South America Essay Example for Free

South America Essay South America is a continent composed of twelve countries and one French colony. The Spanish-speaking countries are: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. The former colonies of Guyana and Suriname use English and Dutch, respectively, as their official languages, although many in their populations speak relatively same languages. The same can be said for the French colony of Guiana, the home of the cayenne pepper, where French is the official language. The geography of South America is even more varied than that of North America, with long coastlines, lowlands, highlands and mountains, and tropical rain forests. The climate varies from tropical, lying as it does across the Equator, to alpine in the high Andes, the backbone of it. The cuisine of South America reflects this rich diversity of culture and geography. The local cookeries of pre-Columbian South America have gradually come together with imported cuisines from Europe and Asia. While the Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced their own culinary traditions to the native peoples of South America, indigenous ingredients changed the cuisines of the Old World. The South American contributions included chocolate, vanilla, maize which is corn, hot peppers called aji in South America, guavas, sweet potatoes, manioc called cassava in South America, tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, beans, squash, peanuts, quinine, and papayas, as well as turkeys. Maize plays a key role in the cuisine of South America, and it is clearly different from the maize now grown in the Old World, grown mostly obvious in its larger kernels. The potato is another vegetable indigenous to South America that has played an important role in cooking worldwide. There are also many vegetables in South America largely unknown beyond the continent, including ahipa, arracacha, maca, yacon, olluco, and oca. The demographics of South America are critical for understanding the diversity of its cuisines. In countries like Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru, the indigenous populations are most common, and their foods and food ways are the most important cuisines. In Argentinas the cuisine was heavily influenced by a large European immigration by Spaniards and Italians. Throughout South America, there is also an African influence due to the slave trade, which has added to the culinary mix. Venezuela was discovered in 1498 by Columbus when he found the mouth of the Orinoco River. In 1499 the Venezuelan coast was explored by Alonzo de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci. Vespucci, coming upon an island in the Gulf of Maracaibo, called it Venezuela because, according to legend, the native villages were built above the water on stilts. Venezuela rises from lowlands to highlands with coffee plantations moving up to the white-capped Andean peaks. It has a mild climate due to its nearness to the Caribbean. Caracas, Venezuelas capital, is the cultural, commercial, and industrial activity. Now I will tell you some local dishes that are known in Venezuela. Venezuelan cuisine relies heavily on maize. The two most important preparations are hallacas and arepas. Hallacas traditionally eaten during holidays, especially Christmas, boiled dumplings wrapped in banana leaves, but there are so many variations, depending on region and family tradition. Hallacas are made with a dough made of maize flour mixed with water, which is then filled with meat, vegetables, and spices. Arepas are versatile flatbreads, also made of maize flour, that can be baked, grilled, fried, or steamed and served either sweet or savory. Black beans, called caviar criollo, are a Venezuelan favorite. They are served with arepas and are also part of the national dish, pabellon caraqueno. A hearty dish, it is said to resemble the national flag, pabellon, because of the colors of the beef, beans, rice, and plantains in it. Arequipe, milk pudding is milk cooked with sugar until very thick, is a favorite dessert in Venezuela, as it is throughout South America. It has different names in different places, but is perhaps best known in the United States as dulce de leche. The traditional beverages of Venezuela are chicha, made of stirred up maize, and masato. The second largest nation in South America, Argentina extends from the subtropics to Tierra del Fuego. Although now a separate country, Argentina was once part of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata, the River Plate with Uruguay. The pampas are primarily cattle country and famous for ranching and farming, but this fertile land also produces good crops and fine wine. Here are some local dishes from Argentina. Finger foods are very popular and are served in cafes, called whiskerias, that evolved from tea shops. Empanadas, stuffed pies, are popular throughout South America, and in Argentina they come in various sizes and are eaten as hors doeuvres, for light lunches, or with cocktails. One popular filling combines meat and fruit. I hope you learned a lot about South America. Here are some delicious recipes from South America. Couve a Mineira Shredded Kale AMOUNT INGREDENT 2lbs fresh kale 1/4cup olive oil or bacon fat 1/2cuponions 1/4inch dice 1garlic clove, minced to tastesalt and pepper PROCEDURE 1. Trim blemishes and tough stems from kale leaves. rinse thoroughly under running water. 2. layer leaves on top of eachother and slice crosswise into very thin strips. 3. heat oil over medium high heat, add onions and garlic and cook 3 to 5 minutes until softened 4. add kale and cook about 5 to 7minutes stirring often until kale is softened but not discolored or browned Season to taste. Aji Criollo Creole hot pepper salsa AMOUNT INGREDENT 4RED OR GREEN SERRANOS OR JALAPENO PEPPERS SEEDED AND MINCED 6TWATER 1/2t SALT 1/4CUPGREEN ONION WHIT PART ONLY MINCED 2TCILANTRO OR PARSLEY LEAVES MINCED PROCEDURE 1. COMBINE PEPPERS, 2 TABLESPOONS WATER AND SALT PIRE IN BLENDER 2. COMBINE PURE WITH GREEN ONION CILANTRO AND REMAINING WATER AND MIX WELL THIS IS BEST SERVED THE SAME DAY MADE.

Media Rights for Barclays Premier League in Singapore

Media Rights for Barclays Premier League in Singapore 1. Background Information In 1998, StarHub first introduced the English Premier League to Singapore and has constantly secured broadcasting rights for the past 12 years. During that period, local telecommunications rival, SingTel, has launched their own pay-TV service named mio TV on July 2007, signaling its intention to rival StarHub to be the nations main pay-TV provider. In 2008, SingTel made its first step by securing the media rights to the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League from 2009 to 2012. With the rights for these prestigious European football competitions, many StarHub pay-TV customers were forced to sign up with SingTels mio TV to satisfy their needs. One year on, in October, SingTel rocked the nation by announcing their victory in the bidding war for the media rights for the English Premier League, which is known now as the Barclays Premier League, from 2011 to 2013. The victory was greeted with dismay from many football fans, as they now have to make the jump from StarHubs pay-TV over to mio TV to get their dosage of English football. This effectively ended StarHubs 12-year broadcasting rights of the league, which would certainly result in a fall of subscribers in time to come. 2. Purpose of the Report This report aims to identify the various economic concepts shown in the textbook, and show how they are applicable in the actual business world using the decisions of StarHub and SingTel as examples. 3. The Art and Science of Economic Analysis 3.1 The Economic Problem In the article, it is clearly identified that the resources which led to Starhub bringing in the Barclays Premier League (BPL) to Singapore are human capital and the entrepreneurial ability of the firm. Human capital was shown in the form of knowledge they had on the wants of the locals, and the entrepreneurial ability of StarHub made them realize that they could profit from this project. It was exactly the same two factors that led SingTel to wrestle for the BPL media rights from StarHub. Having observed the huge economic benefits StarHub enjoyed with the monopoly of the BPL media rights in Singapore, SingTel realized they too, would profit hugely from the ownership of the BPL media rights. Thus, SingTel launched a bid to rival StarHub for the rights, which sparked off a bidding war between the two telecommunications firm. Eventually, SingTel earned the rights to broadcast the leagues game for the next 3 years, starting from 2010. 3.2 The Science of Economic Analysis SingTels decision to foray into the Pay-TV market and especially, the market for televised sports like soccer is not due to a normative economic statement, or opinion, made by their staff. Instead, it has been based on a positive economic statement, which is backed by concrete facts. The decision to outbid StarHub for the BPL media rights was greeted by the stock market with changes to the share prices of both firms. StarHubs price dived 16 cents to a low of $2.01 before closing at $2.03 yesterday. SingTels share price rose from $3.25 to $3.31 before closing at $3.28. (A whole new ball game in pay-tv market, 2009, October) This supports the statement that the local market for the BPL is lucrative, as the stock market has made changes to reflect the expected future gains of SingTel, and the foreseen loss of StarHub. Having said so, the change in the share prices are definitely in response to SingTels successful bid, thus eliminating the possibility that the fallacy that association is causation was committed. 4. Economic Tools and Economic Systems 4.1 Three Economic Questions Of course, before the bid was launched, SingTel had to know what to do should they win the bid. Hence, the three economic questions learned in Microeconomics come into play. Firstly, SingTel has identified the broadcasting of Barclays Premier League matches as a service they wish to provide to the nation. Secondly, the launch of mio TV in 2007 paved the way for the bid, with SingTel in the clear that they would use the mio TV as a portal to broadcast programmes, especially the BPL games in the future. With the above two questions answered, SingTels ultimate aim was to overtake StarHub as the nations leading pay-TV provider. Hence, their target market would be the existing subscribers to StarHubs pay-TV, and more notably, the huge number of subscribers to the BPL games and other sports programmes. 4.2 Negative Spillover Costs Negative spillover costs have been incurred with SingTels foray into the local pay-TV market. This is supported by the article which mentioned that SingTels foray into pay TV which split the football content which previously all resided with StarHub actually fuelled soccer fans ire. Thanks to competition between the duo, they said, football fans have to sign up for both StarHub and SingTels pay-TV services to enjoy all of the matches they had previously received when StarHub was the sole pay-TV player. (A whole new ball game in pay-tv market, 2009, October) With that, it is clear that the move by SingTel has not gone down well with sports subscribers of StarHubs pay-TV and has created unnecessary inconvenience. 5. Economic Decision Makers 5.1 The Firm The answers from the three economic questions, namely what service to produce, how and who to produce the service for, reiterates the fact that SingTel is a firm, just like StarHub. Firms are economic units created by entrepreneurs looking to earn money through the combination of the various resources to produce a good or provide a form of service. A more specific term to describe SingTel and StarHub are that they are separate corporations. Corporations are one of the most highly-valued forms of business, often equipped with significant financial power. Funds can be raised quickly through the sale of the corporations stocks, which also leads to the company having an array of stockholders. Behind the strong financial wealth are several drawbacks. Firstly, stockholders are unable to have a significant say in the operations of the corporations with their votes making up only a minority. Instead, a board of directors is often entrusted with the job of making corporate decisions with their bigger shares. Corporate income is also taxed twice, resulting in more profits being used to pay taxes. Despite that, corporate incomes are often huge sums of money, and the taxes would not be able to affect it much. 6. Demand, Supply and Markets 6.1 Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium for SingTels mio TV For SingTels mio TV, the demand and supply increases by the same value. The increase in demand is attributed to the successful bid of SingTel for the Barclays Premier Leagues media rights. With the media rights, SingTel is able to broadcast the BPL games on their pay-TV service. This would cause a significant increase in the subscribers for mio TV as the subscribers want their dosage of BPL football. This is in line with the taste and preferences of the subscribers, which is a determinant of demand. Hence, there will be a rightward shift for demand. The change in supply for SingTels mio TV is due to SingTels expectations on the future prices of their sports package, which is a determinant of supply. With the hype for the BPL matches present now, it would bring along sales for the sports package. However, in a years time, people might be more interested in other sporting events, and the BPL matches would not appeal as much to the public. As a result, SingTel would then have to reduce their prices to increase sales as the sport package would turn into a luxury product, instead of a necessity. This would see a leftward shift for supply. With an identical shift in the demand and supply curve, the equilibrium price will remain the same. 6.2 Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium for StarHubs pay-TV For StarHubs pay-TV, a fall in demand has been observed. This is a result of their failure to continue providing Singapore with the BPL matches on their pay-TV service. As such, consumers desperate for their fix of football decided to make the jump to SingTels mio TV due to their taste and preference for the BPL matches. This is the determinant of demand that causes the fall in demand. There is no change reflected in the supply curve as the channels in the sports package are still present. However, the only difference is the removal of the BPL content. Hence, there is no change in supply. As such, the equilibrium price has reduced to account for the fall in demand. 7. Elasticity of Demand and Supply 7.1 Price Elasticity For many Singaporeans, the Barclays Premier League matches are not considered as a necessity to them. Hence, the demand of SingTels sports package is more price elastic to the general public. This means that they are very responsive to changes in the price plans for the matches, and would be unlikely to sign up for the package should it be too pricey. However, to the football fans in the nation, it is a content they are not able to live without. Therefore, the demand of the package is less price elastic to them, suggesting they are not responsive to price changes. This indicates that they would be willing to sign up for the package, regardless of the change in price. 7.2 Income elasticity With the nation recovering quickly from the economic recession, as seen from the recent reports stating that Singapores economy expanded at a stunning pace of 19.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2010. (Singapore economy zooms 19.3% in Q2, 2010, July), the money income of consumers has risen. To them, SingTels sports package is a normal good, as compared to StarHubs sports package, which has been deemed as an inferior good. This is highly due to SingTels success in securing the media rights for the BPL games, which allows them to broadcast the BPL games and other related programmes on mio TV. Thus, with the increase in money income of consumers, they would be more willing to purchase the sports package launched by SingTel. 8. Production and Cost 8.1 Costs in the Long Run and Economies of Scale Firstly, the successful bid for the BPL media rights and ESPN Star Sports brought an increase to the amount of channels available for mio TV. This would indicate an increase in the output by SingTel. Next, average cost for SingTel decreases as they would see an increase in subscribers, especially with football fans rushing to sign up for their sports package. This would cover up the cost incurred between q and qa. Lastly, with the increase in customers for SingTels mio TV service, they would have to increase their plant size to cater to the increase in demand. The plant size could increase in the form of having more service centers around the island, with more technicians and customer service officers hired to meet demands. This would open up the opportunity to create a more extensive division of labour, reflected from qa to q. In the long run, SingTels decision to take over as the exclusive broadcaster of BPL content would enable them to earn a tidy sum of profit. SingTel was not afraid of suffering losses even though StarHub reported that they lose money from providing sports content to pay-TV customers. (A whole new ball game in pay-tv market, 2009, October) They knew that as they were the only pay-TV operator showing BPL content, they would be able to benefit from the media rights with business opportunities coming in from all over the market, including advertising and partnership deals. 8.2 Explicit and Implicit Costs In the case of SingTel, they have incurred both explicit and implicit costs in their decision to outbid StarHub for the BPL media rights. The explicit costs incurred are the money spent on bidding for the exclusive media rights for the Barclays Premier League and the cost of operating mio TV. The implicit costs, also known as the opportunity cost incurred, would be the reduction of their budgets to spend on other genres of programmes. This reduces their ability to bid for other genres of programmes such as primetime blockbusters. 9. Oligopoly Duopoly 9.1 Barriers to Entry With only two pay-TV operators in Singapore, the oligopoly could be identified as a duopoly. A duopoly is a form of oligopoly where only two dominant players are present in a market. As with all kinds of market structure, barriers to entry are in place to deter additional competition. Firstly, there is a high-start up cost involved to enter the pay-TV industry. With bids starting from six-figure sums, a lack of start-up funds would certainly spell the end of the new company as they would not be able to compete with the financial power of StarHub and SingTel. Secondly, StarHub and SingTel have been around for some time, establishing a reputation along the way. The general public is more accustomed to these brands, and any new entrants to the pay-TV market would find it hard to persuade customers to switch to their service. This is true till they are able to force competition through providing exclusive content that the customers demand or other attractive deals. In the case of SingTels mio TV, their original entry to the industry back in 2007 was tough as StarHub was the only established player in the market. SingTels mio TV was finally able to garner the support of customers when they secured the rights to the elite European football competitions. Lastly, the new entrants would probably suffer losses early on, as a large output is required before low production costs can be achieved. This is also known as the economies of scale. The economies of scale would not benefit the new entrants as it takes time to establish high economies of scale. This would put them at a disadvantage as they are unable to effectively compete with the other pay-TV providers. 9.2 Price Leadership Price leadership refers to a player in the market that establishes a price for the rest of the industry to abide to. The player that sets the market price is usually one of the forerunners in the industry, and others in the market would follow suit. This is practiced to avoid price competition as everyones prices will be kept the same. In the case of SingTel, after they have taken over the media rights for the BPL games from StarHub, pressure was inflicted by the public for prices to remain the same. Fans feared that a change in ownership of the rights would cause a hike in the price for BPL matches, due to the exorbitant bid made by SingTel for the rights. Hence, SingTel agreed to maintain the same price that StarHub used to charge for their sports package, appeasing the public. Thus, price competition was not present in this scenario. $25 million StarHub pay-TV SingTel mio TV Raise Raise Maintain Maintain $25 million $20 million $20 million $20 million $25 million $20 million $25 million9.3 Game Theory SingTels huge bid for the Barclays Premier League media rights was not made without any form of theory. Instead, SingTel and StarHubs bids for the BPL media rights could be represented by the game theory. In the game theory presented above, the figures used are generic as the actual bid was not disclosed to the public. The objective of the game theory is to avoid the worst possible outcome, which in this scenario, is losing the bid for the rights. Hence, neither SingTel nor StarHub would think of maintaining their current bid. This is because if the other party decides to raise their bid, it would effectively rule them out of the competition. Thus, neither side would maintain their bid, ruling out the option of both parties maintaining their bids. As such, the only likely choice would be for both telecommunications firm to raise their bid. The difference was that SingTel decided to raise their bid significantly, which outweighed StarHubs raised bid with ease. Hence, SingTel obtained the media rights for the Barclays Premier League. 10. Conclusion In conclusion, SingTel has come a long way to achieve its goal of overtake StarHub as Singapores dominant pay-TV operator in sports. When SingTel first started, they experienced difficulties attracting customers as they were unable to rival what StarHub was able to offer to its subscribers. It was only when they obtained the broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League that football-mad customers decided to make the switch to SingTels mio TV. A year ago, SingTel stepped up its attempt to overtake StarHub by outbidding the latter for the BPL media rights for the next three years. Their successful bid enabled them to be the new price leader in the industry, and many football fans from StarHub made the jump from StarHubs pay-TV to SingTels mio TV to get their fix of football. This led to an increase in demand of SingTels mio TV, and a fall in demand for StarHubs pay-TV. Looking at the long term benefits, SingTels costs have been reduced due to an increase in the economies of scale, through establishing more service centers and hiring more workers to meet the increased demand. With a huge number of customers making the switch from StarHub pay-tv to SingTel mio TV due to their need for football, it has allowed SingTel to overtake StarHub as the nations dominant pay-TV operator in sports.

Video On Demand Services Of Netflix Information Technology Essay

Video On Demand Services Of Netflix Information Technology Essay Netflix which established in the 1997 is the largest online movie rental company in the world. It famous by the service that offers their customers subscribe the DVD online or online streaming without any due date or late fees. Until the end of year 2009, they have more than 100,000 movies in DVD catalog, and in 2010, they have over 14 million subscribers. Their competitive advantages are the CineMatch recommendation software and the automated supply chain delivery. The recommendation system that make accurate suggestion movie to their customers, and their 100 plus delivery centers across the country allows 95% customers receive DVD within 1 business day. Currently, many cable and satellite companies offer Video on demand (VOD) which make customers see the video without waiting and reduce the cost of the shipment. In order to survive in the competitive home filmed-entertainment industry, Netflix take series practical actions to strength its VOD service. Netflix offered a digital rental service call Netflixs Watch that allows subscribers to download and view movies or television programs instantly on their PC for free depends on their subscribe plan. Base on the development of entering VOD system through the streaming video, Netflix will create a differentiation compare to other competitors. On the other hand, Netflix will change from DVD online rental segment to distributor of digital entertainment. Generic strategy- Differentiation Netflix was founded in 1990s and pioneered the subscriber based DVD rental service. Compared with most of the competitions which are in store rental service such as Blockbuster, Netflix differentiate itself into a whole new business segment. Netflix created its blue ocean by being entirely different from its competitors. By dominated in the DVD rental market, Netflix required to innovated new technology to compete against competitors who could also cut down the price. For example, Netflix emphasized on customers personalization, they using recommendation system which provide customer movies suggestion according to their renting history. On the other hand, they established over 100 distribution centers to deliver the movies and let customers received the mail within one day. Netflix using Oracle ERP Database to manage inventory, customers data and CineMatch system and adding value to each business activity. http://noisebetweenstations.com/personal/weblogs/?p=2011#ixzz0zsAJGoMY Porters five forces analysis of Netflix Buyer power-low Netflix is the first company that offer online subscribe rental DVD and through the United States postal service to mail to their customers. Netflix provide their customers with many different efficient systems. For example, CineMatch recommendation software offer personalized service to customers according to their subscribed record, almost 85~90% of customers will enjoy the suggestive movies and continue their subscription. On the other hand, Netflix emphasized 95% of customers will receive the DVD in one business day. Therefore, buyer power is low because other companies dont have such recommendation system and services compare to Netflix, and also their month fees are higher than Netflix. For buyers, their switching cost is high, so the buyer power is low. Supplier power-high Netflix buy their movies from the suppliers are movie studio such as Hollywood film distributors and USPS. In the film industry, it is no other substitute can choose in the rental market. Therefore, the supplier power is high. Threat of Substitute-high The VOD (Video on demand) is a new system that allows users use set-top box, computer or other player devices to watch video at any time. VOD is a threat of substitute for Netflix because customers no longer want to wait for the mail anymore; they want to see the movie right away. Therefore, Netflix has to align with VOD system to maintain its market shares. Threat of New Entrants-low It costs a significant capital for new entrants to enter in VOD industry, so that will be a hard barrier for new entrants to get into the market. On the other hand, the existing rental retailers already has the experience in marketing, that is a huge experience advantage exceed the potential entrants. Therefore, the threat of new entrants is low. Rivalry among Existing Competitors-high This industry has several main video rental companies that engaged in price war competition, such as Blockbuster, Hollywood video and Redbox. Most of the competitors have developed the digital box to integrate with VOD system in order to satisfy the customers need. On the other hand, Apple and Amazon both offer customers downloaded digital videos and watched on their TV by Apple TV and TiVO, respectively. Therefore, the video rental market for VOD system has encountered strongly competition. Netflix value chain Primary activity: Inbound Logistics: Netflixs strategy is establishes partnership with top studios such as Hollywood studios, twentieth century Fox in order to expand its library data. Therefore, Netflix have more new categories of movies or TV episodes available for their customers. Operation: The online recommendation system provided the best movie that is not usually the high-demand new release for customers because they are frequently out of stock. Based on the recommendation system, company can arrange their inventory management without harass the deficiency of supply. Moreover, the company devoted to expanding the distribution centers to deliver mail within 1 day to their customers. Outbound Logistics: Netflix cooperate with United States Postal Service (USPS) to reduce the delivery time and costs. The returned of the movie from customers is through by USPS to the closest Netflixs distribution center. Marketing and sales: Netflixs members are available using devices of Microsofts Xbox 360, Sonys PS3 and Nintendos Wii consoles to watch movies and TV episodes; Blu-ray disc players from Samsung, LG and Insignia; Internet TVs from LG, Sony and VIZIO; the Roku digital video player and TiVo digital video recorders, and until recently Apples iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are accessible as well. Service: Netflix continuing developed the new technological system such as recommendation system, distribution center, Oracle System and the development with VOD system to provide customer convenient online subscribe experience in order to enlarge their subscribers database. Support activity: Procurement: Netflix purchases titles directly from the studios to expand the library database, therefore their customers have more varied choices either on the delivery movies and online download service. Technology development: Netflix provided a free Netflix application for iPhone and iPod touch, allowing their members on plans starting at just $8.99 a month to instantly watch movies or a series of TV episodes on their iPhone or iPod touch without charging additional costs. Human resource management: To evaluate employees job performances for Netflix is the website for customers satisfaction. Therefore, employees have to realize the companys core values, openness, approachability and honesty well before offering service to customers (Patty McCord, 2009). Data Mining Netflix has also makes an outstanding data mining to create its competitive advantages. For example, Cinematch recommendation system synthesizes customer rental behavior and movie ratings to assist the company to recommend the movie to customers. This system will make customers keep subscribing and purchasing the movie. In addition, the system also helps company to invest wider range of movies. Netflix avoid to spend too much money by identify more niche film markets and expand distribution for smaller-budget films. In this situation, the company can save money by increasing demand for lesser-known films and reduce demand for big-studio blockbusters. Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRM) Customer relationship management (CRM) systems helps Netflix serve their customers more efficiently. The information that collects from their customers stored in the data warehouse and analyzed by CRM system. By using this system, Netflix can analyze the needs of customers and further realized customers behaviors. The goal of CRM system is to crate positive experiences for customers instead of the negative experiences (Haag 50). One of the most important technologies that support Netflixs customer relationship management is its custom-built intelligent agent. An intelligent agent is artificial intelligence software that helps or acts on behalf of the user to perform repetitive-computer related tasks (Haag 224). By using this system, Netflix know customers preferences and disliked. Moreover, Netflix is able to give accurate, personal recommendations to their customers. Supply Chain Management Systems (SCM) By using supply chain management (SCM) systems, Netflix can keep track on its inventory and information that go through its transaction processes. Furthermore, SCM system helps Netflix to reduce its inventory at the warehouse and distribute its products more efficiently. One of the SCM systems for Netflix can effectively reduce the inventory in warehouse by notify employees where to deliver its inventory as soon as DVD arrives in the warehouse. When the inventory arrives at the warehouse, it is immediately sent off to its next destination (Haag 189). Consequently, most of the times inventories are on the way of traveling and being used by a consumer and very less time staying in the warehouse. This method also makes sure that the product reaches its next destination as soon as possible. Netflixs SCM system also tracks inventory and determines the fastest route to let the DVD into customers hands. Enterprise resources plan (ERP) Database is resources to help the company better understand customers behavior and analyze operational efficiency. Oracle System is a system that Netflix uses to manage the companys database, so it is a backbone for organizational operation (Netflix website, 2010). The system utilizes the data to manage inventory, financial result of the companys performance, and customers data (Netflix website, 2010). On the other hand, Oracle ERP database is also to support the Cinematch System. In addition, the entire DVD library and logistics are also managed through this system. The company is using this system to manage its companys information more effective. Video on demand (VOD) Cooperate with other companies: broadband-enabled devices According to the trend and the popularity of using VOD system for the rental DVD market, Netflix see the potential market and started to align with other companies to advance this new technology to viewing movies. Because consumers are not willing to wait for the movies arrive by mail, instead, they seek for the company that allows them to see the movie right away to satisfy their need. For example, Netflix have partnership with LG Electronics, Samsung Blu-ray disc players, Microsoft Xbox 360 console, TiVo digital video recorders, and the Nintendo-Wii. All these devices allowed the members through the hardware to enjoy Netflixs services. In January 2010, Netflix have partnership with Funai, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp, and Toshiba, which also allowed consumers to watch movies and TV episodes through the digital televisions. Furthermore, iPad from Apple developed a Netflix app in 2010, allowing members access Netflixs library of movies and television shows. Recommendation Netflix creates their values by differentiate itself between their competitors, especially Blockbuster. Its outstanding systems make the company accounted the most of the market shares in this industry. However, Netflix is not satisfied the current succeed and still develop the advance technologies, for example developed VOD system and established the partnerships with other companies to increase their amount of subscribers. In conclusion, Netflix should creates company values through innovation and improvement, also improve the CineMatch system to advance the personalized website experience. http://www.solarsquirrel.com/MIDS/System_Analysis.html#ErpDatabase http://www.stanford.edu/~aditya86/Netflix.pdf http://noisebetweenstations.com/personal/weblogs/?p=2011 http://www.wikinvest.com/wiki/Netflix_%28NFLX%29 http://www.squidoo.com/what-is-blue-ocean-strategy http://noisebetweenstations.com/personal/weblogs/?p=2011#ixzz0zsAJGoMY http://cahdsu.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/infs-762-data-mining-at-netflix/

Australopithecus Afarensis :: essays papers

Australopithecus Afarensis The species A. afarensis is one of the better known australopithecines, with regards to the number of samples attributed to the species. From speculations about their close relatives, the gorilla and chimpanzee, A. afarensis’ probable social structure can be presumed. The species was named by Johanson and Taieb in 1973. This discovery of a skeleton lead to a heated debate over the validity of the species. The species eventually was accepted by most researchers as a new species of australopithecine and a likely candidate for a human ancestor. Australopithecus afarensis existed between 3.9 and 3.0 million years ago. The distinctive characteristics of A. afarensis were: a low forehead, a bony ridge over the eyes, a flat nose, no chin, more humanlike teeth, pelvis and leg bones resembled those of modern man. Females were smaller than males. Their sexual dimorphism was males:females; 1.5. A. afarensis was not as sexually dimorphic as gorillas, but more sexually dimorphic than humans or chimpanzees. A lot of scientists think that Australopithecus afarensis was partially adapted to climbing the trees, because the fingers and toe bones of the species were curved and longer than the ones of the modern human. A. afarensis is classified as an ape, not a human. It is a Hominid, which is an ape closely related to human beings. The first fossils of a skeleton were found at Hadar; a site in northeastern Ethiopia. The team named the skeleton â€Å"Lucy† after the Beatles song, â€Å"Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds.† In terms of overall body size, brain size and skull shape, "Lucy" resembles a chimpanzee. However, A. afarensis has some surprisingly human characteristics. For example, the way the hip joint and pelvis articulate indicates that "Lucy" walked upright like a human, not like a chimp. This means that upright posture and bi-pedalism preceded the development of what we would recognize as human beings and human intelligence. All non-human primates sleep in the trees at night. So, it would seem to be that A. afarensis slept in trees also. Their skeletal structure agrees with their arboreal lifestyle. â€Å"The large premolars of A. afarensis suggests they were frugivores, and the thick enamel on the teeth suggests they may have eaten nuts, grains, or hard fruit pies† (Boyd and Silk, p.

Essay --

Kristy Huynh January 7, 2014 Period 2 The Poisonwood Bible Independent Study 1. Choose a passage that contains striking imagery. Analyze the passage and explain the effect on the work as a whole. â€Å"Clearing a rain forest to plant annuals is like stripping an animal first of its fur, then its skin. The land howls. Annual crops fly on a wing and a prayer. And even if you manage to get a harvest, why, you need roads to take it out! Take one trip overland here and you'll know forever that a road in the jungle is a sweet, flat, impossible dream. The soil falls apart. The earth melts into red gashes like the mouths of whales. Fungi and vines throw a blanket over the face of the dead land. It's simple, really. Central Africa is a rowdy society of flora and fauna that have managed to balance together on a trembling geologic plate for ten million years: when you clear off part of the plate, the whole slides into ruin†¦ To be here without doing everything wrong requires a new agriculture, a new sort of planning, a new religion† (524-525). Adah acknowledges what her father has done wrong and his inability to realizes his faults. The African land that the family has set food on cannot change according to their desires and attempting to do so only damages it more. Kingsolver illustrates that many do not seem to realize the impact of going into a country and asking them to change their religion, way of developing food, or their education system. Those attempting to colonize do not see the destruction that they are doing. Africa to Adah has been born like this, and â€Å" have managed to balance together on a trembling geological plate for ten million years.† This shows that balance has already been achieved in the views of the Africans and livin... ... ridiculous to Anatole that we have fruits and vegetables that are grown somewhere else and then driven miles and miles to the supermarket. The clash of the two cultures makes me wonder if the â€Å"American† way is better. It is pretty ridiculous that people can’t grow their own food and only rely on the labor of others. Although I appreciate and enjoyed reading about a world in which I have no experience, the imagery in the book was more than enough to show me that I would not survive a day living in Africa. Kingsolver’s vivid imagery and attention to detail hooked me the first few pages. (Like how the family wanted to bring the Better Crocker cake mix). The different detail from each of the Price sisters presents Africa and allowed me to piece it together. I was also able to identify myself with each of the sisters. I see myself as Rachel, Adah, Leah, and Ruth May.

Product Life Cycle Essay

â€Å"The international product life cycle (PLC) theory of trade states that the location of production of certain kinds of products shifts as they go through their life cycles, which consist of four stages—introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. † There are many ins and outs when a company is putting a product into production and distribution. You must be able to assess the the impact that it is going to gain for your company, for instance when Blackberry makes new phones they have to decide what is going to be a draw for consumers from the operating system, he abilities that come with the phone from wifi connectivity, gps, instant messaging, camera capabilities, battery power and many other options that the consumer is going to inquire about in the competitive market of cell phones and cell phones manufactures, and the distribution and profitability is going to be the marker of success of the product. This is a decision that concept teams and designers must deal with when making a product; we are going to look at the company Audi a German car manufactures that has had great success with their automobile and the history s impeccable and with the impact we are going to look at the life cycle in what goes into making this car company, one of the best car makers and manufactured vehicles in the world today. â€Å"Arrival of the product’s maturity stage is evident when competitors to begin to leave the market, sales velocity is dramatically reduced, and sales volume reaches a steady state. At this point in time, mostly loyal customers purchase the product. â€Å"The Audi A4 has reached a stage of maturity that doesn’t have the onslaught of new buyers, the Audi lineup has diversified itself ith select products that offer a more entry level product that is better on gas, and has more of the financial impact with new design concepts, with wagons, coupes, smaller engines that are preserving the manufacturer’s competitive edge in the automobile industry. The A4 is still an important cog in the Audi machine, but the popularity of the A3 and, latterly, the A1 have eased the burden of expectation quite considerably. Perhaps that makes it a little easier for Audi to finesse this latest generation A4 without too much in the way of compromise. † â€Å"In the wake of the global financial and economic crisis, the drastic slump on stock arkets worldwide initially continued unabated at the start of 2009. Thanks to the many state rescue packages for the financial sector and supporting measures by leading central banks, the situation on the capital markets then stabilized towards the end of the first quarter. † So with the banks of the home country are helping to lend the finances need to invest in Audi’s financial growth and the supplement of income, generates the opportunity for the company to continue their worldwide success, of exporting one of the leading German automobiles in the world. Europe has proven to be a happy hunting ground for Audi and it now has both Mercedes and BMW looking over their shoulders. For the six-month period under review, total European sales grew 13. 5 per cent to about 382,850 cars with its SUV sales up 23. 5 per cent over the ame period last year. † So the overall positioning and product sales are being generated for the company in their home country and is having great success from the sale from their entire lineup and with the generated revenue from the public sector, the company’s growth financially is leading to the verall success of the car manufacturer. As the year progressed, the increasingly positive business indictors and initial signs of recovery in the global economy fueled sharp gains on major international stock markets. A resurgence in confidence in stock markets among market players resulted in many indices finishing the year well up. † With the public stimulation in the stock of the company they are being rewarded for the great innovation, stability and creativity they have when they are entering foreign markets and their market as well. With the financial backing the company is oing to grow and with the company growing around %24 from the previous year their products will continue to have a great international impact. â€Å"Trading groups, whether bilateral or regional, are an important influence on MNEs’ strategies. Such groups can define the size of the regional market and the rules under which companies must operate. Companies in the initial stages of foreign expansion must be aware of the regional economic groups that encompass countries with good manufacturing locations or market opportunities. For instance when you have a company that assesses the needs of their roduct in a foreign market, there is cost associated with the export of their product and with the agreements that the company has that is protected by trade agreements the company will save monies in the long run and withstand the impact of their product being sold in other markets, by sometimes having that price reduction of tax, shipping cost when building that relationship, to progress the growth in their company and in both markets of goods exported and sold. One of the factors behind the success of the brand in Jamaica, Stewart believes, is its affordability despite it being a premier brand. With the brand being sold well in the Jamaican market the bilateral agreement will have success because of the impact that the affordability in this market will have great growth for the company and Jamaica’s market as well. â€Å"In China, mobility is happening top-down. That society’s elite has long been driving full-size cars; the new, affluent middle class is now discovering smaller premium vehicles. In India, mobility is taking shape in the lower segments; the premium markets for larger vehicles is now growing continuously. † With the multilateral movement as well the company is growing in many foreign markets with nd aiding the backing of the Audi brand, that has shown great impact financially for the company and benefits in operating in these markets, reflect the %24 growth. European companies taking advantage of free trade in the Caribbean Single Market Economy (CSME) by establishing trade offices in Jamaica or distribution agreements with Jamaican companies with a view to providing your goods or services to the Caribbean Single Market Economy. † The free trade agreement offers the company to enter the Jamaican market and gain financial traction from the public, buying their cars at a affordable price, the ilateral agreement helps in terms of sales and distribution in allowing the flexibility, opportunity and growth needed for the company and as well as stimulating the Jamaican market. â€Å"Many more people in Jamaica are buying Audi motor vehicles because the brand is cool and its drivers have no class pretensions. They generally tend to be professional, well read and discerning. † â€Å"Audi will launch diesel engine options for the A8, A6, and Q5 in the U. S. within the next 24 to 30 months, according to an announcement made today by Johan de Nysschen, he president of Audi’s American division. † If you are an American you know what it means to fill up at the gas station and know that you won’t last that long on the road, until the next time that you are going to need more gas. One approach that Audi has take is going forward with producing electrical and diesel based engines so that the longevity and affordability of these vehicles will extend the product life cycle. It has been show that these to engine styles extend the life of the vehicle and with that the investment of the vehicle is more bang for the dollar to he average consumer that is looking for a quality investment, and not a stockpile of metal that will need to be resold to the dealership when the miles get high, and will take a finances will take a sharp turn because of this factor. So with that vehicles in America and worldwide not mattering if you’re talking Europe, the Caribbean Islands, China, Canada or Mexico the car maker is looking out for the investor in their vehicles and with the innovation for extended life to their products, safety and creativity in design, and luxury the auto brand maker will continue the company’s rapid growth in all markets they penetrate. Sustainable, superior financial strength is underpinned in particular by continuously optimizing process and structures, realizing reduced costs and ensuring systematic investment management. A high level of self-financing safeguards investments, preserving the ability of Audi AG to innovate and act. The aim is continue financing investment from self generated cash flow. † This will be the backbone of the company for progression and distancing itself from competitors by being able to provide luxury, innovation, and creativity for the consumer in a locations of the world that the company serves.

Appreciation of ‘The Tyger’ Essay

Subject matter Blake is this poem gives a description of the tiger, describing vividly its appearance, its structure, its beauty and its terror. As well as describing the tiger, the poet also tries to explain how he pictures the creation of the tiger, as well as the terror of the creator (who created such a fearsome and awesome creature). Purpose The poet’s purpose in this poem is to describe something that fascinates him. The tiger in his view is a powerful, yet beautiful creature, a creature so powerful that it is terrifying. However, the poet also attempts to comprehend its creator, God. He shows that if the creation is powerful and terrifying, and asks the question how powerful must be the creator? The poet clearly expresses that he is very afraid of the power of God, and what God is able to do. Throughout the poem the poet expresses his admiration, his wonder and his fear, this poem is as much a study of the tiger as a study of God. Emotion Though the poem is mostly descriptive, the poet gives the reader some clues of the emotions that he feels. On the face of this poem, it seems to be a poem about a nature. However, looking further into the poem one can see that the poem is a very religious poem. One of the most dominant emotion that one can feel when reading the poem is the wonder and awe. Whether it is at the tiger or at God, Blake shows much wonder; as shown in the extract in verse 1: ‘And what shoulder & what art, Could twist thy heart?’ Blake describes the colours of the tiger’s fur as ‘burning’, as though the fur of the tiger was a fire itself. This fire is carried on into verse two where Blake describes that there is a fire burning in the eyes of the tiger.. In line 3 and 4 of verse 1 Blake turns his attention to the creator: ‘What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry.’ His wonders about what the hands and eyes of God are like. Blake sees the tiger as a creation of a great craftsman, a work of art. The most important parts of a craftsman are his eyes and his hands. They are a craftsman’s most important tools, allowing him to craft the image he has in his imagination. This idea could have been influenced by Blake’s work as a engraver. The other dominant emotion in the poem is the fear shown by Blake. His is very afraid of the tiger. Yet his is even more afraid of God the creator of such an awesome beast. This is a sometimes a feature of Christians to be ‘God-fearing’ people. This fear can be seen in the following extracts: ‘What dread hand? & what dread feet?’ ‘In what furnace was thy brain?’ ‘Dare its deadly terrors clasp’ The extracts above show how much Blake fears the tiger. He is afraid of the tiger’s claws, and the image in Blake’s mind is a beast created from the furnace of heaven and hammered out by a master craftsman. This dreaded ferocious inspires much fear in Blake, even though he admires its beauty ‘What immortal hand or eye, Dare frame thy fearful symmetry.’ Blake tries to imagine the power required to create the tiger. He tries to picture what being could create the tiger. The picture of this powerful and yet very skilful craftsman is very daunting to Blake. What person would dare take this fearsome beast out of the furnaces, hammer it into an elegant yet very potent shape. What person could twist the shape of the sinews of the tiger’s heart and create a burning fur coat and burning eyes? The image of this creation is very frightful to Blake, let alone the God, the person who hammered, twisted, and shaped this beast. It should also be noted the ‘could’ was replaced with ‘dare’. This shows that first Blake only thought about the ability, skill, power and strength needed to create the tiger. Later on at the end of the poem, Blake is thinking about the nerve and the daring required to create the tiger. Craftsmanship Structure The poem has a very regular structure, it is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza is repeated in the last stanza but ‘could’ in line four is replaced with ‘dare’. Each line is approximately the same length in words and syllables. Each stanza is used to address one point about God or the tiger. The poem seems also to be structured in the thought process of the poet. First he looks at the tiger itself, describing its prominent features. The poem then tries to picture the creation process of the tiger, and the workshop of this great craftsman. The poet then tries to move on to this creator or craftsman himself. He wonders whether God was content with this creation, and wonders about the more heavenly creature: the stars and the angels. Language The language used in the poem is very vocative. Throughout the poem the poet seems to be talking to the tiger. He seems to be enquiring about the origins of the tiger: ‘What the hammer? What the chain? In what furnace was thy brain?’ He is asking the tiger as though the tiger is a friend of the poet (the use of thou and thee). The poet seems to the reader as a thinker trying to find out the answer to a very difficult question. The poet is asking questions that can not be answered for very little is known about God. The language is also very striking, very vivid and effective. The language catch the reader’s attention and is imaginative. It is very appropriate to the poem itself, the language increases the fear and adds effect to the wonder. The words does deliver the message that the poet intends. Much of the language helps to strike the fear into the minds of the readers. When reading this poem, one can not help but feel a sense of awe to the tiger and God. Imagery In the poem there are no striking examples of similes and metaphors, but the poet does use a large amount of personification. He personifies God as a craftsman or a blacksmith: ‘And what shoulder & what art, Could twist the sinews of thy heart? The poet seems to apply his own life experiences to his image of God. He sees God as this craftsman working by a furnace like himself. He sees the material the God uses to create as metallic. In the process of creation, God works like a blacksmith, heating the metal until the critical point is reached, the metal is then taken out and hammered into shape. This process repeats until the perfect shape is reached. Once the work is finished, God must be pleased and proud of his creations like other artists. The poet also personifies the tiger, addressing the tiger as if the tiger was able to understand him. He asks the tiger questions as though the tiger was able to answer him and explain to him what the poet does not understand. The poet also personifies the stars: ‘When the stars threw down their spears , And watered the heavens with their tears;’ The poet sees the stars as the angels of heaven, throwing down their weapons and crying at such a wonderful creation. The poet makes the reader see God as a human with tow sides, power and the strength represented by the tiger, while the gentle caring side represented by the lamb. This in many ways is the symbolism used throughout the poem by the poet. Movement There is not real rhythm or movement to the poem itself. There are no real rhythmic qualities in the poem. However, when read out loud, the poem should be read out slowly, and loudly. This adds to the effect of the poem, it gives one more time to process the carefully chose words. It would make the poem more effective and allow the listener to truly appreciate the poem. Sounds The most significant sound feature of the poem is its rhyming scheme. Each stanza rhymes in the form of AABB, with the exception of the last line of the first and last stanza of the poem. The poet uses neither onomatopoeia nor alliteration nor assonance. In fact the poem uses very little sound features. I do however think that onomatopoeia could have been used to help the reader to imagine the sounds of this great workshop that Blake pictures in his mind. It would help the reader reach a better level of understanding. It would have also made the poem more affective. The poem is very strong with the visual part of the imagery, however, without the sounds, the perception of the poet’s idea is incomplete. For example, if the poet included the bangs, clangs of the workshop, or even included the growls and the roars of the tiger. This would have increased one’s sense of wonder and awe. Other sound features such as alliteration and assonance, I feel, would not have been as effective and would not have helped the understanding of the poet’s imagination. Summary The poem has had a very strong impact on me. The poem has made me aware that the world is made up of fierceness and strength (shown in the tiger) as well as gentleness and peace (as shown in the lamb). Blake’s tiger is a very terrifying and dynamic creation, which apart from being seen to represent the fiercer side of God, could also be seen to represent the forces of evil lurking in our world. This evil seems to be able to hide in the cover of the darkness of the night, and haunts our minds through our dreams and especially our nightmares. Blake’s lamb (Did he who made the lamb also make thee?) apart from being a symbol of Gods gentle and loving side, can also be seen as a symbol of all the good in the world; the caring, the love and the kindness shown in Jesus Christ himself. The poem, as I have already noted, is a very visual poem. Though it is read, the poem inspires us to try and picture what he sees. The words of the poem create very vivid, clear and striking images in the reader or listener’s minds. We see dynamic beast with awesome features, a skilful and great craftsman working laboriously in his great workshop. Inside the workshop burns a great furnace with huge and very hot fire. The craftsman hammers and twists the shape of the creation, and when finally he has completed this marvellous work, he is proud and smiles. The angels around this creator all weep and throw down their weapons at the sight of this marvel. The only flaw that I have noted is the lack of use of sound features. This poem, as I have already mentioned, would more complete if the reader can hear the sounds of the workshop and hear the weeps of the angels or even the deafening roars of the tiger as it first leaps out of the furnace as a complete creation. This does not flaw the poem in a significant way, but I feel that it would improve the poem and make the poem more effective Blake made use of sound features.