Population A Vital Indicator of Economic Growth Essay

Economic growth in a city, state, or country is characterized by steady growth in the productive capacity of the economy or a growth of national income (Fernandez- Villaverde, 2001). The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate is most commonly used to measure economic growth because it is a reflection of the total change in a country’s national output (Filardo, 1999). This growth rate is used to predict the direction of an economy. A positive growth rate indicates a positive economy with more jobs, consumption and income while a negative growth indicates an economic decline (Filardo, 1999). Economic growth constitutes superior productivity, prosperity, and increased capital per capita resulting in a higher quality of living.†¦show more content†¦Land use is highly dependent upon the social interactions and demographics of the surrounding population. For a city to be considered â€Å"sustainable†, it must be an environment suitable for efficient public tran sport and social interaction within the surrounding population (Jenks, 1996). The demand for different types of land use is based on population and economic developments shape, whereas the allocation of land use change is determined by regional and local conditions. One important approach to micro-level perspective modeling is multi-agent simulation. Multi-agent models are part of distributed artificial intelligence methods (Verburg et al., 2004). An agent is an entity that is able to act on itself within a given environment and communicate with other agents and whose knowledge and behaviors are a result of its observations (Sanders, Pumain, Mathian, Guerin-Pace, Bura, 1997). Multi-agent models can clarify the degree to which system-level properties emerge from local evolutionary forces and the impact those local processes have on the continued functioning of the multi-agent universe (Levin, 1998). While the simulated behavior at the aggregate levels aids in the development of new theories connecting individual behavior to collective behavior, the model is not very useful outside of the micro-level. The model is limited to applications that areShow MoreRelatedMarket Potential Indicator and Its Components: International Market Analysis649 Word s   |  3 Pagescomputers will be analyzed with respect to the indicators of MPI. Lastly, the paper will evaluate which countries would be an ideal market for such a company. MPI has been formulated after considering a number of indicators and is used to compare emerging markets with one another. The significance of MPI has increased due to the effect of globalization, as companies are looking to invest in new and emerging markets. For this purpose MPI has become vital for such companies and greatly influences theirRead MoreEconmics973 Words   |  4 PagesInternational Trade Case Study Proposal Bindhu Soman, Chad L. Million, Karen Moore and Sara Ontiveros Grand Canyon University: ECN-601 Economics March 25, 2013 Introduction to the topic As countries, we are continuously concerned in distinguishing where we are and where we are going. For this assignment our CLC will take a look and begin to better understand how Germany has developed, while simultaneously understanding how Jamaica is developing. Our CLC group will prepareRead MoreGlobalizatioin and the Emerging Market1488 Words   |  6 PagesAsian emerging market such as China, Republic of Korea, Vietnams, Indonesia and so on (ANZ Annual Report 2013). 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As such, understanding theRead MoreThe Effect Of Education On Life Expectancy1487 Words   |  6 Pageslonger. The study of Frank and Mustard (1994) also reports that education enables individuals to gain knowledge about nutrition that lowers mortality rates and increases life expectancy. Table 1.2 Regression Coefficients (Standardized) for Educational Growth and Life Expectancy (Dependent Variable: LEXP) Determinants Dependent Variable: LEXP0M Dependent Variable: LEXP0F Standardisedï  ¢ t-value Adjusted r2 F-value Standardisedï  ¢ t-value Adjusted r2 F-value NER1T 0.607** 2.754 0.320 7.58** 0.560** 2.436 0Read MoreDeveloping Countries During World War II1547 Words   |  7 Pagescountries has increased. The growing link between these two groups of economies increased eventually in addition to the increase in the rate of dependability amongst them. 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The Main Factors are Australias Economic System, The key resources of the Australian economy, and the key economicRead MoreAccess Of Higher Education At Haryan An Inter District Analysis Essay1399 Words   |  6 Pagesthinking and growth of individuality. There is general consensus that higher education is one of the vital factors of national development, an important social resource and means of reducing inequalities in the societies. 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Case Study Senior Management Commitment - 1722 Words

The company has been subservicing mortgages for so long and as a result they have accumulated a lot of data throughout the years. One big thing is the databases that are produced through Cenlar. For example, one database that Cenlar has produced is our Customer Database which has all of our clients and their information stored onto it. While other competitors have to waste time contacting a client for specific information Cenlar has it all stored on a database that is updated regularly. This database includes a lot of detailed information such as the manager of the client, where they are located, what states they work in, and how many years they have been doing business with Cenlar. Senior management commitment is prominent through the email reminders employees receive on a daily basis. Cenlar also hosts parties to celebrate their efficiency as a company. The management tries to make the employees feel that each individual makes a special impact on the company. The large-scale ambition at Cenlar revolves around their size. The main goal of the company is to be the largest subservicing company through their efficiency. This goal has been achieved through the analytics of efficiency and now they want to continue to be successful. Employees are reminded at the end of the day that efficiency plays a big part in being the biggest mortgage subservicer in the world. Keeping the large-scale ambition of being the biggest subservicer is a large part of Cenlar, and in orderShow MoreRelatedCase Study - All Star Sports Catalogue Division Essay1593 Words   |  7 PagesCase Study: All Star Sports Catalog Division 1 Case Study: Decision Making at the Top – The All Star Sports Catalog Division August 16, 2010 Case Study: All Star Sports Catalog Division 2 All-Star Sports Catalog Division (ASC) participated in a consultant-led study that reviewed the company‟s strategic decision-making process. 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In addition, New Balance hired a firm outside the company to provide a credible and independent study of were New Balance stood in respects to their Corporate Social responsibility. For this study, New Balance hired a local firm which New Balance new well, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship (Veleva, 2010). Before the Corporate Social Responsibility study, New Balance although â€Å"Doing

Medically Assisted Suicide Free Essays

Medically Assisted Suicide Medically assisted suicide is an event in which a physician honors a patient’s request for a lethal dose of medication. It has become a very emotional and controversial issue for many in the United States. The only state legally allowing medically assisted suicide is Oregon since 1997. We will write a custom essay sample on Medically Assisted Suicide or any similar topic only for you Order Now Although some feel it is unethical and morally wrong, medically assisted suicide should be legalized to patients who are terminally ill because it would relieve them from constant and unbearable physical and psychological pain in a respectable and painless way. Individuals in the United States have the freedom to make decisions concerning their life such as where they live, what they wear, who they marry, and occupation. Every individual is able to make a decision about his or her life whether good or bad. Everyone is ultimately in full control of his or her own life. By allowing someone to make choices freely regarding their life, the same should be allowed when regarding their death. Some patients passively aggressively choose to end their lives by not continuing treatment or therapy for their disease. This emphasizes the theory that people can and should control their own lives. Patients choose to end their lives for various reasons: they fear the loss of their independence, which later results in becoming a burden to their family or friends; they want to die in a dignified way, and they also fear the thought of dying alone. Society should understand why an individual wouldn’t want to have to rely on a family member to take care of them. Knowing that eventually they won’t be able to do even the easiest daily tasks such as showering, eating, or walking alone, does put a heavy burden on whoever would be taking care of them. It is also reasonable to understand that patients don’t want to be remembered by how they were in their sick state. No one should have to go through seeing their loved one whither away to what isn’t even the person they were to begin with. It would provide much relief to families and loved ones to remember the patient in a healthy and normal condition. Medically assisted suicide shouldn’t be viewed as a selfish act like regular suicide, but as a dignified and painless way to end a life that would end in the near future regardless. Whether suicides are legal or not, they will occur, and it would be much better if they were brought into the open. Suffering is different then pain. Suffering normally encompasses physical and psychological deterioration for which there is no cure. While many believe taking a life away in any circumstances is immoral, death is a compassionate way to relieve unbearable suffering. When physicians are asked to help a patient into death, they have many responsibilities that come along with that request. Among these responsibilities are: providing valid information as to the terminal illness the patient is suffering, educating the patient as to what their final options may be, making the decision of whether or not to help the patient into death, and also if they do decide to help, providing the lethal dose of medication that will end the patient’s life. Medically assisted suicide became very familiar to the public in 1990 when Dr. Jack Kevorkian helped to assist his first patient to death. Dr. Kevorkian had invented a machine that consisted of three bottles that were connected to an IV. When the patients were ready to start the process of dying, they turned on the machine in which a sedative was administed first to make them drift off to sleep. Following the sedative was the fatal ingredient potassium chloride. According to Kathlyn Gay, Dr. Kevorkian claimed that he had caused no death; he just helped with his patient’s last civil rights. He believes that doctors that don’t help assist their patients are like the Nazi doctors during World War 2, those who used experiments on the Jewish people (50-51). Dr. Kevorkian aided 43 patients to their death. He agreed to assist patients after thoroughly interviewing each patient and realizing there weren’t any other alternative methods for the patient to deter suffering. It was reported that Kevorkian’s male patients had severe terminal illnesses that left them incapable of living, while the female patients suffered from breast cancer and other illnesses that are curable (Keenan 16). Kevorkian’s medical license was suspended and eventually taken away, and he stood trial for murder charges. Dr. Kevorkian was later placed in jail and then released by Judge Richard C. Kaufman who ruled the state’s ban of medically assisted suicide as unconstitutional. It was determined that Dr. Kevorkian’s charges be dismissed due to the basis of the quality of the patient’s life, saying that the patient’s life was â€Å"significantly impaired by a medical condition that was extremely unlikely to improve. † Kaufman also said that people have a constitutional right to commit suicide. Worsnop, 405). According to Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act, â€Å"‘Terminal disease† means an incurable and irreversible disease that has been medically confirmed and will, within reasonable medical judgement, produce death within six (6) months† (2). The physician is also responsible for letting the patient know of any experimental dru gs and any other treatments that may benefit the patient in any way. Another responsibility of the physician is to educate the patient as to what their final options may be. They are required to inform the patient about their diagnosis, the results of taking any medication that could be given, all alternatives that could be used to treat the patient, and also having the patient contact another physician to confirm the diagnosis (The Oregon Death with Dignity Act 3, hereafter known as The Oregon). It should be agreed that when a patient is left with no other alternatives or methods of survival, they should be allowed to decide if they want to end their own life. Physicians who aid in a patient’s request for aid shouldn’t be judged as immoral, but only as someone who has the means and education to help patients with their last request in life. It should also be taken into consideration that everyone has the freedom of choice. â€Å"Since there is no absolute legal, medical, or moral answer to the question of what constitutes a good or correct death in the face of a terminal illness, the power to make the decision about how someone dies can rest with only one individual–the person living in that particular body† (Shavelson 153). When patients are already faced with death due to a terminal illness, medically assisted suicide should be allowed so that they don’t have to go through any pain. Many terminal illnesses involve the decomposition of the brain, vital organs, and physical appearance. Patients normally tend to lose their mental activity such as memory and thinking also. It isn’t fair for a patient to have to go through that if they are not willing to. Not only for their mental and physical state of mind, but because of the cost. Patients shouldn’t be required to pay for medical treatment that only prolongs a life with poor quality. Society also shouldn’t blame a patient for not wanting to lie in a hospital bed and rely on a machine to do their breathing. That patient should be entitled to choose an easy and peaceful death. Patients who make the decision to end their life shouldn’t be viewed as doing something wrong because they are choosing to do something to help them. Decisions regarding time and circumstances are personal to each individual. A competent person should be able to choose. While many view the interest in preserving a life, the interest should deteriorate when the individual has a strong desire to end their life. In conclusion, medically assisted suicide should not be viewed as ethically wrong. It should be viewed as a humane and graceful way for patients with no other alternatives to die. It prevents an individual who is terminally ill from feeling severe pain and deciding when and how they want to end their life. The suffering a patient goes through is incomprehensible to people who haven’t gone through it. Therefore it shouldn’t be decided by anyone but the individual going through it how long and how much suffering they endure. Bibliography Gay, Kathlyn. The Right To Die: Public Controversy, Private Matter. Brookfield, Connecticut: The Millbrook Press, 1993. Keenan, James F. The Case for Physician-Assisted Suicide? America. November 14, 1998. 14-19. Shavelson, Lonny. A Chosen Death: The Dying Confront Assisted Suicide. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1995. â€Å"The Oregon Death with Dignity Act. † Yahoo. January 16, 2000, http://www. islandnet. com/~deathnet/ergo_orlaw. html. Worsnop, Richard L. Assisted Suicide. C Q Researcher. Vol. 2, No. 7, p. 145-168. Washington D. C. : Congressional Quarterly, Inc. , 1992. How to cite Medically Assisted Suicide, Papers

Accounting Theory Research and Development

Question: Discuss about the Accounting Theory for Research and Development. Answer: Introduction This study deals with understanding the differences between Research and Development. In this particular assignment, importance of Research and Development has been identified that helps business firms in gaining high revenues in the upcoming financial year (Rehfuess et al. 2013). There is no hard and fast rule that if a company spends huge on Research and Development, then it will achieve the desired profits. Discussion on the nature of differences between Research and Development Research and Development in industry is intimately related with given process by which new products as well as new forms of old products with the help of technological innovation. Research and Development reveals the systematic use of scientific knowledge for improving manifestations for not meeting with universal approval. It helps in developing new knowledge as well as application of scientific or engineering knowledge for connecting with knowledge for other aspects (Harper, Jones and Marcus 2013). Research= Basic Experimental Research Development= Exploitation of discoveries Research and Development in Business proves critical for marketing aspects. Intense competition has made research and development important prospects. Conducting research and development activities will help business firm for analyzing consumers trends, needs as well as demands. There is no guarantee that higher spending to Research and Development will lead to higher profits, greater market share as well as more creativity and better products and services (Harper, Jones and Marcus 2013). This particular concept will investigate activities whereby business takes deliberate decisions for conducting certain activities. It has an intention for general strategic actions for future growth actions. It aims in discovering attributes that will lead to new products, procedures as well as bringing improvement in the existing products or services. Discussion on how Research and development are accounted for and why firms engage in Research and Development Business firms engages in research and development so that they have better understanding of present market condition and deliver goods and services. Research and Development helps high-tech firms on the cutting edge of advancement of new technology (Rehfuess et al. 2013). Most of the consumer goods companies aims at spending large sum of money especially on improved old products. For instance, Gillette spends lot of money on Research and Development every year for ongoing attempts in designing of more effective shaver. On the contrary, some other company believes in spending small percentages of their revenues on Research and Development like under 5% (Rehfuess et al. 2013). Research and Development is important for business firm because firms should understand changing market condition as it is crucial to survive in the fast changing environment. It helps business firm to cope up with continuous technological change as well as intense competition among nearest competitors (Harper, Jones and Marcus 2013). It will help business firm in getting idea on changing consumer preferences and considers as fundamentals to marketing. Advantages are markets that come from understanding of marketing needs. RD will give efficient production process for business organization. Conclusion At the end of the study, it is concluded that Research and Developmental activities provides great help to the business organization. This is because conducting market research will help in gaining information regarding customer changed trends and preferences. Addition to that, it gives proper understanding regarding current market position and business offerings in the near future. Reference List Harper, C., Jones, N. and Marcus, R., 2013. Research for development: A practical guide. Sage. Noyes, J., Gough, D., Lewin, S., Mayhew, A., Michie, S., Pantoja, T., Petticrew, M., Pottie, K., Rehfuess, E., Shemilt, I. and Shepperd, S., 2013. A research and development agenda for systematic reviews that ask complex questions about complex interventions. Journal of clinical epidemiology, 66(11), pp.1262-1270.

Wharton to Offer Free Online MBA Program Essay Example

Wharton to Offer Free Online MBA Program Paper Free online MBA program is something that you can only imagine to find these days given that the programs are really expensive. Wharton Business School decided to offer bigger piece of its studies fully online and for free. If you were waiting for such opportunity now it’s your chance to grab it while you can. This would make Wharton the first business school that offers online program completely for free. The only thing you need here is time and you’ll get part of the same education that MBA students are getting today. The difference here is that you are not required to pay anything. Wharton already has its own Coursera platform that offers 5 electives. From now on, you can search for its brand new Foundation platform that is designed from few courses. These courses are from the field in operations management, corporate marketing, financial accounting, and marketing. This free online MBA program will be presented and taught by Wharton’s senior professors. All courses will be served to you through recorded lectures and will give you couple of exercises during the process. The length of the courses is ranging between 6 and 10 weeks and you will need 8 hours during the week for each one of them. Operation management already started yesterday (September 30th) and the interval between courses is 2 weeks. According to the managing director of Wharton, Don Huesman, all students who will enroll to this free online MBA program will gain great knowledge. They will learn the basics and the courses are only a replication of what the first year students learn in paid MBA courses. The students who are paying to get online MBA program education need to complete 9 courses. Four of these courses are now available online for free and six other electives. We will write a custom essay sample on Wharton to Offer Free Online MBA Program specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Wharton to Offer Free Online MBA Program specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Wharton to Offer Free Online MBA Program specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Students interested to enroll to this program can follow the course without any additional requirements and work. However, for those who are more committed into getting the proper education, there are many homework, readings, quizzes, etc. If you need a certification that you have completed the course, this free online MBA program offers you verifiable certificate for completing it. You need to pay $49 in order to enroll the â€Å"signature track† and you’ll get the proper verification at the end. According to Huesman, this free online MBA program can be used by many students to see what kinds of lessons are included into the real program. This could represent a test for them in order to see if this program is what they have been searching for and is Wharton the best school for getting wider education. You must be wondering why Wharton is doing this. The answer could be simple, because they tend to show their real face to many professionals why they need to pick Wharton. Through this education given for free, the students can see if Wharton is the right pick or not. Wharton already has a long history of successful students who took their online MBA programs. There are many great and successful degree programs which are more expensive and require more time and commitment. Thousands of professionals have enrolled Wharton’s online MBA program and many more will get these new and free offer. You won’t get all business skills from this free online MBA program, but you’ll get the chance to see what you can expect when you enroll to their full-time online MBA courses.

Secondhand Lions essays

Secondhand Lions essays In this heartwarming film by Disney, Haley Joel Osment plays a young boy in his early teens named Walter. His mother insists on pursuing a job while pawning off Walter to his two grumpy great-uncles. Both of the uncles, who are played by Michael Caine and Robert DuVall, supposedly disappeared for almost 40 years. When they returned, there were tremendous rumors that they had accumulated a massive fortune while they were away. Walter definitely doesnt like the idea his mother has imposed on him, which is finding their fortune. The uncles positively hate the idea of having a kid around for very long at all. But, after a while, they realize that Walter is not like all of their other money-hungry relatives always dropping by to try and milk something from them. Walter is just interested in their past, full of wild and crazy adventures. As for the title, there actually is a lion in the film. They order her especially from the jungle to hunt for game, just for something to do. But when they open the box, the lion just yawns and almost seems to be broken in a way. She is a secondhand lion, a used lion. Walter takes a liking to her, in that she needs loving care, just like Walter does from his uncles. He decides to name her Jasmine, after Uncle Hubs dead wife. He is kind of upset about this name at first, but eventually realizes that Walter named her that out of respect and sympathy. So all four of them spend the entire summer together and share pastimes, while fending off hungry salesmen with guns. The setting seems to take place sometime in the late 50s or early 60s somewhere in rural Texas. The people in it drive older, more classic cars and their wardrobe reflects that same time period. Even the set decoration and the props used are very convincing that it takes place in this period. I feel that not a whole lot of movies tha ...

Pearl harbor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pearl harbor - Essay Example This paper briefly explores the Pearl Harbor attack, its background, and Japanese objectives associated with it. Friction between Japan and America had been escalating for several years due to Americas annoyance over Japans brutal war against China. The U.S. provided moral support to China which included: fateful step to cut off sales of oil, scrap metals, and tin to Japanese industry. Japan didnt own her own oil resources, therefore, the leadership sought after lucrative oil fields of the Dutch East Indies in South. In 1940, Nazi Germany occupied Dutch native soil in Europe. They left Dutch colonies in Asia in a relatively segregated and exposed position (Lee). Considering American opposition to war with China, Japanese leader presumed that America would intervene to their attacks on Dutch. U.S military forces stationed in Philippines (located between Japan and Dutch East Indies) and based out of Pearl Harbor posed a huge threat. Therefore, Japan initiated her Pacific War with a "knockout blow" at Pearl Harbor, with subsequent attacks planned for U.S. forces in Philippines and anywhere else. Japan held similar fears from Britain; therefore, they attacked British forces in Hong Kong, Malaya, and Singapore (Lee). Japans major objective was to cripple American Navy base in order to keep them from intervening Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies (Lee). They wanted to neutralize American power in Pacific Basin for at least six months (Burbeck 1).Another objective was to get time for Japan to strengthen its position and enhance its navy before losing their chances of victory. Moreover, Japan wanted to blow American morale. In order to maximize the effect, Japan targeted most prestigious battleships of U.S. Navy. Overall objective was to occupy Southeast Asia with any interference (Willmott 14). In order to achieve their goals, Japanese military crafted a detailed plan in which they took advantage of the information

Interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Interview - Essay Example My uncle reckons that this was the year that Ronald Reagan became the President of U.S after defeating Jimmy Carter in a landslide victory. According to him, this set tone to the famous â€Å"Reagan Revolution† (The White House Web) that marked the end of distress and humiliation in America. Indeed, he recalls that life was so tough that at twenty-one years, he did not have a car neither was he married. As a result, he states that he was using the train and bicycles to shop, attend school, and search for a part-time job. This actually relates to my life today where I also do not have a car nor am I married despite having a part-time job. He quotes that many Americans at his age were economically and socially unstable in 1981. He laments that the fact that the economy was crippling and unemployment was significantly high in America in 1981 led to this situation. However, this was to change in the â€Å"Reagan Revolution.† Indeed, the levels of employment are significantl y better today than they were in 1981 when Mr Haskins was aged 21 years. In fact, the level of unemployment fell to a 7.7 percentage this year that reflects economic stability in the US (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Indeed, he reckons that Reagan was fundamental in restoring the Americans’ pride and confidence in facing the future. To him, this year marked a political shift in American, as a massive number of Americans became converts to the conservative political ideology adopted by Reagan. In the same manner, the political ideology adopted by President Obama during his swearing-in to serve his second term, derives a lot of confidence to most Americans today. Actually, the promises made by Reagan to fix the economy and safeguard America from its enemies, encouraged Americans to face the future. This promise relates to the one made by President Obama this year. Nevertheless, Mr Haskins claims that the planned President Reagan assassination on March 30 1981 almost shut th e new American spirit. However, Mr Haskins reckons that the survival of the President from this unfortunate event in American history was the turning point in modern American history. According to him, this event seemingly washed away all the negativity in America. In contrast, there has been political stability in US this year and Americans feel safer and well governed. In the same year, the laws of equality came to life in America when Reagan nominated Judge Sandra Day O'Connor as the first woman Chief Justice in the US Supreme Court (The Oyez Project at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law Web). This equally nourished the spirits of many Americans and magnified the image of US in the world of democracy. This trend has continued over the years and today we have more respect to human rights and equality in US. Indeed, we have had more females serving the Americans in higher government levels. Specifically, we have Hillary Clinton who retired this year as the Secretary of State (United S tates Department of State Web). Unfortunately, the Air controllers’ strike on American soil disrupted flights in 1981 thus increasing Mr Haskins worries and fears. However, this year has seen Americans enjoy heightened security and they feel more secure in U.S. At the same time, my uncle claims that US government brought new disability eligibility rules thus affecting my grandfather who consequently lost his

Vertigo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Vertigo - Essay Example Scottie is coerced into early retirement due to a duty incident that made him develop acrophobia. Acrophobia is entails very high fear levels of heights. Scottie also develops the vertigo effect, which is characterized by rotational motion and false sensation. Scottie is given the private investigator task by Gavin Elster, to monitor the strange behavior of his wife called Madeleine. The film applied effective techniques for screenplay development. One technique is the dolly zoom technique. Dolly zoom effect involves the in-camera effect which distorts perspective. The distortion aims at illustrating the disorientation effect that adequately communicates the acrophobia condition of Scottie (Sipos 76). The story in the film is communicated through pictures. The rooftop chase that led to the policeman’s death explains the imagery effect of the acrophobia and vertigo effect. The image shows Scottie attempting to manage his fear; however, his friend Midge Woods identifies severe emotional shock as the most appropriate cure for his condition. The attempts to manage the acrophobia and vertigo effect, aims at minimizing related accidents, traumas, fatalities and injuries, which arise from the condition. The screenplay shows Scottie following Madeleine, his wife. Madeleine shows physical and emotional characteristics of a person who is possessed. Scottie reluctantly follows Madeleine to the florist, then to Carlotta Valdes’ grave, and finally the art museum to stare at the Portrait of Carlotta. The mysterious nature of Madeleine is further illustrated when Scottie fails to find her at the McKittrick Hotel. A local historian communicates that the image of Carlotta is mysterious because she committed suicide. Gavin illustrates that Carlotta is the issue possessing Madeleine, and also that Carlotta is the great-grandmother of Madeleine. Dramatics

Knowledge Management in Competitive Advantage

Knowledge Management in Competitive Advantage Introduction â€Å"A companys knowledge management strategy should reflect its competitive strategy: how it creates value for customers; how that value supports an economic model; and how the companys people deliver on the value and the economics. Also, competitive strategy must drive knowledge management strategy.† (Civi, 2000) Competitive strategy is described by Johnson et al (2008) as a firms focus on how to compete successfully in a market. The opening quote directs this essay to look at four areas: knowledge, knowledge management, innovation and acquisitions. The essay aims to display the interdependence of these issues, and demonstrate how they shape a firms competitive strategy. GlaxoSmithKline [GSK] is one of the leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, commanding a seven per cent share of the worlds pharmaceutical market (GlaxoSmithKline, 2009). GSKs mission is to develop innovative medicines and products that help millions of people around the world. As a company with a firm foundation in science, GSK have a flair for research and a track record of turning their research into powerful, marketable drugs. Every hour GSK spends more than  £300,000 on research and development (GlaxoSmithKline, 2009). Currently, a prevailing topic in the pharmaceutical industry is the acquisition of small biotechnology firms by the big pharmaceutical companies for their knowledge (The Economist, 2009). Innovation and acquisition are, therefore, fundamental to GSKs competitive strategy. For these reasons GSK is an ideal candidate as a reference to the discussion of this essay. Knowledge â€Å"At the strategic level the organization needs to be able to analyze and plan its business in terms of the knowledge it currently has and the knowledge it needs for future business processes.† (Civi, 2000). According to Civi (2000) the only sustainable advantage of an organization is what people know and what they do with it. The most crucial knowledge is that which is tacit. As Hamel (1991) states, tacit knowledge is highly personal, and hard to formalize. This makes it difficult to share with others and an elementary part of a firms competitive strategy, and complements Civis view that knowledge is needed for future business processes. Based on this, knowledge is the most important resource a company has. The Resource Based View [RBV] of the firm complements strategy, and is a determinant of competitive advantage (Porter, 1979). RBV assumes that the firm is a bundle of resources which are heterogeneously distributed. Researchers have theorized that when firms have resources that are valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable, they can achieve sustained competitive advantage through implementing fresh value creating strategies which cannot be easily duplicated by competitors (Bar ney, 1991). This belief links directly back to our opening quote regarding value creation, and manifests how knowledge can be exploited and can shape the strategy of the firm. It allows managers and others to build new thinking in the firm, and is a particularly crucial capability in the pharmaceutical industry (Helfat, 1997). Knowledge management A goal of GSK is to build a learning organization by leveraging their knowledge. According to Chase (1997) GSK looks to achieve their goals by delivering innovative medicines to the market place and building core competences for the future through acquisition. This supports the argument that knowledge management plays a significant role in shaping the competitive strategy of GSK through innovation and acquisition. Unlike tangible assets, knowledge does not diminish in value, and through its role as architect shapes the competitive strategy and competencies of the firm, it therefore requires careful management. Knowledge management is a business and institutional process through which firms create knowledge, as (Daveport Prusak, 1998) articulate â€Å"knowledge management is a fluid mix of framed experience, values, and contextual information and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and incorporating new experiences and information†. Having come to recognition in the early 1990s, knowledge management was adopted by Glaxo Wellcome in 1997 when it launched a Senior Executive Programme whereby it united 300 of its executives. Its objectives were to share learning across boundaries, build new networks and to inspire entrepreneurial initiatives to stimulate business growth. As (Chase, 1997) stated â€Å"Glaxo Wellcome is rapidly building its knowledge infrastructure; lear ning from reflection and review; benchmarking internally and externally; and creating dynamic adaptive systems which respond to change.† This exemplifies the role of knowledge management in competitive strategy. It is further supported by Eisenhardt and Martin (2000) who describe strategic decision making as a dynamic capability in which managers pool their various functional, business and personal expertise to make the choices that shape the major strategic moves of the firm. As a resource, knowledge is considered as multi faceted, and is an essential starting point for the embodiment of knowledge within organizations, and their overall effective use of knowledge management (McAdam McCreedy, 1999). The ultimate objective of knowledge management is indeed its ‘use, wherein ‘use is the commercial value for the customer, and is easily attributable to innovation (Wilkinson Wilmott, 1994). Innovation â€Å"Innovation involves the conversion of new knowledge into a new product, process or service and the putting of this new product, process or service into use, either by the marketplace or other methods of delivery† (Johnson, Scholes, Whittington, 2008). In the context of intense global competition and the continuously increasing pace of technological development, innovation is considered as mandatory for survival in such a dynamic market environment (Nonaka Kenney, 1991). In this context, more than ever, companies are forced to renew their product portfolio. Only with new products can they sustain their competitive position, and linking back to knowledge management, many researchers believe that tacit knowledge forms the foundation for building a sustainable competitive advantage (Seidler-de Alwis Hartmann, 2008). Jean-Pierre Garnier realized that without huge innovation the company would be at risk from competition and be unable to sustain its market share. Garniers competitive strategy revolutionized GSKs drug discovery and innovation. He commissioned three new drug discovery factories in Madrid, the UK and Pennsylvania, costing $270 million. Each day these factories conduct over 300,000 tests, and have paved the way to speedier drug discovery, providing GSK with the ability to produce a drug in just 3 years half the industry average (Anon, 2004). As a result, in February 2009 GSK had 149 products in its pipeline, more than double the number of rival Merck who had just 74 (GlaxoSmithKline, 2009). This demonstrates the role of knowledge management in creating innovative capabilities, and highlights competitive advantage. Innovation is a key aspect of competitive strategy, and offers the direction for growth. One strategy used by GSK is open innovation. As (Johnson, Scholes, Whittington, 2008) confer â€Å"successful innovation is typically done through relationships.† At GSK, ten of their eleven top consumer healthcare brands began as collaborations with outside innovators (GlaxoSmithKline, 2009), Panadol is the number one over-the counter consumer healthcare product internationally, whilst Sensodyne ranks number two internationally in oral care (Wright James, 2009). GSKs consumer healthcare innovation portal appeals to external innovators and provides access to technology experts who nurture ideas into innovations that align with the companys competitive strategy. It is achieved through legal partnerships, which create mutually beneficial relationships, bringing new ideas to life (GlaxoSmithKline, 2009). A further example of such open innovation was GSKs announcement to share research and p atent portfolios for HIV drugs with its rival Pfizer in a hope of accelerating drug development in this area and create value for customers in less developed countries (The Economist, 2009). This merged business created revenue of $1.6 billion last year, and further exhibits how knowledge management and the pursuit of new knowledge can shape competitive strategy. Acquisition Acquisition routines bring new resources, and are a source of much sought after external linkages, which distribute knowledge and technology into the firm (Gulati, 1999). Two important acquisition incentives are those of market expansion and extending product portfolios (Atuahene-Gima Patterson, 1993). These incentives are today shaping GSKs competitive strategy under the guidance of Andrew Witty. In early 2009 GSK acquired Bristol-Myers Squibb Pakistan for $36.5 million. The deal meant that GSK acquired a portfolio of over 30 well established pharmaceutical brands and bolstered its position as the top selling pharmaceutical company in emerging markets. The portfolio is complementary to GSK, and provides a wealth of new opportunities in fast growing market areas to create value for both the firm and its customers (Bicknell, 2008). This once more exemplifies the role that knowledge management can have in acquisition, and therefore competitive strategy of GSK. â€Å"Strategies are both plans for the future and patterns from the past† (Mintzberg, 1987). This statement recognizes the need for knowledge management due to its inherent experience, values, and contextual information in crafting strategy. It also recognizes the need to identify current knowledge and that knowledge which it needs for future business growth. Powell et al (1996) found that knowledge creation processes that included external linkages in the form of alliances and acquisitions led to superior RD performance. As (Eisenhardt Martin, 2000) also found, external linkages were crucial to effective knowledge creation in their extensive study of the pharmaceutical industry. Glaxos  £9.1 billion acquisition of Burroughs Wellcome in 1995 was driven by expectations of cost savings , a strengthened product pipeline and improved market position as well as the challenges presented by the expiry of the patent of Zantac; Glaxos and the industrys first blockbuster drug (James , 2002). Thus, RBV emphasizes that successful strategy is based on a firms ability to identify, accumulate and deploy resources that match market opportunities and are difficult for competitors to imitate (Amit Schoemaker, 1993). Acquisitions can further help firms reconfigure their resources, allowing adjustment to a changing business environment; in GSKs case it strengthened their ability to deliver their mission, and ultimately the values behind their strategy. This further attests the role of knowledge management in crafting competitive strategy, and supports the need for acquisitions to maintain a competitive advantage. Conclusion Knowledge management should reflect the competitive strategy of the firm, and a firms competitive strategy must drive knowledge management. By exploring knowledge, knowledge management, innovation and acquisitions this work has evaluated knowledge as an asset integral to the firms competitive strategy. In the case of GSK, they have formed their own knowledge management strategy, and identified the importance of knowledge in guiding their innovation and acquisitions. Knowledge management, therefore, plays a major role in GSKs strategy. President John F. Kennedy once said: â€Å"In a time of turbulence and change, it is truer than ever that knowledge is power†. This essay has emanated Kennedys quote by identifying knowledge as the crux of new thinking and value creation, and therefore, economic power. As discussed, knowledge not only complements a firms strategy but also provides competitive advantage. At GSK this knowledge is transformed into powerful, marketable drugs. Shepard (2000) further supports this point by stating that knowledge, while difficult to quantify, and even more difficult to manage is a strategic corporate asset. Having recognized the importance of knowledge to the firm, this work then directed towards knowledge management. As was displayed, GSK adopted their own knowledge management strategy in a bid to encourage entrepreneurial initiatives and stimulate business growth through the release of knowledge. As (Halawi, McCarthy, Aronson, 2006) comment, â€Å"an organization managing knowledge well has the potential to create significant value, but only if it is linked to its overall strategy.† This reinforces the opening quote, and also provides the foundation not only to GSKs knowledge management, but also to their innovation and acquisition. The role of knowledge management is to find, understand and use knowledge to create value, thereby guiding a firms competitive strategy. Innovation is an encapsulation of the ‘use of knowledge management. It can be seen that knowledge management is the formulation of and access to knowledge, experience and expertise that encourage innovation. At GSK this is pursued both in-house and through open innovative relationships. As Halawi et al (2006) support â€Å"knowledge management pleads you to gaze at the informal networks and protocols, sharing experiences and know-how, in addition to cultural and technological elements that drive creativity and innovation.† The discussion finally examined acquisition as a strategy for creating external linkages and delivering new resources and that would not only improve the firms competitiveness but also RD and innovation. Glaxos acquisition of Burroughs Wellcome and Bristol-Myers Squibb Pakistan clearly illustrate this and show knowledge managements role as a driver behind GSKs acquisitions. Through detailing the four areas in this essay, and linking knowledge management and competitive strategy this work has shown that knowledge management can and does play an integral role in shaping the competitive strategy of the firm. It creates competitive advantage and develops core competences. At GSK, this has been achieved through its own knowledge management strategy, innovation and acquisition. It must be noted, however, that many organizations do not understand the strategic importance of their knowledge assets in building, and maintaining sustainable competitive advantage (Halawi, McCarthy, Aronson, 2006). Bibliography Amit, R., Schoemaker, P. (1993). Strategic assets and organizational rent. Strategic Management Journal 14 , 33-46. Anon. (2004). Innovation at GlaxoSmithKline: is it the safest way?: How to ensure creativity enhances your business without threatening the bottom line. Strategic Direction , 16-18. Atuahene-Gima, K., Patterson, P. (1993). Managerial perceptions of technology licensing as an alternative to RD in new product development: an empirical investigation. RD Management 23 (4) , 327-336. Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management 17 (1) , 99-120. Bicknell, S. (2008, December). BMS: Company News. Retrieved December 1, 2009, from Bloomberg: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstoryrefer=conewstkr=BMY:USsid=a7nwjjqlOaxc Chase, R. L. (1997). Knowledge management benchmarks. Journal of Knowledge Management , 83-92. Civi, E. (2000). Knowledge management as a competitive asset: a review. Market Intelligence and Planning 18/4 , 166-174. Daveport, T., Prusak, L. (1998). Working Knowledge. Harvard Business School Press , 35-90. Eisenhardt, K., Martin, J. (2000). Dynamic capabilities: What are they? Strategic Management Journal 21 , 1105-1121. GlaxoSmithKline. (2009, September 7). About GSK. Retrieved November 29, 2009, from GlaxoSmithKline Website: http://www.gsk.co.uk/about/index.html GlaxoSmithKline. (2009). GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. Retrieved November 27, 2009, from Glaxo Smith Kline Website: www.innovation.gsk.com GlaxoSmithKline. (2009, February). GlaxoSmithKline Investors. Retrieved November 28, 2009, from GlaxoSmithKline Website: http://www.gsk.com/investors/product_pipeline/docs/gsk-pipeline-feb09.pdf Gulati, R. (1999). Network location and learning: the influence of network resources and firm capabilities on alliance formation. Strategic Management Journal 20 (5) , 397-420. Halawi, L., McCarthy, R., Aronson, J. (2006). Knowledge management and the competitive strategy of the firm. The Learning Organisation , 384-397. Hamel, G. (1991). Competition for competence and interpartner learning within international strategic alliances. Strategic Management Journal 12 , 83-102. Helfat, C. (1997). Know-how and asset complementarity and dynamic capabilty accumulation. Strategic Management Journal 18 (5) , 339-360. James, A. (2002). The Strategic Management of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Developing a Resource-based Perspective. Technology Analysis Strategic Management 14 (3) , 299-313. Johnson, G., Scholes, K., Whittington, R. (2008). Exploring Corporate Strategy. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall. Mansfield, E. (1988). The speed and cost of industrial innovation in Japan and the United States: external vs internal technology. Management Science 34 (10) , 1157-1168. McAdam, R., McCreedy, S. (1999). The Process of Knowledge Management within Organizations: a Critical Assessment of both Theory and Practice. Knowledge and Process Management 6 (2) , 101-113. Mintzberg, H. (1987). Crafting Strategy. Harvard Business Review July-August , 66-75. Nonaka, I., Kenney, M. (1991). Towards a new theory of innovation management: a case study comparing Canon and Apple. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management 8 , 67-83. Porter, M. (1979). How competitive forces shape strategy. Harvard Business Review 57 (2) , 137-145. Powell, W., Koput, K., Smith-Doerr, L. (1996). Interorganizational collaboration and the locus of innovation. Administrative Science Quarterly 41 (1) , 116-145. Seidler-de Alwis, R., Hartmann, R. (2008). The use of tacit knowledge within innovative companies: knowledge management in innovative enterprises. Journal of Knowledge Management 12 (1) , 133-147. Shepard, S. (2000). Telecommunications Convergence. New York: McGraw Hill. The Economist. (2009, August 6). Big drug firms embrace generics. Retrieved November 29, 2009, from The Economist: http://www.economist.com/businessfinance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=E1_TQTSSVVJ The Economist. (2009, July 16). New initiatives to cure diseases of the poor world. Retrieved November 28, 2009, from The Economist: http://www.economist.com/research/articlesBySubject/displaystory.cfm?subjectid=531766story_id=E1_TQDPTQNQ Wilkinson, A., Wilmott, H. (1994). Making Quality Critical: New Perspectives on Organisational Change. London: Routledge. Wright, T., James, K. (2009). Innovation and Marketing Excellence. London: GSK.

Critique on Open City Essay -- Film Movies

Critique on Open City â€Å"Open City† is a neo-realist film that followed the movement in Italy during World War 2. The film is neo-realistic because it has that ‘reality’ like feeling to it by following specific characters through their daily stressful lives that are screwed up from poverty and war. It has many qualities that make it in some ways ‘closer’ to the characters. While watching, the viewer is sucked into the story and immediately feeling emotional with the families and the other various characters in the film. The main reason is Rossellini's choosing dramatic music and kids with big eyes. This film is divided into two separate parts. First, is a story that shows a situation in Italy during the Nazi occupation of World War II. There are a couple of members of a secret underground movement that try to keep the Nazis away from them. This movement is made up of poor Italians, who are troubled by the war and other Nazi ideologies. One of the members of the revolutionist group is engaged to a mother of the young boy, and the wedding is about to take place in a matter of days. But all sorts of problems follow, and all of this is based on how the Nazis will finally catch up with these traitors. The second, more effective and emotional part of the film is a tragic melodrama. At the beginning, the movie appears to be very dark and gloomy. This is shown from the riot at the bakery and the young revolutionist running away from authorities. There was so much trouble that the family went through to eat, and survive. The tension increases so smoothly yet it drives the nerves of the watcher during the family argument scene (which proves to be very effective). The only relief of any kind is portrayed by the younger generation. They are the only ones that manage to actually have explosives. Smart move by the director as the kids are the only sense of any kind of future since there was so much trouble the day the Nazi’s entered the OPEN CITY. Some more devastation is the mistreatment of women by Nazi soldiers when families are evacuated from their houses. The soldier still tried to molest the women despite her vulgar responses to his gripping. The following scene when the revolutionist was caught and taken by authorities had a very good build up to it. Rossolini showed us all the trouble in a matter of minutes and to add to it, the running of the woman... ...res about. In this scene though he pointlessly attempts to protect the Jesus statue from the nakedness of the other statue the same way he tries to protect his friends from the ‘enemy’ or fascists. This is another good example of how Rossellini seems to be more of a documentary-style reality film. This film was part of the Italian Neo-realism era that did not use standards in filmmaking. They used a few different elements like non-professional actors doing most of the minor roles. The film was mentioned in class to be shot in 1945 when the war was still occurring and it was great timing for shooting in Italy. Mainly because the scenery they used was real. In the long-run, the film’s main topic was based on a widely spoken about important issue at the time- war. Open City is one of the most interesting films due to many aspects. Mainly for giving a picture of a situation which at the time happened not too long before the end Nazi occupation and enhanced the effect by being a melodrama. At times the film felt like a documentary, but that’s what made it quite interesting as well. These historical facts guarantee that Rossellini’s film is important, even if not always perfect. Critique on Open City Essay -- Film Movies Critique on Open City â€Å"Open City† is a neo-realist film that followed the movement in Italy during World War 2. The film is neo-realistic because it has that ‘reality’ like feeling to it by following specific characters through their daily stressful lives that are screwed up from poverty and war. It has many qualities that make it in some ways ‘closer’ to the characters. While watching, the viewer is sucked into the story and immediately feeling emotional with the families and the other various characters in the film. The main reason is Rossellini's choosing dramatic music and kids with big eyes. This film is divided into two separate parts. First, is a story that shows a situation in Italy during the Nazi occupation of World War II. There are a couple of members of a secret underground movement that try to keep the Nazis away from them. This movement is made up of poor Italians, who are troubled by the war and other Nazi ideologies. One of the members of the revolutionist group is engaged to a mother of the young boy, and the wedding is about to take place in a matter of days. But all sorts of problems follow, and all of this is based on how the Nazis will finally catch up with these traitors. The second, more effective and emotional part of the film is a tragic melodrama. At the beginning, the movie appears to be very dark and gloomy. This is shown from the riot at the bakery and the young revolutionist running away from authorities. There was so much trouble that the family went through to eat, and survive. The tension increases so smoothly yet it drives the nerves of the watcher during the family argument scene (which proves to be very effective). The only relief of any kind is portrayed by the younger generation. They are the only ones that manage to actually have explosives. Smart move by the director as the kids are the only sense of any kind of future since there was so much trouble the day the Nazi’s entered the OPEN CITY. Some more devastation is the mistreatment of women by Nazi soldiers when families are evacuated from their houses. The soldier still tried to molest the women despite her vulgar responses to his gripping. The following scene when the revolutionist was caught and taken by authorities had a very good build up to it. Rossolini showed us all the trouble in a matter of minutes and to add to it, the running of the woman... ...res about. In this scene though he pointlessly attempts to protect the Jesus statue from the nakedness of the other statue the same way he tries to protect his friends from the ‘enemy’ or fascists. This is another good example of how Rossellini seems to be more of a documentary-style reality film. This film was part of the Italian Neo-realism era that did not use standards in filmmaking. They used a few different elements like non-professional actors doing most of the minor roles. The film was mentioned in class to be shot in 1945 when the war was still occurring and it was great timing for shooting in Italy. Mainly because the scenery they used was real. In the long-run, the film’s main topic was based on a widely spoken about important issue at the time- war. Open City is one of the most interesting films due to many aspects. Mainly for giving a picture of a situation which at the time happened not too long before the end Nazi occupation and enhanced the effect by being a melodrama. At times the film felt like a documentary, but that’s what made it quite interesting as well. These historical facts guarantee that Rossellini’s film is important, even if not always perfect.