Thursday, November 28, 2019

Defending gay marriage

Human rights and equality A. Full faith and credit clause: The full faith and credit clause as specified in Article four of the US constitution requires states to respect judicial proceedings, records and public acts from different acts.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Defending gay marriage specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This means that they should be given the same credit and faith that they possessed in the same courts or states that they were created. Since some states recognize same sex marriages then other states ought to respect decisions made outside their boundaries based on the full faith and credit clause. B. 14th amendment: The first section of the 14th amendment states that all people born in the US and governed by the US jurisdiction shall be protected from any state laws that will undermine their immunities and privileges. That law also states that all people shall not be denied liberties without due process. Marriage for same sex couples forms part of these liberties and privileges mentioned in the fourteenth amendment. Banning gay marriages therefore contradicts this clause and denies same sex couples equal protection under the law. C. Same rights as heterosexuals: homosexuals deserve the same rights that heterosexuals enjoy because outlawing their unions is tantamount to discrimination. Many lesbians and gays are not accorded the same civil rights that heterosexual couples enjoy. Any two consenting adults should be granted the right to marry because the same principle operates in heterosexual unions. In fact, prohibiting gay marriages imposes a kind of special disability on homosexuals who cannot fully enjoy their lives like other couples can. Religion A. Outdated excerpts from the bible: many opponents of gay marriages claim that gay marriages should not be legalized because they go against Christian or biblical teachings. They believe that the bible treats same sex rel ationships as sinful.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, these opponents are relying on outdated excerpts. The bible itself tolerates incest in certain circumstances and even fully accepts polygamy yet these very unions are unacceptable in the Christian community today. Consequently, same sex opponents need to realize that the definition of marriage is changing and should not be governed by such a traditional document which is never wholly applied by those very Christians. B. Not everyone is of the same religion: When people oppose gay marriages based on religious premises then they are basically saying that everyone in the country holds the same religious views. The country has so many atheists so it is quite unfair to subject them to values that they do not adhere to. Marriage is a cultural rather than a religious institution. C. God loves and accepts all: If Christians strongly believe in the teachings of the bible then the God described in the bible should be able to love and accept everyone regardless of their preferences and values. Shouldn’t God accept all his people and let them be happy regardless of whether they are sinners or not? Family life Adoption rates: Adoption rates have gone up after gays were allowed to adopt children. This is definitely a good thing for society because it has been shown that children’s psychological and physical well being greatly improves when they grow up in a family unit. Research has also shown that there are minimal differences in children’s outcomes when children grow up with heterosexual or homosexual parents. Because of this, gay marriages should be accepted.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Defending gay marriage specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Promotion of equality and acceptance in gay families: Families are th e foundation upon which societies are built so if gay marriages are promoted then they will solidify communities by offering children important values such as equality and acceptance. Financial stability for gay couples: Gay couples suffer tremendously during medical crises because they cannot offer insurance for their partners and may have to rely on family members. They also have to pay more in terms of insurance unless their employers fall in the minority 18% that accord gays insurance benefits. They also, lack power of attorney, inheritance rights and pay more taxes even if they live with each other for decades. Failure to acknowledge same sex marriages therefore leads to financial instability in same sex relationships. This essay on Defending gay marriage was written and submitted by user Javion E. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Commemorative speech on Michael Jackson Essays

Commemorative speech on Michael Jackson Essays Commemorative speech on Michael Jackson Paper Commemorative speech on Michael Jackson Paper Essay Topic: A Hunger Artist The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin My Favorite idol SPECIAL PERSON, ONE OF THE GREATEST CONTRIBUTOR TO AMERICAN POP MUSIC INDUSTRY. INFLUENCED BILLIONS OF PEOPLE WORLDWIDE WITH HIS MANY SELF-COMPOSED SONGS AND DANCE MOVES FAMOUSLY KNOWN TO HAVE CHANGED HIS SKIN COLOUR WON TOTAL OF 13 GRAMMY AWARDS (8 IN ONE NIGHT DURING THE 1984 GRAMMY AWARD CEREMONY WHICH EARNED HIM AN ENTRY IN THE GUISNESS WORLD RECORD ) A CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE. BUT LET’S JUST FOCUS ON HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AND HIS HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS. MAKE A GUESS? 1. As a musician remarkable vocalist ACHIEVEMENTS   STARTED OFF AS A LEADING VOCALIST IN JACKSON 5 AT THE AGE OF 5. (REMARKABLE RANGE EMOTION) AT 13, LAUNCHED OFF AS A SOLOIST WHILE CONTINUE TO BE MEMBER OF JACKSON 5. BY 20, HIS INCREASED FAME AND ESTABLISHMENT AS A RISING STAR ALSO HELP HIS BAND â€Å"THE JACKSONS† TO SELL MORE THAN A MILLION COPY FOR THEIR ALBUM â€Å"TRIUMPH† IN 1980. ONE OF HIS GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN HIS MUSIC CAREER WAS THE SONG â€Å"TRILLER†, WHICH STAYED ON THE CHART FOR 80 WEEKS AND NO. 1 SPOTS FOR 37 WEEKS, IN WHICH HE WAS LABELLED â€Å"KING OF POP† FOR HIS WIDE INFLUENCES AND LEGACY IN THE POP MUSIC WORLD. VOCALIST AND MUSIC STYLES FROM A SOPRANO-TURNED TENOR, HIS VOICE RANGE REMAINED HUGE FROM F2, AND TO THE EFLAT KEY ONE OCTAVE ABOVE THE MIDDLE C. USED THE TECHNIQUE OF â€Å"VOCAL HICCUP† – LIKE GASPING FOR AIR (UNQIUE METHOD) HIGHER TENOR RANGE COULD EASILY SLIDE INTO THE FALSETTO RANGE BETWEEN DIFFERENT GENRES OF SONGS, HE USES DIFFERENT FORM OF EXPRESSIONS WISELY (E. G. FAMOUS HEAL THE WORLD AND BILLIE JEANS, YOU COULD HEAR DIFFERENT STYLES. IN BILLIE JEANS HE WAS HEARD SCREAMING AND USING THE VOCAL HICCUP METHOD MORE THAN IN HEAL THE WORLD WITH HIS PRODUCED A MORE ROUND AND  THICK AND MELANCHOLIC VOICE). GOOD RENDITION CONVEYS HIS IDEAS AND FEELINGS THROUGH HIS COMPOSITIONS (FOR EXAMPLE, EARTH SONG DEALT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AND ANIMAL WELFARE) (FOR EXAMPLE, HEAL THE WORLD TALKS ABOUT NEED TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN) (FOR EXAMPLE, BILLIE JEANS WAS WRITTEN IN DENIAL OF HIS FATHERHOOD OF A CHILD BY A LADY WHOM SHE MET) 2. As a dancer CONCURRENT WITH HIS SINGING CAREER, MICHAEL ALSO TRADEMARKED SOME HIS UNIQUE DANCE MOVES ACCOMPANIED BY SOME OF HIS SONGS LIKE â€Å"BILLIE JEANS† AND â€Å"GHOSTS†. THOUGH I AM NOT A DANCER, I AM ABSOLUTELY AWED BY HIS  DANCE MOVES SUCH AS THE MOONWALK, CIRCLE SLIDE, THE PELVIC THRUST AND THE SPIN, ALL OF WHICH SERVES AS A TRADEMARK ICON TO HIM. NO DOUBT, MANY DANCERS ALL OVER THE WORLD HAD BEEN GREATLY INSPIRED BY MICHAEL AS WITH THE MANY SINGERS AND MUSICIANS. E. G. MOONWALK, CIRCLE SLIDE, PELVIC THRUST, THE SPIN 3. As a Humanitarian NO DOUBT AS A WELL ACCOMPLISHED ENTERTAINER, HOWEVER, MICHAEL’S EFFORT AS A HUMANITARIAN SEEMS TO BE RELATIVELY UNKNOWN TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE. HIS CONTRIBUTION AND EFFORTS IN SUPPORTING GOOD CAUSES EARNED HIM GUISNESS  WORLD RECORD FOR THE MOST CHARITY SUPPORTED BY A POP SINGER. SOME OF THESE EFFORTS INCLUDE Setting up the ‘Heal the World’ Foundation which aims at providing medicine for children and fighting world hunger, drug and alcohol abuse, and child abuse Michael supported the efforts of the NAACP, to fight prejudice against black artists. Raised $3. 3 million dollars during ‘Michael Jackson and Friends’ concerts in Korea and Germany for the humanitarian agencies ‘UNESCO’, ‘Nelson Mandelas Childrens Fund’ and the ‘International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’. Conclusion DESPITE HIS DEATH SOME 5 YEARS AGO, MICHAEL CONTINUES TO INSPIRE ME AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH HIS MUSIC LEGACY AND HIS HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS THROUGH HIS PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY â€Å"MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE, FOR YOU AND FOR ME AND THE ENTIRE HUMAN RACE† View as multi-pages TOPICS IN THIS DOCUMENT Billie Jean, Disco, Human voice, Michael Jackson, Pop music, Singing, The Jackson 5, Vocal range RELATED DOCUMENTS Michael Jackson Michael Jackson: Man In The Mirror Michael Jackson is arguably the most well know celebrity figure in the world today. Michael Joseph Jackson was born in August 1958, in Gary, Indiana. Jackson has spent almost his entire life as a public performer. He was a member of the Jackson Five at the age of four, soon becoming the groups lead vocalist and front man. Onstage, he modeled 623 Words | 4 Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Informative Speech on Michael Jackson Informative Speech Purpose: To inform or educate the audience about a topic of your choice. Time: 4-6 minutes Topic: Choose a topic that interests you and would probably interest your audience (the class). Consider what your audience already knows about this topic and what their attitude about this topic will be. Do not inform us of something we already know tons about. You may not choose something that could be done as a demonstration speech. 623 Words | 18 Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Michael Jackson Maya Kirk Ms. Bork Sophomore English 17 April 2013 Michael Jackson, a man of many talents, had 13 #1 singles, 17 Grammy Awards, and sold over 1 billion albums across the globe since his solo debut in 1972. Michael had a big effect on the world. He influenced many people through his music. His dance moves created a new and innovative way for people to express themselves. His videos were a whole new experience for most people in the music industry. 623 Words | 4 Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Commemorative Speech ? Said Sidiqi Comm 2200 Professor Butler Commemorative Speech – Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin once said, â€Å"If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing†. He was a man certainly worthy of praise as he did both. He lived those words by writing and doing as much as he could. He wrote volumes and volumes of papers, almanacs, journals, and even an autobiography that proved to be 623 Words | 2 Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Michael Jackson who inbraced the goodness of children and humanitarian work. He was the King of Pop. He was Michael Joseph Jackson. Born on the 29th of August 1958, in Gary, Indiana, Chicago, Michael was the eighth of ten children to an African-American family. He attended Montclair college prep, his elementary, where he gained interest in music. Michael had a troubled relationship with his father. In an interview Michael admitted that 623 Words | 3 Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Michael Jackson Michael Jackson, referred to as the â€Å"King of Pop†, was an American recording artist, singer-songwriter, dancer, and musician. He has been acknowledged as the most successful entertainer of all time. His contribution to music, dance and fashion, along with a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. Through stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of dance 623 Words | 3 Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Michael Jackson Composition 1001 Monday June 10, 2014 Michael Jackson â€Å"Thrills† the World in 1982 T. S. Eliot stated, â€Å"only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far they can go,† (Crum). That is exactly what Michael Jackson did in the year I was born, 1982. Jackson was born as the seventh child to an African-American family in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958. He went on to debut on the professional music 623 Words

Thursday, November 21, 2019

GREAT IDEAS Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

GREAT IDEAS - Assignment Example ut the nature of reality for instance, taking things as they appear to an individual without having to commit his senses to understanding them more by unlocking the hidden aspects through reading between the lines: At which point an individual ascends progressively to higher or best knowledge. In broadest terms, Plato’s allegory not only reveals how the cave is analogous with the physical world, but also how ultimately elements of philosophy progressively develop into the best grade of knowledge with the ability, according to Plato, to form the best individuals suitably refined by this knowledge to occupy and perform their duties in different levels of society according to their talents. Using the allegory of the cave, Plato sets out to explain a kind of ascent into knowledge, where an individual enters and emerges from the lowest and illusory grade of knowledge, and climbs to the level of the best knowledge of understanding reality. Thus the cave and all it represents is analogous to the physical world where an individual’s earlier judgments are seen to be mostly superficial by experience. However by and large, through his interaction with science and the realities of how things work, the body of knowledge gained becomes a prerequisite of improving and making better earlier impressions. This progressively leads to higher knowledge and the discovery of eternal ideas and forms like Justice, Truth, and Beauty which help in creating essential structures and basis for citizen’s capacity building in a state. Ascending into higher grade of knowledge is important and will equip an individual with a greater power of understanding and thus a refined capacity to make the best of any given situation. But certain aspects and problems require specific and specialized attention, for instance a critically ill patient. Besides leadership require certain individual characteristics and qualities that the knowledge of philosophy alone may not bequeath an

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Women in Male dominated jobs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Women in Male dominated jobs - Essay Example In the United States, job positions that are iconic representation of male-domination include positions of Secretary of State and directorship of federal institutions. Since US gained independence in 1776, 68 persons have occupied the Secretary of State’s office (Smith, 23). Expectedly, 3 out of the total 68 occupants were female, while the rest were male. In this context, a ration of 65:3 in terms of male and female office occupants respectively is a symbol of female underrepresentation in executive fields. Technically, underrepresentation of women in high positions is not without causes. Among the common causes of female underrepresentation include gender discrimination, and limited self affirmation within the female population. Traditionally, sex and power have an intricate relationship. Every society believes that women are emotionally weak, and lacks capability for objective judgments. This misconception explains why in the United States, women were not allowed to work and were expected to remain at home performing household chores. After the feminism period in the 1960s, the American society reluctantly invited women into the nation’s workforce (Lindsey and Martin, 90). Because of the structured gender discrimination, women lacked adequate education; hence could not be promoted into leadership positions. This element of inadequate education caused a corresponding limited self affirmation among women. In this regard, the synergistic effect of gender discrimination coupled wi th limited self affirmation propagated subordination of women in the labor force to date. Fortunately, liberation of women not only invited the female gender into workplaces but also laid the foundation for progressive transition of women in male dominated fields. Inasmuch as women are still underrepresented today, it emerges that the female gender has moved up the leadership ladder with time. Gradual entry of

Monday, November 18, 2019

Interpretation of the Bible. How the critical reading of John assists Essay

Interpretation of the Bible. How the critical reading of John assists in the interpretation of the gospel - Essay Example The book presents an account of the ministries of Jesus in the public1. The book opens with witnesses and affirmation of John the Baptist and it concludes with the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The book follows the three synoptic including Mathew, Mark and Luke. Reading the gospel of John therefore, aids in the interpretation of the Gospel because of the information or rather the summary it relays and the various factors that the author put into consideration. II. Interpretation of the bible Interpretation of the bible can be done on the major purpose of the gospel. The book on its entirety can be interpreted on what the author wanted to pass to the audience2. Reading the book, it demonstrates that the author wanted people to believe in Jesus Christ to be able to have life, salvation and eternal life. The book recounts many of the miracles that Jesus did and how he overcame death. These accounts demonstrates clearly to the believers and non-believers that indeed, th ere is God and therefore, by trusting in His name, we are assured of eternal life. John through the book aspires to reach out to the believer and his intention is to strengthen their faith in the gospel3. Going through the book, it is evident that Jesus performed all his miracles in the presence of his disciples. He wanted them to bear witness that indeed he had the power to perform miracles as directed by the Almighty Father in Heaven. John in John 2:11, mentions the effect of first sign.4 Furthermore, there are various omissions that John omits in his book probably because of the fact that some of the issues are covered in the synoptic gospels. Therefore, much information on the background of the narratives is omitted in the book. Omissions include various events and characters that happened in the New Testament and the life of Jesus Christ. The gospel’s last chapters themes from John 13-17, may not have any impact to the nonbelievers5. These chapters talk about Jesus final instructions to his disciplines, his priestly prayers and the last super that he shared with his disciplines. Non-believers may not be encouraged and motivated to change their beliefs based on these chapters. Going through John 20:31, John evangelizes the gospel of Christ through very strong words6. He tells the readers that it is written that Jesus Christ is the son of God and therefore, whoever that believes in him will have eternal life. This is a very strong message that John is passing to the readers. The verse, send a very strong message to the nonbelievers as well as believers to accept salvation to be able to inherit the kingdom of God. Reading John helps us to understand the gospel as well as other three books of the gospel. The book continued to put emphasis on witnessing and this is illustrated through various episodes such as the Samaritan at the well and John the Baptist7. Therefore, the book helps the readers both the unbelievers and believers to have and strengthen t heir faiths. There is enough evidence that is provided about the deity of Jesus through the claims of Jesus as well as many miracles that Jesus did during his life. The synoptic gospels; Mathew, mark and Luke, have also addressed some of the issues or events that are presented in John but the way they are presented in John is precise and concise hence fostering easy understanding8. John selects specific material, which he uses to fulfill his themes and purpose, and this has made the gospel to be clear and

Friday, November 15, 2019

Vodafone Business Marketing Analysis Marketing Essay

Vodafone Business Marketing Analysis Marketing Essay Vodafone is a well-known mobile network operator headquartered in Newbury, England. It is recognized as the largest telecommunications network company all over the world on the basis of its turnover. Currently, the company has equity interests in twenty-five countries and Partner Networks in another forty-one countries (Vodafone 2011). It is the second largest mobile telecom group throughout globe after China Mobile. The firms success is due to its strategic capabilities and their link with significant external and internal factors. Nowadays for surviving in an intense competition, it is essential that firms must be innovative but it is also essential to identify what makes a firm innovative. As well, it is also vital to identify that what are the resources that make a substantial contribution in a firms innovation capabilities. In regard to business these innovation capabilities are also known as a firms strategic capabilities. The success of a firms strategic capabilities depends on its ability to link it with its internal and external factors that influence the setting of its business objectives and policies. In the light of resource based theory, the strategic capabilities of Vodafone can be assessed by identifying its current resources and capabilities as a successful player in telecommunication network industry (Ordanini Rubera 2008). Subsequently, the effects of its key resources on its strategic capabilities need to be identified in relation to its link with external and internal factors. Throughout company long history and success its resources are classified in two categories that are: Tangible resources: The company tangible resources can be classified into four categories that are financial, physical, organisational structure and technological resources. Intangible resources: Intangible resources can be classified into people-dependent and people-independent resources (Bakar Ahmad 2010). All these resources are not having same importance to company strategy as financial, structure, technological are highly important whereas physical resources is having ordinary importance to it. On the other hand, people dependent and people-independent resources like human and innovation resources and reputation and organisational culture all are having high importance to Vodafone strategy. In regard to these resources, the company is significantly able in developing several strategic capabilities that can be analyzed with the help of its value chain activities that are primary activities and support activities (Bakar Ahmad 2010). Activities or organisational functions direct its employees towards the development of capabilities so it is essential to identify capabilities in regard to companys primary and support activities. One of the substantial strategic capabilities developed by Vodafone in regard to its operations is providing telecommunication services at low cost with guaranteed quality. In regard to technological development, the company have become able to exploit technological opportunity and developing and applying technologies (Donaldson OToole 2007). For handling human resource management, it has developed its capabilities in concern of recruiting and training competent personnel for technological innovation and motivating compensating all employees for more and more technological innovation (Dodourova 2003). In regard to its infrastructure related activities, it has developed capabilities like recognizing and promoting the aspect of innovation, financing and planning for technological innovation, integrating all functional departments, evaluating technological innovation, legal support to it, and attaining essential government support to finance and protect its technological innovation (Dodourova 2003). The discussion of company strategic capabilities and resources depict that almost all its strategic capabilities are grounded on technological innovation that are highly supported by its innovation-friendly tangible and intangible resources. Due to this extreme association between resources and capabilities, the company have become able to handle its external and internal environment that can be understood with subsequent tools like PEST and SWOT analysis: PEST analysis Political factors: Several political factors related to regulations, infrastructure, and health issues affect Vodafone business objectives and policies but with its strategic capability of recognizing, financing, planning, integrating, assessing, and legal and government support it become able to effectively deal with these external issues and develop effective business strategy as per the industry trends and environment (Donaldson OToole 2007). Economic factors: Economic factors like high cost of licences, the bidding war for 3G and constant price wars between providers also critically affect company and its business plans but with its strategic capabilities of technological innovation Vodafone has become able to serve its customers with more surprising and advanced services (Dodourova 2003). Its technological development operations related capabilities are significantly assisting it in resolving economical issues from its external environment. Social-cultural factors: Socio-cultural factors like health issues, demographics and social trends also affects company operations that it critically handled with the help of technological innovation in regard to its human resources and technology development (Lynch 2006). Technologies offered by Vodafone are assured and approved that assist it in handling health related issues and its employees are highly dedicated and committed for technological innovation that assist in handling changing demographics and social trends. Technological factors: Technology related issues that affect company operations and business plans are excessive technological change in mobile phone industry, the introduction of 3G and several other advanced aspects (Dodourova 2003). All these external environment related issues are handled by Vodafone with its technological innovation capability that has been developed by exploiting technological opportunity and developing and applying technologies. SWOT analysis: Another contribution of Vodafone strategic capabilities is in concern to the management of its internal environment that is highly essential to link it up with external environment. With the help of its strategic capabilities, the company has become able to maximize its strength and existing opportunities like global experience, establish itself across several countries, exploring new technologies related to telecommunication and mobile, and increase its size of the market and as well as its market share (Bakar Ahmad 2010). As well, due to its technological innovation capability it has also become able to establish itself at a good global platform, standardized customer relationship management and attaining high operations margin (Dodourova 2003). In addition to this, the company has also become able to minimize its weaknesses and threats to external environment like high capital expenditure, huge RD and infrastructural costs, legal issues, selection of appropriate technologies, political and social regulations, and increasing competitors (McLoughlin Aaker 2010). It has all become possible due to its strategic capabilities developed throughout its different primary and support activities and continuous support from its tangible and intangible resources. All the above identified strategic capabilities assist firm in handling its external as well as internal factors that in turn assist it in the development of appropriate business objective and plans for present and future success of the company. Critical Appraisal of Vodafones Business Performance since 2008 Vodafone is one of the worlds largest mobile communications companies on the basis of revenue. From, its inception it is operating with a vision to become communication leader in a significantly connected world (Capon 2008). In its initial year, it confronted substantial difficulties throughout its business performance but in last some years it has attained immense success due to its several distinct strategic initiatives (Sandbach 2009). Since 2008, the company is doing quite well but still it confronted several failures related to intense competition, emergence of advances communication technologies, and continuous changes in customer preferences (Lynch 2006). For handling failures related to competition the company adopted three generic strategies for competitive advantage. For handling excessive competition and market pressure, the company made use of cost leadership strategy and differentiation in spite of focus strategy. In regard to its problem of competition, the company cost leadership strategy was highly helpful. One critical success attained by the company in this period was to become a firm with truly international customer base (Sandbach 2009). It become possible for Vodafone due to its appropriate strategies like differentiation and cost leadership strategy. In present also, this strategy is highly helpful for the company in dealing with the issues that may arise with number portability. Number portability means customers can switch to anyone who provides a reliable and cheapest service (Vodafone Annual Report 2010 2011). By competing on its cost leadership, Vodafone can direct itself towards higher unit profits that in turn will help it in attaining competitive advantage through decreasing costs. Another imperative success that company has attained in last 3 years is a good global platform which integrates its existing future network systems and heightens its ability to launch products with a concentration on both market speed and the ability to deliver it throughout all group network (Lynch 2006). It is done with a strategic initiative of differentiation. The differentiation along with marketing strategy and effective marketing mix helped Vodafone in serving its customers with added value through their wide range product features and quality that is significantly different from its competitors (Curwen Whalley 2010). The company strategic initiatives and their success and failures can also be understood effectively with the help of BCG matrix that depicts the companys market share and growth rate: Relative Market Share (Cash Generation) High Low Stars Multimedia messaging Question Marks 3G Vodafone Live Cash Cow SMS Dogs Analogue services High Market growth rate (Cash Usage) Low Vodafone BCG Matrix The BCG matrix depicts Vodafones portfolio that in turn demonstrates its products stand. Boston matrix represents the companys portfolio according to where the products and services stand in regard to market share and growth (Johnson 2008). This matrix shows that the company is operating by attaining a balance. Although, it has also confronted troubles in some last years in regard to 3G and Vodafone live that can also be depicted as a problem child or question marks. For effective future success in regard to the existing problems, the company should decrease its investments into its analogue services and in its place it should make use of money from cash cow SMS to reconstitute the problem child and maintain the star multimedia messaging in the high market share/high market growth area (Lynch 2006). In addition to these strategy models, the company performance since 2008 can also be understood with the help of different tools of financial analysis. By analysing subsequent financial ratios in terms of liquidity profitability, efficiency and return to investors it will become easy to identify that how well company managed its performance: Liquidity Ratios Current Ratio: The current ratio for Vodafone decreased from 5.40 to 5.00 in 2009 and 4.99 in 2010. It depicts that in terms of liquidity this period was not as good as throughout these years the company capability to pay its liabilities has decreased (Vodafone Annual Report 2010 2011). Quick Ratio: Vodafones quick ration fall from 5.38 in 2008 to 4.98 in 2009. This in turn also decreased slightly with 4.97 in 2010. This decrease shows that since 2008, the company ability to pay current liabilities without depending on the sale of inventory has also not attained any improvement (Luetjen Maatwk 2011). Profitability Ratios Gross Profit Margin: Vodafones gross profit margin over the three years has fallen slightly from 38.30% in 2008 to 37.00% in 2006 to a further 33.80%. It is the result of uninterrupted rise in the cost of sales. Although company margins are falling but its ratios are much better than its competitors that demonstrate that industry is at its matured stage and regularly the company is making use of new marketing strategies to bring down its cost. Operating Profit Margin: The company operating profit margin has fallen from 28.32% in 2008 to 14.28% in 2009 that in turn again rose to 21.32% in 2010. This was due to company approach towards market trends and existing competitors moves (Luetjen Maatwk 2011). Net Profit Margin: The company net profit margin has fallen initially from 19.4% in 2008 to 7.51% in 2009 and afterwards it improved to 19.38% in 2010 that was due to companys use of appropriate generic strategies and marketing strategy (Vodafone Annual Report 2010 2011). Return on Equity: The return to equity was also fallen from 8.83% in 2008 to 3.63% in 2009 but again with appropriate strategies it was increased to 9.49% in 2010. Efficiency Ratios Stock Turnover: The company stock turnover has increased continuously in the three years from 85.08 in 2008 to 99.56 in 2009 and 102.71 in 2010. This shows that throughout this three years period the company has effectively converted its stocks into revenue and as well it also made an effective use of its working capital that is critical for attaining success in present intense competitive environment (Luetjen Maatwk 2011). Debtor Turnover: The debtor turnover of the company has fallen slightly from 5.42 in 2008 to 5.35 in 2009 and 5.06 in 2010. It depicts that Vodafone is having high efficiency in regard to credit management. Asset Turnover: The asset turnover of the company is almost similar in three years as it was 0.28 in 2008, 0.27 in 2009 and again 0.28 in 2010. This ratio of company depicts its performance in generating sales from the assets at its disposition. Investment Ratios The Company earning per share has confronted both the increase and decrease from 2008 as in 2008 it was 12.56. In 2009 it reached at 5.84 and in 2010 it reached at 16.44. In addition to this, its price earning ration also confronted increase and decline. In 2008, it was 2.52 that increased to 3.14 in 2009 and again decreased to 1.35 in 2010 (Vodafone Annual Report 2010 2011). The companys use of appropriate strategies in comparison to its competitors assisted it in attaining this position. With the analysis of different financial ratios of the company, it can be said that the company performance since 2008 was a mix of success and failures. In this period the company did not confronted any severe failure in spite of just some minor business and competition related troubles (Wilson Gilligan 2005). Also, the company efforts made throughout this period were highly effective as due to this only it become able to make an effective use of its working capital. Development of a Potential Future Strategy for Vodafone With detailed discussion of company strategic capabilities and performance since 2008, it becomes apparent that company is doing very well but several times it is also troubled with intense competition and several other factors like increasing costs, emergence of advance communication technologies and changing preferences of customers (Dibb Simkin 2010). Till now, the company made use of cost leadership and competitive strategy that significantly helped it in attaining its specific business goals and objectives but it also need to be updated continuously. In regard to grow its position in international and global markets it is vital that the company operate with a potential future strategy that can be developed effectively with the help of Porters Diamond that in regard to Vodafone is as follows: Porters five forces Subsequent five forces make a direct effect on Vodafones strategic competitiveness that in turn will assist in determining a potential future strategy for the company: Competitive rivalry: In telecommunication market in which Vodafone operates competition is quite high and basically it comes from its competitors O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Virgin. In this market rivalry is high and there is no brand loyalty that exhibits that there exist little differentiation in spite of price (Dibb Simkin 2004). For handling this rivalry and growing in international markets the company should expand its operations in more and more developing nations. Buying power: In the market Vodafone is operating buying power is quite high and it could be understood with the measures of number of customers that disconnect throughout a year. This also depicts that rivalry in industry is high. Customers have several choices and new packages in regard to new tariffs and new phones (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson 2009). For surviving in this kind of market it is vital to have continuous upgrade and expansion in developing countries for maintaining company position at global level. Power of suppliers: In addition to high buyer power, the telecommunication market also operates with strong suppliers power. In this regard, as Vodafone is a cost leader, it operates with margins higher than their competitors. This assist it to attract price increases from its suppliers more comfortably than its competitors (Dibb Simkin 2010). Being an extensive, leading competitors of the mobile telephone industry, Vodafone is able to hold its supplier cost down and attain profit but this situation would not remain in long-term if company is not able to main its position in global and international markets. For this it is vital to enter different developing countries. Threat of substitutes The company threat of product substitutes is low and it is due to its focussed cost leadership strategy. This strategy makes it difficult for others to produce similar products and services at a lower rate with same economies of scale (Fransman 2002). Threat of entry Although the threat of new entrants in industry is low but this situation need to be maintained by Vodafone by reducing its cost below of its competitors. This could be done by maintaining eminent level of efficiency and extending its place and position in different international and global markets (KÄÂ ±mÄÂ ±loÄÅ ¸lu, HNasÄÂ ±r NasÄÂ ±r 2010). With the help of this porters diamond analysis, it becomes evident that the most potential future strategy that can be adopted by Vodafone is expanding or concentrating more on developing countries. This analysis assists in identifying the suitability of selected potential future strategy. With this analysis it becomes evident that in present, Vodafone is able to maintain its position and attain significant competitive advantage with the help of focussed cost leadership strategy but the situation will not remain same in future. In future competition will get more intense and in that environment a firm that have strong international level presence will be able to operate. So, it is quite helpful for Vodafone to operate with a strategy of concentrating more on developing countries (KÄÂ ±mÄÂ ±loÄÅ ¸lu, HNasÄÂ ±r NasÄÂ ±r 2010). This strategy will also assist the company in increasing its profitability and cost-benefit that is related to the acceptability of a strategic option. Until or unless a strategic option s not acceptable it is not beneficial to use it. With this future strategy, the company will become able to reduce its costs and increase its benefits and shareholder value (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson 2009). In addition to the suitability and acceptability of this future strategy, adoption of this strategy is also feasible. As in present also company is operating in several global locations so it is not so difficult for it to concentrate more on developing nations (Dibb Simkin 2004). It serves its customers with low prices that would also be beneficial for it to expand in developing nations. In this way, it can be concluded that concentrating more on developing markets is a quite effective potential future strategy for Vodafone and for its assured future success.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Networking Computer Systems :: Computer Networks

Networking Computer Systems A network is a group of two or more computer systems sharing services and interacting in some manner. In most cases, this interaction is accomplished through a shared communication link, with the shared components being data. Put simply, a network is a collection of machines that have been linked both physically and through software components to soothe communication and the sharing of information. To make the communications between two or more computers work, several things need to be in place. First, some type of physical connection mechanism has to exist between the computers involved. Normally, this mechanism is a wire or cable of some kind or a transceiver that can both transmit and receive information attached to or built into your computer. The idea of computer networking is new to some people and almost always seen as a highly technical and rapidly evolving process. Every day, computer professionals are called upon by their employers to evaluate, judge, and implement t he technologies necessary for the rapid communication of dissimilar groups in order to enhance productivity or lessen complexity within the organization's processes. Most see the task as a formidable one, and many feel they are not qualified or fully prepared to drive the creation of a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). The type of network you can create is often determined by the network operating system you use. Like a regular operating system for your PC, a network operating system coordinates how all the individual software application on a network work and how the network interacts with the hardware attached to it. Sharing data is made much easier when a network is involved. People are more productive because several people enter data at the same time and can also evaluate and process the shared data. The effective use of networks can turn a company into an agile, powerful, and creative organization, giving it a long-term competitive advantage. Networks can be used to share hardware, programs, and databases across the organization. They can transmit and receive information to improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency. They enable geographically separated workgroups to share documents and opinions, which fosters teamwork, innovative ideas, and new business strategies (Stair, Reynolds 269). Getting computers connected and speaking the same language may be somewhat interesting for some people, but it’s really just a necessary evil to get to the good stuff.