Themes of The Stranger by Albert Camus - 1439 Words

Is there any logical meaning of living? Is life worth living? These are the main questions that Albert Camus attempts to answer throughout the novel The Stranger. Albert Camus is a French-born Algerian who lived through the conflict between the French and the Algerians in the mid 20th century which later erupted into a formal war. Camus won nobel prizes for his writing, which delineates many philosophical ideas. Meursault, the main protagonist of the novel, lives life as a physical being and shows little to no emotions towards events that are happening around him. Camuss ideas that are presented in this novel not only reflect his absurdist and existentialist views, but furthermore it also explores the importance of the physical world and the discriminations happening during this period of time. In the book The Stranger, it shows nothing in the world is as important as the rest, that everything is pointless. Albert Camus, he conveys ideas of happiness and sadness, light and dark, and profound questions about life and death in his books and essays. It was his purpose to analyze that life is meaningless, and humans are the creature doomed to perish. In the beginning of The Stranger, the main protagonist Meursault was an ordinary worker at the shipping company, but he turned to a prisoner who is sentenced to death. Readers might realize that his life is a consecution of absurdity. As the book is written in his perspective, the sense of absurdism is clearly shown by hisShow MoreRelatedThree Themes in the Stranger by Albert Camus Essay1447 Words   |  6 PagesTROIS THEMES DANS L’ETRANGER D’ALBERT CAMUS In the novel, The Stranger, author Albert Camus confronts some important issues of the time, and uses the singular viewpoint of the narrator Meursault to develop his philosophy and effectively weave together themes of absurdity, colonialism, and free will. Through the progressive disruption of Meursault’s life and his characterization, Camus presents the absurdity of the human condition along withRead MoreThe Topic of Defiance of Societal Rules in The Stranger Through Absurdism1018 Words   |  5 Pagesthe novel The Stranger by Albert Camus there is a prevalence of characters breaking societal rules, but as a result these characters face the consequences. Albert Camus connects these actions to the overarching themes of the books in order to convey his message more effectively. To what extent does the topic of defiance of societal rules in The Stranger convey the theme of Absurdism in the novel? The sub-themes of femininity, individuality, and isolation connect to the overarching theme of absurdismRead MoreAlberts Aimless Absurdity898 Words   |  4 PagesIn Albert Camus’ novella, The Stranger, he exposes his beliefs on absurdism through the narration of Meursault. Camus’ definition of absurdism is a philosophy based on the belief that the universe is illogical and meaningless. Camus, founder of absurdism and French Nobel Prize winning author, sends the reader his underlying theme that life is meaningless and has no ulti-mate significance. This underlying theme of life’s absurdity is extremely personal to Camus through his own individual experiencesRead MoreCritique of Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot and Albert Camus The Stranger1052 Words   |  4 PagesCritique of Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot and Albert Camus The Stranger Modernist fiction is incredibly dense and abstract. Writers from the twentieth century also seem to carry with them the weight of the world, and thus their fiction has been filled with realistic misery and pain. Still, these writers often add to this element with existentialist thematic structures, which construct a very unique and experimental viewpoint on a modern existence. This is what is occurring in both SamuelRead MoreEssay on The Caracter of Meursault in The Stranger (The Outsider)1136 Words   |  5 PagesThe Caracter of Meursault in The Stranger      Ã‚   Albert Camus The Stranger is a startling novel at worst and a haunting classic at best. Camus presents a thrilling story of a man devoid of emotion, even regarding the most sensitive, personal matters. The main character, Meursault shows no feelings after the death of his mother, during his romantic relationship with Marie, or during his trial for the murder of an Arab. Meursault never shows feelings of love, regret, remorse, or sadnessRead MoreEssay Theory of the Absurd1667 Words   |  7 Pagesover insignificant things and rejecting the notion of â€Å"logic.† Albert Camus, a major writer of the â€Å"Theatre of the Absurd†, construes the â€Å"Absurd† by completely varying this concept through the human personality, exemplified by The Stranger and â€Å"The Myth of Sisyphus.† Camus redefines the absurd by envisioning the â€Å"absurd† as a world consisting of â€Å"the struggle to find meaning where none exists† (Albert) . In The Stranger, Camus writes about a man named Meursault, who one day is notified thatRead More The Stranger Essay962 Words   |  4 PagesThe Stranger The Stranger was originally written in French. When Stuart Gilbert translated the novel, he came across a small problem. â€Å"The title of Camus’ classic novel is difficult to render into English because the French word bears the connotations of both ‘stranger’ and ‘foreigner’ at the same time, and each of these concepts is at play in the novel.† (Mairowitz1) Finding the right translation was crucial because the title is symbolic. â€Å"The Stranger symbolizes the theme of theRead MoreThe Stranger by Albert Camus1115 Words   |  4 PagesIn the novel, The Stranger, by Albert Camus, the pointlessness of life and existence is exposed through the illustration of Camus’s absurdist world view. The novel tells the story of an emotionally detached, amoral young man named Meursault. Meursault shows us how important it is to start thinking and analyzing the events that happen in our lives. He does this by developing the theme of con flicts within society. Albert Camus’s novel The Stranger portrays Meursault, the main character, as a staticRead MoreAnalysis Of Meursault A Stranger To Society1026 Words   |  5 Pagesrealizes how meaningless and pointless life is and accepts his fate- wishing only that the crowds would scream their hate for him on the day of his execution. Albert Camus accurately depicts Meursault as a stranger to society, to himself, and to human emotions in general, while arguing for the philosophy of absurdism. Meursault is a stranger to human emotions. In Part I, preceding Maman’s funeral, Meursault sits by the window in his apartment. He makes observations of the happenings on the streetRead MoreOf Mice And Men And The Stranger Analysis831 Words   |  4 Pages Of Mice And Men And The Stranger In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the brotherhood and the characters work together to fulfill a dream. George and Lennie are hard working men looking for a job and they are dedicated to get their own land. George and Lennie have faith in succeeding, dreaming about what they are going to do in the near future. While In â€Å"The Strangers† by Albert Camus, human existence in life does not matter. Meursault acts like he doesn’t really have

Applied Ethics and Sustainability Virtue Ethics

Question: Describe about the Applied Ethics and Sustainability for Virtue Ethics. Answer: Introduction The purpose of the study is to explain the connection between the ethical sustainability of the pollution of global commons that is continuously created by the organisations that deals with the oil and gas mainly (Robbins et al. 2013). As the industry is concerned with the chemicals therefore, the chances of polluting the environment are very high in this industry. Therefore, in this study the researcher is focussing on the issue that is creating the ethical dilemmas in the industry of oil of gas and then has discussed the relation with sustainability with it. In the final part of the study, the researcher has also tried to recommend some suggestions to overcome the situations. Pollution of Global Commons and Sustainability According to Parks (2013), every organisation follows a particular ethics for their company. The ethics are the principles that tell the management of an organisation to decide the procedures and policies, which are right or wrong. Ethics are the principles that help the organisational management to understand which are right for the company to incorporate and which will be wrong for them. Therefore, according the dealing area or operational platform the organisations implement a particular rules and regulations for their company. As opined by Dent and Whitehead, (2013), the companies do not go after their ethical ideology or disobey those values intentionally and then the organisational values disbalanced to maintain the ethical values. This also creates many problems regarding various aspects and the pollution is one of the most important sides of this effect. In this study the researcher is trying to state the relation between the sustainability that can be claimed by the removing the factors that is polluting the global commons. The oil and gas industry is one of them that are operating in most of the area of world that is needed to be changed according to the requirement of the environment. Therefore, the main aim of this industry is to promote their steps that they are taking for improving the situation and their statistical data are showing that they are gradually become successful in this case (Lynn and Salzman 2015). Moreover, indirectly the ethical issue is recovering from day to day improvement process and the sustainability can be reached by this. Significant Ethical Issues regarding Pollution of Global Commons The researcher discusses the significant issues that the industries like oil and gas are facing due to these ethical dilemmas here. The industry of this oil and gas has spread almost all over the world with the most challenging issues and has faced many times the problems regarding the pollution related issue that has decreased their business level. Therefore, to perform the good human rights policy and practices in internal and external situations is more important for the companies to maintain (Bai and Morris 2014). In this industry, the pollution of global commons is very essential for the ethical values and regarding this, the industry has faced many problems and issues that have deteriorated their business in world economy. The main issue is relating to the carbon emission problem that has increased in few days ago and the environment pollution rate has increased due to this problem. This was really a concern for the environment savers and for the countries; those are facing var ious health problem regarding this. Therefore, the company has incorporated such measurements to overcome these issues related ethical problems (Hao 2014). Canada is one of the recent countries that have joined the position of exporting oil nations and in present time, the country is supplying petroleum, the most important element of oil and gas industry, to the US more than the countries like Mexico or Saudi Arabia. This exceptional incensement in the profit level of the country has reached a high level with the Bitumen of the industry that the country has generated astonishing revenue, which has raised the government funds irrevocably. The GDP of the country has increase with the industry until five per cent while the bitumen has made up the extra 25 per cent of the nation's exports. The country, Canada has faced the problem regarding this pollution and ethical issue when the Keystone XL pipeline leak and had a huge effect on the environment (Chan et al. 2013). It was also said that there would be no oil-exporting nation to influence oil money and its dirty politics in the countries as if Christian based or Muslim. The country has use d the bitumen as their new "economic engine" but they did not set the exact policy for using the process to reduce the economic risks. Since 1996, in the country the global oil industry has invested approximately $200 billion in bitumen mines, up graders, pipelines and steam plants. ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Sinopec, Petro China, Total and Chevron the seven companies has recently planned to invest an additional $180-billion on the resource over the next two decades. This has the aim to enhance the production level per day basis from 1.6 million barrels a day to more than 3 million barrels to make the profit increase more (Goetsch and Davis 2014). They were not just happy with this much area and profit of the company but they were trying to expand their area of operation in the places where they had not operate before. The company has expanded their business near the boreal forest the size of Rhode Island by 2030 where they will have dug a 40-metre hole. It has already created lakes of mining waste, almost 170 square kilometres, which was great enough to flood Washington, D.C. or downtown Vancouver. Moreover, the world's longest and least secure pipelines were all connected to the project that has the chances to ruin the business by any time that can be harmful for the business as well as to the environment. In the time of recession the main issue was emerged in the industry as the industry has invested very huge amount of money that the companies has to face in the situation. The most important issue of this section was that the expensive hydrocarbon that was highly vulnerable was in stock. However, the recession has forced the countries to remove the invested amount from the industry still the rise of the price of the petrol has increased that much that the companies has to face a loss regarding the pollution of the global commons (60 to $80 a barrel) (Schaubroeck et al. 2012). The failure was too high that the leak had harmed the area in a very vulnerably. In this case, just one Enbridge pipeline leak has raised the price of oil by ten dollars, which was very high and nearly half a dozen shut down United States refineries. Identifying ethical and sustainable response to the problems inherent in this issue and Recommendations The oil and gas industry aims to sustain the fundamental values of human rights to avoid the problems regarding the pollution and global issues that the oil and gas companies has created with the carbon emission and now the steps that they has taken to overcome it by: Companies will follow the ethical business practices; fighting dishonesty and implementing ethical trading policies in those places; the companies will treat the people without any discrimination and through non-discriminatory employment practices and give the provision of getting a living wage; the people or the employees will be respected without any doubt about their local communities, and involving them in decision-making processes, which can affect them; working to make sure a fair sharing of economic settlement The ethical issues in the company have increased that the problems regarding the pollution in the environment. The pollution level of the company has increased by the individual emission of the carbon that the need of implementing more steps to incorporate the ethical issues is become very vital now. Therefore, the companies related to this oil and gas industry has focussed on implementing the strong human rights policies in place (Hill and Schilling 2014). The member companies that are occupied in promoting ethical business and protecting respect for the ethical human rights in several ways: the programmes related to promoting human rights and ethics: The companies are implementing many ways of training sessions and programmes a wide audience ranging from management to the very low-level employees about the losing human rights in their operating area. Stakeholder engagement incensement: The companies are also providing the relationships with external stakeholders such as governments, security forces, various NGOs, local communities etc continue to evolve and grow. According to them, the good relation sharing with the stakeholders are more important to maintain the level of pollution in the range of the recommended version by the WHO. Therefore, the companies need to consult with their stakeholders about the pollution rate and supply the materials that are up to dated according to the set level. the companies can engage themselves in the process of decreasing the pollution level they can enforce the rules and regulations regarding the procedures of the ranging the problems. They can implement various new advanced machines that can able to reduce the emission of the hydrocarbon from the production procedures. It will help the customers to get the appropriate products from them as well as the pollution level will too be decreased the companies have to promote their own emission processes that they are taking or implementing in their daily works to reduce the pollution level. It will increase the trust of the customers over them that the customers as well as the stajkeholders will accept the company. Therefore, their main aim have to implement the requirements of the industry to fulfil by using advanced machineries as well as promoting the process that they are taking to reduce to to gain the trust of them. It will help them to increase their sustainability in the business. Conclusion In the conclusion, the researcher has observed that this issue is an increasing ethical dilemma that is creating the problems regarding the oil and gas industry etc. The challenges that the oil and gas industry is facing due to the ethical issues that has emerged the companies to incorporate the steps to reduce the pollution level by the carbon emission.The researcher has explained the impact of ethical values on the oil and gas organisation; and then discussed the processes of the reducing pollution that has the incorporated by the companies regarding this industry and the issues related to this also has explained to understand the problem. Therefore, the companies that are implementing some steps to recover the situation and to get the sustainability in business in the world market resolve the challenges. Reference List Bai, X., and Morris, N. 2014. Leadership and virtue ethics: A Daoist approach.Public Integrity,16(2), 173-186. Chan, R. Y., Ma, K. H., and Wong, Y. H. 2013. The Software Piracy Decision-Making Process of Chinese Computer Users.The Information Society,29(4), 203-218. Ciulla, J. B. (Ed.). 2014.Ethics, the heart of leadership. ABC-CLIO. Cullen, J., and Parboteeah, K. P. 2013.Multinational management. Cengage Learning. Dent, M., and Whitehead, S. (Eds.). 2013.Managing professional identities: Knowledge, performativities and the'new'professional(Vol. 19). Routledge. Frederickson, H. G., and Ghere, R. K. 2013.Ethics in public management. ME Sharpe. Giacalone, R. A., and Rosenfeld, P. 2013.Impression management in the organization. Psychology Press. Goetsch, D. L., and Davis, S. B. 2014.Quality management for organizational excellence. pearson. Haley, G. T., Haley, U. C., and Tan, C. 2012.New Asian emperors: The business strategies of the overseas Chinese. John Wiley and Sons. Hao, Z. 2014. The Role of Intellectuals in Contemporary Chinas Labor Movement: A Preliminary Exploration. InSocial Issues in China(pp. 239-253). Springer New York. Hill, C., Jones, G., and Schilling, M. 2014.Strategic management: theory: an integrated approach. Cengage Learning. Kuntz, J. R. C., Kuntz, J. R., Elenkov, D., and Nabirukhina, A. 2013. Characterizing ethical cases: A cross-cultural investigation of individual differences, organisational climate, and leadership on ethical decision-making.Journal of Business Ethics,113(2), 317-331. Lynn, L., and Salzman, H. 2015. Engineers, Firms and Nations: Ethical Dilemmas in the New Global Environment. InEngineering Ethics for a Globalized World(pp. 15-33). Springer International Publishing. Myers, M. D. 2013.Qualitative research in business and management. Sage.

Strategic Analysis Report Essay Example

Strategic Analysis Report Essay Additionally heavy maintenance was consolidated to Avalon and Brisbane with Tullamarine in Melbourne closing by August 2012 (Qantas, 2012). This report considers the position of Qantas as at 1st May 2012 but considers this announcement justification of the report’s recommendations. 2|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 2 Executive Summary The dynamic nature of the global commercial aviation industry requires organisational structures and strategies that exemplify controls facilitating flexibility and prompt market responsiveness. The industry is heavily influenced via ncreasing global operational expenses, volatility and competition creating numerous challenges for Qantas’ long-term survival. Moreover, constant changes of consumer behaviour, perception and purchasing powers are directly influencing Qantas’ diminishing profit margins alongside high operational expenditure. It is crucial for Qantas’ to optimise opportuniti es and manage complex trade-offs involving value chain and supply chain management (SCM) activities. Numerous mechanisms exist to maximise the differences between perceived value and actual costs of supply chain activities. The key challenges for Qantas are to conceptualise strategies that provide a balance of efficiency and effectiveness. Initial internal and external analyses determined key discrepancies involving Qantas’ direction of global and functional-level strategies. The analyses identified integrated, global standardisation, human resource (HR) and operational strategies as the primary segments to adjust. Key deficiencies arose regarding international competitiveness, terminal/plant consolidation, operational restructure requirements, workforce personnel skill and training enhancements and continual Industrial Relations (IR) disputes. As such, distinct emphasis to Qantas’ management amplified top and middle managerial inadequacies and change requirements. The analysis concluded that Qantas should implement a hybrid strategy through the integration of global standardisation and operational strategies. This combined strategy will address effective controls and policies, enabling cost reductions from non value-adding activities and redirecting capital to value-adding functions, thus effectively progressing Qantas’ strategic objectives towards sustainable practices and growth. |Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 3 Two Potential Strategies The strategic objectives for Qantas’ future intent are to mitigate potential risks. This can be achieved via either a global or functional level strategy. This report analyses the benefits and limitations of these strategies and presents a realistic recommendation for long term strategic sustainability. 3. 1 Global Strategy Gl obal strategy plays a vital role in strengthening organisations such as Qantas (Hill Jones, 2010). We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Analysis Report specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Analysis Report specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Analysis Report specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Through the use of integration and global standardisation Qantas will be able to enhance its operations and increase its aviation market share. These strategies will enhance Qantas’ consumer base, whilst improving customer service outcomes. The implementation of these strategies will enable superior quality service delivery and improved performance against rivals in the aviation industry. 3. 1. 1 Integration Strategy In order to counter strong competition in international markets, increasing importance is placed on Multinational Organisations such as Qantas to integrate its overseas operations. Global Integration Strategy positions organisations like Qantas to gain advantage by geographically dispersing and specialising its operations (Porter, 1986). This localisation results in cost efficiencies and economies of scale improving competitiveness (Mauri, 2003). Qantas operates a vast international network but could take advantage of horizontal integration to build its network in booming markets such as Asia, while offset losses on unpopular routes. This could be achieved by creating wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, or strengthening alliances with partner airlines in the OneWorld program and beyond. Alliance Networks can guide Qantas to recover its losses internationally by leveraging economies of scale generated by code sharing and commercial partnerships (Lawton, 2011). 4|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 To compete with local hub based carriers such as Singapore Airlines (Singapore) and Emirates (Dubai), Qantas could vertically integrate some ground support and maintenance operations. Such undertakings would allow the Qantas brand to increase competitor cost structures and standardise customer service offerings, by controlling the brand experience from origin to consumption point. . 1. 2 Global Standardisation Strategy A global standardisation strategy aims at reducing costs by having Qantas’s headquarters and SCM activities centralised in Australia, but locating key functions in an optimal global location for that activity (Hill Jones, 2010). Following a Dynamic SWOT analysis undertaken by Nav-Star, it was found that Qantas could reduce operating costs by offshoring certain unskilled maintenance activities to a service centre in Hong Kong. This would allow Qantas to maximise synergies created by its new strategic alliance with China Eastern Airlines (Qantas, 2012). This destination offers labour force competitive advantages due to no minimum wage and advantageous tax rates (Euromonitor, 2010). This would make it suitable for unskilled maintenance work on aircraft, with more technical work being undertaken in Australia to maintain quality standards. Furthermore, offshoring would facilitate excellent career development for Australian Qantas employees as there will be a need to train and monitor a new Asian labour force. Hong Kong is a major Asian hub with a favourable economic and financial climate (Austrade, 2012), as well as being a gateway to China. Currently the Chinese travel market is approximately 300 million. This is believed to grow to 500 million within three years (Qantas, 2012). If this strategy is employed it will reduce costs while creating both synergies and opportunities for further growth. 3. 2 Functional Strategy A functional strategy is advantageous for organisations to achieve superior efficiency, innovation, quality, and customer responsiveness (Jones Hill, 2012). Implementation of functional 5|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 strategies increases organisational capabilities in terms of resource availability and distinctive competencies. . 2. 1 HR Strategy A HR strategy aims at improving organisational outcomes through enhancing workforce capabilities. Key elements involve organisational development, job enrichment, employee empowerment and increased motivation through intrinsic motivators such as learning and development (Stone, 2010). Following a dynamic SWOT analysis of Qantas, it i s evident that the airline can increase its revenue by reorganising the organisations HR focus. This would be possible through regular training and development of the workforce to satisfy intrinsic motivators. This is essential in light of the recent industrial and economic events (Qantas, 2012). Qantas’ 35,000 workforce personnel are primarily employees in either full-time or part-time positions, however in light of declining profits the movement towards transforming significant positions to a casual employment emerges (Qantas Databook, 2012). This creates numerous challenges for Qantas to ensure a superior level of quality and consistency across personnel divisions. The foremost segments subjective to this movement are ground staff, cabin crew, QCatering and Qantas Freight services (Qantas Media Releases, 2012). Given the dynamic nature of Qantas’ consumer base, employee training programs need to be tailored to adapt to the changing needs of customers. This is particularly relevant in the international arena, as this is where Qantas’ strategy needs to be enhanced to achieve industry differentiation and growth in emerging markets (Qantas, 2012). 3. 2. 2 Operational Strategy Management teams use operational strategies to effectively manage upstream and downstream value and supply chain activities in a cost-efficient manner. Hence, emphasis on 6|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 roductivity maximisation of resource-based bundling emerges via the capitalisation and operational restructuring of functional tactics and time specifications (Hanson, Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2011). Qantas’ adverse internal and external environments are underpinned by operational expenses. These variables have forced the company to adopt cost reduction and low cost structure activities (Sharma Fisher, 1997). According to Qantas’ Databook (2012) cost price increases in operational activities (i. e. rising fuel prices, labour disputes, and replicated maintenance facilities) erode profit margins. This represents potential inefficiencies and weaknesses within Qantas’ internal management controls. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announced in March 2012 the company’s strategic intent is to reduce costs without causing significant declines in revenue (Qantas Media Releases, 2012). A dynamic SWOT analysis identified for Qantas to negate and transpose limitations into positive company attributes. Qantas’ operational strategy should focus upon inefficiencies within Qantas’ supply and value chains thus requiring implementing increased controls. This measure would involve the coordination of activities directly attributed to horizontally and vertically integrated functions. Such measures would reaffirm a distinct organisational structure whilst ascertaining and securing improved efficiency, cost controls, environmental adaptability and profitability. Lin, Zu-Hsu Gibbs (2008), Gandolfi Hassoun (2010) and Buckingham Loomba (2001) assert effective operational restructuring to involve SWOT decision-making processes regarding cost structure reductions where value-adding functions are emphasised. These activities involve Reduction-In-Force (RIF) primarily concerning workforce size, skill requirements, employee flexibility, continuous improvement and activity-based costing initiatives. Additionally a SCM focus identifies supplier selection, procurement, inbound/outbound logistics, indirect materials, plant capacity and locations is a foremost facet of operational expenses providing avenues for reductions (Monczka, Handfield, Giunipero Patterson, 2011). Qantas should reassess the margins of each activity impacting the value-adding functions for increased |Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 company profits. As global economic uncertainty remains a primary concern in management strategic decisions the ability to respond effectively and integrate specified functional-level and operational strategies remains critical to long-term survival and profitability (Hanson, Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2011). 4 Comparison and Evaluation Strategy One Strate gy Two Feasibility substantial it can financial Qantas’s value chain activities represent by significant financial assets involving firm Feasibility Qantas resources possesses which leverage centralising its activities to its Australian infrastructure, SCM activities and highly headquarters, while offshoring non value skilled and specialised workforce personnel. adding functions such as maintenance. The As diversification workforce and scale ease of of such, through extensive employee Qantas’s development programmes (i. e. emphasis on global employee flexibility initiatives), SCM enables transference across the company. Further, streamlined cost structure improvements there is surplus cheap labour available in and internal communications will entice the both Asian destinations to make the strategy workforce to remain vibrant and instantly implementable with the use of knowledgeable. strategic partner airlines. Desirability Desirability Centralizing activities at the Australian Implementation of the HR strategy alongside headquarters will enable the company to increased transparency involving functions reduce its operating costs. By offshoring and related profit margins will increase the upstream and downstream operations to airline’s efficiency, quality of services, other locations globally, the airline will technological advancements and innovation, benefit from low cost materials and cheap thereby attracting more customers and labour, thus reducing its overall costs of retaining existing ones. This will increase the 8|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 manufacture and maintenance. company’s revenues and overall financial performance. Risks Risks Risks include cross cultural barriers, socio Risks include associated costs and potential economic and localised geo-political employee resistances to operational changes enhanced training and uncertainty. Given that the airlines will alongside offshore its activities across different development programmes. Moreover the locations globally, there is a risk of Australian operational and HR strategies should both industrial increased relations awareness issues. of Moreover, directly and indirectly forecast customer corporate needs and demand to determine accurate mechanisms. Thus enabling responsibility challenges including perceived budgeting versus actual human rights violations. capital to be directed along the value chain proportionally. Table 1 – Formulated Strategies 5 Recommendations Nav-star Consultants recommends that Qantas adopts Strategy One, an integrated global standardisation strategy, and Strategy Two, operational strategy. This will be implemented by leveraging the formidable financial and human resources of the company, thus redirecting capital where it’s needed to drive strategic change. This involves offshoring maintenance activities to Hong Kong to engage a leaner cost structure. This strategy will be supported internally by realigning its supply chain capabilities to locations that are more value oriented (Hill Jones, 2010). Further, both upstream and downstream activities will be refocused on more profitable flight routes, ground operations and strategic partner alliances. By utilising this integrated strategy, Qantas will maintain a flexible competitive advantage in the global airline industry. 9|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 . 1 Distinguish from Competition For Qantas to remain competitive in both domestic and, more importantly, the international arena, a focus on providing value added services that differentiate from the competition is vital. Firstly, it is recommended that Qantas reviews its international network of destinations to divest from unprofitable flight routes and replacing these with arrangements using str ategic alliance partners. This will also include an inevitable RIF that will focus on optimising workforce size and up skilling or cross training displaced employees (Noe Winkler, 2009). These optimisations allow Qantas to distinguish itself from its competitors by providing a leaner and more skilled workforce. Secondly, Qantas will need to consider integrating ground operations and supply chain activities to gain greater control of cost efficiencies, as well as reducing access for key competitors in foreign hubs (McCarthy-Byrne Mentzer, 2011). This will be achieved by utilising existing and new strategic partnerships and the establishment of new support facilities in the most value added location, Hong Kong. Any opportunity for the establishment of a wholly owned foreign subsidiary should seriously be considered. By integrating operations and activities, Qantas can remain adaptive to competitive pressures and distinguish its brand. 5. 2 Two Key Elements Two key elements in regards to Qantas’ implementation of its integrated strategy are, firstly, the Australian industrial relation consequences that may arise from the perception that Qantas is offshoring Australian jobs. Secondly, the importance of maintaining Qantas’ exceptional brand image regarding quality across maintenance and customer service. In order to prepare for likely industrial disputes, an extensive program of cross training and up skilling should be provided to employees who may be affected by this strategic reorientation. This will form a part of a risk mitigation strategy which will also reduce the dependence on domestic labour, of which industrial disputes will have the greatest impact (Balnave, Brown, 10 | P a g e Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 Maconachie Stone, 2009). Further, internal and external public relation campaigns should be commenced to educate and reassure all stakeholders of Qantas. For Qantas to maintain its exceptional quality reputation and to further build its quality perception in the market, it will be important to present the changing strategic direction of the organisation as an opportunity for portfolio growth. This will lead to greater opportunities for Qantas employees both domestically and abroad. Additionally, through the use of investment in technology and training, Qantas can reduce costs and implement its strategic plan without compromising quality perception. 5. 3 Boundary Condition The recommended integrated global standardisation and operational strategy exemplifies distinct benefits, company differentiation and competitive advantages. A PESTEL analysis identified the foremost determinant critical to ongoing implementation processes and success regards geoeconomic influences. Additional PESTEL characteristics are exhibited in Appendix 2. Bilgin (2010) asserts for Qantas to effectively intensify its international operations and presence incorporating geo-economic risks into strategic planning is vital. Schlevogt (2001) outlines key variables and success factors as company financial reserves; supply and value chain productions; workforce personnel; technological and research developments; transportation capabilities; trade opportunities and international politics. Moreover, as numerous value-adding resources are sourced from international markets, foreign government political, trade and socio-economic policies are shaping the pace and course of global interactions and transactions. Numerous markets have experienced unsustainable practices via diminished growth strategies for labour market competition, increase export and investment ventures abroad and displacement through automation (Eun Resnick, 2011 Madura, 2010). These shortfalls, provide opportunities for Qantas to attain the under-utilised resources in these markets as capital outlay would be minimal compared to domestic market resource costs. These geo-economic characteristics are significant variables to Qantas’ overall business strategy, longevity and growth. As Nav-Star’s recommendation emphasises offshoring to emerging 11 | P a g e Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 Asian markets, increasing global economic and political uncertainty plagues the international arena. This directly affects Qantas’ reach and places pressures on strategic alliances and offshoring facilities to remain viable as commercial competition between multinationals is becoming more intense. Three significant and damaging economic collapses have occurred globally over the past 15 years altering political aspirations towards integration economies and globalisation, thus amending regulatory policies creating potential trade and capital investment ventures. Such obstacles include price volatility, fiscal imbalances, income disparities, structural employment and financial borrowing capabilities (Eun Resnick, 2011). Qantas’ supply and value chain activities are key success factors creating avenues for future revenue growth and profits via creating new markets utilising existing consumer bases. A specific focus on alignment of company culture simultaneously with operational excellence will create Qantas various product portfolio opportunities. Avenues to achieve this objective involve continual technological updates to improve operational efficiency via streamlining value chain activities and managing human resources. The nature of Qantas’ international and domestic endeavours instigates sophisticated and complex strategic planning and policies that address and mitigate geo-economic risks. As Qantas continues to consolidate maintenance hubs (Qantas Media Releases, 2012), effective HR programmes addressing highly skilled and motivated personnel are crucial. Strategic Analysis Report Essay Example Strategic Analysis Report Essay Additionally heavy maintenance was consolidated to Avalon and Brisbane with Tullamarine in Melbourne closing by August 2012 (Qantas, 2012). This report considers the position of Qantas as at 1st May 2012 but considers this announcement justification of the report’s recommendations. 2|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 2 Executive Summary The dynamic nature of the global commercial aviation industry requires organisational structures and strategies that exemplify controls facilitating flexibility and prompt market responsiveness. The industry is heavily influenced via ncreasing global operational expenses, volatility and competition creating numerous challenges for Qantas’ long-term survival. Moreover, constant changes of consumer behaviour, perception and purchasing powers are directly influencing Qantas’ diminishing profit margins alongside high operational expenditure. It is crucial for Qantas’ to optimise opportunities and manage complex trade-offs involving value chain and supply chain management (SCM) activities. Numerous mechanisms exist to maximise the differences between perceived value and actual costs of supply chain activities.The key challenges for Qantas are to conceptualise strategies that provide a balance of efficiency and effectiveness. Initial internal and external analyses determined key discrepancies involving Qantas’ direction of global and functional-level strategies. We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Analysis Report specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Analysis Report specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Analysis Report specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The analyses identified integrated, global standardisation, human resource (HR) and operational strategies as the primary segments to adjust. Key deficiencies arose regarding international competitiveness, terminal/plant consolidation, operational restructure requirements, workforce personnel skill and training enhancements and continual Industrial Relations (IR) disputes.As such, distinct emphasis to Qantas’ management amplified top and middle managerial inadequacies and change requirements. The analysis concluded that Qantas should implement a hybrid strategy through the integration of global standardisation and operational strategies. This combined strategy will address effective controls and policies, enabling cost reductions from non value-adding activities and redirecting capital to value-adding functions, thus effectively progressing Qantas’ strategic objectives towards sustainable practices and growth. |Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 3 Two Potential Strategies The strategic objectives for Qantas’ future intent are to mitigate potential risks. This can be achieved via either a global or functional level strategy. This report analyses the benefits and limitations of these strategies and presents a realistic recommendation for long term strategic sustainability. 3. 1 Global Strategy Global strategy plays a vital role in strengthening organisations such as Qantas (Hill Jones, 2010).Through the use of integration and global standardisation Qantas will be able to enhance its operations and increase its aviation market share. These strategies will enhance Qantas’ consumer base, whilst improving customer service outcomes. The implementation of these strategies will enable superior quality service delivery and improved performance against rivals in the aviation industry. 3. 1. 1 Integration Strategy In order to counter strong competition in international markets, increasing importance is placed on Multinational Organisations such as Qantas to integrate its overseas operations.Global Integration Strategy positions organisations like Qantas to gain advantage by geographically dispersing and specialising its operations (Porter, 1986). This localisation results in cost efficiencies and economies of scale improving competitiveness (Mauri, 2003). Qantas operates a vast international network but could take advantage of horizontal integration to build its network in booming markets such as Asia, while offset losses on unpopular routes. This could be achieved by creating wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, or strengthening alliances with partner airlines in the OneWorld program and beyond.Alliance Networks can guide Qantas to recover its losses internationally by leveraging economies of scale generated by code sharing and commercial partnerships (Lawton, 201 1). 4|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 To compete with local hub based carriers such as Singapore Airlines (Singapore) and Emirates (Dubai), Qantas could vertically integrate some ground support and maintenance operations. Such undertakings would allow the Qantas brand to increase competitor cost structures and standardise customer service offerings, by controlling the brand experience from origin to consumption point. . 1. 2 Global Standardisation Strategy A global standardisation strategy aims at reducing costs by having Qantas’s headquarters and SCM activities centralised in Australia, but locating key functions in an optimal global location for that activity (Hill Jones, 2010). Following a Dynamic SWOT analysis undertaken by Nav-Star, it was found that Qantas could reduce operating costs by offshoring certain unskilled maintenance activities to a service centre in Hong Kong. This would allow Qantas to maximise synergies created by its new strategic alliance with China Eastern Airlines (Qantas, 2012).This destination offers labour force competitive advantages due to no minimum wage and advantageous tax rates (Euromonitor, 2010). This would make it suitable for unskilled maintenance work on aircraft, with more technical work being undertaken in Australia to maintain quality standards. Furthermore, offshoring would facilitate excellent career development for Australian Qantas employees as there will be a need to train and monitor a new Asian labour force. Hong Kong is a major Asian hub with a favourable economic and financial climate (Austrade, 2012), as well as being a gateway to China. Currently theChinese travel market is approximately 300 million. This is believed to grow to 500 million within three years (Qantas, 2012). If this strategy is employed it will reduce costs while creating both synergies and opportunities for further growth. 3. 2 Functional Strategy A functional strategy is advantageous for organisations to achieve superior efficiency, innovation, quality, and customer responsiveness (Jones Hill, 2012). Implementation of functional 5|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 strategies increases organisational capabilities in terms of resource availability and distinctive competencies. . 2. 1 HR Strategy A HR strategy aims at improving organisational outcomes through enhancing workforce capabilities. Key elements involve organisational development, job enrichment, employee empowerment and increased motivation through intrinsic motivators such as learning and development (Stone, 2010). Following a dynamic SWOT analysis of Qantas, it is evident that the airline can increase its revenue by reorganising the organisations HR focus. This would be possible through regular training and development of the workforce to satisfy intrinsic motivators.This is essential in light of the recent industrial and economic events (Qantas, 2012). Qantas’ 35,000 workforce personnel are primarily employees in either full-time or part-time positions, however in light of declining profits the movement towards transforming significant positions to a casual employment emerges (Qantas Databook, 2012). This creates numerous challenges for Qantas to ensure a superior level of quality and consistency across personnel divisions. The foremost segments subjective to this movement are ground staff, cabin crew, QCatering and Qantas Freight services (Qantas Media Releases, 2012).Given the dynamic nature of Qantas’ consumer base, employee training programs need to be tailored to adapt to the changing needs of customers. This is particularly relevant in the international arena, as this is where Qantas’ strategy needs to be enhanced to achieve industry differentiation and growth in emerging markets (Qantas, 2012). 3. 2. 2 Operational Strategy Management teams use operational strategies to effectively manage upstream and downstream value and supply chain activities in a cost-efficient manner. Hence, emphasis on 6|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 roductivity maximisation of resource-based bundling emerges via the capitalisation and operational restructuring of functional tactics and time specifications (Hanson, Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2011). Qantas’ adverse internal and external environments are underpinned by operational expenses. These variables have forced the company to adopt cost reduction and low cost structure activities (Sharma Fisher, 1997). According to Qantas’ Databook (2012) cost price increases in operational activities (i. e. rising fuel prices, labour disputes, and replicated maintenance facilities) erode profit margins.This represents potential inefficiencies and weaknesses within Qantas’ internal management controls. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announced in March 2012 the company’s strategic intent is to reduce costs without causing significant declines in revenue (Qantas Media Releases, 2012). A dynamic SWOT analysis identified for Qantas to negate and transpose limitations into positive company attributes. Qantas’ operational strategy should focus upon inefficiencies within Qantas’ supply and value chains thus requiring implementing increased controls.This measure would involve the coordination of activities directly attributed to horizontally and vertically integrated functions. Such measures would reaffirm a distinct organisational structure whilst ascertaining and securing improved efficiency, cost controls, environmental adaptability and profitability. Lin, Zu-Hsu Gibbs (2008), Gandolfi Hassoun (2010) and Buckingham Loomba (2001) assert effective operational restructuring to involve SWOT decision-making processes regarding cost structure reductions where value-adding functions are emphasised.These activities involve Reduction-In-Force (RIF) primarily concerning workforce size, skill requirements, employee flexibility, continuous improvement and activity-based costing initiatives. Additionally a SCM focus identifies supplier selection, procurement, inbound/outbound logistics, indirect materials, plant capacity and locations is a foremost facet of operational expenses providing avenues for reductions (Monczka, Handfield, Giunipero Patterson, 2011). Qantas should reassess the margins of each activity impacting the value-adding functions for increased |Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 company profits. As global economic uncertainty remains a primary concern in management strategic decisions the ability to respond effectively and integrate specified functional-level and operational strategies remains critical to long-term survival and profitability (Hanson, Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2011). 4 Comparison and Evaluation Strategy One Strategy Two Feasibility substantial it can financial Qantas’s value chain activities represent by significant financial assets involving firmFeasibility Qantas resources possesses which leverage centralising its activities to its Australian infrastructure, SCM activities and highly headquarters, while offshoring non value skilled and specialised workforce personnel. adding functions such as maintenance. The As diversification workforce and scale ease of of such, through extensive employee Qantas’s development programmes (i. e. emphasis on global employee flexibility initiatives), SCM enables transference across the company.Further, streamlined cost structure improvements there is surplus cheap labour available in and internal communications will entice the both Asian destinations to make the strategy workforce to remain vibrant and instantly implementable with the use of knowledgeable. strategic partner airlines. Desirability Desirability Centralizing activities at the Australian Implementation of the HR strategy alongside headquarters will enable the company to increased transparency involving functions reduce its operating costs.By offshoring and related profit margins will increase the upstream and downstream operations to airline’s efficiency, quality of services, other locations globally, the airline will technological advancements and innovation, benefit from low cost materials and cheap thereby attracting more customers and labour, thus reducing its overall costs of retaining existing ones. This will increase the 8|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 manufacture and maintenance. company’s revenues and overall financial performance. Risks RisksRisks include cross cultural barriers, socio Risks include associated costs and potential economic and localised geo-political employee resistances to operational changes enhanced training and uncertainty. Given that the airlines will alongside offshore its activities across different development programmes. Moreover the locations globally, there is a risk of Australian operational and HR strategies should both industrial increased relations awareness issues. of Moreover, directly and indirectly forecast customer corporate needs and demand to determine accurate mechanisms.Thus enabling responsibility challenges including perceived budgeting versus actual human rights violations. capital to be directed along the value chain proportionally. Table 1 – Formulated Strategies 5 Recommendations Nav-star Consultants recommends that Qantas adopts Strategy One, an integrated global standardisation strategy, and Strategy Two, operational strategy. This will be implemented by leveraging the formidable financial and human resources of the company, thus redirecting capital where it’s needed to drive strategic change.This involves offshoring maintenance activities to Hong Kong to engage a leaner cost structure. This strategy will be supported internally by realigning its supply chain capabilities to locations that are more value oriented (Hill Jones, 2010). Further, both upstream and downstream activities will be refocused on more profitable flight routes, ground operations and strategic partner alliances. By utilising this integrated strategy, Qantas will maintain a flexible competitive advantage in the global airline industry. 9|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 . 1 Distinguish from Competition For Qantas to remain competitive in both domestic and, more importantly, the international arena, a focus on providing value added services that differentiate from the competition is vital. Firstly, it is recommended that Qantas reviews its international network of destinations to divest from unprofitable flight routes and replacing these with arrangements using strategic alliance partners. This will also include an inevitable RIF that will focus on optimising workforce size and up skilling or cross training displaced employees (Noe Winkler, 2009).These optimisations allow Qantas to distinguish itself from its competitors by providing a leaner and more skilled workforce. Secondly, Qantas will need to consider integrating ground operations and supply chain activities to gain greater control of cost efficiencies, as well as reducing access for key competitors in foreign hubs (McCarthy-Byrne Mentzer, 2011). This will be achieved by utilising existing and new strategic partnerships and the establishment of new support facilities in the most value added location, Hong Kong.Any opportunity for the establishment of a wholly owned foreign subsidiary should seriously be considered. By integrating operations and activities, Qantas can remain adaptive to competitive pressures and distinguish its brand. 5. 2 Two Key Elements Two key elements in regards to Qantas’ implementation of its integrated strategy are, firstly, the Australian industrial relation consequences that may arise from the perception that Qantas is offshoring Australian jobs. Secondly, the importance of maintaining Qantas’ exceptional brand image regarding quality across maintenance and customer service.In order to prepare for likely industrial disputes, an extensive program of cross training and up skilling should be provided to employees who may be affected by this strategic reorientation. This will form a part of a risk mitigation strategy which will also reduce the dependence on domestic labour, of which industrial disputes will have the greatest impact (Balnave, Brown, 10 | P a g e Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 Maconachie Stone, 2009). Further, internal and external public relation campaigns should be commenced to educate and reassure all stakeholders of Qantas.For Qantas to maintain its exceptional quality reputation and to further build its quality perception in the market, it will be important to present the changing strategic direction of the organisation as an opportunity for portfolio growth. This will lead to greater opportunities for Qantas employees both domestically and abroad. Additionally, through the use of investment in technology and training, Qantas can reduce costs and implement its strategic plan without compromising quality perception. 5. 3 Boundary ConditionThe recommended integrated global standardisation and operational strategy exemplifies distinct benefits, company differentiation and competitive advantages. A PESTEL analysis identified the foremost determinant critical to ongoing implementation processes and success regards geoeconomic influences. Additional PESTEL characteristics are exhibited in Appendix 2. Bilgin (2010) asserts for Qantas to effectively intensify its international operations and presence incorporating geo-economic risks into strategic planning is vital.Schlevogt (2001) outlines key variables and success factors as company financial reserves; supply and value chain productions; workforce personnel; technological and research developments; transportation capabilities; trade opportunities and international politics. Moreover, as numerous value-adding resources are sourced from international markets, foreign government political, trade and socio-economic policies are shaping the pace and course of global interactions and transactions.Numerous markets have experienced unsustainable practices via diminished growth strategies for labour market competition, increase export and investment ventures abroad and displacement through automation (Eun Resnick, 2011 Madura, 2010). These shortfalls, provide opportunities for Qantas to attain the under-utilised resources in these markets as capital outlay would be minimal compared to domestic market resource costs. These geo-economic characteristics are significant variables to Qantas’ overall business strategy, longevity and growth. As Nav-Star’s recommendation emphasises offshoring to emerging 11 | P a g e Nav-Star ConsultantsMGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 Asian markets, increasing global economic and political uncertainty plagues the international arena. This directly affects Qantas’ reach and places pressures on strategic alliances and offshoring facilities to remain viable as commercial competition between multinationals is becoming more intense. Three significant and damaging economic collapses have occurred globally over the past 15 years altering political aspirations towards integration economies and globalisation, thus amending regulatory policies creating potential trade and capital investment ventures.Such obstacles include price volatility, fiscal imbalances, income disparities, structural employment and financial borrowing capabilities (Eun Resnick, 2011). Qantas’ supply and value chain activities are key success factors creating avenues for future revenue growth and profits via creating new markets utilising existing consumer bases. A specific focus on alignment of company culture simultaneously with operational excellence will create Qantas various product portfolio opportunities.Avenues to achieve this objective involve continual technological updates to improve operational efficiency via streamlining value chain activities and managing human resources. The nature of Qantas’ international and domestic endeavours instigates sophisticated and complex strategic planning and policies that address and mitigate geo-economic risks. As Qantas continues to consolidate maintenance hubs (Qantas Media Releases, 2012), effective HR programmes addressing highly skilled and motivated personnel are crucial.

The Ecuadorian Story of Cantuña and the Devil

The Ecuadorian Story of Cantuà ±a and the Devil Everyone in Quito, Ecuador, knows the story of Cantuà ±a: it is one of the citys most beloved legends. Cantuà ±a was an architect and builder who made a deal with the Devil †¦ but got out of it through trickery. The Atrium of San Francisco Cathedral In downtown Quito, about two blocks away from the center of the old colonial city, is Plaza San Francisco, an airy plaza popular with pigeons, strollers, and those who want a nice outdoor cup of coffee. The western side of the plaza is dominated by the San Francisco Cathedral, a massive stone building and one of the first churches built in Quito. It’s still open and is a popular place for locals to hear mass. There are different areas of the church, including an old convent and an atrium, which is an open area just inside the cathedral. It is the atrium that is central to the story of Cantuà ±a. Cantuà ±a’s Task According to legend, Cantuà ±a was a native builder and architect of great talent. He was hired by the Franciscans sometime during the early colonial era (construction took more than 100 years but the church was completed by 1680) to design and build the atrium. Although he worked diligently, it was slow going and it soon became apparent that he would not finish the project on time. He wished to avoid this, as he would not be paid at all if it were not ready on a certain date (in some versions of the legend, Cantuà ±a would go to jail if the atrium was not completed on time). A Deal With the Devil Just as Cantuà ±a despaired of completing the atrium on time, the Devil appeared in a puff of smoke and offered to make a deal. The Devil would finish the work overnight and the atrium would be ready on time. Cantuà ±a, of course, would part with his soul. The desperate Cantuà ±a accepted the deal. The Devil called in a large band of worker demons and they spent the whole night building the atrium. A Missing Stone Cantuà ±a was pleased with the work but naturally began to regret the deal he had made. While the Devil was not paying attention, Cantuà ±a leaned over and pried loose a stone out of one of the walls and hid it. As dawn broke on the day the atrium was to be given to the Franciscans, the Devil eagerly demanded payment. Cantuà ±a pointed out the missing stone and claimed that since the Devil had not fulfilled his end of the deal, the contract was void. Foiled, the angry Devil disappeared in a puff of smoke. Variations on the Legend There are different versions of the legend that differ in small details. In some versions, Cantuà ±a is the son of the legendary Inca General Rumià ±ahui, who foiled the Spanish conquistadors by hiding the gold of Quito (also allegedly with the help of the Devil). According to another telling of the legend, it was not Cantuà ±a who removed the loose stone, but an angel sent to help him. In yet another version, Cantuà ±a did not hide the stone once he removed it but instead wrote upon it something to the effect of Whoever picks up this stone acknowledges that God is greater than he. Naturally, the Devil would not pick up the stone and was, therefore, prevented from fulfilling the contract. Visiting San Francisco Church The San Francisco Church and convent are open daily. The cathedral itself is free to visit, but there is a nominal fee to see the convent and museum. Fans of colonial art and architecture will not want to miss it. Guides will even point out a wall inside the atrium that is missing a stone: the very spot where Cantuà ±a saved his soul!

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Research Paper Example Street literature is a genre involving an insightful look into the ghetto life (Morris et al. 20). The stories of â€Å"Midnight: A Gangster Love Story,† â€Å"Midnight and the Meaning of Love,† and â€Å"The Coldest Winter Ever† all fall within this gangsta realism that makes readers experience the high price of ghetto life through the characters. Street literature typically involves people from the African-American descent, and the main characters are usually mid-teens to mid-20s in age. They are usually depicted as people who go through extraordinary struggles in life, and they survive through obstacles such as violence, racism, and severe poverty. The whole story is filled with ghetto language, and this is more formally known as the African American Vernacular English (AAVE). The setting is usually in urban areas, and hip hop culture is the dominant scenario. Themes usually revolve around prostitution, premarital sex, illegal sex, crime, drugs, abortion, viol ence, and other illegal activities. The three novels mentioned above circle around such themes, and they are set within the urban hip hop milieu. However, despite such seemingly negative backdrop, these stories could serve as cautionary tales, and one does not need to go through the same experiences to learn what the characters learn in their life's journeys. The morals involved in the narratives are usually insightful in terms of understanding the, and learning from, the high price of ghetto life (Wright 42-45). â€Å"Midnight: A Gangster Love Story† is authored by Sister Souljah. It discusses the life of Midnight, a Muslim black immigrant from Sudan. In the opening lines of the book, Midnight is described as a tall guy with a dominating personality. He is pure black, and even his eyes are jet black. He is also described as lean and muscular, and females want to always be near him. Midnight is such a strong character because he never feels intimidated or insecure. Midnight i s a fierce fighter inside and out. Being a fighter is one common characteristic among the main characters in the three street literature novels (Brooks and McNair 129-132). Midnight's young life goes through a process of being sheltered and protected under his father's care, to being vulnerable and open to the dangers of a foreign neighborhood. His character is developed by his experiences, and he bravely surpasses obstacles throughout his teenage years. First, due to hardship, he becomes home schooled, and he escorts his mother daily to and from her sweat shop job. Second, to develop himself, he learns martial arts, and he also becomes a talented basketball player. Third, to get over poverty, he begins to earn his own money through a fish market job, and he helps save up to purchase a bigger house for his family in a less dangerous neighborhood. He gets over hindrances towards his family progress and personal development, that is why even language barrier does not deter him from wi nning the heart of a Japanese beauty named Akemi. His character is shown even further development as he adheres to his strict Muslim principles while courting Akemi. It can therefore be said that surviving one hardship after another makes Midnight who he is in the novel, and makes him a striking protagonist in this street literature (A Gangster). As a further backgrounder, Midnight is a boy who flees Africa at

Visual Arts and Film Studies Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Visual Arts and Film Studies - Research Paper Example Upon its discovery, Cubism had a lasting impact on the artworks which were dominant during its discovery. Cubism was more of an abstract art style, which laid the foundation for the discovery and development of other artworks such as Surrealism and Dadaism. As a result of Cubism, new art modes such as futurism and Orphism came to being. Cubism changed the way people perceive the world in numerous ways (Robinson 7-30). With Cubism, the world was not to look the same again because of the huge impact, which this movement had on the world. The revolutionary nature of this movement was so phenomenal that it changed the way artists viewed the components of art. Cubism also changed the world; through it, all aspects of a subject could be seen at the same time. As a result, this allowed the simultaneous view of the parts that comprised an art work. The development of modern art can also be attributed to the discovery of Cubism as a form of art. This innovative movement led to the establishme nt of a new plastic order, which was different from the form of art that was existent before its discovery. Cubism also enhanced revolutionary changes in visual representation as artists strived to change the look of art images (Robinson 7-30). Analytic and synthetic Cubism was also phenomenal in changing the way people viewed the world. Analytic and synthetic Cubism details phases, which took place in the field of art. Synthetic Cubism helped in the combination of many forms of art as it brought numerous art forms. Analytic Cubism encompassed the bringing together of separate elements of artwork and connected them to the whole. With the changes that it brought to the nature of paintings, Cubism was phenomenal in changing the way people viewed the world. Through Cubism, painting evolved, and it changed from the older forms, which encompassed spatial planning and structure (Cottington 3-36). Cubism changed the way people see the world as it introduced cubes and facets, which were arr anged in transparent and superimposed planes. In addition, the cubes had edges that could be regarded as clearly defined; they introduced aspects such as space, mass, as well as what the movement of Cubism implied. Cubism was also influential as it led to the introduction of such aspects in the art such as muted greens, ochers, browns, as well as grays. Cubism also changed the world as it consisted of a combination of both traditional aspects of art and modern aspects. For example, the Cubist movement included a subject matter consisting of traditional portraits, still life, and traditional landscapes. This was coupled with fragments consisting of wineglasses, faces, as well as guitars that became main subjects of the Cubist works (Chilvers 185-190). The other way in which Cubism changed the way the world is perceived is through introducing the use of bright color in artwork. Cubism also introduced the use of decorative devices such as the stippling technique, which came from pointi llism. As a result of Cubism, artists started using shadow, tone, as well as broken brush strokes in their paintings. These aspects, together with the distance established between planes that used to be denser, led to the introduction of light. Synthetic Cubism was extremely phenomenal as it provided the basis for the creation and description of visual reality, which could now be done without illusionism in painting. The synthesis of objects became a reality with the Cubism as artists were able to use real components in collage (Martin 52-76). Cubism also changed the way people see the world by introducing new forms of art, which replaced Western art. Cubists held the belief that Western art was traditional and that it had become obsolete. As such,

American History Essay Example for Free

American History Essay From 1880 to 1890 farmers had to endure many hardships. For example, food prices were decreasing, which meant farmers had to produce more crops and borrow more money from the banks. The banks then charged high interest rates for loans to farmers. In addition, rail road shipping rates were increasing, farm machinery was every expensive, the farmers were isolated from the rest of the country, and they felt that they had an unresponsive government. The farmers believed that the deflating currency and the governments failure to regulate the banks and railroad companies were the two main sources for their problems. Food prices were at incredibly low prices when the 1880s began. This led to farmers having to grow more crops, but as Causes of Agricultural Unrest shows, this only helped to further decrease food prices. Unfortunately, the farmers could not just produce less and wait for prices to increase because they didnt have the time to wait for prices to increase. The farmers believed that deflation was the cause of the food prices dropping. According to the United Sates government data, the farmers had a very valid point. Between 1865 and 1895 the population of the United States almost doubled, while the money in circulation in 1880 was even less than in 1865. The farmers solution to the deflation was an increase in cheap money, which is also known as silver coinage. However, the Republican party had conservative ideas and wanted to keep the gold standard. So the farmers created the radical, agrarian party known as the Populist party. As shown in The platform of the Peoples party, the Populists believed in increasing silver to help the farmers. And although the Populists lost the election. no one remembers the Acceptance speech of William McKinley. The American people remember W. J. Bryans Cross of Gold speech and his ideas of silver coinage. As the number of crops farmers had to produce increased, so did the amount of money the farmers had to barrow from the banks. In reaction to the increasing number of loans, the banks charged very high interest rates. These high interest hurt the poor farmers even more and often the farmers could not repay the banks. The Farmers Voice depicts hundreds of impoverished farmers in shackles, being taken to the court house because they could not pay their farm mortgages from the bank. The late 19th century was filled with political corruption and the political machine was created. In most cases, state machines were republican and favored big businesses. When railroad companies decided to increase short haul rates and decrease long haul rates, the government was not upset because the long hall rates were great for big businesses and only hurt farmers. In the Testimony of George W. Parker the corruption is evident in his statement There is a decided distinction between local and through business different rules and practices apply to them. In The Octopus, one can see the harsh effects of the higher short haul rates on farmers. Overall, farmers had every right to be upset during the late 19th century. Their complaints about the deflation and unregulated railroad rates were valid and clearly the cause of their suffering.