Jekyll Hyde, Dalloway

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf must have been very shocking to her readers when it first appeared. It discusses both the pain that a mismatch in sexual desire between a husband and a wife can create, and the power of a crush of one woman for another. While it discusses these matters very poetically and with magnificent imagery, the agony of the protagonist is clear. Additionally, the text shows just how constricting and stifling the life that she leads can be.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Jekyll Hyde, Dalloway specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For a modern reader, it is tempting to imagine that in having a crush on Sally, she was just discovering her true proclivities. However, consider the era in which this was written. For the most part, women’s sexual potential was just barely acknowledged or dismissed entirely. It is also possible that she has never experienced a man’s love in a way that wou ld be tolerable. How knowledgeable, how tender, was the way that she was approached as a wife? Was she ever kissed for no reason at all, as her female friend kissed her? It is an interesting issue. Throughout the text, the reader is reminded repeatedly of how limited a woman’s life was. That a woman’s status could be determined by her gloves and her shoes, tells the reader that a woman’s interior life was unimportant to the men around her. In Woolf’s text, a woman seems to have been seen as a decorative object for the most part. She was also, of course, a brood mare for the next generation, and a source of sexual outlet that was safer than a prostitute and less expensive and risky socially than a mistress. This is powerful stuff. It is seductively beautiful and vivid in the pictures it paints of London in a certain era and a certain upper class neighborhood. It is also highly evocative of the complicated feelings that women can experience with regard to m en, and to women, in their lives. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde presents an ancient conflict, in what, at the time, would have seemed to be a very fantastical manner. Using a framing story in a way that reminds the reader of Frankenstein, Robert Louis Stevenson offers the reader a chance to imagine the descent of a mind from intellectual healer to a beast of selfishness and uncontrolled desires. This is a very dramatic way of showing how human nature is multi-faceted and has negative aspects. The war within each human being between what their best and their worst impulses is constant. It could be pointed to as the source of all the great religions, and probably of all law and civilization. Stevenson, in the voice of Jekyll himself, refers to the better impulses as â€Å"balancing instincts† (Stevenson).Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These are the pro mptings of conscience and fellow feeling that, for example, prevent someone from battering an elderly person encountered on the street, as the Hyde identity does. The effects of the mysterious drugs that Jekyll discovers remind the modern reader of the horrifying way that some illicit substances today make their users behave. There are horrifying stories of people eating other people’s faces off, for example, and this sort of bestial action is very like what Hyde does. This story is reminiscent of the tale of Frankenstein, because it uses a framing story to introduce what is actually the core of narrative. Stevenson uses Utterson to introduce us to Lanyon, and a letter from Lanyon to introduce Jekyll/Hyde’s own memoir in the form of another letter. Perhaps this is because it is so implausible otherwise. Perhaps this supposed documentary evidence makes it more realistic. Perhaps it is the 19th century way of creating what readers today would categorize as speculative fi ction. The story is also like the story of Frankenstein because it shows an individual who is missing some important parts of the human heart, mind, spirit, and/or formative memories. Works Cited Stevenson, Robert Louis. â€Å"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.† 1886. Gutenberg Project. 18 May 2013. http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/42/pg42.html. This essay on Jekyll Hyde, Dalloway was written and submitted by user Alannah H. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Techno Music Presentation essays

Techno Music Presentation essays What kind of music do you listen too? Jazz, Rock, Rap, Hip-Hop, Gospel, Country? All of these are quite popular here in the United States and THE WORLD. but there is another form of music that you may not know much about that kids our age are dancing too: The sources I found for this presentation come mainly from online articles found through Lexis Nexis, one book from a former Recording Industry class, a brief interview with a prestigious expert, and my experience as a techno DJ and enthusiast. As generally accepted the official music form of techno was created in Detroit, Michigan by 3 DJ/Producers. These men, Kevin Saunderson, Derick May, and Juan Atkins were influenced and continued the sounds of 70s Disco into the early 80s. With their use of sequencer and sampler machines, the Techno style they started flourished into Europe. In this presentation I use the Term Techno broadly to describe the major forms of Electronic Music. The three major forms of Electronic Music are House, Trance, and DnB. House Music was created in the early to mid-eighties by a DJ/Producer named Frankie Knuckles in Chicago, Illinois. This was new knowledge for me which I learned from a book called Repeated Takes by Michael Chanan. Frankie Knuckles found he could take common disco/dance beats, samples, and strong female vocals to create pleasing club songs. House music quickly took off in the club scene especially in the dance clubs in Chicago, New York City, and LA. House Music was named after the warehouses that Frankie Knuckles and other DJs often held huge parties at. House is usually 115 -135 BPM. BPM is Beats Per Minute. Just to give you a basis: Hip-Hop and rap are usually around 85-105 BPM. Trance Music the second major genre is a little harder to originate. Trance is definitely the continuation of the Detroit Techno sound which flourished into Europe. England and Germany qui...

Health, Safety, and Nutrition Worksheets for Kids

Health, Safety, and Nutrition Worksheets for Kids Nutrition, health, and safety are important topics to discuss with your children. Youll naturally discuss many facts about these subjects as you go about your daily life. However, spending some time focusing specifically on each can help children understand why their eating habits, hygiene, and exercise are vital to their overall well-being.   Additionally, talking about safety topics with your children helps to ensure that they know what to do in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.   Worksheets and coloring pages can make discussing these topics more engaging and easier to understand for young children. Use some of these free printable collections to guide or enhance your study of nutrition, health, and safety. Nutrition Worksheets Proper nutrition is an important part of a  healthy lifestyle. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), people should consume foods from the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein, and dairy groups every day for optimal health. The USDA suggests eating a variety of foods and limiting those with added sugar, sodium, and higher levels of saturated fats.   They may not be a students favorite topic, but fun printable worksheets about vegetables, which introduce children to a wide variety of veggies, can make learning better eating habits a bit more fun. So can following the USDAs recommendation to vary the way you eat vegetables. They suggest trying them raw, cooked, fresh, frozen, or canned. Roasting veggies in the oven or on the grill is a tasty treat, too! Dental Health Worksheets According to the American Dental Association (ADA), cavities remain the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood. Because they are so common, cavities may not seem like a big deal, but oral health is an important part of overall physical health. Poor oral health can increase a persons risk for health problems such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and certain types of cancer.   Use a fun set of  dental health  printables  to introduce your children to the basics of good oral hygiene. Some of the simplest ways to ensure good oral health include brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your dentist regularly.   Physical Education Worksheets Physical Education  is vital to a students understanding of the benefits of an active lifestyle. A good PE program will teach kids about health, physical fitness, and the importance of regular physical activity. One option for teaching PE is an  online physical education  course. Other options may include combining a personal health course with individual or team athletics to ensure that students remain active.   Individual sports may include golf, gymnastics, skateboarding, or swimming. Other sports such as tennis, badminton, and volleyball can also be played with only one or two players on each team. Kids may also enjoy getting active with team sports such as baseball, softball, basketball, or hockey. Safety Worksheets It can be frightening to think about emergencies and natural disasters, but knowing what to do in the event of such a situation can save lives. According to the American Red Cross, children under the age of five are twice as likely as other people to die in a house fire. It is important to teach children fire precautions as well as what to do in the event of a fire. Combine  fire prevention worksheets  that  introduce  terms such as fire drill and escape route with other tools to teach children potentially life-saving fire safety tips. These tips should include stop, drop, and roll if a childs clothing catches on fire and where to go in the event of a fire. Have an escape plan in place and practice it at least twice a year.   Teach your children what your homes fire alarms sound like, how to call 911, and the importance of going to fire fighters and getting and staying out of the house if there is a fire. Its also important to teach your children what to do in the event of a natural disaster based on what is most likely in your area of the country. Your children may need to know what to do in the event of a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake. For example, you might use a free set of  earthquake worksheets  to learn more about where earthquakes typically happen, what causes them and what safety steps to take if an earthquake strikes. Updated by Kris Bales

Will Children's Centre Managers effectively respond to budget cuts Dissertation

Will Children's Centre Managers effectively respond to budget cuts without compromising the children centres ethos and vision - Dissertation Example However, the recent budget cuts have had a key impact upon the services provided by these Centres. The dissertation deals with the managers’ response to the budget cuts taking into account the ethos and vision of the centres. The paper has been divided into various sections so that it becomes easier to achieve the aims of the research. At the outset, the paper tries to provide a short introduction to the Children’s Centres and the issues faced by them. The research aim is introduced in this particular section. The next chapter is the literature review that assists in the analysis of the findings. The third chapter is the research methodology where the researcher tries to address the research methods applied to successfully achieve the objectives of the research. Qualitative method has been applied in the dissertation. Questionnaire has been prepared for conducting the personal interview and analysed with the help of secondary data and with the help of the literature rev iew. The research paper progresses with research findings and analysis. It tries to address what the managers say regarding the budget cuts. Finally conclusion and recommendation are provided in order to summarise the findings of the whole study and to provide recommendation for further improvement. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Table of Contents 3 Chapter One: Introduction 6 1.1. Background of the Study 6 1.2. Statement of the Problem 8 1.3. Objectives of the Study 9 1.4. Structure of the Study 10 Chapter Two: Literature Review 11 2.1. Children’s Centres’ Ethos and Vision 11 2.2. The Recent and Future Budget Cuts 12 2.3. Effect of Budget Cuts on Cambridgeshire Children’s Centres 16 Chapter Three: Research Methodology 20 3.1. Research Approaches 20 3.2. Research Methods 22 3.3. Data Collection Process 24 3.4. Data Analysis 26 3.5. Ethical Issues of the Study 27 Chapter Four: Findings and Analysis 28 4.1. Findings 28 4.2. Analysis of the Findings 32 4.2.2. Measure s and Management of the Budget Cuts 34 4.2.3. Involvement of Staffs in the Planning Process 35 4.2.4. Ethos and Vision of Children Care 36 4.2.5. Steps to Ensure That the Centres Stays Focused On the Ethos and Visions 36 Chapter Five: Discussion 37 Chapter Six: Recommendations 42 Chapter Seven: Conclusion 45 7.1. Summary of the Key Findings of the Study 45 7.2. Limitations of the Study 46 7.3. Scope of the Study 46 References 48 Bibliography 58 Chapter One: Introduction 1.1. Background of the Study In the modern era, Children’s Centres have become a significant part of the socio-demographic environment of various cultures. With the increasing complexity in the lifestyle preferred by the population, services provided by the Children’s Centres have proved to be of immense support to the parents. The services provided by the Children’s Centres in a society are related to the health services, family support services, family activity information, child care education services and employment and training counsels. However, Children’s Centres operating in various regions are concerned with the health, education and other related issues of the children aged between 0 to 5 years. With the aim of betterment of the child care practices in the society, Children’s Centres perform a variety of activities, such as drop-in play sessions, parental guidance, child development courses, access to health visitors and various other counselling services (Cambridgeshire County Council, 2009). Thus, Children’s Centres have become an integral part of the society in the current era which in turn signifies its obligation towards the local communities. In other words, as the interest of the local communities and its stakeholders is built-in with the operations of the Children’

News paper production Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

News paper production - Article Example This article will take you to a one-day tour of the London city that although sounds ridiculous, but perfect guide for students studying in the city. In addition, this article will attempt to illustrate cultural, political, historical, and social aspects of London that will enable you to explore the city in your own way according to your interests. Westminster Abbey will be the most appropriate starter for touring London, a monumental place that depicts its historical importance involving crowning of various kings and queens of the United Kingdom. Westminster Abbey is ‘Shrine of the Nation’ as well due to burial ceremonies of kings and crowns. The place opens in the early morning at 9:30am, so you should reach earlier to avoid huge crowds, especially on weekends. Some of the significant features responsible for its monumental importance are shrine of Edward that has tombs of various kings and queens of England, and Chapel of Henry VII that is an extraordinary masterpiece of architecture. Westminster Abbey has a ‘Poets Corner’ as well where you will be able to visit burial places of various famous poets. From Westminster Abbey, your next stop will be at the House of Parliament, and the symbol of London city: Big Ben. The House of Parliament has played a significant role since 11th century by providing shelter to the House of Lords, as well as the House of Commons, and thus, will be an interesting place to visit during the tour. Although it takes time to enter the debating chambers; however, you can try your luck, and even without admission, the House of Parliament will allow you to enjoy its architectural significance. Besides, if you are a history lover, do not forget to visit the Jewel Tower that illustrates history of the Parliament, and in recent decades, the Jewel Tower has installed facilities of virtual tower of the House of Parliament that will be an informative feature during your tour. After emerging from

Advantages Of Unit Banking Essay Example for Free

Advantages Of Unit Banking Essay 1.Local Development:Unit banking is localized banking. The unit bank has the specialised knowledge of the local problems and serves the requirements of the local people in a better manner than branch banking. The funds of the locality are utilised for the local development and are not transferred to other areas 2.Promotes Regional Balance:Under unit banking system, there is no transfer of resources from rural and backward areas to the big industrial commercial centres. This tends to reduce regional in balance. 3.Easy Management:The management and supervision of a unit bank is much easier and more effective than that under branch banking system. There are less chances of fraud and irregularities in the financial management of the unit banks. 4.Initiative in Banking Business:Unit banks have full knowledge of and greater involvement in the local problems. They are in a position to take initiative to tackle these problems through financial help. 5.No Monopolistic Tendencies:Unit banks are generally of small size. Thus, there is no possibility of generating monopolistic tendencies under unit banking system. 6.No Inefficient Branches:Under unit banking system, weak and inefficient branches are automatically eliminated. No protection is provided to such banks. 7.No diseconomies of Large Scale Operations:Unit banking is free from the diseconomies and problems of large-scale operations which are generally experienced by the branch banks. 8.Easy Management and Control:Under unit banking system, it becomes very easy for a single office to manage and control efficiently. 9.Close Management and Workers Relationship:Under unit banking system, there prevails a close and cordial relationship between employer and employees. 10.Quick Decision:The owners or the management of unit banks can take quick decision and prompt action in times of emergencies. 11.Use of Local Resources:Local financial resources are used for local development. 12.Lesser Fraud and Irregularities:Due to the less scattered affairs of the bank, there are very little possibilities of fraud and irregularities. Disadvantages Of Unit Banking: 1.No. Distribution of Risks:Under unit banking, the bank operations are highly localised. Therefore, there is little possibility of distribution and diversification of risks in various areas and industries. 2.Inability to Face Crisis:Limited resources of the unit banks also restrict their ability  to face financial crisis. These banks are not in a position to stand a sudden rush of withdrawals. 3.No Banking Development in Backward Areas:Unit banks, because of their limits resources, cannot afford to open uneconomic banking business is smaller towns and rural area. As such, these area remain unbanked. 4.Lack of Specialization:Unit banks, because of their small size, are not able to introduce, and get advantages of, division of labor and specialization. Such banks cannot afford to employ highly trained and specialized staff. 5.Costly Remittance of Funds:A unit bank has no branches at other place. As a result, it has to depend upon the correspondent banks for transfer of funds which is very expensive. 6.Disparity in Interest Rates:Since easy and cheap movement of does not exist under the unit banking system, interest rates vary considerably at different places. 7.Local Pressures:Since unit banks are highly localised in their business, local pressures and interferences generally disrupt their normal functioning. 8.Undesirable Competition:Unit banks are independently run by different managements. This results in undesirable competition among different unit banks. 9.Limited Size of Operation:Unit bank business can not be operated on large scale because of its limited area. Being the small organisation, division of labour can not be applied. 10.No Economy of Reserves:Under unit banking, bank can not transfer its funds to any other branch. So economy in cash reserve can not be secured under this system. 11.Limited Financial Resources:A unit bank has limited financial resources so it is not able to provide full and adequate banking facilities to the industry and trade of the area. 12.Investment of Idle Funds:A unit bank having no other branches, can not utilize its idle funds in profitable ways.

Embryonic Stem-cell Research - A True Faustian Bargain :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Embryonic Stem-cell Research - A True Faustian Bargain      Ã‚  Ã‚   In the debate over whether the federal government should fund embryonic stem-cell research (ESCR), our country is being offered a true Faustian bargain. In return for a hoped-for potential - it is no more than that - of deriving desperately desired medical breakthroughs in the treatment of such afflictions as Parkinson's disease, paraplegia, and diabetes, we are being asked to give the nation's imprimatur to reducing human life into a mere natural resource to be exploited and commodified.    Given the stakes, our lawmakers owe it to their country to take the time to thoroughly understand the issue before speaking in public and taking sides. Unfortunately, some senator's statements in favor of embryonic research exhibited stunning ignorance regarding the subject about which they opined. Making matters worse, the press quickly leaped upon the statements of these pro-life senators as proof that embryonic research is moral, ethical, and scientifically justified, when the reverse is actually true.    Senator Hatch's attempt to explain his pro ESCR funding position to Chris Matthews on Hardball on June 20, demonstrated that he doesn't know an embryo from a stem cell. Take the following statements:    * "After a long period of study and prayer, I found that pluripotent cells are not full human beings but can be very, very beneficial as used by science to help with all kinds of maladies...." * "It is appropriate to use pluripotent cells but inappropriate to use totipotent cells because a pluripotent cell cannot be made into a full human being. A totipotent cell can actually be replicated into a human being through even cloning." (Totipotent cells are the first to appear after fertilization and can actually develop into a completely new embryo - as occurs during identical twinning. Pluripotent [stem] cells appear a bit later. They are "undifferentiated cells" that can develop into any body part - which is why researchers wish to study them.) * "Life begins in the mother's womb, not in a refrigerator."(Embryonic)    In stating that the feds should fund the study of pluripotent cells but not totipotent cells, Senator Hatch confused several essential points. First, pluripotent cells and totipotent cells are not the same thing as the embryo itself. Rather, these cells are constituent parts of the embryonic whole just as vital organs are parts of born persons.

Environmental Analysis Essay

This article focused on using the KM model to examine a firm’s external environment systematically. The KM model divides a firm’s external environment into four interdependent and strategically relevant layers. By understanding the changes and trends in each layer as well as the interactive relationships across these layers, companies could identify the emerging needs and trends in the external environment. The model facilitates an orderly and effective way to identify gaps between a firm’s internal operations and changes in its external environment. The KM model provides a platform for incorporating most existing strategic analysis tools to obtain a comprehensive view of a firm’s external environment, and supports companies to set their global strategic positions accordingly. INTRODUCTION Comprehensive and systematic analysis of a firm’s external environment provides management better planning and decision-making capabilities. The formulation of effective strategies often depends on whether a firm’s analysis reflects the changing environment. Many tools have been developed to examine environmental factors in the strategic analysis process. PEST model looks at the political, economical, social and technological factors to analyze the macroeconomic situation of the firm (Narayanan and Fahey, 2001). Porter’s five forces model analyzes a firm’s industry by looking at other existing companies, potential new companies, substitutes for products, suppliers and customers (Porter, 1979). Porter’s value chain identifies a firm’s primary and support activities. The fundamental principle of the model is that primary and support activities contribute to both firm’s costs as well as the ability for a firm to deliver value to its customers (Porter, 1985). SWOT framework identifies a firm’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Blue ocean strategy argues that firms employing a blue ocean strategy are deliberately redefining existing industry boundaries and creating uncontested market spaces as a source of competitive advantage. It suggests that firms engaging in blue ocean strategy see the barriers to competition are not only surmountable, but also present opportunities for untapped revenues (Kim and Mauborgne, 2005). The Diamond-E framework emphasizes that a firm’s successful performance depends on having high consistency among the firm’s internal environment, its strategy and the external environment (Fry and Killing, 1989). Crossan et. al. (2009) introduced a five-step framework to conduct environmental analysis. Mao and Kao (2008) proposed the KM model as a framework to guide systematic and comprehensive strategic analysis. However, increasing global competition, advancement of technology, incomplete information, economical crises and a wide range of uncertainties has made the analysis of the environment more challenging and difficult. Not only it is difficult to identify relevant environmental impacts, practitioners also find it difficult to relate the overall macroeconomic factors directly to the firm’s internal operations. We believe that practitioners would benefit from a framework that will support them to observe and analyze the continuous external changes and trends by 1) defining the relevant macro-environment from the global level to strategically relevant segments in the environment such as the firm’s focused countries, industries and supply chains, 2) relating the impacts of macro-environmental factors to the firm’s internal operations by following a prescriptive and systematic approach, and 3) identify the gaps between the external environment and internal operations. The KM model provides a structure to facilitate this process. In the following sections, the description, structure and applications of KM model for environmental analysis will be discussed. DESCRIPTION OF KM MODEL The KM model is a framework that guides a comprehensive and systematic strategic analysis for a firm. It provides a detailed structure for environmental analysis. It is constructed based on four premises about the environment of a company. First, a firm’s 467 survival depends on how well it adapts to changes in the environment. The environment is dynamic and always changing. Only companies that can continuously provide products and services needed by the changing external environment will achieve sustainability. Second, a firm’s external environment has multiple layers. These layers are interdependent and interactive with each Value Chain S E S E other. The firm’s sustainability is greatly affected by the changes and interactions among these layers. Third, each layer of the external T P environment is being shaped by both current andE past macroeconomic forces. Firms have to understand these forces in order to S Supply Chain understand the environment. Forth, the external environment is affected by cultural differences. E S P T The KM model divides a firm’s external environmentRelated Industries into four interdependent and strategically relevant layers. By understanding the changes and trends in each layer as well as the interactive relationships across these layers, companies could identify the emerging P needs and opportunities in its external environment. The KM model provides aT platform for incorporating most existing strategic analysis tools to obtain a comprehensive view of aFocusedexternal environment. The model facilitates an orderly and effective way to firm’s Countries identify gaps between a firm’s internal operations and changes in its external environment. P T In additional to the multiple layers in the external environment, the KM model also incorporates time as another dimension in the Global Market model. By studying the changes occurred in the past and present, the model facilitates managers to accumulate knowledge about the external environment. This incremental learning process often allows better prediction of future trends in the external environment, Figure 1 The KM future strategic which may give the firm a competitive edge in formulatingModel Structure positions in the global market. The structure of the KM model is described blow (see Figure 1). 1) A firm exists in a multi-layered environment. With the firm’s value chain sitting on top, the external environment is represented in four layers: the supply chain, related industries, focused countries and the global Market. The structure illustrates that all layers of the external environment form the building blocks that support the firm’s existence. 2) Each layer is being shaped and driven by its own political, economical, social and technological macroeconomic forces, as noted as P, E, S, T in the corners of each layer. 3) Layers in the firm’s external environment are interactive and interdependent. Any change caused by the PEST forces in one layer will trigger ripple effects in all other layers. 4) The structure is dynamic and robust. Figure 1 only represents a snapshot of a continuous interactive process of a firm’s external environment overtime. Understanding the past and current states of each layer will help predict future changes and trends. Hence, historical changes and trends in any layer are implied in the KM model. This structure provides a birds-eye view of the firm and its environment. It guides practitioners to systematically observe and understand changes and trends in the external environment. Using this structure, practitioners will be able to comprehensively analyze relationships between the firm and its environment. In the next section, how to apply the KM Model to analyze a firm’s external environment and to identify the gaps between a firm’s external environment and its current operations will be presented. APPLICATAION OF KM MODEL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS The objectives of using the KM model for environmental analysis are the following: Objective 1 To define the external environment of a firm from the global level to strategically relevant segments in the environment such as the firm’s focused countries, related industries and supply chains Objective 2 To relate the impacts of macroeconomic factors to the firm’s internal operations by following a systematic approach Objective 3 To identity the gaps between the external environment and internal operations Described below is a six-step process to help practitioners to achieve these objectives. For objective 1 Step 1 Divide the firm’s environment into different layers based on the structure in KM model. Step 2 468 Identify the components of each layer in the environment. For objective 2 Step 3 Observe the external environment from the bottom layer of global market to the firm’s supply chain. Identify major forces, changes, trends and opportunities in each layer by applying appropriate strategic analysis tools. Step 4 Based on the observation, identify impacts of major changes and emerging needs of the external environment on the firm’s operation and sustainability. For objective 3 Step 5 Identify gaps between firm’s value chain and the needs and changes in the external environment that may affect the firm’s sustainability. Step 6 Analyze the firm’s value chain to identify resources and core competencies. Evaluate whether the firm has the ability to bridge these major gaps in the existing environment. Step 7 Decide to stay in the existing environment if gaps can be bridged effectively. Consider move to a new environment if gaps cannot be bridged effectively. Step 8 Conduct steps 1 to 7 on a routine basis. The KM model has been used to conduct strategic analysis and provide strategic recommendations for firms in the service and manufacturing sectors, including automobile industry, food, technology, medical as well as non-profit organizations for consulting and managing purposes. It was also adopted as a teaching tool in executive MBA classes to help students analyze their companies. Given that the focus of this paper is on environmental analysis, included in the appendix of this paper is an example how the KM model was applied in analyzing Fiat SpA’s external environment. SUMMARY The environmental analysis component of the KM model presented in this paper provides a framework to systematically analyze the external environment of a firm. The model examines external environments by analyzing the political, economical, social and technological impacts in the context of a firm’s supply chain, related industries, focused countries and the global market. It also incorporates historical trends and cultural influences in the analysis process. By following the proposed steps, practitioners can examine the external environment of a firm using currently existing strategic analysis tools such as Porter’s value chain, PEST, Diamond E, Porter’s five forces, SWOT, etc. In addition, the KM model will help companies identify the gaps between the external environment and internal operations. Once the gaps are identified, companies can set their strategic directions accordingly. The KM strategic analysis model is in the process of being further developed and refined. Modifications and improvements will be presented in future studies. APPENDIX FIAT SpA Environmental Analysis, 2009 After a successful turnaround from 2004, Fiat, an Italian automobile manufacturer became profitable again in 2007. However, heading into 2009, the environment for auto industry has changed dramatically. Factors such as decreasing European sales, stronger competition from Japanese and German automakers, the emergence of new low cost Asian manufacturers, changing government policies, and global economical crisis have brought Fiat to a cross road again. This example demonstrates how the KM model is used to analyze the external environmental of Fiat SpA. Environmental Analysis In this section, the internal and external environments will be analyzed. The objectives of the environmental analysis are to 1)identify external environment changes and internal environment of the firm, and 2)articulate the implications to see if there is a need to change 469 as well as the direction and timing of the changes. This analysis will also help identify the core competence and key success factors of FIAT. The analyses are grouped into three parts. First, the KM model and PEST is used to analyze the internal and external environment of FIAT. The second part of the analysis focused on identifying the gaps between FIAT’s current position and the global environment. A SWOT analysis was conducted as the third part of this analysis. The goal is to identify its resources and core competencies to further evaluate whether the firm has the ability to bridge the major gaps in the existing environment. Step 1 Divide Fiat’s environment into five layers based on the structure in KM model. Fiat’s value chain †¢ Fiat’s supply chain †¢ Fiat’s related industries †¢ Fiat’s focused countries †¢ The global market place Step 2 Identify the components of each layer in the environment. †¢ Fiat’s value chain: Fiat has an automobile manufacturer’s value chain. †¢ Fiat’s supply chain: Fiat depends on a global supply cha in from its suppliers’ network and delivers its products and services through distributors to consumers. †¢ Fiat’s related industries: The Fiat group also manufacture other industrial equipments besides automobiles. Fiat’s focused countries: Fiat has a global presence with a main focus on European countries and has no establishment in the U. S. market until 2009. †¢ The global market place: the global economical conditions and trends in general. Step 3 Observe the external environment from the bottom layer of global market to the firm’s supply chain. Identify major forces, changes, trends and opportunities in each layer by applying appropriate strategic analysis tools. Step 4 Based on the observation, identify impacts of major changes and emerging needs of the external environment on the firm’s operation and sustainability. Global Market Place †¢ Economical o Global economical downturn/crisis o Decreasing consumer buying power in North America and Europe o Increasing car consumption in Asia especially in China †¢ Political/Legal o governments still support global trade o there are signs of national protectionism o tougher laws in car emission o Trend of more government involvement and regulations in the market and economy †¢ †¢ Social Cultural o Consumer behavior changing from large/gas hunger cars to smaller gas efficient/green cars. o More conflicts in society and between management and the workers such as â€Å"bossnaping† due to economical crisis. Technological o Global trend in green technology and gas efficient cars o Technology advancement causes decreasing gaps between high-tech companies in developed countries and low tech company in developing countries such as China and India Implications †¢ Fiat needs to identify what are the opportunities in the time of crisis. †¢ Government support is important. †¢ Economical downturn gives more power to the management to deal with union and other HR management issues but also give more risks. †¢ Consumer and legal trend toward gas efficient cars and green technology. More competitions in the traditional car markets as new players joining from low cost countries due to technology advancement. 470 Focused Countries/regions (use PEST to identify general local market trend and Fiat’s market positions in these specific markets) Region Highlight of PEST Market Position of FIAT Europe †¢ Global economical crisis is hurting †¢ Leading auto maker European economy badly †¢ Sales decrease dramatically in †¢ Social crisis due to economical Europe in 2008 downturn and loss of jobs †¢ Sales primarily rely on Europe †¢ Decreasing consumer confidence and buying power U. S. Financial and economical crisis started †¢ There is no establishment for Fiat from the U. S. is going deeper in the U. S. and Canada market, †¢ Heavy government the biggest auto market in the world involvement/management in the auto industry. †¢ Lack of small car/green technology (Big three) Asia †¢ Economical crisis hurt export economy †¢ There is no significant in China and India badly establishment for Fiat except †¢ Growing auto market with car sales some partnership with few Chinese/Indian companies. increasing in China every month †¢ Consumer trend in purchasing import luxury cars in China. Latin America †¢ Growing auto market †¢ Car sales in Latin America †¢ Economical crisis hurt export badly. especially in Brazil are successful. Slow growth expected as much of Latin †¢ Competition increased (from 25 models in 1992 to more than 100 America depends on trade with the United States (which absorbs half of models in 2005) Latin America’s exports, alone, for example). †¢ Banking regulations and policies changes due to financial crisis. Implications †¢ Too much depending on one market Europe †¢ Decreasing European sales indicating red ocean competition. †¢ No significant development in the world largest auto market – U. S. †¢ No significant development in the world largest emerging market – China and India †¢ Stronger competition in Latin America indicates the need to adjust local strategy. †¢ The impacts from the Big Three’s struggling for survival in the U. S. can be considered as an opportunity. †¢ Japanese, Korean and other companies from Europe are suffering from decreased sales. †¢ Comparing to the global auto volume car makers, Fiat is still a small company. Industry (Use Porters and KM industrial positioning) Porter’s Model Suppliers †¢ Power neutral †¢ Supplier network in Europe is strong †¢ Lack of own supply network in Asia and the U. S. Customers †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Power strong. Changing preferences and buying habit due to economical crisis. Different, segmented market needs and demand in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. Power strong. Global auto industry is saturated with new players joining at a fast speed Competitors 471 †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ and low cost. Fiat has no significant influence in important Asian markets such as China and India Fiat has the leading position in the European auto industry. Big Three tumbling Japanese, European competitors are very strong New Asian competitors from China, India in back mirror but not big enough yet. Power low Comparatively lower than before due to government support from Asian and Eastern Europe. More emerging low cost auto makers in the past 10 years. Power strong A lot of substitutions can replace partial or complete functions of cars. Low cost players are trying to get into the world market from India and China. Fiat is considered as a niche player in certain regional markets. Barriers to Entry †¢ †¢ †¢ Substitutions †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Implications †¢ Market segmented, no single market can support sustainability †¢ Severe competition in the industry in all global markets. Each market needs to be dealt with different local preferences. A strong global supply chain network is needed to support global operations. †¢ Red ocean and pink ocean competitions, needs to create blue ocean. †¢ Current position safe but not sustainable. †¢ Stronger competition indicates overall strategy has to be adjusted †¢ Opportunities lie with the tumbling of the Big Three losing their competitive positions †¢ Sense of urgency to adjust to adapt to global changes in the industry. Global Supply Chain †¢ Fiat’s global supply chain is strong in Europe †¢ Indirect but not necessary efficient/effective access to other markets through strategic alliances such as Tata and Cherry, GM often competitors too. Value Chain †¢ Primary activities – efficient production of small cars and high end sports cars †¢ Improved customer services †¢ Strong Management skills and leadership, efficiency †¢ Fuel efficient technology †¢ Strong R&D capability and ability †¢ Lean production †¢ Efficient structure and control systems. Global mentality, long history of global partnerships. Summary Observations External Environment †¢ Global competition/ red ocean/ Factors critical to FIAT’s sustainability †¢ Economy of scale – 5. 5 M per year †¢ Control of market channel in key market for current and future †¢ Technology †¢ Product line/combinations Internal Environment †¢ Existing business model is not sustainable if stays focus only on limited Europe market, 472 †¢ †¢ limited product lines without establishment in major mature and emerging markets. Competing on cost is given but competing on cost with Asian companies in traditional competition is not sustainable without control of distribution networks and technology innovation and government support. Change is must, expansion is must. †¢ †¢ †¢ Global supply chain Structure and systems HR The observations and factors critical to FIAT’s sustainability identified in this section will be used in Part II of the analysis gaps of FIAT’s current operations, and later in this report to identify alternatives and decision criteria. Step 5 Identify gaps between firm’s value chain and the needs and changes in the external environment that may affect the firm’s sustainability. GAP Analysis In this is part, gaps at each level of the KM Model are identified to see if FIAT’s current model fit the changing environment in order for it to sustain the global competition. Gaps in competing globally Value chain †¢ Lack of global production capability, especially in two important global markets North America and Asia. †¢ Lack of product lines important mid-size cars and larger cars production expertise. Lack of forward channels in the above markets critical to future survival. †¢ Lack of global brand reputation to its small size, fuel-efficient cars Supply chain †¢ Too much rely on European supply chain, no capability to efficiently supply globally †¢ Fragmented, not effective global supply chain †¢ Lack of forward channels in global market †¢ Lack of backward channels in global market Industry †¢ Lack of economy of scale to compete in the global market †¢ Is a niche player but does not occupy primary markets †¢ Although good at small size/gas efficient cars, lack of mid-size/larger family size cars to compete in major markets such as U. S. market Focused countries and global †¢ No establishment of production and forward channels in North markets American and Asian markets †¢ Overly depends on Europe sales †¢ Bad old reputation in the U. S. market Implications Major changes in the external environment, such as the global recession, decreasing European sales, the changing customer preferences and government policies are reshaping the environments Fiat’s future relies on. As a niche player, Fiat’s current value chain is no longer fitting the changing environments. Major gaps listed below have to be bridged in order to achieve sustainability for the company. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Lack of product lines important mid-size cars and larger cars production expertise to compete in major international markets Overly depends on Europe sales and no establishment of production and forward channels in North American and Asian markets Lack of economy of scale to compete in the global market Lack of global brand reputation to its small size, fuel-efficient cars Step 6 Analyze the firm’s value chain to identify resources and core competencies. Evaluate whether the firm has the ability to bridge these major gaps in the existing environment. SWOT Analysis and FIAT’s Core Competencies 473 Strength and Core Competencies †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Strong management and leadership Successful restructuring before the global crisis gave Fiat a good position to compete for future Efficient production system Fuel-efficient and small car technology Experienced in joint ventures, licensing An environmentally friendly automaker pro-green customers like Weakness †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Threats †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Overly rely on the European market Overly reply on the leadership of the CEO No establishment in other major markets except South America Lack of global economy of scale – Only selling just over 2 million units per year Lack of product lines (mid-size, large size cars and trucks) for important global markets. Technological challenge of implementing Fiat’s technology into Chrysler vehicles Lack of brand name reputation in the U. S. Global recession Industry wide overcapacity and productivity Decreasing European sales Emerging low cost competitors from Asia Strong existing Japanese, European competitors Competitors copy successful business models Rising raw material prices such as steel Strong Euro hurts exporting Risk of the company spreads itself too thin and grows too fast constrained fund-raising options Consumer losing confidence in economy hurts large item purchases. Debt and cash flow Risk of bad union relations due to expansion Opportunities †¢ Global economical crisis brought down competitors, provide opportunities for well managed companies like Fiat †¢ Government support †¢ Changing customer preferences toward fuel efficient cars †¢ Emerging market in Asia and South America Implications In order for Fiat to be sustainable, the company has to explore and secure the opportunities based on its core competencies as not all the opportunities are realistic to Fiat’s future development. Fiat has to be very careful when it chooses opportunities to be the target in its business plan. Step 7 Decide to stay in the existing environment if gaps can be bridged effectively. Consider move to a new environment if gaps cannot be bridged effectively. Based on the KM strategic analysis for Fiat’s environment, Fiat needs to make a decision whether it should stay in the automobile industry based on its core competencies and strengths. If it decides to stay, it should make adjustments through its value chain to adapt to the changing global markets. It should, for example, consider expanding to the North America auto market and the emerging markets in order to extend its profitability as a global player. Once Fiat establishes its global presence and profitability, it can then determine the role of its auto division in the global markets. Step 8 Conduct steps 1 to 7 on a routine basis. The example demonstrated how the external environmental analysis for Fiat could be analyzed by using the KM model. REFERENCES 474 Crossan, M. M. , Fry, J. N. , and Killing, J. P. (2009) Strategic Analysis and Action, Toronto: Pearson Education Canada. Mao, T. and Kao, D. (2008) Lecture Notes for International Business Management, MBA for Managers and Professionals, Center for Executive Education, University of Windsor. Kim, W. C. and Mauborgne, R. (2005) Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant, Boston, Mass. : Harvard Business School Press. Narayanan, V. K. and Fahey, L. (2001) Macroenvironmental Analysis: Understanding the Environment outside the Industry, The Portable MBA in Strategy, 2nd edition. New York: Wiley, p. 189-214. Porter, M. E. (1979) How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 57, March-April, p. 137. Porter, M. E. (1985) Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. New York: Free Press. 475

Family Health Assesment Essay

The Family discussed in this paper has two children and both parents have been married for seventeen years. The paternal and maternal grandmothers are alive, while both paternal and maternal grandfathers have died of heart disease. The maternal grandmother lives with the family. The family assessed was interviewed two times and both times, the interview took place in family’s home and lasted for thirty minutes. The author of this paper has used Calgary Family Assessment model in assessing the family, which is an integrated, multidimensional framework based on the foundation of systems, cybernetics, communication and change theory and influenced by post-modernization and biology of cognition (Wright & Leahey, ). For complete assessment to take place as described by this model, a sense of importance and open communication was established between nurse and family. The family was encouraged to attend interview together . Names of family members have been changed to protect their privacy & confidentiality. Structural Assessment It is meant to identify the composition which consists of internal and external structure of family and its connectivity. Internal Family Composition Immediate family consist of father [Tim] and mother [Maria] who are a married couple and together they have two sons; older son (Jim) aged 14,younger son [Jacob] aged 10, grandmother [Gia] and pet dog [Sheenu] aged 2 years. Gender Both genders seem equal in this family. Differences in genders were not evident. Tim and Maria both consider themselves as breadwinners of family. Tim goes on business trip for weeks and Maria work long hours to make family financially secure. This was evident when Maria stated, â€Å"I want to make sure that we have everything for decent living and best education for Jim and Jacob† (Maria, October 16, 2010). Gia stays at home and does all the cooking and look after Jacob and Sheenu. Love, respect and appreciation for one another’s contribution to the family unit were evident in this family. Sexual Orientation The sexual orientation among the couple is heterosexual. Both Jim and Jacob stated their interests for girls, and are heterosexual. Any other sexual orientation will not be accepted by the family due to family’s culture. Rank Order Gia is sixty five years old. Tim is forty seven years old and Maria is forty five years old. Jim is fourteen years and Jacob is ten years old. There is a gap of 4 years between Jim and Jacob’s birth. The family takes pride in mentioning that everybody was born in October. Jim and Jacob, both are tall and handsome. Physically they have similar features but Jacob is healthier than Jim. During family interview Jim opened up easily and talked while Jacob was quite and answered only when specifically asked. Jacob was having more non verbal communication than anybody else in the family. Based on observation of interviewee there was sense of equality between Tim and Maria but Jim seems to have some kind of control over Jacob. Before saying anything Jacob would look towards Jim. The couple state that Tim finish outdoor family tasks while Maria deals with family issues. Tim referred Maria as â€Å"Finance Minister of family† (Tim, personal communication October 16, 2010) Subsystems Dyad subsystems were evident in the family. Gia is playing role of mother, grandmother and holding the whole family together. Tim and Maria seem very close but Jim and Jacob were not so close. Jacob was trying to avoid Jim all the time. He was comfortable sitting closer to Gia and changed to another sofa when Jim sat beside him. There was strong bond between mother and sons as well as grandmother and grandchildren. The bond between sons and father was not so strong. Father’s tone of talking to sons’ was authoritative. The mother was patting her sons’ back and was quite cheerful while talking about her sons; father would only smile and admitted that his wife knows more about kids because he spend more time away from home. The whole family agreed that if there is any problem or issue within the family, everybody would sit and discuss to sort out the problem. The family could be described as close knit. Boundaries The family has set some clear boundaries. Jim is not allowed to hang out with friends without his parents’ permission. The elders in the family and outside family are to be treated with respect and love. Both Jim and Jacob have been taught to knock at door before entering and seek permission to use or borrow anything whichever does not belong to them; to give a kind of respect to each other. Both the boys have to complete their education. Jim and Jacob have been given choice to study whatever they want and their education will be paid by parents. Maria stated â€Å"all the basic necessities like food, clothing housing will be met by us as long as the boys are studying; if they keep changing their mind every year about their future studies; then this is wastage of time and money. As long as they have definite plans for a career we are ok with that; if the boys don’t want to study they have to move out and find their own living† (Maria, personal communication, October 16, 2010). External Extended Family Maternal grandmother lives with the family. Maria has three sisters. All are married and live in Michigan. Tim’s mother, brother and sisters live in New York. All of them stay in touch with each other via phone. Tim has a cab and trailer business in New York and visits his family twice a month and stays with them for couple of weeks. Maria’s family lives in the same city and visits each other quite often. Maria’s sisters’ come to help her when needed, if Tim is away on business trip. The sisters’ children and Maria’s boys sleepover at each others’ places and get along well. Gia admitted that the sisters stand by each other in thick and thin. Be it a family sickness or children’s school problem or any other appointment they are always there to help each other. Larger Subsystems Family visits their temple once in a week to say their prayers and socializes in their community. Other than this the family does not have any connections with any other religious organization or community agency. Context Ethnicity/Race /Religion/Spirituality This family is South Asian, originally from India, and immigrated to United States in 1992. Both Tim and Maria are Hindus; they have respect for all religions. They have not forced their religion on children and are free to follow any religion. Environment This family lives in safe, high middle class neighborhood in a two story four bedroom house with finished basement and a big front and back yard. They live closer to shopping malls, grocery stores, schools and library. Home is ten miles away from Maria’s place of work but she don’t mind driving as home is in safe and secured area. Developmental This family is upper-middle class family and according to Calgary health assessment model the family is in stage four of family life cycle. In this stage families often increase flexibility of boundaries to include children’s independence (Wright and Leahy, p. 91). While observing family interactions, there was typical parent-child relationship. The parents would keep quite when teenager wanted to talk. Functional Assessment Instrumental Activities of daily living Tim works less; since he has business in New York; almost two weeks in a month he spend over there. Whenever he is in Michigan he just stays home. Maria works full time. During her day off she takes care of house and children. Jim and Jacob go to school and they are underage to work outside. Jim does not help family with household chores like cutting grass and removing snow. Expressive Emotional and Verbal communication Family was respectful to each other’s opinion and gave everyone chance to speak a. Nonverbal communication was also present. They were nodding in approval or disapproval. There was time when Jim was interrupting parents to enforce his statement rather than listening. Roles/Influences and Power When asked about roles and power sharing between family members, all of them smiled at each other. Maria stated boys do help but its Jacob who helps more in doing chores than Jim. Jim usually put garbage outside for pick up. Jacob help his mom by vacuuming the house and putting dishes in the dishwasher and taking Sheenu out for walk. Maria does all the grocery shopping and Gia cooks food for the family. Maria has role of wife, mother and daughter which she is carrying with responsibility. Tim has role of father and husband. Gia has role of mother and grandmother. Jim and Jacob have roles of sons, grandsons and brothers. Family Strengths and Challenges The family’s strength lies in adherence to their cultural norms, beliefs and values and desire to form strong relationships with other cultures. The family uses the resources available for their health care needs; visits physicians for annual physicals and dental exams. The family wants to pass the positive things about their culture to next generation like respect, trust and loyalty. Being educated and believing in healthier relationship is also strength of family. The challenge for this family is the behavioral problems of teenager son within the family and outside the family; which is a source of stress for family. During the second interview Tim was not present due to business trip and children were away to school. Gia admitted that Jim is having some behavioral problems, to which Maria also agreed. Maria stated â€Å"Since he is a teenager it is really hard to keep him under control like other kids but he do have some problems† (Maria, personal communication, October 20, 2010). The problem started with Jim arguing with teachers at school. He would laugh in class for no reason; making other students to laugh and disturbing class. He used to argue a lot with teachers always stressing that he is right which was disrespectful. At home he gives hard time to Jacob and Sheenu. Gia stated that he comes home earlier than Jacob and as soon as Jacob comes home; Jim would not let Jacob in or would tell him that he is a loser or saying that nobody loves him. When Jim says something like that, Jacob would start crying. Gia stated that she does not like to intervene as Jim is in habit of pushing others and she is scared that if he pushes her; she will fall and can get a fracture. Jim also yells at Sheenu. When Jim is home Sheenu would like to stay with an adult to have a sense of protection. Jim’s behavior at school and home had brought a lot of stress for the family. Maria admitted that she was made to sit in his class to watch Jim’s behavior while he was not aware of Maria’s presence and was acting as a clown in the class. Asked about Tim’s reaction to his son’s behavior, Maria stated that Tim consider it normal for growth and development. Maria seems to be quite concerned about his son’s behavior. Maria agreed that his behavior problems started in middle school. He would come home and tell stories about boys selling â€Å"candies† in the school and he had put up those candies in his locker. The candy story made Maria worry about his son’s company and getting drugs. Without further questioning Jim; next day Maria had a meeting with school principal and Jim’s locker was searched in presence of Jim, Maria, principal and two other teachers. Nothing was found and Jim could not give any description of the person selling â€Å"candies† and what they look like. He admitted that he was just playing a joke on his mom. After this he stopped telling lies and shifted his focus on being a clown in the class. When he comes home after school; he usually takes a nap and then stays up whole night to watch television or play games. The next day he would sleep in the class. Jim does have some behavioral problems but he is a homely guy. After coming home from school, he likes to stay home and spend some time with Maria telling about school activities. Jim’s behaves well in Maria’s presence. The family’s main concern is to change Jim’s behavior. Summary of Assessment The family operates within close knit system; having internal and external harmony among friends and extended family. In terms of completing the family cycle, the mother is putting extra efforts for adjusting to the fact that she is mother of a teenager while the father has laid back attitude towards his son’s behavior. The father needs to take responsibility to find reasons for his son’s behavioral problems. Given the fact that the teenager spend most of his time in school and at home, interventions should be directed at peer influences. According to Erickson’s stages of development the teenager is going through establishment of identity versus role confusion (Kozier et al. , p. 325). The need for independency and family support creates conflict between teenager and family. The family’s ability to cope with stress affects the health of individual family members, and the health of this individual family member influences the family’s ability to cope (Kaakinen et al. , p. 65). Guidance need to be presented in a way that the teen feel loved. The above summary will be basis of health promotion for this family. Health Promotion Plan The goals of health promotion plan will be to incorporate all individuals of the family within interventions. The health concern of the family should not be for individual member but for family as unit. The health plan will be aimed at improving dimensions of family life, promoting health of this family. Family is considered a most important part in a child’s growth and development. Open communication, child-parent interaction can have a positive effect on child’s development. To stop an inappropriate child behavior, first we need to know the triggering event to that behavior. It’s important to just focus on offending behavior rather than criticizing the child. The teenager in this family has attention seeking behavior in school. He should be encouraged to participate in school games; to divert his mind and energy from unacceptable behaviors. More time need to be spent with him. Since both his parents are busy in their jobs and other responsibilities; they are spending less time with the children. The teenager is at risk of developing other health problems like smoking, drinking and dropping out of school. For prevention of those risk behaviors among teenagers; time devoted to shared activities is important for the child’s healthy development. Parent’s education, their motivation in favor of healthy lifestyle, positive thinking, guidance as well as encouragement to acceptable behaviors can reduce the manifestations of risk behavior among the adolescents. Monitoring what teenager is watching on television and internet will help in reducing problems. Both the parents are educated; they should make the teenager aware of their expectations from him. A sense of trust should be developed between teenager and parents to help his transition into adulthood and to become independent, responsible, communicative young adult. The child should be encouraged to be a role model for his younger brother and should be rewarded for taking responsibility. Making him aware of inappropriate behavior will help him in deciding right and wrong. Inappropriate behavior should be ignored and appropriate behavior, must be reinforced. Positive reinforcement used immediately after appropriate behavior like offering praise immediately after the behavior will help. Setting limits for watching television and access to internet and making rules for going to bed at specific time will help in dealing with problems at school. The parents have already recognized the need for seeking counseling for their son. The mother has taken the responsibility to go with him or he can talk in private to counselor about his problem. After going for 2-3 sessions the family has observed positive changes in teen’s behavior. Conclusion Of all the interventions discussed above, the most applicable in implementing health promotion plan for the family assessed in this paper will be the parent-child interaction. Interaction between them will help in preventing other health problems in adolescent like drinking, smoking. The parents should present their own behavior in a positive way, so that children can learn from them. It is time that family should pay close attention to teenager’s behavior problems to protect and prevent him from developing other health problems.

The Somalia Crisis

The Somalia Crisis Introduction While many failed states are at least showing signs of moving towards stable governments, the same cannot be said about Somalia. Even with the intervention of an international community that has been striving to create a framework of negotiations for feuding parties, Somalia has continued to degenerate into more and more chaos.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Somalia Crisis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More By evaluating the history of Somalia as it pertains to the genesis of her crisis, it is increasingly becoming clear that for any negotiations to succeed, a unifying and accommodating system for all parties is needed. Such a system would have to be precisely designed so as to accommodate and integrate all prevailing interests in a way that will encourage all relevant groups to embrace peace and form a government. Such a move would involve the accommodation of clans and political factions am ong other groups. These groups can be encouraged to integrate by accommodating their interests and emphasizing on possible unifying catalysts like the prospect of a working nation, common religion and language among other parameters that can be actively and silently enshrined in a credible agreement. Historical Depiction The genesis of various political factions in Somalia that have for a long time failed to unite originates in a way from colonization (History of Somalia). For most part of the colonization period, Somalia was divided into diverse political territories. These territories were mainly controlled by the British, Italian and Ethiopian interests (History of Somalia). Old and emerging political groups have therefore continued to rule sections of Somalia in isolation. Accommodating and integrating groups with political, economic, and social influence in Somalia is therefore fruitful in resolving the conflict. Britain was the first country in Europe to establish a base in So malia. Her main interest at the time was to use the Somalia coast as a fueling station for her ships en route to India. In this direction, France and Italy established separate bases in the northern areas of Somali to fuel their ships as well (Crawford). Following a near brink to armed combat between France and Britain in 1888, the two countries agreed on boundaries separating their small territories along the coast of Somalia (Ayittey). Such confrontations gave formal powers to clans around Somali. For example, in an effort to consolidate their control, the British signed multiple treaties promising the protection of Somali chieftains and clans (Ayittey).Advertising Looking for research paper on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Although a substantial territory in Somalia had by then been placed under the control of France and Britain, most of the territory in Somalia was being disputed betwee n Italy and Ethiopia. Hostilities between Ethiopia and Italy led to the battle of Adowa where the Italians were defeated by Ethiopians (History of Somalia). Following the defeat of the Italians by Ethiopia at the battle of Adowa, a large territory (Ogaden) that was previously under their control was taken by the Ethiopians (Ayittey). A stage was therefore set for a series of conflicts between Italy and Ethiopia over the control of the Ogaden region (Crawford 148). Following the Second World War, Somalia degenerated into more conflicts originating from an extension of WW II. In WW II, the Italians and the Britons were fighting on opposite fronts. Besides, the fascist regime in Italy at the time was keener on expanding oversea territories (History of Somalia). What resulted from these conflicts was a continual shift of territories among the British, Italian, French, and Ethiopian powers. Around 1950, it was agreed that the initial 1897 agreement on territories be adopted again (Histor y of Somalia). Following post WW II agreements in Europe, British and Italian territories in Somalia were granted independence in 1960 (Ayittey). These two territories that had been under the British and Italian control united to form the country that became known as Somalia (History of Somalia). On the other hand, the French territory was granted self control 17 years later (1977) (History of Somalia). At independence, it became impossible for all the regions under the influence of separate colonial powers to integrate (Ayittey). Since these territories had been in continual conflicts, for colonial powers had strived to increase their territories, integration of Somalia was almost unachievable. Indeed, territories had been shifting between multiple colonial powers. Besides, methods of expanding territorial control that had been employed by colonial powers where the powers of clans and chieftains were accommodated contributed to a framework for future conflicts (History of Somalia). Clans and chieftains have continued to act as drivers of conflicts in Somalia to date. The Somalia region has thus failed to Integrate successfully.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Somalia Crisis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Indeed, the prevailing challenge of uniting the entire Somalia region at independence precipitated a scenario for protracted conflicts in the future. Following independence, Somalia engaged in a policy of reuniting with regions in French Somaliland, in the north of Kenya, and in parts of Ethiopia (History of Somalia). At this time, most world powers (including Britain) were in favor of Ethiopia and Kenya, making the efforts of Somalia unsuccessful (History of Somalia). In a bid to reunite with lost territories, politics in Somalia increasingly shifted towards the Soviet Union (Ayittey). Such a direction was especially consolidated when Siad Barre took power towards the end of 1 969 (Ayittey). The prevailing culture of acknowledging the influence and power of clans was thus ignored, for imported soviet ideologies on the supreme power of the political party became integrated in the country (Ayittey). A wrong turn was therefore adopted as the important institution of the clan became isolated by the government. The decision of isolating clan interests from the government exacerbated an imminent conflict. Precipitating this conflict was the event where Somalia was defeated by Ethiopia during the battle for the Ogaden region in 1977 (Ayittey). The defeat of Somalia mainly occurred following the betrayal of Somalia by the Soviet Union, for the Soviet Union provided a weak Ethiopia with troops and arm supplies (History of Somalia). Following this development, clans and political factions begun strategizing on toppling the Somalia government reigning at the time (History of Somalia). In1988.the strategy of overthrowing the government by clans and political factions led to a civil war. It was this civil war that culminated in the eventual collapse of Siad’s government in 1991 (History of Somalia). In this confusion, as Somalia plunged into deep chaos, Siad Barr retreated to his own clan where he crowned himself a warlord (History of Somalia). As a result, Somalia was thus split into multiple regions under the control of factions. Efforts by the international community to unite factions and restore peace in Somalia have so far achieved very limited success.Advertising Looking for research paper on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Despite efforts from the United Nations, where in 1993, more than 15 groups in control of portions within Somalia were guided in peaceful meetings in Addis Ababa; ceasefire proved elusive and fighting increased (Ayittey). Moreover, in 1994, a precarious environment susceptible to increased conflicts was created when the United States and other powers withdrew their peace troops from Somalia as a result of increasing fatalities. Multiple efforts by African countries and the United Nations to support a weak federal government have also been unable to achieve a visible measure of success (Ayittey). Current Status The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has been instrumental in trying to negotiate a peaceful settlement in Somalia and other African countries in conflict (Amnesty International). Through IGAD, negotiations have centered on uniting Punta land, Somaliland, and several leaders in hold of territories within Somalia (Bryden 15). The division of the Somali region into multiple parcels of territories of unclear size corresponds to the colonial state of Somalia when the country was divided between multiple colonial powers that kept fighting to increase their areas (Bryden). As it will become clear here, it has been difficult to accommodate and integrate factions controlling small territorial areas within Somalia. Such a scenario has mainly arisen from the long history of protracted conflicts and conflicting interests between the factions (Bryden). Oftentimes, clan and political chieftains have continued to fight over grazing land and other resources; therefore, warlords have continued to create a situation where the size of a political chieftain is determined in many ways by military capabilities (Austin). In 2000, following Negotiations in Djibouti, an attempt to integrate political leaders controlling parcels of territories in Somalia was made (Cornwell 18). During the negotiations, elders from Somalia clans appointed Abdulkassim Salat Hassa n to act as a transitional leader of Somalia for 3 years; consequently, a step towards unification and peace was made (Cornwell 18). This was however not to be, for some warlords that were mainly drawn from the southern part of Somalia rejected the proposal (Cornwell 19). Moreover, in 2002, another group of Somalia warlords drawn from the south-western part of Somalia declared independence (Hansen 210). Djibouti talks were thus unsuccessful in uniting political factions and establishing peace within Somalia (Hansen 210). One factor that had helped to water down the Djibouti talks arose from political interests from a number of regional neighbors who had a keen interest in the composition of a possible government in Somalia (Dagne 331). For example, the Somali factions that had rejected Djibouti negotiations claimed that they had been motivated by some external pressure from countries like Ethiopia (Dagne). Moreover, many factions had an interest in obtaining a substantial number of government positions in an agreed government (Dagne). Another effort to unite Somalia and establish a government was made during another series of talks that were held in Nairobi from 2003 (Dagne 348). These talks have mainly been organized under the auspices of governments within East Africa (IGAD) with the support of the European Union and Arab nations among other supporters (Dagne 350). IGAD talks have been successful in bringing together about 20 armed political factions and Puntaland to discuss a possible political settlement and integration. However, as it happened in the Gelgudud area in 2004 where dozens of people were killed, intermittent fighting between clans has continued (Dagne 352). Clans and political factions have therefore continued to compete over resources like grazing lands and water, so, derailing the prospects of a possible compromise. Despite several hurdles, Nairobi talks succeeded in hammering out a possible compromise. In the Nairobi agreement, a parliament consisting of 275 members was to be constituted through a method that had been precisely designed to accommodate clan elders and Somali warlords (Dagne). Each of the four clans with the most extensive populations was given powers to appoint sixty one parliamentarians (Neil). On the other hand, minority clans were given powers to appoint thirty one parliamentarians (Neil). The mode of appointing parliament representatives was left upon clans to decide (Neil). Under the agreement, elected parliamentarians were given the responsibility of electing a president (Neil). Also, clans were expected to maintain many functions and powers under a devolved federal kind of a government (Neil). As a result of the significant progress that had been made towards establishing the Nairobi agreement, reluctant groups such as the Juba Valley Alliance, Somali National Front among others embraced the agreement and accented to it (Neil). Among the challenges that have hindered comprehensive implementation of the agreement Include imminent suspicion between clans (Neil). It can be remembered that during his tenure, Siad Barre was biased in appointing government officials as government positions were mainly awarded to individuals from his Marehan clan (Neil). Besides, it is difficult for many factions that operate in Somalia to cede control of their small territories in favor of a federal government (Austin). With no police force and other important institutions, disarming militia groups and establishing the rule of law will always remain a significant challenge (Austin). Amidst these challenges, political factions that operate in Somalia signed an agreement in 2006 for a system of sharing power; thus, bringing into force the anticipated Transitional Federal Government leadership (Neil). Sherif Sheikh Ahmed (Current president of the TFG) has been striving to integrate armed factions that have not embraced the Nairobi agreement yet (Neil). Sheikh’s transitional government has be en facing an almost impossible task of creating an operating government within Somalia (Austin). A number of countries including Eritrea have been accused of contributing to the challenges that are faced by the TFG by aiding armed factions that are vehemently opposed the Transitional federal Government (TFG) (Austin). Indeed, the TFG has only managed to control a small portion of Mogadishu with the support of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISON) troops (Austin). Establishing important institutions like the police force and the Judiciary has especially been a difficult challenge for the TFG. With a limited control over Somalia due to its inability to subdue militia factions and with limited resources, the TFG has been very ineffective (Austin). For example, about half of all trained police and a substantial number of military men have vacated the TFG due to non payments (Austin). Lately, there has been an increasing concern over the alliance between a number of militia groups th at operate in Somalia and terrorist groups (Austin). Al Shabaab (a military faction that is backed by the Al Qaeda terrorist group) has especially opposed the federal government and even managed to threaten and attack countries offering support to the TFG (Ayittey). In 2006, a group called the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) defeated warlords operating within Somalia and centralized its base in Mogadishu (Dagne). Although many of these warlords had signed the Nairobi agreement, they had not been willing to accommodate the TFG (Dagne 353). Following this development, TFG forces together with the Ethiopian military launched a successful offensive against the ICU elements in Mogadishu (Dagne 353). During 2008, an agreement to accommodate former ICU elements, integrate and coordinate security through a joint committee, and withdraw Ethiopian troops was reached (Dagne 354). However, this agreement has proved to be ineffective as concerned parties including the TFG have been compounded in inte rnal conflicts, and worse, they have failed to respect the agreement. Another round of talks in Djibouti is currently ongoing with an overdriving policy of creating a new government that will accommodate all parties with political significance in Somalia (Dagne 354). Meanwhile, amidst ongoing efforts to create a functioning government, Al Shabaab has been expanding its influence in Somalia (Dagne 354). With the radical nature of Islamic extremism present in Somalia, more and more people can easily unite with Al Shabaab among other extremist groups; thus, creating a more precarious situation (Dagne). Potential Explanations Multiple endeavors have been applied by the international community in an effort to resolve the crisis that exists in Somalia. Although some measure of success has been accomplished, the present crisis in Somalia has hardly been mitigated. Several attempt made to resolve the Somalia conflict have been watered down by squabbles among Nations; consequently, making it difficult to create of a well coordinated process that would form a working government (Hansen 210). For instance, the 1997 peaceful efforts were mainly hindered because of squabbles between Egypt and Ethiopia. In this case, Egypt was accused of initiating a plan that had been tailored to weaken Ethiopia while resolving the Somalia Conflict (De Maio 7). Besides, a number of negotiations intended to reach a settlement on the Somalia crisis have been hastened; lasting for just about two weeks in some cases (The 1993 talks in Addis Ababa) (Hansen 212). Such a move has failed to create enough time for comprehensive and exhaustive talks that would address all the concerns on the ground. However, none of these challenges can approach the boulder that has been placed by Somali warlords who have acted to precipitate more and more conflicts (Hansen). A host of warlords have an array of interests which are drawn from enormous economic resources and political power that they gain from the Som alia conflict (Hansen). It is true that for a comprehensive political settlement in Somalia, there is a need to integrate clan leaders, for clan elders have considerable influence over the Somali people (De Maio 7). Still, it is important to evaluate the dual roles of warlords, for warlords exploit their clans and use their enormous economic resources to establish their powers (Hansen). With no economic resources, the influence of warlords over their clans is non existent. Oftentimes, warlords exploit clan leaders by bribing them and or threatening them in a complex relationship where immense clan powers are transferred to warlords (Hansen). A system of patronage is thus enhanced within a clan by warlords capable of using their power and resources to help their accomplices and themselves evade the rule of law (Hansen). A substantial amount of wealth that has been accumulated by warlords is normally distributed to individuals from their clans; consequently, consolidating the capacity of warlords to control their clans in the process (Salih 75). Since their influence will automatically be significantly trimmed by a rule of law system that will decrease their wealth, it can be seen that warlords will forever resist the establishment of a government in Somalia (Salih 75). Moreover, their interests are quite parallel to genuine interests of the clans that they claim to represent. In the interest of uniting important parties in Somalia, focusing immense energy on warlords is unnecessary as warlords will always represent their own interests. Moreover, their existing powers are proportional and therefore, vulnerable to their economic wealth. Projections So far, due to several challenges that include a limited economical capacity, the TFG has been ineffective in establishing a government within Somalia (Siler 600). As of now, it is hard to see the TFG overcome the many challenges that it currently faces (Siler 600). A likely scenario is the return to political territor ies operated by clan factions in the near future (Bruton 2). Meanwhile, the Somalia crisis has continued to move in new a dimension that reflects across the Globe (Bruton 8). On one hand, the piracy problem around waters bordering Somalia has been escalating (Bruton 8). On the other hand, Islamic extremism and terrorism are fast integrating with the Somalia Society (Bruton 9). In order to mitigate the piracy problem and prevent terrorist groups like the Al Qaeda from establishing strongholds in Somalia (through linkage with militia groups such as the Al Shabaab), the international community will develop an increased interest in Somalia (Bruton). With increasing unease over the state of the protracted chaos that has continued to define Somalia, western powers may adopt a different policy approach designed to guard their security interests (Samatar 625). A possible policy change would be to acknowledge a powerful group like the Al Shabaab and provide the group with support under certa in conditions (Bruton). The most important criteria under such an agreement would be for the group to halt any associations with terrorist organizations like the Al Qaeda (Samatar 628). Measures would then be taken to strengthen an Islamic government; thus, accommodating Islamic interests, clan interests, and other interests that have so far remained a challenge to accommodate under a single agreement (Samatar). Still, it is possible for the International community to adopt a different approach towards resolving the Somalia crisis; however, the nature of the approach will likely remain radical and would also be tailored to mitigate security concerns such as the threat from terrorism (Bruton). In such a case, the possibility of a military deployment is possible. Such a move can especially catalyze from a major terrorist attack on western interests by an Al Shabaab group that is coordinating with the Al Qaeda (Bruton). With the current state of affairs whereby a weak TFG is supported by a weak AMISON troop that is poorly funded, it is just a matter of time before the TFG collapse; therefore, causing interested parties around the Globe to rethink a new strategy (Bruton). Conclusion Somalia has presented a difficult conflict to resolve where a complex and delicate network of interests relate. Recognizing the importance of the clan culture that exists in the culture of Somalia, negotiations on a possible peaceful settlement have strived to accommodate the interests of Somali clans. An inherent challenge that has arisen from this approach has been to mistakenly equate warlords to clans. These two are different and can serve very different interests. The challenge would be therefore to develop a system that will endure in the protection and accommodation of interests. Such a system will not be based on personalities like warlords but on a working constitutional framework with a clear system of procedures. Moreover, it is important to accommodate and respect the Islam ic interests of the Somalia people. Indeed, many Somalis have been developing apathy towards western powers and the TFG. Although it is important to accommodate and integrate all parties and interest within Somalia, such integration needs to evaluate real interest groups and promote the integration processes through clear procedures. Amnesty International. Amnesty Recommendations to the AU†Ã‚  Amnesty International.12 Feb. 2007. Web. Austin, Barry. â€Å"Challenges and Psychological Dynamics of Negotiating Risks†Ã‚  Good Field Institute. 19 Mar. 2009. Web. Ayittey, George. â€Å"The Somali Crisis: Time for an African Solution.†Ã‚  American University. 28 Mar. 1994 Web. Bruton, Bronym. â€Å"Somalia: A new Approach.† Council of Special Relations Journal  70.52, (2010): 2-14. Print. Bryden, Matt. â€Å"Somalia and Somaliland: Envisioning a Dialogue.†Ã‚  African Security Review, 13.2 (2004): 15-30. Print Cornwell, Richard. â€Å"Somalia† Afri ca Security Review 13.4 (2004): 18-23. Print Crawford, Young. â€Å"Beyond the State Crisis† Washington: John Hopkins. 2002. Print. Dagne, Ted. Somalia: â€Å"Prospects for a lasting Peace.† The Mediterranean Quarterly  20.2 (2009): 331-54. Print. De Maio, Jennifer. Ethnic Conflict in Somalia. New York: Lexington Books. Hansen, Stig. â€Å"Warlords and Peace Strategies: The case of Somalia.†Ã‚  Journal of Conflict Studies 18.7 (2003): 210-24. Print. History of Somalia. Grameen Foundation. History World. 30 Oct. 2002. Web. http//www.historyworld.com Neil, Ford. â€Å"Somalia: Agreeing not to disagree.† Conflicts Review. 1 Apr. 2004. Web. Salih, Mohamed. â€Å"Crisis Management in Somalia† Sweden: HSC, 1994. Print. Samatar, Ismail. â€Å"Destruction of State and Society in Somalia†Ã‚  The journal of Modern African studies 30.4, (2008): 625-41. Print. Siler, Michael. Strategic Security issues in sub-Saharan Africa.  Westport: Greenwood, 200 4. Print

Almodovars All About My Mother Analysis Film Studies Essay

Almodovars All About My Mother Analysis Film Studies Essay Pedro Almodovar is an auteur in Spanish national and art cinema. His films always explore the issues such as sexuality, transgender and women’s life where friends and lovers replace the parents and family. In a post-feminism point of view, he disestablished the feminism but highlights the positions of both female characters and actress. His works are more targeted to women and give female audience a resonance on motion. All About My Mother is a film Almodovar made in 1999. It stills an impressive work to discover the deep feeling of women when suffering from the dead of son and lover. The storyline describe a single mother Manuela witness his son die in a car accident when he run to ask for an autograph. And then she wants to find the father in Barcelona. In Barcelona, she meets her transgender friends, the lesbian couple and a young nun Rosa. The whole film interspersed with these several women’s interesting and dumbfounding stories. Some of them encounter the issues of transsexual or AIDS which make their characteristics more rounded. This title not only refers to Manuela but also point to women who were and would be mother, as well the actress. The opening scene is a smoothly and masterful camera movement in hospital. It follows the plastic infusion tube, with the blurred background and a sad music to heighten the atmosphere. The cast list in a bloody color fade in and out like the blood flowing. Without saying any word, just use a montage skill to show there is a patient or accident. Almodovar are the master of using misn-en-scene. The next scenes are still using camera movement show the medical machine. After the still of ECG, Manuela suffers the pain from death and faces other’s organ donation which she need to solve later (her son’s organ donation). Almodovar emphasises not only the mise-en-scene, but also the collocation of color. I think it is the aesthetics of Almdovar. The scene that Manuela cooking in the kitchen, the bl ue cupboard and the red cloth and tomato join together make a strong Almodovar style. Gathering blue and red maybe is a habitual technique of Almodovar. The son’s clothe is also blue and sit together with his mother’s red. In the bedroom of Esteban, this style gets more highlights. The red wall assembled with the blue bed and chair. I can see red everywhere for instance later Huma’s hair and cloth as well. The film is filled with references. At the beginning, Manuela and her son sit on sofa and watch the old Hollywood film All About Eve (Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 1950, USA). That movie talking about the actress named Eve, the same way was used to reflect the story in All About My Mother, it talk about mothers and women who have relationship with acting. In All About Eve, they also mention the fans and acting issues. When watching the film, the son Esteban finds that the Spanish television station always changes the title of the movies and use dub instead of original sound track which are references from the society. In this scene, Esteban writing on his notebook has a brilliant camera angle. The camera use both the POV of Esteban and the notebook, we can see Esteban writing ‘Todo sobre mi madre’ (original title in Spanish) from his hand moving. Then the title of this film appeared very smoothly. After watching the film, Manuela shares the only half photo she took when she was a actress. The camera follows the cracks and down while shows Esteban looking at the picture and later he will mention that the other half would be his ‘father’.

The Theory of Corporate Finance Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

The Theory of Corporate Finance - Assignment Example The company's pricing data revealed that the Staples planned to establish their monopoly, and wanted to increase the prices of their product 13% after the merger. The merger was therefore criticized and blocked by the trading regulatory organizations, this saved 'consumers an estimated $1.1 billion over five years' (Yang, 2005), which otherwise would have been spent towards high prices. The acquisition and merger of the supplier with the reseller are regarded as a vertical merger. In the case of the vertical merger, both the parties are involved in the buyer-seller relationship. The acquisition of the Medico Container Services by Merck is regarded as a vertical merger. The regulatory authorities have appreciated exercises of vertical mergers. It is expected that consumers are also able to benefit from the vertical mergers, because such activities i.e. the integration of the supply chain, increase the efficiencies, the prices stabilize and quality of the services also improve. The mer ger of the Time Warner Inc. and Turner Corp., which are entirely different entertainment networks, has improved the services of the entertainment giants greatly. The regulatory authorities expressed their concerns that Time Warner after merger will be reluctant to offer and sell its video programs to other competitors of the cable TV companies, and Turner Corp. will have extra benefit through such bargains of merger, and Turner Corp. will be offered to programme right at discriminatory rates, therefore both the companies will establish their monopolies against other competitors including Direct Broadcast Satellite and new wireless cable technologies. The regulatory authority also feared that the merger will affect competition in the production of video programming; the merger will allow Time-Turner to refuse the services of transmission by competitors. The regulatory authority, therefore, approved the merger as it was likely to improve the services, but ' Direct Broadcast Satellite and new wireless cable technologies' (Yang, 2005). The Corporate Diversification has been discussed in detail by the financial economists, the analysts are of the opinion that corporate diversification has a lesser degree of favorable impact in judging the benefits of diversification for different reasons. The primary reason is that 'any diversification possibilities that corporations might have, will, in a perfect capital market, already have been exhausted through shareholders' individual portfolio choices' (Yang, 2005). The secondary reason is that the diversification discount i.e. the diversified corporations have the privilege to trade at discounted rates as compared to their non-diversified counterparts. It has been therefore concluded that corporate diversification is neutral, but has the potential to damage strategy. Surprisingly, the corporate diversification has been strong practice, 'At face value, diversification can be explained by the fact that when pooling income stre ams that are less than perfectly positively correlated, the resulting income stream is less volatile than were the constituent income streams' (Yang, 2005). The dilution of the risk factor, therefore, has the potential to be beneficial. The critics of the corporate diversification are of the opinion that any reduction that can be achieved through diversification, by any of the firms, 'can be replicated by the individual shareholders through an appropriately chosen portfolio'.