Contemporary strategy analysis Essay Example for Free

Contemporary strategy analysis Essay 2001-2011 was filled with many black swan events (i. e. events that are extremely rare, have a major impact and are unpredicted even if they are rationalised retrospectively) e. g. Sep 11 attack, Lehman Brother collapse, Greece/Iceland bailouts, Arab Spring revolutions, major earthquakes and tsunamis) Rise of BRIC countries creating a multipolar world 2. Sluggish Economic Growth + Increased Competition Economic growth in advanced economies sluggish throughout the medium term governments and household sectors are over-leveraged insufficient productive investment from companies sitting on cash excess capacity in most sectors - resulting in strong price competition Internationalisation of companies from emerging-market countries e. g. contract manufacturers (OEM) in China and India competing with their customers in final markets. 3. Technology Disruption Digital technology disrupting incumbents (e. g. Netflix replacing Blockbuster) and redrawing industry barriers (e. g. Apple, Nokia, Nintendo, Blackberry now competing in same mobile device market) 4. Social Pressure and Crisis of Capitalism Loss of social legitimacy of companies as a result of a fall-out from the 2008/9 financial crisis – disdain for companies (hypocrisy + greed of bankers, traders, etc) and their leaders (e. g. Occupy Wall Street movement) Rise of alternative forms of business enterprise as better, more sustainable models over limited liability companies – e. g. state-owned firms (China, Brazil) and cooperatives (i. e. businesses mutually owned by consumers or employees). Challenge faced by companies of whether to unilaterally create/stick to its own values (which may become out of step) or reflect the current values and attitudes of society it operates within. Item 2: New Directions in Strategic Thinking 1. Re-orientate Corporate Objectives of Companies Reconcile the need for profit maximisation with a broader societal role (i. e. companies having greater social and environmental responsibilities) Move away from focusing on stock market valuation alone Management should not focus on profits but what strategic factors that drive profits or create value e. g. customer satisfaction, innovation Best antidote to corporate empire building and CEO hubris is a stronger emphasis on basic principles of strategy analysis. 2. Seeking More Complex Sources of Competitive Advantage Competitive advantages in today’s dynamic world is difficult to sustain due to high rate of technology diffusion + increased competition from emerging market companies who are more cost-effective Developing multiple layers of competitive advantage is now required (e. g. as shown from companies that maintained profitability and market share for years (e. g. Toyota, Wal-Mart), combined with the ability to combine multiple capabilities. 3. Managing Options The portfolio of options of a company e. g. growth options, abandonment options, and flexibility options are increasingly important as sources of value. Therefore option thinking should be adopted into a firm’s strategy: e. g. industry attractiveness should not depend on profit potential, but option potential (e. g. an industry that produces a no of different products, comprises multiple segments, has many strategic groups, utilises a wide variety of alternative technologies) e. g. a resource is attractive if it can be deployed in different businesses and support alternative strategies (e. g. nanotechnology). Dynamic capabilities are important because they generate new options. 4. Understanding Strategic Fit Importance of fitting the strategy of the firm with the firm’s business environment and its resources and capabilities. 2 major concepts regarding linkages within companies: complementarity and complexity Complementarity: the importance of linkages among a firm’s management practices and finding the optimal configuration (e. g. a six-sigma quality program needs to be accompanied by changes in incentives, recruitment policies, product strategy, etc) Complexity: the idea that companies are complex systems whose behaviour results from interaction of a large number of independent agents. This results in unpredictability, self-organisation by a company and a company positioning between inertia, chaos, and evolutionary adaptation Common to both concepts is the contextuality of linkages: Do the benefits from any particular activity depend on which other activities take place? 2 dimensions of this contextuality: contextuality of activities (are management activities and their benefits dependent or independent of each other? ); contextuality of interactions (do activities interact in similar ways across firms) Item 3: Redesigning organisations The challenge of today’s business environment is reconciling multiple dilemmas (e. g. product at low cost, but also innovate), requiring multi-dexterity. Companies are now multi-dimensional structures with organisational capabilities for each business area e. g. quality management processes, social and environmental responsibility, knowledge management, innovation and exploration, etc. 1. Solution to Complexity Making Organisations Informal, Self-Organising and Permeable Informal Organisation: Rely upon informal rather than formal structures and systems e.g. team-based structures which rely on coordination rather than control. Companies are moving towards project based organisations – temporary cross-functional teams charged with clear objectives (as opposed to permanent functions and continuous operations). Such teams are more able to achieve innovation, adaptability and rapid learning than more traditional structures and avoids issues of over-concentration of power a nd rigid, inflexible structures (e. g. W. L. Gore, supplier of Gore-Tex boots). This is an example of a consensus-based hierarchy, which emphasises horizontal communication, over an authority-based hierarchy, which emphasises vertical communication. Self-Organisation: Humans (and therefore, companies) have a capacity for self-organisation. Three factors are conductive for self-organisation: identity, information and relationships. Identity is a shared cognition of what the organisation is (what is core, distinctive, and enduring about the character of the company) and an emotional attachment towards what it represents. A strong consensus of identity provides a powerful basis for coordinated action that permits flexibility and responsibility to be reconciled with continuity and stability. Information and communication networks within companies support spontaneous patterns of complex coordination with little or no hierarchal direction Relationships, or informal social networks, allow information to be created and transformed and allows the organisation’s identity to expand and include more stakeholders. The more access people have to one another, the more possibilities there are. 2. Breaking Down Corporate Boundaries There are limits to the range of capabilities that companies can develop internally. Therefore, companies must collaborate in order to access the capabilities of other companies e. g. strategic alliances. Today’s web-based technologies permit much wider networks of collaboration (e. g. use of ICT technologies by PG and IBM to draw upon ideas and expertise across the globe or the rise of open-source communities that build highly complex products such as Linux). Item 4: Changing Role of Managers The changing conditions and types of organisations require new approaches to management and leadership. Previous era of restructuring and shareholder focus associated with change masters (highly visible, individualistic and often hard-driving management styles e. g. Michael Eisner of Disney, Rupert Murdoch) â€Å"Buck-stop here† peak decision-making role of CEOs may no longer be feasible or desirable for the current era. Instead, it is the role of guiding organisational evolution that is more important nowadays (being a social architect by creating an environment where every employee has the chance to collaborate, innovate and excel). CEOs should be less concerned about decision-making and more concerned about cultivating identity and purpose. Senior managers also require different knowledge and skills nowadays – e. g. self-awareness, self -management, social awareness (empathy) and social skills – i. e. emotional intelligence. They should move away from being administrators and controllers and become entrepreneurs, coaches and team leaders instead. In particular, Rapid evolution requires a combination of both incremental improvement and stimulating radical change (e.g. Sam Palmisano at IBM) Establishing simple rules: the idea that companies can be managed by a few simple rules (boundary rules and â€Å"how-to† rules) with limited managerial direction otherwise (e. g. Cisco) Managing adaptive tension: Create a level of tension that optimises the pace of organisational change and innovation. This is done through imposing demanding performance targets, but ensuring targets are appropriate and ac hievable.

Sexism in Language Essay -- Language

Language refers to the method that humans use to communicate either through speech or written. It consists of the use of the word in a structured and conventional way. Language has been referred to as ‘our means of classifying and ordering the world; our means of manipulating reality. In structure and in its use we bring out the world into realisation and if it is inherently inaccurate, then we are misled. (Dale Spender, 1980).Language has power that allows us to make sense out of the reality we live in. Sexism is discrimination of a person based on their gender, especially on women. Sexism in language is the use of language which devalues members on one sex, almost always women, showing gender inequality. In the 1960/70’s there was a feminist campaign in Western Countries and a lot of research as conducted into gender inequality. The feminist campaign demanded that gender in equality should be eliminated from the educational system (Shi, 2001.) The existence of sexist l anguage is due to sexism in society and it is also related to social attitudes. There has been a movement amongst feminists to reduce sexual discrimination and it has led to a number of attempts to influence and change in language. Robert Hopper (2003) made a distinction between the terms ‘soft core’ and ‘hard core’ sexist language. He showed that ‘Soft core’ language was less obvious, subtle but still demeaning and patronizing to women. It was found to be more problematic because it was subtle and harder to spot. ‘Hard core’ sexism showed it to be easier to spot. Sexism in language takes many forms, though theses may be reduced to 3 types: language ignores, it defines and it deprecates women. Women and girls are hurt both physically and materially by it. Everyda... ... Language. Developmental Psychology. 20(4), 697-706. Lei, X. (2006). Sexism in Language. Journal of Language and Linguistics, 5 (1), 87-94. Mallett, R, Stangor, C, Swim, J.K. (2004). Understanding subtle sexism; Detection and Use of Sexist Language. Behavioural Science Sex Roles, 51(3/4) 117-128. Parks, J.B, Roberton, M.A. (2004). Attitudes Toward Women Mediate the Gender Effect on Attitudes Towards Sexist Language. Psychology of women Quarterly, 28(3), 233-239. Piercey, M. (2000), Sexism in the English Language. TESL Canada Journal, 17(2), 110-115. Turner-Bowker, M. (1996). Gender stereotyped descriptors in children's picture books: Does "Curious Jane" exist in the literature? Sex Roles, 35(7-8), 461-487. Ya-Lun, T. (2008). Child development (Research) Sex role (Portrayals) Children's literature (Educational aspects) Science & research, 45,(3), 310

Dracula Transformation Essay

Shadow of the Vampire is a post-modern text which is a reconstruction of Dracula, a novel by Bram Stoker, and Nosferatu a film directed by F. W. Murnau. The use of intertexuality in Shadow of the Vampire is a key aspect which allows it to echo; themes, the gothic mode and issues that are present in the other two texts. Through a clear pastiche, Merhige produces a new text from the old. Immortality is a key theme which has been subverted from the physical sense through sucking blood, as it’s represented in Dracula, to the spiritual sense through art by producing a perfect film which will outlast and entertain many generations. Bram Stoker uses many motifs such as the; wafer, stake, crucifix and garlic flowers to demonstrate the Count’s immortality as these reoccurring symbols show the limited objects that can rid of a vampire, emphasizing his strength and power. Although these symbols are all present and continual in Shadow (‘crosses aren’t for decoration’- villager says to Murnau), they don’t portray the immortality, instead Merhige uses film techniques to replace the language techniques of Dracula. The zoom in of the camera is an example as it shows the deep expression and desperation of Murnau to achieve his perfect picture and effectively his immortality. Dialogue and particular quotes make his goal obvious; ‘our memory won’t blur or fade’ and ‘context that will last like the graves’ and also shows his obsession to earn immortality. Murnau’s obsession with his picture in Shadow causes him to turn into the mad protagonist of the film and instead all our sorrowful emotions become aimed at Count Orlock, who is a poor and weak replication of the vampiristic image set by Dracula1. In Dracula the protagonist (being the Count) also becomes obsessed with immortality and the female characters (Mina and Lucy) as he repeatedly visits them; the illicit love that Dracula has for these women adds to the terror and gothic romance of the novel. As the female characters become threatened and distressed by the Count, they add to the suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere and engage the reader as they share similar emotions; 2 the female character of Greta in Shadow is a resonance of this distress as she is unknowingly affected by the presence of Orlock which causes her to turn to drug abuse to deal with it (does too Murnau and the producer). Greta is also unknowingly being distressed by the camera itself which acts as a symbol for an oppressive male protagonist which contains characteristics of Dracula: her naive comment; ‘theatre gives me life, this thing only takes it away’, is an example of irony and also foreshadows future events and feelings; such as she subconsciously knows it (like her other comments) but instead of acting upon it she again turns to drugs to avoid the fact. Murnau’s obsession is proven by his willingness to use other people as sacrifices, most notably Greta as he makes a deal with Orlock for her life. The flashbacks of Greta (before she is fed upon) causes shock to the viewer as the quotes like; ‘consider it a sacrifice for your art’ and ‘make the ultimate sacrifice for love’ cause the emotions of: sorrow, horror and excitement to flourish as the viewer realises Murnau’s ambition from the start and its inevitability. These quotes are well-crafted examples of foreshadowing and irony. His obsession with his art is continuously shown throughout as he makes ridiculous demands and is easily aggravated, such as when the photographer was bitten by Orlock, Murnau exclaimed; ’’lack of enthusiasm, I told you to fix it’’. In Dracula sacrifice is dominantly practiced in a positive way with the heroic group making many sacrifices to finally reach their goal of destroying Dracula; (however, this heroic group is omitted in Shadow and is the primary reason for Murnau’s success). Arthur sacrifices his love for Lucy to save her soul and his own, but as a result he must kill her gruesomely; also, the men (Morris, Billington, Van Helsing and Seward) sacrifice their blood in transfusions to keep Lucy alive. This is foreshadowed by Lucy as she previously exclaimed ‘if only I could have them all’ when she was deciding her lover between these men; this gives the blood sexuality to it (sexual innuendo) and this is an example of gothic romance with the presence of rival lover and multiple suitors. This sexuality of the blood is present in quotes such as: ‘the girl went on her knees†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ and ‘away with you, he’s mine’ and these show the ruling and empowerment of the male characters in a patriarchal society. The sexuality given to blood in Dracula is again subtly echoed into Shadow of the Vampire, with Orlock’s lust and desperation for Greta being portrayed in the sexual sense as he is given blood from bats and other sources throughout the film but none satisfied him like Greta with him falling asleep soon after to lighten the mood with black humour before the action-packed ending is aroused. The mysterious atmosphere that is obvious in all three texts is similarly brought about through the usage of slightly subverted gothic elements and techniques. The empty and ruined castle setting of Dracula is important to setting the original supernatural/gothic tone that the novel continues throughout: as shown by Jonathan Harker’s diary entries; ‘the castle is a veritable prison and I am a prisoner! and ‘doors everywhere, locked and bolted’. Additionally, the position of the castle adds to the mystery; ‘just on the borders of three states†¦ portions of Europe’ as these names aren’t familiar to us. Shadow of the Vampire incorporates this setting as; small rooms, caves and an abandoned monastery are all used in the majority of the film and the transition of filming from the developed west to the unknown and strange east (Helgoland). Both texts also use the dark of night to represent the dark, supernatural tone that each are setting: Stoker uses the sun as a symbol of protection from evil (the dark) and is evident in comments of Mina; ‘I keep waiting till the sun†¦ be to me a safety’ and ‘that beautiful sun†¦ life was to me again’. Shadow of the Vampire sets most of its scenes in the dark and uses images of the silhouetted moon and shadows together with eerie background music to make the viewer feel uncomfortable and scared like the characters. Shadow uses haunting sounds like thunder and howling in night scenes to give the supernatural sense (in the same way Nosferatu does); which is an echo of the onomatopoeia used by Stoker such as; ‘muffled roar’ and ‘howling of dogs’. Both texts also make use of the gothic palette as a dominator of the colours used because they give the sense of age (grey), danger (red) or evil (black) which are essential to the quick-shifting moods as they hint to the audience what’s coming up next. Overall, the incorporation of a post-modern style and the subversion and inclusion of themes, issues and gothic elements from Nosferatu and Dracula were crucial to the success and transformation of Shadow of the Vampire. The continual success of this film is due to its excellent depiction of vampires and their nature which can be evident in modern day life and in the character of people; which has never been paralleled as it’s so ‘ferociously original’.

Electrodes Are Another Way Of Getting Signals From The Brain

Intraparenchymal Electrodes are another way of getting signals from the brain. This method holds much more promising results than EEG because the receiver is placed directly in the brain of subject, getting many more, clearer signals. This allows more in depth control of 3 dimensional objects such as robotic arms. With enough concentration and practice, a person can even use the arm for basic motor functions such as eating and lifting objects. Intraparenchymal Electrodes have been a huge breakthrough in the study of neuroprosthetics, and further test show that humans actually have the capability to pick up sensitive objects such as cups of water and eggs, though the arms still don’t have the ability to create the sense of touch, making it†¦show more content†¦So to reiterate, while intraparenchymal electrodes are much more fruitful in results than EEG due to less interference between the scanner and the brain, its downfalls are rather prominent as well because of its invasiveness, and the body’s natural reaction to its presence. The final method of neural recording is electrocorticography or ECoG. This method, compared to the previous two methods could be considered the best option to record neural activity. The reason being that it’s a mixture of both of the other methods in a way. The way this method works is that recorders are placed directly on surface of the brain, in order to get clear signals without interference from the skull and scalp. The difference between ECoG and intraparenchymal electrodes however, is the fact that ECoG does not penetrate the brain, but rather it sits on top of the brain. This avoids the problem of the brain growing around it, and in turn does not affect the signals strength in anyway, allowing a more permanent solution for neuroprosthetics limbs to be practically used. This method trumps the last two methods in speed and practicality. Where EEG is limited to moving cursors on computers at a relatively slow pace, requiring major concentration and practice, when tested E CoG was able to get the same results at a fraction of the time and effort. in addition, while intraparenchymal electrodes are capable of basic motor