Aman Thakar Essay Example

Aman Thakar Essay Example Aman Thakar Essay Aman Thakar Essay being a tree swayed by the wind. He has fallen to a much lower level then the natural occupants of the land leading a depraved, purely hedonistic life, he is truly a savage and compared to him the natives are civilized. Particularly when we compare this to Marlow fascination with the restraint that the cannibals show that are on the boat. He is shocked in the way that these people can compose themselves and have such great self control in the face of a demon which shatter the resolution of a European. He says No fear can stand up to hunger, no patience can wear it out, disgust simply does not exist where hunger is, but this is on show in front of him despite him thinking I would just as soon have expected restraint from a hyena prowling amongst the corpses on a battlefield. Such comparisons with hyenas may be what pushed Achebe to call Conrad a bloody racist, but Marlow expresses great admiration for these people. There is more to this novella though, as Cedric Watts says, it holds a remarkably wide range of reference to problems of politics and psychology, morality and religion, social order and evolution. This novella is preoccupied by an exploration of the depravity of man and the darkness within us all. Central to this issue is the perception of the identity or the self. Marlow manifests a vigilant humanity , as Watts puts it. Kurtz is the complete opposite to this acquiring deity status. Marlow has get in touch with his own humanity in the face of this half-human, almost soulless creature. In pursuit of this Marlow is compelled to make a voyage of self-discovery up the river into the heart of darkness eventually discovering how while Kurtz had made the last stride I had been permitted to draw back my hesitating foot. He has to go to the brink and return in order to truly discover what he is truly made of. One believes he would not be able to live with himself if he did not test himself The darkness is something that is omnipresent. Even London was one of the dark places of the earth, and is still present, ironically emerging as within all when countries reach a pinnacle and attempt to expand. This ideal brought through prosperity eventually leads back to the darkness. This is at the center of the novella and is explored through the fight for oneself in the face of such vice, the ability to truly be able to have restraint and control ones overcoming temptation. It is something the cannibals are able to do, they refrain from the darkness and are civilized due to their self-restraint even though Its really easier to face bereavement, dishonor and the perdition of ones soul than this kind of hunger. The aboriginal in this way are more civilized then these barbarian invaders who struggle to control themselves. Another theme is that of mystery and enigma. Marlow embodies this with his stories described as one of those misty halos that sometimes are made visible by the spectral illumination of moonshine. He has a Buddha like quality which always gives him the appearance of having real substance, containing east and west. He is captivated by mystery demonstrated the book containing apparent cipher, he describes this as an extravagant mystery. He becomes entranced finding this reminder of civilization within the wilderness. Initially drawn to that blank space of delightful mystery, on the map looking at the river and proclaiming The snake had charmed me. The darkness is the main mystery within the novella; this darkness is the unknown of abomination and malignancy within the hearts of wild men. It seduces Kurtz and establishes a link to Marlows roots which, despite himself, he is forced to acknowledge the faintest trace of response. The mystery takes on a physical form through the fog leaving them enveloped in mysterious stillness, here it feels almost unnatural. With the incessant drum beat his curiosity over the natives way of life grows with his incessant questioning of things like the piece of white worsted around the mans neck in the grove of death and the meaning of the drum beat. This is coupled with his recollection of hunger in the face of admiration of the cannibals self. Mystery is constantly alluded to throughout from things as simple as the account of Fresleven, Marlow needs to know the power of the darkness which can drive a man to such actions. The mystery is also something that is two way with the natives seeing the white man as an enigma. They see Fresleven as a deity thus afraid to venture near his body and are confused when branded criminals the outraged law, like the bursting shells, had come to them, an insoluble mystery form the sea. Kurtz takes advantage of the naivete. Metaphors are used as a crux to what is going on within the book, the central one is the oil painting of the blind women carrying the torch. This one metaphor really ties together everything within the book. It represents the apparent advance of civilization into an Africa without vision and still within darkness. The mystery is within the torch itself though, despite apparently showing colonialists as bearers of a spark from the sacred fire, the fire could also be incendiary rather than illuminate. Waiting for the Barbarians is an incriminating condemnation of colonialism. Being of South African origin, Coetzee would be fully aware of the damaging effects of colonialism which spilled out in the form of segregation and the disparity this caused between various ethnic groups. Despite his Afrikaner roots Coetzee resisted inertia holding many liberal principles to heart. Given the climate during the writing of this book it would be difficult for it not to have a significant impact upon Coetzee. The Magistrate embodies the spirit of resistance against an irrational and oppressive government. This drive for change is fuelled by the guilt within him. Due to the Magistrates personality he is not able to lie back and allow things to slide, such complicity, or even being part of a system which represents dangerous ideals such as Pain is truth, is something he cannot allow himself to do. The Magistrate has a self-lacerating personality with which he is able to find fault with almost every thing he does even in acts of kindness. When he is helping the boy who has been taken prisoner by Jol with his father, the thought crosses his mind It has not escaped me that an interrogator can wear two masks, speak with two voices, one harsh, one seductive. And this is driven by guilt, similar to the guilt that besets Marlow for his part within the company. Like Marlow with the biscuit in the grove of death, he is reduced to offering futile gestures in the face of such wrongdoing. The Magistrate like much of the white community within South Africa has allowed himself to fall into a state of inertia. But this allows the system to fall into decay and for a colonial power such as the Third Bureau wanting to keep a tight grip on power this is where its problem lies. In order to maintain its grip it is forced to squeeze that much harder, forcing its hand into more extreme measures. This is most vivid when the barbarians are lined up and A simple loop of wire runs through the flesh of each mans hands and through holes pierced in his cheeks. Power is falling to the police and they have the law behind them forcing people into conformity for the service of protecting them from a non-existent threat. Through this it seems Coetzee is sending a message, a warning of the dangers of imperialism, captured in the way the Magistrate reacts to the extending of barracks and prison cells, time for the black flower of civilization to bloom. The Magistrate does now allow himself to be shackled by idleness, he fights against what is wrong. This guilt the Magistrate feels is similar to that which Coetzee himself feels due to his Afrikaner heritage, it is something inescapable. In dealing with his feelings against the empire he takes on indirect approaches such as taking in the Barbarian girl and delivering her to her people. Through the bathing rituals he attempts to express his feelings against what he is a part of hoping to find in her movements a hint of an old free state. But this is essentially empty and he does not gain anything from it. It is not until he adopts total resistance against the empire pushing to the extreme, hitting rock bottom, is he able to alleviate some of the terrible feelings he is afflicted with. In their fighting Marlow and the Magistrate distinguish themselves from those hollow men, such as Jol and Marlows Manager. The Magistrate is able to display a great deal of courage standing up in front of a blood thirsty mob saying No! to the use of a hammer saying You would not use a hammer on a beast. Coetzee also pursues other ideas and ideals within this novel though. Despite the political climate of the time, Coetzee doesnt allow this to overshadow what he is pursuing in his novel. This is perhaps why the location of this colony is kept deliberately ambiguous unlike in Heart of Darkness so that the novel can act almost as a fable and be universalized, best illustrated in the way that the narrator is known to us as The Magistrate. This novel is also a journey of self-discovery, something which is brought out through the Magistrates battle against colonialism. The Magistrate, because of the guilt within him is always highly critical of his actions and more than to other people, he needs to justify what he does to himself. This leads to a great crisis of conscience, and this is just as big an issue as colonialism within this novel captured in the line I cannot save the prisoners, therefor let me save myself. This is why the Magistrate goes to great lengths in an effort to purify h imself and it is the driving force behind him shaking him out of his languor. This is made even more striking when he is compared to a man like Joll, who is essentially empty and hollow within, using his sunglasses to cover up his eyes to hide the blackness that is Colonel Joll, just as Marlow is in the face of the company Manager or Kurtz. There is an insatiable desire within the Magistrate for knowledge captivated by any mystery not being able to truly rest until it is solved. He feels this with the scars on the barbarian girl saying until the marks on this girls body are deciphered and understood I cannot let go of her. He looks into his dreams as if they have some greater meaning, this plays a great deal upon his mind. He has difficulty comprehending that perhaps there is no great meaning behind his dreams and they are simply empty images. He has to pursue things not letting any detail go, this can be seen in the way that he is constantly trying to remember the barbarian girl in the court yard when she was first brought in, without her blemishes, despite its insignificance, it is something he cannot let go saying I must believe she was unmarked as I must believe she was once a child. We see this portrayed in his pass times with his scrolls in some ancient language he cannot decode, in the way the Magistrate is sim ilar to Marlow who shares this passion as seen in the book he finds in the hut with the markings in cipher. At the end of the novel we see the emergence of this road that may lead nowhere. This encompasses what the Magistrate does with mystery, pursuing it despite it not having any real meaning. The way he says the children do not acknowledge him leaves a feeling of alienation, but despite the road leading nowhere, it is still one he must follow and in this his journey is unfinished. There is some resemblance with the end of Heart of Darkness. Marlow is compelled to follow a path that seemed to lead into the heart of immense darkness. Marlows journey feels unfinished with his path going the way of the waterway and to inescapable darkness. Both men are condemned to continue this inescapable journey. These two novels clearly have other central concerns than that of colonialism. For me though in Waiting for the Barbarians, it is the Magistrates personality which inclines him to resist the way he does. Because of his guilt, he has to fight against the imperialists and Coetzee sets up his character for that purpose. Saying this Coetzee, despite the climate doesnt tackle the issue head on as is seen in the constant ambiguity in the novel, it seems his central concern is more producing a great novel rather than producing a condemnatory work. In Heart of Darkness though, as much as being a critique of colonialism, it is also a real exploration into the base and tribal nature of man and his corruptibility. It is Conrad trying to portray what he himself discovered while in Africa as much as it is a critique of colonialism. Both characters clearly embody the spirit of resistance against this injustice, but despite such an imposing backdrop it does not overshadow any other concerns, allowi ng them to be illustrated with some even overtaking colonialism in prevalence.

50 Synonyms for Villain

50 Synonyms for Villain 50 Synonyms for â€Å"Villain† 50 Synonyms for â€Å"Villain† By Mark Nichol The store of synonyms for villain is so well stocked that it seems, well, villainous to employ that relatively colorless word in favor of many worthy substitutes especially in humorous contexts. Here’s a roster of appropriate alternatives. 1. Baddie: a bad person, especially a villain or a villain’s underling in a novel, a film, or a television program (usually lighthearted) 2. Beast: a reprehensible person, especially one with coarse, violent habits 3. Black sheep: an amoral, dishonorable person 3. Blackguard: a reprehensible person 4. Brute: a violent person 5. Bully: a violent person, especially one who intimidates or hurts weaker people 6. Cad: a thoughtless, uncaring man 7. Caitiff: a coward or a reprehensible person 8. Cutthroat: a vicious person 9. Dastard: a coward, or a deceitful or treacherous person 10. Desperado: a criminal, especially in the Old West 11. Devil: an evil person 12. Evildoer: a person who commits evil acts 13. Fiend: a malicious or wicked person; alternatively, an addict, a fanatic, or a person extraordinary talented at something 14. Fink: a reprehensible person (lighthearted) 15. Goon: a man who intimidates, injures, or kills in the service of another 16. Heavy: see baddie (more serious in connotation than its close synonym) 17. Heel: a reprehensible person 18. Henchman: a subordinate to a villain; alternatively, a right-hand man 19. Hoodlum: see bully 20. Hooligan: see bully 21. Hound: a reprehensible person; alternatively, an avid collector or searcher 22. Knave: a deceitful person 23. Malefactor: one who treats another person poorly or commits a crime 24. Meanie: an unkind person (lighthearted) 25. Miscreant: a criminal or a violent person; alternatively, a heretic 26. Monster: an extremely wicked person; alternatively, a cruel or deformed person 27. Ne’er-do-well: a worthless person 28. Outlaw: a fugitive from justice 29. Rapscallion: a dishonest or mean-spirited person; also, a mischievous person (often lighthearted, as are most of its close synonyms) 30. Rascal: see rapscallion 31. Reprobate: a depraved person 32. Rogue: a dishonest or reprehensible person; also, a mischievous person, or a vagrant 33. Rough: a violent person 34. Rowdy: see rough 35. Ruffian: see bully 36. Savage: see brute 37. Scalawag: see rapscallion 38. Scamp: see rapscallion 39. Scapegrace: see rapscallion 40. Scofflaw: a person who flouts laws 41. Scoundrel: see rapscallion 42. Serpent: a treacherous person 43. Shark: a devious person 44. Snake: see serpent 45. Thug: a violent person, often in the employ of another 46. Tough: see rough 47. Varlet: see knave 48. Villainness: a female villain 49. Viper: see serpent 50. Wretch: a reprehensible person; alternatively, a miserable person Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:25 Subordinating Conjunctions26 Feel-Good WordsHow to Write a Proposal

Apply the transtheoretical Model of Change to Smoking cessation Essay

Apply the transtheoretical Model of Change to Smoking cessation program or intervention - Essay Example Although several quarters have highlighted weaknesses of the program, the general features are positive. The major focus of the exercise will be on stages of this model, how each can be applied to stop smoking and thereafter, a general critique. The TMC supports the idea that behavior change evolves rather than a perception that it can be revolutionized. This is an implication that the model is a process that is characterized by stages of acceptance to the ultimate cessation especially for smokers. The first one is the pre contemplation stage to the ultimate maintenance stage as illustrated by DiClemente et al (2002). At this point, the person is probably at the denial stage where thy have little or not plans to quit. Smoking to them is part of life and smoking is used for leisure, stress relieve or simply the addictive charm. At this point the person has zero motivation to quit although they are aware of the practice posses to their health. In the pre-contempation stage, the smoking cessation program implementers such as family members may only give minimal help to the individual through persuasive counseling. The decision to change the behavior only comes from within the individual. This is the stage where an individual is ready to act and begin the cessation program. As matter of fact, the individual may be projecting to start the program in six month’s time. The level of awareness of the individual on the effect of drugs is high (DiClemente et al., 2002). They understand the pros and cons of smoking and they believe that the process is possible. The program of cessation can be effective if the addicts can be informed of possible challenges such as relapses. Many smokers in the world today are in this stage because the vast majority is considering quitting. Here, the person is preparing to hit the road and begin the journey to full recovery. Most of the addicts are encouraged to begin with mental preparation for the program. It is common to find them

Back Brace Market Study Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Back Brace Market Study - Research Paper Example In spite of the efforts of cost containment by pricing, Data Analysis, and Coding (PDAC), manufacturers’ efforts are directed at the manufacturing of back braces that would give more reimbursement. Back braces have exhibited a fairly busy market over the past few years. They have been available with an exclusive selection of good quality surgical, healthcare, and medical products. Chiropractors and doctors have been commonly prescribing the patients the use of back braces for back pain ever since it has been introduced into the market. Back have injury is not an uncommon condition and the human and economic costs of experiencing it have increased over the years. This is why, more and more companies are resorting to using measures with or without sound ergonomics programs. One of such measures has been to wear back belts. While the decision to wear it is largely a matter of personal choice, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is of the opinion that employers and workers should not make the decision of wearing it without the best available information (CDC, 2014). Rather than relying on back braces as a â€Å"cure all† equipment for back inju ry, companies should tend to reduce the lifting tasks’ rights through prevention measures. The bracing and supports market in the US is anticipated to have exceeded $2.48 billion by the year 2018 (PR Newswire, 2012). The bracing and supports market in the US comprises bracing and supports for knee, ankle, spinal orthoses, upper extremity soft goods and bracing, and back soft goods. The aging US population, increasing braces’ use for prevention of sporting injuries, and growing osteoarthritis and obesity are some of the prime factors behind the expected moderate growth of these markets. Growth of the spinal orthosis segment is expected to supersede the growth of other markets because of a strong correlation that

Analysing Market Competition of British Petroleum and Compempetitors

Analysing Market Competition of British Petroleum and Compempetitors British petroleum was originally created by a German firm as a way of marketing its production in Britain. British petroleum started 1908 in a rugged part of Persia(history of Bp 2010) and has had a lot of oil and gas in the proverbial pipeline(Bp New millenium2010). ,including discoveries from BPs own research facilities. British petroleum is one of the worlds largest energy companies, providing its customers with fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, retail services and petrochemical products for everyday items(Bp At a Glance2010).BP is the worlds second biggest oil firm by market value. BP had grown to become a global energy company, providing large quantities of oil while also making strides along a promising path towards oils alternatives(Bp At a Glance2010). British petroleum cost profit as at year end 2009 was 14.0 billion and reserves at 18.3billion barrels of oil equivalent i.e. its exploration and refines wholly and partly owned are in 30 countries. This paper analyses BP and its competitors such as Exxon Mobile, Shell, Chevron in terms of the market competition as well as its position within the petroleum industry. This essay is also aimed at assessing both the internal and external factors that greatly influence the business activities of the global petroleum company. Relevant emphasis would be made on the analysis of the critical success factors of BP alongside its business strategies over the past five years. Nevertheless, the essay will appraise the survival of BP in the competitive nature of oil and gas/renewable energies as well as an analysis of the resources and capabilities acquired by the company over the period of five years demonstrating the extent to which such resources have been effectively utilised to gain competitive advantage over its competitors within the oil and gas industry. 2.0 COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT OF BRITISH PETROLEUM Oil and Gas companies such as British Petroleum yields a huge amount of turn over for industries. In 2005 Bp delivered a record level of cash flow of $25billion and yielded cash proceeds of $8.3billion and launched the alternative BP business, also distributing $19billion of cash to share holders(Bp Presentation Script 2006). As at 2007 end oil and gas reserves were valued at 177.9billion, which is an increase from the previous year of $120.9billion, while gas was estimated to be worth $68.3billion in the UK(National statistics2010). Oil and gas industries remain highly attractive due to its favourable market position with strong financial make-up and strong earnings growth and by this barrier to entry to oil and gas industries is very high. However the oil and gas industry consist of a few players such as Exxon mobile, shell, Saudi Aram co, chevron which are involved in the large scale of International operations which increases the rivalry level(Energy Business Daily 2010).(energy 2010) argued that threat of new entrants is low due to the fact that leading oil companies as mentioned earlier are very large in size and highly integrated which make use of the large scale of their production and distribution to reduce cost and increase profit and also by investing heavily on drilling rig, technology and innovation that are hard to replicate which leads to manufacturing capabilities and investment which is a significant barrier to enter. Strong players such as BP, Exxon mobile, Shell, Saudi Aramco and few others use their scale of economies ,strong research and development(RD) which act as a significant barrier to entry. Major disadvantage of high barrier to entry is it increases rivalry between competitors and most especially declining industries which is related to the competitive rivalry between BP and competitors such as chevron, shell, Exxon mobile (Energy Business Daily 2010). However in 2009 BP marked the seventeenth year of delivering reserves replacement consecutively of more than 100%, invested $20billion in its business and gained $4billion in cash cost savings approximately 40% of lower fuel cost(annual review 09). Production grew by 4% while production cost reduced by 12% which makes BP the largest producer in deep water field globally(Annual. Reporting 09). On the other hand shell seeks a large rival method by re-enforcing its position as a leader in the industry with the ability to provide competitive shareholders return and the projection of 8billion barrels of oil to improve its financial position till 2020(Shell strategy 2010). 2.1 CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS Critical success factor is important as it allows firms concentrate on building their capabilities and allows firms to make a decision on whether they have the capability to build the necessary requirements to meet its Critical success factors(Rockart J Bullen C 1981). Rockart in (Mind tool 2010) states that critical success factors are The limited number of areas in which results, if they are satisfactory, will ensure successful competitive performance for the organization. They are the few key areas where things must go right for the business to flourish. If results in these areas are not adequate, the organizations efforts for the period will be less than desired.. Critical success factors are those major factors of a company such as reputation, brand, excellent services, delivery, product range and innovation (Johnson Scholes2002). Presently Bp is facing a huge loss in the business related to the oil spill with the effect on the environment at large in April. Early this year BP has paid $11.6bn in total costs on the gulf of Mxico oil spill, but still faces ongoing clean-up charges which is estimated to be $39.9billion).(Guardian2010). 2.1.1 Cost reduction: Bp suspended its dividend quarterly payments made to shareholders, which is about 9.5pence per share amounting to $2.6billion as a result of the oil spill making all efforts to cut cost and maximise profit(BBC New2010). Bp laid off thousands of workers ,about 20% by cutting down capital expenditure significantly as part of bps plan to reduce annual cost (BBC News Channel2008). Bp sold four oil and gas stakes in the gulf of Mxico to Marubien corporation at $650billion as a result to raise funds to pay part of the damages of oil spill which is as a result of cutting cost(Euro News 2010). BP agreed to sell part of its assets in North America and Egypt for $7 billion which is part of BPs plan to get money to pay out of the damages they caused in the gulf of Mxico which is another process of cutting cost (Bloomberg Business week 2010). (Market Watch2010). Bp established $20billion escrow fund for victims of the oil spill spreading out the payment quarterly, initial p ayment of $3billion in 3rd quarter, $2billion in 4th quarter and $1.5billion per quarter till its fully paid as a result of cutting cost . 2.1.2 Sales and Marketing: British Petroleum is into all kinds of energy products such as wind, solar, bio fuel, carbon, hydrogen power, gas fired power and storage systems(Bp 2008 pg33-34). British Petroleum invested $1.4billion in as part of the commitment of the company to spend $8billion in 10years by developing alternative energy such as wind, bio fuel, carbon and storage(Bp 2008 pg 33). The industry is currently facing a down turn in alternative energy by closing factories around the world and cutting alternative budget from $1.4billion(850m) to between $500million and 1billion(Guardian article 2009). 2.1.3 Process Innovation: British petroleum invented Bright Water with the use of polymer popcorn as a process of recovering oil from the deep shores of the sea which helps Bp to boost its oil out significantly, which is an advantage for British petroleum to improve its research and development and gain competitive advantage over its rivals(Bp report 2010). 2.1.4 Research and Development: British petroleum commenced on a $500billion research in Illinois on farm bio-energy production(Tech 2010). Bp launched a major new personal development programme which would give young people from different parts of the world the opportunity to have a better life and the positively influence local communities(London 2012). Bp has established a new research of $500million studying the impact of the deep water horizon(Bp2010). Bp is the leading player in the global bio fuel market, Bp and martek bio science corporation entered a jointed agreement to prove microbial oil for bio-fuels(Bp press 2010). Bp in 2008 commenced on a project of exploration and extraction of crude oil and natural gas from wells of 8 different countries and also completed 9 major production projects which led to record profit of $37.9billion before tax approximately 39% higher than the previous year(Bp2008 pg13-14). Bp is the largest producer of oil and gas in the US Gulf of Mexico , producing about 400,000 barrels of oil every single day. It has also made progression on nine projects n the Gulf of Mexico such as Atlanta Phase2, Tubular Bells, Kodiak, Freedom, Kaskida, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Mad Dog Tie Backs and Great White(Bp Press Releases 2009). Therefore British petroleum has a good reputation on research and development which as a result, increase competitive advantage over it rivals. 3.0 CONCLUSION 4.0 PORTERS GENERIC STRATEGY OF BRITISH PETROLEUM Cost leadership strategy, differentiation strategy and focus strategy are the three main strategic approach that can be applied to any products of any industry to gain competitive advantage(mind tool 2010). Cost leadership strategy is also referred to as low cost leadership strategy which is aimed at gaining competitive advantage by reducing cost below its competitors(Ecofine 2003). Differentiation strategy is a competitive business strategy in other to gain competitive advantage by the differentiations of product and services from that of competitors(Ecofine 2003). Focus strategy is the use of core competencies of an industry to serve a group of customers Niche Market(Ecofine 2003). Bps method of gaining competitive advantage is by cutting cost which led to the explosion in 2005 in Texas. It was stated that Bp implemented a 25% cut on fixed cost from 1998 to 2000 which impacted the maintenance and infrastructure of the refinery(Washington post 2006). Four successive accidents took p lace between 2005 and 2006, the explosion at the Texas city refinery, the oil spills in Alaska, the $1billion thunder oil rig in the gulf of Mxico was as a result of poor maintenance and cost cutting(The Sunday Times 2010). As at 2007 year end Bp shed more than 7500 jobs and contractors swinging its profit to $4.3billion after a loss of $3.3billion the previous year which is as a result of cutting cost(SA Business2010). The newly appointed CEO in 2008 carried out a program on cutting cost on job cuts of 14500 workers and $1billion over head cost cut by maximizing its profit with a much greater investment in Canadian oil sands(Guardian2008). A savings of $1billion and a cost cut of $2billion and the lower oil price led to increase in profit(BBC New2009). It has always been a tradition of Bp to cut cost by maximizing profit their by increasing its competitive advantage in the business, however cutting cost in 2010 has left Bp with a shredded reputation as a result of poor performance and safety caution(Panel 2010). Furthermore British Petroleum has also imbibed differentiation strategy by engaging in new projects and new researches and developments which would enhance its competitive advantage over its rivals. Bp and Edison Mission Group a sister company to Edison International in 2005 planned a project of $1billion that would generate electricity with the use of minimal carbon using hydrogen fuelled power plants in California(Green Car Congress2006). Bp is committed to developing other new project of bio fuel such as Algae, Diesel and Butanol (Good Clean Tech 2009). Bp differentiates itself from its rivals by new researches and developments, involving in new projects by creating and expanding energy products. Bp and Emerson Project Management increased the flow of wireless network technology by expanding its cherry point refinery application and installing Emersons smart wireless throughout its RD facility in Naperville(Control Global 2009). However Bp imbibed marketing and refining strategy by processing crude oil to petroleum products and selling them around the world in over 100 countries operating in 17refineries worldwide at the capacity of 2,155million barrels per day, while its retail network consists of 22600 stations branded Bp, Amoco ,Arco, Castrol brand as part of its means of differentiating itself within the energy industry and a means of gaining competitive advantage(Bp2008 pg27-28). The company has set a standard with the use of cost leadership strategy, market strategy, differentiation strategy and a bit of focus strategy to maximize profit, generate revenue and having a competitive advantage in the energy industry. 4.1 CONCLUSION This report has shown that British petroleum used cost leadership strategy which is also known as low cost strategy as a way of gaining competitive advantage which in turn had diverse effect on the business due to the explosions and positively impacted on the business. Also British petroleum has used differentiation strategy as part of its business strategy by differentiating its products by creating and developing alternative energies to yield more proceeds for the business alongside and also incorporating marketing strategy by placing the business outlets in over 100 countries around the globe as a means of having an advantage of its rivals. 5.0 RESOURCES AND CAPABILITIES OF BRITISH PETROLEUM The Value chain are the activities through which it develops competitive advantage through its production, sales and marketing, maintenance, through the use of administrative infrastructure, human resource management and research and development in which put together builds products and services(Johnson schools 2008). Primary activities; A Companys primary activities are the processes involved in producing or manufacturing a product or products(Richard lynch 2006). Bp is well known for its cost reduction strategy, sales and marketing strategy, research and development strategy which are alternative energys and exploration and production of oil and gas and renewable energys, its innovation strategy which are the primary activities of British petroleum. Research and development; After the major disaster British petroleum caused in the gulf of Mexico, and the ongoing debt it still has to pay, BP is still pushing further on its business by signing a deal with verenium for cellulosic ethanol technology which is a process of fermentation of biomass into ethanol which is one of British petroleum technology on bio fuel which is an alternative energy(C Net News 2010). Sales and Marketing; Despite the huge loss in the Gulf of Mexico crisis early this year and the damaged image of Bp, Bp is back in profit in relations to the increase in oil price which boosted its earnings in the exploration and production division to 1.3billion(BBC News by Peston Picks 2010). Bps exploration and development activities include production of natural gas and oil and drilling of wells to complete production and such activities take place in UK, USA, Canada, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Trinidad and Tobago, Norway and many others while BPs refining and marketing section is involved in crude oil, petroleum products, petrochemical products and aluminium products by supplying these products to customers such as Amoco, Arco, Castrol brands and also producing alternative energies which are the primary activities of BP(Business Week 2010). TNK-BP produces natural gas in subsidiary areas in West Seberia and also in the core areas in West Seberia known as Nizhnevartovsk(TNK-BP2010). Bp s ells its products through powerful brands such as ARCO, Castrol, Amoco, Aral and BP in more than 250,000 filling stations all over the world, Bp is also the largest retailer in petroleum products in Germany and has about 2,700outlets there. Bp is also planning to build outlets in china which would be named Petro china and Sinopec(BP Investment and income2010). However BP has divested a number of its oil and natural gas properties which means selling off a part of its exploration and production infrastructure businesses and examples are BP sold four drilling rigs such as Magnolia, Merganser, Nansen, and Zia which produced a total of 15,000 barrels of oil per day which is as a result of exploring new energies in the vicinity and the cash from the sales all four drilling rig would be used to pay out of the violation charges of the gulf of Mxico oil spill(Guardian 2010). Supportive activities; supportive activities are activities that support the primary activities that makes it more efficient and effective such as procurement, infrastructure, Human Resource Management and technology development(Johnson. G Scholes. K 2002). Bp new strategy of low cost is divestment of its telecommunication technology section of the business to Telekom system in other to save cost and continue its efficiency. CONCLUSION This report shows how British Petroleum has achieved its competitive advantage through its business strategies b cutting cost, innovating new products such as renewable energies, efficiently working on research and development and also utilizing its sales and marketing strategies. In the past five years has aligned its business strategy to resources and capabilities their by giving it competitive advantage. Bp has also faced a lot of challenges relating to the oil spill in 2005-2006 but has also gradually gained its stands in the oil and gas industry. However there are recent challenges due to the recent explosion in the gulf of Mxico causing Bp to lose its licence to extract oil and facing a six month suspense due to the explosion. Bp should focus more safety measure and environmental issues by preparing for any further damages and also training workers in fields on how to quickly spot problems with oil rigs and quick solutions to the problems. Bp ; oil and gas exploration; what we do(2010) Retrieved [online] November 8 2010 http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9021489contentId=7039991 1.History of BP(2010); Our history. The bps story from first oil to tomorrows energies. BP 2010 retrieved [online] November 11 2010 http://www.bp.com/multipleimagesection.do?categoryId=2010123contentId=7059226 2.Bp New Millennium. 2000 and beyond. Looking ahead to new energies 2000 retrieved [online] November 11 2010 http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9014445contentId=7027526 3.Bp at a Glance 2010; about BP. 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[online] retrieved 19 November 2010. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/02/bp_and_edison_p.html Control Global 2009; Bp speeds innovation with wireless; Improvements in Equipment Monitoring and Availability Are among the Benefits Already Realized. 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ASL Challenge Paper

ASL is more than a language; it is a miracle. I find myself often perplexed by the difficulty that must have come with making a language solely from hands. It is amazing that there was a nationwide speaking of the hands for the deaf community and anyone who is interested to learn can Join in easily, but only if they can hoop over some of the languages major challenges. In the article â€Å"Why is Learning American Sign Language a Challenge? † by Professor Mike Kent, he discusses the top 5 ASL challenges he has come across.The first challenge being social dominance patterns and attitude. This challenge is definitely a struggle for many new learners. People think that the deaf are nothing more than handicapped human beings that can't do normal acts like the rest of the population. Referring to the motivation portion of Professor Kent's article we find that there are 2 types of motivations when it comes to learning ASL. Thus the view that a person has of being above the deaf most commonly comes from the instrumentally motivated because they often lack the contact with the deaf community.The nstrumentally motivated have ties to the deaf community and are less likely to think of themselves as above the hearing impaired. The aspect of culture and attitude also fits in with the social dominance challenge. It is challenging to master the correct sign etiquette in the culture and also you must have a positive attitude about sign language because a negative attitude is easy to spot. A second challenge when it comes to learning American Sign Language people often run into is properties of Ll grammar transferred into L2 grammar. This may be the second most challenging bstacle to get over when learning ASL.The constant grammatical difference especially with question sentence with the W question words. In English we are used to putting the question word at the beginning of our sentences but in ASL the words are placed at the end. Like in the article the example of a n ative Spanish speaker learning English is a brilliant comparison. Congruence, which is personally the most challenging aspect of American Sign Language for me, is another challenge mentioned in the article. It is definitely hard to gain the confidence to communicate roudly in a brand new language instead of a native language.The constant fear of messing up, not fitting in, or sounding/looking Just plain stupid is always leering. This is especially the case in ASL. There are many things to take in consideration when it comes to ASL such as proper etiquette which also goes along with culture. From getting a person attention, having a conversation in a crowded room, or being in the way of a two peoples sight view of signs. There are exact ways that would be appropriate to handle these things but a slight mishap can make you come off as ery rude.This is definitely a major challenge when learning a new language because it all comes down to different cultures. ASL is like a culture in its way that it has its own acceptable behaviors and unacceptable behaviors. A four challenge mentioned is language shock. ASL is something that definitely takes a while to get used to. When someone all of a sudden has to use there hands in a certain way and also bend their fingers and arms at angles that are not normally used. That's why it is super important to do hand stretchers so it is possible to get the most hand motion and ot mouth or say what you are trying to sign.This is very difficult and can become a major challenge in the very beginning and can be frustrating but it's essential to only use your hands when communicating with a deaf person. Patience is key. The final challenge is that there are two types of motivations that gives people the will to learn sign language. These people fall into 2 categories. One, instrumental motivation is for all those people that want to benefit in there career with another language or are asked to take classes for a Job. This person will Ju st go to pass the tests but will quickly learn and forget the language.Even in our case as students it is technically an intellectual motivation for our degree but for many there is an actual reason they wanted to take ASL. When there is an outside motivation people are categorized as integratively motivated learners. These people have a significant person in their life that is deaf and only communicates through ASL or a friend or a colleague. Their motivation is stronger and the language will stick with them longer. If I had to choose ne of the above 5 most challenging things about ASL, my personal challenge would be congruence and culture.As the article mentioned sometimes ASL can feel like a revolving door that becomes too late to enter if you miss some parts for new learners. I have found myself feeling this way often. Once a conversation starts going at (which often seem hyper speed) I feel helpless because I don't know what's going on when I miss important parts of the convers ation. I find it also very challenging to not want to use my voice as I sign. I know deaf people I am communicating with won't hear it, but hey will see my mouth moving and that can often be distracting.As for Professor Kent's summary I would say I would agree with what he says. ASL is a language that can be easily forgotten and I do think that learners go through various stages. I remember when I started learning I was super excited because I was learning and memorizing everything so quickly and was quite impressed with myself. Then it does become challenging with the implied grammar rules and culture shock challenges. If you do not continue learning American Sign Language it will be forgotten.

The Idea of a University and How I Bluffed My Way through College Free Essay Example, 1000 words

There is a similarity in the theme of the two articles "The Idea of a University" and "How I Bluffed My Way Through College". University should not only be a place for professional learning. University should also be a place where different social morals should be taught to ensure that there is a balance between intellectual and moral knowledge amongst the university community. Hence, students would be able to learn through "experiments in living". In this case, all freedoms are accorded in universities. It is argued that the presence of freedom in Universities allows the graduates to come out of the system becomes leaders that according to the same freedom to the entire society (Scruton 1). Consequently, the same perspective is seen on Harding whereby when she was at university, she was left to control her life independent of her parents and hence she was able to experiment on several issues such as sexual encounters. The opportunity to experiment gave her the opportunity to mold as a better person and this is evident as she is now a great novelist with several awards. We will write a custom essay sample on The Idea of a University and How I Bluffed My Way through College or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now As noted in this quote, "Apart from being a famous literary novelist who gets seven figures per book and wins all the prizes" (Harding 1). As noted by McKenzie, teaching should be enhanced from previous institutions, and new teaching techniques should be made available to the university staff. Additionally, morale should also be given to the teaching staff (McKenzie 140). On the other hand, concerning the topic, the two authors have a similar perspective on the higher institution of learning. According to Newman, the University is an institution that should embrace and nurture all forms of living and should not only focus on professionalism but also the culture of the university community (Scruton 1). Additionally, Harding's life in university was an explicit demonstration that university was a diverse society with different cultures and characters with all the freedom. "This is often defended as a natural result of academic freedom" (Harding 1).