Criminal Justice

I put myself in the situation of the investigators in he TV shows and think of what I would actually do. My dad used to work in the department of CSS for the Texas police Department so I have some background knowledge and terminology of what is going on. I frequently asked questions and I felt like I somewhat knew the life of a crime scene investigator. They get calls in the middle of the night and they have to go out to the scene. Let is a very stressful and traumatizing job. When it comes down to the two shows of First 48 and CSS, they deal with crimes that involve murders and have investigation element.CSS is full of trained investigators trying to examine the evidence. They find the missing pieces that will solve the case. â€Å"A criminal investigator is a person who conducts investigations for criminal cases. This person is responsible for collecting and assessing evidence for a case to pinpoint guilty parties. If you have ever watched an episode of CSS, you have seen criminal Basic Carnally Investigation 2 investigators in action. The ones In the real world do roughly the same work, but they don't always have dramatic cases to deal with. This explains the Job of a criminal investigator and the Job duties will vary depending on what type of crime there is. When It comes to every crime scene, it goes through steps before It Is considered solved or unsolved. If It Is unsolved, they have tried numerous times to solve the case, but had no leads or no witnesses. The steps are evaluating the case,collecting the evidence,analyzing the forensics, identifying the suspect, if you have a suspect, interrogate him/her, then you bring the case to court for trial and lastly, depending on if the criminal investigators did their Job right justice will be served.Most investigators want to put the suspect in Jail, but that is not always the case. I explain the procedures and process of a crime scene investigator because this is what the the show CSS deals with. Though, CSS is not like Law and Order where they interrogate a suspect, go to trial , and show if the suspect goes to Jail or not. CSS has added drama and it deals more with investigating the actual crime scene. It is a scripted TV show and you can tell some of the scenes are over dramatic and side of the road on a highway.It is about how the team of investigators find out the woman was once a man who underwent a sex change. They investigate and go out figuring out the life of transgender. The way they showed reconstruction of the crime scene is how they would picture the crime in their head. They focused on the evidence in the car and they Basic Criminal Investigation 3 tried to find the fabrics in the car if there was any evidence left behind. They find out who the suspect is, but they do not let the viewers know what happens to the suspect. They have the viewer assume.When they show how the evidence is transferred on to a body part, that is when determination and special effects come into p lay. They show the victim in the crime lab, and they investigate the possibilities f what may have happened. This episode was more realistic because they found the killer in a reasonable time because the suspect confessed. Usually, they would find out the suspect in the same amount of time, but it was unrealistic. SSL makes up more their unrealistic scenes by doing what actual Crime scene investigators do.Watching an Episode of the First 48, this episode was on 9/7/12 and it was about a scene that occurred in Dallas Texas and two friends were walking in the woods and discover a dead body. Let was near the rail road tracks and they call the police. It was ruing May 5th. The body was burned and it had no arms. It is missing the head and hands. The criminal investigator has experience of 19 years. First 48 is based on real life situations and and it is filmed on site, This show focuses more on catching the criminal and investigating what happened within the first 48 hours.This is more realistic because the time frame is actually a real scenario. There is no determination to it. This is actual real life homicides that happen in different cities. The investigators actually use forensic evidence, and witnesses to find the suspect. Though only says 48 hours, it goes on more than that and could even lead into years. The investigate the body and Basic Criminal Investigation 4 they actually go into the scene. They did not show any crime lab or any special investigating on the body.They focused on more investigating the case and how it happened. Watching both shows there are definitely more differences than there are similarities. When it comes to CSS, they find the body to open up the show rather than scene and then they take the body to the forensic lab. They actually take the time to observe the body and find out possibilities and theories of what could have happened in the lab. That is how they portray the scene by going through what they think had happened.Watching First 48, it actually a whole real life scene. Someone calls the police, they set up a crime scene, and they start to investigate instantly. They take the body to the forensic lab. Both shows are different in a way where CSS actually shows you what they do in the lab, and First 48 does not show you the lab and they focus more on the crime scene. The two shows both have reconstruction crime scene, UT the way CSS does is that they dramatist the scene of the evidence.You can tell that there are unrealistic possibilities in CSS rather than watching First 48 where everything is what would actually happen. Both shows used the proper equipment for the scene. SSL is a lot shorter and the way they find the suspect is unrealistic because they show it in a half an hour time frame rather than an actual 48 hours. SSL leaves you wanting more as well as First 48, but First 48 will always be in favor of real Crime scene investigators because it is documentary based rather and a Hollywood reality TV show. Criminal Justice I put myself in the situation of the investigators in he TV shows and think of what I would actually do. My dad used to work in the department of CSS for the Texas police Department so I have some background knowledge and terminology of what is going on. I frequently asked questions and I felt like I somewhat knew the life of a crime scene investigator. They get calls in the middle of the night and they have to go out to the scene. Let is a very stressful and traumatizing job. When it comes down to the two shows of First 48 and CSS, they deal with crimes that involve murders and have investigation element.CSS is full of trained investigators trying to examine the evidence. They find the missing pieces that will solve the case. â€Å"A criminal investigator is a person who conducts investigations for criminal cases. This person is responsible for collecting and assessing evidence for a case to pinpoint guilty parties. If you have ever watched an episode of CSS, you have seen criminal Basic Carnally Investigation 2 investigators in action. The ones In the real world do roughly the same work, but they don't always have dramatic cases to deal with. This explains the Job of a criminal investigator and the Job duties will vary depending on what type of crime there is. When It comes to every crime scene, it goes through steps before It Is considered solved or unsolved. If It Is unsolved, they have tried numerous times to solve the case, but had no leads or no witnesses. The steps are evaluating the case,collecting the evidence,analyzing the forensics, identifying the suspect, if you have a suspect, interrogate him/her, then you bring the case to court for trial and lastly, depending on if the criminal investigators did their Job right justice will be served.Most investigators want to put the suspect in Jail, but that is not always the case. I explain the procedures and process of a crime scene investigator because this is what the the show CSS deals with. Though, CSS is not like Law and Order where they interrogate a suspect, go to trial , and show if the suspect goes to Jail or not. CSS has added drama and it deals more with investigating the actual crime scene. It is a scripted TV show and you can tell some of the scenes are over dramatic and side of the road on a highway.It is about how the team of investigators find out the woman was once a man who underwent a sex change. They investigate and go out figuring out the life of transgender. The way they showed reconstruction of the crime scene is how they would picture the crime in their head. They focused on the evidence in the car and they Basic Criminal Investigation 3 tried to find the fabrics in the car if there was any evidence left behind. They find out who the suspect is, but they do not let the viewers know what happens to the suspect. They have the viewer assume.When they show how the evidence is transferred on to a body part, that is when determination and special effects come into p lay. They show the victim in the crime lab, and they investigate the possibilities f what may have happened. This episode was more realistic because they found the killer in a reasonable time because the suspect confessed. Usually, they would find out the suspect in the same amount of time, but it was unrealistic. SSL makes up more their unrealistic scenes by doing what actual Crime scene investigators do.Watching an Episode of the First 48, this episode was on 9/7/12 and it was about a scene that occurred in Dallas Texas and two friends were walking in the woods and discover a dead body. Let was near the rail road tracks and they call the police. It was ruing May 5th. The body was burned and it had no arms. It is missing the head and hands. The criminal investigator has experience of 19 years. First 48 is based on real life situations and and it is filmed on site, This show focuses more on catching the criminal and investigating what happened within the first 48 hours.This is more realistic because the time frame is actually a real scenario. There is no determination to it. This is actual real life homicides that happen in different cities. The investigators actually use forensic evidence, and witnesses to find the suspect. Though only says 48 hours, it goes on more than that and could even lead into years. The investigate the body and Basic Criminal Investigation 4 they actually go into the scene. They did not show any crime lab or any special investigating on the body.They focused on more investigating the case and how it happened. Watching both shows there are definitely more differences than there are similarities. When it comes to CSS, they find the body to open up the show rather than scene and then they take the body to the forensic lab. They actually take the time to observe the body and find out possibilities and theories of what could have happened in the lab. That is how they portray the scene by going through what they think had happened.Watching First 48, it actually a whole real life scene. Someone calls the police, they set up a crime scene, and they start to investigate instantly. They take the body to the forensic lab. Both shows are different in a way where CSS actually shows you what they do in the lab, and First 48 does not show you the lab and they focus more on the crime scene. The two shows both have reconstruction crime scene, UT the way CSS does is that they dramatist the scene of the evidence.You can tell that there are unrealistic possibilities in CSS rather than watching First 48 where everything is what would actually happen. Both shows used the proper equipment for the scene. SSL is a lot shorter and the way they find the suspect is unrealistic because they show it in a half an hour time frame rather than an actual 48 hours. SSL leaves you wanting more as well as First 48, but First 48 will always be in favor of real Crime scene investigators because it is documentary based rather and a Hollywood reality TV show.

Hiring a Plant Manager

A plant manager oversees all daily operations of a plant. He often is in charge of everything from production and manufacturing to making sure policies and procedures are followed in all departments. Supervising and motivating staff members generally are major parts of the job as well. The plant’s physical operations generally are the main responsibility of the plant manager. He is required to maintain a clean plant free of safety or health concerns.The production equipment and machinery should be meticulously cared for to avoid lapses in the manufacturing process and to ensure quality control standards are upheld. The manager of the plant may also be required to constantly monitor workers to spot any procedural infractions and correct them in a timely manner. In addition to managing daily plant functions, the manager may be responsible for creating and following a budget and preparing profit and loss projections.This requires proficiency in math and skills in creating reports and spreadsheets utilizing commercially produced and in-house software programs. The ability to interpret reports and statistics from outside agencies is also an important skill needed by a plant manager. Having a trustworthy and competent administrative staff in place helps the manager run a productive and profitable facility. From the human resources manager to the person in charge of ordering raw materials for production, the excellence of the supervisorial staff’s performance is often imperative to the overall success of the plant.The plant manager generally relies on these staff members to maintain good employee relations, quality control standards and meet production deadlines. The plant manager also may attend departmental meetings to personally address and resolve problems. Making sure his plant has a positive image in the community can be important for company morale. The plant manager may also be required to ensure the plant has a good reputation for respecting the environment and other local businesses.If he has to implement changes in physical operations or labor needs that affect local residents, having neighborhood support can be crucial. Public relations may also be a large part of a plant manager’s job. He often is the designated spokesperson if the media approaches him on any plant-related issues. The manager might be expected to intelligently and positively represent his plant as well as its goals and employees. If a debate ensues, he may be relied upon to persuasively argue his point of view on issues of importance to his company.Being able to objectively view company as well as community issues significantly helps a plant manager succeed. A bachelor’s degree in operations management or business administration is strongly preferred for most plant manager positions. Continuing education classes and seminars on project, plant and human resources management are often required once the job is secured. Experience in producti on, manufacturing or assembly management is considered an asset for plant manager job applicants.

Sex, Gender and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Sex, Gender and Society - Essay Example The fact of gender stereotyping therefore has put the spotlight back on the Caribbean male. (Lewis, 1994, p 76). In other words, it has become one of the most perceptible gendered realities that the men in the Caribbean territory are in crisis in the modern world and the Jamaican realities of gender regarding the marginalisation of black male substantiate the argument. In fact, the marginalisation of black male in the Caribbean territory, especially in Jamaica, has emerged one of the pertinent discourses in the contemporary discourses of Sex, Gender and Society. "Central to this discourse is the notion that men are increasingly missing from the higher echelons of the family, the classroom and the labour force. The marginalization thesis prompts a variety of understandings. On the one hand, the increased presence of Jamaican women in education, the labour force and as household heads suggests that the nation's traditional patriarchy is being reordered to produce a new female-dominated gender hierarchy." (Lindsay, 2002, p 56). This paper undertakes a reflective analysis of the thesis, with reference to the territory of Jamaica, that Caribbean men are in crisis examining the relevance and accuracy of this argument and finding the most illumining recommendations as resolution. One of the salient recent developments in feminist and gender studies in the Caribbean region is the emergence of studies of masculinities and the most appealing argument, based on the marginalisation thesis, is that the Caribbean male is an endangered species. There have been convincing data evidences and empirical supports to this significant argument by Lindsay, and the evidences from the education sector best substantiate the point. Thus, "the Anglophone Caribbean is one of the few regions where secondary school enrolment of girls exceeds that of boys. Additionally, by the 1986-87 academic year, total female enrolment at the University of the West Indies slightly exceeded that of males. By the end of 1992, 70 per cent of all graduates from the University of the West Indies Mona campus were female." (Reddock, 2004, p ix-x). Therefore, it is obvious that there are stunning empirical evidences to prove the accuracy of the argument which states that Caribbean men are in crisis. Accor ding to Lindsay, a clear understanding of the data regarding Caribbean women's participation in different areas of the family, workplace and classroom rarely suggests the increasing female dominance and converse male marginality. To her, the marginality of males in the land results not from any concrete material reality, but from a gender based methodological frame which identifies some data source and ignores others. That is to say, there are arguments in favour as well as against the data evidences of male marginalisation. "While a number of scholars have been able to challenge the marginalization thesis successfully, it continues to have great impact, causing expressions of concern from the highest levels of government and from quasi-governmental institutions at national and regional levels." (Reddock, 2004, p ix-x). Therefore, it is all but easy to conclude that there is great accuracy of the marginalizati

Critical evaluation of two luxury brand stores Essay

Critical evaluation of two luxury brand stores - Essay Example Such kinds of people have high purchasing power and hence they go for such kinds of products. When one buys something of luxury brand one can genuinely feel the difference. Luxury brands grow and expand even when the economy goes down. People spend thousands of dollars to buy such kind of products. In this paper two luxury brands Hermes and Chanel will be considered. Hermes is a French manufacturer of luxury goods with its headquartered in Paris, France. Similarly Chanel is also a high fashion house headquartered in Paris, France. The each has their own touch points across the world where they reflect their individuality with the customers. Such brands need to take care of their marketing strategy in such a way that their brand value does not get affected. Discussion In this section of the essay, the detailed discussion about each of the two chosen brands will be conducted. The discussion of each brand includes overview and analysis of the brand; and brand message and communication a cross brand touch points. In overview and analysis of the brand the key focus will be on brand position and heritage, and brand DNA. In brand message and communication, the key focus will be on the concept stores and other communication tools. Analysis of the two brands in above mentioned perspectives has been conducted separately for each of the two brands below. Hermes International Figure 1: Logo of Hermes International It was founded by Thierry Hermes in 1837. ... Hermes International S.A. has around 304 exclusive stores including 180 branches, 21 retail outlets and 124 concessionaries (Tran, 2012, p. 3). It employees only 9081 persons, but their revenues keeps increasing rapidly in many years. Their revenue in 2011 was 2,841 million euros. The prices of their products are sky high but still their sales keeps on increasing every year. For example on an average Hermes handbag cost $ 3000 -$ 5000, but people still prefer to buy them (Hermes, 2013, p. 1). Hermes targets teenagers and young adults who love fashion. Their customer wants high quality merchandise with good features and wonderful after sale service. Their customers earn high incomes and do not bother about how expensive the prices are. They basically look for limited edition leather watches. Such customers want to own something which other common people can’t afford to buy. United States is an important market for Hermes. They target high income customers who are mostly males. Hence they focus more on male accessories than female counterparts (Ritson, 2010, p. 1). Likewise their target customers are different across different countries, depending on the demography of the economy. Like Hermes is now trying to target the Mainland China. According to a study in China, male consumer s purchase more luxury products online as compared to female counterparts. So there also they sell the male accessories. Figure 2: Hermes International Store in London Hermes basically gives two powerful messages thorough their stores. One is the craftsmanship displayed by their artisans in creating their products. Another message is the quality and commitment to service delivery which is displayed by the service received by the customers who visits

The Public Register Online Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Public Register Online - Assignment Example Coca Cola used a traditional approach in its annual report since the report is written in black and white. The annual report of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group is more visually appealing due to the fact the annual report is written using color ink with graphics and photos. The annual report of this company is easier to read as the information is not a cluttered as in the Coca-Cola annual report. The way the Coca-Cola annual report is presented detracts from value of the information that is presented. To me it seems as if Coca-Cola wrote the report thinking only about its obligation with the SEC, instead of realizing the importance of the annual report for the investor community. One good attributes about the format used by Coca Cola is that as you move through the report in the left side there are links itemizing the topics which helps the user jump to different topics within the report instantly. The 2010 Coca Cola annual report has all the necessary components that an annual report is supposed to have and is well structured, but the report lacks the ability to connect with the reader. The Dr Pepper Snapple Groups annual report uses several techniques business professionals use to make the presentation of financial and business data easier to understand and more fun to read. The Dr Pepper Snapple Group management team presents a positive outlook in the annual report. The company has been able to penetrate the non-soda beverage market very well with a market share of 40.4% largely in part to the booming sales of the Snapple natural beverages (Annual Report: Dr Pepper Snapple Group, 2010). The Dr Pepper brand has achieve six consecutive years of sales growth and the firm has increased its customer reach through its distribution of the product at over 14,000 McDonald’s establishments. The annual report of this firm focused on the domestic market since 89% of the firm sales are in the United States with additional international revenues coming from

Design and Contemporary Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Design and Contemporary Culture - Essay Example In support of their ideologies, the authors present the case of the crisis of Victoria in British Columbia that saw the rise of teenage violence in the early 2000s. The authors explain how this violence and chaos were brought out as a social crisis in the state after years of hiding owing to the fear of tarnishing the city’s image. The authors also use other cases of youth violence and crime, as well as, the responses towards these situations, in support of their arguments regarding social construction of crises. In essence, the authors explain the role of the media in both, representing the real picture during crisis and its inability to grasp the intricacy of the truth of the crisis1. This first section of the article also explains what is to be covered in the next sections, and facilitates the comprehension of some of the ideas and concepts regarding social construction. Representation. Having introduced the story of youth violence in the first section of the article, Oâ₠¬â„¢Brien and Szeman examine the concept of representation as is relates to social construction. The term representation is defined as the social construction of meaning by use of sign systems2. ... Representation affects people’s thoughts and perceptions concerning certain events, hence its role in social construction. To, further, elucidate their ideas regarding representation, the authors also draw attention to the structuralist theories of representation, as well as, the rules of representation in social construction. As explained in the article, the structuralist theories of representation are focused on the indirect meanings of words and cultural practices, as opposed to, their direct meaning. Put simply, these theories put more emphasis on how words mean instead of what they mean4. O’Brien and Szeman provide the example of the semiotic theory in support of this, and they explain how this theory has had a major impact on culture. Essentially, the semiotics theory consists of two main elements including the langue and parole. The langue is what the authors refer to as the what the meaning is, where as the parole refers to how the meaning is presented. The lang ue is also associated with the system as a whole as existent on the abstract level, whereas, parole has been closely linked with individual utterances5. O’Brien and Szeman also discuss the rules of representation, and how their application in social construction. The authors explain the rules of representation are quite simple and they involve drawing the line between storytelling and the depiction of actual events. While these two principles may have a relation in social construction, the authors explain that the ability comprehend the role of these two elements in social construction is imperative. It provides individuals with the ability to draw out made up stories from actual realities. To support their argument, O’Brien and Szeman provide

Modern Art in the 20th Century Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Modern Art in the 20th Century - Essay Example The essay "Modern Art in the 20th Century" analyzes the modern art and the art concepts of the 20th century. The artist of this time created new movements that had an influence on artistic expression moving into the 21st century. The concept of primitivism works on the concept that the closest expression of emotional experience is captured in the primitive drawings of children and those who haven't taken part in formal artistic study. When successfully coupled with these theories, â€Å"art does not reproduce the visible; rather, it makes visible,† according to artist Paul Klee. His painting Diana in the Autumn Wind does a good job of illustrating this concept. At first glance, the painting might seem to be a child’s drawing that has accidentally found itself hanging in a museum. It looks like a crayon drawing. Depending on how you look at it, the group of overlapping flat shapes in the center of the frame can create the image of a woman caught in strong winds. At the s ame time, they can also appear to be the 'leaves' of autumn flying around the canvas. The woman really starts to emerge when you notice the tiny stick-style legs near the bottom of the image and the small white face that peeks out from the top. According to Pioch, â€Å"leaves flying in a moist breeze are, at the same time, the Virgin goddess on the hunt, and yet also a fashionably dressed woman from Klee's social circle. Klee gives the impression that the painting is done with crayon by allowing some of the white surface of the canvas.

COM 263 assignment # 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

COM 263 assignment # 3 - Essay Example By understanding this, she could choose her words to convey the intellectual meaning without the cultural identity becoming an obstacle. This would extend to her non-verbal communications such as attire, stance, and demeanor. Cross culture communications requires that we look at ourselves and reach beyond our limitations in an effort to fit ourselves into the situational context and become more universal (Fitzgerald, 197). Understanding our own cultural identities is the building block that intellectual communication is based on. Being a woman and returning to school as an older student has influenced my ability to communicate effectively between cultures. As a woman, I must be aware that my communication may become genderized. When speaking to a male or mixed audience, it is imperative that I understand the communication methods I have acquired as a female as well as the perception of the audience. If I am speaking to a diverse audience that has various ethnic groups or races, it is important that I understand how my identity is viewed by their culture. If I were speaking about the right of a woman to equal pay for equal work, my vocabulary and presentation would vary depending on if I am speaking to a black woman or a Muslim man. As an older student, I can be caught mistakenly thinking that I know more than lifes experience has actually given me. My skills at presenting a case for a viewpoint may be lacking even though I have an emotional understanding of the argument. My identity as older does not directl y coincide with that of being a better student. When communicating with other students, age may garner respect or the opposite may occur. Only by understanding my own identity can I find ways to communicate more clearly and effectively deal with this obstacle. In the situation of working in another department temporarily, there are several identities that are brought to the situation. An important identity is that all the people work for the same company.

Whether we should depend on renewable energy instead of fossil fuels Thesis

Whether we should depend on renewable energy instead of fossil fuels - Thesis Example In many respects, renewable energy is more beneficial, and this is why in the nearest future people should use it as the main source of energy instead of fossil fuels. First of all, renewable energy is not as harmful for the ecology as fossil fuels. As a result of human activities, the atmosphere of the planet is overloaded with carbon dioxide and other emissions which added all together cause the greenhouse effect that result in the rise of the average temperature of the atmosphere, also referred to as global warming. For example, in the United States, In accordance with the data presented on the official website of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, â€Å"over 70% of electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas†. In total, electricity production in the country accounts for about one third of harmful emissions, among which 25 percent are emitted by coal-fired power plants and 6 percent – by natural gas-fired power plants (United States Environmental Protection Agency). At the same time, when it comes to the use of renewable energy, greenhouse gases emissions are minimal. What is more, the U. S. De partment of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory have introduced a milestone study, in accordance to it would be possible to reduce greenhouse gases emissions by 81 percent if at least 80 percent of electricity in the country were produced using renewable sources of energy. Second of all, renewable sources, such as wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, hydrogen, biofuel etc., are vast and inexhaustible. All these mentioned sources have a great technical potential to meet the needs of electricity of the entire world. For example, by 2040, solar power industry could provide 26 percent of people’s needs for electricity (McLamb). Fossil fuels, in their turn, are not unlimited at all. Accordingly with the latest

Macro O Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Macro O - Assignment Example The impressive employment and inflation figures in Germany may be attributed to sound economic policies that the country has held over the years. For instance, by reducing public spending and ensuring high standards of accountability in the government’s system, Germany was able to withstand the turbulent effects of the European debt crisis that affected some European countries, though the debt crises affected other Eurozone members leading to the current inflation rate in Germany. The country has the Euro as its main currency though undervalued compared to Deutschmark’s real value. Moreover, Germany is one of the countries that have managed to raise the working hour flexibility and reduction in structural unemployment. These factors have been critical in sustaining Germany’s economy, leading to a sound job market that translates in a low unemployment rate. Strong fiscal policies in public spending and deficit cuts have led Germany to reduce its debt burdens, a si gnificant step towards controlling its inflation rates. However, Germany’s unemployment rate may be blamed on its transition system of education that holds many youths in vocational schools, which hardly translate to real job opportunities. Such transition schools do not offer skills that are relevant in the market, with graduates from these centres failing to secure jobs. One way to reduce the unemployment rate is to deal with policies that would encourage Foreign Direct investments, FDIs. Currently, FDI in Germany stands at $40.4 billion (Heritage Foundation, 2013). This is not enough for a country with a sound economy and better export terms than its Eurozone members are. By attracting FDIs, more economic activities will spur across the country, suggesting more employment and reduced inflation rates. 2. German fiscal policies are designed with a view to reduce unemployment levels and prevent any recessionary forces in the economy. For instance, in 2010, the government had to cut more than 14 million euros in taxes; in 2011, the government agreed to cut another 24 million in income taxes (Stifftung, 2013). The benefit of tax cuts as a fiscal policy in Germany was that the government managed to close a significant recession gap. The result was stimulated economic growth through encouraged consumption. Furthermore, the economy had a better chance to readjust while the government concentrates more in job creation. This explains why Germany has a stable economy considering the low taxation and increased employment opportunities. However, the disadvantage was that the government through these tax cuts reduced its budgetary allocations to important sectors in the development of the country. The country could have funded social development projects with the huge amounts of taxes forfeited in tax cuts. The European Central Bank is mainly responsible for Germany’s monetary policies (Stifftung, 2013). When the bank raises interest rates to curb rising in flation rates, the result is a change in the cost of living considering commodities will have unstable prices as a response to the interest rates increase. Most Germans would have to save rather than spend, faced increased costs of borrowing that hampered developments and higher interests rates for government debts. The increase would have a negative effect on both the government and Germans in general and may have slowed down development. However, such an increase in interest rates

Gun Control Essay Example for Free

Gun Control Essay Argumentative Essay against Gun Control Since 1980, forty-four states have passed laws allowing gun owners to carry concealed weapons outside their homes for personal protection. (Five additional states had these laws before 1980. Illinois is the sole holdout. ) A federal ban on the possession, tran Premium756 Words4 Pages Gun Control Essay Gun control is among the most hotly debated of topics today. With the federal government currently discussing whether to initiate stronger and more strict laws for owning guns, the number of gun control essays has risen, which makes perfect sense since the topic is fresh on people’s minds with rec Premium404 Words2 Pages Gun Control Dan Nenninger: Essay # 1 Gun Control According to the Coalition for Gun Control, last year a total of 291 people were killed by handguns in Australia, Sweden, Great Britain, Japan, and Switzerland. In the United States more than 24,000 people will be killed by the end of this year. So what is Premium795 Words4 Pages Gun Control Persuasive Essay on Gun Control What would be going through your mind if you were in a restaurant and a mad man came in and began slaughtering people right and left including you family (Swasey 174)? Would you be thinking if they would ban guns this would have never happened? Probably not! What you Premium354 Words2 Pages Gun Control and Gun Violence Among Children NAME: Clara Lawson COURSE:PHI 105 Critical Thinking Problem Solving DATE: January 12, 2012 INSTRUCTOR: DR. Scott Hovater GUN CONTROL GUN VIOLENCE in CHILDREN To start my essay off, I have an unusual story that is true. My mom knew a girl when she was lit Premium945 Words4 Pages Gun Control Working Outline for the Argumentative Paper Topic: Gun Control Topic Question: Does the U. S. need more gun control laws? Introductory Paragraph * What do I need to say to set up my thesis? (Do you need background information? Definitions? Explanations? ) * Thesis Statement: So many citi Premium483 Words2 Pages Gun Control Argumentative Essay (Against) Gun Control Argumentative Essay All guns have the potential to be dangerous and should be dealt with precaution. Guns have been a part of American history for as long as people can remember. For most individuals guns are supposed to be very dangerous and unsafe. Though, that is not true. Guns can b Premium284 Words2 Pages

The Welfare Effects Of A Government Policy Economics Essay

The Welfare Effects Of A Government Policy Economics Essay For the purpose of this paper demand and supply analysis is used to show how it can be applied to a wide variety of economic problems. In the first section consumer and producer surplus is better defined and explained to understand the welfare effects of a government policy. In other words, consumer and producer surplus can evaluate who gains and who loses from a given policy, and also by how much. Also note that these two concepts of surplus can also be used to demonstrate the efficiency of a competitive market. In the sections to follow minimum prices, price supports, and related policies will be discussed in more detail. To assist the theory, demand-supply analysis will be used to understand and assess these policies. Consumer and Producer Surplus To understand consumer and producer surplus better the principles of price ceilings and floors will be discussed. As opposed to price floors, a government-imposed price ceiling means that the price is set at a lower level than the price in the prevailing market. Likewise, price ceilings will cause the quantity of a good demanded to rise. This happens because at lower prices consumers want to buy more. On the other hand, the quantity supplied will fall because producers are not willing to supply as much at lower prices. As a result of this a shortage will occur, which also indicates excess demand. Note that those consumers who can still buy the good will be better off because they now pay less. However, supply will fall, forcing producers to provide less of their goods. The following section provides a more detailed explanation of the welfare gained or lost by both consumers and producers, should certain prices be imposed. For the purpose of this section the assumption follows that consumers and producers buy and sell at the prevailing market price in an unregulated, competitive market. However, for some consumers the value of the good in question exceeds the prevailing market price. This also means that the consumer would be willing to pay more for the good if it was expected. Therefore, consumer surplus is the total benefit that consumers receive beyond what they pay for the good (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:300). For example if the market price of a product is R7, but the consumer is willing to pay R10 for it, then his net benefit will be R3. Consumer surplus can also be explained with the assistance of demand and supply curves. In this respect consumer surplus can be interpreted as the area between the demand curve and the market price. Pindyck and Rubinfeld (2005:300) also states that consumer surplus measures the net benefit to consumers in the aggregate, therefore, this analysis can be used to better understand the gains or losses induced from government interventions. On the other hand, producer surplus is the equivalent measure for producers (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:301). If goods were to be produced at a price lower than the market price, then more could be produced. Therefore, producers will enjoy a benefit, or rather a surplus, from selling those units. This surplus is the difference between the market price the producer receives and the marginal cost of producing the units. It can also be better explained as the area above the supply curve up to the market price. Essentially consumer and producer surplus is used for economic analysis to evaluate the welfare effects of a government intervention in the market. It assists with anticipating who will gain or lose from the intervention, and also by how much. To do so the concepts of price ceilings and price floors will be explained in more detail. Price Ceilings Price ceilings occur when production (supply) is decreased and the quantity demanded is increased (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:301). Price ceilings tend to cause excess demand, or rather shortages, to occur. Figure 1: Graphical Presentation of a Price Ceiling The following section provides a theoretical explanation of Figure 1 and the effects of price ceilings on consumers and producers respectively: Consumer Surplus (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:302; and Perloff, 2005:274, 296, 297): Consumers are better off as they can buy the good at a lower price. Thus, the consumers that still buy the good enjoy an increase in consumer surplus, which is resembled by rectangle A. On the other, those consumers who can no longer buy the good lose surplus. Their loss is represented by triangle B. Therefore, the net change in consumer surplus which is a positive result is: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  CS = A B Producer Surplus (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:303; and Perloff, 2005:278, 280, 297): With price controls, some producers will stay in the market but will receive a lower price for their output. Thus, they have lost the producer surplus represented by rectangle A. Other producers may however leave the market. This means that total production will also drop, which is represented by triangle C. Therefore, the change in producer surplus, which is a negative result, is: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  PS = (-A) C Deadweight Loss (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:304; and Perloff, 2005:280, 281): Price controls will result in a net loss, which is also referred to as deadweight loss. Therefore, combining the change in both consumer and producer surplus will bring along a total change in surplus as follows: Deadweight Loss = (A B) + [(-A) -C] = (-B) C In essence, deadweight loss results in an inefficiency caused by price controls. In summation, a price ceiling is that price held below the prevailing market price. It merely means that too little is produced and, at the same time, that consumers and producers in the aggregate are worse off (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:306; and Mohr, 2004:162, 163). Price Floors In contrast to price ceilings, price floors indicate what happens when government requires for the price to be above the market price. Although producers would like to produce more at this higher price (indicated on the supply curve at P2) consumers will now buy less. If we assume that producers only produce what can be sold, then the market output level will be at Q1. Once again there is a noted net loss of total surplus (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:306, and Perloff, 2005:293): Triangles B (a loss of consumer surplus) and C (a loss of producer surplus) represents the deadweight loss. Rectangle D represents the transfer from consumers to producers, who now receive a higher price. Figure 2: Graphical Presentation of a Price Floor In fact, the deadweight loss gives an optimistic assessment of the efficiency cost of policies. The reason for this assumption is that some producers may still however increase prices after the price floor have been incorporated. This would, in turn, result in unsold output. However, should the producer receive more importance with regard to applicable policies, then government might buy up the unsold output to maintain production at Q0. In both cases, the total welfare loss will exceed the areas of triangles B and C (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:307). The Efficiency of a Competitive Market As discussed already, consumer and producer surplus can be used to evaluate economic efficiency in the aggregate. In the previous section it was shown how price controls create a deadweight loss. Thus, the policy imposes an efficiency cost on the economy (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:306). Both consumer and producer surplus are reduced by the amount of the deadweight loss. This does not mean that such a policy is bad. It may however achieve other objectives that policymakers and the public consider important. Many researchers argue that if the only objective is to achieve economic efficiency, then a competitive market would be better left alone. This means that no interventions should occur. However, in some cases market failure will occur because prices fail to provide the proper signals to consumers and producers. Also, the unregulated, competitive market could be inefficient. These indications of market failure may occur because of two instances (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:306): Externalities: Sometimes the actions of either consumers or producers will result in a cost/benefit that does not show up as part of the market price. Such a cost/benefit can also be referred to as externalities because they are external to the market. An example of this is the cost to society of environmental pollution by a producer of industrial chemicals. Lack of Information: When consumers lack information about the quality or nature of a product and can therefore not make a utility-maximising purchasing decision. If these two instances (externalities and/or the lack of information) are absent in a market then that unregulated, competitive market will essentially have no obstacles, and an economically efficient output level can be reached. Minimum Prices For the purpose of this section we will refer back to Figure 2. From the graph we can see that if producers can correctly anticipate that they can sell only the lower quantity Q1, then the net welfare will be given by triangles B and C. However, as mentioned before, producers may not limit their output to Q1. Incorporating Figure 2 to illustrate minimum prices, the following notations has to be made (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:310): P2 denotes a minimum price set by the government. Q2 denotes the quantity supplied, and Q1 denotes the quantity demanded. The difference between Q1 and Q2 represents excess supply, or rather, unsold supply. Therefore, Consumer Surplus (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:310): Those consumers who still purchase the good must now pay a higher price (Rectangle D). Some consumers will also drop out of the market (Triangle B). Therefore, consumer surplus remains the same as before and indicates that consumers are actually worse off as a result of this policy: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  CS = (-D) B Producer Surplus (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:311): Producers, on the other hand, receive a higher price for the units they sell, which results in an increase of surplus (Rectangle D). Rectangle D can also be better described as the transfer of funds between consumers and producers. But, the drop in sales from Q0 to Q1 actually results in a loss of surplus which is represented by triangle C. Also remember that the supply curve is a representation of the additional cost of producing each incremental unit. Thus, the area under the supply curve from Q1 to Q2 is the cost of producing quantity Q2 less Q1. This area is represented by trapezoid E. Unless producers respond to unsold output by cutting production, the total change in producer surplus will be: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  PS = D C E Minimum prices is merely one of the ways to raise prices above the prevailing market level through the direct intervention and regulation of the government simply make it illegal to charge a price lower than a specific minimum level. As a result, this form of government intervention can reduce producers profits because of the cost of excess production. Another example of this is a minimum wage law. In other words, a wage rate at a level higher than the market price will result in those workers who can find jobs and earn a higher payoff. However, some people who want to work will be unable to, which will result in a policy that brings about unemployment (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:311). Price Supports and Production Quotas Besides imposing a minimum price, the government can also increase the price of a good in other ways. In agricultural policy the system is mostly based on price supports, but prices can also be increased by restricting production, either directly or through incentives to producers (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:314). In this section these policies will be examined in more detail as to show how consumers, producers and the government budget are affected. Price Supports: In general, price supports aim to increase the prices of dairy products, tobacco, peanuts, etc. This is done with the intention that the producers of these types of products earn higher incomes. This basically entails that the government sets the supporting price and then buys up whatever output is needed to keep the market price at this level. The resulting gains/losses will be as follows: Figure 3: Government Price Supports Consumers Surplus (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:315): At price P2, the quantity demanded falls to Q1, and the quantity supplied increases to Q2. To maintain this price and avoid inventories having to pile up, the government must buy the quantity Qg = Q2 Q1. Because the government adds its demand to the demand of the consumers, producers can sell all they want at price P2. Therefore, the consumer surplus will be calculated in the same way as with minimum prices: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  CS = (-D) B Producers Surplus (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:315): Price support policies are implemented with the intention to increase the gains that producers receive because producers are now selling a higher quantity (Q2) at a higher price (P2). Therefore producer surplus will be as follows: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  PS = D + B + F Government Welfare (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:315): However, there is also a cost to government, which in essence is paid for by taxes. Thus, ultimately this is actually a cost indirectly related to consumers. This amount is represented by the rectangle that makes up BCEFG. This cost may be reduced if the government can dump some of its purchases, for example, selling them abroad at a low price. However, doing so hurts the ability of the domestic market to sell in foreign markets. The total welfare cost of this policy could be defined as: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  CS + à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  PS Cost to Gov = D (Q2 Q1)P2 If the objective is to give producers an additional income equal to D + B + F, it is far less costly to society if government were to give them this money directly rather than via price supports. This can be supported by the fact that price supports are costing consumers D + B anyway. If government pay producers directly, then society will save the large rectangular area BCEFG less triangle F (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:316). However, price supports are in use most likely because they are a less obvious giveaway and, therefore, politically more correct. Production Quotas: The government can also cause the price of a good to rise by reducing supply. Government can do this by setting quotas on how much each firm can produce. With appropriate quotas, the price can then be forced up to any arbitrary level. An example of this could be the control of liquor licenses by the government. By requiring any bar or restaurant to have a liquor license and, at the same time limiting the number of licenses, will result in limited entrants into that market. This also allows those with licenses to earn higher prices and profit margins. The welfare effects of production quotas will be explained in the following section (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:317): The government restricts the quantity supplied to Q1, rather than at the market level of Q0. Thus the supply curve becomes the vertical line S at Q1. As a result consumer surplus is reduced by rectangle D plus triangle B. On the other hand, producers gain rectangle D less triangle C. Thus, once again, there is a deadweight loss that occurs which is represented by B + C: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  CS = (-D) B à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  PS = D C + (Payments for not producing) However, the cost to the government is a payment sufficient enough to give producers an incentive to reduce output to Q1. That incentive must be at least as large as (B + C + F), because that area represents the additional profit that could have been made if the quota was not applicable. Also remember that the higher price (P2) give producers incentive to produce more even though the government is trying to get them to produce less. Thus, the cost to government is at least B + C + F and the total change in producer surplus is: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  PS = D C + B + C + F = D + B + F à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  Welfare = (-D) B + D + B + F B C F = (-B) C Figure 4: Supply Restrictions via Production Quotas This is the same change in producer surplus as with price supports therefore, producers should in essence be indifferent between the two policies because they end up gaining the same amount of money from each. Likewise, consumers end up losing the same amount of money (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:318). It can also be noted that, once again, the society will clearly be better off in efficiency terms if the government simply gave the producers (generally in the agricultural sector) D + B + C, leaving price and output alone. Producers would then gain D + B + C and the government would lose this profit for a total welfare change of zero, instead of a loss of B + C. However, economic efficiency is not always the objective of government policy. Import Quotas and Tariffs Many countries use import quotas and tariffs to keep the domestic price of a product above world levels and thereby enable the domestic industry to enjoy higher profits than it would under free trade. However, the cost to taxpayers from this protection can be relatively high. Without a quota or tariff, a country will import a good when its price is below the price that would prevail domestically, were there no imports (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:321, 322; and Perloff, 2005:298, 299). Figure 5: The Affect of an Import Tariff/Quota on Imports S and D represent the domestic supply and demand. Because the world price (P1) is below domestic demand and supply, it gives domestic consumers an incentive to purchase from abroad if imports are not restricted. If that is the case then domestic price will fall to the world price at P1. At a lower price, domestic production will fall to Q1 and consumption will rise to Q2. So imports will be the difference between domestic consumption and production (Q2 Q1). Now suppose the government, bowing to pressure from the domestic industry, eliminates imports by imposing a quota or a tariff at Q0. This will forbid any importation of the good in question. With no imports allowed the domestic price will rise to P0. Consumer Surplus: As a result, consumers who still purchase the good will now pay a higher price and will lose the surplus represented by trapezoid A and triangle B. In addition, some consumers will no longer buy the good which results in a further loss represented by triangle C. Therefore, the total change in consumer surplus will be: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  CS = (-A) B C Producer Surplus: In concern with producers, output is now higher (Q0 instead of Q1). Output is also sold at a higher price (P0 instead of P1). Producer surplus therefore increases by the amount of trapezoid A: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  PS = A à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  Welfare = (-B) C Combining both à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  CS and à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  PS to obtain the total welfare effect merely indicates once again that there is a deadweight loss. This loss indicates that consumers lose more than what producers gain. Imports could also be reduced to zero by imposing a sufficiently large tariff. The tariff would have to be equal to or greater than the difference between P0 and P1. With a tariff of this size there will be no imports and, therefore, no government revenue from tariff collections. Thus, the effect on consumers and producers would be the same as with a quota (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:323). However, government policy is more often designed to reduce, but not eliminate, imports (as shown in Figure 6. Again, this can be done with either a tariff or a quota (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:323; and Perloff, 2005:300, 301): When imports are reduced, the domestic price is increased from P1 to P0. Trapezoid A is again the gain to domestic producers. The loss to consumers is A + B + C + D. Thus, if a tariff is used, the government will gain rectangle D, the revenue from the tariff. Therefore, the net domestic loss will be B + C. If a quota is used instead, then rectangle D becomes part of the profits of foreign producers, and the net domestic loss will be B + C + D. Figure 6: The General Case with an Import Tariff or Quota The Impact of a Tax or Subsidy The burden of a tax (or the benefit of a subsidy) falls partly on the consumer and partly on the producer. In this section it will become clear that the share of a tax accepted by consumers depends on the shapes of the demand and supply curves and, in particular, on the relative elasticities of demand and supply (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:326). The Effects of a Specific Tax A specific tax can be better defined as a tax of a certain amount of money per unit sold. This is in contrast to an ad valorem tax which is a proportional tax. However, the analysis of an ad valorem tax is roughly the same and yields the same qualitative results (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:326). Examples of specific taxes are sin taxes on cigarettes and liquor. Suppose the government imposes a tax of t cents per unit. This means that the price the buyer pays must exceed the price the seller receives by t cents. Figure 7 illustrates this accounting relationship and its implications (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:326): Figure 7: The Effects of a Specific Tax Here, P0 and Q0 represent the price and quantity before the tax is imposed. Pd is the price that buyers pay and Ps is the price that sellers receive after the tax is imposed. Therefore, Pd Ps = t. Here the burden of a tax is split evenly between buyers and sellers. Buyers lose A + B, while sellers lose D + C. On the other hand, the government earns A + D in revenue. Thus, the deadweight loss is once again B + C. The solution is therefore to find the quantity that corresponds to a price of Pd and Ps so that t = Pd Ps. This quantity is shown as Q1. As seen from Figure 8, the burden of the tax is shared roughly evenly between buyers and sellers. It can also be stated that the price that buyers pay rises by half of the tax, and the price that sellers receive falls by roughly half of the tax. As Figure 7 and 8 shows, market clearing requires four conditions to be satisfied after the tax is in place (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:327, 328). These four conditions can also be written and distinguished as four different equations that must always be true: The quantity sold and the buyers price must lie on the demand curve, because buyers are interested only in the price that they must pay. Qd = Qd(Pd) The quantity sold and the sellers price must both lie on the supply curve, because sellers are only concerned with the price they are to receive. Qs = Qs(Ps) The quantity demanded must equal the quantity supplied (Q1). Qd = Qs The difference between the prices of buyers and sellers must equal t. Pd Ps = t There is a change in consumer and producer surplus, as well as in government revenue can be summarised as follows (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:328; and Perloff, 2005:289, 290): à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  CS = (-A) B à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  PS = (-C) D à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  Welfare = (-A) B C D + A + D = (-B) C From the above information we have seen that the burden of a tax is shared almost evenly between buyers and sellers, however, this is not always the case. If demand is inelastic and supply is relatively, then the burden of the tax will fall mostly on the buyer. Demand will work in the opposite way. It can also be determined if the burden of a tax falls more on the buyer or the seller (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:328): Pass-through fraction (Buyer) = Ed / (Es Ed) This equation thus stipulates what fraction of the tax is passed-through to consumers (buyers) and producers (sellers) in the form of higher prices. So, if the demand is totally inelastic (when Ed = 0) so that the pass-through fraction is 1, then all the tax is borne by the consumers (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:328). Similarly, when demand is totally elastic, the pass-through fraction is zero and producers bear all the tax. Therefore, the equation basically indicates that a tax falls on the buyer if Ed / Es is small, and on the seller if Ed / Es is large. The Effects of a Subsidy A subsidy can be analysed in much the same way as a tax. In fact, a subsidy can be better defined as a negative tax. With a subsidy, the sellers price exceeds the buyers price and the difference between the two is the amount of the subsidy. Thus, the effect of a subsidy on the quantity produced and consumed is the opposite of the effect of a tax, which also means that the quantity will increase (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:329). Figure 8: The Effects of a Subsidy In general, the benefit of a subsidy accrues mostlyto buyers if Ed / Es is small, and to sellers if Ed / Es is large. Also, the same four conditions needed for the market to clear, apply for a subsidy as it did for a tax. The only difference is that now the difference between the sellers price and the buyers price is equal to the subsidy (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2005:329): Qd = Qd(Pd) Qs = Qs(Ps) Qd = Qs Ps Pd = s Conclusion From this paper the evidence shows that simple models of demand and supply can be used to analyse a wide variety of government policies. These include price controls, minimum prices, price supports, production quotas, import tariffs and quotas, and taxes and subsidies. In each case, consumer and producer surplus are used to evaluate the gains and losses to consumers and producers. These gains and losses can be quite large. Evidence have also indicated that when the government imposes a tax or subsidy, price usually does not rise or fall by the full amount of the tax or subsidy. Also, the incidence of a tax or subsidy is usually split between consumers and producers. The fractions that each group ends up paying/receiving depend on the relative elasticities of demand and supply. It is important to remember that government intervention generally leads to a deadweight loss, even if consumer and producer surplus is weighted equally. In some cases this deadweight loss will be small, but in other cases (price supports and import quotas) it is large. This deadweight loss is a form of economic inefficiency that must be taken into account when policies are designed and implemented. In summation, government intervention in a competitive market is not always bad. Government, and the society it represents, might have objectives other than economic efficiency. There are also situations in which government intervention can improve economic efficiency. Examples are externalities and cases of market failure.

The survival of LEGO in changing environment

The survival of LEGO in changing environment This essay aims to provide an insight into LEGOs performance in the UK market and the strategies adopted by LEGO to be acclaimed today as UKs 3rd largest toy seller. Accordingly, a better understanding will be attained from a consumers perspective in the Toys industry. LEGO a brand which was in shambles in late 2006 stepped up to perform tremendously well during recession How did LEGO manage to reach where they are today? In the following chapters, a detailed description will be provided on how LEGO set an example for many global brands to follow in a touch economic situation. 2.0 Company Overview It all started with one mans vision. A man who believed that good play enriches a childs development Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter from Billund. He shifted his production from making wooden furniture for local farmers to childrens toys, owing to the great depression in the 1930s. LEGO originated from the Danish words leg and godt, which means play well. (Tidd and Bessant, 2009). defines LEGO as The core product is a rectangular plastic brick, hollow on the inside except for one or more tubes, with rows of studs on the top emblazoned with the tiny LEGO LEGO. (Wiencekk, 1987) LEGO has a very powerful vision statement of Inventing the future of play. This vision indicates that LEGO is finding new ways of developing games and moving from being just a simple block of brick. They are aware of the changing requirements and attitudes of consumers in a globalised sense. As it claims It is not just about products, it is about realising the human possibility. (LEGO Group, 2010) Over the years, the LEGO Group has developed several products under its umbrella extending its products to the digital world as well. LEGO has always known that the Toys and Childrens entertainment industry is a difficult business to sustain oneself in as it is constantly faced with new innovations, technological advancements and market entrants. To face this constantly evolving industry, LEGO has invested much of its understanding their consumers needs and desires. They have studied playing habits, family patters and housing conditions to gain a deeper knowledge of this market. Another differentiating factor is the belief that has been passed on by generations that have embraced LEGO. The belief that LEGO will remain relevant to children of all ages and all generations. The belief to create a world where children have the freedom to build anything that can never be replaced with cyber experiences. (LEGO Group, 2009) By the late 90s, LEGOs sales began decreasing. They were challenged by low cost good enough competitors like Megablok, a Canadian Company. Other reason was their prime target audience were shifting to computer games. LEGO was also operating in a high cost economic environment Denmark- where the supply chains were expensive. Another problem LEGO faced was increasing complex product development with so many product ranges and different permutations and combinations; manufacturing economically became nearly impossible. All these reasons, led to LEGO running into a $ 240 million loss. In order to revive LEGO from this situation, the LEGO family invested $ 178 million and appointed of a new CEO, Jorgen Vig Knudstorp. Under Knudstorps leadership, LEGO saw a successful transition. In order to correct the situation, LEGO improved their supply chain, factory locations and enhanced their overall product development strategy. (Tidd and Bessant, 2009) 2.1 LEGO Financial Overview Since its foundation in 1932, The Danish Company has great achievements added to its name. However, in 2006, rumours had it that toy industry giant Mattel were going to buy LEGO since it had faced huge losses. But restructuring in management and change in strategy helped LEGO pick up their sales in spite of the recession. In August 2008, LEGOs international sales were reportedly up by 20% in comparison to the year before. In the UK alone, 2007 witnessed at 24% rise in sales as compared to 2006. (MINTEL. 2008) The latest report that appeared on November 2010 in The Times London edition states that LEGOs sales have picked up by 50 per cent this Christmas season keeping both parents and children happy.(Vine, 2010) According to the Guardian, in 2009 the total sales at the UK division based primarily in Slough, Berkshire, leapt 35% a performance that took LEGO to a record UK market share of 4.1%, up from 3.2% a year ago. (Wood, 2009) The pre-tax profits rose 68%, which is approximately up by  £171.97 million in the first half of 2010. LEGO posts strong sales (The Times, 2010) LEGOs financial performance during recession was commendable while other Toy industry competitors like Mattel, that reportedly faced a 19% fall in second-quarter sales in spite of housing big brand names like Barbie. (Wood, 2009) 3.0 Consumer Behaviour theories applied to LEGO From the above, it is clear that LEGO has had a successful track record during recession. In this section, a deeper understanding will be attained on how LEGO was immune to the recession by placing their consumers in the heart of their business and understanding their requirements. To achieve this, three theories have been shortlisted they are namely Buying Decision Making Process Attitude Formation and Change Consumer Identity and Reference Groups 3.1 Buying Decision Making Process In order to understand, how LEGO survived through the economic downturn, it is important to interpret the buying behaviour of consumers in the Toys industry. By understanding the dynamics of buying behaviour, successful insights can be drawn to help identify the gap between the consumer and company. In complex decision making process where one is faced with other competitors, there are 6 stages to the decision making process. The 6 stages are namely: 3.1.1 Problem Recognition (awareness of need) Problem Recognition is the difference between the actual state of mind and the desired state of mind (Solomon, 2009). In other words, it is the process of recognising the need or desire to own a particular product. Given below are some reasons why consumers felt the need for LEGO over other products. Need for learning though play Parents being one of the prime target audiences in this industry also play a major role in the buying behavior process. LEGO appeals to this market as it has the element of creative play and parents are assured that it is not a waste of time as compared to watching television or spending time on Facebook. Parents therefore would choose to buy LEGO as they want their children to learn while they play. Something that most other toys or video games have failed to achieve (MINTEL, 2008). Need for retro products during recession Another interesting point to note is how consumers chose retro products during times of crisis due to its established legacy. During recession, parents actually found the need to invest in products that are of high quality and are long lasting in nature as opposed to just purchasing a cheap toy. Gerrick Johnson, toy-industry analyst at BMO Capital Markets made a comment stating that In tough economic times, youll often see retro products come back. Parents spend money on stuff they know works. Rather than going to Disney World or on a trip, you get a $30 LEGO set. (Faris, 2010) Need for up-to date toys and gadgets During a time when their prime target audience were more inclined towards computer games, LEGO constantly kept innovating and updating their offerings to suit the needs of this market that is faced by such rapid growth and evolution. The company steadily launched new products which resulted in three-quarters of its yearly sales. In 2000, the British Association of Toy Retailers along with Fortune magazine voted LEGO as the toy of the century. (Oliver et al., 2007) Recognizing the need to enter the video game market, LEGO created its own software group providing children the opportunity to create their own animation for PC and gaming consoles (R. Duane Ireland, 2009). Therefore people chose LEGO as it had extended its offerings to a medium where most of its consumers lived the virtual world. 3.1.2 Information search When it comes to seeking information on which toys you would prefer your children to play with, there are several factors that play a role. From an internal search perspective, memory and nostalgia could be key determinants whereas word of mouth, friends, relatives etc. could be external search factors that dominate your purchase decision (Soloman, 2009) The market for childrens toys and games is a substantial one -A  £2.1 billion market for childrens toys and games, this is a lucrative industry with several competitors. In such a case, information search becomes even more complex (MINTEL, 2008). What adds on to the complexity is the ranging age groups and diversity in toys from simple board games to more sophisticated toys for older kids up to adulthood. LEGO belongs to the range of Activity Toys which incorporates certain level of creativity and makes playing an enriching experience. Other toys in this range are Meccano and magnetic building kits as well as arts and crafts products (MINTEL, 2008). 3.1.3. Evaluation of Alternatives At this stage, consumers evaluate the alternatives that have been shortlisted after their information search. Rankings, personal preferences, listings, word of mouth to name a few, are determinants while evaluating alternatives. Today LEGO is the fourth-largest toy manufacturer after Mattel, Bandai-Namco, Hasbro and the fifth position held by TOMY-Takara (LEGO Group, 2009). In the case of activity toys like LEGO, consumers would potentially ask these questions. Does the product benefit my child learning ability? Is the product safe and of supreme quality? Mc Donaldss once used LEGO in the USA as a part of one their sales promotion campaign. 37 billion bricks were distributed over four weeks out of which only a dozen complaints were received (Harris and McDonald, 2004). These sorts of cases help a consumer who is looking for top quality decide that he/she wants to purchase LEGO over other toys. 3.1.4 Purchase decision In order to achieve competitive advantage and take the final purchase decision, LEGO pays a lot of attention to their product, packaging, online store etc. In a Danish newspaper Jyllands- Posten, an article was published on the safety of LEGO. Each individual block has a hole to ensure that if a child swallows a brick, the child would not choke as air could still pass though (Harris and McDonald, 2004). Therefore a consumer, who has safety as criteria, would decide to buy LEGO as the makers have taken care of this aspect. 3.1.5 Purchase This decision is based upon the time lapse and product availability. In 2004, LEGO sales began dropping massively. Poor customer service and unavailability of products were additions to their dilemma. During this time, customers were faced with many other alternatives. LEGO could not afford to lose out on customers in the big-box world. LEGO then improved on their supply-chain management and aimed to align its innovation capability. It also started online sales where customised products could be designed and purchased too (Oliver et al., 2007). 3.1.6 Post-Purchase Evaluation: When LEGO was voted as Marketer of the Year in 2009, one of the comments by a user from Dallas commented I have to vote LEGO-for continuing to provide a top-quality product in line with their brand, staying relevant and using new technologies to create new customer experiences in a kids toy market thats moving away from brands with a low-tech heritage. This is a company that inspires others to a higher standard. Who can vote for a company that continues to drive quality down to get to a cheaper price? (Creamer, 2009). These testimonials prove that consumers overall have been happy after purchasing the product. 3.2 Attitude formation and change One of the aspects involved in the psychological factor of the decision making process, is attitudes. These attitudes are either formed on experience or interaction with other people. An attitude of a consumer towards a firm and its products tends to have a great influence in the firms marketing strategy (Soloman, 2009). 3.2.1 Efforts made my LEGO to track attitudes For strategic decision making that is driven by insights, it is essential to track attitudes. It could be tracking changes in different age groups, scenarios about future, identify emerging trends etc (Soloman, 2009). LEGO has realised the importance of tracking changing attitudes and the following findings can be drawn in this regard: Scenarios about future One of the most significant changes that LEGO has taken up this decade is that it has begun listening to its consumers and their changing attitudes. In todays social networking era, it is highly essential to monitor behaviour and attitudes. It was through the efforts made by LEGO on social media, that they realised their fan base was not just limited to children but adults too. Courtesy the AFOLcommunity Adult Fans of LEGO LEGO now has some specialist ambassadors who communicate with them and provide feedback. LEGO also involves these ambassadors in their product development. They began monitoring blogs and got a deeper understanding on culture, desires of both potential and existing consumers and changed their strategy accordingly. It was through this initiative that LEGO decided to make sets based on movies like Star Wars or Indiana Jones and now these deals make up more than half of their sales (Advertising Age, 2009). By doing so LEGO gets inputs from probably the most loyal customer base and thus adress unhappy customers or fill any gaps in the market place. These insights drove their strategy and helped them survive in an atmosphere where the only words heard off were lay-offs and losses. LEGO is one such example of a brand that has benefitted by working in partnership with their consumers and predicting the future (Garfield, 2007). Changes in different age groups LEGO has a very ambitious mission statement of each and every child in the world to own one cubic metre of LEGO bricks. (Harris and McDonald, 2004) Children globally are treated the same by marketers no matter which culture they belong to. However, even if they are treated the same their attitudes may differ due to their upbringing and external environment. Though most of the concept and product development occurs in the Billund headquarters, LEGO has trends watching department in their offices in Munich, Los Angeles and Tokyo. Infact, to ensure that LEGO is an international product that suits ever child needs, the creative team is composed of 120 designers 15 different nationalities (LEGO Group, 2009). 3.2.3 Star Power: Celebrities as Communications Sources The source of the message the celebrity in this case can have a huge impact on the image of a brand and its sales. Messages tend to have a greater effect when there is a relation between the celebrity and product. Human beings tend to pay more attention when they see familiar faces as opposed to ordinary faces, thereby interpreting and processing the information more effectively (Soloman, 2009). People tend to associate characteristics of a persons personality, social status, and gender, to that of the brand. When David Beckham confessed in an interview that if he wasnt a footballer his dream pastime would be building with LEGO blocks, it set the LEGO sales roaring. In just one day of business, the father of three inspired the sales of 5,922- Taj Mahal set (The Sun, 2010). Parents formulate the core buyers of this segment six in ten have bought from five or more of the listed categories of toys or games in the past 12 months (MINTEL, 2008). After all, if a star figure like Beckham has spoken, why wouldnt parents try mantling Taj Mahal together. 3. 3 Consumer Identity and Reference Groups Any individual or group that acts a point of comparison of values, opinions, attitude or behaviour towards a product is a reference group (Soloman, 2009). In case of LEGO, there are several reference groups. LEGO has a combination of logic and creativity that enhances a childs learning and ability to solve problems. Owing to this factor, LEGO has been popularly used as creative play tool in institutions and schools i.e; formal reference groups (LEGO Group, 2009). 3.3.1 Effect of Gender on Consumer Behaviour Gender is a crucial element in consumer behaviour. A boy may perceive different things from a girl. This can be proven with an example of how LEGO researched playing habits amongst boys and. The findings were that girls were more likely to build living areas while boys built cars. LEGO introduced a new version of its product for girls called Paradise which emphasized around socially oriented structures such as homes, pools etc (Soloman, 2009). 3.3.2 Baby Boomers and the role of nostalgia in buying decision making process Baby Boomers are those who are above the age of 29 and have a significant influence on demands for housing, child care etc (Soloman, 2010). LEGO has evolved from a box of bricks that baby boomers grew up to a more diverse product. However, the positive feeling attached with having played with LEGO has passed on through at least three generations. (Oliver et al., 2007) Therefore, one may ask how much role does nostalgia play in triggering what baby boomers and generation X buy as toys for their children? Retro favourites are gaining popularity owing to the fact that they have provided real quality and value over time, and one of the reasons all these new fans have emerged is through nostalgia. According to the (Telegraph, 2010), LEGO has performed well in recession as parents due to nostalgia have shifted to trusted brands. Parents dont intend to buy toys that their children would throw aside in months, instead they would rather invest in toys that children of all generations would go back to. 3.3.3 Children Pester power v/s parent power Pester Power is a term used to define a childs influence over the parent in the buying process (Turner et al, 2006). According to Turner, children can be easily influenced by advertising and marketers use this as a medium to entice children to nag and purchase the product of their desire. The key factors that influences a childs pestering behaviour is the family type, family communication pattern, the person accompanying the child to shopping, intent of going for shopping and advertising. (Venkatesh and Ghai, 2010). According to the report by Mintel, 2008, Although adults are the primary purchasers, kids are the ultimate arbiters of success and failure across much of the market nearly four in ten parents cannot say no to their kids. LEGO partnered with Kelloggs in 2007 to create LEGO brick shaped candy called Fun Snacks. This created hype amongst parents as they had spent valuable amount of their time telling their children not to swallow LEGO bricks. LEGO went on to the extent of advertising in between childrens TV shows, placing the product at the bottom of the shelf spaces in order to make it accessible for children; thereby making children nag for Fun Snacks (Franziska_NDT, 2010) 4.0 Conclusion On the whole, LEGO has adopted the right measures to immune itself to the market, no matter how the economic situation is. Given below are few recommendations and discussions with regards to LEGO. Discussion/ Recommendations: 1. With LEGO factory LEGOs online design portal- is a gateway to 300,000 designers worldwide. By doing so, LEGO can get critical reviews on their products and help improve their offerings (Tidd and Bessant, 2009). LEGO could conduct an annual conference or workshop, whereby all these designers meet up and brain storm with key designers and managers on how to improve LEGO and keep up with changing trends. 2. Christmas accounts for around half of the years sales for LEGO. Keeping this in mind, LEGO should launch their new products or special Christmas edition toys as nearly seven in ten consumers buy toys and games for Christmas. (MINTEL. 2008) And after all, who would refuse the latest Christmas edition of LEGO? 3. An emerging trend is gifting new born toys up from 13% in 2003 to 26% now. Considering this trend, LEGO could launch its own collection of teether toys meant for new born. This could range from a simple brick soft chewy toy to its very own Harry potter collection for newborns. 4. Phone applications seem to be the next big trend that is picking up. LEGO already has its own Star Wars LEGO I phone game version. LEGO must continue entering markets where gaming is a hype. 5. LEGO should push the product more using the scientific connection. According to (Turkle and Smith, 2009) playing with LEGO helps children enhance their problem solving and discovery skills. This makes a child think in a scientific, problem recognition and solving approach that most engineers, scientist and designers use. Turkle claims that the toys that children play with have a great impact on their future careers. Some children may try and create unrealistic structures, while some may follow instructions, some keep their constructed sets as awards while some just break them; different children behave differently with LEGO. However, each role play is good to identify traits about your children and which direction they are progressing towards. 6 Most of LEGO consumers are not price sensitive. They buy LEGO because of the brand and the quality. As a consumer, you can either buy the simple bricks or a special version of LEGO to add it to your collection. Therefore, LEGO can afford to release a premium end version of the toys that are suitable to kids that belong to rich households. 8. LEGO for grey market- Research has shown that playing with LEGO for an hour or two can help old people fight memory loss and problems that occur due to degeneration like dementia and Alzheimers disease. It makes your mind active, while your fingers are still moving. 9. The idea of having Brand Ambassadors who use their network pool to get insights and inputs from consumers is one of LEGOs strongest strategies. LEGO fans discuss, review and suggest new ideas for LEGO on the AFOL community which helps LEGO look into the future and improve their capabilities. LEGO has managed to create a consumer experience that combines technology, mass customization and community to enhance and build relevance for its classic toy offering. (Tidd and Bessant, 2009). Indeed, LEGO has managed to keep up its legacy and set a great example for many international and global companies.

Eve Kosofsky Sedgwicks Tendencies: Queerness and Oppression Essay

Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's Tendencies: Queerness and Oppression Over the last two decades or so, the idea of queerness is one that has been utilized and considered by individuals and communities of marginalized sexualities and genders. The concept is one that has attempted to broaden and deconstruct traditional notions of gender and sexuality in order to include all of their incarnations as valid experiences and identities. Queerness endeavors to include all of those who feel they are a part of it yet, seemingly, not everyone can be queer without changing the very nature of queerness. Or can they? Queerness is a concept which resists borders and structure yet it seems as though there must be certain commonalities among all queer identities and behaviors. In her book, Tendencies, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick constructs queerness as a seemingly all-inclusive and individually determined space, writing that: queer can refer to: the open mesh of possibilities, gaps, overlaps, dissonances, resonances, lapses and excesses of meaning when the constituent element's of anyone's gender, of anyone's sexuality aren't made (or can't be made) to signify monolithically. (8) She expands queer beyond the bounds of "same-sex sexual object choice" making queerness about performative behavior rather than sexual mechanics (Sedgwick 8). For example, Sedgwick's idea of queer includes "feminists... masturbators... lesbian-identified men...[and] people able to relish, learn from, or identify with such" among others(8). She posits that the fundamental precondition, "to make the description 'queer' a true one is the impulsion to use it in the first person" (Sedgwick 9). Yet is this self-determined queerness valid? Can actual queerness be claimed s... ...cepting one's status as incongruent allows one to claim a singular identity without inviting oppression because one's incongruence prohibits a singular identity claim to completely describe the self. The manner in which Foucault and Sedgwick construct queerness allows for oppression because they assume that the self is a singular cohesive body. Warner supposes that by realizing the fragmentation the self, one can claim an identity and escape oppression. Works Cited Foucault, Michel. The History of Sexuality Volume 1: An Introduction. Trans. Robert Hurley. New York: Vintage Books, 1980. Sedgwick, Eve Kosofsky. Tendencies. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1993. Warner, Michael. "Tongues United: Memoirs of a Pentecostal Boyhood." The Material Queer: A LesBiGay Cultural Studies Reader. Ed. Donald Morton. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1996.

Information Technology in Society Essay -- Technology, Computers

Introduction Richard (2004) pointed out: â€Å"In the long history technology innovation, the computer sense is no more notable than such major inventions as the steam engine, the train, electricity and electronics, the telegraph and the telephone, the automobile, the airplane, radio, motion pictures and television.† The 21st century is the age of computer technology and it has brought about a fundamental change in every facet of our life. It has largely influenced the way we communicate and the way information exchange is facilitated in today's world. The modern world has been shaped by its metaphysics, which has shaped its education, which in turn has brought forth its science and technology. So, without going back to metaphysics and education, we can say that the modern world has been shaped by technology. It tumbles from crisis to crisis; on all sides there are prophecies of disaster and, indeed, visible signs of breakdown. If that which has been shaped by technology, and continues to be so shaped, looks sick, it might be wise to have a look at technology itself. If technology is felt to be becoming more and more inhuman, we might do well to consider whether it is possible to have something better-a technology with a human face. This is the era of computer (information technology); every action of human being has become mechanized. One of the bad element of this computerized age is that human being is gradually become substitute computer. The actual hazard is not that computer will start to thinking like human, but that human will start thinking and act like computer. It is dread that human will be totally assistant to technology (Lin & Atkin, 2007). Overall, everything just like Anthony St. Peter (2010) quoted Nicholas Negropon... ...ther, they would group chat which is say have 5 friends all chatting so we have to send each text to 5 people at once and because the texts were free they would ask such silly questions using text like u ok? Then response to that would be at Gammas my response doing what? Want to go shopping. And before you know it we have sent like 15 texts each (Hanks, 2010). Conclusion In general, Mr. Harris is using his quote to make us humans more aware of the real danger and its consequences. He is trying to get us off what most of us believe that the real danger is that computers will begin to think like humans. However, he is trying to turn us around and make us apprehend that, in fact, it is the opposite, that if we as humans begin to think like computers, the consequences will be far more severe. Mr. Harris has achieved his ambition by saying this quote. â€Æ' Information Technology in Society Essay -- Technology, Computers Introduction Richard (2004) pointed out: â€Å"In the long history technology innovation, the computer sense is no more notable than such major inventions as the steam engine, the train, electricity and electronics, the telegraph and the telephone, the automobile, the airplane, radio, motion pictures and television.† The 21st century is the age of computer technology and it has brought about a fundamental change in every facet of our life. It has largely influenced the way we communicate and the way information exchange is facilitated in today's world. The modern world has been shaped by its metaphysics, which has shaped its education, which in turn has brought forth its science and technology. So, without going back to metaphysics and education, we can say that the modern world has been shaped by technology. It tumbles from crisis to crisis; on all sides there are prophecies of disaster and, indeed, visible signs of breakdown. If that which has been shaped by technology, and continues to be so shaped, looks sick, it might be wise to have a look at technology itself. If technology is felt to be becoming more and more inhuman, we might do well to consider whether it is possible to have something better-a technology with a human face. This is the era of computer (information technology); every action of human being has become mechanized. One of the bad element of this computerized age is that human being is gradually become substitute computer. The actual hazard is not that computer will start to thinking like human, but that human will start thinking and act like computer. It is dread that human will be totally assistant to technology (Lin & Atkin, 2007). Overall, everything just like Anthony St. Peter (2010) quoted Nicholas Negropon... ...ther, they would group chat which is say have 5 friends all chatting so we have to send each text to 5 people at once and because the texts were free they would ask such silly questions using text like u ok? Then response to that would be at Gammas my response doing what? Want to go shopping. And before you know it we have sent like 15 texts each (Hanks, 2010). Conclusion In general, Mr. Harris is using his quote to make us humans more aware of the real danger and its consequences. He is trying to get us off what most of us believe that the real danger is that computers will begin to think like humans. However, he is trying to turn us around and make us apprehend that, in fact, it is the opposite, that if we as humans begin to think like computers, the consequences will be far more severe. Mr. Harris has achieved his ambition by saying this quote. â€Æ'

Essay --

INT. CLASS ROOM 303 EXT. ALFRED NEW YORK - AFTERNOON ENTER FRAME, DANIEL STANDs BY A WHITE BOARD POINTING TO THE LIGHT POSITIONS, EACH TURNING ON AS HE POINTS TO IT. A VOICE OVER IS HEARD. VOICEOVER HELLO EVERYONE, THIS VIDEO WILL HELP YOU TO UNDERSTAND THE BASICS OF PRODUCTION WITH US TODAY WE HAVE DANIEL. HI DANIEL THE THREE COMPONENTS TO 3 POINT LIGHTING ARE... YOUR KEY LIGHT; WHICH IS THE MAIN ILLUMINATOR IN THE SCENE AND CAUSE THE STRONGEST SHADOWS... NEXT IS YOUR FILL LIGHT, THE FILL LIGHT IS FROM THE OPPOSITE SIDE AND IS USUALLY A LITTLE LOWER, ITS MAIN PURPOSE IS TO ILLUMINATE THE DARKER SHADOWS CASTED FROM THE KEY LIGHT... LASTLY IS THE BACKLIGHT, THE BACKLIGHT HIGH LIGHTS THE CONTOURS OF THE SUBJECT AND GIVES A SENCE OF DEPTH. CUT TO: TWO X MARKS ARE PLACED ON THE FLOOR SIGNIFYING WERE DANIEL AND RANDY WILL WALK TO. AFTER ARIVEING AT THERE DESIGNATED SPOT THE TWO WILL LOOK TO BE HAVING A CONVERSATION AS A VOICE OVER IS USED. VOICEOVER NOW WE WILL TALK ABOUT BLOCKING BLOCKING IS THE PLAN OF ACTION MADE BY THE DIRECTOR FOR WHICH THE ACTORS WILL FOLLOW AS CAN BE SEEN, THE "X" ... Essay -- INT. CLASS ROOM 303 EXT. ALFRED NEW YORK - AFTERNOON ENTER FRAME, DANIEL STANDs BY A WHITE BOARD POINTING TO THE LIGHT POSITIONS, EACH TURNING ON AS HE POINTS TO IT. A VOICE OVER IS HEARD. VOICEOVER HELLO EVERYONE, THIS VIDEO WILL HELP YOU TO UNDERSTAND THE BASICS OF PRODUCTION WITH US TODAY WE HAVE DANIEL. HI DANIEL THE THREE COMPONENTS TO 3 POINT LIGHTING ARE... YOUR KEY LIGHT; WHICH IS THE MAIN ILLUMINATOR IN THE SCENE AND CAUSE THE STRONGEST SHADOWS... NEXT IS YOUR FILL LIGHT, THE FILL LIGHT IS FROM THE OPPOSITE SIDE AND IS USUALLY A LITTLE LOWER, ITS MAIN PURPOSE IS TO ILLUMINATE THE DARKER SHADOWS CASTED FROM THE KEY LIGHT... LASTLY IS THE BACKLIGHT, THE BACKLIGHT HIGH LIGHTS THE CONTOURS OF THE SUBJECT AND GIVES A SENCE OF DEPTH. CUT TO: TWO X MARKS ARE PLACED ON THE FLOOR SIGNIFYING WERE DANIEL AND RANDY WILL WALK TO. AFTER ARIVEING AT THERE DESIGNATED SPOT THE TWO WILL LOOK TO BE HAVING A CONVERSATION AS A VOICE OVER IS USED. VOICEOVER NOW WE WILL TALK ABOUT BLOCKING BLOCKING IS THE PLAN OF ACTION MADE BY THE DIRECTOR FOR WHICH THE ACTORS WILL FOLLOW AS CAN BE SEEN, THE "X" ...

Lead “Respect-Innovation-Teamwork and Dedication

1. Your using the Internet Internet has long been said to create life-changing impacts on the whole world. And I’m no exception as this worldwide network is an indispensable part of my daily life. First, it opens the global media and communication for me. Currently a student living far away from home, with the efficient help of the Internet, I can write email and have an online talk with my parent's and other family members, at any time we feel convenient. This advancement also grants me access to various mearns of entertainment, from my top-rated movies to the articles on the Times Magazine.On top of that, Internet redefines my way of collecting knowledge. Instead of looking up in huge books or turning through thousands pages of an encyclopedia, just typing the keyword in a search engine and a click is enough to get more than what you expect. As long as you are conscious of some faulty information, doing research online is a great idea. When assigned a paper or an essay on a subject, I don’t have to go through piles of books to collect data. With a computer connected to Internet, I can comfortably complete my research, which saves both my time and effort.And lastly, Internet provides me with the chance to study online inexpensively. Taking online foreign language courses, downloading precious e-books, attending lectures by famous university worldwide are some benefits of this. Overall, it seems to me that going online is advantageous in many ways. 2. A famous company You’ve probably heard of VAIO notebooks and ultrabooks, Walkman MP3 players, Cyber-shot ddigital cameras, PlayStation or Bravia TVs. Yes, I’m talking about Sony Corporation, a famous Japanese firm based right at the heart of Tokyo.Primarily focused on Electronics, Game, Entertainment and Financial Services, the company is one of the leading manufacturers of electronic products for the consumer and professional markets and has historically been notable for  creating it s own in-house standards for new recording and storage technologies, instead of adopting those of others. The name Sony is derived from the Latin word â€Å"sonus† (sound) and a slang word â€Å"sonny,† which connotes smart and presentable young men. First started with only $530 in 1946 as â€Å"Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation,† the company, known as Sony since 1958, has go through many ups and downs.They started doing business in the USA in the 1960s and played a major role in the development of Japan as a powerful exporter during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Their production quality significantly contributed to promoting the â€Å"Made in Japan† brand worldwide. What’s more, it’s Sony that encourages the development of the Compact Disc in the 1980s and the PlayStation in 1990s. Its media presence also greatly expands in this time with the purchase of CBS Records and Columbia Pictures. However, they did experience some problems .Amid the global recession in the 1980s, analysts used to say â€Å"It’s over for Sony,† while the 1990s saw its unrewarding expansion into new businesses. And for the mid-to-late 2000s, it became known for its stagnancy, with a fading brand name. Despite all of the above, Sony with the slogan â€Å"make. believe† still remains my dream future working place. 3. Your health and fitness I really like a healthy lifestyle, and that’s why I take up daily jogging. The place that I go jogging from 5pm to 6pm each day is the Thong Nhat Park, which is only 1km from my house. The main reason why I think this aactivity healthy is because it helps me relaxed.My daily life involves a lot of stress, due to the heavy workload both at school and at my part-time workplace. Usually, the first 15 minutes is spent on my day recap- whether it was a good day filled with great news or a terrible and forgettable day. But gradually all these stress and strains of my life disappea r. The mere thought in my head at this time is all about the beauty of the lakes, the green fields and gusts of wind blowing. As I count every step of mine on the road, I just forget all and feel like I am refreshed, like all the things I’m worry about are eased.By the time I come back, I feel fresh as a daisy and ready to get shined, changed to go back to work. And of course, it also keeps me fit and healthy. In general, it’s an all-round exercise, and I absolutely love it. 4. An unforgettable memory with our class Up to now, college life has been great for me. 5. A modern product you like Some people may think about computer when talking about a favorite modern product of theirs, or they even consider it of utmost importance. But I’d say television. Ever since this wonderful invention, human history has started a new page.First, TV allows us to learn about what’s going on the world and grasp new knowledge inexpensively. Simply by sitting at home in fron t of the screen, an FTU student, for example, still knows that there’s a great tsunami and earthquake in Japan or watches American President Obama’s live speech. Such useful information from around the globe enables us to get a better understanding of the world we are currently living in. Or you can take my friend for another example. Her family couldn’t afford the high tuition fees of preparation courses for the university entrance exam.So she decided to watch and learn from the TV series â€Å"Luyen thi dai hoc. † And she passed the exam with flying colors, thanks to TV. What’s more, TV provides a wide vvariety of interesting programs that many enjoy after a long working day. The visual effects shown in movies, dramas, music shows makes people feel less stressed and relaxed. Imagine how excited you will be when meeting your favorite actor in the latest episode of a Korean drama after completing your assignment, with the help of TV, of course. Plu s, TV offers numerous shows and series which cater for various groups’ taste.This explains why it remains popular regardless of other mearns of communication’s rapid development. For all of the above, television is among my top choices. 6. Vietnamese business culture The recent years have seen a constantly increasing number of foreigners doing business in Vietnam, and it’s vital that they know basic Vietnamese business etiquette. In my opinion, demonstrating proficiency in Vietnamese business culture will certainly impress our partners. The meeting etiquette in Vietnam is generally warm and accepting; so ensuring your success and prosperous collaboration is all about following some simple rules. First, be prepared.Some basic knowledge about the South East Asia region and Vietnam in particular is enough. Second, you should establish trust with your Vietnamese partner, as they consider it of prime importance. It’s the tie building from trust that binds Viet namese society. What’s more, you should learn the language. You can easily communicate with them in English, but as in any other country, local people appreciate foreigners who can speak and use Vietnamese in contexts. It’s the fastest way to get immersed in this Asian culture and customs. Conversational business Vietnamese is in no way difficult compared to some other Asian languages.