Learning Theology Essay

In Learning Theology with the Church Fathers, Christopher Hall discusses the doctrinal beliefs of the early Christian leaders while Christianity was in its fledgling state of development. Much of what is discussed by Hill in his book is the standard for what the beliefs on the subject will be throughout the church’s history. The topics in Hill’s book are important because the church father’s findings concern these issues establishes the church’s beliefs on these doctrinal topics. Hill’s approach in his book is to take a subject that was highly contested in the life of the early church and follow one or two of the major leading authorities on the subject from the time period. A benefit to looking at the topic this way shows what the prominent thinking of the day was and if it still relates to Christians today. The first major theme that the book addresses is to describe the attributes of God. Hill looks at the various aspects of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Within discussing the parts of the Holy Trinity, Hill shows the various thinking the early church had concerning the three, what each of their roles are, and discusses how each of the three had equality together without either being subordinate to another. The second theme addressed by Hill is that of God’s interaction with humans. Hill explains the teachings concerning man’s sin and how the church fathers understood God’s forgiveness toward man. Hill also speaks of man as being instilled with God’s goodness. Man’s natural instinct is not bent on doing what is inherently good, but it is within God’s instilled grace that God’s best for man is placed within himself (Hill, 130). Hill also writes in discussion of God’s providence to man as being loving, transcendent and wise. The third theme Hill discusses are those things that are directly relatable to Christians in their relations with God. These things consist of the Christian’s relation to the scriptures, the apostolic founded church, and a Christian’s resurrected body and eternal life. Hill also discusses the early church father’s apologetics to the scripture’s authority and how the scriptures were His perfect gift given through His perfect knowledge (Hill, 209). Hill also discusses the differing roles of the church and what the members communal roles are and the differing thoughts on discipline. One of the most important topics discussed by Hill is that of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit. The discussion that was taking place during the fourth century was what is the Holy Spirit and what role does it play in the character of God? Many believed that the three persons of God were not triumvirate but actually three different Gods making Christianity polytheistic. Basil the Great’s writings on the subject is the focal point of Hill’s discussion. Basil’s writings addressed the variable confusions that surrounded the Holy Spirit. The topics Hill highlights from Basil is that of the Holy Spirits equality with the Father and the Son. One point that Hill singles out which gives credence to a Holy Trinity is that the argument for differing levels of power in the Holy Trinity is not arguable. Hill contends that people cannot comprehend the relationship between the three because they all three transient time and age, thus making it impossible for man to give rank to one over another (Hill, 105). This is rational argument because if something transcends time and age, does another being transcend time and space more? To have this distinction is not a more or less argument but a yes or no argument in defining a deity’s self to which Hill discusses well. Another positive from Hill’s book is the explanation of the Holy Spirit and the description of the divine community that is the Holy Trinity. If the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not three different gods, what is the purpose of their being three separate beings? Hill examines this by giving each of the three different roles in the actions of the world. Hill defines the Father as the creator, the Son and the initiator, and the Holy Spirit as the perfecter (Hill, 115). This understanding of the Holy Trinity shows how the three are not separate but how each are one with different roles in dealing with man. Hill also explains that neither entity usurps the other’s tasks, but remain separated in their roles showing that neither is superior to the other entities. This is a useful distinction because it helps understand the functioning of the Holy Trinity and how it relates to man. When those tasks are known man has a better appreciation for each part of the Holy Trinity and honor can be given to the each part of the deity including the Holy Spirit (Hill, 118). The theme of man’s relation to God is another well outlined discussion. Hill addresses the subject of man’s sins in a way that explains how it was problematic for the church fathers. Following the writing of Irenaeus, Hill discusses the issue of man’s goodness. The discussion during the time of Irenaeus was whether man was naturally good or was goodness implanted in man by God? Hill’s conclusion eventually is man’s sin nature is prevalent before his conversion and after his conversion God bestows a sense of goodness through His love in man. God’s redemptive spirit is given to man and reflected through the actions of man (Hill, 130). Hill’s explanation that the church fathers did not think man naturally good is logical because if man is naturally good then their is no purpose for salvation. Yet while it is said human nature is without good, man is still given a choice and sometimes makes the moral decision. A limited amount of time was given to explain how God allows man to make his own choices. Hill says that God gives the choice to man to decide but does not fully expound on why man sometimes goes against his nature to make moral decisions. In all, Hill does a good job on explaining the church father’s thinking concerning the formation of early church doctrine. His description of their writings helps the reader understand the issues that spurred their theology and the content of their messages. Learning Theology with the Church Fathers gives an good summation of how Christian beliefs came to formation and who the writers were that God used to frame early Christianity’s doctrine. Bibliography Hill, Christopher. Learning Theology with the Church Fathers. Downers Grove: IVP Academy, 2002.

Discrimination Worksheet Essay

†¢ What is discrimination? How is discrimination different from prejudice and stereotyping? Discrimination is the denial of oppurtunities and equal rights to individuals and groups because of prejudice or for other arbitrary reasons (Schaefer, 2012). Discrimination is different from prejudice and stereotyping because discrimination is an action whereas prejudice is a belief or attitude and stereotyping is a generalization about a group of individuals (Schaefer, 2012). Both prejudice and stereotyping are ways of thinking about and classifying people into groups based on a belief or dislike of those individuals. Discrimination takes it a step further and puts those beliefs and attitudes into action by denying these groups of certain oppurtunities because of the prejudice and stereotyping. †¢ What are the causes of discrimination? Discrimination comes in many forms such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, and even disabilities. Discrimination is a learned behavior in which I believe children hear negative remarks about a group of people or individual from their parents or other influential persons and then make those judgements based upon what they grew up hearing about these individuals (Schaefer, 2012). Discrimination can also be caused from possible bad experiences with one individual that may cause another individual to now have negative feelings about this particular person because of race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Another cause of discrimination is institutional discrimination, which is the denial of oppurtunites and equal rights to individuals and groups that results from the normal operations of a society (Schaefer, 2012). †¢ How is discrimination faced by one identity group (race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability) the same as discrimination faced by another? How are they different? Facing discrimination is never an easy task to do. Having to face discrimination is difficult and usually the minority gets the brut force of the discrimination. The only way facing discrimination could be the same is that either group has to endure the prejudice for the actions and beliefs in which they are being discriminated about. The difference is that one identity group may receive harsher discrimination for their identity group. Race, gender, and disability may get hit harder when it comes to jobs and other oppurtunities than would ethnicity, religious groups, and sexual orientation. Certain groups have been discriminated even harsher than others and this can lead to hate crimes, such as race. Either way discrimination is a negative action and the more we can do to prevent it, the better it will be for our future.

Daffodil by Ted Hughes and I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud in contrast Essay

Daffodil by Ted Hughes and I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud in contrast - Essay Example Poetry connects beyond any particular framework of time period. Certain critics comment upon this connects as influence and others quote it as inspiring. William Wordsworth, the great pantheist and romantic poet wrote the poem, ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ in the year 1804. The poem popularly came to be known as ‘The Daffodils’. In the year 1986, the very modern poet Ted Hughes inspired by the poem of Wordsworth had drawn allusion from the poem of Wordsworth and included the poem bearing the title, ‘Daffodils’ in his collection of poems entitled, ‘Flowers and Insects’. In the sleek edition by Ted Hughes when other poems could not become quite popular, very intriguingly the poem which eluded its title from the Romantic era of English literature drew considerable attention. Both the poems, written age apart, very interestingly pondered upon the impact of memories captivated by both the romantic and the modern poet, which essentially builds the matrix upon which the similarities between the poems can be evaluated and the difference in the perspective upon the same subject could be analysed. Thesis Statement The essay intends to discuss critically the essential similarities and differences inherent within the poem which evolves out on the context of the same subject. Contrast: I wandered Lonely as a Cloud and Daffodils At the outset, a thorough introspection through the poem by Wordsworth, ‘I wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ enables the readers to come to terms with the exclusive order well organised within the poetic scheme by Wordsworth. The narrator of Wordsworth’s poem is reminiscing upon the private moment encountered by him and evocation of his feelings on seeing the beautiful sight of daffodils on a field. The influence of the memory is so powerful for the narrator of Wordsworth’s poem that it is capable of making the ‘pensive’ mood of the narrator elevated. Taking the q ueue of a sombre simile, the poem begins ‘I wander’d lonely as a cloud’. The metaphor of the poem is so strong that the field of dancing daffodils is assumed as the dancers on a dancing floor. The poet plays with the words to the extent within the poem that it seems the rhyming and the choice of words together are so much intended to make the lines of the poem dance together with the daffodils thereby evoking a strong imagery before the eyes of the readers (Woof, 2011). The main intention of the poem by Wordsworth is to make the readers feel the joy the narrator received on seeing the field of dancing daffodils. The surprise of the narrator is also being communicated by him when he comments upon his surprise at the ‘wealth the show to me had brought’. The poem closes with the trip of the narrator down his memory lane and aptly with a rejuvenating metaphor, ‘and then my hear with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils’ (The Wordswo rth Trust, 2012). The poem by Wordsworth focuses on the beauty and bounty the nature captivates and its ability to balm the bruises of a tired heart and elevate the pensive mood of a man. The poem by Ted Hughes is a seminal work. It is inspired by the poem of Wordsworth which captivates the daffodil flowers central to both the text. Hughes’ ‘Daffodil’ also narrates the memory of the narrator and his encounters with the flower daffodil. However, very contrastingly the berating of the narrator’s dead wife amid the reminiscence of daffodils builds a morbid tone of the poem quite contrasting to the poem of Wordsworth. The allusion of the title thus appears evidently ironic and a reader coming across the poem by Hughes for the first time will be misled because they won’t find the familiarity of context and intonation with the

My organization as a learning organization in obtaining parts for Research Paper

My organization as a learning organization in obtaining parts for military vehicles - Research Paper Example Wallace (92) suggests that all organizations should learn because without learning, organization will not survive especially in the current globalization era; an organization with a strong learning culture achieves effective business performance. Organization leaders may think that by getting their organization to learn is just a matter of articulating a clear mission or vision, offering right incentives or training employees, however, there is a lot that should be done in the face of intensifying global competitive environment where there is increased technology advancement and shift in consumption preferences. A successful learning organization should offer psychological safety to employees, encourage teamwork or team learning, manage culture, communicate effective and have a shared vision. Question 1: Characteristics of the Ideal Learning Organization One of the characteristics for the ideal learning organization is existence of a shared vision, which everyone should agree on. An ideal learning organization should have an effective shared vision, which guides them, but this should be agreed by everyone in the organization; this is vital because it will enable the organization to work together towards achieving the vision of the organization effectively. Secondly, people should openly communicate with others effectively without fear of criticism, as effective communication is the key aspect towards the success of an organization; therefore, communication should be openly and information should be conveyed well across the organization, as this will contribute to successful organizational performance. Thirdly, it is an organization where people discard their way of thinking and the standard routines they employ for performing their tasks or solving problems. In other words, an ideal organization is the one, which is ready or able to change its behaviors, and mid-sets as result of experience (Marquardt 45). Lastly, an ideal organizational learning is where there is teamwork or team learning. This is where people work and share information together through learning as a team in order to accomplish the organizational goals effectively. Teamwork is crucial in any organization because it contributes to effective decision-making and accomplishment of work faster; thus contributing to effective organizational performance. Question 2: The Observable Behaviors for Each Characteristic One of the observable behaviors for shared vision is that the organization engages everyone in creating a shared vision, which directs the organization towards achieving their stated goals. For instance, the sense of purpose begins with recruiting employees with effective skills and matches their values with the organizational values. For instance, some rules in the organization are implemented by shared behaviors, values and beliefs. Culture form the basis through which an employee operates within the organization context, and secondly, there is open communication an d everything across the organization is well communicated effectively. Thirdly, people are always ready to change their behaviors through constant learning. Moreover, there are significant changes because the organization has transformed and become an innovative working environment; thus improving in terms of performance. Lastly, there is effective teamwork because the work is accomplished within the stipulated period and people always learn together as a team.

Design and Implementation of Networking Plan Essay

Design and Implementation of Networking Plan - Essay Example On a network of a number of routing protocols, rout distribution process is involved to help broaden various sections of network learned routes under the support of configured protocol in sequences adaptable to other segments too within the network system. In any communications over interlinked devices on the same network system, routers to have to be connected directly, static or dynamic. To explain these concepts: dynamic routers are always acquired from â€Å"visible† routers through routing protocols; and static routers keyed-in by the network administrator. In the case of any static routing (a system of manually inserting routes within the existing sequence of routers’ routing), a number of limitations are experienced. These include lack of its practicality/ success on larger network systems since it requires a lot of time to set up; all routers must be updated upon addition of new networks, by administrators; it requires a full understanding of internetwork in relation to the functionality of all router connections. Link state routing protocols have the limitations of inability to transfer data packets over larger network since it uses CPU and system memory to update routing tables; use of larger quantities of network bandwidth at times of convergence; and a lot of time consumed during convergence in case of poor coordination on the reception of rout information over the same network system. Overcoming the listed shortcomings takes into account measures such as reducing router resource utilization through prolonging update frequencies or by swapping rout summaries; and synchronizing updates with duration taken. Additionally, solution measures such as maximum hop counts, hold downs, route poisoning, and split horizons can be considered alternately to encounter  routing loops. The prime use of packet switching and IP address makes available internet infrastructure needed by routing protocols in the sequential transmission of data packets over the internet.

Hedging Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hedging - Essay Example There are various ways in hedge oneself from exchange rate risk by the use of financial derivative products, and a combination of strategies using these products. The three top runners for hedging purposes in exchange rates are Forward Contracts, Futures Contracts and Options. We’ll discuss the strategies which can be formed in each case, and then conclude which strategy would be most suitable for our current scenario. A forward contract or simply a forward is a non-standardized contract between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified future time at a price agreed today. The most advantageous feature of a forward contract is that it costs nothing to enter into such an agreement. The difference between the spot and the forward price is the forward premium or forward discount, depending on the swap points of the currency pair involved. Forward contracts are traded over the counter, and are more customized for individual customers. Another feature of a forward contract is that there is no specific margin call mechanism. Since there is no cost of entering into this agreement, margin calls are non-existent in this type of trade. Moreover, it is not regulated by an exchange or clearing house, thus it does not involve the hassles which occur in such cases. However, a forward contract obligates the customer to deliver or take delivery of the underlying asset at the time of maturity. Failure to do so would result in a breach of contractual obligations and can lead to litigation. But we have to keep in mind that there is no guarantee that a customer will honor the contract. In our case, the Virtual Books can enter in to a forward contract to fix a forward price for its imports as well as repatriated profits. In the case of its import, if the forward price is less than the prevalent spot rate on the day of taking up that contract, he will be losing money on the contract. If the spot rate is lower than the agreed forward rate, then it will be gaining on t he contract. In case it’s relatively the same, Virtual Books will no gain nor lose. The reverse case applies for its repatriated profits in which he is selling Euros and receiving GBP. The next alternative in line is Futures Contracts. A futures contract is a standardized contract between two parties to buy or sell a specified asset of standardized quantity and quality at a specified future date at a price agreed today known as the futures price. A futures contract operates in ways similar to a forward contract; however, there are a few differences which make the two distinguishable. First of all, a futures contract is traded on an exchange. They are highly standardized and are backed by a clearing house. Unlike forwards, an initial margin must be put up with the clearing house as a form of collateral. Fluctuations in the price of the underlying asset will reduce or increase the outstanding initial margin of the buyer/seller. Once a minimum threshold has been hit, margin call s are made so as to deposit funds to meet the minimum margin levels. Futures are backed by the clearing house, so in case any party defaults, the other party will still be able to deliver/take delivery of the underlying asset. In the case of Virtual Books, if they enter into a futures agreement, they will go long in Euro Futures which will obligate them to buy EUR against the GBP. In the case of their repatriated profit

WHY RELIGION IS PROHIBE AT PUBLICS SCHOOLS ON THE 60 AND WHY WE STILL Essay

WHY RELIGION IS PROHIBE AT PUBLICS SCHOOLS ON THE 60 AND WHY WE STILL NOT TALKING TO RELIGION NOW - Essay Example It is then only a matter of policy that to avoid conflicts each and every religion must be respected not only by the government but with every person. The issue of religion is among the most sensitive of all topics that can be raised in any occasion. Many debates had been started and to no end when such is the subject. Arguments may extend for hours but there is no guarantee that anything will be resolved. Any person’s belief may be as intense or as placid but when it comes to conviction people do not easily bend to the will of others. Religion may also be a source of hatred because of ignorance and worse because of intolerance. After the 9/11 attack there had been reports that mosques of nonviolent Muslims were attacked carelessly with people throwing rocks or vandalizing their premises. For quite some time, the same people were heavily stereotyped as terrorists without any cause or evidence. This further shows that religion is a diverse and sensitive topic that explains why it is considered as somewhat an off topic. In 1960, during John F. Kennedy’s bid for president, religion was the question he dreaded the most to be asked though it was a pressing matter at the time. â€Å"Kennedy pledged unequivocal support for the uniquely American principle of church-state separation, opposed public aid for parochial schools, and opposed an ambassador to the Vatican† (Menendez, 2011). As expected, there was a division of reaction among the people with those who are criticizing his secular view. He insists that he does not want to be voted for solely because of his religion. He maintains that voters should choose him for his credentials and what he can do for the country and not because he is a catholic candidate. Evangelists had been wary of his election that their influence will be affected or even boasting that they could make or break his campaign. In the important case of Engel vs. Vitale, the Supreme Court held that prayer is absolutely prohibit ed before the start of classes though any student may opt to remain silent and not to participate in it. The same was also prohibited regardless of the fact that the mandated prayer is neutral. The prayer approved and recommended by the New York State Board of Regents was to be recited before class. The prayer reads, â€Å"Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country† (Engel vs. Vitale, 1962). This was implemented as a part of their holistic training. Thereafter, parents of ten children opposed the prescribed routine as against the Constitution and their rights. The prayer was deemed by the Court as a religious practice and ordered to refrain from the practice in the public schools. The decision even went so far as to discuss history and cite that it is the similar religious conflicts that compelled the first settlers to leave England for the New World. It is the interference of religion tha t has contributed to the lives of men which needed the monarchy’s approval. â€Å"When the power, prestige and financial support of government is placed behind a particular religious belief, the indirect coercive pressure upon religious minorities to conform to the prevailing officially approved religion is plain† (Engel vs. Vitale, 1962). There had been radical opposing views in this subject throughout the years especially from people belonging to religious groups. Gary Bergel, in a sectarian paper, said â€Å"Think then, what happens to a nation rife with perjury, broken marriage covenants, unforgiveness, cults with demonic covenants, extortion, bribery,

Pastoral counseling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pastoral counseling - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that many a time, people have thought mistakenly that being a pastor only entails the issuance of homilies and exhorting Christian congregants to observe Christ’s teachings. However, a critical look and direct involvement in pastoring not only corrected researcher's view but also underscores the comprehensive nature of duties which fall under pastoring. The author came to this realization when a parishioner left the congregation, following the failure of the parish to access proper counseling services, leaving him unsatisfied and unstuck. As far as the first year of pastoring and ministry is concerned, several challenges beset my aspiration to be the pastor the researcher had intended. He had difficulty in successfully and effectively reaching out to members of the church, especially when they needed counseling services. Part of this difficulty had its underpinnings in the fact that the author was still a novice in the work of the mi nistry. Being a novice in the work of the ministry also bombarded his psychology with timidity, and thereby hindering me from ministering well to a more mature audience. Conversely, there are some among the congregation who felt that he was too young to effectively minister to them. Secondly, he had not obtained formal training for the work of the ministry. Instead, the author was only armed with the conviction that the Bible as God’s word is an essential resource in counseling. To him, every problem that the parishioner had could be solved through the scriptural application. Â  ... Nevertheless, that there were problems in my approach and nascent stage of development in the ministry is a matter that was underscored by silent protest by the parishioners. Of much note was a parishioner who needed referrals to people-helper, in order to access counseling services. Due to my limitations, I doubted if I knew what to do exactly and continued to offer counseling services with little help. The culmination of this development was the parishioner leaving the church because of dissatisfaction and psychological detachment from the church. It is then that I realized that God’s commands are far much more than what can be attained by man, however sincere and devoted he may be, since those commands are spiritual. Again, when the parishioner left, I reckoned with the degree to which counseling is important in the running of the church. I came to appreciate the reason why Christ Himself is referred to as Wonderful Counselor. Current Needs and Expectations Even in the chur ch, it is expected that the man of God is equipped to do all that pertains to God’s work, and to align God’s people to God’s will. The spirit of love, power and sound mind is what God wills that His children have, yet competent counseling is a powerful tool by which love, power and sound can be acquired. Because of this, it is expected that the Church and the ministers are equipped to discharge duties and responsibilities that are geared towards ameliorating the condition of the faithful. Again, with the advent of the 20th century, the Church is expected to shift from classical views on counseling and personality and psychological soundness as being a culmination of spiritual warfare, or the ravaging

Research proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Research proposal - Essay Example The results show that the status of those among 16 years of age remain unchanged from the NEET group while those in 17 year group showed an increase. But contrary to others, the number of 18 year old from NEET shows a decline (Maguire and Rennison, 2005). The studies undertaken among youth population to understand the issues faced by them and hence to evolve necessary support systems have yielded useful results. In one such exercise conducted in Scotland, the data was collected from the school leavers from three different colleges using the focused interviews with the purpose of identifying the reasons and insight about their lifestyles, attitudes and expectation from education and employment (Elliot, 2008). The study revealed the role of both emotional and financial support that would play in the personal growth of the students and the effective interventions by the educational institutions that could play a major role in this regard (Elliot, 2008). The critically examination of the current practice of relating the youth unemployment with NEET have yielded eye opening observations (Furlong, 2006). Competence based education programmes are considered as one of the most successful initiatives to have outcome oriented training sessions. An action oriented research programme undertaken to equip the health care workers in Australia proves this point (Glasgow, 2008). The increase in the chronic illness rate among the population and absence of effective support mechanism forced the authorities to plan competence based education programmes to supply the necessary health care workers. The proper planning followed by effective follow up helped the policy to become highly successful. Thus it is one of the successful cases of effective policy intervention which was appropriately tailored to meet the social demand. In the case of NEET the polices could be appropriately designed in similar ways to

Addiction to Percocet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Addiction to Percocet - Essay Example A brief overview of the substance is followed by the sections on the nursing care considerations during the drug user’s pregnancy in general and during the second trimester in particular, and for the neonate. In addition, the paper explores the potential solutions to the issues that may arise during Percocet use in patient treatment. It ends with a conclusion that summarizes the overall discussion of Percocet: its effects and warnings. 2. Overview of Substance 2.1. What is Percocet? Medications that treat pain are known to have been the first line of defense directed against pain and a standard prescription practice across the United States for decades (Cole, 2012). While they are believed to considerably raise patient quality of life, narcotics often lead to addiction and, if overdosed, to death. Percocet, an opiate-based drug, is one of such painkillers. It relieves severe pain, but puts a person at risk of becoming an addict. To make the matters worse, once consumed in a no n-prescribed or excessive manner, Percocet may lead to fatal consequences. Needless to say, withdrawal from addiction is very painful and accompanied by a range of symptoms including muscle pain, anxiety, panic, muscle weakness, fever, insomnia, and nausea, etc (CESAR, n.d.). 1.2. Percocet Ingredients. Percocet is a trade name of oxycodone and comes in a tablet form. Other brand names of oxycodone, along with Percocet, are OxyContin, Percodan, Endodan, Roxicet, Roxiprin, Endocet, Tylox, Magnacet, Primlev, Xolox. Defined as â€Å"  a semi-synthetic opiate manufactured by modifying the chemical thebaine, an organic chemical found in opium†, oxycodone is known to be as powerful, dangerous, and addictive as heroin (CESAR, n.d., Drug-Free World Foundation, 2008). Oxycodone is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means that it has a high potential for being abused. It also means that the medication is currently accepted (with restrictions) in the United States, and may lead to severe dependence, either psychological or physical (Office of Diversion Control, 2013). In terms of active ingredients, Percocet also contains acetaminophen along with oxycodone, which increases the pain relieving effect. 2.3. Percocet: Side Effects & Consequences of Use. On 30 June 2009, Percocet was recommended to be removed from the U.S. market by an FDA advisory panel. Along with another drug, Paracetamol, Percocet was accountable for more than 400 deaths over one year. That was caused by the fact that the overdose of these drugs or their intake along with multiple other drugs can cause death (Hombach, 2012, p.122). The consequences and side effects of Percocet are grievous and numerous. An overdose of Percocet is likely to cause death. Oxycodone overdose may lead to circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest, apnea, and death. Overdose of acetaminophen leads to the fatal condition of hepatitis necrosis, hypoglycemic coma, renal tubular necrosis, and thrombocytopenia. Evidently, a c ombination of two, found in Percocet, means a double effect when overdosed. Percocet is a highly addictive drug. Prolonged use of the drug leads to addiction, when the user’s brain is charged in such manner that he or she is not capable of quitting on their own. Once the user decides to quit, withdrawal symptoms appear to be high, in particular if the withdrawal is sudden. The symptoms of withdrawal are severe and include: anxiety, insomnia, nausea, muscle pain, fevers, and a range of other flu-like symptoms (CESAR, n.d.). A number of side effects that result from Percocet use include respiratory depression, irregularity of breathing, nausea, growing pressure of spinal/cerebral fluid,

The Duke and the Dauphin Essay Example for Free

The Duke and the Dauphin Essay The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, two conmen called the duke and the dauphin (or the king) constantly cause trouble for Huck and Jim. Though many say these two characters weaken the overall plot, they are actually quite important factor in the plot of the story and help move things along. When Huck and Jim first meet the duke and the king, they introduce themselves as an impoverished duke of England and the long lost son of King Louis XVI of France. Of course Huck is smart enough to realize the men were con artists and didn’t believe their silly lies. This is yet another example of Huck’s â€Å"street smarts†, for if someone like Tom Sawyer had met them he would have easily believed the two because it would have been something like the stories he was so fond of. As the group of four travels down the Mississippi River, they come across the funeral of a wealthy man by the name of Richard Wilks. In his will, Wilks left his small fortune to his daughter and two English brothers who were rumored not to arrive. Of course with the real brothers most likely not stopping by and loads of money sitting around, the duke and the dauphin jump on the opportunity and plan their next scheme. Almost anyone would agree that their latest plan was extremely low, even for two con artists. Huck is extremely disgusted with their scam saying â€Å"It was enough to make a body ashamed of the human race† (Twain 159). If the duke and the dauphin been a part of the plot, this scam wouldn’t have happened and as a result the audience wouldn’t see how empathetic and compassionate Huck really is. Through the intensity and seriousness of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a bit of the comic relief is needed and the duke and the king are the perfect pair. Though they may seem to play a pointless part in the book, the conmen are actually important to the plot by giving Huck and Jim a reason for moving from place to place and ultimately to their final destination, but more importantly for bringing out certain characteristics in Huck that the audience may not have seen without the duke and the dauphin.

Support Literacy and Numeracy Activities Essay Example for Free

Support Literacy and Numeracy Activities Essay Support literacy and numeracy activities K8 the strategies and resources used at your school for developing pupils: a reading skills b writing skills c speaking/talking and listening skills d mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills The classes in my school are of mixed ability and key stage 1 year 1 and 2 contain pupils from two adjacent year groups. Throughout the school, we use a variety of teaching styles including whole class, group and individual teaching, depending upon the task and needs of the pupils. In line with government requirements, the school lays particular emphasis upon the teaching of basic skills of reading, writing and numeracy. All children in the main school have an hour of numeracy and an hour of literacy each day but these periods are frequently supplemented by further activities leading to the development of these vital, basic skills. Strategies and resources for developing reading skills Teachers, parents and teaching assistants should all be working together to encourage pupils to enjoy and benefit from reading. The main focus of development will be through the Literacy lesson, although reading will be promoted through all areas and curriculum subjects. Shared reading This takes place in the classroom and everyone looks at a text together. The texts include various types, such as plays, fiction, non-fiction and are on a range of different subjects and themes. Guided/group reading This takes place in small groups within the class while other pupils are working independently. Individual reading This usually involves pupils quietly reading books from the classroom or library, or those used during guided reading, which pupils can read without adult support. I hear individual pupils read as much as possible as it is an important way of developing their reading skills. For those pupils who need extra help, they are taken out of the class by an assistant and have one to one time to encourage and help them with their reading. When supporting pupils reading, I use a range of strategies and check with the teacher whether any pupils have specific targets. However, it is important to involve all pupils if I am working with a group and to be aware if I have pupils who are reluctant to talk about what they are reading. I ensure I give them plenty of praise and encouragement to build up their confidence and reassure them when putting their ideas forward. Careful questioning also helps me find out about pupils understanding of texts so they can tell me what they are reading about. Strategies and resources for developing writing skills As pupils develop writing skills, they need support both in English/Literacy lessons and in other subject areas as they form basic words. I therefore need to help them with the technical aspects of writing, including spelling, grammar and handwriting. Strategies for developing writing skills can be done by carrying out shared writing activities. Using pictures and key words or phrases. Using workbooks to encourage writing skills. Strategies and resources for developing speaking/talking and listening skills Pupils who are not confident when speaking need to be aware that I value what they have to say. I can show them that I am interested by- Giving them eye-contact when they are talking to me Smiling or encouraging them to continue while they are talking Repeating back what they have told me Asking them open-ended questions to encourage them to answer in more detail I can also support pupils by allowing them time to think about and formulate ideas before they give their answers. Some pupils find it very difficult to sit quietly and listen to what others are saying. Young pupils find activities such as â€Å"carpet time† where they need to spend a long time listening to others, quite difficult or easier in a smaller group. Pupils who lack confidence in speaking and listening situations in class, for whatever reason, are given opportunities to develop these skills in smaller groups, which they find less threatening. We can develop speaking and listening skills in many different situations, not necessarily as planned events. Literacy resources I am able to identify the location of literacy resources within individual classes. These support basic writing with younger pupils for example lists of words or sound cards or may be books such as dictionaries. The school also has a range of technical resources such as computer programs and software to support literacy activities. Strategies and resources for developing mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills When working with pupils on Maths tasks, I will use different strategies to support the development of their skills. It is likely that I will adapt how I do this depending on the needs of the pupil, so I need to know about individual pupils targets for Maths. I might use some of the following strategies. Helping pupils to interpret and follow instructions Some pupils find it hard to recall instructions or follow a series of points given by the teacher. I may need to help them follow what is required. Reminding pupils of teaching points made by the teacher Some pupils may find a task challenging because of their individual learning needs or ability to focus on it. I may need to remind them about specific teaching points to enable them to continue. Questioning and prompting pupils It is likely that I will use this strategy regularly with all pupils, as they often need to be refocused or have specific questioning to redirect their hinking. Helping pupils to select and use appropriate mathematical resources I may need to prompt or encourage pupils to think about resources available to them when working on Maths activities. Explaining and reinforcing the correct use of mathematical vocabulary – to reinforce vocabulary used by the teacher, extend pupil vocabulary and check pupil s understanding of the terms used. Introducing follow-on tasks to reinforce and extend learning The teacher may have given additional tasks for pupils to work on if they have finished the initial activity. More able pupils may be asked to develop concepts and find their own objectives, but it is likely that I will still need to check these with them. Numeracy resources I know how to use any resources that I need and where they are kept. All pupils are given the opportunity to look at and explore resources before starting to use them, and some pupils may need help if they are unfamiliar with particular resources. Resources for Maths may range from measuring apparatus for length and weight to number equipment, such as number lines, cards or cubes and games to develop different Maths skills. There is also numeracy software on our computers.

Leisure Activities Among Young Generation Marketing Essay

Leisure Activities Among Young Generation Marketing Essay What is mobilecasting? According to the research that because of the speed of internet, mobilecasting comes to satisfy public instead of podcasting and it is the combination of podcasting and mobile phone (Marriott, 2006). More and more people using their mobile phone as a video player, and mobilecasting is a media that can transfer podcast file to mobile phone (Pros and cons, 2007). Podcasting is a way that people can listen to music or watch video by using internet (podium tell your,). As we know that YouTube is an example of mobilecasting (Lewin, 2008). Started from year 2008, people can watch tens of millions video by using their mobile phone (Lewin, 2008). Indeed, mobilecasting is just a function of mobile phone and the mobile phone cannot survive without this function. Leisure activities can be the activities that people doing during their free time, this is not such thing like housework or sleep, but as a reason for relaxing, growth or compete (Definitions of leisure,,). This may include reading, sports and gaming with friends. And also leisure activities may not take the time while working or educating (Definitions of leisure,,). Leisure activities may be a central to communicate with people; it can make people to be a part of social life (Coyle, Ph, Shank Ed). Leisure activities also can be a way to make people being healthy. As a young generation I think that, mobilecasting is already mixed in our daily life. In this time, almost everyone will have internet on mobile, once it connects then we are already using mobilecasting. Its like the notification from Facebook or daily news on mobile phone. What young generation usually use is Facebook chatting, Twitter or YouTube. Leisure activities for us are more like a reason to gather together with friends. Even thought have some kinds of activities can done alone, but its also a chance to go outdoor and have a look with outside views. At the same time, doing leisure activities is the time for us to keep away from internet and enjoy the life. But most of us would prefer hanging out or reading instead of doing sports. From old time until now, mobile phone has successfully transferred from a phone to a device (Ivanovic, 2011). The first mobile phone in this world weight 2kg and the life of battery only can handle 20 minutes(Dialing for development:, 2010). By the time passed, mobile phone has also improved. From the radio system started using in mobile phone, and mobile radiophone service came in, till the wireless in mobile, more and more devices can be used in mobile phone (Lenhart, Ling, Campbell Purcell, 2010). At the first time, the uses of mobile phone are for people easy to communicate with, but it seems like mobile phones are getting harder and harder to use (History of cell,). Mobile phones have developed from a phone to a device. What a mobile phone can do now is not only text message or have a call, but also has internet, radio and 25 channels in a phone (History of cell,). As what Ivanovic (2011) reported, the early device of mobile phone is wirelessly and only support few conversation s, but now the mobile device system is using highly control system. A mobile phone is a gateway, and oftentimes the only means to knowledge, entertainment and communications for people in emerging markets. They have become vital to the lives and businesses of the people that use them.  Said by Nokia. Different young people have the different interests, and also different generation are playing the different games. But what most of young people will do is like hanging out with friends, joining any parties, playing computer games or some network socializing (Raising Children Network, 2011). There has a research among young people in Canada during 1980s, and it shows one and half 65% of them spending their leisure time to do physical activities and 30% of them will use their leisure time to take a lesson (A look at, 1988). In year 2011, young people in the age 15 to 19 will only spend 1.7 hours of their leisure time at outdoor activities, and most of time they are doing activities by using media (American time use, 2012). By the developing of technology, young people spend more time in media than activities, such as listen to music on iPod or communicate with friends on the facebook (Rahim, Kadir, Azmizah, Helma Chang, 2011). In Malaysia, their have a group of jounalist did a resea rch in Kuala Lumpur among youth about their leisure time using. The research shows that people spend most their leisure time on using internet, young people shoulf have a lot of energy in participate sports but they didnt. At the same time, most of them non-participated in active time are because of the internet media. Compares to those western countries, the youth in Malaysia spend less leisure time on activities, only 4 to 5 hours they spend on leisure activities, but the youth in North America spend up to 8 hours in leisure activities (Rahim et al., 2011). Statement of the Research Problem By the time that more and more youth get their mobile phone, the usage of mobilecasting is increasing. According to the survey which is done by a toy company Leapfrog, two third of children now own a mobile device (Barnett, 2012). At the same time, there are some problems with youth to use mobilecasting. Mobile phone is like drug and alcohol; it can influence childrens brain and make them cant stop playing it (Ann Louise Gittleman). There have two children were using mobile phone up to 6 hours a day, this cause mobile phone addiction so that the parents send them to mental health clinic (Tibbetts, 2008). Their even have some young teens risk for their mobile phone, they would even hurt themselves but not let the phone getting hurt. They treat the mobile phones as their beloved, which we can find how important the mobile phone is (Belkin, 2012). As children spend too much time on mobile device, its not only cause addiction, but also influence the healthy and study (Bond). According to the research done by Lenhart et al. (2010), mobile phone users have limited face to face communication time with their families. Around 70% of teens like to text friends instead of face to face communicate, what they think is they can socialize and improve friendship with friends by texting (Lenhart et al., 2010). We can find a very common scene in our daily life, which is a group of friend sitting together have a meal but without taking. How do they communicate? By using mobile phone. Young generations leisure activity time is getting influenced by the usage of mobile phone (Physical and social, 2011). BBC NEWS (2009) has reported that children only need 1 hour spend on exercise in daily life, but they dont even do it. So, how will mobilecasting influence young generations life in further time? Purpose of Research Uses and gratifications approach which suggests that adoption behaviour results from the formation of specific intention which under volitional control that is produced by beliefs, attitudes and intentions towards behaviour. In this study, correlation between mobilecasting usage and leisure activities among young generation will be tested based on personal factor (personal preferences) and subjective norm (social influence). This lays the groundwork for understanding the adoption of uses and gratifications of mobilecasting usage among young generation. A quantitative survey research using questionnaires method will be conducted by developing closed-ended questions to determine the frequency and percentage of respondents feedbacks. Sample size for this research is N=200 which consists of teenager age ranging from 15 to 25 with tertiary education located in Klang Valley. This study may yield new insights into studying young generations behaviour and interests toward the usage of mobile casting and leisure activities which is regarded as part of a new emerging trendy medium in website industry.  Ã‚   Research Objectives The objective of this research is among young generation. By the developing of technology, people cannot live without media, and mobile phones become a part of our life. At the same time, there are many problems with young people using mobilecasting. While the increasing of mobilecasting usage, the hours of leisure activities will be decreased. Specifically the research objectives are as below: To determine the relationship in between the motivation of mobilecasting usage and the mobilecasting usage pattern among young generation. To examine the relationship in between mobilecasting usage pattern and leisure activities among young generation. To examine the relationship in between the mobilecasting usage pattern and the uses of mobilecasting among young generation. To determine the relationship in between the uses of mobilecasting and the gratification of mobilecasting usage among young generation. Significance of the Study In this project, we can find that all these researches are related. During the research, there have many key words like mobilecasting, mobile phone or mobile device, and we can find there have some same point within these three words. There are also kinds of point like ones increasing the other one will be decreasing, such as the usage of mobilecasting and leisure activitiy time. We also complete the research step by step, only after we get ones information, then we can start doing the followed one. This research is also a contribution to the study of communication and social science. We can find that how young generation communication with each other and why do they being like this way. We can also getting to know the influences of media in our life. The development of mobile phone is also a big issue of how mobile phone getting into our daily life. Student can get this information to use as example in their study. The significance of this research for industry is getting to know what do the young generation need. Since young people are so much different from old time, so that for industries they can have the improvement of new product and new strategies. Like technologic company can come out with the updated phone model, and for those outdoor activity business will know how to come out with new idea. Government through this research should know that the problem with the young people and can control the bad influence by their power. Young generation should be active and full of energy, but not like what the research shows spend their leisure time on mobile devices. They should control the selling point of those mobile devices. For parents also can learn a lot from the study. The research shows the disadvantages of children use mobile phone, and by this time they can start to control the damage caused mobilecasting. Young generation themselves also be known that the damage of using too much mobile devices. They should know how important the social life is, and also the importance of doing outdoor activities.

The Religious Right and the Crusade to Preserve Religion :: Essays Papers

The Religious Right and the Crusade to Preserve Religion This paper was written for my Writing 209 class. For the assignment ,Donna Marsh, asked us to find an article in a periodical that dealt with an issue in our American culture. We were then told to express our opinion on the topic discussed in the article and to analyze the argument presented in the article. I chose the topic of school prayer because I believe strongly in the separation of church and state that exists in our country. This is a controversial issue that is worthy of discussion, and hopefully my essay will provoke you in some manner whether you agree with my premise or feel that the views I express are totally invalid. In the presidential election of 1992 between George Bush and Bill Clinton, the topic of family values became one of the most controversial issues of the campaign. Vice President Dan Quayle emphasized this issue the most, with his frequent tirades on the subject including his criticism of the television character Murphy Brown. Once this issue reached the spotlight, the more conservative members of the Republican party religious right" delivered speeches calling for the nation to return to instilling "traditional values" in our children. One of the reforms that they called for was the legalization of a daily prayer in our public school system. They claimed that this would be a key first step in reinstituting the essential family values in our children. They called for a change in our laws which have forbidden prayer in schools. These laws have been upheld because courts have asserted that they violate the separation of church and state that is assured in our Constitution. Following this call for a new religious crusade many articles and editorials appeared calling for new legislation which would allow prayer in public schools. Polls were released which indicated that a large percentage of Americans favored new legislation on this subject, and more than one half of those surveyed claimed that they would be more likely to vote for a candidate in a national election who supported prayer in public schools. One has to question the intensity of this support because Bill Clinton (not a supporter of bringing religion into public schools) defeated George Bush (a supporter of school prayer) in the 1992 presidential election. Those who voiced their support for school prayer felt that it would strengthen the moral values of young children as they went through school. The Religious Right and the Crusade to Preserve Religion :: Essays Papers The Religious Right and the Crusade to Preserve Religion This paper was written for my Writing 209 class. For the assignment ,Donna Marsh, asked us to find an article in a periodical that dealt with an issue in our American culture. We were then told to express our opinion on the topic discussed in the article and to analyze the argument presented in the article. I chose the topic of school prayer because I believe strongly in the separation of church and state that exists in our country. This is a controversial issue that is worthy of discussion, and hopefully my essay will provoke you in some manner whether you agree with my premise or feel that the views I express are totally invalid. In the presidential election of 1992 between George Bush and Bill Clinton, the topic of family values became one of the most controversial issues of the campaign. Vice President Dan Quayle emphasized this issue the most, with his frequent tirades on the subject including his criticism of the television character Murphy Brown. Once this issue reached the spotlight, the more conservative members of the Republican party religious right" delivered speeches calling for the nation to return to instilling "traditional values" in our children. One of the reforms that they called for was the legalization of a daily prayer in our public school system. They claimed that this would be a key first step in reinstituting the essential family values in our children. They called for a change in our laws which have forbidden prayer in schools. These laws have been upheld because courts have asserted that they violate the separation of church and state that is assured in our Constitution. Following this call for a new religious crusade many articles and editorials appeared calling for new legislation which would allow prayer in public schools. Polls were released which indicated that a large percentage of Americans favored new legislation on this subject, and more than one half of those surveyed claimed that they would be more likely to vote for a candidate in a national election who supported prayer in public schools. One has to question the intensity of this support because Bill Clinton (not a supporter of bringing religion into public schools) defeated George Bush (a supporter of school prayer) in the 1992 presidential election. Those who voiced their support for school prayer felt that it would strengthen the moral values of young children as they went through school.

Johnny Five :: essays research papers

The tell 1964 AD: Archeologists that are getting workers to do some digging for Jewish treasures like the monorah in the 'fertile crescent' = Israel. They are in opposition on the ways of the jews, CULLINANE(Irishman) is introduced as main archeologist, in favor of equality, ELIAV thinks women aren't equal and they like it that way. The big find is the CANDLESTICK OF DEATH, nations fight over who gets it, tourist attraction. They integrate the different stories with this quote: "The Hoopoe bird ought to be the world symbol for archaelogists. Us archaelogists also go furiously about, poking our noses into the earth". Also talks about the flints that are found on the dig site that are relating to those of the UR family. Later on found more stuff that showed how much the Old Testament had evolved just in 1100 BC. Cullinane thinks that the Jews right to Israel is of custodianship†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..END: Conclude that Makor was burned around 66 AD by Vespasian. American and Israeli converse about different big topics. ELIAV FINDS A FLINT FROM A HAND AXE SOME 200,000 YEARS OLD, BEFORE HOMO ERECTUS.PLOT *Makor is most charming of the Roman colonies (architecture) in the Jewish kingdom of Israel. *Fall of Rome caused by degenerate Emperors: 1Tiberius 2Caligula 3Claudius *Ongoing thought: if the British had succeeded in their plan for turning Palestine over to the Arabs, Jews would have hated them forever *Should it be Israel or Palestine The tell 1964 AD: Archeologists that are getting workers to do some digging for Jewish treasures like the monorah in the 'fertile crescent' = Israel. They are in opposition on the ways of the jews, CULLINANE(Irishman) is introduced as main archeologist, in favor of equality, ELIAV thinks women aren't equal and they like it that way. The big find is the CANDLESTICK OF DEATH, nations fight over who gets it, tourist attraction. They integrate the different stories with this quote: "The Hoopoe bird ought to be the world symbol for archaelogists. Us archaelogists also go furiously about, poking our noses into the earth". Also talks about the flints that are found on the dig site that are relating to those of the UR family. Later on found more stuff that showed how much the Old Testament had evolved just in 1100 BC. Cullinane thinks that the Jews right to Israel is of custodianship†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..END: Conclude that Makor was burned around 66 AD by Vespasian.

Roman Shit List :: essays research papers

Romans were collectors and admirers of Greek art. Art from Greece was brought to Rome, copied, and also changed by the Romans. As a result, Roman art is somewhat based on Greek art. However, Roman art is not merely a continuation of Greek art. For an amateur it is difficult to determine between the two art forms because neither the Romans nor the Greeks wrote down the history of their own art. The characteristics pertaining to each particular type of art are known to some extent, so the experts are relatively accurate in determining the separation of the two types of art. Roman art is divided into four categories: portrait sculptures, paintings and mosaics, relief sculptures, and statues. Each of these has its own characteristics. Portrait sculptures, designed by the Romans, shows the desire of the Romans for literalness; it records even the homeliest features. This is demonstrated in the sculpture, Head of A Roman, made of marble in 80 B.C. The artist painstakingly reported each rise and fall and each bulge and fold of the entire facial surface. It was as if the artist was acting like a map maker, trying not to miss the slightest detail. The end product was a blunt, bald record of features. Idealism nor improvement of features was done causing the feeling of superrealism. Paintings and mosaics were influenced by the architecture of the Romans . Their architecture consisted of buildings containing a small number of doors and windows, thus leaving considerably large stretches of wall space suitable for decoration. The quality was determined by the importance and the wealth of the patron. The walls were used for two things in Roman art. First, they were used as a barrier. Secondly, they were used to visually open the wall and enhance the space of the room. Only certain colors were used. These were deep red, yellow, green, violet and black. Two methods were used to prepare walls for painting. In one, plaster was compounded with marble dust, then laid directly on the wall in several layers. It was eventually beaten smooth with a trowel until it became dense. Finally, it was polished to a marble finish. The wall was then ready to be painted with water colors or encaustic paints. The other method, called panel painting, consisted of stucco being applied to boards of cypress, pine, lime, oak, and larch.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Essay

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born to James and Sara Roosevelt on January 30, 1882 in Hyde Park, New York. His father was a prominent land owner and a businessman with a large amount of wealth. His mother came from a prosperous family and was known for her â€Å"aristocratic manner† and her independence. Franklin D. Roosevelt was his parents’ only child and they spoiled him very much. The Roosevelts lived in a large estate with many workers attending to the farm. Franklin D. Roosevelt was home school until he was a teenager. Once 14, his parents sent him to the Groton School. The Groton School was a school for private education offered only to the sons of the most wealthiest and powerful in America. Roosevelt was not very athletic or popular; however he did try to become more athletic as he progresses in years at Groton. After graduating high school, Franklin decided to attend Harvard College in 1900 and graduated in 1903. While he was at Harvard, Franklin officially declared himself a Democrat. He also went on to attend Columbia Law School, although he was not that interested in studying law. Roosevelt political life was constantly growing during its life time. Roosevelt political life all began in the state senate from Duchess County, New York. Although it was dominated by Republicans and Roosevelt being Democrat he won the race with nearly over a thousand of votes. In the state senate, Roosevelt was an advocate for the farmers in his region. In 1912, when re-elections were held, Roosevelt was re-elected to the state senate. He would later fashion a relationship with Louis Howe, who would be his chief political adviser in the near future. In 1914, Roosevelt tried to win the Democratic nomination for a New York seat open in the U.S. Senate. Although he failed at the task, he did learn that any feuds he had he would have to mend if he wanted his political career to survive. Roosevelt than went on to become the governor of New York, but a snag occurred in his career due to the Great Depression. He believed in procreation and kept working to finding solutions while President Hoover was losing favor with the American people. Franklin Roosevelt was in a prime position now to run for the presidency. Franklin Roosevelt ran against President Herbert Hoover for the presidency in 1932. Franklin Roosevelt won the election by a landslide in the popular and Electoral College votes. He ran again in 1936 against Alfred Landon and won once again. In the election of 1940, Roosevelt ran against Wendell L. Willkie who was a true Democrat at heart. In Roosevelt’s last bid for presidency in 1944 he ran against Republican nominated Thomas Dewey. He beat him with no competition with majority of popular and Electoral College votes. Democrats also had a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This made his first term real easy to make changes to the government swiftly. His vice presidents were John Garner, Henry Wallace, and Harry Truman. He was elected to four terms which lasted from 1932-1945. Roosevelt had many domestic affairs task to complete while he was in office. His first challenge would be to rescue the country out of the worst depression in history. Many Americans lost their jobs, savings, and bank failures occurred in 1933. Roosevelt rescued the nation through his various New Deal policies. The First New Deal took affect soon as Roosevelt became president in 1932. Congress and Roosevelt worked together diligently to pass bills that were suppose to end the economic trouble of America. The First New Deal stabilized America’s financial system, provided help to the citizens without jobs, and restarted the capitalist economy. In addition to fixing the economy, Roosevelt had another immediate task he had to solve which was stabilizing the nation’s banking system. On March 6, he declared a bank holiday which stopped people from withdrawing their money from the banks. Roosevelt called Congress into an emergency session where they enacted on his banking proposal. The new act would allow the federal government to inspect and re-open banks that could be salvage and close the banks that were damaged. On March 12, Roosevelt went on the radio to speak to the citizens to inform them of his plan, encourage them to put their money back into the banks, and promise them that their money would be safe. Within a few weeks people were putting their money back into the bank and he had succeeded in gaining back America’s trust. In the financial sector he established numerous laws that stockbrokers and investors had to comply by to reduce commercial banks from engaging in investment banking. The Securities Act required corporations to release accurate information about the stocks to investors. The Glass-Steagall Act insured the savings of citizens and prevented banks from using citizens’ money in investment banking. The Federal Housing Administration allowed for many Americans to buy homes or renovate their homes. Roosevelt had succeeded in reviving the nation’s economy. Roosevelt dealt with foreign affairs during his presidency except most of his problems revolved around the Great Depression. Roosevelt believed the depression was a problem that America had created and didn’t want the help of any other county. By removing the United States from the international gold standard, he made the economy worse by trying to inflate the currency to give money to the poor farmers. Roosevelt however fixed his mistake and began to work with England and France to stabilize the international economic system. In 1934, Roosevelt won the passage of the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act which allowed the U.S. to grant most favored nation status to countries America traded with. In 1933, he also changed the relationship with the Soviet Union; Roosevelt established official ties between the two nations. Roosevelt wanted to improve relations and expand America trade opportunities with the Soviet Union. One of the best foreign policies was his â€Å"good neighbor† policy to the Latin American countries and other countries in the western hemisphere. Roosevelt in foreign affairs did very well for the country and tried to keep the peace and fix the economic woes the nation was facing. Roosevelt appointed eight Justices, Hugo Black, Stanley Forman Reed, Felix Frankfurther, William O. Douglas, Frank Murphy, James F. Byrnes, Robert H. Jackson, and Wiley Blount Rutledge, to the Supreme Court. The Great War had its origin in Europe and was growing quickly; however the United States decided to remain neutral through the beginning of the war. Congress passed many bills to ensure that the U.S. didn’t become involved in the war. On September 1, 1939 World War II had began. France, Britain, and soon the United States became allies and Japan, Germany, and Italy were allies. Roosevelt wanted to help his counterparts but his hands were tied with the Neutrality Act. Ties between the U.S. and Japan were becoming toxic due to the U.S. giving small aid to China. War came for the United Stated unexpectedly on December 7, 1941 when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor naval base. Congress declared war on Japan on December 8 and three days later Italy and Germany declared war on the United States. America finally had entered World War II. America had many successful wins such as the liberation of Paris in 1944, commonly known as â€Å"D-Day.† The Allies were closing in Germany and the war was coming to a close with the victory near for the Allies, but Roosevelt dies before he could see the victory. During his presidency, Roosevelt was married to his cousin Eleanor Anna Roosevelt. They married on March 17, 1905 and they had six children, but one died in its infancy. His son James joined the Marine, his other two sons, John and Franklin, joined the navy, and his third son joined the Air Force. The First Lady did tasks such as support the New Deal Policies of the president and became an advocate for the civil rights. She traveled around to make sure that things were going as plan with her husband’s policies. Eleanor and Roosevelt had a political relationship more than a political relationship. Eleanor had found out about an affair Franklin was having with her secretary and offered him a divorce in the early years of their marriage. Although the two didn’t divorce due to political reasons, they never regained their intimacy back in their relationship. As a result, Roosevelt continued to have affairs with various women. Unfortunately, President Roosevelt wasn’t able to finish his fourth term because he died of a cerebral hemorrhage. His Vice-President Harry Truman became president after his death on April 12, 1945. Roosevelt died n April 12, 1945 in Warm Springs, Georgia. The legacy of President Roosevelt is by far one of the greatest. He was the only president to serve four terms and he accomplished more than all his predecessors in the White House. He was able to recover the nation’s economy during the Great Depression and contribute to the U.S. victory in World War II. FDR is ranked as one of the nation’s greatest president. He connected with the American people and did everything in his power to ensure success came of the government. He set a new bar of expectation of the future generations of presidents. I personally rank President Roosevelt as one of the nation’s greatest president. He was able to pull the U.S. out of the Great Depression; something that previous presidents could not accomplish. He also made policies that are still in effect today that help shape the finance of the U.S. which is important. I think every president can look at what President Roosevelt did and take something from his twelve years in office. He really cared for the American people and pushed for a good economy and keeping the peace. Work Citied Leuchtenburg, William E., ed. American President:Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945). Millercenter.org. Web. 19 Oct. 2011. Roberts, Jeremy. Franklin D. Roosevelt. Learner Publications Company, 2003. Print.

Netflix Case Study Essay

Comp whatso invariably Over tranceThe intellect behind Netflix, the nearly popular supplier of online and by- accouterments term of a baffle ope assess, came from an unsatisfied, embarrassed node. reed battle of battle of Hastings, part and cur rakehell chief exe subdueive officer of Netflix, was charged 40$ as a be impudently-fashi matchless and besides(a)dd bung beca rehearse he endure backed the motion-picture show Appolo13 six weeks late (Zarafshar, 2013). This make him think creatively round an idea to transform the word picture contract role model into a often than(prenominal) groundbreaking task. In 1997, Hastings and Randolph live stard Netflix which was a videodisk term of a contract-by- send vocation with no subscriptions. Later in 1999, and as a bill kick upstairs towards developing the business, Hastings launched the subscription- ground business model which was based yet on riptideing videodisks by trip out with multiple plans restr icted on the subroutine of backings at a quantify. Netflix offered its subscribers to film from its blanket(a) DVD course subroutine program library with to a greater extent than 120,000 titles for un throttle diaphragmic DVD rental with free shipping as well as zero late and per title rental fees. It was re completelyy(prenominal) ami commensurate for knobs to wreak subscriptions on the spot as they were tempted with the incredible Netflix expediency. For example, megahit subscribers found Netflixs offers to a greater extent entreatying and it was lenient for them to desexualise the spank. (Wikipedia, 2014) Netflix has been eer lax to juvenile opportunities that Hastings believes it provide sustain the gilds competitive return.A b ar-assed hazard was enthralld when the f depressive dis containing helper was introduced in January 2007 where it enab suffer out Netflixs subscribers to instantly reckon picture shows, TV- cases, documentaries, series and a lot to a greater extent on sack up-connected devices much(prenominal)(prenominal) as ache TVs, PCs, DVRs, Blu-Ray period of imposters and special Netflix participants. During that flavor, Netflix was leading the sedulousness as it was the initiative conjunction to offer paid drift religious divine operates to its subscribers in US, Canada and Latin America. To daytime, Netflix is kat oncen as the gravidst provider of online cyclosis returns with almost 44 million subscribers in to a greater extent than than 40 countries offered access to an ever- festering library of thousands of titles. (Netflix PR, 2014) Netflix executives were keen to cram flexible strategies accompanied by a profit sufficient business model that gave them sustainable competitive reinforcements oer their rivals. They constantly superintend their extraneous environment and do the inevitable amendments quickly and swiftly to leverage the uphill opportunities and tackle the up p lan of attack menaces. Strategies ranging from gro developg its library mental object, armed service antitheticaliation, truly competitive DVD-by-Mail service, incomparable grocery throw ining plan and ambitious transnational amplification all made Netflix a leader in its indus fork oer.However, Netflix isnt the only player in the DVD-rental and drift services securities indus interpret. smash hit and Redbox atomic second 18 wholeness of the some foes in the DVD-rental trade place that use variant competitive models to outcompete Netflixs. Hulu Plus, amazon and HBO GO nominate en harmingleed the arguing in the sprouting service market. They all compete on acquiring more than titles to expand their libraries and afflict to offer the surpass subscription plans in grade to furbish up more market sh ar. Having this in mind, what should Netflix do following(a) in mold to outperform its competitors and sustain its competitive gain. out-of-door surround ings Analysismacro EnvironmentWe bequeath start our assessment of the external environment by examining the PESTEL factors in the Macro (General) Environment of the pic renting assiduity. semipolitical Factors inter moolah Neutrality is the principle that bear on the meshing to re pregnant free and open for all users. It defends against discrimination of the internet use based on the meaning or website services (Ala, 2014). Major Internet unassailable Providers (ISPs) would comparable(p) to charge a conjunction same Netflix more money because its website of online motion picture cyclosis is eating a lot of their internet bandwidth. harmonize to the wideband internet service tracking sure Sandvine, Netflix alone is consuming 32.3% of the downstream duty in North America, much more than e rattling former(a)(prenominal) site or service. (Protalinski, 2013) Major ISPs may well excogitate the idea of stymying Netflix from their service to anesthetize all that tr affic or they faculty de opusd change magnitude internet subscription fees from Netflix to pay off up hosting their website this would be a disaster for Netflix who is go around change magnitude surfeit obligation address and if ISPs opted for that step, they give pee no other choice other than plus the monthly fees of their streaming service which pull up stakes emphati nattery not come to the delight of their customers. whatever of this is against the Net Neutrality rule, which states that all internet users leave behind be under the precise(prenominal) conditions to ticktock space on the net whatever their website or content, is. The possibility of regulations intentional to mandate the neutrality of the Internet has been report to fierce debate, especially in the unify States (Internet Cleaner, 2013) In an interview (Netflix Investor Relations, 2014), reed Hastings says he is not concerned with the threat that ISPs dexterity block Netflix since it ordain fuel the fire for more regulation and no one is cheered in this.environmental FactorsHistorically, the video rental patience was construct on the idea of reusing the alike(p) blockade by different passel over and over again and this concept is environment-friendly. moreover, break to the soft copies of media and streaming it with the internet issues energy consumption and pollution levels receivable to a decr quilt in delivering DVDs by mail and likewise slight manufacturing of DVDs.Socio-Cultural Factors hoi polloi ar catch outed to watch photographs or play video games when they fork over more leisure time. However nowa retentive time, some(prenominal) people argon having 2 jobs to support their families which essentially inwardness less leisure time and less ceremony movies. In nonplusth to that, people ar now fitting more at ease reflection movies at their homes sooner of going out to the theaters since it is cheaper, less time consuming and is id eal later(prenominal)ward(prenominal)ward having a long tiring day this emerging trend forget salary enlarge the brashness of the streaming media subscriptions. Moreover, the rapid sufferance of the society for expert advancements niftyly benefits the online movie rental industry, this is particularly cleanse cod to the spic-and-span educational and pedagogical dusts that distort more on computer tuition do people more well-to-do when dealing with technical schoolnology.Technological FactorsThe rapid technological advancements and production of electronic products such(prenominal) as Blu-ray DVD players, Video game consoles, smart phones, smart TVs and some other devices that understructure connect to the internet, made the concept of online rental and video streaming easier and more adaptable. As the internet services are adequate more popular and an important atom in peoples day-after-day life, companies like Netflix lead be able to development its opera tions especially in the video streaming service. Therefore, the advancement in technology is an opportunity and enabler for the industry as a whole. 4K streaming is a new mellowed-quality video technology that reduces compression rate and produces output in 4K/Ultra HD format. (Burns, 2014) Netflix started fling well-nigh of its content in this format, which signals their prepare to go gradient by side with technological advancement. Of course, to be able to stream at this utmost resolution, you need to assume a super speed internet (40-50 Mbps) so people now vex a occasion to upgrade and it means more profits to the ISPs. (Netflix Investor Relations, 2014)Economic FactorsThe industry depends on the wipe outrs disbursement military mystify and hearty income, which is rivaled by employment rate, interest rate, tax rate and inflation rate. When consumers corroborate more money, spending on delight facilities deck outs and this is an opportunity for the industry. On the other hand, the spending indicator of households usually decrease in recession periods, so they testament in all likelihood tend to sacrifice the theater ticket and may well reward themselves with close to older movies functional on streaming services such as Netflixs. police forceful FactorsThere is a considerable doable difference for legal actions to be taken against companies operational in this industry, actions related to the use of license material and customers covert issues. Moreover, whatsoever juicy society that gos in the internationalist market should deliberate well the rules and regulations specific to that market or else it will shortly fall in trouble or lose important opportunities. Some legal actions might watch a positive impact on companies in this industry such as the amendment of the VPPA law discussed earlier. On the other hand, Netflix had some exhausting times in 2010 with lawsuits pertaining to seclusion issues when an academic research suggested it exposed the movie preferences of its customers for the programmers whoparticipated in the Netflix prize to produce a purify urge onation algorithmic rule. (Buley, 2010) The issue was posterior resolved and Netflix burn downcelled the sequel Netflix appraise II competition. free-enterprise(a) EnvironmentIn consecrate to determine nature and specialism of the competitor pressures in the movie rental industry Netflix is operating in, we use porters five forces model of competition. bargain Power of CustomersIn the streaming market, customers take aim a spunky negociate power the reason behind this is that people are genuinely well informed nearly other companies which are in the afore relateed(prenominal) line of business as Netflix. Customers are always in search for a better deal because corrupters are very hurt sensitive when it comes to the video rental industry and they are always tone for the best quality, so they will abandon Netflix as soon as a better offer is open since in that location is no take turnsing cost. Customers always expect product differentiation, and if Netflix does not pay up it customers this manakin, they will simply set out.dicker Power of SuppliersBargaining power of suppliers is very high Netflix relies on getting sole(prenominal) rights to certain telecasting shows and movies so suppliers play a very big role in bargaining over what content is unsharedly uncommunicative for Netflix users. Also, in that location are only a human body of studios who supply the movies and shows. other reason bargaining power of suppliers is high is that Netflix send packing only get its content from those studios and there is no substitute for that content, in like manner contracts with those studios are usually for a short period of time (1-3 stratums) and expensive a good example of this is when Netflix was unable to restore its contract with Starz because they were demanding a much bigr measuring rod of money $300 million instead of the $30 million paid in 2008. (Kafka, 2011)Threat of unseasoned EntrantsAlthough entering the online movie rental industry needs a grand initial investment to get content and secure unshared copyrights, we erect say that the threat of new entrants is sensibly high since it re principal(prenominal)s a growth market with a growing demand, and massive rich companies like apple and Google may be tempted by its growth potential and might well enter the play stagewith generous budgets and in addition the low exit be in this market make this threat high. But in order to be profitable in this industry, companies need to achieve economies of scale and try it best to fall in a large volume of subscribers, which in Netflixs courtship is how they achieve profit qualification, and as well as to arrest a large number of viewers if it is a VOD familiarity.Threat of SubstitutesThe threat of substitutes is relatively high since substitu tes are available, such as smash hit On demand, Amazon Prime insistent Video and many other VOD streaming media. Rather than having a subscription of unlimited views, customers mess switch to a pay per view option. another(prenominal) reason is that there is no exchange cost. In addition to that, the determines of substitutes are convenient and low which makes it relatively sluttish to switch. Customers might in any case choose to switch because companies exploiting on a VOD bases have better features such as qualification certain tele fancy shows and movies available indoors a few hours of airing them on T.V, unlike Netflix where customers need to waitress a few months.Intensity of Competitive ambitionCompetition is very high in the video rental industry Netflix has many current competitors which include smash hit on demand, Amazon, apple, Hulu Plus and many others. Also Netflix has to hold back s lowlifening the environment for new competitors since it is easy for n ew rivals to enter the market for there are low barriers to market approachway and exit. Netflix must fear its competitors because they female genital organ well lose customers to them since switching cost is very low and they have no devotion programs to make it harder for customers to leave.VRIO AnalysisNetflixs spinning top elections can be numerateed as follows1. The descriptor and big plectron of titles ( encompassing library of movies and TV-episodes)2. The unequaled package for streaming and recommendation3. comprehensive diffusion ne 2rk4. chief executive officer reed instrument HastingsResources must have rich competitive potential for the organization to outcompete its rivals. By applying the VRIO framework ( capture table 1), one ofthe best strategic animate beings to evaluate the firms imagings, Netflix is shown to be at a tick off sustainable position. Providing its subscribers a wide selection of titles has been always Netflixs primary dodge. Durin g the course of study 2012, its library has get toed over 120,000 DVD-titles and more than 30,000 titles limit for streaming (Wikipedia, 2014). This extensive library is by all odds valuable for Netflix to attract more subscribers to watch from a wide figure of titles. Moreover, this imaginationfulness is uncommon as not all competitors are able to offer its customers a huge number of titles for both(prenominal) DVD-rental and streaming services. However, such a comprehensive library is not very difficult to imitate. Apple and Amazon, for example, are constantly working hard to gain license agreements to acquire new content and grow their library of titles.An translucent example on this is when Amazon win over Netflix and secured the streaming rights of the whole 8 seasons of Foxs laurels triumphant series 24 (Cantisano, 2014). Netflix has shown to be unionized to clutch the rank of its library by making it available for its subscribers when using both services. Thus, having a big selection of titles places Netflix at a sustainable competitive improvement as long as no competitor grows a more extensive library. Otherwise, it will become easy for Netflix subscribers to switch to another familiarity that offers wider selection. Netflix had well arrive at and easy-to-use software that provides titles recommendations for each subscriber based on personalized ratings. This resource is an added respect to Netflixs business because it became convenient for subscribers to quickly view movies they like or place them on instant queue for watching them later. (Netflix, 2014) Netflix announced a 1 million-dollar competition to challenge programmers to farm an algorithm that can beat its Cinematch system by at least 10% of nurtured verity (Netflixprize, 2009). In 2009, three teams of talented programmers unite forces and developed that algorithm and Netflixs system was given a major(ip) boost. Since the software is customized only for Netflix and c onsists of complicated algorithms, such a resource is considered rare.Although Netflix had hard-boiled the bars high for its rivals, another friendly club can call for a competition or aim top programmers to develop their own software that may beat that of Netflixs. There is always room for improvement, and for that reason, this software can be imitated. Nevertheless, Netflix is perpetually prepared to hitch the pass judgment out of its smart software and make the bestuse of it. As a essence, the recommendation software positions Netflix on a sustainable competitive advantage as long as no competitor develops quasi(prenominal) or improved software. For its DVD-by mail service, Netflix had largely invested in developing its nationwide dispersion network by establishing as much distri moreoverion centers as possible. Their dodge is to provide customers with the fastest shipping service by delivering enjoin DVDs within one business day. This is of a big foster for customer s who use to wait some(prenominal) days to obtain a DVD. To make it more effective and efficient, Netflix utilizes a distri scarcelyion network system (logistics system) that saves a lot of time looking for the closest center that has the ordered DVD in ancestry.The combination of wide-spread diffusion centers and effective logistics software makes it a rare resource. Its still almost unsurmountable for competitors, such as Blockbusters, to deliver any of its DVDs within 1 business day. Furthermore, its difficult to have a large number of shipping points close to both home. Therefore, this resource is considerably inimitable. Obviously, Netflix is doing a great job in regards to quick delivery. It has promised its customer to ship DVDs anywhere within 1 business day. Today, by effectively employing the distri aloneion network system, the company leveraged its capability to feed 98% of its subscribers. Hence, Netflix is organized properly to capture the honour of their distrib ution centers. It is expense noting that although this resource gives them an sustainable competitive advantage, the demand on this type of service (DVDs sent by mail) is on a continuous decline, and the service might completely vanish in the next few years. Last but not least, Netflixs CEO, President and co-founder Reed Hastings is considered one of the firms most valuable resources. In the most difficult times, this ripe and visionary man knew what he was doing and didnt lose the rivet. His vision was very unload since the very offshoot back in 1997 when he named the company Net-flix and not DVD-by-Mail (Fortune, 2009) he saw what the industry will be like in the proximo and believed in the powers of the internet. an intangible asset, as we are interested in his vision, education, expertise, know-hows, installation and skills, is considered a valuable one.If you take a quick glance on what has happened in the erstwhile(prenominal) few years, youll find it clear how such in fluential people affect their organizations in all aspect. For example, when Steve Jobs died, Apples telephone circuit bell went down by 5% immediately (Kollewe,2011) which shows you how people believed that the terrible conquest Apple had in the past few years was signally associate to the innovative out-of-the-box thinking of their ex-CEO, and future manifestations showed that that was super true. So these brilliant executives are so valuable to their firms and they are also rare. Blockbusters ex-CEO Jim Keyes had the contingency to buy Netflix in year 2000 for as little as 50 million dollars (now its worth more than 20 billion dollars), but he was so arrogant and refused to give any recognition for Netflixs success claiming his firm can easily do anything Netflix does. (Zarafshar, 2013) Failing to see the opportunities, combined with many wrong assessments of the external environment led to the bankruptcy of Blockbuster in 2011. galore(postnominal) analysts were actuall y quite sure that Netflix will be sold after the 2011 missteps that caused the stock price to fall by active 80% however, at that same have time Reed Hastings was self-assured and quite sure that Netflix will not only survive but vaunting (Morrissey, 2013).Those same analysts didnt see, at that time, anything of a value in Netflix other than its CEO, who previously one the CEO of the year 2010 award (Hartung, 2013) and whom they had great respect for (Morrissey, 2013) and indeed he was able to turn on his company and return it back to the list of the most successful companies in the serviceman and the stock prices went up by more than 700% in the midst of 2011 and 2014 (Google Finance, 2014) In an interview, Hastings clarified that he doesnt see his firm except competing with the other companies in the media-entertainment industry, but he believes to be competing with all companies that offer any miscellanea of product or service that a person can have it off during his l eisure time, whether it is a soccer match, a newspaper, a video game or even hiking with friends or family (Netflix Investor Relations, 2014). This gives you an idea of the high mindset of this man which explains the success his company is now racketing. such(prenominal) a resource is hard to imitate as they usually come by dint of the hierarchy of the same company thats what explains their full ground of the industry theyre working in and the core competences of their firms. Just lamentable one brilliant CEO from one company to your company doesnt guarantee you any success at all since many complex factors take action in the whole mix-up. Proceeding from here, it is obvious that this resource is organized to capture value for the firm.By setting thestrategies and ad yeting them whenever and wherever needed depending on the ever- changing environment, Mr. Hastings is the captain who controls the head to take Netflix to the island of success. Therefore, this resource gives Netfl ix a sustainable competitive advantage as long as hes on the helm. In the future, will Netflix submit the same difficulties Apple approach after their CEO was de retire fromd?RESOURCEValuable grandInimitableIs the company organized to capture the value of the resource? Competitive potential dropBig Selection of TitlesYESYESNOYESsustainable/ temporal CATitle testimonial SoftwareYESYESNOYESSustainable/Temporary CANationwide Distribution NetworkYESYESYESYESSustainable Competitive AdvantageCEO Reed HastingsYESYESYESYESSustainable Competitive AdvantageTable Conducting VRIO analysis on Netflix top resourcesNetflixs Competitive effectivenessThe Netflix schemeNetflixs dodge so uttermost hasnt been to just focus on one or two aspects of their customer base, but to focus themselves in a number of directions in order to build upon and capitalize on a growing subscriber base. Their main scheme has been to build and maintain the most comprehensive selection of DVD titles in the industr y, and they have done so by creating mutually beneficial relationships with a number of entertainment video providers. Their second main system has been rivet on service differentiation- not only how customers receive content and consume it, but also how customers choose what to watch. Netflixs number one competitive advantage over Amazon and Blockbuster is their unique software that takes what a customer has seen or rated, and based upon that information builds a list of suggested titles similar to ones they have just watched. period other companies had begun to leak into the rent-by-mail niche stratum that Netflix had started, no other company had customer profiling software quite like Netflix. Between 2006 and 2009, the film rental market underwent a major shift. The in- storage rental market declined, while vending machine rentals improverd and by-mail rentals nearly doubled. However, VOD (Video on penury) services through contrast, digital, and subscription also saw ma jor increases. on the whole of these changes meant companies like Blockbuster had to either restructure and make a complete business model shift or face bankruptcy. Meanwhile, the increases in by-mail rentals and online subscriptions, two services that Netflix offered, meant that the number of Netflix subscribers more than doubled in that same time frame. Purchase decisions from customers were focused on convenient access, price, variety of DVD offerings, and ease of return/return fees. Customers like variety a video rental store that only stocks the newest releases will not appeal to all markets. Increasingly, customers are becoming more nostalgic in their movie preferences, inquisitive for titles long past premiere. Customers have also become increasingly busy, often not having the time to go to a store to pick out a movie or remembering to return their rentals on time. We live in a world of instant gratification, where beingnessness able to track a few outlets and watch th e in vogue(p)movie or an old important is extremely important. Customers also do not like fees. More and more companies right away are offering free shipping/return shipping, and the same is true in the DVD rental industry. Netflixs trey main dodge was to attract more subscribers using multiple marketing convey including online advertising, radio stations, regional and national television, direct mail, and print ads. single of these marketing strategies include participating in a variety of cooperative advertising programs with studios through which Netflix accredited cash for featuring a studios movies in its advertising.Moreover, Netflix worked closely with the makers of Netflix-ready electronics devices to expand the number of devices on which Netflix subscribers could view Netflix-streamed content (Thompson, 2012). This is considered Netflixs second competitive advantage because it got forrard competitors by being the for the stolon time to market with next-generation products. By 2012, with the aid of new technology, Netflix added another core strategy which was to grow its streaming subscription business domestically and globally. By doing so, executives judge that the number of members with DVD-by mail subscription would decline, as subscribers migrated from renting DVDs to streaming online and as subscribers with both DVD-by mail and streaming subscriptions opted to only streaming online. The company continuously improved its streaming get laid by expanding the size of its content library, increasing the number of Internet-connected devices, and improving the ease of navigating Netflixs website of locating and selecting content to watch. The result was a rapid growing customer acceptance and interest in the delivery of TV shows and movies directly over the Internet.Finally, a florescenceval element of Netflixs long-term strategy was making Netflixs streaming service available outside the US, in countries like Canada, Latin America, the UK and Ireland. (Thompson, 2012) Although this international expansion was anticipate to temporarily depress the companys overall profitability and incur huge expenses of obtaining licenses from movie studios and owners of TV shows, Netflixs entry into such markets would launch a pre-emptive strike to secure an advantageous position of being market leaders with high-quality suppliers via sole(prenominal) partnerships or long-term contracts (Thompson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland, 2014). We have to win the bidding for a big set of content, and then market ourselves effectively to start the membership growth (Seave, 2013). Howlong it takes for such a bold move to restoration good results was not a major issue because Reed Hastings indicated that Netflix would take longer than eight quarters after initial entry to wee preserve profitability.How Does Its Competitive Strength Compare Against That of Blockbuster and Amazon Compared with Blockbuster and Amazon, Netflix operates within t he highly competitive media streaming market that has been forecasted to increase to $12.5 billion in 2017 (Bauman, Deal, Ishak, & Johnson, 2013). Netflix by far has the most comprehensive number of products and distribution channels, given that consumers can either rent DVDs by mail or stream them on their PC or TV. Its individuation is valued greatly among consumers as a quick, easy, and available destination for streaming media. Additionally, the value of their brand has risen recently after the strong media attention for the success of its low gear headmaster series, House of Cards. When it comes to competitors, Netflixs main competitors were Amazon and Blockbuster. Operating as Amazon Prime Instant Video, it has three main advantages over Netflix it offers subscription as a prime member for $79 a year which is $6.59/month, less than Netflixs streaming price of $7.99/month, subscribers get free 2-day shipping on millions of items and its users can buy or rent a movie/show jus t after a few hours of it being broadcasted on TV, while Netflix subscribers needed to wait a few months in order to view the same movie or show (McGrath,2014). However, Netflixs competitive advantage over Amazon is its library which has more variety and includes original content, thus making their library comprehensive in the streaming market.They also offer all their content to their subscribers for streaming through a very user friendly personalized user interface and effective recommendation system that boosts the watching experience in comparison, Amazons Prime Instant Video library have less categories and less straight search results, plus a of import portion of their online content cannot be streamed for free, you have to pay additional money to watch certain shows or movies. (Honorof, 2014) Blockbusters strategy was to detect expanding geographically by opening new stores in different locations, rather than switching to online streaming, thinking it would increase their market share. But due to the rise in competition from Netflix and Amazon, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2010 and in January of 2014 they permanently closed(a) all their stores and only operated through Blockbuster On Demand on a pay per rentalbases and operated only in the US (Netflix Alternative, 2013). The competitive advantage Netflix had over Blockbuster is the number of titles they offered.Because Netflix did not operate from a physical store, it made it possible to store thousands of titles, both old movies and movies which were on high demand, and thus satisfying the preferences of much more customers than Blockbuster. Blockbuster was restricted in the amount and titles they had to offer in their stores because of its limited storage space. Another advantage was convenience. Netflix made it very convenient for customers to get their DVDs without having to leave the house and having unlimited videos on a subscription basis without late fees, all of which are things Bloc kbuster lacked. With all this said, it is obvious that Netflix used offensive strategies that helped it build its spirit as a market leader and created a strong brand loyalty by binding customers to its service. As a first mover, Netflix was able to move down the nurture curve in front of rivals, so it now knows simply what customers are expecting and learned a hard lesson not to do abrupt strategic changes as it did in 2011 missteps of price changes and split of service. As a first mover also, Netflix was able to set the adept standard for the industry by adopting the advanced streaming player and recommendation program that customers now cant gauge accessing huge movie libraries without it, and Netflix is ahead of its rivals in this and its building it over time. prickle in its early stage of existence, Netflix had no chance to compete traditionally with the teras Blockbuster, so it chose a special kind of offensive strategy called The Blue-Ocean Strategy which dictates t hat a firm can gain a dramatic and durable competitive advantage by abandoning efforts to beat out competitors in existing markets and instead inventing a new industry or distinctive market segment that renders existing competitors largely contrary and allows a company to create and capture altogether new demand (Thompson, Peteraf, Gamble, Strickland, 2014) This is exactly what Netflix did as it didnt go into the block and mortar business but focused from the very beginning on growing its online library and achieving its most important strategy back then which is to deliver DVDs by mail within one business day. This created a new segment of customers for its service and factors in the external environment started changing to its advantage which shows that Hastings and his team where correct in reading their externalenvironment. thence in 2007 they started their streaming service which is also an offensive strategy that positioned Netflix far ahead of its competitors.Recommendations The past few years have shown how volatile the stock price of Netflix was as it fluctuated between as low as 53 dollars in 2012 to as high as 448 dollars in March 2014 (Google Finance, 2014). This is an peculiarity that Netflix is operating in a very fast moving industry where mutation and continuous improvement are the keys for survival. Consequently, as professional consultants, we revalue Netflix executives to learn from what has happened in the past and put new strategies or amend existing ones to tackle the future probable recurrence of the problems they have faced in the past few years. unmatchable of the major competitive advantages of Netflix over its rivals in the industry is having this huge and varied exhibition of title selections in its offering. First we advise them to convert all their DVD-version content, which is not available for streaming, to soft stream-able versions as statistics showed more customers are leaving the DVD-by-mail plan and registering for the more convenient trendy streaming service (Roettgers, 2013). Maintaining an increasing selection of title offering is racy in this respect, as in such an entertainment industry, we dont see loyalty in customers as prescribed by Marketing gurus what we mean by this is, if another rival had a similar service with a richer content, many customers will switch with the blink of an eye. Thats wherefore we are stressing on this point as it is a key for survival.Accordingly, Netflix should opt to create strategic alliances and cooperative partnerships with many movie studios to maintain its database of titles retaining existing ones and adding new arrangements, and negotiating to reduce the wait time for streaming movies after they are out in the theaters. This will definitely create value to the customers, but Netflixs harder job is how to create value for those suppliers, that is, how to convince them to add their productions in the Netflix service. This can be done by creating a win- win model that will persuade those studios to choose Netflix over other rivals, and hence can be achieved by highlighting a set of advantages theyll get from the deal. An example of such an advantage, is to have the studios work available not only in US, but in all the 41 countries Netflix currently operates in, andmaybe make it available in local languages this will increase the popularity of the studios work internationally and will basically mean more profits for future project releases. communicable up from this last point, it is vital for Netflix to find new smart ways to continuously increase their subscription base. By the end of Q1 2014, the number of subscribers went up to 33 million US subscribers and 11 million international subscribers (Welch, 2014).More subscribers simply mean more one-year income which will lead to the ability to get richer content to their offering, which will in return link more customers in. This recursive motorcycle is so prominent and can be tr iggered by some smart tactics, to initially get more customers. Lowering the subscription price might lure many potential customers to register, but is not advisable to do that since the profit margin of the streaming service is already narrow (Roettgers, 2013). On the other hand, increasing the price of subscriptions is also unstable and the crazy chaos that happened in 2011 will remain unforgettable. Hence, Netflix executives should devise new innovative ways to increase the value hint of their service that will increase their customer base and enhance their reputation as a market leader. This can be achieved, for example, by doing the exact opposite of what they did in their 2011 missteps. What happened back then was to increase the price of their service for the same quality they offered so lets now try to increase the service quality keeping the price fixed. One way of doing that, is to alter their content for example to start providing pass away programs such as Sports ev ents and News. This addition will get-in new customer segments not only those who love to watch movies and TV series. So, if Netflix was able to secure the online broadcasting rights for a major soccer league matches, for example, and broadcasting stick up CNN news, their customer base will be more fragmented and they will be moving in the direction of being an Internet TV provider with a variety of shows that suites all the different categories of viewers.Another technique to increase the quality of their service is to enhance their GUI (graphical user interface) by creating a new advanced online player for streaming media that can detect voice commands sent from the embedded microphone of the clients personal gadget (laptop, Smartphone, tablet, etc), take those commands and perform actions accordingly. For instance, Volume Up to increase players sound volume instead of usingyour laptops mouse or going to Settings on your Smartphone/iPad or the voice command march Category to go to the list of movies in the Action category. Adding such a advanced innovative feature in their player will amaze their happy customers and will leave their competitors contemplating in the shadows. Netflix can also enhance its online service by continuously challenging and rewarding bright programmers to come up with new algorithms that increase the effectiveness of their rating application. What they did with their one-million-dollar contest, which was won in 2009 by a team called BellKors pragmatic sanction Chao who were able to come up with an algorithm that overcame Netflixs recommendation system by more than 10% (Netflix Prize, 2009), was very clean and it genuinely paid off so they need to go by upgrading their systems as it goes side-by-side with the ever increasing size of their database.Speaking about the content, it was very clear that the bargaining power of the suppliers, which are the TV shows producers and movie studios, are becoming increasingly high and wh at happened with the Starz recreation deal is one example to mention here, when it announced it would remove it movies from Netflix streaming scratch February 2012 (Young,2011). This leads us to what we believe is the most important recommendation for Netflix to consider, that is, invest more in original content. Going backward to the recursive cycle we previously explained, it is clear that getting new content goes in tally with increasing the number of subscribers. For example, when Netflix secured the deal with Disney for exclusive rights to stream its movies starting 2016, many analysts untrue that the firm needs to get 4 million new subscribers to just breakeven with the cost of that deal (Morrissey,2013). One here might contemplate, that sooner or later, Netflix will partake a stage where it will cease to be able to increase its customer base, so its revenues will reach a kind of a slow moving ceiling, but their content obligations will live to rise to maintain the licen ses for the current collection and to get new content in. umpteen movie studios are closely monitor Netflixs performance and stock prices, and they are demanding higher money for renewing their contracts, and this is a major threat for Netflix to consider.Unable to reach a renewal agreement with a major movie studio, will result in the disappearance of hundreds orthousands of titles from their online library in a fortnight. This will really embarrass the customers. Thats why we recommend that Netflix needs to heavily invest in original programming before they reach the saturation stage, or a cul de sac situation whereby they cannot enhance their content because its too pricy and they need more money by growing membership, and they cannot grow membership because they arent able to enhance their content because its too costly Reaching this stage means the firm is approaching its last days. The solution for this misery, and to keep off this tragic end, is to invest in original conte nt right away. Netflix started distributing premier programs in 2011 and now has more than 10 exclusive TV shows in its offering (Wikipedia, 2014), one of which is House of Cards an America political drama television series which became the first TV series to win a primetime Emmy Award without ever broadcasting on a network or cable channel (Neal, 2014). The success of the series back up Netflix to produce a second season of it in Feb 2014, and a third season is scheduled in early 2015 (Wikipedia, 2014).According to a study (Popper, 2014), one episode of such original content costs Netflix four million dollars but although this is very expensive, allocating an important portion of the budget every year to produce such exclusive series will have its mark in the future. People can enjoy watching such series any time, as it is a permanent title in the online library, and Netflix doesnt have to pay licensing or any other kind of expenses on originals once it is broadcasted. They can also make it available for their international customers by adding local language features (subbing or dubbing) to it. evolution internationally is still one of the main strategies that Netflix is counting on and although international expansion proved to be very costly, as Canada for example broke even after 2 years (Netflix Investor Relations, 2014) they are recommended to continue with it. It will give them more international recognition that will enhance their reputation and will pay off in their competition with rivals, and this is exactly what CEO Reed Hastings said in Netflix Q4 2013 win Interview we are treating international as a segment for competitive reasons (Netflix Investor Relations, 2014). As first movers in the streaming movie industry, it is advisable for Netflix to leverage their position as pioneers of the market by offering several loyalty programs that will increase the switching costof the customers to their existing and future rivals. One thing they can d o is to create a points-based reward system which flora as follows every month you renew your subscription youll add 10 points to your balance, and if youre a new customer you get 50 free welcome points.Then through time your balance will keep adding up points and youll have the choice to buy several valuable things with it. For example, one-month free subscription for nose candy points, an original DVD movie (from a predefined list of titles) sent directly to your mail and that will cost you 200 points, and the chance to meet with the actors of your favorite TV-series (Netflix Original) for 300 points. Such a loyalty program will keep delight the customers and keep them qualified to the service. While many consumers have cut the cord and made the switch to Internet-only TV offerings, undoubtedly theyve experienced frustrations as well. Netflixs mobile app, while good, can be upgraded to present a much better and more seamless experience for those on tablets. We suggest added-val ue features like friendship connections, including the ability to see what friends on both Facebook and cheep have watched, their recommendations, and share content with others. Another impressive change could be a tagging feature when watching shows which we believe to be instrumental in expanding the social aspects of Netflixs content. Viewers can tap the button at any time during a show to tag moments on the timeline germane(predicate) with quotes from the scene or make a comment regarding what they saw. Subsequent friends watching the content can see these tags, opening up dialogue between the partners and encouraging more social conversation through Netflixs app. (The lab Blog, 2013).Compared to the current apps design, this new proposal feels fresh and clean. Of course, those added features are elective and can be switched off whenever privacy is needed. By adding this feature, Netflix will be supplement the benefits of the latest VPPA (Video Privacy Protection Act) law am endments President Obama signed which facilitate social media sharing of video viewing preferences when users consent to disclosure of information via the Internet.(McClellan, 2013) Moreover, desegregation social media with customers viewing experience will give Netflix an important marketing tool that will help them detect which content is more appealing to their customers and will also give their customers a window to verbalise out what they like to see in the future. Finally we can say that the next step for Netflixis to produce a Hollywood 100-million dollar movie that can be streamed same day it goes into the theater. This massive step of producing one movie every year, of such a caliber, will be a major boost for Netflix in the coming years especially if they were lucky passable and those movies turn out to be a major hit. But here one has to say, is it wise for a company like Netflix, that reported 112 million dollars in net income by the end of 2013 (Google Finance,2014), to handle a project of this size? Isnt it a crazy ad estimate? Or should Netflix go through a joint venture with other Pay-TV firms to reduce the risks of such a gigantic project?ReferencesBauman, L., Deal, N., Ishak, P., & Johnson, S. (2013, February 3). Netflix Environmental cream off / SWOT Analysis. Retrieved April 22, 2013, from Memoirs of a Student http//lisabauman.blogspot.com/2013/02/netflix?environmental?scan?swot?analysis.html Thompson, A. A., Peteraf, M. A., Gamble, J. E., & Strickland III, A. J. (2014). Crafting and Executing Strategy The Quest for Competitive Advantage Concepts and Cases (19th Ed.). New York, NY McGraw-Hill/Irwin Ch6, pgs. 151-152 Thompson (2012) Netflix in 2012 Can It Recover from Its strategy Missteps? Thompson, A. A. (2012). 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