Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Why Black Neo-Conservatives matter Essay Example

Why Black Neo Why Black Neo-Conservatives matter Essay Why Black Neo-Conservatives matter Essay Clarence Thomas Thomas affirms that affirmative action is bait that has successfully captured African Americans. Thomas states that most black people blame their failings on white people. He states that this should not be the case; they should take responsibility for their failures and mistakes. He claims that black people are divided along class lines and the divisions along class lines outweigh racism about discrimination. His work targets the African American community and the American government (Thomas 13). He states that African Americans are confused about the nature of their responsibilities. He claims that most African Americans believe that because the government ignored the repercussions of racism for a long time, it should bear the entire burden correcting the problem. He states that direct and large-scale intervention can ensure that the cycle of deprivation that is associated with the African American community is resolved. He is also of the opinion that development of human capital among poor African- Americans will be invaluable towards addressing the inequality problem (Jones 370). He is of the opinion that jobs, education, and housing should be promoted among the African American community as a step towards ensuring that the issue of racism and the inequality problem is addressed. He affirms that use of quotas for hiring, college admissions and jobs for the benefit of African Americans and other minority groups perpetuates a culture of dependency among African- Americans and it is a violation of constitutional principles (Thomas 27). He argues that affirmative action has done nothing to alleviate poverty among African- Americans. According to Thomas, middle- class blacks are the ones who would be able to gain access to schools and employment opportunities. He also states that affirmative action deters African- Americans from forging an independent and group economy. He argues that even though affirmative action stresses on integration, its emphasis is on outward mobility, it sacrifices black institutions through inattention and lack of support. He states that forced school integration is retrogressive. He states that blacks will never be seen as whites and there is a high chance that school integration will worsen race relations. He states black children gain nothing by simply seating next to whites and can do quite well in their schools (Jones 370). Thomas arguments are partially convincing. There is a need for the African American community to rise above historical injustices a chart a progressive path that will lead them to prosperity. Thomas work is different from most of other works in black political thought. Most other works in black political thought support affirmative action and use of quotas; quotas are seen as a tool to increase chances of African Americans success in life. Alan Keyes Keys states that most of the black underclass are underachievers, criminally inclined and unmotivated to do something constructive with their lives. He opposes the legacy of Black power era. He blames the Black power era for instilling a sense of entitlement among African Americans. His work targets the African American community (Jones 384). He alleges that civil rights movements leaders unfairly benefited from manipulation of African Americans by use of the race issue. He states that the civil rights legislation created a situation whereby African Americans are embroiled in pathological dependency (Keyes and Grant 35). He opposes the stance that has always been taken by a majority of African- Americans as being victims of racial prejudice in the United States. He asserts that unless African- Americans stop seeing themselves as victims, they will never be free. He states that most African- Americans subscribe to the victim oriented identity that exaggerates effects of racism to evoke guilt among white people. He affirms that affirmative action perpetuates victimization among African Americans. He states that welfare perpetuates victimization among African- Americans. He advocates for free enterprise as one of the ways blacks can be freed, and race issues can be resolved (Johnson et al. 24). He states that liberal programs have made African Americans be profoundly embroiled in pathological dependency. He states that the pathological dependency that African- Americans are embroiled in is the major reason for the debilitating conditions of the Blacks underclass (Jones 391). Keyes arguments are convincing; there is a lot of pathological dependency among the African American community; this habit has to come to an end if black people want to be treated with the same respect accorded to whites. Keyes work is different from most of other works in black political thought. Most other works in black political thought cherish the Black power era Michael Steele Black states that individuals should take personal responsibility in overcoming racial barriers and not depend on the government in entirety to fight the vice. He argues that personal responsibility is the two paths that provide solutions to race problems that African Americans have grappled with for a very long time. He is against liberalism, and he opposes the legacy of the Civil Rights movement (Jones 407). Steele arguments are convincing; there is a need for African Americans to stop being bitter and blameful of whites for their predicament. African Americans also have to be reconciliatory to their white counterparts as a step towards ensuring that the ugly face of racism is eradicated. He states that the pathological dependency that blacks are embroiled in is the major cause of slow progress about education and economic empowerment among African- Americans. He states that affirmative action impedes the racial progress of the American people. He opposes the commonly held view in the United States that white supremacy is prevalent and has become more subtle (Horowitz 15). He is against social policies that encourage African Americans to continue being dependants of social welfare. He is of the opinion that African- Americans should be economically empowered so that they may stop being dependents of the state. He affirms that it is by being economically independent that the integrity of the African- American community can be restored (Tate and Randolph 15). Steeles work is quite convincing; there is a need for African-Americans to play an important role in improving race relations in the United States. Steeles work is different from most of other works in black political thought. Most other works in black political thought perpetuate a victim mentality among African Americans, Steele urges African Americans to shed of the mentality. Horowitz, David. Black Book of the American Left: The Collected Conservative Writings of David Horowitz. Los Angeles: Second Thoughts Books, 2013. Print. Jones, Angela. The Modern African American Political Thought Reader: From David Walker to Barack Obama. New York, NY: Routledge, 2013. Print. Johnson, Ollie A, and Karin L. Stanford. Black Political Organizations in the Post-Civil Rights Era. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press, 2002. Print. Keyes, Alan L, and George Grant. Our Character, Our Future: Reclaiming Americas Moral Destiny. Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan Pub. House, 1996. Print. Tate, Gayle T, and Lewis A. Randolph. Dimensions of Black Conservatism in the United States: Made in America. London/Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2002. Print. Thomas, Andrew P. Clarence Thomas: A Biography. San Francisco: Encounter Books, 2001. Print.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Understand Inappropriate Behavior, Suggestions for Teachers

Understand Inappropriate Behavior, Suggestions for Teachers Teachers confront bad or inappropriate behavior from students all the time. This may range from calling out answers to teasing to physical aggressiveness. And some students seem to thrive on getting a rise out of teachers with challenges to authority. Its important for teachers to understand the roots of these kinds of behaviors so as not to perpetuate or exacerbate them. Here are some fundamental ways to frame everyday inappropriate behaviors. The Importance of Interventions With so many students in classrooms these days, its tempting for a teacher to simply let poor behavioral choices go and spend as much time as possible teaching the lesson. But in the long term, this is not the wisest choice. While there are behaviors that, while poor, are age-appropriate (speaking out of turn, difficulties sharing materials, etc.), remember the message that accepting unacceptable behaviors sends to the student. Instead, use positive behavioral intervention strategies (PBIS) to  positively influence and curb the behavior in the classroom. Age-appropriate or no, inappropriate behaviors that disrupt the classroom will only get worse when we excuse them. Its important to take the time for interventions. Where Does Inappropriate Behavior Come From? It may be hard to understand where a students poor choices come from. Remember that behavior is communication, and students are trying to send a message with every action taken in the classroom. Four typical reasons for inappropriate behavior are: Seeking attention.  When a child cant get your attention, hell often act out to get it. Taking revenge. If for some reason a  child doesnt feel loved and seeks revenge for attention, she will feel important when she hurts others or hurts the feelings of others. Displaying power.  These children need to be the boss. They only feel important when they are the boss.  Power struggles  may be daily occurrences with these students.   Displaying feelings of inadequacy.  These children usually have low confidence and self-esteem levels and give up quickly, thinking they cant do anything. They often lack a sense of doing something successfully. Understand the origin of these behaviors and decoding their messages gives you an opportunity. Once youve determined the goal of the inappropriate behavior, you are much more equipped to turn it around. Confronting Inappropriate Behaviors The PBIS method of dealing with inappropriate behavior may not be as intuitive as the punitive model with which many of us were raised. But it makes its own logical sense when we consider, again, that behavior is communication. Can we really expect to show students that their behavioral choices are poor when we respond in the same manner? Of course not. Keep these key concepts in mind: Always show respect. When you give respect, youll get it- eventually!   Model the behavior you want to see at all times. Encourage the child, boost their self-esteem, convey that you care about them. Reward them with attention when acting appropriately. Never engage in power struggles. Dont get angry. Do not retaliate (even in passive-aggressive ways).Recognize that ALL inappropriate behaviors are communication: your student wants your attention. Help her get it the right way. Read more  about  specific interventions for a variety of behaviors.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Are issues of immigration and refugee status questions concerning Essay

Are issues of immigration and refugee status questions concerning human rights or just the basic rights of citizenship - Essay Example Immigration is the unidirectional inward movement of individuals into a population or population area, departure from ones native land to settle in another, or â€Å"entrance of a person (an alien) into a new country for the purpose of establishing permanent residence†. 1 Reasons for immigration are most often economic, though religious and political factors may also be present. Reasons such as unbearable economic conditions and poor future prospects in the home country are called â€Å"push factors†.2 Immigration for education, retirement migration to countries with lower living costs and migration for reasons of health are examples of ‘pull factor’ immigration. Immigration due to persecution, abuse, ethnic cleansing and war risks are examples of push factor immigration. Some immigration takes place for personal reasons, such as for being with family or loved ones. Very wealthy persons move to countries with liberal tax structures. Highly skilled persons or those with exceptional talent are often invited to immigrate. The definition of refugee now includes persons fearing persecution for ethnic or religious reasons, nationality, group membership or political opinion, and persons who have fled from their homes to other places in their own countries. Refugees are displaced persons, but not all are included in the definition of "refugee" under international law, such as internally displaced people. Refugee status is determined on the basis of interpretation of persecution and the grounds for determining status. Persecution has meanings that are liable to different interpretations. Grounds for determination of refugee status depend on the grounds for persecution: race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. 4 Human rights are ‘The basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled, often held to include the right to life

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Final Synthesis Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Final Synthesis Paper - Essay Example As such, despite taking different paths, ultimately, patronizers of Hinduism aim to achieve a common goal: to achieve liberation and to be limitless. It is also enlightening that for this particular religion, liberation means freedom from the plagues that afflict human experience. This theme is perceived to fit the concepts learned in world religions through the universal goal of being liberated from the bondage of sin and to attain eternal life (Catholic) or from the bondage of plagues (Hinduism); and for one’s religion (Islam), the spiritual goal is to attain this state of peace in the soul. The theme of four paths to the goal, as presented in Hinduism, is unique in its presentation but despite identifying different paths or roads to liberation, it shares the common theme of salvation and freedom from earthly difficulties and challenges that cause pain and anguish to the body and mind. A remarkable theme from Buddhism, as presented by Huston is the â€Å"Four Noble Truths†, to wit: (1) life is suffering; (2) that selfish desire is apparently the cause of pain; (3) that there is hope to be released from suffering; and (4) and that the cure to end pain and suffering is commitment to the Eightfold Path (right knowledge, right aspiration, right speech, right behavior, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right absorption) (Smith). What is noteworthy with the lessons learned from these particular themes from Buddhism is its clarity and accurateness in defining what needs to be done to prevent the occurrence of pain and suffering. One therefore observed and deduced that just like the theme from Hinduism, these themes relay messages on the techniques and strategies that must be done to release a person from pain and suffering. Therefore, both religions acknowledge the presence of suffering (Buddhism) and plagues (Hinduism). Likewise, for religions like Catholics and Christianity, the cause of suffering

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Duck hunting in ND Essay Example for Free

Duck hunting in ND Essay BOOM! Then, dead silence. The water ripples as the smell of gun powder fills the air. The victim is seen helpless by the hunter. Now if this is what sounds like a thrill to you, duck hunting is the way to go. If someone were to ask me what my favorite hobby is, I would have to say duck hunting in North Dakota. Some may not consider it a hobby because I only duck hunt four days a year, but I still do. I also duck hunt behind our house on Trident Lake another three to ten days a year. Duck hunting is very different from other types of hunting. Usually hunters have to be still and quiet when deer and turkey hunting. When duck hunting, a necessity is to keep the eyes down. It doesn’t matter if talking or moving is involved, as long as the duck can’t see the hunter’s eyes. The process of preparing to go duck hunting is quite tedious. A hunter must pack thoroughly, not just the average cooking utensils but also: duck calls, blinds, seats, clothes, food, a trailer, decoys, guns, and much more. I usually prepare for North Dakota a week early, because I feel so excited, which gives me more time to become prepared. Usually I go with my dad and my sister, but the year I am going on the â€Å"man† trip with my dad and uncle. It will be more fun in my eyes, because I am with more experienced hunters, and that makes the trip easier. People might be wondering why I need all these decoys and duck calls. They are quick to learn once I tell them. When hunting for ducks around Polk County, Wisconsin, there are two main type of ducks, Mallards and Wood ducks. Occasionally there will be a Buffle Head or two, but not very often. In Verona, North Dakota, there are many ducks my dad and I shoot. These ducks are that my dad and I shoot are: Pintails, Shovelers, Mallards, Northern Mallards, Widgeon, Red Heads, Blue Bills, Buffle Head, Gadwall, Ring Necks, Coots, Canvasbacks, Diver Ducks, Green Wing Teal, Blue Wing Teal, and Hooded Mergansers. If people think sixteen is much, just remember that there is a female to every male. It’s very interesting to hunt ducks in North Dakota. It’s not like anyone can just travel out of state and hunt ducks. To hunt in North Dakota, it requires and out-of-state license and knowledge of the daily bag limit for each type of duck. Some ducks are what hunters call, â€Å"banded† which means the Federal Fish and Game Wildlife Service puts a metal ring around the duck’s foot. After that duck is shot, the Federal Fish and Game Wildlife Service can tell the hunter where the duck was banded. Then a free picture frame with the certificate of authentication will be sent to the hunter’s home. It’s an amazing experience for someone like me who has been hunting for three years to shoot a banded duck. My dad has been hunting for 15 years and has only shot one. Now with a general understanding of what it’s like to be a duck hunter, I will go into some more in-depth daily routines. When traveling to go hunting, my dad and I usually wake up at about 5:30 in the morning. Once we are dressed for the, 0-45 degree Fahrenheit temperature, we can pack up and leave. Generally scouting for a hunting spot is done by good hunters a day in advance. This process can take anywhere from one to six hours. To find the perfect pothole, also known as freshwater marshes found in the Upper Midwest and especially North Dakota, just look for where the ducks are landing and set up in that spot the next morning. Once we travel to the pothole, we find a place in the cattails reeds or on land to put our guns, ammunition bag, buckets to sit on and miscellaneous items. Decoys are then set out strategically according to the wind and what type of ducks we are hunting for. Now all the preparation is put into action, as the hunting begins. Imagine sitting in the middle of the pothole at 6:45 in the morning, with ducks flying unknowingly to the water surrounded by two armed hunters. Imagine seeing the sunrise above the wind breakers, made of trees, a beautiful orange and red glow. Imagine hearing coyotes howling all around the water, as the hunter patiently waits for the shooting hour to arrive. Then the clock hits 7:15, just as the sky is visible enough to see. Ducks are flying all around, with their wings cupped and ready to land into the wind at your direction. The first shot burst out, as an echo is heard in the distance, leaving a glowing red out of the end of the 12 gauge’s barrel. Smoke fills the air, and it’s time to wake up and have some fun! When ducks are flying in the sky, they fly in a â€Å"V† shape and land into the wind. The cattail reeds around are five to eight feet tall and are broken down to be used as a gun rest and as a shooting lane. Ducks are flying in as the hunter stars the female Mallard comeback call, to bring the drakes and hen Mallards in. The ducks lands in the pothole with wings cupped and the perfect time to pull a gun up as a hunter is right before the ducks bring their feet out to land. Once this is achieved by the hunter the ducks are defenseless, not knowing whether to fly up or just land in the water. It’s almost as if the ducks are levitating in air. As a hunter, this is the prime time to shoot at the ducks. Once the duck is hit, preferably in the head or torso, it hits the water causing a rippling effect. Diver Ducks try to dive under once hit, and drown the-selves in the weeds. Most other ducks do the circle of death, where a duck flaps it’s wings around in a circle on the water, just before dying. Understand this, there is something that is different about killing ducks than other animals. When a duck is flying 30 mph in the air, they are pretty hard to hit. But when a deer is standing still, it feels too easy to shoot. As a hunter, I take some self-pride in killing a duck, almost as if I achieved something by hitting it. Therefore, anyone else reading this that duck hunts should to. A lesson learning incident took place while duck hunting one time. I was looking to the left for ducks in the air and before I knew, there was a duck heading straight for my face. As I turned right I saw the duck five feet from my face, the feeling can’t even be put into words! Many may not believe me, but when that duck flew by my head, it literally sounded like a jet taking off. I’m not sure if it has to do with the wing structure on the duck, or air current resulting in the extremely loud sound. This just goes to show, that every hunter has to stay alert. Duck hunting is full of surprises, for the good and bad. When taking a shot at just one duck or a flock, it is critical to make sure that the ducks is in range. Most hunters typically say no more than 30 yards away. Range for shooting a duck all has to do with how a hunter has his BB pattern laid out. The spread on a shotgun is set wide for smaller distances and more BB spread, and tight for farther shot and less BB spread. Another reason why a hunter should take caution when shoot is because, ammunition is very expensive. A box of Black Cloud 12 Gauge 3in 1 1/4oz shells, which are great to hunt with, cost $20. 49 for a box of 25 shells. Another way to say it is, shooting a dollar out of the barrel every shot. For me and I imagine other hunter, when it’s all in fun for the love of the sport, cost doesn’t really seem to matter. The land hunted on in North Dakota is usually owned by farmers. We have to ask permission to hunt on private land. Usually the farmers are reasonable and for letting us hunt we give them a jar of maple syrup. I would suggest to anyone hunting on private land, to ask permission and give something to the owner in return. Since most fields are bean and corn fields, the farmers don’t have much maple syrup because of very few maple trees. They are very thankful, and love when we give them the maple syrup. Ducks aren’t necessarily a favorite of ours to eat, so as another act of thanks, we cut up the duck’s breast and give it to the farmer. Usually the Gadwalls and the Northern Mallards will have the biggest breast meat. While the Teal have much smaller breast meat. If someone wanted to write a 20 page paper on the basics of duck hunting, I think it would be very achievable. As the reader can tell, there is much more beneath the surface than just shooting a duck and calling it good. Knowledge about the sports and its regulations need to be known to succeed. I would highly recommend duck hunting to anyone, it is by far my favorite animal to hunt. If there is a region close to you that is swampy and vegetated, chances are it will be a good place for a duck to eat and become a target. In conclusion, I hope anyone who reads this can take in the consideration I have for the love of duck hunting and make it their love too. I want everyone to take what they learned and tell it to other people, so they too can have an amazing hobby of duck hunting. Just remember, if having a good time and shooting ducks sound like fun, this is the sport for you!

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Essay --

Five thousand years ago lived the immoral societies of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Middle East. The people of these corrupt cities were sinners who lead luxurious lives and seemed like they had it all, even though soon they would lose everything. Their immorality and lack of awareness is what caused God to send fire from the heavens and destroy the towns as punishment. Parallels can be drawn from ancient times to the story of The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald uses the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg to symbolize God watching down and to express the theme of immorality in society and the loss of spiritual values in the American dream. Symbolism is a key part of this passage in revealing the author’s purpose. It becomes apparent that the eyes are symbols when our narrator says, â€Å"The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic-their retinas are one yard high. They look out of no face, but instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a non-existent nose,† (24). The significance of these eyes can be noted from their first introduction. The eyes are more than just a faded picture on a billboard; underneath the eerie description lies a deeper meaning. Doctor T.J. Eckelburg’s eyes symbolize God watching down on the Valley of Ashes, judging over society and their actions. The colossal eyes are all seeing and all knowing, scrutinizing all the corrupt lifestyles and values amongst the characters in Gatsby. Fitzgerald’s use of diction in creating the mood centering around T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes supports the immorality and the carelessness seen in the community. Nick goes on to state, â€Å"But his eyes, dimmed a little by many paintless days under the sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground,† (24). This lin... ...ths, which can be thought of as a punishment from God. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald instills the theme of immorality using the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. These eyes, representing God, dispatch judgment and punishment on society. However the lives of the characters continue, because God has given them a second chance in hopes of changing their immoral ways. This gift was also given to a man named Lot, who escaped death by the grace of God five thousand years ago in the city of Sodom. Thought he wouldn’t live forever, he had a new take on life and a chance to turn his back on immorality. The same can be thought of for the characters of Gatsby-they will continue trudging on with their lives, hopefully having learned a lesson from the consequences of immorality, and if they don’t, they eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg will always be there as a constant reminder.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

A Case Analysis of Cirque Du Soleil

Cirque Du Soleil is a company that has built its success on its ability to be creative and innovative. It has successfully developed a new market and continued to expand on that market. This makes Cirque Du Soleil an example of a company that has creativity and innovation at its base. The following paper will focus on Cirque Du Soleil as a creative and innovative company. It will consider its product and creative strategy. It will look at the structure of the company and how this enhances creativity. Finally, it will look at the threats facing Cirque Du Soleil and what the company can do to ensure its ongoing success. Cirque Du Soleil's product is a performing circus. The basis of the company is a show combining music, dance, and theater. The show uses acrobats, gymnasts, clowns, and other performers. The show also uses a type of music based on a created language. The purpose of the music is to transcend cultural boundaries and make the show accessible to everyone. The company's show is also multicultural in nature. It is designed to reach the widest audience possible. This is done by using the music that is not based on any real language. It is also done by using performers from around the world. The company is global and shows are performed throughout the world. Cirque Du Soleil has also expanded into other areas. This has included releasing two films and a television special. This has also included ventures in publishing and merchandising. Cirque Du Soleil also opened a permanent theater near Disneyland, Florida, in 1998, with the theater including a Cirque Du Soleil store. These expansions show that the company is diversifying in a creative way. The expansions are all based on ways to increase the value of the Cirque Du Soleil show. This shows creativity, not in creating new things, but in finding new ways to benefit from the basic product of the company. The organizational structure of Cirque Du Soleil is based on recognizing the value of the performers. The case study describes the former tour director Vincent Gagne stating that he always emphasized to tour staff that they were there to serve the artists. This shows that the artists are recognized as representing the value of the company. The other services then become support services. This is not a case where the artists are at the top of the organizational hierarchy. However, it is a case where the artists are recognized as delivering the service that allows the organization to succeed. Gagne also suggests a good metaphor for the organizational structure, which is that of a circle. The performers can be considered as being at the center of the circle. They do not have high positions or decision-making authority, however they are the basis of the organization. The support staff are in the next circle. They have greater decision-making authority, but their work is defined by their need to satisfy the performers. Several of the employees described in the case study are in this level and they all describe their work as being focused on the performers. Gange does this when he states that the tour staff and technical people have to realize that they are there to support the artists. The casting director for Cirque Du Soleil, Cantin, describes how she looks for performers based on whether they will be able to fit in at the company. This shows that the performers are central to the organization and to the decisions made. In the final outer layer of the circle are the upper management. They have the greatest decision-making authority, but they are also operating based on pleasing the performers. This structure supports creativity because it puts the creative people of the company as central to its functioning. At the same time, the decision-making being at higher levels allows the creative people to be free to create and be innovative, without having any concerns related to how the company functions. Another key part of the organizational structure is that it is informal. This is seen in the case study, where Gagnon describes the company as not having a handbook on employee conduct. It is also seen in the case study where Gagnon describes employees as being fired and then rehired. Gagnon also describes an employee newsletter where employee's uncensored comments are published. These all show an informal structure and an organizational culture that is based on employee freedom and low authority over employees. Schein (2003, p. 121) notes that a culture of freedom increases employee creativity. Daft (1997, p. 325) also notes that â€Å"many organizations today are becoming less formal in order to be flexible and responsive to a changing global environment. † In the case of Cirque Du Soleil, the structure has always been informal and this allows it to encourage creativity and be more flexible and capable of change. One of the key environmental challenges is related to the artists and performers. It has been noted that the artists and performers are central to Cirque Du Soleil's product. This makes ensuring the good performance of the artists a key concern. There are several factors that are risks for the company. The first is that the artist's may rebel against the company. The case study notes that this occurred in 1987 and 1988, when many performers rebelled over concerns that management was not doing what was best for them and that the company was not operating based on the original spirit of the group. As the company expands furthers, it seems reasonable that the performers may again feel that the company is not operating in the same spirit as before. This is especially likely to occur as the company becomes more focused on finances. This may lead to either artist rebellion again or to artists leaving the show. Another problem related to performers is the high injury rate. The case study notes that 37 injuries were listed for 57 artists three-quarters of the way into the United States tour of the show Dralion. This shows an ongoing problem that has the potential to reduce the quality of the show produced. Finally, the work of the performer is demanding, with the case study noting that many performers leave because they cannot handle the touring life. These problems related to the performers are critical ones for two reasons. Firstly, the performers are the basis of the company's product. Secondly, finding, hiring, and training employees is a considerable expense. This makes it crucial that Cirque Du Soleil find a way to manage employees effectively, while promoting their creativity. Another challenge that faces Cirque Du Soleil is based on one of its key success factors, which is its ability to offer a new and unique show that impresses the audience. There are two main reasons that this ability to astonish an audience may be lost. One of them is seen in the experience of the conductor at Cirque Du Soleil, Oberacker. Oberacker notes in the case study that he is not as highly impressed with the show as the audience is. He links this to his experience on Broadway and notes that he has seen more astonishing things. He also notes that the shows ability to impress is not based entirely on the artists, but on how it is presented with lights, costumes, and music all adding a larger sense of awe. There are two potential problems that this indicates. The first is that other companies may realize the success factors of Cirque Du Soleil and become direct competitors. Currently, theater companies, drama companies, Broadway shows, and operas are competitors in the entertainment market. However, they target a high social class and tend not to be accessible to the general public. Cirque Du Soleil is offering a similar product, but it is targeted to a more general audience. This leaves the possibility that the competitors mentioned above will adjust their marketing strategy and become direct competitors of Cirque Du Soleil. One source notes that this is a significant problem for companies that are based on one specific product (Kotler, Armstrong, Brown, & Chandler, 1998). This is true for Cirque Du Soleil since even though they have diversified into new areas, their basic product is the performance they offer. If other companies start to compete with similar shows, Cirque Du Soleil will lose a significant part of their market. The other problem is that audiences may become used to the show and its elements. If this occurred, the show would not create the same sense of astonishment in an audience. This is also related to the perception of the product. Perreault and McCarthy (2000) note that a product's success is not based on the product itself, but on how well it meets or exceed expectations. For the astonishment factor to be achieved, Cirque Du Soleil need to exceed the expectations of customers. With the excellence and quality of the show is generally recognized, this leads to increasing customer expectations. The end result is that Cirque Du Soleil has to constantly improve to remain impressive. To remain successful, Cirque Du Soleil has to manage creativity and continue to innovate. One change that may be required is to take the emphasis off the performance requirements of the show. The case study notes that the number of shows has increased. The question this raises is how Cirque Du Soleil can continue to create new shows that will have the astonishment factor. It is suggested that this could be achieved more successfully if the company limited the number of shows produced. This would create a demand for the product. This strategy takes into account that the success of Cirque Du Soleil relies largely on its image, where the show is recognized as something astonishing and unforgettable. If this quality is lost, the entire company will be at risk. This suggests that limiting the amount of productions would be effective. It would allow artists and performers to concentrate their creativity on creating one show of the highest quality. This strategy would also be an effective way of managing performance staff. Performance staff would be heavily involved in development and be the creative force for the new shows. With a significant amount of time available for development, performers could innovate, experiment, and develop new ideas. At the same time, their energy would be better directed into the shows because the demands would not be as high. Revenue could then be increased for Cirque Du Soleil by focusing more on merchandising and finding other ways to increase income. This focus is based on recognizing that Cirque Du Soleil's reputation makes it a brand, where a brand's value is not just based on a product or service, but based on a perception about the company overall (Reynolds, 2004). Cirque Du Soleil has a strong brand and could diversify by increasing the number of ways that additions are made to the brand. This would allow the company to continue to grow, but in a way that does not place additional demands on the basic performance product.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Wood Polymer Composite (WPC) and its infiltration into Eastern European Markets

Wood Polymer Composite (WPC) has increased demand over the recent past due to benefits that these products possess. Countries such as the US have used these products over the last decade, but some countries are currently realizing the benefits that the products have in local markets. It is therefore very important to analyze the benefits that these products have over wood products and how they can be made available to countries that have realized their potential, especially those in Western Europe. This paper aims at analyzing the manufacturing process of Wood polymer Composite, the history of the same products and the benefits and costs that such products have over wood. The paper will also analyze the level of demand that WPC products have in Western Europe, the available opportunities and the challenges of expanding these opportunities. Finally, the paper will give a brief conclusion on the subject and give a recommendation on the same. Table of Contents Abstract 1 Introduction. 2 History. 3 How WPC is manufactured. 3 Benefits of WPC. 4 Weaknesses. 5 WPC demand in Western Europe. 6 Growth in the use of WPC 8 Countries to be targeted. 8 Distribution 9 Challenges of expanding the use of WPC. 10 Conclusion and recommendation. 11 Works cited. 13 Introduction. The use of WPC products has increased in several countries and this can be traced to the benefits that such products possess. WPC products have several qualities that make them superior to wood, and this is the major reason that makes them popular in several markets. They are usually used in the construction industry, and some countries use these products for outdoor activities. These products are also very useful in the automobile industry. It is important to understand the nature of the Wood Polymer Composite before analyzing it further . Wood Polymer Composite is a material that is manufactured through impregnation of wood with monomers, after which the resultant product undergoes polymerization. This enables the materials to be tailored to special needs, and this is necessitated by the resultant properties that such materials possess. These include enhanced mechanical characteristics and lightness, but these will be discussed at a later stage. WPC is used for a wide range of activities and these include automotive engineering, construction and building. WPC is used for a wide range of activities such as outdoor floors, indoor furniture, fences, railings, park benches, landscaping timbers, door and window frames among others. History. Karpov is reportedly the first person who did research on WPC and he did this during 1960. Other researchers such as Meyer, Kent and Kenaga also conducted various researches on the prospects of producing WPC in various countries. These countries include Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Sweden, UK, South Africa and Denmark among other countries. The use of atomic energy such as gamma radiation has been a major contributor to development of WPC. The expansion of petrochemical industry market policies has also been linked to the development of WPC. These materials are relatively new to the market, especially considering the long history that wood has been used. However, their superior qualities are increasing their demand by a variety of consumers. These qualities that the WPC materials possess will be discussed at a later stage, but can be broadly classified as aesthetic and usage qualities. How WPC is manufactured. A palleted compound is fed through a gravity bunker into extruder. This mixture is heated until it melts to form a mass that flows uniformly in the extruder's cylinder. There is a screw present inside the extruder and this presses the melt flow through the die's slit. The extrusion process subsequently undergoes cooling with the use of a water tank. It is afterward pulled through water by a tractor to cool it . The sudden temperature change makes the extruded blank cool and shrink. the size of the final product is not only decided by the cooling but also by the traction speed. The extruded blank is further pulled by the tractor at a uniform speed to the handling and cutting table. The cutter subsequently holds the extruded profile and cuts it to the desired length. Benefits of WPC. Consumers are increasingly choosing WPC over wood due to the many benefits that they possess, over wood. Although they cost more than wood, they have superior features that make consumers ignore the price and purchase them. The consumers ignore the price since they reason that the long term costs of maintaining wood materials will supersede the cost of purchasing the WPC. Some of the benefits of WPC will be discussed below. One benefit of the use of WPC is that these products are weather resistant and moisture resistant. Another benefit is that these products have natural feel, longevity and dimensional stability. They are also more attractive than the natural wood, and this is the reason that they are used as finishes to various products. This makes them more popular than wood. They are also manufactured using various colors, which makes them attractive without the need for them o be painted. These products have also the ability to retain screws and nails for longer periods of time compared to wood. WPC products, unlike wood, are immune to termite attacks. This is one major problem that many consumers of wood products complain about, since termite attacks render the wood weak. This necessitates the need to replace such wood, which is expensive. Since WPC is resistant to termite attacks, this makes it popular with consumers. WPC is more environmental friendly than wood, and this is because of the following reason. As has been discussed, WPC products require lesser maintenance compared to wood. This means that these products last longer than ordinary wood, which necessitates fewer cases of replacing them. This translates to fewer trees being cut and hence is more friendly to the environment compared to wood. These products are also seen to be friendly to the environment as compared to wood, since they are mixed with other products during the manufacturing process. This means that the amount of wood used to manufacture these products is relatively less, and hence helps conserve the environment. WPC products are resistant to splitting and cracking. This feature makes them have the ability to be molded into various shapes and sizes, whether or not someone has the details on the wood grains. This is one feature that is superior to that of wood, since wood is prone to splitting when being molded. They also possess cellulose that can be as high as 70%, which makes them have similar properties to wood . Weaknesses. When WPC is being manufactured, there are many elements that are added to improve the capabilities of these materials. Such materials include adhesives and polymers and these complicate the process of recycling these materials. WPC is considered to have many impurities that make the recycling process more difficult, which means that fewer WPC materials are recycled, as compared to wood. This has a negative impact on the environment. Another weakness of WPC materials is that they are prone to staining due to the porous nature of such materials. These materials are porous and can be stained by some solvents, which might affect their beauty. The process of altering wood to a form where it can be used more effectively when finishing exposes some weaknesses. Since nitrocellulose polymers come into contact with organic solvents when carrying out the finishing operations, this makes organic solvents to be released in air before they dry. This presents a host of problems mainly to people who work around such environments. One problem is the danger of explosion or flammability of the solvents. The other is the potential health problems to workers due to inhalation of the vapor. When the air is released into the atmosphere, it poses a problem to the neighboring community. This final stage also presents another challenge to producers and this involves the drying process. As has been stated earlier, during this process, some organic solvents are released to the atmosphere. This solvent is expensive and some producers are not willing to ‘waste' it, thereby ignoring the process. Dispersing the vapor and recycling materials, in order to acquire the solvents is energy intensive and costly. WPC demand in Western Europe. The demand for WPC has risen in Europe, and this was after the success of similar products in American markets. European producers have envied their American counterparts for many years and they currently have an opportunity to reap the benefits of WPC products. The demand for these products has increased mainly because of the fact that the high purchase cost is compensated by the low costs of maintenance. This makes the products cheaper in the long run. Their durability is also another factor that has led to massive increase in demand of these products in Europe. According to the Hackwell group, the projected growth rate for WPC products in 2009 is expected to be close to 10%, which represents increase from 100,000 tonnes that were purchased in 1999, to approximately 144,000 tonnes. This is equivalent to approximately 290 million Euro. In 2004, Germany was producing approximately 5000 tonnes of WPC each year. In 2007, Europe produced approximately 100,000 tonnes of the same product, with Germany producing 20% of this total. When these figures are compared to those of North America, it becomes clear that Europe is lagging in the consumption of WPC. North America produced over 700,000 tonnes in 2005 and by 2010, the production is widely expected to rise to 1. 6 million tonnes. Most producers are based in countries which consume WPC the most and these include France, UK and Germany. However, there is a growing trend where suppliers establish themselves in emerging markets for these products, and these markets include Italy, Sweden and Netherlands. Currently, the major European consumer of WPC, is the automobile industry. Germany is among the highest European consumers and uses WPC for manufacture of vehicles such as BMW, Daimer Chrysler and Audi. These companies use between 7 and 10 kg for each vehicle, and WPC is used for car parts such as headliners, acoustic panels, interior panels, parcel shelves and seat panels. WPC especially convenient for these car parts due to its good strength, lower cost, ease in processing and light weight. In fact, estimates show that 90 million Euro has been used on research by automobile industry in Germany over the last decade. The general automotive industry consumes over 50% of the total WPC consumed in Europe. This is a stark contrast with the worldwide consumption trends, which reveal that automobiles consume less than 7% of the total WPC consumed worldwide. This means that there is a lot of untapped potential for the WPC in Europe, since furniture and construction are among the major consumers of WPC worldwide. Growth in the use of WPC There is optimism that consumption of WPC will increase in Western Europe due to certain technical innovations that aim at reducing the inefficiencies of the current WPC products. For instance, Austria's Melamine International developed melamine resin which is one of a kind since it can be extruded. Its thermoset is created in such a way that it allows the use of wood flour and fiber mix of 70%. This mix improves on the weaknesses of the current WPCs that are thermoplastic based. Such weaknesses include lower levels of stability when exposed to high temperatures, and they are solved through combining the product performance, and processing behavior of this thermostat. Products created using this technology are reputed to have higher resistance to scratch as well as better mechanical properties. In Netherlands, Holland Colours has produced natural colorants which are dust free which will be used in pigmenting WPC profiles. These additives allow faster color changes to be made, as well as reduce tear around the edges of such materials. Countries to be targeted. As has been discussed, there is a major potential for the use of WPC in Europe. Most economies are growing at a fast rate and there are increasingly new investments in most of the European countries. There has also been considerable growth in the real estate and automobile industry. This necessitates the need to develop and use WPC materials in a majority of these countries. Russia is one country which has the potential to make a major investment in this sector. Going by the success of the WPC in the US, Russia has an opportunity to reap the benefits that have been enjoyed by the US for over a decade. Germany has been seen to have invested in WPC in its automobile industry. As has been discussed earlier, Germany is among the leading WPC consumers in Europe. However, the bulk of the investment is in the automobile industry. This has been seen to go against the global trend where most of the consumption of WPC goes to construction sector. Germany therefore has a chance to increase consumption of WPC through diversifying its use beyond the automobile sector into other sectors of the economy. Another country that has the opportunity to take advantage of the use of WPC is France. France is one of the leading vehicle manufacturers and is also Germany's largest trading partner. France therefore should invest in WPC through importing the technology from Germany through their trade agreements. This will help improve the automobile industry, after which WPC will be used for other industries. This will not only create jobs, but will improve the overall utility derived by the consumers from these products. Distribution When undertaking distribution activities, it is imperative that there is a form of outsourcing for the minor services and operations. Outsourcing involves delegating the minor operations or activities that a company undertakes, to a third party so that the company can concentrate on its core duties and responsibilities. In undertaking distribution, these countries should outsource the minor functions so that they are not distracted from their core activities. One service that the companies can outsource is the maintenance of the warehouse. Outsourcing this service will enable the vendors, who are professionals in this operation, to provide warehousing services for the products that have been produced or imported. This will increase efficiency and reduce costs since the company can now concentrate on its core business. The companies should distribute the products to the clients through retailers and wholesalers. These are people who have high information an knowledge on the market since they are closer to the consumers. There should however be as few middlemen as possible in order to prevent the prices from rising. This is also done to prevent chances of the WPC products experiencing pilferage. When selling the products, the companies dealing in WPC product should use the correct forms of advertising so that they might capture a large number of clients. They may sell the WPC products under the theme ‘saving the environment' and organize for support from the local environmentalists. Some people might be against these products given the fact that these products still make use of trees, but as long as the products helps conserve the environment, even if it is one tree, the members of the public will identify with the product. Challenges of expanding the use of WPC. There are several challenges that face the use of WPC, which thereby hinder investment in this market. These challenges stem from the nature of the business and also the behavior of the investors. These challenges will be discussed below. The first challenge is that some European manufacturers are hesitant to the use of WPC in manufacture of car parts since these materials go against the European Union's directive of End of Life, when manufacturing products . The EU requires vehicles to be manufactured in such a way that once the life of a vehicle is over, 85% of it should be able to be recovered. Such vehicles have their parts recycled and metals extracted for the same purpose. However, in spite of the legislation, the growth of the use of WPC in automobiles is still expected to rise by about 4% each year. European environmental groups also oppose the use of WPC in manufacture of various products due to the perception that it has contents which are toxic . Another reason given by the groups include the perception that the manufacturing process emits some fumes which negatively affect the environment. There are also very few WPC manufacturers in Western Europe, since most are not willing to take the risk and experiment with new products. In Western Europe, there are only about ten producers of WPC, yet there are more than fifty such producers in North America. Most potential manufacturers are observing the market trends before fully investing in the trade. Financial analysts believe that by the end of the next three years, may producers will have invested in the trade, going by the current market demand. There needs to be incentives that encourage entry of new players in this industry . There are also challenges that are faced due to the rising costs of wood flour. This is one of the materials that are used in manufacturing WPC. According to senior managers in the wood industry, German prices for wood flour have increased by over 30% during the past year. This has the effect of increasing the prices of the final product which will discourage consumers from purchasing them. It is important for the German government to regulate the prices of material used in this process, since WPC products have benefits that far outweigh the costs. Conclusion and recommendation. It is evident that WPC products play a very important role in conserving the environment . Not only do WPC products conserve the environment, they have many features that make them superior over wood. These have been discussed in the paper, and it clearly proves that WPC products are better than wood. However, the fact that these products conserve the environment, this should be a major reason why people should embrace these products. This is because the environment is very important and it goes beyond the needs of the present generation. Environmental groups should come together and look for support in order to encourage people to use these products. It has also been seen that there is enormous potential that exists in Western Europe but is untapped due to many factors. Many producers are not willing to venture into an untested market, but they should observe the model that worked for the US government. The US economic environment is relatively similar to the economies of most of the Western European countries. This should act as an incentive for the European countries to invest in the WPC product market . The European Union should consider changing the legislation that requires manufacturers to manufacture vehicles in such a way that 85% of it should be able to be recovered. This will enable the consumption of WPC by motor vehicle manufacturers from the current 10% to approximately 80% each year . European governments also need to offer incentives to producers willing to invest in WPC products since this will encourage many investors to venture into this field. The benefits of this investment will not only be felt by these investors, but they will trickle down to the general population. In developing a distribution means, the companies that venture into this market should aim to reduce the costs of the products as much as possible. This is necessary especially considering the fact that this is a new product in the market and high prices will discourage consumers from purchasing it . The reduction in price can be achieved through the reduction of middlemen in the distribution process as well as outsourcing some non-core activities to vendors. Finally, it is important for all stakeholders involved to realize that benefits of such a kind of investment will not only help the current generation, but will help the future generation. The current generation will benefit from economic growth, employment opportunities and improvement in the standards of living. On the other hand, the future generation will benefit from the conservation of the environment which will ensure their future survival.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

AIDS Symptoms essays

AIDS Symptoms essays The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of infections that do not normally develop in people with healthy immune systems. These infections are termed "opportunistic infections." Patients with AIDS have had their immune system destroyed by HIV and are susceptible to such opportunistic infections. The general symptoms are fevers, sweats, chills, weakness, and weight loss. Some other ones are loss of energy, weight loss, a thick, whitish coating of the tongue or mouth that is caused by a yeast infection and sometimes accompanied by a sore throat. There is also an easier chance of bruising, a continuos deep dry cough, and an increase in loss of breathe. These symptoms however may not necessarily mean that you have AIDS. The best way to fully be sure that you have AIDS would be to go see a doctor. It may just be that you have a very bad cold. Yet people normally will have HIV for years before they fully develop AIDS at which point they should be aware of it. There are however for main stages of HIV/AIDS. This is how people normally develop AIDS: This is when people first contract HIV/AIDS. This stage may last about three (3) months and in some rare cases, as long as a year. Now a process to produce anti-bodies symptoms of infection. This stage may last for years. At this stage, people show signs and symptoms of infection. This stage may last for years as well. Immune system cells are severely depleted. Now the body enters full blown AIDS. At this point the bodys Immune System is completely destroyed. So now more diseases easily spread to the victim. However children get more symptoms which are also complications within them selves. Some of these symptoms are: ...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Coyote Facts (Canis latrans)

Coyote Facts (Canis latrans) The coyote (Canis latrans) is a medium-sized canid that is closely related to the dog and the wolf. The animal is well-known for its yips, howls, and other vocalizations. In fact, the scientific name for the coyote means barking dog. The common name comes from the Nahatl word coyÃ… tl. Fast Facts: Coyote Scientific Name: Canis latransCommon Names: Coyote, prairie wolfBasic Animal Group: MammalSize: 32 to 37 inches plus 16 inch tailWeight: 20 to 50 poundsLifespan: 10 yearsDiet: OmnivoreHabitat: North and Central AmericaPopulation: MillionsConservation Status: Least Concern Description Coyotes are larger than foxes and slightly smaller than wolves. The average adult ranges from 32 to 36 inches in length (head and body) with a 16 inch tail and weight between 20 and 50 pounds. Size varies depending on habitat, but females tend to be shorter in height and length than males. Coyote fur color ranges from reddish to grayish brown, depending on the animals habitat. Melanistic (black) forms occur, but white or albino coyotes are extremely rare. The animal has white neck and belly fur and a black-tipped tail. The face features a long muzzle and pointed ears, and the tail is brush-shaped like that of a fox. While coyotes and wolves are of comparable size and coloration, coyote ears are more sharply upright, their face and frame are leaner, and they run with their tail held low. In contrast, a wolf runs with its tail held horizontally. Habitat and Distribution The coyotes range originally spanned from the plains and deserts of western North America through Mexico and into Central America. The extirpation of wolves in North America allowed expansion across the United States and much of Canada. Currently, coyotes are found from Panama in the south up to Alaska in the north. While suited to prairies and deserts, the species has adapted to nearly every habitat, including urban environments. Diet and Behavior Coyotes, like other canines, are omnivorous. They hunt rabbits, snakes, frogs (not toads), deer and other ungulates, and turkeys and other large birds. While they prefer their natural prey, they will take chickens, lambs, calves, and pets. In addition, coyotes eat carrion, insects, grass, and fruit. With their excellent senses of hearing and smell, coyotes can detect prey at a distance. Then, they track prey by sight. For smaller prey, coyotes are solitary hunters. However, they will form packs to cooperatively hunt deer, elk, sheep, and pronghorns. Coyotes are not as social as wolves, but they will act cooperatively to hunt and raise offspring. Perry McKenna Photography / Getty Images Reproduction and Offspring Coyotes are monogamous. Mating occurs between February and April. The pair seeks or builds a den for birthing and rearing pups. Two months after mating, the female gives birth to between three and twelve pups. Pups weigh between 0.44 and 1.10 pounds at birth and are born blind and toothless. The male hunts for food and brings it back to the female while she nurses. The pups are weaned by two months of age and fight with each other to establish dominance. By June or July, the family leaves the den to hunt and patrol its territory. Territory is marked with urine and scratches in the ground. Pups gain the size of their parents by eight months and their full weight at nine months. Some leave their parents in August, but others may remain with the family much longer. Females that do not mate the following year may help their mother or sisters raise young. In the wild, coyotes may live 10 years. While they may be preyed upon by mountain lions, wolves, or bears, most die from hunting, disease, or automobile collisions. In captivity, a coyote may live 20 years. Coyote pups resemble fox or wolf pups. Matt Stirn / Aurora Photos / Getty Images Hybrids Coyotes and wolves sometimes mate, producing coywolf hybrids. In fact, most wolves in North America carry coyote DNA. Although uncommon, coyotes and dogs sometimes mate and produce coydogs. Coydogs vary in appearance, but tend to retain the shyness of coyotes. Conservation Status The IUCN categorizes the conservation status of the coyote as least concern. The species is abundant throughout its range, with stable or increasing populations. Humans pose the primary threat to coyotes. Ironically, control efforts may have led to the species expansion, as persecution alters coyote behavior and increases litter sizes. Coyotes and Humans Coyotes are hunted for fur and to protect livestock. Historically, they were eaten by trappers and indigenous people. Coyotes have adapted to human encroachment to the point where there are populations of urban coyotes. Coyote pups are readily domesticated, but they tend not to make ideal pets because of their scent and shyness around strangers. Sources Cartaino, Carol. Myths Truths about Coyotes: What You Need to Know about Americas Most Misunderstood Predator. Readhowyouwant.com. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4587-2668-1.Gier, H.T. Ecology and Behavior of the Coyote (Canis latrans). In Fox, M. W. (ed.). The Wild Canids: Their systematics, behavioral ecology, and evolution. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. pp. 247–262, 1974. ISBN 978-0-442-22430-1.  Kays, R. Canis latrans. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T3745A103893556. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T3745A103893556.enTedford, Richard H.; Wang, Xiaoming; Taylor, Beryl E. Phylogenetic Systematics of the North American Fossil Caninae (Carnivora: Canidae). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 325: 1–218, 2009. doi:10.1206/574.1Vantassel, Stephen. Coyotes. Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook (3rd ed.). Lincoln, Nebraska: Wildlife Control Consultant. p. 112, 2012. ISBN 978-0-9668582-5-9.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Analysis of Innovation at Panasonic Research Paper

Analysis of Innovation at Panasonic - Research Paper Example It promotes a very environmentally friendly image which is a positive and helpful point in promotional activities (Forbes, 2011; Panasonic Website, 2011). When discussing the company’s rich profile of successful products even in today’s competitive world with equally good competitors like Sony, Samsung, Toshiba and Canon, Panasonic has been a very technologically sound and growing firm with consistent improvement and innovation in its products. Panasonic owes much of its success to it Research and Development Centre which has helped it in creating technology oriented products that were a success. Some of these products include SD Memory cards and DVDs. Their Usability Centers established all over the world ensure that the products features and functionality is perfectly in line with the expectations of the company and the consumer. With the help of these, the products that are sold to the final user are competitive and successful in terms of their usage. Panasonic has b een successful at gauging consumer insight and boosting sales due to its impressive technological advancements, producing products that amaze consumers and competitors in the technological industry (Panasonic Annual Report, 2011; Panasonic Website, 2011). ... Panasonic wants to reduce wastage and increase efficiency in its processes. It wants to reduce its costs and believes that recycling products will bring an environmental protection to the world as a whole. Panasonic is showing its initiatives that it has taken for its â€Å"Green Business Innovation† for conservation of energy and efficiently utilizing resources available. Panasonic wants to convert most of this world into a 3D phenomenon which includes personal and professional lives of people. The company has set up a Panasonic Booth for showcasing its plans for becoming the best Green Business Innovator by 2018. The booth constitutes of an Eco Corner which emphasizes on the creation of solutions based on energy conservation usage and storage. The ultimate goal of the eco corner is to promote a lifestyle which is ‘greener’. The Panasonic booth also has a 3D HD presentation wall that airs the full line of products of Panasonic which are 3D solutions, and appear t o be a great experience for those who visit. There is also a Digital Imagery corner and Television Internet service providers followed by a Home theatre corner, AV Solutions and Energy Solutions Zone, all promoting Green Business Innovation. The company’s Annual Report 2011 has shown a steady increase in its Sales all over the world owing to the cutting edge technology usage and its effective promotion. The company was involved in aggressive selling throughout the year and made its way because of its latest digital AVC Networks that constitute of the latest technology products such as camcorders, digital cameras, DVDs, Blue ray technology and other recording/storage items.