Thursday, November 28, 2019

Comparison between six sigma and Total Quality Management

Even though six sigma and TQM are efficient apparatus for quality management, they have a number of differences. Six Sigma is a management plan initially designed by Motorola Company to develop the quality of production by recognizing and eliminating causes of failures. It was also designed to reduce inconsistencies in the production process.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Comparison between six sigma and Total Quality Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The process was established by Bill Smith in the early 1920’s. on the other hand, Total Quality Management is a long-term effort made by workers to ensure customer satisfaction. It was developed by Deming, Juran, and Feigenbaum in the early 1920’s. Six sigma is not only designed for quality control, but also to improve customer satisfaction by reducing shortages. It also defines and improves production processes. This management plan can be used to assess the root cause of a setback and establish appropriate solutions. Conversely, TQM applies plan, data, and efficient communications to incorporate quality control into the culture and processes of a company. Six sigma has many methodologies including DMAIC, DMADV, and the 5Whys. A DMAIC plan method has five segments. The first step is the definition of the problem, customers’ demands, and project objectives. The second phase is to measure the main characteristics of the present process and gather relevant information. The third phase of DMAIC is the study of data followed by improving the present process depending on data analysis. The last phase is to control future processes as this will solve any problem which deviates from a company’s target. DMADV project methodology also has five stages. The first phase is to define goals that are in line with the requirements of consumer project strategy. The second phase is to measure and recognize CTQ’s, p roduct potentiality and dangers. Third step involves the analysis to create options. This is followed by designing details which involves the optimization and preparation for design authentication. The last step is to verify the design, execute production procedures, and present it to the proprietors of the process. In TQM, the customer establishes the level of quality. All the workers are also required to take part in the processes aimed at achieving objectives. It majorly focuses on the production thinking. This process involves a planned and systematic approach to attain an organization’s objectives. The main driving force of Total Quality Management is continual process enhancement.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It provides viable solutions for improvement and effective competition. The process of Six Sigma depends on the â€Å"5 Whys.† This exercise star ts with a statement of the setback followed by the identification of the root cause. Arguably, the 5 iterations of â€Å"Why† establishes the main cause of the setback. Six Sigma has a number of functions. For instance, senior managers are accountable for establishing the implementation of Six Sigma objectives. Campaigners jointly implement Six Sigma and provide guidance to black belts. Senior black belts recognized by campaigners provide in-house training on Six Sigma. Therefore, the process provides superior and efficient outcome compared to TQM. The process is also more precise and result oriented than TQM. The other difference is that Six Sigma is more complex than TQM as it requires highly trained personnel. This clearly explains why their trained workers are licensed as â€Å"green belts† or â€Å"black belts† according to their level of competency. In TQM further developments cannot be realized after reaching the saturation point while Six Sigma attains t he saturation level by instigating a next point quality process. This essay on Comparison between six sigma and Total Quality Management was written and submitted by user Bella M. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Women and HIV essays

Women and HIV essays HIV has been a steadily increasing disease in the United States over the last twenty years. In the past year alone two million new women have become infected with the disease while eighteen point five were already carriers. Roughly one point one million women died last year due to this tragic illness. IT is sad to see that the death rate for women is up three percent while it males its currently down by about fifteen percent. Why do we think this is? Many of the new pills and treatments that are being put out on todays market have only been tested on men so that when women go and purchase them for their own use they are proven non effective or leave severe side effects. Women only make up a mere twelve percent of all the clinical trails that are going on while they represent eighteen percent of this epidemic in the United States. Some say that it is easier for a female to go and get herself an ATZ (which is the prevention of transmission to her babies) than it is for her to go out and get herself treatment if she is already infected. In May of 1997 a third national conference was held where about 500 infected women marched for their own awareness. They marched around from lecture to lecture taking over microphones and speaking out to the public. They wanted to know what the government was doing for them? These women wanted to know that if a cure was found was it going to be effective for them because all these clinical trails were not being performed on them. They want a change in the course of the HIV and AIDS research so that their issues will receive equal attention. A woman by the name of Michelle Lopez, a positive AIDS activist talked about how happy she was that her gay brothers were dying at a much slower rate and have an easy access to all these new treatments but at the same time she was very upset that her death rates are going on and dying off faster. She says, What is going on in the w...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Prince Hall Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Prince Hall - Essay Example (Alexander & Rucker 243). Yet, in 1791, through the help of the British order, Hall became North America’s provincial grand master. Through his acquired power, Hall started to approve African American lodges in other cities in the U.S., like Providence, Philadelphia, and New York (Alexander & Rucker 243). The Prince Hall Masonic organizations tried to enhance community, interpersonal, and personal abilities, and to uphold charity, open-mindedness, and promote the wellbeing of all. Immediately after gaining his freedom, Hall had become a militant and visionary almost soon after as he, together with others, lobbied the Massachusetts Colonial Legislature, encouraging them to abolish slavery in the state. Hall passed away in 1807 and by that time African Masonic groups were spread all over cities in the Midwest and the Northeast, and numerous strong organizations were formed in the Upper South (Alexander & Rucker 243-4). Numerous black lodges were informally called Prince Hall organizations throughout Hall’s

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Delegation Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Delegation Paper - Essay Example However, there has been a significant transformation in management style and approach of MGM Transport's managers. After attending a management seminar, most of the managers adapted a new way of dealing with their team members or subordinates most especially in the manner the delegated tasks to their subordinates. Delegation in MGM Transport is now all about asking questions and hearing out what the employees have to say regarding specific concerns. Managers in the company now place more value on what the employees have to say. So before they dish out orders left and right, the managers consult their people, ask them questions, and make them give their suggestions as to how the issue will be solved. As early as the planning stages, the managers now involve their team members. The plan of action which used to be the responsibility of the manager has now become collaboration between the manager and the employees. A specific instance that will demonstrate how such delegation process occurs in MGM is when the issue of the need to expand the company's less-than-a-truckload (LTL) services. John Adams, a member of the sales team, was tasked to study the need to expand the company's LTL services and which regions or areas must be considered. Before coming up with any decision or plan of action, John called for a meeting with his team. He told them of the situation and asked them what they have to say about it. Adams asked them for suggestion as to how to proceed with the task. When everyone had said their piece, John and his team worked out a plan that will resolve the issue at hand. By involving his team in the planning process, John was able to eliminate possible misunderstandings that commonly occur when the team members do not have sufficient knowledge or background on the task that needs to be done. It was only after the consultation process did John divide the tasks among the team members. E ach member was assigned to do things that fit into his area of expertise the best. No one person was given too much or too little duties. Delegation in MGM used to be a big concern and a weakness of the managers. However, this has greatly changed. Today, delegation has been utilized by MGM managers as an effective tool that will increase the productivity of the company. II. Delegation in Other Areas and Activities The case of MGM Transport demonstrates a situation wherein delegation was effectively used in the planning stage. Delegation, however, is applicable not just to the planning phase. Delegation can be used in several other phases and stages in an organization. There are various ways by which delegation can be valuable to an organization and the various processes embedded in its operations. As seen in the example of MGM, delegating in planning requires the involvement of key employees whose skills and capabilities are necessary for the resolution of a particular issue. When in the planning process, it is vital for the manager to be aware of the various perspectives and points of view of an issue. Moreover, any manager in any organization would want that he would have as much suggestions and ideas from as many angles and sides when he makes decisions on certain issues. It is in this case wherein delegation can ease the planning process. Not only will delegation reduce the pressure on the

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Thrmodynamecs Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Thrmodynamecs - Coursework Example The coolant that is in liquid form gets into the expansion valve is shown by 1. There is a sudden decline in pressure that causes the liquid to expand cool and vaporize into gas as it advances to the inner compartment of the fridge. There is a round pipe buried at the back wall of the fridge through which the liquid passes, and this chiller cabinet serves an important role of absorbing heat from the food inside the compartments. This is true according Kelvin-Planck law that states that heat transfer occurs from a region of high temperature to the region of low temperature. This law accounts for limitations of the first law of thermodynamics for failing to give the direction of heat flow. The part labeled 3 represents the compressor whose purpose is to convert the coolant into a hot high-pressure gas. This compressor squeezes the coolant raising its temperature and pressure (Serway, Faughn, & Vuille, 2009). The coolant passes through thin radiator pipes at the back of the fridge repre sented by the part labeled 4. In this radiators, most of the heat in the fluid is given out and cools back into a liquid as it advances to the next level. It is equally important to notice that Kelvin-Planck law requires that heat transfer should occur from a warmer to a cooler environment. The liquid then passes through an insulated cabinet to the expansion valve back to the reservoir, and the whole process repeats over and again. Eventually, all the heat in the compartments containing food or beverages is completely extracted resulting to temperatures that are too low for invasion of bacteria that causes decomposition of food (Serway, Faughn, & Vuille, 2009). The objective of a refrigerator is to remove heat from a cold medium. On the other hand, the objective of the heat pumps is to take energy from a cold source. Then transfer it to a hot source for purposes of raising the temperature of the part or

Friday, November 15, 2019

Threat Of New Entrants To A Marke

Threat Of New Entrants To A Marke The Volkswagen brand is no stranger to Malaysians. Generations of Malaysians have grown up with their own or someone elses Volkswagen Beetle occupying a place of affection in their hearts and life stories. Till today, this hallmark of the Volkswagen brands lasting quality and distinct character continues to enjoy a faithful following even as newer models from Volkswagen have started to spark off their own groups of fans in the country. Volkswagen (VW) is a German automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. Volkswagen is the original and top-selling marque of the Volkswagen Group, the biggest German automaker and the second biggest automaker in the world. Volkswagen Group Malaysia was officially launched in Malaysia on 16 February 2006, with the Corporate Headquarters situated in Wisma Volkswagen, Bangsar. From here, it will control marketing, sales and after sales to cater and fulfil the Malaysian customers wishes for individual mobility in all situatio ns of life. Task 1 Give a meaningful definition of the context of business strategy and discuss the companys external environment using Porters 5 Forces and PEST analysis. 2.1) Porters 5 Forces In 1980, the Porter 5 Forces was originated from Michael E. Porters book competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitor. This model is frequently used by company for analyzing a companys industry structure and its corporate strategy. Porter identified 5 competitive forces that shape every single industry and market. These forces help the company to analyze everything from the intensity of competition to the profitability and attractiveness of an industry. The 5 forces of the model are, threat of new entrants to a market, bargaining power of supplier, bargaining power of customers, threat of substitute product and degree of competitive rivalry. 2.1.1) Threat of new entrants to a market The new entrants are difficult to move into this automobiles aspect. This is because in this aspect, Volkswagen is a well-established brand that everybody knows. I can sure that not everybody saw the Volkswagen car before but everybody heard and knows this well-known brand. Besides that, automobiles are not a common technology that every country can do it. On top of this, Volkswagen is a very good quality product and only the patented or proprietary know the technology. If want to come out a good quality luxury car is need the high capital requirement. There are not all the new companies have the high capital requirement and the resources to come out a new brand of luxury car. The new entrant difficult to enter in this aspect is because they need to achieve the economies of scale for acceptable unit cost of the luxury car. So that, new entrant to this market is not a threat for the existing luxury car company. 2.1.2) Bargaining Power of Supplier The bargaining power of supplies meant the more powerful seller is relative to the buyer, the more influence the seller has. This influence can be used to reduce the profits of the buyer through more advantageous pricing, limiting quality of the product or service, or shifting some costs onto the buyer. If there are only one supplier or very less supplier in this market, the suppliers will have the more leverage. This is because of the lack of available alternative. The same thing, if there have a lot of the supplier in this market, this will cause the competition among the supplier. So that the supplier have less leverage. Besides that, the significant costs also involved in switching suppliers. The customers would not switch the supplier if there are large costs associated with switching. This is because the customer may have to buy a new machine or a new software to run out the new resources. If the supplier have the power or threatens to forward integrate, the customers may be fo rced to accept influence from the supplier. Volkswagen is a very popular company and it has to buy a lot of raw material from different supplier such as Air Cooler Engineering, Bus Boys, DPR Machine Shop, Just Kampers and more. (Volkswagen Supplier, 2013) Volkswagen is a very good buyer because they paid the debts on time and do not has any conflict with the suppliers. 2.1.3) Bargaining Power of Buyer If there are only have very little of customers in the market, the customers will have more leverage because of the increased reliance on the income stream. A customer consumes a significant amount of output will increase the bargaining power of buyer. The seller will do more for one buyer to keep them as a customer, if a customer buys a significant amount of the output from the seller. This is because the buying power, the customers holds the upper hand over suppliers and is able to influence the suppliers price. The customers possess the power to buy seller or rival. If the customer have so large power, it may choose backward integrate and the seller will loses influence. But the fragmented customer base allows more leeway for a supplier to ignore difficult customer request. Volkswagen has a very good after sales service to its customers and it also built a good relationship with all the customers. So in this factor, Volkswagen is difficult to get effected. 2.1.4) Threat of substitute product or services. Substitute product meant that a product that performs the same or similar function as another product. Normally the substitutes product have an attractive price. Besides that, increasing the quality of the substitute product will increase the pressure of the man product. Low switching cost to consumer also will affect the sale for the Volkswagen Company. The switching coat to consumers can come in the form of monetary costs or lifestyle switching costs. For example, the nation will switch their lifestyle from driving a car to taking public transport. Monetary costs effectively increase the price of the substitute product. There are a lot of automobile company, but Volkswagen has a very strong Research and Development and it always upgrade their quality 2.1.5) Competitive Rivalry among Existing Firms. Competitive rivalry among industry can affect the industry profit through downward pressure on prices, increase innovation, increase advertising, increase customer service or product improvement among others. The large number of firms will increase the competitive rivalry among existing include. If there are a lot of the firms within an industry, there is increased competitive for the same customer and the product resources. When an industry is growing rapidly, firms are able to increase profits because of the expanding industry. If the industries fixed costs are high, the firms will compete to gain the largest amount of market share possible to cover the fixed costs. In addition, the product and services are identical or lower switching cost will encourages price competition to gain market share. High fixed cost and low marginal cost will encourage competitors to cut prices below their average cost to recoup some of their fixed cost. The capital must be expended in large increments to be efficient. 2.2) P.E.S.T analysis. In Malaysia, we have our own automobile industry which is Proton. The government of Malaysia want to protect the local automobile industry, the come out the policy that increase the taxes for the imported car. So that the price for Volkswagen will increase in Malaysia. The road tax to be directly linked to amount of emissions from next year. Besides that, the economics of Malaysia have slightly increase 6.4 % in the fourth quarter 2012. (Department of statistic, Malaysia, 2013). This is a good news for Volkswagen Company because this meant that the economics of Malaysia increase and more people can afford to buy luxury cars. On top of this, the price of the fuel will affect the cost and the reflect on the price of automobiles, so that may change the customer behaviour toward some features of automobile such like the cheaper local car. To overcome this problem, Volkswagen had come out the lower price car to the medium upper income population. Different country have their own different cultural. Volkswagen will slightly affect because the negative customers perception toward Skoda brand because of bad images about automobiles industry in Eastern Europe countries. Malaysia is a developing country, the increasing in population make the government to redesign their public transport and the traffic. This will affect the sales in the country. Technology can increase the quality of the Volkswagen car and also will increase the sales of the Volkswagen. The high technology can improve the safety of the Volkswagen car. For example, they can put on the airbag for the passenger and more. Task 2 Discuss the companys internal environment using value chain analysis and SWOT analysis. 3.1) SWOT analysis SWOT analysis is to analyse the companys overall strength, weakness, opportunity and threats. Strength include internal capabilities, resources and positive situational factor that may help the company to serve its customers and achieve its objectives. Weakness include internal limitations and negative situational factors that may interfere with the companys performance. Opportunities are favourable factors or trends in the external environment that the company may be able to exploit to its advantage. Threats are unfavourable external factors or trends that may present challenges to performance. SWOT Analysis of Volkswagen Strength Strong brand portfolio R D strong Robust production capabilities Weakness Bad image Low market share poor cash flow Not environment friendly Opportunities Potential country Built the image Environment friendly. Threats Competitor Government policy Increase price of fuel 3.1.1) Strength Volkswagen having a very strong brand portfolio. Volkswagen operates in 153 countries worldwide and was the third auto manufacturer in 2012, down from the 1st place in 2011. The company manufactures its car in 100 plants in Europe, north and South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Except General Motor and Toyota, they do not have other automobile company is capable to compete with Volkswagen in term of global presence. Besides that, Volkswagen also not just consist of automobiles that are stamped with the name Volkswagen. Volkswagen Company also control around 10 automobile brands such as Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Skoda and other commercial vehicle. There seems to be a general consensus among the car buyer that all of these brands are at the very least, quality automobiles. So that, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Bentley and Porsche are even considered the pinnacle of luxury. This the strength of the Volkswagen, they have the very strong brand portfolio and it allow s other brand to focus on and cater to various market segments. They capturing the profit from a wide variety of consumers, without cannibalizing their main and original brand name. Besides that, Volkswagen Company benefits from the synergy created between all separate automotive brands. All separate companies share a part of research and development and servicing cost, learns from each other best practices and shares distribution channel. So that, Volkswagen have the strong focus on research and development. In 2008, Volkswagen won the Best Innovator competition, focussing on the technology for its driver assistance programs. A fantastic example for model of Volkswagen Jetta. Upon severe impact or accident, the vehicle will not only deploy the air bags but also will automatically active the hazard light, shut off the fuel pump, unlock the car doors and roll down the windows. These factors together are original innovative and even potentially lifesaving for the drivers. Volkswagen a lso have a robust product capabilities. Volkswagen produces cars in cost effective manner, close to their target market throughout the world. The manufactures of the company is in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. Such a big company is not hard for you to imagine how they are able to reach so many customers worldwide. On top of this, their factories are very efficient and highly automated. (Volkswagen, The Group, 2013) 3.1.2) Weakness In 1993, Pià «ch become the chairman and CEO of Volkswagen, which he is credited with turning into the large conglomerate it is today. Volkswagen is suffering the bad image after the Pià «ch joined the Volkswagen Company. Pià «ch have the bad image of its management department even though they have done an incredible work; Pià «ch has no a good relation skills especially with all the press. They have the same problem inside the company, due Pià «ch has put his own team in place when he arrived and he firing all the potential employees who against him. Pià «ch had blurs the line between his family interests and those of Volkswagen. Volkswagen have the weak position in the America passenger car market. In 2012, Volkswagen had only 5 % market share in the America passenger car market. America is the second largest automobile market in the world and weak Volkswagens position there result in comparably lower sales. (Sales and share of total market by manufacturer, 2013) Volkswagen i s known for being generous with the credit, which it extends to first time car buyers. The company prides itself on its sign and drive events, requiring a 0 down payment it would make sense that Volkswagen would be a popular choice among car buyers with low or not credit. It should be no surprise to Volkswagen that they are having issues with their cash flow. Perhaps they should revaluate, or find a way to manage their current offers more effectively. Besides that, most of the car produced by Volkswagen are not environment friendly. Volkswagen owns three sport car brand Porsche, Lamborghini and Bugatti that emit high amount of carbon dioxide and are fuel inefficient. Volkswagen group is strongly opposing to legislation requiring tighter regulation on carbon dioxide emission and energy efficiency as their cars are not as fuel-efficient and environment friendly as their competitors. (Volkswagen, The Group, 2013) 3.1.3) Opportunities Volkswagen has a very huge potential market in India and China. Volkswagen makes most of its money from its compact, efficient and stylish Goft. Volkswagen views this as the future of its sales in China and India, where smaller car seems to be more popular than large gas guzzles. If Volkswagen can continue to cheaply produce this quality model in India and China, effective marketing in those countries could give the company increase the sales in worldwide. For example, Volkswagen had come out 2 model of smaller car with cheaper price that can afford the medium income group in Malaysia. These 2 model of Volkswagens car are Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen Polo. On the other hand, Volkswagen can change or reengineering their product to fulfil the customer needs. Nowadays, everyone is talking about the green technology, so that Volkswagen could introduce more fuel-efficient models that emit much. Less carbon dioxide across all its automobile brands, thus meeting the new customer needs ab out the environment friendly cars and increase brand reputation. Volkswagen must have positive attitude towards green vehicles. Cars that emit large quantities of carbon dioxide and fuel inefficient cars pollute air and negatively affect the environment. Consumers are aware of this negative impact and are more positive to green vehicles that emit much less carbon dioxide and are fuel -efficient. If Volkswagen can produce more hybrid car, this will indirectly build up the image of the company. On top of this, this will also increase the sale of the Volkswagen Company. (Volkswagen, The Group, 2013) 3.1.4) Threats Since Volkswagen only have little model of the hybrid car, so that the price of fuel will directly affect the sales of the company. Nowadays, most of the people purchase the hybrid car or the car can save petrol due to the high price of petrol fuel. So that the increasing for the price of the petrol fuel is a threat for the Volkswagen Company. Besides that, the political issue also is a threat for the Volkswagen Company. A very good example is the country of Malaysia. Malaysia has their own automobile industry, the Malaysias government want to protect the domestic industry from foreign automobile. Due to this factor, Malaysias government has increased the taxes of the imported car for the sake of domestic industry. The population of Malaysia will choose the local car instead of the imported car due to the pricing factor. Competitor also the threat of the Volkswagen. Although Volkswagen has a very strong brand portfolio and strong research and development, but they also have the very strong competitor such as Toyota and General Motor. The product that produce by this 2 company have the standard of quality and lower cost. Besides that, they also have the high automobile technology and environment friendly. This will directly affect the Volkswagen Company and they are a threats. (Volkswagen, The Group, 2013) 3.2) Value Chain analysis.http://www.provenmodels.com/files/2825c320f5910a4647fd289cdcf5a780/value_chain_analysis.gif Value chain is a chain of activities that a firm operating in a specific industry performs in order to deliver a valuable product or service for the market. This model allows defining company core competences by analysing primary activates for instance: Inbound logistics, Operations, Outbound logistics, Marketing and Sales. Moreover model takes into consideration also Support activities like Procurement, Technology development, Human Resource Management and Firm infrastructure. It is a helpful tool to find company strength and weakness on internal level. 3.2.1) Firm Infrastructure Volkswagen Company is managed by the Board of management. Board of Management is issued by the Supervisory Board which consists of 20 people including chairman, top managers and shareholders. Top managers are elected by workforce and their role is to secure Volkswagen business areas and make sure that the company is on the right way of business. Volkswagen Company has all possible department including procurement, logistic, production facilities, research and development, human resource management, marketing, sales, advertising and services. Taking everything to the consideration, Volkswagen controls almost all the section within starting from gathering raw materials then production and finishing on sales or advertising of ready product. Company will focuses on instant improvement and wants to come out the newest technology available for customers. After sales garages help to maintain car in good shape and provides original parts and lastly broad Human Recourses department counts on people in the entire process. 3.2.2) Human Resources This section describes Volkswagen approach to employees, motivation, expectations and what company can offer. To start with Volkswagen is aware that people create big companies. They are vital part of it and fundamental basis. Company has 513,000 employees around whole world, but almost half of them work in Germany. Firm seek for a people who can give best performance out of them, but still maintain demand and ability called flow-channel as it gives best results and performance to allow company boost up. Cooperation and leading by example is another aspect of Human resources department in Volkswagen. Principle says: Lead, Demand and Promote which means in order to achieve success company need to have stable cooperation between different departments for instance management and workforce. (Volkswagen Human Resources, 2013) 3.2.3) Technology Development This section is describes processes within the Research and Development and the strategies with it. As it was stated earlier, Volkswagen focuses on constant improvement. Company believes that through innovation process it is possible to make cars safer, more reliable and efficient. Volkswagen continue to develop new technologies, as an example could be downsizing all turbocharged TDI (Turbo-Direct-Injection) diesel and TSI (The Spark-Injection) petrol engines, but still remaining performance and improving ecology and economic of products offered. BlueMotion Technologies engines still are being improved, so we can expect more efficient power units in future. Another example could be assistance services like Park Assist which makes car automatically seeking for the space to park and park afterwards. Lane Assist keep car on the same lane on highway. Coming/leaving home will keep a light around the car after leaving it or before entering. All the examples are shown only significant examp les and burden of proof that company really bet on technology and keep it as a key factor to overcome competitors and bring new customers. (Technology of Volkswagen, 2013) 3.2.4) Procurement Purchasing function is dealt by purchasing department. As it was stated in Inbound Logistics section Volkswagen has to secure continuity of whole production and entire value chain model. To do so it is necessary to keep strict control and monitoring process of getting raw materials like steel, plastic, rubber, lithium and aluminium. To do so company invented Central Procurement and Treasury System in 2007 to ensure if all resources are actually available to acquire to make sure that none of the factories suddenly will stop production process. System also looks for alternative sources where resources can be obtained. Moreover, location of factors makes an impact on procurement. 3.2.5) Inbound Logistics In the general automobile industry, most of the company is mainly using materials like steel, plastic and copper. By time going and constant innovation process and ecology care make this materials gets slowly substitute by other materials like aluminium, lithium and even cobalt. Volkswagen do not owe any mining subsidiaries therefore is addicted to supplier. To secure production continuity company has to secure process of getting raw materials. So that German manufacturer come out with raw materials strategy. This includes IT system and they named it Central Procurement and Treasury System. 3.2.6) Operation An operation is the process of putting raw materials together and producing the final product. Volkswagen operations process takes place in factories that company possesses. There are more than 94 production facilities in different locations. Volkswagen Company believe in systematic localization so production plants can handle themselves the value added process. This process of international outsourcing allows to reduce the currency risks, transport and duties. Different production facilities focus on producing various car or separated models. 3.2.7) Outbound Logistics This section is focusing on delivering product to the retailers, outlets, stores and more. It is important to state that company has own logistics department called Volkswagen Logistics which deliver product to Volkswagen outlets. As it was stated before different production facilities produces various parts and models. From those facilities cars are ready to be transport in to outlets. Volkswagen logistics uses mainly road transport and big trucks to transport ready to use products. 3.2.8) Marketing and sales Marketing and sales describes pricing, promotion and selling the final product within value chain. Volkswagen makes adverts sport independently. Usually spots describe specific product or new technology invented to the car. They are advertising on TV station, internet website, YouTube and more. Social services where Volkswagen exists like Facebook and Twitter allow users to share experience with Volkswagen brand. This is a great tools to create a relationship or brand loyalty with actual customer and acquire new one. 3.2.9) Service This section describes aftersales services and hotline. To start with Volkswagen produce original spare parts for own cars. Customer can order it through website or local dealer. It is a great advantage because no misunderstanding appears comparing to ordering car parts by customer who do not know so much about cars. Another thing is that original Volkswagen services are located in most cases next to local dealers network. Basically after ordering a spare part it can be mounted into the car directly afterwards by specialist crew. Garages are located next to saloons, it is easy way for customers to find a best place to service a car due to staff that knows models. In the other hand it brings additional funds for the company and it is also a best way to collect primary data as staff can also make survey among users of Volkswagen. Products offered by company have also a guarantee period, when can be serviced under Volkswagen garages. Task 3 Review the existing strategy or strategy practised by this company and propose a better strategy for this company based on available option. 4.1) Business strategy A firms relative position within its industry determines whether a firms profitability is above or below the industry average. The fundamental basis of above average profitability in the long run is sustainable competitive advantages. Michael Porter devised two type of competitive advantage; low cost and differentiation. Low cost as the name implies, involves the organisation using low price as their strategy for competitive advantages. Cost leadership is a strategy where the organisation competes on price, rather than quality or advanced features. Economies of scale are needed with this strategy and organisations opting for this need to ensure they are efficient and keep their operating costs at a minimum. A low cost strategy does not guarantee a competitive advantages, customers also have to regard the product and service as representing value for money. Differentiation involves the organisation making the product or service concerned somehow special in the market like making it st and out from the competitive in some way, making it special, distinctive, unique rather than low cost. Differentiation is a strategy where the organisation offers a product or service that somehow quite distinct from its competitor. Again the customer has to value the distinct element of difference. Volkswagen as it German translation is mean people car, continue to make car affordable for everybody. Even though competition in automotive sector is relative high and tough, company put efforts to maintain the idea and keep product in affordable and competitive price. But in the same time Volkswagen keeps improving actual products and applies process of instant innovation. New technologies, more efficient engines and completely unique assistance systems are only significant examples of implementing differentiation leader approach. Another thing that needs to be taken to the consideration is existence in many markets. Volkswagen as an international company focuses to keep their products available everywhere in the world by overcoming many cultural barriers. Therefore company uses broad market scope. Due to broad portfolio German car manufacturer can meet demand of all customers. Potential customer has variety of choice between many product and options offered by Volkswagen for insta nce interior version, capacity and type of engine and extra equipment. Volkswagen differentiates from other competitors by having long developed value chain including after sales services and financial consultancy due to Volkswagen Bank and Volkswagen Financial Services. It also has an impact on automotive market, because there are many other car companies that can provide car from same sectors. High rivalry in the industries keeps all mayor players under pressure. From the above business strategy we can know that the strategy Volkswagen Company used is the differentiation strategy in porters generic competitive strategies. Of cause, Volkswagen Company can continue using the same strategy and it will increase in sale and profit. But a strategy cannot last for long time and it must be change according to the time and the position of the company. (Volkswagen Strategy,2013) So that, to bring the company to a better future and increase the profit and the sale. The Volkswagen Company has to come out the new strategy to change the previous strategy if it is not work. Volkswagen can change their current different strategy to focus strategy. In my opinion, Volkswagen Company can focuses on positioning the Volkswagen as a global economic and environmental leader among automobile manufacturers. They can define some goal that are intended to make Volkswagen the most successful and fascinating automobile in the world in the future. Volkswagen can deploy intelligent innovations and technologies to become a world leader in customer satisfaction and quality. The Volkswagen can also set a target for its sale every year. For example set a goal to increase unit sales more than 10 million vehicles per year. At the same time, this also can help Volkswagen to capture an above average share of the development of the major growth markets. The Volkswagen has to aim to becom e the top employer across all brand, companies and regions and to build up a first class team. Volkswagen can focus in particular on the environmentally friendly orientation and profitability of their vehicle project so that the Volkswagen has the right products for success even in more challenging economic condition. At the same time, this will mean that capital expenditure remains at manageable levels. On top of this, Volkswagen can expand the customer base by acquiring new, satisfied customers around the world. In addition, Volkswagen can aim to increase satisfaction among their existing customers. Volkswagen shall continue the measures they are currently taking to improve their productivity and quality regardless of the economic situation and without any time limit. Conclusion The business environment is a very important subject to learn. This will help company to analyse the competitor strategy and their own company strategy. On top of this, business environment can help the company to look into their company problem not only from one side but with another view. After analyse the problem, the company can come out the solution to solve the problem. Besides that, this will also help the company to come up the new idea to the company and gain profit and sales. The company also can come out the new vision, mission and goal after analysing the business strategy and bring the company to a better future.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Analysis of Cesar Vallejos Poem, Our Daily Bread (Translated by James Wright) :: Religion

Analysis of Cesar Vallejo's Poem, Our Daily Bread (Translated by James Wright) I was in a turmoil when I read and reread "Our Daily Bread." This poem has a lot of emotions involved in it. Feelings of hunger, sadness, anger, guilt, and warmth are felt through out the poem. In the first stanza, the speaker sets the scene with "Damp earth of the cemetery," "City of winter," "mordant crusade." Especially when the speaker speaks of "the fragrance of the precious blood," we feel coldness, loneliness and death. All through this poem, the speaker uses symbols to connect us with Jesus. The "precious blood" is a symbol of Jesus giving his life for us. If you look at it in a different way, the precious blood is the blood that drips down from Jesus' forehead from the crown of thorns. The phrase "and emotion of fasting that cannot get free" represents hunger and death. The meaning behind "I wish I could beat on all the doors, and ask for somebody" -- if we think of the narrator as Jesus's voice -- is that Jesus wishes he could have reached more people who were in need. "Look at the poor, and, while they wept softly" is surely an emotion of guilt that he didn't reach as many people as he wanted to. Then he goes on with feeding the poor: "give bits of fresh bread." He turns his guilt to anger toward the rich by saying he would "plunder the rich of their vineyards." Other symbols of Jesus dying for us is the blood and wine that our sins may be forgiven. The speaker uses "two blessed hands" -- Jesus's hands as they nailed him to the cross. "Blasted the nails with one blow of light" represents Jesus's crucifixion. As they nailed him to the cross, it grew dark, and his holy spirit "flew away from the Cross!" up to the heavens. The speaker returns to the crucifixion with the phrase "every bone in me belongs to others." This is a symbol of Jesus dying for us. "Maybe I robbed them," he says. Jesus feels that he did not achieve his purpose as he continues: "I start to think that, if I had not been born, another poor man could have drunk this coffee." "I feel like a dirty thief." This phrase conveys Jesus's feelings of betrayal that he robbed us by not fulfilling his goals.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Research: Critical Thinking and Argument

Leslie Winkle Nicole Fewins March 15, 2010 Case 3 1) Why is it important for your research investigation that you be critical when reviewing the literature? It is important to be critical when reviewing literature in order to find information that is going to be useful for the argument. Being critical of the information and different pieces of literature that you find is going to be the key to becoming educated on the topic and will help to develop a well rounded understanding of the information. Finding well researched documents will also help in the development of the research question.By finding several sources of literature to be reviewed, the writer will be able to support his or her argument more effectively because they will have more evidence to support their argument. 2) What might Sarah’s project tutor mean by suggesting that a critical literature review should be ‘balanced’? Sarah’s project tutor wants her to have a balanced literature review. Wh en referring to a ‘balanced’ literature review, he means that the final project should show both sides of the argument to a certain degree. There is not a way to discuss a topic critically and have it be only a one sided argument.The writer, in this case Sarah, needs to show the alternative side to her argument, and why some may believe that she is not correct. By being able to challenge the argument and still prove why her argument is a better solution her paper will be more persuasive. 3) What does Sarah need to do to develop a literature review which is sufficiently critical, yet also sufficiently balanced? Sarah’s research needs to be critical to help prove her argument. It also has to be balanced in a way that does not confuse the reader of what her argument is.Sometimes balanced literature reviews do not sufficiently support the argument. Instead, they merely discuss the pros and cons of the issue. Sarah’s first two drafts of her literature review we re not balanced. The first one did not show the alternative to her argument. And the second draft was too critical, in that it did not prove her argument. A balanced piece of work will highlight reasons that support the question or thesis, while still showing alternatives to the argument. This shows both sides of the argument while emphasizing reasons why the writer’s opinion is the optimal one.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Free Essays on Mark Twain

â€Å"It is noble to be good; it is still nobler to teach others to be good- and less trouble.† – Mark Twain Mark Twain (1835-1910), was the literary alias of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, considered to be one of the founding authors of American fiction. Mark Twain did not only write novels, but travel narratives, short stories, , and essays. Considered to be one of the greatest humorists in American literature, his works about living on the Mississippi river include The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In writing this paper I intend to inform as well as prove Mark Twain’s impact on our culture as a whole, and his influence on American Literature as we know it. Mark Twain was born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. In 1839 when he was only four years old, Mark’s family moved a short ways to Hannibal, Missouri, which was at the time a small village along the Mississippi river. It was there that young Mark witnessed first hand the excitement of the colorful steamboats docked at the town dwarf. From these boats came comedians, singers, gamblers, swindlers, slave traders, and all of the other river travelers that the Mississippi had to offer. Mark Twain gained his first literary experience when he went to work for a printing firm in Hannibal after his father died in debt in 1847. While writing for the Hannibal Journal Mark contributed reports, poems, and sketches. What is remarkable is that working for the newspaper was Mark’s only literary training, because he did not receive any formal schooling. In 1853 Twain left Hannibal, and spent the next four years of his life traveling the eastern part of the country, working at printing shops as he went to support himself. He enjoyed the river so much that in 1857 Mark Twain became a riverboat captain. It was while working in this profession that Mark was exposed to all the people that the river had to of... Free Essays on Mark Twain Free Essays on Mark Twain Analysis of Mark Twain and Social Criticism in ‘Huckleberry Finn’ and ‘Tom Sawyer’ In Mark Twain’s two major works, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and its sequel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, he develops and displays humor by concealing such humor within deeper, darker modes, ultimately producing a satire of the region in which he lived. Examined within this paper are the methods that Twain uses to conceal his satire within the above two novels. The majority of his points are made using humor, but he also takes advantage of the use of southwestern dialect and Huck Finn’s childlike innocence. Much of the content of the two novels involves the region in which Twain lived as well as certain places or events in his lifetime. The aspects of his past that lead to his writing style as well as his life on the Mississippi is discussed as far as is relevant to support the thesis. The information gathered to research the satirical aspect of Twain’s writing is primarily in the form of books. The research revealed his novels were deeply influenced by Twain’s past. His nature causes him to write in the manner he does. In his past, people tried to stifle his creative mind, and as a result his works are have their most important meanings hidden below the surface. This tendency is almost instinctive. In conclusion, this entire paper may violate Twain’s notice in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in that it attempts to find a motive, a moral, and a plot in the narrative; and it may lead its author to be subject to prosecution, banishment, and/or shooting. However, the novel is perhaps the best of it’s kind, and even in it’s warning it suggests a deeper meaning to the entire book. But like the warning, if one reads the book and accepts it at face value, they will miss out on Twain’s intentions. â€Å"There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind- the humorous...† - Mark Twain In M... Free Essays on Mark Twain â€Å"It is noble to be good; it is still nobler to teach others to be good- and less trouble.† – Mark Twain Mark Twain (1835-1910), was the literary alias of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, considered to be one of the founding authors of American fiction. Mark Twain did not only write novels, but travel narratives, short stories, , and essays. Considered to be one of the greatest humorists in American literature, his works about living on the Mississippi river include The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In writing this paper I intend to inform as well as prove Mark Twain’s impact on our culture as a whole, and his influence on American Literature as we know it. Mark Twain was born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. In 1839 when he was only four years old, Mark’s family moved a short ways to Hannibal, Missouri, which was at the time a small village along the Mississippi river. It was there that young Mark witnessed first hand the excitement of the colorful steamboats docked at the town dwarf. From these boats came comedians, singers, gamblers, swindlers, slave traders, and all of the other river travelers that the Mississippi had to offer. Mark Twain gained his first literary experience when he went to work for a printing firm in Hannibal after his father died in debt in 1847. While writing for the Hannibal Journal Mark contributed reports, poems, and sketches. What is remarkable is that working for the newspaper was Mark’s only literary training, because he did not receive any formal schooling. In 1853 Twain left Hannibal, and spent the next four years of his life traveling the eastern part of the country, working at printing shops as he went to support himself. He enjoyed the river so much that in 1857 Mark Twain became a riverboat captain. It was while working in this profession that Mark was exposed to all the people that the river had to of... Free Essays on Mark Twain Mark Twain Twain, Mark (1835-1910), was the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, one of the major authors of American fiction. Twain is also considered the greatest humorist in American literature. Twain's varied works include novels, travel narratives, short stories, sketches, and essays. His writings about the Mississippi River, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, have been especially popular among modern readers. Early life Boyhood. Mark Twain was born on Nov. 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. In 1839, his family moved to Hannibal, Missouri, a village on the Mississippi River. Here the young Twain experienced the excitement of the colorful steamboats that docked at the town wharf, bringing comedians, singers, gamblers, swindlers, slave dealers, and assorted other river travelers. Twain also gained his first experience in a print shop in Hannibal. After his father died in debt in 1847, Twain went to work for a newspaper and printing firm. In 1851, he began assisting his older brother Orion in the production of a newspaper, the Hannibal Journal. Twain contributed reports, poems, and humorous sketches to the Journal for several years. Like many American authors of his day, Twain had little formal education. Instead of attending high school and college, he gained his education in print shops and newspaper offices. Travels. In 1853, Twain left Hannibal, displaying the yearning for travel that he would experience throughout his life. He stayed briefly in cities such as St. Louis, New York City, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati, working for low wages in print shops. He then traveled to Keokuk, Iowa, to assist his brother with more printing business. In 1857, Twain made plans to travel to South America, and in April of that year, he started down the Mississippi River toward New Orleans. At this point, he made a decision with important consequences for his l...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Biography of Norman Rockwell, American Painter

Biography of Norman Rockwell, American Painter Norman Rockwell was an American painter and illustrator best-known for his  Saturday Evening Post  covers. His paintings depict real American life, filled with humor, emotion, and memorable faces. Rockwell shaped the face of illustration in the mid-20th century and with his prolific body of work, its no wonder hes called Americas Artist. Dates:  February 3, 1894–November 8, 1978 Rockwells Family Life Norman Perceval Rockwell was born in New York City in 1894. His family moved to New Rochelle, New York in 1915. By that time, at age  21, he already had a foundation for his art career. He married Irene OConnor in 1916, though they would divorce in 1930. That same year, Rockwell married a school teacher named Mary Barstow. They had three sons together, Jarvis, Thomas, and Peter and in 1939, they moved to Arlington, Vermont. It was here that he got a taste for the iconic scenes of small-town life that would make up much of his signature style. In 1953, the family moved a final time to Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Mary passed away in 1959. Two years later, Rockwell would marry for the third time. Molly Punderson was a retired teacher and the couple remained together in Stockbridge until Rockwells  death in 1978. Rockwell, The Young Artist An admirer of Rembrandt, Norman Rockwell had a dream of being an artist. He enrolled in  several art schools, starting with The New York School of Art  at 14 before moving on to The National Academy of Design when he was just 16. It wasnt long before he moved on to The Arts Students League.   It was during his studies with Thomas Fogarty (1873–1938) and George Bridgman (1865–1943) that the young artists path became defined. According to the Norman Rockwell Museum, Fogarty showed Rockwell the ways of being a successful illustrator and Bridgman helped him out with his technical skills. Both of these would become important elements in Rockwells work. It did not take long for Rockwell to start working commercially. In fact, he was published many times while still a teenager. His first job was designing a set of four Christmas cards and in September 1913, his work first appeared on the cover of  Boys Life.  He continued working for the magazine through 1971, creating a total of 52 illustrations. Rockwell Becomes a Well-Known Illustrator At the age of 22, Norman Rockwell painted his first  Saturday Evening Post  cover. The piece, titled Boy with Baby Carriage appeared in the May 20, 1916, issue of the popular magazine. Right from the start, Rockwells illustrations carried that signature wit and whimsy that would make up his entire body of work.   Rockwell enjoyed 47 years of success with the Post. Over that time he provided 323 covers to the magazine and was instrumental in what many called The Golden Age of Illustration. One could say that Rockwell is easily the best-known American illustrator and most of this is due to his relationship with the magazine. His depictions of everyday people in humorous, thoughtful, and sometimes wrenching scenarios defined a generation of American life. He was a master at capturing emotions and in observing life as it unfolded. Few artists have been able to capture the human spirit quite like Rockwell. In 1963, Rockwell ended his relationship with the  Saturday Evening Post  and started a ten-year stint with  LOOK  magazine. In this work, the artist began to take on more serious social issues. Poverty and civil rights were at the top of Rockwells list, though he did dabble in Americas space program as well. Important Works by Norman Rockwell Norman Rockwell was a commercial artist and the amount of work he produced reflects that. As one of the most prolific artists in the 20th century, he has many memorable pieces and everyone has a favorite. A few in his collection do stand out, though. In 1943, Rockwell painted a series of four paintings after hearing President Franklin D. Roosevelts State of the Union address. The Four Freedoms addressed the four freedoms Roosevelt spoke of in the midst of World War II and the paintings were appropriately titled Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want,  and Freedom from Fear. Each appeared in the  Saturday Evening Post,  accompanied by essays from American writers. That same year, Rockwell painted his version of the famous Rosie the Riveter. It was another piece that would fuel patriotism during the war. In contrast, another well-known painting, Girl at the Mirror in 1954 shows the softer side of being a girl. In it, a young girl compares herself to a magazine, throwing aside her favorite doll as she contemplates her future. Rockwells 1960 work entitled Triple Self-Portrait gave America a look into the quirky humor of the artist. This one depicts the artist drawing himself while looking in the mirror with paintings by the masters (including Rembrandt) attached to the canvas.   On the serious side, Rockwells The Golden Rule (1961,  Saturday Evening Post) and The Problem We All Live With (1964,  LOOK) are among the most memorable. The earlier piece spoke to international tolerance and peace and was inspired by the forming of the United Nations. It was gifted to the U.N. in 1985.   In The Problem We All Live With, Rockwell took civil rights on with all his painterly might. It is a poignant picture of little Ruby Bridges flanked by the headless bodies of U.S. marshals escorting her to her first day of school. That day marked the end of segregation in New Orleans in 1960, a monumental step for a six-year-old to take on. Study Norman Rockwells Work Norman Rockwell remains one of the most beloved painters in America. The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts was established in 1973, when the artist gave most of his lifes work to the organization. His goal was to continue to inspire arts and education. The museum has since become home to over 14,000 works by 250 other illustrators as well. Rockwells work is often loaned out to other museums and frequently becomes part of traveling exhibitions. You can view Rockwells  Saturday Evening Post  work on the magazines website as well. There is no shortage of books that study the artists life and work in great detail. A few recommended titles include: Claridge, Laura. Norman Rockwell: A Life.  New York: Random House, 2001.Finch, Christopher. Norman Rockwell: 332 Magazine Covers.  New York: Artabras Publishers, 1995.Gherman, Beverly and Family Trust Rockwell. Norman Rockwell: Storyteller With A Brush.  New York: Atheneum, 2000 (1st ed.).Rockwell, Norman. Norman Rockwell: My Adventures As an Illustrator.  New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1988 (Reissue edition).Rockwell, Tom. The Best of Norman Rockwell.  Philadelphia London: Courage Books, 2000.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Childhood and Adult Story Writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Childhood and Adult Story Writing - Essay Example During childhood one tends to write the thoughts which one has in that particular age. The thoughts during childhood are of without experience and of innocence. The thoughts do not wander around the realms of this world as seen by the experienced individuals. The plot that is used during child hood writing is of imaginary aspirations as supposed by the children. The adventures sought out by children are put into words by them which tend to be adventurous. Furthermore the world viewed by the children is different than that viewed by the adults. Similarly the plot followed by the adults has a major difference with that of the children. The plot is well organized and well sought which comes after the experience the adults have gotten after living in this world. The realms of the life are put into words by the adults. Plot development can be said to be perfect by the adults as they have proper sense of where they are heading the story to. Similarly another major difference in the writing s is that the vocabulary used by children is different than that of the adults. The vocabulary sense of children is smaller as compared to that of adults. The correct usage of words during the plot flows it towards the right direction, whereas the wrong usage of vocabulary would change the whole plot to a different direction.

Friday, November 1, 2019

A New Earth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A New Earth - Essay Example It is true that one never realizes the importance of a person in his/her life unless that person is detached from him/her. Just like I realized the importance of my best friend in my life when he passed away in an air crash. I had never come across such a situation before. My entire existence clung like a thread on his presence in my life and I was nothing without him. His departure from this world brought me so close to reality, it taught me the biggest lesson of my life. The way others react to such a situation is both helpful and displeasing for you. Helpful in a way, that you can vent out your feelings. You can shout, cry and yell out at them. And displeasing in the sense that everyone directs his/her sympathies towards you. It makes you a victim of self pity and denial. It hurts your ego and your conscience. The worst part of it is that you cannot share the feeling of agony and excruciating pain with anyone else. My best friend’s death left an irreparable scar on my soul. It made me feel isolated and helpless. I thought I was the only one to be a victim of this folly while everyone else lived their lives normally. I thought some calamity had struck me and it is unnatural. However after reading A New Earth, I realized that this was not anything unnatural and a lot of people in this world have been through the pain of losing their loved ones. This book gave me a part of the peace that I was long looking for. In chapters two, three and four, Tolle talks about human ego. It explains how this sense of â€Å"us† against â€Å"them† leads to lethal rivalries. He talks about how others make us a victim of inferiority complexes. This was so true in my case. Whenever I’d see a pair of best friends together in my school, I’d plunge down into an inferiority complex. Why is my best friend separated from me? I thought. I asked myself some unanswerable questions and went down the memory lane of all the good times I had spent with my bes t friend. The laughter, the smiles and those moments of rejoice had all become memories. It was just so hard to believe in that. This book gave me a chance to understand that the accident that occurred, occurred by the will of God and hence I shouldn’t be the one blaming myself or feeling inferior. I felt that the grief had settled within and there was no way I could be happy or jolly again. I could never be the same hyper and fun-filled person again. There are different ways in which others react to accidents or losses of this magnitude. Either they become introverts and start suppressing their feelings or they find other ways of venting out their frustrations. Some become angry, some bitter. Some try to become self-destructive in trying to cope up with the pain better, while others become jealous of people around them. It’s the feeling of loss and deprivation that inflicts more pain on you. The most appropriate lines that I found in the reading are: â€Å"Apart from the obvious ones such as anger, hatred and so on, there are other more subtle forms of negativity such as impatience, irritation, being fed up and nervousness† (Tolle 148) If you just feel that your loved one is just around you, he can feel you, he is watching you, guiding you in every step of your life. The thought that my best friend is close to me even after his departure has made me feel better and has given me strength. So it’s a trick to not think about the loss deeply when you are in such situations.