Likely Impact of MIS on the Global Glass Industry

Likely Future Impacts of MIS on the Glass Industry China looks set to dominate various markets in the near future (Hughes, M (2011) Week 3 â€Å"IS in a Changing World†, MS102, National University of Ireland Galway, unpublished) The glass industry should be a target for them. China is the best in the world for glass production and consumption. China’s flat glass production accounts for 40 per cent of the world today, which is about 38 million tons per year, and the processed glass industry is improving quickly. (Wenyi, M. O Professor of the Chinese Ceramic Society, â€Å"Review and Prospect of the Glass Industry in China†)According to incomplete statistics from 2004, the production scale of insulated glass reached 130 million square metres, and production amounted to 45 million square metres. China’s glass machinery sector has become a new boom industry, and although the Chinese glass industry has made great steps, there is still a large gap between China and advanced countries abroad. China’s flat glass industry consumes more natural resources, energy costs are higher, technology and equipment levels are relatively low, product mix is not feasible, and the processed glass ratio is low.There are lots of manufacturers, but the production scale is small, industry concentration is low, and research and development capitalization is weak. (Wenyi, M. O Professor of the Chinese Ceramic Society, â€Å"Review and Prospect of the Glass Industry in China†). Innovations in future technology within the glass industry are going to be vital for firms within the industry to utilize if they are going to stay competitive taking into consideration the probable advancement of the Chinese Industry. The US glass industry alone spends 1. billion a year on energy and (energy costs) accounts for 14% of the cost of production (Ernest Worrel et al 2008). This leaves huge scope for firms to enable energy saving and thus cost saving technology. A report entitled â€Å"Energy Efficiency Improvement and Cost Saving Opportunities for the Glass Industry† an Energy Star Guide for Energy and Plant Managers by Ernst Worrell, Christina Galitsky, Eric Masanet, and Wina Graus we can clearly see that these cost saving technologies are either there to be utilized by firms within the industry or are very near to that stage.Oscillating combustion is currently being tested by the Gas Technology Institute (GTI). This technology forces the oscillation of the burner fuel to create successive, fuel-rich and fuel-lean zones within the flame. It also reduces NOx emissions. Reported fuels savings are 2 to 5% and reduced NOx emissions 30 to 50%. The Segmented Melter works as the batch is melted in an electric melter, after which the cullet is added in a separate oxy-fuel fired melter. Although on the plus side emissions will be lowered maintenance to the seg-melter is high as it only has a useful life of 15 years and requires repairs at lea st once every 3 years.However, there is interest in future improvements of the seg-melter to develop a more energy-efficient glass melting process (TNO, The Netherlands; Alfred University, New York). Under development by Tamglass, Finland, a new HSCâ„ ¢ high-speed convection heater transfers more of the heat by convection (over 50%) using a lengthwise system of heating elements in the furnace. Tamglass claims production increases of as much as 40%, lower energy costs, and increased process reliability (Tamglass 2003). Limited steam use in the glass production process limits the use of cogeneration or combined heat and power generation in the glass industry.An alternative may be the use of an air-bottoming cycle. The average energy savings were estimated at 10% with an estimated payback periods of 3 to 4 years (at price conditions in The Netherlands). The recycling of in-house glass waste is challenging as impurities in the waste material often leads to a high rate of filament bre akage in fiber forming processes. It has been estimated that around 260,000 tons of glass waste are generated each year in US. and that in-house recycling of this waste would save the US glass industry over $7 million per year in avoided nergy and waste disposal costs (ANL 2003). Argonne National Laboratory has developed a glass fiber recycling process based on thermal treatment that is estimated to have a potential payback period of 2 years. One method that firms within the glass industry could do to increase productivity, efficiency and increased profits is to employ improved Information Systems by bringing in Siemens or other specialists to review their processes in the near future as Siemens offer services that will improve IS and reduce energy costs.As a reduction in energy usage and improved production processes will reduce the cost of production firms can benefit in not only the long run but the short to medium term as well. Practically the likes of Waterford Wedgewood and Ga lway Crystal have been in the business of glass production for centuries and therefore may be unlikely/unwilling to let in outsiders to review their processes new firms in the industry may see it as an ideal way to increase their competitiveness in the market reasonably quickly.For it’s customers in the glass industry, Siemens offers a package of services to analyze and optimize energy consumption of plant. They will bring in specialists to examine the production lines for weak points, develop suitable counter measures and, where necessary, also supply the appropriate financing concepts. In many cases, just improving the exploitation of existing equipment will lead to considerable savings. Siemens also offers services that will achieve projected ongoing energy savings of three to five percent per year over the next five to six years. (Optimum use Energy solutions for the glass industry from Siemens)

Fasting, Feasting Style Essay

Point of View The novel is written in the third person limited point of view. This means that the author tells the story from an objective position, as if viewing the story’s events without benefit of any thoughts or feelings coming directly from the individual characters. The author presents the chain of events in the story and then interjects what the characters may be thinking or experiencing based on their reactions, facial expression, and tone of voice. This point of view is especially pertinent for the content of the novel, which revolves around the issue of repression, especially for the female characters. The women are not allowed authentic voices in their homes or their societies. So the author restricts what the reader can know to mimic the repression experienced by the characters. Genre A speedy, intense narrative switching point of view and tense as needed. There are many unheralded transitions from scene to scene and flashback (15-63) is used to excellent effect. Threads of the story are left unfinished only to be taken up again later in the novel and given a deeper significance (see Anamika’s or Aruna’s story). General Vision or Viewpoint Think well about this question from a couple of standpoints. It might be easy to dismiss Uma’s world as oppressive to women and to the servant underclass and to decide that life could not be a fulfilled experience in such circumstances. You might think that Uma’s life is a tragic injustice; that she is used and misused by a patriarchal family and society. You might see Arun as a narrow-minded, judgemental outsider unable to adjust to a culture different to his own and whose life is quite unfulfilled. But this might be to miss the humour and love that is invested in daily living. In India people have a warmth and a variety to their lives that is enviable. 1. Read these notes taken from different sources on the web. Do you agree with what they say? Does the point of view used by Desai make you sympathise with a certain character? Explain the use of point of view and provide quotations to support your ideas. Themes Family Life Although the novel has action in two separate countries and has many characters, there is the central theme of family life that unites them all. In India, the immediate family has great importance; but the extended family also has an impact on the characters’ lives. This is evidenced by the coming together of family members for securing bridegrooms and making wedding arrangements for Uma and Aruna. There is also huge family support and involvement related to times of sorrow, such as the coming together after the death of Anamika. The rituals for both these happy and sad occasions are marked with tradition and purpose. These elements seem to be sorely lacking in the Patton household in America. It is understood that the time period of Arun’s stay with the Pattons encompasses only three months and does not represent a comprehensive look at the Patton family. Themes and issues Suffering Human suffering is depicted frequently in both parts of the novel. Uma is made to suffer by her parents and men who take advantage of her. The unusual thing about her is her response to this suffering. She seems to maintain optimism throughout her ordeals. Anamika’s terrible life and the abuse she suffers may illuminate your discussion of suffering as would the plight of Melanie who suffers mental illness and bulimia and is a sad example of American youth. Loneliness The plight of Arun in America will yield many examples of loneliness as will Uma herself who despite her large extended family keeping her busy she seems quite isolated. Loyalty/Betrayal  You might advance the notion that Uma and Anamika are betrayed by their parents in that they treat them very badly when it comes to marriage and relationships. Both girls are seen as burdens to be disposed of and you could say they were betrayed. Similarly, Melanie’s plight is so ignored by her mother that the word betrayal might not be too strong. 2. Can you think of other themes in the novel? Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. Provide quotations to justify your choice. 3Example of an analysis of passages Do you agree with him? Can you find more examples of how Desai uses X to  create Y ? Now analyse the following passage. 4 Questions 5. Poetry Pied Beauty Gerard Manley Hopkins Follow this link: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/gerard-manley-hopkins 1. Listen to the poem and read it at least twice. Hopkins was born in 1844, and died just 45 years later, in 1889, but in this relatively short life he wrote some of the most startling and original poetry of the whole 19th Century. He was a deeply intellectual and religious man, and became a Jesuit priest in 1877, the same year in which he wrote ‘Pied Beauty’. Throughout his life Hopkins was deeply fond of the countryside and its beauty, in which he could see the work and power of God. In ‘Pied Beauty’ he expresses his delight and astonishment at the sheer diversity of nature. What do the things Hopkins describes have in common? How does Hopkins celebrate diversity? How does the image of the chestnut link the physical with the spiritual world? How is the human world linked to the physical world in the poem? How are both the physical and the human world linked to God? Comment on the following compound nouns /verbs: ‘couple-colour’, ‘fresh-firecoal’, fathers-forth’. Comment on the use of sound in the poem and the effect it creates. Comment on the rhythm (metre) of the poem N.B. it is irregular). How does it contribute to its meaning? Annotate the rhyme scheme. What comments can you make on its effect? The poem begins and ends in a symmetrical way. Why? What is the effect of the short final line? In what way are the first and second parts of the poem the reverse of each other? What is the effect of delaying the verb ‘fathers-forth’ to the beginning of the penultimate line? Examination Question: How does this poem seek to convey the ‘glory’ and grandeur of God for Hopkins? After reading the poem, write in paragraphs a summary of what you think the poem is about and your analysis of it. You can work in groups (not more than four in each group) and hand in your work to Carolina, please. What does Curnow’s reading of his poem adds to your appreciation of it? 2. Read the following which will help you to analyse the poem. Entrapments at Home and Abroad in Anita Desai’s Fasting, Feasting T. Ravichandran Assistant Professor of English, Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT Kanpur Anita Desai’s Fasting, Feasting, as it is implied in the title itself, is a novel of contrast between two cultures, the one, Indian, known for its pious and longstanding customs representing ‘fasting,’ and the other, American, a country of opulence and sumptuousness epitomising ‘feasting.’ The plot unveils through the perceptions of Uma, in India, and of Arun, in America. Both of them are entrapped, irrespective of the culture and enveloping milieu, by oppressive bonds exercised by their own parents, MamaPapa. They are just MamaPapa or PapaMama but remain nameless throughout the novel. Yet, this namelessness does not indicate their anonymity but signifies their universality. They are the prototypical parents found everywhere in the middle-class families of India, who discuss, plan, plot, control, govern the activities of their children, be it marriage or going abroad for studies. And in their over-domineering concern, they tend to ignore the inadverte nt possibility of entrapping their own offspring. Thus, they do not give contingency to the fact that perhaps their children too can have a life to call their own. May be even their own preoccupations, their own priorities, maybe an agenda for themselves that goes beyond what they actually want for their children. The novel beings with a snapshot of MamaPapa in a contemplative mood: â€Å"The parents sit, rhythmically swinging, back and forth. They could be asleep, dozing—their eyes are hooded—but sometimes they speak.† That is when a sudden deluge of ideas hit them and they order their eldest daughter, Uma, to carry out them without delay. Uma is asked first to inform the cook to prepare sweets for her father, with neglectful impatience she states that she has been already asked to pack a parcel to be sent to her brother, Arun, in America. While she comes literally running on her toes, she is entrusted with an additional job of writing a letter to their son. Somewhere in the middle of the novel, the reader understands that it is the usual scene that goes on in the household of MamaPapa. â€Å"All morning MamaPapa have found things for Uma to do. It is as if Papa’s retirement is to be spent in this manner—sitting on the red swing in the veranda with Mama, rocking, and finding ways to keep Uma occupied. As long as they can do that, they themselves feel busy and occupied† (133). In th is manner, living under the demanding rule of MamaPapa, Uma is repressed, suppressed and is imprisoned at home. The first part of the novel tells us in a flashback how she became a reluctant victim of entrapment at home. The second part of the novel shows how her brother Arun, who leaves his home for higher studies feels trapped by the very education that is meant to liberate him. Usually, at home, it would be an oppressive atmosphere even if one of the parents is overpowering. With regard to Uma, both of her parents appear to have merged into a single identity MamaPapa/PapaMama, as if they have a â€Å"Siamese twin existence†(6). Hence, whenever MamaPapa say something, and whoever says it, it comes with double the intensity and power that it cannot be defied at all. â€Å"Having fused into one, they had gained so much in substance, in stature, in authority, that they loomed large enough as it was; they did not need separate histories and backgrounds to make them even more immense†(6). Despite a slight variation in the roles they have chosen to play, Papa’s of â€Å"scowling† and â€Å"Mama’s scolding†(10), in terms of opinion, they never differed from each other. Therefore, if one refused there would not be any â€Å"point in appealing to the other parent for a different verdict: none was expected, or given†(14 ). Furthermore, the women are not allowed for outings usually, but when Papa feels that the women laze around the house too much, then they would be taken to the park for walk. On one such occasion, Uma gets easily distracted and fails to keep pace with her Papa. Though Papa is far away, and she is left in the company of Mama, she would not dare attempt  to buy some eatables on her wish though it is highly tempting: â€Å"Uma finds saliva gathering at the corners of her mouth at the smell of the spiced, roasted gram but decides to say nothing† (12-13). In the end, Uma is blamed for being â€Å"slow† when all the while Uma could not reconcile herself as why they are hurrying just to go back home. Likewise, the children are not allowed to have any sense of privacy even when they have grown-up. They are not allowed to shut any doors in the household. For this meant secrets, especially nasty secrets, which are impermissible: â€Å"It meant authority would come stalking in and make a search to seize upon the nastiness, the unclean blot†(15). MamaPapa also decide which of their children should have education and how much of it. As far as Uma is concerned, a pleasant escape from her claustrophobic conditions at home is her school-going. The convent school for her is â€Å"streaked with golden promise†(20). Hence, she always goes early to the school and later finds some excuse to linger there for longer time. Conversely, she feels deprived during dull weekends when she is left at home: â€Å"There were the wretched weekends when she was plucked back into the trivialities of her home, which seemed a denial, a negation of life as it ought to be, somber and splendid, and then the endless summer vacation when the heat reduced even that pointless existence to further vacuity†(21). Regardless of Uma’s verve for convent education, she is forced to stop going to school when Mama gives birth to the third baby, Arun. Even as Uma shows disagreement, she is coaxed, cajoled and finally threatened to accept her Mamaà ¢â‚¬â„¢s decision: ‘But ayah can do this—ayah can do that—’ Uma tried to protest when the orders began to come thick and fast. This made Mama look stern again. ‘You know we can’t leave the baby to the servant,’ she said severely. ‘He needs proper attention.’ When Uma pointed out that ayah had looked after her and Aruna as babies, Mama’s expression made it clear it was quite a different matter now, and she repeated threateningly: ‘Proper attention’ (31). Later, Uma looks forward towards her marriage to give her the much-needed relief, yet, unfortunately, she returns home frustrated after a deceitful marriage and subsequent divorce. Back at home, she gets a rare, job offer  through Dr. Dutt, but MamaPapa refuse to send her. When Dr. Dutt persists on taking Uma for the job, Mama lies of an illness for which she needs Uma to nurse her. In like manner, when Uma receives an invitation for a coffee party from Mrs. O’Henry, MamaPapa refuse to send her to the party because of the apprehension that Mrs. O’Henry might ensnare her and convert her into a Christian nun. Reduced thus to a baby-sitter at her earlier days and an unpaid servant for her self-centred parents for the rest of her life, Uma finds no escape from her entrapment. Uma experiences, however, a brief repose of happiness and freedom once when she is allowed to accompany her ailing aunt, Mira-Masi, on her pilgrimage. During her stay at night in an ashram, Uma finds a strange link of her life with the barks and howls of the dogs: At night she lay quietly on her mat, listening to the ashram dog bark. Then other dogs in distant villages, out along the river bed and over in the pampas grass, or in wayside shacks and hovels by the highway—barked back. They howled long messages to each other. Their messages traveled back and forth through the night darkness which was total, absolute. Gradually the barks sank into it and drowned. Then it was silent. That was what Uma felt her own life to have been—full of barks, howls, messages, and now—silence (61). At this juncture, one is reminded of Anita Desai’s characteristic way of making her internally turbulent protagonists find expression by association with external surroundings. Thus, for instance, in Cry, the Peacock, Maya’s feelings of isolation and longings are coupled with those of the crying of the peacocks. Still, one locates a kind of sublimity in the agonised inner cry of Maya when it is likened with peacocks. When Uma’s pain is related to the barks and howls of dogs, the poetry of Maya’s anguish is to be seen in sharp contrast to that of the excruciating poverty of Uma’s entrapment. Catering to the whims and fancies of MamaPapa, but keeping her remorse selfcontained, at one point of the novel, Uma feels utterly friendless and alone, even when she is at home and surrounded by her MamaPapa. In desperation, she thinks of writing a letter to a friend to share her grief but it only ends up with the realisation that she has none to confide with: She could write a letter to a friend—a private message of despair, dissatisfaction, yearning; she has a packet of notepaper, pale violet with a pink rose embossed in the corner—but who is the friend? Mrs. Joshi? But since she lives next door, she would be surprised. Aruna? But Aruna would pay no attention, she is too busy. Cousin Ramu? Where was he? Had his farm swallowed him up? And Anamika—had marriage devoured her? (134). However, it would be wrong to presuppose that Anita Desai shows Uma’s unattractiveness, clumsiness and dullness of mind as causes for her entrapment. Uma’s polar opposite, her graceful, beautiful and brilliant cousin, Anamika’s confinement is more poignant. While Uma’s failure in her school exams pressurises her to stay at home, Anamika does so excellently in her final school exams, that she wins a scholarship to Oxford. Yet, Anamika lives in a patriarchal society that considers higher education to be the prerogative of males, and marriage as the major preoccupation of females. The scholarship obtained is used only as a means to win her a husband who is considered an equal to the family’s prestige. Anamika’s parents are unperturbed by the fact that he is so much older than her, so grim-faced and conscious of his own superiority, and is â€Å"totally impervious to Anamika’s beauty and grace and distinction† (70). But it is Anamik a, who starts another life of entrapment the moment she enters her in-laws’ house. Anamika’s husband is a typical ‘Mama’s boy’ to the extent he could be a silent witness to his mother’s beating of his wife regularly. Anamika, who won a scholarship to Oxford, spends her entire time in the kitchen cooking for a very large family that eats in shifts—â€Å"first the men, then the children, finally the women† (70). After a miscarriage, which followed a brutal beating, and the belief that she could not bear more children, finally, the family ties her up in a nylon saree, pours the kerosene over her, and burns her to death. Here again Desai is not implying that the un-burnt brides and the well-settled ones may live a content life. In this regard, she portrays the story of Aruna, Uma’s smart and pretty younger sister who makes a discreet choice and marries â€Å"the wisest, †¦ the handsomest, the richest, the most exciting of the suitors who presented themselves†(101). Aruna’s marriage to Arvind who has a job in Bombay and a flat in a housing block in Juhu, facing the beach is just a like a  dream-come-true. Yet to live that dream-life fully she transforms hersel f and desperately seeks to introduce change in the lives of others. She cuts her hair, takes her make-up kit wherever she goes, and calls her sister and mother as ‘villagers’ once they refuse to accept her sophisticated and flashy style of life. For that reason, she avoids visiting her parents’ home and the rare occasions of her short visits are spent in blaming the untidiness of the surrounding and the inhabitants. Even she goes to the extent of scolding her husband when he splits tea in his saucer, or wears a shirt, which does not match, with his trousers. In this way, Aruna’s entrapment is different from the rest. She has liberated herself from the customs and dominating home rules that bind the rest of the characters like Uma and Anamika. Yet, in negating those codes, she ensnares herself in her mad pursuit towards a vision of perfection. And in order to reach that perfection she needs to constantly uncover and rectify the flaws of her own family as well as of Arvind’s. When none other than Uma sees through the entrapment of Aruna, she feels pity for her: Seeing Aruna vexed to the point of tears because the cook’s pudding had sunk and spread instead of remaining upright and solid, or because Arvind had come to dinner in his bedroom slippers, or Papa was wearing a t-shirt with a hole under one arm, Uma felt pity for her: was this the realm of ease and comfort for which Ar una had always pined and that some might say she had attained? Certainly it brought her no pleasure: there was always a crease of discontent between her eyebrows and an agitation that made her eyelids flutter, disturbing Uma who noticed it (109). While Uma, Anamika, Aruna present the female versions of entrapment in Fasting, Feasting, Arun pictures the male version of it. Unlike his sisters, right from his birth, Arun desists eating the food of his family which is symbolic of its values. Much to the dismay of his father, he shows his preference for vegetarian food. Simply because it revolutionised the life-style of his father, Arun can not be forced to eat non-vegetarian food. This, of course, is a cause of disappointment for Papa: Papa was always scornful of those of their relatives who came to visit and insisted on clinging to their cereal-and vegetable-eating ways, shying away from the meat dishes Papa insisted on having cooked for dinner. Now his own son, his  one son, displayed this completely baffling desire to return to the ways of his forefathers, meek and puny men who had got nowhere in life. Papa was deeply vexed (32- 33). Nonetheless, Arun cannot fully come out of the clutches of Papa, especially, in terms of his education. And ironic enough, it is education, which instead of offering the desired autonomy, paves way for Arun’s entrapment. Papa, in order to give â€Å"the best, the most, the highest† (119) education for his son, takes charge of Arun’s life from his childhood. Although Arun’s school examinations are over, Papa cannot allow him to go to his sister’s house in Bombay during holidays, since he has planned that time for taking up entrance examinations and preparation for sending applications to go abroad for ‘higher studies’. However, in the eyes of Aruna, her father’s manic determination to get a foreign scholarship for Arun, is actually on account of his unfulfilled dreams, which he tries to impose on his son. That is why, when the letter of acceptance from Massachusetts finally arrives, it stirs no emotions in Arun: Uma watched Arun too, when he read the fateful letter. She watched and searched for an expression, of relief, of joy, doubt, fear, anything at all. But there was none†¦. There was nothing else—not the hint of a smile, frown, laugh or anything: these had been ground down till they had disappeared. This blank face now stared at the letter and faced another phase of his existence arranged for him by Papa (121). As a reviewer rightly observes, â€Å"With a deft touch, Desai shows us that MamaPapa’s ambitions for Arun are as stifling as their lack of ambition for Uma, †¦.† From America, Arun’s letters come just to indicate his endurance and survival. His messages are diluted, and are devoid of any emotion and substance. â€Å"The most personal note he struck was a poignant, frequently repeated complaint: ‘The food is not very good’† (123). The ties, though invisible, are so overwhelming that even in a country that feasts on individuality, Arun fails to manifest his identity as an individual. Caught in the prison house of his own family’s food habits, he can neither nourish the alien food nor develop a sense of belonging with Patton’s family that  shelters him during his vacation. The smell of the raw meat being charred over the fire by Mr. Patton for steak or hamburger is loathsome for Arun. Conversely, Mr. Patton fails to understa nd why Arun really refuses to eat a good piece of meat. While Mrs. Patton symphathises with Arun, and gives him the vegetarian food items, particularly tomato slices and lettuce on bread, Arun finds them detestable too. Because he thinks that â€Å"in his time in America he has developed a hearty abhorrence for the raw foods everyone here thinks the natural diet of a vegetarian† (167). Hence when Mrs. Patton, quite satisfied with her job of a host, watches him eating with pride and complicity, Arun ate with an expression of woe and a sense of mistreatment. How was he to tell Mrs. Patton that these were not the foods that figured in his culture? That his digestive system did not know how to turn them into nourishment? (184-185). Where Mrs. Patton’s daughter, Melanie, bluntly says she finds the food revolting, and refuses to taste it, Arun has to helplessly eat it. Melanie, however, suffers from bulimia—a disorder in which overeating alternates with self-induced vomiting, fasting, etc. Her bulimia, along with her mother ’s frenzy for buying food items to fill the freezer, signifies the consumerist society that she hails from, where excess becomes the malady. This seen in contrast to Rod, the fitness fanatic, who spends all his time and energy in jogging, baffles Arun who wonders that â€Å"one can’t tell what is more dangerous in this country, the pursuit of health or of sickness†(204-205). He apprehends that like Melanie, who eats, vomits and lies on her vomit most of the time, the people of her country too, go through an inexplicable pain and a real hunger. Yet he cannot reconcile his mind to the unanswerable question: â€Å"But what hunger a person so sated can feel?†(224). Anita Desai, in portraying the stories of entrapment in Fasting, Feasting, presents one version after another; each contributing together to a master version, and each simultaneously subverting the other towards an open and contingent version. Accordingly, in the story of Uma, we find her unattractiveness leading to her eventual entrapment. Yet, if we pass a final verdict on this account, we would be proved erroneous since Desai presents the versions of Aruna and Anamika, Uma’s appealing sister and charming cousin, respectively. Beauty cannot offer them escape from entrapments; in truth, it is rather their good looks that victimise them. Further, if we think again that it is Uma†™s lack of  education that has led to her entrapped situation, Desai presents us the subversion of Anamika, where foreign scholarship fetches her an equal match but fails to provide her the required escape, it suffocates and kills her literally. In like manner, if as Uma thinks, â€Å"A CAREER. Leaving home. Living alone† (130) would bring in the necessary freedom from entrapment, Desai presents us the story of Arun, who leaves home, lives alone for a career but feels the pangs of entrapment despite it. Also, in providing a male version through the story of Arun’s entrapment, Desai negates any feministic verdict based on the other female versions of entrapment that is likely to put the blame on the patriarchal, male-centred society. Thus, Anita Desai, often described as one of the finest writers of this country, has moved from her earlier, typical way of sympathising with her characters, females especially, to a different level of sensibility now. Where it would be easy to presuppose her overt feministic concerns in a novel like Cry, the Peacock, it would be unwise to approach her Fasting, Feasting with any such preconceived notions. Desai herself speaks out in a recent interview that she has been deliberately shifting her focus from female characters to male characters. She rather feels she needs to address and voice out themes which concern males too. She says: â€Å"Specially in my earlier work I found myself addressing the same things over and over again: very much about the life of women, specially those women who are confined to home and family, also the solitude from which a person can suffer even if living within a big family or surrounded by crowds. But after several years and several books I began to feel suffocated myself by the confinement of these subjects. I felt I was limiting the territory to such an extent that it created a kind of suffocation even for me. So I deliberately opened the doors, to widen the canvas, and started writing more about male characters and their lives, because I felt they had a wider experience of the world, and I could address a greater variety of experiences.† Finally, if we consider the male version represented by Arun and the female versions constituted by Uma, Anamika and Aruna as Indian versions, Desai offers American versions to counter them. The story, thus dangling between two countries and cultures shows to prove through the characters of Uma and Arun, and their counterparts Melanie and Rod, that attempts of escape from entrapments can only be temporary, illusory and self-destructively futile since entrapments through familial knots are ubiquitous, all encompassing and universal. And perhaps the salvation comes when one accepts entrapment of one kind or another envisioned as an inescapable fact of life. References 1Anita Desai, Fasting, Feasting (London: Vintage, 1999) 3. All subsequent page references are to this edition. 2Sylvia Brownrigg, â€Å"Fasting, Feasting† by Anita Desai. http://archive.salon.com/books/review/2000/02/17/desai/print.html. [9/15/2002]. Magda Costa, â€Å"Interview with Anita Desai, Lateral (March 2001). http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/users/sawweb/sawnet/books/desai_interview.html. [9/15/2002]. http://www.sawnet.org/books/writing/desai_interview.html

Barbauld

# 8217 ; s Prophecy And Blake # 8217 ; s Imagination Essay, Research Paper Barbauld # 8217 ; s Prophecy and Blake # 8217 ; s Imagination The Romantic Era was a clip of widespread cultural, societal, and political reform. Industrialization was taking the topographic point of the agricultural life style, which introduced jobs such as higher poorness, a larger segregation of category, and overworking of both grownups and kids. The wars in America and France paved the manner for political turbulence by presenting new ways of thought and groups who wanted alteration. With all of this convulsion and pandemonium many authors turned to escape, which involved both imaginativeness, and prognostication. Imagination and prognostication are simply two ways the authors of this clip thought, hence, being deemed the Romantic Era. Anna Laetitia Barbauld # 8217 ; s # 8220 ; Eighteen Hundred and Eleven # 8221 ; displayed a great trade of prognostication while William Blake # 8217 ; s usage of imaginativeness and opposing antonyms is clearly apparent in # 8220 ; The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. # 8221 ; The component of prognostication was common in the verse forms and prose of the Romantic period. Prophecy didn # 8217 ; t needfully intend that the events were really traveling to go on. When meeting the word # 8220 ; prophecy or prophetic # 8221 ; we tend to believe about those visionaries as Moses and Nostradamus, but their usage of prognostication was different. Writers such as Anna Barbauld wrote in conformity with what was traveling on at that clip ( American and Gallic Revolutions ) . It wasn # 8217 ; t as though she was stating that the death of Britain was traveling to go on, but that it could if things didn # 8217 ; t alteration. # 8220 ; ? The revelatory vision of England in decay? # 8221 ; ( Damrosch, 29 ) , that is how Barbauld # 8217 ; s # 8220 ; Eighteen Hundred and Eleven # 8221 ; is described. Although the bulk of this piece is synonymous with the above quotation mark, there are a few cases when Barbauld indicates that no affair what happens, England will bo om and will neer be left in the shadows. Thine are the Torahs environing the provinces revere, Thine the full crop of the mental twelvemonth, Thine the bright stars in Glory # 8217 ; s flip that radiance, And humanistic disciplines that make it life to populate are thine. If westbound streams the visible radiation that leaves thy shores, Still from thy lamp the cyclosis glow pours, Wide spreads thy race from Ganges to the pole, O # 8217 ; er half the Western universe thy speech patterns roll # 8230 ; Barbauld conveys that even though England is losing her appreciation on America, # 8220 ; ? If westbound streams the visible radiation that leaves thy shores? , # 8221 ; She will still predominate and stand strong, # 8220 ; ? Still from thy lamp the cyclosis glow pours. # 8221 ; Barbauld # 8217 ; s manner of composing seems to saccharify surface the message she is directing by her usage of rime and beat ; yet, it is apparent that this verse form is prophetic. Her prognostication, nevertheless, is filled with contradictions. # 8220 ; ? That clip may rupture the Garland from her brow/ And Europe sit in dust, as Asia now. # 8221 ; ( Barbauld, 38 ) insinuates that one twenty-four hours, America will thrive as England had, and that Europe will be left in the dark as Asia is. Ultimately I believe that the prognostication of Britain # 8217 ; s death is her purpose, as by the terminal of the verse form she writes, # 8220 ; But fairest flowers expand but to disintegrate? thy glorific ations pass off? # 8221 ; The imaginativeness was a utile and necessary tool for the authors and poets of the Romantic Era. There was frequently debate about utilizing 1s imaginativeness instead than confronting what was true and existent. Poets found imaginativeness peculiarly of import and instead than specifying what it was, their definitions would explicate what it wasn’t. â€Å" ? Thus, imaginativeness vs. world ; imaginativeness vs. ground ; vs. scientific discipline ; vs. the apprehension ; vs. mere ‘fancy’ ; even vs. spiritual truth.† ( Damrosch, 4 ) In other words, the imaginativeness had nil to make with the material universe. William Blake’s â€Å"The Marriage of Heaven and Hell† is a merchandise of the dark side of imaginativeness and faith. He taps into the dark side of his readers’ heads by stating the narrative of the autumn of adult male from the Devil’s position ( the evil side of the narrative ) . It’s far more exciting to read something that society may see to be morally â€Å"bad† than to read a narrative through the eyes of the good cat. Damrosch wrote, â€Å"Blake nowadayss Satans who are a batch more merriment than his angels.† We are so used to reading the Bible and related narratives from the position of God and Heaven that Blake’s position, while being loaded with sarcasm, still shocks us. He seems to be dallying with the heads of his readers by narrating it from a more negative point of position ; it’s about as if he knew that â€Å"The Marriage between Heaven and Hell† could be controversial. He besides uses the binary device, which is opposites working against each other, such as Love and Hate, Good and Evil, and Passive and Active. Ultimately they all tie in, love peers good and inactive piece hatred is tantamount to evil and active. The â€Å"Proverbs of Hell, † while obviously satirical, catches the reader’s oculus, and even though it is the â€Å"evil† point of position there are many Proverbss that are humourous. The Proverbs, entirely, must hold taken a great trade of imaginativeness to contrive. â€Å"The rat, the mouse, the fox, the rebate ; watch t he roots/ the king of beasts the tyger, the Equus caballus, the elephant, watch/ the fruits.† That is such an inane line, I truly have no thought what to believe of it, and I believe that might be his point. There are besides many Proverbss that are serious and â€Å"good.† â€Å"Improvent makes strait roads, but the crooked roads/ without Improvement. are roads of Genius.† This merely means that frequently times the consecutive and narrow isn’t ever the smartest way to take. It besides implies that the true mastermind may lie within the head of the individual who is bizarre, the non-conformist. Blake was a non-conformist in his authorship and today is a portion of the canon. He refers to his lighted verse forms as â€Å"The Bible of Hell.† In Plate 4 he claims that imaginativeness is the lone life. I think that is stated in the first reverse, # 8220 ; Man has no Body distinct from his Soul/ for that calld Body is a part of Soul discernd/ by the five Senses, the main recesss of Soul in this age. # 8221 ; ( Blake, 128 ) Of class, the full Plate exemplifies it better, but I understood it more when reading the first reverse. The Romantic Era produced a great many authors and poets. Escape was besides a merchandise, which included the usage of imaginativeness and prognostication. Through the convulsion of what was taking topographic point in world, the authors of this clip such as Blake and Barbauld, saw the importance in the strength of the head and subjective authorship. Blake # 8217 ; s usage of imaginativeness in # 8220 ; The Marriage of Heaven and Hell # 8221 ; was both of import and exciting. Barbauld # 8217 ; s prophetic # 8220 ; Eighteen Hundred and Eleven # 8221 ; was insightful and enabled us to see the pandemonium of that clip. Damrosch, David, erectile dysfunction. The Longman Anthology of British Literature. New York: Longman, 1999.

Footlocker-mkt304 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Footlocker-mkt304 - Research Paper Example In fact, for many of them it is seen as an opportunity to become popular and more attractive† (McGinty,2009). The major attraction of Footlocker is their shoes which are from renowned companies like Reebok, Addidas, Nike and Jordan. They also sell clothing of these brands which are a big hype among teenagers and also they demand it due to the goodwill these brands have on a global basis. 2) Product’s features The sports apparels sold by footlocker are of Nike, Adidas and Jordan who are pioneers of sports wear and equipments. The features of these sport wear and equipments are that they are unique and distinct from other sports brands. The shoes are light weighted and has sleek look and has an excellent appeal when worn. The top seller of the company is the Nike Zoom Kobe VI for men. According to (Footlocker, 2011),â€Å"The Nike Zoom Kobe VI is the latest evolution of basketball footwear. Moldable upper with new Fly wire construction creates a dynamic, lightweight fit w ith an Achilles notch for greater comfort†. Since the teenagers are excited by the look of the products, the company offers them what they really desire for. Teenager and adults look for the branded products which match the celebrity fashion and these products are used by fashion icons. The shoes and accessories sold by them come in vibrant colors and style which catch attention of any teenager. Clothing, shoes and accessories have versatility, long lasting quality and signature brand mark on them. 3) Product’s benefits The products provided by Footlocker are shoes and clothing and other sport accessories which gives utmost comfort and security to its customer. Sneakers and clothing sold by this retailer is from Nike and Adidas, who are the pioneer in sports apparels. â€Å"Both Nike and Adidas are well known sportswear firms that have become household names of sorts throughout many parts of the world. The undisputed giants of the sportswear and sports equipment indust ries, consumers can generally expect quality products from the two brands† (reComparison 2010). The young generation is the targeted customers of footlockers and theses group demand branded products which have name and fame and have high durability. The young children and teenagers are impulsive buyers and the company targets them as they make decision in a short span of time. The brands sold by the company have a huge advertising campaign and creates a significant impact on young generations mind as to their fame and quality. â€Å"The teenagers spend most of the money on themselves immediately. Teenagers have also found to be more brand loyal that adults†(Michman,2003,pg.144). So footlocker as a retailer, take advantage of this fact and focus them to market their branded sport products. 4) Product’s branding Foot locker offers shoes and clothing of Nike, Adidas and Jordan not only has goodwill but also give comfort, durability and lasting effect which other pro ducts cannot offer. The company’s target customers who are teenagers and adults in early 20’s look for products which are renowned and also match their style quotient. For example Adidas is well known for their style factor apart from durability and good will. In his book (Dunne,2007,pg.57)states that, â€Å"The foot locker has found success by concentrating on a very narrow segment of shoe market but offering a very large selection†. They have good selection of sports shoes, clothing and sports accessories

Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 20

Reflection Paper - Essay Example The consistency of their movements made it seem like one long snake twisting and twirling and doing all sorts of dance acts. Then suddenly the snake would burst open into many distinct snakes depending upon the number of dancers inside the aluminum tubes. It was the best combination of flashlights, intricate dance steps, and aluminum casings that made the experience of watching the show memorable. The dancers used aluminum casing in such ways to look like aliens or unknown creatures. Traditionally, a dance show is just about dancing skills of the performers. The audience tries to rate the show according to the extent of perfection in dancing skills of the performers. But this show was even more than just that in that the audience was made to think as if they were watching aliens dance. I particularly liked it when the dancers organized and structured themselves so as to give rise to a gigantic aluminum robot on the stage. Watching such a magnanimous thing tread past them must have been a pleasingly horrifying experience for the audience that was sitting there. I also liked it a lot when I saw the aluminum pipes blowing horns and moving as if they were singing the song. I never saw aluminum pipes singing and dancing. It was very cartoonish and enjoyable. The role of camera effects and lighting in making the show special cannot be undermined. The abrupt and unexpected change of lights from red to blue and other colors kept the audience engaged and their excitement elevated throughout the show. The changing of lights and colors was synchronized to the dance steps as well as the beat. The dancers displayed perfect timing with beats and light effects to make the experience overwhelming. The dancers perfectly used background lighting and effects to seamlessly change the attires and go from one shape to another. The best thing about the show was that the dancers used aluminum as a medium to showcase their dancing skills. They

Miracles of Jesus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Miracles of Jesus - Essay Example He instructed the servants to get six pots of water and when they poured the pots out, it was transformed into a very high quality of wine. So to save the face of the guests there, Jesus turned the water into wine. This showed that he had extraordinary powers and can perform miracles as only God can change one substance into another. The immediate result of this was that the disciples started believing in him. Thus Jesus power over creation in past and future times as deity was manifested to the humans (Guided Bible Studies, King James Bible - John 2:1-25 n.d.). 2. The second sign of miracle performed by Jesus was the healing of the noble man’s son. The son was very ill and was near death when the man went to Jesus to ask him to heal his son. He was a high official and therefore by healing his son the credibility of Jesus as being sent by God enhanced even further. Jesus had spoken the words of healing without even meeting the son and this showed the power of his healing over space (Towns 2002, xiii). This showed that God was not limited by space and so isn’t Jesus as he holds the nature of power (Guided Bible Studies, King James Bible - John 4:1-54 n.d.). 3. The third miracle performed by Jesus was that of the healing of a lame. Man. The person was paralyzed for a lot of years, in fact for 38 years and because Jesus was full of love and compassion he healed the man. The person had laid by the pool at the sheep market for many years and slowly his faith and hope was fading away. Another reason was that the person was losing hope and therefore to renew his hope and trust in God he healed him. This miracle showed the power of Jesus and his deity was restored as he chose the timing for the deliverance of his powers (Guided Bible Studies, King James Bible - John 5:1-47 n.d.). This also exemplified the power given to him by God. The deity was shown by him doing no one else would have done (McFarland 2008). 4. The fourth miracle performed by Jesus was t he feeding of 5000 people. Since the power of Jesus’ healing was becoming well known and therefore people now gathered at the place where Jesus was present to speak on the eve of the Passover. Jesus asked from where the bread could be taken and he was given only five loaves of bread and two fish. He asked his servants to serve the bread to the people present there and thanked the god. By miracle all the people ate as much as they could and after everyone left Jesus asked his servants to collect the leftover pieces so that nothing is lost. When his servants collected the leftover pieces 12 baskets were full (Guided Bible Studies, King James Bible - John 6:1-71 n.d.). This miracle showed the power over food. After this incident a lot of people started believing in Jesus as a â€Å"prophet† and that he was a wonder to the people. A deeper meaning of this symbol is that food here not only represents the physical thing that is used to feed humans but is also talking about t hat spiritual food that feeds the soul of the person and that none could remain hungry in the presence of Jesus (Signs and Miracles in John n.d.). 5. The fifth miracle that was performed by Jesus Christ that eventually affected his deity was that he walked on the water in a sea storm. The disciples were going on a ship into sea whereas Jesus had gone over to the mountain but at night they got caught up in a night storm and they saw Jesus coming towards them by walking in the sea. They got fearful but then

(How has the oil wealth affected the prospects of democratization in Essay

(How has the oil wealth affected the prospects of democratization in the Arab Gulf) and ( Evaluate the role of civil society in - Essay Example Political science and economics studies have found that there is limitation of advances in democracy where countries in the Middle East have vast oil reserves. Oil wealth has a long-term effect on Middle Eastern democracy efforts. While extraction activities normally take place over an extended period, major oil discoveries take place during these countries’ peak production years (Ehteshami 37). Oil discoveries made in democratic countries such as Norway have no effect on their democratic trajectories. However, where oil is discovered in non-democratic countries, it is less likely that these countries will transition to democracy. Oil discovery has little effect on democratic countries politically. While Iran has been under theocratic rule for over 20 years, oil was discovered when they were a democracy, which can be seen to date as the country holds regular elections compared to its other Middle Eastern oil producers. The country only became less democratic after the Western- led coup of 1953 before transitioning back to elective democracy. This is in contrast to Qatar that discovered oil as a monarchy and has not made any strides towards democracy (Ehteshami 37). Prior to the early 50s, Egypt had one of the most vibrant democracies in the region with limited supplies of oil peaking in the mid 60s after which oil production declined from the 90s onwards. A similar history is shared by Tunisia, which was also a democratic country when they discovered oil. The relatively peaceful transitions in these countries are not a coincidence (Ehteshami 38). This is in stark contrast to Syria, whose major oil discoveries were made during authoritarian military rule. The transition from Bashar Al-Assad’s government to another has seen a bloody civil war erupt, as is the case with Iraq where oil discoveries were made during authoritarian rule. Oil rich non-democratic countries spend more on their military in order to stay in power, which enhances their political power and prevents the democratization of their countries. Lucrative reserves of oil also provide dictators with the incentive to want to stay in power longer since they fear they will loose everything if another leader comes in (Ehteshami 38). While civil society has played a critical role in the democratization of countries in Latin America and Eastern Europe, this has not been reflected in the Middle East. In this region, NGOs have been tamed and weakened since they can be co-opted using oil money (Ehteshami 98). Meanwhile, the EU and the US have continued to emphasize how important it is to develop civil society. Funding by the west for Arab NGOs has seen a significant increase since the September 11 attacks. The amount of money channeled to Middle Eastern countries by the US has tripled in the 12 years since. However, empowerment of these NGOs remains flawed and aimless because the countries’ leaders also have money that can co-opt them. Most of the NGOs in Arab countri es are government organized with staffing and funding provided by the government. Their main idea in funding the NGOs has to do with managing and controlling change, rather than inspiring or instigating change (Ehteshami 98). Even where it is relatively easy to establish organizations that fight for democracy, these are still under strict

English - The Corporation book - Key concepts Assignment

English - The Corporation book - Key concepts - Assignment Example results that may be partly explained, according to one study, by the "implicit endorsement of these products by the schools, that is, by permitting them to be advertised in school."" Corporations become involved with schools for the same reason they do everything else-to promote their own and their owners financial interests. "If theres a cardinal rule in preparing sponsored material, "states Ed Swanson of Modern Talking Pictures (an educational marketing company), "it is that it must serve the needs of the communicator first." "The kids were reaching are consumers in training† (Bakan, page 129). Influence is the power to affect someone’s belief that is will lead to a physical change. The two quotes above offer a classical example of the importance of social influence on business. The television set is a major contributor to the influence gained in order to make a business boom. Measuring influence, from a media perspective, is continuously gaining momentum up to date. For example, Mc Donald’s makes it a necessity for children to eat their burgers at this place, so they nag their parents to take them there. The adverts on the television target the children which in turn force their parents to purchase what the child wants. These commercials seem to be grooming consumers for the future. Social influence is a critical element when it comes to success of a business. It tends to persuade the consumer that the product on sale is the best. It helps to fosters consumer- related attitudes at a tender age. Co operations act as the influencers as they are the ones with the knowledge and ideas that will impact how people respond to the commercial. Each commercial is targeted for a definite customer mix, either directly or

Orem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Orem - Essay Example He also reports a consistent cold on his feet and a sore on his foot that has refused to heel, factors that forces him to wear protective socks. He further reports occasional passing out but maintains that he is fine. Mr. Fred’s significant problem that calls for healthcare attention is the ‘non healing sore on his foot.’ This is because even though the patient acknowledges presence of the sores, and the fact that the sores do not indicate a possibility of healing, Fred is still not willing to seek medication. The wound is not healing because of the patient’s high blood sugar level that facilitates growth of bacteria and it is enhanced by poor circulation. The most applicable theory to the case is the ‘Orem Self Care Deficit,’ theory that integrates â€Å"theory of self care, self care deficit theory, and theory of nursing systems† and seeks to empower patients to meet their healthcare needs with little or no assistance from healthcare personnel (Zaccagnini and White, p. 19; Kumar, p. 104- 106). The Orem theory is applicable to the case that identifies Mr. Fred’s ‘self-care’ deficiency, a factors that prolongs the wound (Nlm, p. 1). I would apply the theory by bridging the care gap to identify practices that would enhance the wound’s healing. I would use my skills as an educator to convince Fred of the need for medication and specialists advice on how to manage the wound. These would facilitate ‘self-efficiency’ and ‘self-reliance’ in his care initiatives (Nlm, p. 1). Application of the theory to the case is supported by existing literature that identifies its ability to promote ‘self-care’ among patients. Easom’s exploration of efficiency and its associated barriers among adult’s ‘self-care’ efforts for example identifies the need to break the barriers and promote self reliance as provided for by the theory, an approach that Fred really needs. The author’s review of research findings

Finance D 1-4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Finance D 1-4 - Essay Example In situations where a company is highly dependent on international sales the firm must utilize advanced financial tools such as hedging in order to diminish the exchange rate risk. Hedging is protecting a long position in one asset while being short in another in order to reduce overall risk (Teweles & Bradley & Teweles, 1992, p.537). A country such as Afghanistan is a third world country / developing economy with major problems for potential investors from United States or any other G8 developed nation. In the case of the United States the current War on Terror declared by George Bush Jr. created a cultural barrier for American companies to penetrate this market due to resentment from the population against anything that is American. In general terms the civil warfare that continues in this nation due to the Holy War makes it a security risk for any company due to suicidal bombers and other Para-military activity. The economic state of this country is weak, thus its citizen have a lack of purchasing power. Three countries that should be targeted by United States corporation as foreign direct investment opportunities are India, United Kingdom and Japan. India has the second largest population in the world after China with over one billion inhabitants. The size of the market is huge which is a good characteristic. Another thing that makes India attractive is the educational level among the population which is good and the fact that the country has an establish infrastructure to export professional services via a telecommuting system. A second country that is good target for international expansion of American firms is the United Kingdom. The monetary unit of the UK, the pound, is one of the strongest units in the world. The culture of the UK is very assimilated with the US culture which is a very good factor. The United Kingdom has a population of 60,776,238

Life Cycle Essay Example for Free

Life Cycle Essay In this paper I will be writing about the life cycle and the understanding of what impacts an individual. I will be explaining three major concepts such as how self-determination impacts an individual’s ability to successfully negotiate challenges in each life cycle. Also how autonomy impacts an individual’s ability to successfully negotiate challenges in each life cycle and how policies and legislation could impact the family during each life cycle. When it comes to the life cycle there are stages individuals will pass through in their entire life cycle. When it comes to self-determination it starts from birth to about 18months old. During these first 18 months the child is developing optimism, trust, confidence, and security by their mother and father if they are properly cared for by them. If by change there is no trust from the parents to the child they could grow into insecurity, unimportance, and most likely be wary of trust in themselves and in the world. Later in life if the individuals were properly cared for he or she will be able to make things happen in their lives for themselves. This all comes with feeling confidence and being able to trust and make their own decision in their lives. Individuals learn how to be self-determination in early elementary by learning how to make their own choices, promote early problem solving skills by thinking aloud as they address simple problems. This stage is called autonomy vs. shame this is from 18 months to about 5years old. This is when individuals will have the chance to assemble self-esteem and autonomy as they learn new skills and right from wrong. If the individual is cared for the correct way they will learn how to carry them self with pride rather than shame and very sure of themselves. This is about the time individuals will start to wonder and explore the word why and start to experiment of what to believe to be an adult. Playing with Barbie’s and ken’s, also toys such has cars plays a role with wanting to know things and why. If you don’t have involvement with your child in this stage they ca n resolve problems such as struggles through social role identification. With this it can bring an individual frustrated over goals in life and also  may feel guilt. Industry vs. inferiority stage is during age 6 to 12 years old. This is when learning new skills and understanding with developing sense of industry. This is too a stage of social development that you learn plus need throughout the stage of everybody’s life cycle. If an individual experience unanswered thoughts of failure and weakness amongst their peers, they are known to have very serious troubles in conditions of capability and self-esteem during their entire life cycle. As individuals will expand their relationship with school and neighbors during this time of their life cycle parents are still important in their life. In the stage of 12 to 18 years old self-determination and autonomy plays a role in an individual’s life cycle. This is where development is found of what has been done with that person. At this point it has to do with the primarily upon what a person dose with their life. If this means an individual’s has to struggle to be able to discover and find out who they are when having to be deal with negotiating and struggling with social interaction this will bring in their sense of morality and right from wrong skills they have learned. From some reason or another there is a delay in adulthood this can cause a person to become very withdrawn from having responsibilities in life to more in the right direction. Policies and legislation has enter into people life cycle from stage one from learning right from wrong. It really kicks in about the time 18 to 65 years old with dealing with finding love in your life and some are ready before other to settle down and to start a family. If a person does not find them self in at least finding some companies with one another that individual could come to be isolated and that is not good for a person. During this time phrase people are also getting their career in order along with their family this is to be called taking control of all responsibilities in life. When it comes to the stage of 65 to death with an individual this is when it involves reflection. This could be feeling of integrity, contentment feeling you have led a meaningful life. If for some reason a person can not feel like they have lived a happy meaningful life they could be feeling the fear of death. When feeling this way they are struggling to find out what the purpose of their own live was about here in the world. Having the thoughts going through their mind of was everything worth it, what was the point of life this is when they will have start to feel failure and it be a stressful and happy time with individuals life  cycle. In this paper this explains the three major concepts in the family life cycle. Self-determination how it impacts the ability to successfully negotiates challenges in the life cycle. How autonomy impacts individuals ability to successfully negotiate in the life cycle and also the policies and legislation ability could impact an individual’s life cycle. The life cycle is something everyone has to go through and to know it starts from birth to death. Reference The Expanded Family Life Cycle: Individual, Family, and Social Perspectives, Fourth Edition. Chapter 2: Self in context: Human Development and Individual Life Cycle in Systemic Perspective. Monica McGoldrick, Betty Carter, Nydia Garcia Preto (2011).

Biological Criminal Behavior Profile of Andrea Yates

Biological Criminal Behavior Profile of Andrea Yates Judy Mazzucca Dysfunctional behavior or anxiety are two illness that produce results in the cerebrum. Experiencing these behaviors can cause indefinitely change to an individual. They are able to implement unrealistic things in the mind like voices, distrustfulness and pipedreams. At times, individuals with these type of diseases begin harming themselves. In different cases, when that does not feel sufficiently, the individual then will swing to harming and in some cases executing other individuals. Andrea Yates is exceptionally outstanding for her horrendous wrongdoings against her youngsters. Mrs. Yates is somebody who profoundly experienced dysfunctional behavior (post birth anxiety and baby blues psychosis). These sorts of dysfunctional behavior ladies endure subsequent to bringing forth their children, they are intense diseases. It took psychiatric medication and people in general a considerable measure time to acknowledge how genuine it can get. The case of Andrea Yates conveyed a different insight to humanity. July 2, 1964, Andrea Yates was born in Houston Texas. Yates was an extremely timid yet splendid young woman. Andrea Yates moved on from her secondary school, Milby High, as valedictorian in the year 1982. At the point when Yates graduated, she went ahead to go to the University of Texas for their wellbeing and science program. After diligent work and devotion, Yates was so pleased with her reviews that she graduated and turned into an enrolled nurture. Shortly after moving on from school she wedded the man she had always wanted, Rusty Yates. Right after marriage, Yates found she was pregnant with their first child. The married couple were very happy about the news. Not far after the birth of their son Yates hinted at some minor baby blues. Inside the following five years Yates brought forth two other youngsters, the couple at the season of their third tyke were living in Florida in a 38-foot trailer, with next to no family bolster. They chose to move back home to Texas. When they gav e back, the family acquired a 350 ft. transport to live. A man let them know whether they proceeded with their corrupt ways their kids would smolder in hellfire. Yates acknowledged this, it stayed with her yet that did not prevent them from having more kids (AE.2012). In 1999 Yates and her significant other respected their fourth youngster, another kid into their effectively substantial family. Until this point, Yates was adapting to the misery which was minor yet being a homemaker of four youngsters, the worry of life was inflicting significant damage. A couple of months in the wake of brining home her fourth tyke Yates sank further into her post birth anxiety. Yates was so stressed and overlmed by June of 1999 that she considered the thought of taking her own life. After being in the hospital for seven days, Yates never admitted that she was emotionally unstable. Later sent home and provided with medicine to treat the post pregnancy anxiety, she noticed it was working well for her. Yates stopped the medication after the fourthteen day which made her wosen. Yates was fantasizing and unable to care for her small children. It was so critical that she started talking with the characters from television. In July, she begged her husband for him not to get in the way of her taking her own life as she held a knife on her neck. Corroded, her significant other, then conceded her to doctors facility again for a ten-day assessment. Having to follow up with her doctor, he noticed that Yates was not mentally stable. The doctor changed Yates medicines and she was able to go home to her family. As 1999 finished, Yates appeared to turning into the mother she needed and should have been. She was taking her meds, making the most of her kids and life appeared to be less distressing for her. As the year 2000 gets started, Yates comes to the surprise of being preganant with her fourth child. Her daughter was born in November of 2000. Back again into early 2001, Yates started to become hysterical. Yates doctor had to remove her from taking Haldol. Her doctor came to the conclusion that Yates was not in her right state of mind. The doctor thought that Yates was being affected for being a mother of several children. He essentially requesting that her concentrate on being solid and remain positive. This was simpler said than accomplished for Yates and nobody could foresee what this one activity would be trailed by. As 1999 finished, Yates appeared to turning into the mother she needed and expected to be. She was taking her meds, making the most of her youngsters and life appeared to be less unpleasant for her. Against her doctors will, Yates becomes pregnant with her fifth child. November 30, 2000 Yates and her husband bring a girl to this world. They are now pour boy and one girl, she tries hard to get comfortable with her life. In March 2001 Yates hit a hurricane and gradually began to winding wild, particularly after the demise her dad prior that month. Yates ran into talk with her therapist toward the finish of March of 2001 in the wake of talking with her he chose to take her off Haldol. Her therapist felt Yates was not in a long haul insane state, he recently felt that being a mother five was unpleasant now and again and life would improve for her. He basically requesting that her concentrate on being solid and remain positive. This was less demanding said than accomplished for Yates and nobody could anticipate what this one activity would be trailed by. In May of 2001 Yates came back to the clinic she was there for then days in light of the fact that into her stay Yates asserted that she was fine and that she simply expected to figure out how to deal with her life and stress better. Be that as it may, not long after her arrival home from this visit Yates started to self-hurt once more, quit conveying, declined to sustain her youngsters and had started to peruse the book of scriptures lavishly. Yates was persuaded that in the event that she didnt do what the voices were advising her to do that her youngsters would be sent to damnation for all endlessness. On June 20, 2001 Yates went into her lavatory feeling the tub with water while her youngsters played in the family room, nobody could envision the arrangements that were disentangling in Yates head as the voices squeezed her squeezed her. Yates wrapped up the tub and got the most youthful kid, her lone little girl first. From her she advanced from the most youthful to most establish ed holding every one under the water suffocating them. One by one Yates laid them on the quaint little inn mind she thought she had spared her youngsters from the doors of hellfire, to her in her mind they were currently blessed messengers, and they were spared. Yates spouse, Rusty, returned home later that night to make a horrifying disclosure he strolled in the space to discover every one of his youngsters laying their as though they were dozing yet upon him looking nearer he realized that they were no more. All Yates could state to him and the police was, the fiend said on the off chance that they lived and I didnt spare them he would take them to damnation to blaze, I spared them. Yates remained in a mental state week after the wrongdoing had happened, she demonstrated no feelings toward what she had done asserting that she was not a decent mother. She went ahead to state her children where terrible and that her youngsters were not growing effectively either. In the wake of being captured Yates needed to have a few specialists and therapists come into see her since she achieved a point where she would not nourish herself or deal with herself period. On the outside world thought Yates case was flooding the sensationalist newspapers and news, and the crazy piece of that was a considerable measure of mother felt for her and comprehended in light of her condition with post pregnancy anxiety and baby blues psychosis. Other however felt nauseated by the wrongdoing yet one thing was without a doubt Yates was not treated legitimately for her condition. Yates lawyers contended energetically and utilized the way that her specialists and specialists neglected to give her appropriate care for the most part as a result of protection issues yet none the less Yates was a ticking time bomb that needed legitimate prescription and treatment to help her with her issues. In 2002, Yates was sentenced to capital murder, sentenced to life in jail with conceivable parole once the forty years is finished. There was an annulment for Yates conviction in July 2006 because of proof her legal counselors spoke to on her mental state, Yates was then found not liable because of craziness. Not long after the decision Yates was transported to Vernon Texas mental office called North Texas State Hospital. Ideal on time in 2007, in any case, Yates was relocated again to another mental recuperating office in Kerriville, Texas as she posed not to be a hazard to staff or herself. Subsequent to examining and checking on this case one can be left with question toward the end, why did Andrea Yates carry out this awful wrongdoing? The appropriate response is dysfunctional behavior, this is a genuine condition regardless of what sort of emotional instability a man may have and it should be tended to and treated effectively. Dr. Gerald Harris, who is a clinical therapist, has talked with Yates on a few distinct events to attempt and comprehend why and furthermore analyze precisely what is new with her. On those visits Yates had expressed similar things that she has initially that the demon had been conversing with her, that she should have been rebuffed for not being a decent mother to her kids, and that her kids were terrible as a result of her and her decisions (Crime and Punishment.2012). Yates was experiencing baby blues psychosis, even after that could have formed into jumpy schizophrenia which adds to the voices and fantasies. The individual, as Yates, is not in tuned with reality and they cant understand what is genuine or separated of their creative energy. For Andrea Yates the demon, the voices and her inclination towards life and her kids where all genuine for her she couldnt characterize that line. On account of the times of research, which missed the mark for Yates in her time since we were still not as cutting edge with maladjustment even that short a period prior, we can now characterize prior phases of psychopathy. The main issue is they imitate a considerable measure of different things so most guardians dont get on until its past the point of no return when taking a gander at it prior on in an individuals life, these are ceaseless lying, taking and needing to begin battles. Yates obviously did not demonstrate any manifestations in early life it was not until after her third youngster that post birth anxiety and baby blues psychosis assumed control. At the point when a lady is encountering post pregnancy anxiety a lady will ex perience the manifestations of being jumpy, whimsical, and silly. Some lady dont understand that they are experiencing this and in some cases to not connect for help since they dont comprehend what is going on. Without treatment or help these manifestations can advance bringing about a lady to fantasize, do self-damage, or mischief others incorporating their youngsters however in their mind they dont understand they are doing anything incorrectly to them it feels right and alright. These are the side effects and feeling that Yates experienced, yet help was there is quite recently fizzled her. Maladjustment of any sort is a genuine condition and ought to dependably be dealt with so. References Crime and Punishment. (2012). Retrieved from  http://www.about.com/people/andrea_yates AE. (2012). Retrieved from  http://www.biography.com/people/andrea-yates-235801

An Analysis Of The Company Virgin Marketing Essay

An Analysis Of The Company Virgin Marketing Essay Virgin Atlantic, the UKs second largest long haul airline, operates a fleet of 38 aircraft to 30 destinations in Africa, Asia, Middle East, Indian Ocean, North America, the Caribbean and Australia. In a deal which was finalized in 2000, Branson sold 49% stake of Virgin Atlantic to Singapore Airlines for  £600.25 million to form a unique global partnership. Richard Branson is still the controlling authority as he retains 51% stake in the airline. This essay analyses the chief internal and external factors that contribute to the success of the organisation as well as provide a critical assessment on the effectiveness of the strategies employed. It further discusses a couple of strategic options that are available to the Virgin group for the next five years with reference to appropriate academic models and concepts.   (Source: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/tridion/images/studentinformationkitmarch2009_tcm4-622791.pdf)   Internal Analysis Of Virgin Atlantic In order to understand the strategies, it is important to analyse the internal environment of the organisation. Internal analysis is done by means of the value chain of the Virgin Atlantic. Value Chain Analysis Porters (1990) Value chain framework is an interdependent model that helps to analyse specific activities through which an organisation can create value and gain competitive advantage. (Pathania-Jain, 2001). To conduct the value chain analysis, the company is split into primary activities (those that are related with production) and support activities (those that provide the background necessary for effectiveness and efficiency of the firm like human resources management) (Porter, 1985). These activates are discussed below: Primary activities 1. Inbound and Outbound logistics: In Inbound logistics, the key activities are those associated receiving the raw materials from suppliers and managing them within the firm. These activities includes Stock Control (storing and managing fuel, snacks, food and drinks.), passenger service system, facilities planning etc (Fig. 1.1). It provides ample of facilities to its customers, it gives choice of three entrees with main meal, free drinks, an amenity kit for outbound journey, complimentary newspaper of passengers choice. The facilities keeps on increasing if you move from economy to upper class. The upper-class passenger gets limo service to travel to airport where check in formalities are already completed before they check in hotel style lobby area and through a dedicated security area exclusively for virgin airline customers. The upper-class UK passengers gets a complimentary airport transfer in chauffeur driven Volvo or Virgin Limo Bike which makes there outbound logistics quiet impressing to customers. (Source: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/tridion/images/studentinformationkitmarch2009_tcm4-622791.pdf; http://www.virginatlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jsp#operation) Operations: Virgin Atlantic is the second largest long haul airline in the UK and the third largest European carrier over the North Atlantic. It operates to many of the top destinations around the world including destinations in the Caribbean, US, India, Far east and Africa. It has won many awards almost in most categories that travel industry offers. 3. Marketing and Sales: Virgin Atlantic uses a wide range of marketing techniques. Advertising activity includes magazines, TV, taxi sides press, outdoor posters and direct mail. Also promotional schemes plays vital role during traditionally low seasons. To encourage loyalty, Virgin Atlantic offers flying club membership where in members gets free miles that can be exchanged for free flights and other rewards. In addition, Virgin Atlantic also advertises through travel agents and runs wide range of promotional schemes, offers trade incentive, organises trips and social/educational events. The website (www.virgin.com/atlantic) also plays vital role as it offers full electronic booking, give information on destination, informs mileage balance to members and different promotional schemes. (Source: http://www.virginatlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jsp#operation) 3.Service: Virgin Atlantic has won numerous awards for its service and claims to set up new standards of service by pioneering range of innovations. For example, with respect to comfort during journey, its upper-class suite has longest and most comfortable flat bed and seat in airline industry for which alone it won twelve awards. For travelling from airport, virgin Atlantic offers limousine service and Bike service to its customers. Support activities: Firm Infrastructure: It includes planning and control systems, such as corporate strategy, accounting and finance. (Lynch, 2003). Virgin Atlantic expends heavily on technological solutions and infrastructure. The Finance department analyse the expenses due and financial condition of the group and accordingly plans the expenses necessary for growth of organisation. 2. Human Resource Management: Virgin Atlantic recruit people by means of newspaper advertisements and through its website. Existing staff can also recommend and earn incentive through the same. Virgin Atlantic gives world-class training to its employees and develops their employees from time to time by organising educational events. Also they recruit and train people with sign language skill to facilitate to disable passengers 3.Technology Development: Virgin Atlantic not only considers technological developments as vital for growth but also spends a lot on it. It has award winning in-flight entertainment system, travel seats and beds designed to give extra comfort. Also it is continuously working on innovative aircraft design and technological solution to reduce carbon emission 4. Procurement: Virgin Atlantic has an efficient procurement department, which obtains quality goods and services at lowest price so that the passengers can avail these world-class facilities at competitive prices. The department takes benefit of large operations of and thus achieve economies of scale. The department also interacts with a number of organisations that provide handling services at airports, Including baggage handling, refuelling, maintenance, cleaner services and security. These services are offered by a number of companies and can help in reducing costs. (Source: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/tridion/images/studentinformationkitmarch2009_tcm4-622791.pdf; http://www.virginatlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jsp#operation) External analysis of Virgin Atlantic To have a grasp of the existing market as well as consumer and stakeholder perception, an awareness of external factors is essential. This section will highlight the position that Virgin Atlantic holds with respect to competitors, social perception, etc. PESTEL Analysis An organisations business environment is invariably governed by external factors which can be broadly analysed as Political, Economical, Social and Technological factors. To gain an advantage in the present and future market the organisation needs to reduce inefficiency and retain cost effectiveness (Grant, 2005). As Virgin Atlantic operates within Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, these factors differ to a certain degree and the manner in which competitors, political bodies and social groups react and respond to the brand has to be anticipated with some care. Political and Legal factors As Virgin Atlantic operates across the globe, it has to adapt its practices to suite national and international laws as well as domestic aviation rules and regulations. The manner in which competitors react to new market shares may also involve political influences. When the United Kingdom opened Heathrow Airport to Virgin, thereby abolishing the London Air Traffic Distribution Rules, angered the chairman of British Airways and lead to BAA donations to the Conservative Party being halted. Virgin also incurred the wrath of Lord King when two unused slots held by BAA at Tokyo Narita International Airport were awarded to the airlines (BAA, 2009). Economic factors It must be stated that the brief financial crisis of the early 1990s forced the then Conservative British government to open Heathrow to Virgin despite opposition from BAA. This shows how external economic conditions can sometimes be favourable to a rising organisation in grabbing a hitherto inaccessible monopolised market. One of the main economic factors that affect the airline industry in general is the fuel hike. Conrady (2009) notes that the low cost fuel prices provided to the UK airline industry has greatly assisted in it escaping the fate of many of its European counterparts. Social factors The social perception and acceptance of a brand is of vital importance to any organisation and Virgin Atlantic has managed to do that in a relatively short period. Virgin Atlantic has been vying for the position to instil in the British public the brand image of a national and international organisation. When British Airways announced in 1997 that it will remove the Union Flag from its tailfins in favour of more international images, Virgin was quick to introduce the Union flag prominently in its winglets and noses with the tagline Britains Flag Carrier thereby challenging BAs traditional role as UKs Flag Carrier. The training of its staff is also a major issue and is vital in gaining stakeholders and achieving stakeholder targets (Nadal, 2009). The service staff need to have proper training to meet the high standards of service which is expected of it by the consumers as a hallmark of the airline industry. Technological factors As an industry that heavily relies on technology, the technological factor is the most essential factor in improving efficiency in the longer term. Virgin has managed to introduce more than 700 next generation aeroplanes, which provides a marking contrast to most of its competitors. According to Briggs and Burke (2009) this also minimises maintenance and training costs in the long run. Virgins initiative to focus on providing online service will also have a marked benefit as more and more consumers are being introduced into the World Wide Web on a daily basis. Consumers are thereby allowed to get up-to-date information regarding flight schedules and compare airline prices. Environmental factors Environmental concerns have also been a frequent issue as the airline industry is notorious as a major polluter. Many campaigns have tried to befriend or at least calm the environmental lobbies but more effort must be put into projecting the image of an organisation that is doing its bit for the environment. Virgin has focused on informing consumers about the CO2 pollution before each flight. The duty free bags are now composed of a significant proportion of recyclable material in compliance with the Ministry of Agriculture (Wheeler and Elkington, 2001). Critical assessment of the virgin Atlantics strategies The above-defined analysis conforms the strategy of Virgin Atlantic as being excellent service provider, it makes its path by providing distinct service. The corporate strategy of the organisation is to provide world-class service at a competitive price. The companys strategy is well supported by statement of Porter (1996), which says that executing the same activities in a different way than that of traditional competitors helps in achieving better position in sustainable manner. The company enters oligopoly market where customer usually receives poor deal and there is a scope of acquiring market by giving better services. To raise awareness of their products and services and new routes, Virgin Atlantic advertises through TV, press, magazines etc. Another strategy that organisation use is to make customers loyal by making them member of there flying club . The flying club offers numerous world-class facilities which will not only help in satisfying the customer but also gaining customer loyalty. The more customers travel through them, the more miles they get which can be exchanged with free flight and other rewards. They also get special support service and clubhouse access. Also during traditional low seasons, tactical promotions and price advertising are done to a large extent to maximize the aircraft capacity. In addition to all these, Virgin Atlantic also market through travel agents by offering them familiarisation trips, trade incentives. (Source: https://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/frequentflyer/index.jsp; http://www.virginatlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jsp) Effectiveness of strategies chosen SWOT Analysis According to Johnson (2005) SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is a useful tool to examine financial accounts and developing healthy work environment of a company. It is a major step towards any strategic planning in a business. It is considered to be very important source of information for judging and understanding any sort of situations in the organisation. Given below is the SWOT analysis for Virgin Atlantic. Strengths Virgin Atlantic is headquartered in country where competition is enhanced and tolerated due to deregulation The virgin Atlantic has the head office in the country where the contest is heightened and tolerated due to the deregulation, which means the business is managed without the aid of following government restriction. The important feature of the Virgin Atlantic is the collaboration with Singapore airlines that made them one of the best airlines in the world. This has proven to be advantageous for virgin in many ways like huge market access, restructuring, converging technology to develop new one, gaining knowledge and extending supply etc. The strength of the Virgin group perhaps, is its importance to best customer service and innovation combined with brand name gives a big advantage to Virgin Atlantic. Virgin believes in creativity, adding its importance to customer service and innovation with the brand name virgin proves out to be the biggest strength of Virgin Atlantic. Its has introduced many firsts in the business like first to launch entertainment systems, onboard bars which increased social activities in-flight, providing complimentary limousines services, beauty treatments in-flight. It further introduced business economy cabin. It also has a website that dedicated to what a customer can expect from the airline and all other conclusive details of interest. Virgin has a powerful e-business structure that makes communications simpler and easier with the customers. They continually measure the performance delivered by each crewmember on flights. An additional feather to their cap is the exceptional service tin providing assistance to disabled/visually-impaired passengers. It not only helped in earning good reputation but also winning EASE award consecutive four years. (Source:http://www.virgin-Atlantic.com/en/gb/whatsonboard/index.jsp;http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/history.jsp) Weaknesses The major drawback Virgin Atlantic faces is limited market reach as unlike other major international airlines. It operates in limited countries only like UK, Caribbean, South Africa, India, Australia, and US The companies reach in code sharing is limited hence it is not able to enjoy the benefits of code sharing which the members of leading Global alliance are able to do such as lack of transferable priority status, lack of seamless travel, lack of enhanced frequent-flier program benefits, limited extended lounge access and lack of greater network access. This is because Virgin Atlantic is not part of any leading global alliances. (Source: http://www.virginatlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jsp)   Opportunities Virgin Atlantic is one of the few airline companies operating successfully in African countries, gradual liberalisation in UK/south African market leading to 53% rise in flights and 62% increase in passengers. The business has increased incredibly. There are few more cities, which can be considered for hospitality service based on the smooth record of the airline. Some of the very well known and large airlines have experienced bankruptcy in recent times providing them a great opportunity. Also the European Union is on their side providing to a be great support. Going forward, Virgin still have a great scope to grow in African market as only the British and African airways in dominating the continent and virgin comes at third position. It should focus on increasing the market share in Africa. Another opportunity available with Virgin Atlantic is attracting customers by aggressively promoting the clubhouse facilities and introduction of its latest Heathrow clubhouse. The number of tourist coming to UK is increasing day by day which is an opportunities available to them but in competitive environment, its quiet tough but strategic and aggressive marketing can make it possible.      Threats The current situation all over the world has lead to increase in competition so there is high possibility of threat due to competitiveness in the market which in turn creates pressure to maintain continuous profit. This would in turn lead to forceful alliances, mergers and acquisitions which might not be in the interest of the company. Other issue of concern is accommodation of passengers on the aircraft. Other threat may be the legislations i.e. changing policies and rules by government in the country where Virgin Atlantic operates. This may slowdown the operations and business of the company. Another major threat is emergence of new airlines, which can increase competition. Also if new airlines or existing competitors adopt Virgin Atlantics concept and structure, it will be a major threat to the company Strategic options for Virgin media: Ansoff Matrix: The Ansoff matrix (Ansoff, 1957) invented by Igor Ansoff who is also known as father of Strategic Management and was first published in Harvard business review in 1957. It presents the product and market choices available to an organization. In this markets may be defined as customers and products as items sold to customers (Lynch, 2003). Main aspects of Ansoff Analysis The Ansoff matrix provides the basis for an organizations objective setting process and sets the foundation of directional policy for its future (Bennett, 1994). The four strategies entailed in the matrix are elaborated below. Ansoff Product-Market Growth Matrix: (Ansoff, 1957) Market Penetration: It occurs when an organisation accesses a market with its recent services products. The market penetration strategy begins with the existing customers of the organization. This strategy is often use by companies in order to increase sales without wandering from the original strategy of product-market. (Ansoff, 1957). Product Development: Firm develops new products catering to the same market. This strategy refers to the significant new development of products not just minor changes to the existing products (Lynch, 2003). Market development In this particular strategy, a company moves beyond its existing customer base in search of new customers for its existing products and services. This strategy involves searching of new segment of a market, searching of new area to attract new customers, different/new use of products and services. (Lynch, 2003). Another good strategy that comes under market development is selling existing products in new international markets. (for example British firms can consider of selling there products in complete European markets). Diversification Levitt (1983) rightly whispered that world these days is becoming common market and people no matter where they live are demanding similar product and lifestyle. There has been a massive raise in international trade because of globalisation and liberalization. Diversification strategy essentially involves movement of current products and services in new markets (Lynch, 2003; Macmillan et al, 2000). All four strategic options defined above in the Ansoffs model bears risk element with them. Although Market penetration is often considered as a low risk strategy but diversification is considered as a high-risk growth strategy as it involves huge investment that increases due to simultaneously movement into new products and new markets. When applied to Virgin Atlantic, this model results in to two vital strategic options available. Product development strategy and the Market development strategy, to become the most successful organization Virgin Atlantic should follow both of them. The product development strategy suggested through Ansoffs matrix can be a very good strategy for Virgin Atlantic because of the type of customer base, the company possess. The company has good customer base of upper class families and corporate tycoons. If the company introduce new products or sub products, they can market it to these existing customers. The company should focus on strengthening the relationship with existing clients often known as Relationship marketing. One of the ways to achieve it is being in contact with them, giving them special offers, and at times offering them concession. If they are given special facilities and excellent services then it will develop brand loyalty in them. Another option available with Virgin Atlantic is market development strategy which involves search of additional geographical regions and additional market segment. If we compare the flights/services offered by Virgin Atlantic with British airlines, there is a large gap. Although Virgin Atlantic is UKs second largest airline but it operates flights to only 26 major destinations whereas against BA has flights to more than 150 odd destinations. Virgin Atlantic should increase the number of destinations, which can be done after carefully analysing the facts and figures about the population, operations, flights of competitors etc. Also Virgin Atlantic group should focus on developing country (Asia Pacific Region) as the growth prospects ate higher than developed countries. China and India are two developing countries with highest population and expected compounded growth rate in this region in 2007-2012 will be 5.2%. The manufacturing cost is comparatively low in these countries making them attractive destination for business. Also it will be a sound decision to outsource operational work to these countries. Virgin Atlantic is famous for luxurious flights as it offers world-class facilities to their passengers but in this competitive environment they are not offering anything price conscious economy class passengers. They should introduce no frills flight with the objective of earning profits on economy of scales. With this strategy they will not only diversify their risk but can potentially capture a new segment using their brand name and service. Conclusion: To conclude, after analysing internal and external factors of the Virgin Atlantic, it has been observed that Virgin group has grown massively and became world-class brand following the path of virgin group but it is still in path as there is a massive scope of growth which can be realised by combination of two strategies. They are product development and market development and market development. If used appropriately, they can help Virgin Atlantic to