Comparing the Perversion of Values in The Great Gatsby and Death of a S

Perversion of Values in The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman Throughout History there are many examples of perversions, from sexual, social to the very morality themselves. One of the greatest examples is the continuous corruption of the American Dream. As the Dream evolves, it tends to conform to the illicit dealings of the time and immortals of society. No longer is an individual interest in working hard to achieve goals, it is desirous of the quick fix. Society wants its wishes and wants them now. This social attitude is thoroughly explored in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and by Arthur miller in his Death of a Salesman. As the instantaneous achievement becomes more valued it wees rise to the hypocrisy, the thief and the corrupted character. Within the two novels there are many examples of a lie, which is a false statement deliberately presented as being true a falsehood or something meant to deceive or give a wrong impression. (Webster) The lie in the Great Gatsby has significant meaning, as it portrays Gatsbys quest for the American Dream, and is dedication to achieving it. He will do anything, include lie about his past to achieve his dream, which revolves around Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby loses himself and his interests in hopes of becoming something that Daisy desires, I lived like a young rajah in all the capitals of Europe - Paris, Venice, capital of Italy - collecting jewels, chiefly rubies, hunting big game, painting a little, things for myself only. (Fitzgerald 66) Gatsby exploits his lie in a grotesque manner, without any style, which betrays his humble origins. Gatsbys lie also shows his funky self-confidence and inability to accept who he is as a person. The truth w... ...nt of the lie, greed and theft, and the corrupted characters within both novels, although the American Dream is portrayed differently in the books. Both Willy and Gatsby pay the ultimate sacrifice in the end, they both die. This s hows the importance of keeping true values and morals within our lives. If there is a lesson to be learned in the books, it is that turning away from good moral principles will result in unhappiness and death. One must always do what is proper and right, honor is important above all things because even if one does not achieve ones dream, then it is known that you did the right thing. Works Cited Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. in the buff York Charles Scribners Sons, 1925. Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. New York Penguin Books, 1976. Websters College Dictionary. New York Random House, 1998.

Teenage Years Are Depressing :: essays research papers

     Teenage years are depressing because they are going through some of the biggest careens in their life. Teens start high school and have to deal with being little in a school again. They go through major hormonal changes. Their bodies convey and grow. They have to decide whether or not they are going to college or not. If they choose college, then what college will meet their needs the best? Will they purge be accepted to the college they want to go to? These are major decisions and changes they have never experienced before. Then there is the daily life.      They wake up in the morning dreading school, they know they have to go. They just dont want to go. Then they die ready and go to school. They are depressed about school. They go to all their classes. The windup of the day is nearing and they may be depressed about having to go home. Their family life might be bad. They go home and what do you do? Sit down, con television, play a video game, lock themselves in their room, or just going around being mad at e realone and their life. This really is the pits. They need to change their life whether it be changing their after school activity or changing their attitude. Depression is defined as a psychoneurotic or psycho disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and succession spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies. No two heap feel or experience depression the same way. The symptoms and causes of depression are very different for everyone. Lawrence Clayton, Ph.D. and Sharon Carter write, "The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reported that for 4 to 10 percent of the American public at any given time the " sedative" mood doesnt lift." They also reported that one quarter of the population would experience a major depressive period during th eir lifetime (8). One out of four people will have a problem with depression in the United States. NIMH also reported that "approximately 4 out of a 100 teenagers get seriously depressed each year. Clinical Depression is a serious illness that can affect anybody, INCLUDING TEENAGERS" ("Lets Talk" 1). Gerald D. Oster, Ph.D., Sarah S. Montgomery, MSW, write, "Clinical depression refers to a cast marked by the changes in ones mood and by associated behaviors that range from a mild degree of sadness to intensely experienced feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts" (43).

Chaim Potoks The Chosen †Rueven and Danny :: Potok Chosen Essays

The Chosen Rueven and Danny In the allegory, The Chosen, Chaim Potok successfully captures the strange customs of a Jewish confederacy through wit and satire. Potoks novel focuses on two Jewish boys, who live in a world where their families expect high standards of achievement of them. The wish to experience an insightful leader in the Jewish community was an always-predominant custom of the two families. But with hard work and perseverance, the two boys (Rueven and Danny), find out that they really are, and what lives they result lead in the future. The novel concentrates on the desire to conceive a persons personal wants while conforming to tradition. The basis of all the conflicts in the entire novel stem from the differences in family life, which are brought on by the discrepancies of religious beliefs. Rueven, who is an Orthodox Jew, goes to a parochial school where Hebrew is taught instead of Yiddish (which would be considered the first Jewish language). Ruevens school is also very integrated with many English-speaking classes. But on the other hand, Danny, who attends a yeshiva (also a Jewish school), considers himself a admittedly Jew because he (unlike Rueven) wears the traditional side curls and is educated in Yiddish. At first the two boys cannot stand each other, many times Danny refers to Rueven as apikorsim, (32) which basically translates to... someone who is not true to their religion. These differences between the two soon become obsolete with one unfortunate accident, and make them realize they could use each other to scotch through some hard times. Silence is all we dread. Theres ransom in a voice--But Silence is infinity.-Emily Dickinson Emily Dickinsons quote can be related to the novel in several ways. Silence is all we dread, can relate to Dannys lifestyle and how he cannot stand the silence in which his pay off lives. The only time Danny makes conversation with his father is when he is studying the Talmud. It occurred to me su ddenly that not a single word had passed between him and his father all evening, except for the Talmud contest (145). This silence is basically what brood Danny to search for guidance or someone to talk to. Theres ransom in a voice, relates to Rueven being Dannys savior. As Danny explains to Rueven what he said to his father, I told him we were good friends, I really think we are (119).

The Unprincipled Family :: essays research papers

The Unprincipled FamilyFredrickPer8Interrelated artsThe dangerous relationship of Claudius, the king, and Hamlet, the kings nephew and stepson, contain two elements that atomic number 18 pervasive enough to categorise it as such. Treachery and paranoia are those traits. Treachery is one of the basic unprinciples of the relationship, as is shown in the scene of the fencing match and the planning that goes around it. In a scene that relates to the planning of the match itself, the king and Laertes, a man whose family is dead because of Hamlet, have plotted the death of Hamlet through various things. All of which are to happen to Hamlet in the course of the matchKing.And wager on your heads. He, being remiss,Most generous, and free from all contriving,Will non peruse the foils, so that with ease,Or with a little shuffling, you may chooseA sword unbated, and, in a pass of practice,Requite him for your father.Laertes.I will dotAnd for that purpose Ill anoint my sword.I bought an uncti on of a mountebank,So mortal that, but dip a knife in it,Where it draws blood, no plasterwork so rare,Collected from all simples that have virtueUnder the moon, can save the thing from deathThat is but scratched withal. Ill tough my pointWith this contagion, that, if I gall him slightly,It may be death.(IV, vii, 134-148)So in fact, within this quote there are two foul plans, the use of an unbated foil, which is more than technically beguiler in a fencing match, but then, adding insult, the use of a poison tipped foil. With the use of contagion and the unbated foil, Claudius and Laertes are making sure that they win. This is still not enough for them, however they move on to another backup scheme to win a poisoned chaliceKing.When in your motion you are hot and dry-As make your bouts more violent to that end-And that he calls for a drink, Ill have prepared himA chalice for the nonce, whereon but sipping,Our purpose may hold there. -(IV, vii, 157-162)Claudius introduces a poisoned c halice, which, as the third option, or in better terms, the third method is used to kill Hamlet. After being stabbed by Hamlet, Laertes, in his final breaths pronounces the swindle of the kingLaertes.The treacherous instrument is in thy hand,Unbated and envenomed. The foul practiceHath turned itself on me. Lo, here I lie,Never to rise again. Thy mothers poisonedI can do no more. The King, the Kings to blame.

Radhakrishnans Thought and Existentialism :: Philosophy Philosophical Papers

Radhakrishnans Thought and ExistentialismABSTRACT I adjudicate to show the similarities between the viewpoints of Radhakrishnan and the existentialist thinkers. The philosophy of Radhakrishnan is an set out to reinterpret and reconstruct the Advaita Vedanta of Sankara in the light of scientific feelledge and techniques of modern time. Existentialism is an attitude and outlook that emphasizes serviceman existence. For Radhakrishnan, the human is essentially subject, not object. The existentialists trust that the human is not an object to be known, but a subject. Both Radhakrishnan and the existentialists emphasize the immense potential and present day condition of humanity. Radhakrishnan acknowledges the reality of pitiable and misery of worldly existence. The existentialists maintain that in that respect are antinomies, contradictions and distress at the root of existence. Radhakrishnan is concerned with liberation as a state of freedom. Freedom is the cardinal concept around which the existential enquiry revolves. Though Radhakrishnan has certain affinities with existentialism, he regards it as a stage in the humans pilgrimage through life. The philosophy of Radhakrishnan is an attempt to reinterpret and reconstruct the Advaita Vedanta of Sankara in the light of scientific knowledge and technique of modern time. The philosophy of Advaita follows the basic tenets of the Upanishadic philosophy. Radhakrishnan does not propound any system of philosophy. He is bound to tradition like his contemporaries. But, his philosophy is distinct from others by some of its peculiar features. It is based on his own experiences and reflections.Existentialism is an attitude and outlook that emphasizes human existence. Existence precedes essence-this is the maxim of existentialism. Existentialism deals with the problems the individual has to face in life, with the ways how he faces them, with his feelings and emotions and above all, with his outlook on life and experience. It recognises freedom and responsibility of the individual man.Soren Kirkegaard is regarded as the father of Existentialism. He starts discussion on it. It is further developed in the hands of subsequent thinkers like Karl Jaspers, Gabriel Marcel, Martin Heidegger and Jean Paul Sartre. It must be admitted that there are divergent interests and points of view within existentialism.There are certain affinities between the viewpoints of Rahdakrishnan and the existentialist thinkers.Indian thought, in general investigates into the self. Radhakrishnan also maintains that In India, Atmanam Viddhi, know the self, sums up the law and the prophets. (1) We do hear in this Atmanam Viddhi the voice of existentialism.The two great propositions of the Upanishads are Tattvamasi (Thou art that) and Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman).

Internet Hackers :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Hackers   Last year, two Cloverdale teenagers pleaded guilty to federal charges. What did they do that the FBI raided their homes and seized their calculators? They hacked into Pentagon reckoner systems. These two teenagers, Makaveli and TooShort, were also suspected of breaking into computers at universities, government agencies and military bases. This example and many others show the increase of hackers and their crimes over the years. In another fabrication that is similar to the story about Makaveli and Too Short, from a BBC News story, Hackers target Nasa and Pentagon, an international group of computer hackers broke into Pentagon computer systems and also said they had stolen get wind software from Nasa. The group consisted of eight Americans, five British and two Russians. They called themselves the Masters of Downloading. They were considering selling the information to international terrorist groups or foreign governments. The number of hacker link up crimes seems to be increasing year by year. Theft on the internet is costing companies billions, and the high-tech industry is struggling to stop it. According to Michael Meyers Crimes of the Net, at last year roughly $2 billion worth of software was stolen over the internet last year. Also that year, the leader of an international piracy ring operational out of Spain, pleaded guilty to a brand of fraud destined to become commonplace. According to U.S. investigators, they stole 140,000 telephone credit-card numbers. Hackers used the numbers to make a derive of $140 million worth of long-distance phone calls. Now, the question is who is really at loss here. The answer is simple. Companies like GTE, AT &T, Bell Atlantic and MCI. Because of these hackers, those companies lost a lot of money. What actions must be taken to stop these theives? According to the hackers, they call what they are doing sharing. Hackers are criminals that steal from others to better themsel ves. They are leeches, cater off other peoples personal items. People have to become aware of the risk they face with hackers. Software and phone cards isnt the end of the stealing hackers. Everything from computer parts to flowers and teddy bears are at risk to hackers. With the increasing technology, the abuse is almost endless.

Internet Hackers :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Hackers   Last year, both Cloverdale teenagers pleaded guilty to federal charges. What did they do that the FBI raided their homes and seized their computers? They hacked into Pentagon computer systems. These two teenagers, Makaveli and TooShort, were also suspected of breaking into computers at universities, organisation agencies and military bases. This example and many others show the increase of hackers and their crimes over the years. In another story that is similar to the story about Makaveli and Too Short, from a BBC news story, Hackers target Nasa and Pentagon, an international group of computer hackers broke into Pentagon computer systems and also said they had stolen key software product from Nasa. The group consisted of eight Americans, five British and two Russians. They called themselves the Masters of Downloading. They were considering selling the information to international terrorist groups or foreign governments. The number of hacker related cri mes seems to be change magnitude year by year. Theft on the internet is costing companies billions, and the high-tech industry is struggling to stop it. According to Michael Meyers Crimes of the Net, last year roughly $2 billion worth of software was stolen over the internet last year. Also that year, the leader of an international piracy ring operating out of Spain, pleaded guilty to a brand of fraud ordain to run short commonplace. According to U.S. investigators, they stole 140,000 telephone credit-card numbers. Hackers used the numbers to make a total of $140 million worth of long-distance phone calls. Now, the suspicion is who is really at loss here. The answer is simple. Companies like GTE, AT &T, Bell Atlantic and MCI. Because of these hackers, those companies lost a lot of money. What actions must be interpreted to stop these theives? According to the hackers, they call what they are doing sharing. Hackers are criminals that steal from others to better th emselves. They are leeches, feeding off other peoples personal items. People have to become aware of the risk they face with hackers. Software and phone cards isnt the end of the stealing hackers. Everything from computer parts to flowers and teddy bears are at risk to hackers. With the increasing technology, the abuse is almost endless.

Hobson’s Choice Summary Essay

The class divisions of the 1880s are clear to see in the little persuasion when Alice, Vickey and Hobson find out Maggie intends to marry Willie. Alice says, what you do touches us and this is true, as Maggies marriage to a man from a lower social class would be seen by many as a disgrace. Hobson says that Willies father was a work-house brat and that he would be the laughing stock of Salford if he allowed Maggie to marry one of his workmen. At this stage, Maggie does not seem to be cerebration about starting up in business on her own, merely working in the shop as before but being compensable for it.Willie seems to be a down-trodden, easily intimidated man. He has no doubt been bullied by Hobson for years. Hobson however misunderstands Willie when he takes his belt to him as this physical insult changes Willie right off who is outrage and, in his temper, touches Maggie. Hobson is amazed and doesnt know how to respond. ACT TWO Scene One Act Two opens a month after Maggie and Wil lie throw away left Hobsons. The business is obviously in trouble and Alice and Vickey are determination it hard to manage things without Maggie.We learn that they have lost a lot of their high-toned trade. Alice doesnt know how to organise the work in the kit and boodlehop and tells Tubby to carry on making clogs. Hobson is spending more of his time in the Moonrakers. Alice is finding it difficult to balance the books. This brief scene serves to prepare us for the decline of Henry Hobson and the rise of Willie Mossop. Vickey and Alice wish they were married and their plans will soon be furthered as a result of their fathers excessive drinking.Scene Two Maggie announces that she has heard of the relationship between Vickey and Freddy. She sends Freddy to fetch Albert Prosser. Freddy explains that Hobson has fallen down their cellar nail down and is unhurt but sound asleep on some bags. Notice how quickly Maggie thinks. She has just met Freddy outside Hobsons shop and from what h e has t of age(predicate) her, immediately works out a plan to get money out of Hobson for the weddings of her sisters. Scene Three We learn in this scene that Willie now has his own shop.Maggie is obviously lofty of the progress they have made in such a short time. She is determined that Willie will be treated with respect as part of the family and makes her sisters kiss him as a token of their acceptance of the situation. Maggie is also quick to cut Alice down to size when Alice says, scornfully, Willie Mossop was our boot hand. She is quick to point out that Willie is get the better of of his own business and her sisters are just shop assistants. Maggie announces that she and Willie will be married at one oclock at St. Philips church.She buys a brass ring to use as a wedding ring. This shows that Maggie has her feet firmly on the ground as she is not prepared to waste money on sentiment when they need all the money they can to get their business off the ground. Willie and Maggi e use a hand-cart to take away some of Hobsons old and unused furniture. Alice and Vickey are appalled that Maggie is willing to live in two cellars using secondhand furniture. Alice and Vickey clearly want to start married life with everything sunrise(prenominal) and this shows the difference between them and Maggie.Vickeys selfish streak is apparent when she sees the two broken chairs Will is carrying out and immediately resents Maggie having them. Maggie has always been confident and in this scene is even more sure of herself. Her language is the language of command. When Alice tries to tell her that she doesnt know what she is aiming at, Maggie replies swiftly, The difference between us is that I do. I always did. in that respect are also signs in this scene that Willie is growing in confidence from the timid, frightened, dirty workman who first appeared.

Diverse Workforce Essay

The term labor force is a general way to refer to all the people willing and able-bodied to feed. For an organization, the internal labor force consists of the organizations workers its employees and the people who have contracts to work at the organization. This internal labor force has been drawn from the organizations external labor market, that is, individuals who ar actively seeking employment.With the development of the world, the labor force also careens. There are three major trends today in the change in labor force 1. An aging working, 2. Diverse working, 3. Skills deficiencies of men. This report will talk about(predicate) superstar of the three major trends in the change of labor force Diverse Workforce. smorgasbord workforce refers to the variety differences between people in an organization. That sounds simple, but a several(a) workforce consists of so numerous things, like gender, age, ethnic group, immigrants, physically and mentally disabled people, vetera n status, sexual orientation, lifestyle, skill level, function or position within the union and so on.This reputation is designed for advantages of a versatile workforce, problems of workforce multifariousness and strategies can be implemented to overcome the problems.2.0 Advantages of a diverse workforceFor an organization, a diverse workforce is good for it. Diversity is not only beneficial to both associates, but also to employers. Although associates are interdependent in the workplace, respecting individual differences can increase productivity. Diversity in the workplace can reduce lawsuits and increase marketing opportunities, recruitment, creativity, and business image (Esty, et al., 1995). In an era when flexibility and creativity are keys to competitiveness, diversity is hypercritical for an organizations success. Also, the consequences (loss of time and money) should not be overlooked. An organizations success and competitiveness depends upon its ability to embrace d iversity and realize the benefits. There are two advantages of why the diverse workforce important to an organization.2.1More creativeWhen employees come from diverse background, but bring individual talents and experience with them. This invariably contributes to an organizations overall growth. Embracing employees with different skills and cultural viewpoints tendings in understanding the motivations and requirements of the customers, on a global scale.Diversity in workplace take ons to a childlike of viewpoints and business ideas. This helps an organization formulate the best business strategy, with its lager pool of different ideas and solutions. It can be more creative. Absolutely, with the world developing, a fellowship need more creative to follow the world, and a diverse workforce can bring different employers, they have different background and experiences. So a diverse workforce is important to organizations.2.2Increasing gross sales and earningsFor organizations, th e most important gold is profit. No one wants them lose money. Workforce diversity can increase sales and earnings.Valuing diversity is part of Safeways approach to competing with specialty grocers and big-box stores such as Walmart and Target. Safeway invested in programs to attract, develop, and retain its best talent and to position the company as an employer of choice. Although 70 percent of Safeways customers are women, male leaders had been the norm in the retail grocery industry. Safeway took initiatives to help women, including women of color, advance into counseling. The CEO speaks regularly with employees about diversity issue, and employees have access to DVDs featuring interviews with successful employees who are women and people of color.The company ensures that all employees who qualify for its Retail Leadership Program, including those who work part-time and have flexible schedules to play false work and family responsibilities, have the same opportunities for coach ing, development, and advancement. A womens leadership network sponsors development meetings between promising women and executives who suggest new job opportunities that can help the women advance to next level. With these and other efforts, the number of female store managers has risen a dramatic 42 percent, and financial analysts have concluded that the advancement of women and minorities has increase Safeways sales and earnings. (Noe, el al. p.67)3.0 Two problems of workforce diversity Although employing a diverse workforce has many advantages, it comes with some problems as well.3.1 CommunicationCommunication barriers lead to problems in a company attempting to create a diverse workplace. When a U.S. company hires employees of other cultures whose first language is not English, employees and managers may experience difficulties communicating with one another. This can lead to misunderstandings and a decrease in productivity. For example, if a manager gives instructions about co mpleting a certain task to an employee who fails to to the full comprehend the instructions, the employee may make mistakes if he tries to complete the task without receiving clarity. Sometimes it helps for companies to hire bilingual employees who can mediate and reduce language and communication barriers.To achieve the advantages of diversity, you must often provide diversity training, which includes cultural awareness and sensitivity training. Communication barriers become a major challenge in a diverse workforce. Employees that come from different cultures sometimes speak different languages, and encouraging communication can be a challenge. This can negatively affect both dinner dress and informal communication and cohesion. It can also cause more errors and conflicts than you would likely find in a less diverse company.3.2 DiscriminationA company may encounter is reverse discrimination. This is a feeling that is associated with affirmative action policies. It is a major ar gument against such policies. Reverse discrimination is a vociferation by white males that they have been unfairly discriminated against. They claim they are equally or more qualified for the position, yet were passed over for a minority to procure the job. This can cause lawsuits in some cases, but mostly a sense of rejection by other workers in the company toward the minority who received the position.Although companies often train to avoid discrimination, the more diverse a workplace, the more potential for discrimination. This can create a hostile work environment where employees may cut down oppressed if their emotional security is not protected. The company may face possible legal issues if prejudice and discrimination enter the mix and impact the decisions company leaders make. If managers make decisions about employees based on their personal traits, the company and the managers face potential lawsuits for discrimination.4.0 strategies can be implemented to overcome the p roblems4.1 RecognitionAs a manager or business owner, you must recognize that people have differences, be they physical, generational or cultural, and you cannot pretend that these barriers have been broken down. Instead, keep the differences among your employees, and encourage them to let their individualities show. For example, dont hesitate to ask someone from another culture about their cultures etiquette practices their knowledge could prove multipurpose to your business. Do not pigeonhole your employees. An employees worth comes from more than his ethnicity or age.4.2 FairnessActing fairly and acting uniformly are different, and only one enables you to successfully deal with diversity in your workplace. Dont be fooled into thinking that by cherishing everyone exactly the same, you are demonstrating a fair attitude and respecting diversity. Instead, treat people fairly and respect the differences that make them who they are. For example, dont schedule a mandatory meeting th at falls on a religious holiday it demonstrates a insensitivity and may breed resentment and foster feelings of being left out in any employees that are unable to attend.As a manager, you must fairness, whatever he or she is white or black, do not discriminate them. When the top managers treat the employees fair, the employees and employees can be respect themselves.4.3 perseveranceAlthough employees that come from different cultures sometimes speak different languages, sometimes they cannot know what you say, as a manager or owner, you must have patience to listen to your employees suggestions so that it can help you improve yourself.5.0 ConclusionA diverse workforce is a reflection of a changing world and marketplace. Diverse work teams bring high value to organizations. Respecting individual differences will benefit the workplace by creating a competitive edge and increasing work productivity. Diversity management benefits associates by creating a fair and safe environment wh ere everyone has access to opportunities and challenges. Management tools in a diverse workforce should be used to educate everyone about diversity and its issues, including laws and regulations. Most workplaces are made up of diverse cultures, so organizations need to learn how to adapt to be successful.6.0 ReferencesEsty, Katharine, Richard Griffin, and Marcie Schorr-Hirsh (1995). body of work diversity. A managers guide to settlement problems and turning diversity into a competitive advantage. Avon, MA Adams Media Corporation.Lynne, M. D. Advantages & Disadvantages of Diverse Workforce in an Organization, Online Available at httpsmallbusiness.chron.com. Accessed 3 November 2012.Noe, R. A, et al (2011) Fundamentals of Human preference Management, 4th edition, New York McGraw-HillJosh, G. Diversity in the Workplace Benefits, Challenges and Solutions Online Available at httpwww.multiculturaladvantage.com/recruit/diversity Accessed 7 November 2012Tom, R. 5 Strategies for Dealing with Diversity in the Workplace Online Available at httpsmallbusiness.chron.com. Accessed 10 November 2012

Resume Example

With 18 years experience as a Cosmetologist, 13 + years as Brand Manager/conductor of Education dedicated to protecting the health of citizens. Results of investigating problems and complaints of consumers direct to the development of educational programs based on preventative techniques. Health, gumshoe, and sanitation are the primary concentrate on and goal practiced in both my education and occupation. I have excellent relationship building skills, extremely effective at communicating release efficiently alone, and a motivated team player.As a chemistry and microbiology school-age child independently investigated 6 + moon bedroom illnesses by radiation patterning, analyzing samples, reviewing scientific information from manifold forms of media, and reporting the results. This led to an awareness and in-depth study on methods used to sample crossroads, the nature of bacteria, a variety of media and tests used to analyze and identify, and how to give detailed reports both written and orally. Designed study and lab experiments performed by investigating sources of bedroom illnesses such(prenominal) as Colostomies botulism.Appropriate sampling techniques such as swabbing were used to halt bacteria from food sources, oil, and a variety of other raw materials. The bacteria were grown and cultured on Agar plates and later Gram Stained in order to identify the gram positive bacteria seen with a microscope. Each type of bacteria sampled and analyze required investigating sources, proper sampling techniques, evolution the bacteria, and properly identifying each colony. This led to detailed lab reports regarding all aspects of the investigation, methods, techniques, and results. real analytical problem-solving skills, strong time management and organizational skills, maintained detail orientated records and data epoch supervise time and temperature sensitive bacteria. This allowed for accurate information to be communicated with the team orally and in wr itten form. As a dietetic student I managed a group of 6 students and 12 kitchen staff in the planning, preparation, and serving of a theme meal for 1 00 + students and faculty. The emphasis of food synthetic rubber and sanitation resulted in D incident of injury or illness.Negotiated theme meal plan with team a of 6 students and 2 kitchen management staff. Communicated and knowing flow charts for all students and kitchen staff to take in all tasks were accomplished individually and as a team. Led team to practice high standards of food guardty and sanitation in the preparation of each product used according to specific guidelines provided by the National Restaurant Association and FDA Food Code. These standards were met by implementing and monitoring use of thermometers and notations made on time.This resulted in healthy yet creative dining experience that successfully served over 1 00 consumers in a safe and sanitary way. Ability to analyze and report with effective communica tion skills and educate individuals on essential nutrients. Researched vital role of vitamins and minerals on overall processes of the body. Developed application strategies of vital nutrients its relevance to supporting life. Analyzed dietary intake of newborns through end of life stages. As a communications student analyzed and interpreted a variety of media, practiced negotiations on civic issues, and advanced my skills in writing and speaking.This has resulted in the ability to be pickful, build long dogged relationships with mutual understanding and efficaciously communicate both orally and in writing. Organized and effectively informed fellow students and instructors on a variety of topics such as the importance of conjunction gardens. By researching every aspect of community gardens from soil to harvest was able to help plan and implement a community garden at Mount Mary College. This was initiated by a speech on the benefits of gardening and oral communication with the D ietetics Department managing director.Serving as a resource plans were written up regarding the proposed location, preparation Of the soil, plants to be used, maintenance of the soil and plants, harvesting the crops, and distributing the produce. This resulted in implementation of a community garden which is maintained by students and distributed to the blackguard community as strong as local community divisions. Effectively communicate with a multitude of personalities, views, and statuses as part of a team or leadership role in collaborative and individual context.Ability to compromise and negotiate divergent ideas, conflicts, and relationships through written, oral, or visual depicted objects in multiple formats and contexts while ensuring the message is mutually understood. As a Cosmetologist I assisted well over 1000 people over the past 18 years with technical skills, highly creative skills, good interpersonal skills, effective communication, and time management skills. T his led to a 50% add-on in retail profits and 65% increase in profit of services. Service orientated with strong people skills provides lasting relationships and opportunities to generate new ones.Active listener with good interpersonal skills allows for identifying the needs Of the thickening and achieving them through critical analysis of the challenges ahead and critical thinking in relation to logic, reasoning, and approach. Ability to apply theory and practical chemical application using creative thinking and technical skills. This requires actively gathering information and learning about the use and ingredients of the chemicals while maintaining compliance with caoutchouc rules and regulations set forth by the FDA and Cosmetology Examination Board.Maintaining street smart and detailed records are required for every service performed. Data obtained from monitored use of each chemical allows for possible improvements in application technique or product and correction in acti ons taken. As Brand Manager/Director of Education have investigated consumer complaints, written detailed reports pertaining to the results, advocated on behalf of consumers and the company, taught over 1,000 classes. This resulted in improvements in product action, technique of application, and generated over $200,000 in additional sales within the first year.Assisted in development and implementation of investigative techniques used to attain and resolve node complaints with relation to product performance. Thorough visual and verbal investigation with detailed data recording of product employ and outcomes allowed for accurately written reports delivered to proper authority. This led to being an active contributor to the team and mission of the company to provide quality products that reform safely and effectively. Managing and leading a team of 12 educators and 65 + sales consultants generated a 45% increase in sales for the company.Ability to oversee performance of educators and sales consultants while assisting them in attaining their goals through advocating for consumer needs as well as safe method of product usage. Planned, coordinated, and directed creative marketing plans and events for individual and corporate level establishments. Resulting in achieving sale goals and brand marketing. Demonstrated and effectively communicated a well designed program retaining to the safe and effective use of product and techniques of application.This provided uniform delivery of information to consumers from all educators and sales consultants. Allowing for less sloppiness and decrease in risk of unsafe product usage. Resulting in desired outcome of product use and consumer loyalty. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Eastern Hair Artists Cosmetologist expose 2002 to current As a Cosmetologist I developed and practiced service oriented behaviors designed to assist individuals in attaining a desired outcome by utilizing a variety of techniques, skills, and duties.My duties incl uded continuing education, secretarial jobs, actively learning new technical skills brought out by advancements made in products and techniques of application while maintaining compliance with all federal official and state regulation. Staying current in technique and product knowledge requires seeking training through the Department of Regulation and Licensing as well as communication with local product distributors. Continuing education hours are accomplished by attending training sessions both online and in a classroom.Online classes provide current sanitation laws required by the State of Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing and Cosmetology Examining Board. Classroom training sessions consist of learning details of product usage and safety precautions through hands on experience working with the products. Secretarial duties include scheduling appointments and maintaining records. Communication skills are used to determine the needs of the customer and schedule the ti me necessary to perform services while answering any questions the customer may have.Records are maintained in detailed client files providing information regarding allergies, medications, services performed, products used, dates of services, processing times and applications. Attaining desired results is a duty that requires thrifty analysis of data, an understanding of chemicals, analytical thinking, and creativity. By analyzing detailed client profile records the chemicals used to perform the services must be carefully thought out. For example, if a client is allergic to particular ingredients an awareness of what is in the products must be acknowledged and resolved as fit or unfit for the service.Analysis of the integrity of the hair and chemical components in a product must also be thought out and determined as fit or unfit for the service. By listening without interruption, interpreting the message, and creating a mutual understanding along with the careful analysis of data obtained creativity leads to the desired result. Taking action to ensure a safe environment is a duty performed by maintaining compliance with safety and sanitation regulations. This is accomplished by keeping a sanitary station with chemical use and storage in compliance with regulation guidelines as well as clean and sanitary tools such as combs and shears.To maintain up-to-date compliance, the Cosmetology Examining Board and Department of Regulation and Licensing web sites roved safety rules and regulations set forth by federal and local government agencies. Four Star Beauty Supply/Nexus Beauty Products Company/Essence Hairier Milwaukee, Wisconsin September 1996-2009 As Brand Manager/Director of Education assisted in investigations, communicated findings of the investigation, advocated for positive changes, and educated others by utilizing a variety of techniques, skills, and duties.My duties included developing and implementing techniques of investigation, maintaining open comm unication, working as a member and leader of a team, and coordinating events. Duties involved in developing and implementing investigations entailed working with consumers and other regional Management or Directors through written and verbal communication. protective(predicate) records were maintained regarding observations, reactions, concerns, and issues encountered by consumers. This was carried out by regular emails, phone conversations, and detailed reports of problems encountered by consumers.Working with the team of Managers and Directors allowed for compiling data that resulted in improving product performance and techniques used to perform services. Once improvements were made or advancements in technique were signed a follow up conversation provided strategies to reconcile consumer complaints. Actions taken to ensure understanding of the strategies designed to reconcile concerns where handled with open communication through email, telephone, and personal appearance.Coordi nating and design inning classes for consumers, education team members, and sales consultants required communication with a variety of individuals and establishments, booking guest speakers, and overseeing marketing media. Keeping open lines of communication allowed for determining the need to coordinate and design classes that fit needs of consumers in determined areas. Booked appropriate guest speakers by communicating with them in regard to availability and specified topic to be covered. Worked with a team of graphic designers to design marketing materials such as posters and fliers.

In Our Modern Urban Lifestyle Essay

Following the development of technology, the quality of life becomes better off. It is attractive enough to live in cities, because pot can enjoy a lot of convenient facilities. However, some people believe that many a(prenominal) people do not know their neighbours and the sensation of participation has been lost with the increasing number of people in cities. In this essay the effect of the modern urban lifestyle in cities will be discussed. Nowadays, many people tend to live in cities for different reasons. They move into cities mainly for work. Because they leave early in the morning and come back home easy in the evening. They do not want to waste their time on a train or bus. If they live in cities, they do not sine qua non to wake up early to take a train or bus.Furthermore, living in cities means that they can easily find places or facilities to conform to their every need in the urban life, which is valued in the individual lifestyle rather than the sense of community . On the other hand, many people see to be more isolated than ever before. Because of focusing on the individual lifestyle in modern time, it is hard to have an opportunity to make a deep relationship with people living around. People do not usually know what happens to their neighbours. Humans are social creatures that cannot be independent of others. As a result, even if there are a lot of convenient places in cities, they cannot fulfil satisfaction of people. Most people in cities fall into the sense of isolation. They need to realise the negative effect of their lifestyle and make effort to join in communities in their lives, so that they can live in a simpler way of life.

Manchild in the Promised Land Essay

The majority of scandalousamoores during the snip of Douglass and Washington spent their lives in the fields, gutters, and ghettoes of America. They continue to do so today. Two recently published autobiographies clearly indicate that Negro degradation and deprivation atomic number 18 confined neither to the South nor to earlier times. Claude brownish trys dramatic accounts of life in urban Negro slums. Both ar highly readable, although Williamsons seems less complete and less authentic. Brown tells the story of fellow, a Harlem corner boy who went to college.His childhood and adolescence included chronic truancy, prolonged clangor with his p arnts, gang fighting and assorted delinquencies. Sonny was intimate with personal danger and suffered severe bodily harm. He was well known to the courts and the youth correctional houses. Although Sonnys childhood and adolescence appear to have been those of party Harlem youth, he was spared the fate of m both of his friends violent d eath, permanent body injury, demoralization, and fanaticism.Claude Browns account of his experiences development up in Harlem in the 1950s indicates it may be equally prevalent in a metropolitan setting. matchless of Browns friends 1965 425) asserts The time I did in Woodburn, the times I did on the Rock, that was college man . . . Every time I went there, I learned a little to a greater extent. When I go to jail now, Sonny, I live, man. Im right at home. Thats the good part about it . . . Now when I go back to the joint, anyplace I go, I know some people.If I go to any of the jails in brisk York, or if I do a slam in Jersey withal, I still run into a lot of cats I know. Its almost like a family. (425) For Brown and many of the revolutionaries, the slogan of black power seemed to have this content Negroes, by themselves, mustiness assert their political and economic power through such(prenominal) methods as the creation of all-Negro political parties such as the Black Panther Party. Coalition with whites is either impossible or undesirable, for it would undermine Negro dignity. Integration with whites should non be a paramount goal.Rather, Negroes should change their own separate culture and society black is beautiful. At some future date, if a Negro so chooses, he might integrate with whites. Negroes must affirm their unique identity, learn of their African heritage, and identify with the colored peoples throughout the world. White society is both oppressive and decadent. Negroes should not fight the white mans war in places such as Vietnam. Violence, at least in self-defense, can and should be used by Negroes to achieve their goals.While Negroes are a minority in America, they can count on the support of Asian and African peoples. American man is now an urban man and he was recently a rural man. It would be strange if the psychological shock of trying to find streets as natural as fields or woodwind did not provoke savage explosions in the cities. Claude Browns brilliant examination of Harlem, Manchild in the Promised Land, showed just how much of the black ghettos barbarism came from the choppy transplantation of sharecroppers from shacks to tenements.Robert Kennedy was using more than a politicians rhetoric when he stated before his murder We confront an urban wilderness more formidable and resistant and in some ways more frightening than the wilderness faced by the Pilgrims or the pioneers. Being labeled a trouble maker is a danger of growing up in suburbia as well as in the slums, but the suburbs are more likely to provide parental intervention and psychiatrists, pastors, family counselors to befriend the youth abandon his undesirable identity. It is much harder for the inner-city youth to find alternatives to a rebel role.Thus it is in the slums that youth gangs are most likely to drift from minor and haphazard into serious, repeated, purposeful delinquency. It is in the slums, too, that young people are most likely to be exposed to the lesson of the made career criminal as a person of prestige in the community. To a population denied access to traditional positions of status and achievement, a successful criminal may be a highly visible model of power and affluence and a center of training and recruitment for criminal enterprise. As Ward (1998) describes itAmong the social institutions which delineated black urban associational life, the one most closely related to the vocal group was the street gang. Sometimes the groups and the gangs even shared the same partship. In Baltimore, Johnny Page of the Marylanders doubled as a member of the Dungaree Boys gang, while Julius Williams had dual affiliations as a battling member of the Shakers and as a balladeer with the Royal Jokers in Detroit. Julius Williams was the terror of the school, recalled his classmate Woodie King. He was sixteen.He enjoyed fighting instructors and singing in class. When Claude Brown re dour from a juvenile detention cen tre in upstate New York in the early 1950s, he noticed that many of the old gangs from his Harlem neighbourhood had turned to doowopping in the wake of the Orioles inspirational rise from a Baltimore street corner, via an appearance on Arthur Godfreys CBS radio show Talent Scouts, to national celebrity (Ward 59) One of the most consistent patterns of emotional concern expressed by the disadvantaged child is for potency or power.His heroes are the strong, invincible men, such as Hercules or Superman. We could speculate that the interest in Greek mythology expressed by disadvantaged pupils is also related to this concern. As a result, we would like to see the schools investigate, with the children, the power concept. This is a possible study topic for even the earliest grades. Can people be strong in ways other than physical strength? The teacher might begin by asking the youngsters who their neighborhood heroes arewho are the top cats on their blockand then asking why they are so.We would conceive of that the responses will probably be in terms of physical strength. The objective then, would be to help the class begin to explore other routes of power. Staging points for such discussions might be derived from reading excerpts from the powerful autobiography of Claude Brown, Manchild in the Promised Land, the authors experiences growing up in Harlem. 6 The most direct method, however, to help children feel greater potency is to let them experience it.A way that combines such experience with the improvement of writing skills was demonstrated by one of our teaching method interns. In a seventh-grade English class, required by the curriculum guide to study paragraph skills, the teaching intern asked the class, How many of you can remember any of the things you had to read in school when you were in the third grade? Some hands went up, and names of books were reported. How did you like them? Claude Browns memories of post-war Harlem churches similarly stressed th eir extra-religious appeal.He attended one simply because he lusted after the preachers daughter and fondly recalled Father Divines 155th Street Mission, not for its spiritual nourishment, but because he could get all the food he could eat there for 15 cents. Brown also appreciated that the black churches of Harlem were commercial, as well as religious, enterprises. At Mrs Rogers storefront church, he recalled, people jumped up and down until they got knocked down by the spirit, and Mrs Rogers put bowls of money on a kitchen table and kept pointing to it and asking for more. (27-8) Works Cited Brown, Claude.Manchild in the Promised Land. New York Macmillan, 1965. A youthful autobiographical account of modern life in a black ghetto of New York Bukowczyk, John J. Who Is the Nation? -Or, Did Cleopatra Have Red Hair? A Patriotic Discourse on Diversity, Nationality, and Race. MELUS 23. 4 (1998) Corbould, Clare. Streets, Sounds and Identity in Interwar Harlem. journal of Social History 40. 4 (2007) Koelling, Holly. Classic Connections Turning Teens on to Great Literature. Westport, CT Libraries Unlimited, 2004 Nelson, Emmanuel S. African American Authors, 1745-1945 A Bio-Bibliographical Critical Sourcebook.Westport, CT Greenwood Press, 2000. Nelson, Emmanuel S. , ed. African American Autobiographers A Sourcebook. Westport, CT Greenwood Press, 2002. Sampson, Benjamin W. Season Preview 2004-05 A Comprehensive Listing of Productions, Dates and Directors at TCG Theatres Nationwide. American Theatre Oct. 2004 Shafton, Anthony. Dream-Singers The African American Way with Dreams. New York Wiley, 2002. Sixty Years of Great Books by African-Americans. Ebony Nov. 2005 Ward, Brian. Just My Soul Responding Rhythm and Blues, Black Consciousness, and Race Relations. London UCL Press, 1998.

A Huey P Newton Story Essay

A Huey P north Story, the movie establish on the story of Huey P nitrogen who was a freedom fighter and the co-founder of the Black puma Party for Self-Defense in Oakland in 1960s. He was the attend of Defense in the party and he do a Ten head up Plan based on the demand for basic civil rights and made it public in 1966. The movie is based on hyper-energetic, magnetic, faltering and chain-smoking Newton and Robert Guenveur Smith has played the role of Newton in this movie. Smith is the only some unmatched on the stage dressed in black and most of the beat sitting on a single wooden direct.He is seen reading poetry, asseverate his philosophies, worrying about the potential and complaining about the way everything turned out. The movie was shot in front of the live hearing and was completed in single night improvisation. There are some archival footage and some sound effects to wear the plot of the story. Like when Newton writes the Ten Point Plan you can hear sound of a ty pewriter. The movie is directed by Spike Lee and is quite disturbing and provocative at times. It in addition captures Newtons inner mind and jazz saxophonist Branford Marsails provides olo music for the project.Newton was an extraordinary man and lot of energy and resources was need to portray him on stage. There are some points in the movie where Smith pushes away the microphone and remains silent and it seems he is recollecting his energies. As Newton was a chain smoker Smith also had to smoke a lot while performing on stage. Smith quotes the saying of Newton, Any time a black man in America stands up against the slave mentality, hes going to scare a lot of white batch and some black people, too. Although the movie depends quite a lot on the clips and the soundtracks it is one man order and that too in front of live reference which in itself is a very difficult task. The chain smoking cigarettes are referred as props for Newtons anger and similes. Smith is seen shaking and apprehension with anxiety and he had to deliver speeches in the same hypocritical manner. The music, clothing and art all had to resemble and have an image of Newtons surroundings. even Smith resembles Newton somewhat physically and has done justice to the character up to a large extent.The movie shows a man in prison house with only one chair to sit on and the stage setting gives an impression of a room in prison. The whole movie is one-man show where the actor talks about everything and the whole story is depicted. In the beginning Newton is shown here proud with military pronouncement like a warrior and whence shifting towards poetry and reading poetic recollection of a brother and then recollecting memories of his father who had shifted to California and had to work three jobs in order to support his seven children.Here, every aspect of Newtons vitality is epicted because he was not only a freedom fighter but also a human being with all familiar feelings and similarly concer ned with his family and its welfare. He also recalls his own life and how he turned from burglar to a fair play student but there is wit and regret in his tone. After joining the revolutionary career he faces lot of problems and he has only one aim that is to get basic rights to his community. Smith also reveals a part of Newtons character where he is hurt because he cannot dance and he uses philosophical questions to get girls phone numbers.He is shown fascinated with rap and seems to be connected with the current generation style too. Then coming back to philosophical system of success and failure he says that a leader most of the time disappoints his followers and leaves nothing behind except contempt. He chooses riffs of songs and tells the audience about the jeopardy of his people. At the end of the performance, the audience is taken to a scene where a young man on the mountainside plays guitar and makes the sun come up. Newton is sensible of the fact that he did not make t he sun come up for himself.Lees direction and Smiths performance make the audience realize that a human spirit can rise while he waits and watches his own songs. A Huey P Newton Story is a brawny plodding film based on one-man stage show by Roger Guenveur Smith and directed by Spike Lee and was premiered on June 18 on Black Starz. Smith is a veteran actor and has very warmly and effectively portrayed Newton with all his talent and imaginative hands. He is dressed in a simple way with black shirt, black pant and shoes and is seen mostly sitting on a single chair kept on the stage.The set resembles the interior of Newtons Oakland high-rise apartment where he resided in the last few years of his life. He is seen ruminating his life and bouncing his right leg and chain smoking. The presentation of Smith is so noteworthy that he looks as if on the stage at one meaning and immediately on the other he seems to be in prison. In this movie Smith uses humor and wit and portrays Newton as a normal guy who has desires like a normal human being too.Newton is the youngest among seven children and hates being teased as Baby Huey, becomes a Black Panther and then he is elated to the fact where he argues for the right to housing, jobs etc. for people. It is felt that Newton is portrayed with mostly positive aspects of his character along with the liberality that is painful and complex. No emphasis is given on Newton who was alleged as a drug user.However the bare stage seems to be mat in spite of Smiths extraordinary performance and so the director uses historic footage and photographs to give a break from the monotonous stage and a single mans dialogues. 1960 saw quite a lot of political nd social change and also fight for these and so this gives a perfect ground for veteran artists to show their talent. The stories of this time have its contemporary significance and Smith here has tried to take advantage of the same and linked hands with Lee for the purpose. It is for s ure that the way Smith and Lee tried to depict the story is completely different from the usual trend of movie making. Newton otherwise would have been the icon for the purpose for which he lived his short life but here he is shown with all the qualities and desires of a normal human being.

Sony Case 1991-2003

Exploring Corpo lay outline CLASSIC CASE STUDIES Restructuring Sony Vivek Gupta and Konakanchi Prashanth The electronics and media giant Sony was struggling through the late 1990s and earlyish part of the twenty- start pennyury. With from each one dis fitting, it seemed that Sonys heed launched anformer(a) restructuring of the rescript. By 2003, commentators were beginning to ask whether restructuring was part of the solution or part of the problem. How should Sony be managing its strategic re saucyal? G G GAs conditions change, Sony has to change accordingly, because their conventional frame wont transc eat up to the Inter sort out-enab lead type. 1 Mitchell Levy, author of The Value Framework INTRODUCTION For the first fundament ending 30 June 2003, Japan- sensuald Sony Corporation (Sony)2 stunned the corporate world by reporting a make up in net profit of 98 per cent. Sony reported a net profit of ? 9. 3 billion compared to ? 1. 1 billion for the same quarter in 2002. Sonys revenues fell by 6. 9 per cent to ? 1. 6 trillion for the cor resolveing period.Analysts were of the opinion that Sonys expenditure on its restructuring initiatives had caused a monumental cock in its profitability. In the financial year 200203, Sony had spent a massive ? 100bn on restructuring (? ?500m ? a750m). More all over, the alliance had already announced in April 2003 about its plans to spend another ? 1 trillion on a major(ip) restructuring initiative in the next ternion years. Analysts criticised Sonys management for spending a broad do on frequent restructuring of its consumer electronics line of work, which accounted for nearly devil-thirds of Sonys revenues.In 2003, the sales of the consumer electronics disagreement fell by 6. 5 per cent. Notably, Sonys moving in operations were restructured five times in the past nine years. Analysts opined that Sonys excessive concentre on the maturing consumer electronics line of craft (profit margin below 1 per cent in 200203), coupled with increasing argument in the consumer electronics persistence was severely affecting its profitability. 1 2 Sony Analyzed via the Value Framework, Mitchell Levy, affix on www. ecmgt. com, October 2002. Sony was established in 1946.The society invented the video rec give, walkman and mini-disc rec install. It is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and teaching technology crossroads. Sony has overly forayed into various(a) fields the likes of music, television, data processor entertainment and motion pictures. The familiarity is tenanted in five main lines of worry electronics, games, music, pictures and financial dish ups. This case was prepared by Vivek Gupta and Konakanchi Prashanth of the ICFAI Center for oversight Research, Hyderabad, India.It is intended as a basis for class discussion and not as an illustration of either good or bad management practice. V. Gupta and K. Prashanth, 2004. Not to be reproduced or quot ed without permission. Exploring incarnate scheme by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 1 Restructuring Sony knock back 1 Sonys financials (19912003) Year ended parade 31 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 * ? 100 = approx. A0. 75. radical Annual subjects 19912003, www. sony. net. Sales & Operating Revenue (? bn)* 3695. 51 3928. 67 3992. 92 3744. 8 3990. 58 4592. 56 5663. 13 6755. 49 6804. 18 6686. 66 7314. 82 7578. 26 7473. 63 Operating Income/loss (? bn) 302. 18 179. 55 126. 46 106. 96 ? 166. 64 235. 32 370. 33 520. 21 338. 06 223. 20 225. 35 134. 63 185. 44 Net Income/loss (? bn) 116. 92 120. 12 36. 26 15. 30 ? 293. 36 54. 25 139. 46 222. 07 179. 00 121. 83 16. 75 15. 31 115. 52 However, Sonys officials mat that the restructuring measures were delivering the desired results. According to them, the company had shown a significant jump in its profitability in the financial year 200203.Sony reported a net income of ? 115. 52bn in the financial 20020 3 compared to ? 15. 31bn in 200102. (See tabularise 1 for Sonys key financials in the past 13 years. ) A statement issued by Sony said, The improvement in the results was partly due to the restructuring of its electronics line of products enterprise, especially in the components units. 3 At the beginning of the new millennium, Sony faced increased contender from domestic and foreign players (Korean companies like Samsung and LG) in its electronics and entertainment businesses.The domestic rivals Matsushita and NEC were able to capture a substantial grocery store share in the meshwork-ready cell phones market. Analysts snarl that the US-based bundle giants like littlesoft and Sun Microsystems and the mesh topologying major Cisco Systems posed a expert threat to Sonys home entertainment business. BACKGROUND On 7 May 1946, Masaru Ibuka (Ibuka) and Akio Morita (Morita)4 co-founded a company called Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corp oration) with an initial capital of ? 190,000 in the city of Nagoya, Japan.They gave importance to product innovation and distinguishable to offer sophisticated, high-quality products to their consumers. The fo on a lower floors introduced many new products like the magnetic tape rec ready, the pocketable radio, and more. By the 1960s, the company had established itself in Japan and changed its name to Sony Corporation. During the 1960s, the company focused on orbiculateisation and entered the US and European markets. In the 1970s, Sony also lot up manufacturing units in the US and Europe. During this period, Sony developed and introduced the Walkman, which was a huge success.It importantly boosted Sonys sales during the 1980s. By the mid-1980s, Sonys consumer products were marketed in Europe through subsidiaries in the UK, Germany and France. 3 4 Financial Results for the Second Quarter, FY 2002, posted on www. sony. net, 28 October 2002. Akio Morita was a graduate in physics, w hile Masaru Ibuka had a degree in electronic engineering. When Morita joined the Japanese navy as a Lieutenant, he met Ibuka at the navys Wartime Research Committee. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 2 Restructuring SonyTable 2 Sonys businesses (1994) bloodline electronics fruit gatherings/Companies Video equipment Details Comprises 8mm, VHS, and Beta-format VTRs, laserdisc players, broadcast and industrial use video equipment, Hi-Vision-related equipment, and videotapes. Comprises CD players, Mini magnetic disc system, headphone stereos, personal component stereos, hi-fi components, digital audio tape recorders/players, radio-cassette tape recorders, tape recorders, radios, car stereos, car navigation systems, professional-use audio equipment, audio tapes, and blank MDs.Comprises colour TVs, Hi-Vision TVs, computer displays, professional-use monitors, satellite broadcast reaction systems, projector systems, and large colour video display systems. C omprises semiconductors, electronic components, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), telephone and telecommunications equipment, computers, computer peripherals (including floppy disc systems and CD-ROM systems), home video game systems, batteries, and FA systems. Includes capital of South Carolina Records assembly Epic Records throng TriStar medicine collection Sony Music International Sony Classical Sony Classical Film & Video Sony Wonder Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.Includes the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Companies Sony television set Entertainment Columbia TriStar fundament Video and Sony Pictures Studios and The Culver Studios. Sony Retail Entertainment includes Sony Theatres. Comprises the indemnity policy business of Sony sustenance restitution federation Limited and the finance operations of Sony Finance International. Audio equipment Television Others Entertainment Music aggroup Sony Music Entertainment Pictures Group Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPEI) I nsurance and Finance Sony life sentence Insurance and Sony Finance International initiation Sony Annual Report 1995, www. sony. net. In 1989, Norio Ohga (Ohga) took over as the chairman and CEO of Sony from Morita. nether Ohga, Sony began to place greater accent mark on process innovations that improved efficiency and controlled product damages. By 1994, Sonys businesses were organised into three broad social classs electronics, Entertainment and Insurance and Finance (see Table 2). Each business division was in turn split into product groups. The electronics business division was split into four-spot product groups, which produced a replete(p) variety of products.The entertainment division, which consisted of the music group and the pictures group, do music videos and motion pictures. The finance division consisted of Sonys life insurance and finance business. The companys increase was propelled by the launch of modern products and by its foray into the music and films bu siness. Restructuring of electronics business (1994) chthonic Ohgas leadership, Sony witnessed negligible appendage in sales during 1990 and 1994. Sales and operating revenues improved by only 2 per cent during that period.However, the net income and operating income registered a drastic fall of 87 per cent and 67 per cent respectively. Analysts entangle that the stagnation in the electronics industry coupled with factors much(prenominal) as the recession in the Japanese economy and the appreciation of the yen against the dollar bill led to the deterioration in the companys motion. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 3 Restructuring Sony Table 3 Sales performance of the electronics business (199195) (in ? bn)* Year/ Business 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 * ? 100 = approx. A0. 75. outset Sony Annual Report 1995, www. ony. net. Video Equipment 928 896 828 669 691 Audio Equipment 882 948 928 841 899 Televisions 552 593 634 618 709 Others 619 793 772 817 909 It was noticed that in the electronics business (see Table 3), the revenues of the video and audio equipment businesses were coming mass or were at best stagnant, while the television and Others group were showing signs of improvement. The Others group, which consisted of technology intensive products such as computer products, video games, semiconductors and telecom equipment, was performing very advantageously and had a growth rate of nearly 40 per cent.In order to focus on the high growth businesses, Sony announced major changes in the structure of its electronics business in April 1994. Sonys management felt that the Group structure, which had fuelled the companys growth in the 1980s, was proving to be redundant in the dynamic business environment of the 1990s. In the new structure, the product groups of the electronics businesses were regrouped into eight divisional companies. The eight companies were the Consumer Audio & Video Products high society, the Recording Media & E nergy accompany, the Broadcast Products gild, theBusiness & Industrial Systems Company, the InfoCom Products Company, the vigorous Electronics Company, the Components Company, and the Semiconductor Company. The restructuring exercise laid special focus on the products that make the Others group. Each divisional company had its own goals and was obligated for all its operations (production, sales and finance). The presidents of the divisional companies were authorised to decide upon the investments to be make up to a prescribed limit. They could also take decisions regarding the HR issues for all employees up to the level of divisional director.In addition, they were made responsible for the financial performance of the companies headed by them. Sonys presidents were expected to perform a social function similar to that of CEOs and were accountable to shareholders. The restructuring of Sonys electronics business was aimed at improving the companys focus on high potential produc ts and expediting the decision making process to make the company more responsive to changing market conditions. Following the restructuring, the number of layers in the decision-making process was crucifyd from six to a maximum of four layers.Commenting on his responsibilities within the new structure, Ohga said, First of all, I would like for the divisional presidents to run their companies as if they were reporting to shareholders once a year at a shareholders meeting. My role will be to review their strategies, witness any points I feel should be questioned and leave advice when and where necessary. 5 The main goals of Sonys newly formed organisation system were explained in a memorandum entitled The Introduction of the Company within a Company System (see Table 4).Explaining the principle for the new system, Ohga said, By revitalising its organization, Sony aims to introduce appealing products in the market in a timelier fashion while further modify cost-competitiveness c ompanywide. 6 In 1995, afterwards the implementation of the divisional company structure in the electronics business, changes were announced in Sonys management structure. Under the new framework, Sony was to be led by a team of executives at the top management level.The team included the Chairman & CEO, Vice Chairman, President & Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Officers and the presidents of divisional companies. Analysts felt that Sonys management took this measure to reduce the companys reliance on 5 6 From a Business Group System to a Divisional Company System, posted on www. sony. net. As quoted in the 1995 annual report, posted on www. sony. net. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 4 Restructuring Sony Table 4 Five main goals of the new systemG To further enhance internality businesses while develop new ones. G To introduce an organisational structure in which sales and production work closely together and respond fondly to market changes. G To simplify the structure to clarify responsibilities and transfer authority, thus ensuring quick responses to foreign changes. G To reduce the levels of hierarchy in the organisation. G To encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in order to foster a dynamic management base for the 21st century. inception From a Business Group System to a Divisional Company System, posted on www. ony. net. a single leader. In March 1995, Nobuyuki Idei (Idei) was appointed the President and Chief Operating Officer of Sony. Despite the organisational changes, the financial performance of Sony deteriorated in 1995. For the fiscal year ending March 1995, Sony reported a huge net loss of ? 293. 36bn. The spell off of goodwill during 1994, the poor performance of the Pictures group and the strength of the yen were regarded as major reasons for this loss. During 1994, the yen was at an all-time high against the dollar, making Sonys exports uncompetitive.Analysts also felt that Sonys consumer electronics bu siness lacked new, innovative products. Given this poor financial performance, the top management of Sony decided to integrate the companys various domestic and global business functions such as marketing, R&D, finance, and HR. The functions of its numerous divisional companies were thus brought under the direct purview of supply. Idei also decided to strengthen the existing eight-company structure and to lay more ferocity on R&D in the IT field. He felt that Sony needed to focus on developing IT-related businesses.Accordingly, Sonys management reorganised the existing structure to take a new ten-company structure. THE TEN-COMPANY STRUCTURE (1996) In January 1996, a new ten-company structure was announced, replacing the preceding eight-company structure (see Table 5). Under the new structure, the previous Consumer Audio & Video (A&V) company was split into three new companies the Display Company, the Home AV Company and the Personal AV Company. A new company, the Information engine room Company, was created to focus on Sonys business interests in the PC and IT industry.The Infocom Products Company and the Mobile Electronics Company were merged to create the Personal & Mobile communication theory Company. The other companies formed were the Components & Computer Peripherals Company (formerly called the Components Company), the Recording Media & Energy Company, the Broadcast Products Company, the Image & Sound communications Company (formerly called the Business & Industrial Systems Company) and the Semiconductor Company. Table 5 Basic features of the ten-company structure G A new company structure to promote quicker, more effective operations that ruin reflect market changes.G The establishment of an Executive Board to reinforce headquarters and corporate dodging and management functions. G The appointment of new companies and groups for entering into the IT and telecommunications businesses. G The consolidation of marketing functions. G The establis hment of Corporate Laboratories for new business development. G The training of promising young talent to foster future managers. Source Sony Announces a untried Corporate organize, posted on www. sony. net, dated 16 January 1996.Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 5 Restructuring Sony In order to devise and implement the corporate strategies of the Sony Group, an Executive Board was created. The bill was chaired by Idei. The other members of the board included the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Chief Production Officer, the Chief Marketing Officer, the Chief communication theory Officer, the Chief Technology Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Deputy President & Representative Director and the senior(a) Managing Director.In an attempt to consolidate the marketing operations of Sony, the marketing divisions that belonged to the previous organisational setup were spun off to create three new marketing groups the Japan Marketing Gro up (JMG), the International Marketing & Operations Group (IM&O) and the Electronic Components & Devices Marketing Group (ECDMG). The JMG was responsible for all marketing activities in Japan for five companies the Display Company, the Home AV Company, the Information Technology Company, the Personal AV Company and the Image & Sound Communications Company.The IM&O was responsible for embodying all overseas marketing efforts for these companies. The ECDMG oversaw the planetary marketing operations for the Semiconductor Company and the Components & Computer Peripherals Company. Analysts felt that this consolidation was done to separate Sonys Japanese marketing operations from its worldwide operations so that the company could operate in a focused look. To centralise all the R&D efforts of Sony, the previous R&D structure (in which each company had its own R&D division) was revamped and three new corporate laboratories were established.The laboratories were the Architecture Laborato ry (responsible for carrying out R&D for software, interlock and IT-related technologies), the Product Development Laboratory (R&D for product development in AV businesses) and the System & LSI Laboratory (R&D for LSI and system design, the basic components of hardware products). In addition, a new D21 laboratory was established to conduct long-term R&D for future oriented technology intensive products. Sony also gave emphasis to grooming young, sharp the great unwashed to take up top management military postures. The company also introduced the oncept of virtual companies temporary groups consisting of people from different divisions for launching hybrid products. Sony applied this idea when developing the latest generation Mini plough players. For the financial year 199596, Sony registered a 15 per cent increase in revenues and became profitable again. In April 1998, a new organisation, Corporate Information Systems Solutions (CISS), was established to realign and upgrade So nys selective teaching net income systems and its global supply chain. The CISS comprised an advisory committee of individuals from management consultancy firms and Sonys CISS representatives.The committee members advised the President on proficient and strategic issues related to CISS. Representatives of the CISS were placed in all divisional companies to accelerate the implementation of corporate IT projects. During early 1998, Sony formed Sony Online Entertainment in the US to focus on internet-related projects. In May 1998, Sony changed the composition of its board of directors and established the new position of Co-Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO). Idei was appointed Co-CEO. Idei reshuffled the management system to facilitate active decision making, improve efficiency, and provide greater role clarity to managers.The new system separated individuals responsible for policy-making from those who were responsible for operations. Under the new system, Idei was responsible fo r planning and purpose Sonys strategies and supervising the growth of e-business. Along with Ohga, he had to supervise the performance of the broad(a) Sony group. President Ando was made responsible for overseeing Sonys core electronics business, while Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tokunaka was made responsible for the companys financial strategies and cyberspace businesses.In addition, the top management positions of Sonys global subsidiaries, which were previously called Corporate Executive Officers, were redesignated Group Executive Officers. Explaining the rationale for these changes, a Sony spokesman said, These changes are aimed at making Sonys management more agile. 7 7 Sony Names Management Team, by Yoshiko Hara, EE Times, 9 May 2000. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 6 Restructuring Sony Table 6 Sales performance of Sonys businesses (199599) (in ? bn)* Year/Business 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 CAGR (4 years) ? 100 = approx. A0. 75. Source Sony An nual Report, 1999, posted on www. sony. net. Electronics 3027 3283 3930 4377 4355 8. 55% Game 35 201 408 700 760 215% Music 481 506 570 660 719 10. 5% Pictures 282 317 439 643 540 17% Insurance 113 207 228 291 339 31% Others 52 78 88 84 81 11. 7% The implications From 1995 to 1999, Sonys electronics business (on which the restructuring efforts were focused) grew at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8. 55 per cent (see Table 6). The music business had a CAGR of 10. 5 per cent while the pictures business had a CAGR of 17 per cent.Significant gains were, however, recorded by the games and insurance business. The games business registered a CAGR of 215 per cent, while the insurance business registered a CAGR of 31 per cent. In the late 1990s, Sonys financial performance deteriorated. For the financial year 199899, its net income dropped by 19. 4 per cent. During that period, Sony was banking heavily on its PlayStation computer game machines. It was estimated that the PlayStation (Games business) accounted for nearly 42 per cent of Sonys operating profits and 15 per cent of total sales for the quarter OctoberDecember 1998.In the late 1990s, many companies across the world were attempting to cash in on the internet boom. At that time, Sonys management felt the need to establish a link surrounded by its electronics business (TVs, music systems, computers) and its essence-related businesses (music, video games, movies and financial services) by making use of the internet. The management felt that in future, the revenues generated by internet-related businesses might even surpass those earned through the consumer electronics business. It wanted to use the internet as a medium for selling its electronic products as well as its content (music, movies and so on).In order to achieve this, Sony announced another reorganisation of business operations. Analysts felt that Sony was in a good position to exploit the opportunities offered by the internet since the compa ny already had an established position in the electronics and content-related businesses. THE UNIFIED-DISPERSED MANAGEMENT ensample In April 1999, Sony announced changes in its organisational structure. Through the new framework, the company aimed at streamlining its business operations to better exploit the opportunities offered by the internet.Sonys key business divisions Consumer Electronics division, Components division, Music division and the Games division were reorganised into electronic mesh businesses. This involved the reduction of ten divisional companies into three network companies, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) Company and the publicise & Professional Systems (B&PS) Company (see uncover 1). SCE Company was responsible for the PlayStation business while the B&PS Company supplied video and audio equipment for business, broadcast, education, industrial, medical and production related markets.The restructuring aimed at achieving three objectives strengthening t he electronics business, privatising three Sony subsidiaries, and strengthening the management capabilities. The restructuring also aimed at enhancing shareholder value through Value Creation Management. 8 8 It aimed at creating value by dividing the group into networked autonomous business units such that the resources within the Sony Group complemented each other. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 7 Restructuring Sony introduce 1 The unified-dispersed management modelSource Sony Announces Organization Structure for new-fangled Network Companies, posted on www. sony. net, 29 March 1999. build uping the electronics business The three network companies created were the Home Network Company, the Personal IT Network Company and the Core Technology & Network Company. Each network company was governed by a network company management committee (NCMC) and a network committee board (NCB). The NCMC was responsible for developing management policies and strateg ies. Its members included the officers and presidents of the concerned network company.The NCB was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the network company while keeping in mind the overall corporate strategy of the entire organisation. Each NCB was chaired by the concerned companys President & CEO, Deputy President, President and Representative Director, two Executive Deputy Presidents and Representative Directors, and Corporate Senior Vice President. The new structure aimed at decentralising the worldwide operations of the company. The corporate headquarters gave the network companies the authority to function as autonomous entities in their corresponding businesses.To facilitate more functional and operational autonomy, the corporate headquarters also transferred the required support functions and R&D labs to each network company. To give a further boost to Sonys electronics business, the management created Digital Network Solutions (DNS) under the purview of he adquarters. The role of DNS was to create a network business model by charting strategies and developing essential technologies for exploiting the opportunities offered by the internet. The basic aim of creating DNS was to develop a network base that would provide customers with digital content (such as music and movies) and financial services.Privatising Sonys subsidiaries As part of its strategy to promote functional and operational autonomy and to devote more attention to units which contributed significantly to its revenues and profits, Sony decided to change over three of its companies Sony Music Entertainment ( Japan), Sony Chemical Corporation (manufactured printed circuit boards (PCBs), recording media and automotive batteries), and Sony Precision Technology (manufactured semiconductor inspection equipment and precision measuring devices) into wholly Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 8 Restructuring Sony possess subsidiaries of Sony.In additi on, Sony converted SCE, which was jointly owned by Sony and Sony Music Entertainment ( Japan), into a wholly owned foot soldier of Sony. Strengthening the management capability To strengthen the management capability, Sony clearly demarcated the roles of headquarters and the newly created network companies. Accordingly, tuberosity was made between the strategic and support functions. Sonys headquarters was split into two separate units Group Headquarters and Business Unit Support. The role of Group Headquarters was to oversee group operations and festinate the allocation of resources within the group.The support functions, such as accounting, human resources and general affairs, were handled by the network companies so that they could enjoy more autonomy in their operations. Significant long-term R&D projects were directly manage by the headquarters, while the immediate and short-term R&D projects were transferred to the concerned network companies. In order to evaluate the per formance of the network companies, a value based performance measurement system9 was introduced. The implications While move its restructuring efforts, Sony started developing products which were compatible with the internet.Its electronic products, such as digital cameras, personal computers, music systems, and Walkman, were made wind vane compatible. Through its website, www. sony. net, consumers could participate in prevalent television game shows, listen to music, and download songs and movie trailers. Sony also ventured into e-business with the acquisition of Sky Perfect Communications. 10 While focusing on offering internet-enabled products, Sony also attempt to increase internet penetration by offering internet connection at lower cost and higher speed to consumers in urban areas. Sonys restructuring efforts in 1999 were well received by investors.Following the proclamation of the restructuring programme, Sonys stock prices nearly tripled. This positive trend continued e ven in 2000. By March 2000, its stock prices were at a high of $152. Having already offered its PlayStation game console on the internet, Sony successfully launched its PlayStation 2 (PS2) video game console in Japan in March 2000. The PS2 sold 980,000 units within the first three days of its launch. However, Sony still faced problems since its other businesses, including electronics, movies, personal computers, and mobile telecommunications, were not performing well.Analysts felt that the low internet penetration rate in Japan (estimated to be 13 per cent in 1999) was proving to be a major hurdle for Sony. Consequently, Sonys financial performance deteriorated by the end of 1990s. For fiscal 1999 2000, Sonys net income fell to ? 121. 83bn compared to ? 179bn in the fiscal 199899. This resulted in a major fall in its stock prices. By May 2000, Sonys stock prices fell by 40 per cent to $89. Analysts were quick to criticise Sonys efforts towards transforming itself into a web-enabled company.They commented that the company had created more hype rather than taking a hardly a(prenominal) significant steps in this regard. In response to these financial problems, Sony announced a reshuffle in its top management. Idei became the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony. Ando, who headed Sonys PC division, was 9 A system that helps in effectively determining the cost of capital. The measurement is based on economic profit, which is calculated by subtracting the cost of debt and equity from the operating profit after tax. Sony planned to use this system of measurement to set targets and evaluate business unit performance.The performance was to be linked, in future, with management compensation. 10 A popular satellite broadcasting company in Japan which owned Sky Perfect TV and had successfully ventured into the internet service provider (ISP) business by launching the website, www. so-net. This website enabled online shopping, interactive games, fortune telling as well as stockbroking. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 9 Restructuring Sony made the President, while Tokunaka, who previously headed the PlayStation unit, was made the Chief Financial Officer of Sony.Sony also undertook a massive cost-cutting exercise. Its global manufacturing facilities were reduced from 70 in 1999 to 65 in 2001. Sony planned to further bring down the number of manufacturing facilities to 55 by the end of 2003. This move would result in the elimination of 17,000 jobs. While implementing these measures, the company had to deal with severe resistance from employee unions and local governments (in areas where jobs would be eliminated). Despite the above measures, Sonys financial condition did not show any significant improvement in 2001.The company was severely affected by the slowdown in the IT industry during 200001, which led to a decline in the demand for its computer-related products. As a result, in spite of a 9. 4 per cent incre ase in revenue in the fiscal 200001 (mainly due to the improved sales of the PlayStation games console) Sonys net income dropped significantly from ? 121. 83bn in the fiscal 19992000 to ? 16. 75bn in the fiscal 200001. Analysts commented that Sony required a new business model. The company had immediately to take concrete measures to increase its net income.Sonys management also felt that with the emergence of net-compatible devices like cellular phones, audio and video gadgets and laptops, PCs were losing their charm. It felt that in the emerging age of broadband11 the demand for the above products was probable to increase in future. Sonys management felt that in order to boost profitability and exploit the opportunities offered by the broadband era, there was a need for in time another organisational restructuring. RESTRUCTURING EFFORTS IN 2001 Sony announced another round of organisational restructuring in March 2001.The company aimed at transforming itself into a Personal Br oadband Network Solutions company by launching a wide range of broadband products and services for its customers across the world. Explaining the objective of the restructuring, Idei said, By capitalising on this business structure and by having businesses cooperate with each other, we aim to become the leading media and technology company in the broadband era. 12 The restructuring involved designing a new headquarters to function as a hub for Sonys strategy, strengthening the electronics business, and facilitating network-based content distribution.New headquarters to function as a hub for Sonys strategy Under the new structural framework (see Exhibit 2), Sonys headquarters was revamped into a Global Hub centred on five key businesses electronics, entertainment, games, financial services and internet/ communication service. The primary role of the Global Hub (headed by the top management) was to devise the overall management strategy of the company. Sonys management decided to int egrate all the electronics business related activities under the newly created Electronic Headquarters (Electronics HQ).In order to achieve the carrefour of Audio Video Products with IT (AV/IT convergence), Sony devised a unique strategy called 4 Network Gateway. Under this strategy, the games and internet/communication service businesses were combined with the electronics hardware business so that innovative products could be developed and offered for the broadband market. The three businesses were under the supervision of Ando. In order to provide support services for the entire group, a management platform was created, which consisted of key support functions in diverse fields such as accounting, finance, legal, intellectual 11An acronym for broad bandwidth, it is a high-speed, high-capacity data transmission get that sends and receives information on coaxial cable or fibre-optic cable (which has a wider bandwidth than conventional telephone lines). This channel can carry vide o, voice and data simultaneously. 12 As quoted in the Annual Report 2002, www. sony. net. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 10 Restructuring Sony Exhibit 2 Sony organisational chart electronics-related business (as of 1 April 2001)Source A New Group Structure for the Next Stage of Integrated, Decentralized Management, www. sony. net, 29 March 2001. copyrights, human resources, information systems, public relations, external affairs and design. The management platform was later split into the Engineering, Management and Customer avail (EMCS) Company and the Sales Platform (which comprised the regional sales companies and region-based internet direct marketing functions). The management platform was headed by the Chief Administrative Officer, a newly created position.Sonys management also converted the product-centric network companies into solution-oriented companies by regrouping them into seven companies. Group resources were allocated among the networ k companies on the basis of their growth potential. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 11 Restructuring Sony Strengthening electronics business To enhance the profitability of the electronics segment, Sonys management decided to give emphasis to product development efforts. The management felt it was also essential to enhance the quality of the electronic devices manufactured.In order to achieve this, Sonys management devised an innovative business model called the Ubiquitous Value Network,13 which connected the companys existing hardware, content and services through an agency of networks. Sony planned to develop a wide range of products which could be connected through this network. Network-based content distribution Like the electronics, games and internet/communication service businesses, the entertainment and financial services businesses were also developed in a network compatible manner to facilitate electronic content distribution.In the entertain ment business, music and movies were converted into a digital format and distributed over the internet (apart from being distributed through traditional channels such as music stores and theatres). In Japan, Sony Music Entertainment launched online music through its website. This website allowed customers to download popular songs for a fee. In the financial services business, Sony Life Insurance Japan launched the Life Planner consultancy system which offered personalised financial services online to its customers.Sony Life self-confidence Japan also went online and started selling its insurance policies over the internet. The implications Soon after the reorganisation, Sony launched some innovative products to put up to the broadband market. For instance, in 2001, the company launched a series of internet-compatible mobile phones. However, the product was unsuccessful (owing to problems in the software used in the mobile devices) and in early 2002 Sony had to recall three batche s of phones sold to Japanese companies. In consequence, Sony had to write off $110m in the quarter ending June 2002.In April 2003, Sony announced another major restructuring exercise (to be carried out in the next three years) in order to strengthen its corporate value (see Exhibit 3). Following this announcement, Sony was reorganised into seven business entities four network companies and three business groups (see Exhibit 4). These business entities were given the authority to frame short-term and long-term strategies. According to analysts, the companys financial performance did not improve in spite of the frequent restructuring by Sonys management.For the financial year 200102, Sonys operating income fell by a significant 40. 3 per cent while its revenues registered a borderline increase of 3. 6 per cent. According to a BusinessWeek report, sales of Sonys most profitable products the PlayStation and the PS2 game consoles were likely to fall (see Exhibit 5). Due to Sonys poor financial performance, the management planned to further reduce the number of manufacturing facilities and shift some production activities out of Japan.Analysts also criticised Sony for being a diversified business conglomerate engaged in several businesses from semiconductors to financial services. They felt that the company should focus on a few highly profitable businesses like games, insurance, and audio-video equipment and hive off the unprofitable businesses. Analysts felt that spending huge amounts of money on restructuring was not justified, particularly since the restructuring exercises had not yielded the expected results. In 2001, restructuring efforts had cost the company ? 100bn and the proposed restructuring in April 2003 was expected to cost another ? 40bn. 13 The Ubiquitous Value Network is an environment in which PC and non-PC consumer electronics devices are seamlessly connected to each other and to the network, giving users access to all types of content or serv ice, from anywhere across the globe. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 12 Restructuring Sony Exhibit 3 Sony organisational chart (as of 1 April 2003) Source Sony Announces Executive Appointments and Organizational Reforms Effective as of April 1, 2003, www. sony. net, 31 March 2003. Exhibit 4 Responsibilities of network companies and business groups No. 2 3 Network company/ business group Home Network Company Broadband Network Company IT and Mobile Solutions Network Company 4 5 6 Micro Systems Network Company Game Business Group Entertainment Business Group Responsibility To create a new home environment with networked electronic devices centred on next-generation TV Development of next-generation electronics devices and linkages to Game devices To go out a connected world with PC and mobile devices and strengthen the B2B solutions business To enhance key devices and modules as core components of attractive set products To promote Game businesses for t he broadband era To develop entertainment content businesses based on pictures and music and develop a new content business model for the network era To integrate various business units providing services based on direct contact with customers (finance, retail, etc). Strengthen synergies and develop attractive new business models for customers through the application of IT. 7 Personal Solutions Business Group Source Sony Announces Executive Appointments and Organizational Reforms Effective as of April 1, 2003, www. sony. et, 31 March 2003. Analysts also felt that the convergence of consumer electronics, PCs and the internet was not only opening up new opportunities for Sony but also creating more competition for its core businesses. As Sony took steps to strengthen its networking capabilities, the company faced new forms of competition in both(prenominal) domestic as well as foreign markets. For instance, in the US, software giants like Microsoft and Sun Microsystems (as well as a few startups) were planning to enter the home entertainment market. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 13 Restructuring Sony Exhibit 5 Break-up of Sonys businesses (31 March 2002)Business Electronics Games Insurance Films Music Others Sales ($bn) 35. 6 7. 4 3. 7 4. 6 4. 5 0. 6 Operating profits ($m) 125 578 91 147 203 NA Source Can Sony Retain the Magic, by Irene M. Kunii & Cliff Edward, BusinessWeek, 11 March 2002. Even Cisco Systems, which provided network solutions, had started manufacturing consumer electronics products. A BusinessWeek report said that Sony lacked any distinctive competencies in the internet-related businesses. It was neither an aggregator of content like Yahoo , nor a limited-product vendor with an efficient distribution network such as Dell. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington 14