Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Services

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Services The Disabled American Veterans is an association sanctioned by the US Congress for military disabled veterans of the US Armed Forces that helps them and their families through different means. It as of now has more than 1.2 million individuals. Charity Navigator does not rate the DAV as it is a 501(c)(4) association. It does rate the Disabled American Veterans Service Charitable Trust. Debilitated veterans in the US in the result of World War I ended up truly impeded, with minimal legislative backing. A number of these veterans were deaf, blind, or rationally sick when they came back from the front lines. A surprising 204,000 Americans in uniform were injured amid the war. The thought to structure the Disabled American Veterans emerged at a Christmas party in 1920 facilitated by Robert Marx, a U.S. Armed force Captain who had been harmed in November 1918. Despite the fact that it had been utilitarian for a few months at that point, the Disabled American Veterans of the World War was authoritatively made on September 25, 1921, at its first National Caucus, in Ohio. While visiting over the U.S. as a major aspect of the election battle of James M. Cox, Judge Marx promoted the new association, which immediately extended. It held its first national tradition in Detroit, Michigan on June 27, 1921, at which time Marx was selected the first national administrator. In 1922, an auxiliary womens organization was established. The DAVWW continued working through the Great Depression to secure the welfare of disabled veterans, despite the fact that their efforts were vexed by fundraising challenges and the desire of the public to put the World War behind them. In the midst of these agitated years, DAVWW was issued by Congress federal charter, on June 17, 1932. The demands of World War II required the pressing expansion of the organization, which officially transformed its name to Disabled American Veterans to recognize the impact of the new war. In 1941, DAV propelled a direct mail campaign, distributing miniature license plates which could be joined to a key ring with instructions that lost keys should be mailed to the DAVWW, who would return them to the owners. In 1944, the DAV started offering a National Service Training Officer Program at US University in Washington, the first venture of training that finished with a two-year mentorship program. In 1945, the DAV extended the program and accumulated the assembling house, inevitably buying complete responsibility for program in 1950. The program demonstrated dependable and very effective, both in acquiring donations and utilizing veterans in production. By 1952, 350 individuals were utilized in the endeavor, which acquired over $2 million a year in donations. In the mean time, the quantity of disabled veterans had been expanded by the as yet progressing Korean War. The DAV suffered a decrease in the later 1950s and into the 1960s, with lessening funds and leadership; however it energized around the veterans of the Vietnam War furthermore concentrated intensely on living up to expectations for detainees of war and lost in action. Vietnam veterans soon filled the decreased ranks of the National Officers Service. On Veterans Day, 1966, the DAV moved its central command to Cold Spring, Kentucky. The accompanying year, the IdentoTag program was ceased for giving location marks, with an appeal for gift, when changes in license plate rehearses made proceeding with the IdentoTag program impracticable. The DAV experienced generous change in 1993, when inner contentions concerning the administration of the association prompted a watershed election that turned over the organization to new hands and the National Program was redesigned. In 1998, DAV National Wilson Arthur joined with Lois Pope and for Secretary for Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown to push for congressional approval of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. When fundraising was finished in 2010, the DAV and its offshoots had raised more than $10 million for the memorial. Dedication of the memorial is situated for October 5, 2014. This mission of DAV association is to give free proficient aid to veterans and their families in getting advantages and administration earned through military administration by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and different organizations of government. It likewise gives effort concerning its program administrations to the US individuals by and large, and to disabled veterans and their families particularly. Broadening DAVs central goal of trust into groups where these veterans and their families survive a system of state-level offices and neighborhood sections; and giving a structure through which disabled veterans can express their empathy for their kindred veterans exhaustive a variety of volunteer projects. The Disabled American Veterans Organization gives administration for nothing out of pocket through an across the country system of 88 DAV National Service Offices. The Disability Assistance Transition Program administration give free help to administration individuals at Intake Site areas at military establishments by Disabled American Veterans Transition Service Officers with treatment records, recording introductory cases for VA profits and meet with the U.S. Division of Defense, the U.S. Bureaus of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Division of Labor facilitators and different members in the move process from military life to regular citizen life. Numerous outreach programs like DAVs Mobile Service Office, Veterans Information Seminars, Homeless Veterans Initiative and Disaster relief grants. The Mobile Service Office Program is designed to bring assistance for disabled veterans and their families living in geographic provincial areas on veterans benefits, documenting claims and services closer to home by taking out long trips for veterans to the National Service Offices. This outreach project is design to instruct veterans, their families and survivors who are unconscious of veterans legislature benefits and programs, counseling and claims recording assistance service by DAVs National Service Officers (NSO) at communities all through the nation. The Disabled American Veterans Homeless Veterans Initiative is supported by the DAVs Charitable Service Trust and the Columbia Trust, This activity promotes the advancement of supportive housing and necessary services to assist homeless veterans get to be gainful, self-sufficient members of society. DAV Disaster relief grants may be issued with the end goal of giving: nourishment, attire, and transitory shelter or to acquire relief from damage, illness, or personal loss resulting from regular or national disasters that are not secured by insurance or other disaster relief agencies. Since the DAV disaster relief grants program commencement in 1968, $8.7 million has been disbursed to veterans that suffered losses amid characteristic disasters. References: STEVE WILSON, Have a financial plan before transitioning, 2015 Wilborn, Thom ,Architect of Modern DAV Retires, May 2, 2013. Orkin, Lisa Emmanuel, â€Å"Disabled Veterans Memorial has DC Groundbreaking, 2010.

Language, Action and Time in Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot Essay

Language, Action and Time in Waiting for Godot Twenty-two hundred years before the emergence of the Theater of the Absurd, the Greek philosopher Artistotle stumbled upon one of the themes developed in Samuel Beckett's play Waiting for Godot; that is, that Thought (Dianoia) is expressed through Diction and that Thought (Theoria) is in itself a form of Action (Energeia). Intellectual action is thus measured equally in comparison to physical action. Over the centuries, theories regarding thought, action and language have evolved considerably, but certain underlying themes in Beckett's unconventional work can trace their origins back to Aristotle's original concepts concerning drama, namely the relationships between language, thought and the action involved in contemplation. Aristotle proposes that Thought and Diction imitate Action. In Beckett's Waiting for Godot, it is possible to see a similar pattern (that when taken a step further is no longer linear but circular), in which Language permits the existence of Thought which in turn becomes vicarious Action. (Ironically, this whole process which is portrayed by Beckett on-stage is equivalent to the art of theater itself which, manifested through language, permits the audience offstage, whose witnessing of a play replaces imagining it, to undergo the same process in acting vicariously through the characters.) The first and more interesting part of the process is best illustrated by the ending of both acts when Vladimir, and then Estragon, says "Yes, let's go" and the stage directions indicate "They do not move". It suffices simply to say and subsequently to think of leaving, for there is no more meaning in the vicarious action than in its actual physical manifestation. ... ... Vladimir who comments about the condition of Estragon's feet: "There's man all over for you, blaming on his boots the faults of his feet." The boots represent god, for each is an external object that man contrives to protect himself. Beckett is saying that man should not blame the devices that he creates when they fail to protect him from himself, but should rather accept the responsibility for their failure as he is the creator of those devices. If god does not fill man's existential void, instead of hopelessly waiting for that unreliable god to come and rescue him, he should consider looking to himself to resolve the problem of the meaninglessness of his life. Bibliography Aristotle. Poetics. Tr. S.H. Butler. New York: Hill and Wang, 1977 Beckett, Samuel. Waiting for Godot. New York: Grove Press, 1954 Durozoi, GÃ ©rald. Beckett. Paris: Bordas, 1972

Host Country Political and Legal Environment Affect of Airasia

COMPANY AIRASIA Content a. Introduction b. Company bibliography c. Entry mode to international market (through exporting, joint venture, franchising, licensing, etc) d. How do the international market / culture, management styles and business system affect the company performance? Do they have to adjust / alter their product or services to fit with the host country market needs? How does the company face the competition? e. How does a host country political and international legal environment or trade barrier affect the Malaysian companies in their international marketing activities?Bagaimana sebuah negara tuan rumah persekitaran politik dan antarabangsa undang-undang atau perdagangan halangan menjejaskan syarikat-syarikat Malaysia dalam aktiviti pemasaran antarabangsa mereka? Bagaimana sebuah negara persekitaran politik dan undang2 antarabangsa memberi kesan kepada syarikat Malaysia dalam aktiviti pemasaran antarabangsa mereka? f. SWOT analysis of the company in term of their 4 Ps ( product, price, promotion and place) g. Any others additional information h. Conclusion i. References a,b,h – part 1 c – part 2 d – part 3 e – part 4(fathi) – part 5 each person choose one to do it n leave a comment which part u all do yea†¦ tq BUS 488 Strategy – T01 Question 1 AirAsia, which is one of the earliest low cost carriers (LCC) in Asia, has become a LCC since 2001. So far, it has expanded its network from Malaysia to Thailand to Singapore, Macau and even the Mainland China in 2006. In short, Air Asia â€Å"jumped out† from an intra-Malaysia and Thailand market to a â€Å"real Air Asia† in the continent. Thus, what are the possible core competencies to ensure that there is quantum leap to success?The internal analysis on the company below will answer the question. Resources, Capabilities & Core Competencies Analysis a)Accounting Ratio Analysis In 2004, Air Asia’s earnings margin before interest and taxes ( 16. 8), return on capital employed (14. 6) and return on equity (37. 7) accounting ratios were above the industry average – 14. 5 is the industry average for earnings margin, 11. 6 for return on capital employed and 21. 2 for return on equity. This above average results indicates that the company has been managed well and thus is able to achieve high above-average returns.The increase in current ratio from 1. 24 (US$49. 206 million / US$39. 643 million)to 5. 60 (US$230. 024 million / US$41. 099 million) also serves as a confident booster to investors and shareholders in that Air Asia’s solvency had strengthened and thus is able to fulfill its debt obligations. In fact, the debt-to-asset ratio in the last 5 years was low and decreasing too. As a matter of fact, in 2005, it was merely 0. 14, which was comparatively lower than many low cost carriers. b) Finance Resources Air Asia’s net profit ending Jun 2005 was reported US$29. million, a 126%increase year-on-year. The end of June 2005 financial summary showed that Air Asia, the leading low cost airline in Asia, had a huge reserve (bank and cash balances) of US$86. 6million. This is the company’s strength as very few low cost airlines of similar size have such large reserves. With such huge reserves and low debt-to-asset ratio, Air Asia is thus capable of generating internal funds to finance any expansion. It is certainly Air Asia’s strength. c)Organization Design and Organizational ResourcesAir Asia’s organizational structure is rather simple and flat as it involves a group of staff in the company reporting to one manager. This serves Air Asia well as the  business requires a structure with fewer levels of management so as to achieve more consistency and cost reduction. In addition, the cost leadership strategy that the company adopted also allows Air Asia to focus more intensely on areas such as in/out-bound logistics, operations, marketing, services and customers. Th is in turn helps to create synergy and capability to deliver the full spectrum of low cost carrier business. ) Physical Resources Despite having a large fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft for operation, Air Asia still continues to invest heavily. This includes the acquisition of more fuel-efficient aircraft (A320) so that the company can have sufficient capacity to meet the growing needs and demands of their customers as well as to continue to keep its cost low. The new aircraft can lower fuel usage by about 12%, an important cost saving, as fuel accounted for  almost 50% of the total operating costs for the company over a period of time. ) Technological Resources Air Asia was the first airline in Southeast Asia to utilize e-ticketing so that traditional travel agents can be bypassed. This implementation saves the cost of issuing  physical tickets and eliminates the need for large and expensive booking and reservation systems. To further exploit technologies, AirAsia made it possible for customers to  purchase tickets either from post offices or designated bank teller (ATM) machines.In short, Air Asia's strength is also about the ability to leverage on technologies well and ahead of its competitors to increase sales and lower costs. Human Resources Management Although the employees were not unionized and the salaries offered by the company were below those of its rivals, AirAsia is still able to keep its work force motivated by providing a remuneration policy that is competitive and attractive. For  instance, all employees are offered a wide range of incentives that includes productivity and performance-based bonuses, offer of shares or stock options.To provide further  aircrew and cabin incentives, AirAsia also adopted a sector pay policy that gives extra incentives and thus this resulted in the company needing fewer crews per flight (106 per  aircraft) as compared to other low-cost airlines (110 per aircraft). All these efforts not only helped to impro ve productivity, it also further strengthened employer-employee relationships. In summary, human resource management, particularly the ability to motivate and improve productivity of the staff is surely Air Asia’s strength. g) Innovation Resources and Product DevelopmentSo far, AirAsia has managed to design its aircraft cabins that can minimize wear  and tear, cleaning time and cost. This innovative work allows for quicker turnarounds  between flights and helps increase revenues. In addition, AirAsia is also able to leverage on innovative ideas to derive substantial ancillary revenues from additional services. For  instance, the companies also have their own branded credit card and offers corporate travel services. Consequently, it also develops aircraft advertising by converting its planes into â€Å"flying billboards†.The ability to innovate and come up with unique innovations to lower  costs and increase revenues shows that AirAsia possesses substantial qual ity innovation resources that are valuable. h) Reputational Resources Air Asia’s success has been widely recognized. For instance, in 2003, it was named the â€Å"Developing Airline of the Year† (by Air finance Journal) and the â€Å"Asia Pacific Airline of the Year† (by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, CAPA). In 2004 and 2005, the company also won several prestigious awards. Similarly, the company’s CEO, Tony Fernandez has also won several recognitions.Most notably, the International Herald Tribune listed Mr. Tony Fernandez in its Visionaries and Leadership series in 2003. Hewas consequently named the â€Å"Asia Pacific Aviation Executive of the Year† in 2004 and2005 (by CAPA) and is one of the 25 stars of Asia (by Business week). With just 3 years into operations, AirAsia managed to be listed publicly in  November 2004 with support from bankers and venture capitalists. AirAsia was subsequently named as one of the â€Å"Best Newly Listed Compa nies† and Asia’s â€Å"Best Managed Company in the Airlines and Aviation Sector by Euro money after its IPO.Given the positive perceptions of Air Asia’s reputation, the brand name is certainly the company’s strengths. i)Risk Management In general, the types of risks AirAsia faces include: (1) pure risk; (2) price risk; and (3) credit risk. AirAsia purchased insurance policies to mitigate pure risk although it is done and operated a bit differently as it adopts an integrated approach risk management that goes beyond the traditional parameters of what is insurable. For instance, when AirAsia purchases insurance any policies to insure against pure risk, it also makes a conscious effort to acquire them at a much lower rate lower than other LCCs.In addition, to mitigate price risk, AirAsia hedged fuel prices at US$42 a barrel for the first half of  2005, which was substantially lower than the price per barrel of US$70 in the late 2005. AirAsia has little exp osure to credit risk as it does not lend money to any external parties. Better still, customers who wish to purchase their air tickets need to make payment almost immediately upon booking. Hence, this eliminates credit risk totally. So far, Air Asia’s holistic approach to risk management effectively is viewed favorably by its stakeholders most of the time, especially the shareholders. ) Logistics This involves all areas of receiving, storing of inputs when producing outputs. So far, AirAsia only operates on a single type of aircraft, the Boeing 737-300. Based on a Report published by Aero Connections in 2004, that particular model was the best selling commercial jet of all times due to its efficiency and cost effectiveness. AirAsia also has1382 employees and they received proper on-the-job training workshops so that they can  perform multiple roles effectively within a simple and flat organization structure. ) Operations It processes inputs to provide valuable products/serv ices. AirAsia has always been stringent about standards and procedures. AirAsia is aware that maintaining its passenger  safety is of paramount importance – as indicated in the surveys in the United States and Japan. Based on the company’s 2003 annual report, AirAsia had joined ventures with GE Engine Services for a business alliance that allows the latter to be in charge of  maintaining all Air Asia’s aircraft engines in the next five years.AirAsia had also managed to achieve good operating benchmarks in terms of flights on time and baggage handling where in 2004, the company registered 88% and 99. 9% respectively. c) Outbound Logistics This involves delivering products/services into a distribution channel or to the final destination. As of late 2005, AirAsia operated 32 Boeing 737 aircraft that run over  60 routes across Southeast Asian regional network. Not only that, its aircraft interiors is also outfitted with signature red carpeting and plush leathe r seats to enable its guests to travel comfortably.In addition, it was also reported in prominent journals and magazines such as ABJ and AWM that many customers felt that Air Asia’s cabin crew demonstrated  professionalism when carrying out their duties on air. d)Marketing and Sales It involves all activities that inform customers about their products/services; including those that induce and facilitate customers in making purchases. So far, AirAsia has promoted its company without incurring high sales and marketing expenses. For  instance, its CEO Tony Fernandez always wears a red AirAsia baseball cap in any of his interviews.His well thought out statements often reinforce Air Asia’s positioning as a small entrant firm battling against giant industry incumbents that also offer low prices. As such, when required, it also invested heavily and so far, its major sponsorships included  being the â€Å"Official Low Fare Airline† for football giant Manchester Un ited. This deal involved global sponsorship and advertising. e)Service AirAsia is one of the few airlines that had the shortest turnaround time, around 25minutes as opposed to 45 to 120 minutes recorded by other airlines. Hence, this allows AirAsia to benefit from conducting more flights a day.Besides that, AirAsia emphasizes lot on maintaining a high quality service to all its passengers such as punctuality rate and excellent baggage-handling performance t o determine whether AirAsia has any core competencies (sustainable competitive advantages), the company’s capabilities are assessed based on the four criteria – valuable, rare, difficult to imitate and non-substitutable. The evaluation results so far revealed that two core competencies below:(1) The possession of tacit knowledge to build a business by leveraging on new technologies (internet). 2) The religious zeal to cost-avoidance coupled with tacit knowledge to build extremely efficient processes to enable it to execute its business model (low cost). Success Factors of AirAsia As AirAsia continues to compete with other LCC (both existing and new) in Asia which also may adopt low-cost strategy, what have to remember and realize that the way customers differentiate them from their competitors will be strictly on â€Å"fare† and reputation. As the saying goes, â€Å"the lower the price, the higher the load factor†. As such, Air Asia’s success is based on the following key factors: )Cost Effectiveness AirAsia puts very strong emphasis on lowering all avoidable costs so that it can continue to provide low fares and yet remain profitable. This means the company has to cut the cost of flight operation by flying to and from airports that offer cheaper take-off  and landing fees. Besides that, passengers also were not provided with meals and entertainment as well as amenities such as pillows and blankets. AirAsia has also designed its aircraft cabins that minimize wear and tea r as well as cleaning time so that cost associated to these areas can be lowered.The better designed cabins also resulted in lower loading and unloading costs as things got done faster which in turn leads to better turn around time. Last but not least, to ensure cost effectiveness, AirAsia reconfigured the seating configurations of its Boeing 737 aircraft to increase seats from 132 to 148 and has thus far operated with only a single-class service. b) Efficiency and Productivity By using a ticket-less online booking system, staff that are properly trained to  perform multiple roles as well as aircraft cabins that reduce cleaning ime, AirAsia greatly enhances it operations efficiency and productivity, which is a very important of  the cost leadership strategy. However, it should be noted that the cost leadership strategy works on the lowest costs, not necessarily the lowest price in the market. As the lowest cost operator, AirAsia is able to continue to survive in a price war as i ts low-cost positions a valuable defense against any rivals. c) Reliability AirAsia also chose more consistently secondary and regional airport destinations instead of busy and congested main airports.Generally, less busy airports can be expected to provide higher rates of on-time departures. Besides, without the need to load and unload any cargoes, the turnaround time of an aircraft can be reduced greatly –  AirAsia clocked the regions fastest turnaround time at only 25 minutes. As a result, travelers can expert and look forward to more frequent and puncture flights. D) Higher Frequency of Service Predominantly, AirAsia offers point-to-point flights on short-haul routes – less than 4 hours flight time. The company is also able to achieve higher plane utilization due to short turnaround time and as mentioned point-to-point routes.The ability to provide higher frequency service to justify the smaller capacity of a LCC is another key to Air Asia’s success. In so me instances, such high frequency of services can also attract  business travelers since most of the time they are able to save time and catch their  connecting flights on time All the success factors mentioned above explain Air Asia’s success. However, it should also be noted that Air Asia’s zealous approach in preaching cost avoidance in every aspect of  administration and operations is the key in sustaining a low-cost culture since its operation in2001.AirAsia also has been particularly effective at implementing the various measures and thus it continues to survive and prosper till today. Question 2 The construct of cost leadership strategy emphasizes on lowest costs, though not necessarily the lowest price, in the market. A firm pursuing a cost-leadership strategy needs to gain a competitive advantage primarily by reducing its economic costs below its competitors. To achieve this, the strategic actions must thus reduce costs and improve productivity. With thi s in mind, let us discuss how the following strategic actions adopted by AirAsia support its cost leadership strategy.A) Low Fare, No Frills Air Asia’s intense focus on providing air travel with no frills leads to substantial costs saving. The absence of in-flight services reduced pre-flight preparations such as the loading of food and drinks, cleaning time and the cost of meals and administration. Investment in kitchens and equipment for storing, heating and serving of meals can be avoided all together. B) Investment in Latest Technologies ; Efficient Operations AirAsia has heavily invested in purchasing the most modern aircraft A-320s.The new aircraft allow AirAsia to enjoy substantial lower fuel cost as these modern airplanes had lower fuel usage by as much as 12%. Fuel accounted for almost 50% of the total operating costs and thus it is an important component of cost saving for AirAsia. By operating a single aircraft type allows AirAsia to achieve efficiency in executing its primary and secondary activities. Consequently, this leads to higher  productivity which in turn allows the company the option to expand their operations with the same number of employees and right size its manpower requirement. Improved  productivity means more revenue for AirAsia.The extreme drive to achieve high efficiency in operations allows AirAsia to clock the fastest turnaround time of 25 minutes. This invariably leads to comparatively  better productivity as the company was able to utilize its aircraft for an average of 13hours per day as opposed to 10. 5 hours by other airlines. Again, improved productivity means more revenue for AirAsia. c)Low Fixed Costs Air Asia’s ability to acquire low rates for long-term maintenance contracts and aircraft leases led to substantial cost savings. It was reported that Air Asia’s average contractual lease charge per aircraft decreased by more han 60% from 2001 to 2004. Similarly, its aircraft maintenance contract c osts were also reported to be substantially lower than any other airlines. In view of the airline’s high safety and maintenance standards, AirAsia was also able to procure favorable rates on its insurance policies. All these help lower fixed costs. d)Lean Distribution System The use of e-ticketing helps to save the cost of issuing hardcopy tickets, which were estimated at US$10 per ticket. The company also saved on agents’ commissions’ and avoided the need for large and expensive booking and reservation systems. This too helps lower the overall costs. ) Minimize Personnel Expenses AirAsia implemented flexible work rules and streamlined administrative functions which allowed employees to perform multiple roles. This human resource policy facilitated AirAsia in lowering its personnel costs. In 2004, it was reported that AirAsia had the lowest staff-to-per aircraft ratio (106 staff per aircraft as compared to 110employees per aircraft registered by other low cost c arriers) and this helps lower staff  cost. f)Use of Secondary Airports Typically, AirAsia operates out of secondary airports, which involve lower  landing, parking and ground handling fees.These airports were also less busy and had shorter runways, thus helped reduce fuel consumption while aircraft queue for takeoff or  taxi on the ground. As many secondary airports were older, they were often close to urban areas and were thus more attractive to some travelers. In short, the use of  secondary airports can increase sales and help to keep operating costs low The ability to lower cost and at the same time widen profit margin (through increase  productivity) augurs well with AirAsia’s cost leadership strategy.This provides AirAsia the options to either lower its prices and gain market share and sales from rivals or keep its prices at  present market level and make more profit for every unit sold. This inevitably helps AirAsia in its defense against aggressive competi tions especially when it comes to price war from strong rivals Question 3 The PESTL Analysis and the Porter Model provide an overall analysis of the operating environment that AirAsia competes in. Also, the analysis of low cost carriers (LCC) industry reveals that it is so concentrated that intense competition is inevitable.However, amidst the challenges faced, there are still plenty of opportunities for AirAsia to explore and exploit. PESTL Analysis – Macro Environment a)Economics Asia’s rapid economic growth and sprouting middle class continues to fuel the growth of air travel in Asia. This growth in air travel was also due to the region having geographically dispersed countries with large population, a rapid increase in trade and tourism as well as the respective government investments in their airports, airlines and travel infrastructure.Although rapid growth and increased trade and businesses may intensify competition (entrance of other LCCs) and even lead to full -service airlines start cut costs to complete, it can present opportunities for airlines to enlarge their markets. Of  late, projections by economists had placed Asia at the top of global economy growth charts in the coming years. b)Political/ Legal Government policies are important drives for the success of Asia. In the late1990s, there was increase privatization and deregulation of the airline industry in Asia.It was noticeable that some Asian countries established open-skies agreements while others allowed the entry of private airlines. For instance, in 1997, a few LLC spouted quickly after Malaysia signed an â€Å"open-skies† agreement with the United States. Hence, it appears that although the travel market will be expanded, in reality AirAsia would also have to operate in a more challenging environment with intense competitions. As of 2006, governments’ intervention and regulation remained substantial.For  instance, although Thai AirAsia managed to launch its services between Singapore and Thailand in 2004 successfully, the company still could not expand beyond the Singapore-Thailand routes because it could not acquire landing rights elsewhere. c)Social-Cultural Surveys revealed that more people were willing to compromise on food and other  services in exchange for lower prices. In fact, it was stated that price of tickets was the single most important consideration that influenced passengers’ decisions and of course this included without having to compromise on safety and punctuality.In addition, increasingly over the years cost conscious leisure and business passengers were also looking to make their budgets decrease further. This presents an opportunity for all LCCs to increase their revenues by offering travelling at a much lower fare. d) Demographic In 2005, the total population in Asia stands at more than 3. 5 billion. The United  Nations’ statistics also show that Asia has an astonishing demographic dividend â⠂¬â€œ where more than 35% of its population is below the age of 25 and more than 55% hovers below the age of 35.This indirectly means that the increasing large population of the middle age group equates to a larger working age population with more disposable income and thus the likelihood of more business and leisure travels is almost confirmed. This thus presents another golden opportunity for AirAsia. e)Technological New services such as Internet Telephony and the increase in the use of  telecommunications services (such as buying air tickets online) provide AirAsia with the opportunity to leverage on new technologies to increase their sales.In addition, e-commence and internet-based activities (such as online holiday and hotel reservations)are other areas where AirAsia can derived ancillary revenues from. Better still, in some instances, technology advancements also means having opportunities to reduce operation costs such as savings on commissions for travel agents – Ai rAsia was the first to do so However, amidst these benefits and cost saving, AirAsia must be mindful that system disruption due to heavily reliance on online sales can pose serious threat to the company. Analysis of the Industry In 2004, the airline industry flew 1. billion passengers, of which about 30% were in Asia. Airline traffic in Asia is projected to grow at 7. 1% annually for the next 5 years and more than triple in the next 20 years. Given Air Asia’s strong presence in the region, this presents vast opportunities to enlarge the company’s market shares. The Airline businesses are closely linked to economic activities in Asia and the world. As such, AirAsia needs to be cognizant with the business cycle so that it can to take full advantage of such effects especially when there are changes in discretionary income and consumer  spending patterns.AirAsia also needs to be mindful that increase in demand of fuel and limited supply can lead to higher fuel price that decrease yield. Last but not least, the impact of crisis such as 9/11 (2001) and SARS outbreak (2003) was able to hit the airline industry badly and as such they continue to pose serious threat to airlines. Analysis of Competitive Forces – Porter’s Five Forces Analysis a)Threat of Substitute Products The possibility threat of substitutes is moderately low; since there are several other substitutes such as cruises, rails, buses and cars.However, the archipelago geographical structure of Asia made air travel the most viable, efficient and convenient mode of transportation which is a surplus for AirAsia b) Power of Buyers The power of buyer is high due to almost no switching cost for customers to switch from one LCC to another. In addition, the access to the internet also allows customers to have all the information on prices charged by the different LCCs. c)Power of Suppliers The supplier has an upper hand (high power) due to limited number of suppliers(only Boeing and Airbus). d)Threat of New EntrantsThreat of new entrants is moderately low as the entry into the industry requires high capital. Moreover, the industry is also highly regulated since every potential entrant is required to obtain approval from the civil aviation authority of the particular country  before the company is allowed to be operated. e)Intensity of Rivalry Industry rivalry is moderately high due to competition and high exit cost. Nonetheless, market participants understand and realize that price war is destructive for  them and thus they tend to avoid direct price competition to make themselves ‘friendly ‘competitors.Stakeholder Management Air Asia’s stakeholders can be divided into capital market stakeholders (shareholders and major suppliers of capital e. g. banks and venture capitalists), product market stakeholders(primary customers, suppliers and host communities) and organizational stakeholders (employers and managers). Air Asia’s stellar performance since its establishment in 2001 has brought value to its shareholders since they were receiving positive returns from the day of the company’s inception to recent time 2005.Between 2001 and 2004, AirAsia enjoyed a compound average growth of  45% for sales and 407% for net income as well as cash flow positive from the time it began its operations. All these inevitably increase the value of investments significantly. This probably explains why AirAsia has always enjoyed strong support from banks and venture capitalists when the CEO took the company public in November 2004. AirAsia satisfies its customers by offering low fares without having to compromise to quality and service. This helps to attract new customers as well as retain existing ones.In order  to ensure that all specific needs are met, the company’s key staffs travel regularly to mingle with the host communities so that they understand them better. This has facilitated Air Asia’s aggress ive expansion and resounding success in the regional markets – which include Thailand and Indonesian over a short span of time. For instance, Air Asia’s joint venture with Shin Corporation to launch its new LLC achieved immediate success. In just 3 days of operations, it sold more than 20,000 seats on domestic routes.This speaks well of Air Asia’s ability to meet (or  even exceed) the expectations of its customers. Besides that, AirAsia also strives to build strong relationship with its suppliers. For  instance, although the company operates 737 aircraft that were built by Boeing, it also acquired the new A320 aircraft from Airbus. In this way the company establishes good relationship with the two and only civil airliner suppliers and hopefully through these good mutual dealings, the  power of these suppliers can be further reduced.The company also strives to maintain good relationship with other suppliers that provide aircraft maintenance and airport serv ices. This  probably also explain why AirAsia is able to get lower rates from them. As a staff of the AirAsia team, he/she gets to enjoy highly competitive and attractive remuneration packages. These include productivity and performance-based bonuses, shares and stock options. In summary, with the capability and flexibility provided by above-average returns, AirAsia is able to satisfy multiple stakeholders more easily Marketing ; Customer SegmentationAlthough AirAsia invests aggressively in marketing where required, it generally adopts creativity and yet low-cost advertising so as to keep cost low. For instance, to keep cost low, AirAsia commonly advertises and promotes through the host country newspapers as well as internet website as they are generally cheap. Like all other LCCs, AirAsia also positions itself as an airline that provides short-route ferry for non-business and price-conscious business  passengers as shown in Diagram 2 . This means that competition is intense and increasing as new  players join in Competitors AnalysisBased on a report about major Asian budget airlines that Airline Business produced, onlytwo LCCs, Bangkok Airways and Lion Air, share almost similar markets as AirAsia in terms of  market commonality. Their tangible and intangible resources are also comparable to that of  AirAsia. With that, based on the competitor analysis framework appended in Diagram 3 , Bangkok Airways and Lion Air fall in ‘quadrant I’ and thus are considered as close competitors of AirAsia. Technically, any firm or competitors in ‘quadrant I’ will use their similar resource  portfolios to compete against each other.This lead to the conclusion that Bangkok Airways and Lion Air modeled in ‘quadrant I’ are direct competitors of AirAsia. In contrast, the other airlines such as Value Air and Tiger Airways modeled in ‘quadrant IV’ share few markets although they all possess comparable resources. As such , these airlines do not directly pose as strong rivalry to AirAsia at this point in time. As of now, AirAsia will have to compete with Bangkok Airways and Lion Air which have entered the market since 2000/2001.As they also adopt the low-cost strategy, the only way customers can differentiate them from their competitors would be on the airfare charges. In order  to maintain or increase the load factor, any of these companies may consider lowering fare prices to achieve their objectives. However, if this happens, the profit margin of the remaining players will be compressed and the weak one may be drove out of the market (also known as the vicious cycle). In Malaysia, Air Asia’s main airline competitor is Malaysia Airlines (MAS) which offers a full range of services.Although MAS had an ambivalent reaction to Air Asia’s entry into the airline industry, it also reacted to the competition by offering fares at 50% discounts on some its domestic routes. Although the ‘ attack’ was not successful (MAS eventually lost about 30% of its market share), it proves that any airlines that provide full services can be a threat to AirAsia. Moving forward, it is expected that acquisition and merger will happen in the market until equilibrium is reached. When this takes place, only a few strong players with sound cost-controlling and profitable business model will exist and succeed.In other words, AirAsia can expect to face stiff competition in time to come even though market participants understand that  price war is destructive and thus will try to avoid any direct price competition. A short summary on the possible opportunities and threats are appended in the table  below. From the analysis of AirAsia, it can be deduced that the operating environment immoderately competitive and filled with minimum uncertainties – which means that the company has to prepare themselves well during good times.However, amidst the challenges, there are still m any opportunities for AirAsia to explore and exploit so that it continues to lead and be the most  profitable LCC in Asia. Amik kt dekstop-airasia Question 4 AirAsia has been soaring success. Starting with two planes bought from a Malaysian conglomerate in late 2001, the company had expanded it to 32 by the end of 2005. During the same year, the aggressive expansion also resulted in an extensive Southeast Asian regional network of 60 routes. For sure, the large, untapped market and Air Asia’s model would ensure its future success. a)Conducive Environment for GrowthThe major macro environment factors suggest a very conducive environment for  the growth of low cost carriers (LCC) in Asia. According to TWA (Dec 2003), it mentioned that in Asia â€Å"the demographic fundamentals of large populations that include rising middle classes with increasing leisure time and disposable incomes as well as the lack of competitive forms of transportation, paint an extremely encouraging demand  Ã‚  picture in the long run† . Furthermore, a study by the Centre for AP (2002) confirmed that Asia would continue to offer attractive conditions for the air transportation industry.It estimated that Asia would account for 30% of the world market by 2020 or one third of  growth between now and then. The archipelago geographical structure of Asia continent is also an important contributing factor to the growth of air transportation. For example, between East and West Malaysia, there is no other viable and efficient mode of transportation other than to commute by air. As a matter of fact, in mid-2005, eight budget airlines were operating in Southeast Asia and there were predictions that there would be as many as 20 such airlines  by 2012.Although terrorism and SARS do impact on air travel, the long run forecast is very positive. b)Strong Finance Resource The company has been profitable from the start. It has a huge bank and cash  balances of US$86. 7 million, wit h no loans and borrowings as of 30 June 2005. Its profit margins of 38% (before interests, taxes, depreciation and amortization) were among the highest in the world for LCC. According to a report by CSS (2005), it was deduced that AirAsia would continue to be profitable in 2006.This probably explained why in 2004,  bankers and venture capitalists had provided funds to help the company got listed despite the airline industry was being badly affected by SARS. In short, a strong finance resource is vital for growth and to wrestle any economic crisis. This in turn sustains success. c)Obsession with Low Cost Culture In some respects, the most important requirement to sustain success in the LCC industry is to possess a genuine low-cost culture. Unlike other LCC, AirAsia preached cost avoidance with religious zeal. For example, even though a luggage tag costs less than US$0. 5, AirAsia does not provide them. In addition, it also emphasizes cost deduction so intensely that in-flight ovens must not be overheated and that cabin lights switched off at appropriate times. To further lower cost, the company was the first to implement taking reservations via the internet rather than through travel agents. It operates only one type of aircraft to save on overheads and operating cost. AirAsia crews are also required to help clean the aircraft so as to shorten turnaround times to achieve higher aircraft utilization.At 29 U. S. cents operating cost per available seat-kilometer, Air Asia’s operating cost is the lowest in the industry. With such as an obsession withcosts, AirAsia is certainly poised to sustain its success. d)Effective in Implementing Cost Reduction Measures Even though most low cost carrier had implemented the various cost reduction measures, it was AirAsia that had implemented them most effectively. As a result, AirAsia achieved cost per average seat kilometre of 2. 13 U. S. cents, the lowest for any airline in the world.This in turn allowed the company to achieve profit margins of 38%(before interests, taxes, depreciation and amortization) which were among the highest in the world for LLC. In addition, the company was also able to achieve good operating  benchmarks in terms of flights on time (88%) and baggage handling efficiency (99. 9%). This in turn resulted in further cost reduction as the company paid much lower charges and compensations as compared to other airlines. The ability to ensure that the central objective of achieving bigger cost advantages than the company’s rivals (by continuously

Arguments for and Against Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Arguments for and Against Embryonic Stem Cell Research On March 9, 2009, President Barack Obama lifted, by Executive Order, the Bush administrations eight-year ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Remarked the President, Today... we will bring the change that so many scientists and researchers, doctors and innovators, patients and loved ones have hoped for, and fought for, these past eight years. In Obamas Remarks on Lifting the Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ban, he also signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the development of a strategy for restoring scientific integrity to government decision-making. Bush Vetoes In 2005, H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, was passed by the Republican-led House in May 2005 by a vote of 238 to 194. The Senate passed the bill in July 2006 by a bipartisan vote of 63 to 37. President Bush opposed embryonic stem cell research on ideological grounds. He exercised his first presidential veto on July 19, 2006, when he refused to allow H.R. 810 to become law. Congress was unable to muster enough votes to override the veto. In April 2007, the Democratic-led Senate passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 by a vote of 63 to 34. In June 2007, the House passed the legislation by a vote of 247 to 176. President Bush vetoed the bill on June 20, 2007. Public Support for Embryonic Stem Cell Research For years, all polls report that the American public STRONGLY supports federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Reported the Washington Post in March 2009: In a January Washington Post-ABC News poll, 59 percent of Americans said they supported loosening the current restrictions, with support topping 60 percent among both Democrats and independents. Most Republicans, however, stood in opposition (55 percent opposed; 40 percent in support). Despite public perceptions, embryonic stem cell research was legal in the U.S. during the Bush administration: the President had banned the use of federal funds for research. He did not ban private and state research funding, much of which was being conducted by pharmaceutical mega-corporations. In Fall 2004, California voters approved a $3 billion bond to fund embryonic stem cell research. In contrast, embryonic stem cell research is prohibited in Arkansas, Iowa, North and South Dakota and Michigan. Developments in Stem Cell Research In August 2005, Harvard University scientists announced a breakthrough discovery that fuses blank embryonic stem cells with adult skin cells, rather than with fertilized embryos, to create all-purpose stem cells viable to treat diseases and disabilities. This discovery doesnt result in the death of fertilized human embryos and thus would effectively respond to pro-life objections to embryonic stem cell research and therapy. Harvard researchers warned that it could take up to ten years to perfect this highly promising process. As South Korea, Great Britain, Japan, Germany, India and other countries rapidly pioneer this new technological frontier, the US is being left farther and farther behind in medical technology. The US is also losing out on billions in new economic opportunities at a time when the country sorely needs new sources of revenues. Background Therapeutic cloning is a method to produce stem cell lines that were genetic matches for adults and children. Steps in therapeutic cloning are: An egg is obtained from a human donor.The nucleus (DNA) is removed from the egg.Skin cells are taken from the patient.The nucleus (DNA) is removed from a skin cell.A skin cell nucleus is implanted in the egg.The reconstructed egg, called a blastocyst, is stimulated with chemicals or electric current.In 3 to 5 days, the embryonic stem cells are removed.The blastocyst is destroyed.Stem cells can be used to generate an organ or tissue that is a genetic match to the skin cell donor. The first 6 steps are same for reproductive cloning. However, instead of removing stem cells, the blastocyst is implanted in a woman and allowed to gestate to birth. Reproductive cloning is outlawed in most countries. Before Bush stopped federal research in 2001, a minor amount of embryonic stem cell research was performed by US scientists using embryos created at fertility clinics and donated by couples who no longer needed them. The pending bipartisan Congressional bills all propose using excess fertility clinic embryos. Stem cells are found in limited quantities in every human body and can be extracted from adult tissue with great effort but without harm. The consensus among researchers has been that adult stem cells are limited in usefulness because they can be used to produce only a few of the 220 types of cells found in the human body. However, evidence has recently emerged that adult cells may be more flexible than previously believed. Embryonic stem cells are blank cells that have not yet been categorized or programmed by the body and can be prompted to generate any of the 220 human cell types. Embryonic stem cells are extremely flexible. Pros Embryonic stem cells are thought by most scientists and researchers to hold potential cures for spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Parkinsons disease, cancer, Alzheimers disease, heart disease, hundreds of rare immune system and genetic disorders and much more. Scientists see almost infinite value in the use of embryonic stem cell research to understand human development and the growth and treatment of diseases. Actual cures are many years away, though, since research has not progressed to the point where even one cure has yet been generated by embryonic stem cell research. Over 100 million Americans suffer from diseases that eventually may be treated more effectively or even cured with embryonic stem cell therapy. Some researchers regard this as the greatest potential for the alleviation of human suffering since the advent of antibiotics. Many pro-lifers believe that the proper moral and religious course of action is to save existing life through embryonic stem cell therapy. Cons Some staunch pro-lifers and most pro-life organizations regard the destruction of the blastocyst, which is a laboratory-fertilized human egg, to be the murder of human life. They believe that life begins at conception, and that destruction of this pre-born life is morally unacceptable. They believe that it is immoral to destroy a few-days-old human embryo, even to save or reduce suffering in existing human life. Many also believe that insufficient attention been given to explore the potential of adult stem cells, which have already been used to successfully cure many diseases. They also argue that too little attention has been paid to the potential of umbilical cord blood for stem cell research. They also point out that no cures have yet been produced by embryonic stem cell therapy. At every step of the embryonic stem cell therapy process, decisions are made by scientists, researchers, medical professionals and women who donate eggs...decisions that are fraught with serious ethical and moral implications. Those against embryonic stem cell research argue that funding should be used to greatly expand adult stem research, to circumvent the many moral issues involving the use of human embryos. Lifting the Ban Now that President Obama has lifted the federal funding ban for embryonic stem cell research, financial support will soon flow to federal and state agencies to commence the necessary scientific research. The timeline for therapeutic solutions available to all Americans could be years away. President Obama observed on March 9, 2009, when he lifted the ban: Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly research, from years of lonely trial and error, much of which never bears fruit, and from a government willing to support that work... Ultimately, I cannot guarantee that we will find the treatments and cures we seek. No President can promise that. But I can promise that we will seek them actively, responsibly, and with the urgency required to make up for lost ground.

Joshua Reynolds Influence on Culture and Society

Joshua Reynolds Influence on Culture and Society Introduction Joshua Reynolds is one of the most famous artists of the 18th century. Reynolds was born in July 1723 in Plimpton St Maurice at Devon. He is widely known as one of the most influential painters of the 18th century. He has influenced a large number of people. He was among the top English painters of the century. His works specialized mainly on portraits and the promotion of Grand style that depended on idealizing the imperfect1. He is also widely known as one of the founders of the President of the Royal Academy.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Joshua Reynolds’ Influence on Culture and Society specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Joshua Reynolds’ career in art began in 1940 when he started his career as a portrait painter beginner or trainee. He was trained by Thomas Hudson until 1743. From 1748, Joshua Reynolds travelled to Rome where he took Old Masters. It was while he was studying at Rome th at he developed a passion for Grand Style. However, his work was slightly affected when a severe cold hampered his hearing ability. Joshua Reynolds also worked in London from 1753. He is widely known for his contribution to the development of the Royal Society of Arts. One of his major rivals was Thomas Gainsborough who was also a famous artist of the time. However, Joshua Reynolds managed to outperform all his rivals in the century due to his distinguishable work. His lectures are still useful to date and are widely used in art. He was known as one of the most determined individuals of his time. Discussion Through his reputation and great work in art, Joshua Reynolds had a significant social and cultural impact. His work significantly influenced other people, especially while interacting with others. He was engaged in various social activities, either as a lecturer, client or employee among others. His work during the 18th century can be attributed to his excellence in the work of arts. Due to his fame as a portrait painter, Joshua Reynolds attracted much interests. He constantly enjoyed communication with many wealth people, both men and women. He was able to gain charisma that made him more influential. He was mainly involved with the middle class. As a lecturer, Joshua Reynolds was very popular among his students. He used his lectures to provide artistic education among his student. He had a chance to communicate his ideologies among the young scholars. This implies that Joshua Reynolds may have had a massive impact on culture and other social aspects.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As one of the most dominant individuals in the development of the Royal Academy and as one of the main pillars of the academy, Joshua Reynolds played a significant role in determining what was to be taught to the students. Therefore, he has a significant influence on the graduates who studied at Royal Academy. Due to his popularity, Joshua Reynolds played a pivotal role in bringing together the famous figures of ‘The’ Club. The Club was a famous dining place in London that was formed by Joshua Reynolds and his friend Johnson. Through this club, Joshua Reynolds managed to change the people’s ways of life. The members were usually meeting once per week at seven p.m. However, the frequency of meeting was changed from weekly to fortnightly. Meanwhile, the parliament was in session. This club was composed of people of higher social ranks like merchants, barristers, writers, artists among others. One was required to meet certain conditions to be recruited to the club. During his time, the Battle of Ushant with the French took place. This was back in 1977. During this period, Keppel ordered the Channel Fleet2. However, no one could have been classified as a clear winner in the battle. Unconvinced, Keppel ordered another attack. Unfortunately to him, French escaped the bombardment. Later, Palliser and Keppel went at loggerheads which forced Palliser to bring charges against Keppel. In connection to this, Keppel was accused of overlooking his duties and also of several transgressions3. However, Keppel finally emerged as a winner when he was found innocent, and all the charges against him were nullified. This made him a national hero. After this trial, Joshua Reynolds made a portrait that was meant to demonstrate the trial. He demonstrated this by painting Keppel holdings a sword which symbolized the process of getting back his authority. Through such portraits, Joshua Reynolds portrayed to the eye of the public political views. Such a portrait can be very influential in affecting people’s views about certain leaders in the society. For instance, this particular portrait illustrates Keppel’s innocence. During his time, Joshua Reynolds conducted successful work when the English Rococo was in heig ht4. This style borrowed particular aspects from furniture style and architecture5. The style was very common among the bourgeois, who were also referred to as the owners of the means of production.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Joshua Reynolds’ Influence on Culture and Society specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It was also very common among the rising wealthy class in the society. In order to reinforce their wealth, this class used the work by Joshua Reynolds to boost their achievements. They also required the work of art to reinforce their beauty and magnificence. Therefore, Joshua Reynolds’s work was essential to the society. It was used by various groups to meet their goals effectively and efficiently, especially those which required influence. Through the Rococo style, Joshua Reynolds built a good relationship with the rich merchants. Meanwhile, there was a tremendous rise in the middle class and the wealthy businessmen in England. Consequently, the demand for Joshua Reynolds’s work rose significantly6. This is because the rising middle class highly demanded for his work. Joshua Reynolds managed to fulfill all their needs by providing quality portraiture style. In the Rococo era, people were free to pursue their goals in an effort to maximize their pleasure7. Therefore, this style became very common as the middle class grew bigger and bigger. Joshua Reynolds was very important in British paintings and other parts of Western countries. Joshua Reynolds played a pivotal role in defining various aspects in these parts8. He interacted and socialized with the elite class in London. The main bond between their relationships was facilitated by the demand and supply of influential Joshua Reynolds’s portraits. He had the ability to raise figureheads to a mythological level, the fact which pleased the subject significantly9. In the eighteenth century, the work of art was very significant in realizing gratification in man. This was more so due to the rise of bourgeois during the century. This was one of the factors that led to a high demand for Joshua Reynolds’s portraits. They were a source of gratification for beauty, and also as a means to gain certain favor10. Tt helped people during this time to meet their needs. Joshua Reynolds’s art directed and reflected his ideas about the society. For instance, he was convinced that position of the poor was divinely ordained and not to be disturbed11.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More He further argued that it was only the higher social ranks that had the ability and the freedom to use the work of art as a way of promoting their transition from the life of brute sensuality to one of civilized reason12. In other words, Reynolds was mainly influential to the higher social ranks. This is the reason why the demand for his portraits increased with a rise of the middle class. One of the major public figures who benefited from Joshua Reynolds’s paintings was Lord Heathfield13. Heathfield once became a hero for defending Gibraltar during its great siege. To illustrate this, Joshua depicted Heathfield in front of dark clouds holding key in the right hand. The figure was to maintain his social superiority or his contribution for defending Gibraltar. The painting was very significant as it presented the history of defense of Gibraltar. Consequently, it contributed to spreading the fame of the leaders. For instance, Heathfield’s portrait illustration suggests t hat he went against many challenges in his attempt to defend Gibraltar. This is depicted by the dark clouds. However, he managed to win as the key tied in his right hand illustrates. Joshua Reynolds portraits were also believed to have religious meaning. For instance, Heathfield is depicted holding a key which is an analogy of the key St Peter who possessed the keys to Heaven. In this case, Heathfield is presented as an important person in the society whose efforts defended Gibraltar. Joshua Reynolds supported Burke’s views on the French revolution. He was therefore convinced that the French Revolution would be disastrous. This is because it did not consider the complexity of human nature. He believed that the human nature was not compatible with the human behavior. Through writing in early 1790s, Joshua Reynolds argued that France was falling because of spending too much time tending14 (Bennett 1998). He further argued that lack of emphasis on the manufacturing and trade was the main cause of the problem. In conclusion, this discussion has clearly revealed that Joshua Reynolds was one of the most influential artists of the 18th century. He had a significant social and cultural impact on the society. His portraits were highly demanded by the wealthy merchants, businessmen, and people from other high social ranks to meet their needs. His work was also used by the leaders to create good image in the eyes of the public15. His work also played a significant role in civilizing the society. Joshua Reynolds works also changed major social issues. For instance, he was strongly opposed towards the French Revolution. He argued that it would lead to losses rather than gains. Therefore, he urged people to refrain from engaging in the revolution through his work. He also influenced people through his lectures. He used his paintings to drive his ideas to the society. His lectures were known to be extremely sensitive and perceptive. Bibliography Anonymous. â€Å"Josh ua Reynolds.† Artble, 2011. Web. Bennett, Tony. Culture: A Reformers Science. New York: SAGE, 1998. Bennet, Tony. Culture. Australia: SAGE Publications, 1992. Brennan, Teresa. Vision in context: historical and contemporary perspectives on sight. New York: Routledge, 1996. Ferguson. Art. New York: Ferguson, 2008. Huntington Art Gallery. â€Å"Out of the Shadows: Joshua Reynolds’ Celebrity Portraiture and the Market for Mezzotints in 18th-Century Britain.† Huntington, 2011. Web. Hurl, Estelle. Sir Joshua Reynolds: A Collection of Fifteen Pictures and a Portrait of the Painter with Introduction and Interpretation. New York: Kessinger Publishing, 2004. Malone, Edmond. The Works Of Sir Joshua Reynolds. To Which Is Prefixed An Account Of The Life And Writings Of The Author. U.S.A: Oxford University, 1801. Northcote, James. Memoirs Of Sir Joshua Reynolds: To Which Are Added, Varieties On Art. New York: M. Carey Son, 1817. Northcote, James. The Life Of Sir Joshua Reynol ds: Comprising Original Anecdotes Of Many Distinguished Persons, His Contemporaries; And A Brief Analysis Of His Discourses. New York: Henry Colburn, 1819. Reynolds, Joshua. Joshua Reynolds Seven Discourses Delivered In The Royal Academy. U.S.A: T. Ladell, 1778. Reynolds, Joshua., Malone, Edmond and Gray, Thomas. The Works Of Sir Joshua Reynolds, Knight ; Late President Of The Royal Academy: Containing His Discourses ; Idlers ; A Journey To Flanders And Holland, And His Commentary On Du Fresnoys Art Of Painting. U.S.A: T. Cadell. 1801. Reynolds, Joshua. The Complete Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds: First President Of The Royal Academy: With An Original Memoir, And Anecdotes Of The Author, Volume 1. New York: T. MLean, 1824. Reynolds, Joshua. The Literary Works Of Sir Joshua Reynolds, First President Of The Royal Academy By Joshua Reynolds. London: Cadell, 1830. Wendorf, Richard. Sir Joshua Reynolds: The Painter in Society. U.S.A: Harvard University Press, 1998. Footnotes 1 Joshua Reyno lds. The Literary Works Of Sir Joshua Reynolds, First President Of The Royal Academy By Joshua Reynolds. London: Cadell, 1830. 2 Edmond, Malone. The Works Of Sir Joshua Reynolds. To Which Is Prefixed An Account Of The Life And Writings Of The Author. U.S.A: Oxford University, 1801. 3 Joshua, Reynolds. The Complete Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds: First President Of The Royal Academy: With An Original Memoir, And Anecdotes Of The Author, Volume 1. New York: T. MLean, 1824. 4 Joshua, Reynolds., Edmond, Malone and Thomas, Gray. The Works Of Sir Joshua Reynolds, Knight ; Late President Of The Royal Academy: Containing His Discourses ; Idlers ; A Journey To Flanders And Holland, And His Commentary On Du Fresnoys Art Of Painting. U.S.A: T. Cadell. 1801. 5 James, Northcote. The Life Of Sir Joshua Reynolds: Comprising Original Anecdotes Of Many Distinguished Persons, His Contemporaries; And A Brief Analysis Of His Discourses. New York: Henry Colburn, 1819. 6 James, Northcote. Memoirs Of Sir Jo shua Reynolds: To Which Are Added, Varieties On Art. New York: M. Carey Son, 1817. 7 Teresa, Brennan. Vision in context: historical and contemporary perspectives on sight. New York: Routledge, 1996. 8 Joshua, Reynolds. Joshua Reynolds Seven Discourses Delivered In The Royal Academy. U.S.A: T. Ladell, 1778. 9 Richard, Wendorf. Sir Joshua Reynolds: The Painter in Society. U.S.A: Harvard University Press, 1998. 10 Huntington Art Gallery. â€Å"Out of the Shadows: Joshua Reynolds’ Celebrity Portraiture and the Market for Mezzotints in 18th-Century Britain.† Huntington, 2011. 11 Ferguson. Art. New York: Ferguson, 2008. 12 Hurl, Estelle. Sir Joshua Reynolds: A Collection of Fifteen Pictures and a Portrait of the Painter with Introduction and Interpretation. New York: Kessinger Publishing, 2004. 13 Anonymous. â€Å"Joshua Reynolds.† Artble, 2011. 14 Bennett, Tony. Culture: A Reformers Science. New York: SAGE, 1998. 15 Bennet, Tony. Culture. Australia: SAGE Publication s, 1992.

Art and fashion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Art and fashion - Essay Example Mannequins such as the Siegel-Vigneau had very seductive with undeniably lifelike bodies significantly contributed to the success of social as well as cultural reconstruction. Surrealists perceived women as in an erotic and decadent disguises who were actually predators in life of men due to their passive sex as well as accessibility which prompts men to be attracted to the female bodies. Female bodies were turned into elements amongst the surrealists because a body could also attract attention and communicating information. A body could reveal some of the most hidden meanings behind its restructuring. Most images were therefore belonged to the repertoire of surrealists although some of them lost their origin in favor of sex appeal. Sexual appeal of a woman’s body was crucial since a woman was considered a sexual object whose life is engrossed exclusively with sexuality (Emanuel 2006). Initially, mannequins were so heavy and were more unrealistic creations which were made of w ax and could melt in the summer heat. However the understanding of women psychology led to great imperfections that made mannequins look like real women bodies. It should be noted that surrealism became very prevalent in 1930s particularly to the public where their artwork became the model for international exhibitions. Visual style artwork became dominated the period between 1930 and 1935 by Dali and Magritte. During this period art served a significant purpose as a way of expression that included hallucinatory imagery (Beck 2007). Surrealism came up with visual techniques that incorporated giving ordinary objects their usual meaning so that they could compel to the public. Audience’s empathy would therefore be aroused because of the image characteristics which were more than just ordinary formal organization. 1930s was characterized with stylistic evolution that included a mixture of depictive and the emotional elements which were very necessary in influencing an audience. Mannequins actually reflected fashion models but some of the headless mannequins represented would make someone think that it had been sliced thus representing scene of a brutal war (Stewart 2008). Mannequins were made to fit dress maker’s form thus reverting them to look like shop mannequins. Shop mannequins were however not made to represent any form of personality or lifestyle but simply to show the outline of the garment. This was really amazing because the objects simply drew attention to how they were created rather than the dress they were wearing (Emanuel 2006). Someone would not think much about the garments on the display despite close imitation of the tailor or designer’s dummy. Representation of the mannequin to the clients became very important hence prompting the introduction of heads and limbs to the headless and limbless mannequins. The most appealing mannequins were the ones which were introduced in the 1930s which had movable limbs making them seem as if they were engaging in some activities. Movements of the limbs proved useful in representation of the lifestyle (Thesander 1997). Surrealists greatly incorporated art into life by relating subject and object in their work. The mannequins were greatly designed by artists who made them look like body objects. Mannequins were nicely used to define surrealism since it

Adaptation of the Color Purple from Alice Walker and Steven Research Paper

Adaptation of the Color Purple from Alice Walker and Steven Speilberg's movie - Research Paper Example Her best known and most critically acclaimed novel is The Colour Purple, written in 1982, which earned her a Pulitzer Prize and a National Literature Award. The novel was adapted for screen-play by Steven Spielberg in 1985, in what was a significant departure from his summer blockbusters. The film follows the life of Celie, a young girl of African American heritage, and via her life captures the problems faced by African American women, including racism, poverty and sexism. While the movie garnered mainly positive critical response with prominent critics besting it for its sentimental, emotional and absolute truths about American history, there was also some stinging criticism. This paper attempts to ascertain whether or not the adaptation was successful, when compared to the great novel. After viewing the movie at its premier, Alice Walker didn’t become its big fan. However, after being the recipient of many positive reactions and letters, she came to the realization that, wh ile the movie did not expressly show her vision, it did convey the correct message. She claimed that, while every fan might miss the best part, what was there would be its gift, and that she hoped they would accept the spirit with which it was given (LaGrone 50). She also quite often answers questions on whether she liked the film by saying that the book was not film and vice versa. She is right. This is the reason why Spielberg took the decision to differ slightly from this great novel. However, he stayed true to her message, especially on overcoming adversity. The screenplay creates a successful and faithful adaptation, via its capturing of the novel’s characters, plot, setting, themes and characters (LaGrone 51). Spielberg faithfully sticks to the central themes of the novel. In the novel, Celie is used by Walker as the protagonist, showing how asserting oneself aids an individual in resisting oppression. This comes out in her letters to Nettie, especially touching on Albe rt, her cruel husband (McBride 172). The movie also sheds light upon this theme. Spielberg, however, turns these letters into scenes full of power and vitality. In one standout scene during dinner, where Albert discovers that Celie is moving to Memphis with Shug and leaving him in the process, there is the use of direct quotes lifted from the book. Cellie shoots to her feet and calls him â€Å"lowdown dog†. In the novel, Celie writes that she is black, poor, ugly and could not cook, but at least she was there (McBride 172). However, during the film, Celie says this to Albert, straight to his face. Spielberg incorporates the same core characters into the movie, from the book. Whoopi Goldberg encapsulates what Walker intended, but breathes new life into Celie’s character, via her hidden smiles, sly winks and muffled laughter. While this is not evident in the novel, these differences aid the audience to see and hear Celie’s transformation from an invisible, passive woman into an independent and strong one (Lupack 101). The movie also closely portrays Shug’s character, just as in the book, where she changes Celie’s life via acting as a catalyst. The screen translation, however, has one flaw, as it contains scenes that show Shug as a vulnerable woman. The movie attempts to create conflict with her father who is a preacher and disapproves of her lifestyle. She is depicted trying to reconcile and impress her dad. In the book, however, she is a free from oppression rebel who is also quite unrepentant. The films characterization of Albert is also slightly off what can be gleaned from the book. At first, the movie portrays Albert accurately as a cold, domineering husband who wed Celie not for love but convenience. Later, it differs slightly from the book since Albert