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Sample Paper on Post-colonialism common app essay help

Introduction

Post-colonialism responds towards the human penalty of controlling a country and establishing settlers for the economic exploitation of the native people and their land. It looks at the communal, educational and opinionated special effects of release from the effects of colonialism and continuing the anti-colonial challenge to the western supremacy (Ashcroft and Tiffin 2006). The major factors that have greatly contributed to the post-colonial identity of the decolonized people and the politics of knowledge are best addressed in the field of post-colonialism. It derives from the colonizer’s creation of cultural awareness about the colonized people and how that Western cultural knowledge was applied to overcome a non-European people into a colony of the European Mother Country, which, after the initial invasion, was affected using the cultural identities of colonizer and colonized. In the context of the two novels, post-colonialism had both the constructive and unconstructive implications on the native inhabitants and their territory.

The theory of resistance and representation

These are some major theories about the post-colonial literature. The theories could be either resistance or representation. The original residents are well represented or the hostility experienced by the oppressing colonizers. The substance evolution in the postcolonial prose was aided by the existence of sustaining institutions such as scholarships, doctrines, and other colonial styles. Both the colonizer and the colonized have more of an intellectual domination rather than a political one. The two theories of resistance and representation would best be explained in the two post-colonial novels (Ashcroft and Tiffin 2006).

The nervous condition by Tsitsi Dangarembga and heart of darkness by Joseph Conrad

The Nervous Condition and the Heart of Darkness have highlighted the impacts of post-colonialism majorly in two African countries. In the novel of nervous conditions of Tsitsi Dangarembga, post-colonialism in Zimbabwe is outlined whereas the novel heart of darkness describes the post-colonialism along the Congo River. Both speak of the colonial masters and the missionaries who visited the two nations to impart their culture over the African culture. All embracing, many of the residents in the two African countries described in the Conrad’s and Dangarembga’s narrations. According to the narrators in the two novels, it is clear that they never liked the colonizers ways of life, and they could not bear the burden. According to the narrators ‘perception, decolonization is an ethical project just because he views it as something outside the very structures which end up leading to nations, nationalism and all its issues.

In the context of the two narrations, Tsitsi Dangarembga and Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, postcolonial literature addresses various problems. Moreover, consequences of the decolonization of a country, especially the political and cultural independence of formerly subjugated colonial peoples; it also covers literary critiques of and about postcolonial literature, the undertones of which carries, communicate, and justify racialism and colonialism. Modern forms of postcolonial literature aim at assimilating postcolonialism and its literary expressions. In the context of the two novels, post-colonialism had both the constructive and unconstructive implications for the home-based inhabitants. It would be wrong to ascertain that post-colonialism theory is as a result of the discussions on the role of imperialism since it is not independent.

In Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions, the post-colonialism saw Africans get assimilated. It resulted from the pressure from the colonial masters. The colonial masters could only develop and support the poor African families upon acquiring their culture. The novel nervous conditions, explains how Tambu’s uncle, Babamukuru, who received the Western education from the white missionaries. The uncle is offered a job by the bosses of the colonialism as the headmaster in a missionary school. It was an achievement as Tambu’s uncle could successfully support his family by providing them with the basic needs they would need such as food, shelter, clothing, and education. He and his family enjoy material privileges from the white masters. Acquiring the European way of life had a positive implication on the lives of the Africans. The novel, Nervous condition indicates that in a nation where most Africans live in poverty, the currency of food in such a nation is both real and symbolic. Those Africans who were affiliated to the colonial masters got the favors from them. According to the narrator, the favors from these colonial masters were basically to buy the African culture and erode it with their culture.

Missionaries and their schools

Additionally, the colonial masters in Zimbabwe as portrayed in the novel and the nervous conditions led to the introduction of missionary schools. For instance, the missionary school in which Tambu’s uncle was the headmaster and the sacred heart school where Tambu learned English. At the expense of these privileges, his two children could hardly speak their Shone language. The persona is scornful and hurt by the fact that the people have started learning the language of the colonies. They have completely abandoned their culture and picked up the Whiteman’s culture. It is as a result in loss of real awareness of being a distinct person in the postcolonial state. The Whiteman successfully managed to assimilate the Africans through the primary education offered by the missionaries who saw some Africans learn English and eventually adopting the colonial masters’ way of life. Assimilation was observed at the expense of the loyal Africans to the colonial masters abandoning his cultural beliefs and acquiring the colonial masters’ way of living.

Colonial education

There was an immense drive among the native people of Zimbabwe to educate themselves through the system of the European colonialists, turn and make use of the action in the novel. The missionaries were determined and convinced of the fact that the Africans who accessed education could pose threats to the social order; spoken and written English had value in Shona society. According to Nervous Conditions, there is persistent inequality for the women and the girl child. Regarding acquisition of knowledge, the boy child was preferred and to balance the limited resources available, it was routine that the boy child is given the first priority at the expense of the girl child. As outlined in the Dangarembga’s novels. Mr. Baker, the white missionary, only sends his sons, but not his daughter, to boarding school while Tambu’s brother, Nhamo, attends school at the mission. The primary education gained from the missionary schools enlightened Tambu and Nyasha of the Nervous Conditions. They acquired the skills that enabled them to question the validity of colonial system that was patriarchal in nature.  They could realize their inferior status that was perpetuated by the system and revolt against it.

Racism and racial discrimination in Heart of Darkness

The novel’s title, the Heart of Darkness explains how the native people were described as the archetypal evil. The act of racial discrimination was highly practiced as portrayed in the heart and darkness. He made fun of the Africans by referring to them as ugly inhabitants who don’t deserve to live on the planet. Though the novel describes Africans in the Congo region as being human, it’s further stated that Africa as a setting and backdrop which eliminates the African as a human factor. This effect of post-colonialism resulted after the colonial bosses visited Africa (Comaroff comaroff 2003).

The colonial chiefs despised the Africans just because they believed Africans were the primitive specimen, which was so unethical and unappreciated in the society. It further states that the place is dark and brings insanity to the European hero. In Joseph Conrad’s novel, this was the most important reason why the narrator was not pleased with the idea of Mr. Kurtz adopting the African culture and his effort to learn the Congolese language. The same case scenario was evident in the nervous condition in which Tambu tells how the missionaries carried out their lives in Zimbabwe. The missionaries continued the effort to learn and understand the Shona language shows how committed they were to learn from the Zimbabwean people (Spivak, 1999). However, the enthusiasm of the missionaries to learn the Shona language had a great impact in the society since the Whiteman’s education system had so deeply affected the Zimbabwean consciousness. The group of missionaries in Zimbabwe was just a depiction of the least number of the total missionaries. Concerning Tambu’s corrupt mentality, she felt that the people of her village were inferior and powerless to the whites who had invaded their land.

The postcolonial in Zimbabwe as per the narrator, Nervous Conditions resulted in gender and class issues. Substancewealthis not the only issue that colonialism took control over. It oppresses the people and makes lives miserable. This paper analyzes the various means in which both Nervous Conditions and Heart of Darkness characterize the emerging findings of the state after independence in Zimbabwe. It presents arguments that the two novels refuse to minimize politics in Southern Rhodesia in influencing the processes of post-colonial identity re-alignments. Zimbabwe was colonized by Britain and later gained her independence in 1980. The documentation of Nervous Conditions can be viewed as a critical political intervention that was aimed at changing marginal duties which women have been given under colonialism and continue to perform then even after the country gained independence.

The white colonial masters built the white houses for some Africans in Zimbabwe. Heroine’s uncle of Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions was accommodated in one of the executive houses, an offer that was given to him by the white colonial masters. There was a massive construction of houses to cater for the educated Africans who were in the mission schools built for the Africans who had acquired scholarships to study in the European countries. It improved the level of education since most of the native people wished they would have the opportunity to live in the white house’s which were built for the learned in the community. As a result of the increased number, the know-how and exposure were increased among the Africans, and they were in good position to understand the virtues.

According to the context of the Heart of Darkness, following Joseph Conrad’s knowledge in Congo, he was so critical of the European policy in Congo Basin. The natives were always exploited doing odd jobs, slave trading, and sexual harassment of the local women (Basch and Blanc 2005). Based on the past analysis related to the colonial era, women were discriminated by the colonialist and also the African men. The colonial bosses forced the women in the Congo basin to work on the land they had forcefully acquired from the native communities. Women spent most time working under strict supervision whereas they received little reward. Additionally, the Black men oppressed their wives by using them as sex objects and denying them the basic education. King Leopold, a colonial master, kept on calling Africans names. For instance, in his speech in 1876, he proclaimed the pierce darkness enshrouding the entire population. The statement had a related meaning to the Conrad’s title Heart of Darkness. The narrator in his view feels the access to education by the women will provide a better bargaining power and equally fight for their rights which were exploited by both the colonial and African men.

The anxious conditions give an account of Tambudzayi Sigauke’s fight to obtain basic education. Women who are black live are sexually discriminated from their men and thus find themselves cooperating and uniting with black men against the patriarchal system of colonialism as they fight their men (Basch and Blanc 2005). Some women in Nervous Conditions assisted Tambudzayi in escaping from the problems associated with womanhood imposed by the collaboration between the colonialism and the traditional Shona patriarchy. In the novel, Tambudzayi’s grandmother discusses the historical times of the colonial period on the African collective method of production. Arguably, Tambudzayi came to realize that the Africans were not allowed to exploit their productive agricultural land by the masters of colonialism immediately after the war that occurred in 1896. Following the loss of political freedom also went the African men’s capacity to provide for their families. The immediate option was to look for work in the emergent European farms and mines, an improvement, which left many women in control cultivation in rural areas thus being able to raise school fees for their families and also provide the basic necessities for their families (Chahrabarty, 2009).

Nervous Condition deals with the concern of the duties and responsibilities undertaken by the Africans during the colonial period and after self-governance in Southern Africa. The sufferings and humiliations women went through have made them feel less worthy in the African community. Dangarembgwa uses stereotypes to provide images of Black women who reject to be bullied by the Black men during colonialism times. Tambudzayi also rejects to give in to her father’s advice of her staying  at home with her mother so that she is able to learn how to cook and to reproduce the next generations for the reason that she will not cook books and feed them to her husband. Following the narrations of the two novels, it is evident that women have been so much empowered in the postcolonial era. Several women are in leadership positions and they undertake their duties so well. The move has equally enabled most women to feel motivated and struggle to get equal opportunities just like the men.

Postcolonialism was a major factor to the increased poverty in African countries such as Zimbabwe and Congo as portrayed in the two novels, the heart of darkness and nervous condition. The colonial masters forcefully acquired the African lands and turned to be the bosses as they left the Africans with tiny land to cultivate. Basically, the Congo basin lies along the Congo River. The general climatic condition along River Congo facilitates agricultural activities. It was not made possible because the colonial masters turned them into Whiteman’s land and instead forced the Africans just to work as slaves. It was the main reason for the resistances and eventual demand for independence from the colonial authorities.

Postcolonial Identity in Dangarembga’s

Many Africans were given new names by the colonial leaders. It was because most African names were so difficult for the colonizers pronunciation. The colonial masters had difficulties in pronouncing African names. Therefore, they gave Africans that were easy for them to pronounce. Nervous condition explains how Mashoko was given a new name by Mr. Brown. The change of name was not because the people of Zimbabwe were ignorant, but it was the only means to get a job with the Europeans (Chahrabarty, 2009). The Africans in Zimbabwe would be forced to work for the Europeans in order to the settle the high taxes imposed on them by the colonial masters. The taxes were compulsory, and failure to pay could lead to seizing of their cattle by the colonial chiefs.

Nervous condition outlines how Africans could be sold out as slaves. A collection of Africans could be sold as slaves in exchange for gold. However, it is against Human privileges to trade on persons. During the process of selling out Africans to work in Asian continent as slaves led to breakage of families and as most of the young ones were left with no one to take care of them. According to the narrator, it is a key challenge and dealing with the problem is the vital problem(Young, 2003). The narrator urges all the natives always to remain united. The narrator argues that if the they stay united; they would probably resist the bully by the whites who sold them out as slaves.

In conclusion, both novels analyze the post-colonialism primarily in two African countries. The nervous of conditions examines the Zimbabwe and the Heart of Darkness talks about the great Congo Basin. The Africans before colonization were full of their culture and rarely value the formal education. As much as the colonizers were dictators of Africans way of life, they played an important role by imparting their western culture and exposure to the native people. The missionaries were capable of accessing Africa following the fact that the colonial bosses were their fellow Whiteman. Through that, they were able to offer the necessary requirements to the loyal natives such as scholarships and medical services.  Arguably, the post-colonialism has transformed the colonized nations more positively than it would have negatively done.

References

Ashcroft, B., Griffiths, G. and Tiffin, H., 2006. The post-colonial studies reader. Taylor & Francis.

Basch, L., Schiller, N.G. and Blanc, C.S. eds., 2005. Nations unbound: Transnational projects, postcolonial predicaments, and deterritorialized nation-states. Routledge.

Chakrabarty, D., 2009. Provincializing Europe: Postcolonial thought and historical difference. Princeton University Press.

Chatterjee, P., 1993. The nation and its fragments: Colonial and postcolonial histories (Vol. 11). Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Comaroff, J. and Comaroff, J.L., 1993. Modernity and its malcontents: Ritual and power in postcolonial Africa. University of Chicago Press.

Spivak, G.C., 1999. A critique of postcolonial reason. Harvard university press

Young, R., 2003. Postcolonialism (p. 140). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Sample Paper on Fundraising in Nonprofit Organizations high school essay help: high school essay help

Fundraising in Nonprofit Organizations

Success in Fundraising

Organizations adopt various ways of raising funds with some paying attention to high dollar corporate fundraisings while others seek grants from foundations. One of the most common modes of fundraising that have emerged is online and social media campaigns. Regardless of the manner in which a firm seeks to raise money, every fundraising event could either be an achievement or a failure. The definition of success in fundraising depends on some elements such as having clear goals. For any fundraising event to be successful, it must have clear objectives right from the start. The organizers understand what they want to achieve and plan a strategy that will meet these goals.

Some of the questions that guide a successful fundraising event include whether the project hopes to acquire new donors or to expand its already existing donor base or if the sought support is for necessitating a new initiative. Success in fundraising starts with detailing the apparent objectives of the event in the initial planning stages (Polivy 98). Success in fundraising results from adhering to the company’s brand. Nonprofit firms rarely use the term brand. However, it is key to separate the personal and organizational values of the enterprise when planning to fundraise. An event that embraces professional ethos yields positively. The design of the fundraising exercise has to accommodate the firm’s brand as one way of wooing supporters who could turn into long-term donors.

A fundraising effort cannot bear much fruit in the absence of the right resources. Even though the core goal of fundraising is to generate money, it is an expensive exercise. For instance, it costs staff time thus creating a high opportunity cost that could see the organization losing money. Therefore, a successful fundraising activity observes a well thought-out budget that captures costs such as staff time and other direct expenses and compares them to the revenue projections expected (Worth 227). As a result, it is easier to understand the intended return on investment before embarking on the exercise.

Community, Behavioral, Ethical, and Organizational Components of Success in Fundraising

Ethical. When nonprofit organizations make a plan to solicit for funds, they must clearly state the ways in which they wish to spend the amount raised. They must ensure they do not assign the funds to other uses other than the initially reported one or else they will lose the trust of the donor (Polivy 87). Moreover, when funders witness the honesty of the firm in utilizing the funds for the right functions, they feel encouraged to invite other prospects in supporting the organization.

Community. The identified need which prompts the business to solicit for funds must have some relevance to the community. For instance, the aim could be to promote education, health, culture, or any aspects that seek to improve the society’s wellbeing. However, community needs such as health is a broad subject, and donors want to know a particular need that the money raised will help to address. Therefore, fundraisers must narrow down their objective to more discrete needs such as extending comprehensive services to the elderly people suffering from the Alzheimer’s disease.

Organizational. Every business enterprise has a strategic plan that drives its operations. Fundraisers should thus not solicit for funds if the objective of the exercise does not align with the company’s strategic plan. It is the obligation of the board members to plan the fundraising activity based on the strategic goals of the organization (Worth 336). The team should critically evaluate the internal and external factors that could hinder the firm from realizing the short-term and long-term goals of the company and seek ways of confronting them. When it is clear that the enterprise does not have the financial abilities to sustain its operations, it can thus resolve to fundraise. The fundraising activity should never take place before the organization has apparently determined the gaps that need addressing with the resources realized (Worth 412).

Behavioral. Fundraisers must refrain from giving false reports about the beneficiaries of the solicited funds to the potential donor hoping to get support from them. For instance, if the elderly people suffering from the Alzheimer’s disease in the society do not have sufficient primary care essential in managing their conditions, fundraisers should solicit funds to source for more caregivers. They should not say, for instance, that the aging also lacks in other basics such as shelter. They should always state facts (Worth 459). If a donor contributes funds during a time when they lack the capacitation to do so, it is fair for the fundraiser to return the donation.

Barriers to Success in Fundraising

It is a grave matter for an organization to engage in fundraising without first defining the purpose of the raised funds. It is thus effective to start with proper planning to determine how the funds raised will be put into use. As a result, it is essential not only to ask for a certain amount from potential donors but to explain a definite plan of action as well as the desired outcome of the exercise (Worth 417). For instance, a fundraiser could send a message to potential donors requesting them to donate $10 to reduce the cases of malaria attacks in Africa.

The appeal is not a strong one because it has neither explained how the $10 will reduce malaria in Africa nor the expected outcome. It would have been better for the solicitor to include that the donation will buy mosquito nets for all the vulnerable populations in Africa thus increasing their resistance to the deadly disease by 70 percent. Once a potential donor discovers the positive outcome that their donation will create in the society, they become more willful to contribute.

Secondly, if the fundraiser only remembers to contact the donors when they need support, the campaign is likely to bear insignificant fruits. People will only feel charitable towards organizations they value and care about their development. Therefore, it is vital to build sound relationships with the donors by occasionally contacting them to check on their progress but not reaching out to them only when the need to solicit for funds has risen (Polivy 223). Instead, the fundraiser should involve the donors to be part of their considerable efforts where they feel they have a role to play.

It is fundamental to make the fundraising affair a joint effort where the donors feel obliged to fulfill their part. Fundraisers should thus come up with an essential communication pattern where they regularly keep in touch with the donors (Polivy 124). For instance, the nonprofit firms should occasionally send updates about their progress to the donors or surprise them with ‘thank you’ notes. They should always remember to share their success stories with the people who supported them in achieving big milestones.

Structuring the Fund-raising Department

A competent leader of any nonprofit organization understands the core objectives of the fundraising department and structures the unit to meet these goals. Firstly, the structure should be in such a way that 80 percent of the effort goes to raising funds to attend to the needs of the vulnerable populations (Worth 114). The remaining 20 percent is to help the firm by being mindful about its brand. In the first objective of the structure, employees should care more about building healthy relationships with their donors instead of getting them to give out donations (Polivy 98). Therefore, the department has to make the potential donors a part of their team and welcome them to enjoy a sense of ownership in the charitable exercises.

They should make an effort of involving their donors in every step of their progress, for instance, sharing their objectives with them. As a result, the donors feel the value of their support, and will be willing to continue because the fundraisers have already become open about their strategic use of the donations. Donors can even suggest more viable ways of meeting the needs of the vulnerable populations because they are already aware of the real situations in the ground and feel obligated to work in partnership with the nonprofit organization (Polivy 78). Much of the firm’s resources should thus go to establishing stable relationships with donors.

The next objective of the fundraising unit within a nonprofit organization is allocating some firms’ resources to building and maintaining the brand of the company (Worth 94). The public must receive a positive image of the organization through effective PR and events. Once a firm has planned and managed an event, it only succeeds in securing dollars but not donors. Such a self-funding branding strategy leaves the general public with a positive attitude of the firm. Even though the activity still realizes funds for the organization, it goes beyond the money aspect into promoting the brand.

Organizational Culture That Fosters Ethical Fundraising Professionals

Nonprofit leaders should foster a fundraising team that demonstrates respect for the donors. For instance, they can display their appreciation to the funders through sending them timely gift acknowledgments. As a result, the donors feel even more appreciated to support the firm in its future endeavors (Polivy 184). Further, the fundraising team should submit reports to foundations in promptly manner which indicates that they value their donors and will update them on the progress of the organization.

Leaders should further ensure that their fundraising staff honors the donors’ requests by not listing them on their websites if they choose to remain anonymous. However, for those who do not mind the rest of the world to know about their supportive role in the running of the nonprofit business, it is an honorable thing to list them down on the website (Worth 470). Leaders should also educate their team members on how to manage the donors’ expectations regarding the acceptable and unacceptable donations of the nonprofit entity. For instance, if the donors donate used computers, the fundraiser professional can reject the offer in a decent manner citing the company policy on donating used staff (473).

Works Cited

Polivy, Deborah Kaplan. Donor Cultivation and the Donor Lifecycle Map. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2014. Print. Pgs. 17-226. ISBN – 978-1-118-60377-2.

Worth, Michael J. Fundraising Principles and Politics. New York, NY: SAGE Publications, 2016. Print. Pgs. 67- 486. ISBN – 978-1-4833-1952-0.

Sample Essays on Michael Toolan – Narrative Theories essay help online free

Michael Toolan – Narrative Theories

I.Context

Michael Toolan isan Edinburgh University educated professor of English Language and Literature at Birmingham University.While teaching for several years with focus on the English language, the distinctive professor has engaged in authorship and publication of several literary materials aimed at improving the learning capability of The English language in many of its contexts (Toolan, 2016).Through his work, the professor has dwelled on the subjects of oral presentations, narratives and poetry, while delving into the process of analyzing them, the key aspects that constitute the various concepts of analysis and the application of theories to analysis of literary pieces.Professor Toolan has published many books, particularly on the linguistic characteristics of various forms of works such as poems and short stories.As the focal point of the present study, the works of Professor Toolan with focus on the narrative will be discussed i.e. their proposed theories and the relevance of those theories in the contemporary works.The outcome will be used for the analysis of various interview excerpts in the context of the interview.

II.Description of theory

Michael Toolan, through his various works proposes a theory of narrative development based on particular features.According tohis theory, narrative development can be understood through analysis of the concepts of expectation and prospection.He proposes a structural stylistic method of narrative analysis which involves consideration of various factors considered as constituting a well formulated narrative.To understand whether a piece of work is a narrative or has undergone the complete narrative development cycle, Michael Toolan defines expectation as the attitude of the audience to the work, characterized by the desire tocomprehend the eventualities in the narrative presentation, whether oral or written (2009).Any piece of work projects such expectationsthrough stylistic ingredients of narration such as presentation gaps, suspense, and mystery.In the development of his theory, Toolan mentions factors such as use of names where pronouns could function effectively as examples of how the core ingredients could be used to create expectation in the audience (Huisman, 2011).

While expounding on the concept of narration in the development of presentations, the author also discusses how the corpus linguistic awareness approach and the Gricean approach to narrative analysis can be used together to build the foundations of a narrative (Toolan, 2009).According to the author, the two approaches used together build each other rather than destroying the presentations of the other.The corpus linguistic awareness approach discussed involves the use of various characteristics to determine the effectiveness of narration.From this perspective, the narrative is characterized by the presence of the tale, teller and the addressee.The addressee in the narrative has to trust the teller of the narrative in order for communication to be successful.Moreover, the initialization of a narrative is characterized by the use of verbs such as ‘know’ and ‘think’ which prompt the addressee to think about possibilities of the coming information (Toolan, 2008).Other characteristics of narration from this perspective include repetition of key words, future orientation, presence of negation clauses such as don’t and not which indicate the desire to comprehend more of what the teller is giving (Toolan, 1988).Each narrative also has a trajectory and the content is either pre-seen or pre-heard.

From the theory developed by Michael Toolan, it is difficult to define and classify communication as narratives after considering the available characteristics.It is therefore possible to use the characterization given by Toolan as a form of structural linguistic awareness procedure for the characterization of interviews as narratives (1988).Besides, the characterization proposed by Toolan, Labov (2013) also describes the key concepts in narrative development.This can be used in combination with the theory of expectations and prospection to advance in narration analysis.

III.Description of method

In most of the works by Michael Toolan, the corpus linguistic awareness approach to narrative development is used to critically analyze the narratives for expectation and prospects.This study tries to emulate the same method in analyzing an excerpt from an interview with two groups of participants.Toolan collected data through the collection of pre-published works such as books, and poetry and using them to exemplify the application of his proposed theories as he compared them with other theories.Through his examples, Michael managed to show exactly how the aspects of expectation and prospection can be used to describe the oral and literary features of narratives and how conclusions can be drawn on the existence of narratives.In the works based on various texts by various authors, Toolan carried out in-depth analyses which focused on the subjects of narration.

In the present research, a similar approach was taken to complete the analysis of a narrative type interview, presented in two excerpts.The interviews to be used were recorded during pair work with low proficiency English speakers from Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and another from high proficiency English speakers from England and Australia.Based on the observed and heard features of the interview presentations, the objective was to determine whether the interview excerpts exemplify the characteristics of narration or not.The interview process was carried out while audio recorded for the purpose of later analysis.The interviews were not exactly as expected with the researcher asking questions and the respondents giving answers.The respondents were divided into two groups, one comprising of low proficiency speakers and another comprising of high proficiency English speakers.Each of the pairs was then given a task to complete, where they were expected to enter into a discussion about their activities, countries of origin and pass time activities.

Despite collecting sufficient data to apply in testing the theories of Michael Toolan, the key limitations of the study involved its inabilityto effectively delve into the finer details ofMichael Toolan’s theories.Moreover, the study focused on very few key concepts of the narrative development process as described by Michael Toolan due to the little time that was available for carrying out the study.Consequently, it cannot be said that whatever is presented herein is conclusive in terms of describing Toolan’s theory as well as applying them to the interview data.In addition to this, the methods applied in this study, may not be exactly as described by Michael Toolan since the information is drawn from various sources and application is based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of various combinations of theories for the definition of narratives.

IV.Data Analysis/ Conclusion

The interview analysis process involved the consideration of the two interview excerpts from the points of view of Michael Toolan’s theory involving expectations and prospection and from the point of view of the features described by various Labov (2013).The excerpt from non- native English speakers clearly gives an outlook characteristic of the narrative.The presence of the teller, the tale and the addressee all constitute key characteristics of the narrative.Being pair work, both participants, coded N and B participate in equal measure as tellers and addressees.The tale also revolves around the experiences of both the teller and the addressee, characterized by prompts, presence of negation words and prospection which draw the reader towards expecting more from the communication.Another essential feature of the narrative is the presence of non-randomly connected events such as the stories about different countries and experiences in terms of foods.The presence of the non- randomly connected events form an important aspect of narratives.Such connections also bring about the expectation of the audience who naturally desire to know the outcome of events.

Besides, the random connection of events, the communication portrayed through excerpt 1 indicates the presence of a particular trajectory to the communication.Despite being unclear from the onset and also ending abruptly, the presence of the trajectory is evidenced through the clarity of prompts for participation by the two partners.The partners involved ask questions, report on their ignorance and provide information regarding what their thoughts are.Verbs such as think and know which signal the initialization of narration also prevail in the interview, with the participants using them as keys to initiating new discussions on other topics.While using the structural outlook proposed by Michael Toolan, the excerpt presents several key features of narration and can be said to be conclusively narrative.

Contrary to expectations from the audience, the excerpt from the interview involving native English speakers presents limited characteristics of narration as described by Toolan’s theory (Toolan, 2009).Features such as the presence of core ingredients such as mystery and suspense which constitute effective narration are not evident in the interview excerpt.However, based on the description of Labov (2013)and Toolan (1988) the interview participants have managed to create expectation through the presence of communication gaps, seen through the questions asked and the missing answers in some of the sentences.Consequently, the structural analysis method that is mentioned by Toolan in describing a fully formed narrative in terms of the presentation can be used in critically analyzing the interview excerpt (1999).

Through prompts such as “mmmh…but, maybe the Arabic food is too spicy for you,” the audience is motivated to want to hear more regarding the addresses opinion concerning the spicy Arabic foods.Such prompts when used adequately in any piece of literary presentation bring out a certain degree of thirst for more, which is the objective of narrations.Apart from this, the conversation has a particular trajectory, as opposed to the first excerpt where the conversation moves back and forth.The second excerpt presents a pair of individuals who are aware of the focal point of their conversation and who give it a particular direction through questioning, answering and asking for clarification.All these form essential features of a short story narrative as described by Toolan.When applying the opinion of Labov to this analysis, the development features of narratives are found tocomplement the theories developed by Toolan rather than going contrary to them.It can therefore be said that while the conversation between the non- native speakers presents a narrative characterized by lack of structure and clarity, the second conversation effectively fits the description given by Toolan in defining the narrative from the perspective of expectation and prospection.

References

Huisman, R.(2011).A Review of Michael Toolan’s, Narrative Progression in the Short Story, a corpus stylistic approach.Linguistics and the Human Sciences.

Labov, W.(2013). “A Structural Analysis of Narratives”.Marie Agnes gay University Press

Toolan, M.(2001). Narrative: A Critical Linguistic Introduction 2nd Ed.Psychology Press.

Toolan, M.(1999).New Work on Deixis in Narrative, In  P.Verdonk, et al.(eds)Transcending Boundaries: narratology in Context.Tubingen: Gunter Narr, 147-163.

Toolan, M.(2008). “Narrative Progression in the Short Story: First Steps in a Corpus Stylistic Approach”.Narrative, 16,2.

Toolan, M.(2009).Narrative Progression in the Short Story, a corpus stylistic approach. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

Toolan, M.(2016). Professor Michael Toolan, MA, D.Phil, GDL. University of Birmingham.Retrieved from http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/elal/toolan-michael.aspx

Sample Essays on Paris Peace Conference best college essay help: best college essay help

Paris Peace Conference

Undoubtedly, the various provisions of the Paris Peace Treaty were not of benefit but rather had the intention of hurting Germany’s economy. First, the treaty acknowledged the fact that Germany was the mastermind of the destruction and damages incurred by its rival nations as well as their subjects. Besides, it can be seen that through its various provisions, the treaty’s primary purpose was to ensure that Germany’s position as a global superpower was to be destroyed. Further, the provisions of the treaty stated that Germans abroad were not allowed to keep and maintain their old relations in foreign countries and of helping Germany regain a significant share in the economic world. The treaty’s provisions also highlighted that Germany’s property abroad was to be confiscated and liquidated, and instead of being restored to the country, it would be used for reparation (“Comments of the German Delegation to the Paris Peace Conference on the Conditions of Peace,” 1919). Therefore, these perspectives underline how the provisions of the treaty impacted adversely on the economic growth of Germany.

President Wilson had earlier believed in a principle that would ensure equality among countries and unrestricted participation of countries in various international programs. An application of this principle would ensure that the solidarity of human interests is respected. In the case of Germany, had this principle been applied, it would have been treated differently as a country because it would have cooperated in the framing of the Covenant of the League of Nations. Besides, an application of the principle attributed to President Wilson would ensure that Germany becomes one of the countries to join the League of Nations, although this did not come to pass as a result of the failure to apply President Wilson’s principle.

The document in focus appeals to a higher fundamental law, which would help strengthen German assertions. This fundamental law is that which stresses and defends the right of self-determination, which would make it possible for every nation including Germany, to thrive economically and politically without interference from other countries.

Arguably, every person reading the document would be in agreement with the argument that Germany was being treated poorly. A fact which underlines Germany’s poor treatment is that Germans abroad were not allowed to maintain or keep old relations in foreign countries and that of helping Germany regain a significant share in world commerce. Besides, the confiscation and liquidation of Germany’s property, which was then used for reparation rather than being restored to the country, indicates how Germany was being treated poorly. Also, the treaty supported the cession of Alsace-Lorraine, which was part of Germany, without consulting the German population and almost two million Germans were to be forced from their land to pave the way for invasion by foreigners (“Comments of the German Delegation to the Paris Peace Conference on the Conditions of Peace,” 1919).

In response to the complaints of the authors of the document, the defenders of the treaty might have made attempts to uphold and defend the right of self-determination, which would have seen Germany, like every other free nation, thrive economically, politically, and embrace internal policies that would pave the way for harmonious and peaceful living. In essence, the peace treaty signed was against the development of Germany as it allowed interference from the governments of the Allied and Associated Powers.

Reference

Comments of the German Delegation to the Paris Peace Conference on the Conditions of Peace. (October, 1919). http://college.cengage.com/history/primary_sources/world/conditions_of_peace.htm

Sample Research Paper on Unemployment my assignment essay help london: my assignment essay help london

Unemployment

Types of Unemployment

The causes and effects of unemployment differ, depending on the type of unemployment. Towards this end, four types of unemployment are discussed as below:

Frictional unemployment

This refers to the period when an individual is switching jobs, or between one job and another. Frictional unemployment happens due to a discrepancy between jobs and the workers based on such issues as taste and preferences, skills set, attitude, and payment, among others (García and Sorolla 8). One of the main influences of frictional unemployment is an individual’s voluntary decision to take a certain job depending on the value attached to it in comparison with the current wage rates, effort and time needed to find such a job.

Structural unemployment

This type of unemployment is concerned with the inefficiencies that characterize a labor market, along with the structural problems that bedevil the economy. When the labor market fails to deliver enough jobs for all individuals in search of employment, this triggers structural unemployment (The Economist n.p.). This could happen because the skills possessed by the unemployed workers do not match the skills required to do the available jobs. Ongoing cyclical unemployment is likely to trigger structural unemployment. For instance, prolonged unemployment rates in the economy could end up frustrating those in search of jobs and they fail to update their skill. Consequently, their skills become obsolescent.

Cyclical unemployment

This type of unemployment occurs because the economy lacks sufficient aggregate demand for jobs to all in need of work (The Economist n.p.). This is likely to happen in an economy that is experiencing a decline in demand for goods, meaning that there is a decline in the level of production required and by extension, the number of workers needed to produce goods.

Seasonal unemployment

This type of unemployment happens when people are out of work at certain times of the year, such as when school closes, or during off-season (The Economist n.p.) in the case of industries like the tourism sector.

The Natural Rate of Unemployment

The Natural Rate of Unemployment refers to the rate of unemployment in the economy at a time when the labor market is in a state of equilibrium. In other words, it is that level at which the rate of unemployment in the economy is expected to remain regardless of the considerable impact of monetary policy. The natural rate of unemployment is mainly influenced by supply side factors more than by the demand side factors (McGinty n.p.). It therefore entails both structural unemployment and frictional unemployment. Several institutional factors influence the Natural rate of unemployment, including the availability of information about a job, quality of education and training, an individual’s level of occupational mobility, the level of labor mobility and how flexible the labor market is.

Inclusions and Exclusions in the National Unemployment Rates

The national unemployment rate refers to the percentage number of workers in the labor force who are without work. The national unemployment rate is calculated by conducting surveys to collect information about workers’ employment, earnings and hours (McGinty n.p.). People who are in school full-time, the retired, those working in homes or the disabled are often excluded as part of the labor force while calculating the national rate on unemployment. On the other hand, individuals who claim in the national surveys conducted to be actively involved in searching for jobs are regarded as unemployed.

Works Cited

García, José G and Sorolla, Valeri. Frictional and Non-Frictional Unemployment in Models with

            Matching Frictions. April 2013. 20 June 2017.

https://www.uam.es/otros/jaeet13/comunicaciones/14_Macroeconomia_y_MT1/Garcia_

Sorolla.pdf

McGinty, Craven. What the Unemployment Rate Shows. March 4, 2016. 20 June 2017.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-the-unemployment-rate-shows-1457106385

The Economist. The three types of unemployment. 18, Aug. 2014. 20 June 2017.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/08/economist-explains-8

Sample Paper on Clinical Manifestations of Molluscum contagiosum university essay help

Microbiology and clinical manifestations of Molluscum contagiosum

            Individuals infected with Molluscum contagiosum show signs of chronic infections limited to particular parts of the body. The illness is caused by viruses that affect the skin, causing irritation and it advances with time. The individuals suffering from the ailment show raised parts of the skin in the affected areas as this is how the virus manifests itself. Upon treatment, the part that was infected is hardly recognized because the raised parts do not leave scars. In some cases, the individuals may not seek treatment and the raised sections may disappear on their own (Bennett, Dolin, Blaser 20)1. However, for the virus to be inactive, it may take different time ranging from two months to four years depending on the strength of the individual’s immunity. To prevent the illness, personal hygiene is recommended because the illness is mainly spread through contact with contaminated items, such as towels. One may also contract the virus if they have direct contact with infected persons. It is common with human beings of all age groups, but it is mostly observed in people who are involved on unprotected sex and young children. This paper discusses the nature of the virus that causes Molluscum contagiosum and the symptoms and signs that infected individuals show.

Microbiology of Molluscum contagiosum

The virus that causes the disease is referred to as Molluscum contagiosum, and it is only found in human beings. Based on its chemical structure, the virus is classified under the poxvirus, implying that it affects both vertebrate and invertebrate. However, it has only been observed in human beings. The virus has a complex non-segmented structure that contains OPV protein, useful during the replication process. Molluscum contagiosum is disease is communicable through different means such as getting into contact with fomites and having unprotected sex with persons who are infected with the Molluscum contagiosum virus. The incubation period normally ranges between 14 to 42 days, and it mainly targets the outer layer of the skin.  The viral infection spreads due to replication of the virus. The cytoplasm of the affected cells plays a primary role in enhancing the spread of the disease.  Once the reproduction occurs, a large body of cells known as Molluscum is formed. This is mostly common in the granular layer of the epidermis as well as the thin outer layer.  During the replication phase, thecells in the epidermal basal layer increase twice as much due to the rapid cell division, but the process occurs gradually.  The chances of being infected with the Molluscum contagiosum virus are determined by personal hygiene as well as the health status of individuals.  People who are infected with HIV virus are at a very high risk of being infected with the Molluscum contagiosum virus due to the low immunity in their system.  This implies that once they are exposed to the virus, their weak immune system is unable to respond effectively. About 60% of infections in these individuals is caused by the Molluscum contagiosum virus (Thompson et al.8)2. A study involving 29% of HIV positive individuals conducted in Australia indicates that the most common cause of skin infections among the individuals is Molluscum contagiosum 2 (Thompson et al. 3)2. The study also concluded that there is no significant link between the gender if individuals to the disease. This implies that any individual who is exposed to the virus has an equal chance of being infected, except the HIV positive individuals who have higher chances.

Clinical manifestations of Molluscum contagiosum

Clinical manifestations of an illness are the signs that or the symptoms that the infected patients complain about a certain disease.  For the Molluscum contagiosum, the clinical manifestations are mainly observable but painless lesions.In the beginning the lesions that are observed on the skin are just minute papules and they may be found in one or two areas of the skin. They may begin as one tiny lesion but in most cases they are more and the number keeps on increasing as the disease advances. The dome-shaped lesions measure between two and five millimeters in diameter. On looking at the papules, one notices that they have a small depression that looks like navel and they have a caseous plug (Chen, Anstey and Bugert 879)3. The diagrams below show how the disease manifests itself differently in different individuals.

In the above image, the individual only suffers from the lesions that are not widespread, but as the disease advances, the lesions increase and it may also cause eczema. The diagram below shows the lesions of an individual who has also developed eczema. Research indicates that about 10% of individuals who are infected withMolluscum contagiosum develop eczema as well (Porter et al. 564)4. Such individuals may show signs such as cracked skin at the infected areas and the akin becomes itchy and dry.

One of the features that distinguish the lesions in the disease is the umblicated nature of the lesions, but this is not always the case. In some instances, the lesions may be large and the umblication may not be well pronounced. This is the case in the diagram below where one develops a large lesion with several molluscum bodies (Murdoch et al. 610)5.

It takes the virus between two and six weeks to manifest itself through the lesions on the skin. This implies that oen may not be aware of the illness until the six weeks. The lesions are not painful and they are firm and dome-shaped. In adults, the manifestation is mostly common on the abdomen and the genitals.  To be safe from the Molluscum contagiosum virus, one should avoid sharing personal effects such as towels.

References

Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ. Principles and practice of infectious diseases. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2014 Aug 28.
Thompson CH, Zwart‐Steffe D, Rita T, Biggs IM. Molecular epidemiology of Australian isolates of molluscum contagiosum. Journal of medical virology. 1990 Sep 1;32(1):1-9.
Chen X, Anstey AV, Bugert JJ. Molluscum contagiosum virus infection. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2013 Oct 31;13(10):877-88.
Porter CD, Muhlemann MF, Cream JJ, Archard LC. Molluscum contagiosum: characterization of viral DNA and clinical features. Epidemiology and infection. 1987 Oct 1;99(02):563-6.
Murdoch DM, Venter WD, Feldman C, Van Rie A. Incidence and risk factors for the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in HIV patients in South Africa: a prospective study. Aids. 2008 Mar 12;22(5):601-10.

Sample Paper on The Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) Company online essay help: online essay help

Chipotle Mexican Grill Analysis

Case Summary

Steve Ells founded Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) in 1993 when he first opened the first restaurant in Denver, Colorado. The company went public in 2006, and it became listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Chipotle.com). As at 31 December 2015, CMG was operating 2,010 establishments in different geographical areas. These include 1,971 in the United States, 11 in Canada, 7 in London, England and 4 in Paris, France and 1 in Germany. It has also opened 13 additional ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen restaurants that serve food inspired by Asian Cuisines. There are also three Pizzeria Local restaurants. The Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants serve a limited menu of high-quality tacos, burrito bowls, Burritos, and Salads. To increase the market share, Chipotle has introduced the organic products approach due to the rising demand for pasture-raised animals (Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 4). In 2015, CMG encountered a huge crisis after the Norovirus and E-coli virus that negatively affected the company’s revenues and growth (Chipotle contends with E. coli and norovirus outbreaks. par.2)

CMG Vision, Mission, and Values

CMG values focus on the using ingredients and cooking techniques of high quality to offer great food to all people at reasonable prices. The company strives to find out where all its ingredients are sourced to promote local farmers in their job of growing sustainable and naturally raised products that meet the goals of its mission statement, “Food with Integrity.”  The mission statement means that CMG objectives are to offer the best sustainably raised food possible, provide support to farmers who are devoted to their animals and land and use meat from animals raised in a natural manner whenever it is possible (Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 6).

External Audit

Opportunities

There is rising demand for sustainable food that surpasses the supply in the market, and the consumers of socially sustainable foods are wealthier as compared to typical fast food consumers. 57 % of adults between 18 and 29 years eat fast food, at least, weekly; this is the most often as compared to other consumer groups. The millennial forms a large segment for fast casual and quick service restaurants. Millennial use of their mobile technological devices to get information for their health and fitness choices and 85 percent of persons between the age of 18 to 34 years shop on the internet. The fast casual segment has grown every year since the economic recession of 2009 from 4% to 8% as compared to the quick service whose growth has remained stagnant. Fast casual restaurants report an average purchase value of $ 7.40 as compared to the 5.30 average for quick service restaurants (Maze 38).

Threats

There are many requirements to comply within the industry that vary from country to country. These requirements include the regulations on food quality and hygiene, labeling and labor regulations. There is high competition in international markets from the fast casual restaurants outside the Mexican food category since the market for Mexican fast casual items is undeveloped. Market conditions and weather changes cause shortages for sustainable ingredients resulting in increased prices for ingredients like beef, dairy and chicken products (Simpson 38).

EFE Matrix

Opportunities
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score

1
Rising demand for sustainable food that surpasses the supply in the market.
0.4
3
1.2

2
Millennial use of their mobile technological devices to get information for their health and fitness choices and 85 percent of persons between the age of 18 to 34 years shop on the internet.

 
0.25
3
0.75

3
The fast casual segment has grown every year since the economic recession of 2009 from 4% to 8% as compared to the quick service whose growth has remained stagnant. Fast casual restaurants report an average purchase value of $ 7.40 as compared to the 5.30 average for quick service restaurants.
0.35
4
1.4

Weaknesses
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score

1
There are many requirements to comply within the industry that vary from country to country.
0.4
4
1.6

2
There is high competition in international markets from the fast casual restaurants outside the Mexican food category since the market for Mexican fast casual items is undeveloped.

 
0.25
4
1

3
Market conditions and weather changes cause shortages for sustainable ingredients resulting in increased prices for ingredients like beef, dairy and chicken products.
0.35
3
1.05

Competitive Profile Matrix

 
 
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Taco Bell Corp
Qdoba Restaurants

Critical success factors
Weight
Rating
Score
Rating
Score
Rating Score
Score

1
Use of sustainable ingredients
0.15
4
0.6
3
0.45
4
0.6

2
Well established supply chains
0.05
2
0.1
3
0.15
3
0.15

3
Quality of the food
0.13
1
0.13
4
0.52
4
0.52

4
Varieties of food in the Menu
0.06
1
0.06
1
0.06
4
0.24

5
Adaptation to different customers tastes and preferences
0.09
1
0.09
1
0.09
 
0.09

6
Using technology to enhance customer experience
0.09
4
0.36
4
0.36
3
0.27

7
Expansion to international markets
0.13
4
0.52
1
0.13
3
0.39

8
Financial strength
0.1
4
0.1
3
0.3
3
0.3

 
Environmental sustainability in restaurants construction designs
0.05
4
0.2
2
0.1
2
0.1

9
Location of the restaurants
0.05
4
0.2
3
0.15
2
0.1

10
Targeted segment of consumers
0.1
4
0.4
4
0.4
3
0.3

 
Totals
 
 
2.76
 
2.71
 
3.06

Internal Audit

Strengths

Chipotle Company has undergone rapid growth since its public offering in 2006. It has 2,010 restaurants with a huge presence in the U.S and Canada, and it plans to open about 220-235 new restaurants this year. In all markets, Chipotle restaurants are located in urban centers with high foot traffic, neighborhoods with high household incomes and locations with businesses, tourist attractions and schools (Czaplewski, et al. 7). These have contributed to its good financial growth enabling it to generate solid cash flows, avoid debts and maintain a strong balance sheet. CMG cash and cash equivalents as at January 1, 2016, were more than $1 billion. The targeted market segments of millennial between the ages of 18-34 years are less price sensitive as compared with other consumer groups and they identify with CMG philosophy of “Food with Integrity.” The company’s commitment to sustainability that is reflected in its operations by selecting organic ingredients and using materials that are environmentally conscious in their stores (Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. SWOT Analysis 5).

Weaknesses

In the last quarter of 2015, Chipotle restaurants in the U.S suffered from outbreak cases of norovirus and E.coli across the country disrupting in the establishments’ growth (Chipotle contends with E. coli and norovirus outbreaks. par.3). The company that has been built on the motto of Food With Integrity is now facing a tough challenge of defending the safety and quality of its food and gain consumers confidence once more. Due to the shortages of supplies of sustainably raised ingredients, the company has been forced to sources conventionally raised beef and chicken sometimes compromising the quality of its food (Glassman 22). They have also been increasing the prices of their products, for instance, an increase in the price of their menu was announced in April 2014 due to the rising costs of cheese, avocados, and steak. Chipotle restaurants have a focused menu that has made it impossible to adopt a menu with local tastes and preferences, especially in the international markets. Its competitors like Yum! Brands restaurants have tailored their menu to local customs by changing to local flavors and ingredients (Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. SWOT Analysis 8)

IFE Matrix

Strengths
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score

1
Rapid growth reflected by the increase in the number of stores in the U.S and internationally as well as the financial strength.
0.4
4
1.6

2
A culture of commitment to sustainability resulting in the use of organic ingredients and environment sustainable materials in construction designs.
0.3
3
0.9

3
Targeting the right segment of the millennials in the fast casual industry, that is wealthier and more conscious of their health choices.
0.3
4
1.2

Weaknesses
Weight
Rating
Weighted Score

1
In the last quarter of 2015, Chipotle restaurants in the U.S suffered from outbreak cases of norovirus and E.coli across the country disrupting in the establishments’ growth.
0.4
4
1.6

2
Shortage in the supplies of sustainable ingredients for the restaurants has led to use of conventional products at times and an increase in food prices
0.35
2
0.7

3
Chipotle has failed in adapting to the tastes and preferences of the consumers in the international markets where the Mexican cuisines are not common.
0.25
3
0.75

SWOT Matrix

Chipotle Mexican Grill
Strengths –S

·      Rapid growth

·      Commitment to sustainability

·      The right target segment of millennial
Weaknesses –W

·      Compromised food quality

·      Increase in food prices

·      Products failure to adapt to local tastes and preferences

Opportunities  -O

·      Rising demand for sustainable products

·      Increase in the use of technological devices

·      Higher growth in the fast casual industry
SO strategies

·   Increase the number of restaurants internationally using the created wealth (S1).

·   Invest in technological innovations that to enhance customer experience among millennials’ (S2).
WO strategies

·      Increase social media marketing to restore consumer (S3) confidence in the quality of their products.

·      Introduce more products in the international markets to satisfy diverse customers’ needs (S4).

Threats – T

·      Regulations and requirements in the industry

·      High competition in international markets from non-Mexican cuisines

·      Shortage of sustainable products
ST strategies

·      Establishing reliable supply chains (S5).

·      Invest in educating and raising awareness among their staff for the existing requirements and regulations in the industry (S6).
WT strategies

·      Use the existing regulations to ensure the quality of food products is guaranteed (S7).

·      Establish reliable supply chains that ensure the price of their products is not increased (S8).

QSPM Matrix -Strategies 1-4

 
 
S-1
S-2
S-3
S-4

S
W
AS
TAS
AS
TAS
AS
TAS
AS
TAS

Rapid growth
0.4
4
1.6
3
1.2
2
0.8
4
1.6

Commitment to sustainability
0.3
2
0.6
3
1.8
4
1.2
0
0

Have the right target segment of millennial
0.3
0
0
4
0
4
1.2
0
0

Total
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Weaknesses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Compromised food quality
0.4
0
0
3
1.2
4
1.6
0
0

Increase in food prices
0.35
2
0.7
3
1.05
3
1.05
0
0

Products failure to adapt to local tastes and preferences
0.25
0
0
0
0
1
0.25
4
1

Total
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 O
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rising demand for sustainable products
0.4
4
1.6
1
0.4
0
0
0
0

Increase in the use of technological devices
0.25
2
0.5
3
0.75
3
0.75
0
0

Higher growth in the fast casual industry
0.35
3
1.05
0
0
0
0
2
0.7

T
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Regulations and requirements in the industry
0.4
0
0
3
1.2
4
1.6
0
0

High competition in international markets from non-Mexican cuisines
0.25
0
0
2
0.5
2
0.5
4
1

Shortage of sustainable products
0.35
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Total
1
 
6.05
 
8.1
 
8.95
 
4.3

QSPM Matrix –Strategies 5-8

 
 
S-5
S-6
S-7
S-8

Strengths
W
AS
TAS
AS
TAS
AS
TAS
AS
TAS

Rapid growth
0.4
4
1.6
4
1.6
4
1.6
4
1.6

Commitment to sustainability
0.3
3
0.9
4
1.2
4
1.2
3
0.9

The right target segment of millennial
0.3
2
0.6
3
0.9
4
1.2
4
1.2

Total
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Weaknesses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Compromised food quality
0.4
3
1.2
4
1.6
4
1.6
3
1.2

Increase in food prices
0.35
3
1.05
2
0.7
1
0.35
4
1.4

Products failure to adapt to local tastes and preferences
0.25
1
0.25
0
0
0
0
0
0

Total
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 Opportunities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rising demand for sustainable products
0.4
3
1.2
2
0.8
2
0.8
2
0.8

Increase in the use of technological devices
0.25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Higher growth in the fast casual industry
0.35
3
1.05
1
0.35
2
0.7
2
0.7

Threats
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Regulations and requirements in the industry
0.4
1
0.4
4
1.6
4
1.6
2
0.8

High competition in international markets from non-Mexican cuisines
0.25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Shortage of sustainable products
0.35
4
1.4
0
0
0
0
4
1.4

Total
1
 
9.65
 
8.75
 
9.05
 
10

Financial Analysis

The common size income statements analysis indicate a decline in Chipotle the revenues in the year 2015. The cost of revenue increased from 72.79% in 2014 to 73.91% in 2015 resulting in a decrease of the gross margin from 27.21% to 26.09%. Selling, General, and Administration expenses reduced from 6.67 % in w2014 to 5.56% in 2015. The non-recurring expenses remained the same and the loss on disposal of assets increased by 0.46 % while other operating expenses increased by 0.21%. The operating incomes reduced from 17.3% to 16.96% and the incomes before taxes reduced by 0.29%. The net incomes in 2015 were less than the 2014 net incomes by 0.27%. According to the Comparative analysis income statements, there was an increase in the gross margin by 5.06%. The loss on the disposal of assets had a significant increase of 89.13 percent. The selling general and administration expenses reduced by 8.65% while the net incomes increased by 6.78% (NASDAQ n.p). The profitability ratios illustrate a decline in the profitability of the company in 2015. The net profit margin has reduced from 10.84 percent to 10.57 percent. The asset turnover ratio has reduced from 1.8 to 1.7 percent while the return on assets has reduced from 19.55 percent to 18.04 percent. The growth ratios illustrate a significant reduction in the growth of the Company’s revenues, operating incomes, net incomes and earnings per share (Morningstar n.p)

Long-term objectives

The first long-term objective is to establish a reliable source of suppliers that will serve in the local and international markets. This objective will help in ensuring that Chipotle restaurants obtain all the suppliers that they require. It will also play the role of ensuring that the quality of the food is maintained. This objective will be supported by a cooperative strategy whereby the company can form an alliance with its suppliers to improve the quality and quantity of their produce. They can make investments in the farms that supply their ingredients ensuring a stable supply and quality of these ingredients. A reliable supply chain should be established in each of the international markets reducing the costs of transferring ingredients from the suppliers in the U.S to the international markets. Similar alliances should be made with suppliers in the international markets to ensure the quality and enough quantity for ingredients are maintained at all times. Chipotle will also enforce the rules and regulations in the industry that guide the production of sustainable suppliers to ensure the quality of the ingredients sourced from suppliers. The benchmarks that can be used to measure the progress is the percentage increase in the volume of supplies, reduction in the cost of making their food and improved consumers loyalty.

The other objective is to come up with other sources of revenues for CMG. Revenues currently obtained are mainly from four menu items accounting for 95% of the company’s revenues. This implies that its diversification is low even if it has launched the ShopHouse Asian Kitchen and the investment in Pizzeria Locale. The businesses are still very young and do not make many contributions to CMG revenues. Thus, the Company can diversify more by investing in different businesses or expanding the Chipotle concept to other cuisines. The proposed strategy for this objective is diversification strategy that will allow the company to introduce a variety of food items in the company’s menu by offering different cuisines especially in the international markets where the Mexican cuisines are not very common. The new products will help to meet the tastes and preferences of all its customers and compete effectively with its competitors. Social media marketing will be used to market the new products in the markets. Alternatively, CMG can invest in other already established restaurants that offer other kinds of cuisines to their customers. The investments can be in the form of acquisitions, joint ventures or buying shares in those companies. The benchmarks that will be used to measure progress is the amount of revenues obtained from additional food items added to their menu and increased consumer awareness of the new products reflected by their comments on social media platforms.

The third objective is the expansion of CMG operations to other international markets and particularly to the developing nations. Currently, the company huge presence is in the U.S and Canada and a few Europe nations. Developing nation’s strategy is the proposed strategy for this objective. The lack of popularity of the Mexican cuisines in various countries provides an opportunity for Chipotle to enter new markets for their main food items. This is especially the case for Asian and African countries that do not have major restaurants specializing in Mexican cuisines. CMG should take advantage of the growth of the economies in these developing nations like China. This is because as the economies grow the households, disposable incomes also increase allowing its targeted segment of persons between the age of 18-34 years to spend more in healthy food choices. Technological advancements and the rise in the use of mobile devices in these nations will also enable CMG to market their products easily and enhance customers’ experiences. The benchmarks to ensure progress for this strategy are the amount of revenues obtained by entering into new markets and the number of new restaurants that are launched in the new markets.

Works Cited

“Chipotle contends with E. coli and norovirus outbreaks.” The Food Institute Report 2015: General OneFile. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.

“Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. SWOT Analysis.” Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. SWOT Analysis (2015): 1-8. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.

“Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.” Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Marketline Company Profile (2015): 1-24. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.

Chipotle.com. Chipotle Mexican Grill, 2016. Web, 3 Apr. 2008.

Czaplewski, Andrew J., Eric M. Olson, and Peggy Mcnulty. “GOING GREEN Puts Chipotle in The Black.” Marketing News48.3 (2014): 30-37. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.

Glassman, James K. “Feast On Restaurant Stocks.” Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 69.10 (2015): 20-22. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.

Maze, Jonathan. “Chipotle’s Mission And Tactics Revolutionize Restaurant Industry.” Nation’s Restaurant News 49.13 (2015): 36-38. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.

Morningstar. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc Class A, 2016. Web, 3 Apr 2016

Nasdaq. CMG Company Financials, 2016. Web 3 Apr.2008

Simpson, Sondra. “Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.: Strategy With A Higher Mission Or Farmed And Dangerous?” Journal of Case Studies 2 (2015): 38. Academic OneFile. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.

Sample Book Review on “The Play of Art” by George Gadamer law essay help

How does George Gadamer in The Play of Art explain the “play drive?”

George Gadamer is a philosophy expert with particular interest and expertise in the philosophy tradition of hermeneutic. He pursues the playful character of art in his “The Play of Art”. In the reading, the author investigates how a play can be used to understand art.

In “The Play of Art”, Gadamer refers to “play-drive” as the need to play which depicts the thin line separating humans and animals? According to him, unlike the previous misconceptions, “Play drive” is influenced significantly by natural phenomenon. Gadamer reasserts that the decisions to play as any other decisions made by human beings are not entirely decided through free will. He states that other forces like compulsive drives, interests, and other unconscious factors influence people’s decisions which include play. For instance, Gadamer gives an example that artists too, paint for the expression of “play drive”. According to Gadamer,despite the human thoughts that they play “at something” unlike children and animals who play “with something”, the two are related. He argues that we mimic nature and the natural human existence structure through play.

According to Gadamer, there is a relation between play and communication. He states that play as an imitative representation can act as a communication medium when taken as a pure representation without any changes. Understanding play as mimetic representation seeks to be understood in its kind but not only to be believed. However, he reasserts that for a play to act as a communicator, it must be understood by the one who the information is intendedto; otherwise, it will seem like any other form of play. He states that for mimic representation to parlay as communication, both the sender and the recipient must have the full grasp of the matter at hand. Artistic representations, according to Gadamer are simply appearances or shows that communicate something. As such, play as a product of natur