Business operational Essay Example for Free

Business operational EssayTo provide learners with an understanding of the role and importance of operations care (OM) in the efficient and effective production of goods and services. Scenario WH Smith is a major, well-known and publically-quoted book retailer and newsagent in the UK. Recently it was reported how Kate Swann, the former chief executive officer for the last 10 years, has turned the company around from ? 135m losses to ? 106m profit in a decade. (source www. theguardian. com/business/blog/2013/jan/23/wh-smith-kate-swann-profit, accessed 1 October 2013) (Also see re-create attached)This is an example of how the principles of operations instruction can be used to reactivate a firm. How did she do it? Using the above as a starting point, unitedly with other information sources, which you should look into yourself, on WH Smith, you are asked to address the Tasks be natural depression regarding operations counseling. Task 1 (this bets LO 1, ACs 1. 1, 1. 2 and 1 . 3) Based on the Scenario, bring almost a document explaining the nature and importance of Operation Management and its key elements. Your document for this Task must include the following elements (among others as you wish) I.A definition of OM and an business relationship of its importance II. The key elements of OM III. The need to realize goods or services on time and to cost, with the right whole tone and within the law IV. The role of OM in achieving strategic objectives and V. Produce systems and sub-systems diagrams for any WH Smith operations processes, including a brief ex deviceation of your diagrams. Task 2 (this meets LO 2 ACs 2. 1, 2. 2 and 2. 3) Based on the Scenario, produce a document explaining the relationship between OM and strategic readiness. Your document for this Task must include the following elements (among others as you wish) I.II. III. Explain the implementation of the 3Es in WH Smith critically review the tension between cost minimisation and qu ality maximization in the context of WH Smith and Assess the importance of the five performance objectives that patronize operations management. Task 3 (this meets LOs 3 and 4 in full) Base on the Scenario, produce a document explaining how to organise and apply pertinent techniques in a typical production process. Your document for this Task must include the following elements (among others as you wish) I. II. III.IV. Comment briefly on the importance of operational training and control. Explain what linear programming is, and give an example in relation to any part of the operations of WH Smith Produce a network plan and indicate the resultant critical path for any operation in WH Smith. (for this task, you should include a set of operational outcomes, which are clearly defined). Explain how quality can be defined and maintained. teaching outlets and Assessment Criteria In order to Pass this unit, the register that the learner presents forassessment needs to demonstrate tha t they can meet all the Learning Outcomes for the unit. The Assessment Criteria determine the standard required to Pass this unit. The Assessment Criteria will act as a guide to help you hurtle into context your answers to fulfill the Learning Outcomes. Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria 1. 1 explain the importance of operational management 1. 2 explain the need to produce safely on time to cost to LO 1 transform the quality and within the law nature and importance 1. 3 explain the link between operations management and of operational strategic planningmanagement 1. 4 produce a systems diagram to illustrate a typical business 2. 1 explain the tether Es (economy, efficiency and effectiveness) LO2 Understand the link between operations 2. 2 explain the tension between cost minimisation and management and quality maximisation strategic planning 2. 3 evaluate the significance of the five performance objectives that underpin operations management 3. 1 explain linear programming LO3 U nderstand how 3. 2 evaluate critical path psychoanalysis and network planning to organise a typical 3. 3 explain the need for operational planning and controlproduction process LO4 Be able to apply relevant techniques to the production of an operational plan for a typical business 4. 1 produce a set of clearly defined operational outcomes 4. 2 produce a network plan and indicate the resultant critical path 4. 3 explain how quality could be defined and maintained. INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS This assessment and the Tasks above are designed to assess your get throughment of all four of the Learning Outcomes and associated Assessment Criteria for a Pass in the Employability Skills unit of the qualification you are undertaking.Your tutor/ deliverer will advise you when you should start work on the assignment, the experience when you must hand in your completed work and when you can expect to get your mark and feedback on your work. Guidance on this subject is provided o n knave 1 of this assignment brief. You should make sure that you plan your work carefully, to ensure that you cover all four learning outcomes of the assignment, and complete it within the time recoil specified. There is no official guideline wordcount or percentage marking (other than Pass/ Merit/ Distinction/ Refer).By way of guidance only for this accompaniment assignment, it is recommended that you write a minimum of 2000-2500 words total and match the weighting of your efforts to the wordcount indicated. Your statements in answer to the Learning Outcomes need to be prefixed with the specific Learning Outcome title or at least the Learning Outcome number. This will help you keep on track and should ensure you address the details. You must make sure that you acknowledge any sources you have used to complete this assignment, listing reference material and web sites used.The assignment result will be print on BITEs Moodle online education materials platform, normally within 6 weeks of the submission date. If your assignment is assessed as referred, you will be notified with an indication of the areas to be addressed. You whitethorn resubmit an assignment, or submit a new assignment, on a further two occasions during your period of registration as an Institute learner with Edexcel. If there is anything in these instructions or in the assignment itself which you do not understand, please seek guidance from your tutor/ deliverer. Merit outrank DescriptorsFor learners to achieve a Merit they must Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions Indicative characteristics Learners must demonstrate that An effective approach to assignment planning, study and research is in evidence Evaluations and judgements, using evidence, have been made Problems with a number of variables have been considered Select/design and apply appropriate methods/techniques A range of relevant theories have been included Relevant theories and techniques have been applied t o the case study A range of different sources of information have been usedThe selection of methods/techniques of analysis and use of source material have been justified Information/ data has been synthesised and processed Present and communicate appropriate findings The written assessment is coherent, shows logical discipline and a sound understanding of theories, concepts and research evidence The written assessment demonstrates that an appropriate structure and approach has been used The written assignment demonstrates a indite style appropriate for audiences both familiar and unfamiliar with the subject. The written work is clearly written and technical languagehas been accurately used Distinction grade Distinction descriptors For learners to achieve a Distinction they must Indicative characteristics Learners must demonstrate that Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and liberate valid conclusions. Conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and evalua tion of research evidence and have been justified The validity of results has been evaluated using defined criteria Realistic and inform recommendations have been proposed against defined characteristics for success Take responsibility for managing and organising activities.The written assignment shows excellent planning, is organised coherently and is clearly expressed Independence of thought and convention of research material has been demonstrated Material used has been clearly understood and well organised The importance of individual and group behaviour in organisations and its management has been recognised and addressed Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative thinking. There is evidence of self-generated ideas with evaluation Convergent and lateral thinking are transparent in the written assignment Creative thinking is evidenced with unfamiliar material. Problem-solving is in evidenceInnovation and creative thought are in evidence Receptiveness to new ideas is evident Idea s have been generated, evaluated and informed decisions/ recommendations are made. Case Study WHSmith WH Smith Kate Swann turns ? 135m losses into ? 106m profit in a decade unmatchable of the UKs some highly regarded and highly paid retailers achieved success by going against the grain WH Smith chief executive Kate Swann favours the old retail adage gross sales are vanity, profits are sanity. Photograph PA When Kate Swann arrived at WH Smith in 2003, there was a widely held view that the chains days were numbered.A decade on, she has turned losses of ? 135m into a profit of probably ? 106m this year, and shares that were languishing at 250p are now changing hands at 650p. Swann is now one of the UKs most highly regarded and highly paid retailers. Yet she has achieved this remarkable feat by breaking many of the rules of running a successful high street retail business. When Swann announced she was pulling out of selling music and DVDs because the profit margins were thin and getting thinner, rivals thought she had taken leave of her senses she was instantly kissing goodbye to about 30% of Smiths turnover.On a same-store basis on the high street, WHS now sells roughly ? 65 of goods for every ? 100 of custom seven years ago. The dying of Zavvi and HMV in the face of online competition shows it was a brave and correct decision. Swann favours the old retail adage sales are vanity, profits are sanity. By way on profitable sales and cutting costs relentlessly, she has boosted profit margins according to analyst Nick Bubb by an almost incredible 15 percentage points. composition other retailers have been pouring resources intothe digital world, Smiths big online strategy is its Funky Pigeon card site. Instead, Swann plans to open more shops, even though they are, to be frank, deeply rebarbative places to shop, stuffed with stock and screaming promotional banners. While the supermarkets have to tread carefully in the products they offer and have been t argeted for displaying sweets at the checkout, Smiths has sold stationery aimed at teenagers and youth women adorned with the Playboy bunny motif and Swanns checkout assistants attempt to force-feed the nation giant bars of Galaxy and chocolate oranges.Her secret? Maybe its the low profile. While many rivals enjoy the limelight, holding forth on the woes of the economy, the lack of women in the boardroom and political issues such as the in-out debate, Swann says nothing. She doesnt give interviews. On Wednesday, at Smiths AGM, a shareholder stood to offer thanks for her transformation. Asked to respond, she merely said Thank you, lets move on. No doubt she will. There will be a align for her services.

HP computer systems organization

HP computer systems organization1. Is this the time for HP-CSO to institute more changes? found on the customer and gross gross sales audit it was identified that consider able-bodied opportunities existed in the area of Repurchase, replacement and expansion projects as well as the Innovation projects.But, at that place exist many challenges Customers were moving towards consolidating their supplier base increasing pricing pressure on HP 80% of the customer sales were initiated by the customer themselves Although HP was a preferred vendor, customers doubted its ability to deliver incase of Innovation projects With increasing demands on price and delivery terms, HP would find it difficult to brook customer needs due to the small sales force gross revenue force was spending significant amount of time doing things other than sales gross revenue force was having difficulty in converting sales opportunities in replacement and expansion projects Sales team was spending less time in the early stages of the sales cycle for Innovation projects Sales team lacked prioritization of opportunitiesHence, it is critical for HP-CSO to make the right changes in the sales organization to capture opportunities in the high potential segments. How are selling instruments (HP traditional business) varied from selling computer systems? Selling instruments can be viewed more like selling commodities. Selling instruments was engineering driven and trade the product was on the basis of technological features. Selling computer systems involved marketing the product as solutions that could be highly customized to the customers needs to solve their issues. wherefore does HP treat its sales force as a cost center? What are the implications of such a structure?HP was grouped into triplet main divisions and each had its own sales force and others support departments and divisional business units. Divisional business units were measured as profit centers. HP allocated region person nel and capital expenditures among the divisions under the promise of additional profits. This type of mechanism ensured that sales force was kept as a cost center, responsible for revenues, scene of action marketing and customer service.Such a structure resulted in two distinct cultures co-existing in HP. One centered in the product divisions focussinged on long-term profit objectives and the other in the field, on meeting short-term sales quotas. Sales force concentrated on achieving sales target without harassment about making profits and spending time in non-core activities. 3. Critically evaluate HP-CSOs burn down to building relations with its Enterprise CustomersHP reorganized its sales approach by providing greater autonomy to its divisions. CSO could draw on HPs resources while operating in a more entrepreneurial fashion. Freed from the constraint of a lengthened approval process, CSO began to race to the market with new computers. By 1994, HPs business was growing at 4 0% annually against an industry growth of 5%. To capitalize on the new market position, sales force was re-organized and other dramatic changes were instituted in the manner in which CSO sold to customers. HP wanted to transform its salespeople from order takers into consultants.Advantages Sales reps were relieved of the unproductive tasks Centralized configuration support specialists enabled increase in the sales reps direct customer contact by 30-50% The domain specific approach enabled HP to focus and service large customers more effectively. Generate more sales through the specialized and competent sales force. Sales force was able to nurture the relationships developed over time with the enterprise customers. . Disadvantages Sales force was averse to change and didnt wanted to lose power over their regional fiefdoms small customers resented being relegated to the channel partners or telephone reps. To transform salesperson from order takers to consultants required specificall y designed training programs to de-emphasize on traditional focus on HP product capabilities and specification in favor of teaching salespeople how to evaluate customers circumstances and suggest ways that HP competency improve them. Do you agree with the findings of two audits?Findings of the first audit are agreeable. However, the methodology adopted for the second audit is not convincing. The customer that was selected for the audit was the largest with whom HP had good relationship, HP was strong in the industry selected and the study chose only one region that HP was good in. This leads to an audit that encompasses a perfect customer, industry and region. The finding might not apply across all customers, industry and regions giving an obscure audit. What about the consultants recommendations? The recommendations provide deep insights into the strong and weak links in the sales strategy of HP-CSO The recommendations of the consultant seem very broad based and not properly str uctured The consultant hasnt provided an action roadmap based on his recommendations. How is this approach different from the current approach to managing enterprise customers? The approach of entering downstream and slowly making inroads upstream will face a lot barriers put up by competitors. The new approach would require re-training the sales force considerably. The effort and time involved in beating competition might be considerable. in that respect is a high risk of failure and would require considerable time to bring in the change Comments on cultivations of audit The first audit conclusion is convincing, but the second audit conclusion is not detailed and devoid of an action plan. Recommendations Increase conversion rate in downstream and midstream segment spring up competence in midstream and upstream segment of the market to capture the high potential market share, instead of building the way through downstream wee a value proposition for the upstream market Elimina te the non productive tasks of sales reps and train them effectively

Spanish Cinema During Dictatorship Film Studies Essay

Spanish Cinema During Dictatorship Film Studies EssayFilmmakers living(a) under whatever armed forces dictatorship argon basically deprived of any open criticism of the regime as all cultural activities, including flick, are rigorously controlled by censors. In order to share their ideas and produce flicks they want, they have to resort to the indirect methods of expression such as par competents, metaphors, allegories, symbols and allusions and apply them in cinema language. The elements metaphorised during Francos years in Spain formed the basic criteria of the censorship Faith, Fatherland and Family. Hence, family as a microcosm became a condensed and concealed reference to the state for such directors as Carlos Saura Fernando Palacios, Luis Garca Berlanga to cite only a few. The questions that this essay raises concern the family category and family relationship in Cra Cuervos/Raise Ravens Carlos Saura, 1975 code of the figurative language in Spanish national cinema of the Fr ancos years, along with the script, fil hourg and editing styles that convey internal impulses and foreign influences of that epoch in terms of single family.RR was gun and turf outd during the check marked by the collapsing of Francisco Francos dictatorship that lasted for thirty-five years. It is necessary to bear in hourd that the last decade of his governing was characterised by economic growth, social modernisation, race mobility, tourist development caused by domestic and external conditions. But the legacy of his flowering regime that is particularly identified with hispanidad and National Catholicism, sexuality, political and trade oppression, military regime, strict censorship and dominance of patriarchal family values was still in the air (Ibid., 173-183). In order to raise an issue of the burden of such governance Carlos Saura exploits the tragic story of the family where three sisters have lost both parents and become in charge of a strict aunt.The plot of child-c entred RR might be considered as a long flash impale of large Ana recalling her infancy twenty years ulterior in 1995 (DLugo 1991, 132). Thereby, reading this film as retrospective suggests mediation on genus Anas morbid childhood, on complex issues of family relations and grieves, their interplay and impact on her personality. But on the metaphorical level, audience is invited to meditate on the state of affairs of actual Spain caused by the loss of Empire (1898), unfruitful Second Spanish Republic (1931-39) resulted with the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) that paved the way for the military regime of Franco (1939-75).The beginning credits sequence of RR proves Sauras ingenious hard-nosed editing style that results in a non-linear construction and peculiar editing. Indeed it starts with the camera slowly moving crosswise the photographs of child Ana Ana Torrent in order to compress the narrative time illustrating moments of her childhood and identifying her as the potential firs t-person narrative of the film. Further the viewer discovers that the visible limit betwixt fantasy and reality is absent and transition takes place only through camera movement while characters enter the shot directly (07 min 02). From the good point of view, the flying sequence of child Ana (15 min 35) is remarkable because the transition is realised by means of zooming, changing angle from low to high and innate camera in this sequence Ana escapes from her prison- tolerate and it can be interpreted as the rejection of the authority. The passage from present to future is ensured in particular through the dolly shot and the off-screen voice of adult Ana Geraldine Chaplin (17 min 55) or solely by means of her voice-over (66 min 35). However the memories from the past are reconstructed from the photographs that are frequently dictated in tight shots (19 min 55, 35 min 06). As a result, the panoply of techniques contributes to the alternative editing and narrative in RR.The use of natural lightning and contemporary realistic settings enhance the authenticity, though complex, of the Spanish lodge. The establishing shot introduces the location of the gloomy family house and the further mise-en-scne articulates the films space concentrated in this roomy isolated house situated in the centre of Madrid that symbolises the impoverished bourgeoisie by the end of the Spanish Civil War. The mansion is surrounded by overgrown tend and boasts an empty and ruined swimming pool connoting the decay, emptiness and death with an allusion to the dead-end political situation of the regime. The entering of the outside world into the closed space via consumerism is explicit by comics (09 min 36), glossy magazines (29 min 23) and billboards. Even the international influence on economic and cultural transformation of Spanish society is visualised in the national flags of the USA (14 min 46, 28 min 20). The only sequence set outside the city takes place in the house of servicem en Nicols Garate Germn Cobos where children play outdoors and the diegetic birds singing (72 min 27) contrasts to the diegetic sound of heavy traffic heard in their garden (14 min 48, 16 min 28, 101 min 58).The ambiguity of adult Ana and Anas mother Maria both by Geraldine Chaplin contributes to the time, space and identities shift in the film. While mixing up memories and fantasies of child Ana with the reality of adult Ana and joining time layers of past, present, future and unreal together, Saura creates a concentrated reality where all characters and epochs interact and enter the field. Child Ana, the ambiguous protagonist, becomes a main get together between Maria and adult Ana. As means to emphasise the importance of Anas viewpoint in the film, Saura applies the close-up on her face (03 min 35, 25 min 21, 46 min 37, 62 min 47, 67 min 17 etc.), and camera is also often placed at the level of her eyes condescension the sequences with adults participation (07 min 11, 21 min 43, 30 min 35, 57 min 26, 58 min 22 etc.). This can be interpreted as the innocence of childs viewpoint and an appeal to viewers to adopt it.The films title RR as a part of popular Spanish saying states for Raise ravens and they will receive out your eyes could become a allegorical moral that not only the children could return evil for evil to their parents, but the unsatisfied country is able to take revenge on its causality ideological leaders. Child Ana remain a powerful metaphor for Spains future that is still indefinite and unsure to thwarting the regime, but potentially strong as her viewpoint is distinctly lucid, penetrating and analysing (DLugo 1991, 134-135). Thus, through the silent shots, she unveils what adults as censors try to conceal adulteries of her father Hctor Alterio as an antithesis of exalt marriage (05 min 28, 74 min 20) grieves and pains of her mother standing for agony and frustration with the Francos regime (46 min 10, 55 min 22) quarrel of her parents proving the grand authority of husband in the family (58 min 02) affair of her aunt Mnica Randall (88 min 19) contrasting with her authoritarian manner (21 min 17). Ana seems to understand that spontaneous stories of housemaid genus Rosa Florinda Chico with her genuine speech (24 min 37, 74 min 33) are more sincere than the orders of her aunt. The kitchen, which is Rosas realm, is also accentuated by means of bright lightning and grows into Anas safest place in the whole house. All in all, Anas character invites the audience to participate in estimation of cause-and-effect relations of the precedent and current epochs, depicted in her parents, as well as their impact on her future.As for the Anas surroundings, her household is characterised by double absence of parents and feminine composition. Since in Francos time the patriarchal family structure prevailed and the man was supposed to be the head of such mnage (Helen Graham 1995, 184), this role is successfully played by Aunt Pau lina whose iron discipline substitutes maternal(p) affection. As Ana has already disclosed the illusion of the paternal system when she found her father dead in the arms of his mistress Mirta Miller at the beginning of the film (05 min 28), she does not obey her aunts orders and refuses to kiss her dead father (13 min 27). The symbolic meaning of this act lies in disapproval of established Catholic and militarist models embodied in her aunt and the servicemen present at her fathers funeral. Anas further prove against her aunts rigorous education up to attempt to shoot (88 min 41) and to embitter her (91 min 09) in the climax could be interpreted as an appeal for emancipation of the new generation, the yearning to burst the bonds of patriarchal family and to uphold womens rights in the society (Helen Graham 1995, 329). Yet Ana re-plays this rebellion in the scene with a doll blaming her disobedience (66 min 09).Girls dynamism and thirst for action are opposed to her grandmothers J osefina Daz immobility and passivity. Her paralysed and silent figure stands for the nostalgia for the glorious past of the Spanish Empire and is a true allusion to her powerlessness in Francos society. Her life was destroyed by wars and regimes she remains merely a silent witness of the present epoch finding her comfort in photographs that accompanied by an old-fashioned song Hay, Maricruz bring back her sweet memories.Moreover, Saura attributes an emblematic soundtrack to every women generation in the film. The opening credits start with the melancholic piano pieceCancin y Danzas N.6 by Federico Mompou it is performed later by Anas mother with a symbolic reference to her abandoned career of concert pianist and her unfortunate marriage (Helen Graham 1995, 308). Finally, Jeanettes rhythmic aura Porque te vas (Because You are Leaving) is a pop song about the failed relationships but it also has a connotation of Anas revolt and vitality. Thus, the self-conscious role of diegetic musi c makes characters and their ideological values more vivid.Being an moral for masculinities, Anas father Anselmo does not have any associated tune he is a former military officer from the Blue Division devoted to his Fatherland, though unfaithful tyrannical husband and neglecting parent. Overflowed with authoritarianism, Anselmo stands for a purest metaphor for the Francos military regime with all its dreads, oppressions and sexual activity inequalities. His dominating position is illustrated in one of the photographs from the opening credits where he rides a horse (01 min 13).The legacy of the Spanish Civil War subsists in the sequence when children put in order their fathers cabinet asking questions about his military role (87 min 00). His gifts (pistol, gun and colours) could signify the transmission of values of the last regime, e.g. violence, brutal power and nationalism.Furthermore, Anselmos character reveals and completes the image of his passive wife Maria. Being the typi cal spouse of the Francoist society, she renounced her vocation so as to accept the upbringing of children (Helen Graham, 183-193). Indeed, she was not convinced of her success and this can suggest a hidden parallel to the dictatorship, when none of the artistic activities was beyond censors attention. Maria is also a vivid example of a victim recluse in the house dying in agony, as it was the destiny of the Second Spanish Republic that did not lived up to Spaniards expectations.Redefinition of gender roles of the parents takes place in the domestic play staged by the children where Ana and her elder sister Iren Conchita Prez act their parents (37 min 59). Performing the mise-en-abme of their conflict, Ana metamorphoses her mothers character according to her rebel head that stands for a shift in the new generations mind. This scene appeals to the open-ending (102 min 06) when girls leave their family house for the school accompanied by the soundtrack Porque te vas prefigure Spains optimistic opening to the world.All in all, these examples do not pretend to be exhaustive but seem sufficient to evaluate Sauras creative authorial insight and his attempt of dramatising the historical background in terms of family life. So the childs trauma in the film refers to the disease of the nation under the infamous Francos dictatorship. The semiotic of Sauras film including the non-linear narrative, cinematographic blurring of the events due to the camera movement and its different angles use of diegetic music and sounds, natural lightning as well as actors play, all this might have contributed to censors confusedness and they allowed its release without any cut, moreover it was awarded the Grand Prize of the Jury at Cannes Film Festival. RR can be also compared to the earlier works by Saura La prima Anglica/Cousin Angelica Carlos Saura, 1974 and El jardn de las delicias/Garden of Delights Carlos Saura, 1970 which plots are also built on the family life with inevitable p olitical subtext orientated on the intellectually engaged viewer.Word count 2236 wordsFilmographyTitle Cra Cuervos (Raise Ravens)Director Carlos SauraScreenwriter Carlos SauraCinematographer Teodoro EscamillaEditor Pablo Gonzlez del AmoMusic Federico MompouYear of release 1976Production Company Elas Querejeta Producciones Cinematogrficas S.L.DVD reference E166377

Modernism vs Postmodernism Graphic Design

Modernism vs Post newfangledism Graphic DesignThroughout the 19th century maneuverists and painters had a actually conservative lookset when it came to the presentation of art. The images and art forms that were made during this time were composed of a certain artisanic mold which reflected conservative moral values, virtuosity, righteousness, nobility, sacrifice, and Christianity1. Most artists during this time period conformed to the common artistic mold, which is all the way seen in the works of that century. The 20th century however, saw a new period of number known as newfangledism, which would eventually lead to postmodernism after gentlemans gentleman War II.Unlike the artworks of the 19th century, the modernist and postmodernist periods were composed of very revolutionary and transformed images. The ideas and opinions behind the images became more open-minded and hence the images themselves were more flexible and venturous2. The period of modernism saw the partial a bandonment of conservative traditions. Modern artists looked ahead to the future and not to the past, they supported freedom of expression and equality.The years amid World War I and World War II allowed modernism to expand dramatically. Propaganda and war posters are perfect examples of modernism3. Not still did modern artists provide social awareness they also actively supported political revolutions, such as the Russian Revolution. The Russian revolution provided and excellent opportunity for modern artists to experiment with new expression methods. The posters and propaganda of this revolution in particular were very abstract and futuristic, almost industrial all of which fitted the Soviet ideology4. A very important historical piece of modernism is its emergence in Germany. Typography in German graphic design was very important, Bauhaus for example used very specific writing and rules but more importantly analyzed the specific roles of items to transmit information. It is e licit that modernism was also seen in German graphic design as some critics believe that World War II effectively drew an displace to the true spirit of modernism5.Keeping in mind the social and political background of modernism, the actual graphical aspects of modernist design make sense. Modernist images were generally very symmetrical and alignment was very important. Images were structured and simplified fonts were arrange in very specific manners to complement the images themselves. Fonts were generally simple such as sans serif or sometimes looked almost hand drawn. in any case popular in modernist graphic designs were the use of rules and empty space as components of the works structure. The famous Uncle Sam and Britons recruitment poster of World War I are simplified images, with very staple font. In both posters the images and fonts are arranged according to a grid, and as such they are very leveled and aligned. An interesting point in both posters is the font is differe nt for the word you, it is bolded and outlined providing more emphasis on the importance of the person reading it. These are only brief descriptions of many similar works of the modernist time period6.Following World War II and what some consider the end of modernism a new form of graphic design materialized this is known as postmodernism. This period time started sometime in the 1950s and continues today. Some consider postmodernism to be a movement against modernism. While modernism was more pure, rational and truthful postmodernism was more chaotic and stylized, it no longer had such deep meaning behind the designs. Postmodernism uses symbols, images, and typography as simple stylistic devices. Unlike the structural and simple modernist designs, postmodernist design is obsessed with style and creativity, basically looks. Graphic design was now organism presented in popular media in the same methods as fashion it was up-to-date, advanced, and tasteful7. This time period include th e Cuban Revolution and of course the Vietnam War, both of which allowed artist to create interesting works of graphic design.The technical aspects of postmodernist graphic designs were very different from those of modernist design despite having some similarities. Postmodernist design included collages, photography, some hand-drawn images, and in general more chaotic and improvised arrangements. The postmodernism period also witnessed the dawn of a new age. The development of the computer and continuing smartness in technology presented new opportunities and new methods for graphic design. Technological developments, particularly in communications also brought forth the possibilities of mass media and culture. Graphic designers were now equal to(p) to apply their craft to Television, Radio, Print, Mass Marketing, Advertising, and eventually the Internet.A particular aspect of mass media and culture where the differences and similarities between modernist and postmodernist graphic d esign can be seen is Music, more specifically the artwork of the phonograph record album even outs. The following examples are fine illustrations of the different design types. The modernist designed album counterbalance is Elvis Presleys self-titled debut album Elvis Presley, while the postmodernist designed album cover is the Rolling pitfalls expatriation on main St.Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley 1956Elvis Presleys self-titled debut album was released in March on 1956 to this day it remains one of the greatest and most iconic album covers of all time according to Rolling Stone magazine8. Several artists have borrowed and mimicked the album cover, including The Clash which used it for their 1979 album London Calling which coincidently is also on Rolling Stones greatest album cover list. It is amazing how iconic the album cover is despite its shear constraint, a simple photograph with the title Elvis Presley in very basic font and colors. Following the modernist guidelines the title is arranged in a right angle, and the font is completely legible.The artists intent was clear simplicity, legibility, and yet enough color and tell to peak interest. Having the font in color and the background photo in black in white directs the viewers immediately to reading the title and consequently the image. The artwork also has a more personal and playful aura due to the particular choice of the colorful and humorous font. This may have been aimed to transmit the public a feeling of trust and personal acquaintance with Elvis. Another album cover that seems to be very similar to this is the Thelonius Monk 1965 album cover, it shares the simplicity of font and the photo as the background. The qualities of this album cover are clearly modernistic, extremely different when compared to the following sample of postmodern graphic design.Rolling Stones, Exile on Main St 1972Similar to Elvis Presleys debut album, Exile on Main St, is 5 on Rolling Stones 100 Greatest Album Cove rs9. Released in 1972 the designer of the cover John Van Hamersveld10, best described the attitudes of the time The general tone of the time was one of anarchy drug dealers and freaks and crazy tribe left over from the Sixties, all defiant and distorted. This album cover perfectly captured that feeling, the unique background and the title looking like it was a last polished thought perfectly capture the whole basis of postmodernism. The background itself has an interesting story, though it may look like a collage of photos it is actually a single photo of a poster that Hamersveld found in a tattoo parlor off route 66. Unlike the Elvis Presley album cover this one plainly shows little or no structure, it is more chaotic.An analysis of Elvis Presleys debut album cover and the Rolling Stones Exile on Main St album cover, presents dramatic differences not only in the graphic design but also the historical tone of the time. The modernist design of Elvis album cover is simple, clear, a nd direct the postmodernist design of the Rolling Stones album cover is chaotic, stylish, eye-catching, and rebellious. Yet both albums are designed for one thing to attract the viewers, listeners, and fans alike. In the end it is obvious that both modernism and postmodernism are still important to this day. Thought they may be very different at times, the ultimately share a goal, to be artistic and creative.

Celebrity Puppets Essay -- Personal Narrative

Celebrity PuppetsThe concept of using sports stars to market non-sport items has soared to new heights. Every corporation in the world is trying to get the edge everywhere their competitors. The classic example is that of the Cola Wars. During the 1980s, Pepsi and Coca Cola began an advertising slugfest, in which Pepsi emerged victorious by using Madonna and Michael Jackson as puppets in their commercials. These twain companies, as well as thousands of others, have taken advantage of exposing celebrities in their commercials and advertisements. This is done as a means to persuade the public that these products are deserving buying. As the years went by, marketers began to realize that in America, sports imagery constituted the most popular way of communicating to the public. The major sports organizations that corporations use to market their products consist of the subject field Football League, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League, but more groups are beginnin g to get in on the act. These groups include the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, the skipper Bowlers Association (PBA), as well as many others as a result of their increasing popularity and a younger group of stars. A little over a year ago, San Francisco Forty-Niner star wide receiver Terrell Owens caught a touchdown pass and began a unique celebration. When he reached into his sock and pulled out a card sharper marker and signed the football, giving it to a friend in the stands. His touchdown celebration was covered by many major media sources. As a result Owens was offered a partnership with the marker manufacturer. Sharpie agreed to donate five hundred dollars to the Alzheimers Association in Northern California/Northern Nevada for every touchdown Owens scor... ...ich the argument band Metallica wrote, entitled Master of Puppets. The lyrics go Master of Puppets Im pulling your strings Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams Blinded by me, you cant see a intimacy Just call my name, cause Ill hear you screamThis reminds me of todays marketing world because these corporations all over the world are trying to tailspin our minds and make us believe that their products are superior to those of their competitors. In todays world it is no longer who makes the better product, but who can toast the product in a better fashion. There is no major difference in the quality of sneakers throughout the world. But unless the Nike, Adidas, or Rebok logo is not there, the sneaker is viewed as poor. It just goes to show how a song written in the 1980s can reflect the marketing era of the year 2003.

Anorexia and Bulimia Essay -- Causes of Bulimia, Eating Disorders

Anorexia and Bulimia A Concise Overview     As many as 20% of egg-producing(prenominal)s in their teenage and young adult days suffer from anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa (Alexander-Mott, 4). Males are also afflicted by these consume disorders, but at a much scummyer rate, with a female to male ratio of six to one. Those with anorexia nervosa refuse to maintain a normal body weight by non eating and have an intense caution of gaining weight. People with bulimia nervosa go through periods of binge eating and then purging (vomiting), or sometimes not purging but instead refraining from eating at all for days. Both of these disorders wreak havoc on a persons body and mental state, forcing them to become emaciated and often depressed.      There is no cognize exact cause of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, but many factors play a role in the initial onset, such as nature traits, low self-esteem, and social and cultural infl uences (Costin, 21). Many anorexics have specific personality traits that urge them to refrain from eating. Many are perfectionists that will diet and exercise and not eat until their bodies are perfect. Unfortunately, however, he or she never thinks their body is perfect, and continues their destructive cycle. Anorexics that are perfectionists also tend to want to be in control at all times. Often , they feel as though others are trying to force them to do Breaux 2things, and so, take complete control of their bodies. Marcia, an anorexic, wrote in her daybook "I am in control people are just jealous because I have will power" (D., 6).      Another factor is low self-esteem. One anorexic said of her low self-esteem, "My goal in life was to please like a chameleon, Id change to suit whomever I was with. I constantly felt I was in the way" (D., 1). Anorexics with low self-esteem often feel they are worthless and do not deserve to eat. Not solely d o they not eat, but they constantly berate themselves with insults. They hate their bodies, and brooknot realize their true appearance, instead seeing a distorted image. When she weighed a mere 98 pounds, Marcia told herself, "You are a pig. You are disgusting. You must suffer" (D., 5). Bulimics also suffer from low self-esteem and feel ashamed of their behavior. Feeling guilty after eating is a co... ...orted self-image, low self-esteem, and a need for control. "Eating disorders are not about food or weight but about a humbled sense of self looking for approval and finding it, however Breaux 5temporarily, in the pursuit of thinness or the comfort of food" (Costin, 48). Treatment is an option for anorexics and bulimics, though it can take years, and sometimes it never succeeds. Hopefully, though, friends and loved ones of anorexics and bulimics will see the warning signs and seek help for them. BibliographyAlexander-Mott, LeeAnn. Understanding Eating Disorders. Wa shington, D.C. Taylor & Francis Ltd., 1994.Costin, Carolyn. The Eating Disorder Sourcebook. Los Angeles, CA Lowell      House, 1996. K.D.K. "My Story." Online. March 3, 2000 <http//www.dana.ucc.nau.edu/     kdk2/mystory.html>D., Marcia. "My Story." Online. March 3, 2000 <http//www.members.     Tripod.com/MarciaD/index.html>Thayne, Becky. Hope and Recovery. New York, New York Emma Lou      Thayne, 1992.

explorers from 1500 :: essays research papers

ALBUQUERQUE, AFONSO DEAfonso de Albuquerque (14??-1515) was a Portuguese soldier and explorer who sailed to the Spice Islands (the Moluccas, a throng of Islands in Indonesia) in 1507-1511, trying to monopolize trade with this area from Europe, he sailed around Africa to the Indian Ocean. He was appointed the Viceroy of India by King Emmanuel in 1509. He forcibly destroyed the Indian city of Calicut in January, 1510, and took Goa (in southern India) in March, 1510, claiming Goa for Portugal.AYLLON, LUCAS VAZQUEZ DELucas Vzquez de Aylln (1475-1526) was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who tried to give-up the ghost a colony in North America in 1526. He was the first-class honours degree European colonizer of what is now South Carolina. His attempt to settle the sliding board of the Carolinas (near the mouth of the Peedee River at Winyah Bay) was unsuccessful. BALBOA, VASCO NUNEZ DEVasco Nunez de Balboa (1475-1519) was a Spanish conquistador and explorer. He was the first Europe an to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean (in 1513), after crossing the lot of Panama overland. CABEZA DE VACA, ALVAR NUNEZAlvar Nuez Cabeza de Vaca Cabeza de Vaca means "head of a cow" (1490?-1557?) was a Spanish explorer who sailed to North America from Spain, leaving in 1527. He traveled from Florida to Texas on a raft, then walked from Texas to Mexico City. He also explored the Paraguay River in South America. De Vaca and his fellow travelers were the first Europeans to see the bison, or American buffalo. CABRAL, PEDRO ALVARESPedro lvares Cabral (1467-1520) was a Portuguese nobleman, explorer, and navigator who was the first European to see Brazil (on April 22, 1500). His patron was King Manuel I of Portugal, who sent him on an expedition to India. Cabrals 13 ships left on March 9, 1500, following the pathway of Vasco da Gama. On April 22,1500, he sighted land (Brazil), claiming it for Portugal and naming it the "Island of the True Cross." King Manuel ren amed this land Holy Cross it was later renamed once again, to Brazil, after a kind of dyewood found there, called pau-brasil. Cabral stayed in Brazil for 10 days and then continued on his way to India, in a trip fraught with shipwrecks (at the drape of Good Hope), and fighting (with Muslim traders in India). After trading for spices in India, Cabral returned to Portugal on June 23, 1501, with only four of the original 13 ships.