Roman Citizenship - 1198 Words

The Roman Republic became one of the most powerful and ruthless Empire s on the face of the planet and to be a citizen was very appealing. This was such an admirable and highly sought after position; that it would cause envy throughout the people of that time. There were also pre-requisites recorded in the requirements of becoming a Roman citizen and keeping that role. Roman citizenship itself was originally difficult to obtain but once won, life as a citizen was easier and more refined than the lowly freemen . There was a complex set of rules to be taken into account when it came to granting Roman citizenship to the people. Even the birth of a child to a citizen was not always a guarantee of citizenship as the role of the father†¦show more content†¦This step was one of the most effective political tools and (at that point in history) original political ideas (perhaps one of the most important reasons for the success of Rome). (Internet Wikipedia Encyclopaedia nod ). Citizens would be referred to as Romans whereas non-citizens were referred to as slaves or babari, it was a ruthless time and the residents of the Empire were roughly divided into classes:Slaves were considered property and had only certain very limited rights as granted by stature. They could essentially be sold, tortured, maimed, raped and killed at the whim of their owners. It was the exceptional feature of ancient Rome that almost all slaves freed by Roman owners (freedman) automatically received Roman citizenship. The natives who lived in territories conquered by Rome, citizens of Roman client states and Roman allies could be given a limited form of Roman citizenship such as the Latin Right. This amounted essentially to a second-class citizenship within the Roman state. The Latin Right is the most widely known but there were many other of such Rights. A Roman citizen enjoyed the full range of benefits that flowed from his status. A citizen could, under certain exceptional circumstances, be deprived of his citizenship. Women were a class apart whose status in Roman society varied tremendously overShow MoreRelatedEssay on History of Roman Citizenship688 Words   |  3 Pages Citizenship is highly coveted in many nations, so coveted in fact that through only a few processes can one become a citizen for most nations, might that process be natural birth or naturalization. Citizenship and its privileges were also highly valued in Rome, except becoming a citizen was extremely difficult if not impossible. Roman citizenship also leads to assassinations and war within the Italian peninsula. There is a complex history to Roman citizenship. Roman citizenship dates backRead MoreCitizenship During The Roman Empire1183 Words   |  5 PagesThe Roman Empire was perhaps the most achieving empires that lasted from 31 B.C. to 476 A.D. The Romans did many things that lead to the empire’s success and allowed for it to last so many years. They had a way of governing the citizens that allowed for this longevity; keeping its people â€Å"happy by granting citizenship wherever they conquered (not to everyone though). Citizenship during the Roman Empire held the duties of military service and the advantage of marriage, voting, and holding a positionRead MoreGreek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government1361 Words   |  6 PagesGreek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government Joe Wickenden, Sarah Dowling, Ginger Snyder, Leone Hansen HIS/341 October 27, 2014 Joel Getz Greek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government The definition of citizenship in Greek and Roman cultures can be described much differently than the current democratic definition of contemporary nations. The Roman Empire differed from the Athenian Amphictyony and the Assyrian Empire as well as the sunder later emperors such as VespasianRead MoreEssay on Family Values: Importance585 Words   |  3 Pagessince the founding of the United States of America. Theories suggest that even the primitive caveman was very loyal and respectful to his particular family unit. People of our time have followed these beginnings of the ideas of family values and citizenship up until the present day. Today however people are more diversified and separated in their ways but they all share similar values of the family. A nation, being of mostly socially compatible people, functions in a similar way as a family. The nationRead MoreHow a Ruler Ought to Govern His State Essay1019 Words   |  5 Pagesare weakened by our own self-willingness and all are in need of mercy. Petrarch uses the Aristotle, a great philosopher, to give advice on how one should govern or rule his state with justice. Petrarch has a great relation to ancient authors of Roman such as Dante who used the vernacular writing to literalize Italian writing. Petrarch is a writer of great knowledge with a desire of theology and politics, as so many before him, while keeping the words and acts of humanism to be held sacred andRead MoreEssay on The concept of earning ones citizenship2721 Words   |  11 Pages The Concept of Earning One’s Citizenship Citizenship is defined as a being a citizen or a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state. Citizen preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people. The concept of which in one of its earliest was given to us by the Romans, who had just began to understand the importance of a populace contributing to the decisions of itsRead MoreEssay The Life And Ministry Of The Apostle Paul1730 Words   |  7 Pageslife are an interesting jumble, and they highlight the cosmopolitan world that was the Roman Empire. I was born in an Asian city now located on the southern coast of Turkey called Tarsus in about the year 10. My parents were Jewish, presumably strict Pharisees. They were also Roman citizens. It is important to note that even though Judea was within the Roman Empire most Jews were not Roman citizens. Citizenship outside of Italy was an honor reserved for people who made great contributions to theRead MoreThe Reforms Of Gaius Marius And The Aftereffects Of The Late Republic Period And Beyond Essay1682 Words   |  7 Pagesnumber of important changes for the Roman army. Most notably, the reforms of Gaius Marius and the aftereffects of both the Social and Civil Wars altered the Roman army as a whole. Bringing about both continuity and change, these events would help to shape the nature, composition and character of the army of the Late Republic period and beyond. Change came in the form of reforms brought about by Marius; the changing of the conscription of soldiers into the Roman army would alter not only the formationRead MoreWestern Civilization By Joshua Cole And Carol Symes1521 Words   |  7 PagesRome is known for its’ empire (The Roman Empire). Rome started out small and ended up becoming this huge and undefeatable force of nature. Rome received their success by either attacking other nearby towns/neighbors or granting them treaties or citizenships. E. Badien, the author who created an article called, The Organization Of Italy, explains how Rome organized Italy, and got their neighboring cities and nations to join them and turn ancient Italy into a leading state of power. In Badien’s observationsRead MoreThe Contributions Of Paul On The Rise Of Christianity750 Words   |  3 Pagesin early Christianity. His transformation to Christianity opened doors for the religion. Paul s associations, political aptitudes, and Roman citizenship gave opportunities other Christian pioneers needed. Paul s work made Christianity open for the masses and expanded its range past the Holy Land (Fiero 98). Paul was a Roman citizen and Jewish. His citizenship gave benefits and immunities shut to numerous early Christians. Furthermore, he was knowledgeable and rich which brought political associations

Airline Ticket Prices - 899 Words

Airline Ticket Prices Jodie L. Hebner Grantham University An airline’s ticket price is determined by several factors to include time of day a consumer wishes to travel, day of the week such as Tuesday’s and Thursday’s are usually the most affordable days to travel, popular versus non-popular destinations, first class costs more than general class, cost of fuel, competition from other airlines, special factors such as discounts for military, government or corporate personnel, (How Stuff Works, n.d.) Airlines are constantly analyzing how much consumers are willing to pay and pushing consumers to pay more. Airlines have used numerous models and computer programs to manage revenue throughout time. These models and computer programs have†¦show more content†¦Airlines must be able to make a profit when setting ticket prices. â€Å"By comparing the demand curve with the average total cost curves for each airplane type, the airline can determine which size airplane will maximize profits for a given flight.† (Kons, n.d.) In summary, as with any product, from airline tickets to gasoline prices â€Å"consumers have continued to pay the increased fares, so the airlines have become bolder in driving the prices up even further.† (Smith, CNNMoney, 2011) Consumers, their desire, need and want for an item or service will always affect supply, demand, and cost curve. Most organizations have the same goal, which is to make a profit while keeping their costumers happy. References: Consumerism (2011, March 4). Supply and Demand Goes Both Ways - Beating Broke | Beating Broke. Retrieved May 14, 2013, from http://www.beatingbroke.com/supply-and-demand-goes-both-ways/ How Stuff Works (n.d.). HowStuffWorks How Airlines Work. Retrieved May 14, 2013, from http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/airline4.htm Kons, A. (n.d.). Understanding the Chaos of Airline Pricing. The Park Place Economist, 8, 15-29. Retrieved from http://www.iwu.edu/economics/PPE08/alex.pdf McCartney, S. (2010). Decoding Airline Ticket Costs. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://www.etopaz.com/news/3/57/Decoding-Airline-Ticket-Costs-WJS-com NBC News (2008, May 8). Inside the mysteries of airline fares -Show MoreRelatedSupply And Demand Effect On Airline Ticket Prices1809 Words   |  8 PagesSupply and Demand effect on Airline Ticket Prices Intro: Overview of the effects upon Airline Ticket Prices as explained by Granados, Gupta and Kauffman, (2012) and Llach, Marimon, del Mar Alonso-Almeida and Bernardo, (2013). 1. What causes massive price changes? a. Seasonal Travel The season that people choose to travel affects the prices of the tickets. Also called the seasonality, it affects the cost structure of most ticket prices in the world. Most of the airline companies have different seasonsRead MoreAirline Ticket Prices Is The Foundation Of All Economic Ventures Essay987 Words   |  4 Pagesand demand, together, are the foundation of all economic ventures. Airline ticket prices are determined by the demand for travelers and the marginal cost of filling the seats; thus generating supply. The interception of supply and demand is where business is generated. This interception of the airlines pricing curves is indicated at their equilibrium point – where there’s neither a surplus nor a shortage. Why can an airline ticket from Casper, Wyoming to Denver, Colorado, and from Denver, ColoradoRead MoreReview on Airline Reservation Systems1606 Words   |  7 PagesOriginally designed and operated by airlines, CRSes were later extended for the us e of travel agencies. Major CRS operations that book and sell tickets for multiple airlines are known as global distribution systems (GDS). Airlines have divested most of their direct holdings to dedicated GDS companies, who make their systems accessible to consumers through Internet gateways. Modern GDSes typically allow users to book hotel rooms and rental cars as well as airline tickets. They also provide access to railwayRead MoreAdvantages and Disadvantages of Information System1415 Words   |  6 Pagesbook airlines tickets on 24 hours, it can increase the bookings while the employees are not in front of the computers and reduce the complaint from customers. Air Asia is providing two different ways for customers to book the ticket. One way is for customers only book the airlines ticket while another way is give customers to book airlines ticket and hotels. If customers book airlines ticket with hotel it is cheaper than only book airlines ticket. So, most customers will choose book airlines ticketRead MoreCase Study Frequent Fliers Essay592 Words   |  3 Pages 5. Describe the Fraudulent activity. Marcus Lane, who bought two different air lines tickets for two different prices. On with high price departure at 6:15 p.m. and another on for low price departure at 6:15 a.m. he return the airline tickets with the high price and kept the one with low price, but when it is time to reimbursement he decided to give the company a copy from flight that has a higher price that had been indicated a departure time of 6:15 p.m. for the flight number 4578, but theRead MoreRecommendations for a Travel Agency3842 Words   |  16 PagesDEFINITELY, Spain and Portugal TENTATIVE (Observe if they catch the clue) Need to make it special (Observe if they catch the clue) Add ODD destinations: Red Sea Coast, Sakkarah, Siwa Oasis Ask specifically about VISA, Money, Veg Food, Travel within Egypt, Airlines, 5* Hotel Rate the experience with people on a scale of 1-5 in the competency model excel sheet Based on weighted score, get a consolidated score for each travel company under each competency Draw corre lation conclusion between actual company performanceRead MorePriceline Or Priceline.com ( Pcln )825 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction Priceline or Priceline.com (PCLN) is a travel agency that offers cruises, hotel rooms, airline tickets, vacation packages, excursions and rental cars. The company s Name Your Own Price option offers its customers an incredible proposition by allowing them to name their own price for any travel related products or services. Priceline.com determines the lowest price it can accept, while the customer has the discretion in the supplier selection. Priceline.com also provides a brandRead MoreBusiness Information System Essay709 Words   |  3 PagesDescription of the Information System Title Online Airplane Ticket Reservation Information System (OATRIS) General Description OATRIS is the system that help user to buy airplane ticket through Internet. It processes user’s preferred flight timeline and the payment. Then, transform it into e-ticket. Users and Functions Customer: * Input desired destination and the timeline * Check the flight availability * Choose the flight price and the payment method * Decide and make the payment Read MoreEssay 2: Explaining a Concept; Draft 11057 Words   |  5 PagesGomez Professor Slusser English 101 February 27, 2012 A Guide for the Ultimate Vacation We’ve all dreamt about our favorite getaway vacation at the ultimately lowest price possible, but have we ever achieved it The next couple of paragraphs will give you some insight as to how to get the best vacation possible at the lowest price. The first step is choosing your destination. Choosing your destination might not be a big deal if you already have your mind set on where you would like to go. If youRead MoreE Commerce. Impact of Internet for the airline industry.4092 Words   |  17 Pagesfor travel transactions. Airlines are turning to e-commerce to keep business flying, and the reason they are focusing on selling tickets through their Web sites is that it is the cheapest distribution channel. From the customers perspectives, Internet have revolutioned the way of buying flight ticket. Customers can now purchase their tickets directly from the airlines via the Internet using intermediaries and/or cybermediaries in order to find the possible cheapest ticket. Moreover, online discount

Tourism in Lesotho Free Essays

It is called the Kingdom in the sky. Where you can touch the clouds and be as one with nature. The mountains of Lesotho provides serenity, a rejuvenation of the mind, a revitalizing of the spirit things which cannot be described but can only be experienced. We will write a custom essay sample on Tourism in Lesotho or any similar topic only for you Order Now And it is too true that if you have not been to the mountains, you have not been to Lesotho. The sheer majesty of the peaks as they kiss the clouds leaves one breathless, the cascading rivers flowing from on high bringing forth life giving, nature’s best, fresh clean crystal clear water. It is as if you have crossed into another realm. This natural tourist paradise is begging to be marketed to draw people from all over the world for the benefit of Basotho people. The mountains are but one of the many tourist attractions Lesotho is endowed with. Added to them are the falls the historical monuments which have enriched the folklore of the country for many years. All these places have potential to generate income especially during the 2010 soccer world cup if well marketed, making big strides towards the achievement of the national vision 2020. Promoting tourism in Lesotho is a sure fire way to social and economic development, and to the attraction of much needed foreign investment. Lesotho is really a wonderland for nature lovers or those who simply appreciate the wonders of nature. It has a real culture, natural history and boundless ecotourism options. Overview of Lesotho as tourist destination â€Å"Kingdom in the sky†, also known as â€Å"Friendly mountain Kingdom†. This popular eco destination is characterized by its remote, rugged mountains and deep valleys, with plummeting waterfalls that form a spectacular frozen stalactite in the winter months. Lesotho is truly idyllic destination. A mere four hours drive from Johannesburg or Durban is a place where the sun shines three hundred days a year. This country has the lowest point that is one thousand meters above sea level and boasts the highest single drop in Southern Africa. It has the highest road pass in Southern Africa at 3275 meters and is one of the few countries in the world that is completely land locked. Lesotho’s two main mountain ranges are the Snow-capped Maloti and Drakensbug ranges. The capital, Maseru, is the only city in Lesotho. However there are also several large towns in each of its ten districts. The ever-friendly Basotho people are eager to share their culture with tourists. The serene simplicity of their highlands life is enviable. This indeed is a country where time stands still. For the people of the world, the natural and cultural features that are of outstanding universal importance and value include the unique mountain wet lands and alpine tundra eco systems, the superlative natural beauty and the distinctive array of both plants and animals. In addition, the natural setting provides a glimpse into a way of life of the San who once lived there, documenting their lives and spirituality in over 40 thousand rock art images in almost 600 sites. Liphofung (place of Clarence) Situated just off the main road from Butha-Buthe to Mokhotlong, Liphofung (place of Clarence), was a stop over for Moshoeshoe I the founder of the Basotho Nation on his way from Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Busiu. The place is now famous for its museum and one of the largest galleries in the world which has the art of the first habitats of Lesotho, the San (Bush men) who lived there over 10 000 years ago. Some of the rock paintings Close by, with a height of 3482m (11 424 ft), is Thabana-Ntlenyana, which literally means ‘Beautiful Little Black Mountain’. It is the highest point in Lesotho and the highest mountain in Africa South of Kilimanjaro. It is found in Mokhotlong district, 15km (approximately 1. 5 hrs. drive) from the top of Sani Pass and it is to the top of Kotisephola Pass, 3250m. It is famous for its unpredictable atmospheric weather, veering from thunderstorms, very low temperatures to scorching suns or siege by mysterious mists which make it more unforgettable. These mountains are best experienced from within Lesotho. Historically it is here in these mountains where Basotho fled from the Zulu King Shaka, in the 19th century. The mountains became their fortress and protection. The route to Thabana-Ntlenyana is filled with formidable twists and turns of the sheer craggy mountains, majestic valleys and cascading streams meandering between the rocks. A combination of all these is a definition of a true scenic beauty giving a sense of remoteness in spring and summer, but a virginal white in winter. There is a friendly highest pub in Africa called Sani Top Chalet at 2874m above sea level. The route to Thabana-Ntlenyana is filled with formidable twists and turns of the sheer craggy mountains, majestic valleys and cascading streams meandering between the rocks. Combination of all these is a definition of a true scenic beauty. The plateau landscape is simply beautiful with awesome vegetation, open yellow plains and a distinct sense of remoteness , more especially during spring and summer seasons, but a virginal white in winter. Visible along the route are small stone build huts ( called Metebo in Sesotho) which are in isolation, deep into the mountains, in which rural Basotho shepherds live while looking after their cattle and sheep. There are many view points where tourists can stop to observe this remarkable beauty. This arduous trek to Thabana-Ntlenyana can be undertaken on a horseback or alternatively a 4WD vehicle. Thabana-Ntlenyana is also preferred for skiing, ice skating and snowboarding during winter season, which is from May to August. Near this mountain are the headwaters of the Tugela and Senqu (Orange) rivers, where fly fishing and water rafting are possible during summer season. Hiking, rock climbing and pony trekking are enjoyed throughout the year. Mornings here are such heart-warming with different kinds of birds with beautiful music to prepare you to the day ahead. It is with no doubt that a day is just not enough for one to be at this place because of the many activities provided here. Among the most interesting activities provided, here is ‘walking’ which really offers an ideal way in which to explore the fascinating archaeological sites found in this area. Afri-Ski The novelty of snow in Africa is best experienced at Afri-Ski which caters for skiing in winter. With a ski slope 3222m above sea level, Afri-Ski is the largest skiing resort in Africa. The skiers are accommodated at the New Oxbow Lodge and self catering Mahlasela Lodge. Trout fishing and water rafting take place in summer in Maliba-Mats`o, a river just a couple kilometers from Oxbow Lodge. Pony Trekking is another activity in summer. Letseng Diamond mine It is not just a diamond mine!. It is the world’s highest altitude mine with 3 kilometres above sea level, experiencing -20 degrees Celsius in winter . It is in this mine where the highest proportions of largest stones of any mine in the world are found. The discoveries states that in 1967 a 601 carat stone was discovered and a 215 carat stone was recovered in 2005. In August 2006, a 603 carat stone was discovered being â€Å"the 15th largest rough diamond ever discovered, and the biggest diamond un covered in this century† . Letseng does not only play a significant role in the economy of Lesotho as a mine but also as a tourist destination as it accommodates tourists who want to have a feel of the ‘Mine in the sky’ as it were. This is enhanced by the close proximity of â€Å"The Khubelu Hot spring. † The hot spring is at close range to Letseng Diamond mine, sharing social backgrounds and other aspects encompassed in Mental, Physical and Spiritual building of a living being. Khatse Dam This centerpiece of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a fine piece of engineering. The flooded valleys of the dam extend for 45km and the dam wall is 185m high. This dam is second in size (in Africa) only to the Lake Volta Akosombo Dam in Ghana. The view of this massive dam from Mafika Lisiu Pass is magnificent and is often of great interest to visitors. The centre piece of the whole project is the dam wall which is the highest in Africa. An area of the lake can be devoted to water sports. Thaba Bosiu Thaba-Bosiu is Lesotho’s great national monument. The mystical Thaba Bosiu is a flat-topped hill which was used by Moshoeshoe I as his citadel when establishing the nation. In translation, the name means ‘Mountain of the night’ and it is believed that the enemies of Moshoeshoe could not attack as the hill became a formidable mountain at night but went back to a hill during the day. The substantial remains of the King’s dwellings and villages and the royal cemetery of Lesotho are on top of the hill. Maletsunyane Falls Maletsunyane Falls in Semonkong is one of the highest single-drop falls in Southern Africa plunging 200 meters into a swim able pool whose stunning natural scenery is unspoiled by anything man-made. It is nearly twice as high as Victoria Falls, though not nearly as wide. The falls are very impressive, and can be visited on pony-trekking trails from both Malealea to the West and Molimo Nthuse to the North. Maletsunyane Falls are most spectacular in summer when the flow is highest, but in winter the water freezes, spraying the rocks with ice water. Conclusion Lesotho is indeed in a class of its own in tourism terms and the sensitive exploitation of its endowments can firmly place the country on the world tourism map. How to cite Tourism in Lesotho, Essay examples

Mississippi River Flood free essay sample

The Mississippi River flood of 1927 actually started In the summer of 1926 with heavy rain n the central basin that eventually overtook the levee systems which were ineffective against the flood. According to Wisped, the floods were so bad that they flooded over 27,000 square miles which was double the volume of the amount of water in Niagara Falls. In April of 1927, there was 15 inches of rain that came down on the city of New Orleans, with floods up to 4 feet high covering some parts of the city.Wisped also states that the flood caused over $400 million In damages and killed 246 people In seven states. Clearly, the flood was destructive and did extensive damage to the cities near the Mississippi River. According to the Encyclopedia of Louisiana, almost 1 million people were displaced from their homes. According to instrumentals. Org, after the flood, record companies were looking for blues artists who were making songs about the flood. We will write a custom essay sample on Mississippi River Flood or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page These companies were looking for specific themes about the destruction of the flood, deaths, Injustice that was brought on from the flood. Mainly because It was a hot topic and knew that music would be popular amongst the black communities who were effected by the disaster. There were many songs made by blues artists about the flood, three of them were called Lonnie Johnnys Broken Levee Blues, Charlie Patrons High Water Everywhere, and Barbecue Bobs Mississippi Heavy Water Blues. In Broken Levee Blues, Lonnie Johnson references how he was forced to work the levee, he was scared the levee would break and flood his home, the police forced him to work or he would go to Jail, but he refused to work. The people that were affected by the flood can definitely relate to this song, it was probably very popular when It was released. In charge Patrons, High Water Everywhere, he references everything being flooded and says ex.s going to move to Greenville and Vicksburg because they are cities in the north that would not flood.This probably had an influence on the people who decided to migrate north to find new homes away from the flood zones. In Barbecue Bobs Mississippi Heavy Water Blues, he seems to be sad because the flood destroyed his home, It took the life of his lover, he has no money and nothing Is left but mud everywhere. Many others could relate to what this song expressed which is why it was a hit. The Great Flood of the Mississippi River had a major impact on the Great Migration of African Americans from the deep south of the United States to the North.Wisped states that blacks moved from 14 states of the south with most of the people leaving Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana to the west, Midwest, and the north regions. The flood forced people t o leave the areas affected by It because and start new lives in cities like Chicago, New York, Cleveland, and Detroit. Most families and individuals were out on their own, the government did not give them any assistance. The flood effected some cities in a positive way because their economy started to boost. Cities like Cleveland became industrialized.Everything was not all good for the southern migrants in their new cities as they still suffered from discrimination, but they were headed in the right direction. The roots of the blues were derived from slave workers, church music, and field hollers. According to the University of Chicago website, The Great Migration brought Jazz musicians north for the same reasons that other people did: failing crops, the flood, better pay, and discrimination in the south. Many of the African-Americans from the south moved north, including the musicians.This had an effect on the transformation of blues music to other genres like the Chicago Blues. The blues were transforming from music that was being played in the fields, to being played in the clubs and started to grow in popularity which was different than what most of America was used to. Most people listened to European music so they were not used to the blues at first. I think that as many African Americans headed north, it was as if the blues were telling the rest of the blacks in the south to follow. The blues definitely had an impact on the great migration because they helped to convince more African Americans to move Roth.The Great Flood of 1927 had a major effect on African American culture and music. Specifically the Mississippi Delta blues. The flood was extremely destructive and took many lives and left many people homeless. They were all forced to move away, but with the help of blues musicians it made life easier and gave the African American migrants something to believe in and hope for by listening to their music and seeing how they had become successful by moving north. The blues music began to evolve and turn into the popular music that we listen to today.

English Poetry Timeline Flashcard

English Poetry Timeline

Command Economy Definition, Characteristics, Pros and Cons

Command Economy Definition, Characteristics, Pros and Cons In a command economy (also known as a centrally planned economy), the central government controls all major aspects of a nations economy and production. The government, rather than the traditional free market economy laws of supply and demand, mandates which goods and services will be produced and how they will be distributed and sold. The theory of a command economy was defined by Karl Marx in the Communist Manifesto as â€Å"common ownership of the means of production,† and it became a typical characteristic of communist governments. Key Takeaways: Command Economy A command economy- or centrally planned economy- is a system in which the government controls all facets of the nation’s economy. All businesses and housing are owned and controlled by the government.In a command economy, the government determines what goods and services will be produced and how they will be sold according to a multi-year central macroeconomic plan.In nations with command economies, health care, housing, and education are usually free, but the peoples’ incomes are controlled by the government and private investment is rarely allowed.In the Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx defined command economy as â€Å"common ownership of the means of production.†While command economies are typical of both communism and socialism, the two political ideologies apply them differently. While command economies are capable of rapidly making sweeping changes in a country’s economy and society, their inherent risks, such as overproduction and stifling of innovation, have driven many long-time command economies like Russia and China to incorporate free market practices in order to better compete in the global marketplace. Command Economy Characteristics In a command economy, the government has a multi-year central macroeconomic plan which sets objectives like nationwide employment rates and what the government-owned industries will produce. The government enacts laws and regulations to implement and enforce its economic plan. For example, the central plan dictates how all of the country’s resources- financial, human, and natural- are to be allocated. With the goal of eliminating unemployment, the central plan promises to use the nation’s human capital to its highest potential. However, industries must adhere to the plan’s overall hiring targets. Potential monopoly industries such as utilities, banking, and transportation are owned by the government and no competition is allowed within those sectors. In this manner, monopoly prevention measures such as anti-trust laws are unnecessary.   The government owns most, if not all of the country’s industries that produce goods or services. It may also set market prices and provide consumers with some necessities, including health care, housing, and education.   In more tightly-controlled command economies, the government imposes limits on individual income. Command Economy Examples Globalization and financial pressure have led many former command economies to change their practices and economic model, but a few countries remain faithful to the principles of command economy, such as Cuba and North Korea. Cuba Under Raul Castro, Fidel Castro’s brother, most Cuban industries remain owned and operated by the communist government. While unemployment is virtually nonexistent, the average monthly salary is less than $20 USD. Housing and health care are free, but all of the homes and hospitals are owned by the government. Since the former Soviet Union stopped subsidizing Cuba’s economy in 1990, the Castro government has gradually incorporated some free-market policies in an effort to stimulate growth. North Korean currency, featuring Kim Il-Sung, DPKRs first leader. johan10 / Getty Images North Korea The command economic philosophy of this secretive communist nation focuses on meeting the needs of its people. For example, by owning all of the homes and setting their prices accordingly, the government keeps the cost of housing low. Similarly, health care and education in government-operated hospitals and schools are free. However, with the lack of competition leaving them little reason to improve or innovate, the government-owned industries operate inefficiently. Overcrowded transportation facilities and long waits for health care are typical. Finally, with their incomes strictly controlled by the government, the people have no avenue for building wealth. Pros and Cons Some advantages of a command economy include: They can move quickly. Controlled by the government itself, industries can complete massive projects without politically motivated delays and fears of private lawsuits.Since jobs and hiring are regulated by the government, unemployment is consistently minimal and mass unemployment is rare.Government ownership of industries can prevent monopolies and their inherent abusive market practices, such as price gouging and deceptive advertising.They can quickly respond to fill critical societal needs such as health care, housing, and education, which are typically made available at little or no charge. Disadvantages of a command economy include: Command economies breed governments which limit the rights of individuals to pursue their personal financial goals.Due to their lack of free-market competition, command economies discourage innovation. Industry leaders are rewarded for following government directives rather than for creating new products and solutions.Since their economic plans are unable to respond to changing consumer needs in a timely manner, command economies often suffer from over and under production resulting in shortages and wasteful surpluses.They encourage â€Å"black markets† that illegally make and sell products not produced by the command economy. Communist Command Economy vs. Socialist Command Economy While command economies are typical of both communism and socialism, the two political ideologies apply them differently. Both forms of government own and control most industries and production, but socialist command economies do not attempt to control the peoples’ own labor. Instead, the people are free to work as they wish based on their qualifications. Similarly, businesses are free to hire the best-qualified workers, rather than having workers assigned to them based on the central economic plan. In this manner, socialist command economies encourage a higher level of worker participation and innovation. Today, Sweden is an example of a nation using a socialist command economy. Sources and Further Reference â€Å"Command Economy.† Investopedia (March 2018)Bon, Kristoffer G.; Gabnay, Roberto M. editors. â€Å"Economics: Its Concepts Principles.† 2007. Rex Book Store. ISBN 9712346927, 9789712346927Grossman, Gregory (1987): â€Å"Command economy.† The New Palgrave: A Dictionary of Economics. Palgrave MacmillanEllman, Michael (2014). â€Å".†Socialist Planning Cambridge University Press; 3rd edition. ISBN 1107427320

Business Law Memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Law Memo - Essay Example Unfortunately, the gas attendant incorrectly filled the car with gas worth $27.39 instead of $8.00. However, the plaintiff did not have any cash on him to settle the extra bill, he offered to leave behind his driving license as collateral until in the evening when he would return to settle the whole bill (Robert v. City Fair Lawsuit ). However, the manager of the gas station, Mr. Tommy, refused the collateral and demanded the plaintiff to suck $19.39 worth of gas from his tank. The plaintiff Mr. Robert tried to refuse claiming it is risky. However, he changed his mind when the manager threatened him with a police arrest. As he was siphoning, the plaintiff inhaled and swallowed some gas. The plaintiff Mr. Robert developed some health complications such as constant eye watering, burning of throat and dizziness. The plaintiff visited ER twice for severe abdominal pain and uncontrollable vomiting. The plaintiff has been forced to miss several days of work, avoided leisure activities such as trail running at Tier Park and playing basketball league. His medical bills are rising while his medical condition will remain as such for long if not for life. Furthermore, his family is unable to put up with the rising hospital bill. Statement of the Issue The plaintiff employs our services in the lawsuit against Tommy and City Fair. The plaintiff believes that Tommy and City Fair should be held responsible for his medical conditions. According to the plaintiff, had the gas attendant followed the instruction careful, he would not have been forced to siphon any gas. His health condition would be normal. Analysis of the Case The plaintiff’s only mistake was forgetting credit card at home. Furthermore, the plaintiff seemed in a hurry and scared of the police. From the look of things, the defendant took advantage of the plaintiff fear of the police and manipulated him. Tommy and City Fair violated business ethics and risked the health of the plaintiff. Their first mistake w as to employee incompetent gas attendants who could not follow instructions. As a result, the attendant filled the car with more gas than required. It is correct to argue that the gas attendant caused the misfortune. Secondly, Tommy the manager refused to accept the driving license as collateral until the evening when the plaintiff would have settled the bill. By the fact the plaintiff was willing to leave behind his driving license, is a clear indication that he was willing to take responsibility and settle the matter. However, the defendant refused the security and instead forced the plaintiff to suck the contaminated gas. This gas has risked the health of the plaintiff. Another mistake made by the defendant is allowing contact with risky goods. This has been proved by the doctor who concluded that the gas is responsible for the plaintiff health condition. Apart from the plaintiff, the gas might also affect the health condition of employees working for the station or customers who are forced to suck when they fail to pay. In this case the defendant has a product liability. He is responsible for selling defective goods to customers. Another mistake made by the defendant is forcing the complainant to siphon the gas using inappropriate tools. In the vent that the plaintiff had appropriate siphoning equipments, then his health would have been okay. It is fundamental to acknowledge that consumer laws in Pennsylvania advocate fro protection and

Importance of Critical Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Importance of Critical Theory - Essay Example In her work, Lois attempts to distill the basic tenets of a variety of many different contexts in examining the work. Lois re-examines F. Fitzgerald's work â€Å"the great Gatsby† in analyzing the critical theory better. Critical theory ought to define the reader response theory as ways in which a reader reacts to literal works but unlike other theories, it does not focus much on the context, form or the owner of the work. The theory, however, defines the notion that the degree that the text needs to be understood. A person can understand a book in two ways; the first is from its outward meaning and the second is from the words that construct the book. With notable expectations, most of the theoretical writings in the field try to express their views to individuals filled with verbiage, hence assuming a level of familiarity that most people lack. However, some of the writing is not coherent with the love for literature, let alone the daily life that we live. Critical theory is , however, necessary in allowing individuals to have abstract thoughts and the intellectual realm in which impress each other by using theoretical jargon. Thus, critical theory is essential in allowing individuals see themselves and the world invaluable and productive ways that are of benefit to the society and us (Lois 13). The focus of literal context â€Å"has changed over the years to the extent that now among many contemporary theorists; the author is not considered a meaningful object of analysis† (Hodder 65). The rather critical theory focuses more on the reader, rhetorical, ideological as well as the aesthetic value of a particular text. The culture in which the text is produced it is often an important aspect. An understanding critical theory is very beneficial. Theory will help individuals to see themselves in important contexts.  

Safety issues wtih glaucoma and macular degeneration Essay

Safety issues wtih glaucoma and macular degeneration - Essay Example known physical symptoms of macular degeneration include: blurred eyes, vision coldness, reduced central section, vision complications, blind spots, and advanced loss in macular function. Other symptoms may also include: straight lines bent in the eye, swelling in macula as well as problem in the identification of size and color. The universally known symptoms of glaucoma entail: increased eye pressure and immediate pain in the eye, red eye, holes in the eye, especially around bright lights, vomiting, headache, and blood circulation complications. Macular degeneration and glaucoma health conditions are the leading causes of blindness in the world. The most upsetting fact about the disease is that, macular degeneration and glaucoma affects regions of the patients’ sight-zone. It is imperative to understand the main causes of the disorder and come up with the most effective measures to counter the problem. A part from age and heredity, there are other life aspects that can be actively modified to minimize the effect of macular degeneration and glaucoma. Some of these life aspects include: maintaining good health to reduce obesity and high blood pressure, avoiding smoking, seeking early treatment, as well as medical testing and retesting on the

Rapid developments in technology

Rapid developments in technology Global trends and technological development and their effect on strategy and technology on organisations, with a focus on the Sony Corporation. Abstract In recent years there have been rapid developments in technology which have lead to the opening up of a global market. This has brought both opportunities and challenges to enterprises. Enterprises that want to operate globally have to plan appropriate business strategies. When formulating these strategies they have to consider the importance of the domestic and global situation of the enterprise. This study examines the effect of technological progress and global changes, with a particular focus on how they have affected the Sony Corporation. There is a discussion of Sonys business strategies and their strong points and shortcomings. The study ends with suggestions as to how Sony could resolve some of its recent problems. Introduction In recent years the phenomenon of globalization has taken place. This has come about because of rapid progress in technology and communications. Now the world has become one marketplace and goods and services which were available only in one place in the past can now be bought almost anywhere in the world. This has many advantages for industries as it has expanded their market, but it has also brought many challenges. Among the challenges which must be dealt with by companies wishing to enter the globalization are tariffs and international competition, particularly from newly industrializing counties (NICs) such as Malaysia, China and so forth. This has lead to many enterprises formulating global strategies and many of them have achieved success in the global market. However, to succeed in the global market it is not sufficient to have good global strategies; it is also necessary to be able to use these strategies in a balanced manner. The domestic market and the local culture are ke y elements which must be carefully taken into account in global strategies. Many enterprises look to the example of Japanese companies when determining their global strategies, as it is generally considered that their global strategies have been very successful and have permitted them to enter and succeed in many international markets. The principal focus of this study will be the Sony Corporation. There will be a discussion of Sonys management of new technology and globalization. Examples will be given of Sonys global strategies, and the advantages and disadvantages they have encountered due to these strategies will be presented and discussed. Globalization Every firm should understand the implications of globalization in order to develop a global strategy successfully. The term globalization signifies the increased mobility of goods, services, manpower, technology and worldwide. Globalization may be described as a process by which countries all over the world are joined in a worldwide interdependent community. This process is driven by a combination of economic, technological, socio-cultural and political factors. Raskin (2002) defined globalization as the worldwide integration of economical, cultural, political, religious, and social systems. He added that globalization, through the increasing integration of economies and lifestyles worldwide, leads to similarities in production and consumption patterns, and hence cultural homogenization. From an economic perspective, globalization signifies the convergence of prices, products, wages, rates of interest and profits towards standards of developed countries (Ismail, 2003). Similarly, Theodore (1983) argued that the main factors driving economic globalization of the economy are movement of labour force; international trade; movement of capital; integration of financial markets; cross-border transactions; and free movement of international capital. Basic components of globalization are the globalization of markets and the globalization of production. The former signifies a move away from a system in which national markets are separate entities, divided by trade barriers and barriers of distance, time and culture, towards the merging of national markets into a single global market. The latter, globalization of production, refers to a tendency by individual companies to spread their production processes over various locations around the world in order to benefit from differences in cost and quality of elements of production (Hill, 2007). Drivers of globalization The principal driving forces that facilitate or support the extension of globalization are the following. Advances in transportation: A reduction in the cost of transporting goods and services from country to country assists in bringing prices in the country of manufacture nearer to prices in the export market. Developments in transport technology have lead to a reduction in the cost of transport as well as to an improvement in the speed and reliability of transporting both goods and people. This has meant that it has become cost-effective to access new and expanding markets, thus enabling companies to extend their business further than would have been feasible in the past. Technological advances: The huge reduction in the cost of transmitting and communicating information in recent years has played a vital role in the global growth of enterprises. This phenomenon has been called the death of distance, and is particularly noticeable in the growth of trade in knowledge products through the Internet. De-regulation of financial markets: The process of the de-regulation of financial markets has lead to the abolition of capital controls in many countries. Capital markets have opened up in both developed and developing countries, facilitating foreign direct investment and encouraging the flow of money across national borders. Avoidance of import protection: Many enterprises seek to avoid the tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by regional trading blocs in order to gain more competitive access to rapidly-growing economies such as those in the emerging markets. Economies of scale: Many economists take the view that there has been a rise in the estimated minimum efficient scale (MES) related to particular industries. Technological changes, innovation and invention in various markets have been factors contributing to this increase. An increase in the MES means that the domestic market may be considered as not being large enough for the selling needs of these industries, making expansion into overseas markets essential. The effect of globalization on international business In recent years, companies have been required to deal with business issues in an international context due to the move towards globalization and internationalization as well as the nature of competition. The principal aspects of global business environments are the following. The forces of globalization Every aspect of the global business environment is affected by the drivers of globalization. Although globalization increases business opportunities, it also leads to an increase in competition. Companies must be aware of the basic and often sweeping changes in both society and commerce resulting from globalization (Wild, Wild and Han, 2008). National business environment Although globalization has initiated a process of homogenization among different cultures, political systems, economic systems, legal systems, and levels of economic development in different countries, many of these the differences remain marked and enduring. Any enterprise wishing to expand overseas must be aware of these differences, and be able to formulate and implement appropriate policies and strategies to deal with them successfully (Hill, 2006). International business environment The international business environment has both a direct and indirect effect on how firms carry out their operations. As can been seen by the long-term movement to less rigid national borders, no business can remain entirely isolated from occurrences in the international business environment. As globalization processes lead to the increasing interrelation of the flows of trade, investment, companies are required to seek production bases and new markets at the same time. Firms must monitor the international business environment closely to determine the impact it may have on their business activities (Wild, Wild, and Han, 2008). Management of international companies The management of a completely domestic firm is not at all the same as the management of a transnational one, as market rules differ and forms must take these differences into account. Thus, it is national business environments which define the context of managing an international firm (Wild, Wild and Han, 2008). Competitive Advantage in the Global Market In the global marketplace, it is vital for companies to sustain competitive advantage. The term competitive advantage was used first by Michael Porter of the Harvard Business School in the U.S.A. Basically, it means the place a company has in relation to its competitors in the same industry. Firms seek to obtain a competitive advantage and then to sustain it. According to Porter (1998), there are three ways that a firm can do these things. The first way is by cost leadership, which means that a firm will have cost advantage is it can offer the same goods or services as its competitors, but at less cost than them. The second way is differentiation. The differentiation advantage refers to when a company can offer better goods or services than its competitors, but for the same price. This company will then become a leader in the industry. The third way is focus. This means that a company can concentrate on a narrow part of the market, which is known as a market niche, to obtain competit ive advantage. Some of them may focus on cost and some of them may focus on differentiation (Porter, 1998). However, it is not easy for a firm to gain competitive advantage and it is even more difficult to keep it (Passemard and Kleiner, 2000). This is because if a company has a differentiation competitive advantage, soon another company will find how to make the same product with the same quality. If a company has a cost competitive advantage, then other companies will look for ways to make their products as cheap (ibid). However, there are several factors that contribute to a firm obtaining competitive advantage. One of these factors is having good resources. Another factor is having a skilled work force. Countries governments also can affect firms, as taxes vary much from country to country and some governments may offer tax incentives or subsidies to companies (Passemard and Kleiner, 2000). The advent of globalization has offered companies with markets all over the world. This has offered many opportunities to expand, but it has also faced them with challenges. According to Ari (2008), globalization is a process of increasing interconnectedness, integration and interdependence among not just economies but also societies, cultures and political institutions. He adds that a result of globalisation is that the borders between countries lose their significance and can no longer deter trade and communication. Regarding business and economics, globalization means that there is liberalisation of trade and creation of world markets (ibid). However, it also means that global industries are competing with all industries in the world. There are many strategies industries can use to obtain and keep competitive advantage in the global market. According to Porter (1998), companies should make their strategy on a basis of strong analysis of the industrys structure and nationally or internationally there are five forces that they should consider carefully, as follows: The threat from new firms in their industry. The threat of products that could replace their products. The bargaining power of suppliers The bargaining power of customers. Competition between companies in the same sector Segal-Horn (1996) points out that companies must be very careful when they are planning global strategy because some strategies which are effective in one country are not effective in another country. Companies have to decide if they want to have one product and marketing strategy for every country or if they have to adapt their strategy for different countries. Adaptation is more necessary for some industries than for others. For example, requirements of steel are more or less the same globally, but there will be large differences for consumer products and food and drinks. Companies have to consider this very carefully. For example, if they can use the same advertisement all over the world it is much cheaper for them, but the advertisement may not be effective in some countries, so they would lose money (ibid). To make such a strategy it is necessary for companies to have very good information about the country they want to sell their products in, which is called market intelligence (ibid). They have to be careful not to miss the differentiation advantage in any country (ibid). To have such information, they must do much market research. Many companies find that it is useful to have a joint venture with a local company in the country because that company already has good information and expertise about the market there. De Toni et al (2008) state that In global industries, competitive advantage derives in large part from the integration and co-ordination on an international scale of various activities. According to Ward et al (1990) companies in a global market should have five competitive priorities, which are cost; delivery performance (dependability and speed); quality; flexibility (product mix and volume); and innovativeness. If companies are looking for cost advantage there can be many benefits to them from globalization. This is because the can choose to buy their supplies from the cheapest supplier in any country in the world and they are not limited to suppliers in their country, as they were in the past before globalization facilitated communication and transport (Ari, 2008). In addition, they can choose to produce their products in a country where labour costs are less than in their country (ibid). Moreover, they can also sell their products through the Internet and reach millions of customers that were impossible for them to reach in the past Sony Corporation Profile Sony was founded in Japan just after the Second World War by Ibuka and Morita and was known initially as the Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Company. At first their business consisted of radio repairs and manufacturing voltmeters in small quantities. However, Ibuka and Morita were interested in innovative electronics products and were also aware of the importance of international markets. They developed Sony into an international brand, expanding their business first into the U.S.A. and then into Europe. The companys name was changed to Sony Corporation in 1958. Currently, the Sony Corporation employs more than 150,000 people worldwide. It is one of the largest media conglomerates in the world and has six operating divisions, which are electronics, games, music, films, financial services and miscellaneous. Sony Electronics is one of worlds foremost makers of electronic products for both the business and individual consumer markets, while its games division produces, among other products, Playstation, and its music division is the second largest such company in the world. Sonys film division produces and distributes films for the cinema as well as for TV and computers and its financial services segment includes savings and loans. Under the miscellaneous division, Sony is involved in advertising and Internet-related business. For the financial year 2007-2008, Sony reported combined annual sales of  ¥8,871.4 billion with a net income of  ¥369.4 billion. Historical background The Sony Corporation has long been in the forefront of technological innovation and has devoted a considerable portion of its budget to research and development (RD) in order to obtain and keep its competitive advantage. Some of Sonys main developments were the following: In 1949 Sony developed a prototype for a magnetic tape recorder prototype in 1949 and introduced paper-based recording tape a year later. In 1955, the company introduced Japans first transistor radio and was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Sony Corporation of America (SONAM) was subsequently set up in the U.S.A. and the worlds first direct-view portable TV was introduced in 1960. Also in that year, Sony Overseas S.A. was set up in Switzerland; while a year later Sony became the first Japanese company to offer shares on the New York Stock Exchange in same year. Further technological innovations followed throughout the 1960s, including worlds smallest and lightest transistor television and the Trinitron colour television. Since then, the Sony Corporation have developed and produced the worlds first personal cassette player, the Sony Walkman, which was introduced in 1979, the worlds first CD player, launched in 1982. More recent innovations include the home-use PC VAIO in 1997, Blu-ray Disc drive Notebook PC in 2006 and the OLED television in 2007. The Sony Corporation also expanded into the mobile telecommunications business in 2001 with the establishment of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, while a year later it acquired one of its rival companies, Aiwa, through a merger. Sonys Global Strategies The World Marketplace In the 1950s Japanese products suffered from a poor reputation. In an effort to overturn this, one of its founders, Mr. Morita, went to the United States travelled to U.S.A to learn from companies there and with a view to introducing his companys products to the American market and beyond. In 1958, having obtained the licensing right to the transistor patent from U.S. company ATT, they developed the worlds smallest transistor radio, which they launched in both Japan and the U.S.A. It was at this point the decision was taken to change the companys name to Sony, as it was short, easy to pronounce and memorable. The intention was to make Sony an internationally recognised brand, and in this they have succeeded, as, according to Richard (2002), Sony has become one of the most widely recognized brands in the world (Richard, A. 2002). Global marketing and operations According to Kikkawa (1995), only nine major Japanese companies Sony; Toyota; Honda, Nippon Steel; Toray; Teijin; Sumitomo Chemical; Shin-Etsu Chemical; and Matsushita. Kikkawa argued that these companies succeeded in the international marketplace by supplying products globally and/or carrying out global operations. Sonys products have been developed to fulfil the requirements of consumers worldwide; therefore, the corporation can offer the same products all over the world. One instance of this is the Sony Playstation, which appeals to consumers in every country in the world. In its ability to anticipate and fulfil the requirements of consumers Sony has gained an advantage over its rivals. The strategy of innovation Masaru Ibuka, one of the founders of the Sony Corporation, stated that the key to Sonys success was never to follow the others. In effect, the companys central strategic advantage in its global strategy has always been continual innovation. Global expansion and market selection As far as global expansion is concerned, Sony has always given careful consideration to operating in markets they considered to be important and where they had reason to believe the companys products would be most in demand (Richard, 2002). This lead to the initial decision to expand first to the United States, where they could market their products while at the same time learning from U.S. technology. The rationale behind this was that it would easier to expand to other markets once they had established a strong brand name in the United States. This in fact proved to be the case and expansion to European markets soon followed, as mentioned previously. Advantages of Global Strategy Reducing costs Sony has used several elements global strategy to its advantage. For instance, every Sony factory is able to produce at full capacity due to Sony products being sold all over the world; this results in a reduction in production costs. In addition, although Sony has numerous product lines, they are standard worldwide. This means that Sony does not have the expense of producing several versions of a single product to suit various markets. Worldwide recognition As Sonys products are known, sold and serviced all over the world, brand recognition among consumers is extremely high. This results in increased sales, as consumers feel secure about purchasing Sony products. Enhancing competitive advantage In addition, in recent years Sony has been an enthusiastic participant in the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign, making efforts to produce energy-efficient products. The corporation is also involved social and environmental concerns through its active and high-profile Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. These activities have contributed greatly to Sonys ability to increase their competitive advantage over its rivals. Sonys CSR programme Sony developed their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme in the awareness that the corporations business has direct and indirect effects on society and the environment in which their business is conducted. The programme is concerned with the interests of all the corporations stakeholders, such as shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, business partners, and local communities. This has contributed to the improvement of Sonys corporate value. The European Commission awarded Sony a Sustainable Energy Europe Award in early 2007, in acknowledgement of Sonys efforts towards increasing the energy efficiency of its products and its participation in the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign. By 2007, Sony had modified all their TV sets to consume less energy than the market average. This was a result of their research and development and lead to Sony TV sets increasing their market share. In this way, consumers can be satisfied that their television viewing is consuming a good deal less energy than previously, other stakeholders such as shareholders and suppliers are satisfied by the increase in sales of Sony TVs and electricity consumption also decreases. Another element in Sonys CSR programme is its improvement of its system for its employees to take leave to look after their children. Sony modified this system in the spring of 2007, with the aim establishing a working environment in which taking child care leave was facilitated. They also attempted to encourage fathers to become more involved in caring for their children. This modification has lead to an enhancement of the work-home life balance of Sony employees. It can be seen from these examples that Sony has made use of the advantages of globalization in its CSR programme to achieve a competitive advantage over its rivals. Disadvantages of Global Strategy While global strategy offers many advantages for international enterprises, it also brings with it certain disadvantages. These consist mainly of costs related to greater coordination, reporting requirements, and added staff. In addition, international enterprises must be careful to avoid the pitfall of allowing over centralization to lead to a reduction in the quality of management in any country, as this can result in quality toward individual country can be reduced due to which damaging the motivation and drive of local employees. There is also a risk inherent in offering standardised products, as such products may prove to be less appropriate in some countries than in others. Similarly, use of standardised marketing strategies may not always be successful, as, without cultural adaptation, certain strategies may be inappropriate in specific countries. Finally, the over-use of global strategies may also result in unnecessary or inefficient expenditure. In the case of Sony, a considerable portion of the corporations budget is spent on in RD to fulfil international requirements and this may have led Sony to over-diversify. In order to compete with global competitors, Sony has a finger in every pie, so to speak, and this may have led the corporation to stray too far from its core competency which is electronics product expertise. Moreover, the possibility exists that over-diversification may result in clouding consumers perceptions of the brand. Currently, Sony is facing a challenge to its market supremacy from the Samsung Company. In contrast to Sony, Samsungs global strategy consists of limiting its diversification and focusing its resources on a small number of dominant businesses. This strategy has so far proved very successful for Samsung. Recommendations Although the Sony Corporation has succeeded in building one of the most widely recognised brand names in the world, its market dominance appears to be based on increasingly unsteady ground. This is indicated by the fact that Sonys net profit for the third quarter of 2006 fell by 94% to  ¥1.7 billion, compared to  ¥28.5 billion for the same period in 2005 (Benson, 2006). This dramatic fall in profits may be attributed to the crucial strategic concerns confronting Sony. Sonys manufacturing process is in need of restructuring, as the quality of some Sony products has declined. This has resulted in damage to their reputation and a consequent decrease in the competitiveness of their products. For instance, Forbes magazine reported in October 2006 that 9.6 million Sony laptop batteries has had to be recalled as they were prone to overheating and were therefore dangerous. In addition, Japanese consumers expressed their dissatisfaction with the new system of the Sony PS3 (Wonova, 2006). It would appear from these examples that Sonys quality control system is not always as efficient as it should be. Apart from quality control issues, Sony has shown itself unable to respond rapidly and effectively to changes in market demand and its competitive advantage is therefore compromised. One example of this is the delay in the European launch of PS3 because of manufacturing problems (BBC, 2006). Sony was unable to satisfy the market demand, leaving the way open for rivals in the field such as Nintendo and Microsoft to increase their market share. Moreover, Sony did not respond as quickly as certain other television manufacturers to the increasing demand fro plasma television and therefore allowed their competitors to gain a head start on them in this market. Mintzberg et al. (1999) pointed out that the first mover may gain advantages in building distribution channels, in tying up specialized suppliers or in gaining the attention of customers, adding that the first product of a class to engage in mass advertising tends to impress itself more deeply in peoples minds than the second, third or fourth. Hence, Sony forfeited its competitive advantage and a considerable part of the market share in the games and television market. It is evident that Sonys operational strategy is deficient and requires improvement. In order to address these issues, Sony is putting into practice strategies from both the inside out resource-based perspective (Hamel and Prahalad, 1990; Barney, 1991) and outside in positioning perspective (Porter, 1980; Mintzberg et al., 1998), also known as the market-based perspective (Finlay, 2000). It has been suggested that combining these perspectives can optimise an enterprises capabilities and result in achieving and maintaining greater competitive advantages (Finlay, 2000; Thompson and Strickland, 2003; Johnson et al. 2005; Lynch, 2006). According to Hatch (1997) competitive strategy necessitates the exploitation of a companys existing internal and external firm specific capabilities and the cultivation of new capabilities. Sony should determine appropriate methods for managing external changes in the constantly shifting business environment, and also determine how to make full use of their existing capabilities and resources to respond effectively to this environment. Mor eover, Sony must be attentive to potential threats in the future and put in place the mechanisms required to neutralise these. Conclusion It can be seen that globalization brings both advantages and disadvantages for businesses. On one hand, they can sell their products in almost any country in the world, while progress in communication and transport means that they can choose cheaper suppliers and make their products in countries where labour costs are lower. On the other hand, it brings disadvantages in that they also have competitors from all over the world. Appropriate planning and implementation of global strategies within the constantly evolving environment of technology can provide enterprises with opportunities for survival and expansion in an increasingly competitive market. However, inappropriate global strategies which are not well-conceived or well-implemented can result in losses. Several factors could contribute to such losses including increased costs due to additional staff and insufficient attention to the requirements of the local market. It is vital that enterprises find an appropriate balance between over-globalisation and under-globalisation, although there are no precise guidelines for determining such a balance. Among the keys to obtaining and sustaining competitive advantage in a global market is careful planning and strategy, which includes obtaining detailed information about the target country and focusing on cost or differentiation advantage . References Ari, A. (2008). Globalisation. Online at http://www.geocities.com/anil.ari_global/index.html# Accessed on 10th August, 2009 Barney, J. B. (1991), Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage, Journal of Management, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 99-120. Barney, J. B. (2001), Is the resource-based view a useful perspective for strategic management research? Yes, Academy of Management Review, Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 41-56. De Toni, A., Filippini, R. and Forza R. (1999). Interational Journal of Operations and Production Management. Vol.12, No. 4, pp. 718 Passemard, D. and Kleiner, B.H. (2000) Competitive Advantage in Global Industries. Management Research News. Vol. 23, Issue 7/8, pp.111-117 Finlay, P. (2000), Strategic Management: An introduction to business and corporate strategy, Prentice Hall. Hamel, G. and Prahalad, C.K. (1990), Capabilities-Based Competition, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 70, No. 3. Hamel, G. and Prahalad, C.K. (1994), Competing for the future, Harvard Business School Press. Hatch, M.J. (1997), Organization Theory: Modern Symbolic and Postmodern Perspectives, Oxford University Press. Hill, C.W.L. (2007), International business: competing in the global marketplace, Boston: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Johnson, G. (2005), Exploring Corporate Strategy: Text and Cases, 7th Edition, Prentice Hall. Kikkawa, T. (1995), Growth in cluster of entrepreneurs: The case of Honda Motor and Sony Lynch, R. (2006), Corporate Strategy, 4th Edition, Prentice Hall.<

The Economic Systems Essay -- Economics Economy Essays

The Economic Systems Within the overall umbrella of the word "economy", one speaks today of the market economy, the formal economy, the informal economy, the underground economy, the productive economy and perhaps even the reproductive economy, the post-industrial or post-modern economy and the global economy. Thus while the concept of an economy is not fixed but arbitrary, and may have strayed rather far from the management of household resources, it is nonetheless spoken of in official circles as if there were genuine agreement (sometimes almost as if it were tangible, as "we must get the economy back on track"). The official economic paradigm operative in Canada is that of the market economy -- or the formal economy. This is what is being measured, analysed and reported on. An economy is said to work within a framework reflecting the values of the society in which it is embedded. Traditionally, three models of an economy have been used: the traditional or feudal, the command economy (where the state determines resource decisions) and the market economy which is the model in use in USA and in most industrialized Western countries. Indeed, even within the market economy, there are different models; for example, the Scandinavian model of social democracy, the Asian corporatist mode, and the capitalist model of North America. Each model has been seen and judged both from inside and outside its parameters. Individual freedom is one of the hallmarks of the market economy -- each person is free to choose how they wish to put their income to use. Adam Smith, hailed as the founder of classical economics, suggested that the sum of individual's self-interest would produce results that corresponded to the overall good of society. The Economic systems: There are three types of economies: traditional (also known as subsistence), command (also known as planned) and market (commercial). Traditional Economy In a traditional economy, goods and services are produced by a family for their personal consumption. There is little surplus and little exchange of goods. There is only a limited need for markets (places to buy and sell goods and services). This is the type of economy found in less developed nations of the world, usually in rural areas. Most less developed nations today are a mix of traditional and either market or command economies. Command Econ... ...ts worship of competition it is amoral. On the other hand, the Soviet experience clearly demonstrated that state socialism and a centralized economy can be mishandled. Perhaps it is human nature, not political organization that lies at the root of inequality in both North America and Eastern Europe. Bibliography  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Aghion, Philippe and Olivier Blanchard and Robin Burgess, The Behavior of State Firms in Eastern Europe, Pre-Privatization  ¨European Economic Review 38: 1994, pp1327-1349.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Belozertsev, Alexander and Jerry W Markham, Commodity Exchanges and the Privatization of the Agricultural Sector in the Commonwealth of Independent States Needed Steps in Creating a Market Economy  ¨Law and Contemporary Problems 55: (4), Aut 1992, pp119-155  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cunningham, Frank Understanding Marxism Progress Books Toronto: 1977.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dyker, David Restructuring the Soviet Economy Routledge New York: 1992  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nove, Alec An Economic History of the USSR, 1917-1991 3rd Ed Penguin Books, London: 1992  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lane, David Soviet Society under Perestroike Routledge London: 1992  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Yarolavsky, E Landmarks in the Life of Stalin Lawrence & Wishart Ltd London: 1942

The Wadia vs Wadia

10 corporate battles to remember Wadia vs Wadia and Goenka Nusli Wadia (left) has been called a corporate samurai. His battles with Dhirubhai Ambani and Rajan Pillai are legendary. His first corporate brawl was a curious case, given who one of his opponents was: his own father. Neville Wadia had decided, in 1971, to sell Bombay Dyeing Ltd to take-over tycoon R. P. Goenka (right). A young Nusli Wadia refused to accept the deal. He had his back to the wall, yet fought back fiercely by getting the rest of the family, the unions and even J. R. D.Tata to thwart the deal, showing early signs of a rare ability to lobby and win allies in a tough battle. This is one of the few instances when Goenka lost a takeover battle. HP Nanda vs Swraj Paul In the early 1980s, with the tacit support of the then Congress government, Swraj Paul (right), a non-resident Indian, launched an aggressive takeover bid for Escorts Ltd. The latter’s promoter H. P. Nanda (left) put up a fight, but faced a back lash from the government that asked financial institutions with a stake in Escorts to support Paul, and launched a series of tax investigations.Nanda hung on, and in 1984, the courts ruled in his favour. ITC vs BAT In 1996, British American Tobacco Industries Plc (BAT), the single largest shareholder in ITC Ltd, and led by Martin Broughton (right), made a play for control of the Indian company. But ITC, under K. L. Chugh (left), was able to convince the Indian government the fight was between a strong, well-managed and board-run Indian company and a predatory multinational. Government-owned institutions with a stake in ITC helped avert the threat. The Birlas vs Lodha Priyamvada Birla(left), widow of M.P. Birla, died childless in July 2004, leaving all her assets, valued at Rs3,000-5,000 crore, to Rajendra Singh Lodha (right), the MP Birla group’s auditor. When the Birla family came to know about her will, they opposed it, saying she could not have left her assets to an outsid er. The Birlas claimed in court that Priyamvada Birla and her husband had earlier written an irrevocable â€Å"mutual will† in which they said all their assets would go to charity. Various cases are being fought between the Birlas and Harsh Vardhan Lodha, R.S. Lodha’s son, who is now MP Birla group chairman. R. S. Lodha died in October 2008 after a cardiac arrest at B. K. Birla’s flat in London. Harsh Vardhan Lodha has yet not secured probate of Priyamvada Birla’s will, but heads the group with the support of directors of holding companies that own controlling stakes in MP Birla group firms. Nusli Wadia vs Dhirubhai Ambani PTA and DMT are innocuous abbreviations for two chemicals used to produce polyester. Together they reacted to create a national explosion in the 1980s.Reliance Industries Ltd run by Dhirubhai Ambani (right) and Bombay Dyeing Ltd led by Nusli Wadia (left) were stiff competitors in the polyester market, with the former using PTA and the l atter DMT as the main input. Those were the days when the government had a say in technology choices, so what ensued was a bitter lobbying war that eventually led to a political crisis for the Rajiv Gandhi government in New Delhi and a murder investigation in Mumbai. Vijay Mallya vs Manu Chhabria Photo: India Today Vijay Mallya’s corporate spat with the late NRI raider Manu Chhabria (right) was an epic one, lasting nearly 20 years.It all began in 1984, when a then unknown Chhabria made a hostile bid for liquor major Shaw Wallace and Co. (SWC). Mallya (left) claimed the bid was actually made jointly by an offshore firm in which he was a partner, while Chhabria disputed that and eventually gained ownership of SWC. A legal battle raged for years in Hong Kong, during which Mallya also partnered Chhabria’s estranged brother, Kishore, and kept up the pressure for getting what he believed rightly belonged to him.It wasn’t until March 2005 that the battle came to an end with Mallya finally acquiring a controlling interest in SWC from the Chhabria family, three years after Manu Chhabria died at 56. Ratan Tata vs The Tata satraps In 1991, Ratan Tata (left) inherited a business group that was run by a confederation of ageing satraps under the benign control of J. R. D. Tata. The Tata scion wanted tighter control over the companies in the sprawling empire, and that led to a showdown with the likes of Russi Mody (right), Darbari Seth and Ajit Kerkar, all men of considerable achievement but resistant to change.The younger Tata did not have a very successful track record till then but he eventually took control and transformed the Tata group, making it the ambitiously global and relentlessly innovative group that it is today. Wadia vs Rajan Pillai Photo: India Today Nusli Wadia’s battle to acquire Britannia Industries Ltd made the headlines in the late 1980s, when he first tried to buy biscuit maker Britannia, then owned by US giant RJR Nabisco In c. Wadia (left) first met the Nabisco brass through a friend, NRI cashew trader K.Rajan Pillai (right), in the late 1980s. But Nabisco changed its mind about selling to Wadia and appointed Pillai chairman of Britannia. This turned the two one-time friends into foes. Soon Pillai acquired Britannia and partnered with French food company, Danone SA. Then the French company fell out with Pillai, accusing him of fraud, and instead tied up with Wadia. After a bitter boardroom battle, Pillai was ousted and Wadia eventually took over Britannia in the early 1990s. Pillai later died in custody in an Indian jail.L&T vs RIL In the late 1980s, Larsen and Toubro Ltd (L&T) chairman N. M. Desai, discovering that Manu Chhabria (right) had acquired a stake in the firm, presumably to launch a hostile bid, got Reliance Industries Ltd’s (RIL) Dhiru-bhai Ambani (left) to buy a larger stake and come in as a white knight. Ambani had designs of his own and became chairman with the support of the Cong ress government that asked financial institutions with stakes in L&T to back him. RIL’s plan was thwarted when the Congress lost power in 1989.RIL sold its stake in the early 2000s to the Aditya Birla group, triggering another takeover battle that ended with L&T selling its cement business to the group. Bajaj vs Bajaj In 2001, Kushagra Bajaj convinced his father Shishir Bajaj (left) to ask the Bajaj clan to transfer to them the two companies they managed, a sugar producer and a consumer products maker. The Bajajs, Shishir’s brother Rahul (right) as well as cousins Madhur, Shekhar and Niraj, initially demurred. They eventually agreed, but not before dirty linen had been washed in public.

Pamela Essay Example

Pamela Essay Example Pamela Essay Pamela Essay In early times, in the era when mankind first learned to engage in business and traded with one another and gave birth to accountancy. It is also the time when the entity called money is born. But even before the creation of money, accountancy is already very important in early businesses. Accountancy served as a guiding light to the success of an entrepreneur. Accountancy is always preset in mans daily activities in its simplest form and therefore we can conclude that it is already part of our daily lives. As an individual who existed in the 21st century, I can say that accountancy in its general sense is often misinterpreted. Many people especially incoming college students are afraid of accountancy. They thought of it as a very difficult field of learning. As a course in college, accountancy is one of the least courses that students take. But the truth behind this is the fact that accountancy can be easily to be dealt with if you have patience and hard work. Being an accountancy student of the 21st century, I encounter many topics regarding accountancy and at first glance, they seem to be very hard for me but with the help of patience, hard work and perseverance I came to cope up and understand these topics. Thanks to our brilliant accountancy instructors who are always ready to share and impart their knowledge to us. Accountancy is also a vital part in the progress and success of businesses in the 21st century. Without accountancy, these multi-billionaire corporations have not mom into existence. The people behind their success are the accountants where in they work in the influx and out flux of the corporations finances. Accountants in the 21st century are still very few and businesses are growing rapidly. Because of this, more accountants are needed. So I encourage incoming freshmen student to enroll in the course of accountancy and discover and appreciate by themselves the beauty and importance of accountancy in the society not only in the 21st century but in the centuries to come. Pamela By Pamela-Gallup

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Arguments of Definition Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Arguments of Definition - Assignment Example Yes. I was honestly surprised about that piece of information from the talk. I have always made an assumption that whatever information I was searching for online and the results I got as a result would be available exactly what anyone else searching would get as well. This is the reason the talk was not only important but provided revealing information that shocked me. This information about the filter bubble should be passed around to as many people as possible so that they can be keen on the search results they get from the first search and compare it to results of other searches as well. I was worried over Pariser’s information that the content being released in the internet is tailored which is very inconveniencing. If one can be searching for a particular topic and each and every piece of information about it but ends up getting the wrong information, irrelevant information as well as misplaced information, then one will start to really not trust the internet at all. It is supposed to not only connect people but keep them abreast at all times of everything taking place around the world. As a result of the filter bubbles, this reality is being taken away from the users. Privacy indeed matters as very few people would like to be seen at their weakest or most vulnerable moments. This is the reason according to Greenwald (2014) that most people as explained by the speaker prefer doing stuff in private than in the public eye. They lack the courage to be criticized or people to change their point of view about them hence the reason they hide in private. People should respect the privacy and not brand people as bad or good for it. Having taken the same experiment taken by Pariser’s student, I was shocked to realize that it is true. I tried it several times taking different screen shots and the results were still different each and every time. The most shocking of all research was the fact

Nursing in a Day Surgery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Nursing in a Day Surgery - Essay Example In order to do this the discussion will first of define pain, because it not objective as many nurses and health practioners may believe. In fact it is a very subjective term. The discussion will end by considering the problems in the UK when dealing with patient's whose wishes are hard to discern and whether we should be administering pain relief methods without proper consent. It is this balance between whether nurses, as myself, should be acting on the wishes of the doctors and the establishment or the patient's wishes and concerns. This is because speed and cost efficiency should not be a determining factor in a patient's health, rather if a person who has varicose vein surgery is more suited for overnight care this should be considered. Pain was found to be the major concern for patients undergoing surgery and they wanted access to information both verbally and through written communication (Taylor. H. 2001). Patients have evinced interest in knowing the details of their recovery and realistic accounts of discomfort that they can expect. Addressing the cognitive component of pain is easily done through patient education (Carr C.J. Ellois. 2001). An audit at the Warwick Hospital found that although patient education booklets were available, the APS refrained from giving out this information. Besides, patients were not consulted in the development of the services Patients usually felt better and less ... Many used past experiences as reference for their expectations. Some studies found that patients had lower expectations of post-surgical pain. Patients also had a number of misconception related to the use of analgesia. This led to under usage of drugs and poor pain management. Understanding these factors can help nurses develop educational manuals for patients and help in better pain management (Taylor). H. 2001). The NIH has given Guidelines for the preparation of patient education and state the all communication must be, "clear, cost-effective, straightforward, modern, accessible, honest and respectful."(DoH, 2001) The Royal College and the Anaesthetic Association reported that 44% of hospitals had some form acute care services and 79% used modern analgesic techniques to manage pain (Carr C.J. Ellois. 2001.) A study of hospital services declares pain prevention to be one of the 10 most important indicators of care quality. (Susan M, 2003) While the need for management is acknowledged, the resources allocated for the function were found to be inadequate. In a significant finding, the Clinical Standards Advisory Group found that although 81% of the functions involve nursing care and 7% of these were headed by nurses there was lack of specialized nursing care in the chronic pain department. The situation was further made worse by inadequate funding. (Pain Society, 2001) Health professionals currently are found to have deficits in knowledge and skills for proper pain management. Nursing care is often found to be influenced by attitude of patients, their culture and value systems. (Redorbit.com, 2006) . The Services for Patients with Pain, in

Public Perception of Race and Crime Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Public Perception of Race and Crime - Assignment Example Furthermore, the research design incorporated the use of Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI). This method was effective in the random assignment of questions to the respondent. Consequently, it eliminated potential response biased information. The authors further employed a regression analysis of the responses. This was essential in determining the degree of stereotypes in relation perception on crime and policy formulation. Other research designs that could have been incorporated would have been facing to face interviews with the white and black respondents. This would have helped to clearly capture their personal attitudes on racial decisions pertaining to crime and policy formulation. Â  The research had sought to prove that the racial stereotypes applied to African-Americans influenced public opinion, especially of the majority whites’, on issues of crime policy formulation. To this end, the research employed the use of Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews to collect data. Consequently, the research findings clearly revealed that the racial stereotyping of the African Americans by whites’ played a strong role in influencing public perception of crime and punishment. In particular, whenever the crimes were violent and committed by African American. Moreover, when punitive policies are being formulated, the racial stereotypes attached to the blacks played a major in determining the severity of the punishment. Moreover, the racial stereotypes in formulating criminal policy are also fuelled by the political sentiments pertaining to the crime. Â  To this end, several implications can be drawn from these results. Foremost, the political and social environment is still pervaded by racism towards the African American population. This is evident in the formulation of criminal policies that are more punitive to the blacks in comparison to the white population.

The importance of Cromwells military role Essay Example for Free

The importance of Cromwells military role Essay Using these four passages and your own knowledge, assess the view that the importance of Cromwell’s military role in the Civil War has been exaggerated. Oliver Cromwell was born in 1599 into a middle class gentry family in Huntingdon. He began his career as a Member of Parliament for Cambridge in 1628; he went on to fight in the Civil War as part of the Parliamentarian army, with a number of roles as he rose through the ranks from captain to lieutenant-general. Cromwell fought in numerous battles with great success and was seen to have had great military and leadership skills. In my opinion, I believe that Cromwell’s military role in the Civil War was not exaggerated; the further analysis and evaluation of the passages will help me to prove this view. One view of Cromwell’s military role would agree that the importance he held was a result of his unusual military approach and his characteristics. The approaches that he used made him stand out as they were seen as ‘unique’. Interpretation C states ‘he raised such men as had the fear of God before them and made them conscience of what they did’. This relates to Cromwell’s use of religion within his cavalry as he was a devout Puritan himself. He believed that he was undertaking God’s work and saw every military victory as being won with the help of God. The use of religion would have been a strong motivation for any of the troops, which made them differ from any other cavalry at the time. Another Interpretation that shares evidence of this is Interpretation D as it states ‘he seems to have been instinctively aware that, in war, moral forces can far outweigh the physical’. This belief in God was thought to have been the driving force behind Cromwell which gave him the determination in battle that others did not possess. This determination is apparent within the battle of Marston Moor as Interpretation A mentions that he ‘kept such control over his man and over the battle when all three of his commanding generals had given it up for lost’. The actions of Marston Moor were seen to recognise Cromwell as an ‘extraordinary character’. Interpretations A, C and D all show evidence of Cromwell’s use of religion within war and how it was successful in his cavalry. The mention of religion in these sources appear to give the impression that these religious tactics set him out from others cavalry commander at the time. Therefore, this shows the difference between him and other military leaders, proving the view that he was a unique character, which is ultimately a factor in his military success. Cromwell also used other military approaches that were seen as unusual at the time, such as his use of discipline. He was seen to have total control over his cavalry in which they followed every order such as his ability to ‘regroup his forces into a tight formation’. There is further evidence of his disciplinary actions within Interpretation C, ‘an unusually high degree of discipline on, as well as off, the battlefield’. This discipline allowed him to carry out coordinated military manoeuvres with great success. The battle of Marston Moor in July 1644 was seen as a ‘dramatic struggle’ as the Royalists held many advantages but Cromwell’s decision to rally his cavalry after victory and aid the other side of the battlefield was the decisive tactic that won the Parliamentarians the battle. Without the discipline that Cromwell used in his cavalry he would not have been able to rally his men the way he did. The battle of Marston Moor was prearranged which was a disadvantage to both the Parliamentarians and the Royalists. However, Cromwell’s cavalry waited until early evening in order to obtain the element of surprise. This decision was a major factor in the victory over the Royalists in this battle as they were unprepared for the attack. The actions throughout the battle were unique and cunning and from the evidence appeared to have won the Parliamentarians their victory. Therefore, Ashley’s interpretation shows he was of great importance to the military success of the Parliamentarians through his decisions on the battlefield. Therefore, confirming that his military reputation has not been exaggerated. However, this view that Cromwell’s military role was not exaggerated is simply based on the numerous victories that he was a part of in his time of being a soldier. However, Ashley acknowledges that Cromwell held all the advantage at the Battle of Marston Moor. Yet, he does not take this into account in the interpretation. He focuses upon Cromwell’s tactics being exceptional rather than considering that all Cromwell’s advantages won the victory and not his tactics. This unbalanced interpretation is, therefore, limited and it undermines its reliability. Interpretation A recalls the events of the battle of Marston Moor and states that ‘it lacked coordinated command’, which was before the New Model Army, thus weakening the interpretation that Cromwell was such a good general. Yet, the New Model Army was created in order to control the numerous Parliamentarian armies throughout the country, the bases of the Army was to become disciplined, trained and mot ivated. These characteristics were very apparent within Cromwell’s cavalry during the battle of Marston Moor and could have been the reasoning behind the structuring of the New Model Army as it was proven to be successful. However, we need to consider whether this success as a cavalry commander was equally matched by his career as a general. Interpretation C also shows evidence of further military victories such as the defeat of Rupert at the battle of Naseby in June 1645 and a following success at the battle of Langport, which gave the Parliamentarians control over the West of England. This proves evidence that he was equally successful as a general and therefore deserves his reputation. Further evidence of military success is also apparent within Interpretation D, regarding ‘the Preston campaign of 1648’, this was a battle in which Cromwell was the main commander of the force and defeated the attacking Royalists and Scottish armies. This victory was seen to be the defeat of the Royalists that lead to the end of the Civil War. These numerous military successes are evidence that Cromwell showed importance to the military cause of the Parliamentarians. We also know of another military success that took place in 1649, this was Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland where he took Wexford in a massacre of 3,500 troops and civilians with only a small number of Parliamentarian casualties in comparison. These numerous victories indicate that the use of Cromwell’s military approach through the New Model Army proved successful. However, it is difficult to make a judgement with this evidence, as it could be argued that it was possible that these victories could have been achieved without Cromwell’s role in them, if another strong leader was present. These other military victories are not mentioned within the interpretations, this implies that they were not taken into account in judging the capability of Cromwel l as a military leader and could hinder the opinion presented from the interpretation. It is also believed that Cromwell was not in fact the military success that people saw him as. Interpretation D mentions his ‘atypical Cromwellian aggression’ that came out during battles, the interpretation implies his aggression and drive was the main factors that lead him to such success. The interpretation does not see him as an outstanding tactician as interpretation A and C imply but name his as a ‘very sound and capable tactician’, which seems to offer a more convincing view of Cromwell. The repeated use of positive language in these interpretations could be an indicator of Cromwell’s ability. However, interpretation D does not believe that Cromwell was the genius that interpretation A does, stating that he ‘never really reached the heights of a master of the strategic manoeuvre’. This shows that the evidence in interpretation D most strongly agrees with the view that the importance of Cromwell’s military role was exaggerated than any of the other interpretation. I disagree with the view that interpretation D implies, that Cromwell’s military role was exaggerated as the evidence regarding the battle of Marston Moor in both interpretation A and C outweighs the view presented in source D. The interpretation also describes him as ‘hasty’ and ‘unsubtle’ in his tactics on the battlefield, these negative phrases emphasise that the evidence does not agree with the importance of Cromwell’s military role. This idea is contradicted within the evidence shown in interpretation A as it states ‘led them across the battlefield to the aid of his right wing, had a crucial move with the hall-mark of genius upon it’, this was relating to the battle of Marston Moor in 1644. The tactics of Marston Moor were seen this way as they were very unique at the time and no other cavalry commanders managed their cavalries in this way. Cromwell’s use of his religion and confidence in his belief were seen to be the reason behind his success as implied in interpretation D, ‘sheer force of will; he seems to have been instinctively aware’. This could be a reason for and against the exaggeration of his military role as it set him apart from other which may have made him more successful. It may prove to be for the view that the role was an exaggeration as it could be implied that Cromwell relied on his religious beliefs, as he did not hold the tactical skills of his fellow cavalry commanders. Interpretation B shows the importance of Cromwell’s military role in a different way to the other interpretation as it only seems to concentrates on the political successes within his career as he rose to power to become Lord Protector. It explains that the major political success of Cromwell grew from the victories throughout his military career. His military success in the Civil War made him stand out and come to a spotlight within the government, allowing him to successfully work his way up politically, as interpretation B states ‘the well-deserved rise to fame, which in turn enhanced his position in the political world’. The fact that Cromwell was so success in his political career could be the reasoning to imply that his military role was also success as a result of a simple assumption. Cromwell’s main successes that are identified in the evidence are from Cromwell’s victories as a cavalry commander rather than as a general. As a cavalry commander, he proved numerously successful in battle yet his victories in the role of a general are not mentioned within the source in the same way as the cavalry commander role. This could be because he did not reach the peak of a military career as he changed his focused himself on the political issues within England at the time. This fact could indicate that his military career was exaggerated as the evidence focuses on his success as a cavalry commander rather than a general in a higher ranked position. However, a clear judgement regarding this cannot be made, as further evidence regarding his victories as a general would need to be assessed. In conclusion, it is possible that the importance of Cromwell’s military role was slightly exaggerated but he was important to the Parliamentarian side through the numerous victorious battles that he was a part of, which are shown in interpretation A, C and D. His unusual military approach such as the use of discipline and religion, as well as his own personality set him apart from others cavalry commanders. All these characteristics made Cromwell a success and as source B states, went on to help him in his political career, it could be said that this political career was a result of his actions in a military role. Ultimately, Cromwell’s importance in a military role was not exaggerated and he proved to be a very successful asset within the Civil War due to his numerous military victories.