How is the idea of powerlessness shown in ‘Of Mice And Men’? Essay

How does Steinbeck present different types of power and powerlessness in ‘’Of Mice and Men’’? In the book ‘’Of Mice and Men’’ Steinbeck uses different types of power and powerlessness to show the personalities of the characters. He uses the idea of power to show difference in all the characters and how their differences change each individual life in the ranch. Steinbeck portrays many strengths and weakness in a wide spectrum. In the pecking order of the ranch, Curley has most power, and is a bully. His wife has no identity, and is terribly lonely, but she too hurts others using manipulation. Cruelty and abuse of power characterises most of the novel, with the most noticeable exception of George and Lennie. Lennie shows extreme power in his strength. He is like an animal as it says ‘’snorted’’ and ‘’paws’’. He is portrayed like a bear but shows, although he has the strength to crush Curley’s hand on page 69-71, he has no control of his mind and lacks confidence and has to rely on George such as a domestic animal would towards his owner. Furthermore he is described as ‘’a huge man†¦large, pale eyes’’ and also ‘’dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws’’. Steinbeck uses his physical power to show he is dangerous to the other characters such as Curley’s wife who Lennie kills. Steinbeck shows that when Lennie starts to panic his power gets worse consequently fatal for Curley’s wife. Also he cannot think for himself and crushes Curley’s hand because he is told to by George. Lennie’s animal characteristics also come through in this chapter ‘’bleated†¦huge paws’’. Throughout the book Lennie’s actions reflect badly on the dream that the men in the ranch share. He is constantly putting it in jeopardy due to his lack of control and thought towards how his actions reflect on others. The combination of innocence and strength is what really makes Lennie so powerful and dangerous. Throughout the novel Steinbeck presents the character of Curley’s wife in a number of ways. Initially he tells us that she is a beautiful girl who is lonely and she is the only female on the ranch. Steinbeck explains that she is presented as a sexual object for Curly. Even though she is the boss’s son’s wife, she is still low in the hierarchy within the ranch. She clearly uses her sexuality as a weapon and is seen as a sexual predator. Curley’s wife uses sexual power to get what she wants as a woman in the 1930’s would have little economic or social power and even when as you find out toward the end of the book and the death of Curley’s wife she only acts like this so she  can finally have the attention she is missing out on. Unfortunately her sexuality has no impact on the farm because everyone is scared of being friendly or seen with her due to her husband’s power. She is flirtatious ‘‘you guys seen Curly anywhere?†™â€™ She asks this just to be able to enter the stable to be with the men and this is used a decoy to get her to be able to socialise with the men. Steinbeck is giving the reader a negative image of her, almost as a sex slave. We see this negativity in other character’s description of her: She is said to be a ‘’tart’’ and a ‘’tramp’’ by George and Candy. She also wears a lot of make-up: ‘’heavily made up’’ and also dresses up: ‘’cotton house dress†¦red mules’’. Steinbeck shows her to stand seductively ‘’body thrown forward’’. Lennie who is captured by her sexual nature and states over and over after first meeting her ‘’she’s purty’’. Moreover, during alternate situations she uses her power to manipulate others as she does when in Crooks’ room. She uses the power of being a white female to be racist towar ds Crooks. She knows Crooks cannot hurt or say anything against her because of the unfairness and punishment towards blacks, such as in the Scottsboro trial, and uses this to her advantage to take out all the hurt she has been feeling by being ignored on the ranch and only been given attention when she shows her sexuality. She also manipulates Lennie into talking with her by making him feel pity for her by telling him how lonely she feels ‘’I get awful lonely’’ and ‘’I never get to talk to nobody’’. In Of Mice and Men Steinbeck mainly presents Curley as a mean person who wants authority on the ranch. Although this makes Curley a more hated character, Steinbeck makes it clear to the reader that Curley is only mean as a result of being lonely. This loneliness of Curley was typical of men on ranches in 1930s America. Curley wants to get more authority on the ranch. When we first see Curley, he is described as closing his hands â€Å"into fists† and stiffening his back â€Å"into a slight crouch† after looking at Lennie, showing the reader that Curley wants more authority over him. This makes the reader feel slightly uneasy as it hints that Curley may do something which will affect George and Lennie’s dream later in the novel. Also by Steinbeck saying that Curley has ‘’tight curly hair’’ it makes me feel he is being presented as an uptight, angry character. Curley feels intimidated by the sheer size of Lennie and feels Lennie is competition that he must beat in order to show his toughness and in case Lennie tries to win  over Curley’s wife. Steinbeck also presents Curley as being an aggressive character. For example, Curley is quick to pick a fight with Lennie in Chapt er three of the novel. Steinbeck uses words like â€Å"slashed† to describe Curley’s strength and aggressiveness. The reader feels anger towards Curley at this point as he attacks Lennie only because he is bigger in build. Curley is also shown to only use his wife as when she dies Curley does not seem to show any love or respect for his wife as in staying with her when she is found dead or even going to her and his first thought is Lennie. He only shows hatred for Lennie and wants to hurt Lennie. I think Steinbeck made this character to show how others actions and how they react to them can affect a dream or hope you have. For example Curley’s attitude towards Lennie and his wife subsequently leads to neither of them achieving their dream. In conclusion Steinbeck shows power in strength, where you are on the hierarchy and in sexuality of women. Steinbeck represents human nature in the commendable and unfavourable qualities people had during the depression in the 1930’s. Steinbeck shows that human nature changed considerably and mostly for the worse during this period of the great d epression. People looked up to and were more frightened of big men such as Lennie and Curley but more critical and abusive towards woman as they thought they were merely sexual objects as Steinbeck shows in the attitude towards Curley’s wife by the ranchers.

Mrs Bestar Mwanza

UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE IN ASSOCOATIONS WITH OPEN LEARNING CENTRE MINUTES OF THETEAM GOLD’S 4th MEETING HELD ON Thursday 08 November 2012 at the Bank at 1800hrs. ____________________________________________________________________ Present:Bestar Mwanza(BM) (chairperson) Dzingwa Madzima(DM)(Secretary) Ephethehile Mazibeli(EM) Apologies:Willing Dizawatiza(WD)(wife and kids involved in an accident) ITEM NO. | ITEM| DUE| ACTION| AGENDA1) Welcome Remarks2) Follow-up on previous minutes3)Study Material and Assignment4) Team Bank Account5) Schedule of Activities6) One Day Event7)Personal Development Records8) Any Other Business| | | 1| WELCOME REMARKSThe chairperson noting the presence of a quorum declared the meeting duly constituted. | | | 2| FOLLOW-UP ON PREVIOUS MINUTESThe minutes were confirmed as a true record of the proceedings. | | 3| STUDY MATERIAL AND ASSIGNMENTRecommended study material was discussed and the following was shared;1) Johnson and Scholes: Exploring Corp orate Strategy. 2)Hanagan-Concepts of Management3)Assignment Format4)CIMA Strategy ModuleAssignment to be done individually, authors of and models(PESTEL, SPECTECLES, SWEPT, Porter's 5 forces, value chain, war gaming)to be researched on and shared, we will proof read assignments for each other.The following milestones were agreed upon on assignment preparation;1) Finish Introduction 2) Complete assignment body 3) Recommendation and Implementation-Draft assignment4)Submit Assignment We also need to confirm the number of references required for the assignment| 12/11/1216/11/1220/11/1230/11/1210/11/12| AllAllAllAllAllAll| 4| TEAM BANK ACCOUNTTeam Bank Account already opened with IDBZ; EM, DM and BM signed the application form.BM to organise for WD to sign. Conditions on the team account are that any two team members can sign. | 09/11/12| BM/WD| 5| SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIESThe schedule for deliverables for the team to be designed and filled. | EM| All| 6| ONE DAY EVENTSubmit our suggestion to larger group on food and activities, audit.Audit checks: as the team had not been assigned a specific duty the team members suggested they would propose to be the audit team for the event so as to ensure compliance throughout the organising of the event EM-| 10/11/1210/11/12| AllEM| 7| PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT RECORD(PDR)Review each other's PDR | 15/11/12| All| 8| ANY OTHER BUSINESSN/A| | | | There being no further business to be discussed, the meeting closed at 19:30 Hrs. Date of Next Meeting: Thursday, 15th November 2012 at 18:00 Hrs. | ————————————————————————————– CHAIRMANDATE

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Library Ict Essay Example for Free

Library Ict Essay Introduction Rapid developments in information and communication technologies (ICT) and their wide application in all aspects of life have led to dramatic changes. These changes are so revolutionary that is not realistic to expect stability in their wake 1 . Information technology (IT) entered into libraries, especially academic and research libraries, during the 1960s. Libraries employed IT to speed up their daily activities and reduce their operating costs. Many repetitive activities were upgraded using IT 2 . IT allows integration of library activities and increases efficiency and enables users to have remote access to information and around the clock access. New technologies provide unlimited information from different sources and facilitate reformatting data from different sources 3. Definition Ebijuwa and ToAnyakoha (2005) 4-5 define ICT as tools and as well as means used for collection, capture, process, storage, transmission and dissemination of information†. The American Library Association (1983) 5 defines IT as the application of computers and other technologies to the acquisition, organization,storage, retrieval and dissemination of information. The computers are used to process and store data, while telecommunications technology provides information communication tools, which make it possible for users to access databases and link them other computer networks at different locations. IT and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) are used somewhat interchangeably. Objectives of the Study The major objectives of this study are 1. To identify the ICT infrastructure facilities available in the university libraries. 2. To identify the ICT based software implemented in the university libraries. 3. To find out the various types of electronic resources available in the university libraries. Methodology The study is based on the primary data collected from the government university libraries and deemed university libraries given in table 1. Table 1. List of University Libraries S. No Name of the University 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Anna University,Chennai University of Madras, Chennai The Tamil Nadu. Dr. Ambedkar Law University,Chennai Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R Medical University,Chennai M. G. R . Educational and Research Institute, Chennai SRM University,Kattankulathur Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,Chennai B. S. Abdur Rahman University,Chennai Bharath University,Chennai Sri Ramachandra University,Chennai Deemed universities Type of university Government Universities 8. 9. 10. A structured questionnaire was designed to obtain data. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: Hardware, Software, Technologies, and Electronic Resources. Sixteen questionnaires were distributed among university librarians, of which 10 university librarians were responded (62.5%). Review of Literature Walmiki and Ramakrishnegowda (2009) 7 studied ICT infrastructures in university libraries of Karnataka and found that most of the libraries were uâ€Å"lack sufficient hardware, software facilities and do not have adequate internet nodes and bandwidth†. The campus LANs were not fully extended to exploit the benefits of digital information environment. Ahmad and Fatima (2009) 8 found that researchers use a variety of ICT products and services for research and further remarked that ICT products help â€Å"to find  information, access information, manage, integrate, evaluate, create, and communicate information more easily†. It was recommended that training be organized to increase the use of ICT-based products and services. Adeleke and Olorunsola (2010) 9 studied ICT and library operations found that ICT facilities were the major constraints facing libraries in the use of tools. Shafi-Ullah and Roberts (2010) 10 found that ICT infrastructure is necessary to make provide a research culture in higher education institutions and recommended allocating funds for ICT infrastructure. Etebu (2010) 11 studied ICT availability and found a situation that is not encouraging. Patil (2010) 12 found that users were not trained to use ICT- based products and services and further recommended an ICT training programme to increase the use of ICT products and services. Data Analysis The study was carried out in ten university libraries. The demographic information related to these respondents is shown in table 2. Table 2. Demographic Information about Respondents S. No Description 1. 2. Total Percentage 40% 60% 100% Government University 4 Deemed University Total 6 10. Five ICT infrastructures such as computers, printers, laptops, scanners and photocopiers were identified for this study and same is shown in table 3. Table 3. ICT infrastructure vs. University Libraries S. No Description ICT Infrastructure 110 1. Computers 1 4 11-20 21- 31 30 above 2 3 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 1. 5 5 2. 1 2 3. 2 1 Total WAM Rank (10) (40) 2. Printers 9 1 (20) (30) 0 0 (90) (10) 3. Laptops 9 0 (0) (0) 0 1 (90) (0) (0) (10) 4. Scanners 9 1 0 0 10 (100) 10 (100) 2. 1 2 (90) (10) 5. Photocopiers 9 1 (0) (0) 0 0 2. 1 2 (90) (10) (0) (0) It can be seen from table 3 that 4 (40% ,WAM 3. 2, rank 1) libraries were between 11 and 20 computers, followed by printers, scanners, and photocopiers ranging between 1 and 10. ICT infrastructure mentioned in table 3 were further distributed library-wise, shown in table 4. Table 4. ICT Infrastructure vs. University Libraries S. N Description Government University Libraries n=4 Total Deemed University Libraries n=6 110 11- 21- 31 20 30 above 1 0 2 (50) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 4 N 1A 10 (0) 0 1120 3 (50) 0 (0) 0 2130 2 31 above 1 6 Total N A 1. Computers (0) 1 (0) (25) (25) (0) 2. Printers 0 3 1 0 (100) (0) (0) 4 0 6 (33. 33) (16.67) (100) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 6 (100) 6 (100) 6 (100) 6 (100) (0) (75) (25) (0) 3. Laptops 3 1 0 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (100) (0) (60) 4 0 5 (75) (25) (0) 4. Scanners 0 4 0 (100) (0) (83. 33) (0) 4 0 5 1 (0) (100) (0) 5. Photocopiers 0 3 1 (100) (0) (83. 33) (16. 67) (00 4 0 6 0 (0) 0 (0) (0) (75) (25) (0) (100) (0) (100) It can be seen from table 4 that 2 (50%) government university libraries had more than 31 computers and 3 (50%) deemed university libraries had from 11 to 20 computers. All libraries 4 (100%) from government universities and 5 of those from deemed university libraries had scanners. Three government university libraries and 6 deemed university libraries had between 1 and 10 photocopiers. Four important software applications library automation, digital library, e-learning, and digitization were identified and further ascertained using an Objective Scaling System. The results are shown in table 5. Table 5. ICT based Software in University Libraries S. No Description ICT based Software Total WAM Rank Yes No 1 (10) 9 (90) 9 (90) 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 1. 0 4 1. 1 3 1. 9 1 1. 9 1 1. Library Automation Software 9 (90) 2. Digital Library Software 1 (10) 3. E-learning Software. 1 (10) 4. Digitization Software 0 (0) (Yes=Available, No=Not Available) Ninety percent of the libraries have implemented library automation and digital library software. Most of the libraries have yet to implement e-learning software and digitization software. The software were further distributed library-wise and are shown in table 6. Table 6. ICT based Software vs. University Libraries S. No Description ICT based Software Government Universities Libraries Deemed Universities Libraries Yes 1. Library Automation Software 3 (75) 2. Digital Library Software 0 (0) 3. Digitization Software 0 (0) 4. E-learning Software 1 (25) No 1 (25) 4 (100) 0 (0) 3 (75) Total 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 (100) Yes 6 (100) 1 No 0 (0) 5 Total 10 (100) 10 (16. 67) (83. 33) (100) 0 (0) 0 (0) 6 (100) 6 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) (Yes=Available, No=Not Available) Three-quarters of government university libraries and 6 (100%) deemed university libraries have implemented library automation , while one (25%) government university and one (16. 67%) deemed university had implemented both e-learning and digital library software. Technologies such as barcode, smart card, RFID, videoconferencing, and Internet technonologies were identified and are shown in table 7. Table 7. ICT based Technologies vs. University Libraries S. No Description ICT based Technologies Total WAM Rank Yes 1. Barcode Technology 2. Smart card Technology 9 (90) 3 (30) 3. RFID Technology 3 (30) 4. Video Conference Technology 0 (0) 5. Internet Technology 10 (100) No 1 (10) 7 (70) 7 (70) 10 (100) 0 (0) 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 2. 00 1 1. 00 5 1. 3 3 1. 3 3 1. 9 2 (Yes=Available, No=Not Available) All the libraries surveyed provide internet facilities, while 90% have implemented barcode technology. Three libraries have implemented smart card and RFID technologies. None of the libraries has implementing videoconferencing. The technologies mentioned in table 7 were distributed library-wise and are shown in table 8. Table 8. ICT-based Technologies Universities Libraries S. No Description ICT based Technologies in University Libraries Government Universities Deemed Universities Yes 1. Barcode Technology 3 (75) No 1 (25) Total 4 (100) Yes 6 (100) No 0 (0) Total 10 (100) 2. Smart card Technology 2 (50) 2 (50) 2 (50) 0 (0) 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 (100) 1 5 10 (16. 67) (83. 33) (100) 1 5 10 3. RFID Technology 2 (50) (16. 67) (83.33) (100) 6 (100) 0 (0) 0 (0) 6 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 4. Internet Technology 4 (100) 0 (0) 5. Video Conference Technology (Yes=Available, No=Not Available) All libraries in government and deemed universities provide Internet facilities. Seventy-five percent of government university libraries and 100% of deemed university libraries have implemented barcode technology. Nine electronic resources were identified for this study and are shown in table 9. Table 9. Electronic Resources vs. University Libraries S. No Description E-Resources in University Libraries Yes 1. E-Books 6 (60) 2 E-Journals 9 (90) 3. Full text Databases 5 (50) 4. Bibliographic databases 4 (40) 5. CD-ROM databases 8 (80) 6. E-Learning Resources 7 (70) 7. ETD 4 No 4 (40) 1 (10) 1 (10) 6 (60) 2 (20) 3 (30) 6 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 10 1. 4 7 1. 7 4 1. 8 2 1. 4 8 1. 1 9 1. 9 1 1. 6 6 Total WAM Rank (40) 8. DVD 7 (70) 9. Library Consortium 8 (80) (60) 3 (30) 2 (20) (100) 10 (100) 10 (100) 1. 8 2 1. 7 4 (Yes=Available, No=Not Available) Nearly all the libraries subscribe to electronic journals, and an almost equal number belong to a library consortium. Electronic resources mentioned in table 10 were further distributed library-wise and are shown in table 10. Table 10. Electronic Resources vs. University Libraries S. No Description Electronic Resources in University Libraries Government Universities Deemed Universities Yes 1. E-Books 2 (50) 2. E-Journals 4 (100) 3. Fulltextdatabases 1 (25) 4. Bibliographic databases 2 (50) 5. CD-ROM databases 3 (75) 6. E-Learning Resources 3 (75) 7. ETD 1 (25) 8. DVD 2 No 2 (50) 0 (0) 3 (75) 2 (50) 1 (25) 1 (25) 3 (75) 2 Total 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 (100) 4 Yes 4 No 2 Total 6. (66. 67) (33. 33) (100) 5 1 6 (83. 33) (16. 67) (100) 3 (50) 2 3 (50) 4 6 (100) 6 (33. 33) (66. 67 (1) 5 1 6 (83. 33) (16. 67) (100) 4 2 6 (66. 67) (33. 33) (100) 3 (50) 5 3 (50) 1 6 (100) 6 (50) 9. Library Consortium 4 (100) (50) 0 (0) (100) 4 (100) (83. 33) (16. 67) (100) 4 2 6 (66. 67) (33. 33) (100) (Yes=Available, No=Not Available) All the libraries from government universities and a large number from deemed universities subscribe to e-journals. large number have acquired other electronic resources and belong to library consortia. Conclusion and Recommendations. The application of ICTs are increasing in academic libraries, especially in the university environment. Users’ expectations have increased due to developments in technologies. The study recommends the following The University Libraries must increase the numbers of computer available to enable the users to maximize the usage of ICT-based resources and services. The Digital Library Service† is one of the most useful services in the university library. Users can access digital resources using a number of different open source digital library software packages. The libraries should implement digital library software. It is found that no library was implemented digitization software. It is very useful to digitize rare collections such as older and out of print editions. References 1. Webster, F. (2001). A new politics. In Webster, F. (Ed. ), Culture and politics in the Information Age. London: Routledge. 2. Igwe, P. O. (1986). The electronic age libraries: Present and future prospects. International Library Review, 34(1):43-52. 3. Haglund, L. , Olsson. (2008). The impact oo university libraries of changes in information behavior among academic researchers: A multiple case study. The Journal of Academic librarianship, 34 (1):51-69. 4. Ebijuwa, A. A. (2005). Information and Communication Technology in university libraries: The Nigeria experience. Journal of Library and Information Science, 7(12) :23-30. 5. ToAnyakoha, M. W. (2005). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in library services. Coal City Libraries, 2(12) :. 2-12. 6. American Library Association (1983). The ALA glossary of library and information science. Chicago. ALA. 7. Walmiki, R. H. , Ramakrishnegowda (2009). ICT infrastructures in university libraries in Karnataka. Annals of Library and Information Studies, 56:236-241. 8. Ahmad, N. , Fatima, N. (2009). Usage of ICT products and services for research in social sciences at Aligarh Muslim University. DESIDOC Journal of Library and Information Technology, 29(2):. 25-30. 9. Adeleke, A. A. , Olorunsola, R. (2010). ICT and Library operations: More on the online cataloguing and classification tools and techniques in Nigerian libraries. The Electronic Library, 28(3):453-462. 10. Is ICT infrastructure capable to accommodate standardized library management systems? : Case studies of library automation from public sector universities in Islamabad (Pakistan). Available: http://www. crl. du. ac. in/ical09/papers/index_files/ical-44_191_402_1_RV. pdf 11. Etebu, A. T. (2010). ICT Availability in Niger Delta University Libraries. Library Philosophy and Practice. Available: http://unllib. unl. edu/LPP/etebu3. htm 12. Patil, S. G. (n. d. ). Usage of ICT Products and Services for research at MET’s institute of engineering, Bhujbal Knowledge City (met-bkc-ioe): A case study. Available: http://knol. google. com/k/usage-of-ict-products-and-services-forresearch#

The Value Chain Analysis: Sony

The Value Chain Analysis: Sony According to Porter (1985, cited in Gershon and Kanayama, 2002:115), strategic planning is a set of managerial decisions and actions that determine the long-term performance of an organisation. Lasserre (2003:33) agrees with this suggesting further that a company business strategy is a set of fundamental choices which define its value proposition to the market, how it intends to build and sustain a competitive business system and how it organises itself. This means in order for Sony to regain its global competitive advantage it has to develop effective business strategy, which will provide the organisation with clear direction, tactics, improved communication and as a result better organisational growth and performance (Yavitz and Newman, 1982:10). However, in order to develop and implement right strategic decision Thompson and Martin (2005:138-141) suggest that organisation have to pay attention to internal and external analysis. Conversely, they suggest that whilst analytical frame works can provide valuable insight into many issues, by themselves they cannot provide the answers. Consequently, they provide a base for evaluating the effectiveness of current and proposed strategies. Internal Factors/Analysis In order to develop the right strategy the organisation has to take into account several internal factors that may affect business environment. (Thompson and Martin, 2005:145-155) For example, analysis of strengths and weaknesses focuses on internal factors that may give Sony certain advantages in meeting the needs of its target markets, such as ability to (re)act to environmental influences quicker than competitors. (SWOT, PESTEL, Porters 5. Appendix 1) Culture For example, understanding core competencies and culture will enable Sony to boast its organisational performance and thus increase its market share. Hofstede (1991:50) agrees with this suggesting that strong culture enables employees to see the goal alignment and thus motivates them to higher levels of performance, as shared values make people feel good about the organisation and commit their capability and potential sincerely for the company, as a result, creating competitive advantage for the organisation. Deal and Kennedy (2000:3-20) agree with it, suggesting that the more highly successful companies are those that exhibit a strong organisational culture. They also identify several component parts to a solid organisational culture, including values, heroes, and rites and rituals. For example, values are the intrinsic beliefs that members hold for an organisation. It can be said that Sony displays many features of a traditional Japanese company, for example there is a sense of fam ily and/or missionary passion that is decidedly Japanese in approach. Most of Sonys top officials are also Japanese and together they share in the companys collective mission. Sony also carefully grooms its future leaders over many years of service. However, writers like Bennis (1986, Cited in Armstrong, 2006) oppose that the single most important determinant of corporate culture is the behaviour of the chief executive officer, as the CEO is the person most responsible for shaping the beliefs, motivations and expectations for the organization as a whole. The importance of the CEO is particularly evident when it comes to the formation of business strategy, for example, CEO Nobuyuki Idei has embraced the principle that digital communications must be at the centre of Sonys competitive business strategy (Digital Dream Kid, 1996). Disregarding of contrasting views, the above suggests that it is crucial for Sony to maintain and take pride in its organisational culture, as it will provide Sony with competitive advantage through attracting, motivating and retaining the best talent, promoting organisational values and believes, as well as promoting the spirit of innovation (SWOT, Appendix 1), as it will help the company to grow and develop, and thus achieve further organisational development. Resource Based View In order for Sony to achieve competitive advantage and organisational development, it may be suggested the organisation applies the Resource Based View (RBV) to strategy, which deals with the competitive environment facing the organisation taking an inside-out approach (Johnson et al, 2005:114). Henry (2008:129-150) agrees with this suggesting that RBV emphasises the internal capabilities of the organisation in formulating strategy to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage in its markets and industries, suggesting further that in some cases organisational capabilities may allow it to create new markets, such as Apples iPod and Toyotas hybrid cars. This means that by analysis internal capabilities Sony can determine the strategic choices it can make in competing in external environment. Thus, for example, analysis (SWOT, PESTEL and Porters 5, Appendix 1) suggests that Sonys strengths lies with its brands strong name and reputation for innovation and excellence, thus it may be sug gested that by reducing portfolio of electronic goods and focusing attention on fewer products and new technologies, for example in TV market, organisation may once again become market leader. However, Henry (2008:150) critiques that RBV shows very little on the vital issues of how resources can develop and change, or become redundant over time. Priem and Butler (2001, cited in Henry, 2008:150) agree with it, proposing that RBV lacks detail and therefore is difficult to implement. Latter suggests that although RBV may offer a good insight into current resource situation, other analytical tools have to be used to ensure a correct picture of internal environment, such as, for example, Value Chain Analysis. Value Chain Analysis Porter (1985, cited in Thompson and Martin, 2005:251) argues that in search for competitive advantage a firm must be considered as part of a wider system suppliers, firm, distributors, consumers a supply chain, which is a process by which cost savings and service differentiation can be achieved. As part of the process of evaluating the strategic competences of the organisation a resource audit can provide substantial insights into the competitive possibilities open to the organisation. The model against which to do this is Porters value chain (Appendix 2). Thus, value chain analysis may provide Sony with a framework for evaluating relative significance of various activities undertaken by an organisation, from the perspectives of cost and value added (Robson, 1994:41). By applying the results of SWOT and Porters 5 Forces Analysis to Value Chain of Sony it can be suggested that the organisation focuses on high-quality/high cost exclusive products, offering its customers excellent fol low-up Service afterwards. This suggests that Inbound Logistics and the retail Operations must be tightly managed to keep the cost of production and delivery down, and thus offer a higher profit margin. SWOT and Porters 5 also suggest that Technology Development and Engineering would have to be reorganised in order to be able to keep up with progress of the industry, and thus competitors. In order to achieve this, it could be suggested that Sony should reduce the portfolio of extensive product range and focus attention on best-selling and most promising products. Robson (1994:45-48) suggests latter can be achieved by applying the Boston Matrix to product portfolio, as well as undertake the analysis of Core Competences offered by Prahalad and Hamel (1990, cited in Robson, 1994:46-48) (Appendix 3). Similar to Inbound Logistics, it could also be suggested that Sonys Outbound Logistics, such as warehousing and distribution, would have to be re-organised in order to achieve most cost eff ective outcome. SWOT, PESTEL and Porters 5 also suggest that Sony possess brilliant opportunity for Marketing and Sales, as the organisation owns Sony Entertainment and thus, is able to use media productions as an extensive free advertising for its product range. For example, using Sony laptops and other gadgets in new 007 blockbuster, to re-introduce the organisation to world-wide audience, as well as indirectly advertise its products. The analysis of Support Activities, based on the outcome of SWOT, PESTLE and Porters 5 also suggests several recommendations. For example, being global organisation, Sony suffers from a duplication of workforce (Human Resource Management). Thus, to reduce replication it could be suggested Sony performs major reductions in global workforce (Ferrari, 2012), which could potentially lead to easier flow of communication, and thus, quicker strategic and general day-to-day responses, and as a result, help return company to profitability. For Technology Development and Engineering analysis suggests that it may be worth drastically reducing product portfolio (particularly portfolio of TV models). This could potentially drastically improve Research and Development, allowing it to keep up with technological progress, and giving it time to work on new technologies. Baring in mind the above analysis, Henry (2011:112) suggests that organisations value chain activities represent the cornerstone of competitive advantage. And recommends that its value chain should not be seen as a series of independent activities, but as a system of interdependent activities, where each value chain activity is related to the others by way of linkages in the value chain. For example, Toyotas just-in-time production reduces inventory and material handling. Therefore Sonys competitive advantage can derive not only from the activities themselves, but also from linkages between its different activities, internal, as well as external. (Henry, 2011:112) External Factors Stakeholders and Corporate Social Responsibility Foot and Hook (2008:23) suggest that there is a wider group of stakeholders that may affect business strategy. For example, apart from the shareholders, workforce, suppliers and customers, organisation may also be affected by local communities, government, and pressure groups. As Johnson et al (2005:585) suggest it is impossible to meet the demands of all the stakeholders, as they invariably conflict. This suggests that Sony must prioritise stakeholder demands and thus, balancing out competing requirements create a strategy that will satisfy main stakeholder groups, will be in line with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of organisation, and in its turn relate to the culture in which the organisation is operating. Thus for example, as it is the core corporate responsibility of Sony Group to the society to pursue its corporate value enhancement through innovation and sound business practice, the organisation conducts CSR activities with a focus on sustainability in two areas t rying to ensure sustainability of its business operations, as well as striving to contribute to the realisation of a sustainable society. For example, Sony has established effective systems for corporate governance and compliance to ensure sound business practices, such as, eco-friendly product cycle from the materials Sony sources, recycles and reuses in manufacture, to the development of smaller packaging that takes less space for more energy-efficient transportation. Sony also believes in the importance of fostering diverse and lively workplaces and employees with a high level of social awareness, which in effect contributes to employee loyalty and thus, reduces staff turnover, which in its turn contributes to competitive advantage of organisation. (Sony, 2012) Conclusions Business strategy is a set of vital choices which define its value proposition to the market, how it intends to build and sustain a competitive business system and how it organises itself. In order to gain competitive advantage organisations may use internal and external analytical tools that will help build a good picture of environment of given organisation. These tools, such as SWOT, PESTEL, Porters 5, RBV and Value Chain suggest that Sony remain a reputable brand, and providing a new strategy and allowing restructuring of the business, may help it regain its competitive advantage in global market. Sony also fully recognises that its business activities affect both society and the environment in direct and indirect ways, thus takes steps to minimise that impact to the best of its ability. Recommendations In order to regain its competitive advantage, it can be proposed that Sony undertakes a drastic restructuring of its business model. For example, it can be suggested that the company will benefit from either minimising the amount of factories across the globe and removing factories from areas affected by hurricanes and floods in order to minimise production costs. Conversely, as more value-added component sourcing, production and logistics may be outsourced to contract manufacturers and trading partners. Portfolio of goods (especially electronic goods, and TV market) have to be reduced, allowing RD to focus on bringing excellence to Sonys customers, keeping up with technological advancement and boosting competitiveness of products. The television business may also enhance integration with Sony ´s mobile products and network services, as it aims to offer unique user experiences, drive hardware differentiation and enhance the attractiveness of Sony ´s television line-up. Now owning 100% of Sony Ericsson, with own tablets, VAIO PCs and TVs, Sony can increase product appeal by offering its customers special programmes only available to share between those Sony products (to gain market-share of Apples iPhone, iPod and Apple Mac). A previous culture of inflexibility in product demand forecasting needs to be replaced with product demand sensing and response capabilities linked to constantly changing consumer needs and market trends. Through developing these new strategies, accelerating selection and focus, Sony can invest in core and new businesses which could help to transform organisation into a more profitable structure with competitive advantage against its competitors. References Books Armstrong M., (2005), Strategic Human Resource Management: A Guide To Action, 3rd Edition, London: Kogan Page Deal T. E. and Kennedy A. A., (2000), Corporate Cultures: The Rites and Rituals of Corporate Life, New York: Perseus Books Publishing Foot M. and Hook C., (2008), Introducing Human Resources, 5th Edition, Essex: Pearson Education Press Garratt B., (1995), Developing Strategic Thought: Rediscovering the Art of Direction-Giving, Berkshire: McGraw-Hill Book Company Europe Henry A. E., (2011), Understanding Strategic Management, 2nd Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press Hofstede G., (1991), Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind, London: McGraw-Hill Johnson G., Scholes K. and Whittington R., (2005), Exploring Corporate Strategy: Text and Cases, 7th Edition, Essex: Pearson Education Limited Robson W., (1994), Strategic Management and Information Systems: An Integrated Approach, London: Pitman Publishing Tapscott D., (2009), Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your World, London: McGraw Hill Thompson J. and Martin F., (2005), Strategic Management: Awareness and Change, 5th Edition, London: Thomson Yavitz B. and Newman W. H., (1982), Strategy in Action: The Execution, Politics, and Payoff of Business Planning, London: Collier Macmillan Publishers On-line Journals, Articles and Websites Black J., (2003), Big Music: Win Some, Lose a Lot More?, BusinessWeek Online, Business Source Online web.ebscohost.com, accessed on 10 November 2012 British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News, (27th October 2011), Sony buys the rest of mobile phone firm Sony Ericsson www.bbc.co.uk, accessed on 4 November 2012 British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News, (21 May 2009), Sony to halve number of suppliers www.bbc.co.uk, accessed on 22 November 2012 Consumer Electronics, (30th July 2009), Sony Is Still Feeling the Recessions Bite, Bloomberg Business Week www.businessweek.com, accessed on 4 November 2012 Corporate information/Environmental (1 April 2012), Sony news.sel.sony.com, accessed on 7 November 2012 Corporate Social Responsibility (2012), Sony www.sony.co.uk, accessed on 29 November 2012 East J., (2007), The Electronic Industry: The Power to Change, Portable Design, 13 (10) pp 16-19, Business Source Complete web.ebscohost.com, accessed on 7 November 2012 Fatakia K., (3rd February 2012), Sony Corporation: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats www.dailyfinance.com, accessed 2 November 2012 Ferrari, B. (2012), Descartes Systems to Acquire Europe Based Infodis, Supply Chain Matters, 04 June 2012, [Online]. Available at: www.theferrarigroup.com, accessed on 20 November 2012 Glendinning L., (4th November 2012), The Telegraph, Sony PlayStation Store: why the redesign matters www.telegraph.co.uk, accessed on 4 November 2012 Hall R., (1992), The Strategic Analysis of Intangible Resources, Strategic Management Journal, 13 (20), pp135-144 http://web.ebscohost.com, accessed on 19 March 2010 Kosner A. W., (25th June 2012), New Sony Google TV Set-Top Box Disappoints, Increases Desire for Apple TV www.forbes.com, accessed on 3 November 2012 Kosner A. W., (28th June 2012), Google Nexus Q: Simple, Sleek, Sexy And Made In The USA www.forbes.com, accessed on 3 November 2012 Our Working Culture (2012) Sony www.sony.co.uk, accessed on 26 November 2012 The Times 100, (no date), Responding to changes in the market environment: A Jessops case study businesscasestudies.co.uk, accessed on 9 November 2012 Singh P. P., (13th October 2011), BBC News, Can Sony succeed where Sony-Ericsson partnership failed? www.bbc.co.uk, accessed on 4 November 2012 Sony Announces Revision of Consolidated Forecast for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012, (10th April 2012), Sony www.sony.net, accessed on 4 November 2012 Sony Annual Report, (2009), Sony www.sony.net, accessed on 4 November 2012 Sony Global Supply Chain Management (2012), Sony www.sony.net, accessed on 22 November 2012 Tang H., Misra R. and Shanholt E., (2012), Sony Corporation, Griffin Consulting Group Economics-files.pomona.edu , accessed on 20 November 2012 The Video Game Industry, (no date), Social and Environmental Factors sites.duke.edu, accessed on 5 November 2012 Yasu Mariko, (1st November 2012), Sony Posts 7th Straight Loss as TV Sales Slump on Economy www.businessweek.com, accessed on 3 November 2012 Bibliography Ciborra C. and Jelassi T., (1995), Strategic Information Systems, Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley Sons Ltd BBC News, (27th October 2011), Sony boss Sir Howard Stringer on Ericsson purchase www.bbc.co.uk, accessed on 4 November 2012 Houlden B., (1993), Understanding Company Strategy: An Introduction to Thinking and Acting Strategically, Oxford: Blackwell Publishers McCurry J., (30th July 2009), Sony sales plunge by a fifth in two months, The Guardian www.guardian.co.uk, accessed on 4 November 2012 Stacey R., (1993), Strategic Management and Organisational Dynamics, London: Pitman Publishing SWOT Analysis Strengths Over the years Sony has built a strong, reputable and well-known brand. This is highlighted by the fact that the company was labelled in a 2011 survey as Asias most valued brand (Fatakia, 2012) Sonys culture is aimed at nurturing talents, where organisation helps its employees to foster working practices that help to regularly replenish energy and build physical, emotional and mental resilience. Sony culture emphasizes a spirit of freedom and open-mindedness, and a fighting spirit to innovate as well as takes a Worksmart approach to help employees achieve an acceptable work/life balance (Sony, 2012) The company has established a broad sales network, registered in approximately 200 countries and territories (Tang et al, 2012) One of Sonys greatest strengths is their ability to produce innovative, quality products, or as Sonys web page states Sony innovations ´ have become part of mainstream culture (Sony, 2012) The company is synonymous with technological excellence and has a rich heritage of technological expertise. Besides creating the VCR, Trinitron, and Walkman, the company facilitated in development of the magnetic recording tape, the compact disc, and the Blu-Ray disc, used today as a medium for high-definition video playback. Its latest innovation, a Crystal LED television, was well received at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (Fatakia, 2012) Out of all its products, Sonys success with the PlayStation is most notable it has been successful since launch, and still sees tremendous consumer demand as by 2000, it was accounting for a third of Sonys operating profits (Glendinning, 2012) Sony has a number of Japanese and foreign patents, and is licensed to use a number of patents owned by other organisations. Sony considers their overall license position beneficial to their operations (Tang et al, 2012) The release of PlayStation 2 triggered a high rise of shares ($300 per share, an all-time high) Sony has a strong position in the entertainment industry with Sony Music and Sony Pictures, which has been beneficial to the company by off-setting losses in its electronics/consumer-products division Sony also provides financial services, such as life and auto insurance and banking, that accumulate Weaknesses The high cost of media production, especially in its television business, as well as loss of market share to cheaper manufacturers, such as LG and Samsung, has affected the companys pricing strategy. In addition, instead of forecasted loss of $2.7 billion during the fiscal year that ended 31 March, the organisation is now expecting to suffer a loss of $6.3 billion due to cumulative losses of consolidated deferred tax returns and additional tax expense for the transfer of profits between Japan and selected Sonys overseas subsidiaries (Sony, 2012) While diversifying into too many business segments, Sony has shifted its focus from its core competency making great consumer-electronic products. This has resulted in a distortion in Sonys brand. Apple, which is also in the consumer electronics space, has managed to focus on just a few products, build competency, and make them incredibly successful (Fatakia, 2012) Furthermore, the product lines have few connections between themselves, and therefore do not generate many network externalities or cost advantages (Tang et al, 2012) The current financial performance of organisation is weak, showing high liquidity risks, decreasing sales, slowly recovering profitability, low operating efficiency, underperforming stocks, and low investor confidence (Tang et al, 2012) The current management team has been relatively conservative, with departments working in silo, which led to little, if no flow of communication. While restructuring has frequently been implemented, it was usually done on a small scale. Strategically significant mergers and acquisitions were seldom conducted (Tang et al, 2012) As Sony expanded into more segments and geographic locations, they became more sensitive to exchange rates and interest rates that are exogenous factors out of Sonys control (Tang et al, 2012) Japanese laws and the countrys lingering culture of lifetime employment limit the ability of Japanese firms to close plants and shed jobs, thus resulting in incapability of the organisation to quickly adapt to fast-changing market environment, thus resulting in further financial losses Opportunities The company has the opportunity to enter the healthcare-imaging sector, as in September Sony agreed to invest 50 billion yen in Olympus, the worlds biggest maker of endoscopes. Under agreement, Sony will by 11.46% stake and become the largest shareholder in two steps. The two companies are planning to set up a joint venture by December 31 to develop, make and sell new endoscopes and other medical devices (Yasu, 2012) Sony Google TV, and particularly Nexus Q has a potential of regaining its TV market as, in comparison to Apple TV, Roku and similar products, Q is the only product that combines streaming internet content to a TV with a built-in 25 watt-per-channel sound amplifier that can run two sets of speakers. And its the only streaming TV product that allows itself to be controlled by more than one device simultaneously. And one thing Google has been making a point of saying about the Nexus Q, that Apple cannot say about any of its products, is that it is Designed and Manufactured in the USA, thus making it more attractive to those customers who are concerned with the ethics behind product manufacture (Kosner, 2012) As the organisation wanted to integrate its phone division with its mobile games machine and tablet computer units, the purchase of full control of mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson may give Sony the opportunity to act independently and innovate its smart phone and tablet market. The transaction that also includes patent, which is an important component of success in the smartphone arena, as it can give organisation the right to block sales of the competitors and vice-versa. With already established network of marketing, distribution and retail channels, it may help push through the products much quicker (Singh/BBC News, 2011) The company can take advantage of its movie and music business along with its experience in the gaming space to deliver value-added content to support and integrate its product line. It has talked about doing this with a four-screen strategy, which looks like a good concept (Fatakia, 2012) Kazuo Hirai, appointed CEO of Sony in February 2012, might bring changes to the company. His expertise in computer entertainment and PlayStation might bring more focus to the firms product lines (Tang et al, 2012) Threats As many of Sonys manufacturing plants are located in Japan, area that is prone to tsunamis and earthquakes, the company faces a constant threat of damage to the facilities and machinery and thus, disruptions in production line, which may lead to further loses of operating profit Organisation faces strong price competition from competitors such as Samsung, LG and even Tescos own electrical goods line Technika, who are gaining attraction from customers with lower-cost products such as televisions and mobile devices (Fatakia, 2012) Introduction of Apple TV, interactive television increased falling demand on Sony products as consumers switch to Apple (Kosner, 2012) Foreign exchange rate fluctuations can affect financial results because a large portion of Sonys sales and assets (more than 75%) are denominated in currencies other than the Yen (Tang et al, 2012) Threats from hacking attacks. Hacking attack on the companys PlayStation network resulted in leakage of confidential customer data, such as credit-card information As the global recession continues, consumers are no longer spending much money on electronic products, as they now have smartphones to satisfy most of their needs (Kosner, 2012) Sonys business restructuring and transformation efforts are costly and may not attain their objectives (Tang et al, 2012) PESTEL Analysis Political Businesses can be affected by many aspects of government policy. In particular, all businesses must comply with the law. They must also consider the impact of any forthcoming legislation on their operations. Subsequently, this may require taking action before the legislation comes into effect. (The Times 100) One issue that affects manufacturers and retailers of electronic goods is the disposal of these products. Thus, recycling is high on the public agenda. There are government initiatives to promote more recycling, which are often backed by legislation. (The Times 100) As the global recession had a negative effect on the economy of many countries, governments had to adopt a nationalist approach in an effort to stabilise their domestic economy and become more self-sufficient, by for example, raising trade barriers, such as taxes, tariffs and quotas. (Business Europe, 2009) This means Sony, alongside other multinational organisations was affected by decrease in exports and/or heavier import/export costs which may have reduced its global profits. The Government also has the power to change minimum wage, tax, VATs and other expenditures. This means even higher expenditures that, as the report shows, may be critical for the bottom line of the organisation. (Sony, 2012) Economic The global recession has been a threat to Sony since 2009, as Consumer Electronics for Bloomberg Business Week reported on July 30, Sony posted a $271 million operating loss for the April-June quarter, down from a $772 million profit in the same quarter a year ago, revenues dropped 19%, to $16.8 billion with the forecasts for an operating loss of $1.16 billion in the fiscal year through March 2010. (Consumer Electronics, 2009) Additionally, the strength of the yen against the dollar and the euro has reduced Sonys exports making products less competitive and as a result reduced organisational revenue, especially in overseas markets (Sony Annual Report, 2009; Hall, 1992) Social One of the most important social trends of new generation is the development and increase in use of internet activities, such as online shopping, social networks and media on-demand. The Net Generation also demands its products to perform fast (Tapscott, 2009:15), and be of high-quality and multi-functional (Sonny Annual Report, 2009). As the new generation likes to be creative and be able to personalise its products, the technology have to offer high quality art applications that will allow them to do so. As video games are gaining an enormous place in society most kids are exposed to video games in some sort of capacity growing up, Sony have to ensure that their technology does not lose competitive advantage to their opponents, such as Wii (Nintendo) and/or Xbox (Microsoft). Technological The electronics industry is very well known for the fast development of the cutting edge products that facilitate our everyday life and business. Introduction of the internet, smartphones, as well as recent development of TVs that are connected to the internet shows a direction for smart, multi-functional devices. This means, in order for Sony to keep up with its main competitors, such as Apple, the organisation has to adopt the same strategies and be able to offer its customers high quality multifunctional products. Environmental Electronic devices that improve our quality of life are at the same time posing a great threat and contribute immensely towards global warming (East, 2007). Almost 50 million tons of electronic products are disposed of each year, and the figure continues to grow as the lifespan of new devices continues to fall (The Video Game Industry). As a leader in the consumer el

Architectural History of Blenheim Palace

Architectural History of Blenheim Palace INTRODUCTION Blenheim Palace is the one of the huge building in England and it was designed by playwright Sir John Vanbrugh, assistants  Nicholas Hawksmoor, and landscape architect Lancelot Brown (Capability Brown). An impressive example of 18th English baroque style. It was located at a town in southwestern New York, Oxfordshire,  England. Formerly it was called by â€Å"Woodstock Manor†, This building of the palace was originally intended to be a reward tothe first duke Marlborough, John Churchill. [1] It was built in 1705 when Queen Anne bestows to John Churchill, he was Winston Churchill forefather. This was to celebrate the victory over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession in 1704. By Blenheim Palace as the axis a huge palace building complex, it was the center of Woodstock. Beside this hidden a lot of precious oil painting and sculpture of magnificent palace, it also had a lake, pasture and a typical of English manor. Even though in later period had add in a lot of art ificial features, but it is still a faction elegant English-style afternoon tea. Blenheim palace is an immortal country house, one of the England’s largest country house. it is the only non-royal, non-episcopal in England to hold the title of palace. [2] This is a territory of the Oxfordshire quiet, green village. Futhermore, Winston Churchill was born in Blenheim Palace, the former Prime Minister of the England. In 1988, Blenheim Palace was list as cultural heritage of the world. In early the 20th, the 9th Duke of Marlborough, Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill, was rebuilt the east and west sides in the shape neat gardens. This pattern of garden, had become a lawn. Regarding to the famous architect and sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the 9th Duke of Marlborough, he was praised to him. Figure 1: Front view of Blenheim Palace Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blenheim_Palace Source of Name The origin name of Blenheim Palace was come from a decisive war at the north shore of the Danube and it was happened in 13th August 1704. In a north shore of the Danube, nearby had a small village called Blenheim. It was built as a gift to the 1st Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill the military commander who led the Allied forces in the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704. It was Marlborough who personally received the surrender from Marshall Tallard, leader of the French forces, following the battle.[3] Charity generous queen Anne giving the â€Å"Woodstock† royal honor and the construction of â€Å"Blenheim Palace† as a gift. The construction of this building start from 1705 to 1722 by Mr. Wenbuhler.The title of â€Å" Woodstock of the royal honor and building given by her majesty the queen Anne and confirmed by parliament.[4] In 1712, the construction of Blenheim Palace forced to stop all work. Since when Duke Marlborough continue across work for the queen, host ile forces are trying to think of ways to destroyed the queen for his love. Finally, the funds approval to build Blenheim Palace did not get, so that they owned the masonry, sculptor and other things include the architect. [1] [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blenheim_Palace [3] http://www.blenheimpalace.com/blenheimpalace/about-blenheim-palace/the-history-of-blenheim-palace/ [4] http://en.labtud.com/article-160217-1.html Architectural Style Interior Design Blenheim Palace, the main building consists of two wings on the main building and courtyards. The exterior mixed with Collins-style colonnades and tower with Baroque style. High uplift of the triangular wall, forming patchwork of facade line. Entering the hall, it is surrounded salon, reception room, library, living room, all surrounded by a small courtyard, connected by corridors and hall. Furnishings with families portrait paintings, tapestries and a variety of decorative ornaments, each one from the hands of masters. To mimic the natural landscape sculpture gardens seldom do the decoration, while Blenheim Palace is a French Baroque garden. Sculptures are visible everywhere. The Grand Bridge Blenheim palace is an English baroque architecture. In 1709, the manor was destructed by the Duchess of Marlboroughs command, the foundation of Vanbrughs Grand Bridge used a lot of rubber to fill up. When John Churchill and Vanbrugh walking though inquired into Woodstock Park, they saw a valley of marsh, this gave Sir Vangbrugh some inspiration, he created and designed the fitnest bridgein Europe. Since in 1711, Marburg was the Queen of favor and banished several years. Sarah Churchill, the first duchess, she finished the Blenheim with Vanbrugh by their own expense, even though they faced a lot of budjet problem and enter the prohibited place. Figure 2: The Grand Bridge of Blenheim Palace Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blenheim_Palace From the figure 2 above, can see the sea is surrounding the grand bridge. After the first duke died, his wife called in Colonel John Armstrong, he was a chief engineer, to re-designed the water-works in the park. The Great Hall The most amazing thing is the grand lobby, especially theGibbons hall. The hall is 67’ ft high, due to James Thornhill who is an english painter of historical subject, in 1716 he painted the ceilings of blenheim palace, according the order of war and to expand in blenheim palace, and to show the Madero victory. Futhermore, there had stone carving by Grinling Gibbons. However, the 9th Dukes bronze bust was made by Sir Jacob Epstein. Sarah Churchill was famous on bargain prices, she always argue with the workers that she hire. In a similar situation, she was argue with Grinling Gibbons, the master carver, he haven’t complete the work on house, but after that he never returned to complete and continue his work. Figure 3: Great Hall of Blenheim Palace Source:  http://www.discoverbritainmag.com/britain/blenheim_palace_steeped_in_history_1_3770278 The Saloon The Saloon, can only use once a year in Christmas dinner for the family of Duke Marlborough. In this elegant and classic room painted murals and paintings of French artist Louis Laguerre. Figure 4: Saloon ceiling of Blenheim Source:  http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_282079/Sir-James-Thornhill/Proposed-design-for-the-saloon-ceiling-at-Blenheim-Palace,-Oxfordshire-The-Apotheosis-of-Hercules Sarah Churchill were instructed to the first duke, John Churchill report the victory to Queen Anne. John Churchill used solid silver centerpiece writing the dispatch on horseback to his wife in this room. The centerpiece was made byGarrard, the Crown Jewellers. [5] The Green Writing Room In addition to Blenheim’s wall, there were thick tapestries made of expensive fabrics hang from the wall, describing the surrender from French on the battle been accepted by Marlborough in the green writing room. A carefully planned bureau in the room, the style of decorated was a modern inlay style, and this was made from the Queen’s nephew. The Long Library The long library, is one of the private house in Britain, the long library it was originally designed for the gallery, designed by Vanbrugh and Nicholes Hawksmoor. The library can contain around 10,000 books, the largely collection was from 9th Duke. Inside the wall, at the northern end, hang in a systemic statue of Queen Anne, King William III and the first duke, John Churchill. Maybe the most compelling place in the room is the magnificent Willis government agencies. In 1891, there was an organ belongs to Henry Willis and he designed it. This is the most ou tstanding room from Hawksmoor’s designed. The ordinary stucco ceilings designed, included two false domes, was completed in 1725. Figure 5: The Long Library Source: http://prato12.blog.sbc.edu/2011/08/11/blenheim-palace/ Due to the figure 3 above, there have a blank ceiling. At first, Sir James Thornhill was entrusted to filled up allegorical scenes. But it was too expensive, so they remained blank. The interesting things is, in 18th century, the blank and plane ceiling giving simple appearance to show atypical of the neoclassical or Georgian style of the Robert Adam. For many years, this long library had a number variety of uses. During World War I it was a hospital ward and during World War II it served as a dormitory for Malvern College boys. [6] [5] http://gouk.about.com/od/thingstodo/ig/Blenheim-in-Pictures/The-Saloon-at-Blenheim-Palace.htm#step-heading [6] http://gouk.about.com/od/thingstodo/ig/Blenheim-in-Pictures/The-Long-Library.htm 3.2 The Water Terraces Due to the water terraces of Blenheim palace, Winston Churchill was be responsible for the creation of a huge lake, the artificial fluctuations and a series of water cascades. He wrote that Blenheim’s unique attraction lie in its perfect adaptation of English parkland to an Italian palace. The â€Å"Italian palace† it seems to be part of the reference about the unique garden, the western water terraces, designed bythe French landscape architectAchille Duchà ªne. Figure 6: The upper water terrace in Blenheim Palace Source: During the 9th Duke of Marlborough, water terraces was built. It was built form 1925 to 1930, took around five years. The lower Water Terrace, separated from the upper Water Terrace by a wall of caryatids and tiered shells has been compared to the Parterre dEau at Versailles. Reportedly, the Water Terraces were inspired by the sculptor Bernini. The sphinx is one of pair with heads modeled on the features of the 9th Dukes second American wife Gladys Deacon. It was created by Ward Willis in 1930. Another piece of sculpture on the lower Water Terrace was modeled on local man and gardener by Bert Timms of Hanborough. Due to the story, he got inspired when walking through the garden and noticed who was carving Visseau at the time, As a result, he made the model of the head and torso of the leftmost caryatid on the wall that separates the two Water Terraces at Blenheim When walk in through, there had an archway describe about British lion forced down to a cockerel (the emblem of France). Altogether, on the exterior there were almost 15 references to mention British Victories against the French. 4.0 Architectural History In 13 August 1704, John Churchill achieved victory the Battle of Blenheim, who led the Allied forces. He was defeated in Bavaria with army of Louis XIV, in order to award his feats, he was awarded be the first Duke of Marlborough the king and giving him the construction of Blenheim as a gift. Blenheim Place is a masterpiece completed with a famous architect John Vanbrugh between 1705 until 1722. The building style of this was intended to reflect the establishment of the Duke of Marlboroughs outstanding contributions. The British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim, he is the eighth generation the first Duke of Marlborough’s grandson. He inherited on the fine tradition of the family, exert excellence military talent, go through brilliant political career. Winston Churchill wrote a biography about his family. Long ago, he was an officer, but later he served as British Prime Minister because of he successfully defended Britain in World War II. First, the first Duke took a fancy to a wide valley, later it formed to a piece of marsh. Sir John Vanbrugh design and build a grand large bridge. Bridge arches of main bridge total width 31 meters. It started the construction in 1708, but because of the cost was too high, and did not complete the constructed. Sarah Churchill, the first duchess, disagree to build an arched bridge under the valley. So, just built an ordinary bridge to connected between Blenheim and the ranch. In 1764, the family of duke the important task of construction to Blenheim Palace handed over to landscape architect, Capability Brown. He think that landscape design should blend with the natural landscape, not to leave traces of artificial modification. He repaired dams in the valley, form to a large territorial waters. Therefore, under the bridge become two edges of crooked lake. The first duke, John Churchill death on 1725, after the five years he death, the construction of Blenheim Palace just fully completed. The duke memo rial was a landmark to Blenheim Palace, under the memorial hall rooftop have a small tower and belfry. Supporting the Duke memorial hall there have 4 pillars, have the sing of Marlborough moral merit. The main part of this construction was using the columns to connect, and to replace the wall. Top of the memorial hall. There have a sculpture of British lion forced down to a cockerel, which means that the strength of victory. In early the 20th, the 9th Duke of Marlborough, Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill, was rebuilt the east and west sides in the shape neat gardens. This pattern of garden, had become a lawn. The 9th duke of Marlborough hire the famous French landscape designer,  Achille Duchà ªne to create a water garden. Duke hopes to restore the original appearance of the lake, but he just here to build a strange pond. Regarding to the famous architect and sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the 9th Duke of Marlborough, he was praised to him. Bernini used the Roman of St. Pi erre Cathedral transformed into the famous Palazzo Barberini, it was very famous and well-known in Europe. At that time, they called it Bernini was a â€Å"Knight†, Louis XIV also asked him to remodelled the Louvre. In order to satisfy the wish of the Duke, Achille Duchà ªne have to follow according to Berninis approach to the design of Blenheim Palace Gardens. He imitated Bernini to build a new plaza, in this pond middle of Alpheus built a small fountain. In England, natural landscape gardens seldom to do the decoration, yet Blenheim Palace was a French Baroque garden, sculptor can easy to be seen at here. The layout of garden neat and orderly, wherein plants and ornaments panoramic view passage. Statue in every corner is a sign of military bravery and honor of military. Because this is to commemorated the residence of the British army and built it. Bibliography References The front view of Blenheim Palace, available on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blenheim_Palace, accessed on 29 April 2015, 8p.m The Grand Bridge of Blenheim Palace, available on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blenheim_Palace, accessed on 02 May 2015, 02:14am. The Great Hall of Blenheim Palace, available on http://www.discoverbritainmag.com/britain/blenheim_palace_steeped_in_history_1_3770278, accessed on 2 May 2015, 01:50 a.m. Saloon ceiling of Blenheim, available on http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_282079/Sir-James-Thornhill/Proposed-design-for-the-saloon-ceiling-at-Blenheim-Palace,-Oxfordshire-The-Apotheosis-of-Hercules, accesed on 1 May 2015 2:30pm. The Long Library available on, http://prato12.blog.sbc.edu/2011/08/11/blenheim-palace/, accessed on 1 May 2015, 4:00pm.

A Moment of Innocence :: essays papers

A Moment of Innocence When I walked into class that day I was indifferent to the movie that we would be watching that evening. Five minutes into A Moment of Innocence (1995) by Mohsan Makhmalbaf, I was hooked. By taking a pseudo-documentary style Makhmalbaf lets us see the people as they are transformed into the characters from the director’s past. This style allows us to â€Å"grow up† with them and to relate to both sides of the story. By taking a true event and fictionalizing, at least part of it, Makhmalbaf has us trying to figure out what parts have been added to the narrative and which parts truly speak to history. A documentary does not strive to tell a story, it looks upon events unemotionally and tries not to colour our ideas about the event. A Moment of Innocence is not a documentary but uses the truth function common to that genre to give us an understanding of the events from both sides and makes us think about how our actions effect others every day. If A Moment of Innoce nce had been a wholly fictional film I do not believe that it would have carried the same emotional impact. Different scenes in the film show us how Makhmalbaf is trying to reconcile his past actions with his feeling today. They also show how he is, while not in any way apologizing for his actions, trying to amend some of the damage he may have caused. There are several scenes in the film that stand out to me as important. The scene that caught me the most off-guard occurred when Makhmalbaf and young Makhmalbaf went to the director’s cousin’s home to try to enlist her daughter to play the roll her mother had played in real life. For just a moment the daughter and young Makhmalbaf step out of themselves and become the characters that they are playing. They make plans to meet the next day for the incident with the policeman, both look nervous, Makhmalbaf returns and they resume their roles as if the exchange had never occurred. This glimpse into what and how the incident was planned gives the audience a look into the type of people that Makhmalbaf and his cousin were as young adults, scared but sure in their purpose. The scene also allows us to step out of the knowledge that this is staged and shows us the characters as people, not actors.

The Truth of Thanksgiving Essay -- American History Thanksgiving Essay

The Truth of Thanksgiving While children are growing up in America, they are told several tales of America’s establishment and history. However, these stories are generally not told as they actually happened. An instance of this is the story of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is explained as this elaborate ceremony where the Pilgrims and Indians gathered in harmony at this large harvest in celebration of their coming together. According to the primary document of William Bradford’s journal, Thanksgiving didn’t pan out quite as it is explained to Americans today. In the film, The Addams Family Values, the Addams children take part in a traditional, yet misconceived celebration of the first Thanksgiving. This film in comparison to Bradford’s testimony proves how Americans view their history as they please; giving America the official Thanksgiving ceremony even if it never actually happened. In the film, Addams’ Family Values, the Addams’ are depicted as an odd American family. They practice magic, dress in all black, worship the dead, etc. In this specific film, the Addams children, Wednesday and Pugsley, are sent to summer camp. The camp is a Native American activity based camp named Camp Chippewa. At camp, Wednesday and all of her friends are considered â€Å"losers†. Wednesday and Pugsley have black hair, wear all black clothes and, along with all their friends, don’t enjoy typical kid activities, such as watching Disney movies and playing with dolls. All the other children are blonde, rich girls, who are considered the â€Å"cool kids†. They are all apples of their parent’s eyes and truly enjoy being at summer camp. The children partake in typical â€Å"Indian† activities such as shooting bow ... ...to Bradford’s, â€Å"Of Plymouth Plantation†. Americans have such a need to be exceptional and different that they are willing to risk their true history for a celebration that comes only once a year. It is important for American children to learn their true history rather than the alternative in order for them to understand the struggles the original founders went through to create the America we have today. Works Cited The Addams’ Family Values. Dir. Barry Sonnenfeld Perf. Angelica Houston, Raul Julia, Christopher Llyod, Joan Cusack, Christina Ricci, Carol Kane, Jimmy Workman. Paramount,1993. Bradford, William. â€Å"Of Plymouth Plantation.† Ed. Nina Baym. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. New York: 2003. 156-195. Newman, Andrew. â€Å"William Bradford, the ‘Pilgrims’, Thanksgiving†. American Literature I. EGL 217. 06 Feb. 2006. (cited as â€Å"Lecture†)

Influenza in New York City :: Journalism Media Studies Influenza Health Essays

Influenza in New York City NEW YORK--The Influenza epidemic arrived in the city last month, and it has remained a constant presence since then. The epidemic, which is now present in most major cities in America, lingers in and around the city, affecting everyone. Dr. Copeland, Health Commissioner Royal, has declared influenza to be a reportable disease. Influenza presents itself in a manner not unlike a cold: runny nose, chills, fever, coughing, sneezing. Influenza is a stronger version of the cold, as it can lead to extreme pain and congestion, and, as we have seen, it can often result in death. Because influenza is so much like the cold, doctors urge all New Yorkers to suspect and prepare for influenza first when these symptoms arise. For their part, city officials have outlawed sneezing, coughing, and spitting in public. Doctors say the disease is spread through expelled mucus and saliva. It is expected that the new municipal codes will help to slow the spread of the disease. While the precautions strike many as odd and unnecessary, doctors insist that being more careful about our fluids will end the epidemic in the city sooner rather than later. Transgressors, along with receiving the disdain of the public, will be fined arrested and fined. Doctors and City officials alike insist that everyone cooperate to contain this disease. City-dwellers will also notice new opening and closing times for bars, restaurants, shops, theaters, businesses, and factories. The Board of Health has begun to regulate hours in order to reduce crowds. Doctors say that smaller crowds of people reduce the chance of the disease being spread. New Yorkers won't be stuck in large crowds of people which may or may not contain sick people. A few Board of Health officials anonymously and jokingly point out that for the first time in modern ages, New Yorkers will enjoy serenity and space when they go into the city. Even when sick people are out and about, smaller crowds will reduce the number of people exposed to the germs. New York remains a large, crowded city even with the restrictions, but Board of Health officials assert that even a small reduction in the number of people will lend to the fight against influenza. City officials are also monitoring travelers, keeping the sick off of trains, buses, and subways.

People All over the World Prefer to Watch Foreign Films

Foreign films such as the Hollywood blockbusters have been prevailing globally and enjoy a wide range of fans, which poses a tremendous threat to the local film industry. A comprehensive analysis concerning the reasons of this phenomenon and whether the government should provide financial aid to support the local film industry will be discussed in this essay.Why such a substantial number of people are willing to see foreign films are mainly attributed to three factors, including the fine production, human beings’ nature and individuals’ needs. The first and foremost reason is foreign films, especially those blockbusters are constantly involved with the advanced elements, such as the amazing visual effects and acoustics, which largely helps the films, like The Smurfs and Avatar, to win a sizeable percentage of audiences throughout the world.Born to be curious about all fresh ideas and exotic cultures, people could obtain a substantial number of information through seeing a foreign film. This would satisfy human beings’ nature of curiosity. In conjunction to that, individual purposes, such as going abroad to have further education might be another factor that needs to be taken into consideration, for seeing a foreign film where actors and actresses all speak the native language might be the best way to master this language.However, the locally produced films seem to reach a bottom in comparison with their foreign counterparts and it is highly suggested that the local government financially support this industry. On the one hand, films are the carrier of a country’s culture. Supporting the local film industry will enable the widespread of its culture and this seems an essential approach to help a country be more powerful in the world.On the other hand, the boom of this industry would, to a large extent, produce an increasing number of job positions and consequently, the unemployment rate in this country might substantially decrease, whi ch will contribute to its social stability. In conclusion, it is reasonable for foreign films to enjoy the popularity at an international level in terms of the merits that they may possess; while it is also necessary for the local government to support the development of local film industry through all possible manners, financially, in particular.