Wieland Analysis Essay Example for Free

Wieland Analysis Essay Throughout this course, we have read many selections that were directly related to Puritanism. Just as well, they have often come in the form of a captivity narrative or gothic novel. In this case, â€Å"Wieland† by Charles Brockden Brown, is written in the format of a gothic novel, and similarly seems to reject Puritan ideals. It is a gothic novel in the sense that it follows the typical storyline of a young, honorable woman having her virtue threatened. It involves many supernatural events and is also thought to be ultimately resolved by a supernatural event. Most importantly, it brings about the threat of religion. Brown aims to expose the dangers of believing to strictly in Puritanism, and furthermore any religion for that matter. It’s the idea that any religion can lead to religious frenzy and that no human virtue is safe from corruption. One can witness these concepts by simply examining the _________ of characters Henry Pleyel, Clara Wieland, and Theodore Wieland also known as Wieland. Henry Pleyel intro. Hears voices telling him that lover is dead but more importantly â€Å"hears† things that cause him to question clara’s virtue. â€Å"In vain you dwelt upon incidents of which you only could be conscious; incidents that occurred on occasions on which none beside your own family were witnesses. In vain was your discourse characterized by peculiarities inimitable of sentiment and language. My conviction was effected only by an accumulation of the same tokens. I yielded not but to evidence which took away the power to withhold my faith† (Brown 154). In this part, Henry recounts an event in where he supposedly heard Clara submit to Carwin. He argues that he knows it couldn’t of been anyone other than Clara because she spoke only of things that only she or one close to her family could know, and that her discourse was particularly her own, down to the language used. It was clearly her. No other being could know how to sound like her or know the things she did. The fact that Henry relies solely on his senses and leaves no room for the possibility of supernatural occurrences comes back to this idea of American Enlightenment. Clara Wieland constantly antagonized by voices but cannot make sense of them. Play on her senses, does not know what to trust. â€Å"The interval was too brief to artificially measured, between the utterance of these words, and my scrutiny directed to the quarter to whence they came. Yet if a human being had been there, could he fail to have been visible? Which of my senses was the prey of a fatal illusion? The shock which the sound produced was still felt in every part of my frame. The sound therefore, could not but be a genuine commotion. But that I heard it, was not more true than that the being who uttered it was stationed at my right ear; yet my attendant was invisible†(Brown 97-98). Explanation. Tie to thesis. Theodore Wieland is the worst case scenario. Seems the most normal and able to rationalize up until the point where he viciously murders his family and claims to be carrying out an act of god. â€Å"I thank thee, my father, for thy bounty; that thou didst not ask a less sacrifice than this; that thou placedst me in a condition to testify my submission to thy will! What have I withheld which it was thy pleasure to exact? Now may I, with dauntless and erect eye, claim my reward, since I have given thee thy treasure of my soul† (Brown 188). Explanation. Tie to thesis. Brown keeps swinging the pendulum back and forth between supernatural and human explanations for events and by the end of the novel, even when the mystery is technically cleared up, there are still several things left unknown or murky. The complete Enlightenment reliance upon reason can be misleading, and in some cases, even dangerous.

Free Essays - Of Farctate and Roadkill :: Personal Narrative Essay Example

Of Farctate and Roadkill Being a writer and reader, I love words-not only what they mean, but also how they sound. So I rely on my trusty Webster's New Universal Unabridged. It's over four inches thick and chock-full of tens of thousands of glorious words. Some people have trouble with dictionaries because they can't spell the words they're looking for. Me, I just get lost. Whenever I set out to look up a word, I often get sidetracked by other words. For instance, the other day I was headed for "farthingale," but "farctate"stopped me in my tracks. I don't care that it's a botanical term meaning "stuffed, crammed, or full." But the word itself-farctate-what a fun word to say! Another time, while in search of "synergy," my eye fell upon "susurrate," meaning to "whisper, murmur, rustle." It almost sounds like what it means-they all do, in fact. Maybe not close enough to be true examples of onomotopoeia-but, hey, that's another great word! And let's not forget sastruga, habanera, and Zwinglianism, to pick only a few. Even without knowing what they mean, they're delicious on the palate. They almost have a taste, like exotic spices among the salt and pepper of everyday language. Great words pop up in the most unexpected places. Years ago, I was waiting in a doctor's office, my paper gown sussurating around me. Flipping through a magazine to pass the time, I came across a beautiful ad with the word "nimiety" in it. I was entranced. Lest I should forget this new treasure, I tore out the page and hid it in my purse. I checked the dictionary when I got home: What an elegant way to say "the state of being too much; excess; redundancy." Consider now the writing of business and government.

You Changed My Life

You Changed My Life is a 2009 Filipino movie starring Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz. It is the sequel to the 2008 blockbuster movie A Very Special Love, starring Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz. Filming has started in November 2008, just in time for its February 25, 2009 release as Star Cinema and VIVA Films' post-Valentine offering to Filipino moviegoers and received again an â€Å"A† rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board. Cathy Garcia Molina reprises directorial duties for the franchise. It is now the â€Å"Highest Top-Grossing Filipino Movie of All Time† to beat â€Å"Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat† for its (YCML) 3rd week of showing. Synopsis Its been six months since Laida Magtalas (Sarah Geronimo) won the heart of her prince charming Miggy Montenegro (John Lloyd Cruz) and it has been nothing but roses-she got promoted, Flippage is now in the same building where Miggy works and best of all, her hair looks better. To Laida,nothing can break her perfect little world. Miggy feels like hes on top of the world. He's is finally okay with his family and for the first time,he's in a relationship that has meaning,He is slowly proving to everyone that he is indeed a work in progress. But things quickly proven not quite what they seem. Miggy gets promoted but is assigned in Laguna. Laida,on the other handare,is being offered a job to Canada. With their careers leading Laida and Miggy to different paths, their relationship suffers from the pressures of being apart. Will Laida and Miggy be able to keep their happily ever after? Or will they realize,a little to late,that living the dream is actually harder than attaining it. Main Cast John Lloyd Cruz as Miguel â€Å"Miggy† Montenegro, Sarah Geronimo as Adelaida â€Å"Laida† Magtalas Supporting Cast Dante Rivero as Luis Montenegro, Rowell Santiago as Art Montenegro, Johnny Revilla as Roger Montenegro, Bing Pimentel as Alice Montenegro, Al Tantay as Tomas Magtalas, Irma Adlawan as Baby Magtalas, Arno Morales as Stephen Magtalas, Miles Ocampo as Rose Magtalas, Andre Garcia as Lio Magtalas, Joross Gamboa as John Rae, Bernard Palance as Mon, Matet De Leon as Zoila, Gio Alvarez as Vincent, Kalila Aguilos as Violy, Cj Jaravata as Jules, Epifania â€Å"Panying† Limon as Office Utility

Singapore Footwear Analysis

Chapter 2 Market Analysis 2. 1. 1 Footwear Market Size The global consumption of footwear showed a steady growth between 2004 and 2007 but the global recession caused output volumes and consumer spending across a wide range of products, including footwear, to weaken in 2009. The USA, EU and Russian markets contracted in 2008 after good growth. Whereas the Asian and Brazilian markets continue to grow as a rising number of low-middle class people replace their flip-flops by closed shoes. A more important driving force to the global footwear market is the fast growth of very affluent people in the emerging economies buying luxury footwear.In 2008, the global footwear market was estimated at USD 201 billion and 7. 3 billion pairs, an annual average growth of 1. 4%, compared to USD 190 billion in 2004. The rising number of workingwomen, the trends towards casual footwear, the increasing affluence, and footwear as a fashionable status symbol, growing awareness about healthy and active life style, rising population and disposable income levels, were driving this growth. According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research, the global footwear market was worth USD 185. billion in 2011 and is expected to reach USD 211. 5 billion in 2018, growing at a CAGR of 1. 9% from 2011 to 2018. Global spending is expected to be moderate in 2012, as industry revenue for the Global Footwear Manufacturing industry increases by 2. 2% in the current year to total USD 122. 9 billion, up from USD 107. 4 billion in 2007. This represents annualized growth of 2. 7% in the past five years. As consumer spending power in the United States, Europe and other parts of the world steadies, demand for basic, non-discretionary footwear will continue to remain low.Furthermore, Transparency Market Research also stated that, in the overall global market, Asia Pacific is expected to maintain its lead position in terms of revenue till 2018. It is expected to hold the largest share at 4 2% with 30. 1% of the global footwear market revenue share in 2018 followed by Europe with 21% of market share. 2. 1. 2 Footwear Market Segmentation The footwear market is segmented into Men, Women and Children. Women’s footwear, excluding athletic footwear makes up the industry's largest product segment, with an estimated 26. 3% of industry revenue in 2012.Due to rise of economic independence and demand, new products are being launched more frequently in the women’s footwear segment than the men’s and children’s sections. There is a large variety of footwear for women, which are categorized by types and styles. Most types of them are designed for specific activities but, on the other hand, in the same activity, there have many styles in it. For this reason, both of the categories are somewhat overlap. Therefore, in this chapter, women’s footwear is categorized into types as followed: * Athletic shoes * Boots * Casual shoes * Comfortable shoes Dres s shoes * Job-specific shoes * Office and Professional * Sandals * Specialty and Special Needs 2. 1. 3 Footwear Market Growth Rate Packaged Facts expects the global footwear market to grow at a substantially slower clip between 2008 and 2013 compared to previous years. The global economic environment will likely put a damper on consumer spending putting pressure on all measures of the footwear including frequency of purchase, unit consumption and pricing. Regionally, markets will be affected to varying degrees and at various points in time as the global economic slump orks its way through international markets. For instance, the Asia-Pacific region may take longer to slow down and may not be as severe as other regions. Global Footwear Retail Market Forecast, 2008-2013 (in billion $) Source: Packaged Facts On a unit volume basis, Packaged Facts expects global unit volume consumption is expected to reach 12. 1 billion pairs in 2013, which is equal to 3% growth thereafter the United St ates and Europe return to more modest growth rates and emerging economies see consumption rates rise. Global Footwear Retail Unit Volume Forecast, 2008-2013 (in millions of pairs)Source: Packaged Facts As a whole, the footwear Industry is in the mature stage of its life cycle. The number of producers is rising and there is still positive growth in both industry revenue and value added. However, the barriers to entry are not insurmountable. Since global population continue to increase, World Resource Institute expected world population to rise five-fold in 2050, and footwear is a product required by most customers in the world, therefore, a base level of footwear purchases will repeatedly exist. 2. Singapore Market – PEST Analysis In this chapter, PEST analysis is used to assess the current in Singapore market. Political and Legal, Economic, Social and Technological factors are examined and described. Before starting up new business in oversea, location is one of the important issues, which we have to seriously consider. As the crisis in both the US and Europe are affected the economy all around the world, Asia market is still in good condition besides it is easier for business to succeed when operating in a healthy business environment.As for Singapore, The World Bank-International Finance Corporation (IFC) has ranked it as the easiest place in the world to do business and ranks as the world’s top logistic hub. Singapore has stable, diversified, growing and supported by regulatory environment that is transparent and balanced. As a result, Singapore succeeding became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe. 2. 2. 1 Political and Legal factorsDue to the government who has set up several organizations in helping the business system, in The 2011 Index of Economic Freedom, Singapore is ranked as the second freest economy in the w orld. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index, it also shows that Singapore is an enterprise friendly country as it consistently ranked as one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Moreover, In Singapore, the state has taken on the role of promoter and practitioner of Corporate Social Responsibility, a logical development in view of the dominant role of the government in the local economy.The Economic Development Board Act exists to stimulate the growth, expansion and development of Singapore’s economy. Likewise, the emphasis of the regulatory policy of Singapore Ministry of Finance (MOF), which related with Companies Act, Business Registration Act, Accountant Act and Currency Act, is mainly focusing on development rather than control. These benefits help offering a healthy business environment for both local and foreign invertors. Singapore’s government also has great influent on business environment by providing well-served air, sea and telecommunication s connectivity.One of the most essential connectivity is broadband network, which is sufficient for every business need. Singapore has one the world’s busiest port, with the hub for about 400 shipping lines to more than 700 ports worldwide. Not only seaport facilities, Singapore also has Singapore Changi Airport, which is renowned as worldwide leading air hub for its efficiency and excellent services in cargo handling. The congregation of superior infrastructure and global industry professionals has made Singapore of the best destination of doing business. . 2. 2 Economy factors According to the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore, in the past decade, Singapore’s economy grew by an average of 5% per annum. Singapore's small population and dependence on external markets and suppliers has pushed it towards economic openness, free trade and free markets. This, as well as government policies that patronize economic development, have been key success factors in Singapore's hi storically strong economic performance. Singapore has a highly developed market-based economy.It is open and has corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP higher than that of most developed countries. Singaporean economy depends heavily on exports, information technology products, pharmaceuticals, and on a growing financial services sector. Real GDP growth averaged 5. 9% between 2007 and 2011. According to a report published by the World Bank, Singapore’s Gross Domestic Product was USD 239. 70 billion in 2011, about 0. 39 % of the world economy. Singapore GDP Source: www. tradingeconomics. om / World Bank Singapore is also known for low tax regime. The personal income tax rates start from 0% and are capped at 20% for residents while non-residents are taxed at a flat rate of 15%. The corporate income tax rate in Singapore is approximately 8. 5% for profit up to SGD 300,000 and a flat 17% above SGD 300,000. The GST or VAT rate is 7%. Moreover, there is no dividend tax, no estate duty, and no capital gains tax. The economy contracted 1. 0% in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, but rebounded in 2011.Over the longer term, the government hopes to establish a new growth path that focuses on raising productivity. Singapore has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub. Share of GDP by industry Source: Department of Statistics Singapore As from the graphs above, even vary along with global economic situation, Singapore’s economy is considered as one of a great place to invest with strong emerging economy in every business sectors. . 2. 3 Social factors According to Department of Statistics of Singapore, the total population was 5. 31 million as at end-June 2012. There were 3. 82 million Singapore residents, comprising 3. 29 million Singapore citizens and 0. 53 million permanent residen ts, and 1. 49 million non-residents. Female residents outnumbered their male counterparts in Singapore further. The sex ratio was 970 males per 1,000 females in 2012. Chinese formed the majority at 74 % of the resident population, followed by the Malays with 13 % and the Indians with 9. %. The proportion of Singapore residents aged 65 years and over rose from 9. 3 % in 2011 to 9. 9% in 2012. Sex Composition of Resident Population Source: Source: Manpower Research and Statistics Department, Ministry of Manpower, Singapore Age Distribution of Resident Population Source: Source: Manpower Research and Statistics Department, Ministry of Manpower, Singapore Singapore Residents by Age Group, Ethnic Group and Sex, June 2012 Source: Source: Manpower Research and Statistics Department, Ministry of Manpower, SingaporeSingapore Manpower Research and Statistics Department also stated that Singapore Nominal incomes rose strongly in 2011, amid a tighter labour market with more residents employed i n both professional, managerial, executive ; technician (PMET) and non-PMET jobs in 2011. The median monthly income from work of full-time employed residents rose by 8. 3% over the year to USD 3,249 in 2011, Taking headline inflation into account, the median income rose in real terms by 3. 1% in 2011. Distribution of Resident Labour Force by Age, 2001 and 2011 (As at June)Source: Manpower Research and Statistics Department, Ministry of Manpower, Singapore 2. 2. 4 Technology factors As Singapore proceeding into globalization and networked economies where competition and collaboration are in the same page, the presence of a strong technological infrastructure is crucial and unavoidable. The changes of technology are not only refer to the changes in production techniques, production equipment and communication, it also leads to improvement of production and services as well. Besides, it helps speeding up the movement of the information including improvement of the analysis information. Singapore’s extensive infrastructure set up is one of a fundamental attractiveness for foreign investment. According to the 2010 Infocomm Usage by Households and Individuals Survey, Singapore has put in place an advanced and reliable Infocomm infrastructure that has met the needs and demands of the economy and society. The proportion of resident households with Internet and broadband access at home reached 82%. The National Infocomm Infrastructure (NII) started as a key initiative of the IT 2000 Master Plan, with the building of a high-speed nationwide broadband network as a major milestone in its development.Again, Singapore has also grown to be one of the major global telecommunications hubs in the region and is well positioned as a hub for international capacity. Over the last few years, Singapore has also grown to be a trans-cable hub where regional submarine cable systems and international cable systems interconnect. In addition, Singapore government also emphasizes on i ts strength and makes the most of its electronic performances by providing useful resources and information online.For example, the Custom Office of Singapore provides e-service transactions through its website in order to facilitate all investors and remain as a global trade hub trusted by foreign trading partners and business operating in Singapore. 2. 2. 5 Conclusion From the factors analyzed above, it can be concluded that Singapore government has play an important role on its business success both domestic and international. With government’s policies, it has created an enterprise-friendly environment for invertors worldwide.Singapore extensive connectivity, together with a pro-business environment and legal and regulatory framework, make it an ideal circumstance for doing business. 3. Market trend Howard Davis, a professor of footwear design at Parsons School of Design, told Footwear News in 2005, â€Å"Self-adjusting shoes will be shoes of the future because the consu mer will demand real and serious comfort. † Not only comfort, the industry’s demand is primarily driven by fashion and demography. Newcomers with more fashionable product may thrive at the expense of a fading rival.The profitability of individual companies depends on their ability to design attractive footwear lines and remain at the forefront of consumers' consciousness. Consequently, designers attempt to combine comfort and style by using new technologies, with predictions that customized fit could be soon become more popular and more widely available. As for Thai footwear trend through the world financial crisis, the Department of Export Promotion has assessed the impact and suggested that Thai firms has to seek for new market replacement in order to gain and maintain market share apart from European and US market that are in their downturn.Other than maintaining the share, Thai firms have to be prepared to reap the opportunities from new impact of economy under the Asian Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. 4. Key Success Factors In order for March Shoes to accomplish its marketing objectives, the key success factors are the elements that are highly necessary. There are a few factors include: * Access to distribution channels * Access to targeted market * Understand actual customer behavior The key success factors might be changed from time to time, the company must continue to plan ahead beyond present needs, and keep pace with rapid technological changes.

Factors Affecting Chemical Equilibrium Essay Example

Factors Affecting Chemical Equilibrium Essay Example Factors Affecting Chemical Equilibrium Paper Factors Affecting Chemical Equilibrium Paper What Factors Affect Chemical Equilibrium? Introduction: In investigation 14, What Factors Affect Chemical Equilibrium? , the purpose was to find out which reagents caused a change in the chemical equilibrium. A deep red color was formed when Iron Nitrate (aqua)l was mixed with water and Ammonium Technocratic [NCSC (aqua)]. The product of these two reactants was Iron Technocratic(Fences). After different trials of mixing the given reagents with the Iron Technocratic and changing the temperature, a new equilibrium was reached and the color changes were recorded, Experimental: Materials Used: 1 M NCSC (aqua) 0. 10 M Syncs (aqua) 0. 1 M Fanny (aqua) 1 M Naphtha (aqua) H2O Bunsen burner Test tubes Beakers Pipette First, Iron Technocratic (Fences) was formed by adding B drops of Iron Nitrate [1 M (aqua)] and eight drops of ammonium technocratic [1 M NCSC (aqua)] to 100 ml of H2O, After the deep red solution, Fences, was created, the solution was divided into eight different test tubes and two separate beakers. Then, each of the reagents listed above was added individually to each test tube. The color change was observed, and the results were entered into the data table. Once all eight test tube had the reagents added and the data recorded, the beaker to Fences solution was put on a Bunsen burner at 600 C. The color was also observed and recorded in the data table. The final beaker was stuck into a container of ice, and the color change was observed. Each group added their data to a data chart to compare the results, Results: Reagent Color Changes Of All Groups D darker L= lighter Equation used to create the red solution: H2O + NCSC Fences Conclusion: All of the objectives of the investigation were accomplished during this experiment. The results demonstrated that if the reagent added were the same as the initial reactants and NCSC], then the external stresses on the equilibrium would be shifted to the right side of the formula, thus making the solution a darker red color.

Juan Gris, Spanish Cubist Painter

Juan Gris, Spanish Cubist Painter Juan Gris (1887-1927) was a Spanish painter who lived and worked in Paris, France, for most of his adult life. He was one of the most significant cubist artists. His work followed the development of the style through all of its stages. Fast Facts: Juan Gris Full Name: Jose Victoriano Gonzalez-PerezOccupation: PainterStyle: CubismBorn: March 23, 1887 in Madrid, SpainDied: May 11, 1927 in Paris, FranceEducation: Madrid School of Arts and SciencesSpouses: Lucie Belin, Charlotte (Josette) HerpinChild: Georges Gonzalez-GrisSelected Works: Portrait of Pablo Picasso (1912), Still Life with Checkered Tablecloth (1915), Coffee Grinder (1920)Notable Quote: You are lost the moment you know what the result will be. Early Life and Career Born in Madrid, Spain, Juan Gris studied engineering at the Madrid School of Arts and Sciences. He was an outstanding student, but his heart was not in academia. Instead, he chose to focus on the drawing skills that came naturally. In 1904, he began to study with the artist Jose Moreno Carbonero, a past instructor of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. Hulton Archive / Getty Images After adopting the name Juan Gris in 1905, the artist moved to Paris, France. He would stay there for most of the rest of his life after having avoided Spanish military service. In Paris, he encountered some of the leading artists of the emerging avant-garde scene including Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, and Pablo Picasso, as well as American writer Gertrude Stein, who would become a collector of Gris work. During the period, Gris contributed satirical drawings to a wide range of Parisian journals. Cubist Painter In 1911, Juan Gris began to seriously focus on his painting. His initial works reflect the emerging cubist style. Pablo Picasso led the early development of cubism along with French artist Georges Braque. Gris considered Picasso an important mentor, but Gertrude Stein wrote that Juan Gris was the only person whom Picasso wished away. Portrait of Pablo Picasso (1912). Corbis Historical / Getty Images Gris exhibited at the Barcelona Exposicio dArt Cubista in 1912, considered the first group exhibition of cubist artists. His early cubist works are in the style of analytical cubism pioneered by Picasso and Braque. The 1912 Portrait of Picasso is an example of this approach. However, within two years, he focused on synthetic cubism, which used collage techniques extensively. The 1915 Still Life with Checkered Tablecloth illustrates the change. Crystal Cubism The outbreak of World War I in 1914 disrupted the life and work of Juan Gris. Gertrude Stein provided him with financial assistance, and he spent time at Henri Matisses studio in the south of France. In 1916, Gris signed a contract with French art dealer Leonce Rosenberg which helped solidify his financial future. Coffee Grinder (1920). Heritage Images / Getty Images Juan Gris simplification of the geometrical structure of his paintings in late 1916 is a distilled version of cubism. He also blurs the distinction between the background and the central object in the picture. This style has been called crystal cubism. Many observers see the technique as the logical extension of developments in cubism. The first major solo exhibition of the work of Juan Gris took place in Paris in 1919. He also participated in the final major exhibit of cubist painters at the Salon des Independents in Paris in 1920. Later Career In the months following the end of World War I in 1919, Juan Gris became ill from the lung disease pleurisy. He traveled to Bandol on the southeastern coast of France to recuperate. There, he met Russian ballet patron Serge Diaghilev, founder of the Ballets Russes. Juan Gris designed sets and costumes for the dance troupe from 1922 through 1924. La Liseuse (1926). Heritage Images / Getty Images More major international exhibitions followed from 1923 through 1925. During the period, Gris enjoyed the greatest fame that he would know during his lifetime. He delivered the lecture, Des possibilites de la peinture at the Sorbonne in 1924. It outlined his major aesthetic theories. Unfortunately, Gris health continued to decline. In 1925, he began to suffer from cardiac and kidney disease. Juan Gris died of kidney failure at age 40 in 1927. Legacy Still Life with Checkered Tablecloth (1915). Metropolitan Museum of Art / Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons 1.0 While Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque are given credit for first developing the cubist style, Juan Gris is one of the most distinctive artists who devoted his career to the development of the movements theories. Artists ranging from Salvador Dali to Joseph Cornell acknowledged their debts to the innovations of Juan Gris. His use of brand logos and newspaper type anticipated the development of Pop Art a generation later. Source Green, Christopher. Juan Gris. Yale University Press, 1993.

Are Mergers the most appropriate method of strategic growth in todays Essay

Are Mergers the most appropriate method of strategic growth in todays business environment - Essay Example This will be followed by an explanation of key terms namely: mergers, acquisitions, alliances and joint ventures. The main body of the paper will identify the issues and challenges of external methods of strategic growth as well as well as to attempt to establish how these relate to today’s business environment. According to BusinessDictionary (2013), strategic growth is growth aimed at winning larger market share even at the expense of short term earnings. There are four broad growth strategies namely product development, diversification, market penetration and product development. Campbell, Gaule & Morrison (2005) also suggest that â€Å"growth in profits can come from improving the profitability of the existing revenue stream, expanding existing businesses by gaining market share or extending into new markets or products, or entering one or more new businesses by acquisition, joint venture or greenfield investment.† On the other hand, Liabotis (2007) posits to the ef fect that growth strategy can be achieved through growing the core business, growing by sub-segmenting the customers as well as growing adjustment opportunities. As a point of departure, it is imperative to explain the meaning of key terms highlighted above. Weinberg and Blank (1979) â€Å"define merger as an arrangement whereby the assets of two companies become vested in or under the control of one company,† (as cited in Marimuthu, 2008, p. 8). On the other hand, an acquisition can be defined as any transaction where a buyer acquires the assets of the other company and eventually takes control of them (Scharf,1971 as cited in Marimuthu, 2008). A joint venture is a strategic alliance where two or more people or companies agree to contribute goods, services and or capital to a common commercial enterprise (Cook, 2010). The main advantage of joint ventures is related to access and sharing of resources among the partners which can also contribute to the joint ventures profitabi lity. However, this paper will specifically focus on mergers and acquisitions and their contribution to strategic business growth during the contemporary period. There are different reasons why mergers are carried out by different companies. The merging companies will be seeking to increase their market share since they may be joining operations with successful companies in the market. The other reason is that the merged companies may be seeking to gain the skills and expertise of the other employees from the other company as they will cross the floor when a major has taken place. Growth can be achieved through product development, diversification, market penetration or market development (Kotler, 2003). Ansoff suggests that the growth strategy of a company mainly depends on two variables, whether it is the desire to develop new products or new customers as shown in appendix 1. More customers for a specific product can contribute to an increase in the company’s market share. The major aim of various businesses is to attract customers who form the foundation of the organization. In order to attract new customers, there may also be need for developing the products so that they can appeal to a large number of the targeted customers. Product expansion is mainly concerned with keeping the same market of customers while at the same time trying to increase sales through offering more products (Kotler, 2004). This can be achieved through identification of the changes in the customers’