Mutagenesis and mapping of a mouse gene, clock essential for circadian Article

Mutagenesis and mapping of a mouse gene, clock essential for circadian behavior - Article Example There is no information in existence that shows molecular elements of clock systems found in mammals. Reports are made on the mouse isolation of mutations that alter two significant circadian rhythms properties: the rhythmicity persistence and the intrinsic period length. When brought together, the given results describe a gene referred to as a clock which is important for normal circadian behavior (Lowrey, 5). Due to the isolation of many clock mutants in different organisms been semi-dominant, the heterozygotes found in the mouse were screened. Due to B6 mice exhibiting robust circadian rhythms, this assay was used in screening circadian mutants. The activity rhythms were observed during light dark cycle exposure. This was to access the entrainment or synchronization behavior. Additionally, in total darkness, it was used in determining the locomotor activity rhythm circulation period (Lowrey, 7). Laboratory mouse was found to have circadian periods that were less than twenty four hours and the B6 mice were found to have periods averaging between 23.3 to 23.8 hours (Lowrey, 8). After testing the G1 which was ENU-treated male offsprings, period length distribution of the activity rhythms of these G1 mice were found to be normal. G1-25 showed circadian periods. They progressively lengthened over the first thirty

Globalization And Impact On Indian Banking Sector Finance Essay

Globalization And Impact On Indian Banking Sector Finance Essay INTRODUCTION PREVIEW This is an introduction chapter which describes the structure of the dissertation. It begins with a brief introduction to the area of research, purpose and aims and objectives set for this research. This section also includes justification for selecting banking sector to study the impact of globalization for this study. 1.2 INTRODUCTION A bank is a licensed body by the government which is primarily engaged in the process of borrowing and lending money which in turn helps in economic development of the country. The customers of a bank are mainly households government, public/ private corporations who invest and borrow funds from these institutions. Banks have a monopoly in creating credit in the market. If companies are provided with finance, it encourages enterprises which leads to increase in production, leads to promotion of jobs, less reliance on foreign imports. If personal customers are provided with finance it would stimulate the demand for goods which then leads to an in increase production of goods. Therefore banks play a very important role in the economic development of the country (Cox 1983, pg2-4). Initially there were many barriers in the banking sector through out the world. These were lack of information about foreign companies, tax liability which was applicable to income earned from these transactions, cost of executing international transactions were expensive. Regulations were eliminated in 1980s and early 1990s. Government allowed privatization in 1990. Government owned firms were sold to individuals, trading of stocks of firms was allowed publicly. This led to globalization, deregulation and liberalization. Under the influence of globalization Internet and telephone banking, ATM, credit and debit cards and many other services provided by the banking sector were introduced which has increased the efficiency of banks and has brought the banking revolution( Madura 1995, pg-7 ). Globalization has led to a revolution in the banking sector though Indian banks stiff face severe challenges . This study will highlight these challenges and the researcher will also suggests some of solutions found in the literature to overcome these challenges and will co-relate solutions found through primary research. This will help in understanding the Indian banking sector in dept. In addition to this if the Indian banking sector overcome these challenges it can mark its place with other leading global titans. 1.3 RESEARCH AREA To examine critically the impact of globalization on Indian banking sector highlighting the challenges faced by the Indian banks is the primary focus of this research. Since the days of Bretton Woods era financial world has witnessed tremendous changes. Technological change and cut throat competition has enforced the financial world to adopt better techniques and attract customers. The range of products and services were limited in the 70s(Raul 2005, pp 39). After gaining independence in 1947 Until 1991 there has been regulations like administered interest rates and government control etc. upon implementation of recommendations by Narsimha committee led to rapid and radical changes. Now the banking sector offers wide range of services like securitization, leasing and hire purchase, custodial service, depositories , factoring etc. New financial institution, dis-intermediation, greater professionalism and technological innovation have emerged as a result of liberalization, privatization and globalization. In addition to this capital adequacy norms, income recognition and assets classification were introduced in the ambit of banking activities and banks are compelled to cope up with the process of deregulation, competition, asset liability management and globalization(Raul 2005, pp 39). 1.4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The main aim of this research work is to analyze critically and examine the concept of globalization and its impact on the Indian banking sector along with and challenges which arise as a result of globalization. The researcher also aims to find out the adverse effect of these challenges and what measures can be taken to reduce them. Research question A study on the impact of globalization on the Indian banking sector highlighting the challenges faced by the public sector banks in India. The main objectives of this research are as follows:- To examine the the challenges faced by the Indian public sector banks with regards to technology, human resource, customer service , NPAs. To analyze and explore the potential solutions to overcome these challenges. 1.5 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Indian banking sector is resilient and has shown tremendous growth yet it faces many challenges which needs to be controlled and managed. Recently there have been waves of bank failures throughout the world. Banks became insolvent due to which there was financial downturn globally. Banks are highly volatile in nature and have a direct impact on the economy of a country. So every country should aim to make their banking system stable and sound only then they will be able to withstand the shocks. Many changes have taken place in the Indian economy since 1990s that has revolutionized and revitalized the Indian economy. During this phase the key growth sectors and consumer demands have undergone a series of changes. The researcher is keen on investigating the impact of changes with respect to banking sector. India is a developing economy there lies many areas in the Indian banking sector to be explored also this is an untouched area in the UWIC. All the above mentioned points motivated the researcher to study in detail about the Indian banking sector, impact of globalization on it, and challenges arising as a result of globalization also highlighting potential solutions. This piece of work can provide guidance or a framework for other developing countries which are also facing similar challenges. Moreover ,The researcher is a permanent resident of India and would be able to gain access or conduct interviews of the bank managers to retrieve information which would further form a basis of research. 1.6 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE RESEARCH ROLE OF UBLIC SECTOR IN BANKING Anglo Saxon and Asian model are the two models of ownership by the banks. Many developed countries have adopted the Anglo Saxon model. Under this model the key decisions are taken by the top executives independently dictated by short term requirements and regulations may not be stringent .The latter model is adopted by many developing countries like India . India has a financial system which has substantial ownership by the public sector and has a different structure of incentives for the top executives. It is more likely that in this model where more complex products are involved there is less financial innovation . thus this sector is likely to be less efficient and less innovative but would be more steady. The advantage of this sector during the time of crisis is the perceived sovereign backing. While the former model during crisis came under pressure whereas the later model like the presence of public sector made the Indian financial system sound and stable. It was evident from t he fact that during 2oo8 and 2oo9 foreign and private sector banks NA ratio increased significantly and as an after effect of crisis , the public sectors NA ratio declined. It was lowest amongst all bank groups. For the Indian Banking sector , the public ownership has proved to be a source of strength rather than weakness. On the contrary to the belief that public ownership weakens the efficiency of a firm does not stand true in the case of the Indian banking sector. RBI organized an analytical exercise which indicates that cost and technical efficiency of the public sector banks have been much higher than private and foreign banks in India recently. Moreover public sector banks key role played by the banks is social development and to meet the objectives of developmental finance which is very essential for a developing economy like India. public ownership plays a significant role in the economic development of the country. (RBI 2OO7 2OO8 , pp 22 In addition to the above mentioned reasons the main motive of the researcher to highlight the challenges faced the public sector banks was because if these banks overcome their challenges they can mark a place for itself with the other leading banks. 1.7 STRUCTURE OF THE STUDY This dissertation is divided into five chapters which are as follows:- Chapter 1- This is an introductory chapter. It highlight the aims and objectives; purpose ; justification of the study. This chapter explains the structure/body of this dissertation . Chapter 2- This chapter forms a base/ platform for this dissertation. It consists of ideas and opinions put forward by scholars and different authors who have successfully researched on this field. The researcher has critically reviewed the literature also highlighted the key issues, ideas, arguments by different authors. This chapter mainly covers globalization , its characteristics, theory of globalization, Indian banking sector and challenges faced by the Indian banks. Chapter 3- Primary focus of this chapter is on the methodology adopted for this research. This will include the research design, data collection methods, research ethics, validity and reliability. It also includes limitations of this study. Chapter 4- This chapter explains the analysis of the data/information gathered . Interviews and questionnaires are critically analyzed to give a clear picture about the study. Chapter 5- The previous chapter of data analysis enabled the researcher to draw conclusions and provide recommendations which is described in this chapter, along with the research findings and research area which the researcher intends to cover and undertake next year after successful completion of this research. 1.8 SUMMARY This chapter explicitly explains the structure of this dissertation along with aims and objectives set up for the study by the researcher. It also explains about the research area, purpose and highlights the reason for selection of banking sector in Indian to study the impact of globalization.

Are You Kidding? :: Up From Slavery Booker T. Washington Essays

Are You Kidding? Booker T. Washington’s Up From Slavery is an autobiography describing a man’s journey from slavery to prominence. Or is it? Mr. Washington’s complete assimilation into the white man’s world could be seen as an example of complete and total sycophancy, a lesson in sucking up. Booker T. Washington knew that in order to further the Tuskegee Institute, a school in the south, he would need the help of the very race and culture that had imprisoned him and his people. Long before his association with southern, black schools, Booker T. Washington knew exactly what he didn’t want out of life. He didn’t like being poor. Being raised on a plantation, he learned very early in life, that if you appeased the white man, you could live in relative peacefulness. If you went a little further and assimilated into their culture, you could achieve a certain amount of prominence. From the very beginning, Booker T. Washington learned that playing the role of the grateful, black man would allow him to achieve his goals in life. He wrote that he had â€Å"†¦long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against Southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race†(10). He goes so far as to comment â€Å"†¦notwithstanding the cruel wrongs inflicted upon us, the black man got nearly as much out of slavery as the white man did†(10). Could he really be suggesting that anyone enslaved and stripped of an identity could possibly benefit from it? He claims that there existed â€Å" no feeling of bitterness†¦ † only â€Å"†¦pity among the slaves for our former owners† (13). Could this statement be truly realistic? If a person is to believe that anyone could feel anything but bitterness is ridiculous. The only reason for this deliberate misrepresentation of the truth must be to fulfill anot her agenda. He continues throughout his autobiography to continually depict his encounters with whites in the most favorable light. General Samuel C. Armstrong, obviously a soldier in the Civil War, is described as â€Å"†¦the noblest, rarest human being that it has ever been my privilege to meet† (32).

Critically examine the relationship between different social groups Essay

There are significant differences between social groups and their religious beliefs and practice†¦ There is a very significant ethnic pattern in the participation of religion. The minority groups in britain are a lot more religious than the majority of the population (white christian) . For example, it is much more likely to find black christians(who make up 40% of the membership) in a pentecostal church than white christians†¦ In opposition to that, Modood found that while minorities have higher participation rates, there is a decline in importance of religion for all ethnic groups. There are clear ethnic patterns in religious participation, with minority groups having a higher level of religious participation. The UK today is a multi ethnic and multi religious society, with Muslims, Hindus and Black Christians more likely than white Christians to see religion as important and a central part of their lives. Among Christians blacks are more likely than whites to be found in Pentecostal churches, where they make up 40% of the membership. However Modood et al found that despite minority’s having higher participation rates, there’s decline in importance of religion for all ethnic groups and that fewer were observant, especially amongst the second generation. Sociologists have argued several reasons for ethnic differences in religiosity. One argument that most ethnic minorities originate from poorer countries with traditional cultures; these characteristics produce higher levels of belief and practice. Once they migrate into the UK they and their children uphold the pattern they bring from their country of origin. However it’s argued this disregards the impact of their experiences as immigrants and as minorities in a new society, and how this can give religion a new role in cultural defence and cultural transition. Bruce (2002) argues religion in such a situation offers support and a sense of cultural identity in an uncertain and hostile environment. Bird (1999) argues religion among minorities can be a foundation for community solidarity and a means of preserving ones culture and language as well as a way of coping with oppression in a racist society. For example the experience of African and Caribbean Christians, where they found white churches weren’t welcoming to them, thus they founded their own black churches which explains their high Pentecostal membership. Religion can also be a means of easing the transition into a new culture by providing support and sense of community for minority groups in their new environment. Will Herberg (1955) argues this as an explanation for high levels of religious participation among first generation immigrants to the USA. Bruce identified a similar pattern of immigration into the UK, where religion provided a focal point the Irish, Caribbean and south Asian communities. However she argues once a group has made the transition into the new culture and wider society religion loses its role and declines in importance, as was the case with Irish catholic immigrants. Ken Pyrce (1979) studied the African Caribbean community in Bristol. He found evidence of cultural defence and cultural defence being important. He argues Pentecostalism is a highly adaptive religion of the oppressed which provides migrants with values appropriate to their new world in which they find themselves in. Pentecostalism helped African Caribbean’s adapt to British society by playing a protestant ethic role by helping members succeed by encouraging self reliance and thrift. Religion played a role in giving mutual support and hope of improving their situation. However, Rastafarianism represented a different response for some African Caribbean’s, as they radically reject wider society as racist and exploitative. The general pattern concerning age and religious participation is that the older a person is, the more likely they’re to attend church or religious service. However there are two exceptions to this pattern; the under 15’s and over 65’s. The under 15’s are more likely to go to church then other groups as they’re forced to do so by their parents. The over 65’s are more likely to be sick and disabled, thus they’re unable to attend. Higher death rates also make this a smaller group, which reduces the total number available to attend. Voas and Crockett (2005) argue there are two main sorts of explanation fir age differences in religious participation. One argument is the ageing effect. This is the view that people turn to religion as they get older. For example using evidence from the Kendal project Heelas found people become more interested in spirituality as they get older. She argues as we approach death, we naturally become more concerned about spiritual matters and the afterlife, repentance of misdeeds and so on. Thus that age group is more likely to go to church. Another explanation is the generational effect. This is the view that as society becomes more secular each new generation is less religious then the one before it. Thus there are more old people than young people in church congregations today, not because they’re more attracted to religion as they get older but because they grew up in a time when religion was more popular. Voas and Crockett argue the generational effect is the more significant of the two explanations for age difference in religious participation. They argue that each new generation is only half as religious as their parents. Thus we can expect a continuing average age rise in church goers as the young become less willing to attend. The number of 15-19 year olds attending church has fallen significantly since 1979 and two-fifths of churches have no one under the age of 112 attending services. 30% of church goers are now over 65; Bruce predicts this trend will continue and soon the over 65s will become the majority. Bruce argues the only exception to this trend is Pentecostal churches which continue to attract young members. Gill (1998) argues children no longer receive religious socialisation, thus those brought up without religious beliefs are less likely to become church goers later on in life. Thus it’s likely within two generations Christian beliefs will only be held by a minority. Class differences also have patterns in the level of religious participation between the working and ruling classes. Marx argued that the working classes are more likely to be religious because of alienation, where the exploitation of capitalism leads them to look to religion as a source of consolation. Marx argues that that religion was the opium of the people; it dulls the pain of exploitation but masks the pain rather than treating the cause. Marx argued the upper classes were less religious as they had wealth and power to compensate, and he argued they used religion cynically to manipulate the working classes. However, Marx has been criticised by Althusser, who argues alienation is unscientific and based on the romantic idea of humans having a true self. This would make the concept an inadequate basis for theory of religion. However, Stark and Bainbridge have identified high religious participation among the middle and upper classes. They argue this is because of relative deprivation. Relative deprivation is where there’s a subjective sense of being deprived. Thus although the middle class are materially well off, they feel spiritually deprived, especially in today’s materialistic and consumerist world which they perceive as lacing emotional or moral warmth. Thus Wallis argues they turn to religion for sense of community. There are clear gender differences in religious belief and participation; while priesthoods of most religions are male women are likeier to participate in activities and have belief in god and the supernatural. For example in 2005 1. 8 million women in England were church goers, compared to just 1. 36 million men. Miller and Hoffman (1995) found women express greater interest in religion; they have a greater personal commitment and go to church more. They found that this was true for all religious organisations, ages and faiths. Bruce (1996) estimated there are twice as many women than men in sects. Heelas and Woodhead (2005) found in their study of Kendal 80% of holistic milieu participants were female. These gender differences can be linked to the way men and women see god; as a god of power and control or a god of love and forgiveness. Sociologists have given several arguments for gender differences in religious belief and practice. Miller and Hoffman argue women are more religious as they’re socialised to be more passive, obedient and caring. Religion values all of these characteristics, thus women are more likely than men to be attracted to religion. It’s noted that men who also have these qualities are also more likely to be religious. Miller and Hoffman also argue that women are more likely than men to be employed in part time work or be full time carers, thus they have more time to organise around religious activities. Women also look to the church as a source of gender identity. Greely argues taking care of other family member’s increases women’s religiosity as they have responsibility to their ultimate welfare as well as day to day needs. Davie (1994) argues women’s closeness to birth and death, through child bearing and caring for the sick, brings them closer to ultimate questions such as the meaning of life which religion is concerned with. This is also linked to the way women and men see god. Women are more likely to be attracted to the new age because women are more associated with nature and the healing role. Heelas and Woodhead found 80% of participants in their holistic milieu study in Kendal found were women. They argue such movements celebrate the natural and involve cults of healing; this gives women a higher status and sense of self worth. Bruce argues women’s experience of child rearing makes them less aggressive, more goal orientated, cooperative and caring. Where men wish to achieve, women wish to feel. Bruce argues this fits the expressive emphasis of the new age. The importance of being authentic rather than acting out roles, for example gender roles, in the new age also attracts women as women are more likely than men to see their ascribed roles as restrictive. Callum Brown (2001) argues the new age self religions, which emphasise subjective experience rather than external authority, attract women through their appeal for autonomy. However it can also be argued that women are attracted to fundamentalism because of the certainties of traditional gender roles women gain. Glock and Stark (1969) and Stark and Bainbridge (1985) argue people participate in religion because of the compensators for social, organismic and ethical deprivation that religion offers. Glock and Stark argue that these forms of deprivation are more common among women; this explains their higher level of sect membership. Organismic deprivation stems from physical and mental health problems; women are more likely to suffer from ill health thus they seek healing through religion. Women are more likely to be ethically deprived as they’re more likely than men to be morally conservative, thus they regard the world as in moral decline, and thus they’re attracted to sects who share this view. Women are more likely to be socially deprived as they’re more likely to be poor. This further explains why women’s membership is higher then men’s in sects, as sects tend to attract poorer groups. However, despite traditional gender differences in participation, women are now leaving the church at a faster rate than men. Brierly (2005) found a huge decline in church going for women aged 30-45, with a 16. 4% fall in Sunday church attendance between 1990 and 2005. Brierly argues this could be due to pressures of the home; family and work have become intense for women. Women in this age group are more likely to have a young family and Sunday working is particularly high for women. All this equates to having little time for church. Callum Brown argues that since the 1960s women have begun to reject traditional subordinate gender roles. Christianity was closely bound to these traditional roles, thus women’s rejection of subordination leads them to reject traditional religion at the same time.

China Bank Internationalisation Project Essay

This approach to a project is very similar to what happens regularly in the financial services industry. A project has to be completed, a team is set up (usually with individuals of different skills with different backgrounds and from different countries) who then have to work together to complete the task. Managers then evaluate each team member in such a process on the basis of the quality of the final joint work produced. Background China’s banks are trying to internationalise and your task is to help advise a Chinese bank on how to do this. Bank of China, for example, has on its website its ‘Strategic Goal† and other banks have similar goals: Strategic Goal Aiming at excellence, sustaining growth and building a first-class international bank. Strategic Positioning A large transnational banking group focusing on commercial banking business and providing diversified services integrated both at home and abroad. Commercial banking focused diversification With commercial banking business as the core and foundation of the group’s development, Bank of China will keep improving its brand popularity and core competitiveness by expanding business network and customer base and nhancing product innovation. By taking advantage of the comparative competitiveness of diversified services for unified customers via unified channels under unified strategy and brand, it will strive to develop various business lines such as investment banking, fund, insurance, investment and leasing so as to create a synergistic effect on the diversified platform in the interest of comprehensive and excellent financial services for customers. To provide a structure to this advice, you are required to write answers to each of the five topics below (though you need not follow exactly the items in each). Each of the five sections should be not more than 500 words i. e. 2,500 words maximum for the whole project. This will also make it much easier to present each project in class i. e. to read out the paper in class. Also, it will help you understand the need to be concise. Most business papers have an ‘Executive Summary’ at the front of a paper and in the case of this project, the ‘executive summary’ is the actual paper. You will, of course, be likely to write more on your section in the first instance but you will then have to reduce it in size to make this summary the correct length. Although you may choose to allocate one section to each person in the group, it is VITAL that the quality of English (grammar, spelling), is high throughout. Thus one person who is good at English should check through the whole paper. Also, each section should use the same font and typesize. You should also ensure that each of you understands each of the 5 topics and is able to speak in class about any of them. I may choose any one of you to present and to explain your proposals. Project China’s banks are trying to internationalise. You have been employed as consultants to a well-known large Chinese bank. They have asked you to write a report for them as below: â€Å"Until now, we have been principally a domestic financial institution operating in mainland China. We expect that the profitability of our existing domestic business may decline and that our balance sheet size will not increase as fast as before. We are therefore considering trying to internationalise. We need to learn from Western experience of internationalisation and try to apply that experience (though modified for specific Chinese characteristics) to our own internationalisation project. Please prepare a report that will help us achieve our objectives. † Having chosen your bank (one of the big four) set out a strategy that it might follow. You should start by looking at the bank’s latest annual report and accounts and any press references to internationalization of Chinese banks. Some topics that you might cover are suggested below but the actual topics that you think are relevant may be wider than this. You should also look at the experience of Western banks which have tried to become full-service i. e. international financial supermarkets. I. Examine balance sheet strength, current and future expected loan losses on existing domestic loans, current and future required Basel ratios and current price to book ratios of the bank or banks you have chosen and any other relevant information. You have to provide a summary of your chosen bank’s financial strengths and weakness relative to competitors. Consider any competitive advantages that Chinese banks might have in trying to internationalise in relation to any weaknesses of European or US banks at the present time in terms of funding availability, currency related issues, term of loans, regulatory ratios, ownership structure etc. II. Consider reasons why Chinese domestic banking is likely to be less profitable from 2012 onwards compared with previous years (consider interest margins and loan write-offs and any other factors). Consider in which countries a bank might best open overseas operations, what commercial banking products and services might be offered and why. Consider products and services to be offered to Chinese companies doing business abroad and also local companies in the foreign market which may or may not do business with China. Give reasons why you think a Chinese bank could gain competitive advantage in these markets with the different types of customer they might attract. Also consider where you might put the international head office of such a bank and whether the senior management in a country should be natives of that country or expatriate managers from China. III. Chinese banks are currently principally commercial banks involved in lending, trade financing, foreign exchange services and leasing. Consider the other types of products and services, in particular investment banking and asset management services, that they might want to offer outside China and the advantages and possible drawbacks of trying to compete with US investment banks in such products. Finish with a recommendation on the scope of products the bank should offer. IV. If you recommend that your bank should go ahead with an internationalisation programme, advise it on the relative merits of a new start-up bank versus a policy of acquisition of local banks in the chosen markets. You might, for example, suggest that the bank acquire RBS from the UK government. V. Japanese commercial and investment banks have not been very successful in their internationalising efforts (see Chapter 27 of your textbook). Consider the economic, cultural and foreign branch/ subsidiary management, employee and governance (and any other) issues that might have hindered their development. Consider how a Chinese banks may, or may not, be able to overcome these same difficulties. Citigroup has also proven not to be very successful. You should examine what its strategy was and why it collapsed (rescued by the US government) and why it is now downsizing and simplifying. RBS has also cut back its investment banking activities dramatically. You should consider why it has done this. Some articles from the FT that might be useful in this endeavour are included on Blackboard under â€Å"Course Documents†. However, it is important that you access other sources of information which may include private information that you have access to. You should give references where appropriate. Brian Scott-Quinn ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China

Herzog essays

Herzog essays Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron are among the very few architects whose work can be interpreted as an effort to regain architectures original grounds. They believe that although a certain concept and preliminary design must always be used, architecture builds itself, and by having an open mind during the creation of a building, you can capture the true meaning behind the structure. They believe that architecture is a journey, a discovery, into the fundamental nature of the building. Herzog and de Meuron are probably two of the most celebrated practitioners of minimalism in the world. The works of Herzog Herzog and de Meuron work with geometrically clearly defined volumes, which through the polyvalence of their surfaces alternate between lightness and transparency on the one hand, density and heaviness on the other (Vitruvio.ch, 2). In the Dominius Winery in Yountville, California, 1997 the simple concrete building for storing the wine is clad in the dark local stone graded to generate several densities in the facade. Some of the stones are open in texture, others dense and concealing. Another example of these architects' interest in the intricately worked building shell is the project for a Greek Orthodox Church in Zurich. He...

The Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis

The Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis Mitosis vs Meiosis Organisms grow and reproduce through cell division. In eukaryotic cells, the production of new cells occurs as a result of mitosis and meiosis. These two nuclear division processes are similar but distinct. Both processes involve the division of a diploid cell, or a cell containing two sets of chromosomes (one chromosome donated from each parent). In mitosis, the genetic material (DNA) in a cell is duplicated and divided equally between two cells. The dividing cell goes through an ordered series of events called the cell cycle. The mitotic cell cycle is initiated by the presence of certain growth factors or other signals that indicate that the production of new cells is needed. Somatic cells of the body replicate by mitosis. Examples of somatic cells include fat cells, blood cells, skin cells, or any body cell that is not a sex cell. Mitosis is necessary to replace dead cells, damaged cells, or cells that have short life spans. Meiosis is the process by which gametes (sex cells) are generated in organisms that reproduce sexually. Gametes are produced in male and female gonads  and  contain one-half the number of chromosomes as the original cell. New gene combinations are introduced in a population through the genetic recombination that occurs during meiosis. Thus, unlike the two genetically identical cells produced in mitosis, the meiotic cell cycle produces four cells that are genetically different. Key Takeaways: Mitosis vs Meiosis Mitosis and meiosis are nuclear division processes that occur during cell division.Mitosis involves the division of body cells, while meiosis involves the division of sex cells.The division of a cell occurs once in mitosis but twice in meiosis.Two daughter cells are produced after mitosis and cytoplasmic division, while four daughter cells are produced after meiosis.Daughter cells resulting from mitosis are diploid, while those resulting from meiosis are haploid.Daughter cells that are the product of mitosis are genetically identical. Daughter cells produced after meiosis are genetically diverse.Tetrad formation occurs in meiosis but not mitosis. Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis Lily Anther Microsporocyte in Telophase II of Meiosis. Ed Reschke/Photolibrary/Getty Images 1. Cell Division Mitosis: A somatic cell divides once. Cytokinesis (the division of the cytoplasm) occurs at the end of telophase.Meiosis: A reproductive cell divides twice. Cytokinesis happens at the end of telophase I and telophase II. 2. Daughter Cell Number Mitosis: Two daughter cells are produced. Each cell is diploid containing the same number of chromosomes.Meiosis: Four daughter cells are produced. Each cell is haploid containing one-half the number of chromosomes as the original cell. 3. Genetic Composition Mitosis: The resulting daughter cells in mitosis are genetic clones (they are genetically identical). No recombination or crossing over occur.Meiosis: The resulting daughter cells contain different combinations of genes. Genetic recombination occurs as a result of the random segregation of homologous chromosomes into different cells and by the process of crossing over (transfer of genes between homologous chromosomes). 4. Length of Prophase Mitosis: During the first mitotic stage, known as prophase, chromatin condenses into discrete chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers form at opposite poles of the cell. A cell spends less time in prophase of mitosis than  a cell  in prophase I of meiosis.Meiosis: Prophase I consists of five stages and lasts longer than prophase of mitosis. The five stages of meiotic prophase I are leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, and diakinesis. These five stages do not occur in mitosis. Genetic recombination and crossing over take place during prophase I. 5. Tetrad Formation Mitosis: Tetrad formation does not occur.Meiosis: In prophase I, pairs of homologous chromosomes line up closely together forming what is called a tetrad. A tetrad consists of four chromatids (two sets of sister chromatids). 6. Chromosome Alignment in Metaphase Mitosis: Sister chromatids (duplicated chromosome comprised of two identical chromosomes connected at the centromere region) align at the metaphase plate (a plane that is equally distant from the two cell poles).Meiosis: Tetrads (homologous chromosome pairs) align at the metaphase plate in metaphase I. 7. Chromosome Separation Mitosis: During anaphase, sister chromatids separate and begin migrating centromere first toward opposite poles of the cell. A separated sister chromatid becomes known as daughter chromosome and is considered a full chromosome.Meiosis: Homologous chromosomes migrate toward opposite poles of the cell during anaphase I. Sister chromatids do not separate in anaphase I. Mitosis and Meiosis Similarities Plant cell in Interphase. In interphase, the cell is not undergoing cell division. The nucleus and chromatin are evident. Ed Reschke/Getty Images While the processes of mitosis and meiosis contain a number of differences, they are also similar in many ways. Both processes have a growth period called interphase, in which a cell replicates its genetic material and organelles in preparation for division. Both mitosis and meiosis involve phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase. Although in meiosis, a cell goes through these cell cycle phases twice. Both processes also involve the lining up of individual duplicated chromosomes, known as sister chromatids, along the metaphase plate. This happens in metaphase of mitosis and metaphase II of meiosis. In addition, both mitosis and meiosis involve the separation of sister chromatids and the formation of daughter chromosomes. This event occurs in anaphase of mitosis and anaphase II of meiosis. Finally, both processes end with the division of the cytoplasm that produces individual cells.

Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II

Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II Battle of Guadalcanal Conflict Date The Battle of Guadalcanal began on August 7, 1942, during World War II (1939-1945). Armies Commanders Allies Major General Alexander Vandergrift Major General Alexander Patchup to 60,000 men Japanese Lieutenant General Harukichi Hyakutake General Hitoshi Imamura rising to 36,200 men Operation Watchtower In the months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Allied forces suffered a string of reverses as Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines were lost and the Japanese swept through the Pacific. Following the propaganda victory of the Doolittle Raid, the Allies succeeded in checking the advance of the Japanese at the Battle of the Coral Sea. The following month they won a decisive victory at the  Battle of Midway which saw four Japanese carriers sunk in exchange for USS Yorktown (CV-5). Capitalizing on this triumph, the Allies began to move to the offensive in the summer of 1942. Conceived by Admiral Ernest King, Commander-in-Chief, US Fleet, Operation Watchtower called for Allied troops to land in the Solomon Islands at Tulagi, Gavutu–Tanambogo, and Guadalcanal. Such an operation would protect the Allied lines of communication to Australia and allow for the capture of a Japanese airfield then under construction at Lunga Point, Guadalcanal. To oversee the operation, the South Pacific Area was created with Vice Admiral Robert Ghormley in command and reporting to Admiral Chester Nimitz at Pearl Harbor. The ground forces for the invasion would be under the leadership of Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift, with his 1st Marine Division forming the bulk of the 16,000 troops involved. In preparation for the operation, Vandegrifts men were shifted from the United States to New Zealand and forward bases were established or reinforced in the New Hebrides and New Caledonia. Assembling near Fiji on July 26, the Watchtower force consisted of 75 ships led by Vice Admiral Frank J. Fletcher with Rear Admiral Richmond K. Turner overseeing the amphibious forces. Going Ashore Approaching the area in poor weather, the Allied fleet remained undetected by the Japanese. On August 7, the landings began with 3,000 Marines assaulting the seaplane bases at Tulagi and Gavutu-Tanambogo. Centered on Lieutenant Colonel Merritt A. Edsons 1st Marine Raider Battalion and the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, the Tulagi force was compelled to disembark approximately 100 yards from the beach due to submerged coral reefs.   Wading ashore against no resistance, the Marines began securing the island and engaged enemy forces led by Captain Shigetoshi Miyazaki. Though Japanese resistance was fierce on both Tulagi and Gavutu-Tanambogo, the islands were secured on August 8 and 9 respectively. The situation on Guadalcanal was different as Vandegrift landed with 11,000 men against minimal opposition. Pushing forward the next day, they advanced to the Lunga River, secured the airfield, and drove off the Japanese construction troops that were in the area. The Japanese retreated west to the Matanikau River. In their haste to retreat, they left behind large quantities of food and construction equipment. At sea, Fletchers carrier aircraft incurred losses as they battled Japanese land-based aircraft from Rabaul. These attacks also resulted in the sinking of a transport, USS George F. Elliott, and a destroyer, USS Jarvis. Concerned about aircraft losses and his ships fuel supplies, he withdrew from the area on the evening of August 8. That evening, Allied naval forces suffered a severe defeat at the nearby Battle of Savo Island. Caught by surprise,  Rear Admiral Victor Crutchley screening force lost four heavy cruisers. Unaware that Fletcher was withdrawing, the Japanese commander, Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa, departed the area after the victory fearing air attack once the sun rose   His air cover gone, Turner withdrew on August 9 despite the fact that not all of the troops and supplies had been landed (Map). The Battle Begins Ashore, Vandegrifts men worked to form a loose perimeter and completed the airfield on August 18. Dubbed Henderson Field in memory of Marine aviator Lofton Henderson who had been killed at Midway, it began receiving aircraft two days later. Critical to the islands defense, the aircraft at Henderson became known as the Cactus Air Force (CAF) in reference to Guadalcanals code name. Short on supplies, the Marines initially possessed about two weeks worth of food when Turner departed. Their situation was further worsened by the onset of dysentery and a variety of tropical diseases. During this time, the Marines began patrolling against the Japanese in the Matanikau Valley with mixed results. In response to the Allied landings, Lieutenant General Harukichi Hyakutake, commander of the 17th Army at Rabaul, began shifting troops to the island. The first of these, under Colonel Kiyonao Ichiki, landed at Taivu Point on August 19. Advancing west, they attacked the Marines early on August 21 and were repulsed with heavy losses at the Battle of the Tenaru. The Japanese directed additional reinforcements to the area which resulted in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. Though the battle was a draw, it forced Rear Admiral Raizo Tanakas reinforcement convoy to turn back. As the CAF controlled the skies around the island during daylight hours, the Japanese were compelled to deliver supplies and troops to the island using destroyers. Holding Guadalcanal Fast enough to reach the island, unload, and escape before dawn, the destroyer supply line was dubbed the Tokyo Express. Though effective, this method precluded the delivery of heavy equipment and weapons. His troops suffering from tropical diseases and food shortages, Vandegrift was reinforced and re-supplied in late-August and early-September. Having built up sufficient strength, Major General Kiyotake Kawaguchi attacked the Allied position at Lunga Ridge, south of Henderson Field, on September 12. In two nights of brutal fighting, the Marines held, forcing the Japanese to retreat. On September 18, Vandegrift was further reinforced, though the carrier USS Wasp was sunk covering the convoy. An American thrust against the Matanikau was checked late in the month, but actions in early October inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese and delayed their next offensive against the Lunga perimeter. With the struggle raging, Ghormley was convinced to dispatch US Army troops to aid Vandegrift. This coincided with a large Express run scheduled for October 10/11. On that evening, the two forces collided and Rear Admiral Norman Scott won a victory at the Battle of Cape Esperance. Not to be deterred, the Japanese sent a large convoy towards the island on October 13. To provide cover, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto dispatched two battleships to bombard Henderson Field. Arriving after midnight on October 14, they succeeded in destroying 48 of CAFs 90 aircraft. Replacements were quickly flown to the island and CAF began attacks on the convoy that day but to no effect. Reaching Tassafaronga on the islands western shore, the convoy began unloading the next day. Returning, CAF aircraft were more successful, destroying three cargo ships. Despite their efforts, 4,500 Japanese troops landed. The Battle Grinds On Reinforced, Hyakutake had around 20,000 men on Guadalcanal. He believed Allied strength to be around 10,000 (it was actually 23,000) and moved forward with another offensive. Moving east, his men assaulted the Lunga Perimeter for three days between October 23-26. Dubbed the Battle of Henderson Field, his attacks were thrown back with massive losses numbering 2,200-3,000 killed against less than 100 Americans. As the fighting was concluding, American naval forces now led by Vice Admiral William Bull Halsey (Ghormley was relieved on October 18) engaged the Japanese at the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. Though Halsey lost the carrier USS Hornet, his men inflicted severe losses on the Japanese aircrews. The fight marked the last time that either sides carriers would clash in the campaign. Exploiting the victory at Henderson Field, Vandegrift began an offensive across the Matanikau. Though initially successful, it was halted when Japanese forces were discovered to the east near Koli Point. In a series of battles around Koli in early November, American forces defeated and drove off the Japanese. As this action was underway, two companies of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Evans Carlson landed at Aola Bay on November 4. The next day, Carlson was ordered to move overland back to Lunga (approx. 40 miles) and engage enemy forces along the way. During the Long Patrol, his men killed around 500 Japanese. At Matanikau, Tokyo Express runs aided Hyakutake in strengthening his position and turning back American attacks on November 10 and 18. Victory at Last As a stalemate ensued on land, the Japanese made efforts to build up strength for an offensive in late November. To aid in this, Yamamoto made available eleven transports for Tanaka to transport 7,000 men to the island. This convoy would be covered by a force including two battleships which would bombard Henderson Field and destroy the CAF. Aware that the Japanese were moving troops to the island, the Allies planned a similar move. On the night of November 12/13, the Allied covering force encountered the Japanese battleships in the opening actions of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Taking off on November 14, CAF and aircraft from USS Enterprise spotted and sunk seven of Tanakas transports. Though taking heavy losses the first night, American warships turned the tide on the night of November 14/15. Tanakas remaining four transports beached themselves at Tassafaronga before dawn, but were quickly destroyed by Allied aircraft. The failure to reinforce the island led to the abandonment of the November offensive. On November 26, Lieutenant General Hitoshi Imamura took command of the newly created Eighth Area Army at Rabaul which included Hyakutakes command. Though he initially began planning for attacks at Lunga, the Allied offensive against Buna on New Guinea led to a shift in priorities as it presented a greater threat to Rabaul. As result, offensive operations on Guadalcanal were suspended. Though the Japanese won a naval victory at Tassafaronga on November 30, the supply situation on the island was becoming desperate. On December 12, the Imperial Japanese Navy recommended that the island be abandoned. The army concurred and on December 31 the Emperor endorsed the decision. As the Japanese planned their withdraw, changes occurred on Guadalcanal with Vandegrift and the battle weary 1st Marine Division departing and Major General Alexander Patchs XIV Corps taking over. On December 18, Patch began an offensive against Mount Austen. This stalled on January 4, 1943 due to strong enemy defenses. The attack was renewed on January 10 with troops also striking ridges known as the Seahorse and the Galloping Horse. By January 23, all objectives had been secured. As this fight was concluding, the Japanese had begun their evacuation which was dubbed Operation Ke. Unsure of Japanese intentions, Halsey sent Patch reinforcements which led to the naval Battle of Rennell Island on January 29/30. Concerned about a Japanese offensive, Patch did not aggressively pursue the retreating enemy. By February 7, Operation Ke was complete with 10,652 Japanese soldiers having left the island. Realizing the enemy had departed, Patch declared the island secured on February 9. Aftermath During the campaign to take Guadalcanal, the Allied losses numbered around 7,100 men, 29 ships, and 615 aircraft. Japanese casualties were approximately 31,000 killed, 1,000 captured, 38 ships, and 683-880 aircraft. With the victory at Guadalcanal, the strategic initiative passed to the Allies for the remainder of the war. The island was subsequently developed into a major base for supporting future Allied offensives. Having exhausted themselves in the campaign for the island, the Japanese had weakened themselves elsewhere which contributed to the successful conclusion of Allied campaigns on New Guinea. The first sustained Allied campaign in the Pacific, it provided a psychological boost for the troops as well as led to the development of combat and logistical systems that would be used in the Allies march across the Pacific. With the island secured, operations continued on New Guinea and the Allies began their island hopping campaign towards Japan.

Security Incident Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Security Incident Case Study - Essay Example This paper seeks to describe how effectively an emergency incident that occurred in Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), at 2:38pm, Terminal 4, would have be managed and highlight how effective airport operators can be, when during emergencies. In this case, where a man trespasses through a restricted doorway, there is actually no need for the crew to lower security gates and order out everyone off the secured gate including the passengers who are already aboard waiting to depart. Since it’s a breech that is only confined to a limited space, the best thing to do would be; assuming that the cameras in that terminal are working, trail the person in question quietly and swiftly without drawing unnecessary attention from the other parties. The evacuation process is so hectic and time consuming; and one that would literally paralyse operations throughout the entire airport. In addition; and as observed in our case study, it is more likely to cause a lot of panic and confusion, in turn making the whole process of trailing the individual in question futile. Finally, given that people will be aware of an anomaly happening at the airport; it is more likely to trigger unexpected reactions. People may start running and in the process injure each other. In conclusion, as analysed in the paper, as an airport operator, your duty is not to bring about confusion and add complexity to arising problems. With this case, and other emergency issues that arise, it is the airport’s duty to ensure that the safety of everyone is guaranteed and the simplest method is used in combating any possible

Gandhi (1982) Movie analysis not review attempt to dissect the films Essay

Gandhi (1982) Movie analysis not review attempt to dissect the films approach to its historical matter - Essay Example The opening statement of the film, – "No mans life can be encompassed in one telling. There is no way to give each year its allotted weight, to include each event, each person who helped to shape a lifetime. What can be done is to be faithful in spirit to the record and try to find ones way to the heart of the man" – shows the respect of Attenborough to Gandhi and a glimpse to the way he is going to present Gandhi’s legendary freedom movement. The director resorts to a flash back mode in this film. After portraying the last episodes in Gandhi’s life, he then moves on to sketch the life of Gandhi as a young barrister in Africa. Gandhi faces the first bitter experience here in Africa while travelling in the first class train compartment. Though he possessed the reservation ticket, he was thrown out of the train due to the fact that the first class is reserved for the Europeans. He had to spend the whole night on the cold railway station platform and realized that such humiliations and discriminations are quite common in Africa and therefore he decides to retaliate against it. He says, â€Å"We are children of God and members of the Empire.† This incident acts as a stimulus for Gandhi to conduct various protests against social injustices. The film then shows Gandhi’s return to India after having some success in his endeavors. The Indian National Congress party welcomed Gandhi to India and insisted him to travel through the country and identify the real suffering of the ordinary people. After witnessing them, he continues his protestations against injustices in India where is treated as a national hero. But things were not easy for Gandhi as he had to confront with many problems from the British Empire. The film links the important incidents in Gandhi’s life. Gandhi is often jailed as a result of his disagreement with the British authority on several matters. He goes on a hunger strike in order to react against the

Capstone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 8

Capstone - Essay Example This paper also provides information concerning the ethical values of the company, and how it affects the organizations bottom line. Northrop Grumman is an American Multi-national company, specializing in the production of defense and aerospace facilities/ products. The company began its operations in 1994, through an acquisition of Northrop by Grumman. As of the year 2010, this company was voted as the fourth largest defense contractor in the world, and it employs more than 68,000 employees all over the world. The mission of the company is to be a leader in the production of defense and aeronautical technology. The mission of the company is also to satisfy the various needs of its customers through delivery and innovating high quality technological products, which are affordable (Hayden, Campbell and Cummins, 2010). The vision of the company on the other hand is to be a trusted and reliable supplier and producer of technologies and systems capable of protecting the country. To achieve this objective, the company aims to observe ethical values that guide defense contracting, promote innovation and collaboration a mongst its employees and key stakeholders. The key stakeholders of Northrop Grumman are share holders, suppliers, employees, and the company’s customers, which are always security institutions of America, and American allies. These people have an impact on the general performance of the company; this is because the company aims at achieving profitability for purposes of satisfying its shareholders and customers (Hayden, Campbell and Cummins, 2010). The company also seeks to produce high quality defense technologies, for purposes of protecting the country and satisfying the needs of its customers. Production of high quality defense technology is part and parcel of the organization’s mission and vision, and hence the employees of the

Strategic Choice and Evaluation Paper on Apple Inc Research

Strategic Choice and Evaluation on Apple Inc - Research Paper Example In this sense, the company cannot afford to relent on its path towards market domination because its rivals and new entrants can easily catch up and take over the market leadership position that Apple Inc. currently enjoys. This paper explores the three levels of strategy that the company can use to consolidate its position. The three areas of strategy include the identification of the best value discipline for the company, the best generic strategy option, and the most effective grand strategy that Apple Inc. ought to pursue. Value Discipline All companies usually choose between three broad value disciplines. This three value disciplines are operational efficiency, product leadership, and customer intimacy (Treacy & Wiersema, 1993). Operational efficiency refers to the ability of a company to provide a product without hassles and with minimal inconvenience to the customer. Usually, it calls for investment in powerful supply-chain management tools to ensure that there are no delays i n the production process. Companies that attain efficient operations as a value discipline also tend to provide basic products made with little or no embellishments, and with a very small parts-count. They employ advanced levels of designed-for -manufacture concepts. In order to attain product leadership as a value discipline, a company must invest in advanced product research and development techniques because it requires that the company retain leadership in its ability provide new products for its customers (Treacy & Wiersema, 1993). The IT industry seems to require this as a basic value discipline because of the high rate of innovation in the industry. The amount of game-changing discoveries in the IT industry renders new products obsolete within a very short time. Thirdly, adopting customer intimacy as a value discipline calls for the use of personalized methods of production and marketing that aims at developing a sense of personal attachment with customers (Treacy & Wiersema, 1993). This approach works best for low volume and high margin products for the target market. The best value discipline for Apple Inc. is product innovation. This comes from the fact that Apple Inc. is an IT based industry dealing with personal products. The main competitive edge for companies producing IT devices for personal use is in the innovativeness of the products. Pursuing operational efficiency will limit the innovative edge that Apple Inc. enjoys because of the efforts it will divert to attain efficiency. On the other hand, Apple Inc. develops products for the mass market. It is very challenging to implement customer intimacy as a value discipline when it comes to productions for the mass market. However, there may be strategic benefits in pursuing a two-fold strategy both as a product leader and as an efficiency operator because Apple Inc. may not always be a product leader in the unpredictable IT industry. Product Innovation alone may also make it too expensive for App le Inc. to return a profit because of the high cost of product development. Generic Strategy Porter identified three elements of generic strategy that informs the approaches organizations use to gain market share. In Porters model, the three strategies come from a matrix developed by comparing the scope of the target market with the source of advantage (Porter, 1980). In this sense, a company can pursue a strategy aiming for a niche market or for the mass market. In addition, it has to make a decision regarding whether it

The Pros & Cons of In-House Versus Outsourced R&D Activity for Assignment

The Pros & Cons of In-House Versus Outsourced R&D Activity for Technology Firms - Assignment Example This research will begin with the statement that there is recent evidence showing that firms no longer depend entirely on in-house R&D to maintain their technological competitiveness. This development, in as much as it has been contended, in portions reflects technological and economical globalization, whereby there is an increasing correspondence in categories of technologies across countries of harmony. Consequently, cross border competition is growing which has resulted in fewer opportunities for profits despite higher costs in retaining technological resources to remain internationally competitive. On the other hand, there is evidence that outsourcing research and development (R&D) activities are on the increase too, for instance in the R&D Magazine January 2001 Issue reports according to a survey of the people reading, a significant portion of the total R&D would be outsourced. The term non – internal is a premeditated one and is proposed to comprise of both outer activit ies (arms-length relationships that include licensing, R&D contracts, outsourcing and other customer supplier relationships) and quasi-external activity like strategic alliances which is said to involve a good number of organizational methods. Non- internal activities are advantageous as they are a ‘reversible’ asset as well as benefits of exploring new areas prompting radical transformation. The funds needed are smaller and the dangers are to a great extent reduced and, in case of the organizational predicament of failure, the limited damage is imposed on primary operations of the firm.

Who were the anasazi Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Who were the anasazi - Essay Example This ancient Pueblo civilization remains mysterious. Their economic activity was farming, gathering and hunting, especially during famine occasioned by drought and cold weather. The Anasazi people sheltered in clay made pueblos. The pueblos mostly housed many families at a time as expanding an existent pueblo was more convenient compared to erecting a new one. They spoke different languages, including Tiwa, Tewa, Zuni, Keresan, and Hopi. They adorned clothing woven expansive frame looms and always made bracelets, earrings, necklaces, wood, turquoise and armbands. Their footwear included Moccasins, snowshoes and sandals (Hillerman pp25-27). Their religion was based on the belief in the significance of nature and its harmony with the universe. Vital religious practices involved observing the moon, stars, and sun. The Anasazi performed rituals and prayers to appreciate successful harvest and hunting. Clan classification was determined by female bloodline. Conventionally, Pueblo societies were matriclocal and matrilineal. They appreciated unity and rarely went into

The Pros & Cons of In-House Versus Outsourced R&D Activity for Assignment

The Pros & Cons of In-House Versus Outsourced R&D Activity for Technology Firms - Assignment Example This research will begin with the statement that there is recent evidence showing that firms no longer depend entirely on in-house R&D to maintain their technological competitiveness. This development, in as much as it has been contended, in portions reflects technological and economical globalization, whereby there is an increasing correspondence in categories of technologies across countries of harmony. Consequently, cross border competition is growing which has resulted in fewer opportunities for profits despite higher costs in retaining technological resources to remain internationally competitive. On the other hand, there is evidence that outsourcing research and development (R&D) activities are on the increase too, for instance in the R&D Magazine January 2001 Issue reports according to a survey of the people reading, a significant portion of the total R&D would be outsourced. The term non – internal is a premeditated one and is proposed to comprise of both outer activit ies (arms-length relationships that include licensing, R&D contracts, outsourcing and other customer supplier relationships) and quasi-external activity like strategic alliances which is said to involve a good number of organizational methods. Non- internal activities are advantageous as they are a ‘reversible’ asset as well as benefits of exploring new areas prompting radical transformation. The funds needed are smaller and the dangers are to a great extent reduced and, in case of the organizational predicament of failure, the limited damage is imposed on primary operations of the firm.

Tiffany and Co Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Tiffany and Co - Essay Example Tiffany and Co. is a luxury and jewelry retailer. In the world of business, there are three types of goods in relation to the consumers’ income. There are inferior, normal, and luxury goods. To understand the nature of the markup of the prices of the products, it is imperative to have knowledge of the inherent patterns between different types of goods and consumer behavior. As such, Tiffany and Co. is justified to charge high prices for the products. The reason behind this lies on the classification of luxury goods. Such goods have an income elasticity demand (YED) greater than 1, as indicated below. Figure 1: The Income Elasticity Demand for Tiffany and Co. Products (BOONE, 47) The graph above illustrates the behavior of luxury goods in relation to consumer behavior. As the consumers’ income increases, demand for the product increases; hence, a justification to the markup of the prices of Tiffany and Co. Additionally, Tiffany and Co. acknowledges customer service as a product. The nature of customer service matches the money spend on the luxury products. The positive correlation between the markup of the prices and the customer service explains the nature of the goods. Luxury products are not similar to basic products whereby there is need to create product awareness; hence, a perfect competition. For luxury products, there exists product knowledge for the consumers, and the products are more of a want than a need. The markup of the prices is justified because the target market is defined by their ability to utilize such products.

Guinness Market Entry to Peru

Guinness Market Entry to Peru MASTER IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION The following assignment is aimed at evaluating the attractiveness of Peru market as a potential entry market for the Irish Company, Guinness Breweries. Using the method of International Market Selection market will asses under the Systematic Approach and the model called Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), we will weigh the three main criteria: Economic, Politics and Cultural. Based on the result from the analysis we will recommend the company either the market is attractiveness or not for the company to entry. Guinness was founded in Dublin in 1759. It was first brewed by Arthur Guinness. This was a fairly new beer, characterised by its dark colour acquired through the roasted barley used in its brewing process. Within 10 years, Guinness Extra Strong Porter was being exported to England. It became known as Guinness Stout as a strong porter was known as a stout porter. By the nineteenth century, Guinness focused its brewing activities on stout alone Expansion into foreign markets was spearheaded under the guidance of Arthurs three sons who succeeded him in the family business. From the end of the 1920s onwards, Guinness moved into advertising, with the placing of adverts in the press and the roll-out of a poster campaign. In accordance with an increase in demand for the Guinness product, a new brewery was established at Park Royal, London in 1936, which became Arthur Guinness Sons Co (Park Royal) in 1952. The pinnacle of Guinness extensive research came in the form of Draught Guinness in cans, launched in the UK in 1989 which, with the inclusion of the award-winning Guinness widget, typified the companys pioneering approach to improving technology and replicating the taste of Draught Guinness in a can Guinness Limited now has breweries in 51 countries worldwide and Guinness stout is drunk in 150 countries Over 10 million glasses of Guinness stout are drunk every day worldwide. Starting business operations abroad is a complex and complicated process. It requires decisions about many related but separate issues. The consequences of these decisions may have a significant influence on the success and performance of a firm. The recognition of right International market is one of the most important decisions that organizations face today when interesting in international trade. Regardless of its importance, the tactics pondered by many organizations in ascertaining profitable and servable markets in the international context are often based on the ad hoc decisions and view, rather than a formalized endeavor to match the organizations competences to that of the relevant foreign target markets. After a company have determined to go international, it will stand before the choice of Selecting a target market (European Commission, 2014). According to Marchi et  al. (2014) the international market selection (IMS) is an important determinant for a firms success on international markets. The International Markets Selection is a vital issue in the classification of foreign entry strategy (Papadopoulos et al., 2002). IMS is defined the development of competent and effective methods for selecting a foreign target market(s.) Denis and Papadopoulos (1988). Two diverse, traditional, approaches to the international markets selection have been presented (Papadopoulos and Denis, 1988): (1) A systematic approach, using a formalized decision process including a variety of statistical methods to analyze the potential of target markets; (2) an unsystematic approach suggesting the use of rules of thum such as selection of those foreign markets that reduce the received psychic distance. Company go global for a variety of reason, but the typical objective is company expansion. Bradley (2005:2) has many reasons for internationalization and some examples of those are; better opportunities abroad, shortening product and technology lifecycles, excess capacity and desire to fallow consumers and competitors abroad. Guinness Brewery, want to continue its global expansion in Peru (South America). Guinness Company has been successes in 51 countries worldwide. For example in Nigeria Guinness Nigeria has been success 1963, that first came to Nigeria When a company seeks to expand its business to foreign markets, a number of tactical decisions must be evaluated (Gà ³recka and Szalucka, 2013) Also, the company has to decide the timing of entry (when) as well as entry mode (how) (Gà ³recka and Szalucka, 2013) Evaluation Criteria Inflation Peru has been one of the regions fastest-growing economies in the last decade, with an average growth rate 5.9 percent in a context of low inflation (averaging 2.9 percent). A positive external environment, prudent macroeconomic policies and structural reforms in different areas combined to create a scenario of high growth and low inflation. After reaching a maximum of 4.6 percent at the beginning of the year, headline inflation has declined and stood at 2.9 percent in August 2016, just lower the upper limit of its target range. GDP growth Slightly improved to 3.3 percent in 2015, with a 6-year minimum of 2.4 percent in 2014. In 2016, economic growth is expected to be similar to 2015 levels, increasingly recovering to an average rate of 3.8 percent by 2017-2018. Over the next two or three years, large-scale mining projects are expected to begin fabrication and increased private and public investment in infrastructure projects will support aggregate demand. Additionally, the country will continue to implement structural reforms to ensure confidence of private investors. Exchange rate: Peru has a free-floating exchange rate regime, with the government irregularly intervening for purposes of stabilization. As of the end of 2013, the Nuevo Sol is one of the least volatile currencies in the world, exhibiting firmness in the face of international market and currency fluctuations. The Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP) implements fiscal stimulus and liquidity control measures. Political Stability The economys overall stable and strong performance has allowed the government to increase its revenues and, hence, to balance the budget. President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who took office in July 2016, intends to increase public investment in infrastructure and has announced that Peru is expected to raise funds on worldwide financial markets to finance these projects. Since 1998 when the country hardly avoided bankruptcy by signing an agreement with the IMF, Peru has followed a safe path of fiscal consolidation. The fiscal balance has registered only four years of deficit in the last decade and those deficits have never been larger than 1.3% of GDP. Additionally, public debt was cut about in half, from the 44.3% of GDP tallied in 2004 to just 23.3% of GDP in 2015. Market Economy A market economy is based on the values of offer and demand, and lets business carry on or fail devoid of much interaction from the government. A pure market economy is not viable to implement, most market economies in the region of the world have a component of government influence Existing reforms dismantled some barriers to running private enterprises. With no minimum capital necessary, it now takes less than seven procedures to start a business. Labour regulations are evolving. The state controls domestic food and fuel prices and partly subsidizes electricity, but in late 2014, it ruled out cutting taxes or introducing subsidies to support investment and cushion export sectors from the ongoing recession in product prices. Culture Peruvians preserve a strong sense of nationality identity supported by a series of general characteristics such as language. Hofstede model is used to assess the attractiveness of the market. Of the six dimension between Ireland and Peru compare. Both country have similarity only in Long term orientation and the score is very low, at Ireland 24 and Peru 25, meaning that this dimension measures the long term official planning does not exist. They differ culturally in the others five dimensions, such as Distance Power, Individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, indulgence. Evaluating the three main criteria: economic, political and cultural; and based on the information provided for each of them, we rank them as fallow the political as the most important. Fallow by economic as a less important, Since, Economic and political are extremely interrelated. On the one hand, the indecision connected with an unstable political environment may decrease investment and the pace of economic advance. On the other hand, poor economic performance may lead to government collapse and political unrest. When analyzing the Incentives parameter for the Peru market, we found out several macro greenfield factors that could act as enablers for Guinnes beer approval. These include both political (such as government ) as well economic factors (GDP increasing year by year) Based on the analysis using our constructed IMS model, we believe that the Peru market has several favorable conditions for Analyzing Sub Criterias According to the above information about each sub criteria of Economy criteria, we could rank the most important sub crateria is Inflation. This It is more important compare to exchange rate. If inflation increases, it means the value of the money loose power, therefore, the exchange rate increase. Moreover, countries with lower inflation have a tendency to see an appreciation in the value of their currency. GDP growth is not a very important sub-criteria, even though it not an important sub criteria it is increasing year by year. Exchange rate is more important than GDP growth, the latter of which is adjusted for inflation. If the inflation is lower, then the country will be more competitive. In the potential entry market which is Peru Market, inflation is very low, (averaging 2.9 percent), then the country is more attractive as a prospective market to entry. In the Political criteria; the most important sub-criteria is Stability, fallows by Regulation and, last one Market Economic. Political stability is a pillar of a democracy. For an investor it is important to have a minimum of security regarding the political stability of the country where to invest, a climate of political instability may affect the ability of a region or country to attract investment. Peru, is a very stable politically country, The constitution of Peru states that presidents cannot be re-elected. The constitution decrees a traditionally elected president and vice president serve five-year term. The president selects the prime minister who presides over the rest of the ministers, who comprise the cabinet. If a country is stable politically, hence, its regulation continues implementing structural reforms to guarantee confidence of private investors. Regarding to Culture similarity, both Ireland and Peru are different culturally. But it does not mean that Peru market could not be a potential entry market for an Irish company. Culture similarity is not an important sub criterion in this case that will interfere in the decision of in a international market. Furthermore, Ireland is doing business with South American country, such as Chile. Evaluating the Hofstede for Ireland and Chile culture similarity, the result is that they both are totally different respect to this sub criteria, however, their business are well performing. Between January and August of this year, the volume of Peruvian beer imports grew by 35% over the same period last year, according to the Foreign Trade Center (CCEX) of the Chamber of Commerce of Lima. Between 2012-2016 imports of this product have registered a decrease in volume of 1.4 million liters, but with this growth is generating a great expectation regarding the recovery of consumption of this product, said Carlos Garcia, manager of CCEX-CCL. In the first eight months of the year, the value added totaled more than US $ 5 million, entering our country 5.6 million liters of beer. Among the main suppliers we find Mexico, which covers 58% of the share, being the main supplier of Corona beer; Followed by Colombia (18%) that provides us with all Miller beer. Below these countries we find the Netherlands with a 9% share, a country that supplies us with Heineken and Grolsch beers. Meanwhile, Germany provides us with the Erdinger Weissbier, Bear Beer, Oettinger, Bitburger, Classe Royale and Phoenix brands; While Argentina supplies us with Stella Artois and Quilmes and Japan beers from the Sapporo and Kirin Ichiban beers As a result of the Analysis for a potential entry market based on the method of International Markets Selection at Evaluating the attractiveness of Peru market as a potential entry market for the Irish Company  ¨Guinness breweries  ¨. Under the Systematic Approach and the model called Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), we will weigh the three main criteria: Economic, Politics and Cultural. Peru, is one of the countries in Latino America that the economy is growing faster year by year. The inflation is at very low el The main Criteria and the most important por a decision maker about neither entre or not is POLITICAL, The Government of Peru has encouraged integration with the global economy by signing 17 free trade agreements with 52 economies, including the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (while U.S. exports to Peru jumped from USD 4.9 billion to USD 8.8 billion (a 79 % increase). In 2015, exports grew 23.5% while imports declined 10.9%. Peru registered a USD 13 million trade surplus in April 2016, the first of the year. Perus preferentiaPTPA), which entered into force in February 2009. Trade agreements are with Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, the European Union, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Lichtenstein, Mexico, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, the United States, and Uruguay. From result Pairwise comparisons we got them from the weight the Main and Sub criteria 77%, what mean that Peru Market is attractiveness to entry (70 -79 not so favourable, but still an advanced economy) References http://www.burkedist.com/all-products/imported-beers/guiness#, Burke Distributione (accessed 08-01-17 ) http://blogs.worldbank.org/endpovertyinsouthasia/can-political-stability-hurt- conomic-growth. The word bank (accessed 09-01-2017) http://www.heritage.org/index/country/peru ,Economic freedom, ( Accessed 08-01-2017) http://www.limaeasy.com/peruvian-money-currency-guide/current-exchange-rates Lima Easy, the lima guide, (Accessed 08-01-2017) http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/peru/overview, THE WORDL BANK, IBRD-IDA, (ACCESSED 03-01-2017) http://www.bandeiragalega.com/es/celt/irlanda.htm, Bandeira Galaga (Accessed 08-01-2017) http://www.tradingeconomics.com/peru/forecast, Trading Economy, (accessed 08-01-2017) http://www.focus-economics.com/countries/peru, Focus Economic, (ACCESSED 03-01-17) http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/peru/. Accessed 04-01-2017 http://www.celticclothing.com/mm5/irish-american/cc07-01-history-of-guinness-brewing.php. Celyic Clothing, (06-01-2017) http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/peru/overview, The word Bank, 2017. (accessed 05-01-2017) http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/ref/10.1080/10978526.2016.1142376, Latin America Business Review. 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(08-01-2017) https://www.export.gov/article?id=Peru-Market-Overview, Expor.Gov, (Accessed 01-07-2017) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249643551_The_decision_process_for_the_International_Market_Selection, Reasercg Gate, Oct.17, 2016 (accessed 01-08-2017) Alegrà ­a, Ciro. The World Is Broad and Alien, 1973. Americas Watch. Untold Terror: Violence against Women in Perus Armed Conflict, 1992. Andersen, O. and Buvik, A. (2002) Firms internationalization and alternative approaches to the international customer/market selection, International Business Review 11(3), pp. 347- 63 Arguedas, Josà © Marà ­a. Deep Rivers , 1978. Brown, Michael, and Eduardo Fernà ¡ndez. War of Shadows: The Struggle for Utopia in the Peruvian Amazon, 1991. Bradley, F. (2005) International Marketing Strategy 8 th edition Prentice Hall, London Bryce Echenique, A. A World for Julius, 1992. Brewer P., (2001), International market selection: developing a model from Australian case studies, International Business Review, vol. 10, pp. 155-174 Brouthers, L. Nakos, G. (2005), The role of systematic international market selection on small firms export performance Journal of Small Business Management Oct2005, Vol. 43 Issue 4, p363-19p. Cavusgil, S.T. (1985) Guidelines for export market research, Business Horizons. 28(6), pp. 27- 33. Denis, J.E. and Papadopoulos, N. (1988) INVENTORY, TAXONOMY AND ASSESSMENT OF METHODS FOR INTERNATIONAL MARKET SELECTION, International Marketing Review, 5(3), pp. 38 51. Erramilli, M. K. Rao, C, (1993), Service Firms International Entry-Mode Choice: A Modified Transaction-Cost Analysis, the Journal of Marketing, Vol 57, No 3 pp 19-38 Holligan de Dà ­az-Là ­maco, Jane. Peru in Focus: A Guide to the People, Politics, and Culture, 1998. Isbell, Billie Jean. To Defend Ourselves: Ecology and Ritual in an Andean Village, 1985. Jenkins, D. Peru: The Rough Guide, 1997. Gà ³recka, D. and Szalucka, M. (2013) Country Market Selection in International Expansion Using Multicriteria Decision Aiding Methods, Multiple Criteria Decision Making, 8 pp. 31- 55. Koch, A. (2001a) Selecting overseas markets and entry modes: two decision processes or one?, Marketing Intelligence and Planning, 19(1), pp. 65-75 Gould, R.R. (2002) International Market Selection Screening Technique: Replacing intuition with a multidimensional framework to select a short-list of countries, RMIT University Russow, L. and Okoroafo, S. (1996) On the way towards developing a global screening model, International Marketing Review, 13(1), pp. 46-64. Papadopoulos, N. and Martà ­n O.M. (2011) International market selection and segmentation: perspectives and challenges, International Marketing Review, 28(2), pp. 132-149. Johanson, J. and Wiedersheim-Paul, F. (1975) The internationalization of the firm four Swedish case studies, Journal of Management Studies, 12(3), pp. 305-322. Johanson J. and Vahlne J.E. (1977) The Internationalization Process of the Firm A Model of Knowledge Development and Increasing Foreign Market Commitments, Journal of Business Studies, 8(1), pp. 23-32. Johanson, J. and Vahlne, J.E. (1990) The Mechanism of Internationalisation, International Marketing Review, 7(4), pp. 11-24. Papadopoulos N., Chen H., Thomas D.R., (2002), Toward a tradeoff model for international market selection, International Business Review, vol. 11, pp. 165-192 Johanson J. and Vahlne J.-E., (1977), The internationalization process of the firm a model of knowledge development and increasing foreign market commitments, Journal of International Business Studies, vol. 8 n. 1, pp. 23-32 Papadopoulos N., (1987), Approaches to international market selection for small- and medium-sized enterprises, in S.D. Reis e P.J. Rosson (Eds), Managing export entry and expansion. New York: Praeger Sethy S. S. (2008) Distance education in the age of globalization: An Overwhelming Desire towards Blended Learning Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education Vol. 9, No. 3 Terpstra, V. (1987) The Evolution of International Marketing, International Marketing Review, p 47-59 Terpstra V., Sarathy R. (2001). International Marketing, 8ht edn., Chicago II, Dryden Press. European Commission (2014), What is an SME? ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/facts figures analysis/sme definition/index_en.htm (2015 05 11) Marchi, G. Vignola, M. Facchinetti, G. Mastroleo, G.(2014) International market selection for small firms: a fuzzy based decision process, European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 48 Iss: 11/12, pp.2198-2212 https://www.reference.com/world-view/market-economy References, accessed 08-01-17 Appendix Peru Inflation .. Pairwise comparisons for sub-criteria with respect to Economics GDP growth Inflation Exchange Rates GDP growth 1.00 6.00 5.00 0.73170732 0.5 0.789473684 0.673727 0.447386678 45% Inflation 0.17 1.00 0.33 0.12195122 0.083333333 0.052631579 0.085972044 0.057089514 6% Exchange Rates 0.20 5.00 1.00 0.14634146 0.416666667 0.157894737 0.240300956 0.15957123 16% 1.37 12.00 6.33 Pairwise comparisons for sub-criteria with respect to Politics Stability Market Economy Regulation Stability 1.00 0.17 6.00 0.13953488 0.12195122 0.5 0.253828701 0.067823621 7% Market Economy 6.00 1.00 5.00 0.8372093 0.731707317 0.416666667 0.661861095 0.176850828 18% Regulation 0.17 0.20 1.00 0.02325581 0.146341463 0.083333333 0.084310204 0.022527883 2% 7.17 1.37 12.00 1 Global Very Very IMS Priorities Unfavourable Unfavourable Favourable Favourable Favourability Score GDP growth 45% 0 0.333 0.666 1 30% Inflation 6% 0 0.333 0.666 1 6% Exchange Rates 16% 0 0.333 0.666 1 16% Stability 7% 0 0.333 0.666 1 7% Market Economy 18% 0 0.333 0.666 1 12% Regulation 2% 0 0.333 0.666 1 2% Cultural Similarity 7% 0 0.333 0.666 1 5% Total 77% Pairwise comparisons among objectives/alternatives Normalized matrix Weights/ Priorities Global Priorities Economic Political Cultural Economic 1.00 4.00 7.00 0.717948718 0.774193548 0.5 0.664047422

The American Civil War Essay -- American History

The American Civil War emanated feelings of joy, exuberance, and glory, yet it substantiated loneliness, destruction, and death. In the antebellum South, nationalism and pride forged a new path, and society saw soldiers as heroic actors and war as their stage. While these actors played out their roles, the audience, the world, could see that their stage did not make them heroes, but war deprived them of body and soul. In Cold Mountain, Charles Frazier develops this excitement and progression to hardship in both Ada and Inman’s journeys. The progression, corroborated by historical evidence, shows that while the antebellum South held a Romantic ideal of war, war itself negated the romantic opinion and became destructive, monstrous, and deadly. At the onset of civil war, a state of trepidation would be assumed; however, Cold Mountain shows that Southern society did not fear war but eagerly anticipated it. Inman and Ada show that people did not dread war, but instead school teachers spoke of the â€Å"grand wars fought in Ancient England† (5), and â€Å" each night, there was music and dancing† (140). People did not live in fear, but instead, a â€Å"strange time of war fever† (140) and excitement was created. â€Å"Young men considered dull and charmless suddenly acquired an aura of glamour shimmering about them† (140), not because they were instantly revitalized by Athena, but because they were adding themselves to the glory and honor of the ideal Romantic war. Society in Cold Mountain did not fear death, but they spoke of the glory of war, and had parties celebrating the coming war. Mrs. McKennett, a woman Ada converses with, â€Å"[holds] opinions exactly in accord with every newspaperâ₠¬  (180), that the fighting is â€Å"glorious, tragic, and he... ...inary Times of the Civil War Soldier. Ed. David Madden. New York: Simon & Schuster,2000. Billings, John D. Soldier Life in the Union and Confederate Armies. Ed. Philip Van Doren Stern. New York: Bonanza Books, 1961. Eaton, Clement. A History of the Southern Confederacy. New York: The Free Press, 1965. Frazier, Charles. Cold Mountain. New York: The Atlantic Monthly Press, 1997. Martin, Bessie. A Rich Man’s War, A Poor Man’s Fight. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 2003. Ratchford, James Wylie. Memoirs of a Confederate Staff Officer: From Bethel to Bentonville. Eds. James E. Hansen II & Evelyn Sieburg. Shippensburg: Beidel Printing House, Inc. 1998. Thomas, Emory M. The Confederate Nation: 1861-1865. New York: Harper & Row, 1979. Vinovskis, Maris, ed. Toward a Social History of the American Civil War. 1st. ed. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1990.

The Natural :: Essays Papers

The Natural Iris vs. Memo, the everlasting battle of Good and Evil, Good Angel vs. Bad Angel. In The Natural the Angels take the form of women that interact with Roy. Iris the â€Å"Good Angel† has nothing but a positive influence on Roy and cares about him deeply. The exact opposite of Iris is the â€Å"Bad Angel† Memo who cares just about what she can get her hands on except poverty. To her nothing or nobody matters. The reason Memo’s able to sneak in with Roy so easy is that she uses her body, her looks. She makes Roy a â€Å"toy† to her. She wants money so badly, that’s why she’s always with people like Gus or the Judge, because they are the rich people who like to spend a lot of money. Memo has always been mean to Roy: She hadn’t treated him right. For a while things had looked so good†¦ but no sooner has he gone into a slump when she began again to avoid him. Had she been nice to him instead, he’d have got out of trouble sooner (165). Iris is really â€Å"laid back† when it comes to Roy. Iris isn’t as attractive as Memo, but she looks past the dollars and sees what she likes. Each â€Å"Angel† has a different effect on Roy both being on and off the field. Roy goes out with Memo ignoring Pop’s warning â€Å"†¦She is unlucky and always has been and I think that there is some kind of whammy in her that carries her luck to other people† (136). Roy goes into a bad slump. Everything he does fails until one game in Detroit. The lady in the stands hesitantly rose†¦ She was an attractive woman, around 30, maybe more, and built solid but not too big†¦ A reporter approached her and asked her name but she wouldn’t give it to him, nor would she, blushing, say why she was standing now (159). The woman standing is Iris and she is standing because she believes in Roy, and wants him to regain his confidence by showing her support.

Raymond Briggs Essay

During the 1980s there was fear of a nuclear attack. Mass protests were held in order to prevent nuclear armament. Many politicians gave formal sermons to the public, warning them of the threat of nuclear war and the effects of the bombs. However, Raymond Briggs uses cartoon books and film to illustrate the serious message, making it more interesting, so more people take notice of it. ‘When the Wind Blows’ follows the lives of a conventional, elderly couple in the countryside. Their names are Jim and Hilda Bloggs. The name Bloggs shows that they are very ordinary and could represent anybody. The first section of the cartoon strip shows the idyllic countryside in which the couple live. There are fluffy clouds in the sky, but at the same time these clouds are very ominous, as we later find out. These clouds soon become mushroom clouds after the bomb hits. There are bright colours filling the pages making their lives seem cheerful. The windmills in the background generate wind using the latest technology, however, this technology is what creates the bomb. Jim reads the newspaper when he arrives home and we realise that the lives shown in the newspaper are so very different compared to his and his wife’s simple lives. ‘My life isn’t very fast-moving or dynamic.’ Jim always tries to sound intelligent but gets things wrong constantly. This makes us feel terrible pity for Jim because he is so hopeless. On the video, Jim squints quite often and Hilda always hobbles. This shows their vulnerability. The simplicity of the illustrations of Jim and Hilda is a reflection of their characters. The couple seem very warm and kind because of their round bodies. They both have rosy cheeks giving them a plump and healthy appearance as well. The endearing name, ‘Ducks’, that Jim has for Hilda adds to their innocence. Jim and Hilda trust the government completely and think that without the official leaflets they’d ‘have been totally non-prepared’. However, we know that the leaflets are just there to comfort the people, because no one can escape the radiation sickness after a nuclear bomb explosion. Their naivety shows when they seem to think that there is going to be a war and not a nuclear bomb. ‘I can soon touch it in after The Bomb’s gone off’. There is some irony in their comments because, after the supposed war, they will be wiped out. During the build-up to the bomb, the lullaby ‘Rock a Bye Baby’ plays in the background. This gives the story it’s title. The irony here is that, when the bomb hits, hot winds will sweep over the countryside causing mass destruction. Lullabies are usually sung to children so it makes the couple again seem innocent and naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ve. We feel even more sympathy for Jim and Hilda when they look back at the community spirit of World War Two with nostalgia. They never seem to see the grim reality of what is happening to them. As the bomb hits, all the audience and reader can see is a bright white light. This represents the total obliteration that the bomb causes. The colours outside change from cheerful colours to ones of luridness. While Jim is reading out names of political organisations, there are strong drumbeats playing in the background, giving a threatening sense. The drums beats get louder, drowning out Jim’s voice, showing the nuclear war as being more important. Flashes of real-life footage also add to the threatening atmosphere and show the reality of what is happening. The names of organisations flash onto the screen then they fall apart and become distorted. This reflects Jim’s thoughts of the names. They mean nothing to him and, as far as he is concerned, they are just letters. The fact that they all fall apart shows that there is no safety, even from organisations set up to protect people. After the explosion, we see the inevitable 0death of Jim and Hilda. Bags start to appear round their eyes, Hilda’s ankles start to sag and her hair falls out. This is a very moving build-up to their death, as it shows the awful reality of the bomb. The couple have hardly any food to eat, but manage to find one fruit pastille. Their true love for each other is shown here as they cut the pastille in half, making it fair. During the aftermath of the bomb, both Hilda and Jim have fantasies. We feel sympathy for them here because their childish fantasies make them seem innocent. As the glass shatters, Hilda sees her past in the pieces of glass, which is shattered before her very eyes. This gives her character a past so we feel great pity on her, because we know she is going to die. It also seems like her life flashing before her eyes, something which people associate with the arrival of death. In both the film and book, the death of Jim and Hilda is not shown. In the book the last pages are brown, showing no hope for the couple, whereas in the film version, there is a close-up of the bunker and it rises into the sky, appearing as the sun. This gives a sense of hope, because it shows that Jim and Hilda have gone to heaven. I think that the way Raymond Briggs has used the cartoon book genre to convey a serious message works really well. It is very moving and rouses the sympathy of both reader and audience.