Hamlet Appearance vs Reality Essay

Appearance vs. reality in Shakespeare’s, Hamlet, is a jaded yet common theme. This play is teeming with characters that play their roles behind a veil of duplicity. They often appear to be one way when they really are something entirely different. Things within the play appear to be true and honest but in reality are polluted with evil. Many of the characters within the play hide behind a mask of dishonesty. Four of the main characters that hid behind this mask are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Polonius, and King Claudius. From behind this mask they give the impression of a person who is sincere and true, in reality they are overwhelmed with lies and evil. One of the most obvious examples of appearance vs. reality in Hamlet is the character of Claudius. Claudius longed to be king, rule the land and crown his queen. He gave no regard to the feelings of the family. He was jealous and ruthless in pursuing his dream†¦ruthless to the point of murder. He pretends to be concerned and upset with the actions of Hamlet and his well being, when in reality he is frightened that Hamlet is aware of his deadly secret. It was as if he cast a spell on the whole kingdom for his own self-fulfilling interest. Our â€Å"innocent† Claudius even summons spies to investigate the origin of Hamlet’s madness†¦not for the good of Hamlet but for himself. He is indeed a jaded character, whose kind aura masks the face of a selfish murderer as he says â€Å"whose whisper o’er the world’s diameter, as levels as the cannon to his blank transports his poisoned shot, may miss our name and hit the woundless air. Oh come away! My soul is full of discord and dismay! †- Claudius, act 4 scene 1, lines 42-46. This quote demonstrates how Claudius seems to be worried about Hamlet and his actions when he is really fearful of him discovering the truth. In addition, the king’s royal associate, Polonius, appears to be a loyal and trustworthy servant to the kingdom throughout the play, willing to take on tasks and burdens requested by their majesties. However, in reality Polonius is an evil, greedy selfish man, who serves not his kingdom but himself. One example of this is how Polonius appears to be happy, concerned and supportive of his son, Laerte’s, journey to France. He seems to be supportive of his son until he sends Reynaldo as an emissary, in order to detect what sort of mischief he stumbles upon in France. In addition, Polonius, again, displays his devious characteristics when he spies on Hamlet and Ophelia in an attempt to analyze Hamlet’s madness. He soon orders Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet, as he brainwashes her with lies about Hamlets motives, when in reality Hamlet is truly in love with Ophelia. Once again, Polonius proves his scheming behavior when he listens in on Hamlet and Gertrude’s conversation while in the bedchamber. Hamlet finally teaches him his lesson when he unexpectedly murders the â€Å"rat. † In reality Polonius is anything but a loving father watching out for his children, he uses everyone to his advantage and for his own purposes; this proves as evidence for his sneaky demeanor. Even two of Hamlet’s childhood friends are victims of the appearance vs. reality theme. They were sent and bribed by the king and queen to try and determine the cause of Hamlet’s insanity. They approach Hamlet as long-lost pals when they are really anything but. They were there not as friends but hired help for Hamlet’s condition. In act 2 scene 2 line 299, Guildenstern quotes â€Å"What should we say my lord? † Completely denying the fact that they were sent for by the king and queen. Hamlet quickly reveals the truth and says, â€Å"Were you not sent for/ And there is a kind of confession in your looks, which your modesties have not craft in color. † (Shakespeare 2:2:278) From these words he is demanding an answer from his schoolmates as to their unexplained arrival. At the end he tells them nothing. As the play continues his â€Å"friends† are asked again by the king to go to Hamlet and try again to find the real reason for Hamlet’s behavior. Hamlet insults them at every chance knowing that they are lying to him about their purpose of the visit, â€Å"’Tis as easy as lying: govern these ventages with you finger and thumb, give it breath with your mouth†¦ † (Shakespeare 3:2:348) The twins show their appearance of being Hamlets friends but in truth they have a hidden reason for visiting with Hamlet. Both show that it will be very difficult for Hamlet to uncover the reliability hidden within the lies. Throughout the play, characters help to show the theme, which is appearance verses reality. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Polonius, and the king all appear to be good and honest. As Hamlet finds out, all contain lies and have hidden intentions within them. As each character is presented in the play all appear to be good and honest making it a hard for Hamlet to uncover the hidden truth about the nature of each character. Throughout the play everyone puts up a front so to speak, for different reasons. Hamlet believed that the world was corrupt and deceiving, this led him to become violently ambitious. Claudius was manipulative and cunning, and used his greed to achieve what he desired. Deception is a major theme of the play. Obviously throughout the play there are many discrepancies between appearance vs. reality. It seems everyone is jaded and full of deception or ulterior motives. With such controversial people in the kingdom, it is quite appropriate to state that there truly is something rotten in the state of Denmark.

Tokyo essy

I will be talking about the city of Tokyo. Tokyo is well known and is very interesting with many great attractions and a huge economy. Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is the most densely populated cities of the country. Since ancient times, the city has been one of the most densely populated cities of the country. Tokyo is the largest metropolitan area in the world. The Tokyo metropolis was formed in 1943. Tokyo was originally a fishing village named Edo. Tokyo isn't Just a city, it is a megacity.Tokyo is great now but Just 400 years ago this global powerhouse was little ore than a backwater castle town on the shores of the muddy Sumida River. Over the past century it has been twice virtually annihilated. It almost first collapsed during the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake and subsequent firestorm, and again in 1945 after the devastation of the Allied bombings. Each time it has risen like a phoenix from the ashes, reborn in an ever-more-modern reflection of itself. Tokyo know shines an d is a great city to be a part of.The political economy of Tokyo is very immense and the city revolves around the people, environment and Jobs. Though it occupies only 0. 6% of the total area of Japan, the population density is nearly 5,655 persons per square kilometers, thereby making is one of the most populated cities of the world. As on October 1st, 2003 the population of the city stood at 12. 369 million. Tokyo has the largest metropolitan economy in the world. Tokyo has a total GDP of IJS$I . 479 trillion in. As of 2009, 51 of the companies listed on the Global 500 are based in Tokyo, almost twice that of the second-placed city (Paris).Tokyo is a major international finance center. It houses the headquarters of several of the world's largest investment banks and insurance ompanies, and serves as a hub for Japan's transportation, publishing, and broadcasting industries. During the centralized growth of Japan's economy following World War II, many large firms moved their headqua rters from cities such as Osaka, to Tokyo, in an attempt to take advantage of better access to the government. This trend has begun to slow due to ongoing population growth in Tokyo and the high cost of living there.It is the most expensive city in the world to live in for 14 years in a row until 2006. Another aspect that helped build Tokyo to what it is is The Tokyo Stock Exchange. It is Japan's largest stock exchange, and third largest in the world by market capitalization and fourth largest by share turnover. Tourism in Tokyo is also a huge contributor to the economy. In 2006, 4. 81 million foreigners and 420 million Japanese visits to Tokyo were made; the economic value of these visits totaled 9. 4 trillion yen according to the government of Tokyo.Many tourists visit the various downtowns, stores, and entertainment districts throughout the neighborhoods. Besides banking and stock aspect, Tokyo had 8,460 ha (20,900 acres) of agricultural land as of 2003. The farmland is concentra ted in Western Tokyo. Perishables such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers can be conveniently shipped to the markets in the eastern part ot the pretecture. Komatsuna and spinach are the most important vegetables; as of 2000, Tokyo supplied 32. 5% of the komatsuna sold at its central produce market.With 36% of its area covered by forest, Tokyo has extensive growths of cryptomeria and Japanese cypress, especially in the mountainous western communities of Akiruno, –me, Okutama, Hachi ¶Ji, Hinode, and Hinohara. Tokyo Bay was once a major source of fish. Presently, most of Tokyo's fish production comes from the outer islands, such as Izu –shima and HachiJ ¶Jima. Skipjack tuna, nori, and ali are among the ocean products. (Wikipedia) Tokyo was built because of the people and because of the Jobs and opportunities.Throughout the years, Tokyo has expanded the companies and businesses and became one the most expensive cities in all aspects in the world. The culture and urban ecology of Tokyo is widespread and a big part of the community. Over the years, people from the other prefectures of Japan gradually moved into this city, thereby leading to a massive growth in its population. The population of the city is divided into Juveniles, working age population and the aged population. The Juvenile age groups range from 0-14 years, the working age ranges from 15-64 years while the aged population ranges from 65 years and above.As per the figures provided in January 2003, the three age groups constitute nearly 1 1. 9%, 70. 9% and 17. 1% respectively, of the total population of the city. The aged population of the country is particularly on the rise over here. Tokyds population is also higher due to the huge number of people who commute everyday to this city from the nearby prefectures for studying or for working. Because of this reason, the daytime population of Tokyo is higher than the nighttime population. Tokyo is home to a number of foreign nationals. As on January 2005, the number of foreign residents found in the country stood at 353,826.The five major nationalities of the foreign residents staying in this country consist of British, Chinese, American, Korea and Philippine. The natives to Tokyo are called Tokyoites. Tokyo is also a great landscape and has great scenery. Tokyo is one of few places in the world where a flower can bring an entire city to a state of near-sexual excitement. Cherry blossoms last for less than two weeks and are symbolic, of the impermanence of life, the sadness underlying its exquisite beauty. Cherry blossoms fall in their prime, as samurai warriors were meant to do.High-end kurabu bar hostesses compose themselves into human ikebana flower arrangements with the same eye for art and beauty as the geisha who once frequented the pleasure districts of old Edo, famous throughout Japan. Look out over Tokyo and you will see a 21st-century megalopolis, a city of glassy skyscrapers ringed by an elevated super tol l road, like a modern Great Wall of China. But Tokyo is far more than that. It's a place where the past is inextricably woven into the present; where pockets of ancient traditions don't Just survive, they hrive in the midst of an ultramodern consumer culture.Architecture in Tokyo has largely been shaped by Tokyo's history. The socio- psychological aspect of Tokyo is very interesting. Twice in recent history, the metropolis has been left in ruins: first in the 1923 Great Kant ¶ earthquake and later after extensive firebombing in World War II. Because of this, Tokyo's urban landscape consists mainly ot modern and contemporary architecture, and older buildings are scarce. Tokyo features many internationally famous forms of modern architecture including Tokyo International Forum, Asahi Beer Hall, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building and Rainbow Bridge.Tokyo also features two distinctive towers: Tokyo Tower and the new Tokyo Skytree which is the tallest tower in Japan a nd the second tallest structure in the world. Tokyo also contains numerous parks and gardens. There are four national parks in Tokyo Prefecture, including the Fuji- Hakone-lzu National Park, which includes all of the Izu Islands. All the parks and fields are sights to see and enjoyed by many people and still making people enjoy that they live there. The fut

Compare and contrast concessionary bargaining and two-tire wage Essay

Compare and contrast concessionary bargaining and two-tire wage systems - Essay Example And supermarkets will contribute only 35% for the pensions of new workers, down from their previous contribution of 100%. The United Auto Workers also accepted a two-tier structure in a supplemental agreement with the two major parts suppliers, Delphi and Visteon, that employ 52,000 workers. While workers at the "Big Three" auto plants average around $24 an hour, the new hires at the parts plants will start at $14 an hour and can eventually rise to $18.50. In the public sector, the 121,000 members of District Council 37, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), have approved a contract that allows its members to gain wage increases that will be paid for by reducing the pay, sick days and vacation benefits of newly-hired employees. A two-tier system violates the basic union principle of "equal pay for equal work." How should a newly-hired worker feel if he is doing the same work as another worker and getting only two thirds of his pay It turns the new hires into second-class citizens within the union, breeding dissatisfaction and division. It makes it more difficult to foster unity and solidarity. Moreover, employers, in addition to drastically cutting their labor costs, can use their hiring policies to weaken the union. As union power wanes, companies are finding it easier to plead global competition and request stringent concessions that workers are unable to accept. Such "concessionary bargaining" happens during recessions or industry-specific downturns when some companies face the prospect of filing for protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. What's unusual now is how many cases involve companies that are in good shape but cite increased global competition as the reason for the demands. "A lot of companies now are doing it just because they believe they can; it's opportunistic," says Ron Blackwell, chief economist for the AFL-CIO. WORKS CITED: Harry, Kelber. "Unions Accepting a Two-Tier Pay System Are Giving a Major Concession to Bosses". June 9, 2004 Online article

James, Missy, and Alan P. Merickel. Reading Literature and Writing Essay - 1

James, Missy, and Alan P. Merickel. Reading Literature and Writing Argument. 5th - Essay Example Whenever I feel accomplished, satisfied or in more common terms, successful, it is always because of some form of practicing knowledge. Essay Knowledge is power; it is a wealth that never ends. In fact, it increases by sharing; the only treasure out there that swells the more it is shared. What is the link between knowledge and individual power? There is one kind of power, which involves the physical strength, while the other is the brains behind that power, that develops strategies and tactics that channelizes the power and turns it into more productive force. The implied claim in Dickinson’s Much Madness is Divinest Sense (1862) is the knowledge, true and unprecedented, revelation based knowledge comes through madness. It is not the madness that the common people are used to. Majority, as the poem rightfully points out, goes along with ‘much sense’, rationalizations and probably conformity to the norms. The poem claims that the person who possesses knowledge and individual power might appear odd, the one who stands out from the crowd, and the person who has the right amount of madness. The poem by Dickinson doesn’t specifically quote example or evidence. ... History shows us that all great men, possessed some form of knowledge, their knowledge was the only reason history remembers them after thousands of years. Talk about prophets, or logisticians, or philosophers, all possessed great knowledge that was unique to their personality. The way Sherman Alexie learned to read and write through Superman comics. And instead of becoming a pediatrician, he became a writer and a poet. Logos is the primary tool of persuasion in Dickinson’s poem. Logically, the poet tells the reader how the time shapes things, and how people accept ‘sense’ while rejecting ‘madness’. This persuasion does convince the reader as everyone experiences scenarios, where the person who deviates from the norm (sense) is treated as an outcast – an unconscious effort of rejecting knowledge and true power. Langston Hughes Theme for English B (1949) uses a combination of pathos and ethos. He gets the credibility in the poem as he is a color ed student, and that gives him the stance where other would listen to him about his troubles and how the world looks at him, and more importantly what the world expects of him. The emotional stir (pathos) comes in when he gets aggressive and addresses his instructor that whether he likes it or not, he is a part of Hughes, just the way Hughes is a part of the instructor – the gift of being an American; no one can change that. Sherman Alexie’s short story Superman and Me uses pathos as the major persuasion tool. The innocence of an Indian and the kind of difficulties an Indian goes through at school. The audience immediately feels sympathetic towards the Indian student. Probably those who treat them as other species feel guilty. Especially when Sherman tells that

Comparing and contrasting poems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Comparing and contrasting poems - Essay Example On the other hand, Claude McKay was born in another century, in 1890. He was a Jamaican who immigrated to America at the age of twenty three. Claude McKay is famous for his more of a renegade style that talks about liberation and equality for the oppressed minorities of America. While Morales’ poem instigates your mind to realize and acknowledge the ethnic and racial diversity in America, McKay’s poem truly brings forth the Harlem Renaissance where he embraces and denounces America at the same time. Hence, both poems are similar because of the immigrant blood both poets possess, yet different in the way they deal with this. The form of â€Å"Child of the Americas† and â€Å"America† by Morales and McKay respectively, differs. â€Å"Child of the Americas† has a very ambiguous form that also depicts the confusion of the poet. The first stanza is composed of eight lines while the following two are of six lines each. The poem ends with a single, sure line that comes after a couplet. â€Å"America,† on the other hand, is written in the format of a sonnet with three quatrains and a concluding couplet. Both poets although squabbling with the entity that is America, are proud of who they are. Their American identity as a colored person is something they cherish and acknowledge. While Morales speaks â€Å"English with passion,† McKay loves â€Å"this cultured hell.† McKay opines that although life in America is tough especially when one has to face segregation on the basis of race, he still loves this country because it makes him grow tough and resilient. And although it is a huge country compared to his smallness or the minority of his race, but still it makes him strong enough to be a rebel and stand up to its oppression. Morales and McKay are similar in their poetic expression: Morales has used the impersonation technique to symbolize different ethnicities as an American whereas Claude McKay has personified America as almost equivalent to a

Using the Pyramid of Corporate social responsibility describe and Essay

Using the Pyramid of Corporate social responsibility describe and evaluate John Lewis's approach to Corporate Social responsibility - Essay Example To cater for this need, Carroll developed the pyramid of cooperating social responsibility (Crowther, 2010). The pyramid arranges the critical issues into philanthropy, ethic, legality and economic sectors. Philanthropy implies that the company should own up to the community. Contribute parts of its resources to the community, thereby improving the quality of life. Ethics covers doing what is right and fair. This means the business should not harm the community. In the past before the adherence of environmental policies, factories would pollute the rivers and the environment in a bid to getting rid of waste. Ethics forbids harm to the community, which may also occur in hoarding the goods for better prices. Legality covers obeying the law. The business should be legal and observe laws within the state, paying taxes, license renewal among other policies. Economic aspect includes the sole purpose of running a business. The aim is to make a profit. Without profit, the company cannot be able to meet its expenses and growth (Crowther, 2010). John Lewis Partnership embraces the premise of sustainability. The approach involves maintaining effective governance, actively engaging stakeholders, continuous performance monitoring and managing risks and opportunities. In order to maintain effective management, the Partnership employs well-educated and talented people with leadership traits. Such people are trained to make sound business decisions and to ensure the corporate achieves its goals. The board of managers and directors work hand in hand with other employees to provide a balance between investments and favorable working conditions. Waitrose and Lewis encourage sustainability by allocating resources to achieve focus. In comparison with the pyramid, this is in-line with the economic aspect. Without efficient decision making the company would run at a loss (John Lewis Partnership). Stakeholders include employees, suppliers, government agents and

Market Segmentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Market Segmentation - Essay Example Survey comprise of elemental phases like population sampling, adoption of appropriate research design, data collection, and finally analysis of resultant data into meaningful information. In order to maintain objectivity, researchers need to follow all these steps. In this essay, we will appraise utilization of survey methodology in obtaining information about market segmentation in Doha. The company conducting this survey plans to sell fast food to university students in the CBE. Hankin and Rhoads (2011) agree that from a theoretical perspective, fast foods are usually associated with negative effects on health concerns of consumers. In this case, the company needs substantial knowledge before deciding to roll out a fast food program within the university’s premises. The desired market segment within the selected consumer population aims at evaluating the potential of female students in purchasing fast food from the company’s outlets. In order to obtain informed data, we will customize research questions to evaluate the students’ concerns on consumption of healthy food. All the campuses of CBE have a vast number of students. Therefore, the survey started by obtaining a representative sample from the entire female student population. The sample comprised of students aged between 21-28years of age. Approximately 75% of the sample comprised of undergraduate students. The entire sample comprised of 100 students, all of which were female students. On the aspect of research design, the survey exercise adopted the use of questionnaires in acquiring information from the sampled students. Based on the work of Jessen (2008), questionnaires proved effective in acquiring first hand... The company conducting this survey plans to sell fast food to university students in the CBE. Hankin and Rhoads (2011) agree that from a theoretical perspective, fast foods are usually associated with negative effects on health concerns of consumers. In this case, the company needs substantial knowledge before deciding to roll out a fast food program within the university’s premises. The desired market segment within the selected consumer population aims at evaluating the potential of female students in purchasing fast food from the company’s outlets. In order to obtain informed data, we will customize research questions to evaluate the students’ concerns on consumption of healthy food. All the campuses of CBE have a vast number of students. Therefore, the survey started by obtaining a representative sample from the entire female student population. The sample comprised of students aged between 21-28years of age. Approximately 75% of the sample comprised of under graduate students. The entire sample comprised of 100 students, all of which were female students. On the aspect of research design, the survey exercise adopted the use of questionnaires in acquiring information from the sampled students. Based on the work of Jessen (2008), questionnaires proved effective in acquiring first-hand information from the target consumers; hence enhancing objectivity and reality of information obtained. In this regard, the exercise used primary sources in as the most appropriate mode of data collection.

Analysis of Storefront Software Packages Term Paper

Analysis of Storefront Software Packages - Term Paper Example All these websites are built on an HTML language that improves its quality and makes it current in the world of Web-technique applications. The HTML pros include increased accessibility (With the use of HTML 5 as a web development tool, screen readers are allowed to easily gain access to web contents in HTML elements and Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) suites. These features help with dynamic contents and advanced graphical user controls that are developed based on Ajax, HTML, and JavaScript; as applied to all Web pages with rich graphical and text contents). Other features include; Mobile Applications, Offline caching, Video and audio support, Improved site speedFor this particular concern, the developer had a deeper view by providing accelerators and quick links which are in most cases used by experts for reasonably faster navigations. A user, therefore, has the options to select best criteria to reach the desired page.In payments, a client has the right to or not to c lick on the â€Å"Pay it Now† button depending on how ready he/she is to do so. Upon clicking it, the client is directed to the payment page to enter all payment information.To shop one has to go to Shopping Bag web page, where he/she has the capabilities of selecting any item displayed, deleting in case one changes mind, changing quantity through quantity arrows e.t.c.Website platform provides the best marketing and merchandising site for all the products available and developed by companies that develop such applications.

Marketing communications Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 1

Marketing communications - Essay Example Furthermore, the report discovered that in 2011, most teens preferred the Blackberry gadget but a majority of adults used and preferred Apple’s products. Amazingly, the same teens who said their preferences lied in the Blackberry had problem being separated from Apple’s products. This is one of the problems the report analyses and intends to address. It will be reported that it is factual in stating that the Blackberry that the aforementioned group loved; on the contrary, there lacked provision of information and promotion of Apple’s product thus making this report a necessity. With the tremendous invention of the Smartphones and the subsequent tight competition, companies dealing with these gadgets are encountering a myriad of challenges. Mostly, the challenges are arising from the strategies with some competitors choosing and applying various tactics in trying to remain afloat in the market. This report was requested by a successful company, - Apple Inc. to be precise- with an aim to provide solutions concerning the Integrated marketing communications strategies. Contained herein are statistics on the usage of Smartphones in some countries as other strategies that Apple Inc. could employ in order to meet its goals. The findings of the UK’s smartphones market have been a result of extensive research conducted and gained from some of the most reliable sites. Integrated marketing communication (IMC) has been defined in various ways but in all these variations, all agree that it involves the strategies developed in ensuring a product is sold in markets. Normally, a company will create these with a sole aim of ensuring that products sales have been boosted and various methods may be used. Some of these methods include public relations, advertising, promotions and in with the current invention, the social media. Different individual son the effectiveness of these strategies

Investigation and prevention of child abuse Essay Example for Free

Investigation and prevention of child abuse Essay Child abuse is one of the most common human right violations in the human community. According to UNCEF reports, at least one child dies every day as a result of child abuse. Nevertheless, the exact number of child deaths as a result of chilled abuse is hindered by the fact that most cases of child deaths in the communities goes without investigation. Still, an estimated over 30, 000 child in America are put under protection registers annually (American Prosecution Research Institute 12). The world is approximated to have over 100 million abused children most of whom are from the developing nations. However, these are just but a few of child abuse cases which are reported. There are numerous types of child abuse practices in the society. They range from infant shaking, to child battering, to child negligence, to child sexual abuse (Perona, Bottoms, and Vieth 42). Such practices are blamed for having a negative impact on the psychological, physical, and social development of the child. The process of preventing child abuse effectively dictates for the participation of all members of the community in ensuring early identification of such problems (Perona, Bottoms, and Vieth 51). Creating awareness among children as well as other members of the community on the rights of children plays an instrumental role in mitigating child abuse in the community. Investigation of child abuse for legal charges involves numerous methods depending on the type and magnitude of the act. For instance, Physical sexual abuse on kids can either be self evident or call for medical procedures to qualify (Myers 46). The history of family relations plays a crucial role in child abuse investigation practices by law enforcement. This paper seeks to give a detailed discussion on the prevention and investigation of child abuse. Prevention of child abuse The realization of effective child abuse prevention entails the creation of awareness on the forms and how to identify child abuse as well as engaging efforts in mitigating risk factors to child abuse in the community (Perona, Bottoms, and Vieth 51). The problem of child abuse in the community is increased by lack of awareness by the public. According to available statistics for example, child sexual abuse incidences in the American society has its peak between the onset of puberty and adolescence (American Prosecution Research Institute 67). At this age, most of the victims have mental capability to identify and avoid being victims of sexual abuse. Based on this reasoning, creating adequate awareness among the child can greatly aid in mitigating child abuse practice in the community. In this pursuit, since 1983, the American nation has set April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. In addition, the government funds child-abuse prevention initiatives through its Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (CBCAP) (American Prosecution Research Institute 71). Still on awareness, society cohesion factor plays an important role in preventing child (Myers 102). Just as is the case with other forms of crime prevention practices, the local community members find much advantage in the early identification and thus controlling of child abuse in their neighborhoods. This is because; they are the ones living close to the sources of child abuse; the family unit. Therefore, encouraging communal living among members of the community is instrumental in preventing child abuse. Another common practice of preventing child abuse is enforcing zero tolerance policies on domestic violence. According to numerous research findings, it is established that families marked with couple violence have a higher prevalence of child abuse; both physically and emotionally (Myers 112). There are numerous risk factors identified for causing child abuse practices. Such include the social and economic position of the family and the local community and the effectiveness of the law enforcement and criminal justice system in addressing child abuse cases (Myers 108). It has been sufficiently claimed that poverty in the in family plays an instrumental factor in perpetuating child abuse practices such as neglect. Financial constrains in the family also serves to cause stress and depression among parent, a factor that negatively impacts on the parent-child relationship. Still, an idle mind is the devils workshop. Therefore, the sustainable prevention of child abuse dictates for resolving eminent economic problems that affecting members of the local community. Also found to influence the level of child abuse is the character and gender of the child. Statistical evidence indicates that most mentally or physically disabled children are found to be at risk of child abuse (Perona, Bottoms, and Vieth 61). The statistics also establish substantial evidence connecting gender classification as a clear cause of child abuse in the community. In particular, the girl child is prone to child abuse and neglect. In some countries, the girl child is rarely provided with equal education as the boy child. This is a denial of the children right to education. In addition, girls are common victims to forced marriages as well as prostitution. On the other hand, the boy child is commonly marked with forced labor. They are also the main victims of corporal punishment compared to girls. These are the reasons behind the enactment and enforcement of numerous laws mitigating practices such as child pornography and prostitution and child labor (American Prosecution Research Institute 61). Many nations across the globe including the United States have banned corporal punishment of children both in the schools and in the family. This serves the purpose of limiting inhuman punishments on children. It is worth noting that the United Nations initiative on providing basic education to all children has taken cause in many countries across the globe. This initiative is quite instrumental in influencing prevention of anti-girl child education practices in the nation as much of its emphasis is on the girl child. Such an initiative is supported by numerous community based non-governmental organization. The war on drug abuse in the community is an important tool in mitigating child abuse. According to numerous research findings, drug abuse like alcoholism is among the leading causes of domestic violence as well as child sexual abuse in the community (Myers 121). This claim has been evidently supported by the fact that drugs function in compromising the reasoning and judgmental ability of an individual. Such can also be explained by the fact that drugs enhance aggression and temper of the victim. In a move to mitigate this practice of drug abuse as a potential cause for child abuse, the American nation is found to spend billions of dollars on the war against drugs in the society. Investigation of child abuse The process of investigating child abuse is heavily dependent on the availability of claimed evidence of physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse. According to the available legal provisions; some forms of child abuse such as child labor neglect, and failure to provide education as well as some forms physical abuse of are self evident (Myers 132). Therefore, the investigation of such practices is mainly based on reported evidence rather than dictating for medical procedures. Also commonly involved in the investigation practices is identifying the history of a child abuse problem. According to psychological principles, human problems such as emotional stress and depression are a direct result of long term abuse in children. Based on this, the period over which such abuse on a particular child should be provided as qualifying evidence against the defendants charged with child abuse (Myers 136). As per the requirements of the law, this evidence can be self proclaimed by the victim, given by a member of the local community or from a doctor. The doctor should conduct an extensive diagnosis on the subject matter to give admissible evidence. Such might cover but not limited to the extent of physical or emotional damage impacted on the child. However, the laws protecting children against abuse prohibit against even the slightest form of action against a child that can compromise their social, emotional, academic and physical development. Conclusion Despite the numerous efforts by governments and other community-based non-governmental organizations, child abuse remains a major problem in the global community. There are various causes of child abuse in the community. Such include; domestic violence, cultural beliefs, economic status, and social practices in the community. The problem is further complicated by failure by the victims or members of the community to reports such cases to the relevant authorities for legal action against the perpetrators. Therefore, effective child abuse prevention strategies must take into account the need for creating public awareness on the problem. It should also devote much emphasis on resolving the main social and economic factors which promote child abuse. It is only through consulted cooperation among all stakeholders in the community that the war against child abuse can be successful.

Role of Cognitive Therapy in Reducing Human Error

Role of Cognitive Therapy in Reducing Human Error Table of Contents (Jump to) Introduction Cognitive Therapy and Human Error Automatic Subsystem Attentional Subsystem Conclusion Bibliography Q: As a Cognitive psychologist, how could you help reduce human error either at work, on the roads, or at home? Word Count: 1819  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­_____________________________________________________________________ 1. Introduction Human error is evident is all areas of human involvement, and may differ vastly in terms of the seriousness of the outcome. A typing error, for example, is easily corrected with no harm to anyone; however, an error in a medical procedure may have more damaging consequences for both the patient and the medical practitioner. Reason (2000) identifies two main approaches to human error namely the system approach and the person approaches. The system approach maintains that human error is inevitable, but reviews it as a consequence of larger, systemic problems. The person approach, which is largely the more popular, views error as, arising primarily from aberrant mental processes such as forgetfulness, inattention, poor motivation, carelessness, negligence, and recklessness (Reason, 2000: 768). In his essay, Reason (2000) suggests that there be a movement toward a system approach to human error, arguing that the human condition is not changeable, yet the conditions under which they work a re. The following essay will consider the role of cognitive therapy in reducing human error. Focusing on two main areas of research: cognition and behaviour. This will be followed by a conclusion of findings. 2. Cognitive Therapy and Human Error Aaron Beck is the founder of Cognitive Therapy (CT) and in this approach he proposes that our feelings, thoughts and behaviours are all interlinked, and that thought and behaviour changes, will result in feelings being transformed (Sanders Wills, 2006). Therefore, Cognitive Therapists make use of behavioural experiments and target cognitions in order to bring about cognitive, emotional and behavioural strategies. This understanding of CT and the methods used by Cognitive Therapists becomes increasingly relevant to the theory of human error when considered in the backdrop of The Emerging Model of Cognitions presented by Panko (1997). The Emerging Model of Cognitions (Panko, 1997) highlights the interplay between three subsystems, namely: the automatic subsystem, the attentional subsystem and the environment, and each of these systems impact on the cultivation and execution of a plan. The automatic subsystem includes schemata (sets of information and response patterns) that are below the level of consciousness. These schemata are triggered by a specific stimulus, which elicits a patterned response. Panko (1997) gives the example of speech, which involves a number of complex processes, or schemata, which we are not conscious of, but results in the patterned response of speech. Error will sometimes occur when a situation arises for which there is no existing patterned response (schemata). In such a situation, a schema that has been activated in a similar situation is then activated, resulting in occasional error. The second subsystem described by Panko (1997) is the attentional subsystem. This subsystem involves log ical and attentional thought, which, like the automatic subsystem, is also built on schematic organisation. According to Panko (1997) error rooted in the attentional subsystem can be largely attributed to lay theories. This researcher explains that, Even after people receive training in specific areas, such as physics, they often revert to lay theories afterward†¦lay theories are schemata that we have developed over many years. They are very likely to produce errors when we model situations (Planko, 1997: ¶16). Finally, the environment is the third subsystem indicated by Planko (1997). According to this researcher, the planning and execution of an action is in constant play with the environment. Plans are fed back to the environment, and are then adjusted accordingly. When the environment is a buzz of information and stimulus, thus confusing the schema, unexpected results can occur. From this model, the following causes of human error can be identified. Firstly, disruption to the automatic subsystem, as a result of the ill matching of schema to an unknown situation. Secondly, disruption to the attentional subsystem, by reverting to lay theories, and finally, the environmental impact, where it is understood as influencing the formation of schema. This model brings to the forefront the idea that, to a large degree, human error can be understood as being rooted in cognitive and behavioral mishaps. Cognitive therapy may be employed to help reduce these errors by tackling the automatic and attentional subsystems presented in the model. 2.1 Automatic Subsystem Cognitive Therapy explains the working of schema, defining it as a relatively enduring, deep cognitive structure that organizes the principles of giving appraisal and meaning to experiences, especially in relation to rules of living, with regards to self, others and the world (Sanders Wills, 2006: 147). An event schema, or cognitive script, involves processes and practices of approach tasks and problems. These ways of processing are behaviorally oriented and triggered by certain stimulus (Scholl, 2002). Such schema are constructed either directly, through repeated a process a number of times, or indirectly through movies, role models and stories (Scholl, 2002). Scholl (2002:  ¶4) identifies two distinct methods of data processing. Data-driven or stimulus-driven processing occurs when no schema exist form which to process information. The individual examines all information and proceeds through a careful decision making process. Schema-driven processing occurs when an individual responds to a stimulus (decision making or problem solving situation) by evoking a programmed response or behavior script (schema). This is done without extensive data collection or analysis. According to Scholl (2002) error is more likely to occur when an individual has a rigid schema. In this instance, an individual, despite the in information provided, uses the same schema to respond to similar situations and no longer makes a distinction between them. The results in inaccurate decision making and errors occur. Such error can be seen to occur, for example, on the road. An individual with a rigid schema may have his or her problem solving diminished when confronted by a faulty traffic light. Instead of considering the unique information, he or she responds as if it where a normal functioning light, resulting in an accident. Cognitive therapy, by means of schema therapy and challenging core beliefs attempts to loosen and change some of the enduring schema. 2.2 Attentional Subsystem As previously described, disruption to the attentional subsystem occurs when a person reverts their attention to a particular thought. From this it can be understood that, despite having a variety of options available, thinking because inflexible and rigid. A person may even be said to have become fixated. One such lay theory may be seen in the form of excessive worry. Worry is a type of negative intrusive thought, which tends to distract the worrier from the task at hand. For example, a person new to their job, having undergone and successfully completed the necessary training, may become anxious on starting their job. This would be further compounded by such worrisome thoughts of, I am not good enough, I know that I will make a mistake, when I make a mistake I will be fired. This talk is the lay theory they have about themselves and their competence. This negative self-talk interferes with the brain processes necessary for completing the task, and error occurs. Shearer and Gordon ( 2006) give reference to a number of cognitive behavioral strategies that can be employed for the reduction of worry, including repeatedly challenging the worry process, experiments of behavioral exposure and mindfulness based meditation. Another approach offered by cognitive therapy for confronting such patterns of thought is that of Attentional Training. Wells and Papageorgiou are the founders of Attentional Training and describe it as a way of decreasing the fixed focus (which is typically self-focus) and allow for more flexibility in thought (Sanders and Wills, 2006). Harvey, Watkins, Mansell, and Shafran (2004: 67) describe the process involved in Attentional Training: The therapy is divided into several stages: The therapist first provides a clear rationale for why reducing or interrupting self-focused processing may aid recovery. The patient is asked to fixate on a visual stimulus (e.g. a mark on the wall) and then to focus attention for several moments on each of a series of different sounds (therapists voice, tapping, clock). The patient is instructed to exclusively focus on each sound alone. The patient shifts their attention rapidly between the sets of sounds. The patient attends simultaneously to all of the sounds, trying to be aware of as many sounds as possible. Through this process a person preoccupied by worrisome thoughts, learns to attend to more than one stimulus, and is thus able to shift there attention when these thoughts arise. Conclusion This essay explored and discussed the phenomenon of human error, the processes involved in human error and the possible negative outcomes when human error occurs. This included a range of problem outcomes, from relatively harmless to far more damaging ones. Two prominent theories of human error where identified, namely the system and person approaches. Working from the person approach, The Emerging Model of Cognition provided a framework from which to consider the role of cognitions in human error. This model highlighted the role of cognitive therapy in helping to reduce human error. Schema Therapy was identified as an effective method for helping to make rigid schema more flexible, thereby freeing the individual to be able to consider a larger variety of options before acting. Attentional Training was identified as a method for approaching unconscious schema in the attentional subsystem. This approach in cognitive therapy trains the individual to attend to more than one stimulus. Th is allows the individual to be less distracted by intrusive thoughts, such as worry, and attend to the task at hand. Cognitive therapy is an increasingly popular option for psychological therapy. Interventions using this approach have shown long lasting effects, and reduce the possibility of relapse. Cognitive therapy has been developed for a large range of problems from panic and anxiety disorders to eating problems and hallucinations. It is also applied in a range of settings from mental health to life coaching (Sanders Wills, 2006). This essay has pointed to two ways in which cognitive therapy can be useful in helping reduce the occurrence of human error. Bibliography Harvey, A., Watkins, E., Mansell, W., Shafran, R. (2004). Cognitive Behavioural Processes Across Psychological Disorders: A transdiagnostic approach to research and treatment. Oxford University Press. Panko, R.R. (1997). Theories of Human Error. Retrieved on March 1st, 2007, from  http://panko.cba.hawaii.edu/HumanErr/Theory.htm. Reason, J. (2000). Human error: Models and management. British Medical Journal,  320, 768-770. Sanders, D., Wills, F. (2006). Cognitive Therapy: An introduction. London: Sage. Scholl, R.W. (2002). Social Cognition and Cognitive Schema. Retrieved on May 3, 2007, from http://www.uri.edu/research/lrc/scholl/Notes/Cognitive_Schema.htm. Shearer, S, Gordon, L. (2006). The patient with excessive worry. American Family Physician, 73, 1045-1056.

Hills Like White Elephants Essay -- Hills Like White Elephants Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants† is about a couple who discuss an abortion. The American in the story addresses it as a â€Å"simple operation,† (487) while Jig seems to feel it is the wrong choice. I feel the man is encouraging her to have the abortion done in his own selfish way.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I feel the American is being very selfish and thinking what a simple operation it would be. He tells Jig, â€Å"It’s really an awfully simple operation, Jig.† (487)†It’s not really an operation at all.† (487)How easy it would be for the American to have an opinion like this since he would never have to experience the pain. He doesn’t have to deal with any of the physical or emotional scares. He just keeps reassuring her that it will be a simple operation. He says, â€Å"I know you wouldn’t mind it, Jig. It’s really not anything. It’s just to let the air in.† Is this what other men have told him? Has he ever taken the time to talk with women who have had the â€Å"simple operation?† As a man it would be very easy to think it’s a simple operation, but is this the reassurance that women want and need from men when they are faced with this decision? The American says, â€Å"I’ll go with you and stay with you all the time. They just let the air in and then it’s all perfectly natural.† (487)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jig shows signs of regret as though the American is forcing her into this decision. I don’t feel that it is something that she wants to do. Ji...

ONE ATTEMPT :: Essays Papers

ONE ATTEMPT 1. Every one of us strives to be better, accomplish more, and do it faster. Some of us may be occasionally disappointed, but it is whether or not we choose to try again that determines our success. John Steinbeck gives us one example of this in â€Å"Chrysanthemums†. [."] The theme of this story is that although most people are eager to do more and try different things with their life, not everyone will succeed with this attempt. [This is not a very fruitful thesis -- the story deals primarily with a problem of just women, not "most people."] 2. To characterize Elisa’s lifestyle, one would conclude that she wants more out of her life than what she has now. For example, she wants more responsibility and wishes to help with the orchard, and she tries to prove this to her husband by saying, â€Å"Maybe I could do it, too†. She also finds the peddler’s traveling lifestyle appealing. She states this by saying more than once, â€Å"That would be a nice way to live†. 3. Elisa also wants more love than what she has now. The first example of her need for more love is her sexual advances [hmmm] toward the peddler. Elisa is explaining the night sky, but she is also being very sexual by stating: â€Å"I’ve never lived as you do, but I know what you mean. When the night is dark-why, the stars are sharp-pointed, and there’s quiet. Why, you rise up and up! Every pointed star gets driven into your body. It’s like that. Hot and sharp and–lovely.† [The preceding quotation should be analyzed in more detail. It is certainly interesting, but why, if she is, is she being so sexual in her comments to an old peddlar?] Elisa is also sexual towards the peddler by saying; â€Å"I could show you what a woman might do†. [She doesn't mean it that way -- she means that a woman can do more than men think they can do.] 4. A second example of her need for love is she near nagging her husband for a polite compliment. She does this by asking several times, â€Å"What do you mean by ‘nice’?

Man Needs the Environment

The environment is the place wherein man lives; it is his dwelling place. Man and the environment has a significant connection which entails that man cannot be detached from it, because his awareness and knowledge about things are both gained from his experiences that take place within his surroundings. Consequently, man tries to settle himself in his environment, both social and physical approaches, in order live life effectively and productively. Man and the social environment. A quality that distinguishes man from other animals is his social nature.Man cannot be compared with other animals because he is placed above and dwells in a habitat where a social interaction is a prerequisite and basic function. â€Å"No man is an island; no man can stand alone. † – This saying implies that man is intrinsically a social being. He cannot detach himself from others and all other creatures in the world; he is intended to be a being-that-exists-with-others-in-the-world. Man has h is respective social roles: being-through-others, being-with-others, and being-for-others. These social roles would help an individual establish his social identity.Man is a being-through-others. From man’s conception and birth, he is dependent on other people. He cannot grow up, work, and live neither as efficiently nor effectively, except through others. His life and death will only have meaning when considered in reference to others like him. Also, man is considered as a being-with-others. Despite the efforts to live independently, man cannot and should not live in total isolation rather he should deal and mingle with the people around him. His togetherness towards other creatures characterizes human nature.And in dealing with other individuals, he builds up inter-human relationships. As a result of the social bonds from these relationships, man’s major social needs: attention, affection, and acceptance are being fulfilled. Moreover, with the inter-human relationshi ps he has and the exposure to his environment, his awareness is increased. He will become more conscious and observant of the events and people around him – issues, situations, problems, and conditions. The â€Å"hows† and â€Å"whys† of human actions and interactions will be learned resulting to growth of man’s knowledge.On the contrary, considering that a man who is gifted and is isolated from others since birth; man who doesn’t involve and have social relations ever since, impossibility of man’s survival arouses. In other words, man cannot be said to be a real man only with his biological birth but only when he forms social collective and lives in social relations, will he be able to exist and develop as a man. Man’s personality is moulded and developed within his social environment, through mingling with the people in his surroundings.Through interacting with others, man develops his potentials. Indeed, the social environment itse lf and one’s exposure to it is vital in one’s life which conveys that man needs it. Man and the physical environment. The physical environment is composed of the natural resources. And from these resources, one’s necessities as a living organism, which includes man, can be acquired. As a living organism, man is in need of water, air, and also of the presence of other living creatures. Man needs air. It is in every living organism’s nature to breathe.Breathing is vital in one’s life. It commonly serves as the basis that an individual has life and is alive. Man needs air to breathe in order to survive. The absence of air in man’s life would suggest and imply that man would eventually die. Also, man needs water. Water is one of the major needs for the survival of every living organism. Water plays an important role in man’s life, and it is involved in man’s daily living. It is used for drinking, for cooking, for hygienic purposes, for tidying things and also for watering the plants.In addition, man needs the presence of other living creatures. The existence of every living organism has an important role in the environment which brings a large impact to the other living creatures in the world. Scientifically speaking, living creatures are said to have and participate in the so called as the Food Web and Food Chain. In these particular concepts, the presence of producers and consumers are considered; plants as producers and animals, which include man, are consumers. With such, man’s survival is dependent on the existence of other living creatures in the environment.And it can be justified through man’s reliance to the gas, oxygen, which can be acquired from the plants, and to man’s practice of considering plants and others animals as his source of food. The presence of every living organism helps maintain the balance of the ecosystem. From the physical environment, man acquires his basic n ecessities. Indeed, man needs the physical environment for his survival. Man needs both the social environment and physical environment. From these environments, man obtains his needs. And from the satisfaction of his needs, man derives a sense of completeness and in the process, his survival is ensured.

Godiva Hong Marketing Plan

Marketing Plan for GODIVA HONG in the Netherlands GODIVA HONG Chocolate therapy   Introduction This report consists of a situational analysis and a potential market analysis of Godiva Hong. This report is prepared by the RBS Marketing Consulting Firm. RBS is the only authorized marketing strategic partner of GODIVA in Europe.The purpose of this report is to attain insight into the success-increasing factors (strengths) and the value-decreasing (weaknesses) factors of introducing Godiva Hong to the Netherlands, and produce a feasible marketing strategy with which the product can be introduced. The analysis is done with the help of a SWOT-analysis. The market environment consists of both the macro environment and the micro environment. The structure of this marketing plan is based partly on the structure presented in Export business plan The Netherlands (2009). 2] Other academic books referenced for this report’s structure and data will be stated in the reference. 1. Profile 1 . Company Profile The Godiva Company was founded in Belgium in 1926 for the production and retail confectionary products. The company was founded by Joseph Draps and was named after Lady Godiva; â€Å"a woman of great generosity and beauty left an indelible impression upon the people she reigned over in Coventry† (Godiva: 2012). [3] Since its inception the company has kept to its tradition of making chocolates with â€Å"a unique formula of rich chocolate with unparalleled smoothness† (Godiva: 2012). 3] The company has maintained its image of confectionery excellence by paying careful attention to quality, innovation and design, evidence of the latter can be seen through their exquisite European-style gold ballotins and handcrafted seasonal packaging. Till date the company owns and operates over 450 retail shops and boutiques worldwide and issues out six seasonal mail order catalogs yearly (Godiva: 2012). [3] 2. Company Product Godiva offers a wide range of products fr om chocolate assortments and truffles; chocolate bars; chocolate treats; biscuits, coffee, and cocoa; dark, milk, and white chocolate gifts to baked desserts.The company just recently started producing a line of cocktails called Godiva Liqueur (Godiva: 2012). [3] The company Godiva, plan on introducing a new line of chocolates onto the Dutch market in 2012. The new product is called Godiva Hong. The product is a special blend of Chinese red bean paste with a rich dark chocolate coating. The product seeks to blend the traditional exquisite look, smell and delicious taste of Godiva chocolates with an equally tasty red bean paste that has health benefits. The name â€Å"Hong† was given to give the product an oriental feel. Hong means red in Chinese and the color symbolizes luxury and joy. 3.Company Mission â€Å"A passion for innovation and luxury combined with a truly memorable experience contained in each mouthful has made Godiva legendary. † (Godiva 2012) [3] 2. DESTEP analysis 1. Demographic Analysis: According to CBS, the Netherlands is the 27th most densely populated country in the world. The 16 million Dutch men and women are concentrated on an area of 41, 52 km?. This means that the country has a population density of 397 per km?. The emigration rate in the Netherlands is high, for this reason the population growth is expected to decrease while the aging of the population is expected to increase. Education levelAccording to the OECD Health data, the Netherlands has a relatively the high education rate compared to other countries in Europe. 21 % of the educated population has university degrees. Eating and buying habits Dutch consumers have diverging eating and buying habits, consumers are paying more and more attention to having a healthier lifestyle. They are eating healthier, exercising more and as a result of globalization are welcoming healthy foods and trends from other cultures (Terry B. , 2012) 2. Economic Analysis. The economical str ucture of The Netherlands is characterized as open, outward-looking and thinking out of the box.The Dutch economy has a strong international focus, as the Netherlands is one of the European Union's most dynamic centers of trade and industry. Owing largely to its favorable location by the North Sea, it plays a key role as a main port and distribution centre for companies operating worldwide. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is one of the largest airports in Europe. For these reasons the Netherlands is often called, the Gateway to Europe. (Diane L. , 2011). [3]On the other hand economic growth declined in by 0. 9% in the 4th quarter of 2008. According to CBS, the economy declined a further 3. 50 % in 2009 and another 0. 5 % in 2010. (Svend H. , 2008) Purchasing power In figure 1 shows a chart of consumer purchasing power in the Netherlands. It can be observed from this chart that before the recession consumers had a high purchasing power. (Terry B. , 2011) Fig. 1 Purchasing power of consu mers in the Netherlands | |Purchasing Power developments | |Periods |% | |2004 ~ 2005 |-0. | |2005 ~ 2006 |3 | |2006 ~ 2007 |3. 1 | |2007 ~ 2008 |0. 3 | |2008 ~ 2009 |1. | |CBS, 7-12-2009 | | 3. Social and environmental Analysis Dutch people are open-minded; they are adaptable and welcome or often embrace new cultures from all over the world. (Diane L. , 2011). [2]Majority of the people in the Netherlands speak English and more often than not other European languages. Dutch people tend to be very private; this however does not mean they are not welcoming simply value their privacy and respecting the privacy of others.The Dutch are also not known for their display of wealth for this reason it is very hard to distinguish between the well to do and poor in the Dutch society. 4. Technological Analysis Modern technology has been a major cause of the change in living standards in most countries. The Netherlands like many other developed countries has taken full advantage of this phenomeno n to create a seemingly comfortable life for its citizens. One of the key tools that have played a monumental part in this transformation has been the internet.Since the creation of the World Wide Web in the early 1990s, the Internet has been transformed from a mere communication tool into an undeniably incredible technology. The internet has since single handedly managed to revolutionize the way communication, business is done in today’s world. Since its inception, many tools have been developed to enable the conduction of business through the internet; one of which is e-commerce. E-commerce is a collective term used to describe the various methods of making online payments. E-commerce makes trading convenient and substantially reduces the costs involved in making trades. . Ecological Analysis The ecological rules for doing business in the Netherlands have been tightened in recent years; environmental health and safety have become very important. Businesses that wish to oper ate in the Netherlands have to adhere to these strict rules (HACCP rules) or face sanctions and fines. The ISO standard was introduced in the Netherlands in 2005. The ISO standards have a lot of requirements for management systems for the food industry in the Netherlands, these help to ensure safety in food chains. Alternative packagingAlternative packaging is a hot topic in the fast consuming goods industry. Paper, tinned paper, paper box and plastic box are still frequently used in chocolate industry. However, in recent years, moves have been made to replace paper with PP material, which is cheap and excellent at protecting chocolate from heat. On the other hand PP material ages easily and has a tendency to break in low temperatures. 6. Political The Dutch government is what one calls a â€Å"monarchical government†, meaning that it is not only comprised of the ministers and the state secretaries, but also the monarch, Queen Beatrix.Another term for describing this is: a co nstitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, whereby the constitution has determined how the powers are divided between the Queen and the other institutions of the government. (Holland Handbook, 2011) [2] The cabinet’s responsibilities are: preparing and implementing legislation, overseeing the local government, carrying out the day-to-day business of government and maintaining international relationship. There are two houses (the Lower House and the Upper House) in the Parliament.The Lower House is elected directly by people and the Upper House are elected by the members of the provincial councils. The two Houses of Parliament have been given 4 rights: the right to set a budget; the right of interpellation; the right to put questions to ministers and state secretaries; and the right of inquiry. Furthermore, the Lower House has been given two additional rights: the right of amendment and the right to propose legislation. (Holland Handbook, 2011)[2] The Netherlands not o nly has a central government, but also provincial and municipal government and the water boards.The central government is responsible for national interest. The provincial government concerns social work, cultural events, environmental management, energy and sports. The municipal governments occupies traffic, housing, social services, health care, water supply, education and recreation. In order to secure these activities, the provincial government and the municipal government receive fund from the central government and levy tax. The aspect is deserve to be noticed before launching a marketing plan is the Netherlands operates the same taxation system as all European countries.Currently, the standard VAT rate is EU is 19% with a reduced rate of 6% only applying for certain goods and Service. (Government Profile: 2011) Upon business-based aspect of Dutch politics, a change of government does not usually impact domestic and international business dramatically. All in all, the Netherla nds, as a the gateway to Europe, the government protects and supports its development by emphasizing strongly on tax law, health, labor, company , commercial, civil, environment and intellectual property matters. 3. Competitive Analysis-Applying Porter’s five forces . 1 Threat of new entrants The threat of new entrants to Godiva can be analyzed from the following aspects: Supply-side economies of scale; Godiva chocolates are produced in Belgium and the USA to satisfy demand worldwide. However, the company’s products which are specialty goods are not produced on a large scale, this results in the fixed costs per unit being relatively high. A new entrant could use this to their advantage by producing relatively more and competing on price. Capital requirement; a large sum of money is needed to establish a complete producing line.A new entrant will have to fund, fixed costs such as factory and machines, variable costs such as raw material, labor force, and advertisements. In addition, chocolate distribution is not easy. Special considerations like the temperature, and damage during transportation, will need to be taken into consideration. This will demand more requirements from a Third Part Logistics provider which will result in a high distribution fee. When all these factors are considered, the threat of new entrants to Godiva is not high. 3. 2 Bargaining power of suppliers The bargaining power of Godiva’s supplier is high.The reasons are numerous. The key raw material for the production of chocolates is cocoa beans; these are grown in South America, Africa, and Middle East Asia. However, Godiva uses only high quality cocoa beans in the production of its chocolates and these are hard to come by, so once a supplier is selected, a corporative relationship is cultivated in order to maintain a long business relationship. The bargaining power of raw material supplier is therefore high; since the supplier can easily decide to sell his cocoa beans to Godiva’s competitors. 3. 3 Bargaining power of buyersThe diversity and highly differentiated chocolate products of Godiva keep the bargaining power of customer at a low level. As one of the most famous Belgian chocolate producers with loyal customers worldwide, when buyers think of buying chocolate with wonderful flavors and elegant packaging, they think Godiva. Same as Victoria’s secret and Starbucks, Godiva mainly focus on creating surprise, passion, and excitement around its brand (Philip Kotler, 2008). [9] It is also difficult for buyers to integrate forwards into Godiva due to its special handmade product line.The bargaining power of buyers is therefore low. 3. 4 Threat of substitutes Although current market full of hundreds of chocolate producers with very competitive products, Godiva still has a stable market share. Godiva achieved this by positioning its self away from mass markets and associating its brand with other luxury brands like Armani Exchange, Vic toria’s secret, Bose, Tiffany & Co, Coach, and so on. These companies share common characteristics, such as portrayal of desirable luxury in their product design or taste and their high, but not too expensive price range.Godiva does not consider mass market products like Mars and Snickers its substitutes but rather luxury gift items like champagne, expensive jewelry or products from other high-end chocolate brands like Guylian, Neuhaus, and Leonidas, when these other product are considered the potential threat is high. 3. 5 Industry competitors The industry competitors at the same level as Godiva are few. However, Godiva’s product assortments are more deeply differentiated than that of the others. The cost of switching from other brands to Godiva for a customer is relatively low.Godiva spreads its fixed costs per unit by producing large quantities compared to its competitors; because of this Godiva’s prices have remained competitive. In addition, Godiva has over 450 special stores and more than 1000 retail shops, which have already taken up a sizeable market share. All these factors considered makes Godiva’s, exit barrier relatively low. However, rivalry is expected to intensify when competitors launch marketing strategies such as price changing, publishing new products, and improving customer service.Especially during special holidays like Easter, each company will launch new product to attract more market segments. 4. Competitor’s analysis Among the competitor’s list, the strong competitors of Godiva in the Netherlands are: Neuhaus, Leonidas and Guylian 1. Competitor one: Guylian Guylian chocolates are sold in over 100 countries across Europe, Asia, Australia and America. It is one of the top ten best selling boxed chocolate brands, and often seen on  Valentine’s day, Mother's day, Easter, Christmas and other popular holidays. 17] Products: Guylian's chocolates range includes the world famous chocolate Sea S hells, truffles, assorted pralines, bars and many other gourmet creations. All made in  Belgium with the finest Belgian chocolate. Strengths: †¢ Strong brand names; †¢ High quality chocolate made by pure cocoa butter; †¢ Highly distinctive chocolate like Sea shells and sea horse, sugar-free dark chocolate ; †¢ Available in most major high street retailers, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, department stores, specialty food stores, petrol stations, duty free shops. Weaknesses online-shop are not available Marketing strategy: †¢ Constantly launching new accessories to meet customer’s special requirement. Special holidays, for instance, Guylian designed new greeting cards and chocolate boxes to enrich their product display. †¢ Enhance product line by producing luxury sea shells and sea horse chocolate. †¢ Enhance public realization through taking part in different product exhibitions and social activities. 4. 2 Competitor two: Neuhaus The Neuhaus group is an independent manufacturer of pralines and other chocolate delicacies in the luxury chocolate sector.It is established in over 50 countries with 1500 sales outlets. [10] Products: Neuhaus’s chocolate products consist of Pralines, Ice Cream, Confectionery, Boxes, and other chocolate. Strengths: †¢ Very strong brand name which has over 100 years Belgium Royal chocolate; †¢ Deeply differentiated product line; Concentrated on their core products; †¢ Neuhaus products are available in many boutiques, department stores, shopping centers, airports and online-shopping center. †¢ Favorable access to distribution networks; Well organized online customer service Weakness: †¢ Fewer specialty stores in the Netherlands. †¢ Price is comparatively high. †¢ Niche market share Marketing Strategy: †¢ Focus on their core business; †¢ Special customer service: offer corporate discounts starting for order of $1000 or above; Provide fre e customize gift card with logo ; †¢ Use newsletter to receive customer’s feedback and improve their products. Guarantee customer’s buying chocolate will be delivered next morning. 4. 3 Competitor three: LeonidasLeonidas is a world-renowned chocolate maker. It is famous for its freshness, generosity and traditional taste. It’s selling over 100 different kinds of Belgian chocolate through 1,400 outlets around the world. [11] Product: Butter cream chocolates; Special cream chocolates; Ganache chocolates; candied fruit; Marzipan; Liqueur cream chocolates; Cream caramel chocolates; Pralines; Plain chocolate Strengths †¢ Clarify assortment of products according to ingredients, design, occasions and taste. †¢ Good reputation among customers With 250 specialty stores in the Netherlands, customers can buy their products at any city †¢ Price is acceptable even for personal consumption Weaknesses †¢ Online shop is not available; †¢ European m arket too saturated Marketing Strategy †¢ Launched a new premium product line â€Å"L†, smaller and more refined chocolate, similar to Godiva’s ‘G’ collection (Chang Sub Kim, Deyeon Kim, March, 2008) †¢ Clear organization mission: A century of freshness, generosity and tradition †¢ Large number of shops to create a sense of â€Å"A word of chocolate is closer than you think† for customer . SWOT ANALYSIS | |Strengths |Weaknesses | |Environme| | | |ntal | | | | | | | | |.Efficient and effective distribution channels and | ·New taste | | |systems | | | | ·High-quality product | | | | ·Healthy product | | | |. High market share | | | |.Unique taste | | | |. Unique design | | | |. Product specialty | | | |. Existing marketing policy | | | |. High market share | | | |.New Marketing policy | | |Organizat|Opportunities |Threats | |ional | | | | | | | | | | | | | ·Expanding the market |.Substitute product | | |. Product Diversification |. Competitors | | | |. Product extension | 5. 1 Strength: Healthy product: Godiva Hong is has health benefits; according to Chinese medicine the red beans that we will used in the new chocolates have health improving effects. Scientific research has proven that the red beans are a good source of protein, soluble (and insoluble) fiber, folate (vitamin B12), magnesium, potassium and a number of other health promoting nutrients.The researchers concluded that it reduces heart attack by more than 80% [16]. According to USDA researcher Ronald Prior, red beans contain even more proanthocyanidins than blueberries, cranberries, and small beans [16]. So it is one of our most important strong points that we will be providing health with taste. High quality: Godiva is already famous for its high quality products. Godiva Hong, will offer customers the same quality in taste and exquisite design of its packaging. Godiva considers its quality as one of its strengths because it already has a satis fied amount of targeted consumers; its experience in this field becomes its strength.Efficient and effective distribution channels and systems: Godiva has a very efficient and effective distribution system. Godiva Hong can be ordered online from Godiva’s official website or other websites. It can also be ordered via telephone. Existing marketing policy: Godiva has various strategies for marketing its products. The company has its own website that has a web shop, they also have a catalogue system; their catalogs are released usually in the fall, holiday, Valentine's Day, Easter, spring, Mother's Day and summer periods. During the holidays 10 million books are circulated. Godiva's most recent data card lists 35,200 catalog buyers from the last 12 months.They are also well equipped with seasonal promotional offers and strong media coverage policy. [13] This existing marketing policy will be used to help promote Godiva Hong. Unique taste: The new product has a rich chocolate coat ing outside with traditional Godiva flavor and a red bean paste inside. It will have an aroma that evokes interest, curiosity. The product will merge the unique taste of sweetened red bean with the traditional rich taste of Godiva dark chocolates. Unique design: The packaging for Godiva Hong will be an elegantly designed bamboo box covered in red silk. In Chinese tradition the color red symbolizes warmth, passion and luxury.The design and color of our package is to stir up these feelings in our clients. The use of Chinese materials in the packets of Godiva Hong will give it a unique texture [pic] Product specialty: The color and all other materials that will be used for Godiva Hong will represent the brand’s luxury and excellence. Color, design, materials of Godiva Hong will be a perfect representative of Chinese culture also. High market share: According to the annual report of 2006 Godiva’s market share is in good position and its increasing [15]. So it is a strong p oint for the new product. Well organized Godiva boutique established its image as a luxury good; it attracts a huge amount of customer.We will make it stronger using our effective marketing policy. New Marketing policy: Godiva has media plans including image and tactical print in various magazines such as Vogue, In Style, Harper's and Vanity Fair, and also regional newspapers during the holidays. Direct mailing is done to support some product launches [13]. Exhibitions will also be organized in several shopping centers and our boutiques, free samples will be given to current customers when they visit our boutiques to buy our other well-known products. Godiva Hong will also use product placement and sponsorship to meet its objectives. 5. 2 Weakness New taste: Our main weakness is the new unfamiliar taste.This taste is familiar with Chinese people but for European people it will be a totally new taste. It is a weakness that we need to overcome by promoting this new taste in an attract ive manner: Well organized promotion, attractive packaging and designing. We will also maintain and combine the existing taste with the new product and also the same aroma so that the existing customer can identify this new product as a part of Godiva. 5. 3 Opportunities Expanding the market: After Godiva Hong has gained enough recognition with the current customers of Godiva, the target market will be expanded to include young customers (20-30) to expand our customer segment. Product Diversification:We will diversify our product portfolio in future by promoting more new taste inside Godiva chocolate. This will open an opportunity for us to enrich our market share. Product extension: In future we will look forward to extend our product to more diverse product line. We will make Ice-cream Hong, Candy Hong and more. 5. 4 Threats Substitute product: Godiva Hong is a luxury product, the company considers other luxury products like Champaign or flower bucket its substitute. The relative price and performance of these substitute products are a threat. Still we can overcome this threat by maintaining our customer oriented marketing policy. Competitors:In Netherlands competitors like Neuhaus, Leonidas and Guylian are able to cause great threat to Godiva because of their brand positioning and quality production. Still we can overcome this threat by establishing the uniqueness of the new chocolates with the new unique taste and its strong brand positioning policy. 6. Marketing Strategy 6. 1Marketing Objective 6. 1. 1 Awareness Objective In 2012, Godiva will embark on a campaign to introduce its customers in the Netherlands to a new line of oriental themed chocolates called Godiva Hong. 6. 1. 2 Sales Objectives †¢ Increase overall brand sales by 3% with the introduction of Godiva Hong by the second quarter of 2014. Widen target market for Godiva Hong by focusing mainly on young adults (ages 20 – 30) by 2016. 6. 2 Marketing Strategy Since Godiva Hong is a new product, creating awareness for it will take a front seat in the company’s promotional activities. The product will be introduced through Advertisements, Exhibitions and Social Media. The product will primarily be introduced on the company’s website and its customer catalogs. The advertising for Godiva Hong will focus on staying true to Godiva’s position as a high end chocolate brand that is unique and glamorous. The adverts will appeal to the customer’s emotions by branding the product as a luxury treat.The adverts will be telecast on all major Dutch television channels at prime times. There will also be adverts about Godiva Hong placed in luxury magazines the company already advertises in; they include Vogue, Forbes, In Style, Harper's and Vanity Fair. The company will strike a deal with KLM to distribute free samples of Godiva Hong to their first class passengers. A similar deal will be struck with some 5 star hotels in the Netherlands to put free samp les of Godiva Hong in welcome baskets. Exhibitions will also be organized in several shopping centers and our boutiques, free samples will be given to current customers when they visit our boutiques to buy our other well known products.These exhibitions will also be used to attract new customers, and will give the company the opportunity to get feedback from our customers on what they think of the new product. The sales objective will be achieved with the aid of social media. Through data and tests conducted in the past the company has managed to form a very good picture of who its current customers are. Through these tests they know demographic figures such as, 75% of our current customers are over the age of 32, 60% have children; more than 85% have completed college. They also gathered some psychographic information such as these customers love to indulge but are still health conscious.With the aid of this data, the company will communicate individually with these clients through social media (Face book, Twitter and blogs). The new product Godiva Hong will be introduced to them, as a treat with exquisite taste, the health benefits of the new product will also be emphasized while asking them questions and using their responses to improve on the marketing strategy. Godiva will also use product placement and sponsorship to meet its market expansion objectives. The company will hire the services of popular Dutch celebrities like artistes Nick and Simon by placing the new Godiva Hong in some of their videos. This strategy is to help make Godiva Hong attractive to young adults.These are the tools Godiva will use to meet its marketing objectives for Godiva Hong. The company will focus first on its current clients and when enough attention has been created on the product in that domain it will widen its target market to include young adults. 6. 3 Target market and Positioning The people of Netherlands like other European countries will continue to embrace the consu mption chocolates in search of indulgence. In recent years, chocolate consumption is being enhanced by a growing demand for healthier, higher quality products that incorporate new tastes. These circumstances in the Dutch market offer a good opportunity for confectionery products like Godiva Hong.When Godiva Hong is introduced its primary target market will be the current customers of Godiva products in the Netherlands. After the product has gained recognition and acceptance from the current flock of Godiva customers the target market will then be widened to include young adult (people between the ages of 20 and 30 who have just started working careers). Godiva Hong like all other Godiva products is an upscale luxury product, and like the other products will be positioned as such. The aim is to strengthen the products position as a high-end product that customers will be proud to buy. 7. Marketing action plan 7. 1 Description of productGodiva Hong is an oriental themed chocolate with sweetened red bean paste and a rich dark chocolate coating. Instead of traditional nut, alcohol, walnut or jam filling, GOVIDA is going to use sweetened red bean paste. It is a healthy traditional Chinese filling in Baozi, Zongzi, Yuanxiao, moon cakes and other snack. It is sweet, soft and melts smoothly in the mouth. The packaging for Godiva Hong is an elegantly designed bamboo box covered in red silk. 7. 1. 1 Product Classification Godiva already has several different product lines: chocolate assortments and truffles; chocolate bars; chocolate treats; biscuits, coffee, and cocoa; dark, milk, and white chocolate gifts; and baked desserts.Godiva Hong is a new product with a brand extension strategy that appeals to existing market. It is a new product in the chocolate collections& treats product line. In addition to chocolates, Godiva also sells truffles, coffee, cocoa, biscuits, dipped fruits and sweets, chocolate liqueur, shakes, wedding and party favors and other items arranged i n gift baskets. Godiva's signature package is the Gold Ballotin (French for â€Å"small, elegant box of chocolates†). Godiva also produces seasonal and limited-edition chocolates with special packaging for all major holidays. Godiva also has license for the production of ice cream, cheesecake, coffee pods and liqueur that comes in several chocolate-related flavors. (Godiva, 2012) 7. 1. Package Because the target market of Godiva Hong is middle and high class people, the packaging was designed to unique and elegant in order to evoke a sense of luxury. Chinese elements were added to the design in order to give an inclination to the origin of the product: †¢ On the wrapping paper or baskets, the Chinese knotting will be presented. †¢ Also environmentally friendly, materials such as bamboo will be used in the design for the packaging †¢ So our traditional package for present product line is better changed as red for main color. 7. 1. 3 Service Several special servi ces are provided as follows: †¢ Online and telephone order.Customers can order Godiva Hong online or via telephone, due to a standing contract the Godiva company has with UPS they can be assured of a timely delivery. †¢ Gift card. Beautiful gift cards and exquisitely-designed packages can be sent with every order at the customers’ request. †¢ Unique design. Customers can get involved in the production of their chocolate orders by designing the chocolate shapes themselves with the aid of our chocolate design software online. †¢ Name and blessings. Names and blessings can be carved into the chocolates or the packaging upon the customer’s request. 7. 2 Price The main purpose of price strategy is to price Godiva Hong at an acceptable level, while aiding in the promotion of the product 7. 2. 1 Pricing strategy for GodivaGodiva Hong seeks to attract customers who are willing and proud to pay a little more for high quality product. Our target customers are the current Godiva customers; mainly middle and high class people who are looking for high quality chocolates as gifts for birthday, wedding, special events and business purposes. The price of Godiva products has stayed stable over many years. This proves Godiva has a strong brand image that does not compete on price. 7. 2. 2 Pricing for Godiva Hong Godiva Hong is a new product with a brand extension strategy that appeals to existing market. So, the price of our new product will be set to meet the consistency of existing product in the chocolate collections& treats product line.Price for Godiva Hong |Beaded Easter Egg |â‚ ¬25 | |Enchanted Easter Gift Basket |â‚ ¬90 | |Signature Chocolate Truffle Assortment |â‚ ¬40 | |Gift Box |â‚ ¬30~â‚ ¬70 of different sizes | |Delights Gift Basket with Spring |â‚ ¬75 |Price for Godiva Hong and competitors (cooperation as small size gift box) |Godiva Hong |â‚ ¬40 | |Neuhaus |â‚ ¬48 | |Leonidas |â‚ ¬36 | |Guylian |â‚ ¬ 20 | [10][11][17] 7. 3 Place The main purpose of our place strategy is to choose the best distribution channels to sell Godiva Hong. 7. 3. 1 Traditional distribution channel:local malls Thanks to our existing local malls which provide maturity distribution channels, Godiva Hong can be bought wherever and whenever the customers want to purchase it. 7. 3. 2 New distribution channel: online and telephone orderIn recent years, online and telephone orders have attracted a lot of attention. According to Godiva’s last marketing report, the quantity of orders through these two new distribution channels is increasing year by year. So, it is a good choice to sell Godiva Hong also through these two new distribution channels. The customer can just log in our online order website to buy chocolate as the follow: http://www. godiva-online-store. eu/index-en. htm. Due to the contract with UPS a timely delivery is assured. Other services provided on the website are gift cards. The customers c an just buy it on the website. It has â‚ ¬30, â‚ ¬50, â‚ ¬100 different choices. 7. 3. 3 New distribution channel: co-worker websiteThe customers can also buy Godiva Hong on other websites as follows: †¢ Gift for euro †¢ Pick up flowers †¢ Gifts n ideas These website are co-operating with our company. So the customers can buy Godiva Hong from these websites when they buy some other gifts and flowers. 7. 3. 4 New distribution channel: Fashion event& business press release Godiva is co-operating with event organizers for fashion shows and business press releases. Association with these events is to aid in the extension of Godiva Hong’s the popularity as a luxury brand. Also, the patrons of these events make up our core clients so, sales could also be generated by selling Godiva Hong at these events. 7. 4. PromotionThe main purpose of our promotion strategy is to introduce Godiva Hong to existing customers and potential consumers. 7. 4. 1 Marketing channe l: advertisements Advertising is Godiva’s traditional marketing channel. Advertisements have had tremendous impact on sale of Godiva products. So we will still adapt this marketing channel. The commercial advertising will be concentrated in following Medias: †¢ Television. The period of time that we will advertisement will be related to special event such as Easter, Queen's Day. †¢ Magazine. The magazines that we will consider are included Vogue, Forbes, In Style, Harper's and Vanity Fair this kind of high-fashion magazines. †¢ Internet including social media.Social Media channels such as face book or twitter will be used to communicate to our clients individually on the merits of Godiva Hong. 7. 4. 2 Marketing channel: The shopping center exhibition Promotional exhibitions are also an important marketing channel for Godiva. It is soon April. Several holidays, such as Easter, Queen's Day, are in the April. We will have promotional events in shopping centers whe re our shops exist. The customers can have tasting sessions for Godiva Hong in our shop for free. Feedback will be gathered from them on how to further improve the product or its marketing strategy 7. 4. 3 Free sample delivery Several main strategies are implemented to improve the popularity of Godiva Hong for the first three months. Strategy one:Existing customers, who will buy our traditional products, will have a small Godiva Hong sample for free. Strategy two: According to the last six months order records, the Godiva Hong sample will be sent to those customers as a gift, who ordered other products of chocolate gift baskets, seasonal gifts, gifts by occasion and business gifts product lines. Strategy three: In the airport, the Godiva Hong sample will be provided in the first class of KLM. Strategy four: In some international 5-star chain hotels, the Godiva Hong sample will be provided as a gift in the welcoming basket. Bibliography and References [1] Cougar, 2005, Godiva Case St udy, Strategic Issues, Problems, and Opportunities, [online], http://www. oppapers. om/essays/Godiva-Case-Study/65561, [accessed 15th Mar. 2012] [2] Diane L. , 2011, Holland Handbook, 2nd, EXPT Media,, Rotterdam, Netherlands [3] Godiva, 2012, Godiva Chocolatier Inc, [online], http://www. godiva. com/category/chocolate-collections-treats/id/131. gdv, [accessed 15th Mar 2012] [4] Ilhantek, 2006, Godiva Europe, Problems, [online], http://www. oppapers. com/essays/Godiva-Europe/90574, [accessed 15th Mar 2012] [5] Lofthouse, R. 2007. Luxury chocolate is piling on the pounds as Godiva becomes the latest to tempt buyers. The Business. [online]. [Published 18 August 2007]. Available from: http://www. factiva. com [accessed 15th Mar 2012]. [6] Milmo, C. 2007.The capital gains: London is the new plutocrats’ paradise. The Independent. [online]. [Published 8 February 2007]. Available from: http://www. factiva. com [accessed 15th Mar 2012]. [7] Moskow, R. & Aquino, P. 2007. Campbell Soup Company: Godiva may gallop off. Credit Suisse Equity Research, [accessed 15th Mar 2012]. [8] Wikipedia, 2012, Godiva Chocolatier, [online], http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Godiva_Chocolatier, [accessed 15th Mar 2012] [9] Philip Kotler and Gary Armsrtong (2008), Principle Of Marketing 12th Ed, P232, Pearson Education. New Jersey 07458, U. S. A Chang Sub Kim, Deyeon Kim, Han Seo, Wendy Shin, Minkyung Suh, (March 2008). Godiva Chocolatier in North

Frankenstein and Blade Runner †Texts in Time Analysis Essay

Many themes and ideas continue to reoccur among different texts in time. However studying two texts in conjunction allows one to observe how composers manipulate ideas in order to more accurately connect to their context, and reflect the concerns and values of the time. Through the comparative study of Mary Shelley’s 1818 gothic novel Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus and Ridley Scott’s 1981 neo-noir cyberpunk film Blade Runner (Director’s Cut), one can observe how in these two didactic and prescient tales, ideas of the dangers of unrestrained scientific progress and the Promethean overreaching of man are explored, with differences in values presented reflecting the different contexts between the texts. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was created in an era of rapid technological change. By 1818, the Industrial Revolution had deeply influenced the fundamental nature of society, while Enlightenment inspired ideals of logic and autonomy of reason were prominent in society. Her text accordingly reflects this, as seen in the protagonist Victor Frankenstein; â€Å"I am imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature. † This metaphor alludes to his passionate and desperate urge to uncover the secrets to the creation of life. Shelley however critiques his intrusive scientific pursuit and horrid creation by juxtaposing it with the beauty of nature. This is seen in the bucolic descriptions of nature’s sublime; â€Å"Mighty alps, whose white and shining pyramids and domes towered above all. † Nature calms and dehumanises Victor throughout the text, but Victor pursues science to the extent that nature loses its consoling ability, and thereafter the Arctic becomes a pathetic fallacy to mock Victor’s psychological and mental isolation. This criticism is further emphasised through the epistolary narrative framework, which allows the text to begin in medias res. The first introduction to Victor is him in a state of complete ruin, and so the text is a forewarning of the ramifications of amoral scientific advancement. In a similar manner, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner was created in a time of rapid technological progress through the 1970s and 80s. The emergence of the computer and communication age meant that the world became more centralised, with a growing concern that technology was destroying the environment. Set in Los Angeles in 2019, the opening establishing shot of the expansive city immediately demonstrates the negative consequences of untamed scientific advancement. The fire belching into the sky, the artificial city lights sparkling under a looming red-grey sky and the haunting synthetic pulses from the Vangelis soundtrack allude to Hades, making the city a vision of hell. The camera then zooms into the reflection of an eye, which depicts the artificiality of the world and introduces dystopian themes of paranoia and surveillance. Hence we can see that Blade Runner is representative of a grim future that Shelley’s scientific hubris warned us of nearly two centuries ago. However there are alterations in the ideas shown to befit the differing contexts of the texts. Mary Shelley argues that an excessive pursuit of science can lead to the ruin of an individual man, seen in Victor Frankenstein. She also argues that nature is larger than man, evident in her highly Romantic descriptions of nature’s sublime. Ridley Scott however argues that man is overpowering nature, owing to the global concerns of pollution and deforestation in the 1980s. Hence Scott implies amoral scientific advancement will lead to the detriment of society as a whole, and not just at an individual level. Unequivocally, both texts explore the idea of the promethean overreaching of man and his tendency to usurp the role of God, through the characters of Victor Frankenstein and Tyrell. The subtitle of Mary Shelley’s novel, The Modern Prometheus, refers to Victor Frankenstein, and his creation of the monster. A new species would bless me as its creator and source† His creation however leads him to transcend the boundaries of man and elevate him into a god-like status, and this leads to Victor’s complete societal and mental isolation, where he loses sight of his responsibilities and the consequences of his actions. Victor compares himself to God, while the monster says to Victor â€Å"I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel†, referring to himself as Lucifer. This means the text is given added complexity in that there is a duality between both characters, where neither Victor or the monster are innately good or bad, rather they containing capacity for both, as they become two sides of a single entity, forming a doppelganger relationship. Finally, the literary allusion by Victor; â€Å"how could I enter into a festival with this deadly weight hanging round my neck? † is a reference to the albatross in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and shows the eternal punishment and guilt Victor faces from outstretching the boundaries of man and playing the role of God. Therefore it is apparent that in her text, Shelley attempts to warn of the dire consequences of man’s promethean overreaching of the role of God. Correspondingly, the idea of man overstepping of the natural order is heavily explored in Blade Runner. The film is the epitome of a dystopian world dominated by commerce. The initial low angle shot of the Tyrell Corporation’s grand ziggurat-like monolith reflects the rampant commercialisation and commodification of the world, while the blue light shining into the sky pertains to the usurpation of God’s role, and the diminishment of nature in modern society. The Tyrell Corporation’s dominance criticises the â€Å"greed is good† attitude of the 1980s, typified through the antagonist Eldon Tyrell; â€Å"Commerce is our goal here at Tyrell, ‘More Human than Human’ is our motto. † His thick glasses symbolise his failure to see the future consequences of his actions, much like Victor, and this adds to the eye motif of the film, where eyes are windows to the soul and measures of humanity – something which Tyrell clearly lacks. Roy Batty, the film’s role-reversed protagonist, is portrayed initially as a Satanic figure; â€Å"I’ve done questionable things†, akin to the monster being labelled â€Å"daemon† and â€Å"devil† in Frankenstein. However Scott makes a biblical allusion when Batty crucifies his own hand, and this relates him to Christ. Thus one can see how in both texts the composers warn of the dangers of usurping the role of god, showing the complexity and duality of man on Earth. Mary Shelley’s romantic values however mean that through the character of Victor, she aims to criticise the overreaching aspect of Enlightenment, warning that those who do will be eternally punished. Ridley Scott however aims to condemn the overcommercialisation and increasing greed in society, using Tyrell as a figure to represent man’s obsession for power, and in such he criticises the society that we live in. In these ways it can be seen how the overreaching of god in both texts is used differently to resonate with different contextual values. Therefore, through a comparative study of both Frankenstein and Blade Runner, we can see how the common issues of rampant scientific and technological progress and the usurpation of the natural order is explored in both texts, however these ideas are varied slightly in order to suit the differing contexts. Frankenstein aims at questioning Enlightenment values, while Blade Runner condemns materialism, unhinged genetic engineering and corporal greed, essentially critiquing society and presenting a dystopian vision of the future.