Bleak House Englands Social Institutions and Political...

Charles Dickens Bleak House presents a damning portrait of Englands social institutions and political infrastructure. The novel allows Dickens to express condemnation for the English court and judicial system; as the author purportedly stated prior to writing Bleak House, The one great principle of the English law is to make business for itself, (cited by Perdue). In addition to exposing the corruption of English common law, Dickens also draws attention to fractures in the very fabric of English society. Most of these fractures are related to social norms and ethics. Although Bleak House possesses a complicated, many-layered plot, one of the common threads remains the suffering of women and children. Esther Summerson is the novels protagonist, is born into unfortunate circumstances. Already Dickens provides social commentary on English culture. Summerson has one of the most positive, uplifting names in the novel. Her heroine status and her name are not coincidental. The entire cast of characters in Bleak House is symbolic. In fact, the whole tale is symbolic and crowded with symbols, (Introductions). Ester Summersons name connotes a strong female figurehead (Esther, from the Bible) as well as the lush liveliness of summer in her surname. The connotations are only partly ironic. Summerson emerges as a strong female character, albeit one who struggles incessantly against some of the darker elements of British society. Moreover, Dickens is sure to use the dreary

Procurement Strategies Review Free Essays

Competition is fierce in today’s world and a business must work smarter versus harder. Many big name chain stores have achieved success but none like that of Wal-Mart. The following is a review of the Wal-Mart customer and his or her expectations of its procurement process. We will write a custom essay sample on Procurement Strategies Review or any similar topic only for you Order Now An additional review of how these expectations affect Wal-Mart’s strategies, policies, and procedures at both the domestic and global level is also included. Customers Internal An internal customer is anyone you count on or rely upon to complete a task or a function or to provide you with information so that you can get your job done†¦ and anyone who counts on you to complete a task or function or to provide them with information so that they can get their job done† (Earl, 2004, para. 3). In Wal-Mart’s distribution centers, the individual stores are the internal customer. Each department within a store counts on store management to make certain orders are places and received timely. Store management counts on the employees to keep the individual department in order for the external customers. Wal-Mart’s external customers are almost exclusively the public. Through Wal-Mart’s three operating branches, Wal-Mart stores, Sam’s Club, and Wal-Mart International, the organization focuses on supplying its customers with merchandise ranging from produce to tires at a bargain price. This is the expectation of the customer, to receive the best product at the lowest possible price. Wal-Mart is capable of procuring material at reduced costs and passing these savings to its customers. Wal-Mart’s unique ability to force concessions from suppliers further reduces costs and delivers the demands of their customers, more products for less cost. Procurement expectations Wal-Mart’s procurement expectations from suppliers are some of the strictest among retailers. The Global Procurement division was created to manage Wal-Mart’s global suppliers by creating supplier partnerships, sourcing new products, and managing the supply chain. As Wal-Mart continues to grow, the sustainability of the company and the environmental issues are important to the current and future criteria suppliers must follow. Suppliers are expected to follow Wal-Mart’s move in reducing waste and potential harmful products on the environment. Suppliers are also expected to be knowledgeable of their industry to meet customer quality and price expectations. Influence on strategies and policies Domestic The customers are the biggest influence Wal-Mart faces when developing its strategies, policies, and procedures domestically. Wal-Mart brings these low prices to customers in two main ways. If a supplier cannot meet Wal-Mart’s expectations, Wal-Mart then finds another supplier that will. The second method Wal-Mart uses to keep its prices low is through the low wages of its employees. When Wal-Mart opened its doors in the 1970s, 70% of its workforce was made up of women (Kaufman, 2009). Wal-Mart knew loyalty of its employees was important to the longevity of the organization. To reach that loyalty Wal-Mart replaced benefits such as health care, pensions, and higher wages for fancy titles like associate and broadcasted an open door policy (Kaufman, 2009). Global The retailing giant has declared its desire to give the customer products at the lowest cost possible, with the fastest lead times, and best quality. Wal-Mart has not wavered in its determination to do exactly what it envisioned. The company is using the Global Merchandising Centers (GMC) to promote sourcing of Wal-Mart brands, and aligning of merchandising efficiencies. â€Å"By realigning our resources, leveraging our scale and restructuring our relationship with suppliers, we will enable our businesses around the world to offer even more competitive pricing on merchandise and to provide our customers a clear and compelling assortment of better quality products at lower prices† (Purchasing b2b, 2010, para. 5). Wal-Mart’s process Wal-Mart has a very large procurement operation as the leading retailer in the world. Wal-Mart had a contract with a third party procurement firm in Asia. The firm used suppliers that would mark-up merchandise and resell that merchandise to Wal-Mart. The company has reduced costs, lead times, and eliminated the middleman mark-ups. In 2002, Wal-Mart began to buy directly from the manufacturer to procure a better price. According to Stundza, (2006), â€Å" Wal-Mart has global procurement and supplier alignment teams responsible for identifying new suppliers, sourcing new products, building partnerships with existing suppliers, and managing the global supply chain of Wal-Mart’s direct imports. Figure 1: Wal-Mart’s Procurement Process Conclusion Wal-Mart is the leader in its industry and continues to grow in popularity among the consumer. The reason for its growth in popularity is its promise to deliver quality products at low prices. Wal-Mart can influence its suppliers in a way that ensures a low price on the products it sells. Wal-Mart expects its suppli ers to follow its lead in giving the customer what he or she expects and will continue to grow in consumer popularity as a result. References Earl, D., (2004). What is internal customer service? Donna Earl Training, Retrieved from http://www.donnaearltraining.com/Articles/internalCustomerService Kaufman, L. (2009, August 11). Wal-Mart’s Backward Business Revolution. Forbes.com. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/10/wal-mart-business-strategy-labor-opinions-book-review-wal-mart.html Purchasing B2B (2010). Walmart revamps global sourcing strategy. Retrieved March 13, 2010, from http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/purchasingb2b/news/industrynews/article.jsp?content=20100201_085202_9480 Stundza, T., (2006, Nov). Wal-Mart goes green BIG TIME. Purchasing. Retrieved on March 13, 2010 from http://www.purchasing.com/article/218384-Wal_Mart_goes_green_BIG_TIME.php How to cite Procurement Strategies Review, Papers

Kerala free essay sample

The Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Culture has mandated CRISIL Infrastructure Advisory to ‘identify various factors that influence the tourist to visit Kerala as a preferred destination’ so that important lessons may be learnt and replicated in other states. The Terms of Reference of the study are as follows. 1. To conduct an in-depth study to identify the various factors influencing the tourist to visit Kerala as a preferred destination 2. To develop, as an outcome of the study, a role model that can be replicated in other states also. To undertake the study through a combination of field survey and analysis of the available data from secondary sources 4. To identify the factors/strategies/action plans etc. of the government specifically in respect of the following areas: Product/destination development Infrastructure development Marketing strategies in India and abroad Public private partnership Impact on local economy Incentives/Concessions provided by the state government State government initiatives to contain the negative impact of tourism Any other factor contributing to the overall development of tourism in the state. We will write a custom essay sample on Kerala or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This report has analysed all elements of the Kerala tourism sector, with a view to understanding the approach and strategy that has been adopted and the planning and policy that has preceded the significant development of tourism in the state. The executive summary presents an overall view of the report and the main recommendations. Chapter 1 examines the manner in which tourism development in Kerala over the past decade has impacted the economic and social development of the state, bringing about positive changes in its major economic indicators. Kerala’s Approach to Tourism Development: A Case Study Ministry of Tourism Culture, Government of India Chapter 2 presents a detailed overview of the tourism developments in Kerala in terms of key dimensions and identified parameters in each dimension. It essentially profiles the Kerala tourism sector, with a special emphasis on initiatives and efforts that have been successfully undertaken by the government/other stakeholders, and the manner in which this has translated into results on the ground. Specific case studies highlight the efforts and initiatives that merit special consideration. A primary survey of domestic and international tourists was undertaken to obtain direct feedback on certain critical and ‘soft’ aspects of tourism. These have been highlighted at appropriate places in the report, while a detailed report on the survey has been presented as part of the annexure to the study. Kerala has taken important and significant steps to align its tourism development with the demands of the international market and the global tourist. This effort has been multi-dimensional, covering both the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ aspects of tourism development. It spans the creation of adequate infrastructure, simplification of procedures, an aggressive promotional campaign targeted at specific segments, and softer aspects that make a tourist feel wanted. Important lessons may be learnt from this effort and suitably replicated in the other states. This learning from Kerala has been summarized in Chapter 3 in the form of salient points. The learning that emerges out of the Kerala study can also be built into a strategic framework that may be usefully adapted by other Indian states. We are equally thankful to the other key officials in Kerala Tourism, Shri T. O. Suraj, Director, Department of Tourism, Shri. M. N. Gunavardhanan, Managing Director, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, Shri. Mohan Kumar, MD, Tourism Resorts (Kerala) Limited, and Mr. Satheesh, MD, Kerala Shipping Navigation Corporation, for the time given for discussions and the insights provided. The private sector perspective was provided by key players in the sector: Mr. Jose Dominique, MD of the Casino Group, one of the oldest and greatest contributors to product development in the state, Mr.Salil Dutt, General Manager of the Taj Group and CEO of Taj Kerala Limited, who has been with the Taj Group for over 33 years and could provide valuable understanding of the Group’s role in Kerala, Mr. Najeeb, President of the Kerala Travel Mart Society and Chairman of the Great India Tour, and Mr. Roy Mathew, Director of Star Communications, the marketing agency heading Kerala’s promotional efforts. We are thankful to them for sharing so clearly their understanding of tourism development in the state.

Computer Communication Network in Medical Schools

The Argument on the Specific Roles of Language, Knowledge, and Ideology

The Argument on the Specific Roles of Language, Knowledge, and Ideology The connection between ideology, reason, knowledge, and language is discussed by many researchers because of the necessity to look at the role of relations between knowledge and language as the specific social power. These relations are discussed by Gary Peller within the social context, and the author states that knowledge, truth, objectivity, and reason can be considered as the victory in relation to the specific way of representing the world because people discuss these aspects as the truth without any interpretation.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Argument on the Specific Roles of Language, Knowledge, and Ideology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This approach means the power of the tools used to represent the world as the absolute truth. To understand that this absence of interpretation is the result of using ideological tools and language and that culture and politics are closely connected with language an d knowledge, it is necessary to refer to the works by Louis Althusser, Robert Ardrey, Kenneth Burke, Jeanne Gunner, and Doug Sweet. Focusing on Peller’s idea, it is possible to note that people refer to truth, knowledge, and reason without interpretation because of the cultural and ideological impacts. Thus, Althusser pays much attention to the role of ideologies for forming the opinion or possible interpretation, and he states that the school, church, and army can teach ‘know-how’, â€Å"but in forms which ensure subjection to the ruling ideology or the mastery of its ‘practice’† (Althusser par. 23). To add more vividness to the stated idea, Althusser continues that â€Å"Schools and Churches use suitable methods of punishment, expulsion, selection, etc., to ‘discipline’ not only their shepherds, but also their flocks† (Althusser par. 38). Focusing on Althusser’s statements, it is possible to state that knowledge an d objectivity mentioned by Peller are only the perceptions formed with references to the ruling ideology, and this is the victory of the approach because people become forced to perceive the reality ‘objectively’. The victory of the particular way to see the world associated with the notions of truth, knowledge, and reason depends on the large cultural and ideological lens, as it is stated by Gunner and Sweet. The success of such perceptions is based on the simple idea proclaimed by the authors that â€Å"the language we use shapes the stories we tell† (Gunner and Sweet 165). In the next sentences, Gunner and Sweet provide the explanation to their simple and effective idea while stating that the process is ideological, and â€Å"by using language, we are automatically applying a particular lens that tells us how to see events, how to understand and judge them. Our view of our lives and the world at large is thus mediated by language† (Gunner and Sweet 165) . From this point, the representation of the world can be discussed as true because of the people’s reliance on lens and language shaped by ideology. Gunner and Sweet also state that the language style â€Å"is not separate from ideas† (Gunner and Sweet 180). Thus, language, knowledge, and ideology are closely connected, as it was stated earlier.Advertising Looking for essay on languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More If Gunner and Sweet discuss the ideology as the specific lens to speak about the world and reality, Burke uses the idea of a color filter used in photography. Thus, Burke states that a photograph can reveal differences in form and texture, â€Å"depending upon which color filter was used for the documentary description of the event being recorded† (Burke 45). This metaphor can be discussed as rather successful to represent the role of terms as filters for telling the story in orde r to guarantee its interpretation as the true one. Referring to the role of language and terms, Burke states that â€Å"the terms direct the attention to one field rather than to another†, thus, our observations of the world and reality are directly dependent on â€Å"our particular choice of terms† (Burke 46). Thus, any terms necessarily â€Å"constitute a corresponding kind of screen† (Burke 50). While discussing the Peller’s statement, it is important to refer to Burke’s vision of the ‘screens’ made by terms because these screens, as well as Gunner and Sweet’s lens, make people perceive the stories told in relation to the history, economy, and social development as the truth because the victory is in using the effective linguistic tools. This approach is rational. To look at the question from the other perspective, it is necessary to refer to Ardrey’s idea of anti-rational power used in the society. Thus, Ardrey claims that â€Å"conscience in human society becomes an essentially anti-rational power†, however, â€Å"conscience must exist in one form only, my own† (Ardrey 351). This statement supports the idea that ideology, knowledge, and reason work because they are widely accepted and function as people’s own perceptions and interpretations. That is why, having examined the works by Louis Althusser, Robert Ardrey, Kenneth Burke, Jeanne Gunner, and Doug Sweet, it is possible to note that the authors’ arguments support the idea developed by Peller who is inclined to focus on the correlation between knowledge, reason, truth, and language as the important forces in the society. The key to the victory is in the specific way of representing the world, and linguistic tools provide people with the opportunity to guarantee the expected perception of the reason, knowledge, and truth. Althusser, Louis. Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses. n.d. Web. https://www.marxists. org/reference/archive/althusser/1970/ideology.htm.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Argument on the Specific Roles of Language, Knowledge, and Ideology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Ardrey, Robert. African Genesis: A Personal Investigation Into the Animal Origins and Nature of Man. USA: McGill-Queens Press MQUP, 1963. Print. Burke, Kenneth. Language as Symbolic Action: Essays on Life, Literature, and Method. USA: University of California Press, 1966. Print. Gunner, Jeanne, and Doug Sweet. Grounds for Writers: Critical Perspectives for Reading. USA: Longman Publishing Group, 2007. Print.

Website Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Website Summary - Essay Example The Emperor was always an honorable man, who was never to inherit the throne. He started off with an oath called Wahlkapitulation, and ended either in death, resignation or removal of the Emperor. And he had priority over every Christian King. During a reign, the next ruler was called King of Romans. In case of the Emperor being unfit and no King of Romans, two Imperial Vicars had the ultimate authority. The Emperor had both a real and fake household consisting of the High Offices of the Empire. He had jurisdiction over a lot of aspects but had his limitations. Powers exercised by the Emperor alone, were called Jura Reservata. The title of Emperor was first used on Christmas Day 800, and was finalized in 812 by Byzantium. The title, Kings of Romans eventually lost charm and was later known as German King or Imperator. The Reichstag was the law-making committee of the Empire. It composed of: the Electoral Council, Council of Princes, and Council of Imperial Cities. State of the Empire was a member of the Reichstag. The owners of the land concerning to a State equally shared its vote in the Reichstag. Under certain circumstances, a land could stop being a State of the Empire. Different States had the right to become united with others. At first the vote belonged to the landlord, but later, only certain families had the right to vote. Elector Princes were responsible for selection of the Emperor, headed by the archbishop of Mainz, who dominated all Princes. Electors cast their vote personally, allowed others to do it, or sent an electoral body for the purpose. This was usually done within a month of the Emperor’s death. And the chosen Emperor was crowned by the three divine princes. The 2nd body of Reichstag composed of Princes, who voted individually, and Lords, who voted collectively. In the later years, very few Princes were given the right to vote at the Reichstag. On

IT Strategy and Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

IT Strategy and Management - Essay Example This translates to the process of evaluation in order to have the right personnel attending to it (Jenner & Kilford, 2011). Therefore, the planning includes preparation, startup, feasibility, definition and planning, implementation and closing down the programme. With this in place, the programme manager deliberates on the right people to work on the programme. Programme manager is mandated to develop a definition of the programme. He is responsible for the timely delivery of the programme. This translates to proper coordination of the project at all stages. He has to ensure that every individual in the execution of the project delivers on his part. This involves coordinating with supervisors in order to have updates on the progress of the programme. The programme manager has to ensure that the programme is of the required quality. All resources required for completion of the programme are on his hands. The sponsor is considered to be the most senior member of a programme. Therefore, the sponsor is mandated in authorizing a programme in regard to its intended purpose. Sponsor has also the mandate of appointing senior responsible owner who is responsible for representing the interest of the sponsor. In situations where the owner is not around, the senior responsible owner has to ensure that the programme goes as planned. He is responsible for approving several operations of the programme in the absence of the sponsor.