Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Comparing Gilgamesh and Odysseus :: Compare Contrast Comparison

Gilgamesh and Odysseus are two saints from two distinctive timespans that were both looking for the importance of life. The legends that the two characters are highlighted in Gilgamesh, was created from early Mesopotamia and the Odyssey in early Greece. Gilgamesh was an exceptionally mainstream and it was truly significant to the antiquarian of Mesopotamian culture since it uncovers much about the strict world, for example, their perspectives toward the divine beings, how a saint was characterized and respected, sees about death and kinship. The Odyssey was additionally well known in it’s time. It was set in old Greece where in its way of life; folklore was the core of regular day to day existence. The Greek Culture went to folklore to clarify various marvels for which they had no logical clarification and this was noticeable in the epic the Odyssey. While getting ready to compose this paper, I figured it would be extraordinary just to concentrate on the saints of these two incredible sagas numerous distinctions. In spite of the fact that over the span of my exploration I found that they additionally had similarly the same number of similitudes. In this paper I will concentrate on the two characters by communicating their disparities, just as their likenesses, and I will likewise give a touch of history about our two saints. Gilgamesh, the saint from the epic Gilgamesh, was the verifiable lord of Uruk in Babylonia, on the stream Euphrates in present day Iraq: he lived about 2700B.C. Odysseus, the saint from the epic the Odysseus, was the leader of the island realm of Ithaca. He was one of the most conspicuous Greek pioneers of the Trojan War. Both of these men were conceded sure qualities, Gilgamesh had physical, while Odysseus had mental qualities. Gilgamesh was an extremely fearless and now and again that self-assurance prompted him to have little empathy for the individuals of Uruk at he start of the story. He was their lord, however not their defender; he slaughters their children and assaults their little girls. He had an inclination that he was better than others because of the way that he was 66% god, his mom was a goddess Ninsun and 33% human. This reality is the way in to the entirety of his activities. This is additionally what separates him from the saint Odysseus. While Gilgamesh was a saint thought to be increasingly lovely, progressively gutsy, more frightening than the entirety of the individuals of Uruk. Despite the fact that his wants, traits, and achievements were similarly as there’s, he was as yet mortal.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Weightlessness free essay sample

The lift entryways opened on the ninth floor and my shoes squeaked along the sparkling tile. Research discoveries put the corridor like backdrop. I adjusted the corner to the Cardiovascular Physiology and Space Medicine Laboratory at UT Southwestern Medical School. What at first struck me as mess was actually a smaller than expected exhibition hall of room history. Those confined catheters estimated astronauts’ blood vessel pressure during transport dispatches. My spine shivered as I foreseen my examination temporary job. My guide, Dr. Diminish Snell, was a lean, turning gray three-time Olympic gold medalist currently getting a charge out of a profession in Exercise Physiology. He is considering the viability of an activity preparing routine to neutralize strong decay during delayed weightlessness. The convention required a subject, Mr. S, to experience 37 continuous long stretches of bed rest. His ceaseless prostrate stance restricted his amusement prospects to sending messages, watching motion pictures and tuning in to music. My job included regulating his day by day weight and oxygen consuming instructional courses and checking the cardiovascular and quality impacts of this preparation. We will compose a custom article test on Weightlessness or on the other hand any comparative subject explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page Mr. S making the most of his mindful loved ones however seemed to envision my every day appearance. â€Å"Thanks for ‘The Two Towers,’† he stated, giving me the DVD. â€Å"Rip Pro time!† chuckled the individual with a goatee. The stale air ascending from the sheets advised me that bed rest was not helpful for exhaustive washing. We moved toward the weight-preparing gear. Mr. S, consistently the humorist, smiled as we moved up a slope. â€Å"I consistently wonder what might occur on the off chance that you simply let go of the gurney and let me marvel down this hill.† We chuckled at the idea. I spared the physiological information from the day’s preparing. Mr. S inhaled vigorously and oozed a much increasingly sharp fragrance as we made a beeline for the room he called home. I wondered about his ever-positive air. He reacted, â€Å"By the most recent week, I’ll be a crotchety old toot!† When he lifted the arch covering his supper, I felt help that Mr. S was unconscious of my lunch plans. I scooped my scalloped potatoes from the serving dish with a similar spoon utilized by Nobel-Prize victor and did whatever it takes not to gaze at the regarded figure. Beside getting me lunch in the personnel lounge area, Dr. Snell had welcomed me to a Grand Rounds address, a scary occasion, and my orange shirt stood out from the flood of white sterile jackets. I delighted in the experience in any case: all the long periods of training, the supported mental exertion, the theory for my future. At 4:30, I dropped in to bid farewell to Mr. S. My exploration coaches showed me sharp science exercises. What I gained from Mr. S, in any case, explained my enthusiasm for human sciences. Subjects are individuals with characters, families and necessities. A decent researcher or specialist recognizes the entire individual, and treats significantly more than physical diseases.

Sunday, July 26, 2020

12 Journey COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

From SIPA Student to Cyber Professionalâ€"CJ Dixons Cyber 9/12 Journey COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog In November 2019, SIPA hosted the fourth annual  Atlantic Council Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge  in New York City. Planned and run by SIPA’s Digital and Cyber Group, this year’s event featured 31 teams from 18 different schools including Tufts, Harvard, Georgetown, NYU, West Point, and the University of Pennsylvania. Each team was tasked with developing policy recommendations to respond to a rapidly developing cyber incident at both the local and federal level. The teams were judged by experts including former Homeland Security Advisor Tom Bossert, former Deputy National Security Advisor and Deputy Director of the CIA Avril Haines, and senior executives from numerous private sector entities. CJ Dixon (MIA ’19), a member of the winning team in 2018, returned to judge this year’s competition in his new role as a senior advisor at NYC Cyber Command. CJ took several cybersecurity courses at SIPA, competed in both the NYC and DC Cyber 9/12 competitions, and served as a Google Public Policy Fellow following graduation. CJ’s journey is a great example of how  SIPA’s Tech Policy Initiative  provides students with the  academic and professional preparation to pursue cybersecurity and technology policy careers.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Indirect Speech Definition and Examples

Indirect speech  is a report on what someone else said or wrote without using that persons exact words (which is called direct speech). Its also called  indirect discourse or reported speech.   Direct vs. Indirect Speech In direct speech, a persons exact words are placed in quotation marks and set off with a comma and a reporting clause or signal phrase,  such as said or asked. In fiction writing, using direct speech  can display  the emotion of an important scene in vivid detail through the words themselves as well as the description of how something was said. In nonfiction writing or journalism, direct speech  can emphasize a particular point, by using a sources exact words. Indirect speech is paraphrasing what someone said or wrote. In writing, it functions to move a piece  along by boiling down points that an interview source made. Unlike direct speech, indirect speech is  not  usually placed inside quote marks. However, both are attributed to the speaker because they come directly from a source. How to Convert In the first  example below,  the  verb  in the  present tense  in the line of direct speech (is)  may change to the  past tense  (was) in indirect speech, though it doesnt necessarily have to with a present-tense verb.  If it makes sense in context to keep it present tense, thats fine. Direct speech:  Where is your textbook? the teacher asked me.Indirect speech:  The teacher asked me  where my textbook was.Indirect speech: The teacher asked me where my textbook is. Keeping the present tense in  reported speech  can give the impression of  immediacy, that its being reported soon after the direct quote,such as: Direct speech:  Bill said, I cant come in today, because Im sick.Indirect speech:  Bill said (that) he cant come in today because hes sick. Future Tense An action in the future (present continuous tense or future)  doesnt have to change verb tense, either, as these examples demonstrate. Direct speech:  Jerry said, Im  going to buy a new car.Indirect speech:  Jerry said (that) hes going to buy  a new car.Direct speech:  Jerry said, I will buy a new car.Indirect speech:  Jerry said (that) he will buy a new car. Indirectly reporting an action in the future can change verb tenses when needed. In this next example, changing the  am going  to was going implies that she has already left for the mall. However, keeping the tense progressive or continuous  implies that the action continues, that shes still at the mall and not back yet. Direct speech:  She said, Im going to the mall.Indirect speech:  She said (that) she was going to the mall.Indirect speech: She said (that) she is going to the mall. Other Changes With a past-tense verb in the direct quote, the verb changes to past perfect. Direct speech:  She said,  I went to the mall.Indirect speech:  She said (that)  she had gone to the mall. Note the change in first person (I) and second person (your)  pronouns  and  word order  in the indirect versions. The person has to change because the one  reporting the action is not the one actually doing it. Third person (he or she) in direct speech remains in the third person. Free Indirect Speech In  free indirect speech, which is  commonly used in fiction, the reporting clause  (or signal phrase) is omitted. Using the technique is a way to follow a characters point of view—in third-person limited omniscient—and show her thoughts intermingled with narration. Typically in fiction italics show a characters exact thoughts, and quote marks show dialogue. Free indirect speech makes do without the italics and simply combines the internal thoughts of the character with the narration of the story. Writers who have used this technique include James Joyce, Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf, Henry James, Zora Neale Hurston, and D.H. Lawrence.

Friday, May 8, 2020

The Components Of The Counseling Process - 1748 Words

Understandi1. Based on the readings, discuss the components of the counseling process that you are the most and least comfortable with applying. You may share specific examples. Working with reluctant, resistant or ambivalent clients: If I had to work with clients who are having problems opening up to me, I think I could get across to them. The text talks about the key is established during the initial interview and â€Å"the two most important skills for rapport building are basic attending behavior and client-observation skills. A counselor needs to focus on what the client is thinking and feeling and how the client is behaving. Establishing and maintaining rapport is vital for the disclosure of information, the initiations of change, and the ultimate success of counseling.† (Newsome, 2014). The ablity to place your self in the mind of the client and ask questions that are relitive to his frame of thinking is what will help you client open up. Its important to think of how it might feel to have different short term goals and objectives, how the relatily of a client can be understood threw by simply being honest, some times just coming forth and saying I am not knoweglable of that way of life and ask them to help you understand that world, and how the problem made them feel is one way to become more aware. My concern is that I might try too hard to be accessable to a client and if they had decided to not to use my services, what would the reason be. Decisions that IShow MoreRelatedComponents Of The Asca National Model860 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to the American School Counseling Association (ASCA), the â€Å"purpose of the school counseling program is to impart specific skills and learning opportunities in a proactive, preventive manner, ensuring all students can achieve school success through academic, career, and personal/social development experiences† (Oberman Studer, 2011, p. 1). The ASCA National Model is used by school counselors to show devotion to student success (ASCA, n.d.-c, p. 1). The four components of the ASCA National ModelRead MoreDeveloping Your Professional Identity Is Good For Any Profession1099 Words   |  5 Pagesprofession, especially a counseling profession. When a person develops a professional identity it says who they are and what they stand for in that profession. It also says they know about that profession and could tell another anything they would like to know about that profession. When a person knows about there profession they can answer any questions they have about that profession. In this paper the author will discuss the difference between two of the specializations of the counseling discipline. ThenRead MoreCae Study1207 Words   |  5 Pagesindicated that there is a strong link between multicultural counseling competence and counselors level of ethnic identity† (Chin-Lien Chao, 2012). This statement proves that the more you are on top of your game in multicultural counseling, the more you will gain an understanding of others differences. Some steps I could take in mitigating these limitations of not understanding the desire of Cristal’s family is to pull them into the counseling sessions as well and really get an understanding of whereRead MoreAccountability in School Counseling Program Essay1351 Words   |  6 PagesAccountability and the Use of Data in School Counseling and Educational Systems Melissa Hattaway Lamar University CNDV 5330 Accountability and the Use of Data in School Counseling and Educational Systems Over the years, literature has expressed the need for, and importance of, accountability for student outcomes in order to give school counselors valuable data to assess and improve goals (Dahir Stone, 2009). The ASCA National Model also supports the importanceRead MoreThe Role of a Community Counselor1735 Words   |  7 PagesCounselor Donte Love Abstract The purpose of this paper is to address the role and function of the community counselor. Additionally, the framework of the community counseling model is taken into account, including some of the strategies used in community counseling. The Role of a Community Counselor Community counseling can be defined as â€Å"†¦a comprehensive helping framework that is grounded in multicultural competence and oriented toward social justice (Lewis, Lewis, Daniels, amp; DAndreaRead MoreThe Ethics Of The Counseling Profession1371 Words   |  6 PagesThe counseling profession can be an excellent, rewarding, and challenging field. The purpose of counseling is to help individuals understand and clarify their own values and beliefs across a lifespan. Counseling also help individuals to become self-sufficient by implementing interventions and strategies that involves goal-setting skills that is meaningful to an individual. Individuals who may seek counseling are individuals who encountered marriage and family issues, stressful or traumatic eventsRead MoreAC Essay Instructions And Template619 Words   |  3 PagesDepartment of Counseling Clinical counseling-related programs: To be considered for admission into the Capella clinical counseling programs, you must submit all required application materials. However, submitting your materials does not guarantee admission. Program faculty will evaluate your materials and make the final decision on your admission. †¢ Addictions Counseling †¢ Career Counseling †¢ Marriage and Family Counseling / Therapy †¢ Mental Health Counseling †¢ School Counseling YourRead MoreYoga, Meditation, And Meditation933 Words   |  4 Pagesothers. The Use of Mindfulness in Trauma Counseling The article identifies the new emergence of mindfulness in trauma counseling. Historically, mindfulness has been utilized in all forms of counseling. However, implementing in a therapeutic process with a client who has experienced trauma has proved beneficial. Rewarding outcomes included stress, anxiety reduction and gaining strength for the client. Mindfulness can be incorporated with other counseling interventions to assist a client with regulationRead MoreThe Theory Of Human Nature1723 Words   |  7 Pagescorrelation between my theoretical lens and therapeutic orientation. As I decide upon my orientation based on my own principles, through my theoretical lens, I married my views of society, perceptions, human behavior, environment along with a Marriage, Counseling, and Family theory which resulted in my theoretical orientation. The theoretical orientation I selected is The Bowen Family Systems Theory. This theory leans towards a cognitive approach rather than an emotional one. The premise of this theory isRead MoreStages Of Grief By Elisabeth Kubler Ross1399 Words   |  6 Pagesdeveloped methods for counseling after personal traumas and grief related to the death and dying process. Higher stages of grief implementation, utilization occurs within the grief and hospice care. Kubler-Ross and Kessler (nd) indicates that misunderstanding surrounds her stages of death as those focused on the typical responses that people experience when they suffer a loss. Kubler-Ross and Kessler acknowledge how everyone is unique, and this includes his or her grieving pro cess. Within the framework

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Importance of School, Article Free Essays

1. Give a word that best describes the persona. Curious. We will write a custom essay sample on The Importance of School, Article or any similar topic only for you Order Now 2. Name something that ‘flash about’ in the poem. Lightning(stanza 4) 3. From the poem, we can conclude that the persona wants to know How nature works. 4. How does the persona feel about his father not answering his questions? The persona is confused and puzzled as to why her father refuses to answer her questions. 5. Who do you think the persona in the poem is? Explain why you think so? He must be a little child because he is very inquisitive. He also does not understand many simple things. He is very innocent. . Who is the persona in the poem? A child. 7. Based on the poem, what element of Nature can be felt but can never be seen? Wind. 8. What is the poem about? Wonders of Nature. 9. Which word in the poem shows that the persona has a lot of questions to ask? And. 10. The phrase ‘blow out’ refers to The star. 11. The use of wh-questions shows that The persona wants to know more about the wonders of nature. 12. The persona in the poem is very observant. 13. The phrase’ where can the missing bit be found’ describes The moon. 14. Why is the persona disappointed? His questions are not answered. 15. Give an expression that tells us that the shape of the moon changes from time to Time not quite round. 16. The phrase ‘the lightning flash about’ appeals to the sense of sight. 17. The title ‘I wonder’ reflects the persona’s curiosity. 18. What does the word ‘fluffy’ mean? Feathery. 19. Give one word that describes the persona. Curious. 20. What does the persona find puzzling about the birds? How birds know how to build their nest. 21. In the first stanza, what does the word ‘wonder’ indicate? Curiosity. 22. What does the phrase ‘if he knows’ in the last stanza tell about the persona? Tells us that the persona thinks his father may not know how nature works. 23. Who is the persona in the poem? A young child. 24. Explain in your own words, what you understand by the last 2 lines. The child is disappointed that her father does not know how to answer her questions on nature. 25. Which phrase in the extract shows that the persona is inquisitive about nature? ‘I wonder why’. 26. Explain in your own words the phrase ‘the trees to take a rest’ The trees have stopped growing. 27. What is missing according to persona? A part of the moon. 28. From the extract, which element in the sky is colourful? Rainbow. 29. What does the phrase fluffy clouds mean? The clouds are life soft cotton floating in the sky. 30. Which element in the extract is described as cannot be seen but can be felt? Wind. 31. How would you feel if your questions are not answered? I would be disappointed. 32. What would you do to get the answers to the questions? I would surf the internet to get the answers. 33. What is the poem about? It is about the wonders and mysteries of nature. 34. Do you think the boy’s father knows the answer to his questions? No, he doesn’t. 35. Quote a line/ two lines to support your answer ‘Why is it now, do you suppose, that Dad won’t tell me, if he knows? ’ 36. When do we see the rainbow in the sky? After the rain. 37. The ‘fluffy clouds’ indicate that the sky is Bright. Mohana Ram Murugiah Page 1 englishvibes. blogspot. com 38. Birds usually have their habitats in trees. 39. The main theme of the poem is elements in nature can be puzzling. 40. The persona in the poem is most probably a child. Mohana Ram Murugiah Page 2 englishvibes. blogspot. com How to cite The Importance of School, Article, Papers

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Iphone Vrio Model Essay Example

Iphone Vrio Model Paper Apple Inc. Case Study # 1 iPhone [pic] Professor Chug-Shing Lee BUSA 499 Capstone October 1, 2008 Analysis Conducted By Apex [pic] Ryan Boykin Ashley Fiorini Lance Tanaka Matt Webb Executive Summary Apple has demonstrated that innovation can lead to market dominance with products like the iPod. With products such as this, Apple has developed a brand that has built a customer base with astonishing loyalty. According to Business week, Apple was thirty third for top brands in the world. (Businessweek. om, 2007) Since they have developed innovative products with intuitive designs it has helped establish it as the premiere business for handheld electronics. Over the past few years Apple turned its eyes on the cellular phone market which created some issues that our team has been able to identify. Team Apex discovered that the current price did not appear appropriate for the target market. At present the current marketing for most of Apple’s products seems to be for a more youthful and technologically advance demographic. It is difficult to imagine the target market being able to afford the iPhone. This demonstrates that Apple’s target market may not be the right one for the current iPhone. Apple has had success over the past few years with mass production of electronic devices and would appear reasonable for them to exploit their brand to its full potential by developing new products. Currently Apple creates immense value for their consumers by offering products that are difficult to imitate. Unfortunately, this will not stop current and possibly new companies from copying Apple’s success by developing similar products and launching similar target methodologies. One way Apple has continued to be successful is by staying ahead of their competition and keep up on a constant stream of new products. When entering the cellular phone market Apple is facing numerous competitors and must offer a product that is unique to those counter parts. After analyzing Apple’s new product, the iPhone, it seems that there are a few courses of actions that could be taken. We will write a custom essay sample on Iphone Vrio Model specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Iphone Vrio Model specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Iphone Vrio Model specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer When addressing the issues we have identified it seems that Apple should continue with the theme of developing multiple versions of the same product. Team Apex would suggest that Apple create a cheaper version of the iPhone more suited for business professionals and would be primarily used for phone calls, e-mail and web-browsing. This phone would have less memory then the current iPhone allow them to charge a lower price. This would in turn increase the volume of iPhones being produce and allow Apple to charge lower prices for all of their phones. This case study has helped our team discovered new aspects about business that we never believe to be good courses of action. Apple has demonstrated to us that if you are not reaching the right market creating a new product specifically designed for that market. Looking at Apple’s line of iPods it seems almost ridiculous the amount and variety they have developed but when looking at it with the insight from the classes we have taken it can see that Apple has developed a digital music player for almost any type of consumer. In the long term that is what our team would like to see happen with the iPhone. We also found that using strategic analytical tools such as Porter’s Five Forces and VRIO models, can help determine key issues a company faces while determine how they can create a competitive advantage. Developing these competitive advantage has been a key to Apple’s success and they must continue to determine how to sustain in order to stay dominate in the electronics. In our analysis of Apple Computer, now known as Apple Inc. , we will unveil the company’s intricacies and how Apple has successfully positioned themselves within the communication industry. Apple Inc. esigns, manufactures, and sells computers, music players, and now mobile communication devices. Apple Inc. has always been known by its users as a revolutionary and innovative company that never fails to deliver quality products that make you say â€Å"wow†; the iPhone is no exception. With its introduction to the public at the Macworld convention in 2007 the vision for the iPhone was introduced as a bold, risky, and amazing concept with the focus on revolutionizing handheld devices and their total package capabilities. The ultimate goal for Apple Inc. s to transform and dominate the handset industry. In this study we will use proven industry testing methods such as Porters 5 Forces Model and Strategic Analysis to show the strengths and weakness of the corporation. Both me thods will help us understand how Apple Inc. is currently functioning within the communication industry and where its real impact is on the structure of the $11 billion dollar a year mobile phone market. 2. Background Apple Computer Inc. was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in April 1976. It began as a computer software and hardware manufacturer. Apple Computer Inc. s noted as having one of the largest and most loyal customer bases that have helped solidify consistent growth for the company. In 2007 Apple Computer Inc. became Apple Inc. to reflect its expansion into the consumer electronics market while still maintaining its traditional focus on the personal computer. Apple Inc. has metamorphed from being known as strictly a computer company into a diverse technology company that is known for its art, video, graphics, and always pushing the envelope as a content creator. CEO Steve Jobs is not only the company leader he is one of it principal visionaries. Jobs latest creation is the iPhone. He refers to it as a â€Å"magical device that will change the world. † 3. Mission and Objectives 3. 1 Apple Inc. Mission Statement Apple Computer is committed to protecting the environment, health and safety of our employees, customers and the global communities where we operate. We recognize that by integrating sound environmental health and safety management practices into all aspects of our business, we can offer innovative technological products and services while conserving and enhancing recourses for future generations. Apple Inc. strives for continuous improvement in our environmental, health and safety management systems and in the environmental quality of our products, processes and services. (Apple) 3. 2 Issues Problems With careful analysis of Apple Inc. ’s current market positioning we have collectively agreed that there are two major criteria that Apex strongly suggests Apple Inc. re-evaluate in regards to the manufacturing, marketing, and selling of the highly recognizable iPhone. The first problem that the group identified is the current pricing of the iPhone. Cost is extremely high and not within the budget of its target market. The second problem is the target market. To date Apple is focusing on the younger â€Å"techno† crowd. Though these consumers do covet the phone few actually have the resources to actually purchase it. 4. Strategic Analysis 4. 1 Porters 5 Forces Model v ^ ^ 4. 1. 1 Threat of Entry Apple Inc. not only had to face a number of barriers to entry in the development of the iPhone but they must also worry about potential competitors overcoming them as well. Although Apple currently has an advantage with its innovative products it must always be aware of the ease that a competitor can copy its products, especially in the extremely competitive field of cellular phones. However those new companies to the market will not only have to compete with the strong brand that Apple Inc. has built but will also have to face barriers more strenuous then what Apple had to face. 1. Economies of Scale Apple Inc. had an existing experience in manufacturing mass-market consumer electronics devices, many of which share similar components of the iPhone; so Apple Inc. was not negatively affected by this barrier. Since Apple Inc. had the production lines and personnel to make advance electronic products such as, the iPod and their line of computers, it wasn’t difficult to develop a production line capable of mass production of the iPhone. New entrants may not have that comfort as the cell phone market is almost defined by its mass-market environment. A new company entering this market would have one of two choices available: 1) They sell their product at a higher price to make up for the fact they can’t sell the same volume as a company like Apple Inc. and must hope that the consumer sees the higher price as a indicator of better quality. Or 2) They sell their product at a lower price probably occurring a loss per unit in hopes of selling a high volume and banking on sales of applications that can be purchased for the phone. In either situation it is extremely risky as both could lead to the company’s collapse. 2. Access to Distribution Channels Although Apple Inc. has had success with the distribution of its products it does face issues with this barrier due to the limited retailers of the iPhone and the fact that there is currently only one service provider. The iPhone is only available through a limited number of distribution channels those being Apple Inc. nd ATT stores and auction websites, like eBay, and it is only supported by the ATT network. A future entrant to the market could create an advantage by make their product more available for multiple carriers and multiple retailers. 3. Product Differentiation In general this trait is favorable for Apple Inc. because the iPhone is significantly different th an most of its competitors. First and foremost, the iPhone 3G is a revolutionary phone with a high call quality as its main point of parity. A list of the iPhone’s highlighted features includes the iPod, Internet tool (Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE network). Apple Inc. also has a certain amount of protection through the strength of its brand identity. The problem with cell phones is product differentiation can be emulated, to a certain extent. Cell phones are pretty uniform in functionality and use and not overly differentiated between each other. However, recently LG with Verizon have just release the Dare, an iPhone like product, in hopes of attacking some of Apple’s market share. Not to mention companies like, Samsung and Nokia, have released designs and plans to develop their own versions of an iPhone. 4. Capital Requirements Since Apple Inc. ad already been successful with their computers and the iPod they had an advantage with having the capital required to start mass production of a new product. Apple Inc. also has experience with developing software and hardware, which gives them another advantage as they do not need to spend as much time and money in the research and development stages as a new phone manufacturer would. S o, to most effectively compete with the iPhone they will need to invest significantly in certain areas. Apple Inc. itself did not face much resistance with this barrier because of their experience creating both software and hardware. Companies looking to enter this market with have difficult barriers to overcome in order to compete at the same level as Apple Inc. and unless a company has experience in developing consumer electronics it seems very unlikely that they can experience similar success. 5. Government Policy Any company looking to enter this market has two governmental factors they must consider before entering the market: 1) the strength of current manufactures patents and 2) the regulatory obligations and approval requirements of the FCC (Apple Insider, 2007), which governs communication technologies in the United States. Apple has gained another advantage by acquiring a patent and FCC approval for the IPhone. This will make it more difficult for competitors to copy the iPhone but we are sure will not stop companies from developing their own versions of this successful product. 4. 1. 2. Threat of Substitutes Porter’s five-force model validates that all forms of communication devices threaten the mobile phone industry as a whole. The iPhone’s top priority is to provide its customers with a complete solution in the mobile phone industry with added features and benefits. Quoting Steve Jobs â€Å"the original iPhone, it combines three products in one — a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and a desktop-class web browser† (Steve Jobs, 2008). Examples of substitute industries include landlines, pagers, walkie talkies, computers, fax machines, and snail mail. If the mobile phone industry cannot meet the needs of its customers at a reasonable price, then substitute products play a key threat. Landlines are evolving to be more of a direct competitor to the mobile phone industry, but they still provide its services at a different vantage point. Landlines are non-wireless receivers that are offered at a much lower cost than mobile phones. Computers (notebook and desktop) offer numerous options in the communication sector, which include electronic mail, live chat, and communication software. Collectively, fax, snail mail, pagers, and walkie talkies make up a small portion of the market share, but still pose a threat for unsatisfied customers in the wireless industry. . 1. 3. Threat of Buyers The buyers market consists of a large amount of individuals or corporations that own one or multiple cell phones. Due to the large market, the lost of a buyer is not a key threat. When a buyer is purchasing a new cell phone, the process at times is overwhelming due to the wide variety of differentiated products. Buyers play an important role in the strategic pricing for a new cell phone b ecause they have no obligations in purchasing a cell phone from a single supplier. Buyer’s spending habits will change accordingly with the economy’s position. For example, if economic profits are high then buyers are willing to spend versus saving their disposable income. Mobile phones have become integrated as a point of parity in the American lifestyle, and economic profits will determine the price a buyer is willing to pay for a cell phone. 4. 1. 4 Threat of Rivalry The number of competing firms within the mobile phone industry is increasing, while a few firms make up the majority of the market share. Provided by CNET is a list of suppliers that operate within the same industry as Apple’s iPhone, and a count of their product offerings. [pic] Direct competition includes all mobile phones that can be subcategorized as a basic, smart, camera, mp3, or videophone. The industries large selection of mobile phone manufacturers creates a strong threat of rivalry. The iPhone has made its debut as a smart phone targeting the higher-income demographic, but this does not eliminate the fact that all subcategories of cell phones contribute to the strengthening threat of rivalry. According to CNET Senior Editor Kent German (2008), the editor’s top cell phones include the LG Dare, RIM BlackBerry Curve 8320, Nokia N95, Samsung Instinct, Sony Ericsson W760i, and the newest edition of direct competition comes from Google introducing the T-Mobile G1. 4. 1. 5. Threat of Suppliers There are several suppliers of component parts in the mobile communication industry; therefore, manufacturers are able to make preferable purchasing agreements, allowing their manufacturing cost to then be reduced. The low cost from suppliers puts pressure on manufacturing to in turn pass on the savings to the end consumer. Other suppliers offer specific applications to be used on mobile phones, including the use of digital games (Electronic Arts, 2008). Employees also are a key component as they supply knowledge and expertise to the development of mobile communication products. Without their skills, innovation would be limited, an imperative factor for survival in this industry. Research and development in this industry is vital to the success of a mobile communication product. Suppliers in this industry are fundamental to a product’s successful development and its competitive advantage. 5. Assessment for Competitive Advantage 5. 1 Internal Strengths and Weaknesses A firm strives to achieve a competitive advantage in the marketplace to maximize value, and this is achieved using the VRIO framework. The VRIO framework consists of four questions that are used to analyze a firm’s internal strengths and weaknesses that determine its current situation. Provided by Barney, J. B. , and Hesterly, W. S. (2008) is a compiled list of the VRIO framework’s four questions, 1) The question of Value: Do resources and capabilities enable a firm to exploit an external opportunity or neutralize and external threat? 2) The question of Rarity: Is a resource currently controlled by only a small number or competing firms? 3) The question of imitability: Do firms without a resource face a cost disadvantage in obtaining or developing it? 4) The question of Organ ization: Are a firm’s other policies and procedures organized to support the exploitation of its valuable, rare, and costly-to-imitate resources? 5. 1. 1 VRIO Model VRIO | | | | |Value |Rarity |Imitability |Organization |Competitive Implications | |Brand |Yes |Yes |Yes |Yes |Sustained Competitive Advantage | |Design |Yes |No |Yes |Yes |Temporary Competitive Advantage | |Logistics |Yes |No |No |Yes |Competitive Parity | |Marketing |Yes |No |Yes |Yes |Temporary Competitive Advantage | Apple Inc. relies heavily on its brand’s reputation to sustain a competitive advantage in the marketplace no matter what product or service is being sold. They are recognized as a top performance firm because they have learned to exploit the brand name into the marketplace creating a high-perceived value by customers, which are not easily imitated. The question of rarity defines the iPhone’s highest internal threat because other firms are able to share this field of expertise, which include its design, logistics, and marketing. The iPhone’s design and functions are unique, and the bar is set high for competing products. The question of imitability has allowed the iPhone as an emergent product to have a temporary competitive advantage, until firms were able to launch its competitive products. Depending upon the imitation product, the value detracted from the iPhone is strengthened as a variety of direct and substitution products are developed. Apple Inc. apabilities in exploiting their resources and capabilities to its fullest have landed the firm a spot as the seventh contender in Fortune’s top 20 most admired Amer ican companies of 2007. Provided below is eight key attributes in scoring brand reputation (Fortunes, 2007). [pic] 5. 1. 2. Resources and Competencies In the resource-based view, the resources of Apple Inc. , the developer of the iPhone, include both tangible and intangible assets. The corporation’s tangible assets are its numerous factories and equipment, and its iPhone brand product (along with the Macintosh Computer and iPod). Another tangible asset of Apple, Inc. is its distribution system which consists of online retailers including Amazon. om; the Apple website; Apple stores; major retail stores including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Circuit City; and through cellular providers (Klazit, 2007). An organizational resource is its reputation among customers. Apple is known for its creativity and innovation which is an intangible asset. An effective capability of the company is its superior development of innovative products. Human resources are imperative to the success of Apple Inc. ’s iPhone, as every employee provides innovation, experience, intelligence and important relationships. 6. Industry Trends The wireless industry has experienced a tremendous growth in both its suppliers and buyers. According to Plunkett Research, â€Å"There were more than 3 billion global cellular telephone subscribers by mid 2008, including more than 260 million in the U. S. alone† (2008). The mobile phone industry exploits its product’s lifecycle that continuously update its technology between the growth and maturity phase. This sequence has allowed for numerous amounts of technology to enter the mobile industry’s boundless lifecycle. The increasing competition in the wireless industry has plummeted pricing strategies for manufacturers and service providers. Cellular phones are becoming a necessity in today’s demand for immediate communication. Previously mentioned is the growing numbers in wireless subscribers, and there is a large market opportunity in potential buyers hat include first time subscribers and those who are ready to upgrade in technology. Quoting Plunkett Research (2008), â€Å"new cell phone handsets have been selling at a rate of more than 1. 2 billion yearly-making the cellular phone the fastest-selling single item of consumer electronics by far. † The following statistics do not reflect Apple Inc. ’s target market for the iPhone, but its does demonstrate the industry’s increasing demand. According to the Cellular Telephone Industries Association (2008), â€Å"today, approximately 79% of all teens (17 million) have a mobile device – a 26% increase since 2005, and most teens have a conventional cell phone while about 15% own a smart phone. Economic variables will affect consumer behavior in purchasing a cellular phone, but it is inevitable that mobile communication devices have become integrated into the human lifestyle. 7. Strategic Development Recommendation 7. 1 Strategic Option 1 The first option that we think Apple Inc. can implement helps cover both of the dilemmas we have identified. This option would to develop a new marketing campaign that would start to target business professionals. This would consist of dual advertising with one set of ads directed to the consumers who want an iPhone for personal use and media aspect of Apple Inc. ’s products, such as music and videos. The other advertisements would be directed to business professionals with a stronger emphasis on more business useful applications like web browsing and e-mail. 7. 1. 1. Disadvantages of Strategic Option 1 However, there are advantages and disadvantages to this option. The first and largest disadvantage would be the capital and resources required to develop this new stream of marketing. Since Apple Inc. has had great success with their products, thanks to intelligent marketing campaigns, it seems that this would not be a major issue for them. Another disadvantage of undertaking a duel marketing campaign is that it could dissuade one of their target markets. One of the markets could start to feel that the iPhone is not a good product for them because of advertisements suggesting that the product is more suited for business professionals or media users. The last disadvantage we have identified is that with any new marketing there is a chance of failure which could lead to a loss of capital for Apple Inc. 7. 1. 2. Advantages to Strategic Option 1 One advantage of this new campaign would be that Apple Inc. could tap into the professional market and create a new source of revenue. This would also allow Apple Inc. to being to receive a portion of the market share that Blackberry has over business professionals. Another great advantage is that Apple Inc. could begin to create corporate accounts; these would be a lower price per unit to companies willing to buy a large volume for employees. By offering lower prices to companies purchasing mass quantities not only creates incentives for businesses but could also lead to a lower price across the broad for the iPhone. Due to economics of scale if Apple Inc. could begin to sale a large volume of iPhones they could eventually drop the price for all consumers. This could also allow Apple Inc. to start building more relationships with corporations and begin to interest companies into building their IT departments around Apple Inc. roducts. Currently Dell is the largest retailer to corporation as a majority of businesses have developed their computers systems around Dell personal computers. If Apple Inc. could build on relationships established by accounts for iPhones they could possible create incentives for business to convert to their line of comp uters. 7. 2 Strategic Option 2 The next option our team discussed and believes would work best for Apple would be to approve the research and development of a new iPhone. The new product would be specially designed for the business professional while leaving the current iPhone for a more youthful or media oriented consumer. Our team believes that Apple could design an iPhone with better business applications and wouldn’t require the memory and storage the current iPhone needs for media options. An idea our team had was to develop an iPhone with which a professional user could possible view a power point while taking a call so that person could view and hear a presentation anywhere. 7. 2. 1. Disadvantages of Strategic Option 2 The disadvantages here are even more severe then the first option as the money and time required to develop such a product would be great. This also gives time to the competition that are already targeting business professional to strengthen their grip on that market. Other disadvantage are similar to our first strategic option as consumers might choose a different brand if they feel they can’t get all the options they are looking for with either iPhone. Apple Inc. could also end up spending a great deal of money on an unsuccessful product as they not only would have to create this new product but again would need to create marketing for it as well. 7. 2. 2. Advantages of Strategic Option 2 One advantage would be the ability to offer this new iPhone at a lower price than the current one. Since the new iPhone would not have to have as many applications and storage space as the current one, they could sell it at a lower cost to the consumer. Again building corporate accounts could be another benefit of developing this product and businesses could have more of an incentive for this product as they would feel that it is a product built for business uses. Apple could also begin to sell a large number of this new product and could lead to them being able to offer both iPhones at a lower cost and take control of both markets. Apple Inc. could also become more actively involved with corporations and could again work on building relationships to interest companies in purchasing computer systems by them. 7. 3 Measurement The strategy chosen will be measured in a number of ways. One way that the results will be measured is through Apple Inc. ’s market share of the mobile communication industry. This will be calculated as a percentage of the total market share in sales. Another way the strategy will be measured is through an increase of sales. Taking into consideration external forces including competition, the economy, and other influences, an increase of sales may indicate whether the implemented strategy has been successful. 8. Strategic Implications 8. 1 Managerial Implications Evaluating the mobile phone industry as a whole, we better understand the difference between root causes and symptoms when analyzing Apple Inc. The issues we have identified in this case helped instill the fundamentals of obtaining a sustainable competitive advantage.