Acquisition of Reebok by Adidas, M&a Deal in the Sports Industry

This report presents a brief summary of the M&A deal and the performance of the Adidas-Salmon Group and the Reebok International which are the top players after Nike, in sportswear market. Mergers and Acquisitions is an extreme matter of concern in the corporate world since last few decades. M&A can also be considered as a main vehicle which drives towards direct investments, either domestic or foreign. With motives of achieving greater efficiency and effective strategies, most of the companies had gone through at least one M&A activity at least once in a lifetime.This report contains theories regarding Mergers and Acquisition and is focused on the Cross-border M&A (Adidas- A German company and Reebok- an American company). It includes the acquisition process and presents the motives behind the acquisition of Reebok by Adidas. The report also includes the analysis to identify whether synergy (Value of (Adidas+ Reebok) > Value of Adidas+ Value of Reebok) has been achieved or not. I t can be identified through performance measurement and evaluation.The analysis of the company’s annual reports and the reviews in various websites contributed to determine whether the company is able to achieve its target objectives. Table of Contents S. N. Title Page No. 1. Introduction1 2. Literature Review2 a. The need of Merger2 b. Due diligence3 2. 2. 1 Legal and regulatory issues3 2. 2. 2 Tender offer3 2. 2. 3 Empirical Evidence4 2. 2. 4 Strategies of Adidas & Reebok 4 3. Methodology5 4. Discussion5 a. Synergies achieved5 4. 2 Financial Analysis6 4. 3 Targets and Achievements: Post merger evaluation7 . Conclusion and Recommendations9 References10 1. Introduction Corporate Restructuring is the process of reconstructing the operational, financial, legal and other structures of an organization in order to achieve the organizational efficiency, technological advancement, market expansion, profit maximization and obtain the competitive advantage over others. Mergers and Acq uisitions (M&A), which is one of the major corporate restructuring methods and started in US, has become a global practice for over 100 years.With the increase in globalization concept, most of the companies around the world have undergone through one among the following three types of M&A. Vertical merger which includes the combination of the forms operating in the different levels of the same industry differs from the Horizontal merger where the two combined firms operate in the same business activity. Conglomerate, the third type is rather unique as it involves the combination of firms of different industry. For a detailed analysis of M&A activity, I have chosen an acquisition ofReebok (an American sportswear company) by Adidas (a German sportswear company) and evaluating its performance and the various stages of the M&A activity. Adidas-Reebok acquisition is categorized under horizontal Cross-Border M&A whose main objective is to present the group as a market leader in the field of sportswear. The rate of M&A activities seem to be increasing day by day. However, the success rate of these mergers is very low. This is because of the lack of ability to achieve the synergy, which is obtained as a result of increased competitive advantage.So, the report is based on evaluating the various aspects of Adidas-Reebok performance to draw the conclusion whether the integration is successful to meet the target objectives or not. 2. Literature Review With an aim to drive competition and growth in the sports market, there was significant presence of the M&A activities since late 1990s. In 1997, Adidas acquired the Salomon Group for $1. 4 billion. In 2003, Nike acquired Converse for $305 million and in 2004 Reebok acquired The Hockey Company for $330 million. In 2005, the Adidas-Salmon Group acquired Reebok for $3. billion and in 2008; Nike acquired Umbro Plc for 285 million.Many analysts have identified that the companies major objectives and targets of M&A activities ha ve not successfully achieved in most of the cases. Timothy and Mark (2007) point out the major of failure as cultural aspects of mergers that are poorly dealt with and mention that successful mergers are based as much on emotional reactions and energized behavior. Bjorkman, Stahl, and Vaara (2007) also discussed the role of cultural differences on the capability transfer for cross-border acquisitions. . 1 The need of Merger According to the data obtained by Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association International in 2004, Nike was the leader in American sportswear with market share of 36% leaving Reebok and Adidas the second and third position with 12. 2% and 8. 9% respectively. And America alone counts for almost 50% of the total global sportswear market. So, it was an important opportunity for Adidas and Reebok to have a combined competitive strength over the leader Nike, a famous brand in its fashion, status, colours and combinations.Besides that, Adidas was facing a tough competit ion with the fourth largest sports brand Puma, which compelled it to take the growth strategy through acquisition with Reebok. Puma had already disclosed expansion plans through acquisitions and entry into new sportswear categories So, for a successful merger, the challenge was to integrate Adidas's German culture of control, engineering, and production and Reebok's U. S. marketing- driven culture. Also, the core competencies of the combined companies seem a major strength than the individual competencies. Adidas Core Competencies |Reebok Core Competencies |Combined Core Competencies | |–Technology |– Trend Identification |– Adidas technology with Reebok design | |– Customer focus |– Ability to market to a niche segment |– Adidas sports with Reebok women’s market | |– Brand recognition |– Women’s shoe design |– Adidas shoes with Reebok apparel | |– Supply chain |– Design expertise |– Ad idas global strength & Reebok US strength | |– Collaboratively competitive |– Celebrity relationships | | 2. Due diligence 2. 2. 1 Legal and regulatory issues: Any M&A process should face through the regulatory bodies before they are granted the permission. There are various antitrust authorities which will examine and restrict the merger activities that create the monopoly in a particular market. Some of these authorities are the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in USA, the Competition Commission in the UK, the European Commission in EU and the Federal Cartel Office in Germany. Adidas, being the German company had successfully passed the regulatory check and was approved by both the Federal Cartel Office and the European Commission to acquire Reebok on $3. 8 bn.As Reebok was targeting mainly in the American youths where as Adidas was targeting the European professionals and these brands had different pricing positions, EU concluded that this integration would not signif icantly affect the competition in the sports market. 2. 2. 2 Tender offer Tender offer in M&A is a general offer made by any acquirer company to a target company either publicly or directly to the shareholders to grant their stocks in the price which is higher than the present market price. After analyzing the market value of Reebok, Adidas has offered the buying of Reebok’s share with 34. 2 percent share premium. A written consent between Adidas and Reebok was established mentioning all the legal obligations. 2. 2. 3 Empirical Evidence The once in a lifetime opportunity’, as mentioned by Adidas-Salomon AG Chairman and CEO Herbert Hainer, came into reality after the deal was closed on Jan 31, 2006, which provided the new Adidas group with an increased Capital of around â‚ ¬9. 5 billion ($11. 8 billion) in the global athletic footwear, apparel and hardware markets. Adidas-Salmon group paid $ 3. 527 bn to Reebok as total value of the Reebok shares calculated at the ra te of $59. 0 per share. They had paid 34. 2 % share premium. The share price of Reebok had rose by 30% after the acquisition.Hainer added, â€Å"The brands will be kept separate because each brand has a lot of value and it would be stupid to bring them together. The companies would continue selling products under respective brand names and labels. This is considered as the major strategy to keep the existing brand values and customers safe, protecting their brand loyalty. 2. 2. 4 Strategies of Adidas & Reebok The two companies came to the M&A deal with some of the very important strategies that lead to the growth and expansion of the market and the product portfolio along with the shared technology. The acquisition helped the new group to double the sales in America (U. S. $3. 9 billion) and also Reebok to increase its sales in Europe from the Adidas’s strong brand recognition and market expertise. Both the groups are creating the greater job opportunities with the well expe rienced and world class employees. They are selecting their top most employees into a new group for more effective business operation.This will help them to establish themselves as top most global brand from their strength (improved R&D systems with award winning cutting-edge technology, trend-setting street wear and classic design) with a strong presence as qualitative and wide ranged sports products. The combined group showed stronger presence among various teams and athletes such as David Beckham, Allen Iverson, Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and also the top sports events like FIFA World Cup 2006 and Olympics 2008 to increase the global visibility of both the brands. 3. Methodology The report is based on academic knowledge gained during the course and the further research done on various websites.This includes the company’s website, various reviews and other academic sources available in the internet. After introducing about the M&A process, the literature review was done from t he past papers about Cross-border M&A and the management report on Adidas-Reebok M&A. The official website of Adidas group was used as the major source of annual financial report and performance measurement report, which helped to analyze the success of the integration in terms of sales revenue and other performance measurement indicators. After the detailed study of the case, the report contains few recommendations which might help the company to increase its profit and ultimately achieve its target objectives. 4. DiscussionThe success and failure of the M&A can be accessed from the perspectives of shareholders, managers and employees as the interests of these groups do not coincide (Sudarsanam, 2003). The report below contains analysis from different perspectives. 4. 1 Synergies achieved: The combined group had achieved the synergies based on each other’s competitive strength. Operating synergies affect the operations of the combined firm and include economies of scale, inc reased pricing power, and higher growth potential (Damodaran, 2006). As a geographical and demographical category, Reebok got chance to benefit from its partner Adidas which has expertise in European market.Similarly, Adidas benefited from Reebok expertise in American and Asian markets especially the youths and women. The new group had the wide range of products with continuous brand development by sharing R&D technologies. The synergy in distribution channel can be obtained through distribution and operation efficiencies. They have obtained 40% synergies in marketing, sales and distribution through selective diversification of channels and the optimum utilization of distribution capacity. Hadfield (2006), in his article quotes the statement of Steve Bonomo, the head of recruitment of Adidas, who says that the Adidas-Reebok acquisition has reduced the global recruitment cost by 30-50 percent.This reduction in expenses will help to increase the profit to some extent. Through global s ourcing and using economies of scale, they have been able to achieve 20% operations synergies. 4. 2 Financial Analysis: After the integration the management structure was reformed with the reduction of unnecessary branches and departments. They also agreed to share the cost incurred in production technology, distribution and back operations. The Reebok switching from pre-order in bulk amount to pay as you go system results the instant cash and uniform production and distribution of goods. The Annual financial report of Adidas group shows the sharp increase of sales revenue after the acquisition process.As the official deal was signed in Jan 2006, there is the dramatic rise in the sales from Dec 2005 to Dec 2006 resulting very high sales revenue of the combined group than it used to get during the individual sells. There is a continuous increase in sales even though the market was hit by the economic crisis during past few years (shown in the graph). The fact that the Adidas group fa ced serious decrease in sales of Reebok goods in Europe because the company decided to shut down some of the retail branches was very noticeable. But there was huge increase of the sales of Adidas products in America, which ultimately offset the losses, incurred in the group and ultimately led the company towards profit. [pic] Source: Adidas-group. com/ annual report 4.3 Targets and Achievements: Post merger evaluation Targets |Achievement | Description | |Environmental |75% |The environmental targets and strategy for climate change and carbon emissions | |sustainability-Group achievement| |have been developed as a whole but the group-wide strategy covering the entire | | | |value chain has remained. | |Environmental sustainability- |50% |The cross- brand group was formed to support all the Adidas brands but the full | |Product | |implementation of the prepared guidelines is in due. |Environmental |100% |Launched the internal Company Initiatives to promote environmental assessments | |Sustainability-Properties | |and awareness, reviewed the in-house ‘Think Green Guide’, established the | | | |environmental management systems but still remained to get ISO 14001 | | | |certification by the end of 2010. | |Supply Chain Systems |75% |As a member of Fair Factories Clearinghouse Compliance, Adidas group fully | | | |review the integrity of the data. Also, launched new Environmental guidelines to| | | |provide health and safety guidelines to the employees.But remained due about | | | |50% of the task to implement upgraded Key Performance Indicator to measure the | | | |company’s performance and also the sustainable compliance monitoring | | | |methodology. | |Global Economic Crisis |100% |Provided several updates on company’s website about risk and supply chain | | | |consolidation. Also provided guidelines on managing employees’ redundancies and | | | |layoffs in appropriate manner. |Stakeholder Engagements- |50% |Highly accepted th e concept of marketing and sourcing strategy but couldn’t | |Internal | |obtain better cotton materials for quality and performance testing. | |Stakeholder Engagements- |100% |Broad engagement with the governments and key stakeholders which assist in | |External | |decision making and also collaboration with different brands, suppliers and | | | |other industry actors. | Source: – Adidas. com, annual report, 2009 5. Conclusion and Recommendations The M&A itself is a complex and risky process both in terms of making a deal and in achieving the target objectives. It is also difficult to identify the exact determinants of the success or failure of the M&A.So, the conclusions are met on the basis of the grounds that a researcher considers, but this might be insufficient to other researchers who consider the broader areas. The analysis carried out under the case of Reebok acquisition by Adidas group shows that the new group is able to increase its sells through the restruct uring process. But even performance measurement report of the company highlights some of the issues where the company was unable to achieve the target objectives. The major target to lead the market ruler, Nike has not yet been achieved. The market positions of these two brands have remained constant. In contrast, it has a biggest threat of its following competitor, Puma to have integration with Nike and drop down the market share of Adidas group.

Negotiation Journal Rachid

My previous experiences of negotiating real estate properties sale were slightly different from what we got in class. In fact, the logic is quite similar, UT the main difference is that in real life negotiations, I never used a pen and a paper. I remember using concepts like target, limit, and opening except that have never known they had particular names. Expected the Hamilton negotiation to give me an evaluation of my way of running real estate negotiations.I started my preparation by reading the case, understanding the context, and highlighting the most important information was provided with. Based on the data had collected, realized I would be facing a complex situation that has hidden facts and that requires lots of analysis and critic to UN it successfully. As an essential part of my preparation, determined my target, limit, and opening using the facts I was provided with and assumptions made about my counterpart.In the case, there was in my opinion a breaking piece of informa tion that changed my whole perception of the situation. It was mentioned, in the first place, that the land would be more probably used for residential construction due to the fact that commercial construction was not permitted by the law in the Hamilton area. Considering that info, the value of the land should be around what Quince Dive offered us, 8 million $. There was, yet, a piece of info that had high importance in analyzing the case.We are talking here about the fact that Estate Ones' CEO is much known for his long experience in the field, value minimization, and for being extremely well connected politically at the level of the state and local government. When I readied that info, I started raising questions such as â€Å"why Estate One are giving us such a surprisingly late call while they are usually known for their fast reactivity to the projects they are highly interested in? â€Å"This question was actually the hint that pushed me to make a giggly important assumption about my counterpart based on which I determined my target, limit, and opening.I am talking about the assumption that my counterpart got access to breaking news about the state and local government planning to allow commercial construction in the Hamilton area. Thought of that as the most rational explanation of why my counterpart gave me that surprisingly late call and Of why my property was becoming so important to him all of a sudden. The entire point of what was mentioned above is that acquired a highly interesting technique of analyzing the information in hands and building effective assumptions based on info analysis.This strategy demonstrated its effectiveness during the negotiation. I determined my opening to be 70, my limit to be 42 (assuming that Quince Dive might go up to 10% of what they offered initially), and my target to be 65 which is a pretty fair price for the property if it's to be used for commercial construction. My counterpart opening was 45; yet, as long as I gave her the impression that I am expecting the land to be used for commercial construction, she immediately started increasing her offer gradually and so or decreasing the ZAP.My counterpart achieving a 55 million S offer (which is much higher than the value of the property if to be used for residential construction) confirmed the assumption made about my counterpart having different intentions of planned use of the land than what she claimed. We ended up around 60. 5 which was a win-win agreement in my opinion knowing that my counterpart will be waiting for the commercial construction permission to be given.This negotiation was a true learning experience that taught me to deeply analyze and criticize the information I am provided with ND build logic assumption about my counterpart that help figure out the info don't have access to. Second Negotiation : Thesis Wiley. Role Played: UP of Rivers UP of Business Development. Was expecting this negotiation to be tough and challenging. I expected to receive lots of resistance from my counterpart since he was supposed to be a professional and experienced agent in the field of basketball players' endorsement.To get well prepared for the negotiation, I tried to read between the lines to achieve better understanding of the hidden facts. For instance, in the case, there were a couple of hidden facts. The first was the prior face-to-face contact that took place between Wiley and Peak. It was essential to take the existence of such a relationship into account. I actually came to the point, later on, that Wiley and Peak were the real parties of the negotiation. When I thought about it little deeper, Wiley is the basketball player to be endorsed and Peak is the boss and it sounds that an agreement has already been reached between the two. ND Wile's agent were, in fact, just intermediaries and we were supposed to sign the formal agreement. Also as part of my preparation process, tried to understand the exact session where I stood and the nature of the situation and context. Understood that my interests and my boss's interests were slightly different, but I still had to defend the two of them the same way. My boss was highly convinced that Wiley was the right person to be endorsed. I knew I had the challenge to make my boss happy by signing the deal and saving the marketing campaign even though I wasn't too much into endorsing Wiley.The entire point here is that it was crucial to understand what my mission in the negotiation was, the role I was supposed to play, and the position stood in. Furthermore, learned not to base my negotiation entirely on the assumptions made about my counterpart because there was always a probability for them being false. During my negotiation I faced a situation that proved that. I made the assumption that my counterpart got access to the market average data. I built that assumption on the basis that Wile's agent was a professional and experienced agent.At some point in the n egotiation, I realized that my assumption turned out to be false. I believe that my counterpart didn't have the right information about the market average. Sincerely, I got the impression that my counterpart didn't take enough time to read the case which resulted in him not mastering the data he was provided with in the text. That was a typical example of how weak your position gets when you are not well prepared and when you don't know enough information about your counterpart.Even though that was a point of which took advantage of to balance the negotiation to my side, it was a useful lesson to keep in mind. That very same situation taught me another interesting point which I might call effective reactivity. Actually, my untreated behaved in a surprising and chocking manner which gave me the impression he was neither professional nor experienced. It was very important for me to react effectively to his behaviors. I learned how to react properly to my counterparts behaviors and use that to strengthen my position.In future negotiations, applying the concepts and skills I acquired in this negotiation will certainly help me run them more successfully and effectively. Third Negotiation: TERSE Ay/ KIRKS Ay. Role Played: Aroma, Sales' Representative of KIRKS. My role in this negotiation was Aroma, the sale representative of KIRKS. I expected this negotiation to be tough and time consuming. Indeed, it was. Since we had many terms to agree upon, expected this negotiation to be like no one of those did before. I was used to run negotiations that either didn't include any detailed terms or included very few.This negotiation taught me a new way of negotiating. It was very important to master the details and content of every term and set a specific and clear strategy to negotiate it. It was the first time to be provided with such complex and diverse terms. As a part of the preparation, I discussed with my teammate each term and we determined for each one a target, a limi t, and an opening point. That highly helped us in terms of controlling the flow of the negotiation and doing the right type of discounts.. Therefore, it was very important to create harmony, connection, and cohesion between different terms of the negotiation.A considerable amount of time was devoted to each one of the terms. When my counterpart gave us a call to request for the four engines, we started raising questions about their current situation and their relationship with Big Blue. As far as we knew, Big Blue was the sole supplier of TERSE; therefore, e thought there should be a problem with them calling us for an urgent request Of four servers. Either Big Blue service was not satisfying anymore, especially taking into account that their reputation has been going so bad, or that they were not able to deliver what TERSE was requesting for.We just tried to use this kind of analysis to manipulate the negotiation and, indeed, we started the negotiation by asking our counterparts ab out their relationship with Big Blue and their current business situation. That was kind of destabilize question, but they did manage it though. The entire point am ring to make here is that I learned to push my counterpart to talk via asking him/her questions. This way I can figure out the information he/she might be hiding from me.Our aim behind doing this negotiation was, in fact, to sign the deal in the first place because both I and my company were behind our expected results; but also to achieve long term agreements and collaboration with TEPEE. We knew that TERSE had future plans to expand their business in the neighboring states, so we thought it would be highly beneficial for us to sign long term agreements with them. That was, actually, exactly what appended. We did provide them with discounts concerning services, support, and training in exchange of signing a contract to get the next four servers from us.In my opinion, that was a good starting point for signing potential long term agreement in the future. The point I am trying to make is that I learned to think in terms of short terms / long term agreements. Now, I believe I become a better negotiator; one who makes clear distinction between short term and long terms deals and agreements. When you know what your exact objectives are, you know what discounts and sacrifices you re supposed to do. Last but not least, I learned to use currencies properly.The good thing about currencies is that you use them as a joker when you can't do any further discounts in terms of the overall price of the deal. Even though the currencies might be costly, they still give the impression that they are worth more than their actual value. For instance, we agreed at the end to provide some services for free. It still costs as money, but not as much as what a discount on the price of the servers would cost us. Fourth Negotiation: Flagship Airways. Role Played: S. Gordon, UP of Engendering I started this negotiation by meet ing with my teammates who represent the UP of maintenance and the UP of finance.We discussed the interests and concerns of each one of us and we set a strategy that we will follow to meet and defend the interests of the whole group. This negotiation was unique compared to the ones did before, in the sense that, the three of our group members had slightly different interests and objectives to achieve. Therefore, it was crucial to effectively listen to each other and try to find a common ground and a consensus. Once we determined our target, limit, and opening for the various terms of the contract based on the consensus reached, we started the negotiation with our counterparts.

Case Study L’Oreal

Marketing Plan and Control Case study analysis- L’Oreal Nederland B. V. Group Names: Summary General L’Oreal is the largest cosmetic manufacturer in the world since 1992 and contributes sales to more than 100 countries. L’Oreal invested heavily in research and development with the faith: innovation was the critical success factor. L’Oreal was at a stage of making critical decision to introduce Synergie skin care line and Belle Couleur permanent hair colorants which were successfully marketed in France, to Nederland market. These two products were under the family brand name, Laboratories Garnie, the largest provision of L’Oreal. Their introductions to the market were under pressure as Garnie was not very well known in Nederland. The failure of market these products will cause potential problems for future Garnie product introductions. To be market successfully in Nederland, the products have to offer unique, desire, and identifiable differential advantages to Dutch consumers. Dutch Market Dutch is a small but very potential market. With 15 millions of small population, there were significant increases of women working outside the home, delaying of childbirth and rising of income. As a result, women in Nederland had more disposable income and more of them using it to buy cosmetic for use on a daily basis. In European Union, the Nederland ranked fourth in per capita income, however, only 6th in per capita was spent on cosmetics and toiletries. The main customers were those under 25 years old. However, the fastest-growing population segments were the 25 or older groups. Synergie Synergie product line is a facial skin care’s products made with natural ingredients. Synergie product positioned as reliably providing natural colors with the advertising line â€Å"Natural Colours, covers all gray†. L’Oreal goal for developing new products was to introduce only product that had differential advantage with evidence of consumer acceptance. It did not want to gain distribution with excessive reliance on trade deals or high than normal retail gross margins. L’Oreal was perceived as offering high-quality, innovative products, supportive with good in-store merchandising. Bella Couleur Bella Couleur is a line of permanent hair colouring products. The three quarters of Dutch Woman coloured their hair by using permanent colorant. For Dutch women, colouring has become more a fashion statement then just to cover gray. As there were more and more women working outside home, home colouring would increase since it is more convenient. Problems of entering Nederland Market: 1. Competition of medium price products: Dutch woman shopped for values of products. Synergie products are expensive and they only being sold through personal service perfumeries (custom sale). 2. Competitor The main competitors, Guhl’s and Anderson increase market share in1986-1989. In late 1980’s Guhl changed its distribution strategy and started selling the brand on drug chains. As a result, Guhl become aggressive in its marketing through large independents. 3. Customers’ buying behavior: †¢ Dutch women tend to be loyal to their current brands to avoid problems might cause by new product. As a result of consumers’ loyalty, it increases the resistance of switching to new product. Dutch woman typically purchase a facial cream only once or twice a year and have an increasing interests in products with â€Å"natural† ingredients. †¢ Dutch woman are not as familiar with technical product description like the French. They perceived as a technical product and believed its use was very risky. Considering the new brands, first and current customers carefully read package information and ask personal advice. 4. Advertisement The higher spending of advertisement was necessary to develop brand awareness, ideally brand preference. Analysis of problems: – L’Oreal was a leading seller for current market entry, but the share mark et was declining. According to the sample test, the buying intentions increased once the market price had revealed. But it decreased after the actual uses. The actual participants, who would probably not buy the product after using it, increased from 13%-32%. Some negative evaluation of Belle Corleur was due to the fact that Dutch woman tended towards naturally lighter hair colour, and the French towards darker shades. France Belle Couleur was formulated to give a classical conservative dark blond colour with extra reflections or lightening effects. However, the products had not been modified for the Dutch test. The brands needed to be presold since, unlike independent drugstores, there was no sale assistance. However, none of the hair colouring products had a clear advertising positioning statement describing customer benefits. The percentage of woman was not known, nor was the trends in the usage of this method known. Dutch consumers might see the major suppliers of cosmetics and toiletries. But the worries that lied have is that the selling efforts, which is needed in selling the L’Oreal brands in Dutch market. Also at the same time introduce not just one, but two brand name product lines. Generation of alternative solutions Products As per feedback on price, products with wider price range can target on mass market/medium price product market. All the products need to break down to easy term which is easy to understand by simple wording. Market and advertising Expand the market by making it into an open market, which means all the products are available to all different markets. This can be enhanced by advertising with clear statement; and prove to the customers the specifics benefits that they could get by purchasing the products. Advertising Advertise the products through woman magazines; attractive ads that can catch the consumers’ attention and also make them interest towards the products. Advertisement on media such as Tv to show the products concepts and the result of the products after the actual use and customers’ benefit. Market monitoring Monitor the trends to see the changes in the market. From then all the market researches could be done to find the best solution to solve the problem. Personal advertise for better customer service To have personal presold at places for product selling in drug stores, supermarkets, etc. Customers need information whenever they purchase the new products. They all want to know what contains inside the products and the benefits that they could get after purchasing the products. So it is important that customers receive a proper guide through the product line, in order to achieve the customers’ interests towards the products. Promote the products at professional clinics like skincare clinics, or hair salon. After the customers get their facial done, they might decide to purchase the facial products, after they have been advised and advertised by the clinic advisor. Convince customers to switch their brands into something else is hard. In this case, advertisement and unique about the products are the main keys to attract the consumers’ attention and interests. Synergie For the Synergie line, they done the concept tests, but when they reveal the price out to the market, many people have been declined the products. It could due to the fact that the price is too high for the consumers to purchase the products. By lower the price, it could give the company the advantages of getting the interests towards the products. Consumers tend to purchase the products if the product price is at the low price. Belle Couleur When consumers purchase products, they want their product is worth the cost that they paid for. Products need to be totally valued with the quality of its products; and also all the statements about the products need to be a right fact and provide exactly what the qualities placed on the statements/outcomes. There were some negative evaluations on Belle Couleur products line; due to the facts that the products provided fault information, which lead to mistaken by the consumers about the products’ qualities. I. e. different target market has different reaction towards the product line. They don’t have the same or even the similar reaction towards the same products. For example, those Dutch customers tended to like lighter hair colour, when the French customers prefer the darker shades. Due to the market researches of the two product lines, they all get recommended to promote two lines at once. Instead of promote two lines at once, L’Oreal Netherlands can promote one by one; which means that they can promote each one to see how the consumers react to the products. From then, they can decide whether the second product line is necessary needed to be promote out to the market. It can save them the costs in promoting, and also their budget won’t be at waste in advertisement and promotion. It could count as monitoring the current market to see the changes under different circumstances. The product range can be sold at the different locations, such as drugs store and supermarket. Therefore, the advertisements and promotions in these places are necessary in order to catch the consumers’ attentions and interests. Customer service There are numbers of consumers that afraid of purchasing new products, due to the fact that they have bad previous experiences with different products. It is important that marketers can come up with the product’s concepts that provide the trustworthy information to the customers; also it is more important that those provided information can lure away the fear that consumers have, when they purchase for new products. Towards competitions In the global markets, it is impossible for other competitors not copy other products. Stopping it is totally outrages. But every company always have their key ingredients for their products. They always have a backup plan for what they are going to do in the future, if something bad happens. Marketing plan designed Effective monitoring and control system created

Sombrero Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sombrero - Essay Example They are also a strong symbol of the wearer’s economic and social status and his culture. The history of sombrero hats goes back to Mongolia where they were worn by horse riders back in the 13th century. There are different hypotheses about how sombrero hats originated in Mexico and who made them. Mestizo workers are thought the be the inventors of these hats and they were from native American and European decent who used to work in Mexico and United States. Others prefer that sombrero hats were invented by horse riders who made it part of their uniform. They came from Jalisco capital of Guadalajara. And some think that early cowboys in Texas adopted the Spanish sombrero as a practical solution for the problem of strong sun and heat. Most of the people believe they were made common by the Mexican peasants who used to wear them while working in fields to protect themselves from the extreme heat of south (History of Hats n.p.). Mexican sombrero hats are worn by people belonging to different walks of life now. Traditionally the mariachi folk musicians who wear embroidered outfits, with beading and gold threads wear wide sombreros that are decorated in a manner similar to them. The traditional horsemen called Charros also wear them. The famous dance known as sombrero dance also utilizes a sombrero hat which is known as Jarabe Tapatio (Schmitt n.p.). It moves on a folk song which tells about a love story between a poor Charro peasant and his beloved. In an attempt to win her heart, he tosses his sombrero hat on the ground, which is his most valuable possession, as a gift and as a sign of his seriousness of his love. Thus, she accepts his love and starts a dance on the brim of the sombrero hat. A part from these cultural and traditional uses, sombrero hats are still worn by Mexican peasants in fields. Lately, after becoming the symbol of Mexican heritage, they have become an

Project Management regarding New Online Room Booking System Case Study

Project Management regarding New Online Room Booking System - Case Study Example The framework of this project comprises of several stages of systems development. The following figure illustrates the phases of project development model that is adopted for this entire online booking project development process:- During the first phase of this online software development work, the team manager along with members of our team, needed to work together to define what our team is going to deliver by the end of the project. In first phase, the important deliverable is the project plan of online room booking system which outlines goals and objectives of this project. By effective planning we can meet the deadlines with our sufficient resources and thereby produce final deliverables that meet our customers' needs, and maintain the morale and energy of our team members. Without proper planning, all of these are put at risk. For adequate planning, 10% of total project time has been allocated. In view of the resources available with our team, we planned to carry on with the project as per the precedence diagram shown in Appendix-'A', where development of the project is depicted in a clear cut hierarchy of step by step. On the basis of the flow chart our team has to be entrusted appropriate jobs for max imum utilization of available man power within limited time frame. As a part of systematic planning process and as per the precedence diagram provided as Appendix 1, the project would be started with an enquiry received from client. Two members, preferably the team manager and a member, will be responsible to fix an appointment with the client to establish the outline of the project on Online Room Booking System. This process will take 2 days. After this discussion a broad idea will be generated about the objectives of the project to be developed. Subsequently a draft Terms of Reference will have to be prepared for the project team. Two members will be utilized for this purpose for two days. Then three members from our team will analyze the current booking system on a day. The same members will take 2 more days to examine other contemporary online booking systems. After observing various elements of the current booking systems, the client's requirements, and other similar online ser vices our two members will prepare a draft initial design and explain it to the client by displaying the work flow of the utility going to be designed as per their requirements. It will take two days for designing initial model of project and for discussing with clients about its application for the online booking system. Pursuant to the suggestions and clarifications on the matter, the draft design of project will be revised to meet the newly raised queries and suggestions made by clients. This process involves three members of our team to work for duration of two days. During this time the other three members will re-examine other online booking systems for novel, unique strategies, techniques and ideas. Considering all aspects of application of new project, various processes of designing and examining the other online booking systems and discussing with the client about its implementation in a commercial perspective, our team may decide to use appropriate front end as well as back end utility(Software) for designing the project in field. Here

Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 19

Research - Essay Example Further, the model stipulates that the teachers and assessment tools are two distinct entities with no close relationship. The students’ learning ability gets measured through objective test results and assessment outcomes (Gatto 45). Notably, one of the major challenges that teachers encounter is high number of learners to attend to. This limits effective service delivery and the quality of education received by the learners. With a class of approximately 50 students particularly in developing countries, it is complex and impossible for the learners to receive one-to-one attention from their instructors. Consequently, assistance from other colleagues and research experts may be necessary. This is commonly evidenced during examinations where close attention is necessary in order to avoid instances of cheating. However, with a sample size of 50 students drawn from the entire school population, at least 10 more researchers are needed to effectively supervise the examinations. This has been evidenced in the case of Mussoorie International School where extra research assistants and instructors are needed to improve the quality of services delivered to clients. Therefore, as the class size increases, more assistants a re needed to help in executing regular academic programmes (Gatto

Strategic Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Management - Assignment Example Many research scholars still argue over creating cogent definition of strategic management. Various research scholars like Michael Porter, Philip Kotler, John Kotter, VA Zeithaml and many others successfully tried to create a theoretical framework of the concept but still their frameworks failed to create a universal theory of strategic management probably due to multidimensionality of the concept. Organizations use strategic initiatives in accordance with culture, leadership style, frequency of crisis and business objectives. Gray (1) has bifurcated strategic planning from strategic management and described two aspects in the following manner. ... Meyer (3) illustrated strategic management as process that helps top level management of the company to understand business objectives, future threat and opportunities; identifying suitable strategy to deal with these issues and taking control over external variables; creating direction to accomplish strategic objective of the organization. Nutt and Backoff (4) have modified the concept of Meyer. According to them strategic management actually combines short and long term planning of the organization in order to achieve organizational objectives like increasing profitability, increasing control over existing product portfolio, achieving high growth rate, expanding many business in foreign market, creating market entry barrier for competitors by increasing competency level (Tyndall, Cameron and Taggart, 1990, p. 9). Strategic management is a multidimensional concept and the study cannot cover all the aspects of strategic management. The study will focus on a particular concept of stra tegic management in order to create a cogent representation of assignment topic. This report will analyze Michael Porter’s generic competitive strategies from the view point of theoretical concept and real life application in order to understand functionality of the concept. 3.0 Michael Porter’s Generic Competitive Strategies In 1980, Michael Porter developed the basic strategic model for companies in order to achieve competitive advantage over competitors. He modified the concept into more confined model in 1985. Main agenda of the model is to help organizations to create a sustainable and not easy to copy strategy with which they can not only achieve competitive advantage over adversaries but also can build a sustainable

Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 9

Economics - Essay Example s right must not come in the price of violating other people’s right to privacy in public such as being photographed in public place without his or her consent and then uploaded online. Also, the right to privacy in public is not only limited to those who do not wear the Google Glass but also by the wearer themselves. Getting information from users through the Glass such as what NSA is doing to our emails and phone numbers must be prohibited in respect to the individual’s right to privacy much more posting online. Once concrete example is the prohibition of selling the individual’s profiles to marketers or company or the posting of one’s location online. It has to be realized that while there are people whose presence would like to be known to the world such as the example cited in the article by posting his picture while taking a bath online, there are also other people who value their privacy and this has to be

Contamination and Remediation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Contamination and Remediation - Essay Example Jackson and Lesage (1992) found that risks and threats to the environment and human health include corrosiveness, explosiveness, toxicity, combustibility and carcinogenicity. A site can also be called contaminated if an identified part of land has a higher identified contaminant in concentrations compared to the level of concentrations in a land that is non-contaminated. In the present era, site contamination has become a real issue as it produces various critical impacts regarding environment, water, human health, and economy of any specific country. Contamination of sites has become a problem due to increased redevelopment of agricultural and industrial land. Assessment of a contaminated site is usually done by using a five-staged approach. The five stages include preliminary site assessment, detailed site assessment, remedial action plan, remediation of the site, and validation of the remediation process. In preliminary site assessment, inspection of the site is conducted in collaboration with the site management staff including owner of the land. Site history review is done by the inspection team and some samples of soil of the suspected site are also taken by the team in order to prepare an initial report which comes in use if symptoms of site contamination are found in the results of the report. Then in the next stage, comprehensive and detailed assessment of the collected soil samples is done in order to know the extent of presence of hazardous substances in the soil. The results of the assessed samples indicate whether the site actually needs a remediation process or not. If the results are positive, the inspection team moves towar ds the third stage which is remedial action plan stage. In this stage, planning is done regarding the suitable remediation process by analyzing the site remediation strategies and actual contaminated area of the site. Human

Traditional American politician Essay Example for Free

Traditional American politician Essay With just under 10 months until the first primary of the 2008 presidential election, the campaign is already getting nasty. On the Republican side of the fence, Mitt Romney, Rudy Guliani, and John McCain may face a challenge from Newt Gingrich before they ever make it to the Republicans. On the Democrat side, whispers abound that former vice president Al Gore may join a field already crowded with Barrack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Joseph Biden, Jr. They are a diversified lot of candidates with views ranging from extreme to middle of the road on everything ranging from abortion and health care to illegal immigrants. However, with the currently announced pack of candidates, Joe Biden’s experience makes him the clear, best choice for president in 2008. Biden’s senate experience is unmatched by anyone in the crowd of candidates and perhaps more importantly his Senate service has included multiple times as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Biden has served in the Senate since 1973, a full 13 years longer than John McCain. None of the other senators come close and Romney and Guliani have never served in national office. (biden. com) As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relation Committee, Biden is one of the Democratic party’s â€Å"go to experts on foreign policy† (Horowitz 1) In addition, Biden has sponsored clear and decisive legislation outlining a plan of action for the war in Iraq that demonstrates an understanding of the issues. He points out the necessity of an American presence in the country until the Iraq’s are able to form a government capable of remaining stable. He suggests a thinking man’s solution to the war, realizing that simply withdrawing from the conflict leads the country to a civil war or another dictator. He recommends a policy that divides the county’s oil profits among all of its people, regardless of who controls the land where the oil is produced, theoretically preventing jealousy and greed from adding fuel to the religious differences of the Muslim sects. (biden. com) Many of Biden’s opponents including Senators McCain, Clinton, Obama and Edwards have proposed either a deadline for withdrawal or in the instance of McCain, an acknowledgement that American troops need to remain in the region, but no clear answers as to how to deal with the situation. In fact, thus far, no one seems to be debating Biden’s position as the most knowledgeable about the war in Iraq. However, others point to issues that may well mean Biden does not belong in the White House. When last he ran for president, Biden had a tendency to overstate his qualifications and to quote other politicians without attribution. Biden’s plagiarism, noted by his 1988 opponent Michael Dukakis and written about by The Washington Post, helped drive him from the race in 1988 (Sabato 1). Biden was also accused of a â€Å"serious plagiarism incident† while in law school and exaggerating his academic record (Sabato). In a campaign that is already showing its fangs, the Senator will have to weather a replay of the 1988 controversy and convince voters that he is worthy to lead the Nation despite these indiscretions. And, he will have to combat accusation of racism while he does it. In a campaign that features the first serious female candidate for President and an African-American that appears ready to take over frontrunner status, Biden has the unfortunate issue of being a traditional American politician. He is a 64-year-old white man from the northeast with an Ivy League education and a law degree. (biden. com) His background virtually screams, â€Å"I am like all the ones who went before me. † Furthermore, Biden has been in trouble already during this campaign season for insulting African-Americans. In an interview with Jason Horowitz of the New York Observer, he described opponent Obama as â€Å"the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy† (2). The fall out was immediate. The Obama campaign took the high road, saying that Biden’s words â€Å"spoke for themselves. † (Horowitz 3). Regardless of Biden’s intention and subsequent apology, the perceived racism, or the racism if it is real, may make him the wrong choice for the Oval Office. On the other hand, some writers argue that Biden’s handling of the situation after making the racist remarks show a statesman-like quality that has not been seen in other politicians lately. In an opinion piece for CBS News, writer Lloyd Garver argues that Biden â€Å"did something heroic† by simply admitting that he had said the words and apologizing for them. Unlike others who have recently been caught making racist remarks, Biden did not make excuses, blame the media or head for rehabilitation (Garver 1). That alone makes him heroic. Whether heroic makes him a good candidate for president is for the voter to decide. Ultimately though, the bottom line is that Biden is a pragmatic candidate who has considered the issues facing the nation and written specific policy statements regarding his approach to solving them. He has outlined a plan, and proposed legislation, to end the war in Iraq in a manner that secures peace and brings American soldiers home. He has a campaign platform that addresses energy concerns, health care, education, crime and even global warming. Biden is the best candidate for the presidency because he has the ability to think and consider and make compromises that will appeal to middle America. And, perhaps most importantly of all, as a long-time member of and current chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has a better understanding of American foreign policy than almost anyone else in the country. His experience in determining America’s role in the world makes him a perfect candidate for president. Works Cited Biden 2008, www. joebiden. com. Graver, Lloyd. â€Å"Joe Biden Does Something Heroic†, February 6, 2007. CBS News. March 18, 2007. www. cbsnews. com/stories/2007/02/06/opinion/garver/main2438954. shtml Horowitz, Jason. â€Å"Biden Unbound: Lays Into Clinton, Obama, Edwards† February 5, 2007. New York Observer. March 18, 2007. Mwww. observer. com/20070205/20070205_Jason_Horowitz_pageone_newsstory1. html Rosenbaum, Ron. â€Å"My Defining Joe Biden Memory†, February 7, 2007. March 18, 2007. www. ronrosenbaum. pajamasmedia. com/2007/02/07/what_i’m_reading_now_1. php. Sabato, Larry J. â€Å"Joseph Biden’s Plagiarism; Michael Dukakis’s ‘Attack Video’ 1988†. Washington Post. March 18, 2007. www. washingtonpost. com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/frenzy/biden. html.

Analysis of Dell: Resource Based Views (RBV)

Analysis of Dell: Resource Based Views (RBV) Under RBV, focus is put on whether Dell can identify and configure its unique cluster of internal strategic resources and capabilities [Henry P.127]; [Collis and Montgomery, 1995, Stalk et al., 1992] to achieve a competitive advantage in its markets to maximize profits. According to Barney (1991), to generate competitive advantage, a resource must be valuable, rare, costly to imitate and non-substitutable that can enable the firm to obtain full benefits of the resources to realize a competitive advantage. In the computer market, we can basically identify Dells good customer service and support, production efficiency [Resource-based theory: creating and sustaining competitive advantage By Jay B. Barney, Delwyn N. Clark, P.135, Oxford University Press, 2007], competitive product price, partnership and cooperation with different business all contribute to its success. However, the most significant attribute that make it outperform its competitors is its organisational capability in operations and supply with its direct model, which can basically be divided into direct sales and direct supply. Direct sales Dell is a pioneer in the market to sell computers by going direct to customers, bypassing the resellers. For home customers and small businesses, it sells products directly through internet, telephone or e-mail; whereas for large corporate and institutions, it sells products directly by their sales team using one-to-one contract. Direct Supply Dell applies a build-to-order manufacturing system in which it orders only the components that its customers need, thereby maintaining low level of inventory [P.189 Ch13, Direct from Dell]. Dell has established close relationships with suppliers, which enable it to enjoy many of benefits of vertical integration like constant supply of raw materials and lower factor costs. By having suppliers hubs located near the manufacturing plants and an efficient supply chain with the use of i2 Supply Chain software, Dell can have any components it needs shipped to the plant directly and easily. [Mergers Acquisitions By J. Fred Weston, Samuel C. Weaver, 2001 P.56]; Dell: Building a World-Class Supply Chain Solution, http://cache-www.intel.com/cd/00/00/10/17/101709_i2dell.pdf]. This enables Dell to fully and efficiently serve various orders from different customers. With the help of Dells well-known logistic system, Dell can ship the finished product within 48 hours after a customer place the ord er. Core Competence of Dell Although strategists have distinguished resources from capabilities and have different definitions for core competences [Strategy P.252], the simplest idea is that resources and capabilities that meet the four criteria of Barney (1991) become a source of core competencies. [Strategic Management Competitiveness and Globalization, 2006 Nelson] Core competence is formally defined as the set of firm-specific skills and cognitive processes that give rise to the [med- to long-term] competitive advantage. [McGee and Segal-Horn (1997) also cited in Strategy analysis and practice]. Is Dells capability in operations and supply with its direct model (CDM) a core competence to it? According to Prahalad and Gary Hamel (1990), to be a core competence, at least, the attribute has to: (1) provide potential access to a wide variety of markets; (2) make a significant contribution to the perceived consumer benefits of the end product; (3) be difficult for competitors to imitate. Firstly, CDM changes the traditional way of selling through resellers. It attracts a large group of customers that would have bought standard product and then separately do the customization to buy products from Dell straightaway. This is especially important to business customers who need specialized configuration and software. Moreover, CDM does not only apply to PC but also other product like server and laptop and other products. Therefore, CDM facilitates Dell to enter different markets in which customers requires customization. Secondly, CDM does bring a lot of perceived consumer benefits. Enjoying customized products is probably the best one. Besides, the build-to-order manufacturing system enables it to virtually eliminate excess cost tied into buying too many components and speed up its configuring and delivering process. [Direct from Dell] Moreover, compared with other competitors (e.g. Gateway) that continuously deliver massive stocks into warehouse, Dell can cut the cost by (1) getting rid of middleman and distributors; (2) preventing frequent adjustment of inventory level and sales staff; (3) reducing inventory costs and related overheads; and (4) preventing problems raised by unsold, obsolete products. Customers are thus benefited by getting lower product price and enjoying the latest available technologies from their new product this is supported by the much higher turnover rate in Dell than its competitors (107times compared with HPs 8.5 times in 2004).   Thirdly, it is hard for other competitors to imitate Dells CDM because they cannot replicate Dells resource combination due to the existence of social complexity and causal ambiguity [Henry P.140] Moreover, if they go direct, they may undercut their retailers and then violate the distribution channel contracts they have signed. [P.7 How Dell Does it] Furthermore, by using CDM, Dell has maintained a database of customers purchasing pattern for further targeting. By now, Dell is able to forecast customers demand with 75% accuracy to address them far better than its rivals. Implication As this distinctive CDM that developed internally and are enhanced as it is applied [Parahalad and Hamel, 1990] gives Dell a sustainable competitive advantage in mid to long term over its competitors, it is a core competence to Dell. In this dynamic computer market where the business environment changes frequently, it is more likely that internal resources and capabilities can provide a secure foundation for Dells long-term strategy. Using RBV, CDM can be identified as one of the most important key resources factors as it is a unique and difficult-to-emulate configuration of skilled practices and that lies at the root of the competitiveness of a firm. [St Andrews][Harvard], and it should be exploited by appropriating in the long term. However, in the short term, Dells CDM may somehow hinder its recovery as the worlds largest PC manufacturer. This is because if the demand for PC in corporate market (which accounts for 80% of Dells revenue) increases in a very short period of time due to the economic recovery, component costs may be driven up, giving Dell a disadvantage in comparison with other PC producers that may have large stock on hand. [http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/18779.html] Therefore, Dell should relatively procure more components or make an agreement with its suppliers to reduce such effect. References Ed. Law, J. (2009). resource-based view. A Dictionary of Business and Management, Oxford Reference online, Oxford University Press, viewed 29 December 2009. [online] Mahoney, J.T. and Pandian, J. R. (1992). The Resource-Based View Within the Conversation of Strategic Management. Strategic Management Journal, 13(5), 363-380 Fahy, J. and Smithee, A. (1999). Strategic Marketing and the Resource Based View of the Firm. Academy of Marketing Science Review. 1999 Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management. 17(1). 99-120. Prahalad, C.K. and Hamel, G. (1990). The core competence of the organization. Harvard Business Review, 68(3). 79-91 Henry, A. (2008). The Internal Environment: A Resource-Based View of Strategy. In Understanding Strategic Management, pp. 125-148, Oxford University Press, New York. Holzner, S. (2006). How Dell Does It Using Speed and Innovation to Achieve Extradinary Results, pp. 1-30, McGraw-Hill, Acworth Berry, M.M.J. and Taggart, J.H. (1994). Managing technology and innovation: a review, RD Management, 24(4), p.341-53 Brooks I. (2000). Business Environment. In: Brooks I., Weatherston J. eds. The Business Environment: challenges and changes. 2nd Edition. Harlow : Financial Times/Prentice Hall, Ch.1, p.13 Monck, C.S.P., Porter, R.B., Quintas, P. and Storey, D.J. with Wynarczyk. P. (1988). Science Parks and the Growth of High Technology Firms, London: Routledge. Morrison M. PEST/PESTLE Analysis Tool and Template-The Environment Scan. [Online]. (http://www.rapidbi.com/created/the-PESTLE-analysis-tool.html). (Accessed 28th Oct 2008) http://www.library.uq.edu.au/training/citation/agps_6.pdf http://www.oup.com/uk/orc/bin/9780199288304/henry_ch05.pdf http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=dkLtQyAe45gCprintsec=frontcover#v=onepageq=f=false http://www.s-as-p.org/files_papers/Robert%20Chia.pdf (st Andrews) http://pdfserve.informaworld.com/788157_751308121_739446696.pdf (untitled in mms) http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/18779.html http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/operations/Dell%20Supply%20Chain%20Management-Operations%20Case%20Study.htm http://www.amsreview.org/articles/fahy10-1999.pdf http://www.gaebler.com/Dell-Direct-Model-to-Success.htmareerbuilder.com/ http://onwinning.blogspot.com/2007/11/resource-based-view-and-core.html

Mediation

Mediation Mediation within a Cultural Perspective Introduction In order to better understand ourselves, we must understand others. These few words shed a different lens when dealing with differences between citizens in a community. The Alternative Discourse Resolution (ADR) movement was born during the 1960-1970 as a substitute process to serve justice outside of the courts. During this era issues of race, class, gender, social inequality, and human rights began a transformative discourse in society. The movement provided a different lens on the realties occurring in American culture. Many communities felt disempowered and unequal within the United States and insisted justice. The legal court system was stumbled with various court cases, each demanding a place to express their voice to reach impartiality. Therefore, ADR served as a tool that empowers and serves fairness without legal ties. It developed as a reflective process and began negotiating differences. The ADR was a cost efficient process that allowed disputants to voice their stories in a safe environment with the purpose of reaching an agreement through a mediator. The mediator then serves as a neutral third person in the process and common ground between the disputants. Compared to other forms of conflict resolution, mediation involves the disputants directly in the conflict and in the process of resolution (Frenkel Stark, 2008). As a result, mediation seeks self-determination, impartiality, and neutrality as the essential foundation in the practice so that inequalities are avoided in the process. In the article Why inequalities? The authors begin discussing stratification between various ethnic groups and the inequalities that constrain a variety of minorities within a historical context. Issues of intelligence and policies rise to the conclusion on how inequalities are not part of nature or by the economic regimen but of due to the historical injustices such as policys put in place that have continued to take part in acts of injustice. (Shapiro 2004). Taking this idea into perspective, diversity will arise in mediation and the importance of fairness and equality are imperative, and mediators, who are not culturally sensitive, may have biases or misunderstanding of the conflict. What are the cultural disparities that can affect the process of mediation? What are the strategies being used to help bridge the gap between cultural differences within a Western mediation process? How does the United States differ in the mediation process to international mediation? The purpose of this paper is to provide a different and fresh awareness on mediation, especially when cultural differences are at the core of the conflict. The researcher first considers that culture is significant in this discussion of mediation and central to understanding the best methods of effective mediation. ADR and mediation will be used interchangeably through out the paper Culture Culture can be defined in many different ways. For this reason, culture will be defined and described as: â€Å"[the composition of different norms, values, and beliefs for socially appropriate ways to â€Å"process† conflict and disputes, including their management or resolution (Avruch and Black 1991). A culture is not defined by one entity but can take many shapes and forms. It goes beyond the ability to identify on the surface of how someone looks, dresses and participates in society; it is the complexity of ideals and values instilled within a persona. â€Å"Our culture shapes how we approach conflict and conflict resolution- including our values, norms and conduct. It even influences how we define conflict itself and what we considered acceptable or desirable goals of problem solving† (Chew, 2004 p. 2). As a result, in mediation, misconceptions can be eluded and the mediator or the disputant shifts the power dynamics. The culture of a person can be the based off of beliefs that they bring when in a situation of dispute. By allowing the disputants to have charge in their decision-making, this will empower them and allow the disputant to participate in self-determination, but at the same time it may be dangerous when inequalities of power exist in the process (Davidheiser, 2006). Consequently, this leads to unfairness and misconceptions of mediation as a neutral sphere of negotiation. Inclusion or Exclusion of Culture in Mediation Many researchers argue for or against including culture in mediation. Kevin Avruch (2003) discusses how culture has been neglected through out mediation until the early 1980s. He also feels it is crucial for any developing mediation program to incorporate a cultural component in the training process. Mediators must understand that culture can be strongly correlated to the style of negotiation. Avruch (2003) then speaks about Type 1 and Type 2 Errors. He further discusses that each error can be crucial to the conflict resolution process by being to culturally sensitive (Type 1) or not culturally sensitive enough (Type 2). Participating in any of these errors can impact ADR because it may neglect or over emphasize an issue that intentionally was not meant or should have been exposed in mediation. Frenkel Stark have emphasized four essential skills needed by mediation to maintain balance such as communication, established climate, diagnosticians and persuasive. These four skills will create an equilibrium that is necessary to begin mediation. Although the mediation environment and mediator are balanced in power, the cultural background of the disputant will proceed as a natural component in the circle to negotiation. â€Å"However it can be socially beneficial by generating awareness of structures of power and producing frameworks within which to debate social norms by individual everyday acts of resistance which illustrate the ways in which relatively powerless people accommodate to power whilst simultaneously protecting their identities† (Mulcahy, 2000, p.147 as cited in Li On, 2008,p. 458). Meanwhile Chew (2004) states every disputant is influenced by their cultural lens and frame their ideas and perceptions around, what is culturally correct. As a result, it can shape the outcome of the ADR process because at the core of the conflict is influenced by the values and morals attached to culture by a person. Russell Korobkin would argue that mediation is a process of negotiating, and those cultural differences do not have anything in common with the negotiation strategies of a person. Therefore, Korobkin believes that it is the separation of the person from the problem that mediation and negotiation truly exists. Furthermore, Avruch would disagree and state culture provides cognitive and emotional frameworks for understanding the actions and motives of the self and others. It has been disputed for years, and the research continues to dwindle in circles. Consequently, culture should not be over or underplayed. Mediators have the responsibility to listen to each individuals voice and be able to identify if cultural difference will be an issue to reach negotiation. The space for each individual to share his or her narrative discourse allots an empowerment process that transits power to the individual. The Power of Culture in Mediation Foucault (1982) states where there is power, there is counter power also occurring. The ideas of power transmitting in mediation are crucial in understanding the facilitative process of a mediator. Therefore, their role is not only to be in charge of the process but to also allow the parties control the outcome. By the mediator controlling the process, transmission of powers can circulate in mediation. As a result, some of the conflicts and counter arguments discussed in mediation are how disadvantaged groups lack control in mediation, due to the power being brought in by the disputant. For example, an underprivileged undocumented person may walk in with less power than a person who is â€Å"American†, wealthy, and entering mediation with a lawyer. Cultural differences of respect, conflict, and language can set barriers in the process of negotiation. The power is not equally distributed across the board. Therefore, the mediator is in charge of providing the space for opportuni ties and to develop a solid communication. Mediators need to be able to diagnose if cultural difference will change the flow of mediation. The article Family Mediations and Cultural Diversity: Mediating with Latino Families discusses how the mediator can identify differences in aggressiveness, eye contact and face-saving. Cultural difference in mediation reminds me of both power and powerless participating in a transformative space during mediation; what Kris D. Gutierrez, Patricia Baquedano-Lopez and Carlos Tejeda call a constructed â€Å"third space.† The third space allows for dialogue to occur to develop knowledge in a dual voice form to construct cultural resources. The space will allow for transformation and discourse to occur. As a consequence, dialogue will begin to open doors for negotiation and develop common ground between the disputants. The process becomes a transformative space for empowerment. Paulo Freire examines the structural inequalities in society and emphasizes on the importance of dialogue between oppressed and oppressor to advance towards a humanizing pedagogy. Once dialogue is exposed dif ferences between both groups are understood. Mediation becomes a humanizing experience to transport dialogue and discuss conflicts between disputants and reach an understanding. Mark DavidHeiser (2006) articulated the importance of mediation and power imbalances that occur by using Gambia, a small country west of Africa, and explains how mediation has allowed for women to be empowered and given a voice to speak. Mediation was labeled a harmonic process where peace and respect for both parties was the central focus. Harmony ceremonies occur when ideologies between men and women are supported through a peaceful ceremony and issues of justice between male and women are shared and through various prayers rights and the need for justice between the couples are discussed. In many cases the women spoke out in front of their husbands about how they felt about their relationships. Mediation became a space that empowers women to leave their society role and be given a â€Å"voice†. The voice that allows their partners to realize the injustice occurring in their communities and at the same time helps renegotiate the power within the environment of mediation. In parallel, the article An Indigenous Imperative supports the argument of power because many indigenous groups like the Australian Aboriginal communities and the Navajo tribe to feel disconnected forms society norms and the structure of med iation. For that sole purpose having knowledge of cultural sensitivity as mediator will help dismantle power imbalances and allow for the voice of the individual to occur. By participating in a â€Å"third space† empowerment that occurs for those whose views, values and beliefs go against the Western views of individuality, a collaborative mediation is developed that values inclusion. Individuality vs. Community Mediation ideologies vary in different cultures. Providing mediation is not a single process embraced by all. Mediation across the world various and is used for various purposes. Discussing the topic of culture, it is important to mention the sense of community many cultures have and how in American culture, which is an individualistic community may clash in ideologies. Authors Glenn E. Singleton and Curtis Linton discuss in their book titled Courageous Conversations about Race, The differences of individualism vs. collectivism in the U.S. although a myriad of examples were provided, the differences between a self-expression vs. respect for authority. Developed connections to the various cultures exposed who respect a group consensus over individual thinking. This key component of culture gives insight on cultures group orientation strategy and the role it plays n mediation various studies have been conducted to camper U.S Mediation strategies to other countries. In one particular s tudy it was compared to Korean- Harmony ceremony. The Author Diane LeReche (1992) discovered that Korean mediators have a crucial and interconnected role in mediation. In many cases they provide advice and are personally connected to the disputant. They become knowledge consults who can provide guidance and reach harmony. In a very similar process, The Navajo tribe are an example of how their culture, language and traditions have influenced their way of managing conflicts. Their views on life have molded their outlook when dealing conflict resolution. Philmer Bluehouse and James W. Zion explain how the Navajo people have a deeper meaning to mediation by using strong community leaders to refocus the members to their state of reaching harmony within themselves. Through the Peacemaker court, the Navajo enforce two main laws (Bluehouse Zion, 1993 ). The laws incorporate life skills such as cooperation, friendship and unselfishness for the betterment of the community. Unlike American med iation where a third member is facilitating the communication, the peacemaker is completely involved in the process and gives advice and possible solutions to help resolve the conflict and maintain the relationship between the individuals when possible. The individuals respect the peacemaker and absorb all advice given because it is a cultural norm and the person assigned, as peacemaker is an elder highly appreciated. The individuals respect the peacemaker and absorb all advice given because it is a cultural norm and the person assigned, as peacemaker is an elder highly appreciated. Then it is the cultural lens is applied to what the needs of the community are and its members. In the Navajo clan, maintaining relationships is important and valued. Therefore, in mediation, the process becomes a medicine and is guided through a ceremonial process intended to diagnose the problem. Mediation is used to resolve conflict resolution and how the process is obtained varies in various cultural communities. Embracing community unity is significant also. In Japan community represents whole no individuality. Everything exerted is for the benefit of the community. Therefore, it is a community responsibility to participate in mediation and avoid the court unless mediation fails. In which then it represents the individuals accepting personal failure. While community unity is important as a way of life, it is also established as a community norm where the court only exists as a process for those community members who failed to participate in mediation. It is a process not embraced as an option or an alternative to legal dispute. Mediation must occur as a community duty to help maintain relations with others (Callister,Wall1997). When member of a disputants participate in community mediation, it enhances the human achievement and needs of belonging in a society without feel ing excluded (Schwerin, 1995). In Eastern Europe, community mediation is viewed as a transfer of power from an authoritative structure to a democratic ideology. Community mediation can be a powerful tool if the correct tools are used to execute the process. Western vs. Community Mediation is vividly viewed across internationally in all mediation. The differences between peacemakers and mediators distinguish the role of respect between members in the community. In Western mediations, a mediator is a facilitative person not representing any party in the process. In contrast, a peacemaker is a most commonly a relative. It builds on the unity of a community, rather then the self most commonly seen in western mediation. The process also establishes the importance of relation in relative to the essence of time. In community mediation, relationships are important for the benefit of maintaining relationships in society. In Western mediation, mediation means money. Therefore, the process is not about the relationships but of tackling the problem. The problem is detached from the person and singled out to discuss the conflict. Although the purpose of mediation is to find a common space, cultural inequalities will continue to stand out as an issu e in mediation. American culture establishes the principles for all interracial group interactions (Singleton Linton, 2006). Hence why culture continues to have â€Å"differences† in mediation. Just because other cultures do not have the same individualistic mentality and way of living does not conclude there are problems in mediation. Consequently they become differences in ADR because they do not constitute the norms, and routines of the individual. Cultural Differences in Mediation Perception Perceptions Understanding perceptions can expand the range of possible solutions. In the book, Getting to YES, The authors explain the importance of detaching the individual from the problem in order to better grasp the conflict. One of the key components in being able to do is by clarifying the perception of the disputants. Understanding perceptions can expand the range of possible solutions. Without identifying the perceptions, assumptions are made. Those assumptions developed, take part on the negotiation process. Every person carries different assumptions. While some may feel to restore connections others are there to voice justice. Trust In this process, trust is important. Without the trust between the mediator and the disputant, reaching negotiation is complicated. In the article Trust and other-Anxiety in Negotiation: Dynamics Across Boundaries of Self and Culture, the authors argue trust is a hidden feature rarely exposed in the negotiation process but is present through tension. High and low layers of trust will expose the communication between the disputants. Communication is the goal of mediation trust can be expanded by allowing the individual to feel comfortable in their environment and begin exposing the trust.† It is dynamic rather than static in quality, if not downright fluid.† (Wu Laws, 2003,p. 329). Face expulsion In Hawaii the majority of its people consist of Asian descent. The â€Å"face† concept discussed in this article as a form of self-respect and can affect the process of mediation. In Hawaii, mediation occurs very procedural. The mediators first lay the rules for mediation, and then the mediators consult with each disputant separately twice. Once voices are heard and mediators understand the situations of both disputants mediation occurs as with both disputants. This process has been successful in Hawaii in dealing with cultural differences. According to the authors, face also exists as culturally acquired social phenomena. Facial expression can originate from nature or form nurture. The Asian community has a variety of perspectives of face and how it is define is very similar within cultures. The author then recognizes Ting-Toomey face work theory and the study he conducted with Asian cultures and American culture. â€Å"Face displays not only an individuals features and uniq ueness but also that persons sense of social identity, by using metaphorical expressions†(Ogawa 1999 p.5) Depending on what culture you are from the concept of face develops and carries a natural instinct of ones persona. Face work is important to recognize because it may lead into communication dialogue. The dialogue is intended to create awareness of cultural differences and value mediation in a different way. Face concept plays a role in our communication strategies everyday. Every person quickly get diagnose the face expression of a person. Face concept is important to understand in cultural diverse communities because it allows to lower the tension between disputes and allows the mediator t understand how face is a part of an embedded culture. Mediators who understand the importance of face, will better understand the communication process of members from various cultures Tools for Cross Cultural Issues Researchers across the literature have provided various tools to help with creating equity n mediation. Culture is something deeply rooted with an Individual. In order to be able to understand the perspective of the individual reflection must be incorporated. Mediators should follow various strategies to help create a safe environment within mediation. Some of the important tools to use are Reframing. Frenkel and Stark mentions how a simple reframing of a statement by the mediator can reduce disputes and embrace positive information. If the mediator is aware of the strategy can be constructive when racial or negative tension exist between disputants. Furthermore the authors gave example on focusing on the human needs in mediation. What are the needs of the disputant? By doing so, mediation becomes a productive environment. Next Active listening, listening allows the individual to feel empowered and valued in the process. y actively listing, the participants begin to communicate the core of the problem. It is crucial for the mediator to balance and transmit he power of voice to both side in mediation. By neglecting or preferring one over the other can cause conflict in the negotiation process. Also mediators as mention by Frenkel and Starkstate mediators should continuously summarize. By summarizing you are assuring you understand the narrative story of each disputant and it avoids for assumptions to be made. Above all, I feel each individual should be valued for who they are. Everybody is unique and differences should be embraced and not singled out, as a conflict in mediation is a space to help conquer differences and establish common ground to help problem solve through collaboration. Mediation from the start! Education and Mediation Timothy Hedeen, author of Dialogue and Democracy, community and Capacity: Lessons for conflict Resolution Education from Montessori, Dewey, and Freire, expresses the importance for cultural mediation to begin at a young age. He uses the work of three huge contributors in education to help establish a dimension for conflict resolution in education. The purpose is to empower the students and to begin participating in their own self-determination process. The process becomes almost a way of living. Taking key models from the leading researchers in education, learning bout conflict becomes a group effort and a learning process. The process also allows for children to begin critically thinking and taking charge of their own voice. The process will establish end result of participants in society as problem solvers. Critically thinking about this process, can leads me to think on the transformative change that can occur in society. By establishing norms at a young age on the importance of solving our own problems, mediation would be conducted at a personal level. At the same time, children will also participate in constant dialogue with reflection and understand the viewpoints of other while in conflict. In conclusion, society has established inequities amongst various cultural groups. Mediation has expressed through out the research differs across the world. Mediators must learn to use key tools to be able and to conduct a space for any individual to feel comfortable and valued in dialogue. Establishing norms of how to deal with conflict resolution at a young age will help establish a community of critical and problem solving thinkers. References Adair, W. L., Brett, J. M. (2005). The Negotiation Dance: Time, Culture, and Behavioral Sequences in Negotiation. Organization Science, 16(1), 33-51. Avruch, K. (2000). Culture and Negotiation Pedagogy. Negotiation Journal, 0, 339-346. Avruch, K. (2003). Type 1 and Type 2 Errors in Culturally Sensitive Conflict Resolution Practice. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 20(3), 351-371. Bluehouse, P., Zion, J. W. (1993). Hozhooji Naaaanii: The Navajo Justice and Harmony Ceremony. Mediation Quarterly, 10(4), 327-337. Brigg, M. (2003). Mediation, Power, and Cultural Difference. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 20(3), 287-306. Callister, R. R., Wall Jr., J. A. (1997). Japanese Community and Organizational Mediation. The Journal of Conflict Resolution, 41(2), 311-327. Callister, R. R., Wall Jr., J. A. (2004). Thai and U.S Mediation. The Journal of Conflict Resolution, 48(4), 573-598. Chew, P. K. (2004). The Pervasiveness of Culture in Conflict. Journal of Legal Education, 54(1), 1-23. Cobb, S. (1993). Empowerment and Mediation. Negotiation Journal, 0, 245-259. Davidheiser, M. (2006). Harmony, Peacemaking and Power: Controlling Process and African Mediation. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 23(3), 281-299. Fisher, R., Ury, W. L., Patton, B. (1991). Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (2 Reprint ed.). Boston: Penguin (Non-Classics). Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the Oppressed (15th ed.). New York: Seabury Press. Frenkel, D. N., Stark, J. H. (2008). The Practice of Mediation: A Video-integrated Text (Pap/DVD ed.). Baltimore: Aspen Publishers, Inc.. Gil, S. P. (1999). Mediation and Communication of Information in the Cultural Interface. AI SOCIETY, 13, 218-234. Gilhooley, J., Scheuch, N. (2000). Using Peer Mediation in Classrooms and Schools: Strategies for Teachers, Counselors, and Administrators (1 ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Goldberg, R. M. (2009). How Our Worldviews Shape Our practice. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 26(4), 405-431. Grose, P. R. (1995). An Indigenous Imperative: The Rationale for the Recognition of Aboriginal Dispute Resolution Mechanism. Mediation Quarterly, 12(4), 327-338. Hedeen, T. (2005). Dialogue and Democracy, Community and Capacity: Lessons for Conflict Resolution Education from Montessori, Dewey, and Freire. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 23(2), 185-202. Irving, H. H., Benjamin, M., San-Pedro, J. (1999). Family Mediation and Cultural Diversity: Mediating with Latino Families. Mediation Quarterly, 16(4), 325-339. LeResche, D. (1992). Comparison of the American Mediation Process with a Korean-American Harmony Restoration. Mediation Quarterly, 9(4), 323-339. Leng, R. J., Raegan, P. M. (2003). Social and Political Cultural Effects on the Outcomes of Mediaiton in militarized Interstate Disputes. International Studies Quarterly, 47, 431-452. Li-On, L. (2009). The Politics of Community mediation: A Study of Community Mediation in Israel. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 26(4), 453-479. Linton, C., Singleton, G. E. (2005). Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Ogawa, N. (1999). The Concept of Face work: Its Functions in the Hawaii Model of Mediation . Mediation Quarterly, 17(1), 5-20. Poitras, J. (2009). What Makes Parties Trust Mediaitors?. Negotiation Journal, 10, 307-325. Shapiro, T. (2004). Great Divides: Readings in Social Inequality in the United States (3 ed.). New York City: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages. Soon, J. J. (1990). Some Guidelines for Mediators of Intercultural Disputes. Negotiation Journal, 0, 383-389. Umbreit, M. S. (1997). Humanistic Mediation: A Transformative Journey of Peacemaking . Mediation Quarterly, 14(3), 201-213. Wing, L. (2009). Mediation and Inequality Reconsidered: Bringing the Discussion to the Table. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 26(4), 383-404. Winslade, J. (2006). Mediation with a focus on Discursive Positioning . Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 23(4), 501-514. Wu, J., Laws, D. (2003). Trust and Other Anxiety in Negotiaiton Dynamic Across boundaries of Self and Culture. Negotiation Journal, 0, 329-367.

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis and her Effect of Race Relations :: Racial Relations

Jackie’s Effect On Race Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis has been placed among saints in Stanley Crouch’s eyes. He associates her with some of the most influential people the world has known. He places her among the ranks of Mahalia Jackson, Bessie Smith, and the Virgin Mary, whom have all had significant effects on race relations. Stanley Crouch grew up in the slum area of Los Angeles, California (Lamb 2). Despite the fact that he is an African American, Stanley fought his way out of poverty to become one of the most famed black jazz critics and foremost authors of many influential speeches and papers. He tells in "Blues for Jackie," how Jackie Kennedy has influenced race relations and the connection she had with the domestics with whom he grew up. It is, in part, because of Jackie and the other individuals with which she is compared, that there are stronger ties between blacks and whites. Without the Jackie Kennedys and Bessie Smiths, the world's pool of racial suppression would be fu ll of sewage. Growing up on the Mississippi River among six siblings, Mahalia Jackson knew what it was like to be racially secluded. She was reared by her father who was a minister and was singing in his choir at the age of five. In her early teen years she worked as a launderer and also as a housekeeper, but she dreamed of one day becoming a nurse ("New" 1). Mahalia began traveling throughout the Midwest to sing at different Baptist Churches. Her popularity began to soar, and she signed a record deal to become "the only Negro whom Negroes have made famous," as the African American press described her ("New" 2). She was inspired by Bessie Smith. When she worked as a servant, she said "when the old people weren’t home and I’d be scrubbin’ the floor, I’d turn on a Bessie Smith record to make the work go faster" ("New" 1). Mahalia would not stop at just being a famous gospel singer. She had her own radio program and television show that aired on CBS. She went on to manage several businesses and become involved in real estate. She preceded Dr. Martin Luther King in the civil rights movement before he gave his famous "I Have A Dream" speech. Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis and her Effect of Race Relations :: Racial Relations Jackie’s Effect On Race Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis has been placed among saints in Stanley Crouch’s eyes. He associates her with some of the most influential people the world has known. He places her among the ranks of Mahalia Jackson, Bessie Smith, and the Virgin Mary, whom have all had significant effects on race relations. Stanley Crouch grew up in the slum area of Los Angeles, California (Lamb 2). Despite the fact that he is an African American, Stanley fought his way out of poverty to become one of the most famed black jazz critics and foremost authors of many influential speeches and papers. He tells in "Blues for Jackie," how Jackie Kennedy has influenced race relations and the connection she had with the domestics with whom he grew up. It is, in part, because of Jackie and the other individuals with which she is compared, that there are stronger ties between blacks and whites. Without the Jackie Kennedys and Bessie Smiths, the world's pool of racial suppression would be fu ll of sewage. Growing up on the Mississippi River among six siblings, Mahalia Jackson knew what it was like to be racially secluded. She was reared by her father who was a minister and was singing in his choir at the age of five. In her early teen years she worked as a launderer and also as a housekeeper, but she dreamed of one day becoming a nurse ("New" 1). Mahalia began traveling throughout the Midwest to sing at different Baptist Churches. Her popularity began to soar, and she signed a record deal to become "the only Negro whom Negroes have made famous," as the African American press described her ("New" 2). She was inspired by Bessie Smith. When she worked as a servant, she said "when the old people weren’t home and I’d be scrubbin’ the floor, I’d turn on a Bessie Smith record to make the work go faster" ("New" 1). Mahalia would not stop at just being a famous gospel singer. She had her own radio program and television show that aired on CBS. She went on to manage several businesses and become involved in real estate. She preceded Dr. Martin Luther King in the civil rights movement before he gave his famous "I Have A Dream" speech.

House Of The Seven Gables :: essays research papers fc

The House of the Seven Gables   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"[The] sympathy or magnetism among human beings is more subtle and universal than we think; it exists, indeed, among different classes of organized life, and vibrates from one to another† (Hawthorne 178). Loosely based on the events of Hawthorne’s own life, The House of the Seven Gables attempts to show the suffering of descendants forced to repent for the sins of their â€Å"father†, while they are unknowingly renewing the curse by nurturing the ancestral greed that has passed through the generations (O’ Connor 6) . Thus the various themes of the novel reflect the central idea of continued sin through the greed and guilt of a declining family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Each generation struggles to escape the sins of the past, only to be thrust forcefully back to face the offenses of their forefathers. The House of the Seven Gables is a tale of loneliness and greed caused by the sin of preceding generations. The opening of the novel is set in puritan times during the Salem witch hunts. The villainous Colonel Pyncheon wrongly accused the innocent Matthew Maule of witchcraft so that the Maule land would fall into the Pyncheon family’s hands. Upon his death, Maule â€Å"addressed [Colonel Pyncheon] from the scaffold, and uttered a prophecy...God will give him blood to drink† (Hawthorne 4-5) . The physical wrongdoing of Colonel Pyncheon against Matthew Maule was avenged at the former’s death, with the curse being fulfilled. However, the essence of the crime lived on through the generations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By chapter two, the focus of the novel has shifted to the modern generations of the Pyncheon family. The family has severely declined since the Colonel’s time, yet the curse of greed is as strong as ever. The remains of the family consist of a decrepit spinster named Hepzibah, now the caretaker of the house of the seven gables; her insane brother Clifford, who was just recently released from prison; their devilish cousin Judge Jaffrey, a man fixated upon his own greed; and their distant cousin Phoebe, the sunny country girl that will be their redemption. Also, the last surviving descendant of the Maule lineage, the handsome Holgrave Maule, resides at the house.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In a compilation by F.O. Matthiessen, it is stated that the â€Å"main theme was not the original curse on the house, but the curse that the Pyncheons have continued to bring upon themselves†. It is not Maule’s death which needs avenging, but the anguish caused by the Pyncheon family’s greed. â€Å"Lust for wealth has held the Pyncheon’ in its inflexible