Weapons Of The Middle Ages Essays - Projectile Weapons,

Weapons Of The Middle Ages Every culture's arsenal is based on the technology and raw materials available at the time. Prehistoric peoples, often called the Stone Age cultures, made wide use of stone, shaping axes and grinding tools, and creating spears and arrows in order to promote their survival. As technological skills evolved, so did the type of implements used for survival. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, we see the development of metal tools and weapons, which persisted through the Middle Ages, which were dramatically altered over time. Finally, the appearance of gunpowder in Europe in the early 14th century brought about the obsolescence of many weapons - and made the castle useless as well. While the castle was, arguably, the most formidable weapon of medieval warfare, when we generally think of weapons we think of something much smaller, movable, and able to wreak havoc and death on an opponent. During the early Middle Ages, double-edged swords, axes and metal-headed spears dominated. Short bows and arrows were also used. Interestingly, the Saxons considered the value of a sword to be the equivalent of 120 oxen or 15 male slaves, and any man possessing a sword had great status. Simple to construct and easy to wield, these weapons remained popular, in various forms, throughout the Middle Ages. And by the 9th century, the Vikings adopted another formidable weapon - the battle-axe, with its trumpet-shaped blade and wreaked all sorts of havoc with these heavy axes. As the first millennium approached, new and more devastating weapons appeared. First and foremost was the crossbow, a vicious device still used in modern times. Known in Norman Europe, the crossbow probably developed alongside one of the earliest forms of siege engine, the ballista. So destructive was the crossbow that the Church banned its use in 1139. But, the decree did not deter advocates of this mighty weapon. Indeed, the most prized members of a castle's garrison were those who wielded the lofty crossbow. During the 12th century, the three most prevalent weapons were the sword, the battle-axe and the spear (or lance); however, the crossbow rapidly gained popularity. Combined with the increased prevalence of horse warfare (which eased movement and gave an advantage to its warring riders who carried spears) and the introduction of massive siege engines, these hand-held weapons allowed invaders like the Normans to overawe less technologically-advanced peoples. The peasants, on the other hand, generally fought back with the only weapons in their possession: the tools that they used to till their fields and tend their homes - hayforks, flails, sickles, axes, clubs with spikes, and boar-spears. Interestingly, these same tools eventually became an integral part of the weapons inventory of most armies. Siege engines were critical participants during any major onslaught on a castle. Catapulting stone missiles or huge arrows, these massive machines pounded the thick masonry walls. Yet, on their own, siege engines often were inadequate to bring down a fortress. So, other tactics were employed at the same time as the siege engines were pummeling the walls, including undermining, whereby sappers dug mines, or tunnels, underneath towers. The mines created instability and caused the structures to topple. Types of siege engine include the ballista, the mangonel, and the trebuchet. From inside a castle's walls, soldiers had a somewhat restricted selection of weapons to use to defend their lord and his fortress. In addition to arrows, the garrison frequently threw down stone missiles, crushing invaders. They also relied upon Greek fire, a volatile combination of petroleum and oil and other natural products, which generated a highly flammable substance that burned on water and was excruciatingly hot. Apparently, Greek fire was used to make incendiary arrows, but could also be blown through tubes. The 13th century saw the modification of swords, which could then rend a knight's protective armor. Short stabbing daggers were also used, as were a variety of axes (some of which were equipped with spikes), clubs, maces, spears, crossbows, and the sling. The most significant development of weapons technology during this century was the longbow, mastered by the Welsh decades earlier. During the early 14th century, the course of weapons technology was forever changed with the introduction of gunpowder, which

Cultural Identity Essays

Cultural Identity Essays Cultural Identity Paper Cultural Identity Paper Essay Topic: Aint I a Woman Black Women and Feminism The story has an underlying feministic weave. There is a noticeable lack of the mention of any father figure in the story and even the role of Dees companion, Hakim-a barber is minimized. Everyday Use makes no mention of a father for either of the daughters. The strength of Mamma is so compelling that it overshadows any need for a male in the house. This symbolically illustrates the black woman as the underpinning of the African American family. The message is that black women have always been strong but have never asserted that strength. Mama describes herself as a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands. In the winter I wear flannel nightgowns to bed and overalls during the day. I can kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man (Walker, Everyday Use) Mamas upbeat self-image in spite of little formal education leads the reader to feel the intense pride she has in maintaining self-sufficiency. Mama does the hard work a man would, if he were around. Mama is a feminist, not manifested by protesting for equal rights or male bashing, but by virtue of strong will and determination exemplified by doing what it takes to provide and care for the family. The male presence is absent from Mamas home. The only exceptions are the memories of hand constructed household items. No mention is made of a father. He is absent in memory, financial support, nor is he even mentioned in the story at all. Walkers story goes to great lengths to describe Dees outgoing personality, speech and her clothing and accessories. Contrasting Dees outgoing personality is Hakim-a barbers it minimized, when after arriving in the car his only words and actions are an attempt to explain and pronounce his African name and a feeble attempt to perform an unknown ritualistic hand shake. Hakim-a barber illustrates his lack of provider skills when he said But farming and raising cattle is not my style. (Walker, Everyday Use) He provides nothing of the daily substance required to feed or provide for a family (Everyday Use. ) Alice Walker is intentionally vague regarding Dees, relationship with boyfriend / husband Hakim-a barber. Hakim-a barber seems relegated to chauffer and conspirator enamored with the illusion of Black Power. Hakims character is shallow and without essence, thus relegating the male to a third class position in the family. This is likely a reflection of Walkers disdain for the superficial actions of black men during the Black Power movement in the 1960s. Although they go through the outward motions and threaten and shout, they still depend on the women as they always have. Walker infers that the women are the true source of inspiration and strength. Finally, Walker imparts a third theme, which is that of cultural heritage and what it should mean to the African-American Black of the 1960s and 1970s. Walkers main purpose in the story seems to be to challenge the Black Power movement and black people in general, to acknowledge and respect their American heritage. (White, David) (Everyday Use: Defining African-American Heritage. ) The fact that Dee/Wangero has two names is a symbol of the young persons confusion in the search for identity with a culture that is acceptable to them. Since they are ashamed of their role in the American past, they attempt to throw off all reference to the Negro culture, in favor of the African culture, but neither seems to have total credibility. They do not understand the need to find the blend between the two in order to move forward. Mama struggles to decide which daughter should receive the family quilt. Quilts have a special symbolic meaning to Mama. When she moves up to touch the quilts, she is reaching out to touch the people whom the quilts represent. On a deeper level, Alice Walker is exploring the concept of heritage as it applies to American blacks, particularly women. As in other works, Walker uses quilts to symbolize the ancient bond between women. In Everyday Use, the quilts serve the same function in this poor black family as the family paintings or photo albums might have in a white household. In the persona of Wangero, Dee strives to reject her American heritage and take on an African one, but in the persona of Dee, she wants to be like her white girlfriends and display her American heritage. Mama sees hanging the quilts on the wall as Dee distancing herself from her true past. Mama cannot trust Dee to carry on the traditions established by past generations of family members. Walker weaves in her insights into African and American heritage to write Everyday use. Finally, Mama realizes that her daughter Maggie has a closer connection with her view of family history than Dee does, and gives her the quilts, following her assertion of authority over Dee Dee takes pictures of her Mamma and sister Dee but is always using a backdrop of a cow or the poverty-stricken shack they call home. This is indicative of Dee holding herself in a superior class of Black from her family. One can almost envision Dee passing the pictures around to her friends and saying, See I achieved my status from such humble beginnings. Dee shows the extreme side of Black Civil rights, Black Panthers who reject their American culture, seeking to reinvent a heritage with proud African roots. That fact Dee is rejecting hundreds of years of her heritage, for one that is fabricated is disconcerting to Mama. Dee projects so little insight to her American heritage that when asked what she would do with the family quilts she replies, It is clear from Maggies statement that her everyday use of the quilts would be as a reminder of her Grandma Dee. Dees primary use for the quilts would be to hang them on the wall as a reminder of her superior social and economic status. (White, David. Everyday Use: Defining African-American Heritage. ) This parallels her with middle class girlfriends family portraits hanging on the wall. Dee will only observe her family heritage, but Maggie will ast as a cultural role model every day. Alice Walker is effective in weaving symbolism into much of her writing and Everyday Use is no exception. Walker possesses the ability to write on a multifaceted level that is simple but purposeful with profound underlying themes. Her style of writing allows her to convey her messages to her readers, each having the possibility of gaining as much as their intellect and backgrounds will permit. She avoids polarization, but challenges her literary audience with this symbolic writing style. In addressing topics, that she is both knowledgeable and passionate about Alice Walker uses symbolism to address three issues: Racism, Feminism and the Search for Cultural Identity. WORKS CITED Alice Walker Biography The University of Texas at Austin [6 June, 2003] http://wwwvms. utexas. edu/~melindaj/bio. html Nama, Charles Aesthetic modes in Afro-American fiction. Kola, Autumn 2002 v14 i2 p51 (9). InfoTrac Web: Expanded Academic ASAP Brookhaven College Library, Farmer Branch, TX Electronic Collection: A94126706 Copyright (c) 1995-2003 by Pearson Education, publishing as Longman Publishers  http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/brookhaven_col

The Golden Fleece by Herbert Draper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Golden Fleece by Herbert Draper - Essay Example The first part is how the Golden Fleece came about and came to be hung in the woods in what today is modern Georgia, along the Black Sea coast. The second part is how Jason and the Argonauts searched for the Golden Fleece. The last of the second part of the story is what The Golden Fleece by Herbert Draper depicts. The second part of the story, beginning with Jason’s quest of the Golden Fleece is what will be examined. Jason’s father, Aeson, was king until Pelias stole the throne, killing all of Aeson’s descendants, but Jason. Jason was spared because his mother faked he was stillborn. Upon his return to the city, Jason was singled out because of a lost sandal. An oracle had told Pelias to beware of the man with only one sandal. Pelias wanted to kill Jason outright, but instead offered the option for Jason to go on the quest for the Golden Fleece (Colum, 13-14). Jason accepted taking a band of men on a ship called the Agro, thus they were known as the Argonauts. After many trials and tribulations, Jason arrived in Colchis. King Aeetes greeted them, but refused to give them the Golden Fleece unless Jason passed three tasks (Saberhagen, 174-176). Jason despairs, until Medea, King Aeetes daughter agrees to help him. Medea had fallen madly in love with Jason, because of Cupid or Eros’ arrow. Medea agrees to help Jason will all the tasks. The first task is use fire breathing oxen to plow a field. Jason would have to yoke the oxen himself (Apollonius of Rhodes, 88). Medea gave Jason some ointment to prevent severe burns. The ointment even protected Jason from the oxen’s flames. Jason would have burned to death without Medea’s help. The second task was to sow the field with the teeth of dragon. The crop sprouted into a massive army of warriors instantaneously (Apollonius of Rhodes, 88). Medea once again came to Jason’s rescue, by telling him how to defeat the warriors. She instructed Jason to throw a

Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War Term Paper

Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War - Term Paper Example Term paper "Lincoln and coming of the Civil War" briefly demonstrates all historical picture of that times with key dates and persons, which affected the course of this war. The political conflict finally grew up into cruel brother-killing war without any intimation of democracy and justice. It all started with Abraham Lincoln election and separating of United States into Southern Democrat, Northern Democrat, and the Constitutional Union. After Lincoln's inauguration on March 4, 1861, seven states had seceded. These states formed the Confederate States of America and elected Jefferson Davis as its president. One month later, when Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard fired on Union-defended Fort Sumter in South Carolina, the American Civil War began. President Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to crush the rebellion. The author tries to figure out the main dilemma in these events. For example: Was the slavery the only reason for Confederacy to be involved in this war? Was it possible to find a peaceful way for this conflict? Critically analyzing the main actions and strategies of historical important persons, the author finds his own and unique, devoid of prejudice opinion, which shows motives of both sides in the best way. Also. this paper contains different summaries of chapters alongside with some kind of philosophical question: "How would you personally do, being on the Abraham Lincoln place?". This paper is high-quality, solid-structured student's work with the A+ potential!... George Meade to capture the Army of the Potomac. On July 1, these two armies clashed at Gettysburg, PA. The fighting lasted for three days; Lee’s forces were crushed and they retreated. A few days after, Grant besieged Vicksburg and opened the Mississippi to shipping. This divided the South into two and decreased access to critical resources. In the summer of1863, Gen. William Rosecrans and his Union troops went to Georgia, but tasted defeat at Chickamauga. They fled to the north, but experienced further defeat at Chattanooga. Grant was instructed to save them, and he amassed victories at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. The next spring, Grant left and turned over leadership to Gen. William Sherman. Sherman went south and became successful in taking Atlanta, and then his forces marched to Savannah. Once getting to the boundaries of the sea, they pushed the Confederate forces until their commander, Gen. Joseph Johnston, capitulated at Durham, NC on April 18, 1865. In Marc h 1864, Grant commanded all Union armies and dealt with Lee at the east. On April 1865, Lee was forced to abandon the city and go to the west. Grant took Richmond in the process. On April 9, Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House. Summary of Gettysburg Address On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln conveyed the Gettysburg Address to the public in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Through this speech, Lincoln commemorates the sacrifices of those who died to preserve the Union. In a very short speech, Lincoln reminded the public why the war had to be fought and how the Union won the Civil War. He stressed that the war is not about quashing the Confederacy rebellion per se. More than that, it is about the promotion of equality and freedom for all. We should not

Anna in the Tropics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Anna in the Tropics - Essay Example However, tragedy occurs when Juan, a lector, gets romantically involved with one of the wives of the factory men. This causes resentment and hatred towards the lectors. To add salt to an injury, Cheche’s wife leaves him for one of the lectors (Cruz, 57). It is psychological war. The hero suffers because they have good looks and are more enlightened. â€Å"Our culture [civilization] demands other sacrifices besides that of sexual gratification† (Hegel qtd in Aiello slide 29).     Ã‚   According to Hegel, tragedy occurs when there is a collision between â€Å"two goods†. Both heroes, the â€Å"two goods† end up in tragedy. From the play, the opposing goods can be loosely interpreted as follows: The lectors are supposed to teach the workers to be literate, so that they can start working with the machines in the farms. As a result of love and the tragedies they created, the workers hate them. This means that relationship within them will be sore. The adoption of machines as suggested by Cheche is not a welcome move to the workers who feel that they will lose their jobs. Conchita’s beauty causes tragedy (Cruz, 36). She leaves her husband and sleeps with Marela’s husband. In revenge, Marela sleeps with Juan. Lovers are doomed, and this affects work at the factory.   The collision between â€Å"goods†-what was originally perceived to be good-and the real turn of events, causes the misfortune at the end of the play.

What Is Digital Communication?

What Is Digital Communication? Digital communication is an electronic transmission of information that has been encoded digitally for storage and processing data by computers. The internet, web sites, virtual meetings and emails are all part of digital communications. This report discusses the role of digital communication in cross-cultural issues such as religion, hierarchy and business ethics. In this report, cross cultural issues and the access of digital communication is discussed. Digital communication is essential for every business. In this report I have compared Australian and Indian culture and role of digital communication in cross cultural issues of these two countries. In todays world, communication plays an integral part to establish the business within the country or among other countries. Establishment of business depends on various aspects like religion, hierarchy and business ethics. Cost -benefit ethics are good for an organisation. Digital communications like internet, virtual meetings, email are beneficial for an organisation. The Communication is a method of exchanging information with each other. In old times people used to communicate through phone, letters and visiting physically. Nowadays everyone is using technology to communicate locally or overseas. Digital communication plays a vital role in business. Use of Internet, websites, virtual meetings and email, videoconferencing and teleconferencing gives us more freedom to communicate anywhere in the world. But this freedom can create troubles sometimes (Robert,n.d). Studies have shown that access to digital communication may or may not have any influence on cross cultural issues. This report has discussed the Indian culture, the Australian culture and role of digital communication in cross-cultural issues of these countries. 2.1 Indian Culture India has a rich and colourful culture. According to Grihault ,2003 India has given the world two greatest religions :- Hinduism and Buddhism. The Hinduism is dominant religion in India. There are other religions in India as well: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jain. Majority of Indians have strong belief in religion. Indian society is based on hierarchy. Hierarchy is not only seen in families but also in businesses. Indian culture is male dominant. Although India is a political democracy, in everyday life there is little encouragement to notions of equal opportunity. In India all relationships involve hierarchies. Yousuf et al. 2007 conducted a survey in Kashmir (state of India), to evaluate the perceptions and practises of medical practitioners in matters relating to informed consent in certain hospitals. Results of the survey showed if consent was refused, medical practitioners would still proceed with the intervention without any justification for consent. Doctors opinion was considered the most important in clinical decision making. Results also showed that not all information was disclosed to female patients. This study highlights the male dominance, decision making process and hierarchy system in India. Here are some of the business ethics in India. Indians prefer to do business with those they know better and build relationships upon mutual trust and respect. Indians conduct meetings either in late mornings or early afternoon. Meeting can be cancelled in short notice or at last minute. Indians are impressed with punctuality. In India decision is only made by the authority. Indian people who do business dress up in traditional garments. Indians reserve titles; for example Professor, Doctor and Engineer and status is strong-minded by age, qualification, cast and profession. Indians also use titles such as sir or Madam instead of taking names. In India business cards are exchanged after initial greetings. 2.2 Australian Culture Australia is a multicultural society. A recent census showed that approximately 68% of Australian population were Christians, 1.5% were Muslim and 2% Buddhists (Penney 2007). Religion is not taken very seriously by the Australian people. The number of people attending church in Australia is falling day by day. Australia is hierarchical society in certain aspects; example Australian men earn 10% more than women. Though men and women are considered equal in Australian society, most of the upper level positions in corporate, academic and public sector are occupied by men. Australians favour equality than recognised hierarchy. Australians see hierarchy as a disruption to positive and productive social relations. In Australian workplaces there are bosses and sub-ordinates; bosses must earn the respect of their employees. People at workplaces are called by their names rather than being greeted as sir or madam. Workplaces in Australia are free of language and behaviours that would degrade any individual. Here are some of the Australian business ethics: Australians communicate in a straightforward manner and sometimes use very colourful language. They do not need long-standing relationship before doing business. Punctuality is very important for Australians while doing business. They prefer to arrive a few minutes earlier than to keep someone waiting for you. Appointments are important and easy to schedule. Australians are generally relaxed people. Australians use facts and figures in business presentations as theres no place for feelings and emotions in Australias business atmosphere. Australians do not need lengthy discussions to do business, negotiations often proceed quickly. Australians do not like high pressure techniques in business deals. Top level management decisions are made after consulting others and hence this makes the decision making process slow. People doing business are usually expected to dress up formally. Australians do exchange their business cards after initial greetings, but not exchanging a business card is not considered insulting. 2.3 Role of digital communication in cross cultural issues of Australia and India In todays world the internet, websites, video conferencing and emails have become an important part of our lives. Internet is an important resource from where all sorts of information can be gathered. But use of internet varies from one country to the other. The difference in use of the internet across various countries is called digital divide. Technology, economy, politics and culture contribute to this digital divide. Nath et al 2004 have studied the relationship between the cultural dimensions proposed by Hofstede and the Internet diffusion rate of nations. According to them cultures that avoid uncertainty and risks are resistant to the use of internet, and societies with high masculine culture tend to have lower internet diffusion rate. In such societies the culture does not favour internet use. This study showed that diffusion rate in India was Information on cross cultural differences of India and Australia is very important in doing business across these two countries. The Cultural value set given below shows the differences between Indian and Australian culture. INDIA AUSTRALIA Individualism Collectivism Long term Orientation Short Time Orientation Single Group Mixed Group Event Oriented Time Oriented Internet is a useful resource of gaining such information. Kayan et al. 2006 have said that information technologies facilitate cross cultural collaboration but this may be restricted by different styles of IT use in different cultures. Access to digital communication is not only beneficial to large businesses but can also help small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) to grow and participate in global markets of developed as well as developing countries. Patricia et al. 2007 conducted a study to investigate and evaluate the business environment in India, and identify factors that how small and medium sized businesses can participate in international marketplace. Several factors were identified in this study; one of major factors identified was that internationalization of SMEs in India can be achieved by increased utilization of information technology and better use of online resources. Hornby et al. 2002 conducted a study to understand export barriers of Australia and UKs SMEs (small and medium entrepreneurs). This study also addressed the effect of E-commerce on SMEs, how internet can help to break down export barriers and focus on cultural differences depending on firms export market. Results of this study showed that Australian businesses using internet, perceived lower export barriers. But SMEs in Australia did not give consideration to overcome cross cultural issues and need for foreign representation as they used market extension approach for their websites. Merryfield, 2003 conducted a study to understand the role of online technologies while teaching social studies and global education to students. Study was conducted on 92 American teachers and 22 Cultural consultants who interacted with students in graduate programs. Mode of interaction was online discussions. Results of the study showed that online technologies were the perfect tools for teaching social studies and global education to students due the availability of various resources on the internet. 3.0 Conclusion The role of digital communication varies from one culture to the other. Above studies show that some businesses use technology to have better understanding of cross cultural issues whereas some use it simply as an essential part of business. On the basis of above literature it can be concluded that access to digital communication promotes cross cultural collaboration but it depends on the purpose of its use. 4.0 Annotated references Armstrong, A Francis, D.R, n.d, Personal Ethics in a Corporate World, Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics, vol 3, No.1, pp. 27-33 (Online Google). This article has discussed about relationship between personal morality and ethical corporate behaviour. They also talked about intellectual competence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EIQ), confounding issues such as the stability of moral intelligence. Grihault, N 2003, Culture Smart India, Kuperard, Great Britain. In this book Grihault has discussed about Indian land, people, values and attitudes, religion, communication and business briefing such as business attitudes, business culture, business communication, meeting and negotiations. Hornby, G, Goulding, P Poon, S 2002, Percptions of Export Barriers and Cultural Issues: The SME E-commerce Experience, Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 213-226 (Online Google Scholar). This article is about small and medium size enterprises (SMEs). This study discussed use of E-commerce in international market. This is a comparison of Australia and UK in regards of E-commerce. They highlight some of cultural issues during the process of marketing internationally across different cultures. India a country study, viewed on 29th April, 2010. http://www.country-data.com/frd/cs/intoc.html This web site is providing information on India such as roots of Indian religion, language, ethnicity, society and culture, hierarchy, cast and class, telecommunication, foreign relations and business ethics in India. ITIM international, viewed on 29th April, 2010. http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_australia.shtml This website provide information about cultural dimensions such as power distance index (PDI), individualism (IDV), masculinity (MAS), uncertainty avoidance index (UAI) and long-term orientation (LTO). Kayan, S, Fussell, S.R Setlock, D.L, 2006, Cultural differences in the use of instant messaging in Asia and North America vol. 6, pp. 525-528 (online Google). This article is all about different styles of Information Technology use in different cultures. They have been conducted on the use of Instant Messaging in North America and Asia. This study reflects the difference between Western individualistic, low-context cultures and Eastern collectivistic, high-context cultures. In this study they found multi-party chat, audio-video chat emotions were very famous in Asia than in North America. Merryfield, M. 2003, Like a veil: Cross-cultural experiential learning online, Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, vol. 3, pp. 146-171 (Online Google Scholar). This article discussed about places for cross-cultural online interaction, substantive content, cross-cultural engagement, exploration of and risk-taking with sensitive topics, controversial issues and conflicting perspectives, issues of special interests. Nath, R Murthy, N.R.V 2004, A Study of the Relationship Between Internet Diffusion and Culture, Relationship Internet Diffusion and Culture Journal of International Technology and Information Management, vol. 13, no.2, pp. 123-132 (Online Google Scholar). This article discussed about the adaptation and use of technology innovations. They also talked about digital divide. This paper examines the relationship between the cultural dimensions proposed by Hofsted and the Internet adoption rate of nations. Patrica, R.T, Rajshekhar Javalgi, G 2007, Internationalization of SMEs in India: Fostering Enterpreneurship by Leveraging Information Technology, International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 2, issue. 2, pp.166-180 (Online Emerald). This study is based on small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in India. This study is to investigate and evaluate the business environment. How India is developing in international market? It is planned that the key method for development of entrepreneurship is through the utilization of technology. Penney, B 2003, Culture Smart Australia, Kuperard, Great Britain. This book is all about Australian people, values and attitudes, Australian English-speaking strine, use of communication methods and business briefing such as the Australian way of business, women in management, work ethics, egalitarianism in the work place, business and socializing. The Webs leading resource for International Business Etiquette and Manners, viewed on 29th April, 2010. http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/india.htm This website is a leading resource for International business etiquette and manners. This website is providing every countries business ethics such as Appearance, Behavior, Communications, and Resources and also you can get Geert Hofstede Analysis. Tiffen, R Gittins, R 2004, How Australia Compares, Ligare Pty Ltd, Australia. This book is a handy reference that compares Australia with other countries such as Education, Inequality and social welfare, International relations, Telecommunications and computing, religion, values and attitudes. West, A.B, Murphy, T.F, 2007, Gday Boss! Australian Culture and Workplace, Tribus Lingua, Australia. This book is all about Australian culture. Such as heart of culture, characteristics, level of cultures, generalise vs. stereotyping, Australian values contrasts, beliefs and behaviours, equality vs. recognised hierarchy, informal vs. formal, connected vs. distant, work vs. leisure, individualism vs. collectivism and dealing with conflicts. Yousuf R M, Fauzi A R M, How S H, Rasool A G, Rehana K 2007, Singapore Medical Journal, Awareness, knowledge and attitude towards informed consent among doctors in two different cultures in Asia: a cross-sectional comparative Study in Malaysia and Kashmir, India, vol. 48, no. 3, pp. 559-565 (Online Google). This is a Medical journal and in this study they discussed about some cultural issues. This study is about doctors attitude and acknowledges the patients autonomy. This is all about modern medical ethics across culture. They also talked about the cultural and religious views of the local population.

Outsourcing Jobs :: Globalization, Economics, Economy

It is 2:00 A.M. and you have been surfing the Internet all night. Your computer starts to slow down and suddenly stops. You cannot explain why; you have tried everything in your power to get it running again. It is early in the morning and you are tired, so what are your options? You decide to call the computer company’s help desk. You know it is late, so you are surprised that someone answers your call. The person on the other end of the phone is an outsourced employee. The language barrier makes it difficult to understand, and you become upset. At this moment your main concern is to get your computer working again, so you continue to let the technical support representative help you. After a short time of being on the phone, the representative helps you, and your computer is fixed. Now that your computer is in working order, you return to the thought that you received help from an outsourced office. You were not happy to get a representative from overseas, but now that your problem is fixed, you realize it wasn’t that bad. Many people have the same reaction to this scenario. It is common today to get upset about the use of job outsourcing. The increase of companies that use offshore help is making people talk. The upfront concern is that the use of outsourcing is taking away from jobs in the United States. This may be the popular consensus, but it is not completely true. In reality, the use of job outsourcing does not have a negative effect on the economy in the United States. Americans complain about the loss of jobs to outsourcing, so we need to take a look at our unemployment rate. It would naturally make sense that if a job is placed overseas, it is being taken away from an American worker. â€Å"In truth, companies have outsourced since the Industrial Revolution† (Kakumanu, Portanova, 2006, p. 1). The use of outsourcing jobs is not a new concept; it has just become more popular. â€Å"Offshore outsourcing of labor first became prevalent in manufacturing industries. Labor in other countries was cheaper than America workers, and transportation fell. This made sending work offshore more economical and began a large wave of outsourcing† (Kakumanu, Portanova, 2006, pg 1). Would this then mean that if jobs are being sent overseas in these large waves, there would still be jobs left for American workers?

Inherent Risk Essay

Inherent risk Computerizing risk Non-routine transactions (Beasley 2010, p268) ‘Transactions that are unusual for the client are more likely than routine transactions to be incorrectly recorded, because of the client often lacks experience in recording them. ’ Why it is risk: Santos use a series of computerizing or IT technology to support their business for increase market competition. IT technology has been used for trade ordering systems between customs and Santos. Customers can order or purchase goods online. Therefore, non-routine transactions might occur if customers not familiar with the computerizing system. What’s more, Computerizing system would always make the same mistake, if the system has not designed properly. Thus, It might also contain some misstatement of transactions or increase opportunities that the transaction record incorrectly, such as , some of sales transactions might record in ‘other income’ due to computerizing system design mistake. Misstatement of sales account would lead to estimate wrong actual profit at the end of financial year, thus it contain risks to estimate wrong also affect the Evidence: Make sure that the computerizing system had been designed properly; review the computerizing system to identify whether there are some mistakes. Investigate sales account and other income account, identify whether every transaction has been recorded correctly. Management risk Factors related to fraudulent financial reporting and misappropriation of assets (ASA 240 incentives/pressures) Adverse relationship between the entity and employees with access to cash or other assets susceptible to the theft may motivate those employees to misappropriate those assets, for xample: promotions, compensation, or other rewards inconsistent with expectations. Management and weaknesses in internal control may be present when misstatement due to either fraudulent financial reporting or misappropriation. Why it is risk (ASA240 ) Asset misstatement or been record incorrectly due to motivation that theft could benefit from it. Weak management of internal environment would lead to fraud or misst atement happened by personal motivation.

Sapporo beer Essays

Sapporo beer Essays Sapporo beer Paper Sapporo beer Paper Target market Japans Sapporo Holdings said on Thursday it would enter the Vietnamese market by taking a 65 percent stake in a beer Joint venture with Vietnam National Tobacco Corp to tap its fast-growing market. It marks the first major overseas expansion in three years by Sapporo, the smallest of Japans four major brewers, as bigger rivals Kirin and Suntory have been aggressively snapping up overseas businesses to grow beyond a shrinking domestic market. Nietnam is Asias third-largest beer market after China and Japan and this is a fast- rowing market, said Tatsuya Komatsu, a Sapporo spokesman. The company will acquire a 50 percent stake in the venture from Danish brewer Carlsberg and 15 percent from Vietnam National Tobacco for a total of $25. 4 million. The Joint venture will build a beer factory in Vietnam and is scheduled to startselling Sapporo brand beer in early 2012, it said in a statement. The venture aims for sales in 2019 of 1 50,000 kilolitres or $128 million. Sapporo said it will actively seek further acquisition opportunities to enlarge itsoverseas business, which now accounts for less than 10 ercent of its revenues. Sapporo, the maker of Yebisu brand beer, acquired Canadian brewer Sleeman in 2006 for 30 billion yen ($340 million), but has been overshadowed by Kirin and Suntory in overseas expansion. Kirin has spent $1. 5 billion in the past two years to buy Australias National Foods and Dairy Farmers and $2. 8 billion to take full ownership of Australias No. 2 beer maker Lion Nathan. It also acquired a 49 percent stake in the Philippines San Miguel Brewery for $1. 4 billion. Asahi Breweries, locked in a fierce battle with Kirin for No. lot in Japans beer market, said recently it could spend up to 400 billion yen ($4. 6 billion) on acquisitions over the next few years, with an eye on Asian markets. The Japanese brewers have been scrambling to diversify their products and geographic reach to reduce their reliance on the domestic beer market, which has lost 15 percent in volume in the past decade as the economy sputters and the population shrinks. HA NOI † The Japanese beer maker Sapporo Hold ings plans to enter the domestic market from early 2012 through he purchase of a majority stake in Kronenbourg Viet Nam Ltd. Sapporo Holdings said it would buy a 65 per cent stake for about IJS$23 million in Kronenbourg Viet Nam, which is equally owned by Carlsberg Brewery AIS and the Viet Nam National Tobacco Corp (Vinataba). After the deal closes, which is due in January next year, a Joint venture betweenSapporo Holdings and Vinataba will be set up with the latter holding 35 per cent of the Joint ventures stake. At that time, Kronenbourg Viet Nam will change its name into Sapporo Viet Nam Ltd. Sapporo said the Joint venture would egin construction on a new plant on the outskirts of HCM City. The plant is scheduled to begin operations from 2012. Sapporo expects to earn a turnover of roughly $115 million within a decade from the Vietnamese market, with a predicted annual growth rate of more than 10 per cent for years to come. The Joint venture has targeted a market share of roughly 3 per cent in Viet Nam by 2019. Sapporo also has plans to export beer produced in Japan to Viet Nam. The Japanese offset declining beer sales in Japan due to a shrinking population and a gloomy economic outlook. ?† VNS In 2010 , Sapporo has arrived in Vietnam and established Sapporo Vietnam Co. ( a Joint venture between Tobacco Corporation Vietnam ( VINATABA ) and JSC Sapporo Holdings Ltd. or a total contribution from Japan 71 % ) . 1 1/ 2011, the Sapporo Factory in Long An Vietnam was officially put into operation . The plant has production capacity of 40 million liters / year , but to meet the goal of becoming a major production base for Southeast Asian beer market capacity will be increased gradually over the period 2015 to reach 100 milli on liters / year and in 2019 ill reach 150 million liters / year . 4/2012 , Sapporo official launch sales activities . Sapporo time in more than 4,000 retail stores , restaurants , hotels, mainly in Vietnam . Sapporo has now launched 4 product lines premium beer : Sapporo Premium Beer Bottle 330 ml , 330 ml cans of beer Sapporo Premium , Sapporo Premium Beer 650 ml silver cans and beer Sapporo Premium 20L . In particular , products Can Silver ( silver cans ) is a typical representative of elegance and luxury of Sapporo Premium Beer . This product has a higher alcohol content than other types a it , with a large capacity and a unique design that Sapporo beer can only be Sapporo is the only beer company in the world combined study of barley and hops to produce a formula to create the most perfect beer . Based on these studies , the Sapporo today have developed a new barley varieties better and Vietnam Sapporo Factory is also used . When the Vietnam market , to be able to produce beers with similar quality beers produced in Japan and in accordance with consumer tastes here , Sapporo choose the most appropriate type of yeast in 1000 different yeast pecies from the research Center of Sapporo in Japan . After Japan and Canada , Vietnam is the place where Sapporo beer factory and expect this will become the manufacturing center of the Southeast Asian market . Because Vietnam is the third largest beer market in Asia , the turnover of 3 billion liters of beer in 2020 and expected to double . Sapporo Vietnam not only passionate creative challenges overcome and the framework of the usual practice , but also to share the moments of happiness and Joy winning hand. Thats why Sapporo Premium market presence in Vietnam as a premium beer brand .

Orientalism essays

Orientalism essays There is no way to divide the world into us and them and still avoid conflict between the two groups, yet this is how the world has been seen through the eyes of some for much of history. People try to define themselves by that which they are not, and in the case of the Orient, these people saw others who were completely different from them. The cultural and religious differences made it easy to separate themselves from the Orient, but according to the west, the differences did not stop there. The Oriental seemed physically or mentally different. The western world looked at the intricacies of the east, and labeled them different and inferior. The Newtonian Revolution presented a good argument for this point of view. The Orient was stuck in the past, and resistant to change. In this way, the people of the Orient seemed to be behind the rest of the world This supposed difference in thinking boiled down to how people viewed the world around them. Henry Kissinger describes it like this in his essay Domestic Structure and Foreign Policy. Cultures which escaped the early impact of Newtonian thinking have retained the essentially pre-Newtonian view that the real world is almost completely internal to the observer... Bernard Cohen describes it in his book The Newtonian Revolution as follows. The signs of the revolution can also be seen in internal aspects of science: aims, methods, results. Bacon and Descartes agreed on one aim of the new science, that the fruits of scientific investigation would be the improvement of mans condition here on earth: agriculture, medicine, navigation and transportation, communication, warfare, manufacturing, mining. Many Scientists of the seventeenth century held an older point of view, that the pursuit of scientific understanding of nature was practical insofar as it might advance mans comprehen...

Leadership and Strategic Management of Hallmark Essay

Leadership and Strategic Management of Hallmark - Essay Example Brand image is the latest method through which companies are trying to retain loyal customers. Hence brand image is a vital marketing activity. A brand is not merely a name or a logo or a slogan. It is the customers’ perception of the stimulus when the brand is presented.2 Three important guiding principles for developing strong labor-intensive brands are orchestrating the clues, connecting emotionally and internalizing the brand. Hallmark has not only tried to build its brand image but also used its brand to diversify into other sectors. Very recently, Working Mothers magazine has named Hallmark Cards Inc as one of the 2008 Working Mother 100 best companies. Hallmark has thrived on being a family-friendly company and supporting families have been a vital part of its culture. This is the reason the brand image of Hallmark has enhanced and they utilized the opportunity to grow. According to Working Mothers magazine, Hallmark’s HR policies are employee-friendly which make s them employers of choice. Hallmark employs renowned writers and editors, artists, art directors and other experts that help in giving the best to the people. Organizations become more innovative by capitalizing on their employees’ ability to innovate.3 This is something that can give the competitors something to worry about because Hallmark scores high on people management. A counter trend that can be found in the Hallmark products is the use of celebrity Humor cards. They use parodies of celebrities and politicians for their cards and they claim that they are not violating the right of these public figures. At times they do take permission from the celebrity concerned and they also pay royalties for it.  

Critically analyse what is meant by the New Third Way as a political Essay

Critically analyse what is meant by the New Third Way as a political ideology - Essay Example These ideas are very progressive and necessary at first sight. The matter is that these ideas were formulated in the end of the 20th century, and the political situation was not the same as today. The ideas of the Third Way are of liberal views which are in great crisis today. The world community is facing a lot of new challenges, especially after September 11, 2003. Most of them are related to the global world terrorism and numerous terrible actions made by terrorists throughout the world. Many challenges are connected with WMD proliferation and drug trafficking. The twentieth century was a century of capitalism and socialism ideas realization, but now in the beginning of the 21st century the ideas of pure capitalism (when profit is the main value, and all problems must be overcome by free entertainment) and socialism (when state is the main power in economic life) are become outdated, as practice shows. So, the leaders of the most powerful countries offered a new decision, so-calle d The Third Way.