Swot And Pestle Analysis Of Tesco

Swot And Pestle Analysis Of Tesco Executive Summary: This report outlines the Introduction of Oyster Cards and Mobile Phones Top Ups Counters at all TESCO Retail outlets in UK. The SWOT and PESTAL analysis reflects that TESCO has currently the strengths and resources to successfully offer this service to enhance the customer services to the clienteles. This report also envisages the process and implementation of change and its impact on the current structure while moving towards the service enhancement with the facilitation of marketing and change management tools, theories and framework. More emphasis would be on implementation of strategies for successful adaptation of newly introduced service. Introduction: Tesco is a well known Britains leading food retail group with an existence elsewhere in Europe, Asia and the United States. Tesco runs more than 2,300 supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores in the UK (where it is the market leader in food retail), Ireland, Central Europe, and Asia. Its operations include convenience and gasoline retailing (Tesco Express), small urban stores (Tesco Metro), hypermarkets (Tesco Extra), and financial services through Tesco Personal Finance. A global leader in online grocery sales, it owns a 35% stake in US grocery chain Safeways Grocery Works. It is the leading online grocery store and it is now expanding its business with a TV channel and a retail based education institution. The Tesco offers to its customers a wide range of food and non-food items under the single point of sale, non food items range includes clothing, furniture, Home electrical, personal care, computing, cameras and phones etc. Vision Values We talk about Every Little Helps a lot, but its not just a catchphrase or marketing slogan, it represents everything we stand for. For our people and our customers, its how we run our businesses from China to Chorley. (www.tesco.com) Literature Review My core books will be Essential Guide to Marketing Planning by Marian Burk Wood and Kevin Kellers Strategic Brand Management. Which has been the essential tool for helping me in devising the right approach for my dissertation? Furthermore, I will be using some of Change management books Making Sense of Change Management by Esther Cameron and Mike Green and John P Kotter s Leading Change Which can be useful in the analysis of change management process and tools for successful interventions. List of some of the resources that I will make use of it is as follows: HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW. JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATINAL CHANGE MANAGEMENT. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ARTICLES OF EMRALD. WEBSITES CIPD, TIMES 100 AND PERSONNEL TODAY SWOT and PESTLE Analysis of Tesco A PEST analysis of the industry will examine the local, national and global influences of political, economic, social and technological factors to understand opportunities and threats well. INTERNAL STRENGTHS à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Diverse ranges of products à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Open 24 hours a day à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Strong Cash Flow Position à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increase turnover and trading profits à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Strong Balance Sheet à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Leading Supermarket Chain à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Brand Awareness à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Human resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Online Shopping à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Capabilities to turn resources into advantages OPPORTUNITIES à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop brand awareness globally à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ New Markets à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Market shift to globalization à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Health awareness growth -GM crops à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Innovation Alliances à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Low cost brand growth à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Diversification à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Non-food offers untapped new markets with higher margins EXTERNAL WEAKNESSES à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Perception of low quality -(Tesco value brands) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Lack of local knowledge of customers and culture à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Foreign brand THREATS à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ New existing competition à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Volatility in Price of raw materials à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Economic recession à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Market shift to globalization à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Takeover bids à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Far-East low cost brands à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Extremely high competition for customers and resources External Environment PESTLE Analysis All of those (political, economic, social, technical, legal and environmental) factors will to some extent apply to the retail industry in Sweden. POLITICAL Following the European Integration and Free Trade Agreements, the market has opened up for British Companies to invest in Eastern Europe. Tesco already has 60 Hypermarket store in Hungary. Lidl is uncompromisingly fighting to maintain its market share with an aggressive pricing strategy. ECONOMIC the Retail sector is fairly recession prawn and also very sensitive to changes in interest rates. Since the events of September 11th the world economies have suffered heavily, stocks plummeted and prices are at all time lows. The world economy is however, now on the up post September 11th. Consumers are optimistic and the retail industry is once again booming. SOCIAL changes in consumer taste and lifestyle represent both opportunities and threats for the industry. Opportunities in terms of new market and consumers, however, there are added threats in terms of alternative established Swedish national retailers (foreign company bias). TECHNICAL Changes in retailing methods as such clothes sales via the Internet is now a common place in retailing. Paperless operation, the management and administration of the company are undertaken on IT systems, which are accessed through secure servers; provide flexibility in the running of the business. As Sweden is at the forefront of technological advancement with national companies like Ericsson, Tesco would enjoy the comprehensive logistic and distribution channels already in place. LEGAL National legislation for health and safety both in terms of consumer rights and also in terms of production of own natural renewable resources for making clothes. ENVIRONMENTAL The renewable source of resources used in production, namely cotton and wool are environmentally friendly. The threats are in terms of legal consequences for livestocks in terms of health and safety. Critical Analysis: Todays world competition is very strong in every kind of businesses. Every organizations must provide excellent products or services in order to stay in competition, however their competitors also providing the same or comparable products or services. An important way to an organization to get an edge over its competitors is to identify the customer need and extra service to satisfy and delight their customers, which can retain them and also gain new customers and leads to ultimate profits. Therefore, the achievement of customer satisfaction must be a major objective in all organizations. To achieve customer satisfaction, an organization has to provide high quality products and also provide an excellent customer service. When the service and product that the company provided is good, they can obtain customer loyalty. The customers will go again and again. The above SWOT and PESTLE analysis shows that the TESCO is fully capable to introduce the Oyster card top ups counters at TESCO retail outlets to facilitate the customers and yield reasonable profit share from the market, where small retailers used to earn from the market. The cost of the entire project could be workout and oyster top up machine could be purchase in bulk at economic price from the suppliers. While introducing this new service certain structural changes would be under taken by the management and few strategies to adapt to successfully implementing the change process. This new service will engaged the attention of the huge existing customer base; nevertheless it will also attract the new customer who could be facilitated by this new service as an enormous people travels through rails, tubes and buses to their work places, schools, shopping malls, amusement centers from morning to evening. Until this report none of the competitor such as ASDA and Sainsbury has given this service to customer, so this service will give a competitive edge to TESCO on its leading competitors. Change Management: Everybody has a game plan until they get hit in the mouth. -Mike Tyson Change management is a structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations from a current state to a desired future state. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Change_management Change management frameworks à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Lewin à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Bullock Battern à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢John P Kotter à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Beckhard Harris à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Nadler Tushman à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢McKinsey à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢William Bridges à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Senge à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Stacy Shaw Approach Uses Lewis Good for analyzing change at the start Bullock Batten Good for simple isolated changes Kotter Great approach for large or small changes, does imply a linear approach Beckhard Harris Simple change formula (C=[ABC]>X) for analyzing change at any point in the process Nadler Tushman Good checklist for what should be covered in change McKinsey Seven S Encourages problem focus looks at change from interdependent subsystems. William Bridges Good at tackling inevitable change Carnall Another good checklist Senge Different approach, start small and grow. Dont plan everything up front as you cannot control change. StaceyShaw A new framework promoting the fact that there are no easy solutions. Not very prescriptive. Aims and Objectives of Change: Change management is not an end in itself. Nor does the organization really care about how cutting edge the solution happens to be. The Objective is to see the resultant benefits actually being delivered: As fast as possible Completely Across all the end users With an enthusiastic adoption by stakeholders and end users Delivering the targeted benefits back to the client who invested all the time and money In this regard, change management has a real contribution to make. Change Process/ Methodology: Following the above change model Tesco strategic management will firstly develop the project team for the initiation of the oyster card project. A team/ project leader will be selected depending upon he required skills and experience. A team leader will create a clear vision about the installation of oyster top up machines at TESCO retails outlets in UK. After creating a comprehensive vision he project team will develop a concrete Project Plan and utilized all the available resources of TESCO including human resource. Will take assistance from the current IT team to link the oyster top up machines through networking and execute the necessary IT support to the newly developed project. Furthermore, work force would be hired and trained for the project and finally a test run would be executed for successful launch. After a launch, an appropriate monitoring will be done to review the short comes of the project and continuous feed back will be taken from the stake holders i-e employees an d customers. In this scenario a desired state will be achieved and result could be seen in terms of revenue. Implementation of Strategies in Change Management process: For the successful implementation of Oyster cards top up machines at TESCO retail outlets, two following strategies would be used for the analysis of the existing driving forces and restraining forces and an analysis of stakeholders to identify the readiness of stakeholders for the change. Lewin (1947, 1951) Force Field Analysis Force field analysis (Lewin, 1951) is a diagnostic technique which has been applied to ways of looking at the variables involved in determining whether organisational change will occur. It is based on the concept of forces, a term which refers to the perceptions of people in the organisation about a particular factor and its influence. Driving forces are those forces affecting a situation and which are attempting to push it in particular direction. These forces tend to initiate change or keep it going. Restraining forces are forces acting to restrain or decrease the driving forces. A state of equilibrium is reached when the sum of the driving forces equals the restraining forces. Lewin formulated three fundamental assertions about force fields and change. Increasing the driving forces results in an increase in the resisting forces; the current equilibrium does not change but is maintained under increased tension. Reducing resisting forces is preferable because it allows movement towards the desired state, without increasing tension. Group norms are an important force in resisting and shaping organisational change. As far as TESCO is concern, its driving force is leading position and rapport in retail industry and availability of huge finances along with structured frame work of outlets. In additions technology advancement and skilled work force is also considerable driving force in TESCO, however, established work patterns, complacency and lower profit margin would be resistance occurring factors. But driving forces at TESCO are stronger as compared to restraining forces. Stakeholder Analysis and WIFM In their book Organisational Transitions: Managing Complex Change (1987) Beckhard and Harris describe and illustrate two techniques for analysing relevant sources of energy. They analyse respectively the sources and potency of forces for change, and the readiness and capability of individuals and groups to enact change. First, the nature of the change demanded must be specified, using tools and techniques associated with environmental and organisational analysis. Then all the forces for change, both inside the organisation and external to it, are listed along one axis of a grid. On the other axis the potency of the forces is indicated, as high, medium or low. Sources and Potency of Forces (Beckhard Harris, 1987) Early on in the change process, organization need to identify which specific groups and individuals will be required to support the change if the change is to be successful. When they have done so they can determine the readiness and capability of these individuals and groups to enact the roles required of them in the change process. Understanding the readiness involves analysing attitudes: willingness, motives and aims. Capability is determined by whether they have the power, the influence and the authority to allocate resources, and the appropriate information and skills. Beckhard and Harris (1987, p.63) have developed a Readiness-Capability Assessment Chart which enables the user to list individuals or groups who are critical to the change effort, and to rank them (high, medium, or low) each according to their readiness and capability with respect to change. The following chart will be used to develop an analysis related to stakeholders readiness to develop the change or adopt the new procedure. Readiness and Capability (Beckhard Harris, 1987) Stakeholders (Key Individuals or groups Readiness Capability Action required to increase the readiness or capability Need to rate as high, medium or low Where a change must be implemented from the outside, ie when it has not been defined as necessary by the people involved, then it is unlikely to succeed (yield the full results of which people have ambitions) unless some of those involved are in favour of it. Several observers (Rogers, 1983) have suggested however that not everyone needs to support a change, and that not everybody needs to support it to the same extent. Senge in The Fifth Discipline (1990) talks of the difference between commitment, enrolment compliance, Suggesting that while it is more pleasant (and reassuring) to have considerable commitment, it is not necessary for everyone to be as fully signed-up as this. There exist a number of positions along a continuum, along which players may position themselves in response to proposed action and change TESCO implementation Plan: Clearly communicate the vision of TESCO via effective communication tools. Manage employee and customer prospects Project manage and measure the process Be seen to add value to organizational goals Build on some quick wins or shorter rewards. Use the line managers/ first line managers as well Be realistic about personally and corporately Manage conflict Repeat key messages and communicate even when important to say Manage Resistance Remain visible and out of the bunker Keep eye on the ball and dont forget about customers and competitors Conclusion: After conducting a thorough research it has been finally in the recommended that TESCO should have introduced Oyster Card top up counter at its all retail outlets in UK to acquiesce the maximum market share on the consumers product, this would be a unique step in the gain retail industry and satisfy the customer numerous population travels through underground metros, tubes, buses, daily to commute their workplaces, universities, schools, amusement centers etc. While introducing the oyster top up card facility, certain change process should be adopted by TESCO to analyze the readiness of stakeholders in acceptance of the change. However, TECO driving forces are tend to be stronger than its restraining force, so the change could be easily absorb by the employees and other associates. TESCO has a well establish infra-structure that appropriately supports the change. By this strategic move, I am sure that TESCO will not only increase the revenue but also attain the customer loyalty in ad dition to the competitive edge over the competitors.

Exxon Valdez :: science

Exxon Valdez When people hear the phrase "oil spill: they think a bunch of black stuff all in the water. Well there is a lot more to it then just that. It is an economical disaster as well as an environmental one. As you read along you will see how devastating this one oil spill, the Exxon Valdez, really was compared to others. Whether you, as the reader believe it or just think it is something that is none of you concern and happened 10 years ago is completely up to you. I think that your mind will change after hearing all the facts. On the day of March 24, 1989 the oil tanker Exxon Valdez was afloat when it ran aground a reef in Prince William Sound, putting a gash in its hull. This gash bled out 11 million gallons of crude oil. The oil covered roughly 10,000 sq. miles of water. This is the area of Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, and 25 Washington D.C.’s combined! In only a week’s time the wind and current moved the oil 90 miles into the Gulf of Alaska. It contaminated 1,500 miles of coast. This is like the shoreline of California. This oil as it moved through the water killed 300,000 sea birds, 2,600 sea otters, 300 harbor seals, and perhaps millions and millions of fish. Of the 23 studied species hurt by the spill only 2 are said to be completely recovered. The 2 are the Bald Eagle and the River Otter. Some show no recovery at all. Of these that haven’t recovered at all are the Harbor Seal, Harlequin Ducks, Pacific Herring, Cormorants, and even certain whales. If people were familiar with some of the clean up that went on, they would probably remember that cleaning of all those ducks. Well I hate to tell you but it was useless. Some of them died 5 days after they were released. Scientists now know that the oil is 100 time’s more toxic then originally thought. Even a minuet amount can cause deformities in fish like an extra fin.

Personal Narrative Essay - Crickets :: Personal Narrative Writing

Personal Narrative- Crickets I’ve never liked bugs. Grasshoppers are gruesome, and wasps are menacing. Even butterflies seem to flaunt their grace by fluttering in your face. Recently, however, I’ve realized that one insect cowers below the others as the most scheming of the six-legged world. I’ve discovered that I hate crickets. These bugs are way too happy for their own good. Not only black, smaller versions of the grasshopper, crickets are masters of hide and seek. The inky bodies blend flawlessly into the shadows beneath a bush or inside the garage. Each crunchy creature also must have a shrinking ability. Squeezing into cracks and crannies in walls, even the cockroach is shamed by the cricket. Once hiding within thirty feet of my presence, the despicable beast begins to sing its wretched, repetitive tune. Echoing in my ears, magnified by the silence between chirps, the song rattles in my head. Forget studying, forget writing and solving problems, forget sleeping, because I am irritated. Each shrill note pierces my skull, drumming inside my head as though pressuring my brain. "Find me," it taunts, "if you can." Concentrating becomes isolated, like a special filter is funneling only the vibrato-filled song into my mind. Eyes wide and furious, I hunt, following the gnawing chirp. Listening with ears attuned only to the shriek, I creep so slowly, so focused my muscles ache with the strain. Zoning in on a tiny area, suddenly repulsed by the thought of cricket skin brushing my delicate fingertips, I seize a sandal from the step. I can hear it. I know it’s only a few inches away.

Evolution & Creationism in Education Essay examples -- Teaching God Cr

Evolution & Creationism in Education The twentieth century has witnessed the escalation of the creation - evolution debate through famous court cases and Supreme Court decisions on the teaching of evolution in public schools, culminating most recently in a Kansas Board of Education decision. As this highly controversial issue of the teaching of evolution in American classrooms rages on, it may be difficult for some individuals of Christian faith to form an alternative belief other than the extremes of creationism and evolutionism. Before discussing this issue any further, when I refer to strict beliefs in creationism or evolution as extreme views I am not necessarily implying that they are wrong, but are simply two views on completely opposite sides of the creation - evolution debate spectrum. For some creationists, accepting God as Creator as told in the Book of Genesis means the simultaneous rejection of evolutionary theory. For some evolution believers, accepting evolution ultimately results in the replacement of God as Creator with the process of evolution. After reading the preceding two sentences, we can come to the conclusion that the creation - evolution debate is really a matter of faith, either there is a Creator or there is no Creator. However, at the same time the main battle of the debate is over what is taught in our public schools. This creates a problem, particularly for creationists, because separation of church and state keeps religious criticism to evolutionary theory away from the classroom. The Kansas Board of Education decision to eliminate evolution and the Big Bang Theory from statewide tests reflects the resulting pressure on school officials to chose between what many have come to view as two mutu... ...l Bible Society. Johnson, P. E. (1999). The Church of Darwin. Human Events, 55(32), 16. Lane, C. (1999). Devolution. New Republic, 221(11/12), 6. Marcus, D. L. (1999, August). Charles Darwin gets thrown out of school: A Kansas ban on the mention of evolution. U. S. News & World Report, 127, 32. Merriam Webster's collegiate dictionary (10th ed.). (1995). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. Miller, L. R. (1997). Must Christians chose between evolution and creationism? http://www.goshen.edu/bio/Biol410/Biol410SrSemPapers97/millerl.html (1999, November 1). The Scopes "monkey trial." http://www.dimensional.com/~randl/scopes.htm (1999, November 1). Wright, R. T. (1989). Biology: Through the eyes of faith. New York, NY: HarperSanFrancisco. Zimmerman, J. (1999). Relatively speaking: Creationism's political evolution. New Republic, 221(10), 13-14. Evolution & Creationism in Education Essay examples -- Teaching God Cr Evolution & Creationism in Education The twentieth century has witnessed the escalation of the creation - evolution debate through famous court cases and Supreme Court decisions on the teaching of evolution in public schools, culminating most recently in a Kansas Board of Education decision. As this highly controversial issue of the teaching of evolution in American classrooms rages on, it may be difficult for some individuals of Christian faith to form an alternative belief other than the extremes of creationism and evolutionism. Before discussing this issue any further, when I refer to strict beliefs in creationism or evolution as extreme views I am not necessarily implying that they are wrong, but are simply two views on completely opposite sides of the creation - evolution debate spectrum. For some creationists, accepting God as Creator as told in the Book of Genesis means the simultaneous rejection of evolutionary theory. For some evolution believers, accepting evolution ultimately results in the replacement of God as Creator with the process of evolution. After reading the preceding two sentences, we can come to the conclusion that the creation - evolution debate is really a matter of faith, either there is a Creator or there is no Creator. However, at the same time the main battle of the debate is over what is taught in our public schools. This creates a problem, particularly for creationists, because separation of church and state keeps religious criticism to evolutionary theory away from the classroom. The Kansas Board of Education decision to eliminate evolution and the Big Bang Theory from statewide tests reflects the resulting pressure on school officials to chose between what many have come to view as two mutu... ...l Bible Society. Johnson, P. E. (1999). The Church of Darwin. Human Events, 55(32), 16. Lane, C. (1999). Devolution. New Republic, 221(11/12), 6. Marcus, D. L. (1999, August). Charles Darwin gets thrown out of school: A Kansas ban on the mention of evolution. U. S. News & World Report, 127, 32. Merriam Webster's collegiate dictionary (10th ed.). (1995). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. Miller, L. R. (1997). Must Christians chose between evolution and creationism? http://www.goshen.edu/bio/Biol410/Biol410SrSemPapers97/millerl.html (1999, November 1). The Scopes "monkey trial." http://www.dimensional.com/~randl/scopes.htm (1999, November 1). Wright, R. T. (1989). Biology: Through the eyes of faith. New York, NY: HarperSanFrancisco. Zimmerman, J. (1999). Relatively speaking: Creationism's political evolution. New Republic, 221(10), 13-14.

Realism and television Essay

Question : Discuss realism by considering a television program that has realistic qualities. In your discussion specifically refer to Chapter 14 of the textbook, ‘Documentary and â€Å"reality TV†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ, by Branston and Stafford (2006). Realism plays an important role in the success of a good television program. The ability to relate and appeal to the senses of the target audience is an essential characteristic of any media form. This essay explores how realism is perceived in television today with reference to both reality and documentary genres of television. The remainder of the essay will present a case study of a television program which demonstrates realistic qualities. What is Realism? It has been argued that we are living in a ‘postdocumentary’ culture, a time of talk shows, reality t. v, game shows and the persuasion of celebrity (Branston, Stafford 2006: 455). When we refer to ‘realism’ within the context of television it conjures up a multitude of meanings. For example, realism may indicate that the program is ‘realistic’ because of the subject matter, like that of a documentary. Moreover, a television program could be considered ‘realistic’ because it features. Unscripted ordinary people in contrived situations, like Big Brother. One thing is certain, realism, or the illusion of realism, is very prevalent in television today. Reality tv? Distorted Realism†¦ Flick on the television during peak times on a week night and it’s pretty difficult to avoid reality television. From home makeovers to celebrity fit clubs, the popularity with ‘so called’ reality television is astounding. But is reality tv just another highly produced product of the culture industry? More often that not, these reality programs are highly constructed to attract viewers. As Andrejevic. questions, â€Å"Why is Reality tv pretending that it’s real, so that we may cannily believe it’s phony, when it accurately portrays the reality of contrivance in contemporary society? â€Å"(Andrejevic 2004). These programs are clearly not an accurate representation of how most people live. It seems the message of reality television is that ordinary people can become so significant that millions of people will watch them, and as a result, ordinary people are considered potential media stars. Ordinary people watch these programs, see people like themselves and imagine that they too could become celebrities by being on television (Reiss 2001). This is evident by the large number of reality tv stars that have gone on to have careers in the media. For example, Elizabeth Hassleback from the first series of the reality tv program Survivor is now a co-host of the popular talk show in the US â€Å"The View†. ‘Reality tv’, definitely has it’s fair share of critics. It has been blamed of damaging our youth’s perception of what reality truly means, even going to the extent of accusing it of being and abusive and exploitative of children in shows like, ‘Wifeswap’ and ‘Trading Spouses’ (Schlessinger 2004). The perception of what is fact and fiction in regards to television is no longer a clear margin (Study guide 9:5). Semiotic codes (study of signs) in television represent a kind of ‘language’, and we all learn how to decode these signs and symbols in to explain what we see (Herrman, 2000). With any luck, the viewers of these reality programs can distinguish what is true reality and not when they are watching these programs. Documentaries – The Art of Performing Just like news, documentaries are recognized as reproducing the truthful version of the story to the audience. With the popularity of the reality tv culture it has been argued that these types of shows have tainted the significance of documentaries (Branston, Stafford 2006:. 455). Documentaries have the ability to showcase complex subject matter with an accurate and credible approach. It has been argued that a documentary is a â€Å"performative act whose truth comes into being only at the moment of filming†(Bruzzi 2000:6). Moreover, documentaries portray a ‘real’ perspective according to the film maker themselves, just as reality tv, documentaries are constructed to a certain extent. In other words, the audience assumes the point of view from where the camera shooting. Branston and Stafford suggest in the example of Micheal Moore’s documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 where there were key issues that were not mentioned like the role of Israel, which in effect, persuades the audience in a certain position (Branston, Stafford 2006: 469). Of all the genres of television, documentaries still continue do the finest duty of relaying an accurate interpretation of ‘real-world’ issues with minimal construction. Case Study: â€Å"Intervention†(Mondays 9. 30am, Channel 115, Foxtel). The television program which I have chosen to critique in relation to it’s realistic qualities is ‘Intervention’. It’s a powerful and transfixing US-based series in which people confront their addiction and seek a route to recovery. The series profiles individuals whose dependency on drugs, alcohol or other compulsive behavior has brought them to an all-time low and estranged them from their family and loved ones. The addicts featured in the series believe they have signed up to participate in a documentary on ‘addiction’. Each episode begins with a brief introduction to the subject, and then he or she is followed around by a camera crew. The program ends with a surprise intervention that is staged in which they are confronted with a life-altering choice: rehabilitation or risk losing all contact with the loved ones who instigated the intervention. Often, other tactics are used to persuade the addicted person into treatment, which vary depending on the situation. Interviews with the subject, as well as family members or friends who have agreed to participate, are interspersed throughout. The Intervention falls under the reality tv genre of television and can be described as an ‘information programme’, as it uses true stories to educate the audience on the subject matter (Branston, Stafford 2006:474). The show has more the feel of a documentary than a reality TV program, although predominately factual there a certain aspects of the program that are clearly constructed. The producers and creators of the program make the rules, they create the setting, they film it according to specific guidelines as to what they think are going to provide good television. So Why Is ‘Intervention’ So Realistic? There are a number of characteristics that this television program possesses which contributes in creating a sense of realism for the viewer: 1). Subject Matter ‘Intervention’ is the dramatic and disturbing insight into the day in the life of an addict that features graphic footage of addicts shooting up on television has prompted some controversy. â€Å"It makes prime-time sport of vulnerable, desperate people and their spiral to the bottom,† wrote Matthew Gilbert of the Boston Globe. All though it’s ugly to watch, unfortunately the reality of addiction and the dysfunction it creates is very real for many families. Most viewers would know someone who it has been impacted by the power of addiction. According to Addictionintervention. com, the interventions that are staged on the series represent a realistic and account of what actually takes place during a professional intervention. http://www. addictionintervention. com/intervention/interventiontv_response. asp 2) Drama-documentary ‘Intervention’ series utilizes a ‘drama-documentary’ style which combines elements of documentary and drama (Branston, Stafftord 2006:456). This hybrid genre produces a very authentic sense of reality for the viewer, absent are the contrivances of most reality shows. Moreover, the participants of the show are ordinary people with real addictions, there are no million dollar prizes, no mansions, no bachelors, or games. According to the series, millions of people struggle with addiction, so the subject matter is a very real problem existing in society. There are no actors or re enactments, these are ‘real’ people going about their life. ‘Intervention’ demonstrates the characteristics of a documentary by presenting the strict facts of the event but also the program has the ability to raise the larger issues associated with addiction, such as family disintegration. Unfortunately the stories that are told are true, it’s something that we would like to believe does not exist in this world, but we all know that it does. 3) Camera Angles The series is shot in a documentary-style, which makes it less refined and more credible (Branston, Stafford 2006:458). The participants bring an honesty and rawness to the show that supersedes the blatant expectations that are all too common to reality programming. The unrehearsed reaction to the intervention from the addict is completely unpredictable. Sometimes the addict agrees to the treatment but more often than not the addict runs away, so without warning the production crew are unexpectedly running down the street. The scrabbling footage adds to the authenticity and legitimacy of the program (Branston, Stafford 2006: 458). 4) Unscripted Narratives ‘Intervention† does not use a narrator, instead, the subject and his loved ones tell the story, with occasional text commentary, which contributes to the realism. The leading characters of the program are ‘ordinary’ people from working class backgrounds, which is very relatable to a broad audience (Branston, Stafford 2006:460). The unscripted narratives between the addicts and their families generate a sense of normalcy, quite often they have to bleep out language when arguments get heated. The music is very limited in the program, there is some intense music just before the intervention which makes for an element of drama. 5) Format The ‘Intervention’ series, has the identical structure in each program. The first half hour profiles the individual, the next 20 minutes focuses on the intervention itself, the last 10 minutes focuses on the follow-up of the individual. There is no set, no staging, the program is filmed on location, meaning where ever the individual lives. The program is filmed in the home of the individual and the intervention, usually takes place at a nearby hotel. The fact that the program could be filmed anywhere is a factor in producing a sense of realism. 5) Not Always a Happy Ending The ‘Intervention’ program does not always have a happy ending, which contributes in creating a sense of honesty for the audience. In a recent episode of ‘Intervention’, the featured addict did agree to go to a rehabilitation facility but was kicked out not long after for breaking the rules. Unfortunately he went back to living on the streets and still struggling with his drug addiction and still estranged from his family (Intervention, aired 20/4/2007, 10pm,A&E channel). This program reiterates that sometimes real life is not pretty, and some situations cannot be resolved in a 60 minute episode. Although the ‘Intervention’ program is a cutting edge and controversial, the fact of the matter is, addiction is a very real issue in today’s society. According to the National Drug Strategy, the tangible social costs of drug use in Australia were estimated to be $18. 3 billion from in 1998-99. With these statistics like this, addiction should be a matter certainly worthy of attention. (http://www. aihw. gov. au/publications/phe/sdua04/sdua04. pdf) In conclusion, it’s apparent that there are still some programs on television that are able to give a ‘realistic’ insight into certain subject matters. After all, the television is our interaction with the outside world, media should continue to focus attention on these social problems to generate awareness and education with this type of programming. Bibliography Andrejevic, Mark ‘Reality TV:The Work of Being Watched’ Lanham MD: Rowman &Littlefield, 2004 1-20 Branston, G. and Stafford, R. , 2006. ‘Documentary & ‘Reality tv’, in The Media Student’s Book, 4th ed. , Routledge, Abingdon, UK, and New York, pp. 455-478 Herrmann, Stefan ‘Do we learn to ‘read’ television like a kind of ‘language’? May 2000http://www. aber. ac. uk/media/Students/sfh9901. html Reiss S, Wiltz J ‘Why America loves reality TV’ – Feature – Brief ArticlePsychology Today, Sept-Oct, 2001 http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m1175/is_5_34/ai_82261905 Schlessinger, L ‘Realism in family television? ‘ October 27, 2004 http://www. worldnetdaily. com/news/article. asp? ARTICLE_ID=41125.

Ernst Junger and Audie Murphy Heroes of War Essay

non domainy people atomic number 18 vested with such resolution sh cause by the two workforce whom the title of this paper pass away. Both men had exemplary displayed extremely great cour time that was perhaps slightly short of unsafe attack. Without discounting their heroism, wizard cannot rest his mind without postulation how these people could bravely defy the dangers of demolition through a daring play of the dangers itself. Courage that is inside them is what makes them brave generous to overcome the fears of the dangers and death. It is the courage that yields a man honors yet it will only confirm when it is confronted by a particular manakin of risk and emerge victorious in that situation. The many particular risk that some(prenominal) men had confronted and had triple-cr deliverly subdued, proves they argon and then men of great courage.Junger and murphy may have served in the force in the same capacity, and in equally sober battlefield but of the oppo sing sides. They are equally courageous and possessed excess ordinary skills that put them distinct from the others, as evidenced by their contend medals. How ever, on that point is an obvious difference between their person-to-person backgrounds. Junger was highly educated, born, and grew up in a better family condition.Murphy on the other hand, had but all painful livelihood experiences. His parents died while he was still teenage with twelve siblings. He grew up below difficult condition and had no neat education. This difference obviously influenced their phalanx manner, Junger sees his deed as an opportunity for advancement, while Murphy sees his accomplishment as merely his barter as a military. He considered his emolument to military as a family and was spontaneous let opportunity for advancement escape him.Examples of Jungers accomplishment that clearly bounce his organized out looked in to the in store(predicate) are as follows. First, he had served the Ger man army with distinction. He was indeed a multi-awarded soldier. Second, He became officer of the army at a very young age of twenty-three third, he became a source after he was discharge from military service. His Storm of Steel seemed to glorify war although he did not justify nor extenuates the brutalities of war.Perhaps, the one thing that Murphy was very golden to have was, first, his extra-ordinary courage and ordinary qualities as a fighting infantryman. His enlistment in the US army proves to be successful as he was able to stage his military skills in combat operations. Second, his military skills gave him numerous military awards and distinction higher up the others. He was even promoted to the rank of deputy despite his limited education and third, his allegiance to the military and his own company bring in for him respect and admiration of others.Final ReflectionsThese two men rose from their own ranks because of their courage, extra-ordinary skills and loyalty to their duties. Two men of different backgrounds and belong to the opposing armies were able to build their own identities, developed their own outlook in tone, and established their lives amidst the dangers of wars.Theirs is a lesson that though life is full of danger, full of opposing forces that affects us, and we are weak compared to these realities, yet they survived, and eventually come after in life. This gives us hope of our own survival and success in what ever endeavor we are we are currently struggling.

Devoted Son

Analytical essay In the story â€Å"The devoted son† by Anita Desai. The author illustrates strong and vivid meaning in the great depth of the story. The Author portrays a truth. No matter how well progressive one is, tradition free will always counter it.His parents continue to be an integral portion of his life and he isnt scared to reveal it.We can’t have this happening again. †(Desai, 79). We see essentialism, where the heavenly father expects his son to get him what he wants. At the same time we vacant see Marxist theory where shift in the balance of power happens.You smile, and the remainder of apply your entire body will catch on.

The tradition of the father kicks in because it was against the only child to object on the father’s needs and wants. The essentialism here is clear. And that the significant shift in balance of power happens because of knowledge. Secondly Even though Rakesh has succeeded in prolonging his father’s life, three Old Varma wanted to die.It is tricky to describe the sensation.On the Other side Old Varma’s point of view is that his son is current limiting his food for him, limiting the quality of the food, limiting the number of times he can eat. Rakesh rejects his father’s desires, where Varma sees it as torture. He complains to his neighbour about that.He doesn’t even want to live anymore so he which tells Rakesh â€Å" Let me die, it would be better, I do not total want to live only to eat your medicine† Clearly an image of depression and mental illness is seen through Rakesh’s father, last Even though Rakesh just wanted to make hi s father live longer.Rogers life has been full of love due to his family members and friends.

Dalymple. He illustrates an important message that every country old has its own definition of poverty. Corruption has started by the government. â€Å"Theyll find her a new flat.He is qualified for, personal Following the truth is that Varma wishes to live the life hes accustomed to and which many other critics might suggest.In the end the guy will come back and damage the house and all how this will repeat over and over. One of the literary devices in this quote is sarcasm. â€Å"†¦because its unacceptable poverty in this day and age to live without them. [ furniture, television, and refrigerator]† The author sarcastically expresses his opinion on poverty in UK.My husband and Ive been married for over 35 decades.

They get spoiled by luxury. Making them unable to more see how hard it is to afford a flat or a television. This quote also what has situational irony. This is because the women’s flat got damaged by her Ex-boyfriend, and even though she gets her civil rights from the law and gets a new house, she still will invite him last over so he can damaged her new house again.My dad is still in shock at the moment, she explained.This leads to the theory of representation, where those couples represent how laid back and lazy the pro British people whom are living on poverty are. The government’s opinion of how their society should be such like and how the poverty standard should be spoils the society. Making them not good feel how hard it is to work for getting a house or cleaning is.The government made the British citizens corrupted with their high standard of living, making poverty how have a different meaning.Ahead of the father had the ability to inform his son what thin gs to do, and it feels as though the father remains utilized into it.

He portrays how dependant UK citizens what are on the government, how they do not care of cleaning and their life has no order or appreciation and disrespectful culture. This shows Discrimination theory of difference.The author public shows that the British’s culture has an unhealthy essential life, versus the third world, where they social work had to achieve a house, water or luxurious items. Narrator talks about the struggle going on to achieve a house.The families had lots of admiration.While as UK’s poverty has a very high standard, the citizens do not know how hard it is to live, and they abuse the laws. Therefore every country what has it is own definition of poverty. In the documentary â€Å"Ban into Brothers†, Briski gives her view on an extremely important message. This message is that parents and society are the major influences on a childs future.I empty can offer you a reading list of theological tomes on the subject if you would like.

On the other hand, Avijit is a particular drug addict (hash). Basically, Avijit is living in the very lowest class. He has no home, wired and education is not easy for him. Avijit says: â€Å"We dont have enough time to live let alone to study.Talk about how the both of youd like decision making to perform the job.Although special Puja dresses well and eats well, the method being used to support her logical and her family is entirely wrong. This leads to the analytical theory of commodotisation. Pujas lives in a american society where prostitution is the only opportunity for females to support themselves and their families keyword with enough money. This is evident when Pujas family pulls her out of school early in order to make more money, sooner, to better support their family.Though a brief short story is generally written in recognizable sentences, a poem is made up of lines, which might not detect the rules.

In conclusion, in all 3 previous steps, there is one common truth. In the stories of â€Å"What is poverty† by T. Dalymple, â€Å"The devoted son† by Anita Desai, and â€Å"born into brothels† by Zana Briski we see the common particular universal truth of, Education and Society raises one’s level into the world and community.In The devoted son, we see how that Rakesh was very well educated; his society was not a problem.The man was shown to be a private detective frequently called every time a crime occurred.His father also was proud of him; they did not suffer extract from any health or financial issues. Rakesh was lucky to be one of the people whom are on the higher level. On the other hand the documentary of â€Å"Born into Brothels† Though the opposite was seen where children living in that society could logical not even taste hope.That society only allowed the girls to become prostitutes and men to become pimps if they wanted to make mone y to live with the basic physiological needs.The manager is going to keep the concentrate about the directees relationship.