Energy Efficiency of a PRO Process

Vitality Efficiency of a PRO Process Presentation The worldwide vitality request is quickly expanding because of quickly extending populace and their improved expectation for everyday comforts. Albeit petroleum derivatives are for the most part adding to satisfying this interest, the utilization has just surpassed the limit of supportable vitality creation (Efraty, 2013)(Yip et al., 2011). It is frequently guaranteed that we have enough holds of coal, gas, and oil while the genuine situation is unique. Condition researchers revealed that vitality holds are diminishing with time, which would be decreased inside hardly any decades (Figure 1). The lifetime of these stores would be broadened somewhat if new repositories can be distinguished. Finding new wells is turning out to be more enthusiastically step by step and on the off chance that it is found, the measures of energizes would be fundamentally lower than the ones that have been found in the past1. Figure 1: The patterns of worldwide petroleum derivatives reserves[1] The rising vitality request and restricted stores of petroleum derivatives have roused to scientists for investigating options wellsprings of sustainable power source. Analysts have just found different wellsprings of vitality while wind, sun oriented, flowing and biomass have been utilized for practical vitality creation (Straub, Deshmukh, Elimelech, 2015).ã‚â However, costly gear and high establishment cost combined with the lopsided conveyance of vitality during the time have kept them from being utilized broadly (Sharif, Merdaw, Aryafar, Nicoll, 2014). As of late, a recently developing wellspring of clean vitality called Osmotic force has pulled in much thoughtfulness regarding the specialist, which got from saltiness angles discovered worldwide where two wellsprings of water with various salinities are accessible close to one another (Y. C. Kim Elimelech, 2013).ã‚â The accessibility and consistency of osmotic force are a lot more prominent than the irregular renewables like breeze and sun oriented. Saltiness slope is the distinction in salt fixation between two arrangements. The gigantic measure of vitality discharged from the blending of two arrangements of various salinities and this sum ascends for higher fixation distinction between the arrangements. Little scope examinations have been accomplished for the blending of freshwater and seawater, which revealed that 2.6 MW vitality delivered for a progression of 1m3/s freshwater when blended in with seawater (Veerman, Saakes, Metz, Harmsen, 2009). A few advancements are being utilized to collect osmotic force, for example, invert electrodialysis (RED) (Achilli Childress, 2010) (Yip Elimelech, 2012),ã‚â weight hindered osmosisã‚â (PRO) (Altaee Sharif, 2015)(Thorsen Holt, 2009)(Norman S., 2016), capacitive blending (CAPMIX) (Reuters News Agency, n.d.), and hydrogel blending (J. Kim, Jeong, Park, Shon, Kim, 2015). Among the innovations, RED and PRO are further developed and shown at pilot scale and the two believers conc oction potential to valuable work by the controlled blending of two arrangements of various salt focus (Achilli Childress, 2010)(Yip Elimelech, 2014). RED is a film based innovation, which is driven by the Nernst potential, an indication of concoction potential distinction. It utilizes a heap of changing particle trade films that specifically permits particle pervasion over the layers. The net particle transition over the films is changed over straightforwardly to electric flow (Norman S., 2016)(Pattle, 1954). The procedure is effective for power age yet financially wasteful. The cost costs of accessible RED film is out of range, and ongoing examinations have demonstrated that the cost must be decreased a hundred times to make the innovation reasonable (Post et al., 2010). The improvement of such sort of films is very tedious and hard to accomplish (Turek Bandura, 2007). Additionally, The activities of the RED procedure is intricate and profoundly touchy to the procedure parameters, which requires expand control framework (Altaee Sharif, 2015). The same converse electrodialysis, PRO is likewise a film based innovation, yet the thing that matters is, PRO uses a solitary salt-dismissing semipermeable layer rather than a pile of particle trade layers. It uses the saltiness slope as osmotic force contrast to drive the water penetration over the film from low saltiness feed answer for high saltiness draw arrangement. The growing volume of draw arrangement courses through a hydro-turbine that creates helpful mechanical and electrical works [18][19]. The plan and activities of PRO are a lot more straightforward, and it doesn't rely a lot upon operational parameters with the exception of working weight of film at draw arrangement side. The ongoing investigation shows that PRO can accomplish both more noteworthy efficiencies and force densities than RED and other existing innovations [14]. A large portion of the PRO examinations have been centered around the blending of seawater and freshwater, however this blending plan has been seen as unfeasible because of the lower power densities. Scientists concur that more examination is important to survey the attainability of procedures dependent on surges of higher saltiness. One of such procedures is the vitality recuperation from desalination units by taking focal points of the blending of released salt water and seawater. Another procedure is the blending of seawater with high saltiness delivered water from oil and gaseous petrol investigation. Be that as it may, the principle issues of these procedure are concentraion polarization and salt spillage, which limit the PRO execution by decreasing the main impetus over the layer. Prior to examinations to build up a reasonable PRO procedure for the huge scope activity, have concentrated on growing superior film and setting up appropriate conditions to boost the vitality yields. A few thermodynamic properties are important to set up suitable conditions to survey the exhibition of PRO procedure. The first of them is the Gibbs free vitality of blending since it gives as far as possible to the pole power that is conceivable to recuperate from a blending procedure, which happens at steady temperature and weight. Another property is osmotic weight, which in important to set up working weight at various pieces of the plant. Entropies and enthalpies are expected to assess the mechanical intensity of the rotational gear included. This work exhibits a thermodynamic model to assess every one of them so as to augment the force recuperation from PRO procedure. The Q-electrolattice condition of (EOS), which broadens a cross section based liquid model for electrolyte arrangements, is embraced. The model likewise incorporates as of late created conditions for PRO that thinks about fixation polarization; switch salt penetrability, and film fouling to foresee water and salt transition over the layer. Likewise, most PRO models depend on arrangements of Na+ and Cl particles just, though, by and by, saline water contains different particles notwithstanding these two.ã‚â This work reports reproductions of PRO procedures that think about the nearness of various particles in arrangements (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-and SO42-). The current model for the most part utilizes various stages to figure osmotic force, power thickness, and transition over the layer (for example OLI-programming is utilized to figure osmotic force and another program for motion and force thickness), that expansion the chance of getting incorrect worth since all these are between subordinate. Then again, this model continually and precisely decides every one of them by a solitary program. Starting examinations have been accomplished for freshwater+sewater and seawater+brine frameworks with single-stage PRO setup. The anticipated osmotic weight, water transition over the layer and recuperations of mechanical force are in generally excellent concurrence with trial writing information. This arrangement of results proposes that the Q-electrolattice EOS is a reasonable model for the count of thermodynamic properties expected to evaluate the presentation of PRO plants.ã‚â Now, it is arranging this model for exceptionally high saltiness arrangements with various stage setups. A techno-monetary investigation will be accomplished for the plausibility investigation of PRO procedure executing at modern scale. Point and Objectives: The point of this work is to build up a thermoynamic model dependent on Q-electrolattice condition of state for PRO procedure, and execute it to anticipate diverse thermodynamic properties so as to caltulate water and salt transition over the layer and force densities. The different targets related with this point are outlined underneath: Actualize Q-electrolattice condition of state for the arrangements of various salts to ascertain osmotic power and check the outcomes with writing trial information. Execute as of late created mass and salt transition conditions, which thought about focus polarization, invert salt motion and fouling of layer. Actualize fundamental thermodynamic relations for PRO units to decide entropies and enethalpies precisely. Build up the model for freshwater-seawater framework with single stage arrangement and broadened it for higher saltiness framework with various stage setup. Actualize the cost conditions to decide the capital expense for establishment of the PRO units. Writing Review Q-elctrolattice condition of state The elctrolattice condition of state (EOS) was created utilizing a similar technique introduced by Myers et al. (Myers, Sandler, Wood, 2002), in light of the Helmholtz vitality approach. The remaining Helmholtz vitality at a given temperature and volume is determined by the expansion different commitments along a speculative path.ã‚â These commitments comprise of particle dissolvable and dissolvable communication over the short range, solvation impacts, and particle cooperations over the long range. The complete procedure is isolated into four stages along a thermodynamic way( a. Zuber et al., 2013): Step-1: It is accepted that a reference blend comprising of charged particles and atoms is in a theoretical perfect gas state at temperature T and volume V. In the initial step, the c

How To Build An Irresistible Brand Via Social Media With Dave Kerpen

The most effective method to Build An Irresistible Brand Via Social Media With Dave Kerpen Do you realize how to utilize web-based social networking to construct a compelling brand and pleasure clients? Need to be stunning on Facebook, Instagram, and the various destinations? Need some motivation for your internet based life marking? Today, we’re conversing with Dave Kerpen, administrator of Likable Media and top of the line creator of Likable Social Media. He shares his recommendation on what has stayed significant in online networking in the course of recent years and what will keep on helping you be effective. Dave’s most loved thoughts/ideas incorporate utilizing internet based life for tuning in and narrating to place thoughts into the world Brands that are acceptable at narrating are Redbox, Ahold, Century 21, and Work It Dave’s #1 web-based social networking objective for brands is to bring in cash; have a particular financial ROI at the top of the priority list Move individuals down the business pipe for attention to buy Web-based social networking viciousness pattern where brands troll the trolls; is it useful or destructive? Relies upon your brand’s character and crowd Greatest slip-ups advertisers make incorporate utilizing internet based life to sell too rapidly, not sell by any means, and not use publicizing to make the most of paid chances Ensure you’re not selling excessively and your substance is something you might Want, offer, or remark on For paid chances, center first around putting dollars into promotions via web-based networking media Future Social Media Trends: Musical.ly, recordings, and informing applications Quit putting time into a social channel when the explanation you joined does not have any significant bearing anymore Connections: Dave Kerpen on Facebook Dave Kerpen on Twitter Dave Kerpen on Instagram Affable Media Affable Social Media The Art of People Redbox Tight Supermarkets Century 21 Carrie Kerpen Work It book All the Social Ladies webcast Musical.ly Compose and send a survey to get a consideration bundle In the event that you loved today’s appear, if it's not too much trouble buy in on iTunes to The Actionable Marketing Podcast! The digital recording is likewise accessible on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Statements by Dave Kerpen: â€Å"There’s such huge numbers of approaches to recount stories now. Internet based life permits us to recount to that story, however to convey that story in an extremely ground-breaking way.† â€Å"If you’re taking part in web based life exercises, you ought to have a particular money related ROI in mind.† â€Å"Social media is an extraordinary method to construct connections and sustain individuals over that business channel, regardless of what the item or administration is.†

What Marital Sex Statistics Can Reveal

What Marital Sex Statistics Can Reveal Relationships Spouses & Partners Print What Marital Sex Statistics Can Reveal Whos Doing It and How Often? By Sheri Stritof Sheri Stritof has written about marriage and relationships for 20 years. Shes the co-author of The Everything Great Marriage Book. Learn about our editorial policy Sheri Stritof Updated on November 26, 2019 DreamPictures / Getty Images More in Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems LGBTQ Violence and Abuse While its not usually a good idea to compare your sex life to what sex statistics say about others, it can be interesting to look at how often other couples have sex. For example, many people believe theyre having less sex than their peers (according to a goop.com reader survey), but scientific study results might prove them wrong. Other stats can offer insight on married couples sexual satisfaction and even relationship satisfaction and how its related to sex. How Often Do Married Couples Have Sex? Americans in their 20s (whether partnered or not) have sex about 80 times a year, or more than once per week, says a 2017 study.?? While that number declines with age, it turns out that there is such a thing as too much sex. While the frequency of sex is associated with happiness, partnered couples who have sex more than once a week are no happier than those having sex weekly, according to an analysis of three research studies of over 30,000 people.?? Having sex once a week might be the ideal, according to science. But the real ideal is what works for you and your partner. If youre happy, then youre having the right amount of sex for you. If youre not, you can work on the problem through better communication, more experimentation in the bedroom, and/or couples or sex therapy. More research looking at this sex frequency-happiness connection noted that pushing frequency past once a week might lead to a decline in wanting for, and enjoyment of, sex.?? In other words, quality counts as much as quantity. Whats more, one study of heterosexual couples published in 2017 linked husbands positive behaviors toward their wives with the frequency of sex.?? So if you want more in bed, you might try being more generous and giving outside of the bedroom. How Much Sex Is Enough in a Marriage or Relationship? Married Sex and Satisfaction A survey conducted by Durex (the condom maker) in 2013 looked at some of the ways sex can promote connection and satisfaction in couples. Some results included: 96% of respondents said being emotionally connected results in the best sex.92% are turned on by their partner showing vulnerability.90% believe it is possible for sex to get better after years of being together.61% of women and 80% of men say the sex is pretty good. (Another 2013 survey, from iVillage, got the same result.) Satisfaction and interpersonal warmth matter more in a marriage than the frequency of intercourse, according to sex researchers. And there is a strong connection between sex, well-being, affection, and positive affect (or mood), according to research published in 2017.?? Mutual respect is also important; when partners feel respected, they also report being sexually satisfied. In terms of how their sex life could be improved, people say theyre looking for more love and romance; more quality time alone with their partner; more fun; and less stress. Married Sex and Communication Couples also say they could have better communication with their partner. The answer to what should we do to make our sex life better/have sex more often/make sex more satisfying often begins with talking. One study, published in 2019, tied better sexual communication with greater sexual satisfactionâ€"and even fewer faked orgasms. Women who continued to fake orgasms were more likely to indicate embarrassment talking about sex with their partner in explicit ways, the studys authors said??. More than half of women reported they had wanted to communicate with a partner regarding sex but decided not to; the most common reasons were not wanting to hurt a partner’s feelings, not feeling comfortable going into detail, and embarrassment, the study continued. How to Talk About Sex With Your Partner A Word From Verywell Though interesting, what statistics say about other peoples sex lives is usually not relevant to your own. What matters is how you and partner feel about your relationship and sex lifeâ€"and how well you can discuss it with each other. Communication is key. Depending on the underlying issues and emotions you and your partner are experiencing, you might benefit from working with a personal therapist, a couples counselor, or a sex therapist.

Essay about Should Marijuana Legalized - 1237 Words

Should Marijuana Be Decriminalized? Since the dawn of our civilization there has been a prevalent undertone of drug utilization. Whether an antibiotic, tonic, stimulant, analgesic, anesthetic, opiate, anti-depressant or painkiller; drugs, whether medical or non-medical, have found themselves in the spotlight of our culture and in our societies. Our widespread multi-culture of drugs has become a nuance to the very backbone of our moralistic values as a county, as a population and as people. Specifically speaking, marijuana has become a thorn in the side of our culture. Debates on the legalization of this street drug have amplified as of late and have been an interest of both smokers and non-smokers. Either way, marijuana although very†¦show more content†¦The conception of having a justice system ruled by the general publics’ integrity or particularly lack thereof, is an ideal that frightens me deeply. Drugs are illicit, for this to be the case we have to postulate there is logical and vigorous reasoning abaft this. First, I believe it is not only the government’s mandate to bulwark their people from such things, but is withal in their best interest to keep their population away from this harm. I believe this is a case where the government does have the right to interfere with the situation. Why do I believe it will be in their interest? This is simple, the more drug addicts the higher healthcare costs, the more impuissant the work force will become and the perpetuated internationally perceived taboo of a now legalized drug market will just increase. The law on illicit drugs is a general preventive measure, it debilitates individuals from the utilization of drugs whether it’s a gateway drug like marijuana or Class A drugs such as heroin or cocaine. This law acts like a cautioning to individuals. They realize that drugs will cause noteworthy damage, larger part, to their health and to the individuals encompassing them. Drug use causes mental, physical and social damage . Despite weed having a notoriety for being a non-problematic substance, and actually being so called advantageous in the setting ofShow MoreRelatedShould Marijuana Be Legalized?849 Words   |  4 Pageswhether marijuana should be legalized. Around 23 states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use. In the state of Illinois, medicinal use of marijuana has been passed on April 17, 2013. Since January 2014, patients are able to obtain marijuana with a doctor s recommendation. The new debate is whether marijuana should be legalized for the general public as a recreational drug. Although some believe that marijuana is harmless, and that it has beneficial medicinal uses, marijuana shouldRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1715 Words   |  7 PagesMarijuana in Society Cannabis, formally known as marijuana is a drug obtained from the tops, stems and leaves of the hemp plant cannabis. The drug is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. Only substances like caffeine, nicotine and alcohol are used more (â€Å"Marijuana† 1). In the U. S. where some use it to feel â€Å"high† or get an escape from reality. The drug is referred to in many ways; weed, grass, pot, and or reefer are some common names used to describe the drug (â€Å"Marijuana† 1). Like mostRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1489 Words   |  6 Pagescannabis plant or marijuana is intended for use of a psychoactive drug or medicine. It is used for recreational or medical uses. In some religions, marijuana is predominantly used for spiritual purposes. Cannabis is indigenous to central and south Asia. Cannabis has been scientifically proven that you can not die from smoking marijuana. Marijuana should be legalized to help people with medical benefits, econo mic benefits, and criminal benefits. In eight states, marijuana was legalized for recreationalRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1245 Words   |  5 PagesMarijuana is a highly debatable topic that is rapidly gaining attention in society today.   Legalizing marijuana can benefit the economy of this nation through the creation of jobs, increased tax revenue, and a decrease in taxpayer money spent on law enforcement.   Ã‚  Many people would outlaw alcohol, cigarettes, fast food, gambling, and tanning beds because of the harmful effects they have on members of a society, but this is the United States of America; the land of the free and we should give peopleRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1010 Words   |  5 PagesThe legalization of marijuana became a heated political subject in the last few years. Twenty-one states in America have legalized medical marijuana. Colorado and Washington are the only states where marijuana can be purchased recreationally. Marijuana is the high THC level part of the cannabis plant, which gives users the â€Å"high† feeling. There is ample evidence that supports the argument that marijuana is beneficial. The government should legalize marijuana recreationally for three main reasonsRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1350 Words   |  6 Pagespolitics in the past decade would have to be the legalization of marijuana. The sale and production of marijuana have been legalized for medicinal uses in over twenty states and has been legalized for recreational uses in seven states. Despite the ongoing support for marijuana, it has yet to be fully legalized in the federal level due to cultural bias against â€Å"pot† smoking and the focus over its negative effects. However, legalizing marijuana has been proven to decrease the rate of incrimination in AmericaRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1231 Words   |  5 Pagesshows the positive benefits of marijuana, it remains illegal under federal law. In recent years, numerous states have defied federal law and legalized marijuana for both recreational and medicinal use. Arizona has legalized marijuana for medical use, but it still remains illegal to use recreationally. This is absurd, as the evidence gathered over the last few decades strongly supports the notion that it is safer than alcohol, a widely available substance. Marijuana being listed as a Schedule I drugRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized? Essay1457 Words   |  6 PagesSHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGALIZED? Marijuana is a drug that has sparked much controversy over the past decade as to whether or not it should be legalized. People once thought of marijuana as a bad, mind-altering drug which changes a person’s personality which can lead to crime and violence through selling and buying it. In the past, the majority of citizens believed that marijuana is a harmful drug that should be kept off the market and out of the hands of the public. However, a recent study conductedRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1596 Words   |  7 Pages But what needs to be known before a user can safely and completely make the decision if trying Marijuana is a good idea? Many do not want the drug to be legalized because they claim that Cannabis is a â€Å"gateway drug†, meaning it will cause people to try harder drugs once their body builds up a resistance to Marijuana, because a stronger drug will be needed to reach a high state. This argument is often falsely related to the medical si de of the debate over legalization. It is claimed that this wouldRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?985 Words   |  4 PagesLegalize Marijuana Despite what people believe about marijuana, it hasn’t once proved to be the cause of any real issue. It makes you wonder what the reason as to why there is a war on drugs. Why is marijuana the main concern? Since the time that alcohol and tobacco became legal, people wonder why marijuana isn’t legal yet. The fact that marijuana is illegal is mainly caused by the amount of money, jobs, and pride invested in the drug war. Once the government starts anything, they stick to it. At

Essay on The Threat of Global Warming - 1667 Words

The Threat of Global Warming Through the eyes of most scientists, global warming is seen as a very serious and severe threat. The actions taken by humans, such as industry and consumption of fossil fuels plus the increase in population and agriculture have played a big part in global warming. If something is not done soon the results could be very bad. By the middle of the twenty first century, there is evidence that the Earth will be warmer than it has been at any time in human history, and quite possibly since the end of the dinosaurs, some 65 billion years ago. If we stay at the rate we are now (fossil fuel consumption / growth in population) then within the next two century the Earths air might not be fit to breath. Many†¦show more content†¦These gases are carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. The main contributor to the greenhouse effect and global warming is carbon dioxide. The atmosphere contains over 700 billion tons of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide. Currently, humans burn more than 5 billion tons of fossil fuel carbon each year, all of it going into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. In addition, deforestation and subsequent burning and decay add another 1.5 billion tons. Scientists feel that about 40 percent of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is taken up by the oceans or plant growth. The remaining 60 percent stays in the atmosphere, and is responsible for the .4 to .5 percent yearly growth in carbon dioxide concentrations. Methane is also another major greenhouse gas that is growing significantly more and more each year. Methane is a gas that is naturally produced from decomposition of plant material and enteric fermentation in animals. Scientists say that the growth of methane is from a combination of increases in petroleum, natural gas, coal, rice farming, and increases in the population of domestic farm animals throughout the world. Nitrous oxide is just slightly increasing each year due to fossil fuel combustion and soil fertilization. Emissions from fossil fuel combustion also react to form ozone in the troposphere. Ozone acts likeShow MoreRelatedThe Threat Of Global Warming976 Words   |  4 Pagescentury more dramatically than any other, and that is the urgent threat of a changing climate â€Å" ( Barack Obama ). Global warming is the increase of earth’s average surface temperature. The threat has presently widespread over a 50 year timeline. The human race has birthed a disastro us world that is deteriorating every second of the day. It is becoming almost too hard to come back from this catastrophe. Global Warming is a threat that we sometimes call â€Å" the greenhouse effect. â€Å" The greenhouseRead MoreThe Threat Of Global Warming1447 Words   |  6 PagesGlobal warming is a terrifying thing to think about. People try to ignore it because they are afraid of what it will cause. They don’t want to accept what scientists are saying, â€Å"Humans are to blame†. I, being a future scientist, also believe that humanity is the cause of global warming. This believe of mine stemmed from a class I took in middle school that put us, students, in the shoes of United Nations members. We had to take sides on issues such as deforestation and the usage of fossil fuelsRead MoreGlobal Warming Is A Threat Essay1533 Words   |  7 PagesGlobal warming has been a controversial issue since the first publication of global warming, â€Å"Worlds in the Making,† by Svante Arrhenius in 1896. This topic is discussed in multiple areas of life, including politics, at the din ner table, and among scientists in a laboratory. The various viewpoints of individuals usually lead to a heated discussion on global warming, and sometimes ignites an intense argument. Through research and discussions with various people, I have come to the belief that globalRead MoreThe Threat Of Global Warming1487 Words   |  6 PagesEver since the twenty-first century, the injury and menace posed by global climate change to human being has long been acknowledged by public. In the face of global warming, a series of resulting problems inflict a serious threat on the nature environment, which is the material base of the human being depending on. Therefore, climate change is no longer just a discipline problem but also has gradually become a major social problem, which has draw a common concern for us humans. During this, the resultingRead MoreThe Threat Of Global Warming1816 Words   |  8 PagesHumanity’s Biggest Threat Recently, the issue about climate change has been on and off the news headlines. The debate whether if global warming is real or hoax is gradually getting more attention to the public. Global warming is defined as phenomenon that causes global average temperature to rise in a steady rate.While many people speculate that global warming is a temporary issue that won’t be a serious issue after a while, scientific data point out that it could be a big threat to the world andRead MoreThe Threat Of Global Warming3159 Words   |  13 Pagesworld governments about the threat that global warming poses to life on Earth. The scientists have raised the alarm numerous times, even as the effects become noticeable today. But why then, as the effects of global warming are becoming more obvious as time passes, have countries like the US, Australia, and Canada done nothing to address the problem? As Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and other pacific island nations sink due to rising seas p erpetuated by global warming, these countries have beenRead MoreThe Threat Of Global Warming988 Words   |  4 Pagescatastrophic global warming have been found, after nearly two decades of temperature stasis, to be in error,† writes Maurice Newman, chief business advisor to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (Dunn). With this bold declaration, Australia thrust itself onto the international stage where it was widely criticized and condemned by the United Nations and environmental supporters worldwide. Already behind the world in climate change legislation, Australia quickly became the face of global warming denialRead MoreThe Threat Of Global Warming1129 Words   |  5 PagesHuman activities have been identified as the most significant cause of recent climate change; it is often referred to ‘Global Warming’. The main cause of global warming is emission of greenhouse gases .The main source of energy today - coal, gases and oil produce greenhouse gases, in pa rticular carbon dioxide. Nuclear energy can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. It is used to generate electric power but unlike fossil fuels it does not emit greenhouse gases. Therefore, the best possible solutionRead MoreThe Threat Of Global Warming1779 Words   |  8 Pagespaying the consequences from past generation’s inability to make the right but hard choices, in order to protect and preserve our environment. The NRDC website lists the top global warming symptoms as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, severe weather patterns, the human health, and wildlife. (Consequences of Global Warming). Drilling in ANWR would cause horrifying situations for the wildlife ecosystem and inescapable affects on life in America and around the world, as we know it. In the NationalRead MoreThe Threat Of Global Warming1023 Words   |  5 Pagescatastrophic global warming have been found, after nearly two decades of temperature stasis, to be in error,† writes Maurice Newman, chi ef business advisor to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (Dunn). With this bold declaration, Australia thrust itself onto the international stage where it was widely criticized and condemned by the United Nations and environmental supporters worldwide. Already behind the world in climate change legislation, Australia quickly became the face of global warming denial

Writings by Edgar Allan Poe Insight Free Essays

Dezzie B. Ligon III 10/30/12 English 5 Mr. Rabot Without Recourse Thesis: The act of death is that of many intricate parts. We will write a custom essay sample on Writings by Edgar Allan Poe Insight or any similar topic only for you Order Now It is destined, at times a mystery that is sought, frequently sudden and ill accepted, and recurrently caused by vengeance lacking true justice. Title: â€Å"Conqueror Worm† In life lies destiny, in destiny lies death. The poem â€Å"Conqueror Worm† by Edgar Allan Poe exemplifies this fact by portraying man as a tragedy and a worm as the hero. The poem is set as a play with a plot telling of sin, madness, and horror. The angels are the audience members, man is shown as mimes that fly around as mere puppets, and the writhing Conqueror Worm surfaces at the climax of the play and devours said mimes. After the curtain’s fall the angels then confirm â€Å"that the play is the tragedy â€Å"Man†, and its hero the Conqueror Worm. † The theme of this poem is conveyed to the reader in the quote â€Å"The mimes become its food†. The meaning of this is that in the end, all of man is destined to die and become worm food. His use of diction in the choosing of the word â€Å"become† instead of a word such as â€Å"are† tells the reader that man is not born as worm food, but as destiny catches up they will inevitably succumb to such a fate. Additionally, although the Conqueror Worm is the collection of all worms that ultimately devour man’s bodies, it is also the embodiment of death itself. Surprisingly, Poe uses this embodiment of death as the protagonist of the story. This then creates the conflict of Man vs. Death, or more simply Character vs. Nature. Man is the Character while Death is Nature. Sadly, in such a conflict Nature always prevails. This conflict thus gives more support to the idea that death is but the destiny of man. This ending destiny is also shown in the quote â€Å"Out-out are the light-out all! † in which after the arrival of the writhing worm nothing but darkness remains. Man’s mortality will always plague itself because there is only one thing man is meant to do. That is the everlasting fate of becoming nothing but worm food. Title: â€Å"Ms. Found in a Bottle† In death lies mystery, in mystery lies those who seek answers. The short story â€Å"Ms. Found in a Bottle† by Edgar Allan Poe illustrates this idea through the intricate retelling of the final moments of a man’s life. The story is told through first person view by an unnamed narrator. The narrator originally sets sail from Java on a ship headed to the Sunda Islands; however the trip is ruined by a storm that kills all crew members except for him and an old swede. Though they are alive, there ship is swept south by a whirlpool for 5 days before a black ships appears and collides with his ship. The narrator is thus thrown onto the new ship where he comes into contact with very ancient looking crew members who do not acknowledge his presence. Eventually he overcomes his despair and eagerly awaits the discovery of the most southern parts of the world. Sadly, before reaching their final destination the ice parts revealing a giant whirlpool that sinks the very large black ship. The underlying theme of the story is conveyed in the quote â€Å"I presume, utterly impossible; yet a curiosity to penetrate the mysteries of these awful regions, predominates even over my despair† in which the narrator tells the reader that his yearning for answers to the mysteries of the unchartered region stands above his actual fear of death. However, the unexplored region isn’t actually that of the south. The south is just an embodiment of the realm of the dead and the curiosity the narrator feels is for the mystery of the inevitable death. The whirlpool that takes him and the ancient crew mates to such a realm is a symbol used by Poe to depict a doorway to an unknown place. This is a perfect symbol because the whirlpool only brings things down into the depths, the depths of the underworld itself. Additionally, the wanting of answers is also portrayed in the statement â€Å"It is evident that we are hurrying onwards to some exciting knowledge-some never-to-be imparted secret, whose attainment in destruction†. Here it is obvious that the knowledge they are seeking is that of death, death being that which leads to destruction of oneself. The ancient crew members he set final voyage with seemed quite peculiar. It was as if they were on the brink of death but holding out for a sole reason. Right before the whirlpool hits it is said â€Å"but there is upon their countenances an expression more of the eagerness of hope than of the apathy of despair. † The ancient ship mates seem to know of what is to come and smile because now they can truly find the answers they sought. To both them and eventually the narrator, death is something they seek because the mysteries of the realm of the dead are to interesting to be left unanswered. Title: Annabel Lee In death lies abruptness, in abruptness lies ill acceptance. The poem â€Å"Annabel Lee† by Edgar Allan Poe exemplifies this idea through the poetic telling of the death of a young boy’s loved one. Annabel Lee, who long ago lived â€Å"in a kingdom by the sea†, loved the narrator; however she was abruptly killed by a wind that chilled her. The narrator mad with love thought that the Angels had envied their love and conspired with nature to send said wind that killed her. According to the narrator, their love was too strong to be severed by the â€Å"Angels in heaven above† or the â€Å"demons down under the sea†. He is reminded of Annabel Lee by everything, â€Å"For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams of Annabel Lee†, and at night he lies by her tomb by the sea. The theme of the poem is conveyed in the lines â€Å"With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven coveted her and me. And this was the reason that, long ago†¦ A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling my beautiful Annabel Lee†. Here depicts the idea that when one suddenly dies someone else tends to have a hard time accepting their death and instead places blame on things which blame cannot logically be placed. The narrator, along with many other people in real life, has trouble accepting the death of someone he loved so strongly. Thus, he seeks to blame the Angels or more specifically but only through inference, God. â€Å"The angels†¦ went envying her and me-Yes! that was the reason†¦ that the wind came†¦ killing my Annabel Lee. † Once again, the ill acceptance of the sudden death of his loved one is shown by him still ludicrously placing blame on angels controlling the winds. This constant condemnation of the Angels then creates a small Character vs. Nature conflict in which the narrator-being the character-just isn’t fully able to accept this sudden death caused by Nature. We all know death is inevitable, however, when it rears its ugly fangs and causes a late death of someone we care about, we lack the capability of complete acceptance. Title: The Cask of Amontillado In death lies revenge, in revenge lies injustice. The short story â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† portrays this idea through the recount of a vengeful plot devised by the narrator Montresor. At its beginning it is shown that Montresor held a grudge against Fortunato. Montresor says â€Å"when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge†. Fortunato’s insult is unknown but to the narrator it is quite serious. He then with the use of reverse psychology, tricks Fortunato into becoming intoxicated and into a niche hidden deep within the Montresor catacombs. Montresor then easily overcomes the drunken Fortunato and chains him within the niche. To finish his plot of revenge he walls Fortunato into his newfound tomb. The underlying theme of the story is conveyed in the quote â€Å"I hastened to make an end of my labor†. At first glance it would seem this is simply referring to Montresor and his completion of his makeshift wall, but it has a much stronger hidden meaning. The use of the word â€Å"end† refers to the sentence given to the convicted and the use of the word â€Å"labor† is that of the arduous take of being jury, judge, and executioner. Montresor, driven by vengeance, creates his own untrue law and condemns the accused to a penalty not of death but that which will inevitably lead to such a fate. This odd â€Å"sentence† of Fortunato by Montresor can also be originally seen in the line â€Å"I must not only punish, but punish with impunity. † Here Montresor says he has to punish him, but in a paradoxical way punish him without punishing him. This is indeed what Montresor tried to do by locking him away, but letting him live. However, the idea of punishment with impunity is ludicrous because it is not possible. In reality, Montresor did punish him thus being another reason why vengeance is of untrue justice and law. Poe, making Montresor the protagonist, even though he is indeed doing evil deeds also supports the idea of vengeance without true law. When vengeance causes death, or like here when vengeance speeds up the ever turning wheel of the inevitable, it is not possible for justice to be uninvolved. However, it is also impossible for true and â€Å"good† justice to be associated as well. How to cite Writings by Edgar Allan Poe Insight, Essay examples

Zombie Research Paper Essay Example Essay Example

Zombie Research Paper Essay Example Paper Zombie Research Essay Introduction ichard Petaccio 11/17/10 Dirmeyer My thesis focuses on the social commentary found in the second entry of George A. Romero’s â€Å"Living Dead Tetraology† Dawn of The Dead (1978), specifically on issues of the representation of race, class, culture and violence in the four films, and how these representations, along with the social critique evident in Romero’s work, change in response to the upheavals and developments which have occurred in the American social, cultural and political climate over the past four decades. While many may assume that the blood, guts and the horror genre are the ingredients for mindless entertainment, George Romero’s 1978 film Dawn of the Dead is concrete proof that extreme gore and violence doesn’t always equal a dumb movie and that the two can make very nice bedfellows. Dawn of the Dead is used by Romero primarily as examine and critique the state of race and class issues in the United States, including the very consume r culture that feeds the industry. The plot of this film follows four survivors of the zombie apocalypse that has ensued after the events of Night of the Living Dead as they hold up in a shopping mall to try while the dead shamble aimlessly. However, this poses another problem, as once their home has been built up in the midst of the atrocities; will our hero’s be able to give up all that they have built? Dawn of the Dead is an epic view of a civilization in decline†. Zombie Research Essay Body Paragraphs It is the violence at the heart of the American experience that Romero turns his critical eye towards in Dawn of the Dead, and the only way to adequately showcase it is through the extremes of exploding heads and splattering viscera. The movie, which takes place at the Monroeville Shopping Mall outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a biting satire of the modern consumerist way of life. It may also be considered a mocking portrayal of mankind’s persistent inability to cooperate or make decisions based on logic ather than emotion in the face of danger, a consistent theme throughout the entire Dead series. The setting of Dawn of the Dead is â€Å"a follow-up on the zombie invasion that began in Living Dead, when, in Yeats’s classic phrase, ‘mere anarchy is loosed upon the world† (McCarty 118). Romero takes full advantage of the opportunity provided by this location to parody American consumer culture. In fact, much of the film’s black humor derives fr om â€Å"the idea of the dead returning robotically to a mall where they once spent many happy hours,† particularly when coupled with â€Å"scenes of the living dead falling into fountains, stumbling on escalators, and clamoring for admission to department stores† (McCarty 119). There is a great deal of irony to be found in the fact that â€Å"three decades later our entire country is one big mall governed by a man who, responding to one of the greatest tragedies ever to befall it, urged its citizens to go shopping,† Nick Shuit (10). But Dawn of the Dead is more than just a zombies-at-the-shopping-mall critique of consumer culture, as elements of racism and class war are also included within its framework. In one of its opening scenes, â€Å"a SWAT team clears out a tenement building in Pittsburgh. The residents are primarily Puerto Rican and Latino, kept captive by the undead both within and without the building† (Rider 7). Despite the abject poverty of these residents, one of the police officers makes a statement reflecting what Stephen Harper calls â€Å"the film’s theme of material insecurity and envy† (5). â€Å"Shit man, this is better than I got. Harper further observes that the tenement sequence â€Å"invites the audience to consider zombiedom as a condition associated with both racial oppression and social abjection and, therefore, sanctions socio-political interpretations of the film as a whole† (6). The tenement sequence also introduces the audience to two members of the film’s core quartet of protagonists, Ken Foree’s Peter and Scott Reiniger’s Roger, a pair of SWAT officers, one black, one white, who manage to remain civilized as their fellow officers â€Å"end up indiscriminately murdering residents and zombies, uttering racial epithets and generally being ysterical† (Rider 7). When Peter and Roger decide to leave the tenement and their posts in order to fend for themse lves, they are both aware that military and civil authority has been stressed to its breaking point and that their best chance for survival can be found in separating themselves from organized society. On the other side of the equation that makes up Dawn of the Dead’s quartet of heroes are Francine (Gaylen Ross), a television news producer, and Stephen (David Emge), the television station’s helicopter traffic reporter. Francine and Stephen, in fleeing the â€Å"safe† confines of the television studio, form a matched pair to Peter and Roger, but while Peter and Roger were escaping from the breakdown of civil and military power structures, Francine and Stephen are evading the collapse of rhetoric and dialectic. As they commandeer the station’s helicopter and fly off towards uncertain fates, a pair of experts argue the emotional dilemma before the television cameras, attempting to make sense of the zombie invasion. People aren’t willing to accept your solutions, Doctor,† shouts the first, â€Å"and I, for one, don’t blame them† (Romero). â€Å"Every dead body that is not exterminated becomes one of them! It gets up and kills! The people it kills get up and kill! † (Romero). It does not matter to these experts that their audience is ever dwindling thanks to the zombie plague, their message becomes tantamount, their rhetoric central to their very identities. The message of the second expert is one of â€Å"feed the zombies or kill them, but decide on a course of action. There’s no middle ground. Learning to coexist with the apocalypse outside your door is not living, it’s just a short postponement of death† (Williams). â€Å"By abandoning their responsibilities of an ever-collapsing society and striking their own path, Stephen, Francine, Roger and Peter have decided on a course of action that may be only postponing death, they are at least fighting against the increasingly dangerous zombie menace. (Ska)† Once the four protagonists arrive at the shopping mall, however, they become complacent. Through this complacency, Romero â€Å"shows how hollow a solution commercial culture really is. The survivors become bored, even when faced with a plethora of products at their disposal† (Rider 7). At first the mall, once it is secured and fortified against the zombies, seems like a paradise. Our heroes â€Å"run amok through the stores, indulging in the same fantasy of unlimited consumption parodied in the zombies’ behavior† (McCarty 119). This complacency is the undoing of Roger, who is bitten by a zombie at the climax of the film’s truck barricade sequence, and becomes a zombie himself, leaving â€Å"the party of settlers [.] at a loss as to what to do next† (McCarty 119). The truck sequence is also notable for Romero’s use of visual style throughout, and its use of â€Å"close ups, medium shots, long shots, visceral, di sorientating angles, rhythm and tension potentials† (Frumkes) serves to make the impact of Roger’s mortal injury even more pronounced and hope-shattering. â€Å"Indeed, this hopelessness is the major framework of Romero’s zombie trilogy,† comments John McCarty, â€Å"wherein goals as we’ve come to know them cease to exist. Money is useless. Nobody cares what car you drive. And staying alive means being constantly engaged in a fight against the undead. † (119). That new threat which complicates the lives of our heroes is a â€Å"gang of marauding bikers which, in the movie’s violent climax, seeks to take over the mall† (Harper 1). With this new complication, â€Å"our heroes, having defeated the immediate threat of the zombies for the time being, are now faced with something worse-their fellow humans† (McCarty 119). In a masterful twist, Romero plays the biker invasion as a chance for the audience to root for the zombies a s our protagonists’ last line of defense against the bikers, showing that, while the zombies are not necessarily â€Å"good,† they are the opposite of which is advantageous to our enemies†. As Dawn of the Dead draws to its climax, we realize that either the ending is going to be all sunshine and happiness. Bibliograpy of The Dead?The Dead Will Walk. Dir. Perry Martin. 2004. DVD. Anchor Bay, 2004. The Gospel of the Living Dead? George Romero’s visions of hell on earth? By Kim Paffenroth David J. Skal. The Monster Show: a Cultural History of Horror Engall, Priscella. â€Å"George A. Romero’s Fears for Horror and Hollywood: The Underbelly of the Monster. â€Å"Metro Win. 2002: 158-163. Communication Mass Media Complete. EBSCO. Sonoma State U Lib. 20 Nov. 2004 . Frumkes, Roy, dir. Document of the Dead. 1989. DVD. Anchor Bay, 2004. Harper, Stephen. â€Å"Zombies, Malls, and the Consumerism Debate: George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. â€Å"Ameri cana: The Journal of American Popular Culture 1. 2 (2002). 3 Nov. 2004 . Horne, Philip. â€Å"I Shopped With a Zombie. † Critical Quarterly 34. 4 (1992): 97-110. Academic Search. EBSCO. Sonoma State U Lib. 14 Nov. 2004 . Naremore, James. â€Å"The Death and Rebirth of Rhetoric. † Senses of Cinema 5 (2000). 7 Nov. 2004 The cinema of George A. Romero: knight of the living dead By Tony Williams Rider, Shawn. â€Å"The Silenced Majority: Colonization of the Mind and the Flesh Eating Zombie. † Home page. 26 Apr. 2003. 29 Oct. 2004 . Romero, George, dir. Dawn of the Dead. Perf. David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger, and Gaylen Ross. 1978. DVD. Anchor Bay, 2004. Waller, Gregory A. (1986), The Living and the Undead, Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press. We will write a custom essay sample on Zombie Research Paper Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Zombie Research Paper Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Zombie Research Paper Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Compare And Evaluate Of The Instrumentalist And Structuralist Theories Of State The WritePass Journal

Compare And Evaluate Of The Instrumentalist And Structuralist Theories Of State Introduction Compare And Evaluate Of The Instrumentalist And Structuralist Theories Of State IntroductionConclusionReferencesRelated Introduction This essay compares and evaluates two principal Marxist theories of state, the instrumentalist and the structuralist theories. For the development of insight into the functioning of the capitalist mode of production normally, and the transformation of its system (contemporary capitalism) in and through its moments of economic crisis, and therefore of state, there is a requirement for a dynamic theory of the capitalist state (Jessop, 1978). A state refers to an organized community living under the government which is defined as a unified political system. The government refers to the administrative bureaucracy, the particular group of people controlling the apparatus of the state, the means through which the state power is employed at a given time. States are served by continuous sequences of different governments (Poulantzas, 1976; Miliband, 1965). The instrumentalist position crudely implies that the state serves to enforce and guarantee the stability of the societal class structure in the capitalist system as an instrument in the hands of the ruling class. The functions ascribed to the state are therefore understood with regard to the exercise of power by personnel in strategic positions through this instrument (the state) either directly through manipulation of policies or indirectly through exerting pressure on it. On the contrary, the instrumentalist view fronts the argument that the state can be viewed as being a direct servant of the ruling or capitalist class coming under the direct control of the members of this class in key positions of power in the state, the administrative bureaucracy. The Marxist theories of state highlight the centrality of the state to the capitalist reproduction process. In capitalist societies, it is evident that capitalist social relations are reproduced and the state is therefore implicated in this crucial process of the reproduction of capitalist relations (Jessop, 1982; Jessop, 1978). Such a function ought to be performed by some apparatus, institution or a combination and often many, if not all, of these institutions are either heavily regulated by the state or are state apparatuses themselves (Jessop, 1977; Mandel, 1971). The state therefore emerges as the node in the network of power relations characteristic of contemporary capitalist societies and hence becomes the key focus of attention for Marxists. Capital is fragmented into numerous competing units and yet is reliant on crucial generic conditions that have to be satisfied for profits to be secured and surplus value extracted from labor (Ross and Trachte, 1990). A capitalist economy unregulated by the state, a truly free market, and characterized by the multitude of competing capital is inherently unstable and prone to crisis. It suffers contradictions and steering problems that can never be resolved unless regulation is instituted to manage the conflicting interests (Jessop, 1982). Continual accumulation eventually threatens the stability of the capitalist economic system itself and its modes of production (Wright, 1977; Poulantzas, 1976). The state must of necessity intervene within this risk-prone economy to secure ideal conditions conducive for continued capitalist production, supremely regulating the economy and safeguarding the circuit of capital (Sweezy, 1942). With regard to the instrumentalist theory, Paul Sweezy (1942) notes that the state is, an instrument in the hands of the ruling class for enforcing and guaranteeing the stability of the class structure itself (p. 243). Miliband (1983) affirms this theory identifying the class that rules in a capitalist society to be one that owns and controls the means of production and which is able, by virtue of the economic power thus conferred upon it, to use the state as its instrument for the domination of society (p.23). These concepts follow Marxs famous Dictum in The Communist Manifesto which states that the executive of the modern state is but a committee for managing the affairs of the whole bourgeoisie (Miliband, 1965). Miliband makes the conception of the state as non-existent, but as a conceptual reference point standing for â€Å"a number of particular institutions which, together, constitute its reality, and which interact as parts of what may be called the state system† (Miliband, 1983, p. 49). He emphasizes that state power lies in these institutions and through them, the people occupying leadership positions in each of them wield this power in different manifestations (Miliband, 1983, p. 54). The basic thesis of this perspective is that in modern economies, capitalists have the ability to formulate policies that represent their interests in the long-term, as well as to ensure, through institutions of the state, that the policies are adopted, implemented and enforced (Stone, 1971). The modern state, in this regard, is dominated by the capitalist class and serves the interests of the capitalism. Under the capitalist system, specific organizations of government, culture society and the economy, often in competition, institutionalize the control of key resources which typically consist of wealth, status, force and knowledge. The instrumentalist approach thus views the organized possession, ownership and control of these key resources in any society as the basis for the exercising of power. Institutions enable the organization of power in a society, vesting individuals occupying positions of authority within them such as the board of directors and executive officers the capacity to make decisions regarding the deployment of key resources owned or controlled by the institution. Government also bestows authority on its public officials to employ administrative coercion or force wherever needed against anyone who fails to comply with the law (Stone, 1971; Domhoff, 1990). The individuals occupying these positions of authority control different types of power which can be characterized as economic, political or ideological. Power can thus be imputed to these particular groups of individuals in light of their control of key resources, with wealth and income (capital) often the generalizable source of power in a capitalist society (Stone, 1971; Domhoff, 1990; Miliband, 1970). Normally, the capitalist class has the ability to mobilize key resources and to deploy them more efficiently and with greater capacity than other classes in society which is the theoretical basis for Miliband’s postulate that â€Å"the ruling class which owns and controls the means of production and which is able, by virtue of the economic power thus conferred upon it, to use the state as an instrument for the domination of society† (Laclau, 1975). The capitalist class is in essence an economic network overlapping between and based upon institutional position such as management and property relations such as ownership (Mandel, 1971; Miliband, 1983). The corporate elite in modern economies, for instance, wield immense economic power through their authority over resource allocation within individual firms and the deployment of the same resources towards other diverse, wide-reaching goals such as political, educational and cultural goals (Domhoff, 1990; von Braunmuhl, 1978 ). This approach is founded on the assumption that capitalist societies are prone to crises inherently, which originate in the regular economic stagnation cycles and/or continual conflicts between capital and labour precipitating class wars (Gold et al., 1975). Poulantzas argues that the capitalist mode of production in its basic structure brings forth class practices that tend to contradict and crisis tendencies that inevitably lead to the disruption of the capitalist system, a situation which necessitates the involvement of a separate structure that serves to maintain the system restoring its equilibrium (Laclau, 1975; Jessop, 1977). Due to these, structuralists argue for the necessity of the state to intervene politically to mediate class struggles and to maintain economic stability in capitalist societies (Sweezy, 1942; Gold et al., 1975; Poulantzas, 1978). Poulantzas (1976) argues that in the capitalist mode of production, the general function of the state, is ideally as the regula ting factor of its global equilibrium as a system† (p.45). The structuralist theory disputes the idea fronted in the instrumentalist position outlined above taking the position that through the crucial influence of individuals in control the institutions of the state, have to function in ways that the general viability of capitalism is ensured into the future. It views the mode of production in a capitalist system specifically as a form of capitalism, not because members of the capitalist class hold state power in the powerful positions, but because the state, in its institutions (legal, political and economic) produces the logic of capitalist structure (Gold et al., 1975; Poulantzas, 1976). From a structural perspective therefore, it would be argued that institutions of the state, which include the legal institutions, function to serve the long-term interests of capital and capitalism, unlike what appears to be fronted by the instrumentalist perspective, which appears to focus on the short-term interests of the leading capitalist class (Poulantzas, 1980). The structuralist fraternity thus argues that the state and its constituent institutions have some degree of independence from the elite in the capitalist or ruling class. As summarized by Ernest Mandel (1971), the protection and reproduction of the basic fundamental relations of production, the social structure of societies in a capitalist system, form the function of the state as far as this is not attained automatically through the processes of the economy. Consequently, in their approach, structuralists front the argument that state policies and institutions are best understood through their function in maintaining the capitalist system. The relationships that organize the production and distribution of commodities, essentially, private property and the market constitute the economic structure of a capitalist society (Stone, 1971; Ross and Trachte, 1990). The political structure consists of the institutionalized power of the state while the ideological instance refers to the collective thought systems and the subjective consciousness of individual actors existing in a given society (Poulantzas, 1976; Laclau, 1975). Structuralists advance the idea that the modes of production can be analyzed regarding the interrelations of functions between these economic, ideological, and political structures essential for the sustenance of a particular mode of production (Jessop, 1982; Offe, 1972; Przeworski and Wallerstein, 1982). A capitalist society is considered stable when all these structures, as a cohesive system, function to maintain relations of production and hence the ability, in the capitalist system, to appropriate surplus value from workers. However, structuralists note that as a result of the capitalist system’s internal development, there are a variety of contradictions that are constantly at work within the system including economic crisis, class struggles and uneven development which generate crises of capital accumulation, as well as simultaneously undermining the domination of the ruling class (Wright,1977; Poulantzas, 1978). This is what Marx posits as â€Å"the tendency for the rate of profit to fall† (Jessop, 1978) Competing factions are created by the practice of capital accumulation which generates fragmentation among the classes (Offe, 1972; Hall, 1980). Poulantzas maintains that uneven development results in an unstable equilibrium between economic, political and ideological instances (Poulantzas, 1978; Przeworski and Wallerstein, 1982). Structural equilibrium is therefore maintained by the state acting as a mediator preserving and enhancing capitalist interests through interventionist policies and institutional reforms. The modalities of the state constitute political functions insofar as their objective of operation is to maintain and stabilize a society in which the capitalist class dominates and exploits (Wright, 1977; Gold et al., 1975). At the heart of the debate between the two theories is the concept of state power which unlike instrumentalist theorists, structuralists generally insist that it is not merely reducible to governmental institutions (economic, political or ideological) and state personnel. These, Poulantzas argues, have no power or cannot exercise power, but are arenas through which political power can be exercised and thereby exist by virtue of their role and function in a capitalist society (Poulantzas, 1978; 1976). He observes that the structure does not refer to the simple principle of organization that is external to the institution, the concrete social institutions making up a society, but refers to the systematic function of interrelationships among the institutions to the production of surplus-value and appropriation (Poulantzas, 1980; Sweezy, 1942). Defining state power as the capability of a social class to attain its objectives through state apparatus, which he also defines as â€Å"the unity of effects of state power (i.e. policies) and the network of institutions and personnel through which the state function is executed,† Poulantzas (1978; Laclau, 1975) emphasizes the unity of function between the power of the state and its apparatus with the latter conceived to intrinsically include functions executed through state institutions by state personnel. The main indicators of state power objective are the influences of state policies on the accumulation of capital and the class structure (Poulantzas, 1976; Sweezy, 1942). Under the structural view, notwithstanding their personal affiliations or beliefs and due to the logic of the capitalist system, state bureaucrats are constrained to act on behalf of capital (Stone, 1971). The state’s fiscal functioning and therefore legitimacy is dependent on and constrained by the economy and of necessity, therefore, serves the interests of the capitalist class (Stone, 1971; Sweezy, 1942). Also noteworthy, policies of state and its stability are central to the creation of a favorable business climate and the confidence that sustains investments and therefore economic growth (Stone, 1971; Gold et al., 1975). Through these assertions, Poulantzas claim that, in a capitalist system, political power has its constitution outside the state apparatus in the relations of production, the private control of assets of production, is founded. The conception of the functioning of the state going against bourgeoisie interests is thus deemed impossible, as it would imply th e removal of its basis of power and control of the means of production. In the relations of production, the ability to locate power outside of the state poses a serious challenge to the instrumentalist perspective of the state apparatus as the repository of state power (Laclau, 1975). While Miliband seeks to expose the dominant bourgeois ideology with his critique of its mythology, he however entertains the bourgeois assumptions about the state particularly that power resides in the personnel of the state rather than in the state apparatus. He focuses on class in terms of inter-subjective relationships and on the state in terms of interpersonal alliances, connections and networks of the state elite (Laclau, 1975; Ross,   1979). Poulantzas, in his support of the structuralist theory, differs with this view fronting the objective structural reality of social classes and the state, with the class being objective structural locations within the relations of production, and the state being the structure, form and function of the this capitalist institution (Poulantzas, 1978; Przeworski and Wallerstein, 1982). Being agency- or personnel- centered and viewing the state as a custodian of capital, instrumentalism views the state as an instrument which is manipulated and steered according to the interests of the ruling elite or dominant class. This perspective asserts the pivotal superiority of agency, the individuals’ conscious actions and social interests/ forces, over structure. Personnel of the state are thus afforded dominance over the capitalist apparatus – the form and function of the state. The foundation of this perspective lay in Kenneth Finegold and Theda Skopols argument that an instrument has no will of its own and thus is capable of action only as an extension of the will of some conscious actor† (Domhoff, 1990, p.42). This implies that the action of the state as an instrument under the control of the capitalist class has its origin in the purposive and conscious efforts of capitalists as a class in the structure (Domhoff, 1990; Stone, 1971). Conclusion Instrumentalism assumes primarily that through its ownership and control of the means of production, the capitalist class rules. Socialization, interpersonal connections and networks tie this class to the state and the state is used as an instrument to dominate the rest of society. Thus it is not guaranteed that the state is engaged in the reproduction of capitalist social and economic relations, rather, a situation can arise contingent upon the dominance of the capitalist ruling elite within capitalist society, and its personal ties to the members of the state apparatus. In marked contrast, structuralism emphasizes the underlying importance of structures over agents and their intentions. Agents are regarded as having minimal capacity to influence the objective structures they bear. This perspective is structure- or state-centered, and views the state as acting in the interest of the ruling class collectively in the long term. The capitalist state’s form and function are essentially determined independent of the intentions, motivations and aspirations of members of the dominant class or political actors. The outcome of this is a political and economic system that retains the capitalist nature and turns state personnel into mere functionaries executing policies that are imposed upon them by the capitalist system. However, it is evident that the state does not always dominate as it is often necessary in modern economies for businesses and elites to communicate with policymakers through avenues such as lobbying, campaign contributions and/or consulting which are considered to be transmission belts between capital and the state. With this view, the power structure emphasized by an instrumentalist approach can at least have some influence affecting whether or not the state exerts its full capacities on behalf of capital. The subsidiary mechanisms that this view emphasizes turn out to be required for the effective functioning of the major mechanisms pointed out by structuralists. References Domhoff, W., 1990. The Power Elite and the State. New York: Aldine de Gruyter. Gold, D., Y., Clarence, H., Lo, and Wright, 1975. Recent Developments in Marxist Theories of the Capitalist State, Part II. Monthly Review 27, no. 6 (November): 36-51. Hall, S., 1980. ‘Nicos Poulantzas: State, Power, Socialism’ New Left Review I/119 Jessop, B., 1978. â€Å"Marx and Engels on the State’ in Sally Hibbin (ed.) Politics, Ideology and the State.† In: Bobbio, Norberto ‘Is There a Marxist Theory of the State?’ Telos 35 Jessop, B., 1977. Recent Theories of the Capitalist State. Cambridge Journal of Economics 1: 353-72. Jessop, B., 1982. The Capitalist State: Marxist Theories and Methods. New York: New York University Laclau, E., 1975. ‘The Specificity of the Political: The Poulantzas Miliband Debate’ Economy and Society 5:11 Mandel, E., 1971. The Marxist Theory of the State. New York: Pathfinder Press. Miliband, R., 1965. ‘Marx and the State’ Socialist Register 2 http://socialistregister.com/index.php/srv/article/view/5961 Miliband, R., 1983. ‘State Power and Class Interests’ New Left Review I/183 Miliband, R., 1973. ‘Poulantzas and the Capitalist State’ New Left Review I/82 Miliband, R., 1970. ‘The Capitalist State – Reply to N. Poulantzas’ New Left Review I/59 Offe, C., 1972. Political Authority and Class Structures: An Analysis of Late Capitalist Societies. In: International Journal of Sociology, 2: 73-108. Poulantzas, N., 1976. The Capitalist State. New Left Review 95: 63-83. Poulantzas, N., 1978. Classes in Contemporary Capitalism. London: Verso Poulantzas, N., 1978. Political Power and Social Classes. London: Verso Poulantzas, N., 1980. State, Power, Socialism. London: Verso Poulantzas, N., 1980. Capitalism and Social Democracy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Przeworski, A., and M., Wallerstein, 1982. The Structure of Class Conflict in Democratic Capitalist Societies. In: American Political Science Review 76, no. 2 Oune): 215-38. Ross, Nicos Poulantzas, Euro communism, and the Debate on the Theory of the Capitalist State. In: Socialist Review 44 (March): 143-58. Ross, R., and K., Trachte, 1990. Global Capitalism: The New Leviathan. Albany: SUNY Press Stone, A., 1971. Modern Capitalism and the State: How Capitalism Rules. In: Monthly Review 23, no. 1 (May): 31-36. Sweezy, P., 1942. The Theory of Capitalist Development. New York: Monthly Review Press. von Braunmuhl, C., 1978. On the Analysis of the Bourgeois Nation State within the World Market Context. An Attempt to Develop a Methodological and Theoretical Approach. In John Holloway and Sol Picciotto, eds., State and Capital: A Marxist Debate, pp. 160-77. Austin: University of Texas Press, Wright, 1977. Alternative Perspectives in Marxist Theory of Accumulation and Crisis. In Jesse Schwartz, ed., The Subtle Anatomy ofCapitalism, pp. 195-231. Santa Monica, : Goodyear Publishing Co.

What is a Life Plan and Why Should You Create One

What is a Life Plan and Why Should You Create One What is a life plan and why should you create one? You’re probably familiar with creating a plan for your professional career. But you most likely have never considered planning out your entire life for the foreseeable future. In fact, most people do not. You’ll never see someone sit down and write a plan for how they want to be remembered, who they want to be, or what matters most to them. But these are very important things to consider.Take a look at this infographic to find out why you should create a life plan and how it will benefit you.Source: [socialwork.career]

The Erechtheion on the Acropolys of Athens Essay

The Erechtheion on the Acropolys of Athens - Essay Example If we wish to understand ourselves, we must take care not to eliminate the ‘shell’ of our past, for it is the physical record of our aspirations and achievements† (Roth 3). This is a perfect analogy for the buildings we construct because the oldest segments of the nautilus shell are found within the depths of its interior just as the oldest concepts of architecture are still found within the depths of our architectural core theories. What Roth is suggesting is that architectural knowledge of any type must necessarily build upon the work completed in the past and this work remains forever embedded within the frameworks created in the present. As a result, there remains a great deal to be learned from some of the existing architectural works of the ancient past such as the Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens. Attempting to trace the architectural theories of the ancients is not as easy as it might seem as there were a number of architects working at the same time, not all of whom worked from the same foundational theories which had yet to be codified. An example of this is best illustrated by more modern examples. Even though we have access to numerous books and articles about Greek art and architecture today, there are still a great number of theories in existence as to what exactly comprises architecture. These theories continue to change with time, material, usage of the structure and so forth. This makes architectural theory even today difficult to standardize. â€Å"The majority of programs that purport to be theories of architecture seek to combine aesthetic, social and practical considerations in an integrated whole; the emphasis being either theoretical or practical, according to whether the author is an architect himself, and on whom he is writing for† (Kruft 14). In other words, there seems to be as many theories of architecture today as there are architects and it seems reasonable to assume that this same condition existed in the past as it does now. If there were fewer theories in antiquity, this would be more the result of a fewer number of working architects rather than a limited number of ideas to float around. Extending back even to the ancient Romans, though, architects began to record their theories for the benefit of future generations to build and expand upon. Thus, they are able to continue to contribute to developing thought many years after their physical deaths. These published discussions are invaluable because they reveal the influences of the ancients and reveal some of the common shared theories that may have been employed by the ancient Greeks. An important figure in the recording of these ideas was the Roman Vitruvius. Vitruvius was originally an artillery engineer who worked during the period of Augustus, the first Roman emperor, but he made his name a part of history through his work as an architect and an author. â€Å"His ten books on architecture, De Architectura (trans. 1914) , are the oldest surviving work on the subject. They consist of dissertations on a wide variety of subjects relating to architecture, engineering, sanitation, practical hydraulics, acoustic vases, and the like. Much of the material appears to have been taken from earlier extinct treatises by Greek architects† (Calter). Within his texts, Vitruvius outlines three basic elements of design he and presumably the

Mobile Banking Technology and Innovation Management Essay

Mobile Banking Technology and Innovation Management - Essay Example Management has to face several challenges in the overall process of introducing the innovation in the market (Barton and Kraus, 1985). MOBILE BANKING TECHNOLOGY: There has been ongoing process of introduction of new technologies in the market every other day. However, all new technologies are not able to succeed and capture the considerable amount of market share. This requires proper and well thought planning and management. It should be ensured that the new technology which is introduced in the market is according to the needs and requirements of the customers (Souder and Sherman, 1994). Apart from this, the new technology should be user friendly and easy to use. All these factors increase the acceptance of the innovative technology. Mobile banking is one such technology, which have been introduced in order to provide customers with ease and comfort in the process of banking. In the start of banking facility, customers have to be physically present at the bank in order to make any kind of transaction. This requirement of physical presence gradually disappeared with the advent of different new technologies and facilities with passage of time. ... Mobile banking allows the customers to perform important transactions through their mobile phones and there is hardly any need of going to banks or being physically present there for the purpose of making transactions (Stair and Reynolds, 2009). There are several benefits of the mobile banking, not only for customers but also for the bank which is providing this facility. This facility of mobile banking can facilitates banks in reducing the charges associated with transactions, as low level of cost is associated with mobile banking. Along with this, the facility of mobile banking is easy and convenient for the consumers as it enables them to quickly access their bank account at any place and at any time (Krugel, 2007). INNOVATION AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT: The process of implementation of any change or innovation is always associated with several challenges and issue. These challenges and issues should be managed in an effective and efficient manner in order to ensure the successful impl ementation of the innovation. The process of innovation management is a complete change management process. Management has to conduct force field analysis in order to identify important restricting and supporting forces. Next step is to come up with effective strategies and tactics in order to minimize the restricting forces and maximizing the supporting forces (Tidd, 2001). The restricting forces can be both external and internal. Innovation or new technology not only faces resistance on part of the customers but sometime employees are also responsible for the failure of any new technology or innovation. It is important for the management to keep in consideration

My Personal Search For A Meaningful Existence :: essays research papers

My Personal Search for a Meaningful Existence   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I am the representative embodiment of my nihilistic culture. I am narcissistic, insatiable, petty, apathetic and I am above all an emotional invalid. Yet, up until very recently, I was not consciously aware that I was guilty of having any of these wholly pejorative attributes, because I had unconsciously suppressed my inherent will to attain a meaningful existence, in favor of the comfort and security that complacency and futility provide. There exists in me a void, that is not uncommon to find in the members of my Eurocentric society, which is derived from the conscious or unconscious knowledge that our culture is entirely devoid of meaning. This is, more specifically, the plight of my generation, which has been defined by its disillusionment, apathy and inaction, rather than its accomplishments, beliefs or ideologies. Escapism is the safety mechanism that enables our flight from actuality, and subsequently our ability to exist, because we have been cursed with a wealth of advantages and a lack of restrictions. For example: I am free to choose my own religion, I am not stifled by or subjected to economic disadvantage, I am not bound to subservience by an oppressive or tyrannical government, I am blessed with a myriad of conveniences by my technologically advanced society, and I come from a nurturing and supportive family, so who the hell am I to complain about my circumstances. The only explanation I can give, in retort to my profession that I have been cursed by my inherent advantages, is: since my life is completely devoid of any profound suffering, it is subsequently lacking any meaningful happiness, because man only experiences these feelings in terms of their relative relationship to one another. Thus, I vainly invent my own wholly unfounded reasons to bemoan my existence, in the same way that a hypochondriac invents his psychosomatic illnesses, because the longer we feign to have a justifiable cue for suffering, the more that that suffering actualizes itself. The primary source of my anxieties is derived from the inherent knowledge that I am condemned to be free, in a society of relatively few restrictions, which subsequently requires me to be the master of my own destiny. Thus, I am not only culpable for determining my own fate, but I am also wholly responsible for finding a meaningful purpose in my existence, which instills me with an intense feeling of trepidation, because I'm not sure I'm ready to shoulder such a profound responsibility. I live in a nihilistic society, that is founded on man's narcissistic will to pleasure and power, that

Estee Lauder: Integrated Marketing Communications plan Essay

Executive Summary The purpose of this situation analysis is to identify internal and external factors that will have an impact on Estee Lauder’s integrated marketing communications program (IMC). A situation analysis is necessary to determine the position Estee Lauder is currently occupying, in terms of finances, promotional strategies, product range and brand image. A thorough analysis will help identify any opportunities and potential threats that the company may come across and the effect that these opportunities and threats will have on their new IMC program. Strengths and Weaknesses will also be identified and taken into account as the new IMC program is developed. As part of the internal analysis Estee Lauder’s past promotional mix strategies will be assessed and evaluated. Strengths and weaknesses will also be evaluated in terms of brand image and the products and services they offer were also identified. Estee Lauder’s current promotional strategy has a strong focus on advertising in sources of print media within media relevant to its target market such as fashion magazines including, Harper’s Bazaar and In Style. Personal Selling also plays a dominant role in Estee Lauder’s current IMC strategy. The use of the Internet and Direct marketing has played a minimal role in Estee Lauder’s IMC program for Australia. This was identified as a weakness but also as a potential opportunity to expand and use these promotional tools in their future IMC program. Other weaknesses were based around poor and inappropriate promotional strategies for reaching their intended ‘youth’ market and consumers in their twenties. Brand image, price, package and product design were seen as being â€Å"too old† for the targeted younger consumer. The new IMC program will be focused on overcoming these weaknesses and on reaching the younger audience in the most effective way. Strengths such high levels of brand awareness, trust and a strong position in the market place have been Identified and utilised in the future IMC program. The external analysis involved gaining insight regarding customers and competitors. A pilot study was conducted among 18-25 year olds regarding  their perceptions and experiences with Estee Lauder in order to develop a more in-depth analysis of Estee Lauder’s customer base amongst young Australian females. Competitor Analysis required thorough research into the strategies and positions of Estee Lauder competitors in the market place. Major competitors included Loreal and Revlon, their strengths and weaknesses were identified and will be considered during the development of Estee Lauders new positioning strategy. Although a company has little or no control over their external environment an effective marketing communication strategy will anticipate such conditions and respond to them sufficiently. Estee Lauder needs to consider socio-cultural forces such as consumers increasing concern regarding animal testing among other environmental and social issues. They must also be aware of the adverse affects on the IMC program that will occur if any social expectation are breached or if any legal or political regulations are breached. The environmental analysis also identifies the opportunity for growth due to the trend in overall retail growth and specifically cosmetic growth in Australia today. If the following factors are considered Estee Lauder have the opportunity to develop an effective IMC program that will strengthen its brand and allow them to expand into the younger market as they have been aspiring to do. Industry and Company Information Estee Lauder is a market leader in the cosmetics and skin-care industry. This market is highly competitive and rapidly expanding, with competitors continually entering the market. They offer a range of cosmetics, fragrances and skincare products. Estee Lauder is a well established brand since 1946 and has grown into a parent company for many well known skincare and cosmetics brands. These include MAC, Clinique, Stilla, Aveda and Bobbi Brown. This situation analysis will focus on Estee Lauder as a consumer brand and not the EL Companies empire as a whole (see appendix 1). Internal Analysis Today, Estee Lauder has a solid customer base in many countries including the USA, UK, Asia and Europe. Estee Lauder’s and Clinique’s combined sales made up 40% of the total cosmetics market share, with Lancome (owned by competitor L’Oreal) holding the third largest market share, with 13% of the cosmetics market (Bittar, 2002, p.29). Over the past five years, Estee Lauder’s sales have slowed, allowing for Clinique, Estee Lauder’s sister brand to gain market share, replacing them as number one brand in department store sales (Bittar,2002,p.29). Currently Estee Lauder’s primary objective is reposition themselves as the consumers first choice for cosmetics. In order to achieve this objective Estee Lauder need to analyse current marketing efforts and identify opportunities for further expansions that will increase and improve the reputable Estee Lauder brand. Pricing Strategies Estee Lauder’s prices are at the higher end of the price scale within the cosmetics market. This is consistent with many of Estee Lauder’s direct competitors namely Lancome and Dior along with other subsidiary brands including MAC and Stilla. Their prices are set 20-35% above the price points of Clinique products. Current RRP prices for various Estee Lauder products can be found in appendix 2. Review of Firm’s previous promotional programs o Advertising – Print media is the current primary advertising medium for Estee Lauder. Some of the main channels include fashion and lifestyle magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, In Style, Marie Claire, Cleo and Cosmopolitan. These magazines are targeted toward females with various lifestyles and levels of disposable income however they are all image conscious and is appealing to Roy Morgan’s visible achievement segment and those who aspire to be part of this group (Mindset, 1998) (See appendix 3). Estee Lauder has been featuring Liz Hurley as the face of their cosmetics for the past seven years and has proven successful in endorsing their  prestigious brand of cosmetics, fragrances and skin-care, (Bittar, 2002). Estee Lauder’s current models infuse â€Å"the brand with energy, vitality and modernity† and aiming to â€Å"connect the brand with consumers† (Staff Report, 2003). Last financial year, EL companies allocated $US56 million to advertising to promote the core Estee Lauder brand. This figure has been consistent over the past five years and is the largest advertising figure of any EL Company. o Internet – Estee Lauder have not utilised the internet within the Australian marketplace. Their current website is targeted towards the U.S, European and Asian markets. It does not provide Australian consumers with a customised information source regarding available products and new company developments. o Sales Promotion – Estee lauder endorses its distributer such as Myer and David Jones with promotional gift packs as an incentive to spend as certain amount of money or buy a specific product. They uphold their prestigious image by seldom discounting their products. Sampling promotion has also been used successfully to promote new products and allow consumers to experience the product first hand, without having to commit to a purchase.However, this has not been successfully used for Estee Lauder’s recent release of â€Å"Pure Colour† range of eyeshadows and lip gloss’s. Pilot research conducted found although this new range is targeted towards the younger market, it is still not being recognised as the brand of choice for 17-25 year olds (see appendix 4 & 5). o Personal Selling – All Estee Lauder sales consultant are specifically trained and have high levels of product knowledge. Cosmetics is a high involvement purchase and therefore requires consultants to have an in depth knowledge of all products offered by Estee Lauder. o Direct Marketing – Currently Estee Lauder are not using the internet for direct marketing sufficiently. Department stores often send promotional brochures to opt in mailing list clients if new products are released or  special offers are available. Assessment of relative strengths and weaknesses of product and brand Estee Lauder as a brand  · Strengthes – High brand awareness – High brand recall – Trusted brand – High perceived quality – High Brand Equity – Good customer service – Perceived as prestigious brand  · Weaknesses – Communication Strategy not in line with target market – Price of products too high to allow for repositioning into young market – Brand perceived as â€Å"too old† for target market – Products not designed for younger market (i.e. anti-ageing moisturisers) – Package design for mainstream product lines not innovative and modern, sending conflicting messages and confusing consumers  · Opportunities – Possible expansion into younger mass markets – Ability to pursue an online strategy to enhance their marketing communications by introducing online catalogues and creating a direct marketing database. – Ability to establish themselves as the leading cosmetics brand in other markets including Australia, specifically targeting 20-30’s market and the youth segment. – Creation of new communication strategy to build upon existing brand strengths and reputation. – Opportunities for co-branding to reach untapped markets.  · Threats – Losing existing customer base i.e. older market due to new market direction – Possible confusion for consumers regarding mixed promotional messages targeting the young and older market i.e. strategies are not integrated – Losing market share – Deterioration of perceived brand quality and prestige due to changing the promotional strategies to suit the younger market – Potential loss of revenue as a result of decreasing product prices to attract the younger customers Competitive Analysis As Estee Lauder redirects their focus from the older aged females to those in  a younger age bracket, they encounter a different group of competitors. These competitors operate in the mass market of cosmetics and skin care. Each brand is continually challenged to apply a successful integrated marketing plan so as to maintain and/or increase their share of the market thus creating a high level of competition for Estee Lauder. Direct Competitors Revlon and Loreal Paris are both mid-range cosmetics brands that represent Estee Lauder’s biggest threats. They are direct competitors of the traditional EL Company brand as the quality, price and packaging of their products are more appealing to the younger market. Recent annual 2000 figures showed Revlon making $1,491,600,000 alone in cosmetics sales and Loreal with $12,051,000,000 from cosmetic and skin-care sales combined (http://www.sharelearn.com/520samp.html). Estee Lauder presently generates $2,700,000,000 in the prestige market, and can largely be attributed to a higher gross margin in retail prices (http://www.myneweconomy.com/articles/020703/estee.htm). Indirect Competitors Estee Lauder’s indirect competitors or product substitutes consist only in skin-care and not in cosmetics. Face-moisturizers and cleansing products are not yet specifically designed or even targeted towards younger women and appear to still target mature-age women. In which case, Loreal Paris’ offering of skin-care products specifically designed to nourish the skin of young women, offers a substitute for those products not catered for by Estee Lauder. Message and Media Strategies used by Competitors  · Loreal Paris Evidently, Estee Lauder’s primary competitor is Loreal Paris because both are competing for leading positions in the skin-care and cosmetics market. The  Loreal Paris brand was developed for infiltration into the mass market and targets young females who desire high-quality, innovative and fashion-forward beauty products at affordable prices (http://www.lorealparisusa.com/frames.asp#aboutloreal/page_a.asp). Their promotional campaign ‘Because I’m worth it’ (http://www.lorealparisusa.com/frames.asp#aboutloreal/page_a.asp), has proven to be a success in terms of their efforts to communicate a modern and self-confident message to their target audience. They have used a number of international spokespersons including Andie McDowell, Laetitia Casta, Heather Locklear, Vanessa Williams, Virginie Ledoyen, and Milla Jovovich (http://www.lorealparisusa.com/frames.asp#aboutloreal/page_a.asp), all famous actors and models, to endorse the quality of Loreal Paris products and give young females an image to aspire to. Using a range of international faces allows Loreal Paris to target the cultural youth market because it promotes a wide cosmetics range suiting any skin colour and image. This allows them to expand their target market and remain competitive.  · Revlon Revlon also has a similar marketing approach as Loreal Paris. Their corporate strategy aims to offer young women a sense of ‘glamour, excitement and innovation’ (http://www.revlon.com/corporate/corp_ca_history.asp) when using these cosmetics. They have recently launched their new face for the Revlon brand ‘Halle Berry’ a famous U.S. actor, whom exerts an independent, confident and sexy young image for women of today. By using this one spokesperson, they have created a unique identity for the brand and encourages the younger market to use the Revlon products so they can be perceived in the same way. This consistent image associated with the brand gives consumers an easy product recall whenever they see her in movies, billboards, magazines and other channels of advertising. Key Benefits of Competitors and their Positioning Relative to Estee Lauder’s  · Loreal Paris – has established its brand name in the market place since 1907 and therefore high brand awareness – large budget committed to R&D and ability to be on the edge of cosmetic technology – have been targeting the younger mass market for years and are therefore trusted in their quality of beauty products and known to sell at affordable prices – is the global cosmetics leader with 16.8% market share – product offering is extended to hair colouring, cosmetics, skin care and styling aids thereby enhancing brand recognition  · Revlon – has established its brand name in the market place since 1932 – have been targeting the younger mass market for years and are therefore trusted in their quality of beauty products and known to sell at affordable prices – ranks 4th in the top ten global cosmetics leaders with 7.1% market share – product offering extends to personal care (eg. Nail polish), fragrances, cosmetics thereby enhancing brand equity  · Estee Lauder – has the opportunity to penetrate the youth mass market with years of marketing and operating expertise in the cosmetics industry – is currently ranked 2nd global cosmetics leader – extensive economic resources to conduct R&D – has economies of scale because of the size of its pre-existing operation – trusted as a prestigious quality brand – family controlled enterprise allows for consistency in marketing and management decisions although no evidence to support this observation Consumer Analysis Cosmetics is a luxury product and involves a high level of involvement from the consumer (Schiffman et al, 2001). When purchasing cosmetics and skincare, consumers want to be sure that the products they are purchasing are safe and will not harm their skin . Estee Lauder has identified this need and has catered for this by decreasing the risk involved when purchasing cosmetics at pre-purchase, purchase and post-purchase stage. Experience at Point of Purchase Estee Lauder Australia is the third country to undergo dramatic transformations in the appearance of their counters in department stores (King, 2003). The new counters are brightly coloured and have interactive displays, which allows passers by to test products at their own discretion without having to consult Estee Lauder staff. However should assistance be required with any of the products, there are always friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist potential customers. All consultants are thoroughly trained and have extensive knowledge about all product lines. This professionalism enhances to the consumer’s experience of Estee Lauder at the point of purchase as they learn more about specific products and their skin type as well. The revitalised counters are a real feature now as they are by far the brightest and most elaborate in major department stores (namely Myer/Grace  Bros and David Jones) in comparison to any of its direct or indirect competitors and creates a salon like experience for the consumer (Gold Coast Bulletin, 2003). Buyer Roles and Cosmetics Unlike products such as fragrances where the buyer is not the user, the majority of the time, cosmetics buyers are the users of the product. Although, this does differ around increased purchase periods such as Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day when the buyer (i.e. husbands and boyfriends) are not the end users of the cosmetics. Estee Lauder has identified this and designed their promotional activity accordingly. All advertising (predominantly instore promotion and print media) features young attractive women, that many purchasing the product would see as an aspirational figure. The more youthful Carolyn Murphy featured in the current advertisements provides the younger market that Estee Lauder is currently trying to conquer, a face that they can relate to (as opposed to Elizabeth Hurley, who Estee Lauder felt was too old for the younger market). Perception of Estee Lauder The perception of Estee Lauder amongst younger people is that it is a brand for â€Å"older people† (The Nation, 2003). This perception of the brand will clearly take an extended period of time to change, however with the current steps undertaken by Estee Lauder, they are well on their way to turning this around (see appendix 7 for Kapferer analysis of perception of Estee Lauder). As the pilot research conducted depicted, Estee Lauder’s products are priced too highly for the younger market to purchase. If they do wish to conquer this market successfully, they will have to consider pricing options on certain product ranges to make it more affordable to the target market (See appendix 8). Whilst Estee Lauder is priced too highly for people in this age bracket, they still view the brand as fashionable, as results of the pilot research study concluded (see appendix 9). Environmental Analysis Social/Cultural In recent years consumers have developed a heightened awareness of social and environmental conditions such as animal testing. Many consumers hold strong views towards animal testing and do not want to buy products that have caused animal suffering. Consequently consumers often want to acquire company information regarding animal testing before they buy the product, many cosmetic companies including Estee Lauder shy away from this controversial topic and provide confusing and ambiguous statements regarding the topic as they are guilty of continuing animal testing but wish to avoid public opposition (http://www.buav.org/pdfs/cosmetic_experiments_-_bluf.pdf). As well as being environmentally friendly consumers expect their brands to be socially responsible and to give back to the community. This force gives Estee Lauder the opportunity to sponsor charities that are important to their target market. Any sponsorship should form an integral part of Estee Lauder’s IMC to promote the brand as being socially aware and responsible.. If a customer perceives a brand as being socially irresponsible they will often remove the brand from their evoked set and not even consider them in any of their future purchase decisions. Political / Legal There are many political and legal obligations that Australian cosmetic companies must comply with in order to protect consumers. â€Å"The public has the very reasonable expectation that cosmetics should be safe to use as directed on the label and as people would normally expect to use such products† (www.ASCC.com.au). All cosmetic companies selling their products within Australia must comply with all Australian Safety Regulations. Cosmetic companies must also comply with the Trades Practices Act among other regulations and legislation regarding product safety and ingredients (www.ascc.com.au). These rules and regulations have enormous implications for Estee Lauder and other cosmetic companies in Australia. It is imperative that these regulations are followed as court action can be seriously detrimental to the company financially. Further more, bad publicity as a consequence of not following such regulations can cause irreversible damage in terms of the reputation of the brand. Technological Due to technological advancements there is a lot more information available to the consumers regarding the safety and effectiveness of cosmetic products and the ingredients within them. Due to the amount of scientific information and studies available to them, consumers have developed a very sceptical attitude towards cosmetic brands and their products. The implication for this is that Estee Lauder must provide consumers with as much information and as much proof regarding product effectiveness as possible in order to facilitate the buying decision process. Technology has also worked in favour of Estee Lauder as they have been able use technology to create new innovative products in attempt to gain competitive advantage. Economical Changes on the economy could also have a strong impact on cosmetic sales. Cosmetics are categorised as a luxury item so when the economy is down and consumers have less buying power cosmetics would be among the first product categories to suffer. After the events of September 11 sales dropped to a virtual standstill resulting in the worst holdiay season for American retailers in years (Bittar,2002). However currently Australian retail sales has experienced strong growth since May 2003 (www.abs.com.au) (See Appendix 10). In 1998-99 $4.1 billion was spent on cosmetics, perfumes and toiletries (www.abs.com.au). These statistics indicate it is a healthy growing industry giving companies the opportunity to increase sales and expand product lines.