Sunday, January 26, 2020

Wal Marts Entry Strategy Into China Management Essay

Wal Marts Entry Strategy Into China Management Essay With reference to Porters PEST theory, the paper aims to examine Wal-Mart entry strategy into China, and show whether or not pursuing a joint venture strategy was key to Wal-Marts external growth within the Far East. The paper is situated relative to previous academic research articles and sets out to contribute to the literature, aiming to expand on previous work while giving an insight into business decisions and intent that need to be considered when entering new markets. The paper will aim to answer two questions in relation to Wal-Mart business strategy as seen in the analytical theory section, offering an in depth understanding and critique in regards to Wal-Marts Far Eastern ventures: Did the Political, Economic, Social and Technological incentives favour Wal-Marts strategy into China, and; Based on the findings from the PEST analysis, was Wal-Marts decision to adopt a joint venture entry strategy feasible? Chapter 1 1.1 Introduction Wal-Mart Inc. is ranked on a global scale as one of the largest retail companies worldwide, with a market capitalisation of 192.38billion (www.uk.finance.yahoo.com) and sales in excess of $108 billion and earnings per share of 96 cents (Smith, 2009). This combined with its position within the Top 5 of the Fortune 500 Index and the impacts of the ongoing credit crunch make it a very engaging topic to investigate. In this paper I aim to build on the concepts within the topic of international business strategy, addressing Wal-Marts own strategy in their decision to enter the Chinese Market. Business strategy within many global organisations plays an essential role in attaining a desired level of strategic leadership (intent) and Wal-Mart is no exception. Wal-Mart like many firms is very specific in its business agenda, which Pereira (2002) summarily acknowledged, as establishing dominance in the home retail markets (US), global expansion/leadership and a constructive brand creation (Pereira et al, 2002). Based on Pereiras perception of Wal-Marts strategy, by undertaking Porters PEST analysis looking at Political, Economical, Social and Technological, the findings will be aligned with regards to Wal-Marts policy on joint ventures. It will build on previous academic research articles and theories, listed in the literature review with the aim of understanding the strategic decisions Wal-Mart has undertaken in regards to its global expansion. These decisions underpin the entry strategy Wal-Mart has adopted to enter into the Chinese market, Wal-Mart is exporting its retail savvy east to Asia with stores opening in China (Halverson, 1994, p1). The paper having outlined the general concept of PEST when considering market entry, will then conclude with an overview of the entry strategy taken by Wal-Mart in China based on this PEST analysis. 1.2 PEST Analysis PEST is a business tool that was developed by Michael Porter (1980s). It is used by firms to understand changes within the macro environment focusing on 4 main factors, Political, Economic, Social and Technological. Gathering information based on these four components PEST is used by firms to address their strategic positioning, planning and marketing decisions. The importance of a PEST analysis according to articles written by Glaister and Falshaw, is that PEST considers the integral components of the external appraisal of the company, leading to considered view of the opportunities and threats facing the firm (Glaister and Falshaw, 1999, p112). By contrast other types of analysis, for instance the TECOP model, bring into the commercial and organisational risk aspects into the analysis. (www. siteresources.worldbank.org, p25) However for the purpose of this report a PEST analysis is the most appropriate. The views on PEST, combined with Porters own theories on firm behaviour in relation to the environment, the pressure to change is more often environmental than internal (Porter, 1998, p52) exemplifies why aligning an entry strategy to a PEST analysis is, for many firms, crucial. Wal-Mart is a typical example of this, highlighting the importance of considering all four aspects before making a decision. Wal-Marts development and decisions based on its entry strategy are strongly aligned to the fundamentals of PEST. The template below illustrates this: Chapter 2 2.1 Literature Review There are many previous studies and literature, which use Porters PEST analysis as a tool to understanding entry decisions. This review will aim to expand on these and use the concepts to offer a diverse understanding of Wal-Marts global expansion strategy within China. From a global perspective, the retail sector is one of the biggest and most competitive markets, the amount and variety of forms of international retail operations have increased in recent decades (Dawson, 1994, p39). Having established in 1962, Wal-Mart has been no exception to this pattern, Wal-Mart is both the worlds largest retailer and corporation measured by its revenue (Dobson, 2004, P89). As Wal-Mart has strategically developed, the necessity to adapt and evolve a global strategy and align it to the external environment has been vital. Wal-Marts global expansion and positioning within new markets with the strategic intent of acquiring a competitive advantage against other retail giants such as Tesco and Carrefour in terms of market share, epitomizes this, since 1994, Wal-Mart, the biggest retailer in the world, has been one of a range of American `new format retailers causing havoc in foreign retail markets (Hallsworth and Evers, 2004, p1). The literature gives an insight into why firms exist where they do. PEST is a tool used to gain an understanding of market growth and decline (external to the firm) and as a result helps to determine the ideal strategic positioning for an organisation. As Langlois and Robertson stated, a company when dealing with any business strategy must establish the boundaries of control in relation to their organisations scale and scope (Langlois et al, 1995, p7). If this is not established upfront, any plan around firm positioning becomes problematic and as Lamont has stated in his work, and in particular with reference to Wal-Marts global-regional strategy, this has been the case in some areas. Wal-Mart, Lamont argues has made some mistakes in judging the importance of economic, cultural, and business risks within local countries (Lamont, 2002), which as a result has prevented them from positioning themselves in some countries as a successful retail firm. Many European cities like Germany for instance have stuck with the smaller retailers like Spar and Lidl as their needs and choice are not as diverse as the Chinese demands. Further literature expands on the problems of a lack of understanding of the external environment. For instance, Lamont, Kottoli and Schaefer critique Wal-Marts European entry strategy in relation to the fundamentals of PEST. Lamont picks up on the economic analysis and argues that higher prices and increased competition was a source of Wal-Marts failure in countries like Germany (Lamont, 2002). Kottoli also joins the debate and argues cultural insensitivities became the barrier to Wal-Marts success, which in turn backs up Schaefers theories relating to why Wal-Mart had the problems it did. Wal-Marts inability to adapt its home ideologies to its global goals due to management problems, language barriers (social), market knowledge and political regulation all added to its decision to re-structure and sell off its losses (Schaefer, 2006). This said carrying out a PEST analysis on Wal-Marts Chinese venture becomes an interesting exercise, because, while Kottoli, Schaefer and Lamonts arguments are all credible for Europe, others believe China offers a unique angle. A PEST analysis will give a more in depth understanding of why Wal-Mart chose a certain entry strategy for China. Goldstein in his writing showed how Wal Marts approach to China differed from previous entry strategies and that it has actually experienced an element of success (Goldstein, 2003). It is at least still present expanding and respected in China and Asia, which cannot be said for its development in some European countries like Germany. Kierney compounds this further when stating with regards to China, Wal-Mart is firmly entrenched (Kearney, 2006, p6) within China. Other literature agrees with such a viewpoint and Naughton for instance states that for Wal-Mart, China represents the biggest frontier since it conquered America (Naughton 2006). Having utilised PEST to understand the external environment Wal-Mart had to develop a suitable entry strategy for China. Previously Wal-Mart in Canada, as stated by Govindarajan and Gupta, used an acquisition strategy. The reasons behind such a development were that Wal-Mart faced relatively little need for new learning, and thus, entering through a strategic alliance was unnecessary (Govindarajan and Gupta, 1999). China on the other hand presents a very different emerging market, which at the time of the Wal-Mart venture had remained much untapped. Taking this into account, an alliance or joint venture is the best entry strategy to utilise, as a joint venture allows firms to assess the competitive landscape with more accuracy (Hamel and Prahalad, 1989). Realising this, Wal-Mart entered China on the basis of a joint venture, which capitalised on their previous acquisition experience. Chapter 3 3.1 Analytical Theory From a detailed PEST perspective this section will look at the individual P-E-S-T aspects. It questions whether the underlying concepts of a PEST analysis, the political, economic, social and technological concepts favour Wal-Mart in pursuing an entry strategy based on joint ventures. It will do this by considering two aspects of the entry strategy: 1) Did the Political, Economic, Social and Technological incentives favour Wal-Marts strategy into China, and; 2) Based on the findings from the PEST analysis, was Wal-Marts decision to adopt a joint venture entry strategy feasible? 3.2 Political When considering any business strategy it is important for an organisation to analyse the political environment in which decisions must be made. It should consider regulation, government positioning, trade agreements and policy. Politically, Hallsworth and Evers have examined the barriers that internationalisation of firms like Wal-Mart have frequently encountered, responses from indigenous rivals, the regulatory mechanisms of the governments of host or target nations have often hindered strategies for global development (Hallsworth and Evers, 2004, p1). In China, the political agenda exposed Wal-Mart to such potential barriers in the shape of highly regulated systems favouring domestic firms and preventing a so-called foreign takeover. However, timely changes in government policies meant that Wal-Mart was able to gain a foothold, as China was opened up to investment, and the government eased restrictions on foreign businesses, and encouraged Chinese entrepreneurs to enter joint vent ures with Westerners (Hornblower, 2004). Wal-marts entry strategy at the time clearly benefited from this. Wal-Mart undertook a joint venture with Citic Pacific Ltd (www.articles.latimes.com) with the sole purpose of gaining an established brand in the highly competitive Chinese domestic retail sector. As China continued to develop a more open commercial philosophy, economic growth opportunities started to emerge particularly as the economic climate (growth and investment) was right (the commercial side of the TECOP model not addressed by PEST). Wal-Mart was faced with greater prospects in terms of positioning itself in the market and enhancing its market share. Wal-Mart as a result adapted its strategy around such political incentives. Having established its brand, Wal-Marts strategy evolved to embrace acquisitions and pull out of its original joint venture. Political restructuring and incentives, which included greater leniency of jurisdiction in relation to competition enhanced t he Wal-Mart entry strategy. Wal-Mart expanded as a single entity, increasing its capacity to 89 stores in different cities, beginning to slowly erode the domestic retail sectors market share (www.wal-martchina.com). Chinas goal to achieve political stability and its opening up of policies also acted as an incentive for investment to take place (www.euromonitor.com). The political environment contributing to a new emerging Chinese market, allowed opportunistic businesses such as Wal-Mart to develop joint venture strategies, which gave them easier access and control over distribution channels and supply chains. 3.3 Economic In relation to any retailer considering global expansion, the strategy it bases its actions upon has to be aligned to market conditions. Based on market conditions certain strategy decisions will be developed and in Wal-Marts case, its development of a joint venture strategy in economic terms is understandable. Wal-Marts entry strategies were very much in line with Chinas 5-year plan of economic growth. (www.bw.china-embassy.org). The International Monetary fund (IMF) Statistics are proof of this. Wal-Mart by utilising the economic concept within PEST has strategically positioned itself in correlation to data seen in Table 1. China with a population greater than1,334,296 million and an increasing annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which highlights its economic performance, presented Wal-Mart with a massive opportunity for growth, customer base and profit maximisation (www.imf.org). By aligning its entry strategy to work with those already in the market, Wal-Mart was then able to bu ild foundations to expand its network. Table 1 Country Subject Descriptor Scale 2009 2010 2011 China GDP Billions 12,076,672 12,983,630 14,314,365 China Population Millions 1,334,296 1,354,310 1,374,625 (www.imf.org, Accessed 11th June2009) Economically the US-China Business Council also shows a pattern of growth, which explains why Wal-Mart wanted to expand into China, with political support back in the USA. In relation to retail sales (Table 2) these have increased dramatically over the last 10 years. For instance from 2003 to 2008 the percentage of growth in retail has been 12.5% (www.uschina.org). Such statistics would appeal to any foreign firm looking to strategically position itself within Asian Markets. At the same time the joining of China into the World Trade Organisation in 2001 (www.wto.org: 2001 Press Releases) also presents companies like Wal-Mart with an opportunity to enter a market that is categorically a Free Trade Zone, increasing export led growth (USCBC, 2009). Such economic incentives, established through the Political and Economic (part of PEST) analysis are the reason why the Wal-Mart scale and scope now extends into the Far East. Table 2 Main indicators 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Retail sales 5,251.6 5,950.1 6,717.7 7,641.0 8,921.0 10,848.8 % growth 9.1 13.3 12.9 13.7 16.8 21.6 (General Economic and Financial Indicators, 1999-2008, http://www.uschina.org/statistics/economy.html) By carrying out a joint venture entry strategy, Wal-Mart was able to utilise labour pools already present in the retail field without incurring start up costs. Similarly, the size of Chinas workforce meant that Wal-Mart was able to significantly reduce the cost of capital investment, Chinas abundant labour supply means that companies can choose to use manual processes instead of automated processes and still save money (Huffman 2009). Hornblower also expressed a fundamental aspect of the importance of understanding the economic environment. He stated that Wal-Mart entry strategy was timed to allow others to enter the market first. This allowed Wal-Mart to have a second mover advantage or fastest follower and in so doing minimise its fixed costs. This clearly worked as Wal-Mart was able to cash in on low-wage Chinese labour already present due to previous investors (Hornblower, 2004). 3.4 Social When using PEST to develop a strategy, the social dimension of a country is also very important. Cultural attitudes, country specific product development and language barriers are a few of the issues that have to be considered external to the firm. Wal-Mart, when entering China, has had to develop a strategy around understanding such issues and how to address them. It is therefore not surprising that joint-ventures seemed to be a logical entry strategy for Wal-Mart into China. Through adapting such a strategy Wal-Mart has prevented some of the problems it faced in Europe, namely that of language barriers (Schaefer argument). Through gaining an alliance with domestic firms, Wal-Mart has gained an understanding of the cultural demands of the Chinese people. Using the cultural experience gained from its initial entry, Wal-Mart has started to diversify its strategy to reach out into areas not supplied by the typical hypermarkets, Wal-Mart is now operating 3 convenient stores (Wei and Kwok, 2009). This along with Wal-Marts adaptation of their strategy based around going green and addressing environmental problems (Hennock, 2008), has enabled Wal-Mart to develop a strategy based around longevity and socio-cultural awareness. Such a strategy is considered for a USA firm exceeding rare, but in this particular case was built upon US-China trade agreemen ts. At the same time, Wal-Mart has tried to learn from the problems it experienced when entering Europe. Wal-Marts entry strategy into China takes into consideration the needs of the community. Kottolis argument of cultural insensitivities found in previous ventures, as mentioned within the literature review, have been addressed and Wal-Mart actively participates in community service and charity events and has donated funds and in kind support worth more than RMB 58millon (US$8million) (www.walmartstores.com/factsheets).Wal-Mart has capitalised on the positive effects of being seen within the community as a sympathetic and generous enterprise. In addition, Wal-Mart has developed a strategy, which focuses on upstream measures with the aim of meeting customer demands. Using a strategy of working in partnership with suppliers, Wal-Mart has managed to reduce prices of goods by an average of 20 percent, generating increased customer traffic and turnover (www.walmartstores.com/factsheets). 3.5 Technological Technological innovation is also a factor, which needs to be taken into consideration when developing an entry strategy into an unknown external environment. Wal-Mart on entering the Chinese market sought to gain a competitive advantage over other retailers by introducing innovative measures around marketing and implementing cost reduction methods. For instance taking control of the supply chain and outsourcing. Such a strategy is key to explaining Wal-Mart global expansion, as Technological innovations account for approximately 60% of Wal-Marts growth (Basker and Pham, 2008). At the same time Wal-Mart has also introduced advanced retail technology and experience to China and advanced Chinas retail industry standards and development (www.tradeinservices.com), which has helped it to produce cheaper products, offering innovation, controlling supply chains and meeting the requirements of consumers. An example of this is the Wal-Mart introduction of electronic stock taking and till to back office re-ordering which consequently led to other firms imitating such technological advances supplying the needs of the Chinese customer both efficiently and at the lowest cost possible. Through adapting both internal and external strategies Wal-Mart has been able to gain control over and add value to certain areas that focus on customer communications/awareness as its core competence within China. Chapter 4 4.1 Policy implications Having established the reasons why Wal-Mart chose to enter China through Porters PEST analysis it is important to look at the policy implications Wal-Mart has needed to address and understand. A joint venture strategy, for instance requires Wal-Mart to take into account the risk of exploitation, and bootlegging from other competing firms. At the same time Wal-Mart has to consider its internal policy implication for entering China and whether Chinas policy for foreign direct investment (FDI) supports Wal-Marts entry strategy choice. Policies based around exports and imports (Tax), foreign policy and anti dumping legislation encouraging fair competition must be considered. The Chinese government itself must impose anti dumping legislation making sure price competition is even-handed. Such policy implications are important as without understanding these, retail firms strategies incorporate unnecessary risk and the decisions to enter into certain markets becomes problematic. The theoretical findings within the paper highlight the importance of making sure the correct entry strategy is chosen. The paper shows that Wal-Mart has had to evolve its core competencies to incorporate Chinas demands. The labour force, varying tastes and changing demands exemplify why Wal-Mart entry included a joint venture strategy aligning itself to market requirement. Using a PEST analysis has illustrated how Wal-Mart has evolved its US strategy to meet the needs of Far Eastern Markets. If Wal-Mart had undertaken other entry strategy decisions such as franchising, or even an acquisition strategy, they may have been unable to adapt their home market policy to foreign market policy. As seen in some of Wal-Marts European ventures (i.e. Germany) this would have resulted in a lack understanding and consequently market failure. If one wanted to pursue this paper further, incorporating other tools to assess the theoretical reasoning of Wal-Mart entry into the Far East and in particular China, a SWOT analysis as a business tool could be used. This tool allows firms to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, both internally and externally, allowing decisions to be based on whether or not certain entry strategies are supported by the policies that exist and whether there is a need for the development of new policies. Combining the use of a PEST analysis with other businesses tools like the SWOT into entry strategies will give a much more informed decision and remains fundamental to business development. Similarly other more in depth models could be used to analyse Wal-Mart entry strategy. For instance as mentioned the TECOP model would add another dimension from both a commercial and organisation aspect, perhaps addressing the marketing perception in greater detail. 4.2 Conclusion It is clear that from analysing and using the data from the World Trade Organisation and US Chinese councils that Porters PEST analysis is a useful tool in understanding Wal-Mart strategic motives for developments within China. Europe, on the other hand, in regards to PEST has pressures that were not suited to Wal-Mart entry strategies. Its ideology around discount low prices for instance did not appeal, and politically and economically the competition meant Wal-Mart was unable to gain any market control. Through making mistakes in Europe, Wal-Mart has gathered experience in entering markets significantly different from the American market and as a firm it has been able to establish clear boundaries of control within China. This, combined with a learning strategy based around joint ventures has also been beneficial to Wal-Mart entry strategy within China, particularly when dealing with an emerging market and the domestic competition that existed. At the same time with Wal-Mart acting as a second mover within the Chinese retail market, following a strategy of joint ventures has allowed it to establish itself within the market. Taking into account the policy implications for entry into China as part of its entry decision has allowed Wal-Mart to establish a brand that incorporates the Economic, Political, Social and Cultural factors that is was unable to do in Europe. Having said this however it is imprudent to focus on the external environment as the only factor facing Wal-Mart in decisions to enter new markets. Managerial decisions and core competencies along with other internal aspects also need to be aligned to suit Wal-Marts strategic intent. Keeping success going requires constant attention to the competitive environment. Continuous work on the supply chain, responsiveness to political decisions and influence over these decisions and, last but not least, continued customer and employee focus are all aspects Wal-Mart needs to continue to address.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Civil War Technology Essay

Many technological advancements were implemented during the Civil War. Some of these include the introduction of the ironclad to naval warfare. The use of the railroad to speed armies and supplies around the country, high speed communication via the telegraph, the use of rifles that would change tactical warfare forever and the introduction of new medical practices and ambulance corps. One of the major technological advancements brought on by the Civil War was the introduction of the Ironclad into battle. These new craft were mainly made by encasing wooden vessels with thick plates of steel. These new ships could repel enemy fire as well as ram inferior wooden ship into pieces. One such ship built by the confederates was the Virginia, â€Å"The Ironclad carried ten guns and an iron ram on her prow; she moved slowly and awkwardly, powered by the two old engines of the Merimack, and it took half an hour to turn her around. In the harbor of the Hampton Roads, the Virginia, on her first day at war, attacked five Union ships† (McFreely, 17) â€Å"Five Union ships containing 219 guns guarded the mouth of the James River at Hampton Roads but the fighting this day would make them obsolescent. What day-the worst in the eighty-six year history of the U.S. Navy. The Virginia sank two proud ships.† (McPherson, 375,376) The Confederates were not alone in the building of ironclad although not everyone shared in the enthusiasm of theses new ship† Secretary of navy Welles did not at first want to experiment with new fangled notions. But rumors of rebel activities caused Congress to force his hand with a law of August 3, 1861, directing the construction of three prototype ironclads.† (McPherson, 374) several designs were submitted but John Ericssons was the one the Navy department accepted. † Ericsson’s proposal incorporated several novel feature. A wooden hull sheathed with thin iron plate would be overlaid by a flat deck with perpendicular sides extending below the water line and protected by 4.5-inch armor plating. The propeller, anchor and all vital machinery would be protected by this shell. Sitting on the deck was Ericsson’s most important innovation: a revolving turret encased in eight inches of armor and containing two eleven-inch guns.† (McPherson, 374) This ship was named the Monitor, and while the Virginia reaped havoc at Hampton  Roads the Monitor was on her way to meet her. â€Å"On March 9, the Monitor arrived from Brooklyn, and the two strange ships blasted away at each other, the Monitor circling her opponent. The battle ended in a draw, but it changed naval warfare overnight by making wooden fleets obsolete.† (McFreely, 17) Other technologies that were heavily used during the war were the Railroad and telegraph. The railroads allowed for speed of troop movement and heavy artillery that could only be moved rail. The telegraph likewise sped communications between armies, field personnel, Washington, Richmond, ETC. In 1862 alone the US Patent Office issued over 240 military related patents. The monitor itself had 47 individual patents. Another innovative advancement in weaponry was the rifle. While these weapons were not new to the battle field recent advancements in bullet technology developed in the 1850s, by Claude E. Minie’ and improved upon by James H. Burton made the weapons more practical and cost effective. â€Å"At the beginning of the war both sides were armed chiefly with smoothbore muskets that had an effective range of about eighty yards and took about twenty five minutes to reload. But during 1862 Union soldiers were with new rifles that had spiral grooves cut in the barrels, and by 1863 nearly all infantrymen, Yankee and confederate carried these weapons. These rifles put a spin on the bullet, increasing its range and accuracy. These new rifles meant that assaulting infantrymen in close formation could be picked off with rifles at four hundred yards. The casualty cost for a frontal assault became tremendous.† (McFreely, 17) The impact of the rifle on the battlefield was huge. â€Å"One reason for the high casualties of the Civil War was the disparity between traditional tactics and modern weapons. The tactical legacy of the eighteenth-century and Napoleonic warfare had emphasized close order formations.† (McPherson, 473,474) Some other technological break through brought on by the war were the creation of The Sanitary Commission and improvements in army medical practices. â€Å"The Civil War marked a milestone in the transformation of  nursing from a menial service to a genuine profession. The war also produced important innovations in army medical practice. One such innovation was the creation of special ambulance corps for first aid treatment of the wounded and their evacuation to field hospitals. These non-combat medics risked their lives to reach the wounded in the midst of the battle and evacuate them as quickly as possible to surgeons’ stations and field hospitals. The ambulance corps became a model for European armies down to World War I.† (McPherson, 484,485) Sanitary conditions by our standard today were inhuman but at the time of the war they were a vast improvement from previous wars. â€Å"Diseases was a greater threat to the health of Civil War soldiers than enemy weapons. This had been true for every army in history. Civil war armies suffered comparatively less disease mortality then any previous army. While two soldiers died of disease for everyone killed in combat, the ratio for soldiers in the Napolonic and Crimean Wars had been Eight to one. Only by twentieth century standards was Civil War disease mortality high.† (McPherson, 487) In conclusion the Civil War saw the introduction of the ironclads which made all fighting vessels obsolete in a single afternoon of battle at Hampton Roads. The introduction of better medical practices and ambulance corps. The use of rifles which made the tactics of Napoleonic Warfare’s close order formation a suicide mission. This war also saw casualties on both sides in astronomical numbers due in no small part to the use of these new technologies. In the end the use of these new weaponry and technology would change how all wars there after would be fought. WORKS CITED McFreely, Mary Drake The Civil War Telecourse Study Guide. Virginia: EPM Publications, 1990. McPherson, James M.Battle Cry of Freedom New York,: Ballantine Books, 1989.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Homosexuality and Single-Sex Schools

Unfortunately, for many American students, insults and accusations are part of everyday life. All to often, students, as young as elementary school, are faced with criticism and judgment from their peers, and despite great efforts by many, there are still people in our country who are not the diverse, tolerant people wed like to surround ourselves with on a daily basis. This unfortunate truth means that some students look elsewhere to find supportive and welcoming environments for their middle and high school educations. This is where private school comes into play, as many private schools embrace the many facets of diversity that exist within students, creating vibrant communities unlike what most high school students embrace. However, there is debate among many about the role of single-sex schools when it comes to homosexuality. While some believe that schools that cater to just one gender provide a supportive place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, others believe that these schools  have a hidden side effect: they promote homosexuality. Scientific Studies Surprisingly, there are few scientific studies available to provide conclusive evidence, but no limit to personal opinions. The debate topics include whether or not single-sex schools promote gender stereotypes, if homosexuality is learned or genetic and, particularly, how single-sex schools may impact students if it homosexuality is, in fact, learned. Debate.com has a page dedicated to whether or not single-sex schools promote homosexuality. The outcome of those who have contributed to date shows a majority of debaters (59 percent) feel that single-sex schools do not promote homosexuality. Many single-sex school graduates claim that their experiences, be it high school or even college, were empowering and helped them grow as individuals. Others agree, but say that they discovered their gender identity in that environment because it was the first time they were allowed to experience something different than the stereotypes they grew up with of only male-female couples being acceptable. Unfortunately, for many children stereotypes are all they see in their daily lives and become what they understand simply because they are not exposed to diverse views. Most certainly, no child wants to be intimidated or ostracized simply because they are different. These difference sometimes mean that students are subject to bullying by peers who dont understand or accept them, and these actions can be especially harsh when adults look the other way or are not present. While some claim that single-sex schools promote gender stereotypes, others adamantly disagree, stating that the single-sex school breaks down the stereotypes and better educates students on a more diverse set of viewpoints. The Value of an Open and Affirming Culture What many people dont know is that boys and girls schools often  play to the strengths of students. These open and affirming cultures can provide better support, counseling, and education, empowering students to embrace who they are more than ever. When students can walk around their school community openly without fear of discrimination or bullying, they are able to grow as individuals and achieve more success. Both boys and girls have to deal with their sexuality, understanding their feelings and inclinations mean and how to handle them. If they havent thought of it themselves, the American entertainment industry will certainly put all those gender debates and discussions right under their noses. What any good private school is able to do is to provide some serious mentoring and discussion of issues like teenage sexuality. The tightly wrapped sense of community which most of these schools have makes young people feel comfortable discussing these and other issues. Teens are under enormous stress under normal conditions. Add to the mix worries about sexuality and grades and you potentially have a recipe for extreme measures of dealing with the stress. For some, this can lead to eating disorders, cutting, or even suicide. Heed the warning signs, no matter how insignificant you think they may be, and talk to someone if there are concerns about the physical, mental, or emotional health of a child. If students feel as though they cannot confront their classmates, they should alert an adult and make sure she follows through. Supporting a peer struggling with an issue often means going against their wishes to deal with issues privately in favor of getting help from a qualified individual.   Edited by Stacy Jagodowski

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Research Paper - 1375 Words

Research Paper Inclusive education means that all students in a school, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses in any area, become part of the school community. They are included in the feeling of belonging among other students, teachers, and support staff. The educational practice known as, full inclusion may have negative effects on the self-esteem of a special needs child. In 1975, Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, also known as Public Law94-142. Before this law came into effect many children with disabilities were routinely excluded from public schools. Their options were to remain at home or be institutionalized. This law was an important landmark in education and because of this law,†¦show more content†¦Integration presumes that â€Å"segregation† exists and students are with their peers without disabilities part-time. The CSIE did many studies and found that inclusion is more effective than either integration or mainstreaming. Ferguson’s (1992) project to achieve both social and learning outcomes for students in general education classrooms resulted in the finding that â€Å"integration doesn’t work, but inclusion does.† In 1997 President Clinton signed into law the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. This law aims to strengthen academic expectations and accountability for the millions of children with disabilities. This law makes it clear that schools have a duty to educate children with disabilities in general education classrooms. With this law in effect the CSIE began to r eally push the inclusion movement in schools. When inclusion was proposed, educators’ primary concern was how learning-disabled students would benefit academically. Academic concern is important; studies on the success of inclusion have determined that there are social issues that need more attention. A study on inclusion conducted by (B. Dixon) in New Hampshire found that Even when students were first included in regular classes, teams did not focus on the students peer relations unless parents pushed the issue or studentsShow MoreRelatedWhy I Write A Research Paper900 Words   |  4 Pages39C is all about research papers, I put off my plan to take my major requirement class and take 39C first. I wanted to learn how to write a proper research paper before I take other classes because one of the major assignment in the major class will be a research paper. Coming to class, I had no idea what to expect and thought we just write the same thing as Writing 39B only with more outside sources. I did not know the difference between research papers and non research papers. It turns out thatRead MoreWriting a Great Research Paper1643 Words   |  7 Pagesby Karl Weber, M.A. Writing a Great Research Paper: Picking an A+ Topic Study Guide Video Aided Instruction, Inc. Roslyn Heights, New York 1 #VAI-S1914 v1.0 This study guide should be used along with a program published by Video Aided Instruction, Inc. For more information, call 1-800 -238-1512 or visit us online at videoaidedinstruction.com. This study guide should be used along with the following program published by Video Aided Instruction. The instructor works through the exercisesRead MoreA Research Paper On The Quality Research906 Words   |  4 PagesThe reason this book is being reviewed is because this was one of our textbook for our book review. This book was for our class to understand how to write a research paper in higher standard. The Quality Research Papers is written by Nancy Vyhmeister has forty-five years of experience in teaching future pastors and professors throughout the world. She continues to have a global ministry in her retirement years, mostly teaching and writing. 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Whether written in a popular, informal tone or a serious, formal tone, credibility of the sources is always important. There are several steps to creating an excellent research paper. A topic page must be included, followed by the research paper itself, and the sources must be included at the end in aRead MoreResearch Process and Terminology Paper1066 Words   |  5 PagesResearch Process and Terminology Paper CJA/334 Research Methods in Criminal Justice January 10, 2012 Abstract In this paper you will learn the process of research. Anyone can research but in order to research correctly, one must know the language and process. As always when researching the reason one is researching to find new information. This is when one will familiarize their self with new research terminology as well as knowledge. When one describes the research process it should contain;Read MoreResearch Critique Research Paper1710 Words   |  7 Pages Part B: Research Critique (60 marks) Article: Tuckett A Turner C 2016, ‘Do you use social media? A study into new nursing and midwifery graduates uptake of social media’, International Journal of Nursing Practice, no. 22, pp. 197–204, doi:10.1111/ijn.12411 Specific critique area Answer Explain the purpose of the study. Use the PICO or PICo format to identify the research question. (150 words) This study does not pose a clear research question, but makes a declarative question that identifies

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Geslalt Psychology - 1501 Words

Gestalt psychology means unified whole. Gestalt psychology does not look at things as individual elements but as a whole. The three main founders who established the school of gestalt psychology were Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka as well as Wolfgang Kohler. The foundations of the Gestalt psychology are perception, memory and learning. Some of the principles of Gestalt psychology are isomorphism, productive thinking as well as reproductive thinking which will be elaborated in this essay. One of the main contributions of Gestalt psychology is Gestalt therapy which focuses on helping an individual understand their internal self and the difference of what they experience and interpretation of events. Gestalt is a psychology term which means†¦show more content†¦This shows that the pattern of a persons conscious experience or perception is structurally similar to the patterns of the activity of the brain. The isomorphism discussed in gestalt theory is mainly functional isomorphism. Behavior of a system as if it was physically similar in shape. It can only be assumed as the exact geometrical configuration of the brain but cannot be observed phenomenological. Productive thinking will lead to an understanding of the relationships between the objects in a problem which will in turn lead to an abstract thought process which can be applied to future problems. Productive thinking is used when there is no obvious answer to the problem. It basically requires the individual to think out of the box to get to the answer. For example, in the Two String Problem experiment, participants were asked to enter a room where to strings were tie at each end of the room and was impossible to grasp both at the same time. At the same time a pair of pliers was also found in the room. Participants were asked to tie both strings together. This situation required participants to perceive the relationship between the objects and relate it to the question that they were asked. The way to resolve this problem was to use the pliers to act as pendulums to give the strings some weight so that it can be further extended and participant can then pull these extended strings towards each other and tie it.Show MoreRelatedHumanistic Psychology Essay1421 Words   |  6 PagesGreece and Europe of the Renaissance, when such affirmations were expressed. Humanistic Psychology is a contemporary manifestation of that ongoing commitment. Its message is a response to the denigration of the human spirit that has so often been implied in the image of the person drawn by behavioral and social sciences. Ivan Pavlovs work with the conditioned reflex had given birth to an academic psychology in the United States led by John Watson, which came to be called the science of behaviorRead More Humanistic Psychology Essay1424 Words   |  6 PagesGreece and Europe of the Renaissance, when such affirmations were expressed. Humanistic Psychology is a contemporary manifestation of that ongoing commitment. Its message is a response to the denigration of the human spirit that has so often been implied in the image of the person drawn by behavioral and social sciences. Ivan Pavlovs work with the conditioned reflex had given birth to an academic psychology in the United States led by John Watson, which came to be called quot;the science of behavior†

Monday, December 16, 2019

Herman Melville’s’ Moby Dick Free Essays

Introduction Moby Dick has secured the author’s reputation in the first rank of all American writers. Firstly, the novel was published in the expurgated form and was called The Whale. It was published in 1851 (Bryant 37). We will write a custom essay sample on Herman Melville’s’ Moby Dick or any similar topic only for you Order Now â€Å"Moby Dick† is an encyclopedia of the American romanticism. Here there are thousands of private observations, concerning the developments of the American bourgeois democracy and the American public consciousness. These observations were made by writers and poets, the predecessors of Melville. Here we can see the united protest of the American romantic idea against bourgeois and capitalistic progress in its national American forms. Meaning of cannibalism In the present paper we will discuss the meaning of cannibalism in the novel (Delbanco 26). The famous citation of the chapter 65 contains deep sense that deserves thorough analysis: â€Å"Cannibals? who is not a cannibal? I tell you it will be more tolerable for the Fejee that salted down a lean missionary in his cellar against a coming famine; it will be more tolerable for that provident Fejee, I say, in the day of judgment, than for thee, civilized and enlightened gourmand, who nailest geese to the ground and feastest on their bloated livers in thy pate-de-foie-gras† (Melville 242).  Moby dick is also educational and true, because Romanticism believed that fiction had to be the only vehicle to describe the history of the past. The intention was to make the story interesting (Bryant 14). To understand the original meaning of cannibalism in the  novel it is important to establish principles which Melville has built the narration on. The attitude towards cannibals is described better in the story â€Å"Typee†. The connection with this story helps us understand the meaning of the abovementioned citation from â€Å"Moby Dick†.   Pictures of savages’ life drawn by writer bear all features of â€Å"an ideal life â€Å". Melville admired the life of the tribe, but we can’t but notice, however, that he was not going to offer the reader a happy life of savages as the sample for imitation. The poetic pictures drawn by the writer have another meaning. They are created for comparison with contemporary bourgeois civilization (Delbanco 26). According to Melville, Bourgeois civilization, in the kind it existed at the beginning of XIX century, had no future. â€Å"Ideality† of savages in has two aspects: natural and public (Bryant 37). In natural aspect the savage is ideal because it is fine, and it is fine because has kept the features of the physical shape lost by the civilized person (Bryant 15). Melville adhered the same principle when he spoke about â€Å"ideality† of cannibals’ social existence. A savage does not have property, and it does not know what money is. It is relieved by that of two harms of a civilization. They cannot have a desire to act in defiance of truth and validity (Bryant 15). There is no stimulus for that. The savage is not spoiled by a civilization, but it has the defects: cannibalism and heathenism. However, what do they mean in comparison with more severe, realized crimes of the civilized person? In Moby Dick Melville is rather laconic describing savages life elements, but narrates in detail about the bourgeois state and the legislation, police, crimes against society, about power of money, about religious prosecutions, noxious influence of the society on a person – all that precedes eschatological accidents (i.e. infringement of the right and morals, conflicts, the crimes of people demanding punishment of gods) (Bryant 36). Melville does not dismiss cannibalism, backwardness of intelligence and public consciousness, primitiveness of a life and many other negative phenomena in a life of â€Å"happy† savages. Speaking about some wild or even brutal customs of savages, he finds parallels in a life of a civilized society: cannibalism is a devil art which we find out in the invention of every possible retaliatory machines; retaliatory wars are poverty and destructions; the most furious animal in the word is the white civilized person (Delbanco 25). Symbolism as a trait of romanticism in the novel It is not the only symbolic trait in the Moby Dick. For example, all crew members are given descriptive, biblical-sounding names and Melville avoids the exact time of all events and very details. It is the evidence of allegorical mode. It is necessary to mention the mix of pragmatism and idealism (Bryant 14). For example, Ahab desires to pursue the whale and Starbuck desires to arrange a normal commercial ship dealing with whaling business. Moby Dick can be considered as the symbolical example of good and evil (Delbanco 25). Moby Dick is like a metaphor for â€Å"elements of life that are out of people’s control†. The Pequod’s desire to kill the white whale is allegorical, because the whale represents the main life goals of Ahab. What is more important is that Ahab’s revenge against Moby is analogous to people’s struggling against the fate (Bryant 14). Conclusion In conclusion it is necessary to admit that Melville thought people needed to have something to reach for in their life and the desirable goal might destroy the life of a person. Moby Dick is a real obsession which affected the life of ship crew (Bryant 37). Thus, the  system of images in â€Å"Moby Dick† makes us understand the basic ideas of the novel of Melville. Eschatological accidents often are preceded with infringement of the right and morals, conflicts and crimes of people, and the world perishes from fire, flood, cold, heat, famine. We can see this in the novel  «Moby Dick† which shows a life of the American society of the beginning of XIX century (Delbanco 15). Works cited Levine, Robert S., ed. The Cambridge Companion to Herman Melville. Cambridge, UK New York: Cambridge University Press, 1998. Delbanco, Andrew. Melville: His World and Work. New York: Knopf, 2005 Melville, Herman: Redburn, White-Jacket, Moby-Dick (G. Thomas Tanselle, ed.) (Library of America, 1983) Bryant, John, ed. A Companion to Melville Studies. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1986 Bryant, John. Melville and Repose: The Rhetoric of Humor in the American Renaissance. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001 How to cite Herman Melville’s’ Moby Dick, Essay examples

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Not in Front of the Audience Homosexuality on Stage Essay Example For Students

Not in Front of the Audience: Homosexuality on Stage Essay Much of the important work on theatre history and dramatic literature currently being done within the academy falls under the category of gender studies. Responding to Adrienne Richs call to revise the cultural past (to look back in gender, as Michelle Wandor has put it), feminist critics and their progeny, especially in gay and lesbian studies, have been rewriting our dramatic heritage both by unearthing new subjects for study (the careers of Edy Craig and Elizabeth Robins, the plays of Aphra Behn and Githa Sowerby) and by offering new ways of looking at even the most canonical texts (the theoretical work of Teresa De Lauretis, Jill Dolan, Sue-Ellen Case and Elin Diamond). Outline1 Dawn of sexual candor  2 Multiple messages  3 Utopian allegories   Dawn of sexual candor   As this catalogue of names suggests, the task of engendering theatre has been taken up, for the most part, by feminist scholars interested both in female theatre practitioners of the past and in the creation of a feminist theatrical criticism for the present. Increasingly, male critics are turning their hands to this project. In contributing to our understanding of how homosexuality has been represented by English and American playwrights of this century, John M. Clum and Nicholas de Jongh place this formerly unspeakable subject center stage. In analyzing the politics of masculinity in the work of two of Americas leading playwrights, David Savran opens up new perspectives on the careers of Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams and, in the process, pioneers a critical form that is both admirably formalist in its precision and ambitiously political in its implications. In the introduction to Not in Front of the Audience, de Jongh divides the history of male homosexuality on the modern stage into three eras: the triumphalism of the Christian ethic (1925-1958), when homosexuality was represented as the archetype of evil; the later Cold War phase (1958-1967), when the homosexual was the model of the pathetic-unfortunate; and the final period (1968-1985), during which the negative myths, by which homosexuals were judged, began to be eroded. Although the story de Jongh eventually tells turns out to be far less linear and far more interesting than this periodization suggests, his is primarily an eschatological history: We have emerged from the dark ages of stereotype into the dawn of a theatre of sexual candor. De Jongh is at his best telling the British side of his story in a series of theatrical anecdotes. (In this respect, his book provides a useful supplement to Kaier Curtins groundbreaking We Can Always Call Them Bulgarians: The Emergence of Lesbian and Gay Men on the American Stage.) His account of John Osbornes fight with the Lord Chamberlain over the censorship of A Patriot for Me provides an interesting look at the last phase of official censorship in the London theatre. His record of the genesis of Martin Shermans Bent describes the new battles playwrights had to wage when the sources of censorship became more diffuse. As theatre critic for Londons Evening Standard, de Jongh sprinkles his history with first-hand accounts of plays in performance and personal interviews. Clums Acting Gay: Male Homosexuality in Modern Drama covers some of the same ground, but in a more idiosyncratic and ultimately more suggestive fashion. Although his book, like de Jonghs, can at times seem both overly critical (especially of gay playwrights whose works reflect now politically incorrect ideas about homosexuality) and overly prescriptive about what a new gay theatre should be, Clum nonetheless takes a much broader and more liberating view of what gay audiences might find empowering. .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 , .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 .postImageUrl , .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 , .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492:hover , .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492:visited , .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492:active { border:0!important; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492:active , .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492 .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u2accfab2c45dc866467b697e5ae09492:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Ritual primitive form of theatre? Essay Multiple messages   For de Jongh, the theatre has traditionally promoted plays of rigid orthodoxy, driving home messages of political, social and sexual conformity to the status quo. He imagines audiences as passive consumers of such messages. Clum is more attuned to the quirkily subversive ways in which we appropriate theatrical experience for our own ends, the ways in which we refuse to reduce the medium to a single message. For de Jongh, homosexuality must be explicitly present in the text for it to qualify for analysis; for Clum, a theatrical event can become gay through other meansa kiss, a naked body, a bit of strategically placed drag. Hence, John Guares Six Degrees of Separation might be as gay as Doric Wilsons Street Theatre, a production of Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice as observant about the policing of homosexual desire as Robert Andersons Tea and Sympathy. Acting Gay offers a witty and observant commentary on how homosexuality operates within the theatrical scene and will provide a us eful jumping-off place for critics of a more systematic bent. If the studies of de Jongh and Clum read like dress rehearsal for a future engendered critique of Western theatrical practice, David Savrans Communists, Cowboys and Queers is opening night. Deploying the critical strategies of New Historicism, feminist criticism and gay studies, Savran offers the most brilliant and sustained analysis of work by Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams to date. For Savran, Miller functions as the theatres version of a Cold War liberal, while Williams performs the role of skittish radical. He argues that Millers writings reinforce, albeit nervously and guiltily, the stereotypes Cold War culture presented as the natural roles of men and women, while simultaneously revealing the anxieties circulating around both male and female sexuality. Williams, on the other hand, challenges these same constructions by offering subtly subversive models of gender and sexuality. Utopian allegories   Savrans historically grounded focus on the politics of masculinity leads him to a revaluation of often neglected texts and a defamiliarization of old standards. His reading of Millers screenplay for The Misfits as the most far-reaching of the playwrights explorations of male heroism and female resistance would seem far-fetched outside the precise cultural context Savran provides for his analysis. His discussion of After the Fall and its reception offers a powerful corrective to the usual denunciation of that work. For Savran, Tennessee Williams is ultimately a literary and theatrical surrealist whose works are to be read and produced less as depictions of character or situation than as utopian allegories of (un)imaginable sexual and political bliss. This Williams is the contemporary of Breton, Barthes and Foucault, not of Miller, Inge and Anderson. Savran offers a convincing critique of those who accuse the early Williams of offering gay characters in female drag, then goes on to investigate what for him is the radical potential of such comparatively neglected works as In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel and Moise and the World of Reason. In its recontextualization of the work of Miller and Williams within the gender politics of the Cold War period, Savrans book successfully fulfills Adrienne Richs dictum that We need to know the writing of the past, and know it differently than we have ever known it; not to pass on a tradition but to break its hold over us.