The significance of sacred sites in performance ritual

Introduction Ceremony or performance of rituals has been in existence with humans for all their life on earth. Evolution of humans has shown that human beings have that inner desire to always believe in a being with greater power, and to always look for ways of paying homage to that Supreme Being.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The significance of sacred sites in performance ritual specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This drive has resulted in the creation of rites that are sacred. There is no doubt that our ancestors were very religious, just in the same way people are at present as seen from the things they do in their daily life. This means that in life, everything has some spiritual importance. People usually get a sense of empowerment through rituals, they are united in a communication to the higher being, and they are also able to satisfy their inner desires. This paper will discuss the importance of sacred s ites in performance of rituals. Shi’i Symbols and Rituals in Modern Iran Much of the history of the Middle East dwells on two Islamic groups, the Shi’is, and the Sunnis. The Shi’is is a group that supports the descendants of Prophet Mohammad whom they believe should be his successors. This there has made them to be in opposition to the Sunnis who are associated with the ruling class. This opposition has attracted many people because of its religious inclinations. The rituals and symbols that are performed during the month of Moharram are linked to this opposition where by the Shi’is remember the war at Karbala where the offspring of Prophet Mohammad were killed including his Grandson, Hoseyn. The rituals involved mourning and recounting of these killings. These symbols and rituals have grown to become popular among the Iranian culture.[1] The rulers used these symbols to strengthen their relationships with the people. One group that was successful in this area was the Qajars. There were those who used their power to suppress these rituals. These included rulers like Reza Shah and his son Mohammad. There followed revolutionaries, who used the rituals to overthrow the existing regime and put in place an Islamic regime. The Iranian State has also used these symbols and rituals to stamp its authority and legitimacy, although the opposition and the society as a whole, uses them to check the government. Failure by the state to incorporate the rituals and symbols into its policies can lead to a crisis as it happened to the Pahlavi regime. The present Iranian government has effectively used these symbols, and that is why it is hard for any one to oppose it. The symbols and rituals performed during Moharram in Iran have been effective in expressing ideals both socially and politically.[2]Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More From the Qurâ €™an The holly book, the Qur’an, to the Muslims is a symbol that gives them guidance in their daily lives. The holly book comprises of the actions, sayings, and recommendations given by the prophet to his followers. It gives all Muslims legal authority in their land as well spiritual purity. Apart from its theological and political guidance, the Qur’an also has a linguistic significance in the Islamic realm. In the Islamic religion, rites of passage for young people and celebration of annual holidays are some of the rituals performed. To Muslims, children are blessings from God. The male child is usually circumcised while in the infancy stage. All children learn the Islamic faith by memorizing the Qur’an. According to the holly book, all Muslims are supposed to pray five times in a day (salat), but before prayers, one has to enter what is called â€Å"Wadu†, a state purity that involves hand, feet, and face washing. Women are also to wash their hair. An important event in the Islamic calendar is the Hajji. It is said that every able and strong Muslim should at least pay a pilgrimage to Mecca.[3] From the Bible Christians use the bible to perform many rituals basing on their understanding of the biblical symbols and their denominations. For instance, many of the Christians worship on Sundays, although some worship on Saturdays. Their service or mass usually include singing of songs, praying and then the sermon. Christian churches usually have rituals for ordination as is done by the Catholics or inaugurating a person in a leadership position in the Church. Practicing Christians usually have regular bible readings at home. An important ritual that is performed by many Christians is baptism whereby a baptized individual is expected to participate regularly in communion. This two are considered sacraments in some denominations. For instance, the Catholic Church practices seven sacraments on top of other devotions such as reciting th e rosary and paying pilgrimages. Baptism is understood by Christians as a symbol of liberation or salvation from sin.[4] From Tanakh Tanakh is the book carrying the holly scriptures of the Jews. It is an abbreviation coined from Torah â€Å"teachings†, Nevi’im â€Å"prophets†, and Ketuvim â€Å"writings†. The Tanakh comprises of 24 books. The Jews believe that God made a covenant with the Israelites when he gave the Torah containing the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai. During praying and religious practices, Jewish men and women wear specific clothes. For instance, a Kippah is worn during â€Å"raying, eating, studying religious texts, and reciting blessings.† Jews usually have three prayer sessions in a day, in the morning, after waking, and before and after meals. Many Jews prefer communal prayers although they can also pray in isolation.[5]Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The significance of sacred sites in performa nce ritual specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Mecca to Sunnis Mecca is a city in the west of Saudi Arabia. It holds what Muslims regard as the holiest Mosques in Islam. It is also where the founding father of Islam was born, began his preaching and where he came for his last pilgrimage. It is therefore the center for Muslim pilgrimage in the whole world. Pilgrimage is one of the five Islamic pillars that are required of all Muslims who are able bodied. Pilgrimage stand for Hajji in Arabic, for the Sunni Muslims, Hajji is the most important pillar in their lives because the other Muslims, the Shi’is have other pilgrimage. This makes Mecca a significant site in the lives of Sunnis.[6] Karbala to Shi’is Karbala on the other hand, is a city located in Iraq. This city is considered among the holiest cities among the Islamic Shi’is. The Shi’is regards this city with utmost importance because it is the site where th e shrine of Prophet Mohammad’s grandson Hoseyn was built. Hoseyn is considered a great martyr among the Shi’is who was killed by Sunnis at Karbala. Shi’is pay pilgrimage to Karbala, while there, they also visit the shrine of Hoseyn’s half brother that was also killed in the battle. It’s is alleged that many Shi’is who are old go to Karbala to die because they believe that Karbala is one of the gates to heaven.[7] Significance of Mt. Sinai to Jews Mt. Sinai is a very sacred site among the Jews. They believe that because the prophet Moses was given the Ten Commandments or the Torah by God on this mountain. According to them, this is the place where God made a covenant with them.[8] Significance of Jerusalem to Christians, Muslims and Jews Jerusalem on the other hand, is Israel’s capital city but recognized by Christians, Muslims, and Jews as the holy city. The biblical events that are said to have taken place in Jerusalem as mentioned i n the Old Testament makes this city very important in the Christians and Jewish religion. The Torah also has explicit accounts about Jerusalem, and this being a Jewish scriptural text, the city is very important to them. Muslims on their part believe that Mohammad, the last prophet had paid a visit to Jerusalem during one of his dreams. This event made Jerusalem the first prayer direction for the Muslims. The close relation of significant figures in the bible such as Abraham, Solomon and Jesus to Jerusalem makes this city have significance to the Muslims because they also regard these figures as prophets of Islam.[9]Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conclusion In this paper we have seen that rituals are events that entail rites or symbolic actions. It does not just involve putting up symbols but calls on people to participate in some special being that projects them beyond the physical realm. All the religions in the world incorporate rituals in their day to day activities in make sure that their faithful understand their doctrines. Communities also use symbols and rites to carry on their traditions. Bibliography Aghaie, Scott. 2004. The Martyrs of Karbala: Shi’i Symbols and Rituals in Modern Iran. Seattle: University of Washington Press. Christian rituals. n.d. â€Å"Christian Rituals and Practices.† Religion Facts,  http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/practices . Hayes, Holly. 2009. â€Å"Karbala, Karbala.† Sacred Destination,  http://www.sacred-destinations.com/iraq/karbala . History of Judaism. n.d. â€Å"History of Judaism.† Religion Facts,  http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/histo ry . Omran, Essayed. 1998. â€Å"Islam, the Qur’an and the Arabic Literature.† Al-Islam,  https://www.al-islam.org/al-serat/vol-14-no1-spring-1988/islam-quran-and-arabic-literature-elsayed-m-h-omran . Werblowsky, Zwi. n.d. â€Å"The Meaning of Jerusalem to Jews, Christians and Muslims.† Christian Action for Israel. Web. Footnotes Aghaie, Scott. 2004. The Martyrs of Karbala: Shi’i Symbols and Rituals in Modern Iran. Seattle: University of Washington Press. Aghaie, Scott. 2004. The Martyrs of Karbala: Shi’i Symbols and Rituals in Modern Iran. Seattle: University of Washington Press. Omran, Essayed. â€Å"Islam, the Qur’an and the Arabic Literature.† Al-Islam. Christian rituals. â€Å"Christian Rituals and Practices.† Religion Facts, n.d. History of Judaism. â€Å"History of Judaism.†Religion Facts, n.d. Hayes, Holly. â€Å"Karbala, Karbala.† Sacred Destinations, 2009. Hayes, Holly. â€Å"Karbala, Karbala.† Sacred Destinations, 2009. Hayes, Holly. â€Å"Karbala, Karbala.† Sacred Destinations, 2009. Werblowsky, Zwi. n.d. The Meaning of Jerusalem to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Christian Action for Israel, n.d. This essay on The significance of sacred sites in performance ritual was written and submitted by user Saanvi Mejia 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.

Classical music or Rock. essays

Classical music or Rock. essays Music takes a huge part in our lives. There are lots of different kinds of music and people listen it all the time. However people listen not every kind of music, for example, some prefer classical music, another rock music. Two different kinds of music, which have so many differences, but probably they have also some similarities. There are several questions about which I would like to talk, to find out how different and how similar those two kinds of music have. Why do people choose play classical or rock music? Which kind of audience they have? What is more popular? Now, lets take a What are influence people to make a decision to play classical or rock music? Is it environment around them? Probably yes, family and friends take important part in a decision. If parents listen classical music, go to concerts with their child, there is a big chance that the child will like classical music and probably he will play any instrument. On another hand, friends who can have influence on decision about which kind music to listen. Child go to the school and at the University where he spend so much time with his mates, whose might not listen classical music at all. Fiends can start play in band and maybe compose rock music. Person can become interested in that kind of music either. Finally, it is depend on personal feelings about music, which kind makes you feel good, which kind makes your spirit up, with which kind you feel comfortable. Those are reasons which make people choose one style of music or another. When people are already professionals playing classical music or rock, which kind of audience do they have? It is seems obviously, adults and old people go to listen classical music and young people go to the rock concerts. However it is happened not always. You can see young people on the performers ...

Gram Positive vs. Gram Negative Bacteria

Gram Positive vs. Gram Negative Bacteria Most bacteria are classified into two broad categories: Gram positive and Gram negative. These categories are based on their cell wall composition and reaction to the Gram stain test. The Gram staining method, developed by Hans Christian Gram, identifies bacteria based upon the reaction of their cell walls to certain dyes and chemicals. The differences between Gram positive vs Gram negative bacteria are primarily related to their cell wall composition. Gram positive bacteria have cell walls composed mostly of a substance unique to bacteria known as peptidoglycan, or murein. These bacteria stain purple after Gram staining. Gram negative bacteria have cell walls with only a thin layer of peptidoglycan and an outer membrane with a lipopolysaccharide component not found in Gram positive bacteria. Gram negative bacteria stain red or pink after Gram staining. Gram Positive Bacteria The cell walls of Gram positive bacteria differ structurally from the cell walls of Gram negative bacteria. The primary component of bacterial cell walls is peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan is a macromolecule composed of sugars and amino acids that are assembled structurally like woven material. The amino sugar component consists of alternating molecules of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM). These molecules are crosslinked together by short peptides which help give peptidoglycan strength and structure. Peptidoglycan provides protection for bacteria and defines their shape. This image shows the cell wall composition of Gram positive bacteria. CNX OpenStax/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0 The Gram positive cell wall has several layers of peptidoglycan. The thick layers of peptidoglycan help to support the cell membrane and provide a place of attachment for other molecules. The thick layers also enable Gram positive bacteria to retain most of the crystal violet dye during Gram staining causing them to appear purple. Gram positive cell walls also contain chains of teichoic acid that extend from the plasma membrane through the peptidoglycan cell wall. These sugar-containing polymers assist in maintaining cell shape and play a role in proper cell division. Teichoic acid helps some Gram positive bacteria to infect cells and cause disease. Some Gram positive bacteria have an additional component, mycolic acid, in their cell walls. Mycolic acids produce a waxy outer layer that provides additional protection for mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Gram positive bacteria with mycolic acid are also called acid-fast bacteria because they require a special staining method, known as acid-fast staining, for microscope observation. Pathogenic Gram positive bacteria cause disease by the secretion of toxic proteins known as exotoxins. Exotoxins are synthesized within the prokaryotic cell and released into the exterior of the cell. They are specific to certain bacterial stains and can cause serious damage to body organs and tissues. Some Gram negative bacteria also produce exotoxins. Gram Positive Cocci Gram positive cocci refer to Gram positive bacteria that are spherically shaped. Two genera of Gram positive cocci noted for their role as human pathogens are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Staphylococcus are spherical in shape and their cells appear in clusters after they divide. Streptococcus cells appear as long chains of cells after division. Examples of Gram positive cocci that colonize the skin include Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus (round) bacteria that is found on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and many animals. The bacteria are usually harmless, but infections can occur on broken skin or within a blocked sweat or sebaceous gland, resulting in boils, pustules and abscesses. Paul Gunning/Science Photo Library/Getty Images While all three are part of the normal human microbiota, they can cause disease under certain conditions. Staphylococcus epidermidis form thick biofilms and can cause infections associated with implanted medical devices. Some Staphylococcus aureus strains, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), have become resistant to antibiotics and can lead to the development of serious illness. Streptococcus pyogenes can cause strep throat, scarlet fever, blood poisoning, and flesh-eating disease. Gram Negative Bacteria Like Gram positive bacteria, the Gram negative bacterial cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan. However, the peptidoglycan is a single thin layer compared to the thick layers in Gram positive cells. This thin layer does not retain the initial crystal violet dye but picks up the pink color of the counterstain during Gram staining. The cell wall structure of Gram negative bacteria is more complex than that of Gram positive bacteria. Located between the plasma membrane and the thin peptidoglycan layer is a gel-like matrix called periplasmic space. Unlike in Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria have an outer membrane layer that is external to the peptidoglycan cell wall. Membrane proteins, murein lipoproteins, attach the outer membrane to the cell wall. This image shows the cell wall composition of Gram negative bacteria. CNX OpenStax/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0 Another unique characteristic of Gram negative bacteria is the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules on the outer membrane. LPS is a large glycolipid complex that protects bacteria from harmful substances in their environment. It is also a bacterial toxin (endotoxin) that can cause inflammation and septic shock in humans if it enters the blood. There are three components of the LPS: Lipid A, a core polysaccharide, and an O antigen. The lipid A component attaches the LPS to the outer membrane. Attached to the lipid A is the core polyssaccharide. It is located between the lipid A component and the O antigen. The O antigen component is attached to the core polyssaccharide and differs between bacterial species. It can be used to identify specific strains of harmful bacteria. Gram Negative Cocci Gram negative cocci refer to Gram negative bacteria that are spherically shaped. Bacteria of the genus Neisseria are examples of Gram negative cocci that cause disease in humans. Neisseria meningitidis is diplococcus, meaning that its spherical cells remain in pairs after cell division. Neisseria meningitidis causes bacterial meningitis and can also cause septicemia and shock. Neisseria meningitidis are spherical, Gram negative bacteria which cause meningitis in humans. The bacteria are typically seen in pairs, each one concave on the side facing its partner. Health Protection Agency/Science Photo Library/Getty Images Another diplococcus bacterium, N. gonorrhoeae, is the pathogen responsible for the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea. Moraxella catarrhalis is a Gram negative diplococcus that causes ear infections in children, upper respiratory system infections, endocarditis, and meningitis. Gram negative coccobacillus bacteria have bacterial shapes that are in between spherical and rod shaped. Bacteria of the genus Haemophilus and Acinetobacter are coccobacilli that cause serious infections. Haemophilus influenzae can cause meningitis, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Acinetobacter species cause pneumonia and wound infections. Key Points: Gram Positive vs. Gram Negative Bacteria Most bacteria can be broadly classified as Gram positive or Gram negative.Gram positive bacteria have cell walls composed of thick layers of peptidoglycan.Gram positive cells stain purple when subjected to a Gram stain procedure.Gram negative bacteria have cell walls with a thin layer of peptidoglycan. The cell wall also includes an outer membrane with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules attached.Gram negative bacteria stain pink when subjected to a Gram stain procedure.While both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria produce exotoxins, only Gram negative bacteria produce endotoxins. Sources Silhavy, T. J., et al. The Bacterial Cell Envelope. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, vol. 2, no. 5, 2010, doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a000414.Swoboda, Jonathan G., et al. Wall Teichoic Acid Function, Biosynthesis, and Inhibition. ChemBioChem, vol. 11, no. 1, June 2009, pp. 35–45., doi:10.1002/cbic.200900557.

Audit Quality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Audit Quality - Essay Example The auditors are looked upon by the readers of the financial statements to give assurance that the data presented are free from MATERIAL errors or irregularities. The readers of the financial statements need the financial statements in order to help them in their decision making. At present, auditors are held liable for fault due to negligence or incompetence doing audit work. Also together with regulation and reputation liability acts as a discipline on audit quality in a context where shareholders and other third parties rely on financial information that is audited and paid for by the company audit( Dipiazza, 2000) client. A good example is the Enron case. The audit staff of Arthur Andersen was charged for being negligent in performance of the audit function. Arthur Andersen has now been relegated to the side walk while the remaining big four have remained walking in the major highways handling the major and juice clients of the entire United States and overseas. ISA 240 Fraud and Error. This auditing standard explains the procedures in the audit of Fraud (Zea, 2002) and Error. This audit standard also tells the penalties, especially criminal offenses like being jailed, for gross negligence in auditing the clients' financial statements. Fraud is defined as intentional misstatement either by the company employee (who steals money or property and conceals the errors) or the management itself. The management sometimes does this fraud in order to present a better picture of what the company is in reality. This is what we call, in the accounting parlance, as window dressing. ISA 250 Consideration of Laws and Regulations in an Audit of Financial Statements This auditing standard specifically instructs the auditors to determine if any laws have been violated by the false information presented in the financial statements. One such law of the land is the Income Tax Law, The Property Law, and the Contract law. ISA 220 Quality Control for Audit Engagements. Quality control of engagements means that each engagement must be done with real professionalism. Professionalism means that all auditing standards and auditing procedures must be followed whenever practical or possible. There must be a constant evaluation of audit performance ob all audit team member so that recommendations and corrections can be implemented so that the next engagement will be better and faster than the prior one. Quality audit means that all audit procedures are made to ensure gathering all relevant and material data as soon as possible. IAPS 1010 The Consideation of Environmental Matters in the Audit of FinancialStatements. One audit procedure in environmental audit is to see to it that no environmental laws have been vi

Tort Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Tort Law - Essay Example In essence, tort law is applicable in circumstances where an individual’s or a group’s negligence, carelessness, and/or failure to take precautionary actions results in other parties’ to incurring pain, losses, discomfort, harm, incapacitation and/or death3. Although they may cause losses and pain to their victims and their loved ones, it should be clear from the onset that not all tort cases are criminal acts. It is therefore imperative that the victim of another’s negligence or carelessness seeks compensation for the loss or pain suffered. In case a victim dies, his/her loved ones or beneficiaries should follow up with the justice system for compensation. An example of a tort case law in the UK is the Hughes versus Lord Advocate of 1963. In this case, workmen from the Post Office had gone for a 5pm tea break leaving an open but protected manhole on Russell Road unattended. A ten-year old child walking on the road with his uncle meddled with the manhole a nd the equipment. He even went down the manhole. On coming out, the appellant tripped and the lamp fell back into the manhole. Its fuel leaked and it exploded making the child to sustain rather serious injuries. The tort case was thus formed on the basis of negligence by the Post Office employees who left the site unattended despite the dangers it posed to the public. Among the issues that came up in the case was whether the accident was foreseeable in nature and if it occurred due to the Post Office employees’ negligence. To properly follow up and be compensated for the losses and pain suffered, tort victims and any other parties ought to know their rights and liabilities. One of the rights of victims of tort is entitlement to receive financial damages from those responsible. Among the accidents for which damages may be paid once categorized as legal injuries include physical and emotional injuries, reputation damages, violation of privacy, constitutional rights violation an d economic injuries that affect a person’s economic stability4. This paper advises parties to an accident scene on their rights and liabilities in tort by apportioning liabilities and identifying predictability, proximity, negligence, liability and reasonability. The Liabilities First and foremost, it is vital that the basic principles and implication of tort lawsuits is known. In such a lawsuit, the appellant or the victim of a loss or harm seeks to make someone else responsible for the problem at hand. Thus, tort is a civil lawsuit in which the victim, who prosecutes instead of the state, seeks not for the defendant to be imprisoned but to be forced to compensate for the loss or injury suffered5. Therefore, tort lawsuits are unlike criminal lawsuits in which are prosecuted by the state and the defendant is punished. Instead, the judgment is in form of a liability, mainly financial payments. That is, all the legally-recognized costs suffered by the victim or his/her families are shifted to the defendant if the latter is found liable. Besides, financial liabilities, defendants may be barred by a court of law from interfering with the plaintiff’s life or wellbeing6. Thus, in some instances, a plaintiff could be awarded disciplinary damages besides the compensation given. However, the plaintiff only stands to be compensated only if the defendant has a legal duty

The Corporate Culture Of Fedex Business Essay

The Corporate Culture Of Fedex Business Essay In order to complete the task the organization selected was FedEx. The corporate culture of FedEx was based on superior client service as well as displayed an attitude of doing whatever it takes to serve clients as of the top to the bottom. The expansion of the Internet, therefore, was something FedEx might employ to enhance its client base plus create a competitive service advantage. It allowed FedEx to not just let its clients pull real time information moreover data into their internal systems, however in addition to that turn out to be further involved in the internal processes of its clients. which involves the contributing factor in transforming FedEx into an e-trade. Even though there was no planned strategy to build an e-trade, the decisions that the business made to align the organization structure by means of systems plus processes has carved out a model for building a successful trade for the 21st century, which lends support to transportation logistics competence as well as selling as well as supply chain logistics answers management. (De Wit, 2004) FedEx is renowned for plus recognized for its total fidelity plus its attention to detail. FedEx accomplishes this by not being a mass of bodies moving in one direction however rather by being the several parts that compose it plus working together. FedExs guaranteed on-time service plus complete satisfaction is unconditional. The image the business has so meticulously cultivated assists maintain as well as extend its market share. FedEx Logistics offers customized, integrated logistics in addition to warehousing answers worldwide. FedEx Logistics is the parent business of FedEx Logistics furthermore Caribbean Transportation in February 2000 to offer customs brokerage moreover trade facilitation answers. FedEx Corporate Services formed in January 2000 to bring together the sales, client services, public relations in addition to IT resources. On January 19, 2000, FedEx announced a novel branding strategy that involved transforming the businesss name to FedEx Corporation, as well as ex tending the FedEx brand to four of its five subsidiary companies. Providing clients by means of an integrated set of trade answers was the pivotal reason for the renaming of the business as FedEx Corporation. Clients wanted to deal by means of one business to meet their transportation plus logistics needs. The announcement created to pool together the marketing, sales, client services, information technology plus electronic commerce resources of the group furthermore offer variety of trade answers. (Johnson, 2005) Technological growth has always been a major manner for FedEx to add value since it can cut costs along by means of creating novel manners of finding competitive benefits. Lastly, FedExs improving in addition to transforming of the organizational structure over the last few years has added value. By developing different subsidiaries all operating under the FedEx brand name has organized the business down by means of improving the communication inside the business as of one division to another. (De Wit, 2004) The ability to keep up by means of e-trades will depend on how well a business can keep up by means of novel emerging technologies. FedEx has transformed into an e-trade by improving several of its core competencies. On January 19, 2000, FedEx announced a novel branding strategy that resulted in the transform of the businesss name to FedEx Corporation as well as extended this FedEx name to four of its five subsidiary companies. FedExs strategy was to take advantage of its brand image, the name that clients have counted on for reliable service plus cutting edge technology. The transformation created an integrated set of trade answers. Clients will just need to deal by means of one business for all its supply chain, logistics, moreover delivery needs. This offered a single point of access to client service, billing, sales furthermore automation systems. Each business under the FedEx umbrella operates independently however competes collectively. The novel organization is geared to assis t trades of all sizes in achieving their goals. (Johnson, 2005) Mission: FedEx Corporation will produce superior financial returns for its shareowners by providing high value-added logistics; transportation furthermore related information services through focused operating companies. Client requirements will be met in the highest quality manner appropriate to each market segment served. FedEx Corporation will strive to develop mutually rewarding relationships by means of its employees, partners plus suppliers. Safety will be the first consideration in all operations. Corporate activities will be conducted to the highest ethical as well as professional standards. (Lynch, 2006) Problems: FedExs strategy was to capitalize on the growth of e-trade moreover aimed at integrating its physical transportation by means of its virtual information infrastructures to create a large matrix of systems that meets the needs of trades ranging as of transportation services to complete supply chain management answers. FedEx has taken a client focused approach in addition to all systems are cantered on the client. The process of building the systems furthermore technology infrastructure was the first step in the transformation. Next, was the integration of trade processes into these systems? (Lynch, 2006) This was not an easy task moreover required expertise in logistics plus supply chain management. FedEx was following the technology age taking place in our country at this time as well as piggy backed on the growing e-trade market. The final step is for FedEx to transform its trade furthermore make people aware of the innovations and advancement. (Lynch, 2006) Political: FedEx conducts its trade internationally moreover therefore is required to follow international laws, rules furthermore regulations. FedEx will not carry shipments, which are in violation of any U.S. export laws. As by means of all shipping companies, they will not assume liability for any loss or expense, including, however not limited to, fines in addition to penalties, due to failure to comply by means of export laws or regulations relating to the export, import or movement goods at central hub locations, FedEx employees work jointly by means of U.S. Customs officials to prevent contraband as well as restricted items as of entering plus leaving the U.S. FedEx has initiated strict shipping guidelines furthermore know ones client rules, in conjunction by means of law enforcement, to deter moreover prevent the movement of dangerous furthermore deadly agents into the U.S. They screen packages for illegal currency and monetary instrument shipments in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act r eporting requirements. (Lynch, 2006) Economic: FedEx Corporation has grown as of a package mover to the leading transportation offer in the world. It was the first to establish critical factors to transform a conventional trade into an e-trade. FedEx developed a global network which offers services beyond transportation, including full service management tools plus support. FedEx led the manner in the deregulation of the transportation industry, which resulted in economic competition in addition to a decrease of transportation costs as of 7.4 % of GDP in 1980 to 6% of GDP in 1999. It employed 166,000 full-time furthermore part-time workers in the United States in 2000, by means of a payroll as well as benefits of  £7.2 billion. The direct and indirect employment impact of FedEx operations is over 550,000 jobs, or around 1 in every 270 jobs in the United States. The businesss revenues exceeded  £18 billion in fiscal year 2000 while the combined direct plus indirect output produced by FedEx activities totalled approximately  £53 billion. The number of export packages transported by FedEx has been growing steadily over 15 percent. FedEx has tripled its market share over the last seven years. The value of these exports has in addition augmented 300 percent, an annual average of over 22% while during the same period U.S. exports just augmented 50%, a 7% annual augment. The evolution moreover success of FedEx has had a multiplier effect on the U.S. economy. It continues to make technological furthermore operational advances that are impacting on global markets as well. (Johnson, 2005) Socio-cultural: FedEx has established that it cares very much regarding the global community. It uses its resources to assist thousands of organizations throughout the world. Their aircraft furthermore vehicles deliver tons of aid to disaster sites. Employees volunteer countless hours to make their communities better places to live, play, in addition to work. FedEx gives financial support to assist ensures childrens safety as well as improve education. FedEx is committed to all their employees and the communities in which they live. They demonstrate this by offering financial support plus volunteer support for charities that promote educational, artistic moreover cultural, civic furthermore humanitarian well being. (De Wit, 2004) Technological: The FedEx Corporation has made massive strides in technology and is setting the industry standard for competence furthermore client service. FedEx has sought technological advances in response to client needs, and has excelled in anticipating as well as projecting demands of an environment that would depend plus thrive on information. The technology FedEx has developed enables clients in addition to support personnel to have wireless access to essential information systems networks anytime moreover anywhere. FedEx was the first to integrate wireless technology further than two decades ago, furthermore continues to develop and lead the industry in developing innovative wireless answers. (De Wit, 2004) FedEx has long been in the forefront in recognizing the potential of the Internet to offer fast, easy furthermore convenient service options for its clients. In 1994, the FedEx Web site was launched by means of a bold package tracking application that was no doubt one of the first true corporate Web services. FedEx turned out to be the first transportation business by means of a web site offering a feature that allowed clients to generate their own unique bar-coded shipping labels moreover contact couriers to pick up shipments. The web site today handles over 1.1 million package-tracking requests daily. Further than 2.5 million clients connect by means of the business electronically everyday as well as electronic transactions account for two-thirds of the five million shipments FedEx delivers daily. The web site is acclaimed in the trade community for its speed, ease of employ plus client-focused features. (Lynch, 2006) Global: The international market place is by far the businesss most prominent growth opportunity. The FedEx global story began by means of the growth of FedEx Express, which today covers further than 210 countries by means of quick, reliable express transportation. FedEx has been a leader in the global economy, offering clients further choices and further places. The family of companies representing FedEx operates hubs all over the world, giving clients limitless opportunities to expand their client base. (Johnson, 2005) FedEx Trade Networks offers global e customs clearance in the U.S. in addition to Canada, offers freight forwarding services that connect the U.S. furthermore Canada by means of Asia, Europe, Latin America moreover other major international regions. FedEx Supply Chain Services leverages the global transportation in addition to information networks of the FedEx companies as well as their affiliates to offer international supply chain management answers to clients in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. (Ward, 2006) Competitive Environment The competitive environment is made up of the life cycle stage, competitors, key success factors, plus Porters 5 forces. FedEx is still in the growth stage of the life cycle. There are few competitors in the postal service plus delivery industry. Top Competitor: UPS The United Parcel Service was founded in 1907 inside the United States. Today UPS is a  £30 billion business that focuses on enabling commerce around the planet. UPS is one of the most recognized plus admired brands in the world on top of express carrier and package delivery. UPS is a leading offer of specialized transportation, logistics, capital, plus e-commerce services. UPS is involved in further than 200 countries worldwide. (De Wit, 2004) UPS Internet Shipping is ones fastest in addition to most convenient shipping answer on the Web. Access the industrys widest array of shipping options right as of ones computer. UPS Internet Shipping offers several key benefits including: Store up to 300 addresses in Address Book Access shipment details plus tracking data for up to 90 days Customize preferences for fast, easy shipping Shipping software not required nothing to install Strategic Analysis: Most carrier firms emphasize the same strategic dimensions furthermore employ similar strategies moreover that once common strategy that is the carrier trade is the high investment in research and growth in order to develop better technologies. In the trade, firms by means of the best technology tend to have a higher market share and this can be seen as a competitive advantage. (Johnson, 2005) Key Success Factors: The key success factors for FedEx trade is technology. This is what makes a business run as well as ultimately makes the money for the business. Another key success factor is marketing. People need to be familiar by means of the carriers names in addition to services so they have trust in the quality of the service offered. The further a parcel carrier is globalization; the better success it will have when it comes to international deliveries. International deliveries are costly plus there are just a few carriers that can offer total global delivery services furthermore this might be a competitive advantage. Client service is very significant; carriers need to keep the clients satisfied by means of the service so they continue to come back moreover employ the service. (De Wit, 2004) Value Chain Analysis Identification of Core Competence Primary activities: Inbound logistics- handling and storing of products to be shipped. Operations- shipping products, logistics, value chain analysis, financial analysis, handling orders, checking orders. Outbound logistics- delivery of the products, receiving payment. Marketing furthermore Sales- develop a positive image of the business making people feel comfortable plus satisfied by means of the product. Service- Concentrates on client satisfaction, doing anything that satisfies the clients. Support Activities: Procurement- purchasing, trucks, planes, gas in addition to other assets Technology growth- investments in systems innovation, research moreover growth and information technology HR management- hiring, training, developing and compensating employees as of truck drivers to top-level management Firm infrastructure- General management, planning, accounting, legal support, government regulations, required to support the value chain Global distribution involves managing not just the movement of goods, however in addition the flow of information furthermore finance that moves by means of the goods. A FedEx supply chain answer is a streamlined organization as well as that one core competency leads to another it is a continuous flow. (Stacey, 1996) SWOT Analysis: Strengths: Market Leader Number one in the International Air Express Industry They had a head start in the trade Can clear customs faster allowing shipments to avoid delays Weakness: Major competitors and its operations Growth demand Opportunities: Expand into further countries Buy further planes plus trucks to deliver further packages faster Start delivering further heavy weight cargo Improve ground delivery Upgrading distribution in addition to logistic services Threats: Competitors that offer better prices, faster travel time Clients stop buying products Gas Prices can rise that will have an impact on the prices Five Forces Model: Threat of Novel Entrants: The threat of novel entrants is low in the parcel industry. It is low for the reason that it is very expensive to get involved in the industry. Starts up costs are high. It is expensive to have the services that are equal to that of FedEx moreover the other competitors. (Lynch, 2006) Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is high. It is high for the reason that when looking at the items that the parcel industry employ such as, planes, computers, furthermore vehicles. If FedEx is not on good relations by means of these people, the costs can augment drastically. (Ward, 2006) Bargaining Power of Buyers: The buyers have a very strong bargaining power. They have the ability to switch their user to one of the other members of the industry at any time. It is the job of FedEx to make sure that the client is always happy. It comes as no extra cost to the buyer to switch their parcel delivery business. The just lose that is really suffered comes at the expense of the business for losing a client. (Whittington, 2000) Product Substitutes: It is very easy to substitute a delivery service. There are not several out there however the ones that are well established in the eyes of the client and the industry. It would not be a complex task to switch one business for another. Since this is the case, FedEx has to maintain good client relations by means of their clients. (Stacey, 1996) Intensity of Rivalry: The parcel industry is an intense industry. There are five main players in the industry competing for market share. The features that they are competing on are the speed of delivery, the competence of the delivery, furthermore prices. If one can create a successful mix of the three of those factors, one will hold the greatest market share. (Lynch, 2006) FedEx has turn out to be a major technology user. The employ of IT to its trade enabled FedEx to surpass the rest of the industry as well as acknowledge Fred Smith as the visionary who forced his plus other companies to think outside the proverbial one. He rationed that the business have to acquire its own transportation fleet while competitors were buying space on commercial airlines moreover sub-contracting their shipments to third parties, reliable on its overnight delivery commitments, an image that has turn out to be fundamental to FedExs overall success. The introduction of novel technology allowed FedEx to install further than 100,000 sets of PCs by means of its software, allowing clients to be linked in addition to logged into their ordering and tracking system. The emergence of PCs loaded by means of FedEx software transformed the client base into an electronic network. Information enables corporate clients to tighten their order-to-delivery cycle, exercise just-in-time (JIT ) inventory management furthermore synchronize production levels to market demand. FedExs quality of service turned out to be synonymous by means of the quality of the information offered to its workforce. (Johnson, 2005) FedEx has enhanced information management in terms of being able to identify the critical factors involved by means of success of an e-trade. It has successfully transformed as of a conventional trade into an advanced e-trade in its network economy. FedEx has succeeded in several areas including: visionary leadership in the application of novel technologies, defining the information infrastructure, integrating internal processes, and aligning the organizational structure for maximum benefits. FedExs key strategy was client service furthermore for its clients to adapt into its novel information technology. FedEx harnessed its novel technologies plus extended the electronic trade to all of its clients. FedEx has developed this technology moreover made it possible for its clients to connect by means of them in any manner the client chooses. The restructuring of FedEx addressed several processes however in exacting the integration of logistics as well as supply chain management proved to be most successful. The enabled FedEx to cut inventory levels, reduce costs as well as shortening order-cycle time. This is a key for FedEx to improve the quality of service they offered to their clients. (Mintzberg, 1998) FedEx has laid out a vast matrix of transportation in addition to information networks that will offer them by means of a huge competitive advantage for some time. To function as e-trade Business will need to turn out to be increasingly client/answers focused. All processes have to be integrated to ensure a unified client centred front that offers services throughout the value chain, logistics, and parcel carrier trade. FedExs novel restructuring will serve their clients as well as apply novel technologies constantly to improve their response time and the value of the information they offer. FedEx will continue to build, innovate, furthermore exploit technologies as of the successful base they have created and will be on top of the industry for a long time to come. FedEx can be classed as an innovator in its field, being the first business to introduce several of the technologies furthermore processes that are worn in the courier trade today. Innovation can be seen as a context-speci fic process of invention, diffusion, adoption in addition to implementation. (Lynch, 2006) FedEx management understands the strategic significance of innovation plus has forged links to create the FedEx Technology Institute. .FedEx has in addition shown a strong trend for technological innovation. This means that the business is not always reactive to competition; rather they often force the competition to follow their lead. This gives FedEx a competitive edge, moreover in addition continues to ensure that the FedEx brand-name is well respected. (De Wit, 2004) Challenges Faced: While carrying out this task the experiences that were face while used the analytical tools and techniques introduced in the module were really very fruitful and I came across situations where I felt that I really am an employee of the organization and felt the situation the organization was facing and going through. And the techniques introduced and taught in the module enabled me to think about the solutions that might help the organization. The advancement in the nature of the techniques introduced in the module and the way the over all modules was organized throughout it really enabled me to understand the situations an organization may go through during its business process. This was a great experience as along with focusing on the task I also practiced and learned how to search and go through different sources more efficiently in order to complete a task.

Looking for Mr. Right

Most single people in every society around the world have one thing in common. We are all looking for a partner that we can marry. Every society has its method on how we choose a spouse. The Indians have arranged marriages, the Chinese have online dating websites, and the Americans have social gatherings. All of the methods are different but do we find the the perfect partner? While on a field trip, Serena Nanda, met many young singles that was in the process of being arranged for marriage.She couldn’t understand, why these young men and women weren’t reluctant and against the idea of them being married off to a complete stranger that their parents picked. In America we are not used to the term arranged marriage. In an American society, we marry someone we choose, are attracted, and love. Whereas in china they have online dating where they choose from many profiles online and chat through emails which then leads to meeting in person and finally getting married. In India n culture arranged marriages have been the norm for many centuries and almost all marriages are arranged.Serena Nanda, met this young intelligent college graduate name Sita. She had been waiting close to over a year for her parents to pick someone whom she would marry. Sita believed, marriage is so important that it should not be left to them, inexperienced people, to choose. It's so important that she left it in the hands of her parents. While, Americans would say, â€Å"we who are getting married would know best. † Since we are going to be spending the rest of our life we should know whom we would get along with or whom we love.In contrast, Gong Haiyan is a college educated chinese women, who does not have the luxury of having a option between arranged marriage or of choosing for herself. If it was up to her parent to pick a partner for her they would be able to find someone whom she would be interested . And if it was up to her to find someone. She didn’t have time and like she said, â€Å"I didn’t know a soul in the city. † The only option she had was online dating. This method is a relatively a new form of finding a love. In a Chinese society of 1. billion people separated from love by â€Å"three towering mountains,†with no social scenes, no time, and no connections. China’s online dating solves all these problems. With a couple minutes they can create a profile in a online dating website with little or no money and be connected to other singles. Online dating is designed to help provide an efficient way for people to meet potential partners and to get to know them through emails. Eventually you narrow down your options and if you connect then you get married. This method has worked and many Chinese have found a spouse and are happy.Gong Haiyan and many other found their spouse through online dating are married. For Americans dating takes place in social gatherings. Social gatherings can be co-ed softball teams, bars, parties, churches or libraries where people with similar interests can meet and socialize. The process of dating in America is called traditional dating in a social scene. It starts by asking a man or woman of interest out on a traditional date. Usually Americans ask out on several dates to dinners, dances or movies and get’s to further explore the relationship and person he or she is.You get to know that person’s character and personality through dating and if a friendship is developed then it can lead to a romantic relationship and hopefully lead to marriage. Whereas in India they rely on the parents guidance, they decide if the match is suitable and only then will the bride and groom have a say. They won’t compel their child to marry a person whom they dislike. If the match is refused by one only then will another be sought. The process of looking for a partner for their child is not easy. It may take years to find the right match.Arranged marriage, onl ine dating and traditional dating have many similarities but yet at the same time have many differences. Arranged marriages in India have made me realize just how picky marriage are. In India marriage is not just important between the individuals but also important between the family. They need to know the bride’s characteristics to see if she will get along with the family of the groom. Once married the bride will move in with the groom’s family and she needs to get along or she can find it very difficult. In the end all they want is someone that has a good personality that the family could get along.Whereas in China and America they don't pay attention to the bride or groom getting along with the family because they are not expecting to move in with the In-laws. For this reason family relationship is overlooked and is not a priority. Another major difference is how divorce is looked at. In India family reputation is so important that a divorce is still a scandal. And in China and America, divorce is just looked as normal. It happens when two individuals lose interest in each other or when they no longer are happy. In America when one is in love with someone, we don't care if someone in the household was divorced.It has no weight. In India if someone in the household was divorced it puts the whole family in a negative light and it makes hard to get re-married. In every society single people are looking for someone to marry. In India the parents of the bride and groom are focused in finding the right partner. In China online dating tend to focus on finding a husband or wife and in America oneself looks for a prospective partner. In the end the methods are different but the end result is the same, they all find a husband or wife but did they make right decision? Only time will tell.