Mother to Son and the Coora Flower free essay sample

In poetry, more so than any other form of literature, understanding sound, meaning and theme are key to understanding the work itself. In the case of the poems â€Å"Mother to Son† by Langston Hughes and â€Å"The Coora Flower† by Gwendolyn Brooks these elements, when heavily focused upon, allow the reader to discover the message that these writers were attempting to convey. Thought both writers use these elements to their fullest to communicate their respective messages, the method and messages vary greatly. In the poem Mother to Son, Hughes tells the tale of a mother speaking to her son about life and the hardships that one must face to make it in the world. Hughes uses extended metaphor to establish this view. In the second line he writes â€Å"Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair†, which initiates the metaphor. He then proceeds to describe the stair of her life. With the lines, â€Å"It’s had tacks in it, and splinters, and boards torn up, and places with no carpet on the floor†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he support the mothers claim that like has not been a crystal stair case by using the metaphor to make a direct comparison between imperfections in the staircase and the pitfalls in life. We will write a custom essay sample on Mother to Son and the Coora Flower or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He continues on with the line â€Å"bare† symbolizing rock bottom, nothingness, the absence of value. Then poem then begins to rise in action to signify the continued climb and the need to continue on, which is seen in the following lines; â€Å"I’se been a-climbin’ on,/ and reachin’ landin’s,/ and turnin’ corners,/ and sometimes goin’ in the dark†¦Ã¢â‚¬  the narrator states to the son once more that they still continue to climb and that life was easy for them. The language and the line structure chosen by Hughes help facilitate the message. He use very simple language but is able to invoke strong emotions from the reader. The language would potentially lead the reader to believe that this is truly a simple woman who had to struggle everyday of her life to make it. If Hughes had used more formal language within the work I do believe the mood would have been lost. The use of â€Å"And† at the beginning of lines creates almost a stepping motion within the rhythm of the words. Lines four, five and six in conjunction with the use of â€Å"And† creates a feeling of stepping or maybe even falling down stairs. Each lines description gets progressively worse until there is nothing left, which signified having nothing left to lose. Then with lines ten, eleven and twelve the use of â€Å"And† creates the sense of climbing back up with the same speed at which you fell. Line twelve ends the climb in sound and creates a leveling off that coincides with the walk through the dark stated in the poem. This established a mood of cautiousness, feeling things are. I thought this was a perfect example of theme and sound coming together to support meaning. I especially like the lines, â€Å"Don’t you set down on the steps. / ‘Cause you find it’s kinder hard. It shows that giving up isn’t an option; that quitting is the easy way out and that continuing to struggle on and fight is what’s really difficult. She asks no more of the son than she would ask of herself because she knows that it can be done, she was able to accomplish it herself. In Brooks’ poem The Coora Flower, she writes about escapism and reality. The poem starts off with the narrator telling the reader what she le arned about and then we are snatched back into reality with the lines, â€Å"Now I am coming home. / This, at least, is Real, and what I know. The following stanzas construct the comparison between life in school which is the escape and the life outside which is reality; â€Å"It was restful, learning nothing necessary. / School is a tiny vacation. At least you can sleep†¦/ But now it’s Real Business. I am Coming Home. † And as we read on we discover that reality is harsh, cold, painful and unrelenting and that the other world is more optimistic, warm and liberated. â€Å"My mother will be screaming in an almost dirty dress. / The crack is gone. So a Man will be in the house. / I must watch myself. / I must not dare to sleep. These lines define reality within the poem. Brooks also relies heavily on nuances within the structure and language to establish the message. The stanzas that contain information about school are longer and articulate. The lines flow and are inviting. When the lines about reality are read they are short, cold and very deliberate; they give a sense of rigidity. The language is very d irect and in some case demanding â€Å"I must†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . All stanzas about what’s â€Å"real† are two lines long while the ones that focus on school are four lines long. The statements toward school came off as being very cynical to me. It was restful, learning nothing necessary†¦ At least you can sleep†, the use of â€Å"at least† in these lines and the line that follows are what created the cynicism for me. It seemed as if she didn’t respect what went on in school because it wasn’t the harshness of her everyday life. Capitalization is something that caught my attention. The word â€Å"Real† always has the first letter capitalized, which to me established a mood of seriousness within the statements that contained it. I feel this is true the second use of â€Å"Coming Home† and â€Å"Man† in line fourteen. The capitalization on these words was carefully chosen to continue facilitating the theme and meaning. There is one line in this poem that caught my attention and required me to reread repeatedly to get what she truly meant that line is â€Å"which is not free from grief†. At first I thought it was just in reference to the previous line â€Å"At least you can think of love or feeling your boy friend against you† but upon multiple readings I realized that this was in reference to the whole stanza. She’s hinting at the fact that even good things come with their element of heartache. I found that to be an interesting idea and it shows that the narrator may never be able to find peace, maybe she thrives on the hardship and anguish that comes with her life because that is all she knows. When the two works are placed side by side one would have a hard time make a connection between them. It is true that the differences between the works are great but elements exist in both; some minor, some major but all important. One could make the simple connection both individual were African- American doesn’t give them the respect they deserve. Also that connection would have to be made off historical references outside of the work because nothing in either work given you indication that they are African American. The connection that should be made is that the both wrote of adversity and hardship; that both used elements like structure, language, tone to convey their message but end the came out with very different view points. From a psychological perspective the reader can focus on the fact that in Hughes’ poem the adversity within it was deemed to be external to the one relationship shown. In the case of Brooks the adversity was internal to the shown relationship. In both situations the writers own their material, you get the sense that these works are true to life for both of them. But where Hughes’ work is empowering, Brooks’ work is saddening because you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel for her narrator you just she the cold, harsh reality that is life, which was her intention. Her story was never meant to be uplifting it was meant to depress and sadden. Even in her few moments of joy, the narrator still could be happy because she knew at any moment it could all end. Both writers are successful at establishing a mood and theme throughout there works. I believe if these writers had an opportunity to sit down with either they would see elements of themselves in the other. In one case the young and still hopefully individual and in the other harden and scared individual that the young may become. But in the end these are my interpretations and it up to you to make your own. That’s the wonderful part about poetry it’s different for everyone who reads it.

Biography of Marco Polo, Famous Explorer

Biography of Marco Polo, Famous Explorer Marco Polo was an inmate in the Genoese prison at the Palazzo di San Giorgio from 1296 to 1299, arrested for commanding a Venetian galley in a war against Genoa. While there, he told tales of his travels through Asia to his fellow prisoners and the guards alike, and his cellmate Rustichello da Pisa wrote them down. Once the two were released from prison, copies of the manuscript, titled The Travels of Marco Polo, captivated Europe. Polo told tales of fabulous Asian courts, black stones that would catch on fire (coal), and Chinese money made out of paper. Ever since people have debated the question: Did Marco Polo really go to China, and see all of the things he claims to have seen? Early Life Marco Polo was probably born in Venice, although there is no proof of his place of birth, around 1254 CE. His father Niccolo and uncle Maffeo were Venetian merchants who traded on the Silk Road; little Marcos father left for Asia before the child was born, and would return when the boy was a teenager. He may not have even realized that his wife was pregnant when he left. Thanks to enterprising merchants such as the Polo brothers, Venice flourished at this time as the major trading hub for imports from the fabulous oasis cities of Central Asia, India, and far-off, wondrous Cathay (China). With the exception of India, the whole expanse of Silk Road Asia was under the control of the Mongol Empire at this time. Genghis Khan had died, but his grandson Kublai Khan was Great Khan of the Mongols as well as the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China. Pope Alexander IV announced to Christian Europe in a 1260 papal bull that they faced wars of universal destruction wherewith the scourge of Heavens wrath in the hands of the inhuman Tartars [Europes name for the Mongols], erupting as it were from the secret confines of Hell, oppresses and crushes the earth. For men such as the Polos, however, the now stable and peaceful Mongol Empire was a source of wealth, rather than of hell-fire. Young Marco Goes to Asia When the elder Polos returned to Venice in 1269, they found that Niccolos wife had died and left behind a 15-year-old son named Marco. The boy must have been surprised to learn that he was not an orphan, as well. Two years later, the teenager, his father, and his uncle would embark eastward on another great journey. The Polos made their way to Acre, now in Israel, and then rode camels north to Hormuz, Persia. On their first visit to Kublai Khans court, the Khan had asked the Polo brothers to bring him oil from the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, which Armenian Orthodox priests sold in that city, so the Polos went to the Holy City to buy the consecrated oil. Marcos travel account mentions various other interesting peoples along the way, including Kurds and Marsh Arabs in Iraq. Young Marco was put off by the Armenians, considering their Orthodox Christianity a heresy, puzzled by Nestorian Christianity, and even more alarmed by the Muslim Turks (or Saracens). He admired the beautiful Turkish carpets with the instincts of a merchant, however. The naive young traveler would have to learn to be open-minded about new peoples and their beliefs. On to China The Polos crossed into Persia, through Savah and the carpet-weaving center of Kerman. They had planned to sail to China via India but found that the ships available in Persia were too rickety to be trusted. Instead, they would join a trade caravan of two-humped Bactrian camels. Before they departed from Persia, however, the Polos passed by the Eagles Nest, scene of Hulagu Khans 1256 siege against the Assassins or Hashshashin. Marco Polos account, taken from local tales, may have vastly exaggerated the fanaticism of the Assassins. Nevertheless, he was very happy to descend the mountains and take the road toward Balkh, in northern Afghanistan, famed as the ancient home of Zoroaster or Zarathustra. One of the oldest cities on earth, Balkh did not live up to Marcos expectations, primarily because Genghis Khans army had done its best to erase the intransigent city from the face of the Earth. Nonetheless, Marco Polo came to admire Mongol culture, and to develop his own obsession with Central Asian horses (all of them descended from Alexander the Greats mount Bucephalus, as Marco tells it) and with falconry - two mainstays of Mongol life. He also began to pick up the Mongol language, which his father and uncle already could speak well. In order to get to the Mongolian heartlands and Kublai Khans court, however, the Polos had to cross the high Pamir Mountains. Marco encountered Buddhist monks with their saffron robes and shaved heads, which he found fascinating. Next, the Venetians traveled toward the great Silk Road oases of Kashgar and Khotan, entering the fearsome Taklamakan Desert of western China. For forty days, the Polos trudged across the burning landscape whose very name means you go in, but you dont come out. Finally, after three and a half years of hard travel and adventure, the Polos made it to the Mongol court in China. In Kublai Khans Court When he met Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty, Marco Polo was just 20 years old. By this time he had become an enthusiastic admirer of the Mongol people, quite at odds with the opinion in most of the 13th century Europe. His Travels notes that They are those people who most in the world bear work and great hardship and are content with little food, and who are for this reason suited best to conquer cities, lands, and kingdoms. The Polos arrived in Kublai Khans summer capital, called Shangdu or Xanadu. Marco was overcome by the beauty of the place: The halls and rooms... are all gilded and wonderfully painted within with pictures and images of beasts and birds and trees and flowers... It is fortified like a castle in which are fountains and rivers of running water and very beautiful lawns and groves. All three of the Polo men went to Kublai Khans court and performed a kowtow, after which the Khan welcomed his old Venetian acquaintances. Niccolo Polo presented the Khan with the oil from Jerusalem. He also offered his son Marco to the Mongol lord as a servant. In the Khans Service Little did the Polos know that they would be forced to remain in Yuan China for seventeen years. They could not leave without Kublai Khans permission, and he enjoyed conversing with his pet Venetians. Marco, in particular, became a favorite of the Khans  and incurred a lot of jealousy from the Mongol courtiers. Kublai Khan was extremely curious about Catholicism, and the Polos believed at times that he might convert. The Khans mother had been a Nestorian Christian, so it was not so great a leap as it might have appeared. However, conversion to a western faith might have alienated many of the emperors subjects, so he toyed with the idea but never committed to it. Marco Polos descriptions of the wealth and splendor of the Yuan court, and of the size and organization of Chinese cities, struck his European audience as impossible to believe. For example, he loved the southern Chinese city of Hangzhou, which at that time had a population of about 1.5 million people. That is about 15 times the contemporary population of Venice, then one of Europes largest cities and European readers simply refused to give credence to this fact. Return by Sea By the time Kublai Khan reached the age of 75 in 1291, the Polos probably had just about given up hope that he would ever allow them to return home to Europe. He also seemed determined to live forever. Marco, his father, and his uncle finally got permission to leave the Great Khans court that year, so that they could serve as escorts of a 17-year-old Mongol princess who was being sent to Persia as a bride. The Polos took the sea route back, first boarding a ship to Sumatra, now in Indonesia, where they were marooned by changing monsoons for 5 months. Once the winds shifted, they went on to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and then to India, where Marco was fascinated by Hindu cow-worship and mystical yogis, along with Jainism and its prohibition on harming even a single insect. From there, they voyaged on to the Arabian Peninsula, arriving back at Hormuz, where they delivered the princess to her waiting bridegroom. It took two years for them to make the trip from China back to Venice; thus, Marco Polo likely was just about to turn 40 when he returned to his home city. Life in Italy As imperial emissaries and savvy traders, the Polos returned to Venice in 1295 laden with exquisite goods. However, Venice was embroiled in a feud with Genoa over control of the very trade routes that had enriched the Polos. Thus it was that Marco found himself in command of a Venetian war galley, and then a prisoner of the Genoese. After his release from prison in 1299, Marco Polo returned to Venice and continued his work as a merchant. He never went traveling again, however, hiring others to make expeditions instead of taking on that task himself. Marco Polo also married the daughter of another successful trading family and had three daughters. In January of 1324, Marco Polo died at the age of about 69. In his will, he freed a Tartar slave who had served him since his return from China. Although the man had died, his story lived on, inspiring the imaginations and adventures of other Europeans. Christopher Columbus, for example, had a copy of Marco Polos Travels, which he notated heavily in the margins. Whether or not they believed his stories, the people of Europe certainly loved to hear about the fabulous Kublai Khan and his wondrous courts at Xanadu and Dadu (Beijing). Sources Bergreen, Laurence. Marco Polo: From Venice to Xanadu, New York: Random House Digital, 2007. â€Å"Marco Polo.† Biography.com, AE Networks Television, 15 Jan. 2019, www.biography.com/people/marco-polo-9443861. Polo, Marco. The Travels of Marco Polo, trans. William Marsden, Charleston, SC: Forgotten Books, 2010. Wood, Frances. Did Marco Polo Go to China?, Boulder, CO: Westview Books, 1998.

The Unpositives of the Dick and Carey Model Research Paper

The Unpositives of the Dick and Carey Model - Research Paper Example The method involves some disadvantages that hinder the effectiveness of the instruction process (Woolf & International Conference on Intelligent Tutoring Systems, 2008). The methodology, when looked at closely, displays some suggestions. Firstly, the design involves the reduction model which disintegrates the components into simpler components. This implies that the teacher requires adopting a careful method of delivering the components to avoid losing track. Secondly, the tutor requires adopting the proper learning conditions. The wrong use of the conditioning learning can sometimes result in poor understanding from the pupils’ side. Thirdly, there appears the need for the application of an instructional system design: the system design requires adopting the system that facilitates instruction designing. Fourthly, the tutor requires implementing an extensively range of ideas including K12, business, administration, beginner, and expert (Woolf & International Conference on Int elligent Tutoring Systems, 2008). The model summarizes the methodology plan and development process. The authors view a system as, in principle, a combination of parts that rely on each other to facilitate the intended goal. The model acquired the name ‘system approach’ since it comprises components that relate to one another. The components have input and output. This means that a wrong input definitely results to a negative input. Dick and Carey view that the model uses the system approach with credible reasoning (Woolf & International Conference on Intelligent Tutoring Systems, 2008). The systematic approach implies that the moment the teacher messes up the strategy, the whole procedure of learning ends up messed up. The results might imply that the teacher lost track of what the learner was required to learn. The components of the system though closely linked together might result into the wrong output since the input in the first place was wrong. The process involv ed in the system is practicable and can be replicated. The step that takes place in the ISD utilizes a set of procedures and techniques that the instructional designers require to adopt in planning, expanding, and assessing instructions (Woolf & International Conference on Intelligent Tutoring Systems, 2008). The steps adopted include identification of the instructional goals; at this juncture, the instructor should identify the syllabus coverage as the course culminates. The goals require taking into consideration the needs considerations and the requirements of the learner. The instructors are required to identify the steps and sub-steps that will facilitate attainment of the goals by the learner. Instructional analysis scrutinizes the skills, know-hows, and attitudes that the learner’s exhibit and the ones they are supposed to hold prior to the instruction session. These skills can also be termed as the entry behaviors. The learner and the contexts that facilitate their le arning are scrutinized in parallel in the course of instruction analysis. The learners’ skills at the beginning of the instructions, preferences and attitudes become evident at this stage. The instruction situation where the new skills apply undergoes some analysis. The information attained at this stage becomes vital as it determines the strategy to be adopted in the course of the instruction

European business practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

European business practice - Essay Example Moreover, its enlargement throughout the European region has facilitated the region’s growth. In this article, functions of the EU will be analyzed so as to comprehend the implications of EU operations to its member states. The European Union is currently the world’s largest market. This political-economic union currently boasts of 28 member states, majority of which are European States. Since its establishment after the aftermath of World War II, the union has been successful in its expansion and success in the political and economic scene (Gilbert 2012).The EU is driven to achieve its five main objectives for the overall benefit of its member state. First, the EU strives to establish freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers among member states, secondly, the EU is determined to promote an internal market where competition is free and undistorted. Third, the Union strives to promote innovative technologies among member states and lastly, the union strives to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity among member states (Europa 2014). Since its genesis, the union has significantly achieved its purpose of market integration and cohesion 28 among member state s. The genesis of EU dates back from 1945 to 1993. However, its integration had been proposed as early as the 14th century (Artis & Nikson 2007). The Second World War had led to detrimental effects in the economy of European states. Consequentially, 20 million lives were lost during the war in Europe alone. Moreover, the region had incurred numerous capital losses. Inevitably, the political and military reconstruction of World War II facilitated the need for an economic integration (Artis & Nikson 2007). The cold war of 1950 also worsened the economic situation of the region. The dream of an integrated EU was strongly influenced by the historical experiences of its founding fathers (Artis & Nikson 2007). The pioneers

Positioning and Communications Strategy for a New Weight-Loss Drug Essay

Positioning and Communications Strategy for a New Weight-Loss Drug Overweight Adults in the U.S - Essay Example She was the company’s senior director of marketing. Her 20 years of experience in the industry as the marketing head of prescription drugs for the company helped it achieve these profitable heights (Friedhoff 45). In the recent past, she was responsible for leading six drug campaigns for the company’s most successful drug called Zimistat. Up-to-date the company has not had another successful drug in comparison to Zimistat. In this case, Barbara’s first order of business was developing a reliable positioning strategy and viable marketing communication strategy for the drug. In 2008, the company awaited patiently for FDA approval with plans of launching the product in the next year. Executive Summary Cambridge Sciences Pharmaceuticals (CSP) publicized a first of its kind prescription drug FDA approved drug tailored for moderately overweight individuals named Metabical. The company conducted trial on overweight participants who reached their expected weight loss goa ls in 12 weeks. Despite the delays in pricing, the company estimated the price of the drug as $3-$5 per day. The least treatment period covered 12 weeks. This report sheds light on the development of a reliable positioning strategy and viable marketing communication strategy for the company’s drug. ... This also aids in the identification of potential market targets. The third section is the SWOT analysis for the product. This identifies the potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the drug. Thus, the company identifies the communication strategy to adopt in the advertising of the drug. The final focus is the most appropriate communication strategy that suits best the drug. This is advantageous as the company enhances better communication with the consumers. The company spent much money and time on FDA trials and in R&D in trying to decide on the most appropriate marketing communications strategy and positioning plan. Barbara was aware that so as to recover this lump sum investment, the drug required two issues addressed. These included the need for a steady, long-term demand, and a successful launch to attract customers. She reasoned that if the drug did not reach out and appeal to the customers, Metabical’s credibility would raise questions as the FD A approval would be of little significance. Barbara’s challenges came in the optimal segmentation, the positioning and targeting of the Metabical drug. After establishing this, she could now concentrate her energies on creating a time schedule for all major activities and assessing the current communicating and marketing strategies. The case studies helped her in posing several questions. These include: a. Who are the most suited target consumers? b. How are the participants going to get instructions from the company? c. Where are the participants coming from and how to contact them? d. What was the most appropriate message for delivery drafted for the participants? Problem Statement A summary of overweight and obesity issue in the U.S. In reference to

The Global Container Shipping Industry

The Global Container Shipping Industry The global container shipping industry can be characterized as an oligopoly. Moreover, there are few sellers and the provided services or products are quite similar. It is important to examine the market structure in three levels: the industry, the alliances and the trade level. The market is characterized by globalization. As a result, there is a need to meet customers demands and invest in resources as well as technology. So we can say mention the expansion of the world economy and the world trade. Shipping companies have two choices, form an alliance or the other one is mergers and acquisitions. I will also use a graphic explanation to present the trends and how the industry has evolved over the past years. Lastly, this assignment mentions the importance of the oligopolistic characteristics in the global container shipping industry. THE INDUSTRY In the global container shipping industry we could meet collusions which are more commonly known as shipping conferences. We all know that their principal activity is to fix freight rates in certain routes and set barriers in the entry of new firms. Conferences are cartels acting like monopolists, because there were substantial scale economies in the industry that led to a small number of firms (Marshall,1921). After the abolishment of the anti-monopoly immunity of freight conferences (18 October 2008, Regulation 4056/86) and given the trend of growing consolidation the market evolves into a more collusive market where operational agreements are more important. The market has become more concentrated and the smallest operators have a market share of less than 1% each. As we can observe from table 1 above top 10 carriers have a market share of 63.5%. Comparing to the market share of top ten carriers in 2000 which was 49.3% (alphaliner) there is a remarkable increase in market share as well as in total TEUs. Moreover, few firms hold most of the market power and probably can influence in a high grade the market. They can set entry barriers and also make agreements on the freight rates. It is very important for firms to cooperate and acting like monopolists. As a result, each firm must be aware of the other players actions. Due to, this oligopolistic characteristic the industry is more complex and needs to face many factors. Moreover, the rapidly changing customer requirements, the deployment of ever larger container vessels, advances in information technology, increasing competition and intense consolidation.( ) Leading to few firms controlling the high trade routes and to the phenomenon of multi-trade strategic alliances. ALLIANCES We can also measure the degree of concentration by analyzing the alliances that have been created over the past years. This is a common implication in oligopolistic markets and of great importance. An alliance helps to obtain greater market shares and control more effectively the trade routes as well as the capacity. We can notice almost five advantages in the trend of alliances in the global container shipping industry. Furthermore, it can serve more efficient wider geographically routes. Secondly, they can plan their vessels in a more global scope. Of course, there is less risk, because risks are shared. They can offer more frequent services to their customers, meaning more frequent schedules. Lastly, economies of scale become more visible and there is also an increase in the size of the ships. (Ryoo, 2000) It is noteworthy to analyze three of the most important alliances over the past years. Furthermore, these three alliances started with an agreement on collaboration for east-west trades and then extended to north-south services. The first alliance we will examine is New World Alliance. It includes mainly APL, MOL and HMM. Its overall capacity in TEUs is 1.161.468 and owns 282 vessels. Imagine that in 2000 the capacity of this alliance was 325.487 and the number of vessels 90. As we can see it highly increased its market share and this is very important in oligopolistic markets, because you can influence the market as well as manage more properly the capacity. Another noteworthy alliance is the Grand Alliance. In February 2006, after PO withdrawal the new Grand Alliance formed by Hapag-Lloyd, OOCL, and NYK Line. Its overall capacity in TEUs is 1.187.607 and owns 288 vessels. In 1996 it owned only 255.705 TEUs and 72 vessels. Grand alliance manages twelve services in the transpacific trade. Lastly, this alliance has showed the most stable formation comparing to the other two alliances. The greatest alliance is CKYH with main partners Hanjin, Yang Ming, K Line and COSCO. It counts 1.548.508 TEUs and 400 vessels. It manages eight services on the Europe Asia route which has the largest capacity in TEUs. Surely, this alliance has a great market share and also is highly competitive. Of course, alliances have a great impact in the market share, but it is difficult to cooperate as the size of the group increases. They act like monopolists, because they can influence the price. Competition makes difficult to other firms to compete or enter in the market. This characteristic is of highly importance in order to survive in this tough market where overcapacity and decreasing demand exists nowadays. Firms may find many reasons why to join an alliance: strategic reasons, operational reasons, in order to increase or decrease connectivity to increase or decrease capacity, to introduce a new service, to suspend a service, to merge services, to demerge services, to offer slots for charter and to offer slots. (Panayides, 2011) TRADE LEVEL We will examine the trade level of two routes, Black Sea Far East and US trade. Moreover, we will focus on the trade lane with port ranges at either end. (Brooks, 2000) In the route Black Sea Far East the top seven firms have a market share of total 89%, so the other firms have only the rest 11%. Surely, there is a very high percent of concentration in this trade route. Moreover, MSC holds 23,15%, Maersk Line 20,33%, CMA-CGM 13,81%, Zim 13,55%, CSAV Norasia 11,64%, Hapag Lloyd 4,99% and K Line 1,53%. (www.dynamar.com) We can conclude that a tight oligopoly exists in the trade line of Black Sea Far East. Meaning that the production rises but there is a decrease in price, because the firms possess large shares and acting more like monopolists. Furthermore, it is difficult for new firms to enter this lane. The other trade line that we will examine is US which is more complicated than the previous one. Moreover, the top ten firms hold almost a 65% of the total market share. So we can say again that in trade line exists an oligopoly, but the firms are much more and hold less market shares. Maersk Line market share is 15,27%, Evergreen 7,67%, Mediterranean Shg Co 7,20%, Hanjin 6,54%, APL 6,18%, Hapag Lloyd 6,05%, COSCO Container Lines 4,28%, OOCL 4,26%, NYK 4,04% and China Shg C.L 3,90%. A close exam of this market shows us that competition is greater, but the market is larger and very attractive to new firms. As a result, if we use efficiently the oligopolistic characteristics firms will increase their market shares and it will be more difficult for new firms to enter. Of course it is difficult to cooperate efficiently when the size of the group increases, but you can handle more adequate the capacity and the competition something that is very important nowadays. After analyzing these two different trade lines we understood the meaning of the existence of the oligopolistic characteristics. Moreover, capacity can be handled more efficiently and minimize competition by increasing your shares. GRAPHIC EXPLANATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF OLIGOPOLISTIC CHARACTERISTICS IN THE GLOBAL CONTAINER SHIPPING INDUSTRY I believe a better explanation can be given by using a graphic explanation to mention the importance of the oligopolistic characteristics in the global container shipping industry. Moreover, we know from theory that in perfect competition demand curve intersects Marginal Cost curve at the market price P* and it supplies quantity Q*. The firms in this graph are price takers, because there are no entry barriers. Now let see what an oligopolistic firm will do. It will reduce quantity to Q0 and at the same time will increase the price P0 until Marginal Cost equals Marginal Revenue. However, a deadweight loss (consumer and producer) will be created, meaning that the welfare losses to the economy. Lastly, we can observe a surplus to the firm as an oligopoly profit. This result can be represented in the global container shipping industry by selling at greater prices and offering lower services. Furthermore, smaller containers, slower service etc as the market becomes more oligopolistic. Secondly, firms may try to increase their market power or setting entry barriers. Of course these two result to collusion practices. Moreover, greater concentration can create collusions and reduce coordination costs. However, there are also benefits from the increase in concentration. A firm may increase its profits by taking market power from its rivals. This action can motivate the firm to offer a better product or service. In shipping industry a better product or service means offering larger containers than other firms or by investing in research and development. Moreover, a firm may invest in order to keep consumers loyal. So the firms can behave more competitively. As the market is acting like an oligopoly, it has resulted in two major trends. First, there has been an increase in container ship sizes. Secondly, there has been an important growth in container throughput. For example, seventeen of the top twenty five routes are served with ships exceeding 9000 TEUs. On the other hand, using larger ships you need to make enormous investments in port infrastructure. Lastly, it has reduced the costs of transportation and local economies have been transformed to global economies. Conclusion The global container shipping industry is mainly an oligopoly (few players and mainly provide similar services). I tried to mention the importance of the oligopolistic characteristics in this market. Moreover, I noticed that big alliances control the majority of the total market share and also high concentration exists even in the trade routes. Highly concentrated markets lead in many occasions to collusions or cartels. It is very dangerous due to anti-trust laws, especially after the abolishment of the anti-monopoly immunity. However, such agreements are very beneficial for the participating firms. It is best off to cooperate, but it is very difficult especially when the size of the group increases. From the graphic explanation we concluded that it is better to produce small quantity and charge prices above marginal cost. Nevertheless, it is up to firms if they are going to have negative or positive results. In my opinion, the oligopolistic characteristics in the global container sh ipping industry lead the market to evolve and become capable to handle the phenomenon of overcapacity and increasing fuel costs.

Pizza Hut in Brazil Essay -- Business Marketing Case Study, solution

Pizza Hut in Brazil Starting a business in a new country requires a lot of research. It is important to understand that country's political and economic system as well as cultural values. To establish business in Brazil, Pizza Hut had to study the complex history of Brazilian economy and politics. It is important to remember that Brazil was a dictatorship for 20 years, from 1964 until 1984.1 During this period it was impossible to implement any kind of foreign business in Brazilian soil. After the authoritarian regime was over, Brazil had its first election in 1984. However, it was not democratic. The only ones allowed to vote were political leaders. It was a big step towards democracy, though. The elected president (Tancredo Neves) passed away right after election. His vice-president became the leader and ruled for four years. It was in 1988 that Pizza Hut implemented its first restaurant in Brazil. The economy was beginning to open up. It was only in 1990 that Brazil had its first democratic elections. In 1994 Fernando Henrique Cardoso was elected president. This president had been the minister of finance for the former government and he performed "miracles" in the Brazilian economy. Brazil's economy has a lot of potential. Throughout Brazilian economic history, the government has had an economic policy based on import substitution and it was also trying to switch from agriculture to industry. To insentivate domestic industry, the government established protective tariffs and import quotas. Most of the enterprises were owned by State such as: steel, oil, infrastructure, and others. These firms also received subsidize "long-term credit expand." For these reasons it had been difficult to establish ventures in Brazil. During the 60s and 70s the economy began to heat up and inflation began to rise reaching an average of 20% a year. Consequently, the government tried to slow down inflation by raising interest rates. However, "the large concentration of industrial power resulted in price inflexibility." The prices were high above costs. "Due to the protection, foreign trade remained a small percentage of the GDP." In 1973 the first oil shock caused some problems for Brazil. Even though Brazil is very rich in natural resources, it depends on imported oil. The government had to borrow money, but 50% of foreign debt was done by state owned ent... ... they have different toppings. It is a mix of America and Brazil. It is an American pizza with a Brazilian topping." Pizza Hut remains openly optimistic about its future in Brazil. It took them a period of adaptation to understand the politics, the economy, and the culture of the country. After that period was passed, it was easier for them to make more accurate predictions of what is efficient and what is not. Today there are 63 units of Pizza Hut in Brazil. Nineteen of those are located in Sà £o Paulo. Only this year 2 new restaurants were opened in Sà £o Paulo. As Zani alleged, investment in "advertising, marketing, changes in product, and reductions of prices" caused a positive return for the company. Bibliography: 1John D. Daniels and Lee H. Radebaugh, International Business: Environment and Operations (USA: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., 1998), 181. 2Adelaide de Almeida, "Pizza Hut no Brasil." Interview by Lia W. de Araà ºjo, in person, (December, 1999). 36Reinaldo Zani, "Pizza Hut no Brasil." Interview by Adonias Costa de Araà ºjo, email and fax, (December, 1999). 4Claudia Araà ºjo, "Pizza Hut no Brasil." Interview by Lia W. de Araujo, telephone, (December, 1999).

Discussion and Lab Questions Essay

Discussion Questions: Who is someone that you feel you have a positive relationship with? What role do you think openness and truthfulness have in making this relationship positive?- I think that I have a positive relationship with my high school coach because she is always there for me if I need something and she listens to what’s have to say. Even though she is older then I am, I feel like we are best friends and we understand each other. I think they have an effect on the relationship because without trust and being open with them, they maybe will not trust you and May have a hard time believing what you are saying. What effects do you think the various types of media (TV, Internet, newspapers, Facebook, etc†¦) have on your own life and your family? Do you think the overall effect is negative or positive? How can parents reduce the negative effects?-I think it has a big effect on the family because everyone is always on their phone and you never are able to have a family discussion on how things are doing. They are always focused on the internet, tv, phones, etc. 5.09 Lab Questions: 1.How can parents avoid temper tantrums?- Parents can avoid temper tantrums by having a plan for when they are put into this situation. 2.What are the A, B, Cs?- The A is attribute and that is what you would want your child to learn. The B is the behavior that you want your child to accommodate with what you have learned. C is the compassion that you want your child to compare with their behavior. 3.Do you think using consequences and following the ABC process will help shape a child’s behavior? Why or why not?- I do think that the ABC process with help as long as the consequence is related to what they did and will make a difference. The child will also realize that you are serious and will want the consequences to stop to change their behavior. 1.What are some of the reasons why people may not talk to babies as much  today as they used to?- They probably don’t talk to them as much because the parenting structures have changed and people now are much too busy. 2.Why do you think developing language skills is important for a child? – I think developing language skills is important because it affects their ability to make friends, be sociable and emotionally good people. 3.What are some of the ways that parents can encourage the development of language skills? – Parents can encourage the development of language skills by communicating with their child and listening to them so that they can practice and not feel as stressed when they talk to people.

Jetblue Strategic Analysis Essay Example

Jetblue Strategic Analysis Essay Example Jetblue Strategic Analysis Paper Jetblue Strategic Analysis Paper Strategic Analysis Of JetBlue Airways Executive Summary This report on JetBlue identifies how they have become an innovator in the airline industry by targeting customers who value a low-cost, customer conscious airline. They have formulated strategies that have enabled them to operate in a highly efficient and effective manner while realizing the importance of aligning their strategies with their environment. The report thoroughly discusses the strengths and weaknesses that the company possesses in their internal environment, followed by an in-depth analysis of the threats and opportunities of existing within their external environment. The strategy of the company is analyzed in comparison with both their internal and external environment in order to formulate possible strategic recommendations. Proper implementation strategies of the recommendations are also given to identify how the company can be better aligned with its environment and continue to grow as a highly successful company in the airline industry. Strategic Analysis of JetBlue Airways This report is an extensive analysis of JetBlue’s overall corporate strategies and how well they are aligned with their internal and external environments. It will focus on the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that exist as well as identify possible ways in which they can improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. As a relatively new airline JetBlue has redefined the industry by utilizing a combination of low-cost and differentiation as their core strategy. Since the company’s inception in 1999 they have become an innovator of new ideas and have led other airlines to follow some of their own practices due to the overall success of the company. JetBlue has succeeded as an airline that targets travelers who want a low-fare, high-value, customer service oriented flight to and from specific locations in popular metropolitan areas. To comprehend the success of the company, there are key factors that must be analyzed thoroughly in order to understand what allows them to be a competitive, profitable, and successful organization. To begin to understand JetBlue’s success as a newcomer to the industry you have to analyze their internal and external environments in comparison to their overall strategy. Strengths JetBlue’s strategy is focused on keeping costs low, while also utilizing new technology and guaranteeing customer satisfaction. The company’s strengths are what set them apart from other airlines. JetBlue’s long list of strengths begins with their pricing strategies. The customer value that is created by the company has proven to be a huge part of their success. In order to be a cost leader they started by purchasing only one model of aircraft which allows for easier and less expensive repairs and maintenance costs. Their low cost strategy also stems from the idea of eliminating any unnecessary operating costs, such as having paperless cockpits and not offering meals during flight. Differentiation has also allowed them to gain a notable advantage over the competition by realizing that customers are the most important part of the company. Customer satisfaction is a top priority within the company and all employees are instructed to make sure that all of their customers are happy at all times. The ways in which they have distinguished themselves include assigning seats with more legroom and satellite TV for all seats, offering complementary snacks and beverages, and also promoting online ticket sales and flight check-in. The organizational culture within the company is one that exhibits values, integrity, and empowerment which is a strength that most of the competition does not possess. Employees are hired based on their competencies and motivation to work in a customer-oriented environment. The company is also committed to their employees’ satisfaction and rewards are given to those who show initiative on the job. Another highly important strength is the executive level of management, which is comprised of experienced, knowledgeable people who have great leadership skills and are focused on their growth strategy and the sustainability of the company. JetBlue’s strengths are easily recognizable and they all integrate well with their corporate strategy. Weaknesses Although JetBlue is considered successful this is not to say that they do not have weaknesses that exist within the company. The small size of the company in comparison to other airlines is a major weakness that they have. Because JetBlue is relatively small they have to focus more on differentiating themselves in the industry, which could effectively lead to less popularity as the competition increases. Due to the fact that they are such a small company they also have a limited number of locations throughout the nation. Following their functional strategy of providing cheaper costs at underserved airports, they have effectively limited their potential to target customers in return. This leaves a question to be asked, if they are successful at their current locations that may not be heavy traffic areas, why could they not be just as, if not more successful in larger, higher traffic locations? Although they have expanded their hubs in a few regions since inception they have done so at a slow pace. Another weakness that should be recognized is the lack of marketing and promotion. JetBlue does use some marketing strategies within the markets that they operate in, yet very few media or publication advertisements are seen outside of those markets. Opportunities The weaknesses of JetBlue could also be considered opportunities to the company. The opportunities that exist are all great ways to improve profitability and brand image, which would be consistent with their own operational strategy. Expansion into other locations including international regions is perhaps their biggest opportunity for growth. Due to the deregulation of international air travel, it would be easier to implement the same low-cost strategy for operating outside of the United States. Another idea would be to create a joint venture with another international airline in order to take advantage of the international market, which would lower risks and investment capital. Technology and the Internet can both be beneficial to their strategy. Airplane technology continues to improve in design, safety, and maintenance. These improvements allow for less fuel consumption, lower repair costs, and fewer mechanical failures. These advancements in technology would be an excellent opportunity to lessen the operating costs associated with using older models. The Internet also offers a great way to market them as being a low-cost, high-value industry leader who actually values their customers’ satisfaction. The Internet has proven to be the cheapest, most profitable form of advertisement that reaches more people than any other form. By promoting the use of the Internet for automated sales and utilizing the available technology, they can lower labor costs and increase value even further for customers. Threats Altogether the airline industry has seen increased threats from the external environment in recent years, by not formulating and implementing strategies to effectively handle the threats that JetBlue is faced with currently and in the future, they will most likely have a negative impact on the company’s sustainability. A major threat that should be of concern is the fierce competition in the industry, and the possibility of other low-cost strategies being implemented by much larger companies. The imitability of both their differentiation and cost strategies are rather high and practically any competitor can easily implement both, forcing JetBlue to sustain a competitive advantage. Due to their small size and little brand recognition they must be effective in preventing the competition from overtaking their target market. Along with the substantial threat of entry into the low cost arena, there is the rising costs of fuel and high bargaining price of suppliers in the industry. The increased inflation rates of products, as well as the economic downturn are subsequently huge threats that should be considered when implementing their future financial strategy. Security threats and increased government regulations throughout the industry create a new threat to all airlines. This has increased costs and lowered the profit margin for JetBlue and limits their ability to maintain the low cost structure as well. These threats can all have a critical impact on the company, but if they are properly planned for there is a much greater chance to succeed in the future. Strategic Recommendations After analyzing JetBlue’s internal and external environment and contrasting them with their corporate strategy, this report concludes that overall they are an efficient company that needs little improvement. Aside from the recommendations discussed above there are a few more that might slightly improve their future sustainability. Their core competencies easily distinguish them from most of the competition and those strengths are what gives them the competitive advantage to become more successful. JetBlue’s low prices are what define them and it is necessary to keep their prices low and keep the customers happy as the company grows. The first recommendation would be that in-depth appraisals in all areas of the organization should be performed non-stop. The information gained should immediately impact any area that is falling behind, and the necessary changes should be made. As mentioned before, expanding to other markets is a strategy that should be implemented quickly, but considering the needs of business travelers would also be an opportunity to attract a larger market. Maybe they could include power outlets, unlimited wi-fi access, and noise cancelling headphones all of which would appeal to both business and regular customers. A marketing strategy that emphasizes their luxurious amenities offered compared to the low-cost flights, would be an extremely effective campaign especially once the target market is expanded. Another idea might be to consider venturing into a partnership that might include a website similar to Travelocity. com allowing consumers to find hotels, restaurants, and flights from other airlines and comparing their prices to JetBlue’s. Growth is limited to the resources available, so in effect they should ensure that all their resources are utilized to the upmost efficiency. Consideration of implementing the above recommendations and continuing the practices currently in place should allow JetBlue to continue to be an innovator and a successful company in the future. They have great management, an excellent workforce, and are highly concerned about their customers’ satisfaction, all of which are aligned with the vision, mission, and strategy of the organization.

Free Essays on Racism In Othello

RACISM IN OTHELLO My aim in this study is to show how racist elements dominate the play, â€Å"Othello† by William Shakespeare. Generally, in Othello race and colour are important factors and they repeated in various ways. W. Shakespeare tries to instill the idea of equality in all people.. He thinks that all humans on the earth created equally. Because of this reason, W. Shakespeare created Othello who is a protagonist as a black man. He gives Othello an important duty. Shakespeare portrayed Othello as a commander in the army of Venice and he is the husband of Desdemona who is white and wealthy woman. Obviously, Shakespeare uses black man for the role of important character. Besides, Shakespeare creates a romantic relationship between black and white (Othello & Desdemona) but most people think that their relationship is wrong. At the time the play was written, 1604, even the Queen of England was racist, so there must have been a strong hatred of blacks around that time. Donald Hall asserts that â€Å" Elizabethan society and theatre were more conservative. In this period, society were prosperous, expanding, energetic, adventurous and imperialistic. Elizabethan England was colourful, chaotic and relatively lawless....† (Hall, p:200). As you see, in this period, society is more chaotic and we know that all notions about racism since today rooted from those times. According to Elizabethans all qualities of moors are all negative. At that time, moors were supposed sexual capacity, savage jealousy, superstitiousness and belief in magic, tendency to anger, cruelty and savagery. Truly, it’s still common not only in England but also all around the world. I believe that, by discovering America, slavery developed and in the end, it did not finished but decreased by Martin Luther King’s effort in 70’s. But still today, racist people feel same things towards to black people. That is to say, blackness in Elizabethan Engla... Free Essays on Racism In Othello Free Essays on Racism In Othello RACISM IN OTHELLO My aim in this study is to show how racist elements dominate the play, â€Å"Othello† by William Shakespeare. Generally, in Othello race and colour are important factors and they repeated in various ways. W. Shakespeare tries to instill the idea of equality in all people.. He thinks that all humans on the earth created equally. Because of this reason, W. Shakespeare created Othello who is a protagonist as a black man. He gives Othello an important duty. Shakespeare portrayed Othello as a commander in the army of Venice and he is the husband of Desdemona who is white and wealthy woman. Obviously, Shakespeare uses black man for the role of important character. Besides, Shakespeare creates a romantic relationship between black and white (Othello & Desdemona) but most people think that their relationship is wrong. At the time the play was written, 1604, even the Queen of England was racist, so there must have been a strong hatred of blacks around that time. Donald Hall asserts that â€Å" Elizabethan society and theatre were more conservative. In this period, society were prosperous, expanding, energetic, adventurous and imperialistic. Elizabethan England was colourful, chaotic and relatively lawless....† (Hall, p:200). As you see, in this period, society is more chaotic and we know that all notions about racism since today rooted from those times. According to Elizabethans all qualities of moors are all negative. At that time, moors were supposed sexual capacity, savage jealousy, superstitiousness and belief in magic, tendency to anger, cruelty and savagery. Truly, it’s still common not only in England but also all around the world. I believe that, by discovering America, slavery developed and in the end, it did not finished but decreased by Martin Luther King’s effort in 70’s. But still today, racist people feel same things towards to black people. That is to say, blackness in Elizabethan Engla...

Aesthetics- Philosophy of Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Aesthetics- Philosophy of Art - Essay Example In aesthetics you have to see for yourself precisely because what you have to "see" is not a property: your knowledge that an aesthetic feature is "in" the object is given by the same criteria that show that you "see" it. To see the sadness in the music and to know that the music is sad are one and the same thing. To agree in the judgment that the music is sad is not to agree in a belief, but in something more like a response or an experience" (Eldridge 145: 2003).It has long been recognized that human beings find a variety of visual and auditory appearances to be extremely fascinating. Certain sunsets, flowers, birdsongs, and beautiful bodies, among natural things, and certain pots, carvings, vocalizations, and marked surfaces, among humanly made things, seem to engage eye or ear simultaneously with thoughtful mind. In experiencing such things, we feel we want the experience to continue for "its own sake, " at least for some further time. The Greek uses a phrase to kalon which means the fine, the good, or the beautiful, to describe many sorts of things that are attractive to mind and eye or ear, without sharply distinguishing natural beauty from artistic merit (or moral goodness). "In the Symposium, Socrates reports that the priestess Diotima once instructed him in how a lover who goes about this matter correctly must begin in his youth to devote himself to beautiful bodies, first loving one body, then many (as he comes to understand that they are alike in beauty), next beautiful minds, beautiful laws and customs, beautiful ideas and theories, until finally he will come to love the Beautiful itself, absolute, pure, unmixed, not polluted by human flesh or colors or any other great nonsense of mortality." (Eldridge 47: 2003) In pleasing us, natural and artistic beauty, according to Kant, serve no outer purpose. The experience of beauty does not yield knowledge, and it does not of itself enable the satisfaction of desires for material goods. Yet it is not nonetheless merely agreeable or pleasant; instead, the experience of beauty matters. Beauty in nature makes us feel as though the natural world were congenial to our purposes and projects. In feeling the beautiful natural object to be "as it were" intelligible or made for us to apprehend it, we further feel that nature as a whole, which seems to "shine forth" in beauty, is favorable to our cognitive and practical interests as subjects. To experience a beautiful sunset, according to Kant, is to feel (though not to know theoretically) that nature makes sense. Kant's terminology may be difficult, the experience he is describing is a familiar one. Beautiful objects of nature or art engage our attention. We love them by paying active, cognitive attention to t hem, even if we do not get anything from them or even if it brings out the inner most emotions from us. The above discussion brings us to compare art with emotions, the reason why identifications with artists and imaginative participation in experiences and emotions are available to us is that works of art are made things, products or instances of human action. To understand an action, including actions of artistic making, is to understand its suitable motivation by reasons in contexts. Actions of artistic making, including the making of both narrative art and non-narrative art, are concerned with the shaping of materials to hold attention on a presented subject matter. (In abstract work, the presented subject matters are often centrally the perception and gestural action of the artist and the possibility of the audience's imaginative participation in that perception and gestural action.) Whatever emotions figure in attention to this subject matter are emotions that members of the audience are solicited to experience and explore, as they participate in the attention that is embodied in the work. The understanding of art is much related to exploring, to understand art critically is to explore it imaginatively, guided by a range of relevant

Critically assess how interprofessional collaboration is the key to Essay

Critically assess how interprofessional collaboration is the key to delivering modern health and social care services - Essay Example The complexity of human health which professionals face suggests the need for a reconstruction of how they conceptualize and create knowledge. Further, such knowledge can be deepened through a dialectical process of people reflecting and acting with others to both change and understand it (Gaventa & Cornwall, 2001). In this sense, interdisciplinary structure may allow health professionals to conduct studies and collaboration between them in a research process that would increase the quality of research outcomes. It has been argued that the strength of the inter-professional collaborative research group lies in the framework where contributions from a wide range of professional perspectives are incorporated into the research process (Bond & Thompson, 1996; Ryan & Hassel, 2001). Larson (2003) identified that successful collaborations would comprise a number of multi-professional teams. Similarly, Ryan and Hassell (2001) identified collaboration as the main characteristic of inter-profe ssional research and explained that collaboration across disciplines leads to the identification of health problems through the contribution of respective knowledge and experience from different professionals in a research process with open channels of communication and the absence of professional hierarchies. Drinka and Clark (2000) argued that professional differences between group members have been identified as the basic problem in regards to communication which is one of the most important elements of a successful inter-professional collaboration in research (Gelling & Chatfield, 2001). Poor inter-professional communication, including the system where information is misheard, misread and misunderstood, would break down the working relationship between professionals in groups and affect how professionals work collaboratively in the decision-making and knowledge-producing process. On the other hand, due to professional differences and distincts values and knowledge that each prof essional holds, every member knows less about each other and so it is easy to see the problem of unequal effort in their working relationship and the difficulties in building up a relationship of trust without mutual respect. The lack of trust would limit the sharing of responsibility or workload between professionals which seems inevitable and closely related to the entire research process. Group dynamics can also be a challenge and would distort collective discourse that may generate invalid understanding. As Bray et al. (2000) argued, defensive routines and groupthink would challenge the critical reflection process within the group and the ability to assess the situation from various experience and knowledge bases and build more wide-ranging and objective