Bliss Travels Marketing Plan

Introduction The purpose of this report is to discuss the prospect of e-marketing strategy to increase the customer base and to increase profit level of Bliss Travels. However, this report will concentrate on the local competitors, the customer behaviour to select a travel agent, and related factors such as the influence of age, experience, price range and location.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Bliss Travels Marketing Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, this paper will focus on the advertising and strategic management system to prepare a guideline for the company to design different Web-based promotional and communication program. On the other hand, this report will estimate the web development costs, propose website ideas for this business, and assess the performance of programmers, Internet Web hosting providers to attain highest outcomes from them. However, this report will also identify th e Internal Strengths and Weaknesses, long-term objectives, Marketing Problems and Opportunities, Market Segments, Target Market, and strategies in order to prepare an Action plan for future development. Situational Analysis Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson (2001) pointed out that business organisations need to identify situational analysis in order to design future strategic plan or to restructure or develop product and service categories. Service line: Bliss Travels offers range of travel and tourism services to satisfy the customer such as ticketing and reservations, unique culinary and cultural adventures, meal in a private home, cruise holidays, package for new couples, global hotel reservations, special for holiday package, booking air tickets and so on (Bliss Travels, 2010). Competitive situation: OECD (2005) reported that there are too many large and medium size competitors exist in the market and most of the companies have long experience to operate business in this industry and the following figure give some information about local firmsAdvertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Figure 1: Number of operators in Australia.  Source: OECD (2005) Figure 2: Characteristics of the competitors.  Source: OECD (2005) Internal Strengths and Weaknesses of Bliss Travels Figure 3: Internal strengths and weaknesses of Bliss Travels.  Source: self generated Strengths The key strengths of Bliss Travels includes:Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Bliss Travels Marketing Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Brand image: Bliss Travels has already created a strong brand image in the industry though it is a family business; Human resource: According to the report of Bliss Travels (2010), it has many efficient employees to ensure quality service for the customers. In addition, experience, innovative i dea, the communication skills of the employees and guide will encourage the travellers to longer their tour duration; Internal control: The top executives have strong control over the company, and they follow local laws where it provides. In addition, it has also follow the provision of memorandum and article of association; Organisation structure: It has maintained simple organisational chart to operate more efficiently; Experience: The owner of this company has long experience with strong educational background to enter the global market with its outstanding services (Bliss Travels, 2010); Customer base: Loyal customers are the main strength for the company; Quality: the owner of Bliss Travels is committed to ensure superior quality; Rapid Expansion: Rapid expansion in local and international market help the company to increase market share in global travel and ticketing industry; Other: However, it experiences many positive issues in case of implementation of the decision in the company, supply chain management, customer relationship management, financial position, growth rate, economics of scale and other factors. Weaknesses Tthis company has many weaknesses besides strengths, such as: Operating cost: The operating expense increases gradually, which can adversely affect the net revenues; Staff turnover: High turnover of the employees is another problem from the company, because they leave the market; Investment: This Company need more investment in order to expand its operation all over the world, so unavailability of the fund from external sources is another problem for the company; Risk Management: The business segment of Bliss Travels demand to assess the risk to ensure risk management system, which will help the company to increase the confidence of the employees as well as the customers. Organisational Goals and Objectives The Bliss Travels in Moonee Ponds has various corporate objectives for the development of its business in the next three ye ars in the existing markets as well as new markets. At present, this company considers few objectives, such as: Bliss Travels has target to boost its annual profit from Moonee Ponds market by 25% within next 3 years; It has aim to expand customer awareness about the Bliss Travels brand from 20% to 35% over the selected period; Doubling the budget within this fiscal year for promotional activities to enlarge loyal customer base of Bliss Travels; Fixing budget for RD in order to research on present market condition, customer’s behaviour and so on; Bliss Travels aims to apply a few more life endowment strategies in order to raise its annual sales by 30% over next 3 years. Marketing Problems and Opportunities Figure 4: External threats and opportunities of Bliss Travels.  Source: self generated Problems Competition: Severe competition among the travel and ticketing companies is one of the major problems for Bliss Travels while competitors quickly copied the new strategies t o promote their companies. Financial crisis: the purchasing power of the regular travellers has decreased due to the adverse impact of global financial crisis. Therefore, the outcomes of advertising campaign may not reach at expected level; Customer behaviour: It is really difficult for the marketers of Bliss Travels to understand customers’ behaviour and take measure accordingly, as their mind change frequently; Operating expense: The operating expense of the Bliss Travels is increasing due to many external and internal factors, such as, volatility of the service charge. In addition, the remuneration of the employees need to increase time-to-time to reduce staff turnover, which increase the operating expense; Weather: Bad weather condition or natural disaster can reduce the number of customers of Bliss Travels. However, this is the common problem of all companies in this industry; Environmental issues: Bliss Travels has corporate social responsibility to save the environme nt from pollution but many employees are not enough conscious in this issue; Legal: Bliss Travels is committed to follow local rules but it may have to face legal problems for several issues. Opportunities Growth: Bliss Travels has competence to perform strongly in existing market and enter new zone with outstanding service range; Joint venture: As a new potential company, Bliss Travels has the opportunity to joint venture with local companies or target to merge with multinational companies to get competitive advantages; Technology: Bliss Travels can increase number of new customers by using advance technology for promotional activities, for instance, building e-commerce website to sale the products and carry out integrated marketing communication programme create large customer base; Ownership: It has opportunity to enter the stock market to generate additional capital by changing the form of ownership from private to public. Target Market Travel and ticketing company Bliss Trav els deal with many business segments, for instance, ticketing and reservations, offers holiday packagers and many other segments. As a result, the marketer of Bliss Travels targets different range of customer groups though it has a common customer base for different segments. However, the target customers of ticketing and reservations segments are mainly tourists, new couples, upper and middle class people, foreigners, high profile customers and businessperson. On the other hand, the marketer of Bliss Travels has target tourists because OECD (2005) reported that Australia experienced huge success from tourism sector and number of tourist is increasing per year. However, OECD (2005) further added that tourism industry contributes 4.2% of national GDP, and 5.7% of total employment; therefore, targeting tourists as main customer group would be prospective for Bliss Travels.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Market Segments Johnson, Seholes Whittington (2008) stated that segmentation is the process to separating a market into different groups of customers by considering different cultural background, personality, and behaviour of the customers, consequently, the marketer of this â€Å"Bliss Travels† conduct research to understand customer behaviour. Bliss Travels (2010) reported that it has design special offer for segmented customer because few customers are brand oriented, but significant parts are cautious group. Control and Review The organisational structure of Bliss Travels in Moonee Land area is simple like other small size companies in this industry. However, this report will suggest the person who will implement the strategy and action plan and the following table makes it clear that the owner of this business will take major decisions, as he is CEO of the company and maintain management team. However, Bliss Travels has memorandum, article of asocial and ethical codes t o control the company in accordance with local legislation, but this marketing plan recommends introducing efficient governance system to control the company and help its stakeholders, clients, and other workforce. Strategies of Bliss Travels E-commerce Model for Bliss Travels Anckar and Walden (2000) added that the travel agents are long familiar with computerized system for booking and reservation from seventies; online web technology has just facilitated them with a wider opportunity to perform all business function such as ticket and hotel booking and reservation tour operation, customer’s communication, payment and including employees’ management and accounts from a single website. To do so Bliss Travels has to integrate e-commerce software or it would be capable to develop a customized website, as it needed, but above all Bliss Travels needed to understand its business model that would be implemented in the website. Figure 5: Travel Agents E-commerce model.  S ource: Self generated from Anckar and Walden (2000) Dikenelli et al (2005) pointed out that for e-commerce strategy for tours travel agent has aligned with agent-mediated framework to develop the website, as the Bliss Travels needed to serve customer from any location, it will integrate paramount practice and trials in transport and tourism with agent for network security, IT service providing, engineering and software amalgamation capabilities. Web site of Bliss Travel Agent Liu (2005) has scrutinized with the nature of changing requirements of the consumers of tourism industry and added that they are gradually less loyal, most of them are taking regular vacation but for shorter period and spend minimum time to selecting their preferred tourism service. It is essential for Bliss Travels to understand how the proposed website would generate an accelerated value chain for as a new entry in the industry by satisfying the customer’s wants- Value extraction: – Implicatio n of such strategy would facilitate Bliss Travels to increase its operational efficiency by reducing associated costs, upgrading the total process automation including customer and service from airlines, hotels and tour operators; Value capture: – The proposed website would smoothly progress the data mining that predict to the management of Bliss Travels how many customers are have visited the site and looking for further information those could be contacted in future for marketing purpose by capturing data; Value addition: – This strategy that engrosses Bliss Travels with a linear amalgamation of tourism products to generate more affluent tourism product packages, for instance time worthy mobile SMS services from the website regarding the passengers flight schedule would provide enhanced satisfaction for the customers; Value creation: – With this strategic focus, the website would provide an opportunity for Bliss Travels to generate an effectual network connect ing service providers, customers, agents, payment processors in a single platform where customers would be capable to take service without visiting Bliss Travels office. Integration of such strategy with an e-commerce website would shift the existing business process of Bliss Travels while it would be capable to make different product and service offering to the huge customers with a single click from the website expanding the assortment of options for the customers. The website will provide further opportunities to utilize the contents optimization to appear easy search result of online payment and account maintenance without any additional cost. Implementation of the website For Bliss Travels to build a website enabled for e-commerce, the necessary elements and stepping are as follows: 1. Managing the Domain Names: – It is necessary for Bliss Travels to select the domain name with a unique identity of in the online community, which may not be used by any other company and typing this domain name in the address bar of web browser all customers can visit Bliss Travels and can purchase any travel product or service. There are lots of companies offer domain name with dot com, dot net dot org, for Bliss Travels it would be wise to take a domain name similar to its company name with dot com or dot biz, the cost for domain registration would be US$ 35 to US$ 60 per annual. Bliss Travels would register for at l lest 3 to 5 years at a time. 2. Website Design: – For website design Bliss Travels would prepare a project clarification document its describing its business model and necessary tools that it intend to get in the website and the website developer could understand the requirements and details specification from this document. It is necessary to be the description in easy language for better understanding of the developers. There are huge website developers available in online and in the Bliss Travels would choice to select outsourcing the websit e developers from Bangladesh, India or China for cost effective solution and the approximate cost would be US$ 750 to US$ 1000. 3. Utility software: – Bliss Travels may need different software for accounting and CRM purpose, which would be integrated with the website, in this context the cost would be around US$ 1500 to 2000 and would purchased online. 4. Merchant Account for Online Payment: – For online payment system, Bliss Travels needed to integrate Merchant account API for which the company may not to have any upfront fees but have to pay 1 to 3.5 % for each transaction; 5. Website Site Content: – It is very important aspect for Bliss Travels to secure the contents of the website to protect copy and paste by any other similar companies, as content need to write with appropriate measure of keyword with the aim to optimizing for web browsers. Thus, Bliss Travels would appoint a content writer where the cost would be US$ 20 to US$ 30 per page. 6. Security meas ure: – For an e-commerce enabled website of Bliss Travels, security measures are the major issue to emphasis customer’s and employees individual password integration, SSL certification, VeriSign’s Authentication and so on. For the user’s password and captcha generation, it would be website developers responsibility and other security measures would be integrated with website hosting package. 7. Hosting and Trail Run: – Bliss Travels would select suitable hosting company with high bandwidth to host its website with unlimited web space and the associated cost would be US$ 50 to US$ 75 per year depending on the bandwidth. After competition of the website, Bliss Travels will first upload it to the hosting server for trail run with the objective to remove errors and then go for commercial use. Action Plan of Bliss Travels Phase 1: Web designing and hosting It has already included that the owner will take the advantage of e-marketing to attract new custo mers, so, it should need design a web designing and hosting in order to step forward in next activity. Phase 2: IMC Campaign Bliss Travels notes the importance of â€Å"building close relationships with customer†; therefore, it will conduct the IMC campaign in order to aware people about the importance of visit in a new place, and the contribution of this company to make the journey more interesting way. The owner of Bliss Travels should appoint two new employees to co-ordinate the IMC campaign and to complete initial activities, such as, they will make promotional video, select target audience, and prepare suitable slogan, write web content and so on. Phase 3: Reducing Service Charge and operating costs This marketing plan recommend the owner of Bliss Travels to conduct research on the market situation, external business environment, the position of the competitors, the influence of global economic downturn, market demand, and buyer attitude to redesigning the pricing of its services. In addition, Bliss Travels has experienced intense competition to operate business in Moonee Ponds area, which affects the integrated market share of the company; consequently, reform of pricing structure is one of the most crucial criteria to sustain in competitive market while all local competitors setting price considering customers’ financial capability. However, it is important to mention that the marketers of Bliss Travels would like to reduce its operating cost by 15% within the fiscal year 2013 because Kotler Keller (2006) and David (2008) stated that cost control is an effective strategy for the company. Table 1: Action Plan of Bliss Travels Action Tasks Functions Start Date Duration Costs Phase One Web designing and hosting Initially it should require to find out the web designers or programmers to design a dynamic Website with e-commerce facilities Integration of the software for maintaining the customer relationship management Search Engine Optimi zation (SEO), advertisement through social networking sites, website development, blogs, e-mail, online advertising in different areas) and an aggregate development of IT processes to deliver simple IT operations 01 July 2011 2 Months The approximate cost would be US$ 750 to US$ 1000 if Bliss Travels uses low cost web designers otherwise, it should require up to US$ 5000 Web content costs US$ 25 per page It should require US$ 100 to $250 Phase Two IMC Campaign It should require to select target audience, prepare a strategic plan and other tactical plan in order to conduct the program smoothly Recruit two managers for co-ordination and 10 employees to help the managers The target customers are the target audience for the IMC campaign and it should require to make video for the campaign It should have many volunteers. Therefore, it should require mainly advertising in various media (including television, print media, direct mails) to aware the target audience 15 November 2011 6 mont hs Salary $750 per Promotional activities $1000 Advertising costs $10000 Phase Three Reducing Service Charge and operating costs Redesigning pricing strategy by conducting market research and reduce the operating costs by developing the efficiency level of the employees and managing the company more efficient way Reduce unnecessary costs 01 October 2011 6 months Reference List Anckar, B Walden, P. (2000) Becoming Your Own Travel Agent: A Web of Potentials and Pitfalls. [pdf] Available from: http://csdl2.computer.org/comp/proceedings/hicss/2000/0493/07/04937023.pdf Bliss Travels (2010) About Us. [Online] Available from: http://www.blisstravels.com/aboutus.html Bliss Travels (2010) Special Offer. [Online] Available from: http://www.blisstravels.com/alacarte.html Bliss Travels (2010) Travel Services. [Online] Available from: http://www.blisstravels.com/alacarte.html David, F. (2008) Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. 12th ed. London: Prentice Hall. Dikenelli, O. Topal oglu, Y. N. Erdur, C. ÃÅ"nalir, O. (2005) An Agent-Mediated E-Commerce Framework For Tourism Domain. [pdf] Available from: http://www.srdc.metu.edu.tr/webpage/projects/hermesProject/documents/AGENT-TOURISM.PDF Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., Hoskisson, R. E. (2001) Strategic Management. 4th ed. South-Western Thomson Learning. Johnson, G. Seholes, K. Whittington, R. (2008) Exploring Corporate Strategy: Text Cases. 8th ed. London: FT Prentrice Hall. Kotler, P. Keller, K. L. (2006) Marketing Management. 11th ed. Prentice Hall. Liu, S. (2005) A Theoretic Discussion of Tourism E-commerce. [pdf] Available from: http://www.icec06.net/icec06sample.pdf OECD (2005) Tourism Industry in Australia. [pdf] Available from: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/61/33/34609098.pdf This report on Bliss Travels Marketing Plan was written and submitted by user Christian J. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How to Avoid Freshman 15 in a Healthy Way

How to Avoid Freshman 15 in a Healthy Way It’s known as the freshmen 15, 20, 25, or even 35. Young folks walk into college and gain weight because of the dramatic changes to their internal schedules, as well as diet and exercise regimen. In this article we’ll look at 10 ways to stay trim as a college newbie. They’ll help you minimize the excess weight gain that many experience. Staying in great shape throughout your freshmen year doesn’t have to be a hassle! 1. You’re Probably Paying for the Gym – Use It! For most colleges, a part of your tuition money goes to paying for things like fitness centers and the on-campus gym. As a student you should be able to go workout whenever you want, and you should. Instead of vegging in your dorm room you can go get in shape, stay fit and mingle with others who have the same mindset. 2. Stay Away from Handouts From welcome baskets and bags to free candy, soda and tons of movie nights with endless amount of butter dripping microwave popcorn. Stay away from the cheap and easy food that gets handed out to freshmen. They’re just trying to welcome new students, make them feel at home and show them quality attention. This stuff adds up, especially drinks that are something other than water. 3. Structure Be Mindful The main reason freshmen gain weight is because they have no idea how to structure their eating regimen. They tend to max out their on-campus dining cards way too soon. They tend to buy way too much â€Å"dorm room goodies.† The cafeteria food is always right there, or they eat way too much than they normally would because they face a buffet four time a day. Take some time to plan out your eating schedule to avoid weight loss and you’re sure to do far better than everyone who isn’t. 4. Healthy Snack Grazing Invest in tons of healthier snacks from the student store or your college’s version of eat street. These days it shouldn’t be hard to get some healthy options that are both nutritious and lower in the fattening department. Focus on 3 square meals a day with three low calories snacks mixed in so that you’re never starving and tempted to gorge. This student grocery list will help you organize a healthy diet plan. 5. Avoid Pizza Late Snack Food For two hours on most nights there’s always somewhere on-campus to go get some. Avoid pizza and high energy foods later at night. If you’re trying to give yourself energy for studying, then choose some fresh fruit! Remember, what you don’t burn you gain and for some reason freshmen tend to do more snacking. The juniors and seniors have learned to steer clear. 6. Eat Your Breakfast! Do NOT skip breakfast. You’re body needs to break the fast from the night before and the sooner you can get your metabolism moving the more calories you’ll burn throughout the day. Furthermore, eating a balanced breakfast means you’ll be more alert and aware during the earlier and later afternoon classes. 7. Get Involved in Sports If you avoided sports in high school, then now’s the time. It doesn’t have to mean playing for any official school teams either. There are lots of sports activities coordinated through clubs, student groups and organizations throughout the year. Don’t forget about them! They’re a great way to stay fit and make lots of friends you wouldn’t otherwise met. 8. Alcohol Adds Up! Let’s be honest, a good amount of freshmen once set free from home, tend to drink too much. Or they drink just a little bit far too often and it all adds up quickly. One night of drinking can calorically undue all the hard work throughout the week. Remember, 3500 calories are equal to roughly one pound of body fat. That’s roughly 23 beers. How many beers to freshmen guzzle throughout their first year? How many pounds is that for you? Stay away from as much alcohol as possible freshmen year. Instead focus on making real friends, getting fabulous grades and making the most of your time. 9. Make Sure to Sleep Sleeping patterns are absolutely critical to just about everything when it comes to human physiology. From your memory and ability to study, to your ability to build muscle and stay lean. Shoot for at least a minimum of 6 quality hours a night, but 8 would be ideal. That can be hard, but just do the best you can. 10. Take Exercises Classes Every Quarter Every single quarter there are tons of different exercise-based classes. This could be actually workout classes, sports classes, nutrition etc. They’re great for extra and easy credits! If you can, fit one in each quarter during your freshmen year. It’s going to lay a solid foundation for the rest of your undergraduate adventure. There are many other ways to stay fit. Do you know any of them?

Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words

Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh - Essay Example The project gives brief recommendations concerning the intent and design of the project. The inclusion of multiple entities - including residential areas, possible recommendations concerning the project would include support for these other entities. This theme could be expanded upon by surrounding out-buildings supporting the central tower. According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that the 'Necklace' for the city of Riyadh, the Kingdom Center tower is an iconic structure truly worthy of study. The tallest building in Riyadh, it is a modernist/postmodern architectural design intended as a crown jewel, and hub of commerce for the Kingdom in general, Riyadh specifically. The most distinctive feature of the tower is the inverted catenary arch encompassing the top floors of the structure. Unique in the Middle-East, the Kingdom Center Tower has been retained by Prince Alwaleed as integral for a Kingdom Centre Tower construction project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Among the firms consulted during the design and construction process was Kramer Design, for consulting and design assistance in terms of development and installation of the various, advanced features of the structure; including what purports to be the largest outdoor video display system along the outer surface, utilizing LED (light-emitting diode) technology. But the video system was also developed with the intent of allowing unimpeded interior views from within the interior offices, and retail centers. The Kingdom Center tower possesses a curtain wall mullion system, the strategic development of which prevents the obstruction of the outside world, while permitting revenue-generating advertisements and announcements of interest to aid in the promotion and marketing for the unique hub of commerce. (Kramer-design.com, 2012) The Centre was the winner of the 2002 Emporis Skyscraper Award, a rigorous process by which it was selected in that year as the best new skyscraper, due to its innovati ve design and functionality. (Emporis.com, 2012) Upon entering the main lobby, the visitor is greeted by an elliptical area with ribbed vaulting, a fountain, and elevated walkways decorated with rows of palm trees. The inverted arch theme is also found on commemorative souvenirs, and influences light fixtures surrounding the structure in its parking lot with a capacity for 3,000 automobiles. (Skyscraperpage.com,

Wonhyo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Wonhyo - Essay Example He did much of his work in reforming and taking Buddhism to people who did not know about it. He lived a religious life. His major focus was based on harmonizing spiritual principles with the real daily life in order to attain targeted goal. In interpreting the meaning of Buddhism he used dance, music and literature. The three were the things which were cherished by a majority of the Koreans, hence decided to incorporate them in his mode of spreading Buddhism to the Korean people. He believed that if he used the things people interacted with most in their daily activities he could be able to reach them easily. Indeed he successfully achieved his goal of spreading Buddhism in Korea. This shows that his approach was excellent. He influenced many people hence the religion of Buddhism extensively spread in Korea. His impact in Korean Buddhism religion is remembered up to date. 1 1 De Bary, William Theodore. 2008. Sources of East Asian tradition. New York: Columbia University Press. His l ife spanned through three empire reigns. At the start of the united Silla, he played a very significant responsibility in the welcoming and acclimatization of the wider extent of traditional practices which entered the Korean Penisula at that time. He was the first person to arrange and schematize Buddhism of Korea introducing the many doctrines and harmonized them to suit both common people and philosophy scholars. The idea which was significant to his work of harmonizing Buddhism practices was the theory of insight which revolves around the world but not beyond it. He enlightened Korean people on the Buddhism religion. He is a legendary among the ten Sages of the old Kingdom of Korea. His legendary was due to his work that he did especially in transforming Buddhism in Korea. He cherished the religion of Buddhism to an extent that he could endure unfavorable conditions to spread the it and convince both scholars and lay persons to be united in Buddhism norms and traditions. The phi losophy of Wonhyo is positive because of the effect of Taoism. He had inherited his Budhism teachings from Madiyamika. Different from Nagarjuna, who refused the development of all traditions, Wonhyo assimilated them into a single structure. The ultimate goal of the two was the same irrespective of having different concerns in harmonization. The perspective of hermeneutic of wonhyo is developed on a thorough wide-ranging understanding which incorporated the norms of Taoism and Buddhism of Indians. Wonhyo collaborated with other Chinese counterparts and introduced the religion of Buddhism to the court of the Kingdom of Kuguryo. At this time, Siila, Baekje and Silla were the only kingdoms in Korea. Wonhyo formed a group of people who were responsible in spreading Buddhism to other two kingdoms; Silla and Baekje. The propagation was very efficient in that he and his group had learnt how to convince and attract people to adopt the religion of Buddhism. He thought them the traditions, nor ms and practices of Buddhism. He thought them the importance of obeying the norms and traditions and the consequences they would face if they violated them. He merged the gap which existed between the learned men such the philosophers, writers and commentators and the common layman people. The philosophers were responsible in studying the religion and advocating for traditions and norms which to them seemed to be correct and right and could benefit the community of Buddhism. Initially, the relationship which existed between the Buddhism philosophers and layman people was cold. This could be a great impediment in the adoption of religion and implementation of its norms. Wonhyo thought that clearing the bad relations between the two parties could enhance the

Japanese History 18501930 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Japanese History 18501930 - Essay Example At the same time, they contributed to Japan's national project. In this paper I shall discuss why have concepts of restoration, reform reconstruction and revitalization dominated the thoughts and actions of Japan's ruling elites from the 1850s to the 1930s How have these ideas manifested themselves in governmental or elite-level policies over the same period What does the resilience of these ideologies tell us about state-society relations in Japan over the years 1850-1930 Japan has been packaged as a potential model over two periods: 1890s to 1930s and 1950s to 1970s. In between these two periods, during the 1930s and 1940s, Japan was considered as having been a failure. Ian Inkster has pointed out that in the earlier period - the period with which this paper is concerned - there was an emphasis on the role of government or the Japanese mentality2. This was certainly so in the case of Dyer. The message was that Western politicians and bureaucrats should act. In the latter period, the significance of the role of Meiji bureaucrats has been downplayed. The message to developing nations even today is that cultural traits, individuality and democracy are the best way of ensuring socioeconomic progress3. Lets analyze Japan through the eyes of the historians to understand the era better. Japan has, throughout this century, meant different things to different people. Through a close reading of one of Historian's' books, this paper will attempt to identify the historical context in which it was written and read. Historian's' writing clearly shows how their attitudes to issues, such as race, were transformed into a complex narrative about the origins and history of the Japanese people. As Prasenjit Duara has persuasively argued, "social Darwinism joined race and History to the nation-state". As George Wislon rightly states so that the histories of the nation-states which are written tend to "narrate the evolving unity of the nation" This paper argues that for Historian's, science educator and clergyman, Japan provided strong evidence of how race was the key to understanding national evolution, and how science could serve as a civilizing influence. Race was equated with nation, and by understanding Japanese racial superiority one could understand the basis for their military and economic success. In this way, Historian's' writings reveal more about himself and their times, than they do about Japan. Historian's, in short, argues that human biology (Aryan blood) can account for much of the success of the Japanese, and that power struggles between nations can be viewed as an evolutionary struggle between races. Dyer, the engineer, sees nations as competing with each other too, but in a struggle to be efficient. He attributes Japanese success to their environment, an environment, which he points out, is not unlike that of Britain! Japan however had bushid" (the way of the samurai) which helped galvanize the nation, s omething which the British could learn from. Lets see the impact of the imperialists during this

The Lord Of The Flies: Chapter 8

The Lord Of The Flies: Chapter 8 Lord Of The Flies Chapter 8 Goldings Lord Of The Flies is based on an island after the second world war. Through-out the novel, Golding treats the island as a microcosm of the war. Within this is microcosm, the island commences as a utopia but it is not until chapter 8 when it gradually evolves into a dystopia as the ultimate battle for jealousy and power breaks out. The modification and degradation in certain characters behaviour from their normal life of civilization makes chapter 8 key to Goldings Lord Of The Flies . It is the main chapter in which democracy is demolished, savagery kicks in and the definitive chapter in which Simon has the ultimate encounter with the Lord Of The Flies. I will explore Goldings use of symbolism, plot, imagery, language, Christian morals, setting, themes and story structure as well as the novels overall historical context to establish the fact that chapter 8 is the most significant chapter to the novel as a whole. This is the vital episode in which Ralph experiences difficulties dealing with the beast. He acknowledges its existence and in doing so spreads fear amongst the other boys. This is illustrated when Ralph portrays the beast as having teeth and big black eyes. Ralph instantly decides that fighting the beast is not an option; leaving the boys with no alternative than to hide from the beast and live under its shadow. Ralphs fear about the beast is conveyed in his own words for the preliminary time in chapter 8, expressing the chapters great magnitude and relevance. As evidenced in the above quotations, it is in chapter 8 that the beast is embellished and made to seem scarier than reality, again showing the chapters eloquence. This powerful section centres on Ralphs pessimism which contributes to his poor management of the beast. He does not appreciate that the littluns take him seriously and visualise the news as a sign for panic. Ralph explains, I dont think wed ever fight a thing that size, honestly, you know. Wed talk, but we wouldnt fight a tiger. Wed hide. Even Jack ud hide. Ralphs apathy is conveyed because he makes himself believe that his hopes are slim. From Ralphs language, the reader and other characters become under the impression that the beast is huge and can not be fought. Here, the key notion which makes chapter 8 substantial is that Ralph injects pain and fear into the unstable community instead of calming them. Ralphs priority is evacuating the island rather than confronting the beast. This is illustrated when Ralph says As long as theres light were brave enough. But then? And now that thing squats by the fire as though it didnt want us to be rescued So we cant have a signal fire Were beaten. The reader comprehends the boys inability of coping with darkness because of their strong fear of the beast. Little do the boys know, that the beast is living inside them like a parasite which can not live on its own but is in need of a host to live in. This is momentous to chapter 8 because we learn that Ralphs desire is not to stay on the island or integrate himself into the island in order to avoid mingling with the beast. Throughout chapter 8, the conch acts as a symbol of authority and order. At the beginning of the chapter, the conch glimmered among the trees. This is pivotal to chapter 8 because the glimmering of the conch confirms its importance and the way it stands out in nature, symbolises how right actions stand out from wrong actions. From the beginning of the book, the conch takes the place of civilization and democracy which are clearly two social aspects which the island lacks after the destruction of the conch. It is because of the conchs destruction or in other words the destruction of authority, that degradation and an uncivilized atmosphere are the shocking result. Jack blows the conch and calls a meeting at the start of chapter 8. This makes the chapter especially significant because normally, Jack has a certain disregard for the rules but however it is in this chapter that he uses the conch and applies the rules for his own benefit. Jack makes negative comments in the meeting about Ralph like, Ralph said my hunters are no good, Hes like piggyhe isnt a proper chiefhes a coward himself Hes not a hunter. Hed never have got us meat He just gives orders and expects people to obey for nothing, He competes with Ralph for leadership, which is unmistakably a direct challenge and describes Ralph as not a prefect which is the last reference to the boys previous school life. This is especially portrayed in chapter 8 because Jack attempts undermining Ralph in order to attract the littluns to his own life style. He also capitalises on the appearance of the beast, although he himself is scared of its shadowy presence too. However, he realises that the grou ps faith in Ralph is ever decreasing because of the fear and instability of the beast on the island. Jack reacts very violently to the beast, but does not aim his anger at the beast; instead he aims it at Ralphs leadership and at hunting. He has bloodlust and loves to hunt and kill, the food is merely a by-product of the adrenaline that it gives him to hunt, chase and kill another animal. He has passed his passion onto his hunters. This is predominantly shown in the chapter when Golding mentions that, The hunters followed, wedded to her in lust, excited by the long chase and the dropped blood This is particularly pivotal to chapter 8 because he uses the possibility of pacifying the beast as a way of seducing the boys to what he wants them to do. He uses the promise of exciting hunting, brilliant feasts and most of all, the promise that the beast will not bother them and the promise that the beast will cease to be a constant point of fear for the boys. Simon has a diverse reaction to the beast compared to the other boys in the novel. This is especially expressed in chapter 8 because it is when Simon instinctively knows that the beast is something that has manifested itself in the heads, hearts and minds of the boys, giving them a focus for their fear. He endeavours to disprove the beasts existence by climbing the mountain and discovering what it was that Ralph and Jack saw; I thought there might be something to do, something we- again the pressure of the assembly took his voice away I think we ought to climb the mountain What else is there to do? Simon climbs the mountain and his theory is proven, when he locates a dead parachutist and encounters the pigs head. This attests that Simons predictions about the existence of a physical beast were right. This is crucial to chapter 8 because Simons Christ-like figure is revealed. The imperative confrontation between Simon and the Lord of the Flies takes place in chapter 8 showing the chapters even greater magnitude. When Simon confronts the Lord of the Flies, it is just a pigs head on a stick, which Jack had stuck into the ground in Simons special retreat. However, when Simon is speaking to it he doesnt see it as a pigs head; he interprets it as evil. When the Lord of the Flies is talking to Simon, the dialogue is like a schoolmaster is telling him off. You are a silly little boy just a silly ignorant little boy. The Lord Of The Flies intentionally talks in this manner to try overpowering Simons thoughts and mind and acts as if he knows better. The pigs head then progresses by instructing Simon to go and socialise with the other boys, or they will think he is crazy. Youd better run off and play with the others. You dont want Ralph to think youre batty, do you? Overall, in this vital episode, The Lord of the Flies starts forcing Simon into thinking that no one on the island likes him. This is principally illustrated in chapter 8 because the Lord of the Flies tries to affect Simons thoughts by making him socialise with the evil boys. The beast attempts taking control of Simon by saying, There isnt anyone to help you. Only me. And Im the Beast. Simons reaction to this is to shout insults at the pigs head. Pigs head on a stick! This confirms that Simon understands that this is all it is. The Lord Of The Flies attempts gaining Simons obedience. This is ironic because it is similar to what happens to Jesus, making chapter 8 religiously momentous as well. Subsequently, the Lord of the Flies informs Simon that he cant kill it. The beast sarcastically says, Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill! This section is even more relevant because the Lord Of The Flies tries to embed its presence inside Simons head by declaring its state of immortality. The island itself, particularly chapter 8, functions as a kind of Garden of Eden that is gradually corrupted by the introduction of evil. The Lord of the Flies may be seen as a symbol for the devil, since it works to promote evil among mankind. An example of this is when the Lord of the Flies tells Simon to, Get back to the others. This promotes evil because the other boys evil will affect Simon. Chapter 8 is very considerable because it is when Simon is faced with the ethical reality of the novel and is killed sacrificially as a consequence of having discovered the truth. In chapter 8, Golding conveys that Simons life has strong parallels with that of Jesus which is a very pivotal part of the chapter. His conversation with the Lord of the Flies mirrors the confrontation between Christ and the devil in Christian theology. There are unfortunate consequences to Simons death in that the island is thrown into a deeper network of misery and unhappiness. The beast says to Simon, Arent you afraid of me? and You dont want Ralph to think youre batty do you? Simons wisdom is portrayed through the concept that he does not believe and act by the beasts words, indicating the importance and great significance of chapter 8 to the novel. To conclude, Chapter 8 is key to Goldings Lord Of The Flies because it is where the instability of Jack, Piggy and Ralph an the island is conveyed. This has strong comparisons with peoples physical and emotional feelings during World War 2. Additionally, being under immense pressure of the gradual immersion of a dystopia, some of the boys like Ralph loose control but others like Jack capitalise on the fear of the littluns. This is echoed in the war when Hitler capitalises on the fear of the other countries and the public. Golding also conveys the notion of fear in chapter 8 making the chapter significant. The chapter is also prophetic because of Simons death. Finally, Golding explains the divisions within the group of children as a symbol of destruction of order and authority. This originates from the biblical reference of Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to destruction. (Mathew 12.25) The above points tie together to prove the chapters eloquence to the novel as a whol e.

The Importance of Interdependence and International Cooperation Essay

The Importance of Interdependence and International Cooperation We are not a nation alone in the world. We do not make up the beliefs, developmental status, and environment of the entire globe. To act as if there is no interdependence within states is not only ridiculous, but also dangerous. Professor Squibwell draws attention to this issue, and while his views may be a little extreme in the statement that â€Å"the world functions as a single integrated unit,† he is accurate in suggesting that we â€Å"collaborate with other states, strengthen international organizations, and support the humanitarian and educational activities of international civil society.† International relations are dictated, to a large degree, by a set of norms. While some states may, at times, disagree on what actions should be considered â€Å"normal,† the majority of nations recognize the mutual benefits that can be attained through cooperation on generally accepted â€Å"rules†. Some examples of norms include peaceful settlement of disputes and respect of national borders. These expectations are adhered to by most state leaders and are somewhat institutionalized by international organizations (IOs) such as the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Whether they be humanitarian, economic, environmental, or any other form of focal group, each of these organizations is in charge of regulating different standards of behavior. With anywhere from 2 to 100 members, IOs would not exist if there was not a need for nations to lean on each other for a regulation of norms or assistance. The creation and ongoing existence of such groups proves that Professor Squibwell’s call for the collaboration of states is valid. Another trend in world politics that gives legitimacy to Professor Squibwell’s viewpoint is the importance of trade. Annually, close to $5 trillion of trade takes place internationally, making up 15% of the globe’s economic activity. (Goldstein, 351) While mercantillists take the standpoint that it is not the pl.ace of international organizations to set up plans for mutual gains in terms of trade, liberalists hold more practical views on the issue. They believe that states should not be looking at their own, short-term gain as if in competition with the rest of the world, but instead that states should find ways in which to fulfill the long-term, mutual gain of nati... ... that cannot be ignored is the communication and information roles that are creating supranational relationships. Telecommunications have advanced so much in recent history, and is advancing further as we speak. These improvements are bringing people in different states, cultural groups, and mindsets together more closely than the world had ever imagined. While there are still great rifts in beliefs and cultures, common people are able to quickly and easily hear the voices of the people from whom they are so incredibly dissimilar. A sort of global culture is beginning to emerge. Supporting integration of this form would not be putting down the notion of diverse cultures, but rather be adding a sense of understanding and the identification of individuals as human beings as well as members of national groups. As you can see, interdependence is a fact of political, economic, and living life. The world now needs to cooperate to solve pressing problems. With communications and political coordination abilities of today’s global society, it is necessary to take a forward stance on issues, bringing states together in order to relish in the vast benefits that are available to all of us.