How important is the character of Friar Lawrence to the plot and dramatic quality of Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay Example

How important is the character of Friar Lawrence to the plot and dramatic quality of Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay In my essay I will be writing about the vitality of Friar Lawrences role, this includes how he fitted into the whole plot, what dramatic effect he had on the audience and most importantly I will be writing about the three main parts of his role. Friar Lawrence is a crucial character in the play Romeo and Juliet. The play was written by the famous William Shakespeare circa 1600 AD. The play is about two star crossed lovers living in the town of Verona who come from two great leading families who absolutely feel hatred for one another. These two families, Montague and Capulet have been bought up in conflict against one another as a part of an ever-lasting feud between the two leading members of the two most important families of Verona.The first time Romeo and Juliet see each other is at an annual party that is held at the Capulets mansion. As it is a masquerade party Romeo manages to sneak in. it is here that Romeo first sees Juliet and they fall in love at first sight. From then on R omeo constantly meets Juliet at her mansion in secret. In doing this the bond between both of them deeply strengthens encouraging them both to make the fatal decision of getting married. Knowing that their parents would never approve of their marriage, as a part of the ancient feud between both their families Romeo asks Friar Lawrence to wed him and Juliet in secret without their parents consent or blessing.The reason for Romeo approaching the Friar is because he is more of a neutral character as he is a friend of both the Montagues and the Capulets. The Friar knows of this ancient feud between both families and is shocked when Romeo first tells the Friar that he is love with Juliet. The Friar takes Romeos situation into consideration and after long thoughts decides to marry them. This is shocking to the audience because as a man of the Christian church and a religious man he would have been expected to honour the values of their parents. This leads the audience to wonder what the F riar is up to.Friar Lawrence knows Romeo and Juliet are acting against their parents wishes and he justifies this by saying In one respect Ill thy assistant be, for this alliance may so happy prove to turn your households rancour into pure love. In saying this Friar hopes to achieve peace between both the Montagues and the Capulet believing that Romeos marriage will bring them together. This leads to there being a very dramatic environment surrounding the audience because they know the couples fate will be a dramatic one from the very beginning of the play and by Romeo and Juliet becoming one in marriage, this leads them one step closer to their awaiting doom. Also it allows the audience to anticipate what the reaction of their parents will be when they find out of this tragedy. At the wedding Friar Lawrence warns the couple to love each other moderately as too much love would lead their relationship to ruins These violent delights have violent ends, this is an example of dramatic i rony, as the audience know that the couple are destined to die.While all this is happening lord Capulet is arranging a day for Juliet to get married to a respectable man by the name of Paris. Juliets wishes are not to marry Paris but her father persists on her to do this. In spite of this Juliet approaches the Friar in order to seek help to find a solution to her problem. Because of the state Juliet is in, the Friar decides to help Juliet, to prevent her from harming herself. The Friar sums up a sleeping potion and gives it to Juliet saying Then is it likely thou wilt undertake a thing like death to shide away this shame, that copst with death himself to scape from it; and, if thou darst, Ill give thee remedy. In giving Juliet the sleeping potion the Friar hopes to make it appear that Juliet is dead on her wedding day when in reality she is in a deep sleep awaiting to wake up in Romeos arms in her family burial tomb.The Friar then begins to reveal his plan to Juliet. He tells her to go home and pretend to her family everything is fine by telling her father that shell go ahead with the wedding. The Friar also tells her to drink his potion the night before the wedding. Hold, then. Go home, be merry; give consent to marry Paris. Wednesday is tomorrow. Tomorrow night look that thou lie alone; Let not the nurse lie with thee in thy chamber. Take thou dis distilled liquor drink thou off; when presently through all thy veins shall run a cold and drowsy humour. The Friars plan was for Juliet to take the potion the night before the wedding to appear dead the morning after.This would relieve her of her marriage with Paris. They would have the funeral and lay her body along side her dead cousin Tybalt inside her family tomb. The Friar would then send Romeo a letter explaining his plan, telling Romeo to return from Mantua to Verona and await his loved to wake up in his arms before escaping to Mantua free of their parents, to live happily ever after. Shall Romeo by my lett ers know our drift; and hither shall he come, and he and I will watch thy waking, and that very night shall Romeo bear thee hence to Mantua.Hence the fact of something going wrong, Juliet accepted the Friars plan and did as she was told. The Friar then sent Romeo a letter explaining his plan. The Friar trusted the letter with another priest and set him to his journey to Mantua to deliver the letter. On the morning of Juliets wedding day, her Nurse calls out for her but she does not answer so her Nurse enters her chamber and as expected finds Juliet dead. Juliets family rush her to Friar Lawrence for help. The Friar then shocks the audience immerging a doubtful atmosphere upon them leaving the audience in suspense to find out what happens next when Friar Lawrence lies to Juliets family which is so unexpected from a religious man of a Christian church. In repliance to Lord Capulets plea for help, the Friar says Dry up your tears and stick your rosemary on this fair corse, and, as the custom is, and in her best array, bear her to church.At Juliets funeral, Benvolio sees Juliet being carried to the tomb and rushes in search of Romeo to tell him Juliet is dead. On his way to Mantua, he surpasses the priest who is to deliver the Friars letter to Romeo with his plan, so Romeo still does not know of what is going on. Benvolio reaches Romeo and is asked by Romeo how is my lady Juliet? Benvolio with tears in his eyes manages to reply she is dead my lord. Romeo is shocked and on the way back to see Juliet he stops to buy poison, whilst on his journey back to Verona he goes past the priest with the Friars letter, but neither of them notices each other and carry on their journey.Romeo arrives at the tomb and before entering he asks Benvolio to wait for him outside. He enters the tomb and sees Juliet lying along side Tybalt. He walks up to Tybalt and asks him for forgiveness for having killed him. He then walks up to Juliet and assuming she is dead drinks the poison he boug ht earlier on. Moments later he dies along side his beloved Juliet. The Friar without wondering weather Romeo got his message or not assumes he did and goes to meet up with him in the tomb like planned. When the Friar arrives at the tomb he sees Benvolio and asks him where Romeo is and Benvolio replies in saying that Romeo is inside the tomb, the Friar then rushes inside to see Romeo dead laying beside Juliet on the floor at that precise moment Juliet awakes from her deep sleep and asks the Friar Where art my Romeo?The Friar hears a large crowd approaching and in panic of being caught for what he has done he replies to Juliet come Ill dispose of thee. Among a sister hood of holy nuns stay not to question, but the watch is coming. Come, go, good Juliet I dare know longer stay. Juliet then refuses to leave with the Friar after she sees Romeos dead corpse lying on the floor. Seeing Romeo dead before her makes her want to kill herself. The Friar then leaves her alone inside the tomb and runs away. He does this because he does not want both families to find out that he was responsible for the death of Romeo and that he was acting against the wishes of their parents. Juliet then pulls for Romeos dagger and stabs herself. It took the deaths of two innocent people to cease this ancient feud, to finally see sense.In the Friar running out of the tomb and leaving Juliet alone, brings the play to a climax. The effect this would have on an audience would be shocking because the audience would expect the Friar to own up to what he did instead of running away from his mistakes and not talking the blame for causing this tragedy.I believe that the Friar should not be criticised for having helped out Romeo and Juliet because he was doing it for a good cause which was to put an end to the feud between both families and bring them together in piece. On the other hand he did not uphold the Christian values of a Christian church which the audience and myself would have expected, he should have been straight with Romeo and Juliet and have advised them to be honest with their parents instead of helping them act in secret behind their backs. It was the Friars three main parts of his role which bought the play to a climax and left the audience eager to find out what would happen next bringing them closer to the play.

DESCRIBE THE WORKINGS OF THE ICJ AND AssESS ITS EF Essays

DESCRIBE THE WORKINGS OF THE ICJ AND AssESS ITS EF Essays DESCRIBE THE WORKINGS OF THE ICJ AND AssESS ITS EFFECTIVENESS. The International Court Of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, which succeeded the Permanent court of International Justice after World War Two. It gains its legitimacy from Article 92 of the UN Charter which allows it to function " in accordance with the annexed Statute, which is based upon the Statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice and forms an integral part of the present Charter". By Article 93 all members of the UN are ipso-facto members of the Statute and that states not members may become parties, on conditions to be determined in each case by the UN General Assembly on recommendation of the Security Council. Therefore allowing countries such as Switzerland and San Marino, though not members of the UN, to be parties to the Statute of the Court. The court consist of 15 judges, no two of whom may be Nationals of the same state, elected by the General assembly and the Security Council. They are elected for 9 years and are eligible for reelections. The seat of the court is in Hague, Holland, but it may hold sessions elsewhere whenever it considers desirable. It is a continuing body. The Statute provides that it is permanently in session except during judicial vacations. It is also an autonomous body. It elects its president and vice- president, appoints its registrar, and provides for the appointment of other officers and clerical staff. Its function is to pass judgement on disputes between states, as such only states may bring their cases before the court. It is open to all states that are party to the statute and those who agree to the conditions laid down by the SC. The proceedings of the court are carried out in French and English; either may be used by the parties. Written pleading and oral presentations presented in one language are translated into the other. The judgements and opinions are both in French and English. Cases are brought before the court either by the notification to it of a special agreement concluded by the parties or by the unilateral action of one of them through a written appeal to the registrar. Its proceedings are in two parts, written and oral. The Court may also hear witnesses and appoint commissions of experts to make investigations and reports when necessary. These procedures were used in the Corfu Channel, Temple of Preah Vihear and in South West Africa(1966). The deliberation of the court are held in private, but the judgements , which are by majority vote, are read in open court. In the case of a tie, the President may cast a deciding vote; this was done in the South West Africa Case where a 7-7 vote was cast. Any judge may file a separate opinion if he does not agree in whole or part with the judgement. The decision of the court is final and without appeal. Although the ICJ has no enforcement powers, Article 94 of the Charter incorporates an undertaking on the part of each member of the UN "to comply with the decision of the ... court...in any case to which it is a party" and a further provision that: IF any party to a case fails to perform the obligations incumbent upon it under a judgement rendered by the court, the other party may have recourse to the Security Council, which may, if it deem necessary, make recommendations or decide upon measures to be taken to give effect to the judgement. The court is authorised by Article 65 of the Statute to give advisory opinions on any legal questions at the request of whatever body may be authorised by or in accordance with the UN Charter to make such a request. Article 96 of the Charter provides that such opinions may be requested by the General Assembly or the SC and by other organs of the UN and specialized agencies, when authorised by the GA. Such requests must be made by means of a written request containing an exact statement of the questions, accompanied by all documents likely to shed light upon them. >From this point on, the procedure before the court is somewhat analogous to contentious cases. In its role as and advisory body, the court has given some important opinions with regard to the costs of peacekeeping, which could be reckoned as normal expenses. It also gave opinions concerning admissions into the UN. Because of the ICJ's limited powers,

HISTORY High School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

HISTORY High School - Essay Example They want that government should rule and should limit the liberty of assets. They were actually the "anti-federalist". Moreover, Hamilton wants to introduce the taxation system to gain money from each state to repay the country debt but according to Jefferson this will be unfair with those states that have paid their debt. The Hamilton appeal the urban groups (industrialist) within the society whereas, Jefferson appeal the rural groups (agrarians) within the society. According to Jefferson the Hamilton general policies will corrupt the economy of the country whereas according to Hamilton Jefferson policies are unable to grow the economy. Native American resist this intrusion into their lands by small wars and stop trading with white Americans and they also stop supplying the food stuff that they grew in their fields. More over small fights resist the white American to expand and rule the Native Americans. The efforts of the Tenskwatawa and Tecumseh play an important role as their efforts safe the lives of many Americans and they keep showing different techniques for the country. Moreover, they improve the morale of the Indians. They try to save different areas to minimize the death of people.

Explore the benifits and chalenges o conducting multi-paradiam Essay

Explore the benifits and chalenges o conducting multi-paradiam research - Essay Example Thomas Kuhn, who is known for the discussing of meaning ‘paradigm’ in his famous book  The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, characterized paradigm as â€Å"an integrated cluster of substantive concepts, variables and problems attached with corresponding methodological approaches and tools†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Ã‚  (p.43).  Kuhn also specified the questions, which should be clarified within a paradigm to consider it as a valid base for a scientific research. A paradigm has to define what should be studied, what question and how should be asked, and also, which rules the researcher should follow to interpret obtained results. The notion of paradigm considers as the broadest unit of consensus, which serves to differentiate one scientific community from another. It appears to be a set of principles and axioms that relates to research process on the stage of assessment of a problem up to its solution.  Paradigms define and correlate theories, methods and instruments, accept ed within a scientific research. Analyzing the main paradigms, dominating in modern science, such as positivism, post positivism, critical theory, and constructivism, Guba and Lincoln (1994), represented their opinion about the role of paradigms, their assumptions, and the implications of those assumptions for research. â€Å"Paradigms define for the [researcher] what it is they are about, and what falls within and outside the limits of legitimate [research]† (Guba and Lincoln, 1994, p. 108). The authors states that the basic beliefs that define a particular research paradigm may be summarized by the responses given to three fundamental questions: the ontological question (what is the form and nature of reality), the epistemological question (what is the nature of the relationship between a researcher and the object of research), and the methodological question (how can the inquirer go about finding out whatever he/ she believes can be known)  (pp. 105-117). From this aspec t, we will analyze some of the well- known paradigms such as positivism and critical theory. Positivism. French philosopher August Comte (1798–1857) was the initiator of positivist paradigm, based on the philosophical ideas of observation and reasoning as the main ways of understanding reality and human behavior. According to August Comte, true knowledge is based on experience of senses and can be obtained by observation and experiment. Positivistic thinkers adopted his scientific method for knowledge generation. The main postulates of the positivist paradigm consist in understanding of nature as an objective, true reality, which is governed by unchangeable natural laws. Nature has its stable, pre-existing patterns and order that can be discovered. Positivism considers human nature to be described from the behaviorist approach, asserting the external factors play the main role in the formation of the similar specific behavior of everyone, who has been influenced the same obje ctive factors. Accurate and certain, knowledge should be described in a systematic way, and verify hypotheses that can be regarded as facts or laws. The role of research is uncovering the natural laws of reality, scientifically explaining, predicting and controlling phenomena. A researcher have to be objective, independent from influencing the subject of research, and eliminate any bias or subjective values within research. The main methods of research are empirical and experimental, structured observation, quantification or measurement. The results of research consider true, if

Data Rules Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Data Rules - Coursework Example This Decision Support System focuses on the problem solving expertise embedded into it by comparing its inputs with facts, rules and procedures already present in its data bank (also referred to as Data Warehouse). The Knowledge Based Subsystem in the DSS uses this data input (that may be mere facts, figures, personal knowledge and business models) to analytically identify any probable problems that may arise, possible decisions that can be made and possible solutions to an issue. The particular DSS under consideration in the said article concerns a knowledge based system that would assist nurses in decision making under critical conditions. The knowledge base in the said Dss is maintained by using a database that stores information. The data that constructs this data base includes input from medical professionals, theoretical practice maps, prior evidences and practices. This accompanied with input from the patient and user (i.e. nurses) at intermittent levels provides hypothetical results regarding identification of the problem facing the patient and the possible solutions for

Different Strategy Development At Harley Davidson Business Essay

Different Strategy Development At Harley Davidson Business Essay Harley-Davidson used Myerson game theory to gain a competitive edge over its Japanese competitors. This theory is concerned about the interrelationships between the competitive moves by a set of competitors. Hence the move by Harley to partition the US government to impose a 40% tax on imported motorcycles. Global Strategy Harley-Davidson has been a major US maker of motorcycles and the countrys top seller of heavyweight motorcycles. With a product offering of in excess of 30 models of touring and custom built Harleys, through a global network of more than 1,300 dealers. The company manufactures and markets five families of motorcycles: Touring, Dyna, Softail, Sportster, and VRSC. Additionally, their strong applied research and development strategies have allowed them to manufacture three-wheeled motorcycles. Harley sells attitude and culture with its brand-name products which allow customers to feel a greater part, ownership, belonging and empowered when they use their products. Harleys distribution network allows for their products to get to the market quickly. This strategy has determined Harleys future opportunities and strategies for example, their entry into the India market. Their design and manufacture of motorcycles which appeal to women coupled with their additional and diverse product line in clothing suited for bikers as well as other products which can appeal to a diverse market which includes persons who do not own and may never own a Harley. Acquisitions Their acquisition of Buell Motorcycle Company was also a strategic move as it allowed the company to enter a segment of the market which was untouched by them, through Porters low cost strategy, low maintenance motorcycles which were appealing economically and environmentally. As a result Harley was poised to enjoy economies of scale since they were able to increase production while lowering the cost per unit of production as Harley and Buell was able to enjoy synergies from the acquisition as surplus engines from Harley was able to be utilized by Buell. By acquiring Buell, Harley was able to build rather than buy market share. However, as a result of the global recession of 2008 the synergistic alignment enabled the company to continue to manufacture their low-cost single-cylinder Buell Blast. Harley benefited from the integration as they were better able to respond to the market need and demands. As they were/are able to adapt to market changes and improve efficiency in the manufacturing, design and safety features. Consequently, Harley divested MV Augusta which they acquired in 2008, this divestment can be credited to the effects of the recession as the company was also experiencing a financial crisis. By selling title and ownership they were poised to focus and implement strategies which would allow them to maintain competitive leadership. Through Ansoffs product-market growth strategy matrix, Harley-Davidson penetrated new markets as they sought to expand by partnering and engaging with dealers throughout the world, to capture new markets with the Buell product offering. Through the acquisition of MV Augusta Group Harley-Davidson was further allowed to capitalise on Ansoffs product development strategy where they entered new markets with a new light weight motorcycle. This product was particularly appealing to women cyclists since they were better able to independently control the machine. To survive the depression of the 1930s Harley-Davidson diversified to motorcycle engines in order to capture new untouched segments of the market. Diversification according to Ansoff refers to a strategy by which is pursued by an organisation through its new product offerings which allows them to enter new markets. This strategy enabled Harley-Davidson to increase their market power and gain greater efficiency as sales increase there was more profits which enabled them to invest in more efficient technology, research and development. In 1907 Harley captured the emergent market being the police department as they were venturing into motorcycle patrol as a result they were able to penetrate this market which in the past did not exist. ENGINE TYPE YEAR DETAILS FLATHEAD 1909-1936 Had a displacement of 45 cubic inches (742 cc) and produced about 22 horse power KNUCKLEHEAD 1936-1947 The Knucklehead was mainly developed and used during the wars. PANHEAD 1948-1965 This vehicle engine was 60 cubic inch (990 cc) and 74 cubic inch (1200cc), which produced 50 and 55 horse power. SHOVELHEAD 1966-1983 Displace 74 cubic inches (1200 cc) and produced 60 horsepower. EVOLUTION 1983-1966 The Evolution was the first motorcycle in a series which manifest improved quality after the acquisition of AMF. These vehicles did not leak oil and the displacement was 81.8 cubic inches (1340 cc) and produced 70 horsepower. TWIN CAM 88 1999-PRESENT The Twin Cam 88 has an engine of 88 cubic inches (1450 cc) displacement, producing 80 horsepower. These engines remain air cooled and overhead valves are used. REVOLUTION 2001-PRESENT This engine is presently being used in only one Harley product, the VSRC. It is 60 degrees, with overhead cams, fuel injected and only 69 cubic inches (1130cc) production 115 horsepower. Through the process of diversification Harley-Davidson was able to reengineer their products to meet and satisfy the changing needs and demands of the market and as a result they have been able to penetrate and capture new markets which were once untapped. Harley have been able to overcome their once tarnished reputation of unfair business practice as a result of their application to the US Tariff Commission for a 40% tariff to be imposed on imported motorcycles into the US. Harley utilizes personnel selling and advertising for their promotional mix in getting the product to their customers. They also target various segments of the market by advertising in national magazines such as Road Track, Popular Science, and Fortune as well as specific motorcycle magazines such as Easy Rider. Additionally, Harley uses personnel at their 595 dealerships located throughout the United States to get the product to the consumer as a when they are required. Harley uses publicity and public relations to gain a more positive image for the company. Celebrities such as Jay Leno and Wynonna Judd are engaged in the companys promotions enjoying riding motorcycles and wear Harley-Davidson apparel. The conduct of a SWOT analysis would reveal Harleys customer loyalty to the companys brand which was strength for Harley and a threat to their competitors. Harley offers all its products on-line where they can be delivered through-out the world. Online skilled rider courses are also offered, parts are customized to suit the needs and taste of their individual customers thus creating the ultimate ride. CORPORATE-LEVEL STRATEGY Their Corporate-level strategies focused on the strategic scope of the entire enterprise. Harleys strategies included the companys decision to enter niche markets, acquisitions and the entry into new geographic markets with new and innovative products. This also includes their staffing issues were 440 employees were retrenched, their decision also to outsource also contributed to the companys cost leadership position. In addition, their market diversification to strategically penetrate the India market over a period of twenty to five years which were protecting their local Indian Tata Nano market. Their corporate strategies implemented under the companys leadership of Richard F. Teerlink the former CEO, Harley has also been able to sell gift items suitable for women, men, youths making them a one-stop gift shop. The underlying premise of Harleys focus strategy is that the firm is better able to serve its segment than its competitors serving a broader range of customers since they are better positioned to determine, anticipate and satisfy the changing needs of their customer. Harley has been able to differentiate them based on meeting customer needs through their differentiated, low costs and competitive pricing for specialty goods. Their corporate strategies represent the long-term direction for the organization which has been to become the top motorcycle manufacture in the world. Why have Harley-Davidson been more or less successful in their strategic planning approach? Portfolio Matrices Growth/Share (BCG) Matrix Issues addressed as part of a companys corporate strategy includes diversification, acquisition, strategic alliances, and formulation of new business ventures. The corporate strategies implemented at Harley incorporate their plans for the entire organization and change to be industry specific market such as manufacturing motorcycles that are light-weight and suited for women. The BCG matrix classifies business-unit performance on the basis of the units relative market share and the rate of market growth. Products and their respective strategies fall into one of four quadrants. The typical starting point for a new business is as a question mark. If the product is new, it has no market share, but the predicted growth rate is good. What typically happens in an organization is that management is faced with a number of these types of products but with too few resources to develop all of them. Thus, the strategic decision-maker must determine which of the products to attempt to develop into commercially viable products and which ones to drop from consideration as Harley did with the Buell Blast. Question marks are cash users in the organization. Early in their life, they contribute no revenues and require expenditures for market research, test marketing, and advertising to build consumer awareness. If the correct decision is made and the product selected achieves a high market share, it becomes a BCG matrix star. The Harley-Davidson company is made up of multiple business units, its corporate strategy focused on decisions which can increase sales and allow the company to gain competitive advantage by maximizing the potential of their core competencies and the resources both financial and non-financial. As stars have high market share in high-growth markets they generate large cash flows for the business, however they also need large inputs of finances to maintain growth. They required large expenditures for advertising, research and development continuously improve the product which would enable it to establish a dominant position in the industry. The companys strategic arrangement with the US Army together with the exceptional features and capabilities RoadKing and Sportser allowed the company to gain high market share and high market growth. The diversity of their products is considered in terms of its related and unrelated diversification. However, performance at the business level of the company suffered leading to workers striking as a result the company was then sold to thirteen investors strategically lead the company. The Fat Boy though in the 1990s was a market leader and cash cow for Harley however, its market share was high and low-growth as the product reaches its maturity stage of the product life cycle. This product was a well-established product with wide consumer acceptance and as a result sales revenues were high. The strategy for such products is to invest little money into maintaining the product and divert the large profits generated into products with more long-term earnings potential, i.e., question marks and stars which Harley did with their FXR models. Dogs are businesses with low market share in low-growth markets. These are often cash cows that have lost their market share or question marks the company has elected not to develop. The recommended strategy for these businesses is to dispose of them for whatever revenue they will generate and reinvest the money in more attractive business such as into the Fat Boy. A more stringent approach, but still one with weaknesses, is a competitive assessment. A competitive assessment is a technique for ranking an organization relative to its peers in the industry. The advantage of a competitive assessment over the BCG matrix for corporate-level strategy is that the competitive assessment includes critical success factors, or factors that are crucial for an organizational to prevail when all organizational rivals are competing for the same customers. Porters Diamond Porters Diamond suggests that the reasons are inherent why some countries are more competitive than others, and likewise why some industries within particular nations are more competitive than others. This is evident in Harleys case as the US army chose to support their local industry to supply them with motorcycles during the world war. They also have what appears to be a lifelong contract with the police department to sell motorcycles to them. Trade embargo was also imposed by the US government to protect Harley from competitive rivalry from their greatest competitor Japan and this helped Harley in building brand. Harley also created a false demand for their product by creating an artificial shortage. Global sourcing Global sourcing refers to purchasing services and components from the most appropriate suppliers around the world regardless of their location. Harley source it component parts where the cost is cheaper and more affordable and as a result they were able to provide motorcycles at affordable and cost efficient prices. Due to global sourcing of component parts Harley was able to ensure that parts were always available when and where they were required. The internationalization is potential of Harley is clearly determined and measured by the following factors. Harleys market has been diverse, comprising of a wide global demographic, their products have been design for the comfort, safety and enjoyment of both their male and female customer base. Harley has developed and implemented a differentiated strategy where their prices and product offerings have been attractive and affordable to all income brackets. The company has had the favor of the US government and the loyalty of their customers, based on the support which they have given to the US during the war. However, countries such as India have imposed tariffs to protect their own local industries from large multi-national companies. However, to strengthen their competitive ability, Harley diversified its products to attract new markets, acquired other companies which allowed them to gain financial strength by capitalizing on the financial resources and gaining access to markets which the company were unable to before. Internationalization according to Barlett and Ghoshal relates to the different structures for multinational companies. Harleys global strategy and its sources of competitive advantage that Harley gets from being a transnational company are its efficiency through its manufacturing processes which enable it to enjoy economies of scale and develop a reputation to be envied by its competitors. The internationalization of Harleys motorcycles has an uncertain relationship to financial performance as foreign exchange rates may fluctuate resulting in a lost to the company if the exchange rate is decreased in the company which they export to. To acquire and maintain first-mover advantage Harley has been able to continuously revitalise its products to meet and satisfy the changing need and taste of their customer base. Through research and development the company has been able to keep one step ahead of their competitors, placing at a better off than their competitors as a result of being first to market with a new innovative product. Harleys global strategy works because they have a strong global distribution network which ensures an efficient and speedy distribution of motorcycles to customers. With the emergence of the internet a customer can stay in Trinidad and purchase a motorcycle from anywhere in the world. GROWTH STRATEGIES Harleys growth strategies are designed to expand performance which is usually measured by the degree of sales, profits, product mix, market coverage, market share due to trade embargoes. Diversification strategy involved the company entering different markets by adding different products to its marketing mix. Harleys products are targeted towards all members of the family and are related to existing product offerings. RETRENCHMENT STRATEGIES Harleys retrenchment strategies involve a reduction in the scope of the organizations staff number by 440 in 2007 and the sale of assets associated with discontinued product or service lines, as a result Harley sold MV Agusta in 2010. FUNCTIONAL-LEVEL STRATEGIES The functional-level strategies of all organizations are concerned with the coordination of the functions of the organization which are marketing, finance, human resources, production, research and development, etc. This area upholds and contributes to individual business-level strategies and the overall corporate-level strategy as it ensures that set goals and objectives are achieved. At Harley employees involvement are critical to the accomplishment of the companys vision and mission and as such Harleys has cultivated the creativity of their employees. Employees are not treated as machines but allowed to be innovative and involved in the creative development of the company. This Accenture Human Capital Development Framework (HCDF) was first implemented in 2004 and reintroduced in the company in 2006. Harley also partnered with the union and this strategy allowed for change to be flexible, this was a key component in motivating employees and encouraging them to buy-in to any change in strategy which management wished to implement at Harley. Â  The strategy resulted in a motivated workforce who felt a sense of belonging and ownership. The company encouraged a democratic style leadership instead of a dictatorship, through greater employee participation and collaboration as stated by: Teelink (2003) The biggest takeaway [to my experience in a circle organization] is that [positive] change will happen as long as you don try to force it your way. If you lead participative change, it will work. Harley fosters a culture of team-building which ensures that employees are focused and motivated towards achieving the corporate goals and objectives of the organization. Employees are also motivated and encouraged to produce as they have stock ownership this strategy gives employees a sense of belonging and that they are very important and involved in the organization and are willing to embrace changes within the organization without resistance. These initiatives were adopted because the companys new management recognized that to survive in a highly competitive and global market it was critical to make the company a continuous learning and improving organization where communication is open and free throughout the hierarchy of the organization. Employees must recognize and fully comprehend their job functions and its importance to the efficiency in the manufacturing process as well as to the long-term survival of the company. Harley made significant progress at surpassing their internal benchmarks with the implementation of HCDF as employees performance and output improved and increased. Thus performance can now be measured by a balance scorecard. Balance Scorecard Balanced Scorecard is a system used to measure a companyHYPERLINK http://www.coursework4you.co.uk/essays-and-dissertations/analysis-of-companies/analysisofcompanies.phpHYPERLINK http://www.coursework4you.co.uk/essays-and-dissertations/analysis-of-companies/analysisofcompanies.phps activities in terms of its vision and strategies, as a gives managers a comprehensive view of the performance the business. This approach to strategic management was developed in the early 1990s by Kaplan and Norton. This system allows organization to visually clarify their vision and implement strategies which can improve organizational functions. Harleys study the logistics of building and selling motorcycles in the early 1980s, when it was near bankruptcy. Harleys balance scorecard review the procurement process, inventory stock theory and practice, and the parts marketing process to ensure a holistic, end-to-end supply chain management to supporting the company vision which ensures that the companys products reached its customers. Through performing a thorough study of their entire supply chain, Harley Davidsons logistics personnel have been able to define, measure, and improve their processes in order to improve efficiency in manufacturing process. A prime corporate decision was introduced to reduce the number of suppliers from 500 to 200. A smaller supplier base made quality improvements easier to implement and facilitated the detection as there was increase standardization of process and procedures, tracking, and resolution of quality problems. Conclusion The success of Harley can be contributed to the executive management team which has taken strategic initiatives such as the investment in their human resources, by empowering them to address the weakness associated with the Company. This investment has also given Harley a competitive advantage in the motorcycle industry. The Company has exploited the opportunities in its external environment to create new revenue streams for itself.

Saint Philip Neri :: essays research papers fc

Saint Philip Neri was born in Florence, Italy, in the year 1515. He was the oldest son of Francis Neri and Lucretia Soldi, both descendants of Tuscan families. He was kind hearted as a kid and soon became known as Philip the Good - "the good Pippo." As a child, he studied philosophy and later he took a comprehensive course in theology. With fourteen companions, he created the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity for looking after pilgrims and convalescents. The members met for Communion, prayer and other spiritual exercises in the Church of San Salvatore, and Philip himself introduced the idea of having exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at least once a month. At these devotions, Philip preached, even though he had not yet become a priest. In 1550, he transferred this Confraternity to the Church of the Holy Trinity, and built a new hospital. His work continued and in 1551, he was ordained a priest at the age of thirty-six. As a newly ordained priest, Philip continued his spiritual conferences to ever-increasing numbers, who came seeking his guidance and help. In a short time, several priests and young clergymen associated themselves with him. They began to aid him with his conferences and in reading prayers and meditations to the people of the Church of the Holy Trinity. This small group soon became known as an Oratory, because at certain hours each day, they would gather the people together for prayer and meditation. Therefore they laid the foundation of a new religious society. In 1564, when Philip had formed his congregation into a regular community, he had several of his young clergy men ordained to the priesthood. Saint Philip lived to be eighty years of age. In the year 1595, he was struck by an unusual violent fever and was confined to his bed for the entire month of April. Cardinal Caesar Baronius game him Extreme Unction and Cardinal Frederick Borromeo, an intimate friend, brought him Holy Viaticum. His entire congregation accompanied him on his deathbed. It was shortly after midnight on May 26th, 1595 that he passed away. Saint Philip was noted also for his kindness and simplicity and was much sought after as a confessor. His sense of humor was note worthy. He was beautified by Pope Paul V in 1615 and was canonized a saint by Pope Gregory XV in the year 1622. After Philip's death it was discovered that two of his ribs were broken and had formed an arch, enlarging the normal space for the heart. His body rests in the Chiesa Nuova where it remains miraculously incorrupt.