differences. This is the aggressive tack, since it literally forces the parties to ignore the cultural issues that may arise.Allow the local business to run its unit, while keeping profit targets and strategy clear.Often, the acquiring company would want to maintain its own culture, or have its own culture prevail over that of the acquired company. This was what took place with DaimlerChrysler AG. Daimler wanted to enforce its organizational culture on Chrysler.Where did it go wrong? There are several possibilities, which include the attitude adopted by Daimler when trying to enforce its culture, and how it went about infusing Chrysler’s culture into its own.In the process of evaluating a potential MA, it is highly recommended that the companies thoroughly asses s the culture of their target company or acquisition. More specifically, they should evaluate whether the culture of the target acquisition is compatible with theirs. Not only will this smoothen the integration, but increase the chances of the merger or acquisition becoming successful and profitable in the long run.Whatever decision was made by the merging companies, it is important to choose only one culture, and commit to it. The parties should sit down and have a good talk about it, reveal the gaps that they are faced with and reconcile if there is a need to do so, and put the chosen culture into practice. Managing the culture actively is the next phase, and this is left in the hands of the managers and executives of the companies.Culture clashes are already a given in any international or cross-border MA. They could make or break the entire MA process. Thus, it is important to pay as much attention to culture as you do to other aspects of MA.

The Purposes of Symmetry and Asymmetry in the Song of Roland - Literature Essay Samples

Lines from the first laisse of the epic, The Song of Roland express the focus of the poem: the demise of paganism and the victory of the superior, Christianity through the will of God. â€Å"Saragossa . . .held by King Marsiliun who does not love God. Marsiliun serves Mohamed and prays to Appolin. But he cannot prevent harm from overtaking him† (3). Here, in the very first lines of the epic, the poet has already clarified the outcome of one who does not love God – harm will overtake him. In The Song of Roland, the poet uses the symmetries and asymmetries of those who are good and those who are evil to illustrate the God’s justice and the superiority of Christianity.In order to show the power of God and superiority of Christianity, the poet first presents the pagans and Christians as parallel. The only difference between the two groups is that the Christians are depicted as good and the pagans as evil. The parallels between the Christians and pagans are first illu strated prior to the first battle. The Saracen society is portrayed as mirroring the types of knightly virtues the Christians have. For example, Blancandrin is described as, â€Å"well endowed with the kind of courage that befits a knight, and he had shrewdness and judgment to bring to the aid of his lord† (4). This symmetry is also illustrated in more subtle ways throughout the poem; Marsiliun’s throne, like Charles’ is placed beneath a pine. There is also symmetry in the result of the first battle. Though, because of Ganelon’s treachery, the Christians lose this battle; the losses Charles and Marsiliun suffer are mirrored. Roland cuts of Marsiliun’s right hand, and Charles loses his metaphorical right hand – Roland. Because the poet sets up the Christian and Saracens so symmetrically, any instances of non-symmetry draw the reader’s attention, evincing some significance.Charles and Marsiliun’s nephews illustrate a significant example of symmetry changing to asymmetry. Both nephews prove to be equally bold and proud. In response to Charles offering him more troops Roland says: â€Å"I will do no such thing. God confound me if I shame my ancestors! I will keep with me twenty thousand Franks . . . and you may go on your way through the pass in utter confidence, and fear no man as long as I am alive† (26). Marsilun’s nephew, Aleroth, echoes Roland’s brashness and pride: â€Å"King I have served you long and have known suffering and hardship, and battles fought and won on the field. Grant me on favor: the first blow at Roland. I will kill him . . .Charles will lose heart . . .you will have no more war as long as you live† (29). Aleroth and Roland both use equally prideful language to assure their Kings that they will be victorious. Their pride is also the cause of both of their deaths: Aleroth because he charges forward to make an attempt on Roland’s life and Roland because he is too proud to blow his horn for help. However, the poet treats their deaths noticeably differently. The mirroring that the poet has used up to this point causes any difference between narration about the Christians and pagans to stand out clearly. The poet spends little time on Aleroth’s death, giving it just a mention, but during his description of Roland’s death the narration slows down dramatically. The moment when Roland dies is held out over three laisses, which all describe the same scene. The first ends with, â€Å"he offers his glove, as a token of his sins, to God,† the second with, â€Å"he has held out his right glove to God. Angels descend out of heaven and come to him,† and the third with, â€Å"he offers his right glove to God, and Saint Gabriel takes it from him† (72). Roland’s offering of his right glove to God indicates that Roland is a vassal of God, and God’s acceptance of it through Saint Gabriel acknowledges God as Roland’s ultimate lord. The fact that the moment of Roland’s death is suspended in much narration draws the reader’s attention, just as the poet’s deviation from the typical symmetrical structure evinces its significance. What is significant here is that Roland is saved, as God’s acceptance of his glove illustrates. This evinces the goodness of Roland as a member of the Christian army, and thus, the favor God gives to the Christians.To continue with the theme of symmetry, the poet balances out Roland’s death with Charles’ vengeance. The poet also creates symmetry with the Christian army led by Charles and the pagan army led by the Emir, Baligant. The poet presents the Emir as a pagan counterpart to Charles. For example, like Charles, Baligant is impossibly old: â€Å"[he] has survived both Virgil and Homer† (79). The mirroring between the two also results from Baligant’s effort to imitate Charles. For example Bali gant names his sword â€Å"Precieuse† because it rhymes with the name of Charles’ sword: â€Å"Joyuse.† Because an imitation is usually considered inferior to the original, the poet can maintain the symmetry between Charles and the Emir, while leaving no doubt in the reader’s mind that Charles, and thus Christianity, is superior. The mirroring between Charles and Baligant continues when they battle each other, and this time, unlike in the case of the swords, their actions seem to be simultaneous. The language the poet uses to describe the fight illustrates this: â€Å"[they] exchange heavy blows . . .nothing can separate them and the fight cannot end without the death of one or the other† (106). The language the poet uses to describe their battle evokes the idea that the two are evenly matched in skill and strength. The poet does this to construct the need for some divine intervention, which comes when Charles is badly hit: Charles staggers and alm ost falls, but it is not God’s will that he should be killed or beaten. Saint Gabriel comes to his side asking: â€Å"Great King, what are you doing?† When he hears the holy voice of the angel, Charles loses all fear of death, and his vigor and clearness of mind return. (107)The poet uses symmetry between the Emir and Charles to create a situation in which God must intervene to end the battle. God, of course, chooses to save Charles. It is an angelic vision, rather than Charles’ strength that turns the battle. This evinces the idea of the justice of God and supports the idea that the morally good will receive victory. There is a final time in the epic in which not symmetry, but asymmetry in those who are good and evil, is used to illustrate the power of God. Ganelon’s trial is a trial-by-combat. Unlike the case of Charles and Baligant, the poet indicates that the men that will fight, Pinabel and Thierry, are asymmetrical because they are not equally stron g. Thierry who fights for the Emperor is described as, â€Å"gaunt of limb, and wiry, and quick . . .he is neither very tall nor very short,† while Pinabel who fights for Ganelon is, â€Å"tall and strong and brave and quick, and if he strikes a man a blow, the other has come to the end of his days† (114). The poet describes Pinabel in a way that makes it seem as if he will surely win the fight against â€Å"gaunt,† â€Å"wiry† Thierry. The great difference in the strength of the two once again constructs the need for a Godly intervention; in fact, Thierry says, â€Å"may God this day show which of us is in the right† (116). This could be the general cry of the Christians throughout the poem. The poet emphasizes Pinabel’s strength over Thierry’s to make clear that it is the good man and not merely the stronger that wins, and to evince God’s justice for those who are morally good. God’s justice for the good Christians is illustrated time and time again in the Song of Roland. The poet of The Song of Roland uses symmetry and balance to structure the epic. Ganelon’s treachery is balanced with his trial and death, and Roland’s death is balanced with Charles’ vengeance. Symmetry is used in the descriptions of the Christians and pagans and Charles and Baligant, allowing God’s intervention decide the outcome of combat. The poet also uses instances of asymmetry, such as in the death of Roland versus the death of his counterpart Aleroth. These instances draw the reader’s attention since they deviate from the general structure of the epic, and in the case of Thierry and Pinabel’s combat, the asymmetry constructs a need for the intervention of God to help the good man and not the stronger man win the fight.

The Art Exhibition Of The Piano For More Than 10 Years

As a person who has been learning to play the piano for more than 10 years, I not only love music, but also am interested in other various forms of arts. Painting, which is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface, is one kind of arts I love. Therefore, instead of having dinner with friends, I went to the Emporium Center and visited â€Å"The Fall Juried Show: 41st Fall Art Exhibition† at 6 pm on last Friday. It was a rainy day. Walking along the sidewalk in downtown Knoxville with the rain made me a little melancholy, but I did not feel bad because I thought that melancholy is a good feeling for enjoying arts. When you are melancholy, your senses will be more sensitive, which makes you notice more details of various kinds of arts. When I stood in front of the Emporium Center, the building â€Å"The Fall Juried Show: 41st Fall Art Exhibition† was displayed at, I could see that the exterior wall of this building was consisted of tawny bricks. Some bricks were dark tawny, and some bricks were light tawny. A mottled exterior, brick wall made it seem like this building was steeped in history, and so it did. The Emporium Center was originally built in 1898, and was re-opened following renovations during the summer of 2004. This building, which located at 100 South Gay Street, has the 28,000 square feet of flexible use space. It houses multiple art galleries, which showcase local and reg ional artists, the administrative offices of the Arts CultureShow MoreRelatedWassily Kandinsky Essay1710 Words   |  7 PagesSolomon Higgs Dr. Watson HUMA 1153 4-22-10 Wassily Kandinsky Wassily Kandinsky was a Russian-born artist, whose contributions to the world of modern art are innumerable. On an artistic level, Kandinskys maturation process from representational art to abstract art is fascinating. From his earliest work, with an impressionistic flair, to his later work, which was pure abstraction, Kandinsky was an innovator and a genius. 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