Competitive Advantage. The strengths and weaknesses of The Cheesecake Essay

Competitive Advantage. The strengths and weaknesses of The Cheesecake Factory - Essay Example The company has developed a brand for itself owing to various recognitions that it has received for delivering quality services to the customers ([1] The Cheesecake Factory, 2013). With the changing nature of business environment, competition has become quite fierce among the companies. As there lay numerous companies that deal with similar products in the business markets, customers have utmost number of choices for themselves to make. This vital aspect eventually forces the companies to enhance their competitiveness and gain a unique reputation for themselves. 1. Explain the Restaurant's Strengths and Weaknesses, and Justify Your Explanation Strengths of the Cheesecake Factory The Cheesecake Factory has several strengths that differentiate itself from other companies in terms of maintaining long-term sustainable operation over the years. Among the major strengths of the company, its recognition as a quality product or service provider is the prime one. It has been noted that the company has received several noteworthy awards for conducting effective business practices and the quality products or services that it delivered to the customers. A few of the awards received by the company include ‘2012 Nation’s Restaurant News Menu Masters Award for â€Å"Healthful Innovations’, ‘2010 Zagat Survey - Best Desserts and Best Salads’ and ‘2007 Zagat Survey "Most Popular Restaurant, Southern California & San Francisco"’ among others.... News Menu Masters Award for â€Å"Healthful Innovations’, ‘2010 Zagat Survey - Best Desserts and Best Salads’ and ‘2007 Zagat Survey "Most Popular Restaurant, Southern California & San Francisco"’ among others. All these awards signify the extent of satisfaction that it provided to the customers through deliverance of quality product or services. This aspect might work better towards enhancing the brand image of the company in the coming years. The other strength of the company which differentiates itself from others is its specialization in dessert product line. This aspect may enable the company to change or develop its food line in accordance with the changing needs and taste preferences of the customers. Additionally, this diversified approach of presenting itself might further influence the customers to visit the stores of the company frequently and try something new every time. Apart from this, the other strength of the company can be viewed is its personal website which is quite easy to use and interactive wherein customers are able to find maximum information about the products or services that they require ([2] The Cheesecake Factory, 2013). Weaknesses Certain unfavorable aspects associated with the company impose unfavorable impact upon its overall business along with operational performance by a certain degree. In this context, one of the major weaknesses of the company can be apparently observed is the ideals, mission and vision that are quite reluctant to change in accordance with the changing nature of the business market. Since every market has its own need and nature, strategies of the company should need to be developed accordingly. Moreover, another weakness of the company is its lack of advertising. The company will need to remain much aware

Industrial Services of America, Inc. and Its Strategies Essay

Industrial Services of America, Inc. and Its Strategies - Essay Example On liquidation, Harry Kletter purchased majority of the shares and on the eve of 1980s, he started a new company concerned with the selling of equipments associated with handling and disposal of solid waste. The new company operated with a new trade name known as Waste Equipment Sales and Services Company (WESSCO). WESSCO finally joined with CWS (Computer Waste Systems), a company that had specialized in giving consultations in relation to solid waste management to a number of businesses operating in diverse industries. The merging of these two firms led to the establishment of business operations headquarters at Louisville in Kentucky. Since then the company has acquired a number of recycling units in several regions. Besides purchasing of business units, the company has also seen itself enter into merger with other companies. Currently, the company is resorting to contracting third parties’ services in collecting and disposing solid waste. This will see ISA increase its cove rage area in regards to offering its services leading to amplified profits. Although the company has its operation in two sectors, that is, recycling and waste management, ISA is considering about concentrating in recycling activities. The reason behind this decision might be due to its efficiency in the recycling operations (Consonni, Giugliano & Grosso, 2005). External environment Industrial Competition The recycling business especially in the metal sector is very competitive in the US market. ISA faces stiff competition from those firms that have access to metal source. It is alleged that some companies have access to cheap scraps giving them a chance to sell the finished products at relatively low prices. The tough competition is further enhanced by existence of rivals that have adequate financial capacity, physical resources such as trucks and efficient marketing strategies among other factors such as large market share. ISA also fears that its competitiveness might adversely b e affected by weak economy and unfavorable market conditions (Consonni, Giugliano & Grosso, 2005). Risk Associated With Depending Upon One Customer ISA is exposed to great risk by depending on one customer that contributes over 60% to its profit. ISA majorly depends on North American Stainless pertaining to sale of its recycled metals. Environmental Regulations and the Government Policies The government and the environmental organizations frequently monitors the operations of all company’s that deals in recycling of materials in addition to management of wastes to ensure their practices are in line with laws and regulations governing the environment as well as company’s operations. Such policies entail environmental, health and safety issues such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Failure to comply with these laws ISA might find itself in the trouble of paying fines and thus affecting their profitability (Cointreau, 2001). Internal organization Managemen t team ISA brags of having experienced and qualified management team including the president and chief operating officer, Mr. Brian Donaghy as well as the vice president of the ISA Recycling, Mr. James Wiseman. The team management is cooperative and competitive and work closely with its employees to achieve the organizations’ goals. Employees At the end of 2010, ISA had about one hundred and eighty five employees who were employed on a full time basis. Ninety-eight of the employees are employed in recycling;

Therachem Case Essay Example for Free

Therachem Case Essay Therachem is a pharmaceutical company created in 1950, and has a portfolio of 7 different products Performance: The company has a signi? cant revenue growth of 68% over the last 3 years, driven mostly by Arthroquell Salesmen team: the sales rep’s job is to visit physicians and encourage them to prescribe Therachem drugs for their patients For the past 3 years Therachem has been growing its sales force by about 40 representatives per year and has expected this year to increase the number of reps from 433 to 473. Therachem is wondering if it has to maintain its 40-rep hiring per year rhythm or invest in human capital: A consultant report is suggesting Therachem to increase its sales force by 322 rep over the next 3 years, however is it opportune to do such a signi? cant increase or is it too unrealistic? Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits Goals Find the optimal solution for Therachem, taking into account strategic dimensions on the hiring rythm Methodology Optimize number of reps and the allocation of reps between products Resource Allocation analysis of the zero growth model, the Smythe model and the consultant model Creation of alternative models Assessement Smythe model is not optimal The consultant recommandation may be optimal it shows some risks in terms of hiring a lot of new rep There is an alternative with an optimal net contribution per new rep compared to the zero growth model Recommandations Do not increase more than 40 person hiring per year Do a more optimal allocation of human resource through the products Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits Zero growth model Arthroquell Proxinil 144,0 $109,5 53% $51,5 $27,2 $30,8 Renora 135 150 77,0 $175,2 59% $71,8 $14,6 $88,8 Dermet Topisal 57,0 $157,8 59% $64,7 $10,8 $82,3 Mistalon 57,0 $33,6 53% $15,8 $10,8 $7,0 $448,2 $81,8 $6,0 $380,3 $583,3 Total 433,0 $1  119,3 98,0 $643,2 62% $244,4 $18,5 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution Strategic option number one: Smythe model Arthroquell Proxinil 184,0 $124,7 53% 58,6 $34,8 $31,3 125,0 $734,4 62% $279,1 $23,6 $431,7 Renora 135 150 98,0 $191,4 59% $78,5 $18,5 $94,4 Dermet Topisal 73,0 $167,2 59% $68,6 $13,8 $84,9 Mistalon 73,0 $40,1 53% $18,8 $13,8 $7,4 Total 553,0 $1 257,7 $503,5 $104,5 $6,0 $643,7 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution An increase of 120 new reps (an increase of 40 per year) = a gain of net contribution of $60,4m The Smythe model focuses its sales force mainly on Arthroquell and Proxinil with respectively 23% and 34% of the sales force. Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits Strategic option number two: Consultant’s model, the most pro? table Arthroquell Proxinil 167,1 $119,4 53% $56,1 $31,6 $31,7 Renora 135 150 120,7 $201,2 59% $82,5 $22,8 $95,9 Dermet Topisal 86,1 $172,3 59% $70,6 $16,3 $85,4 Mistalon 70,7 $39,3 53% $18,5 $13,4 $7,5 Total 755,5 $1  465,3 $582,3 $142,8 $6,0 $734,2 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 350 300 250 Effort 310,8 $933,2 62% $354,6 58,7 $519,8 An increase of 322 new reps (an increase of approx 100 per year) = a gain of net contribution of $151m Base vs. Recommended Scenario However the model doens’t take into consideration the time you need to train the new sales reps as well as the economic climate parameters. 200 150 100 50 0 Arthroquell Proxinil Renora 135 150 Base scenario Recommended scenario An increase as signi? cant as this one is risky (in terms of redundancy costs as well) which makes the management decisions dif? cult and slow. Segments Dermet Topisal Mistalon Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits How to combine the rythm of hiring from the Smythe model with the optimal allocation of sales force from the consultants’ model? Resource allocation with a limit of an increase of 120 new sales rep: Arthroquell Proxinil Renora 135 Dermet 150 Topisal 99 $192,0 59% $78,7 $18,7 $94,6 Mistalon 0 $5,0 53% $2,4 $0,0 $2,7 Total 553,0 $1  374,3 $542,5 $104,5 $6,0 $721,3 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 258 $912,0 62% $346,5 48,8 $516,7 130 $101,7 53% $47,8 $24,6 $29,3 66 $163,6 59% $67,1 $12,5 $84,1 An increase of 120 new reps (an increase of 40 per year) = a gain of net contribution of $138m However the new product Mistalon has an allocation of 0 sales rep, which is completely uncoherent with Terachem strategy to launch this new product! We need to ? nd a resource allocation that is optimal while taking into consideration a reasonnable increase in sales rep (40 per year) AND a minimum allocation for the launch of the new product Mistalon. Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits How to ? nd an optimal ressource allocation that also puts forward Mistalon? (1/2) Resource allocation with a constraint of 30 sales rep for Mistalon: Arthroquell Proxinil 120,7 $95,6 53% $44,9 $22,8 $27,9 Proxinil 130 $101,7 53% $47,8 $24,6 $29,3 Renora 135 150 93,0 $160,5 59% $77,2 $17,6 $93,6 Renora 135 150 99 $192,0 59% $78,7 $18,7 $94,6 Dermet Topisal 60,9 $160,5 59% $65,8 $11,5 $83,2 Dermet Topisal 66 $163,6 59% $67,1 $12,5 $84,1 Mistalon 30,0 $5,0 53% $8,4 $5,7 $3,8 Mistalon 0 $5,0 53% $2,4 $0,0 $2,7 Total 553,0 $1  368,9 $540,9 104,5 $6,0 $717,5 Total 553,0 $1  374,3 $542,5 $104,5 $6,0 $721,3 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 248,3 $906,6 62% $344,5 $46,9 $515,2 Arthroquell A decrease of $4m compared to the most optimal solution with 553 sales rep but the new product Mistalon is launched. Terachem can capitalize on the future of this product Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 258 $912,0 62% $346,5 $48,8 $516,7 However let’s try and come closer to the initial idea of Smythe, who decided to allocate 73 sales representatives to Mistalon, a product which has a potential of future growth. Necessity to analyse the impact of allocating more than 30 sales representatives to Mistalon. Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits How to ? nd an optimal ressource allocation that also puts forward Mistalon? (2/2) Resource allocation with a constraint of 57 sales rep for Mistalon (today’s ? gure): Arthroquell Proxinil 184,0 $124,7 53% $58,6 $34,8 $31,3 Proxinil 112,2 $89,3 53% $42,0 $21,2 $26,1 Renora 135 150 98,0 $191,4 59% $78,5 $18,5 $94,4 Renora 135 150 88,4 $185,2 59% $75,9 $16,7 $92,5 Dermet Topisal 73,0 $167,2 59% $68,6 $13,8 $84,9 Dermet Topisal 56,7 $157,6 59% $64,6 $10,7 $82,3 Mistalon 73,0 $40,1 53% $18,8 $13,8 $7,4 Mistalon 57 $33,6 53% $15,8 $10,8 $7,0 Total 553,0 $1 257,7 $503,5 $104,5 $6,0 $643,7 Total 553,0 $1  366,3 $540,6 $104,5 $6,0 $715,3 Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 125,0 $734,4 62% $279,1 $23,6 $431,7 Arthroquell Smythe’s initial plan Sales Representatives Planned Revenue Unit Margin Cost of Goods Sold Direct Selling Cost Indirect Selling Cost Net Contribution 238,6 $900,6 62% $342,2 $45,1 $513,3 Optimization with 553 sales reps while maintaining today’s sales reps allocated to Mistalon This solution allows to respect Smythe’s initial decision but at the same time maximise the pro? t: $715,3m (last alternative) $643,7m (Smythe) = $71,6m Context Executive summary Smythe model Consultant model Alternatives Recommanda tions/Limits The last alternative: Total Net Margins â‚ ¬Ã‚  800,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  700,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  600,00   500,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  400,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  300,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  200,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  100,00 â‚ ¬Ã‚  0,00 0 138,252165 276,50433 414,756495 553,0086601 691,2608251 829,5129901 â‚ ¬Ã‚  276,99 â‚ ¬Ã‚  540,15 â‚ ¬Ã‚  648,15 â‚ ¬Ã‚  686,68 â‚ ¬Ã‚  717,55 â‚ ¬Ã‚  732,80 â‚ ¬Ã‚  732,64 The maximum net margin seems to stabilize around $730m. The last solution allows Terachem to reach $715m total net margin. If we compare it to the consultant’s model the difference in net margin is -2,33%, however there is -62% new reps hired!

Characteristics of female offending and victimisation

Characteristics of female offending and victimisation Previous to the feminist movement of the nineteen sixties and seventies criminology was predominantly the domain of men as was the Criminal Justice System (CJS), (Newburn 2007). Therefore it is no surprise that women were mostly over looked within these fields. Moreover the few earlier explanations of female criminality have now largely been discredited due to their oversimplified, biological and sexually natured explanations (Lombrosso 1895, Thomas 1923 and Pollak 1950). Nevertheless it is due to these arguably sexist, and male dominated perspectives, and also an otherwise lack of interest in female criminality that inspired many modern and feminist writings; these writings bought about a shift in attitudes towards women and their place within these traditionally male professions. Consequently the reliability of police statistics has been challenged and new ways of gathering data has been developed, such as self report studies and victim surveys; all of which have brought about new debates and theories and has contributed to our understanding of women and crime. This essay will give a brief overview of the characteristics of both female offending and victimization and then discuss the contribution that criminology has made to our understanding of them. As a result of the aforementioned collective research there is a general agreement within criminology that women commit considerably less crime than men (although according to police statistics female crime rates are rising) (Newborn 2007). Women are less likely to commit certain crimes, such as sexual offences, and they are less likely to re-offend (Newborn 2007 and National Statistics Online 2006). The majority of offences that women commit involve theft and handling stolen goods, violence against the person and drug offences (National Statistics Online 2006 and Caddle and Crisp 1997). Criminology has contributed to our understanding of the characteristics of female offending in many ways. Firstly, since the feminist movement, Criminology has focused attention onto female offending and has helped to deconstruct the traditional sexist stereotypes of the female offender previously portrayed by traditional criminologists (Lombrosso, 1895, cited in Newburn, 2007). Modern Criminology has further developed existing theories in order to make them applicable to women such as control theory and has highlighted how womens experience of society is different to that of men; suggesting that womens place in society, i.e. their job, social background and being a mother can all effect their inhibitions towards crime and their opportunities to offend (Heidensohn 1996 and Carlen 1988). Thus, Criminology has helped us to understand how a womens individual circumstances can impact on whether she will offend and what types of offences she is likely to commit. Criminology has also highlighted the impact that prior victimization and the breakdown of social bonds has on female offending; in her research into how women become involved in illicit drugs, Cheseney-lind (1997) found that all of the women in her study came from unstable social environments, i.e. deprivation, parental alcohol abuse, sexual abuse and violence. Other studies have highlighted institutional sexism; Carlens 1998 study in which she interviewed fifteen Scottish sheriffs about their feelings towards prosecuting women offenders, found that they all disliked having to send women to prison. Carlen suggests that they resolve this uneasiness by discriminating between who they perceived to be good and bad mothers and disregard the impact of socio-economic factors on their behavior (cited in Heidensohn 1996). The sheriffs attitudes in Carlens study highlights a long running debate within Criminology, which is, are women treated more chivalrously or more harshly than men by the CJ S? (Newburn 2007) It could be argued that the uneasiness of the sheriffs to prosecute women points to a chivalrous attitude but the fact that they separate the women into good and bad mothers suggests that the women are being doubly judged, as both women and mothers. Therefore Criminology has given us greater understanding of how female offending is affected by a lack of family support and social bonds and arguably how women are affected by the double standards present within the CJS. By challenging police recorded statistics Criminology has highlighted other debates, such as why do female offending rates appear to be rising and to what extent do women commit less crime than men? (Newburn 2007). In regard to rising female crime rates there are several perspectives; some argue that it is because womens roles are changing in society which gives them greater opportunity to offend (Adler, cited in Newburn 2007); some claim that it is due to economic marginalisation and women offend because of deprivation (Carlen 1998) and others suggest it is due to changes in the labelling of crimes which make for stricter sentencing (Heidensohn 1996). Criminology has incited many debates which have helped to develop a better understanding of the characteristics of female offending. As a result of criminological research, such as the British Crime Survey (BCS), we understand that overall women are at less risk of criminal victimisation than men. The only crimes that women are at a higher risk from is domestic violence and stalking/harassment (although it could be argued that the latter is due to men being less easily intimidated and less likely to report those types of crimes). We also know that the vast amount of the domestic violence suffered by women goes unreported. Finally, although we know that women are at less risk of crime overall, the BCS tells us that they have a greater fear of crime than men, and this impacts negatively on their daily lives (Newburn 2007). Criminology has contributed to our understanding of the characteristics of female victimisation in many ways. Firstly, By challenging police statistics it has highlighted the dark figure of crime, showing the vast amount of crimes that go either unknown, unreported, or unrecorded; therefore highlighting the vast amount of domestic violence, sexual assault and rape crimes women suffer, mainly at the hands of their husbands, partners or other family members (Heidensohn 1996). The issue of domestic violence is shockingly illustrated in a study carried out by Painter and Farrington (1998), in which one in seven wives reported being raped by their husbands (cited in Rafter, 2003). Traditionally crimes of domestic violence were trivialized by the police because of a general acceptance of violence against women by their partners (Newburn 2007). Criminology has also highlighted the issue of repeat victimization in regards to women; due to the nature of the offence repeat victimization rates are high in cases of domestic violence but research also shows that women who were abused in childhood are at a higher risk of being victimized in adulthood (Rafter 2003). Therefore, because of Criminology we understand that many more women suffer domestic violence than the police statistics suggest and also women who were abused as children are at a higher risk of getting involved in an abusive relationship in adulthood. Womens fear of victimization is a debated issue within Criminology, some explain that it is because women are the smaller sex and so are more easily intimidated and others suggest it is related to a fear of rape caused by socialization and moral panic, suggesting that it is irrational (Rafter 2003). Criminology has highlighted womens experience of crime and the CJS and societys attitudes towards female victimization (Newburn 2007). Criminology has found that women are often accused of precipitating or facilitating crimes against them, such as rape and assault; according to lifestyle theories, how women dress, whether they go out alone and where they go, all participates to their victimization (Rafter 2003). This theory is contradicted by victim survey data which suggests that women are at more risk of domestic violence than stranger violence (Newburn 2007). In regards to womens treatment within the CJS, criminology has highlighted the unfair and un-sympathetic treatment women arguably receive in regards to being victim of such crimes as rape and domestic violence, suggesting that women were often subject to secondary victimisation because of unsympathetic treatment given by the CJS (Rafter 2003). Consequently Criminology has helped to improve attitudes and treatment within the CJS by helping to establish the use of rape suites and aftercare services (Newburn 2007). In conclusion we have a greater understanding of why women fear crime and how society and the CJS have blamed them in some part for their own victimization. In conclusion, Criminology has been crucial in contributing to our understanding of the characteristics of female offending and victimization. By carrying out studies and surveys, gathering statistics and developing and debating theories Criminology has developed a greater understanding of why and what causes women to commit crime; why they commit less crime in comparison to men, and why they are more likely to commit certain types of crimes over others. Criminology has highlighted the vast amount of female victimization that goes unreported and has helped to counteract this by improving womens treatment within the CJS and by helping to change attitudes and policies. Overall, Criminology has given us a greater understanding of female offending and victimization and has been fundamental to our understanding of women and crime. Chesney-Lind, M. (1997) The Female Offender, Girls, Women and Crime, London: Sage publications Inc. Carlen, P.(1988) Women, Crime and Poverty Milton Keynes: Open University Press Educational Enterprises Ltd. Heidensohn, F. (1996) Women and Crime. (2nd Ed.) Hampshire: Macmillan Press Ltd. Newburn, T. (2007) Criminology. U.S.A. and Canada: Willan Publishing. Rafter, N. H. (2003) Encyclopedia of Women and Crime. Newyork: Checkmark Books.

The Childs Upbringing in Superman and New Snowsuit :: Superman Paula Brown Literature Essays

The Child's Upbringing in Superman and New Snowsuit Narrator aged about ten (5th grade). American. Father seems to be dead (Otto). Uncle Frank a father figure -talks to her in a friendly, understanding way. Family seem comfortably off (linen table cloth, silver). Home a warm, friendly, secure place - goes to it to escape the other children. But war is beginning, so an unsettling time for a child, particularly one whose father is dead and whose uncle (whom she admires and likes - identifies him with Superman) is being drafted into the forces. Mother keeps quite a close eye on her - checks on what the film is that the children are going to see (Snow White) before allowing girl to go. Child imaginative and sensitive - plays imaginative games, vomits after seeing film about Japanese at war and has nightmares afterwards. Seems something of a loner - does not join in games played by big groups at school - instead plays with one 'bookish' boy and another who is an outsider. Invited to Paula's party only because 'it was for all the children in the block'. Paula invites her to play tag only because 'we need someone else' Paula picks on her quite unfairly because she wants someone to blame for her spoilt snowsuit. The other children join in, so girl feels isolated. Feels safe at home but when Mr. Sterling comes to tell about the damage, her mother says, 'Why didn't you tell me that you pushed Paula in the mud?' The girl is not asked what happened first, so feels that her mother is believing the lie without hearing her side of the story. Uncle Frank comes to her room in a friendly, understanding way, but by then the girl is feeling miserable and is unable to say what happened in a natural way. When Uncle Frank says they will pay for a new suit anyway, she probably feels that even he does not believe her. This episode, plus the war and probably her father's death, changed the girl's life for ever - she grew up and the world seemed a gloomier place (final paragraph). Kiss Miss Carol =============== Joli is completely different to the girl in the first story. Although he was born in England, his family are immigrants from Bangladesh. His father does not really fit in - he speaks Bengali to the boy, wears traditional clothing (unlike the children even of some other immigrant families). He has his own religion and village life at home is still so important to him that he sends his elder son home to sort out a dispute. The Child's Upbringing in Superman and New Snowsuit :: Superman Paula Brown Literature Essays The Child's Upbringing in Superman and New Snowsuit Narrator aged about ten (5th grade). American. Father seems to be dead (Otto). Uncle Frank a father figure -talks to her in a friendly, understanding way. Family seem comfortably off (linen table cloth, silver). Home a warm, friendly, secure place - goes to it to escape the other children. But war is beginning, so an unsettling time for a child, particularly one whose father is dead and whose uncle (whom she admires and likes - identifies him with Superman) is being drafted into the forces. Mother keeps quite a close eye on her - checks on what the film is that the children are going to see (Snow White) before allowing girl to go. Child imaginative and sensitive - plays imaginative games, vomits after seeing film about Japanese at war and has nightmares afterwards. Seems something of a loner - does not join in games played by big groups at school - instead plays with one 'bookish' boy and another who is an outsider. Invited to Paula's party only because 'it was for all the children in the block'. Paula invites her to play tag only because 'we need someone else' Paula picks on her quite unfairly because she wants someone to blame for her spoilt snowsuit. The other children join in, so girl feels isolated. Feels safe at home but when Mr. Sterling comes to tell about the damage, her mother says, 'Why didn't you tell me that you pushed Paula in the mud?' The girl is not asked what happened first, so feels that her mother is believing the lie without hearing her side of the story. Uncle Frank comes to her room in a friendly, understanding way, but by then the girl is feeling miserable and is unable to say what happened in a natural way. When Uncle Frank says they will pay for a new suit anyway, she probably feels that even he does not believe her. This episode, plus the war and probably her father's death, changed the girl's life for ever - she grew up and the world seemed a gloomier place (final paragraph). Kiss Miss Carol =============== Joli is completely different to the girl in the first story. Although he was born in England, his family are immigrants from Bangladesh. His father does not really fit in - he speaks Bengali to the boy, wears traditional clothing (unlike the children even of some other immigrant families). He has his own religion and village life at home is still so important to him that he sends his elder son home to sort out a dispute.

Democracy Vs Dictatorship :: essays research papers

Imagine the next time you step into the voting booth your ballot only lists one candidate to choose from. Or perhaps your ballot lists four candidates, but they are all from the Liberal party. Dictatorships are one party political systems that are ruled by one leader or an elite group of people under the principle of authoritarianism. Some feel that dictatorships are the most effective form of government because decisions are made quickly and extreme nationalism benefits the military and economy. These individuals value order, nationalism, and authority. However, these systems often result in violence, repression of the public, and few provisions for changes to the system. Democracies are multiparty political systems that rest on the principle of rule by the people. Most people that live in democracies have civil liberties1, and political rights2. Individuals who feel that multiparty systems are the best government value equality, accountability, and freedom. Nations that have multi party political systems will meet the needs of the public better through the means of political equality, a higher standard of living3, and civil liberties. Dictatorships often occur when a nation is economically and politically unstable. An example of this is Napoleon’s coup d’ etat in 1799 France. In a system of authoritarian rule decisions are made efficiently because very few people are involved in the decision making process. The leader or elite group at the head of the government decides on new policies and economic measures, then makes sure that the public abides by them by using tactics of force and indoctrination. Dictatorial systems have helped nations recover from economic turmoil many times in the past. The extreme nationalism that is born from propaganda and government sponsored youth organizations encourages people to work harder for the benefit of their country. Newly motivated work forces easily meet their production goals. If the leader of a dictatorship is capable the country can rise to hold a great amount of international power. Building up the military is an important step to gain power. A strong milita ry will discourage other countries from attacking and also discourage the citizens of the country from rebelling. The force of nationalism, and new laws that can be easily passed regarding education (such that every male of a certain age must serve time in the military) allow military strength of dictatorships to multiply. The Soviet Union experienced a dictatorial system from 1917 to 1985.

Journal of My Two Live

Reading Jhumpa Lahiri’s essay, My Two Live, I got that the author, as an Indian-American, tried to define herself throughout her whole life. The changing of her feeling for her identity and the death of her parents and her bicultural experience changed her feeling for her identity from humiliating to confusing to accepting to cherishing. Lahiri wanted convey us that the bicultural things can be seen as a shifting equation and she used â€Å"one plus one† for instances. Basically, I agree with her notion. However, in my opinion, the result of the equation is not just zero or two. It should be equal three or even bigger, when you really understand your great nation, United State of America. In one hand, I think most of people would very easy to lose their way when they are squeezed by two different cultures existing in their daily life. As the second generation of immigrants, my older cousin also had used to face this issue. When, he was a middle school student, he had avoided speaking Chinese, changing his hair’s color to yellow, and love to eat sandwiches and drink soda. Tried to do lot of things to make him seemed more â€Å"American†. Obviously, he is an American without any embellished. But, he did not understand this at that moment. As a naive child, he just hoped he can looks more similar with others around him. At that time, one plus one, of course, smaller than two or even equal zero. In the other hand, along with the growing up, the more social experiences you collected, the deeper understanding of yourself, then you would find that the result of this equation bigger, not limited in two. Because two different cultures combined together is not a simply one plus one equation. It contains great potential and energy, like when carbon meets oxygen can explode incredible brilliancy. Actually, I am not so familiar with America history or the great persons of this nation. However, story of my elder cousin’s I would love to share. As I aforementioned, he had used to doubt himself. But now, his has already got the doctor degree and even published a paper in Science, one of the most top scientific journals in the world. I remember acknowledgment of his doctoral defence stated that he would love to thanks his dear grandma since to be a doctor is grandma’s dream. Following the willing of grandparents or parents is a very traditional thinking in China. When persevering and enduring hardship, which comes from his family, meets critical and innovative coming from his American part, my cousin got an achievement. I think that beyond what one plus one equal two can include. So far, he hope his children can be teach by Chinese culture or even study in China someday, even if his wife is a White. I am not sure if this example reasonable, but this is what I really want to tell. Moreover, as a foreigner, from my sight of view, America is the one of most open and tolerant nations in the world. Democratic† and â€Å"Liberty† are two words what Americans the most proud of and pursuing. Thus, when you are walking on a normal street in any city of US, you will find that really like walking in the United Nations. Citizens of the USA might have various colors of sinks, speak English with different accents, and wear sorts of clothes. What’s more, you can buy anything you want by yourself in spite of understanding nothing English. I think this interesting phenomenon just belongs with America. Therefore, unique and individual are very common and important value of America. Everyone have an American dream, and everyone have the opportunity to achieve it. You can learn everything you like and grow individually. American culture comes from hundreds of cultures. The diversity of culture creates lots of advantages to the US, comparing with any other countries. All these above are the reasons why America, a country less than 300 years history, can be the greatest nation all over the world. Therefore, don’t be confusion because this is a part of America, what make it so amazing and fantastic.