William Shakespeares Tragedy Hamlet Has Been One Of The Most Controve

William Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet has been one of the most controversial works of all time. There have been so many criticisms on this book and opinions on what the main theme behind the play is. Many themes have been proposed such as revenge, sex, reality and jealousy. I myself believe that there is no one theme behind Hamlet and it is a complex with work with many complex ideas behind it. I didn't realize this until I read the criticisms and saw how things I interpreted so plainly was interpreted many different ways by others who had read the play. ? Gatorade's sexuality, which is uncontrolled and powerful, is a major aspect of the play. Hamlet can not have Gertrude and this leads Hamlet to have powerful and uncontrollable feelings of maternal malevolence. It is him mothers quick remarriage to Claudius that galls Hamlet the most? (Bradly, 40) ?Frailty thy name is woman ? A little month, or ere those shoes were old With which she followed my poor fathers body Like Niobe, all tears, why she, even she ? O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason Would have mourned longer ?married with my uncle, My fathers brother, but no more like my father Than I to hercules. Within a month, Ere yet the salt of most unrightous tears Had left the flushing in her galled eyes, She married. O, most wicked speed, to post With such dexterity to incestuous sheets. It is not, nor it cannot come to good. But break my heart, for I must hold my tongue?. I personally think that that live has more to do with Hamlets anger with his mother for marrying so soon than with his jealousy and his own love for his mother. I had also interpreted it as saying that his mother's tears were false, or she would have mourned much longer, and not married his father's brother. ?It is a generally accepted view nowadays that Gertrude must have felt a tremendous attachment to Claudious?. (Rose, 61) ?Nor sense to ecstasy was ever so thralled But it reseved some quatity of choice To serve in such a difference? I took that to mean the opposite of what the critic was saying, that Gertrude was never really in love with Claudius. ?Hamlet does it not, Hamlet denies it. Who does it then? His madness. If't be so, Hamlet is of the faction that is wronged. ?For Hamlets ?madness? was but the reflection of the villa which he found himself surrounded, of which Claudious was the most prolific source?. ( Kitto, 87) Although most people do believe that Hamlet was crazy, I do not agree. I could understand the feeling that he felt going through the play and although he did some strange things, people do when under that type of stress. As you can see, certain statements in this play can be interpreted in many different ways. I have found reading over criticisms very interesting and it helped me see a whole new side and perspective of Hamlet and his motives. I hope that I have provided a good overview to the criticisms on Hamlet and provided some of my own views on the play.

Tourism and Nepal Tour Essay Example

Tourism and Nepal Tour Essay Example Tourism and Nepal Tour Essay Tourism and Nepal Tour Essay Nepal has given the plentiful tourism resources to Nepal. The natural scenery, high mountains, incomparable cultural heritage and numerous specialties have made Nepal a well known destination in the world of tourism map. The center for numerous adventure activities such as trekking, mountaineering, rafting, mountain biking, Paragliding, Jungle Safaris etc. Nepal is widely famous for adventure tourism activities among the visitors from around the world. Almost a million visitors turn to Nepal to perceive the miraculous mountains each year. To primarily focus on the tourism sector and to promote Nepal internationally, government of Nepal has declared the year 2011 is to be celebrated as Nepal Tourism Year-2011. The prime objective of this campaign is substantial growth of the tourism industry attracting more than a million tourists. The concept of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 envisions harnessing these opportunities and strengths and bringing together the commitment of the government for further tourism development in the country. SPECIAL TAVEL PACKAGE FOR NTY-2011 Trekking in Nepal Nepal Tour Rafting in Nepal Adventurous Sport Sightseeing Place Annapurna Trekking Kathamdnu Valley Tour Trishuli River Bungy JumpingKathmandu Everest Trekking Lumbini Tour Bhote Koshi River Paragliding Bhaktapur Langtang Trekking Art and craft Tour Kali Gandaki River Mountain BikingPatan Mustang Trekking Bird watching Tour Marshyangdi River Motor Gliding Dhulikhel Manaslu Trekking Kailash Tour Seti River Mountain FlightNagarkot Kanchanjunga Trekking Lhasa Tour Karnali RiverKakani Dhaulagiri Trekking Photograph Tour Tamor RiverKirtipur Ganesh Himal Trekking Arun RiverHelambu Dolpo Trekking Bheri RiverNamo Buddha Short TrekkingCharikot Other Trekking Manang Chepang Village Chitwan Lumbini Gorkha Janakpur Tansen Tibet Damak Pokhara Gosainkunda Muktinath Bandipur Namche Bazzar

Company Introduction, Market Segmentation, and Product Positioning Assignment

Company Introduction, Market Segmentation, and Product Positioning - Assignment Example Additionally, recent financial crisis has also affected company’s revenue trends and has raised concern in management to focus on foreign markets and explore regions which have potential demand for its products. The management of the company is now planning to target a foreign market for its products, where the company can expand its products’ line and generate more revenues. In this regard, the management of the company believe that UAE is the most appropriate target foreign market while considering the nature of company’s business. Mission Statement UW’s mission statement is to â€Å"become a favorite clothing brand of kids both in UK and internationally†. Target Foreign Market for Company’s Product The company has planned to target kids clothing market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The rationale for doing so is that there has been a phenomenal increase recorded in the demand and consumption of kids clothing. Moreover, kids clothing br ands which have already entered UAE’s market have earned their place in the market. ... Following are the key factors favoring UAE as a target market for UW’s brand: Kids clothing brands market has experienced a growth of 16 % in the United Arab Emirates during the year 2010 (Jones, 2012). According to Liwa Trading, kids clothing brands, who are popular in other parts of the world, are expressing their wish to enter UAE’s market (Jones, 2012). Kids in the UAE have an increasing concern of what they wear and have developed a fashion sense (Jones, 2012). In 2011, there were about $ 1 billion spent by people living in the UAE on children clothing and footwear brands, thus implying how strong demand and consumption is for kids clothing products (Jones, 2012). There is a wide range of prices of clothing available in the UAE’s store, i.e. prices of clothing products are ranged between Dh 250 and Dh 2,500, and as a result UW can set its target price for products relatively easily (Jones, 2012). Potential Audience for a Marketing Plan The potential audience s of a marketing plan can be both internal and external stakeholders of a business. These stakeholders include management, departmental staff, investors, regulatory authorities, analysts, customers and others. The needs of this wide audience for a marketing plan may vary from person to person. It is actually the perceptions they have which in turn shape their needs. People listen what they want to listen, and the same goes for marketing plan. Information contained in a marketing plan may be of high value and interest for management, but at the same time it may be regarded as useless or even unworthy to be looked at by others. Therefore, a perfect marketing plan caters the

Business Research Paper about Currency Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business about Currency - Research Paper Example (See Table I – 2010 U.S. Unemployment Rate below) Because of the debt of Greece, investors were reluctant whether or not a solution will be developed to solve Greece’s debts (CNN Money a). Due to the distress in euro zone, the real value of USD increased against major currencies like Euro. This explains the weakening of Euro against USD between March 22 and March 23, 2010. The uncertainty in the U.S. healthcare bill caused the decline in the USD against Euro exchange rate starting March 24, 2010 (Twin). The real value of USD fell against Euro by 0.5% to US$1.3479. This was due to the strengthening of the Euro when the European Union leaders announced their decision to financially aid the debt of Greece during the summit in Brussels (Pepitone). The emergency bailout plan which aims to rescue to economic condition of Greece regain the confidence of investors with Euro. Between April 5 to April 8, USD weakened against the Euro. This is probably due to the fact that the U.S. job market worsened as compared to the previous weeks or previous months (Trading Economics). Other than the increased in the U.S. unemployment rate, the U.S. light crude oil for the period of May delivery increased by $1.75 per barrel. Because of the high cost of crude oil per barrel (US$86.62), a lot of investors became less confident with regards to how trading will go over the next few days or next few months (Twin, CNN News). Although there was a slight change in the cost of May delivery of crude oil last Thursday (April 8), decrease in the market price of imported crude oil per barrel remains high (US$85.39) (Twin, CNN Money). Stocks also fell when big companies like General Motors announced its huge loss in the market. These factors together with the strengthening of Greece and other Euro members made the value of USD against Euro fell back on April 8. Aside from what is going on in the U.S. economy, the success of the European and Asian markets made the currency of USD

Trade and economic grwoth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Trade and economic grwoth - Essay Example f a large number of developing nations, while the other group is of the view that trade had adversely affected economic growth of developing nations in particular. Over past few decades, extensive work has been done in this field by employing various statistical models and has been criticized on grounds of assumptions and validity. Therefore, purpose of this paper is to investigate the positive developments to economic growth arising from trade and the reasons for which these gains are often not realized. This paper first analyzes positive impacts to economic growth that could be directly attributed to trade. Then, the paper studies empirical evidence from a host of nations in order to verify whether or not these advantages are effectively realized. The aim is to see whether trade always accrues benefits for nations, thereby contributing to their economic growth. The existing literature points out that there a large number of benefits that can be derived from trade. Researchers have also differentiated between static and dynamic impacts, which could be achieved from trade between nations. Static gains are related to improvement in social welfare with fixed amount of input and dynamic gains from trade refer to change in the production structure due to adoption of new technology (Didier & Pinat, 2013). Firstly, trade helps in alleviation of poverty by increasing opportunities for commercial investments. It also helps in development of the private sector by boosting their sales from increased demand. Secondly, trade helps in enhancing competitiveness of developing countries by reducing the cost of inputs and adding value to their products. Rising trade brings in more investments for countries, which in turn improves infrastructure and quality of lives of individuals. Thirdly, trade has also been identified as a major vehicle for export diversif ication that can be achieved by developing countries. This enhances possibility of the developing countries to access new

The importance of caterpillar inc in mining

The importance of caterpillar inc in mining Caterpillar Inc is the largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines in the world (Caterpillar Inc, 2010, p.1). It was started in 1925, and is based in Peoria, Illinois. Its operations are divided into three segments: machinery, engines, and financial business segments (Businessweek, 2010). With a global footprint, Caterpillar Inc.s product line boasts of more than 300 products, manufactured in twenty three countries (Caterpillar Inc, 2010). In the sections that follow, an internal analysis of the firm is carried out and its distinctive capabilities and core competencies evaluated. Its corporate, functional, and competitive strategies are also analyzed. Distinctive capabilities: The resource-based view of the firm asserts that an organizations resources and capabilities underpin the bedrock upon which the firms competitive advantage and strategy is based. While resources refer to the productive assets owned by the firm (Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny, 2008, p.12), capabilities refer to what the firm can do (Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny, 2008, p.12). Three types of resources have been identified: tangible resources, intangible resources, and human resources. As far as Caterpillar Inc is concerned, these are discussed below: Tangible Resources: Financial Resources: Caterpillar has a strong and healthy cash flow position. Net cash flows have increased from $592,000 in 2007 to $1,614,000 in 2008 and $2,131,000 in 2009 (Yahoo Finance, 2010). It enjoys strong market capitalization, which stands at $39.8 billion compared to only $6.29 billion for its closest competitor and the industry average of $1.71 billion. Its operating margins as well as price earnings ratio are well above the industry average (Yahoo Finance, 2010). Caterpillars sales revenues, profits, and other financial indicators have shown a consistent improvement over the years. For instance, sales revenues have risen from $30.3bn in 2004 to $51.3bn by 2008, surpassing the firms 2010 target of $50bn with two years to go. Over the same period, profits have risen from $2bn to $3.6bn. Other financial ratios have also witnessed a strong climb-up (Annual Report). The firm also boasts of an investment-grade credit rating as well as easy access to the capital (Caterpillar I nc, 2009). Marketing Resources: Caterpillar Inc has a marketing and distribution system that spans the entire globe. Additionally, it holds the market leadership position in the construction and mining industries as well as in the construction of natural gas, diesel, and industrial engines (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). With the broadest global footprint in the industry, it is very well diversified in terms of geographical spread and derives only 33% of its revenues in the US market. With over 300 products in its product line, its product base can be described as broad and well diversified which can help cushion it against downturns in specific product areas. Its customer service can also be described as superior, given that the firm offers among others quality assurance underpinned by a three year warranty, as well as fixed rate long-term financing tailored to specific customer needs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Physical Resources: Caterpillar Inc boasts of hi-tech manufacturing facilities spread in at least twenty three countries, and geared towards production in thirteen different industries. Under the Caterpillar Production System (CPS), it has a world class manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution system that are closely aligned with the flexible manufacturing philosophy (Caterpilar Inc, 2009). Intangible Resources: Technology: the number of patents which Caterpillar Inc has received has continued to increase year after successive year. By 2010, it had 620 patents. This is in line with its expenditure on RD which has grown from just $928 million in 2004 to $1.73bn by 2008 (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Reputation: the market leader in the construction and mining industries and in the natural gas, industrial, and diesel engine industries, Caterpillar enjoys strong brand recognition as well as a strong reputation for machines distinguished by their specialist expertise, durability, design, as well as dealer and service excellence. According to Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny (2008, p.12), resources by themselves cannot give a firm a competitive advantage but must be blended together to give the firm capabilities. Based on the inventory of Caterpillar Inc.s resources presented above, the firms capabilities can be given as follows: strong financial position which also gives the firm a high ability to finance innovation (RD) and working capital requirements, raise credit financing to expand its operations or investments, as well as the ability to finance its customers and dealers purchases over the long run. Strong innovation capabilities as evidenced by the increasing number of patents it holds and the sustained investment in RD activities. Supply chain efficiencies (flexibility, cost effectiveness, etc) as evidenced by its Caterpillar Production System (CPS). Strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities as evidenced by its global configuration of production, supply, and distribution facilities. Strong marketing capabilities as defined by its market leadership position, broad product portfolio (over 300 products in thirteen different industries), its strong brand recognition and reputation, and superior customer service and excellence. Selznick (1990) coined the term distinctive competences / capabilities to describe those things which the organization does extremely well relative to its marketplace rivals. In the case of Caterpillar Inc, its distinctive capabilities can be said to include: its innovation and financial capabilities as well as its well-diversified product base and geographical spread. Core competencies: Prahalad and Hamel (1990) define core competencies as those capabilities which are central to an organizations achievement of a sustainable competitive advantage. For the capability to be termed as a core competence, it has to meet four criteria as spelled out by the VRIO framework. It must be valuable, rare, inimitable, and the organization must be sufficiently organized to exploit it. While Caterpillar Inc has a very broad product line and wide geographical spread, this can be easily replicated by its rivals through a deliberate strategy of market development and product diversification. Its supply chain capabilities can also be easily replicated through undertaking demand and supply chain integration activities such as maintaining low inventory levels and adopting flexible manufacturing systems. Its main core competencies therefore are its innovation capabilities, its superior financial position, and its superior customer service. Strategy: Strategy formulation has been described as taking place at three levels: the corporate level, business level, and the functional level. Robbins and Coulter (2005) identify three types of corporate strategies. These include growth, retrenchment, and stability strategies. Traditionally, Caterpillar has pursued the growth strategy which involves aggressively expanding into new markets and introducing new products so that by 2008 it had more than 300 products. Apart from its domestic US market, it has spread to most countries in Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe and Middle East, and Latin America. However, prompted by the increasingly cyclical nature of the industries across which it operates as well as the recent global economic recession, the firm put brakes on its growth strategy and pursued a retrenchment strategy instead. This was characterized by cost reduction initiatives, closure of underperforming business units, and employee layoffs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). According to its annual report, the firms trough planning initiative has involved: Scaling down the number of its employees by more than 20,000, through voluntary as well as forced layoffs. Additionally, the firm has done away with many contingent workers (that is, temporary, agency, and contract employees). Reducing working hours as well as closing some plants temporarily in many of its global facilities. In some areas, the firm has introduced shorter working weeks. The firm has also undertaken various measures to optimize its supply chain management. These include reduction of inventories (which is expected to lead to lower inventory carrying costs), forging closer relationships with key suppliers, and the alignment of its logistical processes to conform to its flexible manufacturing system dubbed the Caterpillar Production System (CPS). It has drastically reduced compensation levels for its employees and managers, in some instances by as much as half. This is expected to drive cost savings. According to Robbins and Coulter (2005), firms which pursue the corporate strategy of growth have various strategic alternatives at their disposal. These include: concentration, vertical integration, horizontal integration, and diversification strategies. Of the four strategies, Caterpillar Inc has primarily made use of the diversification and horizontal integration strategies. Diversification involves expanding the firms scope of operations into other industries and product lines and this can be seen in the firms expansion to over 300 products and in thirteen industries. The horizontal integration strategy involves merging operations with other players in the same industry with a view of enhancing the firms competitive thrust and lowering competition in the industry. In the case of Caterpillar, this is evidenced by: Combination of its operations with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1965 in the Japanese market; joint venture with Navistar International Corporation which led to the creation of a new entity known as NC2 Global LLC in 2009; and a joint venture agreement with China Yuchai Machinery Co. Ltd in 2009 (Businessweek, 2010). The Ansoff Matrix has further identified the strategies which can be pursued by a firm deploying the corporate strategy of growth as: product development, market development, diversification, and market penetration strategies (Mercer, 1996). The firm has predominantly made use of the product development strategy which involves the introduction of new products for existing markets. Cases in point include the introduction by the company of next generation mining trucks, the first ever electric drive tracks in the industry, as well as the innovation of the revolutionary cat 175 engine (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). The market development strategy is also evident in the firms strategic posture, especially in its forays into more countries through geographic expansion. Some of the countries recently ventured into by Caterpillar include Saudi Arabia and India (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). At the business level, three main strategies have been identified. These include the overall low cost leadership strategy, the differentiation strategy, and the niche / focus strategy. The niche strategy has further been distinguished as either a differentiated niche strategy or focused low cost strategy. Additionally, an organization may follow a stuck in the middle approach where it simultaneously pursues two or more of these strategies (Porter, 1998). Of the three generic strategies, Caterpillar Inc can be described as following the generic strategy of differentiation. As its annual report (Caterpillar, 2009) attests, this strategy is based on two of its core competencies: its innovation capabilities and superior customer service. Functional level strategies are strategies which are implemented at the functional level in order to support the business level and ultimately, the corporate level strategies (Robbins and Coulter, 2005). For example, as far as the human resource is concerned, the firm continues to put a lot of emphasis on the training and development of its personnel. In 2008 for example, it spent up to $60 million in training and development initiatives. By ensuring that its employees are well trained and developed, the firm can see to it that creativity and innovation is fostered and that the staff are in a position to deliver exceptional levels of customer service. Its customer service strategy for example has involved offering three year warranties, and long term financing for customers and dealers (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Its manufacturing strategy has involved upgrading of its facilities. For example, in 2008, the firm spent up to $2.4 billion in initiatives aimed at modernizing its manufacturing infrastructure. Other functional level strategies include ensuring costs are kept within manageable levels while maintaining high quality standards through initiatives such as the Six Sigma program, and ensuring that the organization is aligned with emerging market needs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009).

Jonathan Larson :: essays research papers

Jonathan Larson ~ RENT (February 4, 1960 – January 25, 1996) Composer-lyricist-librettist of RENT, a rock opera inspired by "La Bohà ¨me", Jonathan Larson was born in Mt. Vernon, New York, and raised in suburban White Plains, the second child of Allan and Nanette Larson. Both Jonathan's parents loved music and theatre, and show tunes and folk music were always playing in their home. Jon and his sister Julie took piano lessons during elementary school. He could play by ear, and his teacher encouraged him to experiment with rhythm, harmony, and setting words. By high school, he was called the "Piano Man" after the enormously popular song of that title by Billy Joel; he also played tuba in the school marching band. Active in school and community theatre, Jonathan had major roles in several musicals. In 1978, Jonathan entered the acting conservatory at Adelphi University with a four-year full-tuition merit scholarship. He told an interviewer in 1993 that the program was "an undergrad version of the Yale Rep [the theatre where students of the Yale School of Drama work alongside veteran professionals]. And I was serious enough about theatre to know that this was what I wanted to do." He earned his Equity card doing summer stock and received a BFA with honors in 1982. His favorite part of the Adelphi curriculum was the original political cabarets. With classmates, Larson wrote rock-flavored attacks on the New Christian Right, Reaganomics, and the mind-numbing effects of television. He also scored EL LIBRO DE BUENAMOR (1979) and THE STEAK TARTARE CAPER (1981), musicals with lyrics and libretti by faculty members. He had a knack for pastiche and for complex ensemble numbers that used themes in counterpoint. In class, Jonathan studied the theatre of Bertolt Brecht and Peter Brook. Among his musical influences were JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the Beatles, Prince, and the Police, but the writer he admired most was Stephen Sondheim, to whom he wrote during his last year in college. The distinguished composer-lyricist answered him and became an adviser to the young songwriter. After graduation, Jonathan moved to Manhattan, went on acting auditions, performed in a nightclub trio, and composed songs for a musical version of Rudyard Kipling's "Jungle Books". In 1982 he adapted George Orwell's "1984" for the musical stage. Deeply affected by the novel, and unflappably confident, he completed book, music, and lyrics, recorded a demo tape, sent a script to director Harold Prince, and wrote to Orwell's estate.