The Aeneid poem By Virgil free essay sample

The god Mercury came to visit Aeneas to remind him of his duty, â€Å"If you will not strive for your own honor, think of Ascanius, think of the expectations of your heir (Virgil 982). Torn between the decision to stay and enjoy great riches and power, he pushes onward. He will allow nothing to dissuade him from his fate, neither the suffering of his men, or the love of a woman able to place him in a position of great power. Historically, Carthage went on to become one of the greatest rivals of the Roman Empire. The Roman’s strength and determination brought them along to fight three wars, the Punic wars. In addition to being able to draw on the Italian population for reserves of manpower, they were prepared to lose as many troops, vote as much money, and fight as long as necessary to win†(137), much like Aeneas himself. It is in this way that The Aeneid can be seen as political. We will write a custom essay sample on The Aeneid poem By Virgil or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The beliefs of the Romans had been shaken with the fall of the Republic. The new ruler, Augustus Caesar, had moved in with great promises and a old world view, moving the people back to mos maiorum in hopes that revitalization of morals and ethics would restore the faith in the greatness of Rome. The story of a hero who embodied those morals and values, who upheld the Roman way of life in a gripping and fantastic tale would certainly only be helpful in moving toward that end. When Aeneas is offered great power, prestige, and riches, he turns them down for the love of his country and his people. The Aeneid greatly backs the family of Augustus Caesar whom was coming into power and was in need of great respect and acceptance by the people of Rome. It is said that the poem legitimized the rule of Augustus Caesar with the characters. For example, Aeneas’ son is renamed Lulus and made an ancestor of Julius Caesar, from a prophecy given to him in the underworld. Personally I feel that the poem may be propaganda, however not with the negative connotation. The poem appears to have been written with hopes of instilling a sense of nationalism throughout the people of Rome. The Roman Republic and fallen, and with it the hopes of the Roman citizens had as well. Art can move us to great heights and take us to unbelievable lows. Here we have a hero who experiences the high of love, the loss of life, and a trip through the underworld to boot. To hold ones head up high when faced with unimaginable grief is a feat that many can not bring themselves to bare. Aeneas not only faced that grief, but he trudged on through it. He walked away from the love of Dido, the promise of power and riches, and he did so all for a love of country. Precisely what Augustus Caesar had hoped his people would feel toward Rome as well. Upon his death, Virgil ordered The Aeneid be destroyed, however it clearly was not. Why would it not be? Augustus Caesar ordered it so. The words of this poem were so moving that Augustus’ sister fainted at the mention of her son’s name during the reading of the poem.

MONOPOLY AND ALLEGATIONS OF MICROSOFTS MONOPOLY IN THE SOTTWARE INDUSTRY

MONOPOLY AND ALLEGATIONS OF MICROSOFTS MONOPOLY IN THE SOTTWARE INDUSTRY Introduction Economics is defined as the study of the mechanism of people’s decisions on how to utilize their scarce resources (Baumol Blinder, 2007).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Monopoly and Allegations of Microsofts Monopoly in the Sottware Industry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Economics assumes rational behavior in people, thus, expecting them to maximize profits, and at the same time minimize the utility of scarce resources available to them. Monopoly is defined as the power possessed by an enterprise whereby it is the only manufacturer of a good or service. Understanding why the Microsoft Company has been labeled as well a trustworthy one, as well as analyzing the factors which have led to the above-mentioned conclusion will help to understand the positive and the negative aspects of monopoly and to evaluate Microsoft strategy. As for the reasons which led to the decline of Microsoft rep utation, it was alleged that Microsoft illegally monopolized operating systems (OS) market as pertains to personal computers (PCs). The given fact can be proven if taking into consideration the information offered in the Act 2, Sherman Antitrust Act. It was also alleged that Microsoft had signed anti-competitive contractual agreements with other sellers of related commodities (Rubini, 2010), e.g. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), and at the same time had taken measures to maintain and enhance its monopoly (Rubini, 2010).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another allegation made against Microsoft was that the company illegally tried to monopolize the internet browsers market, but failed. In accordance to Sherman Antitrust Act, Cap 2, the given attempt is considered illegal (Rubini, 2010). In addition, Microsoft Co. went even further, bundling its intern et explorer IE with the Windows Operating Systems, which is considered illegal under Sherman antitrust Act cap 1. Opinion as regards allegations against Microsoft Therefore, it is obvious that Microsoft used monopoly. The above-mentioned conclusion can be made if taking into account that Microsoft owned over 70000 applications on Windows, whereas other companies, such as Macintosh, possessed fewer. (Rubini, 2010) However, it must be born in mind that a monopoly has the power of price control. With this in mind, the Microsoft Co. can be hardly regarded as a monopolist, since Microsoft’s price of operating systems was quite low as compared to what a monopoly would set, namely, around $1800. Yet Microsoft priced the commodity at $40-60 (Rubini, 2010), which was considerably lower than a monopolist company would. As for the accusations of monopoly concerning the market browser, it was investigated and found out that Netscape had the initial monopoly in the existing browser market and that Microsoft changed the situation, turning the Netscape monopoly into the duopoly of the two companies (Rubini, 2010). However, the case of the internet explorer with Windows should be considered as well, for the given instance can also be viewed as monopolizing the market.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Monopoly and Allegations of Microsofts Monopoly in the Sottware Industry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Rubini (2010), both services belonged to different markets, which was supported by the judge’s decision that Microsoft tried to marginalize Netscape’s market share by tying Windows and internet explorer together. Incorporating the above-mentioned findings, one must admit that claiming that Microsoft was guilty as charged would be appropriate. Since the market wasnt monopolized since Netscape, Microsoft obviously tried to gain majority of the market share. Despite the ace that a monopoly can bring considerable profit to the organization which rules the market, it is worth mentioning that a monopoly can also serve as the stumbling block of the market development and the state economic progress. Nevertheless, it must be also kept in mind that, eliminating a monopoly presupposes having various producers of a commodity all charging high prices as compared to a monopoly charging a reasonable price. (Baumol Binder, 2007) Characteristics of a monopoly Entry barriers A monopolistic market is developed only when no other firms enter the market. If any new firms enter the market there will be no monopoly as completion will appear. Lack of close substitutes Monopoly presupposes that the market lacks a similar company providing a similar product, hence the company’s ability to maintain is monopoly status stems.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A monopoly earns profits in a long term as there is no competition whatsoever to minimize the monopolist’s profit earning capacity. Therefore, the monopoly controls the entire market share being the only producer of the commodity (Baumol Binder, 2007). Price discrimination Price discrimination is enjoyed by the monopoly as no one can dictate what prices are to be set and for what products. Only the monopoly determines what prices it will set and what the reasons for the prices are (Hirschey, 2008). The monopoly is also a price maker since it determines what amount of money customers will pay for a certain commodity, thereby being the ultimate decision maker concerning the commodity price (Hirschey, 2008). Barriers to entry a monopoly are designed to block any other entrants to the monopoly. The methods used include the use of patents, limiting pricing, heavy spending on research and development (Hirschey, 2008). Natural monopolies are the monopolies that evolve as a result o f high costs of business start-up, whereas government monopoly is a phenomenon that exists as a result of the government’s decision to be the only producer of a particular commodity (Hirschey, 2008). Dead weight loss is the result of the inefficiency which, in its turn, stems from the monopolist operating in the market. The demand curve is a curve indicating the slope of the demand depending on the price. A downward sloping demand curve indicates that more goods tend to be purchased at lower prices. Marginal revenue is said to the additional profit made by making one extra unit of production (Baumol Blinder, 2007). Conclusion Microsoft Co. enjoys the majority of the market share in the software market, yet it is not a monopoly in the market since it faces completion from other producers such as Linux. References Baumol, J. W. Blinder, A. S. (2007). Microeconomics: Principles and policy. Kendallville, IN: Courier Kendallville, Inc. Hirschey, M. (2008). Managerial Economics ( 12th ed.). Stamford, CN: Cengage Learning. Rubini, L. (2010). Microsoft on trial: Legal and economic analysis of a Transatlantic  Antitrust case. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing.

Is Liberal Democracy the Only Viable Form of Democracy Essay

Is Liberal Democracy the Only Viable Form of Democracy - Essay Example In the present world governed under the liberal democracy, the constitution protects the rights of minorities and individuals, as well as prohibiting the majority will by eliminating the practice of majority rule (O’Donnell, 2009). However, it has been argued that liberal democracy is not the only democratic way of ruling. Some people have said that liberal democracy is not liberal or democratic. Power appropriation can not guarantee the survival of society and the polity future. Evidence has been provided to support that liberal democracy is not the only viable form of democracy, as it has sometimes been compatible with inequality in resource allocation, anti-democratic rule, systematic corruption, and physical operation (Glenn, 2004). There are alternative forms of democracy that ensure that the vote of individuals is compatible with the fate of people. The quality and nature of rule and governance comprise a significant factor for survival, development, and stability of society (Glenn, 2004). Power appropriation by governing or ruling by force or election has no assurance for good governance, or development. For the past many years, there have been several systems of governance which have disappeared as they have failed to offer a promising future of troubled societies. Liberal democracy for this case has gained momentum in many societies as a result of capitalism, in which it is claimed to be the only feasible way of governance. As the other systems of governance are almost getting forgotten, liberal democracy has become a common worldwide system of governance, rule and power legalization, endorsed by the citizens’ votes (Hylton, 2003).

Inclusion and the Inclusive Learning Environment Essay - 2

Inclusion and the Inclusive Learning Environment - Essay Example also requires that the teacher involves recognizes that all learners are different in their own ways and therefore, what may look helpful and good for the attainment of goals for one learner may not necessarily be good for another learner. In seeking to understand the inclusive environment, it is also crucial to consider that each learner has something unique to add to the learning environment that can be of help to other learners. Students come from different background with varying upbringing. It is therefore crucial that a teacher is able to harmonize them to get them to live in peace and unity (Willis, 2009). An inclusive environment is also characterized by flexible approaches to the learning process (Willis, 2009). The world of education is very dynamic as it evolves each decade with new needs arising every time. It is therefore of great need it is reassessed each time and the necessary changes made. The changes can be attributed to the increasing educational opportunities across the globe. Consequently, it is of essential need, those teachers to be able to nurture the full potential of each student. By teachers being in a position to model inclusive learning attitudes in their students, they are able to learn and apply the strategies as they acknowledge their differences and have profound respect for diversity. Examples of strategies used in the inclusive environment are that regarding how teachers nod learners interact and relate to one another (Willis, 2009). This involves use of the respectful vocabularies and terminologies towards one another. Good communication strategies ensure that comments and views are not mistaken to be discriminatory. In addition to this, the body language should also be appropriate and decent at all times. Another strategy is that which involves, the kind of teaching resources the teacher employs (Willis, 2009). The resources ought to be suitable and compatible with all the learners’ needs. Let no learn feel sidelined or

3 Iron korean movie summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

3 Iron korean movie summary - Essay Example One day, Tae-suk sneaked into a house which had numerous photos of a beautiful model, adorning its walls. In the house he eats, then washes up and does some repairs. During this process Tae-Suk realizes that, he is being watched by the owner of the house who is a woman. The woman is Sun-hwa (Lee Seung-yeaon), and Tae-suk quickly recognizes that she is the model appearing in the photos adorning the walls of the house. With a closer look, Tae-suk realizes that Sun-hwa is badly bruised and suspects that it is all as a result of domestic violence. Tae-suk’s suspicions are confirmed when he returns home later that evening and finds Sun-hwa being slapped around by her husband Min-Kyo (GweonHyeok-ho). This makes Tae-suk angry as he impulsively bursts into the house and grabs a golf-club, and then uses it to beat up Min-kyo. Moments later Tae-suk elopes with Sun-hwa as they ride on his scooter. Sun-hwa silently joins in him in his existence as squatter which eventually blossoms into a love

Analysis Of Environmental Conditions Marketing Essay

Analysis Of Environmental Conditions Marketing Essay Analysis of environmental conditions is based on the framework put forward by Lynch (2009) that assesses the general degree of turbulence in the environment. This can be done by using the two measures of Changeability and predictability (Lynch, 2009, p80), which can be subdivided into complexity and novelty (changeability), and rate of change and visibility (predictability). Establishing a level of turbulence in the environment allows us to know with how much confidence we can predict the future (Lynch, 2009). In the fourth quarter of 2009 the UK GDP rose by 0.1% (www.statistics.gov.uk, 2010) which means Britain is officially out of recession. While this means recovery is under way, many analysts remain sceptical of the extent of recovery. Andrew Sentance of the Monetary Policy Committee has claimed that pace of recovery would remain uncertain (Sentence in the Telegraph Newspaper, 2010). So, as far as predictability and visibility go, it appears very difficult to predict with confidence the extent to which the UK economy will recover in 2010, with many anticipating a slow process because the economy remains weighed down by a still fragile banking sector and high consumer and government debt levels (Seager, 2010). With regards to Changeability and complexity, there is a general election expected in May this year and there is a strong possibility of a change of Government (www.yougov.co.uk, www.ipsos-mori.com, 2010), which will bring about a change in Government policy towards businesses, for example, the Conservative Party are pledging a cut in corporation tax. (www.conservatives.com, 2010). Adding to the complexity is the recent return to a 17.5% VAT rate that adds more financial pressure to consumers in an already struggling market. The recession may have ended but analysts are not expecting too much change in spending as economic downturn is squeezing spending power and that pressure will continue into 2010 (Mintel, Oct 2009). Given the reasonably turbulent conditions, organisations must change its strategies, and possibly its beliefs if it is to maintain its ability to handle changes in the environment (Thompson, 2005). So strategy cannot be made for years into the future because of the uncertain nature of the environment. Strategy should focus on the upcoming year until the turbulence reduces. 4.2 PEST Analysis PEST Analysis is a focus on the macro environment and which factors will change the external environment in the years to come. Johnson et al (p.54) states The environment is what gives organisations their means of survival. However the environment is also a source of threats. The macro environment is the highest-level layer. This consists of broad environmental factors that impact to a greater or lesser extent on almost all organisations. Therefore a good analysis of the macro environment is critical to success but should also be as general and non-specific as possible, this leads to one of the down falls of PEST that it can be a very useful tool when analysing the macro environment but also its general nature can be its downfall if it becomes little more than a huge list of factors in a shopping list fashion. We have chosen to use a simple PEST analysis but to add Legal to Political and Environmental to Socio-Cultural to make sure we consider all issues of the external environment. Another criticism of PEST is that it is only as good as the group or person conducting it, a criticism that can apply to any model. However when used appropriately this model can give a good indication of the factors that will affect the external environment in the years to come. Its ability to briefly analyse and present the factors that could prove important can be highly significant. The PEST Analysis can be seen in Appendix 1 and summary in Appendix 2 4.3 Porters 5 Forces Analysis of the industry analysis is based on Porters 5 forces model as referenced by many authors. The five elements that can have an impact upon MS are The bargaining power of suppliers The bargaining power of Buyers Threat of potential new entrants Threat of Substitutes Extent of Competitive Rivalry (Lynch, p97, 2009) More detailed information on Porters 5 Forces can be found in Appendix 3 4.4 Strategic Group Analysis Below is the strategic group analysis for Marks and Spencer, detailed information on SGA and how the table was created can be seen in Appendix 4 (Johnson, Scholes and Whittington (2008:76))SGA1.jpg Strategic Group Analysis for Marks and Spencer plc Scope of Activities (Extent of Product Diversity) Resource Commitment (Advertising Effort) Marks and Spencer Next John Lewis (Waitrose) Arcadia Group British Home Stores Tesco Marks and Spencer Tesco Next John Lewis (Waitrose) ASDA Debenhams 4.5 Market Segmentation Market segmentation differs from SGA in the way that is looks to customers as its focus rather than sector competitors. Lynch (2006, p105) states Market segmentation is fundamental to the development of corporate strategy. Careful analysis of segments and their characteristics is therefore important. For example some segments may have more profit potential, have less competition then others and some may be growing faster. Taking the age demographic for example the 18-30 age group is declining, whereas the 31-60 age group is growing rapidly. (ONS.gov.uk) Marks and Spencer have a great deal of competitors when it comes to market segmentation mainly due to the fact that Marks and Spencer covers so many segments, children through to adults, males and females, for example. The only segment Marks and Spencer does not appear cater for is the low income segment as its pricing policy is slightly more than mid range offered by the competitors such as Tesco in food and Next in clothing and home ware. Market segmentation of course has its advantages as it will help you to understand more competitors but importantly like the SGA will also show strategic opportunities or gaps in the market that after careful consideration could be moved into. Unfortunately, again, it is difficult to place a company easily within a segment and as before will only be based on one persons views and therefore cannot be ideal. 5.0 Internal Analysis 5.1 Resource Audit Johnson et al. state that although many companies in the same sector compete in the same environment, one may be a superior performer. It is not their environment that distinguishes between them but their internal strategic capabilities. (Please refer to Appendix 5 for definitions) We know that Marks and Spencer has the strategic capability to perform at the level required to survive and has the threshold resources needed to carry this out as well as the necessary threshold competences to underpin this, companies that were founded in 1880s would not still be in business today without these in place. More interesting are the unique resources and core competencies specific to Marks and Spencer that help them gain and maintain competitive advantage. We know that MS has a wide range of shops and retail units the length of the country but this is not a unique resource as Tesco has more units and more retail space, however unique to MS its presence on the high street in the volume it appears, with food and clothing, more supermarkets are situated on retail parks and out of town, even when they appear in town they are small and do not carry the same stock levels. MS also have 295 stores in 41 different countries. Logistically MS must have excellent systems in place to allow all these stores to be stocked. MSs biggest unique resource perhaps is the brand. When you say Marks and Spencer to people they almost always think of quality. Marks Spencer have been around for over 125 years and no company can survive this long without delivering good quality own branded products that have stood the test of time. 5.2 Value Chain Analysis The value chain describes the categories of activities within and around an organisation, which together create a product or service (Johnson, 2008, p110). The primary activities for Marks and Spencer concern its inbound logistics, operations outbound logistics, marketing and sales and service. MS places great emphasis on the quality of its products, which they believe justify higher prices. The marketing strategy emphasises this with, for example, the your MS (see case study) attempting to give back to the customer and emphasising the quality of the products. They have also begun to promote a price comparison with Waitrose (Thomas, 2009) while keeping an emphasis on quality, with the strap line Price checked against Waitrose Essentials. Quality checked by MS (Thomas, 2009). This method of emphasising quality has given MS its reputation, but it is important to live for the standards it sets itself. MS also adds value through its customer service, with a Mintel report revealing it has the highest customer service rating of any retailer amongst consumers and is continuing to invest in raising service standards (Mintel, 2007). They have also trained some staff to become healthy eating experts (Mintel, 2007) in a bid to improve customer service. It is this sort of commitment that enables MS to be regarded as a high quality retailer. They would be unable to charge higher prices if customer service was poor. For its outbound logistics MS have launched new ways of packaging. Under a program known as plan A in cooperation with Oxfam they plan to become carbon neutral by 2012. This is being done by promising not to send any packaging to landfill and putting labels on packaging so that consumers know how to recycle their goods. (Mintel, 2010). While many retailers have launched ethical policies with regards to packaging MS appear to have gone further than others with its promise to become carbon neutral. This policy is backed up through one of its support activities, technology development, where they sought to introduce new recyclable content into its packaging. Value has also been created through a commitment to sustainable fishing (The Guardian, 2010) making it the first food retailer to make such a commitment. This shows an ethical standpoint on its inbound logistics and procurement policies. Such policies have helped create value within the brand, giving consumers the image that while they may pay a bit more for their products, they will receive high quality, ethically produced goods, which it is hope will bring customers back. 5.3 Key Stakeholders We will now look at key stakeholders using Mendelows Matrix (Ref: majyds.wordpress.com//power-of-stakeholders/) Mendelows power/ interest matrix High Customers Employees Shareholders Power Low Bank Creditors Low High Level of Interest NB: More detailed analysis on how this conclusions were drawn can be found in Appendix 6 6.0 SWOT Analysis of External and Internal Analysis After analysing the internal and external environments we can generate a series of strategic alternatives or choices of strategies to follow in the future. To do this, we must look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The purpose of this is to build on the strengths of the company, eliminate weaknesses, develop opportunities and counter threats. The SWOT and the reasons why we have chosen the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that we have can be seen in Appendix 7 and 8 7.0 Strategic Options for Marks and Spencer 7.1 Option One After producing the swot analysis and identifying the areas that need attention and further progression, we need to implement some strategic options using the key elements of the organisations purpose. When looking at the SWOT analysis we can see that amongst MSs strengths, they have the biggest market share in clothing and produce quality products. They also have weaknesses of reliance on their own brand and they are in a weak cash position. These lead us to consider MSs environment based options, in particularly, their market options. Ansoff Matrix Diagram(Mindtools.com) Looking at Ansoffs Matrix (above), one of the strategic options we have chosen to implement is that of Product Development. We believe that although MS currently have the biggest market share in clothing, this needs to be protected and pushed forward. Especially as there is such fierce competition in this sector. With the fact that MS already sell clothing, they will not require new competencies to execute this plan. Fashion retailers like Next, MS and Topshop have been through a long period when they have been able to rely solely on declining prices to drive sales upwards. However, with the falling pound and rising overseas sourcing costs, competing on price is going to become increasingly difficult for them. Customers who still have money to spend are going to be ever more demanding. Retailers will have to identify the needs of their core customer even more closely and make sure that they are met. Improving staff training, motivation and product knowledge, as well as recruitment and retention will be crucial in doing so. (Mintel 02/09) As the statement above says, retailers need to identify the needs of their customers more closely. MSs clothing is well know as a mature fashion range, though recently George Davis, the man behind George at Asda is about to launch a new spring collection with a brand new label. This clothing range is called give and is aimed at aged 30+ women. The entrepreneur is bankrolling give, which targets well-off women with fashion pieces that can be customised to fit perfectly. (The Guardian, 02/10) This is product development in itself as they are bringing in new products to existing markets, but we would suggest that they focus on making the new label one that will attract the younger customer at an affordable price. We would also suggest that they use a well know female celebrity to endorse the new clothing range. Neil Mason, a senior retail analyst at Mintel, believes that introducing a limited collection, like Kate Mosss at Topshop, adds to the appeal. The celebritys status in itself is enough to make these lines work, but theres no doubt that when a retailer limits the supply it generates more interest, a real kudos for the people who manage to get their hands on a coveted item. (independent.co.uk:2007) Younger females look up to and want to be like young, successful female celebrities and are very fashion conscious. MS currently have Twiggy as the face of a brand of clothing, but this would not appeal to the younger audience. This strategy should be implemented as soon as possible to coincide with MSs seasonal clothing ranges. 7.2 Option Two Using Ansoffs matrix, it has also been decided to use market penetration as an option, specifically with regards to food sales. As was found in the SWOT analysis food sales remain comparatively low and with its main competitor (Waitrose) having overtaken MS food in terms of market share, (Finch, The Guardian, 2009). As of July 2009 Waitrose had a share of 4.2% to MS 3.7% (Creevy, 2009). Having identified food sales as a weakness (despite slight growth in the last quarter of 2009 (Mintel, Nov 2009)) it is necessary to formulate a strategic plan to improve this situation. Given the immense competition, struggling UK economy, consumers down trading and the price wars between competitors there are major hurdles to cross to penetrate the market further. However, using the strength of the brand and the added value MS has over other food retailers a plan can be developed. While MS will never compete with the likes of ALDI and LIDL on price it can look at overtaking Waitrose. Mintel suggests Waitrose have leapfrogged Marks Spencer in food sales, helped by its Essential value range (Mintel, 23-07-2009) and as consumers are moving to cheaper supermarkets it is suggested that MS launch a lower cost range to compete with Waitrose. By attracting customers with lower cost alternatives it can use its high level of customer satisfaction to try and keep them. It will be important to also keep an emphasis on quality. The advert referenced in the value chain analysis reflects this, but the campaign needs to be bigger to make all consumers aware of it. There is a perception that MS is much higher priced than its competitors (Finch, 2009), that Sir Stuart Rose has acknowledged so it needs to wow customers with good deals. Also, it could be said that MS has an over reliance on its own brand and shoppers cannot get their favourite brands in MS so have to go to another shop to get them. This possibly results in a loss of custom. If MS can roll out popular household favourites, such as Kelloggs, Heinz etc as well as keeping an extensive range of their own products an increase in food sales and market share should happen. 7.3 Option Three Looking at the further options raised by Ansoff, another strategic option for Marks and Spencers to investigate is that of Diversification. Looking at the SWOT we can see that diversification and acquisitions are both on the SWOT as is a strong brand name, this led us to thinking what could MS do? There are two types of diversification one is related, where new products and markets are developed but within current capabilities and constraints or unrelated where it is beyond the current capabilities. We are going to look at adding new luxury products to new markets concerning both vertical and backward integration. This could be through integration or merger/acquisition of say a car manufacturer or a luxury holiday supplier. The supplier getting to use the Marks and Spencer brand name associated with quality and then MS marketing the products and getting a percentage of the profits made on sales. MS already supply travel money so why not holidays as well. Many companies have to adapt to survive, MS are not different in this respect, companies need to look to increase revenue where they can and this is one way it can be achieved. Business synergy is important and this can be one way to achieve, create new and maintain it. 8.0 Evaluation of Strategic Options Strategic Option Suitability Acceptability Feasibility Total 1 8 5 9 22 2 7 6 7 20 3 7 4 4 15 Detailed Analysis of how this was reached can be found in Appendix 9 8.1 Conclusion Overall, we would therefore recommend option one for implementation. 9.0 Evaluation of Models Some analysis is contained within the text and appendix but any additional analysis is detailed in Appendix 10

A Visual Approach to Programming :: Essays Papers

A Visual Approach to Programming In 1984, researchers at Hiroshima University started developing the layout for what would be called visual programming languages. Currently, many programmers use textual languages, which make the user produce text (one-dimensional) which is translated into one long stream of information. The goal for visual languages was to "...bridge the chasm between high level programming and the human level" (Levialdi). The researchers wanted to create languages that could display data and programs two dimensionally and have the graphical interface look much like what would soon be a web page (McIntyre). These languages are designed to be simpler while being able to construct more complicated programs than its predecessors. Some critics of visual languages state that so far no visual languages have been standardized or utilized to serve more general purposes. Some programmers believe "...most visual languages that have been used outside the research community have been targeted to very specific domains" (Citrin, para.1). Most visual languages are in fact used for specific purposes in the development industry. As compared to spoken or written languages, visual computer languages are extremely new. Spoken languages have been around for thousands of years, while visual computer languages are not even twenty years old. However, there are some upcoming conferences being devoted to developing standards for the next generation of visual computing environments. Even though these computer languages are relatively new, companies still decide to utilize them. IBM created a visual language called OpenDX, which is "...designed to allow users to visualize both observed and simulated data...and developers to quick ly create programs along with interactive controls" (Thompson). Although this software is not meant for a wide audience, the visual programming community is already making usable visual languages and just needs time to grow and progress to further the reach of the language. The other major criticism of using visual languages was from the advanced programmers. Many said that it would be difficult to relearn different programming strategies two-dimensionally. While learning most programming techniques require hard work, using two-dimensional programs can work a lot better for the company or group of programmers as a whole. For many companies, the motto "time is money" is very accurate. Development time for programs is usually slim. An objective of visual programming environments is to help companies conserve money by cutting production time.