Essay Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Assignment - Essay Example Therefore, the government and private sector must work hand in hand in order to enhance cyber security. The government is justified in telling the private sector how to enhance or improve cyber security because there is urgent need to protect and secure our processors/computers , financial institutions, confidential information on national security and other significant aspects of the governments infrastructure (Kirby n.p). The government is calling on a tough government regulation of what is posted in the cyber space. The government understands that the computer systems needs to be secure because of the ever increasing function of information and the rapid growth in e-commerce area have made cyber security significant to the economy. In addition, cyber security is important to the functioning of safety essential systems like response to an emergency and to the guard of government’s infrastructure systems. The private sector have been opposing governments efforts to impose stricter regulation of cyber security but it is of great significance to protect the telecommunication sector and electric grid that is in the hands of the private sector. If a United States of America enemy attacked the computer system or networks that control these sectors, private organizations that own them would have to handle these network themselves without government’s aid. Such a situation will leave the United States of America infrastructure exposed and vulnerable in case of cyber war with its enemies (Kirby n.p). Private sectors should understand that the world has changed and that we are in an information society where data or information matters, therefore, as organizations, this makes them the front line not the support system in influencing and determining what is exposed or disseminated. The government released that private industry has been lacking behind in cyber security and that

How to Break Bad Habits and Create Positive Ones Essay Example for Free

How to Break Bad Habits and Create Positive Ones Essay Everyone has one: a bad habit (or habits†¦) we wish we could break. Unfortunately, breaking a bad habit — as anyone who has ever bitten their nails, smoked, or mindlessly snacked in front of the TV knows — is not that simple. Breaking habits is hard, but with a little determination, it is achievable. There is a reason habits are hard to break. The majority of our habits are good for us, allowing our brain to complete certain tasks on autopilot which frees space for decision making, creativity, and quick action. But the brain does not discriminate between good and bad habits; once something becomes a routine, whether it’s helpful or harmful, your brain will perform it automatically, which can make it hard to stop. Step 1: Identify the habit All habits serve a purpose. Brushing your teeth first thing in the morning prevents cavities, stopping at a red light prevents car accidents, and eating cupcakes when you’re feeling low can deliver comfort. To make positive improvements, start by identifying your problem habit and its underlying cause. Step 2: Replace it Once you’ve identified your habit and its trigger, find something positive to take its place. If you eat to wind down after a long day of work, replace food with a walk or yoga. If you bite your nails, try chewing gum. If you smoke to relieve stress, try meditation. Step 3: Keep the commitment Once you’ve decided to break your habit and replace it with something positive, write it down. Keeping a journal of your progress can hold you accountable while serving as a great progress marker. If you’re truly  committed to making your new positive habits stick, complete your new habit daily for 30 days. The more consistent you are, the easier it will be to continue. Step 4: Be prepared for hiccups Through this process, it’s important to remember that habits are habits for a reason — they serve a purpose and our mind is trained to complete them with little to no effort. Be kind to yourself and be patient; all of your attempts to change habits will not be successful immediately. Expect bumps along the way but continue to push through. When in doubt, think positively. If you are at wit’s end and the only thought in your head is â€Å"I can’t do this†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , make it a positive. â€Å"I can’t do this, but it will get easier.†

Jazz :: essays research papers

The conceptual idea of humanism has existed since before the years of Christ. Biblical records state that when man was created he was made in the image of God. This image has been passed down throughout the civilizations of Greece ,Egypt, and Roman times and it has been passed down to our civilization of today. The evidence of this is in the art of yesterday and the way we view art of today. The way we view art today is in such a way that we feel and conceptualize what we create. We create things in the image of how we view our life, our civilization, and our status in this civilization. In applying the things stated in the previous thought to the human life the result will be art . Culture is a distinct component of what society is. Culture is in all essence what culture does. The whole purpose of culture is to in a way define a specific race or creed. Culture is what makes us unique and very individual. An example of this is myself and my cousin named Brandon. We are both in the same family and we both have been raised with the same values but what makes us different is the culture we have adopted in our lives to help us define the way we feel about ourselves and the way we feel about society. I feel as if the afro-American race is moving in a progressive manner towards unity and he feels as if the Afro-American race as a whole is moving towards separation by the complexion of their skin. The culture that I have adopted has shaped my views and ideas and the culture he has adopted has shaped his thoughts and ideas. My ideas are not better than his nor are his better than mine ,just different. Civilization is defined as many things but you can only define what is civil for your own civilization. Many people have a definition of what a civilization is but when they make this definition it is by their own standards which is wrong. A civilization is a place or group of people who can defend themselves from enemies, get or create a quantity of food, establish a currency, and develop a trade with others. In America we view life as a sacred and very precious thing . In other countries death is viewed as the

Compare and contrast the stories of Roald Dahl and Sir Arthur Conan :: English Literature

Compare and contrast the stories of Roald Dahl and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Show how each writer creates a sense of mystery, And uses character description, themes and vocabulary to make an effective short story. In this assignment I am going to compare and contrast the stories of Roald Dahl and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I am going to show how each writer creates a of mystery and uses character description, themes and vocabulary to make an effective short story. I have read the Lamb to the Slaughter and Roald Dahl wrote it. I am looking at the similarities and differences. The story is about a police officer and his wife. The police officer came home from work and was very tired. She offered him tea he told her he didn't want any. Normally they eat out on a Thursday but this Thursday was different. The man drank drink after drink The man tried to tell the women something but she thought he was going to say something bad so she ignored what he was trying to say. Then the women went to the cellar and got the biggest piece of lamb she could find. She walked back up the stairs and hit him very hard on the back of the head. He fell to the ground. Then she thought what have I done? She walked out the house and went to the shop to buy some vegetables and pudding for her dead husband. She was trying to put on a brave face but it was hard. When she got in she phoned the police and they soon came round. They started asking her lots of questions. They searched the house for the murder weapon. They could not find it so she offered them tea. The Police eat the evidence. Mary has a sense of humor she's caring and loving. She has a split personality; she's both weak and strong. Patrick is a police officer. He likes his drink. He is very cruel to Mary. The detectives are not very good at the job. They are stupid. They drink Patrick's whiskey. They even eat the evidence. The tension was very high was Mary going to get found out or want she? The evidence was cooking in the oven. I thought the police officer was going to find the piece of lamb. It was a big piece of lamb. We didn't find out what Patrick was going to say because she didn't want to know. She thought it was going to be some thing bad. When Patrick comes in he is quite and drinks a lot of drinks.

Burberry Strategy Essay

INTRODUCTION It is important for every business to clearly understand how resources and capabilities affect firm performance. As Grant (2005) defined, resources are the productive assets owned by the firm and capabilities are what the firm can do. In fact, companies that have sustainable competitive advances have been developed and exploited based on their internal resources and capabilities. Furthermore, they have successfully exploited external environment. In this essay, I will explore the topic area of ‘Resources & Capabilities’ with regards to a UK’s fashion group; the prominent designer label, Burberry GRP. In particular, the research will focus on the Strategic Business Unit of Burberry; understanding and explaining how they utilize the resources and competencies to achieve a competitive advantage. In order to do this, this paper will address on theory based from work in the areas of the ‘Resource-Based View’ and ‘Resources and Capabilities’ as well as using theoretical frameworks to give a holistic view of the strategic issues Burberry. After their reform, Burberry recovered rapidly, after the crisis of September, 2008. With 500 stores in over 50 countries, total revenues grew from 27% to  £1,501 million which is more than double its nearest rival, Chanel (with total revenues of  £ 651, 3). Retails revenues reached  £ 962 million and wholesale achieved  £ 441 million (Burberry’s a and Chanel financial report, 2012). As a result, Burberry has substantial surplus resources and is therefore able to withstand and compete in the hypercompetitive fashion market sector. Thus, Burberry achieved brand value up to more than  £ 2, 5 billion in 2012. Gucci, Prada and Chanel gained approximately of  £ 5.8,  £ 4.95, and  £ 4.2 billion respect ively. BODY The Resource-Based View In 1990s, the role of resources and capabilities become known as the basic for firms strategy and the primary source of profitability coalesced has become the resource-based view. Resources and capabilities are an important component of strategy to archive the competitive advantage. According to the  resource based view (RBV), assets and capabilities create value for the firm that leads to a sustainable competitive advantage (Hall, 1993). Burberry, Chanel and Gucci all compete in the same environment, yet Burberry is superior in performance. A Resource-Based View argues that Burberry is distinguished not by the environment, but by their internal resources. Peteraf (1993) adds to this view by arguing resources have to be heterogeneous and not perfectly mobile in order to transform a short run competitive advantage into sustained competitive advantage. Based on Grant’s model, through VRIN frame work, this research will now find out how Burberry use their resources to initiate their organizational capabilities and competences and ultimately achieve their strategic Capability. As displayed in Grant’s model showed above, in order to maintain operations, companies must have tangible, intangible, and human resource. â€Å"Tangible resources are known to be the easiest way to identify and evaluate† (Grant, 2005), however, this author assert that intangible resources contribute to total asset value much more tangible. Also, Hall (1992) mentions, intangible assets like the â€Å"feedstock† of capabilities are essential for a sustainable competitive advantage. They are assets without specific physical forms; such as intellectual property rights, trademarks, copyrights, technical know-how, brand name, reputation and so on. Core Competencies Prahalad & Hamel (1990) move away from the RBV and coined the term ‘Core Competencies’ to distinguish those capabilities fundamental to a firm’s performance and strategy. These are the organizational capabilities that are achieved through the effective deployment of a firm’s resources. Core competencies are distinctive and differentiating competencies that lie at the heart of an organization. This includes not just the products and services a company sells but also ‘soft’ areas of a company’s activities, such as branding, organizational innovation and service† (Hamel and Prahalad, 1994). Frà ©ry (2006) adds to this view and describes core competencies as the basic building blocks for a firm’s corporate strategy. Burberry have two key core competencies in Brand Name and Digital Innovation. Brand Name With a luxury fashion brand such as Burberry, brand name and reputation are extremely important. Burberry has gone through many ups and downs on the path of development and it has many competitors that include: Coach, Polo, Armani, Chanel and Gucci and so on. While Gucci focuses on luxury accessories, Coach concentrate mainly on the production of bags ( as does Chanel) and also produces accessories that range from watches and shoes to scarves and dog collars, and Chanel focus on bags. Armani’s and Polo’s marketing positioning is more focused on clothing. Burberry has succeeded in penetrating both the accessory and luxury goods. Moreover, Burberry’s resources include its high brand equity, its popular trench coat product and its signature check design. It is has a long history serving with the soldiers of World War I and it has been well received by the Royals; once by Queen Elizabeth II and once by Prince Charles. This means that customers now acknowledge them as the supplier of products to the royal family (Instyle, 2012). Referring to Burberry, customers immediately think of a luxury, high quality, and diverse fashion. However, in 1997, the new Burberry management knew that they could not rely on this benefit anymore. They realized that over the years, trends and customers change and become more diverse. From that issue, the new management believed that the problem with Burberry was undermined by a poor image and was now overly dependent on a narrow customer base comprising of middle aged, ‘fashion-conservative’ men (Fletcher, 2003). Their new strategy sought to change the position the brand of Burberry defined by ‘Britishness’, authentic outerwear heritage, historic icons, democratic luxury positioning, innovation and intuition (Burberry’s b annual report, 2011) which was aimed at the younger generation, while still retaining the traditional customer base. Recent advertisement of Burberry has brought all the characteristics of the England, â€Å"from a British landscape with aristocratic looking models to edger advertisement with models in bikinis.† (Jacobson), They also make their mark on pop culture by using iconic British representative, such as model Kate Moss and the up and coming actress Emma Watson. Their use of reputable fashion photographers is also to be noted. Considering these factors, Burberry is targeted towards different segments of the population with one common theme, luxury. With the advantage of the supplier of the royal, all of which attach a strong sense  of ‘Britishness’ with the Burberry’s brand. In November, 2011 Burberry was again included in Interbrand’s Top 100 Global Brands; was awarded the 2010 British Graduate 100 Award for ‘Where Fashion Graduates Want to Work’; and was recognized as the 13th most innovative company in the world by Fast Company magazine, as well as receiving the Inaugural Innovation Award at the 2010 British Fashion Awards (Burberry’s c annual report, 2011). This means, Burberry has a strong and sustainable competitive advantage that hard to beat. Digital Innovation Competition has always seen as a great source for innovation, while other brands focus on decors the boring store, Burberry opened up a new era of shopping by digital. Its business is driven by: Digital focus and integration (Burberry’s d annual report, 2011). In danger of being consigned to history a decade ago, Burberry has undergone a creative and digital revolution under the direction of chief creative officer Christopher Bailey, who joined the company in 2001. (Clark, 2012). The news follows the launch of the brand’s ‘Runway to Reality’ strategy, which allows VIP consumers to buy items from its runway collections immediately, via an iPad app. Also ‘Burberry Retail Theatre‘ was broadcast the brand’s Spring Summer 2011 women swear show live stream directly into 25 flagship stores worldwide, creating live simultaneous virtual trunk show events on 21 September 2010. Customers in store will explore the collection through iPads where they will be able to buy immediately through a custom-built Burberry app following a private viewing of the show on high definition screens spanning 3Ãâ€"3 meters. Burberry has been developing and testing over several months custom-designed, digitally charged in-store ‘Retail Theatre’ environments with enhanced acoustics and state of the art visual technology, creating the ultimate experience for modern luxury consumers. ‘Burberry Retail Theatre’ is at the heart of our retail growth strategy. This investment in cutting edge technology in partnership with Verizon enables us to more closely connect the Burberry brand with our consumers worldwide. This interactive retail investment will enable long term sustainable growth well beyond these  exciting global digital events.’ (Alexander, 2010) Moreover, the photo sharing website, which give consumers as well as fashion photographers a chance to try on iconic Burberry trench coat by online, allowing consumers to place immediate orders from the collection with a seven-week delivery. Burberry continued its digital democratisation of fashion with its Tweetwalk, partnering with Twitter to post backstage Twitpics of every look before they were sent down the runway, meaning the brand’s Twitter followers saw its runway looks in advance of fashonistas in the front row. During the Tweetwalk the brand’s Instagram account was taken over by Mike Kus, the most-followed Instagram user in the UK (Burberry’s e annual report, 2011). With digital innovation, Burberry has to prove to the fashion industry all over the world that the fashion industry needs to keep with the new shopping generation with lively images rather than images on the magazine and yet the luxury customers now very knowledgeable and they quickly make purchase decisions. Grab their attention in the digital boom trend is also the best way to Burberry became the first brand to appear in the consumer’s mind, rather than a different brand. Sustained Competitive Advantage Here have been many academics that have critiqued the Sustained Competitive Advantage over the years. According to Barney (1991) â€Å"to have sustained competitive advantage when it is implementing a value creating strategy not simultaneously being implemented by any current or potential competitors and when these other firms are unable to duplicate the benefits of this strategy†. Some other authors have suggested that a sustained competitive advantage is simply a competitive advantage that lasts a long period of calendar time (Jacobsen, 1988; Porter, 1985). In relation to Burberry, they have high negotiating powers with suppliers because they can offer unique products with the sophistication, elegance, a sense of pride to customers because they wearing what the Royal family do. Their resource is rare and it is this uniqueness that offers them value with regard to suppliers and customers. Their core competences allowed them to create the exceptional customer value assets that set it apart from its competitors. (Hamel and Prahalad, 1994). CONCLUSION It is important for every business to clearly understand how resources and capabilities affect firm performance. In fact, companies having sustainable competitive advance have been develop and exploit based on their internal resources and capabilities. This paper has illustrated how Burberry has maintained its competitive advantage in the face of exhaustive efforts from its competitors by using its resources and capabilities such as brand name and shopping through digital technology. In fashion industry, a usual strategy is brand name, and Burberry is no exception. This strategy aims to through more coordinated use of brand assets and greater integration of its global organization, Burberry has more opportunity to enhance consumer responsiveness and operate more efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, the company has also expanded its customer base with introduction a new aspect of the brand is defined by ‘Britishness’, authentic outerwear heritage, historic icons, democratic luxury positioning, innovation and intuition (Burberry’s f annual report). As brand name strategy is rather common among fashion, Burberry has attempted to bring in some differentiation to stay ahead. A breakthrough in the transition from conventional shopping to shopping combined with enjoys the overwhelmed digital features and sound. â€Å"Fashion is supposed to be about making things relevant. Yes, it is luxury. Yes, it is aspiration. Yes it is supposed to be inspiring. But I think there is nothing more inspiring than talking digitally because you can get attitude, you can get music, you can get sound, and you can get video and movement. You can actually articulate so much of your brand using this medium,† (Vogue Chanel, 2011). Innovation of digital technology has a breakthrough in the fashion industry in general and in particular luxury fashion and Burberry is leader. It also allows Burberry to create the exceptional customer value assets that set it apart from its competitors (Hamel and Prahalad, 1994). It has created brand awareness, as well as establishes and reinforces a luxury positioning of Burberry. REFERENCES Alexander, E. (2010) [online] Available from: http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2010/09/08/burberry-retail-theatre-launch [Accessed 6 December 2012] Barney, J.B. (1991). Firm Resources & Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1). pp 99-120. Burberry’s a annual report (2011) [online] Available from: http://201011.annualreport.burberry.com [Accessed 1 December 2012] Burberry’s b annual report (2011) [online] Available from: http://201011.annualreport.burberry.com [Accessed 3 December 2012] Burberry’s c annual report (2011) [online] Available from: http://201011.annualreport.burberry.com [Accessed 3 December 2012] Burberry’s d annual report (2011) [online] Available from: http://201011.annualreport.burberry.com [Accessed 4 December 2012] Burberry’s e annual report (2011) [online] Available from: http://201011.annualreport.burberry.com [Accessed 4 December 2012] Burberry’s f annual report (2011) [online] Available from: http://201011.annualreport.burberry.com [Accessed 4 December 2012] Channel’s annual report (2011) [online] Available form: http://annualreport.channel4.com/assets/downloads/hi-res/c4_annual_report_2011_financials.pdf [Accessed 1 December 2012] Clark, N. (2012) Burberry boosts digital approach with interactive campaign. Marketingmagazine, 29th May,p. 5. Fletcher, R. (2003), Brava, bravo!, The Sunday Telegraph, 5th October. Grant, R.M. (2005). Contemporary strategy analysis. 5th Edition. Oxford: Blackwell Ldt Hall, R. (1992). The strategic analysis of intangible resources. Strategic Management Journal, Vol 13, (2), pp. 135-144. Hall, R. (1993). A framework linking intangible resources and capabilities to sustainable competitive advantage. Strategic Management Journal. Vol 14 (11), pp. 607-618. Hamel, G & Prahalad, C.K. (1994). Competing for the Future. Harvard University Press : Harvard University Press. Instyle. (2012) Burberry [online] Available from: http://www.instyle.com/instyle/fashiondesigners/keymoments/0,,20226013_burberry_20236334,00.html [Accessed 6 December 2012] Jacobsen, R. (1988). The persistence of abnormal returns. Strategic Management Journal, 9. pp. 41-58 Jacobson, L. Burberry case studies. Weblog [online] Available from: http://laurenmjacobson.wordpress.com/case-studies/burberry-case-study [Accessed 6 December 2012 Peteraf, M.A. (1993). The Cornerstones of competitive advantage: A Resource-Based View. Strategic Management Journal, 14(3). pp 179-191. Prahalad, C.K. & Hamel, G. (1990). The Core Competence of the Corporation. Harvard Business Review, 68(3). pp 79-91. Porter, M. (1985). Competitive advantage. New York: Free Press Vogue festival Christopher Bailey (2012) Video. Vogue Chanel [online] Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWSwtfAtDyA [Accessed 9 December 2012]

Free Essays on Drugs And You

The illegal or harmful use of drugs is a major threat to the world and to future generations. Drugs are substances that are becoming more common in our communities as each day goes by. The demand for drugs is also increasing daily. People need to act and play a part in the combating of drugs starting in their own homes. Every individual needs to be aware of the consequences of drug abuse and to help spread the word starting at young ages. All parts of local and world communities need to unite the strengths of professional expertise, generational wisdom, and individual commitment to combat the drug problem as they strive together toward a healthier world. Communities can take part in the effort to put a stop to drug abuse by organizing groups of prevention experts and community volunteers whose mission is to help assure a healthier and safer world through drug prevention efforts by providing statistics and accurate information on the abuse of substances. There should also be a higher number of organizations that provide expertise on drug strategies. Everyone who seeks help against drug abuse should be able to find it regardless of where they are located. There also needs to be enforcement in stronger laws and meaningful legal penalties that hold users and dealers accountable for their actions. Firmer laws would make some of those who traffic, deal, or consume drugs think twice before they act. The fear of facing the consequences might even prevent some of those who planned to handle drugs. Organizations against drug abuse need to support efforts to prevent availability and use of drugs, and oppose policies and programs that accept drug use. They also need to support international treaties and agreements, including international authorizations and penalties against drug trafficking, and oppose attempts to weaken international drug policies and laws. Higher support in organizing efforts for a drug-free environment is needed in every ... Free Essays on Drugs And You Free Essays on Drugs And You The illegal or harmful use of drugs is a major threat to the world and to future generations. Drugs are substances that are becoming more common in our communities as each day goes by. The demand for drugs is also increasing daily. People need to act and play a part in the combating of drugs starting in their own homes. Every individual needs to be aware of the consequences of drug abuse and to help spread the word starting at young ages. All parts of local and world communities need to unite the strengths of professional expertise, generational wisdom, and individual commitment to combat the drug problem as they strive together toward a healthier world. Communities can take part in the effort to put a stop to drug abuse by organizing groups of prevention experts and community volunteers whose mission is to help assure a healthier and safer world through drug prevention efforts by providing statistics and accurate information on the abuse of substances. There should also be a higher number of organizations that provide expertise on drug strategies. Everyone who seeks help against drug abuse should be able to find it regardless of where they are located. There also needs to be enforcement in stronger laws and meaningful legal penalties that hold users and dealers accountable for their actions. Firmer laws would make some of those who traffic, deal, or consume drugs think twice before they act. The fear of facing the consequences might even prevent some of those who planned to handle drugs. Organizations against drug abuse need to support efforts to prevent availability and use of drugs, and oppose policies and programs that accept drug use. They also need to support international treaties and agreements, including international authorizations and penalties against drug trafficking, and oppose attempts to weaken international drug policies and laws. Higher support in organizing efforts for a drug-free environment is needed in every ...

Geography and Climate of the Great Plains essays

Geography and Climate of the Great Plains essays The geography and climate of the Great Plains area of the United States has seen some changes in the past, and will assuredly see changes in the future. These changes have affected the people and land of that area, and forced them adapt, improvise and overcome. As a primary example, the native Indian tribes of the Great Plains area would have to adjust their lifestyle due to a climate or geography changes and the impact upon varieties of plants, animals and sacred sites used for traditional economies and religious purposes. Cultural and ceremonial traditions often require specific indigenous species and access to specific locations, and if said locations or species of plants etc are disturbed, the Great Plains Indians have a cultural problem. Tribal obligations between the peoples of the area raise the relationship between what might happen to distant regional environments and the local reservation. Many members have therefore left the reservations to look for work in urban areas once a climate or geographical change has occurred. This was dramatically seen in the extreme weather conditions of the winter and spring of 1997. Many northern Plains tribes, such as Standing Rock and the Cheyenne River Reservations, were hit with extreme snowfalls which paralyzed transportation and communication for weeks at a time. As the weather warmed, localized flooding caused problems with homes and crops on some of these reservations. Both situations taxed the limited financial resources of area tribes. However, the extreme flooding and evacuation of cities like Grand Forks, North Dakota caused further strain on reservation resources, because family members who had left for urban areas would come home to reservations like Standing Rock a nd Turtle Mountain in order to help. Another example would be the current melting of Rocky Mountain glaciers, which has critical consequences on the Northern Plains water resources and Indian water rights. Genera...