Kraft Food’s Case Study

KRAFT FOOD COMPANY Chapter I INTRODUCTION A. COMPANY’S HISTORY According to Frank (2010), in 1903, there was a man named James Lewis Kraft who had begun cheese delivery service at Chicago area after he had been eased out from a cheese company at Buffalo. Every morning, he will buy cheese wholesale and resold it to the local vendors in order to avoid the cheese melt or spoil. The business was successful and several of his brothers who are known as Charles H. , John H. , Fred Walker and Norman had joined the company named J. L Kraft & Bros. Co. in 1909 as permanent employees (MAC 2011).James L. Kraft is a president of the company who had invented a revolutionary process in 1915. This process helps to pasteurize the cheese, thus it would not spoiled easily and can be transported long distances (NNDB 2009). Fundamentally, according to Phillip (2010), in 1920, Kraft purchased a Canadian cheese company and changed it to Kraft Cheese Company in 1924. Kraft Cheese Company had obtained a lot of sales which enable J. L Kraft to expand the company into Germany, Australia and Britain. During World War II, Kraft had supplied 4 million pounds of cheese to Britain.It had showed that Kraft was a main food supplier at that time. In 1945, the Kraft Cheese Company became Kraft Food Company (NNDB 2009). B. COMPANY’S DESCRIPTION Kraft Food Company’s headquarter had been located at Cheltenham, United Kingdom since Kraft has a close connection with the rest of Europe. The manufacturing site had been established at the Ban bury as a global manufacturing base that will supply a variety type of products worldwide in 155 countries including Malaysia, China and United State (Kraft Food Inc. 2010). Kraft Food Company was having more than 100,000 diverse employees all over the world.Currently, Kraft Food Company is a second largest food and beverage company in the world after Nestle. C. TYPE OF PRODUCTS Furthermore, according to Joel (2010), Kraft Food Company is popula r with cheese and dairy, snack foods and confectionary, beverage and convenient foods. However, Kraft Food Company is basically focusing more on cheese and dairy products such as cottage cheese and sour cream. Kraft produces a wide variety of natural cheese and American cheese slices. Besides that, Kraft also been known as snack food brands especially cookies and crackers.Some of popular snacks food offers by Kraft are Kraft cheese Nips, Wheat Thins crackers, Corn Nuts and Garden Harvest toasted chips (Kraft Food 2011). Instead of that, sweet and confectionary food brands produced by Kraft are Oreo cookies, Kraft Mayo with olive oil, Jet-Puffed Marshmallows and Kraft salad dressings whereas for beverage and convenient foods are Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, California Pizza Kitchen and DiGiorno frozen pizzas, Yuban Coffee and Maxwell House (David 2009). Chapter II STRATEGY FORMULATION A. VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS 1.Kraft Foods Mission Statement: â€Å"Make Today Delicious† I n order to fulfill this mission Kraft Foods Inc. focuses on consumers in everything that they do. The company also understands that actions speak louder than words, so at Kraft Foods, they: – inspire trust. – act like owners. – keep it simple. – are open and inclusive. – tell it like it is. – lead from the head and the heart. – discuss – decide -deliver. 2. Kraft Foods Vision Statement: â€Å"Helping People Around the World to Eat & Live Better† Their vision captures the essence of who they are.Everything they do flows from their vision. They just don't happen to be a business that sells food – it's what they're all about. Their vision is about meeting consumers' needs and making food an easier, healthier, more memorable, and enjoyable part of the life. Revised Mission Statement Here at Kraft Foods we strive to produce superior products and services (2) to our customers (1) ranging from wholesalers to households. The 21st century is sure to bring more innovation, new products, and new food technology (4), thus enabling us to create and deliver better and healthier products.Kraft Foods continues to lead the food industry as the largest food supplier in North America (7) with plans to continue expansion into new and existing global markets (3). We support the goals of the company by applying the highest ethical conduct within our corporate philosophy in all our business transactions (6), treatment of employees (9), and social and environmental policies (8). We at Kraft Foods focus highly on our consumers’ lifestyles and aim to grow profitable in the worlds’ food market and provide a higher than expected return to shareholders (5).Our company takes pride in making today and the future-delicious. 1. ) Customers 2. ) Products and services 3. ) Markets 4. ) Technology 5. ) Concern for survival, growth, and profitability 6. ) Philosophy 7. ) Self-concept 8. ) Concern for public image 9. ) Concern for employees Revised Vision Statement Global leadership in offering the best food products enabling people to eat and live better. Explanation-This revised vision statement incorporates a vision for the Kraft Foods Inc. to become a global leader among its competitors-that is to be the number one.This statement shall encourage the whole organization of the corporation to think not only for the good but for the best. The corporation shall offer not only quality products but the best quality products helping their global market to live better through the consumption of their products. B. EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 1. Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) Table 1. Competitive Profile Matrix(CPM) for Kraft Foods Inc. Critical Success Factor | | | | | Rating | Rating | Rating | 1. Advertising| 3| 4| 2| 2. Financial Position| 3| 4| 2| 3. Global Expansion| 3| 4| 2| 4. Market Share| 3| 3| 2| . Product Diversity | 4| 4| 3| 6. Consumer Demands | 4| 3| 3| Average Rating | 20/6= 3. 33| 22/6= 3 . 67| 14/6= 2. 33| Note: 1=major weakness, 2=minor weakness, 3=minor strength, 4=major  strength The Competitive Profile Matrix shows  the relative strength of  Kraft Foods Inc. compared  to its competitors by using the critical success factors in  its industry. By identifying its strengths, we can also identify its relative weaknesses and address them to formulate effective strategies. Kraft Foods Inc. is relatively competitive in its industry, showing 3. 33 as its total score.The company has to improve on global strength, market share and attractiveness as an employer to improve on brand loyalty and customer retention. Its profit margin has a rating of 3 just like the other industry because it is considered as a minor strength for they all want to focus on their brand and customer satisfaction. 2. PESTLE Analysis The PESTLE analysis contains the analysis of Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental environments of a country with reference to a  particular object. The PESTLE analysis of Kraft Foods Inc. is as follows: POLITICALThey support candidates who understand and appreciate the public policies that impact their  business, brands and employees. The company has started a political action committee called Kraftpac or Kraft Political Action Committee which makes  funding to state political parties, committees and candidates. ECONOMIC Kraft is making good earnings from its market involvements via  its products and brands. The company is delivering high quality earnings to  its shareholders despite the difficult economic environment. They are continuously investing in their brands and businesses to further  provide excellent product offerings to their customers.As a result of their investment strategies, the Kraft Foods is very well positioned to deliver sustainable top-tier  performance, with or without Cadbury (Kraft foods financial news, 2011). In 2008, Kraft Foods was once again named to the Dow Jones Sust ainability World Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index in recognition of the  company’s economic, environmental and social performance. SOCIAL The company took  initiative to improve the  living standards of more than 1 million farmers with effective partnerships with them.They  increased their cocoa and coffee purchase to further benefit their partner farmers. Kraft Foods reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 18% and water consumption by 30% since2005, as measured against total production. Furthermore, the  company improved the nutritional profile of more than 5,500  products during the last five years. They removed nearly 6. 5 million pounds (3  million kg) of salt from products in 2010 and helped to provide more than 1 billion servings of food since 1999 in the United States alone. TECHNOLOGICAL The company keeps consumer needs in  their minds  before designing their strategies.They adapt  and anticipate their needs in order to  mee t them efficiently. The company has employed SAP Net weaver technology platform to ensure effective information and business transformation strategy within all the business units (FBR, 2008). Kraft foods have established a hub and spoke model where a centrally led team focuses on the overall strategies, systems, enabling tools, networks and metrics. And, they have complemented that central team with R&D people the open innovation â€Å"technical scouts†? embedded in each  of Kraft's business units. LEGALThe company abides by the laws, rules, and regulations of the national as well as  international countries in order to sustain its  profitability and its business operations. Almost all of the activities of the company’s food operations outside of the United States are subject to local and national regulations similar to those applicable to Kraft Philippines  businesses and, in some cases,  international regulatory provisions, such as those of the European Uni on relating to labeling, packaging, food  content, pricing, marketing and advertising and related areas.ENVIRONMENTAL Kraft Foods has set an example  in the global industry by determining a push  to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment in the U. S. and  around the world. The company released  its CSR report in 2010 which stated its environmental goals agenda to reduce the effects of energy and the carbon dioxide emissions in food plants to the conservation of water and minimizing excess packaging. They are creating packaging that uses less material, weighs less and reduces impact  on landfills without compromising food safety or freshness.As part of their plan to  reduce our â€Å"carbon footprint,† Kraft foods are improving their energy efficiencies, using  less energy and finding new and cleaner sources of energy. Kraft Foods look for opportunities to reduce the use of water to  minimize the  impact of water discharge and even reuse wat er  in ways that help the environment and save money. Lastly they are not only focusing on creating less waste in the manufacturing process, they are also finding new and better  ways to reuse, treat and even put waste to work. 3. Porter’s Five Forces AnalysisBARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS The food and beverage industry is quite high and competitive in nature. The  prices offered are usually competitive to  remain in the market. THE BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS The buyers preferences changes with the passage of time and they are likely to switch to the seller who offers good  quality at  less price. Wal-Mart has played a  major  role in this case. It offers less priced goods to  attract the buyers ¶ attention. There is a significant opportunity for the buyers to  extract industry and firm profits. THE THREAT OF THE ENTRY OF NEW COMPETITORSThere are already so  many competitors present in the market that there are very less chances for the new comers to se t foot in and enjoy their share in the market. The existing companies have already spent  so much on their brands, quality and positioning that it will be difficult for the new comers to entice switching among consumers. RIVALRY AMONG ESTABLISHED COMPETITIONS Intense competition lies in the food and beverage industry. The main vehicle by which firms in the industry preserve market share  is through brand loyalty and diversification.In general, the products of these  firms are highly elastic with consumers weighing the tradeoff between price and quality between companies and products. Consumers in the industry have minimal switching costs and there is never the guarantee of brand loyalty. Therefore, the way these firms maintain market share is by providing  brand quality at an affordable price. Thus, there is some cooperation among  firms against the erosion of market share to  private label products. With all firms promoting brand quality, there are signals passed onto t he consumer that brand name products are superior  to private label products in quality and elegance.There have been restructurings and realignments at Kraft and at other companies in the industry in order to increase volume and profitability despite increasing input costs, sluggish top  line growth, margin contraction, and rising pension costs. THE THREAT OF SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES The consumers evaluate the quality of products and their prices with that of others to decide which product to  buy. The treat of substitutes is medium in this case. The  private label products, also referred to as  ? generic? products, pose a serious threat to industry and  firm profits. 4. Input Tools Table 2.External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc. Key External Factors| Opportunities| 1. Operates in many fast growing categories| 2. Growing demand for health and wellness products| 3. Decreased input costs [raw materials]| 4. Changing lifestyles. | 5. Increased tr ends of flavor enhancer for bottled water. | 6. Growth in the market overall. | 7. Cadbury acquisition provides new products. | Threats| 1. Increasing trend of dining out| 2. Health concerns| 3. Inflation [transportation]| 4. Unfavorable impact of foreign currency| 5. Customers switching to generic brands. | 6. Intense competition from Mars Inc. Nestle SA| C. INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 1. Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix Table 3. Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc. Key Internal Threats | Strengths| 1. Strong R;D| 2 Increased organic revenues| 3. Availability| 4. Innovative advertising methods| 5. Diverse range of leading brands| 6. Focus on consumers| 7. Strong distribution network| 8. Strong brand image| 9. World’s second-largest food company| 10. 25% of global revenue from emerging markets| Weaknesses| 1. Difficulty in launching new brands| 2. Most of growth is dependent on acquisitions or expanding into new market. 3. Strong competition from Nestle , Hershey, etc. | 4. Poor performance of North-American segment| 2. Matching  Tools a. Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) Matrix   The  opportunities  and  threats  that  Kraft  Foods  Inc. possesses  are  now matched against its  strengths and  weaknesses by  using the SWOT matrix in order to generate appropriate strategies. Table 4. SWOT MATRIX for Kraft Foods Inc. 1| Strengths| SWOT MATRIX SWOT MATRIX | 1. Strong R;D| | 2. Increased organic revenues| | 3. Availability| | 4. Innovative advertising methods| | 5. Diverse range of leading brands| | 6.Focus on consumers| | 7. Strong Distribution network| | 8. Strong brand image| | 9. World’s second largest food company| | 10. 25% of global revenue from emerging markets| Opportunities| SO Strategies| 1. Operates in many fast growing categories| Focus on retailers and restaurants (O1,S1)Position itself as a healthy food producer (O4, S3, S8)Focus on ready to eat products (O4 S6)Promote r eady to drink beverages (O4, S5, S8)| 2. Growing demand for health and wellness products| | 3. Decreased input costs [raw materials]| | 4. Changing lifestyles. | | 5. Increased trends of flavor enhancer for bottled water. | 6. Growth in the market overall. | | 7. Cadbury acquisition provides new products. | | Threats| ST Strategies| 1. Increasing trend of dining out| Introduce low fat products (T3, S6)Outsource operations to cheaper logistics partners (T4, S7)| 2. Health concerns| | 3. Inflation [transportation]| | 4. Unfavorable impact of foreign currency| | 5. Customers switching to generic brands. | | 6. Intense competition from Mars Inc. , Nestle SA| | SWOT MATRIX SWOT MATRIX | Weaknesses| | 1. Difficulty in launching new brands| | 2. Most of growth is dependent on acquisitions or expanding into new market. | | 3.Strong competition from Nestle, Hershey, etc. | | 4. Poor performance of North-American segment| Opportunities | WO Strategies| 1. Operates in many fast growing categor ies| Look for divestiture in poor performing segmentsSell packaged coffees to cafes (W4, O1)  Ã‚  | 2. Growing demand for health and wellness products| | 3. Decreased input costs [raw materials]| | 4. Changing lifestyles. | | 5. Increased trends of flavor enhancer for bottled water. | | 6. Growth in the market overall. | | 7. Cadbury acquisition provides new products. | | Threats| WT Strategies| 1. Increasing trend of dining out| Launch a sub-brand (brand extension) for ealthier range of products(W3, T2)Market dependent; look into closing lower value markets and look to switch to higher value economies  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  | 2. Health concerns| | 3. Inflation [transportation]| | 4. Unfavorable impact of foreign currency| | 5. Customers switching to generic brands. | | 6. Intense competition from Mars Inc. , Nestle SA| | | | | | IP IP c. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix Division| Revenue (millions)| Percent Revneues| Profit (millions)| Percent Profit| Relative Market Share| Indus try Growth Rate (%)| Company| $ 42,201| 100%| $2,901| 100%| 0. 38| 6. 41%| In the BCG matrix, Kraft Foods Inc. ervices are presented and compared with industry’s growth rate. The percentage market share of Kraft Foods Inc. was computed as follows: (2010 Kraft Foods net sales/ 2010 industry total net sales) X 100%= $42,201/$111,507= 38% The percentage industry growth rate was obtained from the annual increase in revenues. Table 5. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc. (Global Market Share) Relative market share in the industry (percentage) Relative market share in the industry (percentage) 1. 0 . 50 0. 0 2. . 50 0. 0 +20 0 20 +20 0 20 Industry Sales Growth Rate (Percentage) Industry Sales Growth Rate (Percentage) Question Marks I Question Marks I Stars II Stars II Dogs IV Dogs IV Cash Cows III Cash Cows III Kraft Foods belongs to Question Marks Group seen in Quadrant I, it remains to be competitive enough although its market share is not that high but its g rowth rate in industry is high enough to cover the market. In order to be on Stars the company must pursue an intensive strategy to strengthen the company and meet its goals in the industry. Table 6.Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc. (Domestic Market Share) Relative Market Share Position in the Industry Relative Market Share Position in the Industry 1. 0 . 500. 0 2. 0 . 500. 0 Industry Sales Growth Rate (Percentage) Industry Sales Growth Rate (Percentage) +20 0 -20 +20 0 -20 Question Marks I Question Marks I Stars II Stars II Dogs IV Dogs IV Cash Cows III Cash Cows III Kraft Foods belongs to Stars Group seen in Quadrant II, its market share is high and highly competitive in the industry, but because of fast growing market, Kraft is required to have a huge investments to maintain their lead.Division| Revenue (millions)| Percent Revneues| Profit (millions)| Percent Profit| Relative Market Share| Industry Growth Rate (%)| Company| $ 42,201| 100%| $ 2,901| 100%| 0 . 70| 6. 41%| The percentage market share of Kraft Foods Inc. was computed as follows: (2010 Kraft Foods net sales/ 2010 industry total net sales) X 100%= $42,201/$60,287= 70% The percentage industry growth rate was obtained from the annual increase in revenues. d. Internal-External (I/E) Matrix IFE Total Weighted Scores IFE Total Weighted Scores Table 7. Internal-External (I/E) Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc.Strong Average Weak Strong Average Weak 4. 0 High 3. 0 to 4. 0 3. 0 Medium 2. 0 to 2. 99 2. 0 Low 1. 0 to 1. 99 1. 0 4. 0 High 3. 0 to 4. 0 3. 0 Medium 2. 0 to 2. 99 2. 0 Low 2. 0 to 1. 99 1. 0 3. 0 to 4. 0 3. 0 2. 0 to 2. 99 2. 0 1. 0 to 1. 99 1. 0 3. 0 to 4. 0 3. 0 2. 0 to 2. 99 2. 0 1. 0 to 1. 99 1. 0 Grow and buildGrow and build I| 2. 57, 3. 14 2. 57, 3. 14 II | III| IV | Hold and Maintain Hold and Maintain V| VI| VII| VIII| Harvest or Divest Harvest or Divest IX| EFE Total Weighted Scores EFE Total Weighted Scores Division| Revenues (millions)| Percent Revenues| Profit (millio ns)| Percent Profit| IFE Scores| EFE Scores| Company| $ 42,201 | 100%| $ 2,901 | 100%| 2. 57| 3. 14| Kraft Foods Co. is in the Grow and Build position which means that its internal strengths are on the average and response to the external factors are on the above average.This means that Kraft can proceed in doing intensive and integrative strategies as suggested by the IE Matrix. e. Grand Strategy (GS) Matrix Rapid Market Growth Rapid Market Growth Table 8. GS Matrix for Kraft Foods Inc. Quadrant II| Quadrant I 1. Market Development 2. Market Penetration 3. Product Development 4. Forward Integration 5. Backward Integration 6. Horizontal Integration 7. Related Diversification| Quadrant III| Quadrant IV| Strong Competitive Position Strong Competitive Position Weak Competitive Position Weak Competitive Position Slow Market GrowthSlow Market Growth Kraft Foods Inc. falls under Quadrant I which is characterized by rapid market growth and strong competitive position. For Kraft Foods Inc. it would be best for them to continue their concentration on their current markets and strategies that would be best to use are market penetration and market development as suggested earlier in the other matrixes. If Kraft Foods is too heavily committed to a single product, then related diversification may reduce the risks associated with a narrow product line. g. Functional areas of the firm MarketingKraft's management performed an international consumer survey to determine if consumers were aware of the product quality and whether they were receptive to Kraft's product quality. After receiving a favorable survey response, KFI decided to produce an adaptive, revitalization, and business acquisition marketing campaign; tailored for specific foreign markets. An organization can make a creditable business case for product adaptation when the product modification develops into higher revenues and profits. Kraft's product brand managers developed ways and methods to revitalize existing food products to sell in foreign markets.The brand managers revisited products that were more than 35 years old and revitalized them by positioning the products as mild, hot, or spicy and microwavable. Consequently, product revitalization influenced consumer behaviors. Shortly after product revitalization, the initial response occurred when new customers became enticed by the repositioned products and younger consumers became interested in Kraft products. Finance At Kraft, cash is king When Kraft Foods needed to cut costs and free up cash, its supply chain organization rose to the challenge.Better inventory turnover played a leading role in boosting cash flow by 20 percent. If the company could make just the right amount of goods for a market and get them quickly into the hands of the consumer, it would speed up the cycle for converting products to cash. The relationship between inventory and cash flow put Kraft's supply chain organization front and center in the multiyear project. Research, Development ; Quality When it comes to bold thinking, Research, Development ; Quality is the place to be exciting new tastes. Packaging that extends the shelf life of our products – and is biodegradable.State-of-the-art machinery. That’s the kind of thing we’re aiming for. And what we come up with. Kraft Foods R;D Center At Kraft Foods, we have been focusing on inventing delicious foods and improving life quality. Thus we sincerely invite the best R;D staff and establish 6 R;D centers in world. All of our professional knowledge in nutrition and food safety allow us to accelerate product research and development, bringing the best technologies and products to benefit people all over the world. Kraft Foods Global R;D center located in Glenview, Illinois, has established professional labs for hemical and flavor analysis. We attract excellent R;D staffs and provide strong technique supports of product development for North America and other areas in global . We believe innovation is a journey. In 2010, Kraft Foods China launched a strong pipeline of innovative products including OREO Ice Cream Flavor and Mini-snack biscuits. Pacific Whole Grain is the first real whole grain biscuit on the market that has enjoyed great success among Chinese consumers. Production/operation Kraft Foods Inc. is a holding company, our principal source of funds is from our subsidiaries.Our wholly owned subsidiaries currently are not limited by long-term debt or other agreements in their ability to pay cash dividends or make other distributions with respect to their common stock. Reportable Segments We manage and report operating results through three geographic units: Kraft Foods North America, Kraft Foods Europe and Kraft Foods Developing Markets. We manage the operations of Kraft Foods North America and Kraft Foods Europe by product category, and we manage the operations of Kraft Foods Developing Markets by location. Our reportable segments are U. S. Beve rages, U. S. Cheese, U. S. Convenient Meals, U.S. Grocery, U. S. Snacks, Canada ; North America Foodservice, Kraft Foods Europe (formerly known as European Union) and Kraft Foods Developing Markets. †¢ We transitioned our European Biscuit, Chocolate, Coffee and Cheese categories to fully integrated business units, further strengthening our focus on these core categories. To ensure decisions are made faster and closer to our customers and consumers, each category is fully accountable for its financial results, including marketing, manufacturing and R;D. Category leadership, based in Zurich, Switzerland, reports to the Kraft Foods Europe President.These business units now comprise the Kraft Foods Europe segment. Information Systems Innovation can only happen if we’ve got the infrastructure to support it. And everything we do, every minute of the day, relies on having the right technology and information immediately available. Information Systems are the key. But they do mu ch more than just answer helpdesk calls and fix our computers. Information Systems also invent neat solutions to our technological problems, and work out what systems and equipment we need to support our ideas. Chapter III STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION A. EXECUTIVE DECISION RESPONSIBILITIESKey decisions at Kraft are made by the following three organizations: †¢ Global Marketing and Category Development †¢ Commercial Units †¢ Functional Areas Global Marketing and Category Development is responsible for decisions on global category strategies, new product growth platforms and marketing excellence. Commercial Units are responsible for determining the marketing and sales programs that best meet the needs of local consumers and customers, with profit and loss responsibility for the results. Functional Areas are strongly aligned and linked to the Global Marketing ; Category Development group and the two commercial units.The functions are centers for excellence, with responsibilit y for identifying and sharing best practices and using Kraft’s global scale to best advantage. The leaders within these organizations all report directly to the CEO. The leaders are: †¢ Global Marketing and Category Development: – EVP, Global Marketing Resources ; Initiatives – EVP, Global Category Development †¢ Commercial Units: – President, North America Commercial – President, International Commercial †¢ Functional Areas: – EVP, Global Corporate Affairs – EVP ; Chief Financial Officer – EVP, Global Human Resources – EVP, General Counsel ; Corporate Secretary EVP, Global Strategy ; Business Development – EVP ; Chief Information Officer – EVP, Global Technology ; Quality – EVP, Global Supply Chai B. EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT ; SUCCESSION †¢ Executive development at Kraft takes place on the job. Unlike other companies where executive development takes place in an academic setting, Kr aft creates management opportunities on the job for its employees. †¢ Beginning even with their earliest assignments, young managers are expected to demonstrate an ability to carry responsibility and sophisticated thinking that’s usually reserved for top tier executives at other companies. As managers ascend the ranks, Kraft encourages them to develop leadership skills such as creativity, the power to persuade and influence, and the willingness to take risks. †¢ Kraft gives its young managers broad authority that helps to challenge themselves and spur their leadership skills. †¢ Each function within Kraft has an Advancement Planning Policy in place. This policy provides the guidelines for identifying replacements for executives. Generally, there are two to three potential replacements already identified for any executive in case he or she leaves the company.C. INSIDER’S VIEW ON KRAFT CULTURE †¢ Insiders have commented that Kraft is very diverse and that they have many qualified minorities in management positions. †¢ Even though working at Kraft is stressful, insiders have commented that many people enjoy working there. †¢ However, insiders have also commented that morale is low due to layoffs and the resultant heavy workloads on the remaining employees. There have also been comments made that employees from acquired companies suffer from low morale because of difficulty in adjusting to Kraft culture.Chapter IV STRATEGY EVALUATION Table 8. Balance Scorecard for Kraft Foods Inc. GOALS| STRATEGIES| MEASURES| TIME COMPLETION| Customer Perspective| | | | Provide quality products for all customers| Product Development| Developing quality products such as low fat and less cholesterol| Immediately after 2013| Internal Business Process| | | | More efficient internal control| Semi-centralization of the organization| A main branch per areas which controls other branches| 4th quarter 2007-2008| Financial perspective| | | |Attain ment of 2011, 2012, and 2013 revenue target| Having a large share in the global economy| Using effective marketing and extensive product developmentCutting cost if possible| 3rd quarter 2013| Learning and growth| | | | Increase industry awareness regarding service in other country. Development of intensive training program for human resources| Intensify marketing promotionsOffering seminars that will enhance skills in communicating and decision-making| Use the partner company’s expertise regarding the marketability of the countryIncrease of effectiveness and efficiency of skill performance| 2nd -3rd quarter 2014Immediately after 2013|As an evaluation tool, the balanced scorecard shows the various selected key strategies on aspects of consumer perspective, interval business processes, financial perspective and learning growth. A set of quantitative measures has been enumerated for each strategy to enable the company to monitor progress or strategy attainment on a regular basis and review whether these need to be changed or revised SUMMARY Kraft Foods remains to be competitive enough although its global market share is not that high but its growth rate in industry is high enough to cover the market.The company must pursue an intensive strategy to strengthen the company and meet its goals in the industry. Its domestic market share is high and highly competitive in the industry, but because of fast growing market, Kraft is required to have a huge investment to maintain their lead. Kraft Foods Co. internal strengths are on the average and response to the external factors are on the above average. This means that Kraft can proceed in doing intensive and integrative strategies as suggested by the I/E Matrix. For Kraft Foods Inc. t would be best for them to continue their concentration on their current markets and strategies that would be best to use are market penetration and market development as suggested earlier in the other matrixes. If Kraft Foods is too heavily committed to a single product, then related diversification may reduce the risks associated with a narrow product line. CONCLUSION Food industry is one of the fast growing industries ever since it started to appear  in the global market. United States is the home where leading food companies are  principally  located.Indeed  the  advance  technological  adaptation  in  this country led the food industry to become innovative and more eager to develop new products as time goes by. The challenge in this industry is the tough competition of the various companies belonging in the same industry. On how they could penetrate the market and what would be their advantage over their  competitor. Kraft Foods is one of the companies belonging in this category. It can achieve its leadership and growth by doing intensive promotion and management of its existing clients and venturing other countries to promote business. RECOMMENDATONSRECOMMENDED REVISE ORGANIZATIONAL STR UCTURE. The organizational structure of the company is fully a centralized one. It is only compose of the top executives of the company. We suggest the that company develop a line and staff structure wherein the middle and lower level of the organization is seen and have a direct communication in terms of decision making and finding solutions to the problems both on top to lower level management. RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES Upon the using the matrixes presented, the following are the recommended strategies that Kraft Foods Inc. should use. Market Penetration Increase advertising expenditures and specifically target the household population. †¢Offer extensive sales promotion during peak season and creating bonus packages. †¢Decrease the cost of the product if it would be possible so that buyers will be attracted to patronize it. Product Development †¢Develop  products  containing  low  fat  and  calories  for  those  healthconscious individuals. †¢Dev elop  confectionary  products  that  are  sugar  free  to  attract  retiringindividuals. †¢Package products that are inter-related †¢Improve technological systems, especially the  online  shopping  center for  mothers at home.BIBLIOGRAPHY http://www. kraftfoodscompany. com/SiteCollectionDocuments/pdf/KFT_RDQ_Innovatio n_Investments_FactSheet. pdf http://www. kraftfoodscompany. com http://www. Kraft. com http://www. Kraft's Cadbury Deal May Force Cocoa Consolidation, Moneynews. com http://www. scribd. com/doc/77538204/Kraft-Matrixes http://www. management480. wikispaces. com/file/view/Kraft. ppt http://www. mondelezinternational. com/ph/en/home/index. aspx CURRICULUM VITAE JENEVA V. VICENTE Rizal East, San Isidro, Isabela Mobile No. 09358723111 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Manage ment Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYSan Isidro National High School San Isidro, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYSan Isidro West Central School San Isidro, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:March 9, 1993 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’ Weight:45 kgs. Religion:Pentecostal Christian Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Jeneva V.Vicente JOANA MARIE S. MARQUEZ Mabini,Alicia, Isabela Mobile No. 09267907457 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYAlicia National High School Paddad, Alicia, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYMabini Elementary School Mabini, Alicia, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:March 30, 1993 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’1 Weight:48 kgs. Religion:Roman Catholic Nationality:FilipinoLanguage Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Joana Marie S. Marquez Reila A. Abenojar Rizal East, San Isidro, Isabela Mobile No. 09358194873 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYSan Isidro National High School San Isidro, Isabela S. Y. 2006-2007 * PRIMARYSan Isidro West Central School San Isidro, Isabela S. Y. 2002-2003 PERSONAL DATA:Date of Birth:July 20, 1990 Age:22 Civil Status:Sing le Gender:Female Height:5’ Weight:40 kgs. Religion:Methodist Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Reila A. Abenojar Angela V. Almolanida San Fabian, Echague, Isabela Mobile No. 09068334307 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYEchague National High SchoolSan Fabian, Echague, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYBanaba Elementary School Banaba, Dapdap, Bamban, Tarlac S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:October 21, 1992 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’2 Weight:40 kgs. Religion:Roman Catholic Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Angela Almolanida Joylyn M. Adop Catabban, Burgos, Isabela Mobile No. 09359504631 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business AdministrationMajor in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYDona Aurora National High School Sta. Rita, Aurora, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYCatabban Elementary School Catabban, Burgos, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:February 22, 1993 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’3† Weight:48 kgs. Religion:Born Again Christian Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Joylyn M. Adop Gaymarie A. FelipeBagong Tanza, Aurora, I sabela Mobile No. 09359029090 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYDona Aurora National High School Sta. Rita, Aurora, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYBagong Tanza Elementary School Bagong Tanza, Aurora, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:September 26, 1992 Age:20 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’4† Weight:58 kgs. Religion:Latter-Day Saints Nationality:FilipinoLanguage Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Gaymarie A. Felipe Ryan A. Darang Silauan Sur, Echague, Isabela Mobile No. 09352083261 ————————————â €”———- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYEchague National High School San Fabian, Echague, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYEchague West Central School San Fabian, Echague, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:November 23, 1992 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’6† Weight:55 kgs. Religion:Born Again Christian Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Ryan A. Darang Vic Rodriguez Catabban, Burgos, Isabela Mobile No. 09359504631 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: * TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela SECONDARYDona Aurora National High School Sta. Rita, Aurora, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYCatabban Elementary School Catabban, Burgos, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:February 22, 1993 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’3† Weight:48 kgs. Religion:Pentecostal Christian Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Vic Rodriguez Fernando Ramos Catabban, Burgos, Isabela Mobile No. 09359504631 ————————————————- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: TERTIARYBS in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting Isabela State University – Echague San Fabian, Echague, Isabela * SECONDARYDona Aurora National High School Sta. Rita, Aurora, Isabela S. Y. 2008-2009 * PRIMARYCatabban Elementary School Catabban, Burgos, Isabela S. Y. 2004-2005 PERSONAL DATA: Date of Birth:February 22, 1993 Age:19 Civil Status:Single Gender:Female Height:5’3† Weight:48 kgs. Religion:Pentecostal Christian Nationality:Filipino Language Spoken:Tagalog, English I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Fernando Ramos

Important Events in Contemporary History

INT1010 Contemporary World One Event #1: The Korean War 1950 On June 25th 1950, communist North Korea proceeded to invade western- supported South Korea to unite Korea by force. Significance to contemporary history: Event #2: Malayan Independence 1957 What happened? Significance to contemporary history: Malayan Independence reinforced the ending of colonialism in South East Asia. Also, it signified the ability and right to self-rule for previously colonized states. Following independence, Malaya’s tin and rubber export also gave a significant boost to the US dollar. Event #3: The formation of the Berlin Wall 1961 What happened? In August 1961, a physical partition of between East and West Germany was put in place in Berlin under the command of President Khrushchev. Significance on contemporary history: The Berlin Wall symbolized the acceptance of the status quo in Europe by both sides. The most significant aspect of the Berlin Wall is arguably the fact that it clarified worldwide the difference between the two superpowers and their varying political system. The Berlin Wall went on to become the symbol of the ultimate measure of inadequacy of communism. Event #4: The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 Significance to contemporary history: The Cuban Missile Crisis marks the first and only time the world has come close to a nuclear war. As a result, both The Soviet Union and The United States worked towards improving their communication and easing tensions, which led to the creation of a ‘hot-line’ between American and Soviet capitals. However, both parties also continued the development of their nuclear weapons, which resulted in a world of mutually assured destruction (MAD). Event #5: Islamic Revolution In Iran (also known as the Iranian Revolution) 1979 What happened? Significance in contemporary history: The revolution brought much attention to Islam and interest in the concept â€Å"neither East nor West† that is, not American or Soviet policies. The newly Islamic republic also called for the overthrow of or other monarchies and the replacement of them with Islamic leaders. Internally, the revolution gave rise to the improvement of healthcare and education while also, eliminating secularism and the American influence in the government. Bibliography Timon Singh, ‘The Construction of The Berlin Wall’, 2009, http://www. euinfrastructure. com/news/construction-of-the-berlin-wall/, accessed 23 March 2010 Anthony Best, International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond, Oxon 2004, p240-242, 250-253, 463-466.

Strange Heaven by Lynn Coady Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Strange Heaven by Lynn Coady - Coursework Example And here adds to the hilarious, complicated life of the Joan his husband, Robert. Joan tries to keep the lid on, but she's no match for Robert's wild profanity. Facing all these dilemmas, anyone would wonder how she is trying to handle her dysfunctional family. Uncle Albert arrives to whisk her back to the bedlam of home and the booze-soaked social life that got Bridget into trouble in the first place. Uncle Albert, a kind man who saves his eloquent wrath for outsiders, springs Bridget from the hospital for Christmas. He was the only person who thought of Bridget and has concerns about her depression or maybe the only person who feels how tough was Bridget’s experience was. He’s the only person who sees the problem while everybody is working on their own dysfunctions. He was the only person who observed that she was changed. Byron, an acne-ridden geek with bizarre delusions of grandeur. As described by Coady, life on the ward is both a nightmare and laugh-out-loud funny experience. Byron seems to be annoying and arrogant, continues his desperate bids for Bridget’s attention. He explodes and have to be put in the quiet room where he'd sit cross-legged and howl like a hound.

CAPM Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CAPM - Assignment Example CAPM has theoretical limitation, which include impractical assumptions and instability of the beta values. The Arbitrage Pricing Model and Rolls have criticized the theory indicating that it may be unreliable and invalid. This study will examine the theoretical limitations and criticisms of the theory. Theoretical Limitations of the Theory The theory argues that all investors are risk avoiders and that the returns are normally distributed (Ma, 2011). This is not the case because investors are normally risk takers who are willing to make huge returns when their predictions favor them and lose when they fail. Assuming that returns are normally distributed is also unfounded because investors are not usually sure of the yields on their assets (Ma, 2011). The assumption that assets are free from risk is also unrealistic because it is hard to find such stocks in the real world. The theory argues that short-term securities offered by the government are free from hazards because the state as sures investors certain returns on the assets. This is not the case because the risk on the assets is in the form of inflation, which is the instability of prices in the market (Ma, 2011). Inflation leads to the loss of value of money, and this means that, assets also lose their worth when prices rise in the economy. Since money loses its value then it means that investors face the risk of lower returns when their stock matures. For example, when the state pays 10% on its short-term bonds then inflation rises in the country by 2%, investors get 8% returns on their securities in real terms. This means that investors face the risk of inflation, which reduces their earnings. This also indicates that the CAPM model is applicable in an ideal world, an occurrence that is impossible (Ma, 2011). Roll’s Critique of CAPM Roll criticizes the validity of the Capital Asset Pricing Model equation. The equation is as indicated below: E(Ri) =RF +?i [E(RM) - RF] Where E(Ri) represents the yie ld on security i. RF is the risk free rate of return. Bi is the market risk that security i faces. Roll’s first critique was that the model could not be tested using current data because it is constructed based on historical data. The impossibility of testing the model arises from the fact that it is based on market values of stocks, real estates, jewelers, and labor. Rolls argue that it is impossible to find the market value of this portfolio because no accurate data of these factors exists in reality. Thus, Roll argues that the CAPM cannot be proven right or wrong because of the impossibility of getting accurate data (Ma, 2011). Roll argues that economic models should be easy to test using future data because they simplify the real life. However, according to him, CAPM is complex because of the inability of being tested using future data, and this makes it unreliable. Roll also postulates that it is impossible to get efficient stocks whose values and rates of return have li near relationships ideally (Ma, 2011). Therefore, Rolls argument generally argues that CAPM is unreliable because it has never been tested using real data, and it is still impossible to do so because of uncertainty of prices, which is common in the real world. Arbitrage Pricing Model (APM) The APM addresses the weaknesses of CAPM by doing away with the assumption that the

Twitter (Marketing) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Twitter (Marketing) - Essay Example Twitter’s marketing strategy includesboth short-term and long-term activities in a formulation of market-oriented strategies. The main goal of Twitter is to increase the membership all over the world tosupport reach for its advertising clients.    The Twitter Social Media Company has many services such as self-service ads, tweets, user-sharing photos that are used by individuals as businesses alike.iii Today, Twitter has more than 500 million members, of which 284 million members are considered active users. In terms of the number of users, Twitter is far behind Facebook, its closest competitor.iv As Twitter is introducing new services and improving its Internet reach over the last few years, itsmarket position is improving.v In the last three quarters what year, the revenue generation of Twitter is increasing with the fast user growth. However, although the revenue is growing at a fast pace, the amount of users has slowed in comparison to Facebook. For the first time in history, the company has posted revenue of more than one billion dollars.vii The firm uses various types of advertising and marketing mediums to enhance the reach of the product and services that are connected to the Internet. Twitter uses all mediums in an effort to increase the members such as email, search engines, back links to websites.  This popular website also uses many mediums such as TV, movies,  etc.  as a part of advertising  strategy. Twitter is also an important part of SEO or Search Engine Optimization strategy. One of the main advantages of this service is that the signing up of the account is free and the site offers free publicity for the members, whether it is the company page or an individual.  They can offer a free link to the customers by clicking on a short link offered by the company. In exchange, the site also gets free advertising in every medium. This paragraph is not clear. What is the mix of advertising that they use to

Does your state have any exemptions to the NICS background check Essay

Does your state have any exemptions to the NICS background check requirements - Essay Example The initial purpose of this waiting period is to ensure that there is sufficient time for processing all documentation including a background check. In addition, individuals may purchase a firearm due to an external impulse and may act irrationally if they are given a firearm immediately. Therefore, this period is designed to allow the individual to relax and consider his reasons for purchasing the firearm (FBI, 2013). According to the NICS, a waiting period is not obligatory and an individual may attain possession of his or her firearm immediately. Florida state laws require a three ay waiting period for handguns; however, riffles have no waiting period (FBI, 2013). 3. A permit is a document which is issued by a state allowing an individual to carry out a certain action, which in this case is the purchase or own a firearm. The permit often documents certain conditions that have to be met. In addition, the permit often has some restriction. These are often associated with background checks and storage requirements which are intended to ensure safety within the community. The permits also vary from state to state as some may allow the use of the gun for hunting and target practice, however, prohibit its use for self defense. In Florida, no permit is required for the purchase of shot guns, hand guns or rifles (FBI, 2013). 4. Gun registration is not required in Florida for all firearms. Once an NICS background check has been conducted, the individual has full ownership or his firearms and there are no other obligations in the purchasing process (FBI, 2013). Florida also recognizes licenses from other states. In addition, unlike most states, Florida allows both residents and non residents to carry firearms (FBI, 2013). 5. All dealers of firearms in Florida have to register with the Department of Law enforcement and they have to meet the requirements of this institute when they conduct their sales. In addition, they have to gain approval from the Department of Law E nforcement before every sale and afterwards a record of sales is sent to the police (FBI, 2013). 6. Florida state law allows all individuals to possess firearms upon their consent; however, all legal requirements have to be met. Only illegally purchased firearms are prohibited in Florida. Another restriction of firearm ownership is age and individuals are obliged to be above 21 years old (FBI, 2013). 7. Throughout Florida all firearm regulations are similar, and a license is valid throughout the state. However, there are some specific areas which prohibit concealed carry of a firearm. These places include areas of nuisance according to s. 823.05, highway patrol and police stations, prisons or correctional facilities, courtrooms, schools, universities, polling areas, legislature meetings, career centers, in any establishment which sells alcohol and in passenger terminals such as train stations and the airport. The only exception of this law is that the weapons carried are for shipmen t or are being legally transported to another location. It is also prohibited for individuals to carry a concealed firearm in the Savanna Preserve Park unless he or she is a law enforcement agent. Seaports are also obliged to show a notice for the prohibition of firearms. The possession of a firearm in restricted areas s regarded as a misdemeanor of the

Final exam Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Final exam Questions - Essay Example -Training and development of human resource: The analysis is used to examine the employees’ needs in training and development of processes. The variation between the actual and expected output influences the degree of training required by employees. It also enables in determination of training tools content, and equipment to be used in training and those training methods to be put to use. -Employee compensation management: job analysis plays a key role in determining payment packages, benefits, variable and fixed incentives and extra perks of employees.   These payments depend on the  responsibilities and duties, position and job titles involved in specific jobs.   Job design: The key purpose of analysis is development   in human recourse efforts and releasing the best output. It assists in designing, enriching, redesigning and adding or cutting back extra duties and responsibilities in a specific job. This ensures employee satisfaction  as well as increased human output In lateral career path, employees move to equivalent duties and responsibilities in an organization. This move is usually with a similar job title and salary range at a similar level. In this career path, the employee’s job responsibilities change hence affording the employees new chances. The company should notify all the interested and qualified workers through internal memos. The notification should include job title, description and relevant qualifications for each. It should also notify employees the method of applications, deadline of application and the dates of interviews. All the application letters should be checked and sorted. The application letters that meet the criteria of selection should be listed and applicants notified. The applicants who did not meet the criteria for selection should be notified politely. It eliminates those candidates that fail to qualify as per the criteria set by the organization. The candidate is

The Minimum Wage Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Minimum Wage Law - Essay Example This underwent a gradual but consistent decline, and by the year 2006, the minimum hourly wage could barely procure 2 gallons of gasoline. The minimum wage is not uniform across the states, and some of the states have mandated much higher minimum wages. For example, Washington obliges employers to pay $8.55 per hour. A major issue relates to the fact the minimum wage, in real dollar terms; fell by 22%, in the period 1973 to 2007. During this time the profits of the corporate sector increased by more than 50%, which significantly increased the gap between the rich and poor. In the year 2007, it was envisaged that the proposed federal minimum wage increase would prove beneficial to a large number of American workers. Approximately, 5.6 million workers are likely to be direct beneficiaries, with a 41% enhancement in pay. In addition, around 7.4 million workers are expected to derive an indirect benefit. All said and done, such benefit will be provided to some 13 million workers. The chi ef beneficiaries of this increase in minimum wages will be adults, who constitute 79% of this group. Of these beneficiaries, women constitute 59%. This increase in minimum wage serves to benefit individuals as well as families. It is important to note that women constitute half of the minimum wage earners. Consequently, the economic gender gap is reduced substantially, due to increase in the minimum wage. Moreover, 1.2 million of these workers are single parents and most of these people are women.... Of these beneficiaries, women constitute 59%. This increase in minimum wage serves to benefit individuals as well as families. It is important to note that women constitute half of the minimum wage earners. Consequently, the economic gender gap is reduced substantially, due to increase in the minimum wage. Moreover, 1.2 million of these workers are single parents and most of these people are women.5 It is indispensable to increase the minimum wage, in order to restore its value. However, the federal minimum wage does not take inflation into account. As a result, the value of the minimum wage decreases with increasing inflation. In this situation, it is necessary for Congress to enhance the minimum wage suitably. Thus, we find that the federal minimum wage is a mere 31% of the average hourly wage. 6 The burgeoning US economy makes it very difficult for the minimum wage earners to survive. This can be attributed to the continuous increase in goods and services. Unlike other workers, wh o are provided compensation for inflation, the minimum wage earners do not experience any increase in their wages. This inequitable situation has persisted for a decade. Another issue that cripples the minimum wage earner is the increase in wage inequality, due to the decrease in the real value of minimum wages, consequent to an increase in inflation. 7 An increase in the federal minimum wage does not result in an increase in unemployment. This had been conclusively established in a study conducted by the Economic Policy Institute, for the period 1996 to 1997. Furthermore, several contemporary studies have clearly shown that the market had

Relationships between African Americans and Latinos in the Church of Essay

Relationships between African Americans and Latinos in the Church of Christ - Essay Example How important is a religion to you? Very Important Important Marginally Important Not Important Irrelevant Very Irrelevant How important is religion in your family? Very Important Important Marginally Important Not Important Irrelevant Very Irrelevant How important is religion in social life? Very Important Important Marginally Important Not Important Irrelevant Very Irrelevant Cultural Aspects How much is culture related to religion? Very Important Important Marginally Important Not Important Irrelevant Very Irrelevant How much is religion related to culture? Very Important Important Marginally Important Not Important Irrelevant Very Irrelevant Which is more important to you? Culture Religion How important is the ethnic difference in the context of religion? Very Important Important Marginally Important Not Important Irrelevant Very Irrelevant What is the influence of cross cultural communities on religion? (King, 18) Very Important Important Marginally Important Not Important Irrelevant Very Irrelevant How do you assess the influence of religion in promoting leadership qualities for acculturation? Very Important Important Marginally Important Not Important Irrelevant Very Irrelevant How much can the cross culture problems be overcome by the influence of church? Very Important Important Marginally Important Not Important Irrelevant Very Irrelevant How much is the influence of the church in the context of language? Very Important Important Marginally Important Not Important Irrelevant Very Irrelevant

Visual Evidences on the Genocide in Darfur Essay Example for Free

Visual Evidences on the Genocide in Darfur Essay There is an old saying that goes â€Å"a picture paints a thousand words. † There is almost perfect truth in this proverb. Images are worth more than the medium on which they were created, the colors they show, the shapes and textures they protrude and the subjects they portray. They keep inside literally a million of information. In fact, the human mind registers images better than words or sounds. This concept can be seen in teaching grade school students, where images are used a lot. Also, presenters use a lot of pictures in their slides to illustrate points and mark their theses. Ultimately, photographs are tools used not only to capture still life images, but also to relay messages and thoughts. Sometimes these informations are vague, and hard to understand. Such as that in abstract paintings, where different observers and art critics can have varying interpretations, each having perfect sense. But there are images that have straightforward notes, photographs that have only one perfect meaning and description. These clear cut photographs were used by Nick Kristof in one of his works. These were just a few taken from an archive of photographs on the genocide in Darfur (Kristof, 2005). He posted these on a website, available to the masses, with some paragraphs of his own editorial. By doing so, his article gained a huge advantage over other essays found regarding the same topic. This is due to the attention catching theme of the photographs. Kristof posted pictures of dead humans, killed in bizarre and very disturbing ways. An onlooker would immediately notice the article as something unusual, something catchy and probably worth their time. But the real essence of these photographs was their ability to portray several principles and concepts about the genocide happening in Darfur. First it gives an idea of who are killed. Of course, the editorial gives us information about it. The author wrote all about the Arabs driving out the Africans (Kristof, 2005). But by the pictures themselves, one can decipher that fact without prior knowledge of the genocide – the four photos show four corpses of Africans. These images are powerful enough to stir a looker’s consciousness towards these Africans. Another is the idea of mercilessly killing anybody. The first picture greatly stresses this point. In this image one can see a young boy, lying dead and facing the ground. From his small body one can estimate his age to be no higher than about 4 years old. At a very young age, he was attacked, as the editorial notes, together with his brother and mother. He was still wearing his home clothes, and even had a pair of shoes on his feet when he was killed. This represents one of the many child killings that happened during the genocide. There was no space to spare anyone, and every African was subjected to death. The photographs also show the mutilations and tortures the victims endure before finally being put down. On one image, a skeleton lies with the hands tied together with pants pulled down up to the knees. This suggests the possibility of sexual torture before killing the victim (Kristof, 2005). This image in particular tends to stick out because of the skeleton corpse. This shows the lack of proper burial, and that the dead bodies of the Africans are just left to rot and decompose on the hot sand. These pictures do tell their own story. As a matter of fact, I think the four images are enough to portray the misery and darkness in Darfur. By themselves, a lot of information can be taken about the mistreatment and inhuman actions of the Sudan government towards the Africans. The author’s action in accompanying his editorial with these photographs took his subject a level higher. Not only did the pictures catch all important attention, they also created a kind of tension that tends to spark feelings on observers. These visual evidences on the genocide in Darfur are very strong and more effective compared to voices and texts describing it. By placing photographs, the author created a face-to-face frame, where the audiences are faced with the dark truth and evidence about the slaughter. References Kristof, N. D. (2005). The secret genocide archive. The New York Times website. Retrieved March 11, 2008 from http://www. nytimes. com/2005/02/23/opinion/23kristof. html? _r=2oref=sloginoref=slogin

Social Cognitive Theory on Self Regulation

Social Cognitive Theory on Self Regulation Online education versus traditional education environment can be constructed by identifying the methods that students can engage and be successful. A student can accomplish their educational goal whether they want to enter a traditional or online setting, it is up to the student to strive and motivate themselves in accomplishing in what their heart desires. Online education is almost the same as a traditional education and both settings does the same purposes, but in different ways. Individuals, like myself that works and has a family to take care of, the on-line setting makes it much easier and flexible for my busy day out of my life. Some people might think that on-line course are not accredit and cant be used in their future career, due to not having the interactions with others face to face, and not knowing the significance of the construction of the online environment, they might feel that on-line environment wont help them to be successful. Apply Social Cognitive Constructs of Motivation is an article on how to Enhance Students in Succeeding in Online Distance Education program. According to Miltiadou Savenye 2003), findings of their review of literature, there were six motivational constructs studied in the traditional environments to online education, which noted the concepts to identify methods to ensure students they can succeed in online courses. The six motivational constructs that students can follow are self-efficacy, locus of control, attributions, goal orientation, intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and self-regulation, which these six motivational constructs had been investigated in a traditional face to face classrooms and a variety of educational teachers. The reason for this article is to discuss the areas in the online education and the academic motivation and by ensuring the students the methods on how to be successful in the online environment; it can encourage others that online education setting, can make a student successful in accomplishing in their goals according to the findings of the literature review. (Miltiadou Savenye, 2003) Since I have been taking on line courses for over 3 years now, I found the online education setting as a great and dynamic way of learning in today society. The method of learning are the same way of a traditional face to face learning, the only difference of this type of learning is that online students doesnt have to sit in a classroom, but we still have to interact with others, we really dont have to sit in a classroom in order to learn. Since entering an online distance learning course, I have learn to interact with my other peers by responding to them on their responses to the discuss questions that are asked by the instructor and it give me a chance on learning new ideas from the responses and they can learn from my responses also. Online education is known as of the most dynamic forms of learning that exist today and is a subcategory for distance learning. It has been defined of a formal delivery of an instructed and one time was a geographic location that separated students and instructors according to (Holmberg, 1989; Melsaac Gunawardena, 1996; Verduin Clark, 1991). Online education overcame in time and had placed constraints which restrict access to the instruction of a traditional educational setting and the cost is very low and gave the availability of computers technologies which increased the pressure that was related to employment, financial and family responsibilities. Online education offers alternative routes and it provides a life long opportunity to student who traditional setting doesnt work for them. Online education is offered around the world, whether at an elementary, secondary or higher level, it offers a large range of online courses. Interaction According to the literature review there are four types of interaction online distance education course. Moore, M.G (1989) identified three types of interactions, Learner-context, Learner-instructor and Learner-learner, which he meant as: Learner-context interaction was described of an intellectual interaction that was between the learner and the topic which was the study of (Moore, 1989) and according to Moore, the learner content interaction was one of the important concept of the online environment, due to the change between the learners behavior that was toward on their educational goal. Learner-instructor interaction was between the instructor and the learners, which the instructor or the team of the subject expert who prepared the course materials. The instructor are responsible to stimulate and continue to maintain the learners interest in the topic that motivates the student to learn, their progress and provide them the support and encourage them. (Moore, 1989). Learner-learner interactions are done among the students on the online environment and it is done with or without the real time presence of the instructor. This type of learner-learner interaction represent the communication between one student with another student or with groups of students, whether it is trough discuss question, chat, or electronic email or messages on the posting board. The final Four of interactions were by (Hillman, Willis, and Gunawardena, 1994), which was called the Learner-interface interaction, which it was identified as the process of using tools to accomplish the learner task or assignments. (Hillman et al., p.34) Students that dont use these tools would not be able to succeed in their goal and by not using these tools it would force the students to drop out of the online courses. Interaction was used to see how students construct with the knowledge in distance education. Several coding scheme was developed to categorize the interaction which was according to the model of the knowledge construction to learn and understand the dialogue that can lead to the students understanding. According to Gunawadena and colleagues (1998) of the understanding of what was developed on the model and coding scheme for online interaction, they included five stages of knowledge construction of the model coding scheme, which are: Sharing and comparing of other information, discover and exploration of the dissonance or the inconsistency among others ideas, concepts, or statements, negotiation of the meaning of co-construction of knowledge, the understanding of testing and modification with the proposed synthesis or construction and finally the fifth coding of scheme statements and applications of the newly constructed meaning. (Gunawadena Colleagues 1998) In an online global debate, participants rarely moved beyond the second stage and stop on the first stage of sharing and comparing information. Inconsistency was not often acknowledged, because participants created agreement and did not acknowledge the differences. Researchers whom investigated interaction, distance education environment considered that it is an important factor that can influence success or failure of the course (Kearsley, 1995; Keegan, 1988, Moore, 1989, Ross, 1996; Tsui Ki, 1996; Vrasidas McIsaac, 1999). According to Kearsley (1995) a higher level of interaction would positively influence the effectiveness of any distance learning courses. Keegan (1988) had also viewed that interaction was the key to effective learning and the information is exchangeable. Moore (1989) considered that interaction is the key of being a very important of the design of distance education. Ross (1996) said that students who do not have the necessary skills to interact with their peers and the instructor using computers are more aware of technology than of the content of communication. (1996) Tsui and Ki (1996) noticed that students interact more frequently over the course of the semester, when they become more comfortable using the technology. Vrasidas and McIsaac (1999) noticed the structure, class size, feedback, and students before the experience with CMC are the four major factors that influence students to interact, they consider that interaction plays an important role to ensure the students success in an online course. Research would provide practical suggestion for increasing interaction in order to help students to persist in an online course. Myself who has been enrolled in an online distance learning education program, learn that the web requires a considerable self-direction, where teachers in a traditional classroom normally provides students with guidance and structure, online students are more independent. Students must take responsibilities on managing and controlling their own academic progress. Theoretical Framework: Social Cognitive Self-Regulation Self-regulated learning referred to a student that is influenced by their thoughts, feeling, strategies and behaviors, which in other words is self generating themselves in of process that will orient them to achieve in their goals. (Schunk Zimmerman, 1998. p. VIII), it is also referred to as an academic self-regulation that has been studied in the traditional classrooms. Students can learn to understand on how to use their cognitive, motivation and behavior to successfully improve their learning skills. Students who learn to use their motivations beliefs tend to use more of their self-regulation learning strategies. The students results of their performance would be less adaptive in their counterparts. (Pintrich, 1999) Scholars claimed of finding social cognitive models of self-regulation to be very useful in discovering the way students do in the online courses. (e.g., Arino, 2007b; Hodges, 2005; Militiadou Savenye, 2003) According to Pintrich, 1999 Zimmerman, 2000 social cognitive models distinguishes themselves from a purely cognitive theory and focuses on the interrelationship among learners and their beliefs that uses self-generated learning strategies. Social cognitive is models that are mainly concern with explaining on how these personal beliefs are associated with behaviors that ultimately influenced by characteristics of the learning environment. (Pintrich, 1999 Zimmerman, 2000) According to Schunk Zimmerman, 1997 1998 in their findings on self-regulated, learners are generally seems as active participants that efficiently control their own learning experiences in different ways, which includes finding a productive work environment and using the resources the right way, participants needs to organize and rehearse the information so they can learn the information. Students who dont understand the process wouldnt believe in their positive motivational and their belief can interfere with their power and their values of learning. (Schunk Zimmerman, 1994, 1998) Online setting have been known that students start to believe in themselves and it probably due to the association of the greater academic success, which will give others in enrolling in a distance learning program. My daughter use to watch me all the time I had an assignment due and by her observing and notice that I succeeding in getting my Associated Degree and continuing on in getting my Masters Degree, as soon as she finish High School, she decided to enroll in a online education program, it gave her the satisfaction of watching on how well I have been doing and having all the tools that is needed to succeed, this showed her that she can also accomplish in her goal. Self-regulation can help anybody in succeeding in their goal, but those people would have to put their minds and use time management in order to complete their assignments. Motivation plays an important role in accomplishing; by being motivated a person can keep in mind why they started the process in the first place. Motivation Motivation is the key to become successful in accomplishing that a person strives for, without that motivation a person can fail in succeeding in continuing on their journey. Students motivation is an important part of the process of learning in any education environment (Maehr, 1984). According to Maehr, (1984) these questions are usually asked of students, what makes a students engage in accomplishing, why do they pursue and accomplish in certain goals or tasks or why they avoid others, according scholarly inquiry, since the writing of 5th, century BC Greek philosopher such as Plato and Aristotle. (Miltiadou, Mario Savenye C. Wilhelmina, 2003) According to Bandura (1977) peoples action are not solely determined by external rewards and punishment and if they did, he or she would behave like a mechanical device that is constantly shifting in different directions to conform the momentary influences of the impact. They would act corruptly with unprincipled individuals and honorable with righteous ones, and liberally with libertarians and dogmatically with authoritarians (Olson Hergenhanh 2007, p. 338). Bandura believes the human behaviors are largely from a self-regulated behavior and among what humans learn are from direct or vicarious experience. Once people learn their performance standards they become the basis of self-evaluation and if the performance meets or exceeds their standards the evaluation would be positive and if they dont and fall short their evaluation would become negative. Students with direct experience and use reinforcement with a high value of behaviors would bring them praise from the relevant individuals in their life, such as their parents. A student who has personal standards can develop vicariously by observing others behaviors that has been reinforced. Self-evaluation is from the intrinsic reinforcement and is more influential than the extrinsic reinforcement that is dispensed by others. Bandura gave several examples of cases that the extrinsic reinforcement engaged in the activities that reduced the motivation in those cases. After he reviewed the research on the relative effectiveness of the extrinsic (externally administered) those intrinsic (self-administered) reinforcement, Bandura (1977), had concluded that a self-reward behavior had tend to be maintained more effectively than if it has been externally reinforced. (Olson Hergenhanh, 2007 p. 338) According to Bandura (1977), students who has high standard of their performance can have a personal distress, they can self-evaluate their standards which can give them a depressive reaction, discouragement, worthlessness and would have the lack of purpose. He believes working at a goal that is too distant or too difficult can be disappointing and subgoals of moderate difficulty are therefore likely to be most motivating and satisfying. (Olson Hergenhanh 2007, p. 338) Self-Efficacy Self-efficacy plays a major component of Banduras (1986) social cognitive learning theory, he describe it as an individuals that has the confidence in their abilities and knows on how to control their thoughts, feelings and actions and the outcome of their influence. People may think that self-efficacy is low, but in reality it can be high or vice versa. People who constantly attempt to do things among their ability may become frustrated and despair and eventually may not continue on in their attempts to do anything and people who has a high self-efficacy doesnt challenge themselves and their ability of growth may not be allowed. After so many years of research on perceived self-efficacy that was done on many ages of groups in laboratory and in the real world setting, Bandura and Locke (2003 pp. 87-88) stated that Efficacy beliefs prediction are not only on the behavioral functioning that were between individuals at different levels of perceived efficacy, but were also changes in the functioning of the individual that were in different levels of efficacy and overtime and even the variation within the same individuals in the tasks performed and those shunned or attempted but failed. (Olson Hergenhanh 2007, 339) Traditional face to face and online schools have teachers instructors to support their students to build and maintain their self-efficacy in their learning. Traditional and Online both have set ups of strategies that can enhance students self-efficacy and improve the students motivation, the two approaches that were suggested in the article, for online instructors can help identify and set up challenging proximal goals. Students who have realistic goals intend to perform and be more motivated then students who doesnt have a set goal due to not being guided by their instructors or who the instructor just tells them to do their best. (Locke Latham, 1990) According to Bandura (1997), students who have set goals are the ones who to experience an initial sense of their self-efficacy and with their abilities to achieve that goal they would become more committed in their attempt to succeed. When students learn the process and engage in the activities they intend to rehearse the information to remember which expends their efforts and be persistence in leading them in attainment to goal. (Schunk, 1991, p.213) The second strategy to boost a student self-efficacy for learning online courses is to provide them with a timely, honest, and explicit task feed back. (Bandura, 1997; Bangert, 2004; Wang Lin, 2007). With effective feedback by the instructor of the students progress, it gives the students the level or direction of their efforts and it helps the students self-efficacy to complete their goal in succeeding in their future. Since enroll on online distance learning course, I have learn to use the syllabus which is the course program during that five weeks of classes and what the students are going to learn. I learn on how to link on to my assignments and check to see when they are due and can also check on my progress level, which gives me the motivation in completing my goal. If I dont understand my assignments and what to ask a question, I can easily e-mail the instructor for feedback and suggestion to do better. All of these tools are available to students in succeeding in their completion of their goal; it just takes time and a person motivation to learn on what is provided to them. According to Garrison, Anderson, Archer, 2001) in their finding, students seldom use critical thinking during online discussion and that is because the interactions on the discuss question are to encourage students to be challenge, reform, and synthesize on their current views of knowledge, through the in-depth of interaction with others.( Garrison et al, 2001) Online discussions were indication that students interactions were shallow and the students rarely develop into a higher level of communication that was negotiable, co-constructed and agreement, according to (Tallent-Runnels et al, 2006 p. 100) and the explanation that was given that students shallow participation in online discussions is lack of guidance from the instructor. The argument between Christopher, Thomas, and Tallent-Runnels (2004) was lead that online instructors likes to have their own counterparts in traditional classrooms, they must take greater responsibility for organizing and scaffolding their students lear ning within these online discussion. In numbers of studies online (a) self-regulatory scaffolding suggested that scaffolding can be effective way to support and or enhance students process of learning on their self-regulatory belief and behavior (Azevedo, Cromley, Seibert, 2004; Dabbgh Kitsantas, 2005; Kauffman, 2004; Niemi et al, 2003); (b) adaptive scaffolding like teachers or tutors can continuously diagnosis the students understanding and provide them with timely content and process that relates to scaffolding and it would be more effective way of supporting the development of the students conceptual understanding with the deep process strategies than fixing the scaffolding condition with a generic listing learning goals (Azevedo et al., 2004) and (c) scaffolding will be more effective with no voice learners who are under developed of the self-regulatory belief and behavior, than the veteran learners (Niemi et al., 2003) The instructional implication on scaffolding online discussion is a supplement that can enhance teaching presence, which the teachers can include following behaviors to the students by setting up a learning model with appropriate discussion post, focus on the discussion specific issues, encourage, acknowledge, and reinforce students contribution, identify the areas of agreement and disagreement and seek consensus and understanding, add information from other sources, critically evaluate post and ask for clarification to elaborate the students answers, diagnose and correct students misunderstandings ( Anderson et al., 20011; Shea et al., 2005) Scholars has done numerous studies on using social cognitive that viewed students self-regulations and their characteristic of their success while learning online, in general of the existing empirical literature which supported the established findings from doing research in a more traditional classrooms specifying that academic of self-regulation is important and not necessary for effective learning and performance (Artino, 2007b; Hodges, 2005; Miltiadou Savenye, 2003; Schunk Zimmerman, 1994, 1998). Scholars has done numerous studies on using social cognitive that viewed students self-regulations and their characteristic of their success while learning online, in general of the existing empirical literature which supported the established findings from doing research in a more traditional classrooms specifying that academic of self-regulation is important and not necessary for effective learning and performance (Artino, 2007b; Hodges, 2005; Miltiadou Savenye, 2003; Schunk Zimmerman, 1994, 1998). The table below shows the finding on the idea for online education with the instructional implication, online tools and the techniques implementation, with this table; I believe people would convince and it give them the motivation to decide to enroll on an online education program. 1. The quality and quantity of students self-regulatory beliefs and behaviors vary greatly; those with more adaptive profiles experience greater success. 1a. Assess components of students regulated learning and supply individualized feedback 1b. Provide students with differential support 2. Students motivational beliefs, such as elf-efficacy and task value, matter 2a. Develop and support students self-efficacy Utilize online regulated learning skills (e.g., online version of the motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ) or the learning and strategies study inventory (LASSI) Help students identify and set challenging, proximal goals. Send frequent emails and/or utilize course management systems to provide students with timely, honest, and explicit performance feedback Tell students how specific learning tasks will contribute to the realization of their personal goals, interests, and values Utilize up-to-date online grade books to encourage self-monitoring and self evaluation Interpret Survey results, provide individualized feedback, and supply links to additional web resource for tips on improving deficient self- regulated learning skills Sending reflective prompts via email and or course management system to encourage self-monitoring Create detailed Syllabi, assignment instructions and grading rubrics to assist with goal setting and self evaluation Using intermediate assignment deadlines to facilitate progression toward task completion. Employ problem-based learning cycles rooted in authentic issues to enhance motivation and facilitate transfer; however, carefully consider the complexity of problems and their potential to overwhelm students working memory capacity 3. Students seldom use critical thinking skills during online discussions 4. Students who seek help from others and collaborate experience greater success 3. Scaffold online discussion 4. Utilize peer models and encourage collaboration and co-regulation Model appropriate discussion posts that are focused on the specific issues/concepts under consideration Encourage, acknowledge, and reinforce student contributions Model appropriate discussion posts and explicitly acknowledge and reinforce other students well-written posts Provide samples of exemplary assignments Utilize group projects that encourage students to work together toward a mutual goal Identify areas of agreement/disagreement and seek consensus and understanding Add information from diverse sources and critically evaluate student posts Provide explicit discussion prompts and clear grading criteria Conclusion Online education in my opinion is a wonderful way for a person, who really cant handle sitting in a classroom. A person doesnt have to leave their homes and get in their cars to find parking and make it to class on time. A person can stay in their Pajamas and take a break when ever is needed. All the tools and resources are just a click away and if a person has a problem of not understanding there is always e-mail to ask the instructor question and your peers. I never thought of myself of receiving a degree online, because I thought that I couldnt afford it and wont be able to concentrate on my assignments. When I started 3 years ago, I was confused at first using a computer and finding all the tools that were offer from the school and especially for a person that hasnt been in school for a long time its even worse, but I was determine to learn and ask question and I became confident in myself to accomplish in my goal. The article purpose was to give individuals the motivation on accomplishing on their education goals and online programs are as good as traditional education schooling. People might look at online degree not the same as going to a face to face traditional setting and it took me a while to believe that online courses are as good. Now when people ask me questions about online programs, I can let them know that it is accredit and it is the same as going to traditional setting and they should research on topics regarding the success of others who received their degree, I can let them know the only difference is a person who decides to go this route has more responsibility, they have to motivated, self-regulated, self-efficient, and self-directed in achieving. Online education is all over the world and has became so popular that a lot of people are started to become interested and if anybody were to ask me if they should do it or not, I can guarantee that it would be the best move they ever did in their life.

Shakespeare: The Best Playwright that Ever Lived :: Biography Biographies Essays

Shakespeare: The Best Playwright that Ever Lived William Shakespeare was a supreme English poet and playwright, universally recognized as the greatest of all the dramatists. A complete, authoritative account of Shakespeare's life is lacking; much supposition surrounds relatively few facts. His day of birth is traditionally held on April 23, and he was baptized on April 24, 1564. He was the third of eight children, and was the eldest son of John Shakespeare. He was probably educated in a local grammar school. As the eldest son, Shakespeare would of taken over his father's business, but according to one account, he became a butcher because of reverses in his father's financial situation. According to another account, he became a school master. That Shakespeare was allowed considerable leisure time in his youth is suggested by the fact that his plays show more knowledge of hunting and hawking than do those of other dramatists. In 1582, he married Anne Hathaway. He is supposed to have left Stratford after he was caught poaching in a deer park. Shakespeare apparently arrived in London about 1588 and by 1592 had attained success as a playwright. The publication of Venus and Adonis, The Rape of Lucrece and of his Sonnets established his reputation as a poet in the Renaissance manner. Shakespeare's modern reputation is based mainly on the 38 plays he wrote, modified, or collaborated on. Shakespeare's professional life in London was marked by a number of financially advantageous arrangements that permitted him to share in the profits of his acting company, the Chamberlain's Men, and its two theaters, the Globe and the Blackfriars. His plays were given special presentation at the courts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. After about 1608, Shakespeare's dramatic production lessened and he spent more time in Stratford. There he established a family in and imposing house, the New Place, and became a leading local citizen. He died on April 23, 1616, and was buried in the Stratford church. Although the precise date of many of Shakespeare's plays is in doubt, his dramatic career is divided into four periods: (1) the period up to 1594, (2) the years from 1594 to 1600, (3) the years from 1600 to 1608, (4) the period after 1608. In all periods, the plots of his plays were frequently drawn from chronicles, histories, or earlier fiction. Shakespeare: The Best Playwright that Ever Lived :: Biography Biographies Essays Shakespeare: The Best Playwright that Ever Lived William Shakespeare was a supreme English poet and playwright, universally recognized as the greatest of all the dramatists. A complete, authoritative account of Shakespeare's life is lacking; much supposition surrounds relatively few facts. His day of birth is traditionally held on April 23, and he was baptized on April 24, 1564. He was the third of eight children, and was the eldest son of John Shakespeare. He was probably educated in a local grammar school. As the eldest son, Shakespeare would of taken over his father's business, but according to one account, he became a butcher because of reverses in his father's financial situation. According to another account, he became a school master. That Shakespeare was allowed considerable leisure time in his youth is suggested by the fact that his plays show more knowledge of hunting and hawking than do those of other dramatists. In 1582, he married Anne Hathaway. He is supposed to have left Stratford after he was caught poaching in a deer park. Shakespeare apparently arrived in London about 1588 and by 1592 had attained success as a playwright. The publication of Venus and Adonis, The Rape of Lucrece and of his Sonnets established his reputation as a poet in the Renaissance manner. Shakespeare's modern reputation is based mainly on the 38 plays he wrote, modified, or collaborated on. Shakespeare's professional life in London was marked by a number of financially advantageous arrangements that permitted him to share in the profits of his acting company, the Chamberlain's Men, and its two theaters, the Globe and the Blackfriars. His plays were given special presentation at the courts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. After about 1608, Shakespeare's dramatic production lessened and he spent more time in Stratford. There he established a family in and imposing house, the New Place, and became a leading local citizen. He died on April 23, 1616, and was buried in the Stratford church. Although the precise date of many of Shakespeare's plays is in doubt, his dramatic career is divided into four periods: (1) the period up to 1594, (2) the years from 1594 to 1600, (3) the years from 1600 to 1608, (4) the period after 1608. In all periods, the plots of his plays were frequently drawn from chronicles, histories, or earlier fiction.

Free College Essays - A Comparison of The Red Room and The Signalman :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Comparison of The Red Room and The Signalman  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      I prefer ‘The Signalman’ story because I like stories with a mysterious ending to them or any mystery in the story itself. Just like in the beginning of ‘The Signalman’, the signalman thinks the narrator is a ghost and the narrator thinks that the signalman is a ghost too. It is like you don’t know who to trust anymore and what is right or wrong. Not like in ‘The Red Room’ when the three old people stayed together when the hero went out of the room, looking at him at an eerie way. At that time I know that what the hero did was wrong and something bad is going to happen to him. I mostly like it when I do not know anything or what will happen and especially keeps me in suspense. In ‘The Signalman’, the story of the haunting of the â€Å"appearance† makes the signalman feel very responsible of the two deaths which occurs after seeing the ghost and listening to its warnings. The first death that happens is when the signalman sees the â€Å"appearance† and listens to his warning. The dead and injured were brought over the spot were it stood on. The second death happens to a young and beautiful lady. After stopping the train they find her dead in the cabin. It is a very strange and sudden death, which makes me feel eerie and afraid, more than just knowing someone died, how this person dies and who did it. The most mysterious death is when the narrator went in the morning to the signalman’s box and finds him dead, under the â€Å"danger light† peacefully. That is what I like, it is very mysterious and don’t know who did it all, not like in ‘The Red Room’ the deaths were not convincing to me. In ‘T he Red Room’ there are two pervious stories about staying in ‘The Red Room’. The first story is that a young duke stayed in the room then came out running, opened the door and â€Å"fallen headlong† down the stairs. It happens because he wants to conquer the â€Å"ghostly tradition† of the palace. The second story is that a â€Å"timid† wife who her husband scared her to death, just for fun. H.G. Wells thinks that it is â€Å"half-credible†. In ‘The Signalman’, the signalman sees a â€Å"spectre†, the way the ghost stands under the light is a strange way.