Chalenges in Developing Journal Body Paragraph Essay

Chalenges in Developing Journal Body Paragraph - Essay Example In most cases, I find it challenging to support my prejudices, assumptions and stereotypes. Occasionally, most of my body paragraphs are less logical and appealing. Misplaced statements, clichà ©s and metaphors are also common in my body paragraphs. Another major challenge during the development of body paragraph is coherency and consistency. The information volumes from different sources are sometimes misleading from the main topic hence making the body paragraph lose consistency.    Revisions remain the most challenging process in writing since it involves various aspects. In most instances, revisions are demanding given the client’s ultimatums and requests. However, with revision plans, revisions are less problematic. Focusing on the paper weaknesses remains my biggest revision strategy. While doing the paper, I am always aware of areas that were problematic. Therefore, I always plan early in areas that I felt I was weak.    Creating consistency and focus in my papers remains my greatest challenge. The fact that in normally acquire information from different sources, in most cases, they end up misleading me during the paper development. In fact, it makes my paper loose consistency. I also tend to lose focus from the main argument and the thesis. Another challenge that I always experience is creating an effective paper flow within the paragraphs. In most cases, I end up losing track of the topic. Addressing consistency and flow within the paper depends on continuous practice and revisions.

Hinduism and Buddhism Essay Example for Free

Hinduism and Buddhism Essay Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the renowned religions world widely. Hinduism is the religion of the great majority of the people of India. The word comes from the Sanskrit sindhu, â€Å"river,† and originally referred to the Indus. Hinduism is actually a collection of many native Indian religions, past and present. It is responsible for the social structure of India, especially for the caste system (a hereditary class system). Hinduism has about 20 sects, with beliefs that range from primitive forms of animism to the highest reaches of mysticism and philosophy. Many of the sects and cults seem to be separate religions. Yet all have a family relationship since they spring from common traditions and thrive. Hindus believe in rebirth, or reincarnation, and in what they call the law of karma. Under this law the conditions of each new lifetime are determined by the actions of the preceding life. To the Hindu, salvation consists of liberating the soul from attachment to worldly desires in order to gain union with Brahman. If a Hindu dies liberated he must be born again into this world and again endure its suffering (Stutley, 2004). The Vedas describe four main castes. 1. The Brahmins exercise spiritual power. (Brahmin is also spelled Brahman). 2. The Kshatriyas are warriors who exercise secular power. 3. The Vaisyas are merchants and cultivators. 4. The Sudras are artisans and laborers. Hindu worship for most part takes place in the home. A Hindu temple or shrine is considered an abode of deity and is not used for communal worship. There are kinds of Hindu clergy. Temple priests collect offerings and care for the temples and shrines. Domestic priests perform rites involving births, marriages, and deaths. Gurus are spiritual teachers. Sadhus are monks; most live in monasteries, but many live as wandering mendicants (beggars) (Chaudhuri, 1999). While Buddhism is a religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (â€Å"Buddha,† or â€Å"The Enlightened One†) in India about 500 B. C. Buddhism is the chief religion of Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Kampuchea, Laos, and China. It has been estimated that about one-fifth of the world’s people are Buddhists. Because many Buddhists also practice Confucianism or Taoism, however, some authorities estimate world membership to be much smaller. In the United States, there are a number of organized Buddhist congregations (Carrithers, 2003). Buddhism consists of numerous sects with varying practices and beliefs. Some of these sects are so different from the others that they appear to be separate religions. But all sects have in common the belief that they are following the principles laid down by Gautama. Early Buddhism, the religion as taught by Gautama, developed into two branches—Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism (Mizuno, 2001). Although Buddhism was originally a reform movement that rejected certain beliefs and practices of Hinduism, the two religions have several important beliefs in common. Among them are reincarnation, the ideas that a living thing can be reborn in a new body; the law of karma, which holds that events in life are effects whose cause lies in previous lives and acts; and liberation, or salvation, the state of being free of the law of karma and rebirth (Conze, 2002). According to Buddhism, liberation is attained through understanding and practice of the Four Noble Truths: 1. There is suffering in life. 2. Suffering is caused by desire for pleasure, existence, and prosperity. 3. Suffering and rebirth cease when one ceases such desires, leading to enlightenment, or Nirvana, a blessed state in which peace, harmony, and joy are attained. The Eightfold Path is also called the Middle Way—because of its emphasis on avoiding such extremes as following sensuous pleasures on the one hand, and self-punishment on the other. The Buddhists must at all times observe in the high moral principles described in the Eightfold path, which emphasizes nonviolence and the brotherhood of all. Reference: 1. Carrithers, Michael. The Buddha (Oxford University 2003). 2. Chaudhuri, N. C. Hinduism: A Religion to Live by (Oxford University, 1999). 3. Conze, Edward. A Short History of Buddhism (Allen Unwin, 2002). 4. Mizuno, Kogen. Basic Buddhist Concepts (Tuttle, 2001). 5. Stutley, Margaret James. Harper’s Dictionary of Hinduism: Its Mythology, Folklore, Philosophy, Literature, and History (Harper Row, 2004).

Chris Tucker :: Biography Actor Essays

Chris Tucker The one and only â€Å"motor mouth,† Chris Tucker, is a great actor and cutting-edge comic who made it to stardom with his fast talking wise cracks. The sleek and slender 6’1† young African American was born in Atlanta, Georgia on August 31, 1972. Chris was the youngest of six children in his family; his parents were Norris and Mary Tucker. Norris Tucker owned his own family business, a carpet cleaning business. Chris used to work for his dad at the carpet cleaning shop so he could have some extra money to spend. The one thing that was very unusual about Chris was his loud and annoying voice. The one obstacle that set Chris apart from his brothers was his loud and annoying voice. He used that gift to get to where he is today. His parents retired from the carpet cleaning business due to their youngest son’s success in Hollywood. Chris Tucker’s personality and ability to make people laugh is what led him on his road to be a successful young African American actor. Being the youngest in the family was hard for Chris because he would always get pushed around and beat up by his brothers and friends. One day, he figured the only way to get his brothers and friends to stop beating him up was to make them laugh. Tucker said, â€Å"Out of necessity, I learned to make them laugh. If I did, they’d stop beating on me.† (Jam! Showbiz pg.9) By doing this, Chris felt he was on to something. So what Chris decided to do was to try the same jokes and tricks at school to get some attention and make classmates laugh, and it was a success. Tucker has found that his high-pitched voice and comedic style is one of his greatest assets. The only people that were not amused were the administrators and the teachers. His principle thought of him as a failure and the principle tried to end Tucker’s relationsh ip with his girlfriend. A great source of inspiration came one day for him when one of his teachers influenced Tucker to take his â€Å"wise-cracking antics to the stage and host the school’s talent shows.† (Tribut.ca pg1) In addition, his classmates impelled him to take his in class comedy routines on to the stage. After he heard everyone laughing a this jokes and when he blew away all of the competition at the school talent show, he decided then and there that is what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

10 Things and Taming of the Shrew Comparison Essay

The playwright of Taming of the Shrew, by Shakespeare, and the film text 10 Things I Hate about You, directed by Gil Junga, convey similar plots, however, the composition of these two texts spreads across 400 years. With this, audiences who have experienced both of these texts can witness the differences of the society within the 17th and the 20th century. This is conveyed through the social context of both era’s (the Elizabethan Era and 20th century USA) and also the Shakespearean language in contrast with the colloquial language. Not only do these play a part, but the gender roles of both women and men are distinctly represented. Finally, the plot and events of both texts coincide with the other issues mentioned. Through all this, there are still discrete and direct links of 10 Things I Hate about You with Taming of the Shrew. Although the modern day appropriation of The Shrew, 10 Things, follows the same storyline and plot, the social context completely contrasts with that of The Shrew. One aspect of where this put across is how men were considered to be superior to women in the Elizabethan Era, compared to the equal values of both men and women in the 20th century. These related to audiences of both centuries as society considered this to be the correct way of living. The quote made by Pertruchio towards Katherina, â€Å"Women are made to bear, and so are you. † (Act 2, Scene 1, Line 203) portrays how a woman must obey that of a man in the 17th century. In 20th century society, this would be unheard of. Also, the reasoning behind the popularity of both texts was that Shakespeare and Gil Junga chose to express their text in the most popular form of entertainment of their time. Playwrights were considered to be the favourited form of entertainment of the 17th century and film was that of the 20th century. See more: Recruitment and selection process essay The language used from both texts reflects and appeal to the audiences of the different time periods. Shakespeare uses quite poetic and refined language to gain interest of the audiences of that time. Gil Junga in his film text has quite rough edged, colloquial language, to replica modern teenagers. However both playwright and director allocate different levels of language to different participants of their text to convey social standard, education rank and hierarchy. â€Å"Y’are a baggage. † (Induction 1, line 3) This is spoken by Christopher Sly, a drunken man in a bar who is at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Compared to the Lord Huntsman, â€Å"I charge thee, tender well my hounds† (induction 1, line 12) who uses sophisticated language. This is mirrored in 10 Things with Kat and Chastity (Bianca’s best friend). Kat is obviously highly educated, and in the scene with all the cars and students in the beginning of the film, Kat makes a remark of, â€Å"Remove head from sphincter, then drive. † As she almost crashes into Michael. Compared to Chastity in the same scene, in a somewhat, â€Å"stupid† manner, she questions, â€Å"I know you can be underwhelmed, and you can be overwhelmed, but can you just be ‘whelmed’? Gender roles within the two texts can be considered the most important aspects of both centuries. In the Elizabethan era, the role of women was to obey the word of a man. They were not expected to have an opinion. They were to get married and be the nurturers of the family. Rebellious women were classified as â€Å"shrews†. On the other side of the spectrum, women in the modern day film have equal values and rites of men. This is put across majorly by Kat. She is classified as a â€Å"Heinous bitch† by her peers. As viewed in her English lessons, she has her own opinion. She recites her favourite writers who are famous feminist women, such as Charlotte Bronte and Sylvia Plath. Conclusions can be made that Kat herself is a feminist. However, due to lack of opinions made by women in Elizabethan times, Katherina is unable to explain why she is the way she is. Katherina’s modern counterpart, Kat has the option to compose statements and opinions. The scene in which Kat and Bianca are in Bianca’s room, Kat explains how she once dated Joey in the Ninth Grade, however Joey was trying to take advantage of her. The result is her present, objective opinions, her personality and behaviour. Finally, the plot and events of both texts reflect the time and culture they were written in. The key plots of these texts are relatively identical – everyone wants Bianca, however Katherina/Kat must be taken first. The aspect of â€Å"marriage† has been altered to â€Å"dating† to reflect the social context. A man from a distant place – Pertruchio (from Verona) and Patrick Verona (from Australia) – is introduced to try and woo Kat/Katherina. The dowry is replaced by money from Joey to date Kat. However, the ending greatly differs to The Shrew. Patrick realizes he has started to have genuine feelings for Kat, unlike Pertruchio who continues to abuse Katherina. Patrick publically expresses his love to Kat with the pole scene in which he sings and dances to â€Å"Can’t Take My Eyes off of You†. The lyrics state, â€Å"I love you baby, and if it’s quite alright, I need you baby. † In Shakespearean times, public affection was rarely or never expressed. Finally, the film concludes with both Kat and Patrick genuinely in love with one another. In comparison to The Shrew, Katherina reluctantly decides to obey the bidding of her husband, Pertruchio. It was considered â€Å"normal† for this particular time and culture to follow the words of a man and have no opinion. Taming of the Shrew and 10 Things I Hate about You hold insight of the revolution of time and how all texts reflect the time and culture they were written in. This is depicted through the social context of the 17th and 20th century, and changes in language structure and form, the alteration of gender roles and finally, the plot and events through the changes of social context.

Othello’s Role in the Murder of Desdemona

Othello played the most important role in the murder of Desdemona due to his flaws in his character. His personality flaws ultimately lead him to killing his wife, making it an important factor in the play. Two of his most vivid flaws include his jealousy and his reason versus passion. Iago may have set up the death of Desdemona, but Othello has the most important role of her death due his flaws acting upon him and making himself kill his wife. His inability to comprehend his reason verses passion is mainly represented in Act 3 scene 3.While his dramatic jealousy can be seen in Act 4 scene 1. All of which lead to his eventual downfall and the death of Desdemona. Othello’s reason versus passion is undeniably a contributing factor that leads to Desdemona’s death. Othello cannot comprehend his reason versus passion and this ultimately leads to the tragedy and destruction in the play. Iago ignites the chaos in the play but without Othello the play would not have ended in th is dramatic fashion and the Death of Desdemona would not have occurred. Act 3 scene 3 is a turning point in the play between his reason and passion.Interestingly enough Othello says â€Å"But I do love thee, and when I love thee not, / Chaos is come again† in Act 3 scene 3. This foreshadows the Chaos of Othello not loving Desdemona later in the play. It represents himself understanding his own reason verses passion as he knows that if he stops loving Desdemona then his passion will overwhelm his reason, thus causing chaos. Also in this scene Othello says, â€Å"For she has eyes and chose me. † This represents his reason, which doesn’t last long and his reasoning fades as the play goes on.Again in the same act Othello says â€Å"Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow hell! † A metaphor is used to represent Othello calling his own vengeance to come from him self. In saying this, Othello is now full of anger and vengeance that is brought on upon by his pass ion and he now has no reason left in his conscience. â€Å"Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her! † is said by Othello later in the scene. Once again Othello’s passion is engulfing his reason and he is coming to dramatic conclusions.The repetition of ‘damn her’, and naming her ‘lewd minx’ emphasises his passionate hate for her. Act 3 scene 3 is a perfect example of him having self conflict between his reason vs. passion, where his passion takes control of his reasoning. Thus, this flaw of his inability to have balanced reason and passion is a major contributor to Desdemona’s death. Jealousy is yet another important theme throughout the play of Othello, and it has consumed the mind of Othello, ultimately leading him to killing Desdemona.Evident in Act 4 scene 1, Iago easily manipulates Othello with profound jealousy and it overwhelms him throughout. Iago says ‘Or to be naked with her in bed / An hour of more, not meaning any h arm? ’ This imagery is not only placed in the minds of the audience, but set into Othello’s mind. Othello replies ‘Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm? ’ Othello obviously shows jealous nature by asking this rhetorical question, where he thinks that anyone in bed naked with his wife means harm.Othello is also Jealous of Cassio and it is evident in the line ‘Look how he laughs already! ’ said by Othello. Othello is jealous, as he cannot bare Cassio in being happy, thus he points out the obvious of Cassio laughing. Immediately after Cassio exists in this scene Othello says ‘How shall I murder him, Iago? ’ His jealousy has consumed his mind and now he is resorting to killing Cassio. The high modality ‘How’ emphasises his hate towards him because he is pondering the different ways he can kill Iago, also creating imagery for the audience.Later in the scene before Othello slaps Desdemona he yells ‘Devil’. Thi s is a metaphor as the devil has consumed his mind into a phase of dramatic jealousy, where the Devil inside of him has resulted to killing Desdemona. Jealousy consumes the mind of Othello, and is it is emphasised in the play, it is a catalyst for the killing of Desdemona. In the play Othello there are many people who play a role in the death of Desdemona. Iago may be an important role as he persuades Othello into an erratic thunderous state, as well as persuading him to kill Desdemona.Although, Iago could have attempted to persuade anyone else into killing someone, but with out flaws like Othello had, it would not be possible. Therefor Othello had the most important role in the death of Desdemona through his flaws of Jealousy and Reason versus Passion. We can get an understanding that jealousy has consumed the mind of Othello. Even though Iago ignites this flaw, without Othello having this flaw Iago would not be able to manipulate him into killing Desdemona, thus making Othello the most important role towards her death.

Global Business Cultural Analysis Taiwan

Global Business Cultural Analysis Taiwan Major elements and cultural dimensions in Taiwan Elements of culture According to Huang and Mutjaba (2009), culture influences one’s behavior, and thus it is an essential aspect in the global workplace. Cultural awareness influences the success of firms in the international market; hence, it is imperative for the firms’ management teams to be conscious of cross-cultural variations in the international market.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Global Business Cultural Analysis Taiwan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Cheng and Seeger (2012), culture is comprised of a number of elements, which include values and attitudes, religion, language, communication, transparency, ethics, and social organization. This report evaluates the cultural variation between Taiwan and the US. Values and attitude Based on the Hofstede’s dimension, Taiwanese culture can be characterized as collectivist (Kell y, MacNab, Worthley, 2006). The Taiwanese have a strong attitude towards the family unit as one of the most important elements in the society. The Taiwanese value the extended family more than the nuclear family. B y living in unity, the Taiwanese society has been in a position to nurture a sense of belonging, collaboration, and working in groups. The collective nature of the society is also evident in the workplace as evidenced by the fact that employees value working in groups compared to working individually. Additionally, the significance of the family unit in Taiwan is also evidenced by the fact that most businesses are family owned. Consequently, business leadership is achieved through family succession. Relationships amongst the Taiwanese are based on Confucianism ethics, which stresses the values of loyalty, honor, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity. Their relationship with one another is also guided by principles of Buddhism and Taoism (Morrison Conaway 2006). L anguage Tao (2006) asserts, â€Å"The official language in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese† (p.5). Min-nan or Holo also constitutes a major language in Taiwan. The prominence of the language emanates from the large number of the Taiwanese of Southern Fujianese descent.Advertising Looking for report on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, most elderly people in the country can speak Japanese due to being subjected to the Japanese education before being ruled by China. Despite this aspect, English constitutes the main foreign language in the country. Ethics and transparency The Taiwanese society is characterized by high ethical standards. For example, the Taiwanese treat all people with a high degree of respect and dignity irrespective of one’s cultural background. Additionally, they are conscious of the importance of harmony in interacting with other people, and thus they treat othe r individuals with decorum. Religion The Taiwanese society is comprised of individuals from diverse religious beliefs. However, most Taiwanese are Taoists and Buddhists (93%), Christians (4.5%), and other religions account for 2.5% of all religious groups in the country. Social organization Huang and Mutjaba (2009) are of the opinion that the â€Å"group is the primary unit of social organization in Taiwan† (p. 3). This assertion highlights why the Taiwanese are very effective working as a group. Huang and Mutjaba (2009) further assert that the Taiwanese culture is made up of the Taiwanese aboriginal culture, the Japanese culture, and the Chinese culture. Moreover, processes of colonization and imperialism have also influenced the country’s social organization. During the 1970’s, the country experienced a high rate of economic growth due to increased industrialization. This aspect led to the emergence of the concept of capitalism, which led to surge of capitaliz ed social structures. The country’s economic growth has led to the development of the working and middle classes as the main social structures in Taiwan. In summary, the Taiwanese society can be defined as a relationship-based and a group oriented society. Communication Facial expression is one of the most important elements amongst the Taiwanese communication processes. The significance of facial expressions in the communication processes is illustrated by the concept of Mien-tzu. When talking with the Taiwanese, they are very concerned about the facial expression, which arises from the fact that the facial expressions reflect the individual’s prestige, dignity, and reputation.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Global Business Cultural Analysis Taiwan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Incorporation of cultural elements and dimensions in business operations in Taiwan Business culture Curry (2009) asserts that the national culture influences the business culture nurtured by a particular entity. Business culture refers to the norms, beliefs, business etiquette, and values. Curry (2009) further opines that each â€Å"national culture produces its own business culture† (p.47). Therefore, the business culture and national culture are inseparable. Considering the relationship between national culture and business culture, businesses in Taiwan are committed towards nurturing a strong business culture. In order to achieve this goal, firms in Taiwan take into account various cultural elements and dimensions in their operational strategies as discussed herein. In the course of executing their duties, the Taiwanese take into account a number of cultural elements as illustrated by the business strategies and operational strategies that are adopted by the firms in their daily operation. Teamwork According to Huang and Mujtaba (2009), understanding the national culture of a country is par amount in the process of formulating a firm’s operational strategies. This aspect arises from the fact that the national culture influences employees’ behaviors. The national culture influences the effectiveness with which an organization integrates the concept of teamwork. In an effort to achieve the predetermined objective, firms in Taiwan have adopted the concept of teamwork (Cheng, Guo Yeh, 2001). Currently, teamwork is ranked as one of the critical success factors for firms in different economic sectors. The concept of teamwork is not new in Taiwan and this assertion arises from the fact that the country has been guided by the tenets of teamwork over years. Despite the fact that most firms in Taiwan are family-owned, various types of teams are integrated in an effort to achieve predetermined business objectives. Some of these teams include sales teams, quality control teams, project management teams, and sales management teams. Considering the cohesive nature of the Taiwanese society, the concept of teamwork has been very successful. Through teamwork, firms in Taiwan have been in a position to improve their productivity. Moreover, the concept of teamwork has enabled most firms in the country to be innovative.Advertising Looking for report on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Human resource strategies The Taiwanese society is characterized by variation of roles between the male and female gender. According to Cheng, Guo, and Yeh (2001), men assume the responsibility of providing for their families. As a result, they tend to be very aggressive in the course of executing their duties. On the other hand, women are charged with the responsibility of taking care of their families and doing other household chores. Most small and medium sized enterprises in Taiwan understand the variation of roles amongst the two genders. Based on these cultural variations, entrepreneurs in Taiwan have formulated effective human resource management strategies. For example, they have integrated effective work-life balance strategies and thus both male and female employees in Taiwan are in a position to balance their personal and workplace duties. This aspect has played a significant role in improving the employees’ level of productivity. Cross-cultural aspects of business communication In their quest to attain profit maximization, firms in different economic sectors are venturing into the international market. Taiwan is one of the Asian markets that entrepreneurs are targeting. However, to succeed in this market, entrepreneurs must be informed on various communication aspects. First, the entrepreneurs in Taiwan ensure that the negotiation processes between the firm and the Taiwanese partners is successful (Sabath, 2002). During business negotiation meetings, the Taiwanese ensure that the parties selected to negotiate the business processes are competent with regard to various business aspects. Kuo, Guo, and Wu (2011) underscore the significance of possessing optimal skills by asserting that most Taiwanese entrepreneurs are experts with regard to negotiations. They tend to gain advantage over their potential business partners by engaging in hard bargaining. Therefore, the Taiwanese entrepreneurs are conscious of the need to be an expert with regard t o negotiations, which improves the effectiveness with which they arrive at optimal business deals. During negotiations, Taiwanese firms ensure that senior and older parties are involved in the business negotiation processes. Chang (2003) asserts that the Taiwanese value age and seniority in business negotiations. Therefore, including young business experts in the business negotiation processes might not be effective. Moreover, the firms ensure that the parties selected to negotiate business deals are conversant with the country’s religion, which arises from the fact that the negotiation strategy adopted is influenced by the negotiators’ religious beliefs. Findings of a study conducted by Guang and Trotter (2012) reveal that the negotiating style adopted in Taiwan is significantly influenced by the dominant religion of the country. On the other hand, religion has minimal influence on business negotiations in the US. Marketing communication mix According to Guang and Tro tter (2012), culture has an impact on the marketing mix strategies adopted by a firm. Therefore, entrepreneurs in Taiwan ensure that they develop a comprehensive understanding of the country’s culture. The firms achieve this goal by conducting a comprehensive cultural analysis on Taiwan. The analysis allows firms to determine how culture will affect their operation. As a result, entrepreneurs can align their business and marketing mix strategies with the country’s culture. Their effectiveness in analyzing the country’s culture is evidenced by the fact that most entrepreneurs have succeed in the local market. Guang and Trotter (2012) further assert that cross-cultural differences impacts the promotional strategies adopted by a firm such as advertising, sales, and public relations. Cheng, Guo, and Yeh (2001) further opine that the operational strategies adopted by firms are subject to the national culture. For example, prior to implementing the marketing strategie s, it is essential for Taiwanese firms to evaluate the country’s social structure and organization. Taiwan’s social structure is comprised of a large number of individuals’ within the working class. Firms in Taiwan can use the country’s social structure to determine the most effective pricing strategies. Moreover, the firms ensure that they adopt Mandarin-Chinese language in their promotional activities. Most Taiwanese speak Mandrin-Chinese, and thus the firms can create awareness to a large number of potential customers. This aspect arises from the fact that a large number of the country’s population speaks Mandrin- Chinese as aforementioned. By ensuring that the advertising message is designed effectively, most local firms in Taiwan have been in a position to break-even together with maximizing their level of profitability. Additionally, firms in Taiwan also take into account the society’s attitude in the process of formulating marketing p romotional strategies. For example, Taiwanese firms do not issue clocks as gifts in their effort to attract a large customer base, which arises from the fact that clocks are associated with death in Taiwan (Vasudeva, 2006). Therefore, the Taiwanese culture influences the customer focus strategies adopted by Chinese firms. Firms in Taiwan are committed towards attaining business continuity. Developing a strong customer relationship is one of the ways through which firms in Taiwan integrated in an effort to develop a strong customer base. According to Chang (2009), the effectiveness with which a firm interacts with customers determines the nature of relationship developed. According to Guang and Trotter (2012), culture influences the operation of businesses in a number of ways. Entrepreneurs intending to venture into the international market must understand the foreign culture in order to successes. Thus, the US firms intending to expand their operations into Taiwan must be conversant with the host country’s culture. The following are some implications of Taiwanese cultural elements and dimensions to the US firms. When promoting products in Taiwan, local firms do not issue clocks as gifts to potential customers, as clocks signify death within the Taiwanese society. Moreover, firms ensure that their business communication strategies are guided by the prevailing national culture. Ignoring culture in international business communication efforts may lead to misinterpretation of the intended message, which may minimize the firms’ ability to achieve its goals. Guang and Trotter (2012) opine that culture influences the consumers’ behavior. Therefore, failure to understand the country’s culture may limit the firm’s ability to attract a substantial customer base. Conclusion Taiwan is one of the emerging markets in the Asian region. As a result, local entrepreneurs are scanning the environment in an effort to identify business opportunit ies. However, prior to venturing into the Taiwanese market, it is imperative for local entrepreneurs to understand the country’s culture before venturing into business. Additionally, it is fundamental for existing firms to review the country’s culture continuously in order to identify possible cultural changes. Gaining understanding on countries enables a firm to adjust its operational strategies effectively. This strategy increases the likelihood of the firm achieving business continuity. The report shows that Taiwan is characterized by unique cultural differences with regard to religion, communication, social organization, values and attitude, language, ethics, and level of transparency. The cultural differences have significant implication on the strategies adopted by local firms. Some of these strategies relate to the concept of teamwork, business communication, and the promotional strategies. Recommendations In a bid to succeed in the local market in Taiwan, it is imperative for entrepreneurs to take into account the following aspects.. The firms should conduct a comprehensive cultural analysis on Taiwan in order to understand how culture is likely to affect business operations. Some of the cultural elements that the firm should integrate include the country’s language, communication, ethics, social structures, values and attitudes, and religion. The firms should ensure that their business strategies align with the prevailing culture to increase the likelihood of success. Reference List Chang, L. (2003). An examination of cross-cultural negotiation using Hofstede’s framework. Journal of American Academy of Business, 2(2), 567-571. Chang, L. (2009). Subcultural influence on Chinese negotiation style. Journal of  International Business, 3(4), 2-7. Cheng, L., Guo, Y., Yeh, W. (2001). A national survey of psychosocial job stressors and their implications for health among working people in Taiwan. International Archives of Occu pational and Environmental Health, 74(7), 495-504. Cheng, S., Seeger, M. (2012). Cultural differences and communication issues in international mergers and acquisitions: A case study of BenQ Debacle. International Journal of Business and Social sciences, 3(3), 116-128. Curry, J. (2009). Passport Taiwan: your pocket guide to Taiwanese business, customs and etiquette. Petaluma, CA: World Trade Press. Guang, T., Trotter, D. (2012). Key issues in cross-cultural business communication: Anthropological approaches to international business. African Journal of Business Management, 6(22), 6456-6464. Huang, K., Mujtaba, B. (2009). Stress, tasks, and relationship orientations of Taiwanese adults: An examination of gender in this high context culture. Journal of International Business and Cultural Studies, 3(2), 1-13. Kelly, L., MacNab, B., Worthley, R., (2006). Crossvergence and cultural tendencies: a longitudinal test of the Hong Kong, Taiwan and United States Banking sector. Journal of I nternational Management, 12(3), 67-84. Kuo, C., Guo, R., Wu, Y. (2011). Optimal pricing strategies under co-existence of price takers and bargainers in a supply chain. Journal of Operational Research Society, 45(3), 954-958. Morrison, T., Conaway, W. (2006). Kiss, bow, or shake hands: the bestselling  guide to doing business in more than 60 countries. Avon, MA: Adams Media Group. Sabath, A. (2002). International business etiquette; Asia and the Pacific Rim; what  you need to know to conduct business abroad with charm and savvy. Bloomington, IN: iUniverse. Tao, S. (2006). A cross-cultural comparison of life style between Taiwanese and US consumers. Intercultural Communication Studies, 15(1), 43-58. Vasudeva, P. (2006). International marketing. New Delhi, India: Excel Books.

Camp David essays

Camp David essays Camp David used to be known as Shangri-La. That is what FDR had named the camp. Beginning in 1938, a summer recreational camp in the Catoctin Recreation Demonstration Area (RDA) was developed for the use of Federal government workers and their families. Called Hi-Catoctin, it offered small cabins, a dining hall and a swimming pool. In summer even the White House, which had air conditioning, was so uncomfortable that the doctors were concerned for FDR's health. The President needed a retreat. Thus the search began for a location near D.C. where the President could relax away from the White House pressures and the D.C. summer heat. The RDA camp Hi-Catoctin was selected. The President's gain was the Federal employees' loss. Therein begins the story of Shangri-La/Camp David. President Eisenhower changed the name of Shangri la to Camp David. The first time President Nixon visited he walked out to look at the Camp David sign which then said Camp Three. He wanted the old sign put back up and was promised it would be done by the next morning. Except that it could not be found. It was supposed to be, and had been, stored in the loft of the carpenter shop but someone had moved or taken it. Since it ws gone they had to make a new old looking sign. The Chief Builder in charge of the carpenter shop was rumored that as a part time job he was an expert at "making" antique furniture. And so the Chief builder worked all night to make the new sign. In the morning it was hanging in place when Nixon strolled out to look at it. No one new the difference and the original sign never was found. The entrance gate at one time was a log across the road and manned by a single sailor. But during WWII a 130 man detachment of Marines provided security for the Camp. Housed at a nearby camp, they manned security post 24 hours a day. At the close of WWII the Marine detachment departed the area. They were replaced by two sailors, one at the gate and ...