Saturday, December 28, 2019

The War Against Terror and Chinas Treatment of the...

The War Against Terror and Chinas Treatment of the Uigher Ethnic Minority In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, President George W. Bush reached out to the world to back the U.S. in a war to eradicate terrorism. One of the more surprising participants in this coalition, China, had until that point been at odds with U.S. policy but seemed to find sufficient common ground with the U.S. to support the war. In recent months however, China has not been lauded for unprecedented cooperation with its â€Å"strategic competitor† but has instead been criticized for using the war on terror as carte blanche to step up its â€Å"Strike Hard† campaign in the Uigher Xinjiang Autonomous Region in the northwest, resulting in†¦show more content†¦Between 1944 and 1949 the Turkic Islamic Republic of Eastern Turkestan was established; this short-lived period of impendence came to an end when the Communist Party formerly incorporated the province into the PRC with the agreement of the leaders of the Eastern Turkestan R epublic. [1]The agreement of the leadership did not, however, quell the movement for independence; a number of political and religious leaders refused to accept Beijing as the legitimate authority over the region. In the midst of the widespread upheaval of the Cultural Revolution, the separatist movement was able to organize into the Eastern Turkestan People’s Party, although fear of Red Guard attacks were pervasive and prevented any significant expression of minority or separatist sentiment.[2] The demise of the Maoist era, however, would bring reforms and consequently new justifications and opportunities for expression of separatist sentiment among the Uigher population. Deng Xiaoping’s accession to power brought with it reform and opening policies intended to bring about the modernization and industrialization of China. This brought about serious demands on natural resources such as oil, in which Xinjiang is abundant. The arrival of companies to extract these natural resources brought an influx of Han Chinese and a noticeable distinction between the lifestyles and opportunities

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Drawing Parallels Between Ancient Rome And The U.s. Today...

Drawing Parallels Between Ancient Rome and the U.S. Today. Interview by Steve Inskeep. NPR News. NPR, 22 Nov. 2006. Web. 2 Aug. 2015. In the interview Steve Inskeep, he interviews Mr. Robert Harris over how the roman empire draws a comparison to today American. He goes onto point out several details that move to make his point, and makes some compelling points. While maintaining that he didn t originally intend to make such parallels from Rome to America. While this is a very interesting interview, I plan on using some of what was said. There are parts in here where I question the interview on some of the things he asks. Overall this proves to be a decent source to use. The Editors. U.S. Military Bases and Empire. Monthly Review. N.p., Mar. 2002. Web. 2 Aug. 2015. Covering history of American bases over seas with detail since just after the cold war, it goes into detail over how the Americans were able to take bases overseas and hold them. Once the Americans were able to get their hands on those bases it also goes into detail over what they went through to keep the bases, once they had outlived their original mission as they moved on to the next one. I will likely be using this as I believe it provides a clear and easy to understand nature of the bases, and their affect on American global peacekeeping. Fagan, Garrett G. Lecture 1 Why Study Battles? What Is War? the Ancient World. Great Battles of the Ancient World. The Pennsylvania StateShow MoreRelatedJ.Co Donuts Coffee5440 Words   |  22 PagesThere are No Limits to Growth by Lyndon H. 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Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Why Do Kids Want To Play the Guitar Essay Example For Students

Why Do Kids Want To Play the Guitar Essay Todays Youth: Playing the guitarA recent trend that seems to be prevalent in the youth of our society today is the desire to play an instrument. I am a musician and want to help explain from others experience as well as my own why playing an instrument is so popular among teens today. My father and other friends of his generation suggest that instrument playing has always been popular, but its popularity seems to have increased dramatically over the past 25 years. Testaments such as these compelled me to search for the answer to this increasing trend of playing an instrument. One reason, and probably the most prominent one, is the longing to live the life of the music icons that are admired. Programming, such as music videos, feeds our imaginations about the musicians lavish lifestyle. An example of feeding our imaginations to a better lifestyle would be to examine music videos that contain live footage of concerts with a large mount of fans in attendance. A fairly mainstream hardcore act like Korn, for instance, contains footage in their video from a concert that displays literally thousands of fans in attendance. Musician hopefuls see the mass attention and want very badly to be appreciated in the same way. In addition to this, interviews on television stations like MTV relay opinions of the band over national television that many people might be able to identify with. Teenagers may place themselves in the same boat as these musicians and again gain imaginary aspirations of being a famous musician though identifications of similarity like opinions and m usical influences. Young adults often associate the musicians life being one of carefree status that contain many rewards, such as being above the law and being able to have your opinions supported by fans. Young adults, in order to accomplish these aspirations, purchase an instrument and then begin practicing for a dream that will never come true. Another reason that instrument playing has become more popular is due to the fact that there is so much more musical diversity and its accessibility through radios, compact discs, and music television stations. In a recent survey I conducted of twenty adults, when asked the question, Why do you think instrument playing has increased in popularity?, the most common response was that over the past twenty five years or so, the number of radio stations on the FM dial, in the Houston area have tripled. Genres of music such as rap, country, latino, classic rock, and modern rock have spread music into separate directions that are still being categorized today. These types of genres help kids realize that there are many frontiers of music that are accepted by society, and still others that are left to be explored, and thus, give way to both a diversity of music to be influenced upon and to pursue a genre that they enjoy. Hobbies are something that everyone has and, in turn, gives way to a v ery valid reason of instrument playing today. With all of the modern conveniences that are available today, children growing up are presented with more free time on their hands to pursue their hobbies. As a way to pass the time, instruments such as the guitar become a hobby. In recent times, the pressure on kids to compete in sports as a hobby has diminished enough that parents are accepting instrument playing as a hobby, just as sports are considered a hobby. In another case, a friend of mine whom has participated in sports in the past believed he was not particularly cut out for sports and he began to play the guitar as a means of gaining an enjoyable hobby. .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 , .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 .postImageUrl , .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 , .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18:hover , .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18:visited , .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18:active { border:0!important; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18:active , .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18 .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u8b88cd8e60d41d93619906a1806c1a18:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Fences EssayThe causes that are stated above are very credible reasons to explain the increase in instrument playing among young people today. The longing for the glamour life, the increasing diversity of music, all combined with an era of acceptability of instrument playing as a hobby, will give way to a rational explanation to this trend and identify the origins of it as well.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

The Body Shop International Essay Example

The Body Shop International Paper The Body Shop International presents the case of a company whose business model strength initially relied on its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), but that afterwards faced problems and challenges, due to mismanagement of internal resources, stakeholders conflicts, and the unawareness of external changes. The model created advantages but also limited growth, as the organization was not prepared for expansion due to the lack of corporate structure required for a global strategy. Anita Roddick believes in the power of businesses and in the use of success as a force of social change, therefore Body initial mission was to make profit with principles, that is, being especially responsible for employees, society, Third World development and the environment. This innovative, radical and daring approach became Body Shops competitive advantage (Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility); and according to this strategy defined a unique marketing approach: desirable and environmental products, moderated prices and relaxed shop environment in order to attract and educate customers (humanistic, environmental conscious). CSR pay offs to Body Shop were clearly appreciated through the 80s when it grew 50% yearly; media attention and customer awareness resulted in boost sales, shop openings, increases in stock value, etc. Exhibit 1 shows Body Shops stakeholders and the strategic outcome or value created by the companys CSR behavior by means of the centrality, specificity, voluntarism and visibility of its actions. Special emphasis and success were obtained in the Visibility dimension, as Body Shop was not always able to practice its social vision, but always was very good at promoting it. We will write a custom essay sample on The Body Shop International specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Body Shop International specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Body Shop International specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Anita is a great PR (loud and quotable) and during her management always made sure the firm gained recognition from internal and external stakeholders. Other keys for Body Shops success were Anitas leadership, charisma, influence and management style; very convenient for an Entrepreneurship venture. She created a corporate culture based on communication, informality and break the rules mentality that resulted in employees loyalty, commitment and productivity. Nevertheless, at the beginning of the 90s Body Shop seemed to have lost its magic growth formula. The main problems faced by the company were its inability to align and prioritize stakeholders interests, as well as its lack of agility and flexibility to evolve and adapt to external changes. One of the main causes was the companys low Proactivity. An initial opportunity was pursued by Body Shop due to its leader believes, vision, anecdotic and lucky events, but afterwards the company was never able to plan its behavior in anticipation of emerging trends and threats (competition, globalization, expansion) and therefore leverage its first mover advantage in the CSR field. Body Shops principal conflict of interest was with Franchises, one of its main partners and stakeholders. The company adopted this model of expansion which was initially appropriate due to its low risk (self financing), but failed in improving and controlling the network. Headquarters was not capable of implementing a control system over franchises, critical during an expansion stage, although a strict and time consuming selection was made. Some franchises were becoming unhappy, not aligned with the companys principles and unmotivated with the business and the concept. Some expressed concern about Anitas ethical and political blowups, but the bottom line was they were not profitable and felt they didnt received support and attention from headquarters. This was especially the case of independent franchises, which to date still represent 29% of the shops, who complained they were discriminated in favor of company owned ones. Body Shop is subcontracting its main asset (relationship with customers) to franchises, so they must align them. They contribute with important start up investments and royalties (5%), as well as with their knowledge and expertise about customers and markets. Vertical integration (buying back unmotivated franchises) is an alternative, but the basic problem will not be solved until they can regain control over the network and exercise legitimate authority over them, by means of implementing rules, standards, and hierarchies (Bureaucracy). Conflicts also started with other stakeholders, such as customers, investors, and even employees (complacency), mainly due to Anitas increasingly political actions. Body Shops brand and image started to deteriorate as consequence of public debates about the companys 100% natural products, best practices, thirst for publicity, hypocritical attitude and populist campaigning. That is, the companys real CSR intentions were questioned and there was a tendency to believe Body Shop expressed social concern just for selling. Potentially, customers could be lost and sales affected, as well as shareholders interests in terms of value creation (dividends, capital gains). Anita was over focusing on social activism and was indifferent to businesses bottom line: Profitability. Some of the key issues not addressed correctly by the company were their unawareness of industry changes and competitors reaction, as well as their failure in preparing an international expansion. Premium competitors such as Aveda, Lush and Origins began offering natural products, exercising pressure over Body Shop, who was not successfully innovating anymore and whose products were starting to be perceived as low end with premium price. The companys decision to expand internationally was a sensible one due to economies of scale (it was depending to much on the UK) and scope and to position itself as a global player in the cosmetic industry with the best CSR practices. However, they neither performed detailed market researches nor prepared the organizations structure for such an expansion. The U. S. market was a different one, with a diverse consumer base less concerned with environmental issues but product and price driven, less brand loyal and in where there was a tough competition, especially through advertisement; a bigger and less controllable market with few common characteristics with the English one. The Body Shop has two alternatives for international expansion: full penetration in the U. S. market with previous market segmentation, offering tailored products and services through convenient channels (gain support and capture malls) or a strategy of light penetration in the U. S. combined with focus in other potential foreign ventures, although not with the same size as the American one (Asia Pacific, Continental Europe, etc). In each case, Body Shop must train intensively to local staff, keep their values, refine their marketing strategy locally (strong advertisement in U. S. arket for example), meet local regulatory demands and continuously monitor and control implementations. In order to successfully transit to the next stage of its organizational life cycle, the Collective Stage, Body Shop should have changed its Roddicks centered organization, in were decision making was only a matter of its leaders. An informal organization was suitable when having few shops; size increase and global expansion demands a formal organization with defined control systems, strict acc ountability, increased bureaucracy and suitable information technology for information flow. A regional structure with decentralized decision making is necessary for gaining international advantage by means of national responsiveness (Multinational Corporation) and future global integration (Global Corporation). Knowledge transfer, headquarters planning, formalization and global teams coordination are key elements. Finally, leadership changes are necessary in order to avoid the organization dependency on Anita and to bring refreshing ideas and industrys best practices. Once a company is public, it needs to operate in its shareholders benefit, so focus should be profits over passion, and agency problems should be avoided, although founders legacy and best practices should be kept. Adrian Bellamy, an ex director who entered the company through a joint venture, is the actual CEO of the Body Shop, after the Roddicks stepped down due to investor pressures. Actually Anita is a consultant, and Bellamy should use Anitas knowledge and expertise in marketing and product development issues in favor of the company; let her continue travel and innovate! Body Shop should maintain its CSR advantage but also refocus its efforts in product development and retailing (franchises), taking into account characteristics of individual markets (adaptive vs. global). Cost reductions, new product launches and packaging, extension of successful ranges, promotions, refreshing store formats, new channels of distribution (Internet), I/T systems support (actually implementing SAP), are some suggested actions in order to re position the brand as one offering credible products at affordable prices. Will Body Shop achieve Sustainable Growth? Anitas legacy (CSR, innovation), together with good business management could make the company return to the success path. Although managing stakeholders relationships is not an easy and straightforward task, the company has still an important network of key partners (franchises) and a brand with global reach, within a sector (personal care) with potential and in were there are still opportunities for expansion.