Mis Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Telecommunications, the Internet, and Wireless Technology1) Telephone networks are fundamentally different from computer networks. Answer: TRUE 2) Increasingly, voice, video, and data communications are all based on Internet technology. Answer: TRUE Â   3) To create a computer network, you must have at least two computers. Answer: TRUE 4) An NOS must reside on a dedicated server computer in order to manage a network. Answer: FALSE 5) A hub is a networking device that connects network components and is used to filter and forward data to specified destinations on the network. Answer: FALSE 6) In a client/server network, a network server provides every connected client with an address so it can be found by others on the network. Answer: TRUE 7) Central large mainframe computing has largely replaced client/server computing. Answer: FALSE 8) Circuit switching makes much more efficient use of the communications capacity of a network than does packet switching. Answer: FALSE 9) A protocol is a standard set of rules and procedures for the control of communications in a network. Answer: TRUE 10) Two computers using TCP/IP can communicate even if they are based on different hardware and software platforms. Answer: TRUE11) In a ring topology, one station transmits signals, which travel in both directions along a single transmission segment. Answer: FALSE12) Coaxial cable is similar to that used for cable television and consists of thickly insulated copper wire. Answer: TRUE13) Fiber-optic cable is more expensive and harder to install than wire media. Answer: TRUE14) The number of cycles per second that can be sent through any telecommunications medium is measured in kilobytes. Answer: FALSE15) The Domain Name System (DNS) converts IP addresses to domain names. Answer: FALSE16) VoIP technology delivers video information in digital form using packet switching. Answer: TRUE17) Web 3. 0 is a collaborative effort to add a layer of meaning to the existing Web in order to reduce the amount of human involvement in searching for and processing Web information. Answer: TRUE18) Wi-Fi enables users to freely roam from one hotspot to another even if the next hotspot is using different Wi-Fi network services. Answer: FALSE19) WiMax has a wireless access range of up to 31 miles. Answer: TRUE20) RFID has been exceptionally popular from the technology's inception because of its low implementation costs. Answer: FALSE21) The device that acts as a connection point between computers and can filter and forward data to a specified destination is called a(n)A) hub.B) switch.C) router.D) NIC.22) The Internet is based on which three key technologies?A) TCP/IP, HTML, and HTTPB) TCP/IP, HTTP, and packet switchingC) client/server computing, packet switching, and the development of communications standards for linking networks and computersD) client/server computing, packet switching, and HTTP23) The method of slicing digital messages into parcels, transmitting them along different communication paths, and reassembling them at their destinations is calledA) multiplexing.B) packe t switching.C) packet routing.D) ATM.24) The telephone system is an example of a ________ network.A) peer-to-peerB) wirelessC) packet-switchedD) circuit-switched25) Which of the following is not a characteristic of packet switching?A) Packets travel independently of each other.B) Packets are routed through many different paths.C) Packet switching requires point-to-point circuits.D) Packets include data for checking transmission errors.26) In TCP/IP, IP is responsible forA) disassembling and reassembling of packets during transmission.B) establishing an Internet connection between two computers.C) moving packets over the network.D) sequencing the transfer of packets.27) In a telecommunications network architecture, a protocol isA) a device that handles the switching of voice and data in a local area network.B) a standard set of rules and procedures for control of communications in a network.C) a communications service for microcomputer users.D) the main computer in a telecommunicatio ns network.28) What are the four layers of the TCP/IP reference model?A) physical, application, transport, and network interfaceB) physical, application, Internet, and network interfaceC) application, transport, Internet, and network interfaceD) application, hardware, Internet, and network interface29) Which signal types are represented by a continuous waveform?A) laserB) opticalC) digitalD) analog30) To use the analog telephone system for sending digital data, you must also useA) a modem.B) a router.C) DSL.D) twisted wire.31) Which type of network is used to connect digital devices within a half-mile or 500-meter radius?A) microwaveB) LANC) WAND) MAN32) Which of the following Internet connection types offers the greatest bandwidth?A) T3B) DSLC) cableD) T133) Which type of network would be most appropriate for a business that comprised three employees and a manager located in the same office space, whose primary need is to share documents?A) wireless network in infrastructure modeB) domain-based LANC) peer-to-peer networkD) campus area network34) In a bus networkA) signals are broadcast to the next station.B) signals are broadcast in both directions to the entire network.C) multiple hubs are organized in a hierarchy.D) messages pass from computer to computer in a loop.35) All network components connect to a single hub in a ________ topology.A) starB) busC) domainD) peer-to-peer36) The most common Ethernet topology isA) bus.B) star.C) ring.D) mesh.37) A network that spans a city, and sometimes its major suburbs as well, is called aA) CAN.B) MAN.C) LAN.D) WAN.38) A network that covers broad geographical regions is most commonly referred to as a(n)A) local area network.B) intranet.C) peer-to-peer network.D) wide area network.39) ________ work by using radio waves to communicate with radio antennas placed within adjacent geographic areas.A) Cell phonesB) MicrowavesC) SatellitesD) WANs40) Bandwidth is theA) number of frequencies that can be broadcast through a medi um.B) number of cycles per second that can be sent through a medium.C) difference between the highest and lowest frequencies that can be accommodated on a single channel.D) total number of bytes that can be sent through a medium per second.

Unit 37 Understanding Business Ethics

Unit 37 – Understanding Business Ethics Explain at least 3 general activities from an ethical viewpoint your chosen business needs to consider in its operational activities. Describe how the business is attempting to show its stakeholders that it is aware of the ethical concerns that apply. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) CSR is about how companies manage the business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society. Business ethics Business ethics is the accepted set of moral values and corporate standards of conduct in a business organization.The specifics of what this actually means can vary from one organization to another. Task 1/P1 Include the following, which should explain: Virgin Airlines operational activities A Virgin Atlantic employee has resigned following allegations she passed on eight celebrities' flight details to paparazzi agency Big Pictures in 2010. Among those reportedly affected were Tottenham Hotspur player Jermaine Defoe, actress Sienna Miller and singer Cheryl Cole, the Guardian reported. Virgin Atlantic has said it is investigating while Defoe's spokeswoman said he was consulting lawyers.The employee has denied the allegations. Other celebrities named by the paper include Ms Cole's ex-husband, the Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, actresses Scarlett Johansson and Gwyneth Patrol and pop stars Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger. http://www. bbc. co. uk/news/uk-17637277 Virgin started a trial of free Wireless In-flight Entertainment on a few selected air crafts; the idea was to see if flight entertainment boosted annual profits, they wanted to provide state of the art systems including 300 hours of movies, TV shows and music all available on your own device.The device can be accessed on an iPod, iPhone, iPod, and laptops this shows that Virgin is also in touch with modern technology Virgin yet needs to consider potential price changes for the customers and how this might effect them travelling with the company. Vi rgin Atlantic has reduced fuel emissions by 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually following the introduction of innovative, new flight software. New, innovative computer software will save Virgin Atlantic almost 20 million and reduce fuel emissions by 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, it has emerged.The sophisticated system can pin-point accurately where fuel can be used more efficiently, monitoring 300 different points during each flight and enabling the airline to reduce fuel burn significantly. As a result the airline can now boast impressive emission cuts and savings of of ? 20 million. http://www. clickgreen. org. uk/news/national-news/123721-airline-virgin-atlantic-reveals-100,000-tonnes-of-annual-co2-savings. html Virgin airlines mission Statement and corporate aims and objectives?Virgin airlines mission statement says that they want to provide safety, security and consistent delivery of the basics that are the foundation of everything that they do. Virgin also h as their aims and objectives. These aims are to provide their passengers with pleasurable flying experience from the time they book the flight to the time the plane lands at their destination. Virgin Atlantic also want provide a cost affective way to travel which appeals to all classes.How Virgin Airline attempts to show its stakeholders that it is aware of the ethical concerns Virgin have already created more than 200 branded company’s world wide, employing approximately 50,000 people, in 29 countries Virgin have Corporate social responsibility (CSR) which is how companies manage the business process to produce an overall positive impact on society, Virgin are now doing this by delivering brand values, which are: value for currency, superior quality, dazzling customer service, pioneering, competitively testing and fun. to provide a quality service by motivating employees and to assist and examine consumer feedback. Virgin value all its stakeholders which is anyone who is inv olved in the running of the business, they are an essential part of virgin production and brand and keeping trust in Virgin is one of their core values. In 2006 the group defined a Code of Conduct, covering human rights, environmental concern and business ethics issues. Virgin also launched 3 non for profit projects.These where Virgin earth, Virgin Green Fund and Virgin Unite Virgin Earth rewards a $25 million dollar prize for inventing a method or design of anthropogenic and atmospheric greenhouse gases removal which results in Earths climate stability. http://www. examiner. com/article/a-company-profile-virgin P2 Task 2 Explain the implications, benefits and drawbacks for the business and its stakeholders of operating ethically and any conflicts of interest between different stakeholders, with reasons. The meaning of stakeholders and why they are important to the business with regards to ethical behaviour.Stakeholders are anyone that makes a significant difference or shares and in terest in the overall success and running of the business e. g. the stakeholders in Virgin are the shareholders, management and employees, customers and suppliers, banks, government, trade unions, pressure groups. At Virgin they like to promote good ethical behaviour because they want a good reputation among all the stakeholders, if Virgin behaves ethically then this can attract more and more stakeholders such as suppliers and customers, which in turn can boost the annual profit.Virgin’s stakeholders play a vital role in the progress of the company which is why Virgin needs to behave ethically. This means that all the staff must be treating fairly by complying with all legislation, to attract good employees, always creating new jobs; recently Virgin has decided to go into banking by putting in a bid to buy Northern Rock, the banks today are responsible for our current economic state thus far, Sir Richard Branson ( Virgin Owner) wants put the trust back in banking and shake up the sector, Branson seams like he genially shares an interest in society, he makes comments such as we genuinely try to do what’s right. Any company that does that, hopefully, gets a good, positive brand, and if you’re not trying to do what is right in life, then your brand is damaged. We like to run our company ethically. ’ Richard Branson sets a persona of a person who cares about the public, which proves beneficial to the company because people are more likely to take an interest due to Virgin running its business ethically. The reasons for conflict of interest between stakeholdersTheir are many reasons for conflict of interest between businesses, at Virgin more than 300 GPs decided to end their partnerships with Richard Branson's Virgin Care to provide healthcare services after criticism that the arrangements might see doctors personally profit from sending patients to clinics they part-own under the coalition's health reforms. Under Virgins former name Ass ura, set up 24 local companies, knows as GPCOS which wanted the NHS to fund them to offer community services such as dermatology, physiotherapy and rheumatology to patients this was all run as partnerships with local GPS.The government decided to force GPs to commission health services but they put family doctors in a position of conflict of interest. As a result of this Virgin had taken over the provider companies, they released the doctors from there obligations, and talks with the GPS have been going on for around 18 months. http://www. guardian. co. uk/society/2012/oct/24/doctors-virgin-partnership-conflict-of-interest The benefits and drawbacks of ethical practice to the business on the way in which it is operating and give reasons with examples.Richard Branson ( Virgins owner) likes to make sure that society believe and trust in the company, recently Sir Richard Branson offered a $25m prize for scientists who find away to prevent the threatening effects off climate change to o r planet. Richard Branson’s is trying to offer scientists incentives to come up with a way to extract greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Richard Branson understands the importance of behaving ethically and has shown an interest in the future of the planet, also by him doings so he encourages other organisations to match this by operating in a similar more positive way. Task 3Assess how your selected business could improve the ethics of their operations. †¢Assess how your selected business could change or alter some of its practices, showing how the changes would contribute to ethical behaviour, with reference the 3 issues discussed in Task 1, (eg Walker’s Crisps altering the fat and salt content in their crisps to address consumer health; Europe’s largest oil and gas companies planning to survey their suppliers to establish, for the first time, a global database on supplier corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies to check compliance with treatment of the environment, workers and customers. This task addresses M1 In comparison to all the over airlines Virgin Atlantic by far operates the most ethically, like most companies they still have problems within the airline, recently their has been conflict with Virgin and its customers. It came to light that their has been an issue with a member of staff leaking information to the media about who and when, celebrity’s and politicians where traveling on the airline this matter has serious implications, although this is simply immoral, it effects the privacy of the individual and could potentially put the person in danger.Following these allegations in the press in April Virgin voluntary contacted the information Commissioners office and fully assisted with the enquiries, they couldn’t find any other evidence of other members of staff leaking the information and breaking the data protection act, however this is a matter that Virgin takes seriously as it says in the missio n statement that they want to provide safety and security. In my opinion they should take action to prevent this from happening again.I think Virgin should improve the way they structure the recruitment process by asking more questions in the interviews that are relative to this matter, such as have you ever work for the media? Do you have any friends that work for the press? I also think that how they handle personal information needs to improve and should be looked at again to see if their are any loop wholes of gaining access to this type of information. Virgin media needs to keep matching its reputation if the company wants to keep up the trust it’s built over the last few years.I also spoke about Virgin having free wireless internet and flight entertainment on the planes this has proved to rapidly boost of annual profits, I only have one idea to improve this idea and that is to make this device available to all classes not just upper class individuals. Virgin still need to change the price but I think if they didn’t do this so vigorously and applied the idea to lower class passengers more people would then fly with Virgin and enjoy the experience.Virgin Atlantic has reduced fuel emissions by 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide saving them 20 million each year, Virgin have worked with emissions specialists CICS and environ to assess both the emissions of the air craft operations and the carbon foot print. I think this puts Virgin in a good position and most certainly makes them look like a well organised ethical business. I would recommend Virgin to promote this idea to over airlines; this should work because although they are taking into account global warming they are reducing expenses which n turn will lead to an increase in profit. Task 4 Evaluate the impact the changes and suggestions from Task 3 would have on the selected business and its stakeholders. This will need to be supported with evidence of research. Related to your chosen organis ation, select 2 stakeholders and explain the relationship between these stakeholders and the organisation. I have chosen to work on the relationship between 2 stakeholders in Virgin Atlantic; these stakeholders are the employers and the employees who work for the organisation.The relationship between these stakeholders and the organisation is tied to the success of the business e. g. In task 3 I talked about why staff leaking information to the media would affect the customers, this is because the customers in this case who were people in the public eye did not want the public to know when or where they were traveling. This concerned the customers; if you are making your customers concerned about their safety then they are less likely to use your organisation which in turn will mean a loss of profit.I thought of a solution to try and prevent this from happening again, the idea was to find out information about potential employees at the interview stage, and to offer good incentives for employers who report these people, this act would also let them know that leaking information has been an issue and might make them think twice about doing this in the future, in my opinion the more you make your staff aware about these issues their is less chance of them reacquiring. Evaluate how the suggested changes and suggestions on ethical practice will impact on the stakeholders and the business.I think with staff signing more legal documents and training staff to look out for people not complying with company policy and offering incentives for them to catch these people, will lead to the customers preferably upper class customers gaining more trust when using the airline, because their has been some bad press about the information leak, it has had a knock on effect on the image of the business and now Virgin needs to put the trust back into the business. With this idea they can almost reassure customers that any information on the whereabouts can be considered safe. With the practice in place it will take a lot of

Dawn Riley Essay

CEO of America True, Dawn Riley, faces several issues of various criticalities that require careful decision making. The preeminent decision that Dawn Riley faces is whether or not to spend limited funds and resources on upgrading Tag, their training boat. Concurrent with that decision, Dawn is facing several other issues and challenges that need to be addressed. In order to address each of the challenges, a standard issues matrix used below highlights the severity of an issue and the likelihood of it requiring immediate or drastic action. Red: Critical and require immediate management action or decisions Yellow: Lesser critical nature, requiring monitoring of controls to ensure that controls stay in place and does not lead to a more critical ranking. Orange: Lesser critical nature, requiring monitoring of controls and process improvement. Maroon: Issue of a least critical nature – more related to Operational Housekeeping then control concerns. Issue Analysis The issues are divided into two primary areas, leadership and technical. The technical issues include design changes and costs, determining the A-Team, how to manage constructability reviews between the sailing team and the design team, and funding challenges. Each of these issues has a technical solution that can be managed through a process or controls change. The former area, leadership, deals with Dawn Riley’s role in the team and how she shepherds the America True team through these challenges and are solved through adjusting leadership styles. Technical Issues: Funding: Part of Dawn Riley’s role is to prioritize the available budget and to seek new sources of funding. This is a constant source of strain as re-design efforts take additional funding as â€Å"there was a common perception that syndicates with unlimited resources could â€Å"outgrunt† other syndicates by making limitless adjustments. This issue is critical and requires constant management oversight and controls. The action here would be making â€Å"judicious decisions† on how to spend the funds. Tag Upgrade: America True was a smaller syndicate than normal, and their designer Kaiko could not be performing two tasks at once, designing a new part for Tag, or designing a new raceboat keel. This issue would also have implications on funding. This was a critical issue and required executive action to solve. Constructability Reviews: Fostering communication between the designers and the sailors was listed as a potential problem area given that â€Å"sailors ca n get the feeling that designers are too far removed from the problem.† However, in the same token, the sailors also felt that they could contribute more than previous experiences. This is an important issue that probably requires more monitoring than corrective action. A-Team members & Sexism: There was a limited amount of tension between A team and B team members compared to other syndicates. However, â€Å"some of the men who were afraid there would be a â€Å"quota† of women on the raceboat.† For this reason Picking A-Team members and Sexism were identified as a joint issue. Dawn faced the challenge of picking a team that was best qualified and not perceived to have favoritism or quota’s determining who would be on the boat. This is a delicate issue as lack of confidence in your team members and the selection process could lead to a breakdown of trust, one of the first symptoms of Dysfunction in a team. This is a particularly sensitive issue given that the entire issue rests entirely on personality dynamics which take leadership to successfully navigate. Leadership Issues Consensus Style of leadership: Since the outset of the project, Dawn Riley and her management team â€Å"had grown accustomed to making consensus-based decisions.† There are different times when Consensus style of leadership work well and there are times when it does not. The flaws inherent in it are obvious: time consuming, people can be hurt if their choice is not selected, etc. Tag Upgrade: This issue shows up also in the Leadership side of our issues ledger. Dawn is approaching this upgrade as though it is a singular event, however in reality it is a process that has been unfolding over time. â€Å"An â€Å"event† leader would mull in solitude, ask for advice, read reports, mull some more, then say yea or nay and send the organization off to make it happen.† In reality this decision is a process that has been unfolding over the 18 months that Dawn has been leading the team, and would have implications towards group dynamics, and affect the personal and professional relationships within the group. Riley’s leadership role in the pit: As the only Syndicate head who sailed with the crew, there is a certain amount of tension regarding her role on the boat. Even though Dawn recognized that her subordinate Cutler might have a certain amount of discomfort with Dawn in that position since she might step in to take over at any given time she chose to disregard that. Dawn’s role in the pit was to function as the â€Å"integrator† and was at a central position within the boat to react and direct as required. This suggests that Dawn likes to have a strong role on the boat similar to her role off the boat, in the middle of everything and in the know. Muddled Organizational Structure: Throughout the text, there are indications that the organizational structure is unclear or not scrupulously followed. There is no hierarchy to the organizational chart and while Dawn may make it believe it is clear on what her roles and responsibilities are, it appears that she muddles the roles herself given that there was a perception that people were â€Å"working for two masters.† Recommendations and Resolutions Were this in an earlier stage, then there would be a recommendation to solicit additional funding, however given the criticalities of the schedule and the need for the management team to focus on resolving other technical and management issues, it would be recommended that the Dawn and Chris Coffin make the decision to stay within their existing financial plan structure and field the best team they can. It is likely, given Dawn’s many responsibilities, that she could successfully attract additional sponsors unless she gave away other responsibilities regarding the team, which is unlikely to occur.

Media Globalisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Media Globalisation - Essay Example The usage of facts and figures has been excellent here and the writer has not stepped back in accepting the fact that the Japanese television industry is highly influenced by the American industry. Then the trend of the Japanese television industry has been explained. The trend shifted towards more television shows from movies due to the huge boom in the popularity of television serials (Chun, 2006, p.368). Though American influence was present but since 1980s except some television serials imported from America others haven't fare well in Japan. American movie culture is still quite famous and people enjoy watching movies produced in Hollywood. The fame of television series' led to a decline in the movie audience and this lead to more filmmakers turning towards television industry, which only led to an increase in the popularity of television serials (Blumenthal et al, 2006, p.592). The importance given to a television serial is on the basis of its local touch that is the viewers do n't really care if the serial is a copy from some other television industry what they really care about is the 'Japanese odor' in the serial. The solution to this situation was to import television shows from different industries and run them in Japan adding a local touch, which proved to be quite successful in the end. One of the example of such television show mentioned by the writer here is 'Who wants to be a millionaire'. The success rate of this show in Japan was huge though it was an imported show but the cultural touch relevant to Japan that was given to it proved outstanding. The Japanese version is mostly the same as of the version running in Britain but with some amendments like the appearance of celebrities as challengers. The draw back that this article has here is the mentioning of an international television show being popular when the writer himself mentioned that locally produced television serials are more liked by Japanese people. To level out this effect the write r than discusses a show that was imported from America but failed to make its mark in the Japanese television industry, the name of the program is 'Survivor'. The cultural products that Japan exports are called culturally odorless as they do not depict any cultural theme of the country. It is in this context that the Japanese is called Mukokuseki which means something or someone lacking any nationality. Now the writer directs his attention towards the television serials that are being exported from Japan. The interesting fact here that the writer mentions is the number of programs being exported by Japan is far more than imported. The writer also discusses the point raised by many critics who say that the largest shareholder of Japanese exported programs is animation and cartoons. This point is further supported by the fact that the writer presents, the fact is that animated programs produced in Japanese only consist of 1 percent of the total animated programs being produced by Japan confirming that they are being produced to export. The animation producers do not portray Japanese culture in the cartoons and games because they think that this is better for these programs as they are for export. (Gomery & Hockley, 2006, p.142) By glocalizing, the Japanese are buying highly prominent program formats in the West and then localizing them according to the tastes of the Japanese. The author points that the format business is considered as a highly effective and

What constitutes a prudent strategic planning process(In public Essay

What constitutes a prudent strategic planning process(In public service) - Essay Example In the process of establishing a strategy, the first measure has to be establishing a foundation for the process. This entails planning how to instigate the process of strategy making. This ascertains that no hitches are experienced in the planning process. According to Norman Flynn, this procedure is known as planning how to plan (Norman 184). This procedure further ensures that guidelines for the process are clearly articulated beforehand. The goal for setting out strategies entails achieving the mission and vision of the respective public organ. As such, it is imperative that these be spelled out clearly in the strategic planning process. This is hinged on the fact that, this ensures that the strategies are formulated in line with the respective vision and mission of the public organ. This assertion is further cited by other researchers (Bryson 266). When this is not adhered to, the public organ runs the risk of formulating redundant strategies thus impeding its overall benefit to the public. Often, there are intrinsic factors that prevent a firm from total effectiveness in its mandated task. It is only in the event where such factors, if indeed they exist, are addressed will the organization realize its mission and vision. As such, an important element in a strategic management process identification of these factors. These intrinsic factors fashion a core rationale behind the failure of public endeavors (Steiner, 325). A variety of different strategies are normally proposed during the strategic planning process. However, it takes significant deliberation to arrive at the most beneficial avenue. The team tasked with this mandate has to weight the impact of all the proposed strategies and recommend the most appropriate one. The team must seek to answer preset questions on the best avenue to employ (Sukumar 134). The best strategy should be the one that positively answers these preset questions. At its climax, the planning process

Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 205

Summary - Essay Example Swift explains that a year old and healthy child provides the most nourishing and delicious meal (2). Therefore, she proposes that the public should reserve 20,000 children and sell the remaining 100,000 to the rich people, who would use them for food. Swift believes that the proposal will reduce the number of children who present many challenges to the country. It will also enable the poorer tenants to afford the basic needs, thus reducing their distress. The proposal will increase the nations’ stock, allowing people to produce and use their own goods in order to ensure circulation of money within the country (Swift 4). In addition to earning eight shillings sterling every year, it will also relieve their parents the task of caring for their children. Swift argues that the scheme will induce marriage, and mothers will care and tender their children in a good manner because they will be sure of making profits, rather than incurring expenses. Swift, Jonathan. "A Modest Proposal: For Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland, from being a Burden on their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Public." 2008. pp. 1-7. Accessed from May 12, 2015 :

Anthropology is holistic in including the study of humans as both Essay

Anthropology is holistic in including the study of humans as both biological organisms and as cultural of social organisms - Essay Example Right from its definition, anthropology describes the study of all spheres of humankind. Anthropology studies the overall human society by examining the broad vista of the human life right from the origin of mankind to the modern forms of life taking into consideration various salient features such as the variations in cultural disposition in different societies around the world as well as the entire man’s social life. In addressing the complex human life, anthropology explores the corners of the entire block by dividing the human society into four main blocks which include: the human politics, the socioeconomic configuration of the human society, the religious perspectives in the diverse human life and the aspect of the general ideology in man. This gives a holistic perspective in elaborating the entire panorama in understanding man in his changing interrelationships with each other as well as with the surrounding environment. Besides, anthropology studies the contemporary so ciety by paying a keen visit to the man’s past or history and evolutionary processes further giving it a holistic approach in relating man’s past with the present in order to come up with an all round description of the human society giving it a better understanding in a chronological manner (Washburn). In dealing with the human society, anthropology views the society in two main perspectives: man’s biological environments as well as his cultural environments. The biological anthropology deals with the study of human origins from a biological point of view while the cultural anthropology studies man’s cultural backgrounds usually along a historical path. Biological anthropology as a sub branch of anthropology, deals with the study of the corporeal growth in human genus hence playing a very crucial role in the learning of human beginnings as well as in the identification and classification of human fossils to reconstruct the theory of man’s evolutio n from a scientific point of view. It borrows more from the human body capacity (anthropometrics), human genetics as well as from human osteology. Besides, anthropology helps in categorizing man and other primates based on the study of their brain evolution and development over time in order to come up with a chronological account in reconstructing the changes in human society (Marks). Moreover, biomedical anthropology as a sub branch of anthropology has also contributed immensely in the anthropological exploration of the biological world in relation to the medical field. Even though this is mainly well developed in the United States where biomedical anthropology holds a higher rank, the sub discipline adequately helps in relating medicine and anthropology by incorporating ideas and knowledge from the biological and medical anthropology sub-disciplines. Thus, it can be strongly argued that biomedical anthropology has contributed in improving medical and biomedical sciences through t he holistic integration of the cross- cultural, behavioural and epidemiological points of view on health related matters. As an academic discipline therefore, biomedical anthropology has been closely related to human biology. Biology can also be closely linked to the typological studies in anthropology. Typology in anthropology deals with the categorization of the human kind based on the physical traits possessed by each person. These include those traits that can be readily

Conference paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Conference - Research Paper Example The discussion of this paper focuses on the different cultural perspectives and how this influences the personal and social interactions of the students and scientists’ perceptions. Personal interaction is the manner in which individuals interact with each other in a group or a community through communication. The language of people to a great extend determines how an individual interact with each other. There is high power vested on personal relations, with communication playing a vital role in unifying the members of a particular group (Eby & Allen, 2012). Communication plays an important role in ensuring a smooth running of events in a group or community. Language as a form of communication unites the people speaking the common language. Differences in communication and language could be a source of conflict. It is believed that language classifies people into different social and is responsible for people’s ethnicity and social grouping. Social interaction is the way in which two or more people who are mutually oriented interact with each other through acts, actions, or practices (Argyle, 2007). The behaviour of these people affects each of the parties’ subjective experiences or intentions. Parties involved in this form of relationship should be aware of one another and put each other into consideration. Such a relationship requires the parties to behave towards each other, portraying the mutual consent of the existence and presence of the other person. Trust is essential to the success of the social interaction, and secret spying on the other party without their consent is likely to bring issues into the relationship. The behaviour of the parties influences the success of social interaction. According to Nganga & â€Å"University of Wyoming† (2006), people need to be aware of their cultural influences as they relate to one another in the society. Students of different backgrounds and cultures sharing the same learning facilities need to

Impacts of Globalization on Development Notions Essay

Impacts of Globalization on Development Notions - Essay Example Globalization enhances the prosperity of the economies and leads to efficient resource allocation. Prosperous economies and proper allocation of resources result in increased employment opportunities, high outputs, lowered prices of goods, and high standards of living. Due to increased trade, direct foreign investments, flexibility of countries to operate across borders, and enhanced communications, there is an easy access to information, and easier delivery of goods and services. Realizing this situation, the people in various countries get fast access to goods and services saving time and concentrating to develop their economies. When more investors come to an area, the people get employment opportunities leading to increased income thus boosts their living standards. Similarly, better access to information allows the people to realize the global market price of goods and services to avoid unnecessary expenses. However, critics of globalization emphasize that the concept fosters of fshoring and outsourcing, which leads to the destruction of the manufacturing sector of the developing nations. Globalization stimulates reforms in institutions and supports financial developments. The conception of economic globalization in relation to capital accounts and trade elevates the quality of the financial institutions. Further, these institutions create and uphold robust property rights, better financial guidelines, and sound legal systems that are critical in the promotion of financial development.

Can Religion Improve Your Health Research Paper

Can Religion Improve Your Health - Research Paper Example People who did not attend church or religious services were more likely to be unhealthy and, consequently, to die. However, religious attendance also increased social ties and behavioral factors to decrease the risks of death (Deem) Even though, science and technology has developed a lot, the prominence of religion in human life has not been affected. Science succeeded in unveiling many of the mysteries around us; however it failed to make a concrete statement about the life before birth and life after death. On the other hand, religion has answers to all these questions. Religions and its principles are formulated not based any scientific facts or observations, but based on belief alone. The agony of what is going to happen to the soul after one’s death is haunting human life even now. Religions talk about an eternal life after death based on the activities one would perform in his earthly life. Religions argue that the current life is only a temporary one and a permanent lif e is waiting for human after death. The failure of science in unveiling anything about the chances of a future life created lot of psychological problems among humans. Such humans are relying heavily on religious teachings in order to avoid their concerns and stresses about a future life. In other words, religions can help people to improve their physical and psychological health. This paper analyses the role of religion in improving human health.... Mind controls or drives the human body and any problem occurred to the driver may result in malfunctioning of the body. It is difficult for a person to stay calm or healthy while his mind was agitated by something. Mental happiness is essential for the better functioning of the body. Religions always teach its believers to stay away from crazy life styles. For example, Christianity advocates that a person can engage in sexual activities with his wife only. All the sexual activities outside the frame work of marriage are considered as sins. Science has already proved that HIV/IDS like severe diseases are caused by unhealthy or crazy sexual habits. Christianity has realized the consequences of crazy sexual life much earlier than science and that is why it advocated sexual activities with a single lady alone. Religious beliefs are responsible for streamlining of human life in the right track. In the absence of religious beliefs or the threats of punishments, sins can derail human life o n earth. Even science has no second opinion about the role of a structured life in maintaining human health. Religions help humans in leading a structured life. In the absence of spirituality or religious beliefs, people will try to lead a life of their won will and may cause immense damages to his physical and mental health. Religions provide the right frame work for maintaining a healthy life on this world. According to Koenig et al, (2001) â€Å"Religion takes a firm hold on science and between 200 and 1700, or almost all the mental disorders are understood in terms of religious beliefs† (Koenig et al, p.16). Religion provides the necessary

On Becoming a Great Early Childhood Educator Essay Example for Free

On Becoming a Great Early Childhood Educator Essay One of the best professions that an individual could ever have is that of being an early childhood educator. The said profession goes far more than teaching theories and knowledge within the four walls of the classroom. It actually includes molding and shaping the future of the country through the youth. Many people are trying to become an educator of children in the community but only few of have the authentic qualifications that fulfill the requirements of becoming a great teacher. This is considered as a fact since many people view teaching as a mere process of transferring of knowledge to the students. Nevertheless, the role of a teacher is not actually bounded on these expectations. As William Arthur Ward puts it, â€Å"a mediocre teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior teacher demonstrates, but a great teacher inspires† (Thinkexist. com, 2010). Educators nowadays should not be limited to transferring knowledge to the students. They should serve as the catalysts of change and development of the students. The paper tackles my personal vision of myself as an early childhood educator. It discusses the factors that are considered to be essential in becoming a great teacher, which include the required training for the educator, the very definition of an early education, the model classroom, the materials and equipments for the classroom, and many others which are based on my personal point of view. On becoming a professional early childhood educator To become a professional early childhood educator is not an easy task since one needs to conform to the professional qualities that a great teacher should have. Among the professional qualities which are essential in becoming a great educator is the knowledge of the teacher regarding the subject matter that he or she will teach. It is not enough for a teacher to know his or her subject well. Rather, it is also important that he or she possesses the in-depth understanding of the discipline or lesson that he or she is teaching. Likewise, a teacher is to be considered great if he or she has the ability to relate and integrate other branches of knowledge to the lesson, subject or discipline that he or she is teaching. This means that the teacher should not be only limited to the topic that he or she is required to lecture during a particular day. For example, it is indeed advantageous to teach writing skills while at the same time teaching the values of preserving and conserving the environment. In this situation, the teacher is able to hit two birds with one shot. The teacher trains students on writing, which is one of the standards in the English subject, while he or she also integrates preserving the nature, which is a very good topic in Biology. Along with the mastery of the subject matter is the good facility of the teacher to lesson plan making. Since it is considered to be the backbone and soul of the class, the lesson plan is indeed important to assure that everything will go smoothly in the teaching and learning process. Hence, a teacher must always have a lesson plan in order to assure the success of the teaching-learning process. As equally important as the understanding of the teacher to the subject matter of the class, a great educator should also have the in-depth understanding to the most important factor in the teaching-learning paradigm – the learners. If a teacher does not have the full understanding on the growth and development of the learners, he or she will most likely fail in the teaching-learning process. For instance, to be able to become successful in educating the children, the teacher should know the different learning styles and habits of the students. Some students may learn easily with the use of visual aids; some may adapt quickly with the aid of real objects and models; and some may enjoy listening to sounds and music. It is important for the teacher to have the ability to classify the students according to their learning styles and habits since some of them maybe visual, realistic, auditory and the like. Furthermore, the teacher should have the needed knowledge regarding the different teaching methodologies and strategies to satisfy the unique needs of every learner in the classroom. Since different learning styles require different learning needs and strategies, a great teacher should have a full grasp of the different methodologies in teaching a lesson (Cole, 2008). For instance, visual learners learn best through the use of visual aid, realistic learners learn through the use of models and real objects, and auditory learners learn through the sense of hearing. In this case, the teacher should have the perfect timing and proper usage of the different methodologies and strategies on teaching the learners. A flash card, for example, is best for drill, mastery and memorization. Smartboard, on the other hand, is intended for interactive participation of the learners (Promethean, n. d. ). In relation, the Socratic Method is deemed best for initiating critical thinking among the students. Modeling, however, is ideal in assisting the students in the classroom activities like in the application and evaluation parts (Fathman Crowther, 2006). Indeed, there are a variety of methods that a teacher can use inside the classroom. The teacher should only have the knowledge on the proper use and timing of these methodologies to assure the success of the teaching-learning process (Killen, 2006). Aside from the mastery of the subject matter and the knowledge on the learning styles and teaching strategies, a teacher should also have his or her own educational philosophy in order for him or her to understand the whole educational paradigm. It is important for a teacher to know the guiding principles that make up his or her total personality. Based on the different educational philosophies, a teacher may be considered as a realist, idealist, existentialist, and the like. A realist teacher uses real objects to transfer knowledge to the students. An idealist teacher, on the other hand, uses thought-provoking questions to initiate critical thinking among the students. An existentialist or constructivist, moreover, believes that practical application is the very essence of learning (Steffe Gale, 1995). If a teacher has the knowledge regarding his or her own educational philosophy, he or she will be guided accordingly on his or her teaching methodologies and strategies while considering the learners’ various learning styles and habits. Lastly, to be able to become a great educator, a teacher must also be knowledgeable regarding the current events and advances that the modern world has to offer. Since education is described to be flexible, a teacher should know the latest trends that could help improve the teaching and learning system in the classroom. For instance, because of the technological advances that science has brought to us, most of the classrooms nowadays are using the Smartboard instead of the typical chalkboard or whiteboard. Since this technology brings comfort to the teacher and learners, it is advantageous if the teacher will use it as one of the teaching devices inside the classroom. Another example is the use of computer, LCD projector, PowerPoint and other media presentation, video, speech laboratory, Internet and many others. With the use of these technological advances, the classroom could serve as a comfort zone for both teacher and learners. Hence, on my perspectives, I need to possess the above professional qualifications in order for me to become a great early childhood educator. I must be trained on the mastery of particular subject matters, understand my students’ various learning styles and habits, understand the different teaching methodologies and strategies, know my personal educational philosophy, and discover the different technological advances in the field of education. My vision of what an early childhood education ought to be Aside from knowing the various students’ learning styles and habits and the different teaching methodologies and strategies, early childhood education for me also means knowing the very definition of Howard Gardner’s Theories on Multiple Intelligences (MI). Early childhood is considered to be the most critical stage in the life of every individual since it is said to be formative in nature. It is the stage where an individual learns everything in his or her life. Hence, it is very important that the teacher should know how to guide and assist the learners carefully and properly. It is not really enough that the teacher knows how to teach the learners to count, read, speak and write. The teacher must also know how to maximize the development of the learners into its fullest. One of the best ways to maximize the full development of every child in this generation is the consideration of the Theory of Multiple Intelligence. This theory states that every individual has his or her own intelligence based on their abilities and capacities. Based on this theory, learners may be categorized as visual-spatial, linguistics, bodily-kinesthetic, mathematical-logical, musical, naturalist, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Prior to the discovery of the MI theory, students’ intelligence is being measured by their mastery on reading and counting. Nevertheless, in the current educational set up of our country, intelligence is measured through the different dimensions of the skills and capacities of the students. For instance, a student who knows how to play a musical instrument skillfully may be considered as a genius in music. Likewise, a student who has an incomparable skill on word formation and sentence composition may be regarded as linguistically-gifted. Moreover, a student who draws or paints incredibly may be considered to be visually-intelligent. I do believe that this concept is indeed important in the early childhood education since it will help me in maximizing the skills and capacity of my students. As a great educator, I must let my students develop and progress all the aspects in their individuality in order for them to attain maximum early childhood education development. This practical application of the MI theory, furthermore, should be coupled with the different teaching strategies that will enhance each student’s intelligence. For instance, I could allow the linguistically-gifted students to play with word formation or word puzzle games in order to satisfy their needs as linguistics learners. More so, I could also let those who are mathematically-intelligent to solve problems and equations as part of their motivation or application and evaluation activities. The interpersonal-intelligent students, on the other hand, can have debates, group discussion and other activities which entail speaking and communication. Indeed, early childhood education is not an easy task in comparison to other levels of education. The teacher in this level, aside from serving as the â€Å"loco parentis† of the learners, should be intelligent, careful and wise in choosing the proper teaching methodologies to suit the various learning styles and multiple intelligences of the learners.

Research paper on carnival Essay Example for Free

Research paper on carnival Essay Mardi gras Just the name Mardi gras conjures up images of drunken, bead-wearing revelers dancing through the streets of New Orleans. But how, and when, did this huge mid-winter party get started? Heres a look at the history of Mardi gras throughout the ages and across the nations. Herman states, Historians tell us that the ancient Romans probably kicked off the Mardi gras celebrations. (pg. 115)Their mid-February festival known as Lupercalia honored the god Lupercus, alternately known as the god of fertility and the god of agriculture and pastoral shepherds. In either case, his party definitely had Mardi Gras-like qualities, including days of feasting and drinking. And a little enjoying the pleasures of the flesh, probably, too in fact, the term Carnival, often synonymous with Mardi gras, is derived from the Latin expression meaning farewell to the flesh. Like most of the ancient Roman and Greek festivals, Lupercalia was adopted and adapted by the Church as a way of subtly converting the local pagans to Christianity. The carnival-like celebration of Lupercalia thus morphed into a last fling before the beginning of the Lenten period. Lent refers to the 40 days of pertinence and purification celebrated between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. During Lent, the religiously faithful refrain from a number of indulgences of the flesh, including eating meat. (pg. 220) What began as a Roman-based celebration quickly spread across the European continent. By medieval times, lords were hosting carnivals prior to Lent in honor of the conscription of their new knights. Each region and country celebrated their own traditions, but all were indulgent. [pic] In France, this period of revelry before Lent was especially raucous. In fact, the term Mardi gras is a French expression meaning Fat Tuesday likely referring to the indulgent nature of the pre-Lenten celebration. The name may have been more than just allegorical, however. Ancient pagans often marked their fertility ritual by parading a fattened ox through the town before sacrificing it. (lent pg. 101) It was also the French who brought the celebration to America. Many historians believe the party crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1699, on the ship of a French explorer named Sieur dIber ville. The Frenchman landed in what is today Louisiana, just south of New Orleans, the heart of Americas modern-day Mardi Gras celebrations. In fact, his landing is believed to have coincided with the French celebration of Mardi gras, explaining his choice of name for his point of entry: Point du Mardi Gras. However, dispute the dIberville connection, contending that it was the early French settlers to Louisiana who introduced Mardi gras to America. Regardless of the precise origin, Mardi gras can clearly be attributed to a Franco-influence. By the mid 1820s, Mardi gras was firmly rooted in the New Orleans culture. Lent later states that Today, the citys celebrations are considered one of Americas biggest parties, with towns and cities throughout the Gulf Coast Region getting in on the fun. (112) Zulu (krewe of Mardi gras) Early in 1909, a group of laborers who had organized a club named The Tramps, went to the Pythian Theater to see a musical comedy performed by the Smart Set. The comedy included a skit entitled, There Never Was and Never Will Be a King like Me, about the Zulu Tribe. (herman pg. 201) The earliest signs of organization came from the fact that the majority of these men belonged to a Benevolent Aid Society. Benevolent Societies were the first forms of insurance in the Black community where, for a small amount of dues, members received financial help when sick or financial aid when burying deceased members. Conversations and interviews with older members also indicate that in that era the city was divided into wards and each ward had its own group or Club. The Tramps were one such group. After seeing the skit, they retired to their meeting place (a room in the rear of a restaurant/bar in the 1100 block of Perdido Street), and emerged as Zulus. (pg 210). According to herman, This group was probably made up of members from the Tramps, the Benevolent Aid Society and other ward-based groups. While the Group marched in Mardi gras as early as 1901, their first appearance as Zulus came in 1909, with William Story as King. The group wore raggedy pants, and had a Jubilee-singing quartet in front of and behind King Story. His costume of lard can crown and banana stalk scepter has been well documented. The Kings following William Story, (William Crawford 1910, Peter Williams 1912, and Henry Harris 1914), were similarly attired. (pg. 214). 1915 heralded the first use of floats, constructed on a spring wagon, using dry good boxes. The float was decorated with palmetto leaves and moss and carried four Dukes along with the King. That humble beginning gave rise to the lavish floats we see in the Zulu parade today. On September 20, 1916, in the notorial office of Gabriel Fernandez, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club were incorporated. Twenty-t wo of the organizations officers and members signed the first official document. The Geddes and Moss Funeral Home, located on Washington Avenue, played an integral part in Zulus beginning, and have continued to do so throughout the years. The first official toast of King Zulu and his Queen is held at this establishment each year. Zulus were not without their controversies, either. In the 1960s during the height of Black awareness, it was unpopular to be a Zulu. Dressing in a grass skirt and donning a black face were seen as being demeaning. Large numbers of black organizations protested against the Zulu organization, and its membership dwindled to approximately 16 men. James Russell, a long-time member, served as president in this period, and is credited with holding the organization together and slowly bringing Zulu back to the forefront. (pg. 220) In 1968, Zulus route took them on two major streets; namely, St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street, for the first time in the modern era to see the Zulu parade, you had to travel the so-called back streets of the Black neighborhoods. The segregation laws of this period contributed to this, and Zulu tradition also played a part. In those days, neighborhood bars sponsored certain floats and, consequently, the floats were obligated to pass those bars. Passing meant stopping, as the bars advertised that the Zulus will stop here! Once stopped at a sponsoring bar, it was often difficult to get the riders out of the establishment, so the other floats took off in different directions to fulfill their obligations. Zulu has grown tremendously over the years. This continual growth is credited to the members for their love, loyalty and dedication to this organization. In 1978, the organization opened its doors to their new home, a two-story frame building houses a lounge downstairs for members and guests to enjoy themselves. Of all the throws to rain down from the many floats in the parades during carnival, the Zulu coconut or Golden Nugget is the most sought after. The earliest reference to the coconut appears to be about 1910 when the coconuts were given from the floats in their natural hairy state. Some years later there is a reference to Lloyd Lucus, the sign painter, scraping and painting the coconuts. This was the forerunner to the beautifully decorated coconuts we see today. (pg. 229) With the proliferation of lawsuits from people alleging injury from thrown coconuts, the organization was unable to get insurance coverage in 1987. So that year, the honored tradition was suspended. After much lobbying, the Louisiana Legislature passed SB188, aptly dubbed the Coconut Bill, which excluded the coconut from liability for alleged injuries arising from the coconuts handed from the floats. On July 8, 1988, then-governor Edwards signed the bill into law. (pg. 233) Carnival in the Caribbean Hundreds of years ago followers of the Catholic religion in Italy started the tradition of holding a wild costume festival right before Lent. Because Catholics are not supposed to eat meat during Lent, they called their festival, carnevale-which means to put away meat. (internet site: â€Å"caribbean carnival†)As time passed, carnivals in Italy became quite famous. The practice spread to France, Spain and Portugal. As these Catholic countries began to take control of the Americas and other parts of the world, they brought with them their tradition of celebrating Carnival. In many parts of the world, where Catholic Europeans set up colonies and entered into slave trade, carnival took root. Today Carnival celebrations are found throughout the Caribbean. Traditions of the cultures have come together and especially African dance and music traditions transformed the early European carnival traditions in the Americas. Important to the Caribbean festival arts are the ancient African traditions of parading and moving in circles through villages in costumes and masks. These traditions were believed to bring good fortune, to heal problems and chill out angry spirits. Caribbean carnival traditions also borrow from the African culture the tradition of creating pieces of sculpture, masks and costumes. For the Caribbean people carnival became an important way to express their rich cultural traditions. It takes many months of coming up with a theme or overall concept and developing costumes for the dancers. Lots of creativity, energy and patience is put into work such as welding, painting, sewing, gluing, applying feathers, sequins and glitter. Carnival groups, entertained by music orchestras, parade and dance wearing costumes depicting a common theme. When Carnival first began it was celebrated from December 26 until Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). Nowadays Carnival festivities and activities are being held year-round in the Caribbean. The dates on which Carnival celebrations such as; music competitions, festivals, concerts, street jump-ups, beauty pageants, balls, parades etc. take place may vary from country to country, from island to island. For days, sometimes weeks, the people of the Caribbean express themselves socially and artistically and sheer joy with visitors from all over the world. (internet sit â€Å"Caribbean carnival†)Everyone, including the spectators, is part of the celebrations. Antigua and Bermuda The festivities reveal the many influences that formed the Antiguan society, cultural, social and political. Over the years cultural elements from countries like Venezuela, Brazil, Holland, Colombia and the United States have slipped into the Antiguan community and blended with and into the unique world famous carnival celebration with its typical characteristics of creativity and rhythm, dance happiness, Flamboyant costumes, Beauty pageants, Talent shows, and Great music. All these and more define a fantastic celebration of happiness that is the Antigua Carnival. In retrospect, the Antigua Carnival dates back in August 1 of 1834 when slavery was entirely abolished. In 1666, it was ravaged by French inhabitants but was soon conquered by the British and was formally restored to them by the Treaty of Breda. It all started when the local natives immediately went to the streets to express their joyful celebration of freedom. As the years passed by, it continued not until in 1957 where it was declared an official Antigua Carnival. (oduber pg. 97) Since then, the Antigua Carnival has developed into ten days packed with revelry in a glitzy manner of dance to the beat of the Calypso. It includes marches, jump-ups and shows which always took place around the last week of July up to the first week of August. The Antigua Carnival is undeniably the best time for tourists to immerse with the culture of this Caribbean island. If you head to the city, you are fortunate to witness the Pan Ban, a steel orchestra, practicing for the event.(oduber pg. 99) They go by troupes as they set up a Mas Camp, a base where their intricate wardrobes are made. It is also the starting point as they walk to the metropolis to open the Antigua Carnival. The lively event culminates by a massive road party called J’ouvert, which means â€Å"day break†. Everybody is literally on their feet as they sway to the beat of the dr ums from the young night until the middle morning. Barbados (Crop over) Masquerading was an old African tradition, where they paraded in masks and costumes through the villages to bring good luck and to remove evil spirits. Originally materials for costumes were natural things such as; grass, beads, bones, etc. Head-pieces and Masks were made of feathers to symbolize that people can spiritually rise above anything. Most European colonies within the Caribbean who were part of the slave trade have Carnival or Carnival-like celebrations. (praiser pg. 23)Now in large countries like USA, Canada and England, where they are Caribbean communities you will find Carnival celebrations. The History of Crop Over The end of the sugar cane harvest, or Crop Over as it is almost always referred to, has long been the occasion for celebration. In what seems to be the earliest reference to the Crop Over festival, we find the manager of Newton Plantation writing in 1788 to the estates owner in England, telling him that he had held a dinner and sober dance for the slaves, saying: twas a celebration of Harvest Time after the crop. (housman pg. 304) Many aspects of plantation life in Barbados carried on unchanged after the end of slavery, and the Crop Over festival likewise continued. Never the less there must have been an important difference in the way in which the festival was perceived. Before emancipation, the planter had no choice but to support his slaves, well or badly as the case might have been, all year round. After 1838, for most people Crop Over meant not just the end of a period of hard work, but also the beginning of a period of less work and lower wages. For many the interval between tw o crops would indeed have been hard times, and the symbol of these, perhaps not invented until after Emancipation, was the figure of a man stuffed with trash (the dried leaves of the sugar cane plant) which was known as Mr. Harding. (pg. 311) Mr. Harding was formally introduced to the manager of the plantation, and, according to some accounts, later burnt as part of the celebrations which must have had a tinge of desperation to them as people strove to enjoy themselves while they could. The festival was apparently fairly common at the beginning of the present century, by which time the name Crop Over seems to have ousted that of Harvest Time. A procession of carts would bring the last canes to the plantation yard, the draught animals being decorated with flamboyant, frangipani and other flowers, whilst brightly colored kerchiefs would be tied like flags to the canes. The laborers would parade around the yard, and it was at this point that that they would introduce Mr. Harding to the manager, after which they would adjourn for a dance, for the manager or the owner of the estate would normally contribute some salt meat and rum. Even by 1940 Crop Over was being described as a custom which has very nearly died out, according to Housman (pg. 316), and the continuing decline of sugar and the growing availability of other sources of employment had put an end to much of traditional plantation life. The modern Crop Over, revived by the Board of Tourism in 1974 and now administered by the National Cultural Foundation, pays tribute to the fact that sugar is still important in Barbados and the immense influence which it has had on our history. The present day festival is very different from the old time Crop Over, but it continues as a tradition by offering a thrilling celebration of many aspects of Bajan Culture, old and new. CROP-OVER CARNIVAL Crop-over has become the centerpiece of Barbados culture, a process enriched by much history, a savvy visitor promotional sense, and the great nearby pre-Lenten Carnival of Trinidad Tobago. Conga-line from April 22 May 01 begins with the longest Conga line in the Caribbean and features a series of concerts at the Malibu Conga line Village. May 1 is the finale, where bands, floats and Carnival goers take part in the May Day Parade, The Caribbeans largest summer Carnival begins on the first Saturday with the Decorated cart and float opening and Gala crop-over opening. (praiser pg.31) This parade begins at Bridgetown Independence Square in the early afternoon and finishes at the National Stadium. Here, the opening ceremony takes place with the ceremonial delivery of the last canes and the crowning of the king and queen of the festival followed by an excellent night of entertainment and socializing. The festival, revived in 1974 following a 30-year hiatus, continues to grow and evolve with the culture. Unlike most Carnivals whose roots are in spring, Crop-over is a harvest festival dating back centuries to the end of the sugar cane season. The end to all the grueling and arduous work was marked by the final delivery of canes to the mill. Surely a cause for song, dance and general jubilation, as such, the workers would begin the festivities by boisterously telling each other CROP OVER. Folk Concerts celebrating the emancipation from slavery are popular events during the Carnival season the last Carnival weekend features the most important Carnival events. On Friday, there will be the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals at the National Stadium. The next night in the wee hours of Sunday morn, the Fore-Day morning jump-up will go down from 2am till dawn. Before this special event is the steelpan competition. Cohobblopot is a huge carnival-like show where the most popular calypsonians and bands perform on Carnival Sunday night. The Calypso Contest is one of the worlds best even though it features primarily local talent. Before the best singer/songwriters of the season are chosen, the talent will perform their new compositions at many venues or tents. These tents, with names like Super Gladiators, Conquerors, House of Soca, Pioneers and Stray Cats, play an important role in deciding who will win the title of Party Monarch, Road March Monarch and the Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch. The King and Queen of the bands competition is also an important part of the Cohobblopot Sunday show. Get tickets in advance since the National Stadium can sell out, particularly with all the talk about not allowing it to be broadcast on free TV. (pg. 37) All this buildup makes for a memorable Grand Finale, or as they say at Barbados Crop-over, the Grand Kadooment. Here, over two dozen large costumed bands will go dancing down de road inviting everyone to jump up with them as they make their way to the ocean surf. (pg. 42) Tuk: Indigenous to Barbados, its a combination of African and British military rhythms with the musicians dressed in minstrel like costumes creating music from kettledrums, bass drums and whistles. They play sounds like marching band music, old-time waltzes and almost always end with an African beat. According to praier, This is a great spectacle to see. ( pg. 51) The musicians are as serious about their music as any steelband man. Although a part of the old era, it is still very alive and a part of the modern day celebrations with completions staged during Crop Over. Calypso Soca: Although calypso is indigenous to Trinidad, it now holds a very prominent place in the Crop over Celebration. Like Trinidad Carnival, it has all the trimmings, the Tents, parties, semi-finals judging and then to the Calypso Monarch finals, which take place just before Grand Kadooment. The Bajan artistes are holding their own with this art form and have even created new forms like Ringband and Ragga-soca, a definite invention of the Bajan calypsonians. (pg. 55) Steelband: Borrowed from Trinidad, the Bajans have taken it, and now the popularity and growth of the steelband in Barbados is phenomenal, states praiser. (pg. 68) with every year seeing the improvement of the sound and quality of the music to the extent that steelband has now taken a place on the curriculum of many of the schools on the island. Grand Kadooment: The grand finale, a parade of the costumed bands for the final competition for Designer of the Year Crown. The revelers are dressed in elaborate costumes depicting various themes dancing to music playing from the most popular bandstands, with disc jockeys winding their way down to Spring Garden where they would be judged for this coveted crown. (pg. 73) St. Vincent and the Grenadines (â€Å"vincy mas†) History Hugh Ragguette, a name that is synonymous with Carnival in St. Vincent explained to The Vincentian that the historic roots of Carnival lie in deep antiquity: since at the dawn of history, man celebrated several festivals of which Carnival was one. The Kalinagos and other indigenous peoples who inhabited St. Vincent had their festivals. With the introduction of slavery, the Africans with their varying cultures and rich variety added to those expressions. Although the practice of wearing mas' came from Africa and was subsequently adopted by the Greek and Romans, it was actually the French who celebrated carnival in the Caribbean as the highlight of the year. After the British supplanted the French, the practice continued. The wearing of Mas in carnival was introduced by the Pope in Rome in 1494 and then spread throughout Europe. (Sutty pg. 37) Naturally, the slaves participated in these festivals at a different level. â€Å"The slaves would have noted and participated in the festival, albeit at a different level. Naturally, they were not invited to the mas balls and dances.† stated however, when chattel slavery ended, the freed slaves embraced carnival and turned it into a callaloo pot, adding elements of the respective cultures.(pg 38) They took to the streets and displayed the theatrical spectacle they had created and to vent their subdued creative abilities. These street marches took place on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Unable to chain the hands and feet of the slaves any longer, in 1892, he related, the colonial Governor banned the festival claiming that the revellers were lashing out at each other and observers with whips. Ragguette held another opinion, â€Å"The main reason was to suppress the people’s culture and their peculiar African expressions. The coloniser could not understand these expressions and wanted to stifle them.† The fire that burnt within slavery was reduced to mere embers and in 1879, fuelled by the unchainable African spirit it le apt into flames again. In 1899, the people decided that come what may, ban or no ban, which they were going to celebrate. They began the celebrations as early as the Friday preceding Ash Wednesday. As a result, the colonisers brought out what was termed the armed might of the Empire. (pg 44) The people resisted and a riot broke out, writing the Carnival Riots of the 11th and 12th February into this country’s history books. From then on, Carnival has been a part of St.Vincent’s culture. Four years later, carnival fever spread to Trinidad in the south where the festival had been banned resulting in the Comboule Riots. throughout the years people have built on and experimented with the components of Carnival; to the extent Trinidadians have invented a musical instrument in the form of the steel pan to provide accompanying music to its calypso. ( pg. 47). By 1973, it was virtually impossible to hold all the Carnival shows during the Wednesday and Tuesday period. â€Å"Our pan, our calypso, and particularly our Mas has reached a level of development that it needed to spread its wings outside the Catholic Christian Carnival to a more embracing festival,† Ragguette commented. (pg. 49) Since the festival was held so soon after Christmas and the length of time available for shows coupled with the fact the Trinidad and Tobago, whom Ragguette stated â€Å"had run away with title of king of Carnival in the world and boasted of having the greatest show on earth,† held its Carnival around the same time, it was necessary to move the festival to another season. The June-July period was decided as most suitable. (pg. 50) With more time to work, the CDC wanted to introduce a Caribbean component into its programme. Antigua and Barbuda already had a Caribbean Calypso Competition and the organisation could not get beyond the logistics of a Caribbean Pan or King and Queen of the Bands competition. sutty explained that it was felt that a show should be organised to showcase â€Å"the beauty and profound intelligence of our Caribbean women†. (pg. 53). This resulted in the birth of Miss Caribbean Carnival Miss Carnival. Trinidad Carnivals principal components are calypso, steelpan and playing mas (masquerade). In the historic capital City of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, these elements are harmoniously structured to form a five day ritual pageant beginning with the King Queen Contest (Friday), Panorama (Saturday), Dimanche Gras (Sunday), JOuvert (Monday) and the Parade of the Bands (Tuesday). (green pg 57) These main events and countless others build to an unforgettable epiphany of beauty and stunning display of the irrepressible human spirit before concluding and allowing the quiet first day of Lent and reflection known as Ash Wednesday to be admitted to consciousness. [pic]The genesis of this worlds greatest Carnival has been attributed to the many cultures of Trinidad and their interaction. While the African influence is predominant, the Carnival carries an overriding theme of unity, a central part of this unique cultures mythology. Trinidads namesake, the holy Trinity is blessed as the unifying principle. This is the countrys well known motto, resting at the base of the ubiquitous and striking TT Coat of Arms reads, Together we Aspire, Together we achieve. (pg 59).Yet the wisdom lies in paradox for there is no Carnival with more intense competition than Trinidads. [pic]Today Trinidads model for public celebration is the most widely imitated festival art form in the world. Many Trinidadian Carnival artists are able to work year round performing throughout North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. J’ouvert Jab Jab The name of this mas is derived from the French patois for Diable Diable. It is pretty devil mas. The costume consists of a Kandal or satin knickers, and satin shirt with points of cloth at the waist, from which bells hang. On the chest, there is a shaped cloth panel which is decorated with swansdown, rhinestones and mirrors. Stockings and alpagatas are worn on the feet, while the headdress consists of a hood with stuffed cloth horns. The costume can come in alternating colors and be divided into front and back panels. (pg 61) The Jab Jab has a thick whip of plaited hemp which he swings and cracks threateningly. These whips can reduce the costumes of other Jab Jabs to threads. It is not to be confused with Jab Molassie. JAB MOLASSIE Jab is the French patois for Diable (Devil), and Molassie is the French patois for Mà ©lasse (Molasses). (pg 62)The Jab Molassie is one of several varieties of devil mas played in Trinidad and Tobago carnival. The costume consists of short pants or pants cut off at the knee, and a mask and horns. The jab malassie would carry chains, and wear locks and keys around his waist, and carry a pitch fork. He may smear his body with grease, tar, mud or colored dyes (red, green or blue). The jab molassie wines or gyrates to a rhythmic beat that is played on tins or pans by his imps. While some of his imps supply the music, others hold his chain, seemingly restraining him as he pulls against them in his wild dance. The differences among the various forms of devil mas were once distinct, but have become blurred over time. Trinidads carnival is a gorgeous paradigm of how carnival can connect the entire world. In this Trinidad little nation, the lifestyle and customs of various cultures come collectively for a short five days every year, the entire country stops thinking about their dissimilarities to celebrate life! Similar to many other countries under colonial rule, the history of Native Americans and African people in Trinidad is atrocious and a sad story. At different times England and Spain both maintained Trinidad as their colonies. Around 1785, Carnival was introduced to Trinidad. The French settlers started to arrive. The custom caught on rapidly, and fancy balls were held where the rich planters pretend masks, and beautiful dresses, wigs, and dance the whole night. The employ of masks had particular meaning for the slaves, as for several African peoples, masking is usually used in their rituals for the dead. Evidently banned from the masked balls of the French, the slaves would grasp their own tiny carnivals in their gardens — using their folklore and own rituals. However they also imitate their masters’ manners at the masked balls. Carnival has turned out to be a way to convey their authority as individuals for African people, and also for their rich cultural traditions. (pg. 102) The slavery was eradicated after 1838, the Africans were freed and started to host their individual carnival celebrations in Trinidad streets. This carnival developed progressively and sophisticated and rapidly became trendier than the balls. Nowadays, Trinidad carnival is like a mirror that reflects the faces the many immigrant nations from Africa, India, China and Europe. Carnival is such a significant aspect of life in Trinidad, as many schools trust that funding/ sponsoring a carnival band is a way to train youngsters about their culture and roots. According to green, Hundreds of schools and community organizations contribute in Trinidad’s Kiddies Carnival. In this fashion, communities’ works as one to build up strong friendships and good respect for the various cultures that make up Trinidad. (pg. 59) Bibliography â€Å"Caribbean carnival† Caribseek.comhttp://www.caribseek.com/adventure_and_entertainment/carnivals/caribbean-carnival.shtml. â€Å"Carnival in Trinidad.† Mustard.org.early 1985 carnival in Trinidad†¦evolution and symbolic menaing.21 February 2008 http://www.mustard.org.uk/articles/trinidad.htm. Cowley, John. Carnival, Canboulay and Calypso: Traditions in the Making. Trinidad: Macmillan Caribbean May 4, 1988 Green, Garth L. Trinidad Carnival: The Cultural Politics of a Transnational Festival. Massasetucheuts: Harper smith, 2005 Herman, Wouk. Don’t stop the carnival. USA: Doubleday, 1965 Housman, Gerald â€Å"The kebra nagast: the lost bible of Rastafarian wisdom and faith from Ethiopia and Jamaica.† (July 1979): 299-671 Lent, A John. Caribbean popular culture. Michigan: bowling green state university popular press, 2006. Pariser, Harry S. Explore Barbados. Manatee Press: 3 edition October 2007 Razak, Victoria M. Carnival in Antigua. Boston: Cenda Pub; 1 edition May 1, 1998 Riggio, Milla Co. Carnival: Culture in Action The Trinidad Experience (Worlds of Performance). Routt ledge: Pablo Delano, 2004: Sutty, Lesley. St Vincent and the Grenadines. Caribbean: 2 edition September 2002 Oduber, Vanja. Antigua carnival. New York: Chauvenheid Graphic Group 1996

Starbucks Expansion to China

Starbucks Expansion to China Our group would like to present Starbucks story in China. Starbucks is one of the largest coffee chains in the World, ranked 631 in Global 2000 list of Forbes. The company has a unique style and atmosphere in their coffee houses. We chose China because it is the worlds most populous country with over 1.3 billion people live there and second-largest country by land area. After 1978, the countrys economy were underwent dramatic changes which involved such relief as permission for entrepreneurs to start up their own business and opening the country for foreign investment. It is obviously that Starbucks managers decided to take advantage of such opportunity to expand their business into new region. To evaluate Chinese market the company used several steps of analyses. The initial screening process helped the company answer the question: who might be interested in buying coffee in China? To introduce the Starbucks brand the company begun to distribute coffee for free to guests in several Beijings hotels in 1994. This initiative indicated that there was a strong demand for their products, particularly among foreigners in China. Local people, who strived to imitate the Western lifestyle, also showed interest for coffee drinking. In addition young generation were enchantment by brands and products from the West. These factors led Starbucks managers to learn and understand more about business climate in that Asia country. Next step for Starbucks was to determine financial and economic conditions of China. Companys managers were aware that Chinese Gross Domestic Product (GDP) continuously grew approximately 9 % on an average and a GDP per capita was US$3.800. All these factors led to rising income of middle class. That was undoubted advantage for entering Chinese market for Starbucks. At the third level of screening Starbucks faced with political restrictions. China is highly bureaucratic country with difficult processes of getting permissions and sanctions to start and run business. In order to avoid these challenges the company built and maintain firm relationship with Chinese local partners as well as government officials. In addition, Starbucks Soong Ching-Ling Foundation received $5 million donation from Starbucks to support education in countrys poorest regions. The fourth level of screening involved socio-cultural forces. It showed the biggest challenges for Starbucks, because of the old tradition of tea drinking in China. At the beginning managers didnt know how to accustomed Chinese to drink and appreciate coffee. To acquaint employees and Chinese executives with coffee drinking experience Starbucks provided different training programs for them in which they learned more about coffee and Starbucks culture. The same way the company taught customers about different flavors and types of coffee. Another aspect was Chinese shopping behaviour which was different from the US market. People in China spent main slice of their monthly budget on foods. This also led to success for the company. The fifth level of China screening was focused on competitive forces. As we mentioned before China is a tea country and the share of coffee was low. Little or no competition for Starbucks was considered as an advantage. Chinese people were familiar only with one international brand which was Nestlà ©s Nescafe. However, Nescafe is not a coffee house like Starbucks. As regards local competitions, it was a well-known Chinese brand Li Shen and Japanese brand Zhen Gou Coffee. Having taken into account all the factors of international market assessment which was done by Starbucks we think that it was right decision to enter that market. Despite of all the risks of Chinese economy and vacillating attitudes toward The West culture, there is no doubt that consumption of coffee in China will continue to grow. As a result Starbucks will benefit from it. Question # 2 Although Starbucks encountered several challenges in the process of entering into Chinese market. Starbucks had successfully expanded its business in over 20 large or medium sized cities of China, and opened about 560 storefronts in these cities by 2012. The astonishing achievement owes to its careful marketing assessment and various marketing strategies in different periods. These strategies mainly refer to 2 different modes of entering foreign markets: licensed agreement and joint venture. Licensed agreement In 1998, Starbucks adopted the mode of licensing agreement to license its Chinese partner (Beijing Mei Da), a wholesale distribution company to supply coffee beans to some selected hotels and restaurants. Starbucks realized that local partners can have the best understanding of local cultures customers and some related laws. and they have already established good relationship with local government, so it was easy to obtain the permissions and sanctions required to start and operate business in a bureaucratic country like China. Moreover, Starbucks could also maintain a high standard on the control of production, and achieve a ideal revenue in Chinese market. So licensed agreement was a optimal option for Starbucks to enter into a booming Chinas market in the mid-1990s. Joint venture A joint venture is a business agreement in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new asset by contributing equity. Starbucks formed a joint venture with different partners at different times when it entered into Chinese market. Starbucks achieved considerable knowledge about the Chinese market conditions and then began to open Starbucks stores in China. The company adopted a strategy of having three different partners to enter different regions in Chinese market. In September 1998, Starbucks entered China under a licensing agreement with Beijing Mei Da Coffee Co.Ltd, which was as their first partner. In 1999, Starbucks formed a joint venture with the Taiwan based Uni-President Group and opened stores in Shanghai. In 2000, Starbucks entered into a joint venture with Mei-Xin International Ltd, it also called Coffee Concepts Ltd. It managed the operations in the region of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Macau, Guangzhou, and other parts of southern China. Based on our market assessment, there are some advantages for Starbucks with joint venture to enter Chinese market. First of all, Starbucks choose a good local partner to form a joint venture which can help it better understand the local laws and negotiate better with the authorities. It is beneficial for Starbucks to obtain required permissions and sanctions so that it can be opened easily. Secondly, local partners know Chinese market condition better than Starbucks; therefore, it is effective and efficient method for Starbucks to adopt a few localization strategies to satisfy different regions of customers. Last but not least, joint venture is a good way for Starbucks to reduce operation expenditure, and it also helps to reduce risks in Chinese market. Question # 3 In many ways Starbucks has changed their business strategies while operating in China. We could simply identify those changes from the case study, library sources and other sources.We have described those changes in the following paragraphs. We want our customers to recognize that were not coming to China just to make money, we are coming to China to build an enduring company that they can trust and they can view as one of their own. (Howard Schultz) Starbucks modified their menu and tried to localize its brand name by selling some food items according to the choice of the Chinese people and selling different kind of tea. They also changed their marketing and pricing strategies based on needs for the Chinese market. Our entry into Beijing is about serving people, building global relationships, and celebrating local cultures over a great cup of coffee. That is the heart and soul of the Starbucks Experience. We are excited to be working with our partners, Beijing Mei DA Coffee Co. Ltd., who shares our values and business philosophy. said Howard Behar of SCI When Starbucks started in China, one of the biggest challenges it faced was to make the consumers accustomed to drink and appreciating coffee. Arrocding to analysts, compared to other countries in which Starbucks operated this task was more difficult in China because of the age old tradition of tea drinking in the country, where coffee was seen as nothing less than a kind of Western invasion. Starbucks, like any other multinational company, had to go through the dilemma of choosing whether to follow Chinese traditional tea or take a big risk of following Starbucks culture of promoting premium coffee. The company chose to opt for its own culture and sell the idea of the Coffee drinking experience. Starbucks started by projecting the stores as a place for social gathering. The stores were also larger in area than the ones in the US, as the idea was to make the customers feel at home, relax and spend more time there. Similarly the company took initiatives to teach the customers about the different types of coffees and how to distinguish between flavors. The customers were given some samples to smell as well as sip and then describe their experience. At times if the customers did not enjoy the sample, the store employees asked them to come back again later for another tasting session or they offered them some other drink that they enjoyed. They also spoke to the customers about the positive effects drinking coffee. For example, they spoke about how drinking coffee helped to change their mood and how it was good to have coffee in the morning. On the other hand as Chinese people were accustomed with tea drinking, Starbucks other business strategy was to promote the benefit of coffee drinking to its customers and distributed free samples of coffees. The company also changed its normal store size to project itself as a place for social gathering. Localization Strategies: Normally Starbucks follows a high standard technique to maintain its stores worldwide. But in the case of China it adapted some strategies influenced by local culture and market conditions to gain Chinese peoples trust and confidence. Small changes were made in the texture, menu and store layout just to match with Chinese culture and food preferences. Within few months of opening the coffee stores, the company started observing that coffee culture is different for Chinese people than US, where people are very busy in their daily lives and they just grab their coffee and leave, but in China coffee stores were more like a place for social gathering where they can sit and talk for hours with their friends and families. Therefore, according to the market needs they had to square bigger stores. In the US a normal size of Starbcks store is about 1,200 to 1,500 square feet whereas in China they started opening stores bigger than 2,000 square feet. It was observed that the Chinese also liked to have some food along with their drink. 5 In response to that Starbucks started offering some popular Chinese foods like, curry puffs, moon cakes, and traditional cookies. Starbucks incorporates another localize strategy in every country they go, by modifying the name of Starbucks to suit the local language, like in China they Changed the name to Xing Bake where Xing represents Star and Bake was pronounced as bucks. Starbucks accepted the reality that maximum people in China like tea more than coffee though young generation is more likely to go for coffee. So they decided different menu for different stores in China. In Shanghai and westernized, the stores a standard menu where they served coffee. And in Beijing stores they introduced different tea-based drinks like coffee-flavored milk tea, green tea-flavored frappuccino etc. to attract more people. Promotional and Pricing Strategies: To promote themselves in China the company chose a different way. It was mostly depended on the people to spread goodwill through word of mouth than commercial advertisements and media products. Their knowledge, organized way of business left a good impression on customers mind. The customers were willing to pay a higher price for the brand name. As a result young, urban Chinese, who solely started to associate visiting Starbucks or being seen with a Starbucks cup, as a symbol of social status. They tried to build their reputation in terms of, product quality, customer service, employee relationship, etc. To enhance the name of Starbucks they had different strategies. From professional to students they had different ways to attract them. They started selling latest DVDs, free access of internet and also use to provide different wireless services so people can feel it like their 3rd home. Starbucks uses the highest quality coffee beans from ideal coffee producing climates. They helped Chinese farmers, made good relationships with their workers and they also made a good reputation in the supply market .As a result of good reputation, good quality and high price they were able to attract people and also maintain their luxury appeal. The company priced its coffees at around US$ 6 for a cup, which was considered by analysts as too costly , even though it was too costly by Chinese standards but they decided to continue with it because in China, high price was directly associated with quality.