My Inspirational Designers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

My Inspirational Designers - Essay Example During these days he commercialized his skills by creating different types of products like combs, power tools, televisions, ceramics etc. he designed modern toilets for companies under influence from marine biology books. Jonathan was fascinated with the activity of constructing objects as well as taking them apart right from his childhood. He is remembered for his products that he has created at Apple computers particularly the I-pod and the I-phone. Now he is based in California and pursues the art and activity of making very interesting electronic models. Frustrated with working as an external consultant, in 1992, he moved to California to join Apple computers. He joined the design team as a full time member. During his entry into Apple, the company was in a low profile. Steve Jobs was out and there was a legal battle going on over patent rights with Windows. Apple was fast losing its ground to Windows and also was unprofitable. In the year 1997, Steve Jobs returned and Jonathan was appointed senior vice president, design of Apple. Under the new job, he began a period characterized with unrivalled creativity as well as innovations. The company launched the iMac G3 under the influence of Jonathan. This launch is widely regarded as the rebirth of Apple. From this model onwards nothing could stop both Jonathan and Apple in launching new and improved products in the market with great effect. They launched the iBook as well as the power book within a short span of time. The various designs of Jonathan always bring refreshing plainness as well as stylishness. Many of Jonathan’s products are simple in nature and are influenced by natural objects. For example, the iMac G4 was influenced by the sun flower. The Pro mouse was inspired by droplet of water. He reduces the use of plastics in his products and uses more eco friendly metals. He is a modest and shy person who is reluctant to come into the limelight. On his work, Jonathan

Calculated Versus Observed Underwater Sound Speed Essay

Calculated Versus Observed Underwater Sound Speed - Essay Example The speed of sound in air is approximately figured out by the formula . . . speed of sound (m/s) = 331.5 + 0.60 T(C). The speed or velocity, at which sound travels through water was first researched by Sir Isaac Newton in 1687 when he found that measurements of sound in fluids relied only on the physical properties of the fluid, such as elasticity and density (Funk & Wagnalls). The speed of sound in water is about four times greater than that in air. Although this seems to contradict the physical law that the denser the gas, the slower the speed of sound, the sound speed is actually determined more by the elasticity of the medium (Urick, 1983). In 1822, Daniel Colloden used an underwater bell in an attempt to calculate the speed of sound underwater in Lake Geneva, Switzerland. His attempts resulted in figures remarkably close to today's accepted values (Acoustics . . . 2006). But sound speed cannot be discussed without mention of Jaque Sturm, French mathematician, who made the first accurate measurements of sound velocity in water in 1826. World War I created a great necessity to study the propagation of sound under water, with more progress in World War II and increased understanding from current research (Funk & Wagnalls). ... His attempts resulted in figures remarkably close to today's accepted values (Acoustics . . . 2006). But sound speed cannot be discussed without mention of Jaque Sturm, French mathematician, who made the first accurate measurements of sound velocity in water in 1826. World War I created a great necessity to study the propagation of sound under water, with more progress in World War II and increased understanding from current research (Funk & Wagnalls). The fact that sound moves in a straight line in a medium of equal density (ibid.) led to studies of water variables. Sonar's accuracy depends upon: 1. The reflection of sounds propagated in water. 2. Whether sound is reflecting or refracting. 3. Levels of salinity, while generally constant in the open ocean, greatly changes how sound travels through shallow water. 4. Temperature, a foremost factor in sound speed calculations, usually becomes lower at greater depths of water, decreasing sound speed at about 3 m/sec per degree Celsius. Below 1000m, though, temperature becomes generally constant and pressure is the predominant consideration. But a depth change of about 165m can cause the same change in sound speed as a one-degree temperature drop. Acoustic Tomography (a type of underwater CT scan) and Sofar Floats are examples of technologies and instruments that measure the movement of large scale ocean water mass. A unique feature of the ocean is the Sofar Channel in the upper regions of the deep ocean. In this layer of the ocean, at about 1250 meters below the surface in the northwest Atlantic, the temperature and pressure act to provide a "long range acoustic path or channel"(Acoustic . . . 2006). The SOFAR float is an instrument designed to be neutrally buoyant at a certain depth and

Business Ethics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Business Ethics - Research Paper Example One reason why government health care is important is because of the poor health of many Americans. The number of Americans who are considered to be obese is growing every year. This situation desperately requires some intervention for the sake of their health, and the government is best placed to do this. Everyone knows that the America is the largest economy in the world and its people enjoy one of the highest standards of living globally, yet many of its citizens cannot afford health insurance and thus remain afflicted of their illnesses. In fact, the United States of America is one of the last few remaining developed countries that don’t have a government sponsored health care system in place for its citizens. This reflects poorly of the American government because its number one priority should be to take care of its citizens. After all, Americans were the ones who voted a government into office, so their health needs should be a major priority. Another reason why the United States government should enact its health care program is that the economy will improve over the long term. If a large number of Americans are too sick or ill to go to work, then this has a direct negative effect on the American economy. The government is ideally placed to step in and provide support so that these people could be looked after. But, what better way to help them than to give them adequate health care so that they can go back to work. With more people in employment, the economy would experience an upswing. While it would cost the government money to provide health care for it citizens, these sick people would eventually repay this back to the economy over the long term. Opponents of government run health care say that the program is too similar to socialism. Why should it be the responsibility of the government to look after people that may have made bad choices in life? The truth is that the government should be for the people and not against them, so this direct

Forever And The Aloe Vera Company Marketing Essay

Forever And The Aloe Vera Company Marketing Essay Introduction: Forever, the aloe Vera company Established in 1978, forever living product giving best health and natural product to provide healthy and long life to the people and increase their personal value. Forever is sharing their product with whole world and giving great pleasure to get importance from product. On basis of new survey, forever, the aloe Vera product company becoming giant manufacture, distributor and publisher of Aloe Vera and as well as great bee products in the world. Forever is multi-billion company over the world and operating their business over 140 countries. Forever is international headquarter located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Rex Maughan, founder, President and CEO, Directs operations worldwide, its approx 9.25 million distributors enjoy the support, tools and guidance need to live healthier and wealthier life. Since their business grew and achieve high boost 9 millions of distributors over the world, their product line is increasing by day to day, which is some product e.g. Aloe Drinks, Bee products, Nutrition, Personal Care, Skin care and weight loss etc. Parker, B (2007) Forever Living Products (UK) ltd.  Forever Living Products (UK) ltd. () 4,5 Forever Company Background: Forever living products are commence their operational business form United Kingdom and after short period of time company ready to achieve largest provider of aloe Vera services over the world. In year of 1994, company was ready to spread their magic; first they start head office to the prestigious longbridge manor in Warwick. Forever company is operating and believing on Open door strategy policy meaning for new entrants are always welcome, and regular meeting and discussion are held throughout the year. In year of 2007, Companys revenue number is $2.1 Billion, forever transferred to the United States, which is larger location of business growing industry? Forever started their business as their distribution centre and now they can store 50 containers (1,000 pellets) of product form the US. Forever company successful distributor is packing order approximately 1, 35,000 orders annually. The distribution centre hosts to give increment to distributors and provide tour facilities and o peration. Parker, B (2007) Forever Living Products (UK) ltd.  Forever Living Products (UK) ltd. () 4,5 The Business projects opportunity Scope: By through of author view mission is, We endeavour to understand our customers business so well as to be able to offer comprehensive solutions to their problems. Author is describing if your mission gives ability to solving problem and accurate understanding with customer in business. It is great achievement for company portfolio and good indication of business reputation. Basically, Forever Companys scope strategy describing in following points: Company has been successful in the past but in market so many competitors are giving challenging by global operators expanding into the world. For be successful in the business environment company developing their current product and giving more consideration on RD to improve their services and value of money. To make new implementation on territory, and expand new customer and new market in the new location. To attract and build good relation with customer and distributors, who is giving repeat business from market? To keep distributors and customer loyalty safe provide rewards scheme. Company are trying to introducing new entrants in the team because they are brining new ideas and experience and giving flexibility into the incorporate world. Scribd.com  (2010) Available: http://www.scribd.com/doc/12982888/Busines Last accessed: 10th April, 2010 Marketing Strategy Business Techniques: Through of Roger Penske quotes; We believe that our strategy of aligning our brand mix with strong brands that are gaining market share helped us to perform in a tough first quarter market. Authors: Roger penske Gillian, F  Greenlight Greater Portland  portland.com, Available: http://http://thinkexist.com/search/searchquotation.asp?search=marketing+strategy Last accessed 12th April, 2010 In business marketing there is two important company strategy: How your business will address the competitive marketplace. How you will apply and give support to your day to day operations In Todays business environment is very competitive, there many companys trying to defeat/adopt forever company marketing plan or strategy, which only key success of forever company. So company must be aware of that and they have to make essential implementation and business research to the day to day basis to make safe position in the market. Company Sales Distribution Methods: Following given points describing company sales and distribution method. Points areà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The Forever Marketing Plan: Company is promoting forever product to the distributors on the basis of incentive. To promoting with other consumer and arranging meeting, conference and gate to gather with them and explaining business plan and one day they will be a company revenue maker. Companys trying to reducing paper material, advertisement cost, staff cost that why they arranging formal meeting and conference. Basically business is depended on one people to other e.g. Tree bunch or queue. Marketing plan is only depend on people whos existing in business and they have to introduce new people in the business. Forever living company has good, long track history with new goods and services and forever product improving health without the same old prescriptions for how to feel better. So its give good niche for the reputed business developer. Distributors and Managers incentives and commissions: In the company new distributor price is at least 2 case credit values of goods purchases into any 2 constant months it will make you for qualify for the assistant supervisor level. On the level of supervisor will gives you 30% discount on the whole retail price and once supervisors reached to this level then, they will also eligible for the 5% month and individual bonus, then they can start to build their own team tree of business. New distributors are purchasing all products at a 15% discount on the full retail cost will be  £195 each time order of product. Assistant supervisor (2cc months) getting incentives 5% from new distributors. Supervisor(25cc 2 month) are making incentive 8% on the new distributors and 3 % on Assistant supervisors, which is give total 11% to the supervisors. Assistant Managers (75cc 2 month) are earning 8% on the top of Assistant supervisors and 5% from supervisors, so that is gives sum of 13% to Assistant managers. Finally Managers (120cc 2 month) are generating 10% from Supervisors and 5% from Assistant manager. Managers finally constant on 15% of total. BusinessTown.com  (2003) Business Plan, Available: http://http://www.businesstown.com/planning/creating-rainbow.asp Last accessed: 16thApril, 2010 Forever Business planning- Implementing plans: Business concept of Forever: The forever company has growing rapidly faster and faster and setting good position in competitive market and prepared for future. Companys trying to spread every where in the world and that why they are seeking to provide higher quality of product and services and also considering on skimming method, that is giving higher price rates, companys business will be leader in the market because, they are giving top quality, special services and high level of transaction. Forever key success reason: The success of forever is vary in importance but some are essentially very successful like companys providing high standard products, top class services and giving extra afford on distributors motivate them and they will multiple in short period of time and achieved position in the business. This business ideas is unique thats why in the market we are facing less competitors and we are growing very fast. Forever product is providing stability and peace to the customer and customers are getting their money worth back, so customer satisfaction is key success of Forever Company. Companys current situation/Financial situation: Net Asset Value: 75.10 Trade Time: Apr 19 Change:   0.37  (0.49%) Prev Close: 75.10 YTD Return*: 6.02% Net Assets*: 34.42B Yield*: 0.16% * As of 31-Mar-10 Forever companys current situation is going very well but some time they are facing some error, which is make wrong effect on business growth. But still if see growth of company is going every year high and high achieving their success. Product of company is giving great satisfaction to the consumer and feeling good by using company product. Yahoo! Finance  (2010) Fidelity Growth Company (FDGRX) , Available: http://http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=FDGRXt=1y Last accessed: 18th April, 2010 Forevers Market Analysis: following given sub points to state briefly and give full detail of market analysis. These areà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The overall market of company: The overall company market is operating $150 million in the US and Canada. Company is operating two different groups, that is 1) Sales of product and 2) Adding new Entrants. First group has been operating low volume of profit but second group is generating high volume of profit, which is giving solid business competition to the completers. Company is leading business market and making higher revenue. Market Segments: The mass retailers are looking for low-priced products and high percentage of their goods and value to maintaining standard. Companys competitors are trying to make duplication of product and services which is diverting forever customer relation and stealing customer trust. Basically forever is spreading their business through of franchise. If distributors are capable enough capital and have excellent business ideas, they can also operate their own business under the forever company. Customer/consumer Needs: Customer needs are not only to enjoy benefits of product and services and also they are interested join this independent opportunities of companys business and build respected reputation in business world. Customers are demand are high about company product because of product is natural and long lasting value, which protecting them from future expenses e.g. medicine, weakness, un-healthiness and natural break down. Competitive Critical Analysis of Company: For topic explanation given points belowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Company operation overview: Across the UK and Asia there are many different firms that distribute the forever franchise. The huge majority wherever distribute only one and two low quality services as a very small filed of their overall distribution of business. In the company, there are providing many distribution firms that giving opportunities between a dozen and as many as one hundred forever products. These firms also to a wide variety of outlets including mass merchant accounts. Business opportunities: While the competitions is perfectly stand in, and giving a more of focus to, current important markets for this product, they are much less presser gaining the higher end of forever company market. Company is offering terrific potential because it has significant growth potential, and the competition is not well-introduced here. Might be company is not be largest but its appear a very strong status opportunity for a newer competitors. Threats and Risks: Company is facing some threat and uncertainty, because we are a new entrants firm, we do not anticipate a meaningful or prompt reaction our market entrance form our larger and more established competitors. We thought a solid reaction form existing distribution field is basically unlikely because the first competitors derive on a very small percent of their business from forever sales, and even that revenue is largely from different Franchise and Merchandisers. So we facing some threats like, if competitor are providing lowers their prices on the exact same products we are offering we will match their price on that product. That why we have to be keep updated with business environment changes and research, for solution forever companys is investing more money on Research and development to make unique implementation on the business. BusinessTown.com  (2003) Business Plan, Available: http://http://www.businesstown.com/planning/creating-rainbow.asp Last accessed: 16thApril, 2010 Sales and Marketing of Company: By through of Author said, Man does not only sell commodities, he sells himself and feels himself to be a commodity, and the sole purpose of marketing is to sell more to more people, more often and at higher prices. There is no other reason to do it. Erich, Sergio, F (2010)  DailyCelebrations  Sales and marketing qoutes, Available: http://http://www.dailycelebration.com/marketing2.htm Last accessed 20th April, 2010 Marketing Plan: Forever marketing plan is to work with our distributors on a day to day basis and implement innovate marketing programs for the company. Basically we are in corporate market so we have developed close working relationships with our distributors. In hence we will upgrade emphasis in new entrants sales calls to build credits. Company will closely building all of our marketing and sales efforts to project a consistent image of our company and a consistent positioning of our product or services. We will established this profile all our name Forever, The Aloe Vera Company and which we will attend meeting and conference some trade show and produce a colour catalogue these marketing initiatives are seen as supporting, not competing with our independent sales representative. Sales and Marketing Tactics: Companys primary tact is face to face selling and joining business opportunities. Spreading business opportunities hand to hand and giving importance to the need of customer and trying to displays, and in building a bigger forever business for our customers. Company will insist that our independent business tactics represent only non-competing, non-forever lines. We are organising meeting on daily basis on different location and giving motivation to the distributors and manger, they can set high target goal. Company is representing on a ledger basis, giving them incentives and bonuses on all sales of order in their exclusive territories. BusinessTown.com  (2003) Business Plan, Available: http://http://www.businesstown.com/planning/creating-rainbow.asp Last accessed: 16thApril, 2010 Michael Porters Five Forces on Forever, the Aloe Vera Company: In forever company business, the porters forces tool is playing important role to describe different characteristics on company business behaviour. It is also giving clear view to how to forever overcome their weakness and how forever can develop their fair advantage into the strength of company. These forces are also making awareness from competitors strategy, wrong steps into the business, new product failure, un-successful services or business opportunities. Reference:  http://www.metrixmedia.com/images/Porter03.gif Following point is describing company issues and assumption through of porters five forces that is stating competitive power in different situation: Supplier Power: Forever suppliers are demand increasing by day to day basis because company growth and profit margin is very high that why suppliers are forcing to the Forever to increased their power of supply. Forever product and services demand are increasing because of, they are giving life time valueless benefits. This is also kind of source where suppliers can ask for more benefits from company, if company is not agree on their demand, suppliers can switching to another company or other company competitors. If its happened then forever market value and relation with customer will affected in form of loss, diversity, failure of business. Buyer Power: Forever company product and business opportunity demand going up, so obviously consumer and distributors need will increased in form of facility, incentives, bonus, services etc. companys position is on standard and top level situation in the business market but in the business market forever have many competitors are there, those are looking for your one mistake and they will defeat you. So Forever Company aware of this, they have been flexible and understanding with buyer other wise company might be face failure in business. Buyer power is increasing because in market there is crucial competition between companies. So If forever will fail to satisfy buyer demand then could be buyer are start switching different alternative. If company deal with few, strong buyer, they are often able to dictate terms to Forever company. Competitive Rivalry: In this competition generation, if we see every one chasing their successful competitors and adopting and copying their strategy, innovation, services, schemes etc. Forever company is also market leading company that why some competitors like Fast track, kleenezee and Global world etc, are trying to defeat forever company. Forever companys always giving special consideration to make their suppliers and buyer will happy and satisfy, other wise they go elsewhere. But also company has to give a afford to whatever they do, on-one else can do, then company can often have tremendous strength in between competition. Threat of Substitution: Forever company powers unique and innovative that is reason many companies adopting and implementing their strategies on their business. E.g. for Kleenzee is adopting concept from forever company and giving tough competition to forever in the business. By this substitution companys seems to be decreasing their value in the market and their customer choosing different company product and services for this reason company might be loose their power in the market. Customer may substitute by doing the process manually or by outsourcing it. Threat of New Entrants: Todays every where competition is going in the business industry that is reason by my own point of view Present Generation is Competitive Generation New companies are just started their business, they start competition with other. Forever is giving opportunities to other people to make their own company by support of them but any how the new company are facing threat of substitution of product, services and technology etc. because of other competitors are already adopting their business tactics and strategies. That why forever always spending more investment on Research and development to regularly innovate unique ideas, which give confident to maintain their standard of services and customer trust on their company. If company have solid and effective barrier to entry, then they can perform on their position and take fail benefits of it. Porter, M (1995)  MindTools  Porters Five forces strategy, Available: http://http://thinkexist.com/search/searchquotation.asp?search=marketing+strategy Last accessed 21st April, 2010 Recommendation: When I meet face to face to the companys CEO to discuss the serious problem like many people do not know about Forever Company, because companys not Advertisement their product and independent business opportunities in different sources e.g. Newspaper, Television, Posters etc. Through of my point of view, they have to also provide variation of product, which is give different and unique experience to the consumer and its also make updated in between competitors. Implement important changes of adding an online benefits request system and provide online business opportunities, because of this company can also international customer and distributor. Forever company must be implement some important strategies like they have to provide more incentives for new distributors, that is one way to attract more distributors and once they will into the business then provide them standard percentages of incentives. Company should be provide companys financial, revenue, and profit margin information to the general people, its build trust and strong relation between customer and distributors and also for New Entrants, it will be first impression of company. In my point of recommendation, I suggest to company to give some percentage of concession on joining fees and order charges for student. Forever business offering necessary literature items and sundry items (e.g. carrier bags, guidelines book) not only to aid your product launches but also useful for education purpose and as business tools, this is also good source of education and knowledge. Conclusion of Project: Forever business has grown into as largest product selling company in the business world. Forever is not only one big business, but also million of successfully growing on home based business. It is also shared dream of many people that has made forever living the success it is. Forever is business strategy spreading all over world and providing un-forgettable service and product quality to their customer. Its also motivating people to join their business and giving opportunities to operate their own business.

Linguistic Determinism: Words and Thoughts Essays -- Language, Semanti

There is no human language without socio-cultural context; meanwhile language resides inside each individual’s mind and as a result, linguistic interaction did not occur without the use of the language. Individuals do not create languages; they just use that one given to them by society. For Saeed (2009), language is the mirror of culture and it is determined by the categories available in speakers’ own language. Studies about relationship between language and culture and between language and thought have a long history and have placed a much conferred proposal to modern linguistic: the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. This hypothesis points out that influence of language on thought is only a component about such a complex web among language, culture and cognition. However, in essence, it leaves out the cultural pattern. Without language, a sort level of cultural development and cultural knowledge cannot exist, and, on the other hand, a high level of linguistic development could only exist through socio-cultural interaction. According to Flyht (2007), it is extremely evident that language reinforces cultural patterns through semantics whereas new meanings from new words are established by events which happen to people’s lives according to their cultural occurrence. The aim of this essay is to discuss the connection between linguistic determinism and the support of the semantic studies in order to understand words and sentences produced in human mind when the cultural and social pattern it is taken into account. Yet â€Å"knowledge an individual speaker of a language possesses which makes it possible for them to communicate with one another.† (Riemer, 2010: 13). Semantics is a theory of languages, natural or artificial, and it is part of gra... ...theory of substantive universals not only with regard to universal phonetic but also by fixed categories (noun, verb, etc..), which are the underlying syntactic structure of language. The words and grammatical structures of a language have a profound effect on how speakers think, even when they are not talking and listening. The essence of thinking consists of real words and phrases, so people do not have to conceive a concept which does not exist in their language. Also, if two people speak languages that differ in the concepts that they are able to express, their beliefs are irreconcilable and communication between them is impossible. The Semantics proposes that the meanings of words are mentally represented in the form of expressions. The meanings of words can vary between languages because children adjust and organise them from the most elementary concepts.

Managing Creativity of Shanghai Tang Essay

Shanghai Tang was founded by David Tang in Hong Kong in 1994. It was a retail store selling high quality product made in China, such as traditional Chinese costumes, Chairman Mao wrist watch, qipao, traditional Chinese silk products with Chinese design. Its target customers at the first place were those high ended tourists. Taking around 1 year, instead of 2 year which is typical period a new retailers need to make business in break even, Shanghai Tang turned its first profit in October 1995. Shanghai Tang later entered an agreement with the Richemont Group which is a famous Switzerland-based luxury goods maker. David Tang thought Shanghai Tang would become China’s first international luxury brand. Like other ambitious entrepreneur, in Nov 1997, Tang opened the first Shanghai Tang store on Madison Avenue in New York USA. However, things were not going the way it was supposed to. Not many people liked what Shanghai Tang was selling. Unfortunately, the financial crisis worsened the situation, and it had to scale down the business. By 2001, Tang had reduced his stake in Shanghai Tang to near 5%, so the Richemont Group took control of the company. Appointing executive chairman of Shanghai Tang in September 2001, Raphael Le Masne, who then employed a new creative director, Joanne Ooi, having intensive experience in international garment business. With correct insight and vision, hired more in house designers, and fixed the right directions, they were successfully turning Shanghai Tang around. Image of Chinese-themed high-end fashion and lifestyle emporium had been established. Sales and global coverage had been increased a lot from 2001 to 2008. By summer of 2008, company had more than 40 stores in 14 countries all over the world. Things will never run smooth, at the same time, Joanne had handed in her resignation. An increasing conflict within company between creators and commercial departments also gave big headache to Raphael who always relied on Joanne to smooth things out. During that time, the global financial crisis was striking the whole world economy again, while China, still with double digit increase in GDP every year, was considered a shelter and gold mine for every business. Shanghai Tang has no exception, but tried to expand its business in China market. Should Shanghai Tang hire a new creative director under this uncertain economic time? How to strike a balance between creativity and the  profit? How the company can maintain its success? How the company should adapt its strategy to make it successful in China market and other potential global markets? These were the main challenge Shanghai Tang were facing. Analysis Conflicts between Creativity/Innovation and Business Sense As a business, the past success factors are always considered as a critical factor. Business people have a tendency not to deviate this much in order to maintain the success. On the other hand, it will certainly jeopardize the creativity and innovation from designers especially it is considered it is too much different from the successful factors or past evidences already prove it had not worked out. For creative people, they always tend to be very trendy and creative, so they try to make something completely new which is of course totally different than the past. However, like Shanghai Tang, it had experienced a very bad time, and a new design strategy set by Le Masne and Ooi, had made the company turn around. It just likes an endless cycle – company having a success factor, makes itself become successful in terms of profit and image, then it will resist to change and the success may last for another couple of years. At the end, with emerge of new competitors, change in economy or whatever reason, past success factors may no longer work. The company may be forced to think deeply in creativity and business innovation, but it is always too late. A real successful company must be able to continue its success factors, but new elements must always be needed to be added in its business. In Shanghai Tang, from design process to the start of mass production, there was heavy involvement from a Product Committee which comprise the designers, executive chairman, the creative director and key business managers like retail /marketing/ merchandizing directors. To help designers to understand how different products perform in the market, they received reports from the retail and marketing departments regularly. Those reports mainly revealed the sales and customer feedback to different items. Designers also had to follow the company norm â€Å"Shanghai Tang DNA† which contains 2 major elements – Chinese-ness and the use of bright color. Excellent design but expensive to produce will be eliminated. Designers are also paid a salary plus bonus based on KPI such as its generating revenue and ability to innovate. It can simply observe  that there were too much constraints to the design process. Potential generating revenue becomes a very important element to determine the success of the new design. New design which is not similar with past success factors is unlikely to survive. The consequence is that it will eliminate some new elements which make the company even successful in future. Shanghai Tang has 2 main business streams – core collection and seasonal collection, which about 50/50 in terms of revenue. In fact, for its seasonal collection, extra room should be given to the design teams, and more deviation from Shanghai Tang DNA should be allowed. It can let the company to test the water temperature in the market and to get more insight how the market is changing. It would not impact to its core business. Shanghai Tang could even think of the 3rd stream which more innovation would be allowed. The bonus scheme for designers would also be linked to the recognition of their design. The Shanghai Tang DNA should be reviewed from time to time to keep pace with the market trend to make sure the new fashion elements will be captured. Thus, those designers will be motivated and encourage to participate in the theme of their design. As Shanghai Tang is a high end fashioned product, it should not be limited to high manufacturing cost as well. Margin can be set higher for products with nice design but higher manufacturing cost. Replacement of Creative Director Ooi was going to leave Shanghai Tang, but the global economy was in the tough situation. Le Masne was in a dilemma to hire a new replacement or let the whole team to continue the work. Considering the fact that the Creative Director is the soul of the company which can define the main frame of the products and company direction, it is indeed an urgent matter that they have to hire the new replacement or promote internally. Promoting internally may create conflicts inside the team, and it doesn’t add any new element to the team. Unless there is someone very outstanding, Shanghai Tang could look for a competent replacement externally. Working a whole team without leader is not going to work especially there are too much conflicts between the design and commercial teams and no one is able to resolve it. Expanding China Market Shanghai Tang had around 10 shops in China. It also had 9 shops in Hong Kong which can be considered crossover between eastern and western culture, not pure Chinese taste. The Chinese society accounted totally half of its total shops all over the world. However, looking deeply to its customer profiles, its major customer group was still USA and Europe. The Chinese customer in mainland China market was just over 50%. American and European might be in favour of existing product design in Shanghai Tang. However, it doesn’t imply that the Chinese customers are with the similar taste. Foreigners may be in favour of design with fashion and absolute Chinese styled, but Chinese may desire the design with mix of Chinese and Western style, and do not want it to be too Chinese. They may be even reluctant to accept the goods â€Å"Made in China†, as there was a trend wealthy people tend to buy foreign luxary brand. Shanghai Tang had experience that different culture may have different taste. Design had to be fine tuned somehow to fit different culture. In terms of customer age group, excluding Mainland China market, the target age group was those between 36 to 45. However, in China market, there’s also 40% of customer from age group 26-35. Among the 7 key in house designers in Shanghai Tang, though 3 of them were Chinese, they did not really have exposure in China. For the rest, they were foreigner but had certain exposure in eastern fashion industry, not much in China yet. It was proven their design can quite hit the western market with age group 36-45, but it did not imply it will work perfectly in China market and younger age group. It is advisable that Shanghai Tang should conduct a thorough research in China to define the Chinese taste. Moreover, they should also bring in some designers with Mainland Chinese exposure. They should also add in innovation elements into the business in order to compete the market shares in China. â€Å"Jacket in Chinese, skirt in more western† may not work for US/European customers, but it may work perfectly in China market. Using the famous western celebrities to promote its brand in China may increase its awareness effectively. Chinese may not perceive Shanghai Tang as â€Å"Real Chinese Stuff† only, but also an icon of western fashion. Conclusion Though Shanghai Tang had been quite successful in the past years, it cannot simply stick to it. It has to keep its creativity and innovation, and bring new elements to the company. Thorough preparation is essential for its battle in Mainland China Market.

Cycle of Life and Death Essay

â€Å"Nothing endures but change† (Heraclitus 540-480BC). People are born, only to die again. In a never-ending cycle of life and death, new ideas replace older ones and an evolution of perspectives takes place. Paulle Marshall aptly portrays this cyclical nature through her last line â€Å"she died and I lived† referring to her grandmother. The death is not physical alone. It is the death of old ideologies, dated traditions and disparate acceptance of modernization. In a vivid recollection of her grandmother Da-Duh’s reluctance to accept change during Paulle’s childhood visit, she narrates how the old lady loathes urbanity and finds delectation in her little island of natural beauty. The interactions that the narrator has with her grandmother remind us of the passage of time between generations. The demise of Da-Duh signifies the change that is inevitable, the transition from the old to the new. Symbolism Paulle Marshall’s work is replete with a richness of literary devices like symbolism, imagery and metaphors. Describing the foreboding character of death, the narrator feels that the planes that bring death to the little village are â€Å"swooping and screaming†¦monstrous birds†. The sugarcanes that grow in the village are Da-Duh’s delight and also the reason for the exploitation in the village. The pride of Da-Duh, the sugarcanes appear threatening to the narrator she feels that the canes are â€Å"clashing like swords above my cowering head†. This is a description of the duality of life. Where there is joy, there is pain and when there is life, death is bound to follow. Cycle of Life and Death 2 Imagery The life-death antithesis is depicted in the closing lines of the book where the narrator paints â€Å"seas of sugar-cane and huge swirling Van Gogh suns and palm trees [in] a tropical landscape . . . while the thunderous tread of the machines downstairs jarred the floor beneath my easel. ’’ Light is identified by the surrounding darkness and life, by death that eventually follows. The transient nature of life is evidenced by the changes that happen over a period of time. Death’s morbidity invades the colorful mind. The narrator imbues the reader’s mind with images that allude to this dark reality. â€Å"All these trees†¦. Well, they’d be bare. No leaves, no fruit, nothing. They’d be covered in snow. You see your canes. They’d be buried under tons of snow. † Metaphor With a judicious use of metaphors, the narrator has drawn us to the reality of inevitable changes that our lives are subject to. Again, the sugarcanes are metaphorically perceived as the ominous danger that â€Å"†¦ would close in on us and run us through with their stiletto blades. † Later, the planes that cause the death of her grandmother are visualized by the narrator as â€Å"the hardback beetles which hurled themselves with suicidal force against the walls of the house at night. † She points at our dogmatism in accepting the fact that the world is constantly changing. Those who fail to see this at first, experience it the hard way later. Conclusion However prejudiced we might be, towards change, the hard-hitting reality of a life-death cycle is inevitable. Time stands testimony to this fact. Paulle Marshall has Cycle of Life and Death 3 illustrated this through the depiction of conflicting ideas between her and Da-Duh and she conveys this message at the start when she writes, â€Å"both knew, at a level beyond words, that I had come into the world not only to love her and to continue her line but to take her very life in order that I might live. References Marshall, Paulle (1967). To Da-Duh, in Memoriam Rena Korb, Critical Essay on â€Å"To Da-duh, in Memoriam,† in Short Stories for Students, The Gale Group, 2002. Martin Japtok, â€Å"Sugarcane as History in Paule Marshall’s ‘To Da-Duh, in Memoriam,†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ in African American Review, Vol. 34, No. 3, Fall 2000, pp. 475-82.