The impact to the individual's participation in staff development Essay

The impact to the individual's participation in staff development - Essay Example Finally, two sections examine the theories of Hallinger and Kantamara (2003) and Bolom and Turner (2003). The objective of this literature review is to critically analyze the report whilst keeping the dissertation's objective, identified problems and aim or research questions as a guide. Further, the need for further research from new questions that will arise from this review will justify the need of the dissertation on the subject of why individuals have difficulties participating in staff development. Section I - Quality Education The fundamental question asked concerns education in the 21st century and challenges both future appropriateness of the educational system and its delivery. In reality, the 21st century is something we know very little about, as we are only just 10 years into this century and the new millennium. The future is unknown and therefore one can only forecast, project and extrapolate as to what might be, based on what is already know. Ideology in education is a n evolutionary process. Dominant views on education have influenced teachers for decades. For example, goals to provide equal opportunities and use of young people as a resource for the nation were initiated in from post-war years up to the early 1970s as part of economic expansion. Similarly, the Plowden Report supported child-centred teaching methods to focus on the unique development of each child, becoming known as ‘progressivism’. This ideology is Liberal Romanticism, which also values diversity and individual difference. In the early to mid-1970s, standards were said to have regressed (‘Black Papers’) because curriculum design and organization lacked rigor. In response, the ideology of Educational Conservatism was introduced which emphasized â€Å"the transmission of established social values, knowledge and culture through a subject-orientated approach,† as stated by Pollard & Tann (1990 p 40). The good teacher would reflect on such ideologies and extract ‘the wheat from the chaff’ to improve his own approach to teaching. While such pragmatic values seem promising in theory, the reality of the situation is such that teacher training and curriculum development must develop more objective means of understanding. While the good teacher should have a thirst for continual improvement, this best occurs within an objective framework. As previously mentioned, I personally self-assess my own performance at the end of each lesson. If a lesson has been observed or I have been using classroom assistants, I actively seek their constructive criticism, as I want to be become not only a good teacher but a first class one. Such self-reflexivity is best supplemented with the university model. Pollard & Tann (1990 p 14) state â€Å"practical experience and related discussions at university seem to be more powerful influences for PGCE students on their professional development than their subject studies.† In attempting to become a first class teacher, I found this to be consistently accurate. I am always willing to learn from experienced professionals and lectures. When not teaching, I use the time to observe others to learn valuable experiences. I found my university workshops an excellent source of ideas and an excellent forum to share and learn the best practices. The question to be asked is not â€Å"what is the reason for education?† but â€Å"is it a good education?† A good education should seek to â€Å"

Urban Archaeology Site In North America Essay Example for Free

Urban Archaeology Site In North America Essay With the aim of dealing with the theoretical, methodological and realistic features of doing archaeology in the contemporary cities of the North America, a novel field of archaeology has come into view over the last 20 years called urban archaeology (Dickens, 1982). Whilst archaeologists have a long pact with the archaeology of cities particularly, the primitive early development of urbanism, industrial cities were long measured too new to be useful to archaeologists. Archaeology was made in modern cities pre-ceding to initiation of a proper discipline of urban archaeology, but it was mainly limited to investigating antique relics and features that were met by urban development projects. Archaeologist Bill Iseminger while in the Illinois prairie, points out outline of a 40-acre majestic plaza that was the Times Square of an outlying American past. (Staski, 1987) A thousand years ago this was the largest city in America north of Mexico, he says. Between 10,000 and 20,000 people lived here before the complex was abandoned under strange conditions earlier to 1400. (Savoye, 2000) But with archaeologists now revealing main parts of the Cahokia Mounds here, the dig has imprisoned public interest as a porthole into Americas heartland capital of the first millennium. The more I study their culture, the more Im convinced they were just like us, says Brad Koldehoff, a University of Illinois archaeologist. (Staski, 1987) Though this main Cahokian site is a secluded oasis nearly eight miles east of St. Louis the primeval metropolitan area spread out in all directions, covering some 255 sq miles of Mississippi flood plain. Lately, Mr. Koldehoff has been leading an archaeological excavation consented by law as a product of excavator job on a new drainage system To Cahokian archaeologists, even soil articulates quantities. The Mississippians the standard name given to Indians that lived beside the river but left no written evidence of their individuality not only moved earth to build mountains, they moved it to even out swales for table-flat plazas. And that is exactly what Koldehoff and his team is seeing, confirming earlier theories that a plaza covered the area a millennium ago. Its unreal sometimes, being there alongside one of the busiest interstates in the country, your mind 1,000 years away, he says. You uncover an old piece of ceramic pipe or a shirt, and then you look up and see the skyscrapers of St. Louis across the river. (Savoye, 2000) Contrasted with ancient Egypt or Incan and Mayan cultures, where stone structures and carvings accept a surfeit of clues about prehistoric ways, Cahokia defers its secrets reluctantly. Cahokia relied on moderately fast-weakening wood for building. That, accompanied by reasonably wet weather circumstances that obliterate relics such as leather goods, makes the task of a Cahokia archaeologist very hard. What archaeologists do make out about the Cahokians ruin is rather worrying. After an actually vivacious growth era, a self-protective fortification’s was built around the outskirts of the plaza. Separate archaeological efforts have exposed proof of lethal raids on societies in remote areas. As the decades developed, the wood intended for houses and reconstruction of the walls tapered in diameter. Archaeologists propose that this points to extensive deforestation. There may have been an increase consequence, in which deforestation led to failure of fuel and game and also silted streams, thus lessening fish counts and causing flooding. How harsh these troubles were and whether they added to pressure on the political system is unidentified. The only thing archaeologists are certain of, founded on present proof are that Cahokia appears to have died away sooner than ended suddenly in a natural disaster or human catastrophe. Though, the Cahokian society ended, though, it lived on for hundreds of years as a sophisticated and possibly varied culture. In isolation, historians say, it provides an important picture of a civilization that has often been labeled as not-so-noble savages in film and fiction (Buchanan, 1978). References Buchanan, R. A.1978, Industrial Archaeology: Retrospect and Prospect. In Historical Archaeology: A Guide to Substantive and Theoretical Contributions, edited by R. L. Schuyler, pp. 53-56. Baywood, Farmingdale, New York Dickens, R. S. Jr. 1982 Archaeology of Urban America. Academic Press, New York. Savoye, Craig, 2000, From urban dirt, ancient city emerges. Christian Science Monitor, 08827729, Vol. 92, Issue 33 Staski, E. (editor) 1987, Living in Cities: Current Research in Urban Archaeology. Society for Historical Archaeology, Special Publication Series, Number 5.

Intertwined Themes of Margaret Atwoods Dancing Girls Essay -- Margare

The Intertwined Themes of Margaret Atwood's Dancing Girls  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dancing Girls is a collection of Margaret Atwood's short stories. Each story captures a different aspect of society, different people of different ages, culture and status, with different attitudes, emotions and behavior; all in different locations and life circumstances. Yet there are many connections between the stories and these links are primarily found in Atwood's portrayal of women. As Atwood says: By and large my novel's center on women...None of them are about miners in the mines, seamen on the sea, convicts in the jail, the boys in the backroom, the locker rooms at the football game†¦How come? Well, gee, I don't know! Maybe because I am a woman and therefore I find it easier to write as one.    Each story focuses on a different female character and explores her thoughts and her reactions to her social environment. Throughout the collection of stories there are a number of underlying themes that reveal Atwood's insight and understanding of why men and women are different. These themes include the questionable definitions of femininity proposed in society, the idea of escapism through fantasy and the conflict that exists between men and women. One concept Atwood explores to explain the differences between men and women is simply that there are biological differences between each gender. This difference is highlighted throughout a number of the stories, significantly in "Giving Birth". Atwood comments that for women there is some salvation from a male dominated society in that, through the process of giving birth a woman is allowed some connection with her body which men simply cannot experience. They still have some connection with their o... ... capable of seeing connections between apparently disparate circumstances. Ingersoll-Earl.G., Margaret Atwood: Conversations, Virago Press, London, 1992, pg. 195 Ibid., pg.17 Atwood-Margaret., Dancing Girls, Vintage, London, 1996, pg. 225 Ibid., pg. 227 Ibid., pg. 229 Ibid., pg. 229 Ibid., pg. 240 Ibid., pg. 239 Ibid., pg. 239 Ingersoll-Earl.G., op. cit., pg.141 Ibid., pg. 142 Aspin-Lois.J., Focus on Australian Society, Longman, Australia, 1996, pg. 14 Ingersoll-Earl.G., op. cit., pg. 102 Atwood-Margaret, op. cit., pg. 63 Ibid., pg. 69 Ibid., pg. 69 Ibid., pg. 69 Ibid., pg. 131 Ibid., pg. 138 Ibid., pg. 143 Ingersoll-Earl.G., op. cit., pg. 32 Ibid., pg. 31 Ibid., pg. 245 Atwood-Margaret, op. cit., pg. 98 Ibid., pg. 98 Ibid., pg. 87    Intertwined Themes of Margaret Atwood's Dancing Girls Essay -- Margare The Intertwined Themes of Margaret Atwood's Dancing Girls  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dancing Girls is a collection of Margaret Atwood's short stories. Each story captures a different aspect of society, different people of different ages, culture and status, with different attitudes, emotions and behavior; all in different locations and life circumstances. Yet there are many connections between the stories and these links are primarily found in Atwood's portrayal of women. As Atwood says: By and large my novel's center on women...None of them are about miners in the mines, seamen on the sea, convicts in the jail, the boys in the backroom, the locker rooms at the football game†¦How come? Well, gee, I don't know! Maybe because I am a woman and therefore I find it easier to write as one.    Each story focuses on a different female character and explores her thoughts and her reactions to her social environment. Throughout the collection of stories there are a number of underlying themes that reveal Atwood's insight and understanding of why men and women are different. These themes include the questionable definitions of femininity proposed in society, the idea of escapism through fantasy and the conflict that exists between men and women. One concept Atwood explores to explain the differences between men and women is simply that there are biological differences between each gender. This difference is highlighted throughout a number of the stories, significantly in "Giving Birth". Atwood comments that for women there is some salvation from a male dominated society in that, through the process of giving birth a woman is allowed some connection with her body which men simply cannot experience. They still have some connection with their o... ... capable of seeing connections between apparently disparate circumstances. Ingersoll-Earl.G., Margaret Atwood: Conversations, Virago Press, London, 1992, pg. 195 Ibid., pg.17 Atwood-Margaret., Dancing Girls, Vintage, London, 1996, pg. 225 Ibid., pg. 227 Ibid., pg. 229 Ibid., pg. 229 Ibid., pg. 240 Ibid., pg. 239 Ibid., pg. 239 Ingersoll-Earl.G., op. cit., pg.141 Ibid., pg. 142 Aspin-Lois.J., Focus on Australian Society, Longman, Australia, 1996, pg. 14 Ingersoll-Earl.G., op. cit., pg. 102 Atwood-Margaret, op. cit., pg. 63 Ibid., pg. 69 Ibid., pg. 69 Ibid., pg. 69 Ibid., pg. 131 Ibid., pg. 138 Ibid., pg. 143 Ingersoll-Earl.G., op. cit., pg. 32 Ibid., pg. 31 Ibid., pg. 245 Atwood-Margaret, op. cit., pg. 98 Ibid., pg. 98 Ibid., pg. 87   

Book “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”

John Boyne’s novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjama’s published in 2006 tells the story by using a nine year old boy as the narrator to show the world through his eyes. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a powerful story because it is told from Bruno’s perspective. The novel is set in the years of World War 2 and the colorcast where many Jewish families live their lives in fear of the Hitler and the Germans. Boyne has used many different languages in the novel such as Tone, Literacy Devices and Characterization to show the different features and perspectives from Bruno.The way Boyne describes Shmuel makes the reader really feel remorseful for this boy and the way he is being treated by the soldiers. Boyne Cleverly uses imagery and symbolism to describe Shmuel from Bruno’s perspective. â€Å"His skin was almost the colour of grey, but not quite like any grey Bruno has ever seen before. He had very large eyes and they were the colour of caramel sweets. † (p. 106-107. ) Boyne has impressively used imagery to show and represent people through Bruno’s innocent and naive eyes and really encourages the reader to read on.In the novel the way Boyne uses characterization, helps to show the different characteristics of Bruno and how he represents other characters from his perspective. â€Å"Who’s the fury? † asked Bruno. â€Å"Your pronouncing it wrong† said father pronouncing it correctly. â€Å"The Fury† Bruno said again but failing. (p. 117). Boyne uses this, to describe to the reader that Bruno is a naive and innocent young boy. Boyne uses implied meanings as you may have realised Boyne never mention Hitler but rather says fury and makes the novel really impacts the reader. Boyne uses a lot of one in his novel to express the feelings been told through the story.By the way Boyne has represented the way the soldiers laughed and mocked the children makes the reader leave with a distaste of the soldiers and are remorseful for the children. †But then one of the soldiers lunged towards them and they separated and seemed to do what he wanted them to do all along, which was to stand in a single line. When they did, the soldiers all started to laugh and applaud them. † (p. 37). It shows that the soldiers were horrible people, they pushed and laughed at all the children in the concentration camp and didn’t care one bit if it hurt them.The feeling that you get when you read this book, it is sad and depressing, which can explain why it is a very powerful story. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas heavily impacts the reader in every way, making the novel very powerful. Boyne uses a younger innocent and naive boy, like Bruno, to tell the story by the view of a young child. Boyne uses Bruno as a narrator to highlight the prejudice that causes adults to behave badly and unkindly towards others. Using a naive narrator it confronts the reader about their own beliefs and values. The wa y Boyne cleverly use tone, characterization and literacy devices impacts the story greatly.

Analysis of Class, Status and Power Essay

Karl Marx and Max Weber are among the famous theorist who formed the pillar of the study of society. This come about in their contradict theories the conflict and protestant ethic respectively. It is understood that these two people lived in different eras, Marx being exposed to conditions and perspectives of the eighteen century whilst Weber dwells in the nineteen century where noticeable changes on the fast emergence of innovative technology, and a path where modernity take its toll (the industrial revolution) (Tui, 2014). The theories of Marx and Weber were applicable in their times with regards to the type, functions and interactions existing within society. As follows is the discussion of their main arguments on the contrary of their perspectives on the basis of society. According to Karl Marx, society of all hitherto is the result of social stratification and conflict. The organized economic activities and mode of production, determined the division of labor which causes the fo rmation of two classes, the bourgeoisies and the proletariat (the rich and the poor) showing opposition (antagonistic interaction). The proletariat (working class) controlled the modes of production while the bourgeois owned the means of production (Brym & Lie, 2007). The conflict theory by Marx, argued that a position in a productive system is the basis of peoples conflict. The rich attained privilege of accessing revenue and surplus whilst the poor did not resist, but remained subordinate. The bourgeois also maintained their interest by suppressing and maintaining the subordination of the proletariat (Worsley, et al., 1970). A revolution originated on the fact that men realized how capitalism deprives them of self-independence and freedom. Capitalism also increased inequality within society and enhanced further subordination of the working class. Marx believed that in the future there will be classless societies ( (Worsley, et al., 1970)). Therefore modern society is the result of the breakdown of the feudal system; the proletariats were being absorbed by the bourgeois to work in their factory, hence bringing s ociety to the end of communism (Tui, 2014). But also a classless society still experienced antagonistic, a trend of dependency between these two class, that is the bourgeois depend on the manual labor and productivity of the proletariat and vice versa, for their stability and co-existence. In contrast, Weber, in his theory, the protestant ethics, believed in hard work, personal achievement and motivations. It focuses on  individual actions and most importantly an individual’s knowledge and skills to bring about transformation of new society. In other words people consciously making decision at important times or junctures (Tui, 2014). People whom abided to protestant ethics and maintain the spirit of capitalism succeeded economically. He emphasized the importance of the growth of the service sector of the economy, with its many non-manual workers and professionals. He also articulated that capitalist development was not just caused by favorable economic conditions but religious beliefs also plays an important role (aw areness to the society of values and virtues: right and wrong) of facilitating great capitalist growth. He argued that Marx, fails to see that people in society can improve their condition in terms of education, technology to attain a better standard of living. Weber, also showed the flaws of the Conflict theory whereby he said that a revolution is not necessarily the solution to dissatisfaction and grievances. There are medium of resolving matters peacefully whereby the government is required to improve such conditions (Weber, 2005). In light of the above arguments, there is also controversy and contradiction in their discussion of class (created by eligibility and accessing to product of economy), status (social honor or professional position) and power (the ability and opportunity to control) (Worsley, et al., 1970). According to Marx, in society, there are two distinct classes: the bourgeois and the proletariat. These classes were inherited and there is nothing that can be done apart from revolution that can make the differences. The revolution would result in a classless society w here the state come to own the means of production. According to Marx, whoever has a class will have a complimentary standard of status and power. For him class is the originator of all kinds of status in society and source of power. He also stated that traditional status ascribed was used to acquire power such as the members of the noble family were born and entitled to rule. This class of nobles subsequently has high social status (Brym & Lie, 2007). Weber strongly argued that class, status and power were three totally different categories. Status and power were achieved through ones commitment and successes. It favored the concept of meritocracy which allows people to rise or fall to a position that matches their talent and efforts ( (Brym & Lie, 2007)). All of these were independent of each other. It is not necessary of an individual  or group of people in high class to have a corresponding level(s) of status and power. In general, class is directly related to how people have access to part of the society’s resources. Class should be related to your ability to buy power or your market position (Tui, 2014). Such as a proletariat can become a very important figure in government just because of his/her qualification, oratory skills and achievement. For example a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), commissioner of police, captain. These people worked their way like every proletariat from scratch and because of their ambition and hard work they are able to become successful, even though they do not have a royal or ruling background After having compared the two theories of Karl Marx and Max Weber, the latter theory of protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism by Max Weber is considered the best and useful theory to understand and explain the dynamics of my local society. Kiribati society is an example of an egalitarian society whereby people are equal and have the same rights and opportunities. The decision making process and access to government’s resources and all opportunities are carried out following established processes and procedures. Everyone is given a chance to talk for themselves or by a representative (Teitiniman, 1993). As mentioned earlier, access to opportunities are open to everyone such as position in government and non-government organization through advertisement. Eligible candidates announced and a screening test is conducted to screen out best candidates. It takes one’s effort, hardship and commitment towards professional development in order to improve life conditioning, status and attainment of power for example people acquiring scholarship for higher qualification and to qualify a higher post with high salary in the government institution (Itaia, 1979). According to Koae (1993) and agreed by Macdonald (2001) there are existing mediums of solving any grievance and dissatisfaction. These are put up in writing to the concerned department and or are taken up to court. Communities’ views and perspectives are considered as a means of improvement to policing strategies such as that adopted by the Kiribati Police Services. Elections of leaders are conducted on the basis of the public vote towards candidates (Brechtefeld, 1993). As Weber highlighted, class, status and power are achieved which is correspondingly true of my Kiribati society.  Peoples’ hard work irrespective of religious beliefs and traditional social cl ass and status, have equal and equitable access to opportunities which determine social and economic standings in my society. Bibliography Brechtefeld, N., 1993. The Electoral System. In: H. V. Trease, ed. Atoll Politics. Christchurch: Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, pp. 43, 44, 45. Brym, R. J. & Lie, J., 2007. Sociology Your Compass for a New World. third ed. California: Thomson Wadsworth. Itaia, M., 1979. Rebirth Te Mauri, Te Raoi, ao Te Tabomoa. In: KIRIBATI Aspects of History. Suva: Institutes of Pacific Studies, The University of the South Pacific, pp. 123,124. Koae, T., 1993. Corrupt and Illegal Electoral Practices. In: H. V. Trease, ed. Atoll Politics. Christchurch: Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, pp. 105-110. Macdonald, B., 2001. Cinderellas of the Empire. Suva: Institute of Pacific Studies, The University of the South Pacific. Teitiniman, T., 1993. Serving the People. In: H. V. Trease, ed. Atoll Politics. Christchurch: Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, pp. 343, 344, 345. Tui, R., 2014. Social Structures in Modern/Contemporary Societies. Suva: s.n. Weber, M., 2005. The Protestan t Ethic and The Spirit of Capitalism. New York: Taylor & Francis e-Library,. Worsley, P. et al., 1970. INTRODUCING SOCIOLOGY. 1 ed. Victoria: Penguin Education.

Toyota Motor Corporation Essays

Toyota Motor Corporation Essays Toyota Motor Corporation Paper Toyota Motor Corporation Paper A competitive advantage occurs when organization can offer customers greater value (lower price, additional services and benefit) over competitors in its marketplace (Make 2011). Strategy is a key assisting tool for a firm in any industry to gain the competitive advantages. Business strategy is the long-term purpose and positioning of the organization within its industry (Miser 2014). Today business environment is more complicated and more regulated especially in developed countries than in previous business era. A genuine strategy is always needed when business create a distinctive way ahead, against the influence of the environment by applying whatever core resources and competencies it belongs (Miser 2014). The firm seeks sustainable competitive advantage through these distinctive capabilities. In this severely violent business world, the automobile industry is extremely competitive, with many large organizations trying to influence their competitive advantages to achieve the majority of market share and position (Business Wire Inc. 2013). This paper is to study the US automobile industry for Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) using five forces analysis that was developed by Michael Porter to identify competitive opportunities and attractiveness effectively within market or an industry. The framework for Porters five forces analysis consists of these competitive forces such as the threat of new entrants, the threat of substitutes, the buyer power, the supplier power and rivalry among the competitors (Porter Bibb). These five forces shape the strategy of organizations (Porter Bibb). The automobile industry analysis enables Toyota to understand what forces determine profitability of the automobile industry, what is the current absolute and relative profitability of the industry based on these forces, how these forces re changing and expected to change, and how those changes affect future profitability (Miser 2014). 2. Industry Overview Page 5 The automobile industry is one of the most essential economics sectors and industries. It also represents 3 to 3. 5% of GAP, and creates one in every seventeen jobs in the United States (US). The number of car production in US is almost 2. 7 million and that represents 4. 9% of world production in 2011. The first place of global car production is held by China (24%) and followed by Japan (1 1. 9%) (Worldliest 2014). The US market represents twenty three ere cent of global number of sales of light and passenger vehicles as in term Of 16. 5 million sales units (Euler Hermes Group 2014). The trend of customers demand in a car m anufacturing industry is varied with prices of product or gasoline, per capita disposable income, and advancement of technology in vehicle production (Euler Hermes Group 2014). For example, during past five years, the growth of environmental concerns and dynamic increase of the fuel prices have shifted the preferences of consumers away from fuel- guzzling pickup trucks to more fuel-efficient and smaller cars. As a result, nonusers highly demand more felicitating vehicles. In this century, a company which can innovate and produce more fuel-efficient vehicles than competitors gains competitive advantages and market shares (N com 2013). Apart from that, product innovation can stimulate demand in regard with more fuel-efficient vehicles such as electric models and hybrids than in the past. Nowadays people are more interested to invest on the car that are fuel efficient. Moreover, vehicle prices are tied to materials and equipment costs. For instance, the higher steel and prices raise purchasing costs, and also retail rice. The affordability for consumers is determined by per capita disposable incomes (Gnomon 2013). Increasing income level and incentives makes users more affordable to buy motor vehicles. Besides that, the number of financing companies in automobile industry increases significantly over the last few years. Due to this, the number and range of automobile loans are increased and that make industry demand stronger (Gnomon 2013). Furthermore, , according to Michael Porter (1980), instabilities of economic conditions such as material shortages, labor supply shortages; strikes, and purrs in demand can influence the profitability of almost all businesses in an industry for short-term period. Porter (1 980, p. ) also says: While such factors have tactical significance, the focus of structural analysis is on identifying the stable, underlying characteristics of an industry-its economic and PEP PROBLEM Page 6 technological structure that shapes the arena in which competitive strategy must be set. Whether the success or fail of a competitive strategy, it depends on how a firm relates to its environment. The main aspect of the firms environment is he industry in which it positio ns and operates (Make 2011). The effect of industry structure is eve strong in defining not only the rules of the competitive game but also the strategies potentially available to the organization (Porter 2004). The available potential is not equal for all industries especially in profit potential. Over time, there will be the movement on the structure of industry gradually, and organizations will have unique weaknesses and strengths in dealing with structure (Porter 2004). Therefore, it is crucial for all firms that the strategy analysis must be started through understanding industry Structure (Porter 2004). In today modern society, automobile is one of the most convenient transportation equipment. As a result of globalization, foreign auto dealers are able to enter American market easily, and thus, competition is stronger and stronger in the market. The US automobile industry is mainly dominated by the big three domestic automotive manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford and Daimler Chrysler (Shinny 2012). However, the foreign car manufacturers, Toyota and Honda are the biggest competitors in this industry (Business Wire Inc. 013). Due to the higher oil prices, movement towards green technologies, and the global economy, the more fuel efficiency and technological innovation like Hybrid vehicles are being demanded among consumers (Shinny 2012). This is a great opportunity for Toyota to increase market shares by innovating and producing high technological and more fuel efficient vehicles. 3. Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japan-based auto manufacturer which was founded in 1937. The main business engine of Toyota is producing and selling different types of cars and vehicles which suit to different size of households ND corporate uses around the world. Toyota also sells the related parts and accessories to meet the markets needs and wants (Gnomon 2013). The primary market areas of Toyota Motor PEP PROBLEM Page 7 Corporation are Japan, Europe, North America, and Asia. Toyota, Lexus, Hon, and Dadaists are current brand of Toyota Motor Corporation, the leading auto manufacturer, which competes in the automobile industry and also is the eighth largest company in the world (Toyota Bibb). As of March 31, 2014, the annual revenue of Toyota Motor Corporation was 25. 69 trillion yen, an increase of 16. % compared to the last financial year. Operating income before tax increased from 1. 32 trillion yen in 201 3 to 2. 29 trillion yen in 2014 due to the major factors Currency fluctuations of 900 billion yen, marketing activities of 1 80 billion yen, and cost reduction efforts of 290 billion yen. The consolidated vehicle sales increased by 245,369 units from 2013 and the vehicle sales totaled 9, 1 16,033 units in 2014 (Toyota AAA). Industry analysis empowers an organization to develop a competitive strategy that leverages the competitive forces in its favor and best defends against hem (Clark 1 991 Understanding the sources of the competitive forces is essential to develop a competitive strategy (Make 201 1). From this understanding of these competitive forces, the company can emphasis areas where industry trends indicate the greatest significance as either opportunities or threats (Industry analysis and competition: porters five forces 2014). 4. Porters Five Forces on Automobile Industry When the rates of return are higher than the adjusted free market return, it spurs the inflow of capital into an industry either through additional investment by existing competitors or through new entry. Michael Porter (1980, p. L ) stated that the strength of the competitive forces in an industry determines the degree to which this inflow of investment drives the return down to the free market level, hence the ability of firms to sustain above average returns. The state of competition in an industry depends on five basic competitive forces. Porters five forces is a framework that analyses how five key competitive forces affecting the profitability level of an industry and shaping the competitive strategy Of a firm (Porter Bibb). Moreover, these five forces determine the structure of an industry too. The weaker the competitive forces in the industry are the more profitable it is. An industry With high PEP PROBLEM Page 8 buying power and supplying power or few buyer and suppliers but many substitute products, weak barriers for entry and competitors will become aggressive and strongly competitive, and thus, not so attractive because of its low profitability (Gnomon 2013). Evaluating companys competitive position in the industry and identifying the weakness and strengths that maintain and strengthen that position is the major duty of every strategist (Clark 1991). Porters five forces model, the analyzing tool, is very useful to develop the strategy of company in enhancing its long-term profit as it discloses how powerful each of the five forces is in a particular industry (Industry analysis and competition: Porters five forces 2014). This model can provide an analysis of IIS automobile industry competitive nature in details and assist in assessing the strength of competitive and the position of the company in the market. A successful competitive strategy is also a purpose of the attractiveness of the industries in which the firm competes and of the firms elated position in those industries. Porters five forces are the threat of new entrants, the threat of substitutes, the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers and the rivalry between the existing competitors (Porter Bibb). 4. Threat of new entrants All entry barriers can and do change the conditions of industry. In the auto industry, economies of scale increased extremely with post-war automation and the successful new entry is being stopped due to the vertical integration in the market. Economies of scale are very hard to be achieved by small companies. Company strategic decisions mainly impact on entry barriers if the changes of entry bar riers are beyond a companys control (Grungy 2006). Therefore it is very important for every company in any industry to understand the level of threat for entry. The main factors contributed into a barrier to entry caused are an initial capital investment, switching costs, financial prudence, government policy, unregulated technology matters or the role of buyers and suppliers of the particular industry. The automobile industry is protected by the high barriers of entry to introduce new products. There are very few new players who could successfully venture into the automobile industry because of the large amount of capital investment requirements PEP PROBLEM Page 9 to set up producing facilities and a distribution network. Moreover, the achievements of existing global major competitors from economies of scope and scales cause difficulties for a new entrant in offering competitive price. In auto industry, the brand equity is one of the most significant barriers for new entrants. Due to the issues of reliability, durability and safety are important, consumers made the decision based on the impression of a model on the manufacturers previous performance on these issues (Shinny 2012). Therefore, the reputation and image of the brand is extremely crucial to customers. These are one of the factors makes a new entrant difficulty in competing. In order to overcome this barrier, it takes many years for a new entrant in building a strong enough reputation and image to be competitive. Since Toyota is the well-known Japan car brand, large size, and unshakable market presence in various segments, Toyota gains a competitive advantage over new entrants in the automobile industry (Baggage 2001 In addition, the age sum of capital is required for initial investment. It is very costly and risky to enter a car manufacturing market as the competition between the companies is very intense and the well established companies dominated the market. In US car manufacturing industry, the big three domestic companies (General Motors, Ford and Daimler Chrysler) hold the most Of the market shares. US Government Even if new entrants could achieve the market share with bringing innovative ideas and products to the industry, they may expect to face high retaliation from existing companies. However, some players may have special skills or resources that aid them to overwhelm barriers to enter an industry more easily and cheaply than most other players. As a result of the increasingly global nature of economy and emergence of foreign competitors who belong to the capital, management and marketing skill and technology, there is an increase in the threat to the domestic industry. In the case of Toyota entry to US market, Toyota can use the cost advantage of the Toyota Production System (TAPS) to plunder into US market. The tactic of the TAPS system is less of everything usage: less human effort in the factory, less investment tools, less manufacturing and storage space by using Just-in-time system, and half the engineering hours to develop new products compared to European and American manufacturers (Takeover Petersen 2006). The commitment of Toyota to quality, fuel PEP PROBLEM page 10 efficiency, and low cost made Toyota cars more demand and preferable than German and American cars. As an evidence of increasingly global nature, the table of global car production rates can be seen in Appendix 1 . . 2 Threat of substitutes All firms in an industry are broadly competing against each other by reducing substitute products. Substitute products and services limit the profit potential and attractiveness of an industry with the cap of price level. As the price-performance trade-off offered by substitutes became more attractive, it became more difficult to gain the industry profits. The US industry trend s indicate that a significant part of car demand is taken by the used car market as the consumers still have a confidence with the used car. In order to gain the market share from the used car industry, Toyota has narrowed the price gap between its own automobiles and the used cars with TTS ability of efficient price cutting system. Substitutes often became more active as long as the industries development became more competitive and causes price reduction or performance improvement. The factors contributed in the search of substitutes are switching costs, price, quality, government regulations, tax policies, government grants and subsidies (Monteverdi Tech 1982). Currently, an example, the U. S government is promoting solar heating by granting the research funds and tax incentives. In addition, there are the effect of safety and pollution standards on relative cost and quality of substitutes. A shift towards a knowledge economy and rise of online system reduce the need for a two or more vehicle household. According to the Center Of Automotive research, current the number of cars at 2. 1/ household will be the highest point and it is estimated to drop the level to 2. Peer household or less by 2025 (Shinny 2012). The result of this research also highlighted that the market opportunities of US domestic companies rely on segmenting into market which supplies alternative transport or hybrid vehicles with low cost (shinny 2012). Another risk to become substitutes is an availability of several alternative hypes of transportation such as trains, buses, bicycle, planes or motorcycles available. These _ probative Page 11 substitute transportation almost always cost less and sometime are more environment-friendly but rarely offer the same level of convenience. . 3 Bargaining power of buyers As buyers have an ability to bid down prices, play competitors off against each other, and demand higher quality or more service, buyers are the representatives of a competitive force. The conditions making buyer powerful are a number of characteristics of its market situation and how important its arches is by being viewed as an industrial level. The Lager volume Of purchase relative to sellers sales become, the m ore powerful buyer group will be (Grungy 2006). In the auto industry, most of the buyers are individual and the bargaining power is higher for corporate or governments who usually buy large fleets compared with individual consumers. Moreover, consumers will easily switch to other suppliers if industry products are standardized and undifferentiated, and the switching cost is also reasonable low (Monteverdi The recent trends of automobile industry indicate that the consumers are seeking more fuel-efficient cars as the impact of the rising oil prices. This also results in an increase of hybrid cars demand because it offers cheaper alternatives for operating the vehicle (using battery to run the car if the running speed is under 60 to km) together with higher expectations of product quality (Takeover Petersen 2006). Moreover, since there are plenty of choices for buyers in car industry, the bargaining power of buyer is quite strong and buyers can easily choose other car brands. Buyers can also use alternative types of transportation with low cost. In addition, buyers are price- insensitive and their decision in buying vehicle is impacted by the vehicle cost (Sudsier 2001). However, Toyota implements the cost cutting practices in its production system to offer the price that the buyers expect to pay and to locate its products into a more advantageous position compacted to its competitors. It is proven by the number of Japan brand sales in US auto industry in Appendix. 4. 4 Bargaining power of suppliers page 12 Suppliers can exert a competitive force on an industry because they can raise prices or reduce the quality of the goods they supply. Increasing price can enemies profitability of an industry due to failure to recover cost increases in its own prices. The factors influencing buyer power have inverse effect on the power of suppliers. If supplier market is monopoly or only limited choices available for buyers, there will be considerable influence on prices, terms and quality (Sudsier 2001). The suppliers in the automobile industry have low bargaining power and are likely to be smaller than manufacturers. Therefore, numerous suppliers rely on one or two auto manufacturers to purchase the majority of their products. On the other hand, while the automobile supply equines is fragmented, they supply vital parts for car manufacturing and most of automobile manufacturers rely on the timely operations of supplier and stellar quality (Shinny 2012). Based on this fact, it is very common in signing long-term legally binding contract between supplier and manufacture accompanied by strict quality and standards. If a supplier either does not meet the standard set by the car manufactures or charge the price more than carmakers are willing to pay, auto manufacturer can easily find another supplier and even move its supply chain towards the cheaper supply markets n a different country (Monteverdi Tech 1982). For example, U. S automobile manufacturers outsource some parts of their product to be produced in China where the labor cost is cheaper than U. S. In the case of Toyota, more than ten different companies from U. S supply the goods to Toyota. The quality, cost and delivery of the products are the major qualifications that the company must have to be a Toasts supplier. If suppliers cannot comply with those basic standard set by Toyota, it is difficult for them to survive because losing the big manufacture like Toyota can stop heir whole operation and create financial difficulties as well. Therefore, strong relationship with the suppliers becomes one of the competitive advantages of Toyota. 4. Rivalry between the existing competitors The most of tactics used during rivalry between the existing competitors are price competition, product or service innovation, advertising battles, better customer benefits package, and increased customer services or warranties. Conditions that PEP PROBLEM Page 13 cause rivalry occurs are one or more competitors who see an opportunity to move up position in the market, industry pressure and an opportunity to expand the market share (Porter Bibb). In the automotive industry, the rivalry between existing competitors is very strong. There are a moderate number of competitors in this industry. As a large amount of initial capital investment, a firm would incur huge losses if it would decide to leave the auto industry. Therefore, a firm usually stays in automobile industry for the lifetime or leave the industry if it bankrupts. In the situation that the existing manufacturers will not leave industry easily and new entrants will also come in, it blows up rivalry among competitors in the auto industry. Competition is also fuelled by the changes of markets needs and expectations on quality, cost-efficiency and price. In automobile industry, especially in US, the higher consumer expectations and anticipation for the lower price is, the stronger competitive rivalry becomes (Seventy 2012). Offering high sales discounts by Big Three companies puts an additional pressure on Toasts costs cutting strategies and efficient production. 5. Recommendation Based on the above Porters five forces analysis, the some recommendations for Toyota are as follow: Focus on innovation and technology of fuel-efficient vehicles like Hybrid as true differentiation strategy according to Porters three strategy model. Expand market to rapidly developing countries by introducing products as per markets needs and want. Innovate advance technology for fuel economy, for example, conventional gasoline-fuel engine Improve the value chain to provide the wide range of customer services in order to persuade new consumers and increase brand loyalty. PEP PRIMPED page 14 Move the manufacturing facilities to Asia where Toyota can get cheaper cost for labor and factory expenses. Increase innovation and production of energy saving and environmentalists products. Focus on product quality to maintain brands image Keep on learning and improvement on manufacturing systems for efficiency. Emphasis on Americanism product design, manufacturing and marketing to expand market share in US automobile industry. Enforce compliance (laws and regulations) and actively participate in social contribution activities as a one of the missions of Toyota safety first. Manufacture more running cost-efficient vehicles at a relatively low price to follow the trend of US automobile market. In conclusion, Porters five force model provides a picture of the industry thin larger economic frameworks, especially with regards to the global economy and necessary changes that must occur in manufacturing. It helps organization to develop strategies for profitability by understanding five forces that shape competition. This will also put Toyota and US industry on a smart trajectory towards success. Moreover, Toyota must sustain its competitive advantages in global and US automobile industry such as strong brand, TOM, value chain, fuel-efficient (hybrid) vehicles and wide range of product offering to retain its position and achieve future success.

The eNotes Blog Positive Development in Negative Spaces Anne Frank and PeterSchiff

Positive Development in Negative Spaces Anne Frank and PeterSchiff Despite her own fears as well as the horrors going on outside the crowded annexe where Anne Frank and her family were hiding from the Nazis, Anne, like many girls her age, was mooning over a boy.   His name was Peter Schiff and Anne recalls a poignant dream about him in one of her candid entries.   She writes: This morning I woke up just before seven and immediately remembered what Id been dreaming about. I was sitting on a chair and across from me was Peter Peter Schiff the dream was so vivid Peters eyes suddenly met mine and I stared for a long time into those velvety brown eyes. Then he said very softly: If only Id known Id have come to you long ago. I turned away abruptly, overcome by emotion. And then I felt a soft, oh-so-cool and gentle cheek against mine, and it felt so good, so good. On another date, Anne describes Peter so well we can almost see him: Peter was the ideal boy: tall, slim and good-looking, with a serious, quiet and intelligent face. He had dark hair, beautiful brown eyes, ruddy cheeks and a nicely pointed nose. I was crazy about his smile, which made him look so boyish and mischievous.† Anne would never know what became of her childhood sweetheart, but history tells the sad story.   Peter was imprisoned in two concentration camps, arriving first in   Bergen-Belsen, before he was transferred to Auschwitz, where it is known that he perished although the exact date is unclear. Like Anne, we, her readers, could only envision Peter in our heads.   This remained so for nearly sixty years, but in 2009, one of her classmates donated a picture of Peter to the Anne Frank House.   Here he is: It would have been lovely to know if this young love would have come to anything, if, as Anne hoped, they were able to consummate their desire.   Calling Peter by his pet name, Petel, Anne opines: Once, when Father and I were talking about sex, he said I was too young to understand that kind of desire. But I thought I did understand it, and now Im sure I do. Nothing is as dear to me now as my darling Petel!