Truman Show Essays - Entertainment, Comedy, English-language Films

Truman Show Manipulation and delusion are at the heart of the movie The Truman Show. Carefully crafted, this movie portrays television and its producers as producing a fake environment with a real person designed to appeal to the American masses. The smooth packaging lulls the audience into being in on the joke, but perhaps the joke is on the audience to even sit through the almost two hours of bland entertainment. In fact, the story of Truman Burbank is small town boring, taking place on Seahaven, a diminutive island. Truman believes that he is an insurance broker with a loving wife, Meryl, a nice suburban home, and a best friend. Slowly through a series of unusual events, Truman becomes aware that this quiet, tame life is a fraud. Everyone on the island is not true not his wife, friend, mother, and the father he thought dead- all are actors playing a role performing as told by the producers. Ironically, it is the malfunction of another media form, the radio, which helps clue him in to the fact that his every move is being broadcast. The media corporation promoting The Truman Show and Cristof, the TV producer, are shown focused on the job to create entertainment for the mass market, even if seeing the dull life of Truman is their definition of entertainment. Does filming a real life make for exciting viewing? Generally, no, although one has only to remember the millions of views fascinated by the sight of O.J. Simpson in a white Bronco traveling down Los Angeles freeways, to realize that there are some moments in real life where the public is interested in seeing the moment to moment happenings. Certainly, television is capable of being able to bring that immediacy into the viewers space. But most viewers are interested in excitement in their entertainment, which translates into the format and content of the news as well as direct entertainment. It is difficult to imagine that television viewers would have watched Truman grow up over almost three decades when even the most engrossing soap can not sustain a third of that time period. Perhaps there is a message here about the content of television. Much of what appears daily on television is boring. Every season, television producers try to sort through what programs will capture the audience once they define who that audience is. The Truman Story television audience is presumed stupid for being engrossed in the everyday life of an everyday person perhaps the subtle question is Truman representing them? (Or us?) Why is Christof, the producer of this empty story, considered brilliant for reflecting this vacuum of television programming? Christof is the epitome of the concept of television media executives selling products to an audience, and securing directly, or indirectly as in The Truman Show (where product promotion arises from the use of products by the residents of Seahaven), commercial sponsors to pay for the air time. Christof manipulates all of the components of Trumans life, and the movie audience feels that they too are being manipulated into a sense of compassion for the sadness of the sameness and falsehood of Trumans life. If there is a positive note about this movie, it is that the Jim Carreys performance as Truman is good. We, the audience, find ourselves part of this interplay of media mediums, and there is a feeling of boredom are we the problem? But Carrey is not the problem. He is a professional actor who tries to create comedy in what is a sad story on many fronts. Carrey becomes Truman; it is we the audience who should walk out on ourselves.

5th Symphony in E minor, Tchaikovsky Essay Example

5th Symphony in E minor, Tchaikovsky Essay Example 5th Symphony in E minor, Tchaikovsky Essay 5th Symphony in E minor, Tchaikovsky Essay My Experience with the SIS Orchestra Concert 3: Tchaikovsky On the 28th April 2011 1 participated with the Iowa state orchestra on the last performance for the year. The orchestra included works by Tchaikovsky. The orchestra performed the 5th Symphony in E minor. This piece is in sonata form, which has a theme that is heard throughout the piece. The overall trajectory of the Tchaikovsky 5th reminds the listeners to Beethovens 5th symphony as they were both during the times of war and it is illustrated in both symphonies. This piece is a reflect example of a Romantic-era symphony colorful, complex and above all, passionately emotional. The symphony has four movements which consist of a fast, slow, dance and another fast movement. The theme of this piece is heard throughout this piece. The first movement is the Andante- Allegro con anima begins with a lengthy slow introduction, entering darkly with a funeral character on the clarinet. In sonata form the subject enters gently with the repetitive brevity of a Russian dance, building in intensity. The development section is quite short and concentrated with the recapitulation necking in, in the bassoons. The coda recedes into the deeps, presaging the mood of the next movement. Following the first movement is the Andante cantabile which has a tender, expressive melody played by the French horn that sounds almost like a love song. But then the original theme suddenly and rudely interrupts the reverie, as though we were able to break away from our troubles for a short time, this theme is a reminder that we are still in war and that darkness is still upon us. This movement is in a standard ternary form with the A section in D major and the B section in F# then a restatement of A section with different orchestration. Leper K. 12 The third movement called the Vales: Allegro moderate begins like a graceful, pastoral waltz. Once again, it feels as if our hero has escaped from fates cruel clutches. This time, the illusion of safety lasts for nearly the entire movement, creeping into the coda the known criminal, the main theme, sneakily imitating the Id ©e Fixed in the Ball movement of the Symphony Fantasies as if it was hiding in the bushes all along. The movement ends hurriedly, before the motto can do any damage. The return of the motto theme in the 3rd movement preceded by a waltz in major key, strikes the listener as a reminiscent of the tragic opening of the symphony. Movement was probably the most challenging movement to play as the id ©e fixed is almost taking over and the whole orchestra is playing loud and the violins are going crazy almost delusional. In this movement Tchaikovsky transposes the fate or id ©e fixed theme from the dusky, moody key of E minor to the bright sunshine of E major, and the transformed melody blossoms into a triumphant march. Its as if Tchaikovsky is telling us that humans cannot ignore or escape from their fate, but they can overcome their circumstances and transform them into something brighter and better. This is one orchestra work that illustrates abilities color in all the instruments and also has the biggest horn solo in orchestral horn repertoire. Overall the orchestra did a wonderful Job with this work. Dry Harrison says It was the kind of performance we musicians want and crave for every concert, but we all know that it doesnt always happen that way.

Fraud Definition and Examples

Fraud Definition and Examples Fraud is a broad legal term referring to  dishonest acts that intentionally use deception to illegally deprive another person or entity of money, property, or legal rights. Unlike the crime of theft, which involves the taking of something of value through force or stealth, fraud relies on the use of intentional misrepresentation of fact to accomplish the taking. Fraud: Key Takeaways Fraud is the intentional use of false or misleading information in an attempt to illegally deprive another person or entity of money, property, or legal rights.In order to constitute fraud, the party making the false statement must know or believe that it is untrue or incorrect and intended to deceive the other party.Fraud may be prosecuted as both a criminal and civil offense.Criminal punishments for fraud can include a combination of prison, fines, and restitution to victims. In proven cases of fraud, the perpetrator- a person who carries out a harmful, illegal, or immoral act- may be found to have committed either a  criminal offense  or a  civil wrong. In committing fraud, perpetrators may be seeking either monetary or non-monetary assets by deliberately making false statements. For example, knowingly lying about one’s age to obtain a drivers license, criminal history to get a job, or income to get a loan may be fraudulent acts. A fraudulent act should not be confused with a â€Å"hoax,†- a deliberate deception or false statement made without any intention of gain or of materially damaging another person. Perpetrators of criminal fraud may be punished by fines and/or imprisonment. Victims of civil fraud may file lawsuits against the perpetrator seeking monetary compensation. To win a lawsuit claiming civil fraud, the victim must have suffered actual damages. In other words, the fraud must have been successful. Criminal fraud, on the other hand, can be prosecuted even if the fraud failed. In addition, a single fraudulent act may be prosecuted as both a criminal and civil offense. Thus, a person convicted of fraud in criminal court may also be sued in civil court by the victim or victims. Fraud is an extremely serious legal matter. Persons who believe they have been the victim of fraud, or have been accused of committing fraud, should always seek the expertise of a qualified attorney. The Necessary Elements of Fraud While the specifics of laws against fraud vary from state to state and at the federal government level, there are five essential elements necessary  to prove in court that a crime of fraud has been committed: A misrepresentation of a material fact:  A false statement involving a material and pertinent fact must be made. The gravity of the false statement should be adequate to substantially affect the victim’s decisions and actions. For example, the false statement contributes to a person’s decision to purchase a product or approve a loan.Knowledge of falsehood:  The party making the false statement must know or believe that it is untrue or incorrect.Intent to deceive:  The false statement must have been made expressly with the intent of deceiving and influencing the victim.Reasonable reliance by the victim:  The level to which the victim relies on the false statement must be reasonable in the eyes of the court. Reliance on rhetorical, outrageous, or clearly impossible statements or claims may not amount to â€Å"reasonable† reliance. However, persons known to be illiterate, incompetent, or otherwise mentally diminished may be awarded civil damages if the perpe trator knowingly took advantage of their condition. Actual loss or injury suffered:  The victim suffered some actual loss as a direct result his or her dependence on the false statement. Statements of Opinion vs. Outright Lies Not all false statements are legally fraudulent. Statements of opinion or belief, since they are not statements of fact, may not constitute fraud. For example, a salesman’s statement, â€Å"Madam, this is the best television set on the market today,† while possibly untrue, is an unsubstantiated statement of opinion rather than fact, which a â€Å"reasonable† shopper might be expected to disregard as mere sales  hyperbole. Common Types of Fraud Fraud comes in many forms from many sources. Popularly known as â€Å"scams,† fraudulent offers may be made personally or arrive through regular mail, email,  text messages,  telemarketing, and the internet. One of the most common types of fraud include is  check fraud, the use of paper checks to commit fraud.   One of the main goals of check fraud is  identity theft- the gathering and use of personal financial information for illegal purposes. From the front of every check written, the identity thief can get the victim’s: name; address; phone number; bank name; bank routing number; bank account number; and signature. In addition, the store may add more personal information, such as date of birth and driver’s license number. This is why identity theft prevention experts recommend against using paper checks whenever possible. Common varieties of check fraud include: Check Theft:  stealing checks for fraudulent purposes.Check Forgery:  signing a check using the actual drawer’s signature without their authorization or endorsing a check not payable to the endorser, both usually done using stolen checks. Counterfeit checks are considered the equivalent of forged checks.Check Kiting:  writing a check with the intent of accessing funds that have not yet been deposited in the checking account. Also referred to as â€Å"floating† a check, kiting is the misuse of checks as a form of unauthorized credit.Paper Hanging:  writing checks on accounts that are known by the perpetrator to have been closed.Check Washing:  chemically erasing the signature or other handwritten details from checks in order to allow them to be rewritten.Check Counterfeiting: illegally printing checks using information from the victim’s account. According to the  U.S. Federal Reserve, American consumers and businesses wrote 17.3 billion paper checks in 2015, four times the number written in all of the  countries of the European Union  combined that year. Despite the trend toward debit, credit, and electronic payment methods, paper checks remain the most often-used way of making large payments for expenses like rent and payroll. Clearly, there is still plenty of opportunity and temptation to commit check fraud. Federal Fraud Through the  United States Attorneys, the  federal government  prosecutes and punishes various types of fraud specifically identified under federal statutes. While the following list includes the most common of these, there is a wide range of federal, as well as state, fraud crimes. Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud:  using regular mail, or any form of wired communications technology, including telephones and the internet as part of any fraudulent scheme. Mail and wire fraud are often added as charges filed in other related crimes. For example, since the mail or telephone are typically used in attempting to arrange bribes of judges or other government officials, federal prosecutors may add charges of wire or mail fraud in addition to charges of bribery and corruption. Similarly, wire or mail fraud charges are often applied in prosecution of  racketeering and RICO Act  violations.Tax Fraud:  takes place whenever a taxpayer attempts to avoid or evade paying federal income taxes. Examples of tax fraud include knowingly underreporting taxable income, overestimating business deductions, and simply not filing a tax return.Stock and Securities Fraud:  typically involves the selling of stocks, commodities, and other securities through deceptive practices. Examples of securities fraud include  Ponzi or pyramid schemes, broker embezzlement, and foreign currency fraud. The fraud usually occurs when stockbrokers or investment banks convince people to make investments based on false or exaggerated information, or on â€Å"insider  trading† information not available to the public. Medicare and Medicaid Fraud:  usually takes place when hospitals, healthcare companies, or individual healthcare providers try to collect illegitimate repayments from the government by over-billing for services, or by performing unnecessary tests or medical procedures. Penalties for Fraud Potential penalties for conviction of federal fraud typically involve prison or  probation, stiff fines, and repayment of fraudulently-acquired gains. Prison sentences can range from 6 months to 30 years for each separate violation. Fines for federal fraud can be very large. Convictions for  mail or wire fraud can bring fines of up to $250,000 for each violation. Frauds that harm large groups of victims or involve large sums of money can result in fines of tens of millions of dollars or more. For example, in July 2012, drug maker Glaxo-Smith-Kline pleaded guilty to falsely branding its drug Paxil as being effective in treating depression in patients under age 18. As part of its settlement, Glaxo agreed to pay $3 billion to the government in one of  the largest health-care fraud settlements in U.S. history. Recognizing Fraud in Time The warning signs of fraud vary according to the type being attempted. For example, telemarketing calls from unknown callers telling you to â€Å"send money now† in order to take advantage of a special offer or claim a prize may be frauds. Similarly, random request or demands for a Social Security or bank account number, mother’s maiden name, or a list of known addresses are often signs of identity theft. In general, most offers from companies or individuals that sound â€Å"too good to be true† are signs of fraud. Sources Legal Dictionary: fraud.  Law.com.Basic Legal Concepts / Fraud.  Journal of AccountancyFraud- Burden of Proof: Washington Civil Jury Instructions.† Westlaw

Are Kids Over Medicated Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Are Kids Over Medicated - Essay Example Additionally, poor health choices lead to obesity, high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes, and psychological conditions between the ages of 4 and 19 years (Warner 128). Consequently, doctors find it easier to offer medication instead of lasting solutions like a healthy diet, exercise, and regional medical checkups. Many parents find it affordable to treat conditions using medications and prevent adapting to healthy choices to improve overall health condition of their children. Thus, over reliance on over the counter drugs and laziness to adopt healthy lifestyle lead to overmedication of kids. Many people believe that there is a drug to cure every problem. Many parents find this as a relief, and choose to medicate to prevent their children from suffering. You shall find many homesteads have all manner of painkillers, energy boosters, and antidepressant for their kids. The immune system becomes weaker by the day due to constant reliance on medication. Once the body becomes weaker, it requires additional medication to make the immune system stronger to enable the body resume normal functioning. This creates a cycle of medication in the life of a young adult. Children often suffer from behavioral conditions such as moodiness, insomnia, anger erratic episodes, and low appetite among others, but instead of seeking psychological help, parents go for over the counter medicines to relieve these conditions. Accordingly, pharmaceutical companies stepped in to create pills that cure these conditions, yet these are common problems that kids encounter especially during teen years, and thus, do not require medication. According to recent health reports, many pharmaceutical companies are reaping high rewards for manufacturing children’s medications (Elizabeth 8). For instance, antipsychotics medication treats intellectual disability, hyperactive disorder, and disruptive behavior disorder. These same

EU institutional law and policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

EU institutional law and policy - Essay Example 10 new countries that acceded to the European Union in 2004 (Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Cyprus), all intend to join third stage of the EMU in the next ten years, though their precise timing depends on various economic factors. Similarly, those countries who are currently negotiating for entry will also take the euro as their currency in the years following their accession. Prior to adopting the euro, a member state has to have its currency in the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II) for two years. Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovenia and Slovakia are the current participants in the exchange rate mechanism"(Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union, en.wikipedia.org, referred on 06.05.2006)1 The main objective of the euro is to maintain price stability within the European Union, and at the same time support EU general economic policies, such as the principle of an open market economy, with free competition. "Within fiscal policy, the euro area countries must manage public finances so as to guarantee a sustainable growth, as envisaged in the EU Treaty. A Stability and Growth Pact was adopted, through which all Member States acknowledged the need of a sound fiscal policy for the smooth functioning of the EMU. The Pact comprises three legally binding elements: A resolution passed by the European Council that lays down a firm commitment of its Member States, Commission and the Council to implement the Stability and Growth Pact. A Council regulation that calls for the strengthening of the surveillance of all budgetary positions and co-ordination of economic policies. The key features of these programmes are the specification of national medium- term budgetary targets set close to balance or in surplus. This allows countries to pursue anti-cyclical fiscal policies without breaching the 3% reference value of the deficit. The Stability and Growth Pact is a Council regulation on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure. If there are no exceptional circumstances and the deficit is considered excessive, the Council will immediately issue a recommendation to the Member State concerned. A maximum of four months is then allowed for the country to take effective action to correct the situation. If the Council considers that the measures are not effective, the next step of the procedure will be engaged" (Stability and Growth Pact, www.bportugal.pt, referred on 06.05.2006)2 As trade between the EU Member States mounted, the member states found EMU as the natural complement of the single

Analysis of the market position of Ikea

Analysis of the market position of Ikea Introduction Every industry tries to use an unparalleled, efficient, and effective business strategy that will allow them to remain at a progressive position in the competitive market, especially in the global market. With respect to this, the aim of this report is to present a position analysis for the furniture company IKEA. The position analysis will apply a pestle analysis, capabilities analysis, resource based view analysis, swot analysis and porters five forces along with IKEAs strategic issues and solutions to these issues. Company Overview IKEA was established in Sweden over 50 years ago back in 1943. Its founder Ingvar Kamprad still plays an important role in the company affairs today. IKEA is certainly one of the top furniture retailers in the world. Its core aspects are affordably, functionality and quality. Since their commencement, IKEA has persistently developed as a company throughout the years and are currently seen as a distinguished successful worldwide business entity in the furniture industry today. In 2010, IKEA opened 12 new stores in 7 countries which presently give them an overall record of 318 stores in over 38 countries. IKEA has certainly met their strategic goals by executing diverse strategic marketing tools that has made them the success that they are. Methodology IKEAs SWOT Analysis In this report, the analysis of the present situation of IKEA will be carried out by using different marketing tools.  With this, IKEA will be examined via the use of SWOT Analysis. The basis of external and internal analysis is to construe factors that can affect the said business to situate itself to take advantage of opportunities, and manage threats discovered via an analysis of external environments. Particularly, it also aids in spotting present weaknesses and strengths that may affect the organizations capabilities. Strengths (Internal factors) A strong worldwide brand that attracts key consumer groups. A Clear Vision to create a better everyday life for many people A strong concept. IKEA offers a wide range of well-designed products at a price, everyone can afford. Good product image. IKEA has an ideal balance between function, quality, design and price Weaknesses (Internal factors) Large global business. This makes quality control difficult to control and it signifies a weak link in the chain of supply. The necessity of low cost products. Although products are at a low price, consumers still need to feel that they are getting value for their money. Cultural differences. diversified markets Japan, China and the USA Restricted manufacturing  capabilities. IKEA relies on subcontracted manufacturers. Opportunities (External factors) An increased demand for low cost merchandise. Due to trends in the present financial state of the global economy, consumers opt for less expensive goods rather than shopping at expensive stores. The rapidly emergent Asian countries with wealthy middle-class population represent opportunities to enter and market the concept of affordable modern furniture to fit a particular lifestyle. Opportunity to enhance levels of customer service through E- Commerce as the added business capability. Threats (External factors) Social trends decelerate amount of first time buyers coming into the housing market. Market forces more competitors entering the low price household and furnishings markets. Imitated Concept -Within growing competitive retail markets mainstream retailers are beginning to mirror the model Economic factors the global financial crisis reduced disposable income and customer spending. We can see this from the table below. IKEAs turnover was the same in 2009 as it was in 2008. Source: www.ikea.com (2010) Porters Five Forces Market Entry Seeing that IKEA has such a unique concept and brand name it will be difficult to copy the IKEA way. However, another furniture company can enter the furniture industry with a low- cost strategy inclusive of home delivery, opposing to IKEA non-home delivery method. IKEAs stores are not very much located in small towns with small outlets so this is an opportunity for new competitors to enter small towns with another low cost strategy with smaller outlets. This may attract a new sector of consumers. Supplier Power According to IKEAs welcome inside yearly summary , IKEA had 1,074 suppliers in 55 countries in 2010 Most of the suppliers operate in the IKEA group and compete with other suppliers, and they have a modest bargaining power. Because of low pricing, IKEAs profit margin also affects the prices in raw materials than by prices in labour. The bargaining power of a supplier could be a threat for the profit of the company, and both IKEA is very much aware of it.   In light of this IKEA endeavours to maintain good relationships with its suppliers, in this IKEA ensure that the IKEA group benefits in the said contract while suppliers benefit from the mutual agreement. Competitive Rivalry IKEA is comfortable with its competitive position, and also trying to maintain its competitive edge among rivals. IKEA operates in a extremely competitive industry, characterized by other low priced furniture producers such as Galiform of England and retailers such as Wal-Mart of the United States. Internally, the group has seen differences of opinion regarding product offerings and positioning. Because of powerful global competition, IKEA has intelligently attempted to compete by entering the markets which typically pose the largest competition, such as China and Japan. power of the buyers Americans-the primary consumer base for IKEAs debut in the American Market. The most likely IKEA shopper are those sort of people who travel abroad, like taking risks, enjoy fine food and wine, have a frequent flier plan, and are early adopters of trendy consumer technologies such as Discmans, laptops, and cell phones (Lyne, 2009). IKEAs management ensures that their customers will be satisfied in all ways with the quality of service that they supply. Particularly, the company has focused their marketing approach on the demands and needs of the buyer for household furniture as well as food service sources that satisfies them, and heavily positioned their products in this segment. Threats of substitutes There is no particular furniture substitute however IKEA has to keep up with the latest trends and advances so that their quality furniture does not go out of style and become irrelevant. Wal-mart, Target, Office Depot and other low-cost suppliers are indirect competitors in the fact they do offer low-priced furniture that consumers pull together themselves. Conversely, these indirect substitutes vary in detail because these are general retailers instead of being a specific retailer as IKEA is a retailer of household furniture. PESTEL Analysis Political As part of the national or global trends and changes, IKEA is just one example of firms that are successful in both domestic and international business . The Swedish furniture retailer has found the Scandinavian style of furniture that was combined with do-it-youself flat packaging became popular and set a global cult brand . Economic The Company, due to the economic changes and trends are adopting different kind of strategies that will take an appeal on their customers and aiming to own the customer loyalty . Economically, IKEA is low cost. This is a big piece of breaking into the American market. IKEA had to focus and advertising campaign directed specifically to thwart Americans unwillingness to part with their styling of furniture. Social The IKEA contributed much in the society as they provide opportunities in people and the employees are entitled in different benefits such as insurance and pensions ( 2005). Moreover, the company promises to provide more high quality furniture that sticks to their original concept stylish furniture at low prices. Technological IKEA uses superior technology and systems to encourage shorter waiting times, accurate scheduling, tracking and trading patterns, and staffing. The system made the IKEA in a position to ensure the right number of staff in a right place and in a right time to match the unique trading pattern s at each stores of IKEA. The company view in optimizing everything from the supply chain is also optimizing and managing the workforce to create an efficient store environment and keep customers happy . Environmental Concerning the environmental factors such as the air, noise, and water, inspections are put in place to ensure the company provides remedial actions within a stipulated time. The environmental inspection consists of legal documents and environmental authorities as the business operations are continuing. Legal The legal compliance of IKEA is sternly implemented with pertinent laws and regulations that affect to the environment, social and working conditions. The company also scheduled the most demanding requirements to be specific in maintaining the list of laws and regulations and with the procedures. Analyzing IKEAs Capability Based on the given synopsis of the IKEA Company it is recognized that IKEA exerts a strategic approach in order to maintain their competitive edge in the furniture industry. The management of the company is able to identify the priorities of the business and make decisions in line with the strategic direction, by placing considerations of the business and its stakeholders. IKEA is competent as it focuses on the significance of both internal and external customers to guarantee that these customers remain satisfied and loyal.   The company also ensures that they motivate, coach, guide, and support their staff to realise the mission of the IKEA. Additionally, IKEAs capability to identify its suppliers is another factor that maintains the companys competitive advantage. The ability of management to differentiate and diversify their business strategy to dominate the global market can also be considered as major capabilities of IKEA Resource Based View Analysis IKEA selects the most feasible position when it comes to delivery of items. Their warehouse is smartly located with different sectors to have greater control of activities. This strategy analyses the deployment of resources, processing time and queue times for various actions. IKEAs staff is rotated in order to complete customers orders from each picking area. Resources are simulated at higher levels and are applied and detailed in applicable working schedules. Stakeholders Analysis Other than what is already known about IKEA, it is observed that besides the management of the business, IKEAs customers play an important role in the accomplishment of the organizational goals. The management skills and capabilities of the pioneers of the company have propelled IKEA into being a powerful entity in the furniture industry today. Furthermore, the loyalty of its customers has also greatly assisted IKEA in maintaining its competitive edge. Customers and workforce entities go hand in hand, as IKEAs employees are the ones who work effortlessly ensuring that the company satisfies the demands of its customers. Therefore, when customers are satisfied, as they get value for their money with IKEA, they will remain loyal and hence build IKEAs value chain. The suppliers and stakeholder s can be considered an additional factor that made IKEA the success they are at present. IKEAs Strategic Issues and Challenges Competition The IKEAs furniture competitors offers different styles and functionality. Conrin targets a new low cost in terms of furniture line; Cratel Barrel offers a furniture in a box which is subject in higher prices; Ethan Allen aimed at a more upscale market; Wal-Mart is equipped in a big box furniture that is categorized under the general store must-have-items, but dont have much of a style. IKEA is the most successful in delivering the complete package for the customers that reflects on weak rivalries.   Natural Resources IKEA is the biggest furnishing company world wide, so it needs al lot of wood. This implicates, that there are confrontations with nature protecting organisations. The IKEA Concept The IKEA concept is easy to take up. Companies like Bush Industries in the USA have taken over the concept of cheap furniture, but they adopted their products to the American habits. Reaching Limited Customers The fundamental problem which IKEA is currently facing is that they are only reaching a limited amount of customers due to their few store locations. Event that founder retires or dies Major challenge to keep the core values alive especially when the company becomes larger and more diverse and the founder retires from the business. Catalogue Distribution IKEA want to increase the return on investment for the catalogue distribution, which is a substantial investment, and remain ahead of the competition in terms of business strategy Solutions to IKEAs constraints Catalouge IKEA needs to make sure than they distribute their catalogues who can be potential IKEA customers in terms of where they are located and ther demographic attributes. IKEA can also sell its catalogue at a low price to help generate some revenue as its catalogue is its biggest marketing mechanism. Low price The company must ensure that it is always known for having the lowest prices on the market in the future. Communication plays an important role here. IKEA must main its low cost leadership by using the low cost leadership strategy. Market forces IKEA is large enough to enjoy economies of scale. This lowers average costs in the end through, for instance, better use of technology or outsoucing specialized managers. Economies of scale also gives a business a competitive edge if cost savings are then passed on to customers in the form of lower prices. This puts up high barriers to entry for smaller companies entering the market. Communications. IKEA needs to maintain communication with its consumers and other stakeholders about its environmental actions. Store Locations. IKEA needs to strategically place its outlets where it has never been before. IKEA usually has large outlets in large cities. However, a tactical approach will be to launch smaller outlets in smaller towns. This will attract a new sector of customers hence increasing IKEAs profitably in the furniture industry. A new organizational structure will be necessary because of moving the organization from a global perspective towards a transnational perspective. Where the global organization is designed as to increase production efficiencies using global economies of scale and scope concepts, the transnational organization combines efficiency, local responsiveness and organizational learning. In order to assist the transition process towards such an organization, the IKEA group has to drastically transform its approach on the function of its subsidiaries. At present, IKEAs subsidiaries are barely no more than expansions of the business head office in Sweden. The responsibility of the subsidiaries is not to sway parent company strategies, but moderately follow instructions from home country Sweden. High localization pressures emerging due to demographic and cultural differences will compel subsidiaries to take strategic initiatives to act in response to local market requirements. The new organization would be easier to follow and pass on more accountability to subsidiaries. The centralized research and development department would have form strategic in-house networks with these subsidiaries and, in a mutual approach, develop products that are adopted to match country level requirements. Strategic corporate direction has to be maintained, since there is a need to safeguard its market niche. The changes projected in the organizational structure will have promising impacts on the company culture, which is currently founded on the IKEA concept or the IKEA way. A reduced amount of management from Sweden will trigger the incursion of new principles, values, and measures into the IKEA way. This will boost the intricacy of the operational culture, but will improve decision-making based on a spot on international dimension. CONCLUSION To conclude, with this position analysis, appropriate evaluation has been considered using different marketing tools, which lead to the determination of the present position of the IKEA Company.   This analysis has revealed which parts of the IKEA business entity that requires development and altering in order to maintain the competitive edge. The IKEA strategy is unique but it works, as IKEA is a leader in the global market. IKEA places its focus on further profit creation and growth and development. It can be said that based on the given case, IKEA strategy is something which is different but effective to achieve their goal of dominating the global market. Giving value to their stakeholders is one of the vital approaches that the company had used. In addition, their ability to innovate and diversify their products has also been identified as part of the strategy of IKEA. In addition, because of the competitive situation of the company, there is a strong barrier to entry for a new household furniture as well as food market that would compete with IKEA.   As the company is competing in both local and large-scale market environment, IKEAs feasibility is to achieve more customers from altered areas of the world and to provide each customers quality and resourceful household furniture products and will satisfy their needs while enjoying reasonable and reasonable prices.   The company is looking forward to give the customers more from what they are expecting via technological innovations.  In addition, the strategy of the company also includes their ability to adapt to the changing needs and demands of their target market even in different parts of the world. IKEA is in a favourable position to carryon operations in the years ahead. Bibliography De Wit, Bob and Meyer, Ron (2005) Strategy Synthesis. Second edition. London: Thomson Learning. Print ISBN 1 86152 965 1. Johnson, Gerry; Scholes, Kevan; and Whittington, Richard (2005) Exploring Corporate Strategy. 7th edition. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education. Print ISBN 0 273 68734 4. Available through Voyager (UH LIS main catalogue) as an electronic resource. Mintzberg, Henry; Ahlstrand, Bruce; and Lampel, Joseph (1998) Strategy Safari: The Complete Guide Through the Wilds of Strategic Management. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education. Print ISBN 0 273 65636 8. Porter, Michael E (1979) How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy. Harvard Business Review, March/ April, Volume 57, Issue 2. Available through UH LIS electronic journals (Business Source Complete). IKEA Sustainability Report for Fiscal Year 2009 and Fiscal Year 2010. Welcome Inside

The Reason of Marshall Plan

In June 5th, 1947, Marshall declared a famous speech in Harvard University. The idea of providing economic aid to the all Europe came on the scene. Between 1948 and the end of 1951, United States channeled $12. 3 billion aid to Western Europe including grants, loans and in-kind transfer. The effects of Marshall Plan are all-encompassing, for example, contributing to the cold war, helping the recovery of European economy and European integration. Someone called in question about its necessity, someone embraced it as the saver of the world.It is wondered what is the deep reason that pushed America to launch the plan. Though many scholars have written about this topic, this paper will call for reassessment of the existing literature based on recent findings, new methodologies. This essay will specifically argue that the main reasons of the launch of Marshall Plan are the threats of communism and the interweaving interest’s network of America and Europe. In the first part, it will display the urgency of 1947 European crisis. In the next part, it will focus on the threats from the communism and inferred with the Truman doctrine declared before.Next, it will analyze the short-term and long-term interests that America could gain from the plan. After the World War II, the Europe showed a sign of fast recovery at the beginning, and soon faced with increasingly worsening situation. Within several months after the war, through large scale reconstruction of the infrastructure, the industry recovered quickly. People were drowned in the prospect of peace and happiness of a fresh start. However, the limits on the raw material and lack of the energy supply constrained the recovery soon.Further worse, during the winter of 1947, because of the heavy snow, roads, bridges, rail links, and water ways were impassible, hindering the obtaining of raw material and transportation of the products. The thawing snows also flooded coal mines, making the production of steel fell backw ard significantly. The summer of same year, was called the hottest and driest since records began, and the drought reduced supplies of hydroelectric power. Disillusionment of hopes and desperation hung over people’s hearts. The European crisis of 1947 was more than the misfortune of natural disaster.The disappearance of Germany from the economy is a deeper reason beneath the desperation. During pre-war period, Germany was the main market of European economy. By 1939, the Germany held 38% of Greece exports and one third imports. During pre-war period, the German Ruhr area exported large amounts of coal to France used for the production of steel. Substitute for Germany, America became the main exporting country to Europe. However, another problem came, the dollar crisis. Most European countries imported large amounts of food, coal and raw materials from America, but they have nothing to sell back.France carried $2049 million of payment deficit for buying coal from America annua lly. The heavy national debts carried by the country brought about the inflation and eroded the confidence of currency. Marshall said in his radio speech: ‘the patient is sinking while the doctors deliberate. So I believe that action cannot await compromise through exhaustion. New issues arise daily. Whatever action is possible to meet these pressing problems must be taken without delay. ’ Marshall claimed that the severe of crisis of Europe and the disagreement between two blocks pushed Marshall or the America to make such choice.Though the plan was initially directed to both eastern and western European countries, it is argued that Marshall knew the refusal of Soviet Union in advance, because soviet had been always against any activity of Germany industry construction and stressed the importance of reparation. Hitchcock argued in his article that the primary trigger of the Marshall Plan was ‘the failure of American policy in occupied Germany’ and the ambi tion of the European recovery developed later. In addition to the economic crisis, the political situation was especially not going well for America.The initial hope for fast recovery was downgraded into the desperation of living. The situation of capitalism was between the beetle and the block . The failure of post-war government turned out to provide a good opportunity for communists. Especially students and working class valued the communism as the only party that could bring a totally different world, create a classless society. As Kenan wrote in his memoir, ‘the pall of fear hanging over Europe in 1947 was preparing the continent to fall, like a ripe fruit, into Stalin’s hands. ’America used the plan as an economic barrier to soviet expansion. As said in a CIA report in April, 1947, ‘The greatest danger to the security of united states is the possibility of economic collapse in western Europe and the consequence accession to power of communist element. ‘ Looking back the Europe in 1957, there are guessing that at best, the Europe would be in decades of poverty and struggle; at worst, Europe will collapse back into civil war, fascism and communism. Truman doctrine is released before the Marshall plan and closely related to the plan.In 1947, March, President Truman told the US congress ‘to help free peoples to maintain in their free institutions and their national integrity against aggressive movements that seek to impose upon them totalitarian regimes. This is no more than a frank recognition that totalitarian imposed on free peoples, by direct or indirect aggression, undermine the foundation of international peace and hence the security of the united states. ’ The Truman doctrine was declared as a proposal to provide economic and military aid to Greece and Turkey for fighting against local communists, or as he named, ‘totalitarianism’.Compared with Truman doctrine, Marshall Plan focused more on the economic aid and the recovery of Europe. However, there is still similar intention between these two plans. If the Truman doctrine is the explicit counterattack to the soviet expansion, the Marshall plan is the implicit one. The short-term interests of the plan, which were not so vital to America, however, were worth to mention. It has claimed by Americans that the primary intention of the plan is good-will for the recovery of Europe and soviet expansion urged them to establish the plan as soon as possible.However, there were also suspicions that the act of America was just self-serving and America was using Europe as an outlet for their goods. What is more, in some areas, the aid plan was not welcomed. It will be argued here that the short-term interests of the plan could be nearly negligible when compared with other reasons. The products were given for free from America and what American people can directly gain profits from is that all goods were distributed through American shi ps and were uploaded by the American dock man. The interweaving interests of America and Europe are prime reason behind the aunch of Marshall Plan. The sink of Europe or the sovietization of Europe did more than harm to America and like domino effects, it will threat the whole America’s safety. The primary concern for the plan is the safety and long-term development of the United States. Between the end of war and the announcement of the plan, there already were loan plans from America to Europe. As additional conditions of the loan, the United States demanded Britain to give up the exchange control and make British currency fully convertible. Similarly, America asked France to abandon the protectionism and allow freer imports and exports.Though these plans failed at last, the intention of America was obvious, contributing to freer international trade, more stable currency exchange and wider international cooperation. The Marshall plan is claimed different from all the previo us plans. First, the choice of whether to take it and how to use it is in the hands of Europe, and the role America played was just advisory. Second, the plan is a long-term strategic program, with the help of European recovery program. Third, the money attached to the plan is enormous, more than any previous United States oversea aid combined.If measured by GDP, the money cost 5% of American GDP, equal to 201 billion dollars in 2004. If measured with the value of dollars, the money is worth 100 billion dollars in 2004. Fourth, the plan is a larger European-scale plan, involved many countries into the plan simultaneously. Nevertheless, compared to the past plans, the declaration of the Marshall plan is another form or another positive trial of the same intention. Opinions of whether to declare the Marshall plan was initially divided within the United States.However, new dealers in most post-war administration favored the plan and viewed it as ‘an opportunity to reconstruct Eur ope in America’s image’. The program of ‘productivity mission’, funded by the Marshall plan, was to bring technical Europeans to learn the American way of economy and business. New dealers in America expected these managers and technicians could take the atmosphere of free trade and business cooperation back to Europe. Underlying the aim of Americanization of Europe, the pursuit of restoring long-term trade partner is more essential reason.A CIA director Allen Dulles said: ‘the plan supposes that we desire to help restore a Europe which can and will compete with us in the world markets and for that very reason will be able to buy substantial amounts of our products. ’ the establishment of closer ties for America with Europe could facilitate future business and political communication, and the decrease in distinction and gap could decrease the possibility of quarrel and war. In conclusion, the declining European economy led to the increasing at traction of communism.Faced with the sinking Europe and aggressive Soviet Union, the American government was pushed to launch the Marshall plan. Aligned with Truman doctrine, it is a diplomatic strategy of America to suppress the expansion of Soviet Union and maintain the common interests of Europe and America. Attached with the plan, there are also American blueprint for a prosperous international trade and cooperation within the western bloc without the interference from Soviet Union. The threats of communism are the main direct external factor that makes the plan available through the congress.The desire for a trade-free Europe and the presumably impossible negotiation with Soviet Union are the main reasons that make the plan come into being. The potential benefits of advancing America-Europe relationships and shaping a freer trade atmosphere are ambitious goals of the new dealers and the plan proves to have subtle but far-reaching influence on the integration of Europe. Word cou nt: 1879 Bibliography Calbraith John, 1998. ‘Interview with prof. J k. Galbraith, 28/11/95’ 12 November 2012 Debouzy Marianne . 1998. ‘ interview with Madame Marianne Debouzy’ 11 November 2012 Eichengreen B. et al. , â€Å"The Marshall Plan: Economic Effects and Implications for Eastern Europe and the Former USSR†, in Economic Policy, 7, (1992) pp. 13-75 online available from [18th October 2012] Ellwood, David W. â€Å"The Impact of the Marshall Plan,† History 74 (October 1989) pp. 427–36. Hitchcock, W.I, ’The Marshall Plan and the creation of the West’ in The Cambridge History of the Cold War, 1 (2010) pp. 154-174. Hogan Michael J. The Marshall Plan America, Britain, and the Reconstruction of Western Europe, 1947-1952 (New York: 1987) Judit, T. , ‘The rehabilitation of Europe’ in Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 (New York, 2006) pp. 63-99. Milward, A. S. (1989) â€Å"Was the Marshall Plan Necessary ? † In Diplomatic History, pp. 231–252. Online available from [25th October 2012]Parrish S. D. â€Å"The turn toward confrontation: the soviet reaction to the Marshall plan, 1947† in cold war international history project working papers series ,9 (1994) ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Barry Eichengreen, et al. , â€Å" The Marshall plan: economic effects and implications for Eastern Europe and the former USSR†, in Economic Policy, 7:14 (1992), pp. 16-18 [ 2 ]. Quoted inWilliam Hitchcock, ‘The Marshall Plan and the creation of the West’, in The Cambridge History of the Cold War, 1:8 (2010),p. 156 [ 3 ]. Ibid. , p. 157 [ 4 ]. Ibid. , p. 155 [ 5 ].Tony Judt, â€Å"The rehabilitation of Europe†, in Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 (New York,2006), p. 91. [ 6 ]. Ibid. , p. 95. [ 7 ]. Quoted inWilliam Hitchcock, ‘The Marshall Plan and the creation of the West’, in The Cambridge History of the Cold War, 1:8 (2010),p. 156. [ 8 ]. Calbraith John, 1998. ‘Interview with prof. J k. Galbraith, 28/11/95’ 12 November 2012 [ 9 ]. Debouzy Marianne . 1998. ‘ interview with Madame Marianne Debouzy’ 11 November 2012 [ 10 ]. Tony Judt, â€Å"The rehabilitation of Europe† , p. 91. [ 11 ]. Ibid. , p. 93. [ 12 ]. Quoted in Tony Judt, ‘The rehabilitation of Europe’, p. 94.