Muet reflection paper free essay sample

Each one of us belongs to many cultural groups that distinguish us as people. These groups influence our likes, dislikes, tastes, values, morals, and help to shape who we are as people. Cultural groups are not defined by geographical boundaries, we carry our culture with us where we go and can meet others in the same cultural groups as us a thousand miles away from home. Culture is all around us, it is not just in places that are exotic. When observing Rachel Wilkinson, It became evident that the cultural groups she Is a part of make her who she Is as a person. Being American, a Marylanders. And a college student are Just a few of the cultural groups Rachel belongs to. One way in which her cultural groups affect her tastes is through music. Earaches age group, religious affiliation, family, school, and hobbies are all cultural groups that have influenced her taste in musical styles. We will write a custom essay sample on Muet reflection paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Earaches family is a very important aspect of her life that she cherishes deeply. She grew up in a family of six and has tons of aunts, uncles, and cousins. All throughout her childhood, she went to a daycare that my grandmother owned. The daycare was located In the basement of ere grandparents house and her mother and three aunts worked at the daycare. Rachel was with her family every single day. Country artists are constantly singing about their own family and how much their family means to them. Whether they are talking about how successful their grandparents marriage is or making jokes about their siblings, somehow the songs always seem to relate almost perfectly with Earaches own experiences and memories.The close familial bond country artists are constantly singing about never falls to bring her own personal memories to mind and make her realize Just how special my family Is to me. Earaches mother tends to Like to listen to funk as her main genre of music. This music grew on Rachel because it reminds her of times with her mother when they have bonded while listening to the music, such as on a long car ride. Because the individual songs Earaches mother listen to in this genre rarely vary, Rachel has memorized the lyrics and the songs have become an Identifying marker of her familys cultural group.Rachel believes her mother listens to this music because It reminds her of her younger years and the songs are fun to sing and listen to. When Rachel and her mother are listening to funk USIA, they are not just sitting together and listening; they are talking, laughing, cooking, eating, or Just hanging out together. Therefore this musical genre is important to Rachel and makes her feel close to her mothers cultural group. Rachel belongs to the cultural group of soccer players. She has played soccer her entire life and her Interest and love for soccer has helped shape the person she Is today and how she sees the world.Rachel and her teammates had a warm up plastic that they would listen to before every game in high school. The plastic was a bunch of rock songs that pumped the players up for the game. Before high school, Rachel never listened to rock music. However, being a part of this particular cultural group influenced Earaches music taste and made her more open-minded to rock music. Rachel now enjoys listening to rock because It brings back memories from playing the University of Maryland thus making her part of its cultural group.She absolutely loves going to parties and socializing with friends. When she goes out, dancing is her favorite activity. Loud, upbeat music is perfect when it comes to dancing. Pop music is loud with a lot of bass, melodic sounds, and catchy phrases. At many of the social events Rachel attends, pop music is played thus exposing her to this genre of music. Rachel loves pop music because it gives her a sense of excitement for the night ahead and it is very easy to dance along to.Everything the artist sings about in their songs relate entirely to the activities Rachel will be engaging in that night which is also why it is so appealing. Although pop is a big part of Earaches life, after Rachel graduates she most likely wont listen to this type of music as often. From Kindergarten through High School, Rachel has gone to a private school. She was born and raised a Catholic which caused religion to be essential in her life. Whenever times get tough, Rachel prays to God and seeks for His help and advice. Growing up, Rachel went to church every Sunday with her family.Because of this, she has a particular liking for Christmas music, especially songs that she knows and has been listening to for years. Christmas music reminds her of family traditions, good food, and a cheerful time of year. Rachel enjoys listening to the music all year round, but she especially likes listening to it after Thanksgiving when it first comes on the radio. While Christmas music reminds her of all the material things about the season, it also helps her remember the real meaning of Christmas to those in her cultural group, the sacrifice of Jesus.Christmas music helps Rachel remember the meaning of the season in a way that is fun and entertaining, but also exemplifies the values of her Catholic cultural group. As a 20 year old, it is obvious that Rachel grew up in the sasss. She enjoys listening to asss music because it brings back memories of when she was very young and carefree. She belongs to the cultural group of kids who grew p in the asss, and therefore is influenced by her music experiences as a young child today. She can interact with other people in this cultural group who often like music from the asss as well.Listening to this music with other people from the same cultural group is often during social interactions, like parties, because it is nostalgic and everybody knows the words to these songs, which makes them bond as a group. Rachel comes from an Italian family that has a great appreciation for Italian food, music, and culture. Although Rachel is not fully Italian and has never visited Italy, her ornamented who is fully Italian has given Rachel a lot of knowledge and insight about the Italian culture. Family dinners of pasta, spaghetti, tortellini, and other various Italian dishes occur quite often, especially over the holidays. At these family dinners, Italian music is played because of Earaches grandmothers love for this type of music. Earaches grandmother has a beautiful voice and always sings along to every song. Because of this, Rachel has developed a love for Italian music over the years. Although Rachel cannot understand the lyrics, she still likes to listen to the songs. Listening to Italian music brings to mind all the wonderful memories she has had with her family over the years.Also, it reminds Rachel of her Italian heritage and brings great pride to Rachel knowing this type of music is the music her ancestors listened to. This past winter, Rachel Joined Alpha Phi, which is a sorority at the University of her time in this sorority has caused Rachel to develop some new values and interests. Each girl in Alpha Phi is so different and unique and has much to offer. When Rachel goes to her weekly meetings at the sorority house, the girls always play chon music. They do this as a way to get rid all the school stress each girl has and have a fun dance party.When the techno music comes on, all the girls get up and dance and laugh with each other. Although Rachel does not listen to techno music when she is alone or in any setting other than her sorority house, since Joining Alpha Phi Rachel has been exposed to this type of music and it is now a part of her life. The town Rachel is originally from is a small community in Maryland in which many people live on farms or out in the country. Because of growing up in this community, Rachel likes country music. She identifies with the lyrics, as they are relevant and meaningful to her life in a rural town.She likes that country music tells a story about topics that she can identify with, rather than a genre like rap music whose lyrics she does not identify with as much. In this community cultural group, country music is played at town events and parades, and it is common to hear the music in stores or homes around town. Country music identifies with the values of a small town; there is emphasis on family values, social issues, and various other aspects of country life. Being that Earaches town is made up of very conservative minded people, country music appeals to her cultural values.She enjoys listening to country music as a result of being a part of this cultural group and being influenced by the culture around her. When Rachel was younger, she used to take dance classes and was in a ballet and tap dancing group. She had classes a couple times a week and had dance recitals at the end of the year. When Rachel first Joined, she loved it. She made a lot of great friends and it was really fun for her to learn how to tap dance and do ballet. Getting on stage at the end of the year was Earaches favorite because all eyes were on her and she was doing what she loved.However, one year Rachel was stuck with a really mean dance teacher. The teacher was nasty towards her students, including Rachel. Because of this teacher, Rachel began hating going to dance class. This teacher ruined her dance experiences and also her taste in classical music. This teacher scarred her memories and Rachel has developed a distaste for classical music because it reminds her of her bad experiences as a ballet dancer. Although Earaches isle for classical music has diminished over the years, it is definitely not her favorite genre today.The classical music played in ballet exemplifies the cultural groups desire for order, grace, and precision. These values are not pertinent to Rachel, and therefore classical music does not appeal to her. The cultural groups we belong to influence our tastes in many ways. For Rachel, the cultural groups she belongs to have made a considerable impact on the types of music she likes to listen to, who she likes to listen to music with, and the context in which she likes to listen to particular genres of music.

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buy custom ELL Families and Schools essay English language learner population is experiencing an increase in population by a high rate as compared to the whole population in America. The increase in rate comprises of 10% of the student population. This is a challenge to the country, and thus leaving The United States with the challenge of giving equal education opportunity to the English language learner, who wants to study in America schools. Meeting the needs of the ELL students the administration and teachers must consider issues that affect learning to the ELL students. This issues include social cultural influences on English language learners, bilingualism and home language use, parental and community resources and working together with families and schools. (Cummins, 1981) Discussion Socio-cultural influence plays a crucial role on how people relate and interact with each other. Children raised in a certain culture know what type of behavior to act in school and other social areas. At home families traditions, styles of discipline, attitude toward education and prejudices vary. It is significant for teachers to understand the role that English language learner culture influence on the student success at school. Connecting the student culture and family should come up with appropriate teaching technique. This forces English language learners students to cope with many changes in their new country, to get used to new home, new schools and also forces to learn how live in a new country. This challenge to the children of ELL because changing from the old way of life to new is not that easy. At school, the ELL students struggle to learn a new language and the social expectation of their friends and teachers. This social cultural influence ends up increasing more pressure if the ELL students have no other students from their native land to interact with one another. (Crawford, 2004) ELL student should be given an opportunity to share their culture with their classmates. This will help in incorporating the student culture and native language. Use of multicultural literature in class helps students to feel connected and gain confidence in class. To understand ELL student culture teachers need to understand the student family values, their expectation, relatonship with their family and the environment at home. ELL student country, region and customs must be known by their teachers. When teachers invite the students to share with their experiences with the entire class this will help promote students confident and respect in class. (Faltis, 2006) Bilingualism and home language use is a fundamental aspect which requires consideration, when planning for the success of ELL students. For the success of the students understanding how to use bilingualism and home language in the classroom helps students to understand the English language. An ELL student needs to be provided with adequate opportunities to read and write in a meaningful context using their first and second languages. English language learners should be motivated to come up with literacy skills in their first language and translate these skills to English learning. (Ovando, Combs, Collier, 2006) The teacher needs to be patient in dealing with ELL students. ELL students should be allowed to speak their home based language in school, as well as the English language. Teachers should work on the students strength and build students knowledge on what they already know. Students background experiences should be drawn and the connection between academic related facts and students way of life should be motivated. This will help appreciate the value of communicating in multiple languages, thus, boosting their academic performance at school. Teachers should look at their ELL students at an individual level with background knowledge and culture. The aim of bilingualism is to teach the student English language while appreciating the students native language, their ability to write, speak and read in their home language. (Krashen, 1985) Parents and the community resources at large play a vital position in the course of learning English language learners. The involvement of parents in school activities in programs that aim in promote the academic achievement of students and preparing students to another level of English learning process, plays a crucial role in increase the chances for success of the English leaner student. The reason behind this is that parents understand the needs and challenges facing their children. Parents are able to see the progress in reference to their academic skills, thus, encouragement, support and evaluation of learning are vital to their children in school. (Cummins, 1981) Parents and the community should be aware of resources that will help their children learn the new language and be able to participate in school. Parents should play an active role in their child success at school and community. Parents should guide their children in understanding of the culture surrounding them and find a safe place for their children either in school or home. (Faltis, 2006) School should create a relationship with parents and the community where the ELL students reside. It is the role of the school to inform parents on progress of their children, their child development and stages they have learnt. With this, parents will be able to know where they need to support their children at home so that they can achieve more and more. Parents and school relationship helps in understanding the culture and background of parents and their children. This will help the teachers to come up with objectives of teaching the ELL students because they do understand them well. To improve home and school partnership with ELL families a lot can be done. This is through; I can be able to give reading materials to the ELL students which will assist them to learn in an easier way. Also, through providing newsletters to invite parents to become active in the ELL students education both at school and home. Empowering of parents and the community members by making sure parents are aware of resources given to them by the school and the community at large. Introducing monthly meeting with the English language learner parents, to promote a relationship with the school and ELL families, this is to motivate the ELL students so that they feel component of the school society. Conclusion It is highly vital for the school, and the ELL families to interact to enable one other understand their students and children. The ELL students face many challenges in their new school, country because of change in culture, language and the way of living. Therefore, ELL families and the school must work together hand in hand so as to ensure success of the students in their learning process. Teachers should be alert of the requirements of the community, parents and their students. Buy custom ELL Families and Schools essay

Create of arts Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Create of arts - Assignment Example In the movie, Jeff suspects one of his neighbors has murdered his wife and tries to investigate through his rear window. The manner in which events unfold raise the element of suspense. 3. The main theme is that of voyeurism. The main actor is put in a position which is usually left for the viewers, that of watching without being seen. The viewer watches the main actor watching his neighbors. It shows what goes on in the lives of different problems and what they go through. Furthermore, the lengths people go through to solve problems is highlighted. 4. Movies can be approached from a feministic or masculine approach. They can also be analyzed based on the theme, the target audience or focusing on a character among others. The movie ‘Rear Window’ is usually analyzed from a feminist perspective because of the role played by the female. Most characters in the movie are female. The lonely woman who entertains inexistent gentlemen callers, the woman with an active social life, the wife who was murdered, the photographer’s girlfriend and the nurse are some of the main women in film. They play a key role on plot development. 5. Despite the age of the film, it is still very relevant. The concept of murder is very real and so is the fact that one cannot really know their neighbors. The movie can still instill fear and suspense in the viewer. The fact that one of your neighbors could be secretly watching you is also frightening. The film can be made even more frightening with modern technology and special effects. 6. Sigmund Freud was a psychoanalyst credited with many studies about the mind and mental state. Alfred Hitchcock’s movie incorporate several aspects of the Freud’s studies in terms of the lengths people go to and what makes them

PC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

PC - Essay Example Evidently, this will make work easy especially for persons who keep struggling to type words and take too long to edit the same paper for so long. The benefit of these computers that can actually hear sounds and type the same into words would indeed be a plus for computer technology. A positive of the same would also happen for persons who do not understand various languages as the computers will be fed all languages then the users would simply read, the computer would listen and type what the user says. For instance, persons with English problems would benefit from this development. Data will be collected from online sources especially ones that include natural reader and how these readers are useful in computers. A good example is Seo’s work that explains the functioning of natural readers and how they include natural sounding voices (115-119). The author also continues to argue that the natural readers are very easy to use and can convert all manners of files into spoken words (Seo 115-119). With the reader being termed as about 99% accurate, this move is a plus for computer technology. Data will also be collected through interviews with persons who have used this technology before and how efficient the same has been to them. A good target group would be students who have enjoyed the reader through getting their notes typed with ease. Surveys on the benefits of this technology will also be analyzed especially on the education sector. Data will also be collected through telephone interviews to assess how this assistive technology will indeed make proofreading easy especially in large documents and how the technology will allow its users save much time as opposed to the traditional PCs. Observations will also be used as a way of collecting data especially observing the users and how well the software is making work easier for them. After this collection of data, it will be possible to make

Module Procedure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Module Procedure - Essay Example It is also contempt of court for a jury member to ask for opinions and views on case from a person who is not part of the jury. However, in order to determine the facts and background information of the case in question, some jurors have gone ahead and fetched information from the internet. It is highly unlikely that the information available on the internet is reliable.1 A good percentage of the information on the internet is either exaggerated or false. Hardly do you find substantial facts on a case on the internet and it is illegal to use it for legal reasons. Basically it is the obligation of jurors to base their verdict only on the facts presented at the courtroom and not outside. It is also against the rules of a just deliberation to use the internet as a source of information to back up a case. Jury deliberation is where the jury, after a court proceeding thoughtfully, exits the courtroom to the deliberation room, listens and considers both sides of a case or a trial in order to reach a just verdict. Here, they share and exchange elements of a case that has just been presented before them with utmost fairness, analyze them and settle on a common decision. Usually, the deliberation is facilitated by a fair, strong opinionated juror.2 Basically, this is where the jury spits out their interpretation or understanding of t he case, collectively analyze and test each other’s points without biasness or bullying in order to come up with a reasonable common verdict, usually within law. The deliberation usually set the basis for any judgment that will be passed. The jury is usually not allowed to hold any external consultation to come up with a verdict. The advancement in technology and easy access to the internet has enabled jurors to obtain information on cases and parties involved with ease. Internet research by jurors is not allowed in criminal and civil trials because it has been described as a cause of the increasing cases of mistrials in the modern l aw courts. 3Judges have a responsibility of instructing jurors to avoid doing internet search on the case at hand. Despite the instructions from judges, many jurors have not refrained from using the internet in getting extra information about a case in which they are involved or the people who are involved in the case. It is also important to note that jurors are instructed to refrain from sharing case information with the public but among themselves. However, the access to social networking and electronic media has caused jurors to share with other people about cases and as a result they obtain questionable information about the case which plays a role in their perceptions about those who are being tried. The restriction that the jurors are given in the access of the internet is however limited to that period when deliberations on the case has began. The misuse of the internet by jurors has become a serious problem within the justice system.4This is illustrated by the easy with whi ch jurors can access obscure information on the individuals involved in cases through blogging or accessing information on Facebook or Twitter. These sites do not offer credible information because online community would post malicious or exaggerated information about individuals involved in case proceedings and thus make jurors to have a biased perception about a case. It has been revealed that jurors fall into the temptation of web search and which

Political factors can have a direct impact

Political factors can have a direct impact To comply with the worlds concern of global warming and regulation, Nissan has launched their new product, Nissan Leaf which is the world first 100 percent and zero emission car designed for mass market. It is a fully electric-based car and is expected to be available globally by 2012. Economic The demand for products and services of the automobile industry is strongly affected by the economic conditions in each country or market where they are on sale. The industry has to predict change in economic climate and demands precisely and to take necessary measures to cope with the economic conditions. Price hike on various resources and energy could also affect the company. Any unexpected fluctuation of price regarding such resources can greatly affect the company financials and performance due to deterioration in operating performance. The recent global economic crisis has affected all industries including the automobile industry. Such crisis will have a significant effect on Nissans financial position and business performance. For example, Nissan has been affected by the crisis by falling sales globally. It has made 1200 of its staffs at Sunderland UK plant redundant since the crisis began. The total job cuts are said to be around 20,000 in total across all the plants worldwide*. Socialcultural The lifestyle of people and demographic factor varies according to different marketplace/region. Some countries such as India main transportation are bicycles and motorbikes, though cars are still widely used. This is because of the road and travel destination, where best transportation modes are used. Developed countries such as the UK have train services across the country with almost any destination, such convenience will reduce the usage of personal cars. In the other hand, countries that have no such facilities solely rely on personal cars as transportation, will have a high usage of automobiles. With higher literacy rate and better economy, the younger generation (Generation X) tends to personally own a car, as a requirement or as a social status. Contrary to the older generation where a family owns a single car, now a family might own several cars depending on the numbers of family numbers. As such, there is a higher demand for automobiles now than previously. Other than that, the younger generation have vast preferences of their cars to match their own need, where the automobile industry is working hard to meet their needs. Technological Technologies are crucial to the automobile industry, mass amount of capital is invested in RD to improve their products. With the depletion of fossil fuel in the future, new technology as a substitute to energy resource for automobile is needed. Such technologies needed are hybrid engines and electric cars. Besides, the internet technology has affected almost every industry in the world including the automobile industry. A report by C. Thomas stated that, a study showed that 60% of automobile buyers referred to the internet before making their purchases and out of that 60%, 88% went to the auto websites before taking a test drive. Besides that, the industry gain even more opportunities through internet due to more efficiency and lower cost in logistic. SWOT Strengths: Geographic Diversification Nissan has a wide geographical presence of market all over the world. This helps the company to moderate the various risks associated with over dependence of a particular market. Nissan has a strong market position in Japan, North America, Mexico, China and the Middle East. A wide geographic presence decreases the business risk of the company. This also acts as an easy way for the expansion plans of the company, as a wider reach in terms of geography would mean reaping more benefits and eventually improving the profit margins, attaining economies of scale and recognition on a worldwide basis. Diversified Business Operation Nissan has a wide range and strong product portfolio. It is engaged in planning, developing, manufacturing and selling of automobiles. Through its automobile segment, Nissan provides a range of automobiles and related parts for overseas production. The sales finance segment of the company is engaged in the provision of credit card and leasing services, non-life insurance and financing businesses. Such diversified business operations balances the risks of one market with the opportunities of other markets. Renault-Nissan Alliance Nissan, with the alliance of Renault, has benefited from operating performance and has accelerated its international development since it was established in 1999. Nissan holds 15% of Renault shares, while Renault holds a 44.3% stake in Nissan. It was formed to share both companies expertise and cooperate in purchasing, engineering, engineering, production and distribution. To date, Nissan has improved significantly since the forming of the Alliance. During the last fiscal year 2009, Nissans worldwide sales rose by 0.9%. Weaknesses: Weak Financial Performance Nissan experienced a weak financial performance in the fiscal year ending March 2010. The company reported revenues of JPY 7,517,277 million during the fiscal year ended March 2010, as compared to JPY 8,436,974 million in 2009, a decrease of 11% year on year. This decrease was principally due to the increase in raw material and energy costs and a huge negative impact from foreign exchange. Such financial statistic could decrease the confidence of investors. Low Return on Equity At the end of fiscal year 2010, Nissans return on equity (ROE) was 1.6%. This was below the SP 500 companies average of 4.5%. A lower than SP 500 companies average ROE may indicate that the company may not be using the shareholders money as efficiently as other companies in the SP 500 index and that it is generating low returns for its shareholders compared to other companies in the SP 500 index. Opportunities: Growing Demand for Small and Medium-sized Cars With the current global economic recession and volatile fuel prices, the demand for small and medium-size vehicles has witnessed a strong growth. As such Nissan could find increased opportunities in the small car division. According to a report by ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association), most of the car types have received decrease in registration for the first 5 months of 2010. However, small cars market share increased from 44.9% in 2009 to 46.8% for the five month period of 2010. Thus the shifting consumer preference towards small and mid sized cars offers a strong growth potential for the company. Growing Demand for Hybrid Vehicles Demands for hybrid vehicles are growing in the automobile market. Due to the rising energy cost and increased emissions regulations, demand for light hybrid electric vehicles is expected to increase hugely. With regard to environmental and energy issues, Nissan has placed hybrid technology as one of its core technologies. Nissan has also launched its zero emission electric cars to penetrate the demand of such market. Such growing demand will definitely enhance the revenue and profitability of the company. Threats: Intense Competition The global automotive industry is intense. Nissan faces intense competition with many automobiles giants in the world, mainly Honda and Toyota which same as Nissan are Japanese automobiles companies. Besides, small players and new market entrants draw competition to Nissan. To be able to sustain in such high competition automobile market, Nissan should come up with innovative products and services for its customers e.g. Nissans Leaf zero emission electric car. A highly competitive market such as the automobile industry will affect the company adversely if the company fails to retain and attract new clients/customers. Legal and Political Framework The automobile industry is regulated by governments and regulatory authorities in countries where the companies operate. The companys products, operations and profits can be affected by policies made by the authorities. The major regulation changes are mainly emissions, fuel consumption and safety of vehicles. In addition, such changes in policies and regulations will have a negative effect on Nissans growth and expansion plans/strategies. Global Economic Slowdown The recent economic slowdown has affected globally and prominently Europe and the United States. The GDP growth in the US and the Eurozone slowed down further in 2009. Reports suggest that the US real GDP growth fell to negative 2.6% in 2009 from positive 1.1% in 2008. Also, the economic growth in the Eurozone decreased to 1.4% in 2008 from 2.9% in 2007 and dropped further to as low as 0.2% in 2009. Although Nissan has its operations across the world, its revenue is generated majorly in the US and Europe. With such economic downturn at the companys 2 key markets, itll definitely affects Nissans overall businesses. Porters 5 Forces Barriers to Entry The barriers to entry into the automobile industry are high due to the market saturation. The industry has a wide choice of selection, and requires constant RD in order to compete with rivals. With a high overhead cost, high innovation requirement and a market saturated with well established competitors globally makes it unlikely for new entrants. In order to enter such a saturated market, the entrant must be able to develop a desirable and innovative new car concept with affordable prices. In the case of Nissan, it has been a key player in the automobile industry of Japan and globally as well, and has well established manufacturing plants and distributing channels. Therefore, Nissan will face a minimal rate of new entrants into the industry. As such, Nissan has a low threat of entry. Supplier Bargaining Power Supplier bargaining power of automobile industry is a fairly high. The primary concerns are raw materials, readymade automobile parts and power supply to run its production, etc. As raw materials such as steel (car body parts) and rubbers (tyres and accessories) are natural resources, and the supply of these natural resources are limited, with demands from various industries and consumers, therefore the supplier has a leverage in bargaining power. In the case of Nissan, it was previously Japanese traditional styled company with the keiretsu system between their suppliers. In order to maintain the relation between Nissan and their suppliers, the purchases of supply are overvalued which lead to higher cost of production. With the Alliance of Renault-Nissan in 1999, such system was abolished in Nissan. In the Alliance, Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organisation (RNPO) was established to conduct their purchasing activities. With this strategy, Nissan is able to negotiate its purchasing with their supplier through RNPO. As such, Nissans supplier bargaining power is moderate. Buyer Bargaining Power Buyer bargaining power in the automobile industry is fairly low. There are categories of cars made by different companies targeting different groups of customers. Within each category of cars made, the prices are relatively uniform among the competitors. However, this might vary from countries to countries. High taxation of imported cars in some countries might lead to company reducing car prices in order to penetrate market. In the automobile industry, the industry remains powerful due to the large customer to producer ratio. However, customers have low/no switching cost and other choices of cars from competitors to purchase, so there is still some buyer power. As such, in line with its competitors, Nissans buyer bargaining power is moderate. Threat of Substitutes The threat of substitutes in the automobile industry is fairly moderate. Other than automobile, there are plenty mode of transportation, but most of them doesnt offer the utility, convenience and value offered by automobiles. Besides transportation mode, different product type offered by competitors can be an easy substitute. Competitors within the automobile industry are consistently developing their product to distinguish their product from others. Products with different designs, technologies and innovation may cause customers to replace their preferences. In the case of Nissan, it has a fair range of products from sedans, sports, minivans, SUVs, etc, as well as new designs targeting at different demographic groups. As such, Nissan does not lose out to its competitors that offer different range of automobiles products, which make Nissans threat of substitute moderate because its mainly based on customer preferences. Competitive Rivalry The automobile industry is quite saturated with plenty of well established automobile companies. Nissans major competitors are Honda and Toyota as they represent the major players in the industry from Japan. Toyota as the leader of hybrid cars, had significant advantage over its rivals. Nissan has also launched a range of hybrid cars in order to compete with its rivals. Nissans Leaf is also the world first 100 percent and zero emission car designed for mass market. Such product will bring Nissan significant competitive advantage against its competitors. With the formation of Renault-Nissan Alliance, Nissan is able to overcome their debt and progress better for the last few years. Despite of declines of Nissan major markets, Nissan (Nissan and Infiniti brand) closed 2008 global sales rising 0.9% year on year*. The sales are boosted by the launch of new products. Although there are sharp decline in the US markets and low sales in Japan, Nissan in whole progressed globally, which indicates it is able to compete globally with its competitors. As such, the degree of rivalry of Nissan in the industry is high, depending on the different marketplace or region. Value chain Firm Infrastructure Nissan was previously a bureaucratic organisation until its alliance with Renault. With the reform, Nissan now have more integration of offices and administrative function around the world. Nissan has established a Diversity Steering Committee as an entity for making diversity-related decisions. The committee meets thrice a year with the COO and executives from each division to set a range of policies including specific goals, action plans and progress assessment. Human Resource Management With the Renault-Nissan alliance, reforms of the executive board are obvious with the change of CEO of Nissan. Other than that, Nissan aims to be an attractive organization where diverse human resources can achieve personal growth. This shows that Nissan has move from its Japanese traditional view towards its employee. Technology Development With the world emphasizing on green technologies, Nissan has launched its Nissan Leaf which is an fully electric car with zero emission. Beside this latest technology, Nissan has previously launched hybrid cars. Procurement With the alliance with Renault, Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organisation (RNPO) was established to conduct their purchasing activities. With RNPO, Nissan had improved its costly supply chain. From April 1, 2009, its joint purchasing activities will account for 100% of Alliance purchases. Inbound Logistic Nissan promotes ethical, environmentally sound actions in all stages of supply chain. It has asked suppliers to uphold the values, laws and regulation that are respected by the company. Environmental impact of products is reduced through green procurement activities. Manufacturing Within the Renault-Nissan Alliance, cross production is practised. Nissan has the opportunity to use the manufacturing capacities of its partner. Nissan is able to use Renault plants to produce Nissan vehicles in Korea and Brazil, which add value to the company because Nissan need not set up new manufacturing plants.* Outbound logistic Nissan distributes its product not only through its own distributing channels, but also through its alliance partner. This helps Nissan to be able to deliver its product to its customers. Service Nissan offers a good and responsible after sale service. Nissan has made a global voluntary recall campaign this year to replace an Engine Control Module relay or Ignition relay on specific models. The customer will be informed and will replace the parts at no cost.* Generic Strategy In order for Nissan to compete with its competitors, the company must have a competitive strategy to seek sustainable competitive advantage. Before Nissans alliance with Renault, it has a weak strategy. Nissan has invested vast amount of capital on companies that doesnt related to the automobile industry. Worse so, Nissan has no managerial power in those investments. These investments lead Nissan into a huge amount of debts and have no cash to focus on its own business operation. With the alliance, various major changes improved the condition of Nissan. Nissan is able to gain competitive advantages over competitors. In Porters generic strategy, competitive advantage comes from an understanding of the 5 forces determining the industry attractiveness. This allows the business to be positioned within the industry. As written above, the 5 forces were being analysed. With the understanding of the 5 forces, Nissan is able to position itself in the industry with competitive advantages. Nissan has used differentiation mean to gain its competitive advantage. In the automobile industry, products and their functions are merely the same unless the products are distinguished from its competitors. In such, Nissan has gained a competitive advantage by being the 1st automobile company to launch Nissan Leaf, a fully electric car with zero-emission. Besides, Nissan has different designs and categories of automobiles to target different customers. Nissan is not totally on differentiation. Since its alliance with Renault, Nissan has been able to achieve cost leadership. Nissan has managed to save cost and realising economy of scale by using its alliance Renault plants to produce Nissan vehicles in Korea and Brazil. It also uses Renault distribution channel where Nissan lack of. Culture The major change of culture in Nissan is the alliance with Renault. Both companies were distinct in culture from corporate strategies, management and operations. This is because Nissan is a Japanese company and Renault is a French company where there is a diverse culture. In 2002, the Nissan-Renault alliance set up a strategic management company incorporated under Dutch law which is equally owned by Nissan and Renault. It is aimed to establish a common strategy and manage all synergies of the Alliance. In 2009, the Alliance created a small dedicated team to foster deeper, broader cooperation and to maximize the contribution of synergies to the performance of both partners. The team reports directly to the Alliance CEO and meets monthly to review projects and make recommendations to the Alliance Board on new areas of synergies and business opportunity. Besides that, there are trainings provided to executives from both companies in order for Nissan to learn the French culture and Renau lt to learn the Japanese culture. This harmonises both companies cooperation in the Alliance. In addition to that, the alliance has more than 30 joint working groups called the Functional Task Teams that involved both companies workforce. These groups operate in all the main sectors and areas of activity and are tasked with exploring new synergies between the two companies. Team managers report regularly to the Alliance Board on the progress made in their specific areas of activity. The companies Financials FY 2009 (millions of Yen) FY 2010 (millions of Yen) Nissan Net Sales 8,436,974 7,517,277 Net Income (233,709) 42,390 Current Assets 5,580,410 Current Liabilities 3,856,858 Honda Net Sales 10,001,241 8,579,174 Net Income 137,005 268,400 Current Assets 4,613,724 Current Liabilities 3,419,130 Source: Nissan Annual Report 2010 and Honda Annual Report 2010 Nissans Current ratio: 5,580,410/ 3,856,858 = 1.447 Hondas Current ratio: 4,613,724/ 3,419,130 = 1.349 Some basic information are gathered and tabled as above to have an overview of Nissan and its competitor Hondas financial performance. Nissan recorded net sales of 8,436,974 million yen in the fiscal year 2009 and recorded a drop of net sales by 0.122% with 7,517,277 million yen in the fiscal year 2010. Honda recorded net sales of 10,001,241 million yen in the fiscal year 2009 and recorded a drop of net sales too in the following year. Honda recorded a drop of net sales by 0.166% with 8,579,174 million yen in the fiscal year 2010. Both Nissan and its competitor Honda have a drop of sales from FY2009 to FY2010; this may indicate that the demands of the industry have dropped. This may be related to the global economic downturn that theyre facing. Nissan has recorded a net loss of 233,709 million yen in FY2009 but has managed to make net income of 42,390 million yen in FY2010. With the profitable net income in FY2010, it shows that Nissan has been doing well in the FY2010. Such figure will bring Nissan forward by giving confidence to its stakeholders. However, its competitor Honda has recorded a near doubled increase of net income from 137,005 million yen in FY2009 to 268,400 million yen in FY2010. As such, Nissan has done well and had to maintain and improve its performance in order to compete with its competitors. Nissan and Honda has recorded current ratios of 1.447 and 1.349 respectively. Both Nissan and its competitor Honda has a ratio that shows there might be overtrading. This may due to the global economic downturn and the price hiking of raw materials and fuel.

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INTRODUCTION: Corruption in modern India from a common man’s view is about paying bribes in order to get some work done from government officers. Corruption is a result of connection between politicians and bureaucrats. Before, bribes were paid to get the wrong things done but now bribes are paid to get the things done at right time. PLACES WHERE CORRUPTION EXISTS: POLITICS: Corruption in politics takes place mostly at the time of election. A huge amount of money is collected by political parties and leaders from industrialist and businessman for election. In return these industrialists multiply their income by making profits out of licenses and tenders with the help of politicians during the election or after the election. Money is poured in election and votes are purchased with the help of booth capturing and compulsory voting which is practiced by corrupt politicians to remain in power. Many politicians including cabinet ministers and Chief Ministers are involved in biggest scams like 2G spectrum scam (176000 crore), Adarsh housing society scam (70000 crore), Coal mining scam (186000 crore). LAND AND PROPERTY: Large number of buildings are illegally constructed in order to meet the demands of people moving to large cities in search of jobs. Buildings are created quickly with poor construction materials and without any proper safety measures. It is often seen that builders pay huge amount of bribes to government officials so that they ignore the illegal structures and do not take any action against the builders. Many buildings are collapsed every year because low quality of material is used. In 2013, Thane building collapsed that killed 72 people and 67 people were killed in 2010 when an apartment building collapsed in Delhi. BL... ... term. HOW TO CONTROL CORRUPTION: Some specific measures to control corruption are, †¢ Right to Information Act was introduced in the year 2005. It gives information to citizens regarding what government does with our tax payments. There is Public Information Officer is appointed in every government department. These officers collects the information from citizens and if the officer refuses to accept the application, then he is fined up to Rupees 25,000-. †¢ Central Vigilance Commission is another way to control corruption. It was introduced by government to advice and guide central government departments in the area of vigilance. It has the responsibility to create an awareness among people with the consequences of taking and giving bribes. †¢ Special courts must be introduced for speedy justice and there must be a bill introduced in parliament for corrupt people.