An address to the Loyal Citizens and Congress of the United States of Essay

An address to the Loyal Citizens and Congress of the United States of America adopted by a convention of Negroes held in Alexand - Essay Example An address to the Loyal Citizens and Congress of the United States of America adopted by a convention of Negroes held in Alexandria, Virginia, from August 2 to 5, 1865 This document was written by the African Americans who were once slaves and who had survived the chaos of the American Civil War. These Americans are from a slave state. The first thing once is see is how well the document was written. It is written in formal English and appears to be something which a lawyer would write. One would have to say the document reflects the high education level that some African Americans had gained in spite of the hostile atmosphere of racism that surrounded them. This address underlined the participation and sacrifice of African Americans in the Civil War. It notes that there were 200,000 black soldiers participating. Their undying devotion to the Northern Union cause was confirmed, the address says, by the exclamations that escaped Northern prisoners shouted, whenever they saw a black fa ce. History tells us that after the Civil War a repressive period toward African Americans followed during the Reconstruction Era. The South had been defeated, but that later came back and re-installed their repressive and brutal control over black people, expressing their racism in every way and manner they could. What is interesting about this document is that the newly freed blacks saw that this was going to happen. They express to the Congress of the United States that the loyalty the former residents speak of was only "lip deep"! This expression is unique for us, showing how words and their uses have evolved. Today we no longer use that expression and one would guess it would be called archaic at present. But the expression is full of knowledgeable insight. One must look at the quoting of numbers. The people who wrote the document were fully aware of the strength of the south, of how many of the rebels had been paroled or given amnesty. With such insight, their claim that there will be "unfriendly legislation" - which they quoted to make the term sand out, and setbacks in what the North had accomplished for black people, stands clear and well spoken of. The purpose of the document draws clear. The African Americans were asking for the right to vote before the southern voters re-kindled and passed racist laws. (Congress would later pass the 15th Amendment in 1869 given African American males the right to vote. It would be ratified in 1870). They provided several arguments. One argument was that they will be able to distinguish between a traitor and a loyal man. They pointed to how 12,000 black voters helped Governor Seymour return to his position in New York, along with another politician. This argument, then, addressed the political needs of the Democratic party at that time. But more important was that the African American contingent pointed out that with possession of the ballot, they would be able to protect themselves. Another interesting archaic word phrase came up. They were looking for an equal chance to protect themselves against the "white traitors varnished and japanned," they say, made again citizens with the oath of amnesty. The African Americans assume that the northern whites had faith with them and hence could not deny them the vote. But was this true? Did whites have faith in the blacks? What is very interesting is that this appeal also shows the atmosphere of mistrust that seem to float around all involved parties. It was no cakewalk, after the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln had made the move of emancipation after the War had started and late into it, 1863. Even his move reflected the hesitant nature of American politics. Lincoln probably knew that attitudes had to be given time to change and that at the time he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, that it was the best time to do over a weak South. But the Appeal shows how the black people knew that the Southerners were still not ready. They had still not changed their minds and were still racist. In the paragraph before last, the African Ameri

Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change - Article Example Oil-burning automobiles and other forms of transportation vehicles are the primary source of air pollution, creating about 60% of the CO2 in the air (California Air Resources Board).   In addition to CO2, these vehicles also emit carbon monoxides (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), all of which contribute to global warming (Energy Information Administration).   All of these chemicals function as filters that trap the heat energy from the sun within the planet's atmosphere and cause the earth's temperature to rise on a global scale. But it isn't just the air that is affected by greenhouse gases causing climate change - the oceans are affected as well, contributing to changes in our weather patterns. The ocean acts as a natural filter for CO2 and other naturally-occurring atmospheric gases. Unfortunately, the naturally occurring levels have long been outweighed by human activity, overwhelming the natural system's balance and ability to process.   The oceans, which have been the earth’s natural filter, are now being forced to continually absorb higher concentrations of greenhouse gases than they naturally can handle (Miller).   As the water warms with the rising air temperatures and with its own collection of greenhouse gases, it becomes less capable of absorbing greenhouse gases, leaving them in even higher quantities in the air.   These warmer waters also have the effect of helping the ice caps melt, leading to rising water levels and warmer seas.   Additionally, increased air and water temperatures will increase.... All of these chemicals function as filters that trap the heat energy from the sun within the planet's atmosphere and cause the earth's temperature to rise on a global scale. But it isn't just the air that is affected by greenhouse gases causing climate change - the oceans are affected as well, contributing to changes in our weather patterns. The ocean acts as a natural filter for CO2 and other naturally-occurring atmospheric gases. Unfortunately, the naturally occurring levels have long been outweighed by human activity, overwhelming the natural system's balance and ability to process. The oceans, which have been the earth’s natural filter, are now being forced to continually absorb higher concentrations of greenhouse gases than they naturally can handle (Miller). As the water warms with the rising air temperatures and with its own collection of greenhouse gases, it becomes less capable of absorbing greenhouse gases, leaving them in even higher quantities in the air. These war mer waters also have the effect of helping the ice caps melt, leading to rising water levels and warmer seas. Additionally, increased air and water temperatures will increase the atmospheric water vapor through evaporation. This means the resulting precipitation will be proportionately higher and in different places than it has been in recorded history. Cloud compositions will change which will further amplify the greenhouse effect (Miller). This also leads to greater numbers of violent hurricanes and tropical storms. While rising sea levels may not seem all that bad, the effects of more powerful tidal forces and encroaching water can be devastating. â€Å"The tide comes and goes like clockwork, but if we continue to watch and

Real Leadership essay on a person Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Real Leadership on a person - Essay Example Ahmed Mohammed Jumaa Alhanaey is the leader of the company, ZDKO and it is under his guidance that the company has been capable of attaining the desired level of success in the marketplace. When the person was asked as to what influenced him to be a leader, he replied that his previous job instilled lots of confidence within him. He learnt the leadership traits from his previous boss. Ahmed Mohammed Jumaa Alhanaey demonstrated many instances when he had been effective as a leader in the previous job assignments. This motivated him to be leader. It has been found that this leader has been capable of effectively dealing with the challenges that the company faced. In the interview with the leader it was identified that development of the vision and then identifying the vision turning into reality is one of the significant qualities of the leader (Klein & Et. Al., â€Å"Dynamic Delegation†). The leader of ZDKO describes himself as a passionate and dedicated human being. Ahmed Mohammed Jumaa Alhanaey has worked with a company named Etisalat for three years where he had experienced most of the leadership attributes that helped him in his future days. He demonstrated the fact that promoting consultation, unity and open communication with the followers are the pre-requisites for successful companies. Ahmed Mohammed Jumaa Alhanaey revealed that most of the troubles can be eradicated in any company if the leader is capable of maintaining good relation with his followers. In an organisation people belonging to different culture work together. Managing these diverse group tends to be the biggest challenge for the leaders according to Ahmed Mohammed Jumaa Alhanaey. The managers are also faced with the issues relating to wider social, political, cultural, ethical and business representation. Cross cultural issues have been a significant problem in ZDKO. Successful are the leaders who are capable of

International Commercial Arbitration Law Assignment

International Commercial Arbitration Law - Assignment Example The paper tells that an international commercial arbitration has been an element of study owing to some of the unique features it is associated with. In the era of globalization, the volume of disputes between parties in trade has increased significantly, and often the judgment provided by the local jurisdiction fails to satisfy the parties to the action. The delay in the procedure of judgment also hampers trade activities between them and becomes significant in determining market conditions. International commercial arbitration tries to solve a few of these problems by providing a mutual solution to the issues on the basis of judgment provided outside the legal framework of either country. In matters of international arbitration, the agreement covering arbitration has gained importance over the years. The method of international arbitration is widely popular for resolving disputes that arise from international commercial agreements and a wide variety of international relationships. The main advantage of international arbitration lies in the fact that parties originating from different backgrounds of culture and legal framework can resolve disputes without the consideration and formalities of the legal systems of their respective countries. Other advantages of international arbitration include the fact that it allows the avoidance of uncertainty and the practices associated with local courts regarding the procedure of litigation so that quick and efficient decisions can be reached and the dispute resolved within a short time. The process of international arbitration also grants a high amount of flexibility to the parties in the process of designing the arbitral procedures. In casesof international commercial transactions, the parties have various choices in including mechanisms for resolving disputes that arise under the contract. If a party in the arbitration remains silent for a period of time, then the disaffected party can initiate legal proceedings in a co urt and can attain jurisdiction over the other with ease (Redfern, 2005: 15). International Commercial Arbitration International commercial arbitration tends to resolve disputesinvolving commercial contracts under the guidance and supervision of a number of international institutions and bodies framing international rules. The popular bodies that deal with the issues are the International Chamber of Commerce and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution. Most of these bodies use the â€Å"terms of reference† to summarize the claims and issues of the disputes in a particular procedure, and this is then signed by the parties before the start of the legal proceedings. One of the important characteristics of international commercial arbitration is that thearbitrators try to mitigate disputes before moving to the courts. The decision imposed by international commercial arbitration is binding on both parties. Another attraction of international commercial arbitration is that distrust of foreign legal systems often influences the parties in the action, as does the anticipated cost of using such legal systems. However, switching to international commercial arbitration reduces these types of risks considerably. Arbitrators have significant

Strange New Land Essay Example for Free

Strange New Land Essay Strange New Land, offers a seemingly vast view of the presence of African Americans in present day North America. Mr. Wood describes the harsh and often brutal fate of African Americans during the colonization of America. Exploring Chapter 1, allowed me to view the way different cultures took advantage of not only African Americans, but Native Americans as well. Native Americans were invaded by Spanish settlers, taken into slavery and forced to live with harsh living conditions. Settlers exposed them to a vast number of diseases, and tricked other Native Americans into agreements, in which they were starved, made to live in the cold, and which ultimately led to the death of many of them. Native Americans were resistant to being overtaken and fought back to protect their people and their land. Spanish settlers needed more laborers to cultivate new land, and explore additional regions for settlement. Spanish Conquerors like Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon sent out to find laborers in Western Europe. During his search, he found that Europeans that practiced Christianity did not believe in exploiting its people. In return, the Catholic Church, did however, not mind the exploit of non-Christians to Spanish Settlers. As groups resisted fiercely, they looked to other options in which they could gain access to the slave trade. African Americans to my surprise came as a third resort. Spanish settlers wanted to gain access to the dreams of gold and silver told to be lying within the American soil. However African Americans would prove to be more valuable than just for labor. Spanish Speaking Africans such as Gomez and Esteban were great explorers and go-between people when asked to settle what is now the state of New Mexico. Being intermediaries between the Native Americans and Spanish settlers, they showed the resourcefulness that Africans held during the colonization of America. As I continue to discover how Africans came about to be in America, I was intrigued to learn that the basis of slavery were not limited to race at all. Religion played the most important role in colonization of America, as well as people becoming enslaved. If you were not of Christian belief system, then you were subject to being enslaved. From Mr. Woods accounts, he told of how even John Smith was enslaved for a period of time. And that the bases of slavery were defined upon much greater tools. Heredity was significant in the slavery system, because children of former slaves are said to have been born into slavery. The only thing I can account the Spanish settlers for, was that they didn’t enslave their people for life, as well as the Dutch. Many of their slaves lives the lives of settlers, they just were required to be laborers, because of their religion. At any time it shows within his text that they could have been released from slavery with the submission of their religio n. The earliest definitions of slavery presented a great amount of problems, which the slave-owners did not agree too. Rhode Island defined slavery as a period of 10 years, and not a lifetime commitment. Christian religious groups would allow other slaves to become converted to their religion to once again regain their freedom. The readily number of slaves were beginning to decline, so now new guidelines would be put in place to ensure that the slave-owners would keep laborers all the time. This part of the 17th century would mark the beginning of when race became the solemn factor of how Africans would become and remain enslaved. This is the shift in African history that everyone would feel and become a part of. Africans held two surprisingly different fates. Those that were released to Latin America had better conditions than those located in North America. But life in North America for Africans would see a dramatic shift as the laws and rules progressed. Slave codes were laws that basically took away all rights of Africans living in North America. This would serve as a permanent handicap for Africans for almost two centuries. Then the colonist took a dramatic horrible step used in the states as well as the colonies. Dehumanizing. This would be the greatest contributor of racism in the United States. This Law passed in Virginia in 1705, would allow English Colonist to treat Africans as property, disregard their feelings or wellbeing, and deny them of basic human rights. And these practices would carry over well into the 20th century.

Harrison Bergeron Essay Example for Free

Harrison Bergeron Essay Is the conception of equality with gender, economic status, and talents truly achievable or simply a myth? The idea and possibility of equality appeals human’s emotional nature. It’s everyone ideal image and vision of how the world should be. However, can equality in every aspect potentially handicap one who’s potentially gifted? In the passage, â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† by Kurt Vonnegut (1961), he creates a strictly equitable society. In this â€Å"utopian† society, each person is treated equally despite each person’s characteristics or talents. Those who could be considered gifted or highly intelligent receive handicaps. One cannot compete, and display the talents or beauty granted to them at birth. Every individual is normal and rendered below-average in intelligence, strength, and ability. Concept 1: Characteristics of Giftedness The federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act defines gifted and talented students as â€Å"Students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services and activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities. [Title IX, Part A, Definition 22. (2002)] (www. nagc. org ). However, there are other definitions of giftedness from other pioneers of gifted education. There are common characteristics and attributes of gifted individuals. However, gifted individuals are not one and the same. These characteristics may vary depending on the individual’s cultural background, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and domain of giftedness (i. e. artistic, musical, dramatics, etc). Various empirical studies have been completed in regards to identifying common characteristics of students who are gifted. The characteristics have been subdivided into intellectual/academic, affective and emotional, and creative. The following academic characteristics are recurring but not limited to: early and rapid learning, rapid language development as a child, superior language ability, academic dominance, superior analytic ability, keen observation, advanced reasoning/problem solving, extrapolates knowledge to new situations, long attention span, communication skills, and a well-developed memory. The affective and emotional characteristics of students who are gifted include: high career ambitions, expanded awareness, over excitability, strong mpathy, moral thinking, reflectiveness, independent, inquisitive, perfectionism, excessive self-criticism, and nonconformity. Creative characteristics of a gifted student include: imaginative, creative, solves problems, and preference for novelty (Karnes Stephens, 2008). Throughout the story â€Å"Harrison Bergeron†, both Harrison and his father George, are above average, and Harrison is considered a genius. Harrison is a fourteen-year-old, who possesses intelligence so immense that he is arrested â€Å"on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government. Harrison harbors superior academic ability, and thinking that is abstract, complex, logical and insightful. Harrison had the heaviest handicaps, and outgrew hindrances faster than the H-G team could construct them. Yet again, this demonstrates his high-level thinking skills and ability to solve problems. Harrison is unusually strong and athletic as well, and was exactly seven feet tall. Harrison demonstrates his incorrigible strength by tearing his straps guaranteed to support five thousand pounds. Harrison’s superior academic ability, ability to analyze, nonconformity, and rebellious demeanor affected his socially, academically, and emotionally. He was isolated from his family and friends due to his intelligence. This separation affected him socially and emotionally. However despite the separation and confinement, he was still resilient. The text stated that he continued to outgrow each hindrance that the H-G men created for him. Academically, Harrison was denied his capability to live up to his true potential. Concept 2: Potential Giftedness The State of Texas defines Gifted and Talented student as, â€Å"someone who gifted AND talented describes a child or a youth, who performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment†. Potentially gifted students are those whose talents are emerging but not consistently demonstrated or evident (Rinn, 2011). These students have the capabilities to perform at a higher academic level, but their current academic performance does not display those capabilities. These students hould be provided with opportunities to develop and stimulate their thinking. Their knowledge, skills, and conceptual understanding can be developed through instruction. These students have that ability, must it must be encouraged to drive them to achieve at their â€Å"full† capacity. In the story â€Å"Harrison Bergeron†, every person with above-average knowledge was negated of their â€Å"potential† intelligence, talent, strength, or beauty. Helen, Harrison’s mother was not given a handicap because she was foreseen as normal. In the story Helen states, â€Å"Who knows better’n I do what normal is? (Vonnegut, 1961, pg. 1) However, she could be potentially gifted, but sub-par performance and normalcy was the norm. The story also implies the strong resemblance of Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General with Hazel. Both were â€Å"normal† without a handicap. There was not an attempt to elevate them from average to above average. An individual can have the potential to perform well if encouraged or prodded. The ballerina in the story had the potential to defy gravity. However, she would have never tapped into that potential if Harrison had not prompted her. Having the potential to be gifted can affect you emotionally, socially and academically. The ballerina had the potential to be graceful, beautiful and strong, yet she was handicapped of those abilities in order to be equal to the others. The ballerina had to be conscious of her abilities in order to fit in with the others. Being self-conscious also affects you emotionally. You’re constantly criticizing yourself and holding back, in order to seem â€Å"normal†. Concept 3: Highly Gifted Highly gifted individuals are those that have an IQ score of about 145 or higher, or three standard deviations above the mean. Highly gifted individuals may also be referred to as exceptionally gifted or profoundly gifted (Rinn, 2010). The population of highly gifted students are small, as few as 1 in every 1000. Those who are highly gifted display characteristics such as: early mastery of gross motor skills, superb memory, intense interest areas, keen attention span, early mastery of verbal and written language, advanced logical thinking skills, extreme sensitivity to the feeling of others, and a vivid imagination (Karnes Stephens, 2008, pg. 118). These students have a great need for precision and exhibit a range of their cognitive abilities. These students also have the ability to make the simple, complex. This ability differs in a moderately gifted student and a highly gifted student. Harrison Bergeron, would be considered as highly gifted. Harrison possessed such a vast intelligence that he was arrested â€Å"on suspicion to overthrow the government†. Harrison is much more intelligent, physically capable, and appealing to the eyes in comparison to the rest of society. Harrison’s ability to tear the harnesses off his body and carry three hundred pounds of weight signifies his physical abilities. He defies the laws of gravity and the laws of motion by leaping high enough to touch the thirty-foot ceiling. Harrison had the capability to outsmart the hindrances of those the H-G men constructed. Using the model of everyone being the same/equal, places a limitation on highly gifted student’s intellectual growth. This can cause issues in their psychological well-being. These limitations had an emotional affect on Harrison. Because he was arrested and isolated from the rest society, he decided to cause a rebellion and name himself as Emperor. After breaking into the studio Harrison declares, â€Å"Even as I stand here crippled, hobbled, sickened – I am a greater ruler than any man who ever lived! Now watch me become what I can become! † (Vonnegut, 1961, pg. 2) He was physically caged and mentally caged, which caused him despair. Concept 4: Multiple Intelligences The Multiple Intelligence Theory, developed by Howard Gardner, proposes that intelligent behavior does not arise from a single unitary quality of mind, but are generated from separate metamorphical pools of mental energy (Karnes Stephens, 2008). This theory suggests there are eight different types of intelligence. Those intelligences include, linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist. An individual may display strengths in one area and weaknesses in a different area. Linguistic intelligence enables individuals to read, write, and speak well. Logical-mathematical intelligence encompasses logical thinking as well as mathematical and scientific problem solving. Spatial intelligence is displayed when an individual has the capacity to perceive the visual-spatial world accurately and to perform transformations on one’s initial perceptions. Musical intelligence allows one to produce and appreciate rhythm and pitch, as well as appreciate musical expression. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the ability to control one’s body movements and to handle objects skillfully. Interpersonal intelligence is the capacity to discern and respond appropriately to the moods, temperaments, motivations, and desires of other people. Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to access to one’s own feelings and the ability to discriminate among one’s emotions. Naturalist intelligence is the ability to recognize patterns in nature and differences among natural objects and life forms (Karnes Stephens, 2008, 44-45). Harrison Bergeron displayed various intelligences of the Multiple Intelligence Theory. He displayed bodily-kinesthetic strength by jumping thirty feet into the air. He was also able to tear the harness and straps that were guaranteed to support five thousand pounds. In addition to having bodily-kinesthetic strength, he demonstrated logical-mathematical intelligence as well. He was able to problem solve by eluding others. He also exhibited interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. He knew the desire of the ballerina, and knew of his inner hunger to break away from the â€Å"chains† of the government. He yearned for freedom and power. The Multiple Intelligence’s that Harrison exhibited impacted his emotions. He longed to be free of handicaps, and establish himself as Emperor. His rebellious nature wanted to force others to break the law and be free of their handicaps. He demonstrated this with the ballerina and musicians. After announcing himself as Emperor, he selected an Empress.  This demonstrates his need to intermingle with others. Concept 5: Triatric Theory The triatric theory proposes that intelligent behavior arises from a balance between analytical, creative, and practical abilities and that these abilities function collectively to allow individuals to achieve success within particular sociocultural contexts (Karnes Stephens, 2008, pg. 44). The analytical abilities allow the individual to assess, analyze, compare, and contrast information. Creative abilities allow the individual to generate invention, discovery, and other creative endeavors. Lastly, practical abilities connect each facet together by enabling the individual to generalize in the appropriate setting. In order to have successful intelligence the individual must utilize their strengths, and simultaneously compensate their weaknesses in any of the areas. The central feature of the triatric theory is adaptability both within the individual and the individual s sociocultural context (Karnes et. al, 2008). There are three subtheories of this model, called mechanisms. The individual must first have the competence to learn to do things. The second involves both planning the act, as well as the necessary steps. The final mechanism involves implementing the action. In the story, Harrison illustrates the triatric theory. He exhibits strengths in the areas of analyzing and practicality. He is able to evaluate, analyze, compare and contrast. He demonstrates his analytical ability when the band begins to play. He realizes that in the beginning they aren’t playing to their full ability, and forcefully demands they play as he asked. The text states, â€Å"He listened gravely, as though synchronizing their heartbeats with it† (Vonnegut, 1961, pg. 3) This portion of the story validates his emotions. He again makes decisions based on his current feelings. He’s angry when the band plays mediocre and joyful when he determines the music is to his liking. His vast intelligence of music and dance is manifested during this particular part as well. He knows the appropriate beat and synchronization of the music. Concept 6: Galton’s Hereditary Genius British psychologist Francis Galton, investigated the work of Charles Darwin and the theory of natural selection. Darwin believed that natural selection applies to the mental traits because of the inherited changes of brain structure. Galton reported that eminence ran within family. In his study, approximately 10% of the eminent individuals had at least one relative who was also eminent. Galton concluded that intellectual characteristics must also have a hereditary origin. He furthered his researched and concluded that the human race could be improved through selective breeding, coined as eugenics. He hypothesized that society could evolve in a positive direction if eminent individuals could be encouraged to intermarry and produce large numbers of children. This suggested the opposite for those with mental defects. In â€Å"Harrison Bergeron†, above-average individuals were given handicaps so every individual would be considered equal in society. George, Harrison’s father had above-average intelligence. He bears multiple governmental handicaps in order to repress his intelligence, especially his ability to analyze. Every twenty seconds, the transmitter would send out a sharp noise to disrupt his train of thought, and to keep him from thinking at a higher level. Based on Galton’s study, Harrison is highly gifted based on hereditary origins. Harrison would fall into that 10% of eminence. George’s traits were passed on to Harrison, even though Harrison’s abilities are exponential. This example would affect the academic intelligence of the individual. Because George, Harrison’s father possessed above-average intelligence, Harrison received those traits. Therefore, his eminent intelligence is passed down. George was able to analyze before the handicap, essentially those traits were inherited, and therefore Harrison is able to analyze effectively. Concept 7: Twice Exceptional Twice exceptional individuals are those who are both gifted and have a learning disability (Rinn, 2008). These individuals can be grouped into four categories: (a) identified gifted students whose learning disability is undiagnosed, (b) identified learning disabled students whose giftedness is unrecognized, (c) students whose giftedness and disabilities are both identified, and (d) the student whose giftedness and disability have both been recognized (Karnes Stephens, 2008, pg. 121). Twice-exceptional students are characterized as having advanced reasoning skills and the ability to generalize. These students are also intelligent, impulsive, fail to complete assignments, poor study skills, and are highly motivated in areas of interest. In the story, it’s an abstract thought that those who are gifted are receiving a handicap, and now they are deemed as learning disabled. The announcer in the story also had a speech impediment. He was not able to deliver the important news because of the impediment. Harrison displays some of the characteristics of a twice exceptional individual. Harrison is intelligent, impulsive, and has advanced reasoning skills. His impulsiveness and demonstrated when he escapes from jail and declares himself as Emperor. Individuals who are twice exceptional experience frustration when they aren’t able to be successful. Their self-efficacy must be encouraged. Academically, these students may have various learning styles. Concept 8: Fluid Intelligence Fluid abilities drive the individual’s ability to think and act quickly, solve novel problems, and encode short-term memories. This intelligence can be described as the source of intelligence when that individual doesn’t know what to do. Fluid abilities are the individual’s biological components. Fluid abilities change with age (Karnes Stephens, 2008, pg. 43). Fluid intelligence is the ability to think and reason abstractly and solve problems. This ability is considered independent of learning, experience, and education. Examples of the use of fluid intelligence include solving puzzles and coming up with problem-solving strategies (http://psychology. about. com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/fluid-crystal. htm). In this story, Harrison displays his fluid intelligence by his ability to act quickly. He is able to escape from jail. He is also able to reason abstractly and solve problems. He solved the problem of the band not playing correctly, even though he was rather rough. George also demonstrated fluid intelligence, even though it was marred due to the handicap. These examples demonstrate academic intelligence. Being able to complete an activity, when you don’t know what to do is a true source of intelligence and common sense. Concept 9: Crystallized Intelligence Crystallized intelligence represents intentional learning. Crystallized intelligence is the knowledge you gain through instruction. Crystallized intelligence is learning from past experiences. This type of knowledge is based upon facts. Crystallized intelligence is the ability to use skills, knowledge, and experience. It should not be equated with memory or knowledge, but it does rely on accessing information from long-term memory. Crystallized intelligence is indicated by a persons depth and breadth of general knowledge, vocabulary, and the ability to reason using words and numbers. It is the product of educational and cultural experience in interaction with fluid intelligence. Harrison demonstrates crystallized intelligence when he used his prior knowledge of music. He knew the synchronization of beats, and the proper way the music should be conducted. He also used his prior knowledge of dancing, when he danced with the ballerina. Crystallized intelligence along with fluid intelligence work together to create academic knowledge for both long and short-term memories. Both are factors in the ‘G’ Theory. Concept 10: PASS Theory In Das and Neglieri’s PASS theory, intelligence is divided into four interrelated cognitive processes, planning, attention-arousal, simultaneous processing, and successive planning (Karnes Stephens, 2008, p. 45). This theory centers around planning. Planning is the ability to make decisions about how to solve problems and perform actions. Essentially information can be processed in multiple ways through the use of planning. It involves setting goals, anticipating consequences, and using feedback. Planning also involves attention-arousal, simultaneous processing, and successive processing. Attention-arousal allows the individual to focus on one component, and not be distracted by others. Simultaneous processing allows the individual to integrate certain stimuli into an interrelated whole. Information can be processed multiple ways through internal and external sources. In this story, Harrison’s actions revolved around planning. He planned his escape from jail. After escaping from jail, he was determined to let the world know that he was the new emperor, and was essentially causing a rebellion. His goal was to free everyone from the chains of oppression. This example hypothetically affected his emotions more so than academics. His goal was to be free of the handicaps and rule the world. He yearned for power, and power stems from emotion.

The Business Strategies Of Tesco And Asda Marketing Essay

The Business Strategies Of Tesco And Asda Marketing Essay Porters Five Forces: Named after Michael E. Porter this model identifies and analyses five competitive forces that helps in determination of an organisations strengths and weaknesses. These forces include According to classical economics rivalries between companies must drive profits to zero because of the threat of substitutes. General substitution is able to reduce demand for a particular product, as there is a threat of consumers switching to the alternatives (Porter M. 1980). For example, if Tescos competitor ASDA provides substitutes for their goods then this will drive the price of groceries down for customers of both companies. Buyer power forces prices down. Fortunately the market is disciplined and they have a disciplined approach to price setting which prevents them from destroying each other in a profit war. Bargaining power of supplier may have implications for Tesco and ASDA. Supplier power is demonstrated by suppliers demand that they are paid a certain price for their goods. If retailers dont agree they dont get the goods to sell. But large supermarkets like Tesco and ASDA have an overwhelming advantage over the small shopkeeper. These supermarkets can dictate the price they pay the supplier. If the supplier does not agree they will be left with a much smaller market for their products. The new competitor factor of porter model also does not have much adverse implications on already established supermarket chains like Tesco and ASDA In fact they put up a lot of barriers to entry either implicitly or explicitly. For instance, Tesco may have cornered the market for some specific goods which the new supermarket will not be able to find cheap, reliable suppliers. Tesco and ASDA also has the advantage of economies of scale. They buy goods in bulk or in large volumes thereby considerably lowering the price they pay to suppliers per-item. A new small supermarket chain not well established can only buy a relatively small volume of goods and that will be at much higher rates. Porter theorized that the more products that become standardized or undifferentiated, the lower the switching cost, and hence, more power is yielded to buyers (Porter M. 1980). Tescos Clubcard remains the most successful tool in customer retention strategy and is highly effective in dealing with this problem of bargaining power of customers. PEST ANALYSIS FOR TESCO Political Factors Tesco with its massive operations on global scale is highly influenced by the political and legal conditions of host countries. For employment legislations, the government encourages retailers to provide a mix of job opportunities from flexible, lower-paid and locally-based jobs to highly-skilled, higher-paid and centrally-located jobs (Balchin, 1994). Economic Factors These factors mostly affect demands, cost, and profits and thus have implications for Tesco. They are largely beyond the control of Tesco, but their effects can be profound. Tesco is expected to do well internationally but is highly dependent on UK markets and any slowdown may have adverse affect on Tescos performance. Social Factors Changing shopping trends indicate shift towards one-stop and bulk buying to accommodate this Tesco has increased the number of non-food items available. Changes in population demographic and eating habits means retailers are focusing on products with added-value. Technological Factors The launch of the Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) initiative provided the shift that is now apparent in the management of food supply chains (Datamonitor Report, 2003). Tesco has fully integrated new technologies like intelligent scale, electronic labelling, self check-out machine with its operations. The use of Electronic Point of Sale (EPoS), Electronic Funds Transfer Systems (EFTPoS) and electronic scanners have greatly improved the efficiency of distribution and stocking activities, with needs being communicated almost in real time to the supplier (Finch, 2004). SWOT ANALYSIS FOR TESCO Strengths 1. Increased market share: Tesco already holds major share in the world market and because of strong fundamentals and multi-format will continue to do so. Their main strategy of attracting more customers through various methods like Tesco Clubcard has been very affective in winning customers long term loyalty. 2. Insurance: In fiscal 2003 Tesco Personal Finance became the fastest growing motor insurance provider by crossing the important mark of one million motor insurance policies. 3. Tesco online is the worlds biggest online supermarket with operations in more than 270 stores throughout the country. 4. Brand value: Tesco has a strong brand image, associated with its good quality, trustworthy goods representing excellent value. 5. Tesco has continued to develop a successful strategy to maintain its market leadership position. Weaknesses 1. Tescos high dependence on the UK market may be of concern in future for example, the Morrisons groups takeover of Safeway chain may alter the power balance. 2. Debt reduction: Tesco has aggressive expansion plan which leaves little free cash for any other operations. Opportunities 1. Expansion in non-food retail: Tescos telecom is the latest example of how it can expand in non-food retail industry. 2. Expansion into health and beauty; Tesco currently operates 19 stores with opticians and nearly 200 stores with pharmacies. 3. Tescos massive buying power gives it added advantage of economies of scale. 4. Tesco can further develop its revenue stream of online operation. Threats 1. Lower profit margins because of rising raw material costs for food and non food. 2. Structural changes in domestic markets may trigger price war. 3. Wal-Mart/ASDA challenge: Wal-Marts takeover of ASDA threatened Tescos rank as the top UK supermarket. 4. International expansion is good but is expensive and requires heavy investment. PEST ANALYSIS FOR ASDA Political Factors Like any other supermarket ASDA will also be affected by political factors whether they are new legislation regarding taxes or new employment laws. Thus EU enlargement, the euro etc all may have some implications for ASDA. Economic Factors Factors such as national income, recession, inflation may have some adverse affect on the performance of ASDA. Unemployment is the most influential factor on the economy. It lowers the demand for many goods thereby affecting the demand required for production of such goods. Social Factors The type of goods demanded by consumers reflects their social conditioning. One important factor applicable especially in the UK is increasing ageing population which has increased the costs for firms who are committed to pension payments for their employees because of their staff are living longer. ASDA has started to recruit older employees to tap into this growing labour pool. Technological Factors Technology is a major environmental variable which can help in development of many various beneficial processes and methods for cost reduction like improved efficiency in stock control due to bar coding, self scanning products etc. SWOT FOR ASDA Strengths 1. ASDA after its takeover by world giant Wal-Mart has increased its market share considerably and at present is just behind Tesco in UK markets. 2. Major employer in UK markets thus it has a major pool of talented and experienced work force. It has a focused strategy in place for human resource management and development. 3. Well established brand name with strong social image. 4. ASDAs strategies of smart price, price guarantee offer and ASDA direct have really changed the way customers look at them. Weaknesses 1. In comparisons to its competitors ASDA has low market penetration. 2. Lack of smaller superstores to compete with Tesco express, metro etc. 3. Product recalls which not only affects the business financially but also adversely affects the brand name. OPPORTUNITIES 1. ASDA can widen its product range especially non-food retail. 2. Expansion into European markets. With well established management strategies and strong parent firm like Wal-Mart this is the area where it should focus. THREATS 1. Major threat to ASDA is from its competitors especially Tesco mainly being the threat of substitute products available through the competitor stores at lower prices. 2. ASDAs major market is still in UK, so any slowdown or downturn in UK economy may affect ASDA very badly. 3. Consumer tastes and shopping trends are continuously changing. It is important for ASDA to continuously accommodate those changes if they want to keep their competitive edge. 4. Rising labour cost can also cut into ASDAs profits. SCENARIO PLANNING AND GAME THEORY Every organisation in order to develop strategic options and be future prepared needs to anticipate and think through how different options will impact them. Most organisations therefore use scenario planning and game theory to be future prepared. Tesco and ASDA Scenario 1: My way The conditions: Customers have do it yourself attitude. The society and economy is dynamic with consumers requiring more product information therefore the companies would have to continuously invent new methods to maintain their competitive edge. Products and services have undergone major changes with advanced technology like smart packaging that refrigerates individual packaging, fuelled by cells that automatically turn off on the use-by date. (The grocer, 2007). Consumers no longer trust big brands and do business through network of friends causing major change in retail structure with power balance shifting to individuals with high level of consumer trust. Large supermarkets chains like Tesco and ASDA will have to become logistics expert at local level. Scenario two: Sell it to me Customers have do it for me attitude In this scenario there is high customer confidence, good economy and customers trusting big brands and expecting organisations to solve problems for them. Large supermarkets like ASDA and Tesco do not undergo major changes and still dominate. The only major change that comes is the more personalised touch they give to their businesses like customised products based on the customers nutritional or personal requirements. Scenario three: from me to you. Here we have uncertain economy, less prosperity, environmental disasters, climate change. Consumers have do it yourself attitude as they dont trust the government and large organisations. Brand loyalty is almost nonexistent and customers prefer home grown cheaper solutions. Retail structure is badly affected with high street struggling. Scenario four: Im in your hands The economy is shaky, slow growth, debt crisis, with do it for me attitude of customer. Only trusted brands have survived. Development of new technologies is at much slower pace. It is the most favourable situation for Tesco and ASDA with smaller units struggling to survive with them dominating high streets. They enjoy strong customer trust with compulsory loyalty card schemes. (The grocer, 2007). PORTERS DIAMOND We now with the help of Porters diamond try to identify which of Tesco or ASDA is more competitive. Factors Conditions Tesco gained competitive advantage over ASDA through advanced factors mainly by successful technological integration into their business. Tesco has been successful in using these factors to make themselves more attractive to the customers. It was the first to diversify into various other nonretail sectors like mobile phones, insurance, digital entertainment. ASDA although has embraced these changes but by being first Tesco has gained an upper hand over ASDA. Demand Conditions Tesco was the first one to start own-label products. These are highly appreciated and in demand among the main middle class target group of these supermarkets because of low prices and good quality. Unlike ASDA Tesco stores are differentiated into various formats on basis of sizes and location like Tesco extra, Tesco metro, Tesco express making them easily accessible to everyone locally. Related And Supporting Industries Tesco gained advantage in this third attribute by mainly developing new products and selling it to existing customers. Strategy, Structure And Rivalry Tescos cost leadership strategy has given it a competitive edge over ASDA. Tesco is still continuing with its initial approach of pile it high, sell it cheap. Tesco stores in UK are divided into 6 classes depending upon their size, structure and range of products they sold. These size based structure helps it to serve their main target middle class group more effectively than ASDA. VISION MISSION AND GOALS Tesco Mission statement: Creating value for customers, to earn their lifetime loyalty.(Tesco PLC, our values, 2010). Tescos people centred value, our success depends on people both people who shop with us and people who work with us, explains how they would go an extra mile to win the loyalty of their customers and employees. Their Clubcard initiative has been their most successful customer retention strategy by gaining customers loyalty. ASDA Mission statement: To be Britains best value retailer exceeding customers needs.. always Statement of purpose: To save everyone money, everyday. (ASDA, all about us,2008) Thus according to the mission statement they want to become best retailer with priority on the customer satisfaction. ASDA has been working relentlessly towards this aim laying down various strategies to become market leader. One of these strategies as discussed in SWOT analysis is of price guarantee where the customers can easily do an online comparison with other supermarkets and if they are not cheapest then customer gets a printable voucher redeemable at ASDA stores. This along with ASDA smart price strategy shows their commitment towards their mission statement.