Understanding the Strategies of Activision Blizzard

Understanding the Strategies of Activision Blizzard, Inc. What is the vision of Activision Blizzard, Inc.? Activision Blizzard, Inc. ’s corporate vision is to be a â€Å"worldwide leader in the development, publishing, and distribution of quality interactive entertainment software, online content and services that deliver a highly satisfying entertainment experience (Activision Blizzard – 2013 SEC Form 10-K/A Amended Annual Report). † Horizontal Integration & Synergy; Activision Blizzard, Inc. ’s approach to success. Activision Blizzard, Inc. s â€Å"a worldwide online, personal computer, console, handheld, and mobile game publisher (Activision Blizzard – 2011 Annual Report). † The company was created via the merger of Activision, Inc. , Sego Merger Corporation, Vivendi S. A. , VGAC LLC, and Vivendi Games, Inc. (Activision Blizzard – 2013 SEC Form 10-K/A Amended Annual Report). Utilizing horizontal integration, the merger integrated â €Å"ownership of production facilities, distribution channels, exhibition outlets and ultimately allowed the formerly separate companies to profit from the others expertise (Turow 175). The new company uses three separate operating segments. Activision Publishing, Inc. , Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. , and Activision Blizzard distribution. Activision Blizzard, Inc. holds â€Å"leading market positions across every major category of the rapidly growing interactive entertainment software industry (Activision Blizzard – 2011 Annual Report),† and is a classic example of synergy, â€Å"a situation where the final product is more valuable than the sum of it individual parts (Turow 175),† at work.What is the competitive environment for Activision Blizzard, Inc.? â€Å"The interactive entertainment industry is intensely competitive with new products and platforms regularly introduced. Competitors vary in size from small companies with limited resources to large corpora tions who may have greater financial, marketing, and product development resources than Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Activision Blizzard – 2013 SEC Form 10-K/A Amended Annual Report). † Whom is Activision competing with in the marketplace? Activision Blizzard, Inc. competes primarily with other publishers of PC, online and video game console interactive entertainment software. Most similar in operating structure is Electronic Arts, which has the largest portfolio of blockbuster games, including many sports titles, and other game franchises with long histories of success. Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft compete directly with them in the development of software titles for their respective platforms.They also compete for the leisure time and discretionary spending of consumers with other interactive entertainment companies, as well as with providers of different forms of entertainment, such as motion pictures, television, social networking, online casual entertainment and music (Activision Blizzard 2013 SEC Form 10-K/A Amended Annual Report). † What does Activision see as their primary competition? Activision Blizzard, Inc. elieves the primary competitive factors in the interactive entertainment industry include: â€Å"product features, game quality, and playability; brand name recognition; compatibility of products with popular platforms; access to distribution channels; online capability and functionality; ease of use; price; marketing support; and quality of customer service. (Activision Blizzard – 2013 SEC Form 10-K/A Amended Annual Report). † What strategies and specific activities is Activision considering to compete with others? Expanded product development – Activision Blizzard, Inc. s â€Å"creating a publishing arm that will bring third-party mobile games to market. Through the program, it will assist independent game makers with funding, development, distribution and promotion of their titles across both iPhone and i OS. The company is collaborating with Flurry to help with this transition (Duryee, Tricia. â€Å"Activision Starting to Take the Plastic Wrap off Its Mobile Strategy. † AllThingsDigital. com, 13 Jun 2012. Web). † Increase online capability & functionality – access new customers & audiences: ‘Skylanders’ Is Officially Activision’s newest $1 Billion Franchise. The ‘Skylanders’ franchise became the first kids’ video game IP to cross the $1 billion mark in just 15 months, and I think we are still just starting to realize its potential,† Activision publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg said in a statement (LeJacq, Yannick . â€Å"Skylanders’ Is Officially Activision’s newest $1 Billion Franchise. † IBTimes. com, 11 Feb 2013. Web. ). † Access new distribution channels – Activision Blizzard, Inc. â€Å"announces in-game live streaming via YouTube for Black Ops II (McGlaun, Shane. â€Å"Activision announces in-game live streaming via YouTube for Black Ops II. SlashGear. com, 8 Nov 2012. Web. ). † What might an Activision customer see in terms of different offerings or approaches because of the strategies the company is undertaking? Increased Content and Online Services. Activision Blizzard, Inc. ’s shift towards digital delivery of content will result in more diverse online product offerings. Expansion of Mobile Products and Services – Activision Blizzard, Inc. will continue to expanding into the mobile arena by supporting legacy franchises as well as creating new brand assets.A Narrowing of the Gap between the real and virtual worlds – Riding an unprecedented wave of success, Activision Blizzard, Inc. will produce additional Skylander style kid’s games. Which one of the six changes in media is Activision’s strategies addressing well? Distribution of products across media boundaries: Activision has been very successful at creating meth ods of distribution that â€Å"allows businesses to make money back on products† (Turow 186). Activision Blizzard, Inc. will absorb the growing demand of digital content distribution without issue.Many of its video games and content expansions are already available for direct download. For example, â€Å"Activision Publishing’s innovative new online service, Call of Duty Elite, which launched with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is one of the fastest growing premium online services ever created. As of January 2012, more than seven million gamers had registered for the service, which includes more than 1. 5 million users who purchased premium annual memberships. Additionally, the franchise is estimated to have had over 40 million monthly active users across five Call of Duty titles (Activision Blizzard – 2011 Annual Report). Which of the six changes in media is Activision neglecting to address? Audience Segmentation: Activision Blizzard specializes in developing, publishing and distributing first-person action games, â€Å"which account for approximately 16% of the interactive entertainment industry’s revenue (Krause Fund Research, Web)†. Activision Blizzard’s target audience, â€Å"the people whom their products are directed (Turow 36),† are males 18 – 45 who â€Å"account for over 55% of all gamers and are the back bone of the industry (Krause Fund Research, Web). Activision Blizzard has been wildly successful with their media franchises, â€Å"properties that are highly profitable over time and in many media formats beyond their original appearance (Paul, Nora, slide 10),† but has neglected to address the need for audience segmentation, â€Å"creating products designed to reach different types of people (Turow 160). † Due to this dependence on a specific target audience, failure to achieve anticipated results by one or more products may significantly harm their business.For example, Activ ision Blizzard’s four largest first-person action franchises (Paul, â€Å"Understanding the Strategies of Media Giants† slide 10), accounted for approximately â€Å"83% of net revenues, and a significantly higher percentage of their operating income, for the year (Activision Blizzard – 2013 SEC Form 10-K/A Amended Annual Report). † If consumer demand trends away from first-person action games and Activision Blizzard fails to attract new audiences or add other sources of revenue, their lack of audience segmentation could significantly harm their business. References From news article: McGlaun, Shane. Activision announces in-game live streaming via YouTube for Black Ops II. † SlashGear. com, 8 Nov 2012. Web. From news article: Duryee, Tricia. â€Å"Activision Starting to Take the Plastic Wrap off Its Mobile Strategy. † All Things Digital. com, 13 Jun 2012. Web From news article: LeJacq, Yannick. â€Å"Skylanders’ Is Officially Activisio n’s newest $1 Billion Franchise. † IBTimes. com, 11 Feb 2013. Web. From SEC report: Activision Blizzard, Inc. Form 10-K/A, Amended Annual Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012. Web. From Annual report: Activision Blizzard, Inc. 2011 Annual report for fiscal year ending Dec 31, 2011.Web. From Journal article: Miller, Z. , & Umphress, J. , & Wang, B. (2012). Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI). Krause Fund Research Fall 2012 Technology, 13 November 2012. Retrieved from The University of Iowa Research and Technology Department. Web. From the text: Turow, Joseph, Media Today: An Introduction to Mass Communication, 4th edition, New York, NY: Routledge, 2011. Chapter 2, â€Å"Making Sense of the Media Business: Identifying an Audience for Mass Media Content,† p. 36. From the text: Turow, Joseph, Media Today: An Introduction to Mass Communication, 4th edition, New York, NY: Routledge, 2011.Chapter 5, â€Å"A World of Blurred Media Boundaries: Horizon tal Integration,† p. 175. From the text: Turow, Joseph, Media Today: An Introduction to Mass Communication, 4th edition, New York, NY: Routledge, 2011. Chapter 5, â€Å"A World of Blurred Media Boundaries: Synergy,† p. 175. From the text: Turow, Joseph, Media Today: An Introduction to Mass Communication, 4th edition, New York, NY: Routledge, 2011. Chapter 5, â€Å"A World of Blurred Media Boundaries: Contrasting Views on the Social Pros and Con of Media Trends, Distribution allows businesses to make money back on products,† p. 86 From the text: Turow, Joseph, Media Today: An Introduction to Mass Communication, 4th edition, New York, NY: Routledge, 2011. Chapter 5, â€Å"A World of Blurred Media Boundaries: Audience Segmentation, â€Å"creating products designed to reach different types of people,† p. 160. From PowerPoint Presentation: Paul, Nora, Jour 1001 – 002, Chapter 6, â€Å"Understanding the Strategies of Media Giants,† PowerPoint pres entation in â€Å"Introduction to Mass Communication,† Slide 10 Media Franchise,† February 10, 2013.

British Press

Originally newspapers or newsletters were simply records of events and opinions. The earliest known printed newspaper in Britain was published in 1513 and was called TreweEncountre. In the 16th century the form of the newspapers changed. Papers grew from newssheets for a small number of educated people into a medium of information and entertainment for the whole population. The power of the press was feared and censors stopped any article they saw as being against the state.In 1814 The Times used a new kind of printing machine – The Koenig Press which made it possible to produce 1000 copies an hour instead of 20. National distribution was made possible with the development of the railway system. The stronger and wealthier papers such as The Times and the Daily Telegraph became first true national daily papers in Britain. More daily newspapers, national and regional, are sold for every person in Britain than in most other developed countries.Britain’s press is unusual it is divided into two very different types of newspapers: the quality press (broadsheets) and the popular press (tabloids). There is no state control or censorship of the press, but it is subject to the general laws of publication. The press caters for a variety of political views, interests and levels of education. Newspapers are almost always financially independent of any political party. Where they express pronounced views and show obvious political leanings in their editorial comments.Newsprint, about three-quarters of which is imported, forms about a quarter of average national newspaper costs. In addition to sales, many newspapers and periodicals derive considerable earnings from their advertising. Ownership of the national, London and regional newspapers is concentrated in the hands of a number of large press publishing groups. Most people usually read the Leader (or editorial); it helps them form opinions on things. Although national newspapers give you all the important new s, if you want to sell your car or smth, the classified ads is the best place.Most British Sunday papers have supplements with articles on food, travel and fashion. These supplements often contain features on new technology. One thing people always read in the paper is the obituaries’. Teenagers prefer magazines, especially the ‘agony columns’. It is amazing how people are prepared to discuss their most intimate problems publicly with an ‘agony aunt’. A newspaper story has evolved to meet the requirements of everyday life as lived by everyday readers. It relies on the lements of novelty, directness, pace and variety and it strives to convey its information in the form most in keeping with the tempo of our times.We can divide the newspapers story as it strikes our eye on the newspaper page into 3 parts: 1) The Headline 2) The first paragraph 3) The remainder of the story The headline first attracts us. Its message is terse, abrupt and often startling. It tells us quickly what the story covers. It would be difficult to overstate the importance of opening paragraph or lead. Always this lead remains the primary concern of the newspaper writer.Because the present-day reader resembles the man who both runs and reads, present-day newspapers seek to facilitate him getting the information quickly. The convention has developed of telling the main facts of the news story in its first lead paragraph. This convention requires that in the lead the reporter answers the questions which would occur to any normal person when confronted with the announcement of an event. These questions, called the five W’s, are: Who? What? When? Where? Why? And How? The best-written lead not only satisfies the reader’s initial curiosity, but whets his appetite to read more.

Custom Molds, Inc Essay

Case is about family business (father and son : Tom and Mason Miller), which began producing molds and later added production of plastic parts to main business. Although production is traditionally being focused on quality and design of both molds and plastic parts (mass production/ customization accordingly), total number of order is remained the same, but client’s desires have been shifted. 1). Custom Molds Inc. has faced the following major issues: Although the number of parts orders remained virtually constant, the volume per order for parts has increased significantly during last 3 years. These, has created bottlenecks and has led to late deliveries of parts. Two different processes (fabricating molds/producing plastic parts) take place in a single facility. Above-mentioned processes serve different customer needs. Fabricating molds requires more skill-oriented stuff, more flexible and qualitative process. Competitive advantage for finished molds (fabricating molds process) is based on delivery and low cost, and moreover this process has much more higher margin that for producing plastic parts. Sales mix changing has created excess capacity in mold fabrication. Changing electronics manufactures (Custom Molds`s major clients) strategies has influenced order needs in unexpected way. Difficult to predict â€Å"when?† and â€Å"where?†. 2). The competitive priorities for each of the individual processes are the quality, cost effectiveness and customer responsiveness. The changing nature of the industry was in the tendency of manufacturers to develop strategic partnerships with suppliers. Hence, more and more demand for responsiveness was laid upon suppliers to sustain the competition. In the Custom Molds’ case, as order for multiple molds began declining, the responsiveness of the  individual processes began suffering due to the capacity constrains (bottlenecks) at different stages of operations. This naturally entailed the lost sales to customers. (All the individual processes that are carried out at Custom Molds are shown on the flow diagram in exhibit t# 1). 3). Our team suggestions are: Mold fabrication- to focus on small capacity/ specialized machines, and include more workers in supervising process. Producing of plastic parts- to focus on little number, but large capacity machines with insufficient input (workers). Testing and inspection – to move this area in the centre of facility (to make movement of goods more efficient and to make easier communications between inspecting/testing workers and managers). Office- a) to make order placement more truthful (matching ability of order fulfillment with time promised); b) to identify customers` needs more precisely; c) compare changes and it’s influence on company’s finance (taking into consideration return on income); d) due to the market demand company should make strategic decision and conclude if it is better to concentrate on molds or plastic parts (this is the most appropriate alternative).

On Consumer Surplus and Pricing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

On Consumer Surplus and Pricing Strategy - Essay Example For each commodity marketed, customers assign a certain amount that they are willing to pay. Some business organizations are able to price according to the customers’ perceived value of their offering. However, some may be priced less than what the customers would want to pay for them, thereby robbing the companies of profit potential. Consumer surplus is defined as "the amount that customers benefit by being able to purchase a product for a price that they would be willing to pay" (Economic Surplus 2007). When company prices are less than the amount that buyers are willing to pay for the product, customers will enjoy the consumer surplus in purchasing the product. Thus, companies should be adept in their pricing strategy. They should be able to determine individual consumer surplus and fully expropriate it for their advantage. Identifying the exact value attributed by buyers to a product is a great challenge for a business organization. As individuals are unique, they often h ave different perceptions of the monetary value of an offering. Some price-sensitive customers may find a product too expensive but some may even find it a bargain. One of the things that the company can do is to conduct a survey before releasing the product in order to get an average price that the target market is likely willing to pay. The company can also experiment by raising and lowering the price in the market and monitor the customers' response through product sales and demand. However, all these can be very tedious and can erode the identity and image of the product in the market. It can even bring confusion to the customers.

Culture differences and similarities between United States and Saudi Research Paper

Culture differences and similarities between United States and Saudi Arabia - Research Paper Example Thus, there are characteristic cultural differences and similarities between the Americans and the Saudis. However, from a general viewpoint, the differences in culture seem to be more than the similarities. Case in point, the Americans belief and role of religion is different from that of the Saudis. In this regard, the Americans do not attach a significant value to religion in their daily lives. On the other hand, religion is the most important thing amongst the Saudis. Effectively, the religion dictates the rhythm of life to the Saudis and its role in the society and the country is significant. Nevertheless, while too many people think that there is nothing common about the cultures between United States and Saudi Arabia, there are similarities and differences between them. Therefore, this expose elucidates these similarities and differences while focusing on the important aspects of attachment to gas, the way people lived in these two societies, the role of women, and the role of the youths in the two societies. Attachment to gas The world cannot seem to get enough of petroleum and its byproducts. In this case, the use of the product varies from its fundamental intended use as fuel to an essential requirement of products such as lipstick. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration [EIA](n.d.), Saudi Arabia is the largest net exporter of oil and its products to the world. In this case, this makes the country’s economy rely, almost entirely, on the export of oil. However, the consumption of gas by Americans rivals no other one in the world. In this regard, Americans consumed 24,088 billion cubic feet of gas in 2010. On the other hand, the Saudis total consumption for the same period was 3,096 billion feet (EIA, n.d.). The United States of America ranked first in the world while the Saudis ranked ninth in the total world’s gas consumption (EIA, n.d.). Effectively, this makes Americans appear more attached and hooked to gas in compari son to Saudis as evidenced by these statistics. One of the main reasons is that the United States is a wealthy nation that effectively places low taxes on gas. In addition, the combination of a high population and a poor public transport system in the country effectively makes the Americans obsessed with gasoline for their transport. On the other hand, although the cost of gas in Saudi Arabia is cheaper in comparison to the United States of America, the country has a low population. In addition, its public transport system is effective enough to ensure that more people avoided using private means of transport and effectively cut on the requirements of gas for transport. How people live in the American and Saudi society One thing that is common knowledge is that, the Americans have the most open-minded society over the world. For this reason, America is known as the free world. On the other hand, Saudis appear to live in a close-minded society and effectively try as much as possible to avoid the uncertain future. Therefore, the American society embraces diversity and accepts the differences in people while it takes time for the Saudi society to do the same. Case in point, the current president in America is African-American. This effectively underlines the open-minded nature of the American society and ready to embrace others different from them. On the other han

Classroom Management Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Classroom Management Project - Essay Example A proper communication system is established with the parents to inform them continuously about their ward's performance and conduct. A classroom should be designed in such a way, that it is enthralling and at the same time more informative to the students. The sense of comfort should be instilled into every student by the classroom atmosphere. The classroom should contain facilities which provide good comfort to the students and atmosphere should be made informative through charts and bulletin boards. A proper place to sit, a place to have fun and a place to do learning activities has to be specifically allocated. The class room should provide an atmosphere of learning. The students should be allowed to enjoy their learning. The educational system adapted should kindle their inquisitiveness to learn new things and at the same time allow them to come out with their own ideas. Equal importance should be given to non academic activity which identifies student's area of expertise and interests. From teachers perspective each and every corner of the room should be visible to the teacher's eyes. They must be able to provide equal attention to every student in the classroom without any consideration of where they sit. Considering the design of class room from a student's perspective, their average height should be taken into account and seating arrangements should be suitably planned. The light arrangement in the classroom should be in such a way that it provides a soothing sight of the board and other charts to the children's eyes. Classroom rules The rules in a classroom form the bridge between the student and the teacher. So, framing the rules of a classroom for third grade plays an important part in management planning. Rather than conventional rules, these rules should make students understand their mistakes and rectify them. Rather than punishing for not adhering to the rules the students should be taught the goodness that comes by following the rules. Rules have to be designed so as not to instruct children on not doing certain things but to create a positive environment. Based on this concept, several rules can be put forward. Some are, Maintain silence while teacher is teaching. Listen to the class. To be friendly with classmates. Follow properly the instructions the teacher gives. In this contest the teacher plays an important role in bringing these rules into practice. It cannot be brought in only by means of force as these students belong just to the third grade. It can only be done by student specific means which can be adapted only if the teacher starts understanding their students. At this young age, each child should be taught about the consequences of their action. This would help them lead a disciplined life later on. When a child misbehaves or disobeys any of these rules, he or she must be given minimal punishment and a lot of advice so as to correct himself. Further the teacher must take into account the intensity and the frequency of the mistake before deciding on the punishments. The teacher must also discriminate between common and uncommon mistakes. Common and high intensity mistakes can be punished in front of others so that those mistakes would not influence other students. In nut shell, the teachers play more important role in

Sexual Addiction Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sexual Addiction - Research Paper Example To most people, Sexual Addiction seems to be a misnomer since sexual activities are normal exercises that occur naturally to living beings. People may find it difficult to comprehend the limits of sexual activities when it crosses the stage of normal sexual activities and becomes a mania, or compulsive obsession. The answer is not too far to seek. The brain secretes chemicals called endorphins which are responsible for pleasure sensations in living beings. These chemicals are also released after peak sexual activities, especially after ejaculation. Eventually, the craving for release of endorphins through sexual activities becomes very demanding and even uncontrollable, thus leading to Sexual Addiction which makes a person to always crave for sexual satisfaction, irrespective of other considerations. This could effectively lead to â€Å"an obsession with sex that dominates ones life, including sexual fantasies that interfere with work performance.† (Sexual addiction, n.d.). Sexual Addictions may adopt many manifestations when joined with drugs and/or alcohol that form a lethal combination that could cause multiple harms to its imbibers; including death or disability. Besides, the nexus between unsafe sexual practices and scourges like venereal diseases, HIV and a score of other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are well documented. In this essay, it is preferred to consider the ramifications of Sexual Addictions, a study of available literature on this subject and the ways and means by which further research studies could be made on this subject. This essay would also consider a sound conclusion that could appropriately underpin this study. According to well researched and document studies, there is no symptoms for Sexual Addictions. It is a widely ranging and encompassing addiction that seize in its stride, â€Å"compulsive masturbation, compulsive heterosexual and homosexual relationships, pornography, prostitution,

Classical Mythology - Odyssey Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Classical Mythology - Odyssey - Research Paper Example He considered himself as having the same status with King Oedipus (Schefold & Giuliani, 29). This meant that people had to get to the king through him. He appeared to have the capability to be a bother to the people if he was the king. However, Creon argued that he was the one who made Oedipus the king. After Laius death, the king of Thebes was Creon. However, after his city was tormented by the Sphinx, he announced that anyone with a solution would get both his sister, Jocasta, and his crown. He never went back to that promise.  Creon and Odyssey tend to share a number of similarities. None of the characters seems to be entirely good or bad. Creon is known to have come up with a harsh law that discouraging people from mourning Polyneices. The punishment for breaking that rule would be death. According to Creon, burying and mourning Polyneice was considered to be a criminal act. The penalty was death by stoning in a public square. However, after discovering Antigone was involved in burying Polyneices, he issued a different punishment to her. This revealed that he is not as terrible as he appeals. He ordered that both Antigone and Ismene be guarded well (Marks et al, 53). Creon appears to be stubborn with regard to the harsh law he had proposed. Odysseus, who was the king of Ithaca, appeared to be victorious for ten years. He effectively defended Ithaca in the period of the Trojan War. Although he appeared to be a noble person, it indulged in adultery and forsook his wife, Penelope. This revealed that he was not as respectable as many might have thought. Odysseus lay with his wife every night but was insensitive to her desire.  Creon and Odysseus appeared to be flawed in their character. Creon appeared to have excessive pride. He claimed to have exclusive power to give orders in the entire city. As the king, he was the only one issuing orders in the city. His character came out as domineering and insensitive (Beye, 17).  

Contemporary Middle East History using books The Modern Middle East Essay

Contemporary Middle East History using books The Modern Middle East (Gelvin) and Sources in History of the Modern Middle East (K - Essay Example At the end of the 19th century, in light of this increasing anti-Semitism in Europe, Zionist leaders encouraged massive immigration to Palestine through the purchase of these lands using the Jewish National Fund. Soon the Arabs who were the predominant owners of this land started feeling aggrieved. This land dispossession of the Arab land by the Jews soon erupted into sporadic violence between the two communities (Smith, 2006). During the First World War both the Arabs and the Jews fought on the side of the British against the Turks who were allied to the Germans. Their reasons were however very different. On the side of the Arabs the British encouraged them to revolt against the Turks with the promise that after the war the British would establish nation states for them including for the Palestine territory which by then had huge numbers of Jews (Schindler, 2008). Jews on the other hand were also encouraged to revolt with the promise that after the war the British would establish fo r them a Jewish state. This was done through the Balfour Declaration to the Zionist leaders. Following the end of the war however the British could not simultaneously satisfy the promises made to both the Jews and the Arabs in Palestine which had been placed under its mandate. Meanwhile violence between the Arabs and Jews increased as more Jews continued emigrating from Europe into these Arab lands especially after the Nazi ascendance to power in Germany on an anti-Semitic platform. After the Second World War and in light of the Holocaust, the state of Israeli was formed 1948 resulting in war with the Arabs which have continued sporadically since then with major ones being in 1948, 1952, 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982 and 2006. The major stumbling blocks to the Arab-Israeli peace include the continued construction of Jewish settlement housing schemes in what the Palestinians consider their own territory. This has resulted in the Palestinians claiming that that the Israelis deliberately want to ensure that if they ever get a state then it won’t be a viable one (Fawcett, 2005). Another stumbling block is the refusal of powerful forces within the Palestinians like Hamas to recognize the state of Israel. There is also the contention of the state of Jerusalem on where exactly it should be given that it is considered a Holly City by both the Arabs and Jews. (Fawcett, 2005). The First World War is considered a turning point in the affairs of the Middle East. During the war the British had given both the Jews and the Arabs in Palestine promises it could not fulfil. The British, in a bid to defeat the Turks had encouraged both Arab nationalism and Zionism to spur both the Arabs and the Jews in fighting the Turks (Sachar, 1976). Following the defeat of the Turks Arab states were curved from the former Ottoman Empire while some became British Mandates. One of these mandatory states was the Palestinian state which was occupied by both the Arabs and the Jews. Since the Brit ish could give the land to neither the Arabs nor the Jews conflicts continued between the two groups especially after the influx of Jews continued to grow leading to severe pressure on the land. The influx was mainly due to the Russian Revolution and later on in the 1930s to the violent anti-Semitism in Germany which

Extremely Disturbing Accident Essay Example for Free

Extremely Disturbing Accident Essay There was an extremely disturbing accident a couple of years ago. I will never be able to forget that scene which made Daniel lost his words and made him stay in the darkness for such a long time. Daniel was a wonderful man who cared about his family more than anything else. He had a lovely wife who was called Mary and between them, he had the most adorable daughter. I have never seen such a caring and loving family who knows to take care about their neighbors as well. They were especially kind to me who was living next door, old and alone. They knew I had no relatives so they often invited me at dinner and on the special occasions such as Christmas and Birthdays. They regarded me as a member of the family. We used to sing every night and, oh, I remember, the family was very fond of reciting poems. Therefore, we had this party in which all had to recite favorite poems very often. Daniel used to write the poems by himself and the poems were always about love in the family and each time, we were touched and impressed by high qualities of them. However, the happiness did not last long. On Daniels 40th Birthday, Mary and her daughter, Kate, and I planed to surprise him by taking a birthday cake and a lot of nice food to share with his friends to where Daniel was working. In spite of the fact that Daniel was very angry when we once visited him long time ago, he said the place is too dangerous, we were taking food to where Daniel was working. Having thought back about what he said, he was right; He did a lot of physical works for building up the structures and the place where he worked was very dangerous indeed. Kate was singing, excited with joys, she couldnt wait to see her dads smile at her little- hand made birthday card. She was running down the hill and at the same time, I just realized that she is not safe any longer at that distance. Mary and I were running after her, shouting to stop, but it was too late. By accident, one of the workers dropped a huge-hard wooden material from high floor of the building, and Mary was hit by it so hard that even before the ambulance came to help her, she was already gone to the other world. Daniel thought her death was his fault and he quit the job. He acted like an insane person and people started to avoid him, even his wife gave up trying to turn him back to normal. At last, they got divorced in few months. I didnt see Daniel for a few months around his house, and then I found him in his garden. I asked him whether he feels better and he always nodded at my questions. I noticed he became the person I used to know, the person before faced his daughters death, but I knew something was wrong. He was quiet, too quiet. His eyes were always full of sorrow and made my heart broke. They reminded me of Mary who was gone long ago. I did my best to make him to speak again, not out of pity, but I felt I am the one relative left to take care of him. He hardly got out from his room; it was so hard to make him to get along with people, to get socialized again. I thought it would be impossible to make him speak again unless Mary comes back to him. One day, I have succeeded to take him to the poetry club where he used to love to go and listen to the poems. I thought this rally was the last chance I have and played to God desperately. That, that was a miracle; he was listening the poems quietly and suddenly, he stood up. After a while he started to mumble something and soon he made a perfect sound. I was frozen, alert. The people around him listened to him. He found the music of speech which was concealed in this heart deeply for a long time. When he is done, before the applause, we observed the flowers silence. A thrush sings and the daffodils are flame

Developmental Psychology Observation Assignment

Developmental Psychology Observation Assignment Introduction The development of children starts from junior wonderful youngsters to early stages and after that to adulthood, they are bit by bit influenced by their encompassing surroundings around them. They are additionally influenced by the heredity, their father and motherpass down to them (Eileen, Marotz and Lyn). As the kids develop they will change and create in numerous diverse ways. Today, the kids will experience numerous phases of social and good improvement from the time off ahead of schedule adolescence through immaturity. Outset is the first run through period in Hanna life that will start during childbirth and proceed through 2 years of age. Throughout the voyage of early stages youngsters create socially and ethically. Since the precise starting during childbirth kids will be to understand that individuals are dynamic, expressive, and react effectively. They additionally understand that individuals have life to them that questions dont (Eileen, Marotz and Lyn). At this early age a child acknowledge on the regular basis that how to act suitably and how to act keeping in mind the end goal to attain an objective. My nieces (Hanna) for example realizes that on the off chance that she is great while at the store, no doubt we will get her a prize that could be anything. Despite the fact that my niece has discovered that on the off chance that she doesnt get her direction and doesnt get her sweet she can yell and through her fit to the extent that she may please and that it wont change the conclusion she s till may not get what she is needing. Most newborn children will connect four or point to demonstrate they need a certain question that he or she may need. In the second year of early stages kids get more mindful of individual mental states, and they will have a consciousness of other individuals consideration centre and feelings (Eileen, Marotz and Lyn). By the age of a year and a half kids will get exceptionally mindful of how their activities impact the individuals around them. Time began: 2:00 pm Time finished: 3:00 pm Name of kid: Hanna Age: 5 Physical aspects of Hanna The physical development of Hanna has dependably been that of ordinary kids. Hanna first birthday, she could remain up without anyone else present and began strolling in no time thereafter. As per Feldman, Hanna met these points of reference near the normal times of most newborn children and babies. Hanna is currently five years of age and shows common physical attributes. She is about 39 inches tall and his weight is similar to most other kids of her ageà Ã‚ ¾ She is not, one or the other overweight, nor underweight. Her sound stature and weight may be an after effect of the way that she consumes well, both at home and at day mind. Her guardians attempt to keep a sound equalization of nourishments, and Hanna consumes almost different types of nourishment given to him. Hanna has had no genuine ailments while growing up. She gets an icy once in for a short time, which could be normal with preschool kid Setting: The setting occurred in a play territory/corner in the classroom of the school where Hanna goes to. Hanna is playing with teddy bears and there are likewise other kids present, playing in the same play territory. Perception: Hanna is sitting in a play territory with a companion playing with teddy bears at a little table. He is playing and talking like the teddy bears. Hanna is getting up and running, imagining he is flying. He then sits back up at the table and gazes nearly toward the teddy bear, attempting to return her head protector on the teddy bear. She says to her companion, Gee golly, how would I get power officer protective cap once more on, Yuma? Her companion doesnt react, and he says once more, Yuma! Help me, Yuma! Hanna then tosses the teddy bear over the room out of dissatisfaction. After he tosses the toy, he recognizes that an alternate kid has begun to shout. So Hanna gets her energy officer that he simply tossed and brings it to the tyke who was hollering and says, â€Å"Do you need teddy bear? Hanna appeared resentful and extremely worried that this kid was yelling. Hanna didnt get an answer so he set the teddy bear alongside the tyke and did a reversal (while biting on her fingers) to the table he was sitting as he continued taking a gander at the yelling kid as he strolled back. Inevitably the tyke came to the table where Hanna was sitting and gave Hanna the teddy bear and Hanna says, I like you Jane, Jane youre a nice kid. Interpretation: As I was watching Hanna I could see that a significant number of her movements and conduct was regular for her age. I will talk about my perceptions as far as the cognitive and psychosocial areas of human advancement. I will likewise talk about my perceptions utilizing the cognitive hypothesis. All through this chore I will be talking about the improvement of a 5year old tyke. With the backing of important hypotheses, including the work of Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson, I will examine the natural impacts that advertise the physical, cognitive and psychosocial advancement of a 5year old kid. I will additionally survey the vitality of play in the youngsters advancement and propose an action of a play that would improve the kids improvement. In the realm of a 5year old kid there is a great deal of evolving. For in the fourth year in most western social orders this is the time they will most generally start going to kindergarten/preschool. Lively and inventive best depict the 4-year-old. Creative energy all of a sudden gets more excellent than life for the 4-year-old, who regularly confounds actuality and make-accept. five-year-olds like the things they can do, show self-assurance, and are ready to attempt new exploits (Lesley). Development of the body and mind, tangible limits, engine abilities and well being are all parts of physical improvement (Lesley). By the fourth year the youngster has accomplished more amazing control over the little muscles, enhancing attracting aptitudes and capabilities to tie shoelaces and secure catches. Their equalization likewise enhances, so they additionally are currently better at running, jumping, skipping and tossing balls. As indicated by kid analyst and scholar Erik Erikson, the 5year old kid is as per her hypothesis, in the activity versus blame stage. These methods the youngster is getting more free and sure about their capabilities. This activity is directed by blame as the youngster understands that their drive may put them in clash with others Conclusion In a rundown, folks must give careful consideration to their childs correspondence capacities, understanding capabilities, and why. Firstly, a childs correspondence capacities might be enhanced by encountering open circumstances. That is providing for them the chance to identify with general society. Likewise, turning into a part of outside exercises will help children to figure out how to correspond with others. Folks should likewise show their children the route how to talk at their house. Correspondence capacity can make a difference Works cited Allen Eileen Marotz Lyn â€Å"Developmental Profiles: pre-birth through to Eight† Albany: Delmar, 2009. Holditch Lesley, â€Å"Understanding Your 5 Year Old† The Tavistock Clinic. Rosendale Press, 2002.

Journalists And Public Relations Practitioners Media Essay

Journalists And Public Relations Practitioners Media Essay Since studying and undertaking work experience in the field of public relations I have realised the need for a good relationship between journalists and PR practitioners if both professions want to achieve their goals and do their job to the highest standard. Writing press releases and then sending them to journalists is an important aspect of a PR practitioners job, so a good relationship between the two is important. Both professions rely on each other; journalists need PR practitioners to provide them with newsworthy stories about their clients or organisation they are working for and PR practitioners need journalists to publish the press releases that they send to them on behalf of their clients or organisation. After writing some press releases and sending them to journalists while undertaking work experience at The Phoenix Partners I found that three of the four press releases which I had written were published by at least one of the journalists which I had sent them to. I also found after analysing press cuttings that many of the press releases written by my colleagues were also often used by journalists. After speaking to two PR practitioners who previously worked as journalists, I was told that PR practitioners are having a big influence in the setting of the news agenda as many of their news stories are being used by the relevant media. What I have learnt while studying PR confirms that what I have seen first hand from my work experience and what I have been told by ex journalists is correct and I have decided to research this topic further to gain a more in-depth knowledge of it. Research Questions In order to come to a conclusion to see whether the influence of the news agenda is being transferred from journalists towards PR practitioners, I have formulated the following research questions: How common is it for news in media outlets to be as a result of PR activity? Do PR practitioners generally have a good relationship with journalists? Has there been a shift in employment in PR and journalism? Methodology To answer the question and to see whether the influence of the news agenda is being transferred from journalists towards public relations practitioners, I will be using a combination of primary and secondary research methods. There has already been a lot of secondary research conducted on this area of PR and journalism and this research will help me to answer all of my research questions. This secondary research includes research already conducted by national organisations and academic teams. I will also be using academic and professional sources in researching the topic. This includes the use of academic textbooks, websites, magazines, newspapers and media reports, allowing me to use a mixture of factual data as well as the thoughts and opinions of researchers, academics and practitioners in the field of PR and journalism. My study will also make use of primary research methods in answering two of my research questions; how common is it for news in media outlets to be as a result of PR activity and do PR practitioners generally have a good relationship with journalists? The primary research will consist of conducting questionnaires, one sent to PR practitioners and one sent to journalists within the West Midlands, England. The questionnaires will ask both open-ended and closed-ended questions which will provide me with enough information to analyse my findings and answer my research questions. I have chosen to use the West Midlands for my investigation as I already have lots of contacts who are PR practitioners within this area and therefore I will benefit from a higher response rate than if I were to send the questionnaire to people who I dont know from other areas. I will use my PR contacts to help me find journalists to respond to the questionnaire, as well as using Mediadisk to find journalists within the West Midlands and contact them directly. The sampling methods I am using are a combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling. Forzano and Gravetta (2008) state that convenience sampling is where researchers use participants who are easy to get based on their availability and willingness to respond. Babbie (2009) feels that snowball sampling works well when a population is difficult to locate. This is because the researcher collects data from the members of the target population that they can locate and then asks them to help locate other members of the target population that they may know. Ethical Issues When conducting primary and secondary research for my study I need to consider any ethical implications of my research methods. As I will be using secondary data already conducted by national organisations and academic teams, I will ensure that I dont pass any of the research off as my own and I will cite what source I have got the research from. While I analyse my findings from the questionnaires sent to PR practitioners and journalists I will make sure that I dont fabricate, falsify or misinterpret research data. This will ensure that my research is honest and truthful, this is important in order to make my study represent a true reflection of my findings. One of the main factors which discourage participants in taking part in a questionnaire is that they want their answers to remain confidential and anonymous, even to the researcher. To ensure respondents answers to the questionnaire will be kept anonymous, I will be setting up the questionnaire online and wont be asking respondents to fill out their name. This will ensure that any participants who fear for their anonymity can be sure that this ethical issue will not pose them a problem. Literature Review The relationship between journalists and PR practitioners, which has typically been characterised as essentially in conflict, has recently been recast as a trading or exchange relationship in which under-resourced journalists, working in under-staffed newsrooms, increasingly rely on PR sources for editorial copy while offering access to editorial columns for PR messages in return (Gans 1978, Jones 2006). However, Tench and Yeomans (2006) state journalists feel that PR practitioners are incapable of manipulating them and that they are an annoying distraction to them when theyre setting out to do their jobs. While PR practitioners argue that media relations works best if its aim is to provide a service to the media, instead of acting mostly as a promotional channel for their clients or organisation. A long standing stream of PR research has looked at the influence of the news agenda. There is more than 80 years of research on this topic in the USA, Australia and UK. Macnamara (2009) states that USA studies go back as far as 1926 when Silas Bent studied the New York Times and found that out of the 256 stories in the newspaper, 147 of them came from PR sources. In 1963 when a series of studies of the news media was conducted in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it found that 45% of the stories in newspapers and 15% of news aired on radio and television were in some way sourced from PR activity. (Grunig and Hunt, 1984) The New York Times was again looked at along with the Washington Post when Leon Sigal found that around two-thirds of articles originated from press releases and other PR sources. Only 26% of news resulted from reporting, interviews or the journalists own analysis. (Macnamara, 2009) Studies on this subject in Australia date back to more recent times. Macnamara (1993) conducted a study to examine the relationship between PR practitioners and journalists; it also looked at the conflicting claims over the role of and impact of PR in shaping the news agenda. He undertook research for his Masters of Arts by conducting a survey of 417 journalists and editors in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. He found that 86% claimed to have very frequent contact from PR practitioners and 74% said that they received over 20 press releases or other PR communications per week. At the same time 150 press releases were gathered from 27 different companies and a national press clipping service provided 2,500 articles on the topics of the press releases. The study found that 31% of stories were based on the press releases, only nine press releases out of 150 tracked (1.2%) were not used by the media and the average usage rate for the press releases was seven times. A more recent analysis of media content in Australia by Zawawi (2001) conducted an examination of 1,163 articles published by three leading newspapers to identify the origin of news stories. The research confirmed the origin of 683 articles, of which 251 (37%) were sourced from PR activity. The analysis found that surveys, papers and submissions sent to journalists with the aim of attaining media coverage could also be considered as PR activity and these accounted for a further 88 news stories. Taking this into consideration it was concluded that 47% of news items were resulted from PR activity. Davies (2008) commissioned expert researchers from the journalism department of Cardiff University to study a sample of the news running through the British media in 2008. It focused on five daily newspapers; The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Daily Mail and The Daily Telegraph. They chose two random weeks and examined each domestic news item put out by these newspapers, a total of 2,207 pieces. The study found that 54% of news items showed signs of being sourced from PR activity. It also found that only 12% of news stories in newspapers were independently sourced. Schedule 3/5 7/5 8/5 12/5 13/5 17/5 18/5 22/5 23/5 27/5 28/5 1/6 2/6 6/6 7/6 11/6 Preparation Reading literature Note taking Designing Questionnaire Data Collection Distribution of Questionnaire Collection of Questionnaire Data Analysis Analysis of Questionnaire Results Evaluation of Questionnaire Results Writing Introduction Methodology Literature Review Analysis Study Limitations Conclusion Recommendations Proof Reading Chapter Plan Abstract Introduction Methodology 3.1 Research Design Literature Review The Influence of the News Agenda in Australia The Influence of the News Agenda in USA The Influence of the News Agenda in Britain The Relationship Between PR Practitioners and Journalists Changes in Employment in Journalism Changes in Employment in PR Reasons for the Change in Influence of the News Agenda Primary Research Findings of Questionnaire Sent to Journalists Findings of Questionnaire Sent to PR Practitioners Analysis How common is it for news in media outlets to be as a result of PR activity? Do PR practitioners generally have a good relationship with journalists? Has there been a shift in employment in PR and journalism? Is the influence of the news agenda being transferred from journalists towards PR practitioners? Study Limitations Conclusion Recommendations Bibliography References Appendix

Viacom Essays -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Viacom formed when FCC rules had forced CBS to spin off some of its cable TV and program operations, this happened in 1971. Viacom then buys WAST-TV in 1979, in 1985 Blockbuster Video is founded, in 1981 the NAI buys majority interest ( Sumner Redstone owns this), in 1994 Viacom announces multi-transponder, multi-satellite agreement with PanAmSat. Also in 1994 Viacom and Paramount announces 8.4 billion dollar merger, Viacom then sells its 33% share of Lifetime. In 1995 Viacom spins off its cable systems for Tele-communications, in 1999 Viacom bought CBS for 50 billion dollars. There are other acquisitions and selling’s through which Viacom became so large, but I did not include every little thing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sumner M. Redstone has been chairperson since 1987, he did not become CEO of the company until 1996. However, Mel Karmazin became president and CEO of Viacom in May 2000. He was previously the president of CBS and he oversees all the operations of the corporation. He joined CBS in 1997 where he was chairperson and CEO and when Infinity merged with CBS radio he was chairperson there from 1981, until Infinity became a full subsidiary of Viacom in Feb. 2001.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Viacom is a leading global media company, with many positions in broadcasting cable, television, radio, outdoor advertising, and online. With programming it appeals to audiences in every category across all media, the company is a leader in the creation, promotion, and distribution of entertainment, news, sports, music, and comedy. Viacom’s well known brands include CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, VH1, BET, Paramount Pictures, Infinity Broadcasting, Viacom Outdoor, UPN, TV Land, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, and Showtime.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some of the Broadcast and Cable Television that were by Viacom are some of the following: CBS Television Network is the Number one most watched network with more than two hundred stations providing viewers with some of the nation’s best entertainment, news and sports programming. Popular programs include CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Everybody Loves Raymond, Survivor, the Late Show with David Letterman and 60 Minutes. Sports stations however, include the NFL and the NCAA Basketball Championship. Daytime drama The Young and The Restless leads a daytime pr... ... however promise by Viacom itself. The $50 billion merger between Viacom and CBS Corporation was completed in May 2000. Viacom is now the second largest media worldwide after AOL Time Warner, with 1999 sales of over $12 billion. The CBS-Viacom merger creates the second largest media conglomerate, controlling more TV and radio stations than any other and the feature of the announced takeover of CBS by Viacom was how little public attention it attracted. There the deal was announced by Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone and CBS President, Viacom now has its eye on synergy, one of the world's largest media companies in the world. Viacom spans movies, television, radio, the internet, and it owns BET (Black Entertainment Television), CBS, Paramount Pictures, the United Paramount Network (UPN), MTV.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  However, Viacom productions is used everywhere in the world today, many of it’s business are dealt with motion pictures, broadcast television, cable television, radio and outdoor, retail and recreation, publishing, online, and many other things around us. Viacom is one of the best programs I think we have as far as the TV programs much more.

Heroes in Wonderful Fool and The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Se

Expectations of Heroes in Wonderful Fool and The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚         In a human being's search for spiritual peace throughout life, he constantly turns to outside sources for the answers to his questions. Some people quench their curiosity in a god or religion; some find release through the use of foreign chemicals. Many people, however, turn to another person in their time of personal questioning, soliciting answers from their own pseudo-hero. This character is one who, by virtue of his exotic origin, is chosen by the person to fill a void or achieve a goal. The hero is expected to meet certain qualifications based on his devotee's heroic ideal. However, no one can successfully accomplish the objectives set for them by another person, especially when they are personally unaware of these goals. In many instances, this leads to disillusionment and bitterness in the person who has determined these goals. This is the case with the main characters in the novels Wonderful Fool and The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea. The "heroes" in these books, Gaston Bonaparte and Ryuji Tsukazaki, are constantly expected to fulfill the fancies of those who venerate them. The inability of both Gaston and Ryuji to automatically satisfy these expectations ultimately leads to a sense of indignation and betrayal in their respective devotees, Tomoe and Noboru. This disappointment is fueled not by the failure of Gaston and Ryuji to achieve the goals set for them, but rather by the arrogance assumed by Tomoe and Noboru in expecting their preset qualifications to be fulfilled. Shusaku Endo's novel Wonderful Fool is a work filled with characters who receive something contrary to their expectations. The... ...ed leveling of charges. However, there is one major difference. Tomoe, unlike Noboru, realizes her own hubris near the end of Wonderful Fool and feels as if it has been somehow defeated by having "lost out" to a fool: "This feeling of having been beaten was to Tomoe, who prided herself on being a very knowledgeable young lady, particularly disagreeable" (Endo 185). Noboru, on the other hand, takes his egotism to the extreme, using the crimes he has accused Ryuji of committing as sufficient reason to condemn him to death, in order to â€Å"make him a hero again" (Mishima 163). In each case, the arrogance assumed by Tomoe and Noboru is not realized in time to redeem their heroes, who in turn vanish from the lives of their devotees, never to return. Works Cited: Mishima, Yukio. The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea. Trans. John Nathan. New York: Vintage, 1994.