U.s. Maritime Transportation Security Act - 824 Words

Massport has enacted several policies and procedures to tighten security and better secure their various waterfront terminals. These policies include, but may not be limited to: 1. Transportation Worker Identification Credential: Massport has mandated the use of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Massport Maritime Credentials for all workers entering Conley Terminal and Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. Required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act, TWIC is a threat assessment tool used to vet workers who require unescorted access to secure maritime facilities, vessels and other critical assets (e.g. cyber systems). Types of workers include, but may not be limited to, U.S. Coast Guard documented mariners, port and terminal operators, truckers, equipment maintenance personnel and port security personnel. Following a successful background check, workers are issued an identification which contains key employee information including name, a photo and biometric data. Personnel requesting a Massport Maritime Credential must present a TWIC card at the time of their request. Massachusetts currently supports five TWIC enrollment lo cations. They are located in Pocasset, Brockton, Boston, Worcester and Springfield. 2. Non-Intrusive Inspection Program: Safeguarding U.S. borders requires the use of available and emerging technology to detect contraband and radiological material, deny entry when warranted and deter criminal or terroristShow MoreRelatedDevelopments Of Securing The Nation s Ports788 Words   |  4 PagesAlaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Transportation Security Administration (2010), broaden the definition of† the maritime sector to include a wide range of watercraft and vessels and consists of approximately 95,000 miles of coastline, 361 ports, more than 10,000 miles of navigable waterways, 3.4 million square miles of the Exclusive Economic Zone, and intermodal landside connections, which allow the various modes of transportation to move people and goods to, from, andRead MoreRole Of Customs And Border Protection1644 Words   |  7 Pages1 - What is the role of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in securing trade in maritime ports? The role of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is to ensure all goods and people coming into the United States lawful and keeping contraband and WMD out of the United States. Additionally Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for international trade in and out of the United States. The policies and enforcement of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can make or break trade withinRead MoreEssay On Containerized Shipping1724 Words   |  7 PagesFinal Paper Maritime Terrorist Attacks via Containerized Shipping Christopher Welch Author Note This paper was prepared for Operations Management 5993, taught by Dr. Livingston Executive Summary There is a growing concern over the vulnerabilities of port security and the possible exploitation of these vulnerabilities by a terrorist organization; specifically, the use of containerized shipping. The vastness of the process of maritime operations alone creates a large opportunity for vulnerability,Read MoreDevelopments For Securing The Nations Ports1574 Words   |  7 PagesAlaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Transportation Security Administration (2010), broaden the definition of† the maritime sector to include a wide range of watercraft and vessels and consists of approximately 95,000 miles of coastline, 361 ports, more than 10,000 miles of navigable waterways, 3.4 million square miles of the Exclusive Economic Zone, and intermodal landside connections, which allow the various modes of transportation to move people and goods to, from, and onRead MoreA Study on Border Security876 Words   |  4 PagesBorder security The border control has policies set to particularly stop illegal immigrants into the U.S.A. The official mission of this border control is to ensure that the boundaries of the United States are protected through prevention of illegal entry and through the detection, interdicting as well as apprehending illegal entrants, smugglers and contraband. The protection of the borders of the U.S.A; land, sea and air is vital for the homeland security as well as economic prosperity. BorderRead MoreHomeland Security Chapter 9-10 Essay923 Words   |  4 Pagesattempts and successes at border patrol. Beginning with the U.S customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol office has like many other agencies, merged with the DHS following 9/11. The reason is because the Border Patrol is now after 9/11 been concerned with the prevention of terrorist’s entry. The Border Patrol also merged with customs, which has a long history with border patrol. The CBP has been charged with guarding 70 00 miles of U.S Land border. The Border patrol has been very concernedRead MoreTsa And Transportation Security Administration916 Words   |  4 PagesUnited States established a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and heighten its security throughout the transportation system, which were designed to prevent similar attacks in the future. This research paper will discuss the history of the TSA and what it does, how TSA improve aviation security, and the cargo screening process. This paper will conclude an overall debrief of my discussion about the TSA and transportation security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wasRead MoreEssay on Port Security1596 Words   |  7 Pagesand Container Ship Security by Jennifer L. Rodriguez TLMT605 July 15, 2012 Table of Contents Abstract Literature Review Body of Content 1. Economic Impact 2. High Visibility/High Causalities 3. Ease of Attack 4. Conclusion References Abstract Since the 9/11 attacks, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has increased security measures at airportsRead MoreA Welcome Letter Of President Obama And Secretary Foxx1264 Words   |  6 PagesGood morning. On behalf of President Obama and Secretary Foxx, it is an honor to be here this morning and to welcome you to the United States. It is truly a pleasure for the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration to host this APEC Port Services Network Workshop in one of America’s greatest port cities: Seattle, Washington. It is very fitting that we chose this location for our engagement. Seattle’s waterfront and harbor played central roles in this city’s transition fromRead MoreShould the US Government Bail Out and Subsidize the American Maritime Industry?1697 Words   |  7 Pagesbail out and/or subsidize the American maritime industry? If not, why not? If so to what extent? There is little argument among national policymakers that the American economy was severely horsewhipped by the Great Recession of 2008, and that the country has only recently recovered sufficiently for economists to breathe a sigh of relief that the corner has been turned. Likewise, there is virtually no argument among national policymakers that a healthy maritime industry is also an essential component

Beowulf Movie Review - 2365 Words

In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements In English MOVIE REVIEW Of BEOWULF Merry Anjela M. Mendoza September 16, 2011 Ms. Maria Dolores Fiao-ag Introduction Beowulf is an epic from England. It is a story of a brave man who killed many monsters and died defending from a dragon. It is also a great story of adventure. From an old English poem, it became a 3D movie with the faces of real actors and actresses. Although there has a difference from the original poem, it still showed great and it attracted wide audiences. Throughout the movie review, I gave my own opinions about the movie especially in the effects, how the characters played their role, and how they captured the eye of the audiences. Movie Review The Movie Beowulf is a†¦show more content†¦I can’t even remember the soundtrack or the music played in this movie. So it is really a great factor that every director must consider so that the audiences will be keeping in touch with the movie. Conclusion I therefore conclude that Beowulf movie, as a whole, is a great animated epic tale with just some revisions from the original one is still a great movie and very fun to watch. Mr. Robert Zemeckis and the other producers and casts had job well done. They were able to show the audiences the story of a brave man who fought and died in killing monsters. Vocabularies: 1. Mead- a fermented beverage made of water and honey, malt, and yeast 2. Heave- to move a ship in a specified direction or manner 3. Thane- one resembling a feudal baron by holding lands of and performing military service for the king 4. Reek- a strong or disagreeable fume or odor 5. Troll- to sing the parts of (as a round or catch) in succession 6. Gobble- to swallow or eat greedily 7. Vexes- to bring trouble, distress, or agitation 8. Whore- a male who engages in sexual acts for money 9. Shrink- to contract or curl up the body or part of it 10. Gouger- to scoop out with or as if with a gouge 11. Vomit- to disgorge the stomach contents 12. Fallible- capable of making a mistake 13. Flawed- a defect in physical structure or form 14. Fierce- violently hostile or aggressive in temperament 15. Teeming- to becomeShow MoreRelatedBeowulf Movie Critic Essay709 Words   |  3 PagesBeowulf Movie Critic Do you envision a strong female role or a male role as your hero? In my opinion the Beowulf movie was a thumbs up, due to Angelina Jolie’s use of seduction and female wiles. Angelina is a critical character who drives the plot. In the movie, her character of Grendel’s mother overshadows Beowulf‘s character as a hero. This is in drastic contrast to the original poem ‘Beowulf’ because in the original, women were not valued and they had no important role. Grendel’s mother differsRead MoreBeowulf Is The Hero Of All Heroes958 Words   |  4 Pagestell you about their pros as in good things about them and their cons as in bad things. I will also choose one modern day hero to come pare my ancient hero to and tell you where he from either a movie or a comic book. Beowulf is my ancient hero. I chose Beowulf because of all the qualities he has. Beowulf is the hero of all heroes’ he is strong, and courageous. He would risk his own life to save other people life s. He never back down to any person or thing and has never run any from a fight. HeRead MoreHow Beowulf Does Not Embody The Heroic Ideal Of The Anglo Saxons943 Words   |  4 PagesOctober 22, 2015 Beowulf Essay 1) Explore the ways in which Beowulf does and does not embody the heroic ideal of the Anglo-Saxons. Beowulf is an epic hero from the Anglo-Saxon period, who takes on a great deal of challenges and adventures. The character Beowulf embodies the virtues of the Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefs. He incorporate the traits of Anglo-Saxon society with strength, bravery, honor, and the desire to help the helpless. In the beginning of the book, Beowulf travels to help theRead MoreInfluence Of Medieval Literature On Modern Films1169 Words   |  5 Pagesdeath, as well as The Joker in the movie Dark Knight that ended with the joker being defeated (Shakespeare 379, 386, 387, â€Å"Dark Knight,† par. 8, 9). Another example of similarities influencing modern films would be in the story Beowulf when Beowulf â€Å"set sail to aid Danish King Hrothgar in his fight against the monster Grendel† (â€Å"About Beowulf†). This example shows how despite what happens in the story good always wins over evil in medieval film and literature (â€Å"Beowulf† 50, 54, 60, Simon, par 14). AlsoRead MoreAdvances in Animation and Their Effects on Modern Cinema 2531 Words   |  11 Pagesthere have been avid fans how have embraced this historical shift in animation. As the years went on several other large animation companies, such as DreamWorks and Blue Sky Studios, jumped on the bandwagon creating well know films such as the Shriek movie franchise and Ice Age. Disney was one of the last companies to convert to computer generated animated films. For quite some time, they had tried to stick with hand-drawn animation, which is what they were known best for. According to Snow Cones andRead MoreThe Falafel Of Imminent Philosophical Wisdom2538 Words   |  11 Pageswhich aired on BBC Two, only had six episodes lasting thirty minutes per episode. In 2005, he once again collaborated with Dave McKean to make the fantasy movie, MirrorMask. In 2007, Neil was the cowriter for Beowulf, and in the same year, his book Stardust was made into a movie.In 2009, Gaiman’s book Coraline was made into a stop-motion movie which won many awards and was produced by the ever famous Laika studios which only puts out new movies every five or so years. Neil has written episodes forRead MoreSituational Analysis: 7th Grade Language Arts6569 Words   |  26 PagesCampbell called the mono-m yth - literally, the one story. This mono-myth, or archetypal heroic quest story, has remarkably the same structure from culture to culture, but is really the same hero underneath, facing the same kinds of challenges. Today, movie heroes Luke Skywalker and Indiana Jones serve as modern versions of the quest hero. One of the foremost functions of myth is to establish models for behavior. The figures described in myth are sacred and are therefore worthy role models for humanRead MoreCause and Impact Analysis on the Main Character’s Suffering in Elizabeth Gilbert’s Novel Eat, Pray, Love7348 Words   |  30 Pagessome review came from San Francisco Chronicle - Don Lattin and Jennifer Egan. Both of them gave respond about this novel. Firstly, the review came from San Francisco Chronicle – Don Lattin of her review that Gilberts writing is chatty and deep, confident and self-deprecating. Shes a quick study and doesnt worry about leading readers down uncharted paths. That makes her work engaging and accessible but sometimes gets her and the rest of us lost in space. And the second, the review also came

Drama Evaluation Essay Example For Students

Drama Evaluation Essay Our class were asked to create a piece on Henry Vth. We worked in three separate groups to produce a non-naturalistic piece. Once everyone had performed we were then asked to evaluate a group of our choice, but not your own, I chose Jasmines group. In this evaluation I will be talking about, what I liked and disliked about the group I chose, what could be changed, what was the highlight and other detailed analysis.  I chose Jasmines group because their performance caught my eye. Their piece was very well rehearsed, and you could tell how much effort had gone into making it. I felt the highlight of the piece and the part I will remember most was the end scenes. It came over to me as two scenes combined into one. The first scene had dead bodies sprawled across the battlefield and the second scene had a little girl slowly walking through the poppy fields. Poppies symbolising the many people, who lost their lives in the war, I found this kept my attention because it was an emotional scene that you could relate to. The little girl was singing ring a ring a roses in a mysterious dead-like voice. The two scenes then merged back into one, which left a powerful ending with the freeze frame of dead bodies, this was effective because it made you feel the true effects of the war. This is another scene that striked me most about the play with all the good ideas interpreted in this scene and others to make an overall good performance.  The message of the piece was reminiscence, it came over as all the emotions both family and soldiers went through before, during and after the war. The performance was overall very good and I would only make some minor changes to improve the piece. In certain scenes they needed to project their voices as sometimes the music was louder than they were, for example, when each person moved in sequence towards the dead body from the marching scene, I think the words needed to be heard because of their strong meaning. Another part of the piece that couldve been improved on was facial expressions. They tended to put all the emotion into their voices and not in their faces. For example, when each person moved in sequence and was saying the strong words they all couldve, to make it more believable, use facial expression to relate to their words. The piece kept my attention throughout, they included freeze frames and non-naturalistic scenes of the duration of the piece. There was one particular freeze frame in their performance that was very powerful. There were three separate freeze frames. In the centre of the stage there was two people forming a strong barrier. On the left there was one person on their own reaching out and shielding his face, the opposite side was different levels, crying into hands, shielding faces and hunched over, showing a rush of emotions. This was not only showing emotions from soldiers but also from family. In this freeze frame it depends on where youre sitting to interpret a different meaning. This is one of five scenes that stood out to me. One scene that also stood out for me was the second scene. They were sat in a triangular shape in the centre of the stage, a scatter of levels all forming different freeze frames, in sequence with a line from the play. This was strong to me because they didnt go out of character, they were all in time with the music and they made contact with the audience which then made us involved. Another scene that caught my eye was the marching scene, the music in the background went with what they were doing, all their faces concentrated and they came across as a strong line of soldiers, they in turn said a word. .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 , .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 .postImageUrl , .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 , .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611:hover , .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611:visited , .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611:active { border:0!important; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611:active , .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611 .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf3cffc33218f8f5f5bacdae7eec30611:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Malvolio's Identity In the play Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare EssayIt had got the last soldier and she went forward and repeated the same words two times, this created an atmosphere which then lead to a final scream which ended the scene on a high because it was unexpected. I especially liked this because they started the scene off with strong soldiers and nearer to then end of the scene it shows their emotions. This shows how time had changed from being so strong and confident at the beginning of the war, to breaking down nearer to the end of the war. I found this very interesting and could see a lot off effort had gone into this part, to make a simple scene mean so much. Their performance included a lot of non-naturalistic physical theatre, in most of the scenes they included slow motion, repeat, tone, and levels. They included slow motion in one scene at the end, in the little girls voice whilst walking around the dead bodies, this kept my attention because it was mystical and the tone of her voice was quite scary. The way the group interpreted the physical theatre into their piece was good; they added things in at the right moments, though some couldve been improved on as Ive said before. I found this also kept my attention.

The Art of Technical Ghostwriting - The Writers For Hire

THE ART OF TECHNICAL GHOSTWRITING One of the most challenging aspects of technical writing is communicating effectively with a subject matter expert (or SME, commonly pronounced as one word â€Å"smee†). SMEs have the knowledge that the technical writer must extract and translate into useful publications, such as documents, videos, webinars, classroom courses, and marketing collateral. In some cases, the technical writer conducts interviews with a SME to gather the appropriate information. In many other cases, the technical writer proofreads, edits and restructures documents that a SME has authored. This process is similar to a writer who converts the rough draft of a celebrity’s autobiography into a publishable book. In this regard, we can think of a technical writer as a technical ghostwriter. To succeed in this process, the technical writer must be able to understand and assimilate what is often highly complex subject matter. However, a more important prerequisite for success might be the ability to manage interpersonal communications. According to Sandra Williams, a long-time senior technical writer and instructional designer with Hewlett-Packard Inc., â€Å"effective communications with SMEs is more about managing the relationships than about procuring the material.† So for the purpose of eliciting information from SMEs, technical ghostwriting may be considered more of an art than a science. The following are methods that some of my colleagues and I have found useful in our many years of practicing the art of technical ghostwriting. Managing Communications with SMEs You may be wondering how a technical ghostwriter can improve your chances of obtaining highly effective marketing and training deliverables from your SMEs. Here are a few tips and tricks, my colleagues and I have found useful: Timing is everything. I once worked with a SME who was very busy throughout the day until about 4 P.M. By then the SME was so tired, he would need a Mountain Dew (his favorite soft drink) for refreshment. So, I would schedule our meetings for 4 P.M., and I would bring two cans of Mountain Dew along. It might sound a little corny, but we had much more effective information exchanges thereafter, than we had before I knew the SME’s routine and preferences. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to SME communication. The writer should determine the SME’s preferred form of communication and use it as the first option when contacting the SME. Some people respond more readily to e-mails, some to text messages, some to phone calls, and some to in-person visits. Of course, at times SMEs will be unresponsive, especially when they are busy or under deadline pressure. Many technical writers have experienced a SME avoiding them, so writers should be persistent and resourceful. Sandy Rogers, a Principal Technical Writer with Hewlett-Packard Inc., likes to tag a SME on Skype so she is most likely to make contact at a mutually convenient time. SMEs are more likely to help the writer, if they like the writer. It’s human nature.   An effective writer uses people skills to foster personal relationships, so that SMEs are more likely to prioritize their mutual projects. Sandy Rogers puts it like this: â€Å"I like to personalize my interactions with SMEs. They are people too, and they have interesting lives, both in and out of work. I usually begin an interview by asking how they’re doing in general, and also how they think the project is going. This provides an opportunity for them to vent any frustrations they may have, or to take a moment and reflect on a personal story. I find that this approach tends to improve rapport and makes it easier to elicit the project information that I need.†Ã‚   Sandra Williams agrees: â€Å"No matter how much I need a review done, I try not to open a conversation by asking if anyone has looked at the material yet. I always ask how everyone is doing first.† A little bragging goes a long way. Many SMEs have had poor relationships with unqualified writers in the past.   Especially when working on a new project, a writer should consider providing the SMEs with a summary of their qualifications and competencies. For example, Sandy Rogers started her career as a Call Center technician. She has detailed technical knowledge to the circuit board level, as well as first-hand knowledge of typical customer service issues. Sandy finds that this experience sets a comfort level with fellow technical professionals. She is able to speak the SMEs’ language in addition to translating their specifications into effective documentation. There is no substitute for proper preparation. The writer should be fully prepared before a meeting with a SME. The writer should know exactly what to obtain from that meeting. The preparation should include a meeting agenda and objectives. The writer should mark up any manuscript drafts to notate those areas that require further discussion. SMEs have feelings too. Good technical writers must have tact in their tool bags. With diverse multicultural work forces, English is very often not a SME’s primary language. It might not be their secondary language either. In these cases, avoid being overly critical of the SME’s grammar or wording. The writer can function as a coach and as a mentor to help those SMEs become more conversant in English. It will be appreciated, it will make the writer’s job easier, and it will result in more effective content. Focus on mutual goals. Another important attribute for an effective ghostwriter is to be positive and encouraging. Even those of us for whom English is our primary language know how discouraging it can be to work long and hard on an assignment without any positive feedback. A positive attitude encourages the SME to persist in what can be a lengthy and sometimes tedious writing process. A good writer constantly reminds a SME that the finished product is more of a credit to the SME than to the writer. Templates are tools, not substitutes for SME-writer communication. Many of our clients use standardized templates to encourage SMEs to provide all of the required information, especially for technical specifications. A template works well to focus a SME on furnishing all of the significant details. It can also relieve the writer of some of the restructuring and reformatting that might be necessary in the absence of any such turnkey solution. Very often, however, due to time constraints and deadline pressure, a SME will not prioritize the writing function. In these cases, rather than adding more pressure for a SME, Sandra Williams might offer to complete the template herself. â€Å"I’ll schedule a convenient time for us to sit down for an interview, and I’ll use the template as a guide to get the right information. This saves time in the document conversion process too, as I’ve already asked many of the questions that I would have had if I was reading a spec the SME wrote.† Consider mini reviews. While it is a constant temptation for writers to try to secure lengthy blocks of uninterrupted writing time, it can be more efficient for some SMEs to write and review smaller pieces of content at a time. Otherwise, reviewers can get bogged down or discouraged reviewing longer tracts. Moreover, it is often difficult for reviewers to set aside a solid block of review time, so â€Å"chunking† the content into smaller review cycles can encourage more effective feedback. It’s all about the SME. Rather than trying to push all SMEs into providing large amounts of information upfront, a considerate writer will take each SME’s personal circumstances into consideration. For example, years ago I wrote a detailed, somewhat verbose message to introduce myself to a far-flung SME whom I had never met. I received the following verbatim response from the SME: That was the very succinct response, and that’s what we did. I wrote and the SME read. Over time, we were able to overcome the geographic, linguistic and cultural differences between us to create a useful set of documents that contributed to the successful release of the product. The role of the technical writer At the end of the day, the technical ghostwriter is an advocate for your customers and end users.Tweet this Technical SMEs are highly skilled professionals who are motivated to develop the best possible products, but that is their priority: product development. Without the role of the technical writer, the end user experience can easily get lost in the development process. The celebrity ghostwriter translates a subject’s life experiences into an enjoyable story. The technical ghostwriter translates complex technical content into cogent and effective instructions that make technical products easier to learn and easier to use, while enhancing the user’s ability to integrate those products into their own work and life experiences. In sum, the technical ghostwriter is telling the story of the fabulous products the SMEs are developing. Technical ghostwriting is the art of procuring SME source material, in its myriad forms, and transforming it into highly readable and effective documentation, marketing collateral, and training. That’s it in a nutshell.   That’s what we do.

Doing Business in Hong Kong

Introduction The report below talks of doing business in Hong King. It addresses the business structure, communication style, and management style adopted by businesses in Hong Kong.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Doing Business in Hong Kong specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, the report talks of the etiquette of business meetings in Hong Kong, the role of women in business, dress code, and successful entertaining. Background to Business in Hong Kong Although Hong Kong only has a population of approximately 7 million people, there are over 470,000 SMEs in the country (CIA-The World Factbook 2012). This is an indication of the vitality, hunger and health of the Chinese business community. If you intend to do business in Hong Kong, it is important to first study the business environment in the country as it will be affected by issues like the decision-making process, management style, and attitudes. The se issues may affect the long-term relationship of a business partnership. Country History and geography Hong Kong is made up of the Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the Stonecutters’ Island, and the New Territories that borders mainland China. In 1841, China surrendered the island of Hong Kong to Britain (CIA-The World Factbook 2012) Geographically, Hong Kong is located in Eastern Asia and it borders China and the South China Sea. Business Structures The structure of business in Hong Kong is influenced by the colonial history of the island and the business practices in China. Most multinational organisations demonstrate a ‘managed’ approach (AGC Seminars 2008).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, majority of the SMEs in Hong Kong have been founded and are controlled by Chinese families. The SMEs are characterised by a centralised decision m aking process owing to the family connection. Management Style Due to the rich Chinese heritage, Confucian thinking influences the management style of businesses in Hong Kong. Although local ideas have also been influenced greatly by many years of colonial rule, such century old beliefs like seniority and respect for the aged are still upheld by the Hong Kong people (Mayerbrown n.d.). As such, managers in Hong Kong like to adopt a paternalistic approach while dealing with subordinates and the subordinates are expected to implement instructions given by their seniors with little or no objection. The decision making process tends to be centralized as many local firms are entrepreneurial in nature. Meetings The etiquette of business meetings in Hong Kong varies markedly, based on the type of firm in question. For example, multinationals are likely to adhere to the standard meeting style with regard to minutes, agendas, etc. Conversely, small firms are more informal in their meetings (R unckel Associates 2005). When dealing with either the multinationals or the local firms, foreign businesspersons are advised to address the senior person during business meetings, even if they do not speak fluent English. Business discussions tend to be polite and diplomatic but voices and emotions could be raised when things are not going according to plan. The Hong Kong people accept gifts during business meetings as they signify the development of a business relationship. Team Working Hong Kong is a Confucian society and as such, it culture is largely group-oriented, with the family forming the strongest group ties. This means that people in Hong Kong are more likely to make effective group members as long as there is a safe and harmonious group environment (Communicaid 2009).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Doing Business in Hong Kong specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When it comes to choosing long-term loy alty for team members, people in Hong Kong will always prefer family members. The manager is expected to issue instructions to team members, who are in turn expected to foster a close working relationship with the manager. Team managers are expected to provide complete and clear instructions as anything left out may not actually get done. The maintenance of ‘face’ by group members is important and as such, it is important to avoid mocking co-workers as this may lead to ‘loss of face’. Communication styles Although Hong Kong was under the British rule for long, English is still not universally spoken. Most employees working at the large corporations are very fluent in English, but this fluency tends to reduce as the size of the firm decreases. As such, a foreign businessperson should be expected to encounter communication difficulties (Hong Kong Planner n. d.). Owing to western influence, the Chinese in Hong Kong are by far more direct in comparison with the other Asians. Such directness is mainly confined to peer-level discussions as opposed to the higher ranking employees. Women in Business Women are influences business decisions in Hong Kong, especially in the larger multi-nationals. However, some SMEs still retain the conventional Confucian attitude towards the role of women in the workplace (Communicaid 2009). Working in Hong Kong is not a big bother for visiting female businesspeople although the views of their male counterparts are more likely to be listened to keenly.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Dress Code In Hong Kong, the dress code differs slightly based on the industry sector and size of the firm. Men can wear shirts, ties, and dark suits. Women can also wear conservative business suits as well, although wearing of skirts is preferred to trousers (AGC Seminars 2008). Summer time is always hot and humid in Hong Kong and typhoons tend to be common. Top Tips Few conglomerates dominate business in Hong Kong. There are all kinds of businesses, and SMEs dominate the business environment in Hong Kong. Business relationships rarely affects a deal in Hong Kong Most Chinese businesses are family-run, and the oldest members of the family are the decision makers. The Confucian values affect the management style of businesses in Hong Kong Family members are preferred in businesses that require long-term loyalty Owing to the Confucian roots, team working in Hong Kong companies is largely group-oriented. Giving of gifts is acceptable in Hong Kong as it signifies the development of a business relationship. Successful Entertaining Business entertaining is very common in Hong Kong, and the inviting party always pays for the food. During meals, avoid topics like human rights and politics, but topics such as sports, the weather, family, and education are common (Communicaid 2009). Eating everything on the table is considered an impolite gesture as it means that the host did not give you enough food. Slurping and belching after a meal is welcome as it signifies appreciation. Facts and figures Hong Kong has an estimated population of 7 million people with a land area of 1,075 sq km. The HK dollar is the national currency in Hong Kong, while the country’s GDP is estimated at US$ 211bn (CIA-The World Factbook 2012). In addition, 46 percent of the population in Hong Kong traces their roots to China. Conclusion If you are interested in doing business in Hong Kong, it is important to first learn about its history, geography, and business etiquette, cultural, social and economic factors affecting the country as they will also affect the way business is done. Reference List AGC Seminars 2008, Business Culture in Hong Kong. Web. CIA-The World Factbook 2012, Hong Kong.  Web. Communicaid 2009, Doing Business in Hong Kong| Hong Kong Social and Business Culture: A Hong Kong Overview. Web. Hong Kong Planner, Doing Business in Hong Kong.  Web. Mayerbrown, Guide to doing business in Hong Kong. Web. Runckel Associates 2005, Business and social etiquette in Asia: Hong Kong. Web. This report on Doing Business in Hong Kong was written and submitted by user Giancarlo Alvarez to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Biography of Charles Dickens, English Novelist

Biography of Charles Dickens, English Novelist Charles Dickens (February 7, 1812–June 9, 1870) was a popular English novelist of the Victorian era, and to this day he remains a giant in British literature. Dickens wrote numerous books that are now considered classics, including David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations. Much of his work was inspired by the difficulties he faced in childhood as well as social and economic problems in Victorian Britain. Fast Facts: Charles Dickens Known For: Dickens was the popular author of Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and other classics.Born: February 7, 1812 in Portsea, EnglandParents: Elizabeth and John DickensDied: June 9, 1870 in Higham, EnglandPublished Works: Oliver Twist (1839), A Christmas Carol (1843), David Copperfield (1850), Hard Times (1854), Great Expectations (1861)Spouse: Catherine Hogarth (m. 1836–1870)Children: 10 Early Life Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, in Portsea, England. His father had a job working as a pay clerk for the British Navy, and the Dickens family, by the standards of the day, should have enjoyed a comfortable life. But his fathers spending habits got them into constant financial difficulties. When Charles was 12, his father was sent to debtors prison, and Charles was forced to take a job in a factory that made shoe polish known as blacking. Life in the blacking factory for the bright 12-year-old was an ordeal. He felt humiliated and ashamed, and the year or so he spent sticking labels on jars would be a profound influence on his life. When his father managed to get out of debtors prison, Charles was able to resume his sporadic schooling. However, he was forced to take a job as an office boy at the age of 15. By his late teens, he had learned stenography and landed a job as a reporter in the London courts. By the early 1830s, he was reporting for two London newspapers. Early Career Dickens aspired to break away from newspapers and become an independent writer, and he began writing sketches of life in London. In 1833 he began submitting them to a magazine, The Monthly. He would later recall how he submitted his first manuscript, which he said was dropped stealthily one evening at twilight, with fear and trembling, into a dark letter box, in a dark office, up a dark court in Fleet Street. When the sketch hed written, titled A Dinner at Poplar Walk, appeared in print, Dickens was overjoyed. The sketch appeared with no byline, but soon he began publishing items under the pen name Boz. The witty and insightful articles Dickens wrote became popular, and he was eventually given the chance to collect them in a book. Sketches by Boz first appeared in early 1836, when Dickens had just turned 24. Buoyed by the success of his first book, he married Catherine Hogarth, the daughter of a newspaper editor. He settled into a new life as a family man and an author. Rise to Fame Sketches by Boz was so popular that the publisher commissioned a sequel, which appeared in 1837. Dickens was also approached to write the text to accompany a set of illustrations, and that project turned into his first novel, The Pickwick Papers, which was published in installments from 1836 to 1837. This book was followed by Oliver Twist, which appeared in 1839. Dickens became amazingly productive. Nicholas Nickleby was written in 1839, and The Old Curiosity Shop in 1841. In addition to these novels, Dickens was turning out a steady stream of articles for magazines. His work was incredibly popular. Dickens was able to create remarkable characters, and his writing often combined comic touches with tragic elements. His empathy for working people and for those caught in unfortunate circumstances made readers feel a bond with him. As his novels appeared in serial form, the reading public was often gripped with anticipation. The popularity of Dickens spread to America, and there were stories told about how Americans would greet British ships at the docks in New York to find out what had happened next in Dickens latest novel. Visit to America Capitalizing on his international fame, Dickens visited the United States in 1842 when he was 30 years old. The American public was eager to greet him, and he was treated to banquets and celebrations during his travels. In New England, Dickens visited the factories of Lowell, Massachusetts, and in New York City he was taken to the see the Five Points, the notorious and dangerous slum on the Lower East Side. There was talk of him visiting the South, but as he was horrified by the idea of slavery he never went south of Virginia. Upon returning to England, Dickens wrote an account of his American travels which offended many Americans. A Christmas Carol In 1842, Dickens wrote another novel, Barnaby Rudge. The following year, while writing the novel Martin Chuzzlewit, Dickens visited the industrial city of Manchester, England. He addressed a gathering of workers, and later he took a long walk and began to think about writing a Christmas book that would be a protest against the profound economic inequality he saw in Victorian England. Dickens published A Christmas Carol in December 1843, and it became one of his most enduring works. Dickens traveled around Europe during the mid-1840s. After returning to England, he published five new novels: Dombey and Son, David Copperfield, Bleak House, Hard Times, and Little Dorrit. By the late 1850s, Dickens was spending more time giving public readings. His income was enormous, but so were his expenses, and he often feared he would be plunged back into the sort of poverty he had known as a child. Later Life Epics/Getty Images Charles Dickens, in middle age, appeared to be on top of the world. He was able to travel as he wished, and he spent summers in Italy. In the late 1850s, he purchased a mansion, Gads Hill, which he had first seen and admired as a child. Despite his worldly success, though, Dickens was beset by problems. He and his wife had a large family of 10 children, but the marriage was often troubled. In 1858, a personal crisis turned into a public scandal when Dickens left his wife and apparently began a secretive affair with actress Ellen Nelly Ternan, who was only 19 years old. Rumors about his private life spread. Against the advice of friends, Dickens wrote a letter defending himself, which was printed in newspapers in New York and London. For the last 10 years of his life, Dickens was often estranged from his children, and his relationships with old friends suffered. Though he hadnt enjoyed his tour of America in 1842, Dickens returned in late 1867. He was again welcomed warmly, and large crowds flocked to his public appearances. He toured the East Coast of the United States for five months. He returned to England exhausted, yet continued to embark on more reading tours. Though his health was failing, the tours were lucrative, and he pushed himself to keep appearing onstage. Death Dickens planned a new novel for publication in serial form. The Mystery of Edwin Drood began appearing in April 1870. On June 8, 1870, Dickens spent the afternoon working on the novel before suffering a stroke at dinner. He died the next day. The funeral for Dickens was modest, and praised, according to a New York Times article, as being in keeping with the democratic spirit of the age. Dickens was accorded a high honor, however, as he was buried in the Poets Corner of Westminster Abbey, near other literary figures such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Edmund Spenser, and Dr. Samuel Johnson. Legacy The importance of Charles Dickens in English literature remains enormous. His books have never gone out of print, and they are widely read to this day. As the works lend themselves to dramatic interpretation, numerous plays, television programs, and feature films based on them continue to appear. Sources Kaplan, Fred. Dickens: a Biography. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998.Tomalin, Claire. Charles Dickens: a Life. Penguin Press, 2012.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Assignment Example Avis and Hertz have been the major competitors of Enterprise in the car hire industry in the United States. However,they have majored on airport business. In 2002 hertz was the number one airport car rental brand in the United States followed by Avis (Kellogg school of Management, 9). At this time, enterprise was involved largely in local rental market and was rated top in this sector. Due to customer demand enterprise started airport business in 2002 and up to 2012 there have been ranked top seven years consecutively and thus expressing the command of the company in the industry. I would recommend the other companies to replicate them to match their success. However, they would need to implement the strategies used by Enterprise. Zipcarwas the first car sharing service provider and it dominated the market making super-normal profits before other companies such as Hertz and Enterprise joined .The reliability of this system has brought high competition in the industry . This has led to a drift of customers from car hiring and leasing to car sharing and thus reducing profits of Enterprise. They need to work go an extra mile and market themselves in car sharing or even introduce a better service than this. The growth and popularity of Zipcar is likely to reduce the profits of Enterprise since most universities and corporations have adopted this style of transport to ease traffic congestion and to reduce on costs of leasing and car maintenance.