Sunday, September 22, 2019
Significance of Objects in the Dolls House Essay Example for Free
Significance of Objects in the Dolls House Essay Macaroons: nora ! Nora! Please donââ¬â¢t leave me and goâ⬠¦ why did she leave me half eaten? what is going to happen of me now!! Torvald detests me, he was always against Nora eating meâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦Ã¢â¬ ¦why did it have to be me? Dress: everybody adored and praised Nora when she wore meâ⬠¦ but alas! What was the use of all my beauty and finery when in the end she left me all alone. Why was I given so much importance if she was to choose her ordinary clothes over me at the end? Letter: exactly! Were we just ornaments to adorn the surroundings? Christmas tree: hmmâ⬠¦ now even im wondering if my purpose in the house was of mere decoration. Even in this festive season will I be left alone in this bedraggled state to wither away in few days? Lamp: yes! Yes! Were we just used to enhance the beauty of this household? I thought I heard some voices but I didnââ¬â¢t know it would be all of you. If you all are thinking that youââ¬â¢ll have no role in the play let me tell you my views on why you objects of the dollââ¬â¢s house were of prime importance in giving a deeper meaning behind the actions of the characters. I am going to do this presentation based on the Henrik Ibsenââ¬â¢s The Dollââ¬â¢s House. As per the lines of the story, the playwright has emphasized greatly on the many objects that surround the characters in the play. I am going to elaborate on the symbolism of the significance of the objects mentioned in the play. The objects denote various emotions but mostly, Ibsen uses objects to indicate Noras depression caused by her unmerited marriage; ironically, the objectification of Nora by her husband and her victimization in society. he writer allows the readers the freedom to interpret the household objects subjectively which challenges the reader to question the extent to which the household objects relate to the theme of marriage. Initially, Ibsen places immense significance on different objects in the household, and stresses the directions for the setting of the stage. Ibsen makes his stage sets come alive and take part in the action. Just as Nora evolves from the mini-Nora of act one to the super-Nora of act three, similarly the set of the play goes through a drastic evolution, from light to darkness, from paradise to prison until, by the end of the play, it has been ethically demolished. One could imagine the doll house set, when Nora slams the door, collapsing like a house of cards, to the collective gasp of relief from the audience. Looking at the set we see, that Ibsen makes use of a triad, a room . two doors in the rear wall, the door on the left leads to Torvaldââ¬â¢s study, and is opened and closed only when he chooses. It represents the sanctum sanctorum of male dominance and decision-making authority and security and his invisible presence behind that door is felt god like. Whenever he emerges from this door, it is always on his own terms, to direct and control events. The door to the right in the rear wall leads to the outside world. Only damaged people come through this door: Christine, Rank, Krogstad, all of whom have been variously hurt by the world outside. So this door represents the menacing reality of the outside world, its power to hurt but also, its power to force- to force one to grow up, to stop being a doll. There is another door, which leads to the nursery and bedroom. This is the world of sexual fantasy, of Nora performing childish roles of squirrel, lark and others to keep Torvald infatuated with her innocence. Here, one can clearly see that Ibsen draws a visible line between the kinds of objects he chooses. As the tones of the play become more serious, the settings become bolder and so do the shades of Noraââ¬â¢s personality. On the surface level, the play does not show these nuances but it is only when the reader delves deeper does he understand the immense symbolism of it all. Nora however is hardly innocent. This can be seen when Nora lies about the packet of macaroons twice, once to Helmer and the second time to Dr Rank. The macaroons denote Noras dishonesty and deception, which also alludes to her act of committing objectionable, underhanded deeds. Nora resorts to lying about eating the macaroons because she feels she is at fault for disobeying her husband. This small incident also shows the strains in their marital relationship. Also the macaroons show us the first glimpse of Noraââ¬â¢s desire for independence. To an extent the Christmas tree with which the play begins is a representation of Noraââ¬â¢s character. Just like the tree is an object of decoration possessed by somebody in order to beautify a place similarly Nora was the prized possession of Helmer. She was no less than a mere object, a show piece meant to be admired and praised. It is interesting to note that Nora orders the nurse, Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it till this evening, when it is dressedâ⬠, she similarly tells Torvald, Yes, nobody is to have a chance to of admiring me n my dress until tomorrowâ⬠. These lines show the similarity between Nora and the Christmas tree. Both are not revealed until each look perfect. In addition, as the play proceeds it becomes obvious that the tree and Nora are one in the same. When the second act opens the Christmas tree is described to be, stripped of its ornaments and with burnt-down candle-ends on its disheveled branches. This corresponds to Noraââ¬â¢s condition at that point in the play. Like the tree Nora too was in a disheveled state of mind. She was anxious and confused. ââ¬Å"Corrupt me childrenâ⬠¦poison my home? Itââ¬â¢s not true! It could never be true! And ââ¬Å"somebodyââ¬â¢s coming! No, itââ¬â¢s nobody. â⬠Support my claim that Noraââ¬â¢s psychological state was in comparison to the Christmas tree similar. Also the tousled state of the tree could be symbolic of the disintegration of Noraââ¬â¢s web of lies. The pretty, innocent, childlike ways, in which Nora used to mask her fraudulence, her deceit would soon be uncovered in front of Helmer and the ugly truth would emerge. he fancy dress that Nora would wear for the fancy dress completion in many ways symbolizes the character she plays in her marriage to Helmer. The torn and messed up condition of her fancy dress is parallel to her disgruntled condition. Also her marriage is on the rocks and her thoughts are all aligned on how she could prevent Helmer from knowing the truth because she knows very well that Helmer will never accept what she had done. Thus the torn condition of the dress could be symbolic of the flawed condition of their marriage. Also it is interesting to note that Nora says that Torvald dislikes seeing dressmaking, suggesting that Torvald enjoys the false character that Nora has adopted. ââ¬Å"oh only if I could rip them up into a thousand pieces. â⬠exclaims Nora, on seeing the condition of the dress. This is another sign showing Noraââ¬â¢s desire for independence-Independence from the clutches of her husband and from the norms and conditions of the society. Also the dress highlights another point. Mrs linde who unlike Nora who thinks just like the dress her marriage is beyond repair,is more mature suggests the repairing of the dress which is symbolic of the fact that later in the play it is Mrs Linde who decides that Torvald should learn of Noraââ¬â¢s secrets and that it would be beneficial for their marriage. Also at the end of act 3 when Nora removes her fancy dress and changes into her casuals and she says ââ¬Å"yes torvald ive changedâ⬠this change she meant was not of merely her clothes but also a change in her personality. The removal of her dress mplies the unmasking of her pretense and coming face to face with her husband as a human being for the first time. Changing of the dress is also significant of Noraââ¬â¢s desire for freedom from the web of lies that she had been spinning and from the captivity of her husband. It is another sign showing her desire for freedom from the dollââ¬â¢s house and to live her life on her own terms. The letter from Krogstad in the letter box forms the crux of the play. Noraââ¬â¢s emotional developments and transformations, her anxiety, her marriage all revolves around the letter box and the letter. The letter from krogstad is symbolic of Noraââ¬â¢s concealment and deception. It brings to light her secrecy and lies that she hides from her husband and also uncovers her disguise of the childish ideal wife. Thus leading her to finally slam the door and becoming a rebel of sorts. Also the letter symbolizes revelation in a way that only after reading the letter it is that Torvald realizes and understands the desires of his wife. It is only after reading the letter that he comes out of his imaginative ideal world and faces the harsh reality of the situation. Thus the letter was an eye opener for Torvald, it showed him where his marriage stands. ââ¬Å"helene, bring the lamp in pleaseâ⬠said Nora when Dr rank confessed his love for her. Thus when the lamp is brought the room gets lit up. This light is symbolic of Noraââ¬â¢s state of awareness. Earlier Nora tries to lure and manupilate Dr Rank but when he confesses his love for her she goes into a state of shock and thatââ¬â¢s when the rays of light seep into the room displaying Noraââ¬â¢s state of awareness. Also the lamp could signify spiritual redemption. This is because darkness is associated with evil and immoral activities. And Dr rank confessed his love for his best friendââ¬â¢s wife which is an immoral act. thus the streak of light which the lamp bought in, also bought with it a sense of righteousness. That is when Nora exclaims ââ¬Å"Dr. Rank! Donââ¬â¢t you feel ashamed of yourself, now the lampââ¬â¢s been bought in? â⬠Therefore, using multiple objects of the play, the playwright makes it clear that he doesnââ¬â¢t want the things used in his play to merely be objects but he symbolically makes these inanimate things spring to life as he denotes so much importance to them.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Virtual Reality in Todays Society
Virtual Reality in Todays Society Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of the real world. This simulation is not static, instead it responds to the userââ¬â¢s input, whether vocal or tactile, in real time. In order to achieve this interactivity, the computer must constantly monitor the userââ¬â¢s movements or verbal commands and react instantaneously in order to change the synthetic world experienced by the user and in response to him or her. [1] By making use of all of a humanââ¬â¢s sensory experience in this way, virtual reality takes the quality of interactivity achieved, say in a computer game, one stage further. Users of virtual reality can see and move objects, they can also touch and feel them. [2] This essay explores the evolution of virtual realities and the many uses of virtual reality in society today, as well as considering its ethical implications. Burdea, and Coiffet comment that the history of virtual reality dates back more than forty years. The Sensorama Simulator virtual reality video arcade game was invented by Martin Heilig in 1962. This game had the capability to simulate a motorcycle ride through a city, using 3-D effects, seat vibrations, appropriate smells, sounds and wind effects using fans. [3] Head-mounted displays were introduced in 1966 by Ivan Sutherland, but were heavy and uncomfortable. In 1985, Michael McGreevey of NASA developed a cheaper and lighter version of the helmet, fitted with mini display screens and sensors to track movement. The sensory glove had been designed in the early 1980s, but it was in 1986 that Jaron Lanier designed a new glove to fit in with the helmet to create a full virtual reality. [4] Advancements continued to be made in graphics and then in 1993 virtual reality became the theme for a major conference of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in Seattle, makin g it clear that virtual reality had entered the main stream scientific community. [5] Since the end of the 1980s, new interfaces communicate three-dimensional images using the head-mounted display (HMD), using video cameras to track the image of the user in a virtual world where he can manipulate objects. More recently there has been a development called CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), where the user is enclosed in a six sided environment surrounded by projection screens which they view wearing light stereoglasses, giving the impression of 3-D. [6] The suggestive impression is one of one of immersing oneself in the image space, moving and interacting there in ââ¬Å"real timeâ⬠, and intervening creativelyââ¬â¢. [7] However, Burdea and Coiffet point out that with the swift advancements in technology, ââ¬Ëvirtual reality today is done mostly without head-mounted displays, by using large projection screens or desk top PCsââ¬â¢, and sensing gloves are now regularly replaced with joysticks. [8] The world of computer games has become a major area of importance for virtual reality, where the sense of immersion is important for gaming excitement. This creation of interactive virtual worlds has used grand, sweeping cinematic sequences and other techniques used in traditional cinema, such as ââ¬Ëthe expressive use of camera angles and depth of field, and dramatic lighting of 3-D computer generated sets to create mood and atmosphereââ¬â¢. [9] Actors could be used, superimposed over 3-D backgrounds, or as the games became more advanced, synthetic characters were created moving in real time. [10] This means that the space in which the characters move can now change over time, rendering the same space different when visited at a later time during the game. These changes enabled computer designers to integrate the player more deeply into the gaming world cinematically and to create a sense of visual reality. The immersion experienced when playing a computer game is made a much more total and intense experience when the player becomes a part of the game, that is, physically enters a virtual world. Virtual reality ââ¬Ëprovides the subject with the illusion of being present in a simulated world.ââ¬â¢ [11] This virtual world, unlike the purely visual engagement of a computer game, allows for bodily engagement with the synthetic world. Virtual reality also allows the user to change elements of this simulated world: it gives an added feeling of control. Virtual reality allows people to experience elements of life without any physical commitments, possible dangers or general inconveniences of a real experience. Lev Manovich comments that virtual worlds are sometimes put forward as the logical successors of cinema, that they are ââ¬Ëthe key cultural form of the twenty-first century just as cinema was the key cultural form of the twentieth centuryââ¬â¢. [12] Indeed, Grau and Custance compare virtual reality with film, saying: ââ¬Ëvirtual reality now makes it possible to represent space as dependent on the direction of the observerââ¬â¢s gaze: the viewpoint is no longer static or dynamically linear, as in the film, but theoretically includes an infinite number of possible perspectives.ââ¬â¢ [13] Technically, virtual reality ââ¬Ëutilises the same framingââ¬â¢ as a cinema rectangular frame. This kind of frame only allows a partial view of a wider space. The virtual camera, as with a cinema screen, moves around in relation to the viewer in order to reveal different parts of the shot. [14] This framing device is vital to the virtual reality world in that it gives a small shot of a larger world, thereby providing a wholly subjective and totally personal viewing experience. While Manovich looks to cinema as a basis for virtual technology, Grau and Custance look to art. They argue that the idea of virtual reality ââ¬Ërests firmly on historical art traditions, which belong to a discontinuous movement of seeking illusionary image spacesââ¬â¢. [15] Taking into account the lack of technology further back in history, Grau and Custance believe that ââ¬Ëthe idea stretches back at least as far as classical antiquity and is alive again today in the immersive visualization strategies of virtual reality art.ââ¬â¢ [16] Indeed, for Grau and Custance, this basic idea of finding these ââ¬Ëimmersive spaces of illusionââ¬â¢ is threaded through the history of art. Grau and Custance also point out the lack of natural involvement with the world through the technological illusion of power and control. They say, ironically that ââ¬Ëthe adherents of virtual reality â⬠¦ have often reiterated their claim that immersion in virtual reality intensifies their relationship with natureââ¬â¢. [17] Indeed, an experience so totally reliant on technology and devoid of anything natural can bring about this feeling of connection to nature due to its resemblance of the real world. Manovich too comments on the illusive quality of any ââ¬Ënaturalââ¬â¢ involvement or control. He says that the user is only altering things that are already inside the computer, the data and memory of the virtual world. [18] The realm of virtual reality is driven by the desire to find a perfect recreation of the real world, a perfect illusion. The ideal interface seems to be one in which the interface or computer itself is entirely invisible, it seeks to block out the very means of creation of the virtual world, making the existence of the user in the virtual world seem totally ââ¬Ënaturalââ¬â¢. [19] The experience means that the user is totally isolated from the actual world whilst at the same time given this feeling of total ââ¬Ënaturalââ¬â¢ immersion in a new world as well as a sense of omnipotence. The user in effect becomes a kind of fictional character that they have themselves created, doing whatever they like, whenever they like, always with a sense of immortality. There are ethical problems relating to the potential decrease in real physical interaction and normal human relationships as people may potentially come to prefer their virtual world to their real life. Indeed, in virtual reality, the physical world no longer exists at all, as all ââ¬Ërealââ¬â¢ action takes place in virtual space. [20] There is another ethical concern, that of the possibility of children accessing unsuitable experiences in a virtual world, as censorship would be difficult. This is similar to the problem of violence and adult themes in films and on the internet being available to chi ldren today. Virtual reality is an area of even greater concern, however, as children will have the opportunity to take part in the action themselves. Another concern is that criminals could practice their crimes in a virtual world before acting in reality. There are many positive uses for virtual reality today in areas such as: medicine, education, entertainment and psychology. For example, virtual reality can provide flight and driving simulation, operation simulation, it can help with architectural design or treatment of phobias. These things can be practised realistically without the fear of anything going wrong with flying training, driving experience or surgery. Virtual reality can also potentially be used in medicine to evaluate a patient and diagnose problems as well as possibly aid in operations. Disabled people have the opportunity to join in activities not usually available to them. An architect can use the method to plan out a building before starting work constructing it: using virtual reality avoids the need to build several different prototypes. Someone afraid of spiders can meet one in a virtual world under careful programming to reduce sensitivity over a period of time, indeed, any phobia could be treated using this kin d of virtual reality exposure therapy. The field of education is a huge potential area of use for virtual reality; it can even be used to practice sport. There is another important use for virtual reality that is not related to entertainment or education. Telepresence is an ever-increasing part of the digital and virtual world. Telepresence combines three kinds of technology: robotics, telecommunications and virtual reality. With telepresence, ââ¬Ëthe user of a virtual environment, for example, can intervene in the environment via telecommunication and a remote robot and, in the opposite direction, to receive sensory feedback, a sensory experience of a remote event .ââ¬â¢ [21] Manovich calls telepresence a ââ¬Ëmuch more radical technology than virtual reality, or computer simulations in generalââ¬â¢. [22] Indeed, Manovich explains that with virtual reality, the user controls a simulated world, that is, the computer data. In contrast, ââ¬Ëtelepresence allows the subject to control not just the simulation but reality itselfââ¬â¢ because it allows the user to ââ¬Ëmanipulate remotely physical reality in real time through its imageââ¬â¢, [23] that is, the userââ¬â¢s action affect what happens right then in separate place, useful for tasks such as, Manovich suggests, ââ¬Ërepairing a space stationââ¬â¢; [24] the technique can also be used successfully in battle to direct missiles. [25] So, virtual reality operates on two very opposing grounds. On the one hand it allows great freedom for the user, as he feels he can move anywhere through space with the camera, but at the same time, virtual reality totally confines the body in its simulated world. Manovich recognises that the physical world is subordinated in this way as he says virtual reality renders ââ¬Ëphysical space â⬠¦ totally disregardedââ¬â¢, [26] However, with telepresence, the physical world is very much regarded. Indeed, Mark Hansen thinks Manovichââ¬â¢s comment on the lack of physicality overlooks the experience of space in the potential of virtual reality, even if the body is actually confined. [27] Hansen uses the example of telepresence to explain how simulation and space can coincide to be effective. Indeed, with telepresence, the physical actions, although limited in the space where the user resides, do have an effect at another location. In this way space has been found and used, if not in the same location as the user, their movements have still had a physical effect somewhere else. [28] It seems that virtual reality has many uses in society today, from entertainment to medicine; from psychology to architecture. Telepresence is now a powerful and extremely useful part of the virtual and digital world. With the continuing advancement of technology and the many great uses virtual reality can surely have in society, it is important to bear in mind the negative consequences if virtual reality techniques are not closely monitored, especially as they become more widely available. The ethical implications of a society plugged always into their private, virtual worlds would not be a positive development for human relationships; children also need to be protected from an environment where anything and everything can appear real and personal to the user. However, as long as we are aware of the potential negative implications, the development of advanced virtual reality has great potential benefits for society. Sources Used Burdea, G. C. and Coiffet, P. (2003). Virtual Reality Technology. Chichester: Wiley-IEEE Grau, O. and Custance, G. (2004). Virtual Art: From Illusion to Immersion. Cambridge: MIT Press Hansen, M. B. N. (2004). New Philosophy for New Media: A New Philosophy for a New Media. Cambridge: MIT Press Heim, M. (1994). The Metaphysics of Virtual Reality. Oxford: Oxford University Press Manovich, L. (2002). The Language of New Media. Cambridge: MIT Press Sherman, W. R. and Craig, A. B. (2003). Understanding Virtual Reality: Interface, Application, and Design. San Francisco: Morgan Kaufmann http://library.thinkquest.org/26890/virtualrealityt.htm Footnotes [1] Burdea, G. C. and Coiffet, P. (2003). Virtual Reality Technology. Chichester: Wiley-IEEE, p. 2 [2] ibid. p. 3 [3] ibid. [4] http://library.thinkquest.org/26890/virtualrealityt.htm [5] Burdea and Coiffet, op. cit. p. 8 [6] Grau, O. and Custance, G. (2004). Virtual Art: From Illusion to Immersion. Cambridge: MIT Press, p. 18 [7] ibid. p. 3 [8] Burdea and Coiffet, op. cit. p. 1 [9] Manovich, L. (2002). The Language of New Media. Cambridge: MIT Press, p. 83 [10] ibid. [11] ibid. p. 166 [12] Manovich, op. cit. p. 82 [13] Grau and Custance, op. cit. p. 16 [14] Manovich, op. cit. p. 81 [15] Grau and Custance, op. cit. p. 339 [16] ibid. [17] ibid. p. 201 [18] Manovich op. cit. p. 166 [19] ibid. p. 178 [20] ibid. p. 114 [21] Grau and Custance, op. cit. p. 278-279 [22] Manovich, op. cit. p. 166 [23] ibid. [24] ibid. p. 167 [25] ibid. [26] Manovich, op. cit. p. 114 [27] Hansen, M. B. N. (2004). New Philosophy for New Media: A New Philosophy for a New Media. Cambridge: MIT Press, p. 40 [28] ibid.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Food And Wine Harmony History Essay
Food And Wine Harmony History Essay Italy is a unitary legislative state in Southern Europe. It is the fifth most populated country in Europe, and the 23rd most populated in the world. Rome, the capital of Italy, has for periods been an administrative and religious centre of Western society as the capital of the Roman Empire and place of the Holy Sea. Modern Italy is an independent republic. It has been graded as the worlds 24th most-developed nation and its Quality-of-life Index has been graded in the worlds first ten in 2005.Italy delight in a very high standard of existing, and has a great GDP per capita. History The terrestrial known as Italy today has been the structure of European cultures and peoples, such as the Etruscans and the Romans. Italys capital, Rome, was for periods the administrative centre of Western society, as the capital of the Roman Empire. After its failure, Italy would endure numerous assaults by foreign peoples, from Germanic societies such as the Lombards and Ostrogoths, to the Normans and later, the Byzantines, among others. Times later, Italy would become the origin of the Renaissance, an immensely fruitful intelligent movement that would prove to be essential in shaping the following course of European thought. Through much of its post-Roman past, Italy was split into numerous kingdoms and city-states but was united in 1861, a unrestrained period in past known as the Risorgimento. In the late 19th era, through World War I, and to World War II, Italy controlled a colonial empire, which extended its law to Libya, Eritrea, Italian Somaliland, Ethiopia, Albania, Rhodes, the Dodecanese and a franchise in Tianjin, China. Culture Italy did not occur as a state until the countrys association in 1861. Due to this relatively late association, and the historical independence of the regions that include the Italian Peninsula, many societies and customs that are now predictable as distinctly Italian can be recognized by their districts of origin. Despite the governmental and social distinction of these areas, Italys contributions to the national and historical legacy of Europe and the world remain massive. Italy is home to the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to date, and has vast collections of art, culture and writings from many different eras. The country has had a comprehensive cultural impact worldwide, also because frequent Italians migrate to other places during the Italian movement. The country has, generally, an estimated 100,000 monuments Climate The climate differs significantly from the north to the south of Italy. In the north of the country the area in the middle of the Alps and the Tuscan-Milan Apennines the climate is tough, with very cold winters and very hot, mainly humid summers. In central Italy the temperature is milder, with a smaller difference in temperature between summer and winter and a smaller and less powerful cold season than in the north; summers are longer, but the sultriness of the northern metropolises is moderated by the sea. In southern Italy and the islands wintertime are never particularly tough, and spring and autumn climate are similar to those reached in the summer in other areas of Italy. Geography Italy is situated in Southern Europe and consist of the boot-shaped Italian Peninsula and a number of islands together with the two largest, Sicily and Sardinia. The Apennine Highlands form the peninsulas backbone and the Alps form its northern borderline, where Italys highest peak is positioned on Mont Blanc. The Po, Italys longest river, runs from the Alps on the western boundary with France and crosses the Padan plain on its manner to the Adriatic Sea. The country is located at the meeting point of the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate, primary to extensive seismic and volcanic movement. There are 14 volcanoes in Italy, four of which are energetic. Soil Soil differs throughout the world, and Italy has territory like no other. Both acidic and limy, Italian soils are used to harvest everything from vineyard grapes to routine herbs such as rosemary. Italy is renowned for wines due to its range of soil. Different grapes have need of different soils. Tuscany has such a various range of soil substances, together with volcanic rock and sandstone, that it is one of the finest places in Italy to catch fine wine vineyards. Marsala History In the 6th period to Justinians Empire, in this historical, the town was marked by dysentery, disregard of Bisanzio and the attacks of pirates. Arabic-Berbers arrival at the nearby Granitola mount in the 8th century involved the reopening of commerce and the start of the return of the town, which was retitled Marsa ÃÅ Ã ¿AlÃâà « ÃÅ Ã ¿AlÃâà «s harbour located near Punta dAlga or also Marsa Allah, namely Gods harbour, whence the existing name. There is the philosophy that Marsala comes from mare salis Salt ponds by the sea. At the end of era 1700, an appearance from the sea reformed again the upcoming of the town: the arrival of the English John Woodhouse who created the wine marsala. Geography Extreme western point of Sicily, the town was originated on Lilibeo cape, from where Aegadian Islands can be implicit. The territory of Marsala, extensive 241 kmà ² , has got a rich cultural and landscape legacy; its zone include the Stagnone Lagoon, where Mozia is situated. Marsala town till the end of 1970 was inhabited by about 86 thousand people. The part of Marsala is classified in seismic zone. In the last 200 years three earthquakes of medium-high strength were measured : 18 May 1828 magnitude 5.17 (about 6à ° Mercalli scale) 15 January 1968 Belice earthquake which in Marsala reached 7à ° Mercalli scale. 7 June 1981 magnitudo 4.60 (4/5à ° scala Mercalli scale) with epicentre in Borgo Elefante in Mazara del Vallo, far about 20 km from the town-centre of Marsala. Marsala wine Marsala wine is Italys most well-known type of fortified wine, addressing from Italys sunny southern area. Marsala is a upper alcohol fortified wine (usually about 17- 20%) that is existing in both sweet or dry variants. How is Marsala Wine Made? Marsala is complete from native, natural white grapes like Catarratto, The ruby-colored Marsalas hail from any mixture of three native red grapes. The fermentation of Marsala is frozen by the addition of a grape brandy when the remaining sugar satisfied reaches the pre-determined stages according to the sweet/dry style the creator is shooting for.à Alike to the systemà of mixing various vintages of Sherry, Marsala often goes complete a perpetual system, where a sequence of vintage mixing takes place. Marsala Color Classifications: Ambra (Amber colored)à made with white grapes. Oro (Gold hues)à made with white grapes. Rubino (Ruby colored)à made with red grapes, like Pignatello. White grapes Chardonnay: This Burgundy diversity is so useful and commercially practical at the same time, that it was widely presented throughout Italy after the phylloxera defeated most Italian vineyards at the end of the nineteenth century. Produced in many flavours all over the country. Grillo: Full-bodied white used in Marsala and Alcamo blends between others. Zibibbo: Italian name for Muscat, or Moscato dAlessandria. Juicer, less fresh and more fermented than Moscato Bianco, it is best recognized for the passito wines from pantelleria, a small island off the western coast of Sicily. Sauvignon: Homonym of the French Sauvignon Blanc, it is completed into a number of variations throughout Italy. Catarratto Bianco Comune: Though it is found only in Sicily, this selection accounts for the most-planted white grape in all of Italy. Though it is usually used in variations of Marsala blends, it can be used to make pleasing, low-acid, dry wines. Red grapes Cabernet Sauvignon: Firstly from France, this grape is extensively grown all over Italy and has become the base for some of the most respected and luxurious Italian red wines. Similar to other unique French grapes such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it was widely established throughout Italy after phylloxera wiped out maximum of northern Italys vineyards at the end of the nineteenth century. Pinot Nero: The Italian variety of Pinot Noir is at its best in Piedmont, Oltrepà ² Pavese, plus Alto Adige wines. Sangiovese: Considered Italys most honourable red grape, it is the base for several prize-winning wines counting Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano and, last but not least, the gradually known Sangiovese di Romagna. It is measured a native wild vine that was major domesticated by the Etruscans in the Tuscan Emilian Apennines. It has a typical black cherry fragrance with scents of wood smoke. Nero dAvola: Also called Calabrese, is the most important red grape in Sicily. It is verified into dark, thick, flavourful reds reminiscent of the best Australian Shiraz. Gamay: Grown widely throughout Italy, it is vinified as Colli Del Trasimeno DOC varietal in Umbria Popular wineries in Marsala Alvis Rallo: A fine maker of Marsala wine, Alvis Rallo was started in 1860 by the Rallo family. The wine aged area has a capacity of around 13,000 hectolitres in oak casks having between 20 and 450 hectolitres each. Buffa Winery: The Buffa winery was started in 1931, the year in which the current owners father began to produce and trade Marsala wine in bottles, casks and bottles. Donnafugata: Donnafugata makes a range of wines counting Lighea Contessa Entellina D.O.C, Opera Unica Marsala Superiore Riserva D.O.C., Tancredi, and Vigna di Gabri Contessa Entellina D.O.Ces in Marsala Marsala wine Red wines include Nero DAvola: Nero DAvola is one of the ancient ethnic grapes and Marsala wine-makers are justly proud of the acknowledgment that this variety is now getting. Syrah: anyone aware with the southern hemisphere wines will have recognised plenty of Syrah and the weather and territory of Marsala are particularly suited to this tasty grape. Etna Rosso: a mixture of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Mantellato this is the wine born on the rich, productive volcanic inclines of Mount Etna. Cerasuolo di Vittoria: a mixture of Frappato and Calabrese with the conceivable addition of some Grossonero or Nerello Mascalese, this is the well-known wine of the province of Ragusa. White wines include Bianco DAlcamo: a mixture of Cataratto Grecanico, Damaschino and Trebbiano, this outstanding white can be found all over Sicily, but can only be created in the rich area among Alcamo and Trapani. Wines prepared from Grillo, Inzolia, Cataratto, Grecanico and Chardonnay are made in purezza or mixed together by all the big wine creators, and some are truly excellent. Aperitif wines includeà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦ The sugar content of the grapes and the drying abilities of the sun mean that Marsala gives itself well to manufacture of dessert wines. The best known of these are: Marsala: the famous fortified wine first created by the Englishman John Woodhouse in 1773 is a mixture of Grillo, Cataratto, Ansonia and Damaschino with the adding of distilled alcohol. Though it has a status as a sweet wine, there are also some outstanding dry aperitif varieties. Passito di Pantelleria: prepared from Zibbibo grapes which have been dehydrated in the sun to increase the sugar absorption. Passito di Noto: 100% Passito Bianco grapes for a pleasant sweetish wine, with sugar-coated hints. Viticulture Is the science, manufacture and study of grapes which contracts with the series of events that occur in the vineyard. As soon as the grapes are used for winemaking, it is also known as viniculture. It is a division of the science of horticulture. Duties of the viticulturist include: observing and directing pests and diseases, fertilizing, irrigation, shelter management, monitoring fruit growth and appearances, deciding when to harvest and vine cropping during the winter months. Vinification Winemaking, or vinification, is the manufacture of wine, starting with collection of the grapes or other food and ending with bottling the finished wine. While most wine is made from grapes, it may also be prepared from other fruits or plants. Mead is a wine that is prepared with honey being the primary ingredient after water. Winemaking can be distributed into two categories: still wine manufacture (without carbonation) and sparkling wine manufacture (with carbonation natural or injected).The science of wine and winemaking is known as oenology. A person who creates wine is usually called a winemaker or vintner. Food pairing The three most important rules when it comes to wine-and-food pairing are: 1. Drink and Eat What You Like Pick out a wine that you would need to drink by it, rather than hoping a food match will progress a wine made in a grace you dont like. That way, even if the pairing isnt good, you will still appreciate what youre drinking. 2. Look for Balance Study the weight-or body, or productivity-of both the food and the wine. The wine and the dish should be equal partners, with neither overpowering the other. If you stability the two by weight, you raise the odds intensely that the pairing will be successful. This is the secret behind many classic wine-and-food matches. Theres a fair quantity of character to this. Hearty food needs a hearty wine. Cabernet Sauvignon accompaniments grilled lamb chops because theyre equally strong. 3. Match the Wine to the Most Prominent Element in the Dish This is serious to fine-tuning wine pairings. Identify the main character more often it is the sauce, flavours or cooking method, rather than the main element. Consider two different chicken dishes: Chicken Marsala, with its browned exterior and a sauce of dark wine and mushrooms, against a chicken breast poached in a creamy lemon sauce. The browned, earthy flavors of the earlier tilt it toward a soft, supple red, while the simplicity and citrus flavors of the latter call for a fresh white. Examples of food with wine: Pinot Grigios are good with citric based foods like lemon chicken or light and floral soups or stews. If youre consuming a desert wine that is actual sweet, have a nice biscotti or torte. The wine should constantly be just as sugary, or sweeter Seafood does not constantly have to be matching with white wine. Chianti is such a assorted wine with a dry-body that it will not destruction and hide the flavors of the sea. Mix it up a bit and discover the flavors. Some shellfish, like oysters are outstanding with sparkling wine.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
What is the Purpose of the War on Terror? Essay -- Terrorism Essays
The War On Terror. It is a name that brings many strong thoughts and emotions to mind for Americans still to this today. It is has been Americas longest war, most expensive war, and a deadly conflict. All in all, the Iraqi War from 2003 to 2011 brought a cost of 500,000 lives from civilians to militants (Vergano 1). Among the U.S. army alone it is estimated that around 900,000 veterans have had some form of injury ranging from PTSD to amputations (Ruis 1). Not to mention, many experts say once all war reparations have been paid the war will cost upwards of three trillion dollars (Broder 1). That means when the math is done, if the war cost were to be split evenly among all American households, than every family in the U.S. would have to pay $75,000 (Auken 1). When President Barack Obama was campaigning in 2008 he once argued that through various taxes the Iraqi War (2003-2011) was and is costing each America household over $100 a month (Broder 1). With such catastrophic cost and toll s of the thousands of innocent lives where can the foundations for such a war effort begin? Throughout the years many eyebrow-raising statements have been brought up concerning the war, which quickly begins to make any war effort basis appear shallow and weak. Peter Baker, a former White House correspondent, wrote a book in which an anonymous senior Bush administration official is quoted saying, ââ¬Å"The only reason we went into Iraq, I tell people now, is we were looking for somebodyââ¬â¢s ass to kick.â⬠In addition, General John Abizaid, a former head of U.S. Central Command and Military Operations in Iraq for 2007 said, ââ¬Å"Of course it's about oil; we can't really deny that," in and interview with CNN (Juhasz 1). With such startling statements over the years... ...heridan, Kerry. "Iraq Death Toll Reaches 500,000 Since Start Of U.S.-Led Invasion, New Study Says." The World Post. HPMG News, 15 Nov. 2013. Web. 04 Mar. Swanson, David. "You're More Likely to Be Killed by a Toddler than a Terrorist." Washington's Blog. Washington Post, 12 June 2013. Web. 23 Mar. 2014. Staff, CNN. "Bin Laden's Death: How the Story Unfolded." CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 05 Mar. 2014. Gipe, Paul. "For the Price of the Iraq War, The U.S. Could Have a 100% Renewable Power System." Washingtons Blog. Washington Blogs, 11 Apr. 2013. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. Templeton, Tom. "9/11 in Numbers." The Observer. Guardian News and Media, 17 Aug. 2002. Web. 21 Mar. 2014. Vergano, Dan. "Half-Million Iraqis Died in the War, New Study Says." National Geographic Daily News. National Geographic Society, 15 Oct. 2013. Web. 04 Mar. 2014.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
The Influence, And Views Of Netanyahu On The Middle East Peace Plan :: essays research papers
The Influence, and Views of Netanyahu On The Middle East Peace Plan The middle east has many problems trying to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The peace process started about four years ago with the Middle East countries. Through the process many people have had major influence on it. One person who might have one of the greatest influences of the peace agreement is Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu. The peace agreement is the biggest topic in the Middle East and he is at the head of one end. At the other end is another strong figure. The leader of the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization) is Yasir Arafat. In this report I will explain Benjamin Netanyahu's position in Israel and how he has affected the peace plan. I will tell about his views on what is going on. Benjamin Netanyahu lived in the United States for a few years. Netanyahu was a graduate of M.I.T. in 1975. Then he claimed duel citizenship with the United States and Israel. Netanyahu did so because his mother was born in the United States. He was a well-paid analyst with the Boston Consulting group. He left working there and went back to Israel in 1978. When he went back to Israel, he was there for about six years when he became the embassador to the united states for Israel. Later when he was an Israeli diplomat he renounced his American citizenship. In 1996 he became the Prime Minister of Israel. He now has the most influence from the Israeli side of things. Benjamin Netanyahu has done many interviews and addresses with the American people. One such interview he did to express his views was with Time Magazine. Time asked him if he were a Palestinian, how he would regard toward Netanyahu? He replies, "If I read the controlled Palestinian media, I would think that, as they call me, I am worse than Hitler."(Beyer, 1996, p.38) They then asked him if a Palestinian could see you for what you really are what they would see. He replied to that by saying, "I think they would regard me as a person who believes deeply in the necessity of peace and that we don't have an anther partner other than the Palestinian Authority. I think that any Palestinian mother reading this should understand that I am as deeply conscious of her pain of losing her child as I am of a Jewish mothers."(Beyer, 1996, p.38) Netanyahu goes on telling Time that he does not hate the man Arafat, but the two represent different perspectives and interests.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Managing Diversity in South Africa Essay
Introduction In the workplace, diversity in terms of ethnicity, locality, education and skills, age, and gender exist. Managers or employers therefore require innovative ideas to successfully manage employees in the workplace. Diversity management is a relatively new field in the South African business environment. Managing employees and the work environment involves different aspects and is influenced by the internal environment such as in the mission, vision and goals of the organisation as well as the external environment. These aspects include areas where diversity management is important. Managers have various roles to carry out in an organisation in order to provide effective management and deal with the ethical issues. Factors such as changing structures and polices, providing diversity skills training, creating cross functional teams and employee network groups, building relationships, and providing complete managerial support are all factors that contribute towards effective diversity management. A successful diversity management approach must be more accommodating and more capable of promoting the diversity within an organization to bring everyone together and generate effective participation. This means that employees should be regarded as an organized whole that brings meaningful contributions from their social, political, economic, and geographical experiences. 2. Diversity Diversity can be defined as all the ways people differ, that is the different influences to approaching the workplace, communication between employees, satisfaction achieved from performance and identification in the workplace (Daft, Kendrick, & Vershinina, 2010). It is a commitment to distinguishing and appreciating the range of characteristics that make individuals unique in an atmosphere that supports and celebrates individual and collective achievement (Tennessee, 2003). Diversity ââ¬Å"represents the multitude of individual differences and similarities that exist among people (Kreitner, 2001). According to Erasmus, diversity applies to all employees and does not only encompass certain differences but rather the entire spectrum of individual differences that make people unique. Therefore diversity cannot be viewed as only racial or religious differentiation but s all differences combined. The notion of diversity describes differences among people as well as similarities. The discipline of managing diversity requires that these two aspects are managed simultaneously. He further suggests that managers are expected to integrate the collective mixture of similarities and differences between workers into the organisation (Erasmus, 2007). Diver sity is more than being politically correct; it is about nurturing a culture that values individuals and their wide assortment of needs and contributions Diversity management is a moderately new field in the South African business environment. Diversity management is ensuring that the necessary factors are in place to provide for and to encourage the continuous development of diversity in the workplace, by incorporating actual and perceived differences to achieve the utmost efficiency (Bandyopadhyay, Hazra, & Goswami, 2007). Diversity management can also be defined as the commitment on the part of the organisations to recruit, retain, reward and promote a heterogeneous mix of productive, motivated and committed workers, including people of colour, whites, females and the disabled (Inancevich & Gilbert, 2000). The two areas where diversity management are particularly important include: * Workplace diversity. * Global diversity. Workplace diversity refers to the array of distinctions between people in an organisation. Some of the benefits of implementing workplace diversity are; increased adaptability which supplies a variety of solutions to problems in service, sourcing, and allocation of resources, various opinions which include ideas and experiences, and effectiveness in terms of employee performance to attain goals (Greenberg, 2005). Furthermore, enhanced use of employee capacity is encouraged. This involves competitive advantage over other organisations along with prospects and development of employees for retention purposes. Diversity initiatives retain a competitive advantage by improving employee confidence, decreasing interpersonal conflict, facilitating development in new markets and increasing creativity. It also includes the understanding of the marketplace in terms of the changing needs of consumers. Building workplace diversity will also result in the improved extent of understanding in leadership positions that encompasses a variety of skills. Better quality of team problem solving to bring in different perspectives resulting in creativity of ideas and solutions and lastly reduction of costs induce lower turnover, absenteeism and lawsuits (Daft, Kendrick, & Vershinina, 2010). Global diversity is more than just demographical factors (such as age, race, gender, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation), it is about thinking, leadership, skills and style which integrates peoples differences to achieve all the goals planned and is acceptable universally, that is by breaking though barriers through globalisation (Dell, 2011). Globalisation refers to standardisation of products plan and marketing strategy throughout the world by assuming a homogeneous global market of consumers and industrial products (Daft, Kendrick, & Vershinina, 2010). A benefit of global diversity is broader services through customer satisfaction and product availability. By managing diversity, managers access a range of skills which the organisation has never had before and thus a broader array of individual strengths, experiences and perspectives. There is also a wider legitimacy and organisational image across a wider audience. Managers however should realise that managing diversity is fairly tough and cannot be implemented immediately. It is instead a long-term strategy in order to correct the imbalances in the workplace. 3. Mission, Vision and Goals A mission is defined as the organisationsââ¬â¢ reason for existence. A mission statement is a broadly stated definition of the purpose of the company. Well designed mission statements can enhance employee motivation and organisational performance.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Genetically Modified Food and Monsanto Essay
Monsanto is a multinational world leader in the production of the herbicide glyphosate and in the manipulation of genetically modified (GM) seeds. They were a chemical company, which shifted into the new life science area developing numerous patents related to genetic techniques and GM seeds variety. The company entered in the agrobiochemical industry, which is in its growth life cycle based on continuous product improvements and replacement by superior traits. The industry is focused on chemical products used in agriculture and genetically modified crops. There are rivals in the agrobiochemical industry and during the early 2000s; government regulation, public and medical concern about the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods affected its sales and profits. Analysis of the external environment: Economic segment The lack of food experienced by countries and the consequent increase of their costs given the opportunity to private and public companies to invest in appropriate researches in biotechnology to mitigate food security problems and improve food quality. Mergers and acquisitions among agrobiochemical multinationals have been developed in order to improve technologies and promote researches. Global segment The globalization of market provided opportunities for private industry to expand their sales in other countries. The major market for agrobiochemical products is USA and Europe. Developing countries such as Brazil, and India have started to increase their production acreage and to invest in biotechnological products. Political/legal segment Intellectual properties and patents laws are important issues in the agrobiochemical industry; they consent to control all products and process. Many of the agrochemical products and genetically modified foods are influenced by policy environment and government regulations, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union (EU). These limitations could provide a market opportunity for more advanced or higher value replacement products. Socio-cultural segment Strong negative perception of consumer about safety of GM foods threatens the new technologies applied in agrochemical industries especially in Europe and USA. However there is a lack of appropriate research and tests on it. Demographic segment High technically specialized farmers and farming communities producing cotton, soybean and canola. Technological segment Private companies more than public companies developed new complex technologies in the area of genetic. These affected highly the traditional methods of farmers work. For firms with good innovation capabilities this represents an opportunity to target different niche market. Conclusion New developing countries such as Brazil and India offer big opportunity for the industry. The research and development of new biotechnologies applied to the agriculture created many new lucrative possibilities to enterprises however, a negative consumer perception on GM foods, started to threat the industry profits. Analysis of Industry Environment In the agrobiochemical industry, research and development are the main capabilities that produce a competitive advantage. This advantage is difficult to understand and to imitate. Patent laws and intellectual property enable also firms to maintain and extend their leadership. Barriers to entry for new competitors New entrants that want to compete on the fertilizers and GM crops market must have strong financial resources to invest in order to face companies such as Monsanto. New competitors require intellectual property right and patent licenses to market their product. They can choose to obtain them through leader companies, although these are very selective and often base their decisions on economies of scale. Biotechnological products also need governmental approval to enter the market. Generally in the agrobiochemical industry there are low switching costs among products however leaders such as Monsanto tent to ââ¬Å"lock inâ⬠their customers with licensing fees and agreements. There are high entry barriers and this constitutes a low threat for the existing companies in the industry Bargaining power of suppliers In the industry the supplierââ¬â¢s goods are critical to buyer marketplace success. There are few major suppliers. Some of them, including Monsanto, have vertically integrated companies for the production of seed and for supply raw materials. It increased their power market. The fact that there are few major suppliers permits them to have a high bargaining power. It constitute a high threat Bargaining power of buyers Highly specialized farmers are the predominant buyers in this industry. They have a greater amount of information about the manufacturerââ¬â¢s products and costs through the Internet. They have a high bargaining power especially in the pesticide sector where switching costs are low. They constitute a high threat. One-reason farmers decrease their power, though, is often the agreements signed with the companies that supplies their products. Threat of substitute products Due the high costs of technology, patents and government regulations there are no competitive substitute in the market. The only substitutes are the traditional pesticides and crops, which are still on the market with a percentage of 53%. They could constitute a high threat if patent and intellectual properties are banned. Rivalry among existing competitors Government regulation and patents laws have a major role in this market. The high cost involved with research and development increased the rivalry among competitors for market share. High exit barriers also increase rivalry. An exiting barrier experienced by the firms is the high fixed cost of technology agreements. The degree of vertical integration in which the firm is involved consists a barrier as well. Conclusion: In the agrobiochemical industry buyers and suppliers have high bargaining power and there are no good products substitutes. The industry is unattractive particularly because patents laws and government requirements increased the monopolies of few companies and the rivalry for market share. The industry also requires high financial resources. Competitor analysis The main competitors in the industry are Monsanto, DuPont, Novartis and American Home Products. Monsanto is the leader in biotechnology on the marketplace. Due their intellectual properties and R&D capabilities Monsanto had the opportunity to gain market share and power. The benefit of being a first mover permitted them to gain the loyalty of the customer. Monsantoââ¬â¢s strategic action often undertaken to maintain competitive advantage is decrease costs of the products due their high margin profits. DuPont is a large company that produces a Monsantoââ¬â¢s product imitation. They however depends on Monsantoââ¬â¢s licenses to access traits. Novartis is pointed out as one of the potential rival of Monsanto and DuPont. It is a company with but has the highest capital-spending budget for research in biotechnology. Due their financial resources Novartis are more likely to launch competitive action when Monsantoââ¬â¢s license will expire. AHP introduced an alternative to Monsanto main product. Strongly focused on market research they posed a significant threat to Monsanto. They invested in marketing survey and developed a quality product that better satisfy the needs of the consumers. Conclusion: In the agrochemical industry the competitive rivalry among the firms is strong due the high cost involved in R&D and the slow growth of the market caused by licenses and intellectual properties. Monsanto supports its first mover position in the marked licensing patents to others firms. However companies such as AHP started to threaten them through competitive actions. Internal analysis of Monsanto Resources: Tangible Intangible Financial resources: Monsanto has the ability to generate internal funds: à ·They generate high profits especially from Roundupââ¬â¢s sales and GM crops. à ·Investment and acquisitions à ·Compliance activities Human Resources: à ·Managerial capacity especially in developing consolidation strategiesà ·Long term visionà ·Communication skill across all level of the organisation in order to retain talent and maximize human synergies. Physical resources: à ·Monsanto create extensive backward integration to access easily to raw materials à ·Plant and equipments for bioengineering researchesInnovation Resources:à ·High scientific capabilities à ·Ability to innovate Technological resources: à ·They signed license patent agreements with competitors and customers. à ·Patents and trademarksà ·Training system Reputational Resources:à ·Good national and international reputation with customersà ·Brand name linked to R&Dà ·Marketing à ·Long-term relation with suppliers. à ·Good relation with governmental entities such as FDAà ·Goodwill Organisational resources:à ·Distribution channels To create a sustainable competitive advantage Monsanto must focus on their capability and explore those which are rare, valuable, costly to imitate and non substitutable. Valuable capabilitiesà ·Capability to strengthen long-term relation with suppliers and customersà ·Capability to develop new technologies in bio-engineering and plant genetic à ·Ability to protect their intellectual propertyà ·Distribution channel and service activities Rare to imitateà ·Capacity to create human synergies especially after acquisition and merger strategiesà ·Capability to develop new technologiesà ·Ability to protect their intellectual property Costly to imitate à ·Capability to strengthen long-term relation with suppliers and customersà ·Capability to develop new technologiesà ·Ability to protect their intellectual propertyà ·Distribution channel and service activities No substitutableà ·Capability to strengthen long-term relation with suppliers and customersà ·Capability to develop new technologiesà ·Ability to protect their intellectual propertyà ·Distribution channel and service activities Conclusion: The ability of Monsanto to innovate due their st rong research and development program and the ability to protect their intellectual property gave them a competitive advantage on the market. Research and Development (R&D) and intellectual properties are core competencies that are impossible to imitate in short and medium term. They are rare, because Monsanto possess them, and valuable. Based on an analysis of the value chain however it is possible to underline that Monsanto has effective marketing and service activities, which permit to maintain a strong connection with the customers. These capabilities, if better explored could become a core competence in the future. SWOT Analysis StrengthWeakness à ·Capability to produce high competitive productsà ·Strong Research and Development base and quality Human Resourcesà ·Good customer servicesà ·Agreements à ·Economies of scale due to acquisitions à ·Intellectual Proprietiesà ·Patentsà ·Strong presence in international market and recognition as market leaderà ·Good network with universities and laboratoriesà ·Alliance and join venturesà ·Missing links between communication and research à ·Lack of market researchà ·Lack of flexibility due at vertical integration à ·Dependence on government regulation and patents laws Opportunity Threat à ·Expanding to new geographic areas such as India and Brazilà ·Vertical integrationsà ·Merge or Acquisition of rivalsà ·Opening to explore new technologies due on their well developed R&D à ·Patents expirationà ·New products on the markets à ·Adverse public opinion on GM foodsà ·Shifts in buyer needs for products à ·Costly new governmental regulationsà ·Difficulty in achieving synergies Strategies Business Level strategy: present and future In order to gain competitive advantage and above average return Monsanto focused on differentiation strategy targeting a group of highly skilled and technologically well-developed farmers. Monsanto offers to their customers, quality, training and a trusted system of distribution. This strong marketing ability, the service and the high quality of the product are the key for differentiation. However, Monsantoââ¬â¢s focus on R&D caused them to miss out on market research narrowing the customer perception of productââ¬â¢s value. It created an opportunity for competitors. They should reorganize their firm infrastructure activities and create value developing an information system to better understand customerââ¬â¢s purchasing preferences. They could outsource agencies to implement marketing surveys and focus more closely on customerââ¬â¢s needs. In the future Monsanto could apply their research to breed animals and explore new industry segments. Corporate level strategy: present and future In order to gain market power and develop economies of scope, Monsanto, used a related constrained diversification strategy. They create value and synergies through operational relatedness, sharing both primary and support activities of the value chain. It is underlined by backwards and forwards vertical integration that they use. Due patent expiration, vertical integration, however in the future, can constitute a threat because decrease their flexibility especially in reducing prices. In the future in order to support the expensive costs of R&D and explore new industry segments, Monsanto could merge with Novartis. They could create value through corporate relatedness using a related linked diversification strategy. It can produce private synergies by sharing resources and capabilities. Based on high financial resources of Novartis and Monsanto R&D they could bring improved products to market faster. New researches on GM food could be developed also to improve the negative perception of the customers. International strategy and Cooperative strategy: present and future Based on their strong basis in biotechnologies Monsanto strengthen relations with governments of new developing countries such as Brazil and India, where there are basic resources but lack biotechnological research. Monsantoââ¬â¢s scope is to extent their leadership and the product life cycle in order to recoup heavy investments in R&D. Monsanto also to consolidate costs and rationalize industry capacity engaged in mergers and acquisition with other companies such as Cargill Seeds Business, which reduced their costs and their time to entry in international market. Based on the slow cycle of the market, due the high costs involved, Monsanto could engage in strategic alliance or franchises in new developing countries markets in order to hold down labor costs and compete more effectively in the global market. It permit them to share costs, resources, and risk and overcome problem of integration. Conclusion The biotechnological products developed by Monsanto have future until they can produce an above-average return and gain economies of scale. Based on their ability to innovate Monsanto have the capacity to explore new markets and new geographical areas however, high R&D costs, negative consumer perception and patents expiration are stated to threaten their leadership position on the market. To recover investments, they should focus more on consumer products demand and engage in strategic alliance that permits to increase the product life cycle and absorb the high costs of R&D. References Hanson D. , Dowling P. J. , Hitt M. A. , Ireland R. D and Hoskisson R. E (2008). Strategic Management. Competitiveness & Globalization. South-Western College
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