In this paper I will explore the virtual world as a way of reducing Essay

In this paper I will explore the virtual world as a way of reducing communication barriers due to appearance, norms and that - Essay Example Although the virtual world has been in existence for quite some time, its significance had not been clear until I read the book by Boellstroff. I realized that the virtual world means more than just communication to its residents. Freedom of communication and expression is the primary force behind the existence of the virtual world. Communication in the real world is usually subject to communication barriers due to differences in cultural, ethnic, social, and personal communication skills. However, this is not the case in virtual worlds such as second life. In the virtual world, a person or resident has the ability to choose an identity unlike in the real world. This makes it possible for people to communicate freely in the virtual world irrespective of their social norms in the real world. By being able to choose race, color, gender, profession, social class, and other factors, many barriers are eliminated, at least to some extent. Absolute freedom in virtual world is limited due to factors such as language barrier, internet connectivity, among others. The capability to choose one’s identity in the virtual world is also significance in the enhancement of anonymity in the virtual world. ... Most importantly, it is possible to interact freely with your enemies and other people who are out of reach in the real world. The author of the book emphasizes on this point by stating that people can hide their identity to the extent of their genders (Boelstroff, 2008: 61). I also realized that the virtual world has the ability to overcome geographical barriers of communication since people are able to communicate regardless of their geographical location. Although geographical barriers to communication have been eased by web conferencing and cellphone communication, it is not as free and available as it is in virtual world. Virtual worlds also make it possible interact with diverse communities that conflict with personal identities in the real world. For instance, it is possible for a Christian to attend a mosque in virtual world and share their sermons. This is not possible in the real world. The real world has norms that act as a measure of wrong and right. According to the auth or, the virtual world has developed a code of behavior for most of its users. Initially, I had thought of second life as a form of recreation. I considered our acceptable codes of behavior in different societies to hold in the virtual world as well. For instance, a person intruding into other people’s conversation will be flagged off since this is an unacceptable norm in virtual world. However, after reading the book I realized that norms in the virtual world are slightly different. According to Boelstroff (2008) â€Å" virtual worlds are not just recreation or simulations of the actual-world selfhoods and communities, selfhood, communities, even notions of human nature are being remade in them† (pg. 63). This implies that although the norms are different in the two worlds,

Answer 11 questionsthis is not an essay Assignment

Answer 11 questionsthis is not an essay - Assignment Example The dance was introduced in 1953 by a Cuban violinist called Enrique Jorrà ­n. This dance has split fourth beat. A person begins the dance by starting with the second beat. Enrique also introduced this dance style in London, and it is currently referred to as the ballroom cha-cha (Andrews 7). 3. The rumba music started in Cuba as an integration of many musical practices. Rumba in Cuba is played through both the triple-pulse and the double-pulse structures (Andrews 3). Rumba is rhythmically played using the five-stroke system referred to as clave. The current types of rumba are; Columbia, yambu and guaguanco. The three rumba types are unique, due to different choreography. 4. Samba refers to a Brazilian dance. The dance style originated in Brazil; however, it has African roots which were influenced through slave trade. The Bahian Samba dance is currently a UNESCO Heritage is Humanity (Andrews 10), and it is mostly played in Rio de Janeiro. The samba is traditionally played by various percussion and guitar types. On 2nd December ever year in Brazil, celebration of the Samba National day is held. 5. Carlos Santana is a Mexican American musician, who was very famous in the 1960s and 1970s. His Santana band initiated the integration of Latin American music with rock music. He has won numerous music awards; for example 10 Grammy awards (Andrews 15). The guitar lines of Carlos were usually based on the African and Latin rhythms. His popularity in the world music industry was again felt towards the end of the 1990s. 7. The Andean music ensemble is currently a music type with global audience because; native sounds of the music has been continuously mixed with music form applicable to modern and middle class Europeans. 8. Peruvian wayno is a popular type of Andean music common in Peru, Chile and Argentina. It is performed by various ethic groups, for example the Quechua and the Aymara societies. Its superior character

Term Paper APA Style - 1500 Words Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Term Paper APA Style - 1500 Words - Essay Example t of executive authorities and their management, the roles and responsibilities offered by the employees and the effort that whole company put forward into it. The organizing approaches are based on various factors such as physical assets, financial position, human resources department, knowledge and technology (â€Å"Organizing function of management†, n.d.) which are explained here: Physical assets: Wal-Mart efficiently manages its physical assets in such a way that it keeps the prices low of its products and services, earns more profits and hence gain more customer satisfaction as compared to its other competitors (â€Å"Organizing function of management†, n.d.). Human resources: in order to achieve goals, vision and make a long-run success, Wal-Mart holds an effective Human Resources management. According to (â€Å"Organizing function of management†, n.d.), the HR department performs following duties: Knowledge: Wal-Mart gains important knowledge regarding various demographic factors through their internal and external working information department (â€Å"Organizing function of management†, n.d.). These demographic features include population, age, location, density and unemployment rate. These economic factors act as pointers which are noted down by the company time to time in order to calculate the economy rate, ups and downs and effect on market etc. (â€Å"Organizing function of management†, n.d.). Technology: the company organizes strategic acts in dealing various technological factors such as choosing or losing any technological product, controlling assets and inventories using online technologies, modernizing information gathering mediums, advertising products via in-stores Ad network etc. (â€Å"Organizing function of management†, n.d.). The use of latest technology saves time and money. Controlling the internal matters is the main feature of the ethical base of Wal-Mart. The company controls its daily store-level and corporate level activities through

Brand Image Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Brand Image Development - Essay Example Competitor Selection Coca-cola Company has been a successful company over the years and is the leading group in the beverage industry. It is known for the production of brands which include coke, Fanta, coke classic and Diet coke. It is a company that ensures that the demands of all consumers are met by their production of a wide variety of drinks. The company is devoted to offering secure and high quality beverages (The coca-cola company, 2012). They have gained the trust from customers because they provide honest and correct data especially on the nutritional information. This explains why it has a high-quality over all over the world. The products offered are of different sizes so that the consumer can choose from a variety. It recognizes the fact that the world is dynamic, and changes every day, therefore, they develop their products accordingly. The competitors have a low representation as Coca-Cola has the biggest percent, 70% of consumers as compared to Pepsi’s 20% and Schweppes’s, 10%. Analysis of Price The prices are reasonable and are developed depending on the market. They also vary depending on the size of the bottle and seasons. (The coca-cola company, 2012) Some seasons such as summer have the prices of the products elevated. Research shows that 13% of consumers buy products in relation to price. Analysis of Distribution Distribution is offered to middle men and retailers, and this way, the products are sold extensively. This incentive is taken to reduce the costs associated with individual distribution. They have one main distribution point whereby the middle men obtain the products. Coca-cola products are well distributed with only 3% who do not have some of the products available. Analysis of Promotion The coca-cola company promotes their products by conducting sales events, and develops competitions with prizes to be won. Promotions are aimed to persuade the customer and make them purchase the goods. Advertising is also a form of promotion in which Coca-cola is known for their catchy advertisements. This is done through newspapers, television, posters and billboards. They also offer scholarships to students and also sponsor events such as games (The ‘coca-cola’ brand & sponsorship, 2000). Coca-cola has been successful because of their uniqueness around the world. It maintains to be the most trusted beverage brand and is the most preferred brand in relation to the research. This shows that they promote their products in the right manner. Part 2 Brand Background Founded in 1886, coca-cola has continued to develop extensively throughout the world. (The Coca-Cola Company, 2012). Coca-Cola has kept on implementing brand strategies that involve renewing policies and systems to keep up with the changing world. Coca-cola believes in responsible marketing of their products. This is explained by the fact that they target different customers including children. The company, therefore, has a policy that co vers responsible marketing all over the world. Coca-Cola mainly targets the young people, and that is why most of advertising on media is done by young people. Coca-Cola has been the leading brand because the company keeps on reinventing their products.  

Human resource management ( HRM in spain) Essay

Human resource management ( HRM in spain) - Essay Example For instance, Anglo-Saxons consider management ability depending on interpersonal skills, while the French consider the most intellectual individuals as the best managers. On the other hand, Germans argue that good management is a function of formal authority (Valle, Martin, and Romero, 2001:249). In this regard therefore, it is evident that organizations all over the world are adopting global practices, but in many cases, they do so in nation-specific ways. Based on the General Motors case study in Spain, this paper seeks to provide a report on the international human resource management in Spain. The report covers the institutional context that influence human resource practices in that country, essentially focusing on the laws, employer organizations, trade unions, training an education system, and other relevant issues (Ferner, Quintanilla, and Varul, M.Z. 2001:116). Moreover, the report covers the current human resource management trend in the country based on relevant case stud ies. Overview of Spain Based on Hofstede analysis, Spain ranks high in uncertainty avoidance and low in masculinity score. This results from the Spaniards feelings concerning career security, rules, and regulation. The Spanish history in relation to human resource management traces back to the second half of the twentieth century. It is not after the death of General Franco and the subsequent collapse of his regime did the economy of Spain come into focus. The Spaniards looked upon their leader to lead then to democracy and the European Union. In those times, only a fraction of the labor market had employment. According to statistics, the levels of unemployment reached record highs in 1965, skyrocketing to about 38.5% (Perllow and Weeks, 2002:347). In the 80’s however, the levels reduced by about 5% to stand at 33.5%. Comparing these levels to other European states, Spain had the lowest level of employed women, accounting for only 18% of the entire women population in the cou ntry. Italy had an average of 25% and between 30% and 40% in northern Europe. PESTLE Analysis of Spain Political Spain adapts a kingdom type of state. The country has a constitutional monarchy primarily based on parliament democracy. Moreover, power is highly decentralized, with autonomous communities having a high legislative level. Furthermore, the country enjoys a fiscal and executive autonomy. After the restoration of political democracy in 1975 following the death of General Franco, the country has generally displayed stable leadership and democracy (Combs and Luthans, 2007:111). Economical The Spanish economy was already recording significant recovery by 2004 from the financial crisis, recording a 2.4% growth. This was 2% higher than the previous year and 7% higher than the recorded levels in 2002. According to statistics, the highest unemployment record in recent times was that of 2000, but dropped to about 10.8% in 2004. Additionally, overall employment rate grew by 1.6%, wi th unemployment levels dropping by 3.5%. Spain seeks to promote employment in line with the European Union Directives. Nonetheless, the European Union directive merely present a framework for guiding human resource practices, but does not offer maximum protection to the equality and rights of employees in the work place (Lam, Chen and Schaubroeck, 2002:907). The local legislation that currently exist act as the

How will the initiative affect StarBucks Sales Essay

How will the initiative affect StarBucks Sales - Essay Example First, the reusable cups will cost customers $1. When they lose, crush or forget to carry them back the next time they buy coffee that will cost them another $1. Statistics indicate that, in the US alone, 233 million persons are old enough to consume coffee (Tice, 2012). Assuming each buys a reusable cup only once, that will translate to about $65 million worth of cups alone. Then, that would serve as free advertising, since consumers will keep the reusable cups with them, in their kitchens, offices and cars. That has more potential of being closer to consumers than billboard advertisements. Consumers will also save 10 cents each time they refill their reusable cups. In the long run, before the cups finally wear out, they would have earned back the $1 they used to buy them, so long as they continue buying from Starbucks (Tice, 2012). Essentially, this means the reusable cups will generate repeat

IT System Analysis and Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

IT System Analysis and Design - Essay Example The company is also serving the printing needs of some big companies that form the major chunk of its customers. The core product of the company is the security seal printing that it does for various companies. Historically, the company was using manual system for maintaining all sorts of records, finances, and performing day-to-day operations. However, with the expansion of the company as well as prospective benefits, the company has realized the need of having an automated Information System that would function within the whole enterprise, maintaining records of the employees, customers, carry out financial reporting and all sorts of other support. The Information system software would consist of three basic modules: Human resource management Customer management Financial Modules The organization has decided to move towards the most basic form of the Information System to make the transition as swift and easy as possible. They want that the system installed in the organization is e asy and consist of the most basic modules so that it is cost saving as well. The logic that comes to one’s mind is that ERP are very easily available and they just need to be deployed. However, the argument here is that they have too many functions that the business does not plan on using right now so the investment in the software would not be worthwile, moreover, the software available are generic whereas the company needs a customized software. Later on when they have fully evaluated the benefits of investing in an Information System, the do plan to keep on adding more improvements and updates as they come with time. The Company Coatings & Others Numerous U.V. Printing with Security Technology, UltraCoat Inc. was established in 1990, and it is now one of the leading Brand Protection Company catering to the needs of leading manufacturers of consumer products, institutions and organizations to safeguard their Brands against counterfeiting. The company has a wealth of informa tion, know-ledge, wide experience, sound understanding and in depth know-how to offer from the widest choice of highly efficient and cost effective intelligent solutions for every product. The core service or product that the company provides is brand protection and safety solutions using various methodologies to protect brands and their products from piracy, counterfeiting, especially for products such as life-saving drugs, edible items, etc. System Development Life cycle The system development life cycle provides a structure that the designers and developers of the system can follow. The cycle involves a sequence of activities that build upon on the results and outcomes of the previous activity. We can divide the activities of the system development life cycle into four major phases: planning, analysis, design, and implementation. A number of models of SDLC exist; some of the most popular ones are: the waterfall model, spiral model, prototype, incremental, fountain model. Each of these models have certain advantages and disadvantages and it depends on the type of the project, its requirements and the development team (Kay, 2002). The model that would be used to develop