Service Corporation International

History, Development and Growth of the company Service Corporation International began its operations in 1962. Robert L. Waltrip formed the corporation. At first, it began its operation in Houston (USA). It was set up to offer funeral services, crematoria and cemetery facilities. Service Corporation International has expanded from Houston to North America. It offers funeral services and cemetery facilities mainly in United States and Canada.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Service Corporation International specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Company has set up over three thousand funeral service locations, over five hundred cemeteries and around two hundred crematoria. In addition, it began to offer insurance services in five continents (SCI, 2011). To improve its operations, the company conducts multiple business activities. These activities include branding of services and acquisition of other similar com panies to gain competitive advantage. For instance, Service Corporation International has brought together all its products under one brand name ‘Dignity Memorial’. This was meant to increase service delivery to customers as well as boost its recognition. Service International Corporation has managed to expand steadily due to acquisition of additional funeral homes. The original names of the acquired firms as well as the existing management are retained after the acquisition. The company only ensures that their logo is used to identify all the property it owns. This has enabled it to expand secretly without the notice of its competitors. It has achieved reputation in the market since it is one of the most successful organizations. In this regard, it is rated to be one of the highly equipped providers of funeral and cemetery services. As a result, its market position in the minds of consumer has enabled it to conquer a large proportion of the market. In addition, the lev els of returns have made it diversify in the market. This process has yielded more loyalty from consumers and led it to be listed in the New York Security Exchange. Internal Strengths And Weaknesses Strengths Having examined the company’s development history, it is evident that it has survived all challenges to get to its present position. It is also clear that this company has a good profile that can be analyzed to foretell its future (Mooradian et. Al., 2012). Service Corporation International has numerous internal strengths that include:Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The company has a good work force- The Company has a good management system. It has been able to sustain the company through difficult times. For instance in the year 2000, the economic conditions were not favorable, which affected all businesses across the globe. Therefore, the management had t o cut down costs by closing down some of its subsidiaries. During this period, they realized that more than seventy percent of the company profits were from United States and Canada. The company has invested in real and financial assets- Service Corporation International owns numerous assets, which are famous. For instance, it owns the largest cemetery in the world that measures 2500 acres. It also owns Joseph Gawler’s Sons Funeral home in Washington D.C. This funeral home is preferred by famous personalities. These facilities are renown to offer the best services that meets clients’ needs. The company has distinctive brands- The Corporation has good brands, which enable customers to identify its property, products and services. These brands are unique and attractive compared to those of its rivals. As a result, its products and services are popular worldwide. Some of the brands of Service Corporation International includes: Dignity Memorial-This brand was found in 19 99, and operates in 41 states in the United States and 7 provinces in Canada Dignity planning- This brand is utilized in North America Advantage-The brand was designed to provide basic funeral services. Weaknesses Even though this company has portrayed significant strengths, weaknesses can also be raised out of its analysis. This can be given with the help of the controversies and scandals that have been raised against the company. The following issues have challenged the competitiveness of the corporation. In the late 1990’s, it was accused of failing to observe the law. The case was ruled in their favor because its founder was a friend to George W. Bush, the governor of Texas at that moment. The state frustrated the investigations of the matter. The governor and other leaders instructed the investigation to be abandoned. However, some individuals resisted. Consequently, they lost their jobs and were not given benefits as stated in the law.Advertising We will write a c ustom case study sample on Service Corporation International specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Service Corporation International has been accused of inappropriately delivering its services. In 2010, it was accused of having failed to inform the family of a woman that they had buried their member in a wrong grave. In addition, they later exhumed and buried the body correctly without notifying the family. The company also worsened the issue by failing to obtain a legal permit from the state before performing the exercise. A fine accompanied this activity on the company as well as punishments of the staff who were involved in the process. To ensure that the public notice the action, it published the whole issue in the company’s website. This mistake could have terminated its business. As a result, it established means of adhering to the law, and being careful in discharging duties. External Environment Service Corporation Internati onal is in an environment exposed to stiff competition. In this case, multiple corporations offer similar products and services. Forces such as the number of competitors, operational size, market share, profitability, and pricing strategies influence the corporation’s competitiveness (Johri, 2010). Porter’s five forces model can be used to illustrate the external environment forces. The model addresses the forces by analyzing the influence of suppliers, negotiation power of consumers, chances of new competitors entering the industry, degree of rivalry and threats of substitutes. Risk of New Entrants in the Industry A potential entrant refers to a firm that is not currently competing in the funeral and cemetery industry, but poses a threat if given a chance. This is because the penetration of newcomers causes competition for customers in the industry. Service Corporation International has minimized the degree of new companies entering the company through its strong capi tal base. At the same time, operating on low costs restricts new entrants. The marketing team of the corporation has promoted consumers’ loyalty. This process has been achieved through effective modes of product promotion in the industry. As a result, Service Incorporation International is controlling a larger market share. Suppliers’ Bargaining Power This relates to business entities that supply inputs to the corporation. Their negotiation power poses a threat to the corporation by interfering with prices of inputs such as raw materials and other input services. Consequently, suppliers may influence the operating costs. This threat caused by suppliers will lead to propagation of expenses costs to consumers.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The cost managers of Service Corporation International take care of the welfare of its suppliers. Some of the approaches adopted include lucrative prices for consistency, rewards and bonus for supplies. Such business entities are regarded as a threat, and the corporation handles their matters appropriately. Threat of Substitutes The presence of substitutes with the ability to satisfy customers’ needs other than Service Corporation International’s products creates a threat. The corporation has learnt that reasonable prices should be charged for their services. In addition, the prices should fluctuate depending on the market conditions. When the number of companies that offer substitute services is small, the corporation benefits by charging optimum prices for its services. Furthermore, Service Corporation International differentiates its services through a variety of factors. Some of the factors used include geographical locations, demographic factors and attitudinal pr eference. In such a way, the customers have developed a positive mentality towards the corporation as the best choice. Buyers’ Powers The negotiation power of buyers refers to potential effects that consumers have on the prices of a company’s products or services. In this regard, strong consumers can affect the profitability of a company. To survive in the industry, Service Corporation International ensures that its services are of high quality standards. Through provision of reasonable priced services, it attracts consumers. At the same time, market segmentation has reduced the severe influence of consumers in their profitability. Therefore, the corporation continues to expand steadily without any challenge from consumers. Degree of Rivalry Rivalry illustrates the nature of competition for customers and inputs by firms in the same industry. Intense rivalry among well-established companies influences the profitability standards. Some of the factors that cause such a ph enomenon include demand conditions, growth rates and presence of a large customer base. In this regard, Service Corporation International negotiates with other firms in the same industry to establish a market structure for funeral and cemetery services. This initiative has reduced the fluctuations of profits in the corporations. Similarly, other corporations influence on Service Corporations International has significantly declined. The Value Chain Service Corporation International has survived in the market full of competitors. This company has a good system of service delivery. It can be well-explained using Porter’s concept of value chain. Porter has categorized value chain components into two groups: primary activities and support activities. Primary activities are activities done during provision of services by a company. This ensures that consumers are offered with the services. The corporation has carefully developed a strong value chain to gain competitiveness. It is crucial for a company’s survival in a competitive market. In this regard, the corporation has acquired multiple funeral homes that offer varied funeral services for the consumers. This is based on the social, cultural, religious and geographical differences. Some of these activities include upstream logistics, operations, downstream logistics, marketing sales and services. The realignment of these processes ensures that the corporation achieves the targeted objective of competitiveness. This will lead to a greater market share in the industry (Hersey Blanchard, 2002). Similarly, the corporation has a good system of conducting its operations. The other type of porter’s chain of activities called support activities illustrates this approach. Some vital issues that are considered include firm infrastructure, human resource management, technological development and procurement. The firm has a good organization structure with distinct chain of command. The roles of every e mployee have been clearly stated in their corporate governance guidelines. A board of directors that meet the qualifications of the company manages the company. Human resource management has carefully planned the corporation to ensure that workforce attains its set targets. The guiding core values of the department include dedication, excellence, integrity, accountability, innovation and respect. Technological development is also a crucial element of the corporation. Since technology is dynamic, the corporation incorporates new changes to ensure survival in the industry. Lastly, Service Corporation International has a sound procurement department that plans for acquisition of facilities and inputs. All these plans and approaches have enabled the corporation to remain in the peak of the industry (Heizer Render, 2004). The corporation is at the maturity stage of the business life cycle. The progress from this stage will lead to the post-maturity stage. Under this stage, the corporati on can experience three likelihoods. These likelihoods include renewal, steady or decline states. The appropriate state for the company to be is the renewal state. Through adoption of appropriate strategies, the company can renew its services and products to enhance its profitability. As a result, its influence in the market will continue to be felt. SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis model describes strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and treats that a firm experience in the industry. Through the analysis of these factors, a company can be able to forecast future trends of the market. As a result, it can appropriately create strategies for dealing with any expected eventuality. Service Corporation International has the following strengths in marketing the funeral and cemetery industry: The services offered by the corporation are appealing and contending. These attributes have created preference and taste among consumers. Based on this fact, consumers have developed loyalty for the co rporation’s services in the industry. Since Service Corporation International has directed resources to provision of distinctive and innovative services, it has attracted a larger section of consumers. As a result, the volume of sales has steadily increased. Service Corporation International has been able to expand due to its flexibility in adopting new technology. The company has a good research and development team that handles financial and operational matters. The corporation has experience in the industry, which allows it adjust its services over other corporations in the industry. The company has seven brands that identify its services. This enhances marketing as customers easily recognize the services. Branding also differentiates the company’s products from those of other companies. Consequently, it assists in reduction of confusion among different companies’ services. Service Corporation International’s services are affordable to consumers as com pared to its rivals. Thus, the company can add any profit margin on the costs and still be a cost leader in the funeral and cemetery industry. Through this initiative, the expected profits are always high. As a result, the corporation can undertakes diversified investment projects in the same industry to attract more consumers.. Regardless of the above strengths, there are weaknesses within Service Corporation International. These weaknesses include: The previous records of the corporation affect its image among consumers. When the corporation messed up with the body of one of the families, fears began to develop. Furthermore, the favor given by the local government during the presentation of the verdict irritates most consumers. This occurs from the fear of such incidence reoccurring. Inappropriate advertising has affected the corporation market size. Based on its success history in the past, the corporation does not undertake rigorous promotions. The outcome of this incident has l ed to reduction in consumer base. Similarly, the marketing strategies do not cover substantially its various services. The management structure of the corporation does not cover effectively all the subsidiaries in the region. With the multiple subsidiaries, the corporation cannot effectively monitor their operations. In addition, the subsidiaries operate as different entities resulting in variation in service provision. Consequently, consumers are likely to go for those funeral and cemetery services from rivals with precise service specifications. The corporation’s human resource department is full of challenges. Since the department is located in each of the subsidiaries, they are operations are different. As a result, the large number of workforce cannot be easily monitored. This has led to inefficiencies in service delivery. To counter the above mention weaknesses Service Corporation International has viable opportunities in the funeral and cemetery industry. In addition, the opportunities boost the strengths of the corporation (Hamel, 2007). The following are the possible opportunities: The corporation has a substantial amount of base. In this case, it can invest in any type of investment with few limitations. In addition, their performance in the New York Security Exchange enables it to lure customers into their undertakings. This is because it is a sense of financial stability. The growing number of the population implies there is shortage of land to conduct funeral and cemetery services. In this regard, people will resort to commercial cemetery services and crematoria services. Such change of events would be in favor of Service Corporation International. If the company ventures into provision the services at affordable prices, it is likely to win over the market in the funeral and cemetery industry. Most of the services offered by the funeral and cemetery organizations are designed for the rich. If the corporation designs an initiative that favor s provision of services among the poor, the company would increase its customer base. This market would contribute small profits initially but will grow to offer the company substantial profits. In any business environment, all corporations are exposed to threats that may terminate their operations. Service Corporation International is likely to face the following threats in the funeral and cemetery industry: Provision of funeral and cemetery by giant manufacturers- Some providers of similar services as Service Corporation International may dictate the market directions through provision of products and services at relatively lower prices. Shortage of inputs and resources- During times of intense funeral and cemetery provision, Service Corporation International may not have adequate materials to inputs to provide the essential services. In addition, the corporation may experience a shortage of employees to provide similar. This will be caused by labor turnover, retirements or death in service. Consequently, it will expose the corporation to a risk of financial and customers’ loss. Low standards of services- Since Service Corporation International management are responsible for delegating their responsibilities to junior staff. The staff may not comply with the policies and procedures of the corporation. As a result, the company will taint its image in the eyes of the public. This will be a similar experience as it happened in the past. The above strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and treats reveal the nature of the corporation in the industry. Through integration of these elements, the organization will improve its competitiveness. If the corporation minimizes its weaknesses, it will play a great role in boosting its strengths. As a result, the profitability of the company would be high. This will go in line with maximization of stakeholder’s wealth (Graham Bennett, 1998). In a different dimension, the company has to exploit its opportunities at the current moment before they are obsolete. These opportunities are lucrative but seasonal. Based on these facts, the corporation can utilize its strengths to maximize on the available opportunities. The other aspects of threats should be dealt with appropriately. The corporation has to develop risk management strategies that will protect the company in case of any eventuality. Moreover, the corporation has to counter its competitors to survive in the industry. This could be through adjustment of business strategies or change of functional strategies. The Corporate Level Strategy Service Corporation International has a sound corporate management. It has developed its own corporate governance policy that governs its operations. Its corporate policy is as follows: ‘Service Corporation International (SCI) is committed to developing effective, transparent and accountable corporate governance practices’. The corporate governance philosophy adopts practices that are not o nly compliant with New York Stock Exchange (NYSC) and other legislative requirements. In addition, they have a board that constructively and actively engaged in corporate oversight. As a result, the corporation ensures that its services are genuine and effective amongst all its stakeholders. The company operates different lines of business, which includes provision of funeral services, cemetery facilities and crematoria services. The company offers these services in the name of the following brands. Dignity Memorial Brand It was the first national brand that was developed in 1999 to offer funeral, cemetery and crematoria services in North America. They assist in preparation of memorial services for consumers wishing to remember their loved ones. National Cremation Society It was formed in 1973 to offer cremation services. It is the oldest and the largest cremation service provider in North America. This facility provides the highest quality of service in the region. Advantage Servic e Corporation International aims at providing its services to all classes of people in the society. Advantage funeral homes were formed to gather for the needs of the poor. These consumers wish for simple forms of funeral services. Funeraria Del Angel Funeraria del angel is a brand that was formed to gather for the Hispanic group of people. This is because their death service requirement is different. As a result, their population is significant to demand an investment in providing such services to them. This service is also one of the projects initiated to cater for the cultural differences. Making Everlasting Memories Service Corporation International developed a brand that allows people to share memories of their loved ones. The company prepares biographies and other items that friends and relatives. These memories are shared amongst the families from one generation to the next. Memorial Plan In the process of providing services to all classes of people, the funeral services of h onorary people are addressed. A memorial plan has been formed to provide funeral services to those who wish to have prestigious funeral services. It is a new brand, which offers services in southern Florida. The Neptune Society The Neptune society is also called the ‘Trident society’ in some regions of California. It is known as the Neptune society in Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. The Neptune society offers cremation services to its consumers. Consumers with such a wish are provided with the service. The above seven lines of business operate under Service Corporation International’s management. They are distinct from each other with unique brands having their own logo. However, all properties of the company are identified by the ‘dignity logo’. Even though these brands operate distinctly, they are under one corporate management of Service Corporation International. Thus, Service Corporation International has been able to ex pand and grow since it was founded. It has acquired and merged with other companies in the same industry. Company’s Business-level strategy Service Corporation International is a single-business company. The corporation engages in provisions of funeral services. In addition, it acquires businesses in the same industry to promote its profitability. Some of the competitive strategies adopted by the company include service differentiation, cost leadership, and strategic development. These factors are influenced by the competitive position and life-cycle stage of the corporation (Shim Siegel, 2000). Service differentiation involves the formulation of services, which are unique in the market. In this case, Service Corporation International has invested in varied types of funeral homes. These funeral services address the needs of consumers depending on their social status, cultural backgrounds, geographical locations and religious beliefs. As such, consumers can differentiate the services of the corporation from those of its rivals. This has facilitated growth in the reputation of the company. Similarly, the consumers ranked the corporation among the best in the industry. Cost leadership involves the provision of services at varied prices to consumers. Based on the social classes of consumers, the corporation offers services to meet their needs. The corporation developed different funeral facilities and programs that consumers can make their choices. In this case, the corporation taps any revenue from diverse consumers. In addition, the services of Service Corporation International are relatively cheap compared to its rivals. This has made it one of the most cost-considerate companies in the industry (Freedman, 2007). In addition, the corporation has established functional strategic development. This initiative is aimed at expanding the asset base of the company within the region. Some of the programs that have been incorporated include marketing and researc h development. Through this means, the company is able to acquire more funeral homes. Moreover, it has incorporated comprehensive services that meet the consumers’ needs. Another critical element of the business-level strategies is the customer responsive nature. The corporation has established a set of values that govern the behavior of its employees during service delivery. High level of hospitality and respect are used to attract consumers. Through this act, consumers are given the first priority concerning their demands. This trend has made the company retain and attract more consumers. As a result, the customer base of the corporation steadily grows (Terry, 1999). Structure and control systems The corporation has well-structured and controlled systems of implementing its strategies. In this case, the company utilizes a vertical differentiation. The corporation has its headquarters in Houston and other subsidiaries distributed across North America and Canada. Over time, the company continues to acquire additional funeral homes. The management of all these branches may be challenging, but the company’s vertical differentiation plays a critical role (Williamson, 2004). The top management operates from the headquarters. These individuals are involved in formulation of strategic plans of the organization. The basis of the strategies is obtained from the lower level management. Through consultation made by the middle level managers and the operations managers, the top management can reflect on the real situations at the ground (Dewhurst, 2002). In this case, strategies are formulated to enhance retention of its existing employees and consumers. The human resource management department has established a vertical control system. In this regard, issues are addressed in sequential manners from the top management to the operational management. The vice versa also is functional. This management system assists the corporation to detect strengths and wea knesses in every dimension of its investments. On the other hand, employees will be monitored efficiently to ensure satisfactory service delivery. The challenge of addressing employees’ issues is dealt within the subsidiary levels. The nature of remuneration offered to employees depends on their contributions and position in the corporation. Initially, the managers are rewarded since they are responsible for overseeing departmental activities. On the other hand, employees receive attractive remuneration based on their contribution. The remuneration system consists of monetary and non-monetary benefits. The monetary benefits include salaries, commission and bonuses on the activities done. Non-monetary benefits consist of insurance covers, training programs and other additional benefits. This system of remuneration is attractive among the employees (Wilson Gilligan, 2005). As a result, the employees have high morale for service delivery due to employment security. However, the delivery of services has weaknesses at the lower level of management. Since employees at this level are either on contractual or permanent basis, it is hard to establish their real contribution. In addition, it is difficult to design a system that measures their real efforts due to the overlapping demands of services. As a result, the company’s management delegates such responsibilities to the operational managers. This could lead to interference of the actual expectations of the employees. Another crucial component of the company is marketing. Through designing of an appropriate marketing mix, the corporation’s management is able to influence the market of funeral services. The main product strategy adopted is enhancement of standards and variety of the services. Place strategies aim at providing unique services based on the geographical locations of consumers. In this case, the proximity of consumers to funeral homes has a great impact on the demand for service. Pri cing strategies are another crucial element of marketing. In this regard, the corporation differentiates it products to meet a wide variety of consumers. In addition, the corporation has incorporated market segmentation base on the social statuses of the consumers. Lastly, the promotion strategies are essential for the organization. In this case, the corporation combines advertising and public relations to influence its consumers (Shim Siegel, 2000). Regardless of the above marketing strategies, there are challenges in sourcing finance to achieve the desired goals. At times, substantial amounts of finance are invested on the strategies, but yield no returns. The nature of competition also in the industry interferes with the performance of the corporation. Based on the weaknesses experienced by the company, it is essential to develop an action plan to counter them. The ideal action would involve reengineering of its business processes. This involves creation of diverse and unique se rvices. In addition, it involves improvement of common services offered by the company. As such, it should be distinctive and qualitative. As a result, the weakness would be addressed in a series of phases that may take a period of three years. This implies that the corporation would portray a new set of policies and services offered to consumers (Woodhall Stuttard, 2006).). Financial analysis The financial aspect of the corporation is very important in evaluating its performance and position in the market. Through ratio analysis, one can identify the corporation trend. The ratios at the end of 2011 financial year include: Gross profit margin= Sales Revenue-Cost of Goods Sold Sales Revenue = 2,316,040,000 – 1,837,504,000 2,316,040,000 = 20.66 % Net profit margin = Net income Sales Revenue =146,232 2316040 = 6.31 % Return on Total assets= Net income Available to Common stockholders Total Assets = 144,903 9,327,812 = 1.55 % Return on stockholders’ Equity= Net income ava ilable to common stockholders Stockholders’ equity =144,903 222,956 =65 % Current ratio= Current Assets Current liabilities = 328,093 385608 = 0.85 Quick Ratio= Current Assets- Inventory Current Liabilities =328,093-25,513 385608 = 0.785 Inventory Turnover= Cost of Goods Sold Inventory = 1,837,504 25,513 =72.02 DSO =Accounts Receivable Total Sales/360 = 103,892 2,316,040/360 = 16.15 Debt-to-Assets Ratio = Total Debt Total Assets = 103,892 9,327,812 =0.011 Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Debt Total Equity =103,892 222956 = 0.47 Times-Covered Ratio =Profit Before Interest and Tax Total Interest Charges =362,699 133,782 = 2.71 Total Shareholder Returns =Stock Price (t + 1) Stock Price (t) + Sum of Annual Dividends per Share Stock Price (t) = 1(1+1)-1(1) +1 1(1) =200% Price-Earnings Ratio =Market Price per Share Earnings per Share =9.76 0.61 = 16 Market to Book Value =Market Price per Share Dividends per Share = 9.76 0.20 =48.8 Dividend Yield = Dividend per Share Market Price per Sh are = 0.20 9.76 = 0.0205 The financial ratios above indicate the performance and position of the corporation in the market. This analysis indicates that the liquidity of the company is significantly low. On the other hand, the assets held by the company are many. For the stakeholders, they benefit from the reception of annual dividends, which are consistent (SCI, 2011). Market recommendations The challenges facing the company need to be addressed. This involves the development of strategies that counter the problems, and increase future profitability. At the current period, the corporation offers funereal services to its consumers. This involves provision of funeral services such as cemetery and crematoria. As such, the corporation has to diversify the nature of its services. The incorporation should add services such as memorial services, insurance and obituaries. Moreover, the corporation should diversify its investments in other related industries. In this case, it is appropriate for the company to venture into the real estate industry because it has a large capital base. This will improve its performance in the security exchange market (Cadle et al., 2010). The corporate strategy has to be revised to comply with the changes in the industry. In this regard, the corporation has to alter most of its policies and initiatives in the marketing department. Since dynamism in technology offers better means of accessing consumers at lower costs, it is essential for the company to invest in this form of marketing. This reduces the operation costs. Consequently, the level of sales would increase. This is because a large consumer base will be achieved. Another critical element that the organization should reevaluate is the financial management. A strategy should be incorporate to enhance efficient utilization of resources in the organization. Through improvement of accountability and transparency, most of the corporation finance will be utilized appropriately. Similarl y, the finance will be directed to viable investments that will improve its profitability. Research and development is also a vital component of the corporation. This department should be utilized to establish new ventures and investments that are feasible. Some of the areas that should be researched on include services and products. With the improvement of their services and products, the company will be able to make large volume of sales (Hersey Blanchard, 2002). In addition, the services offered within the different funeral homes will be integrated. As a result, all needs of consumers will be addressed at their closest facility. Action plan 1stPhase (Two years) 2nd Phase (Third year and onwards) Functional strategies Thorough implementation of strategies already formulated to offer the company with the desired results. In this case, all its services will appropriately be delivered to the market, while offering services at affordable costs. This involves a serious campaign to overhaul the services offered by the company. In this regard, the company will add other services such as memorial services and obituaries for the customers. In addition, the previous services will be reengineered in a qualitative and quantitative perspective. Marketing The company would organize to conduct marketing on the region through means such as media advertising and public relations Over time, marketing strategies will change. Therefore, the company has to adopt the latest technological facilities to conduct promotion of its services and products. These methods include internet marketing and mobile marketing. Human resource management The organization has to realign its human resource structure. In this case, the management should portray a three-level structure consisting of top, middle and operational management. This will ensure efficiency in services delivery The corporation has to realign its management based on its objectives. In this regard, the management shou ld be decentralized,. As such, each subsidiary will has its own departments. In addition, the financial issues will be the only subject to be consolidated. Research and development This department has a cardinal role of ensuring that the organization survives in the industry. As a result, the company should utilize it to improve the nature and manner of delivering services to the consumers. When the services and products are ideal for consumers’ taste, it is necessary to upgrade them. This involves reengineering of varied types of services that can be offered to consumers. References Cadle, J., Paul, D., Yeates, D. (2010). Business analysis. Swindon: British Informatics Society. Dewhurst, R. F. (2002). Business cost-benefit analysis. London: McGraw-Hill. Freedman, E. (2007). Financial management. Mechanicsburg, Pa.: Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Graham, H. T., Bennett, R. (1998). Human resources management (9th ed.). London: Pitman. Hamel, G. (2007). The future of manage ment. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School Press. Heizer, J. H., Render, B. (2004). Principles of operations management (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Hersey, P., Blanchard, K. H. (2002). Management of organizational behavior: utilizing human resources (6 th ed.). Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall. Johri, A. (2010). Business analysis. Mumbai [India: Himalaya Pub. House. Mooradian, T. A., Matzler, K., Ring, L. J. (2012). Strategic marketing. Boston, MA: Pearson Prentice Hall. SCI. (2011). Annual report pursuant to section 13 and 15(d). Service Corporation International, 1(1), 1-150. Web. Shim, J. K., Siegel, J. G. (2000). Financial management (2nd ed.). Hauppauge, N.Y.: Barron’s. Terry, G. R. (2009). Principles of management (10 th ed.). Homewood, Ill.: R.D. Irwin. Williamson, D. (2004). Strategic management and business analysis. Amsterdam: Butterworth-Heineman. Wilson, R. M., Gilligan, C. (2005). Strategic marketing management planning , implementation and control (3rd ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier/Butterworth- Heinemann. Woodhall, G., Stuttard, A. (2006). Financial management. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Macmillan. This case study on Service Corporation International was written and submitted by user Tamia K. 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.

Good Advice About Bad Writing

Good Advice About Bad Writing Good Advice About Bad Writing Good Advice About Bad Writing By Mark Nichol How does one avoid being a bad writer? Presumably, most people visiting or subscribing to this site needn’t concern themselves with being accused of high crimes against the English language, but allow me to make a distinction between poor writing and bad writing. Poor writing is lazy, careless writing, an attempt to communicate without adequate preparation or care. It is writing replete with passive construction, limp verbs, leaden clichà ©s, mixed metaphors, dangling participles and misplaced modifiers, and other enemies of clear prose. Without vigilance, we are all vulnerable we can easily produce any one of these errors, and perhaps more than one, in a single article or essay or short story. But poor writing is a multiplicity of such mistakes, and it is a sin of omission rather than one of commission: We might commit all these transgressions because we don’t know or recognize them. Bad writing is more of a challenge, because it is a sin of commission: You have to make an effort to write badly though it is easier to achieve than you might think, because many very accomplished, intelligent people do so. How does one manage to join such exalted company? Bad writing is that which demonstrates a surfeit of intention. (Translation: Bad writing happens when you try too hard.) Forty years ago, S. Leonard Rubenstein, now a professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University, wrote â€Å"If a man intends to impress someone, his work will not be clear, because he does not intend clarity: he intends to impress.† And that is when writing often goes bad: Writers let their desire to demonstrate erudition, artistry, or cleverness acceptable in small doses overwhelm their effort to communicate. We see it in academic and technical writing, laden with polysyllabic prose and complicated and extensive sentence construction that obfuscates rather than opens our eyes. We see it in lay nonfiction, when arguments fight themselves, explanations leave us more confused than before, and overwrought overwriting leaves us overwhelmed. We see it in fiction, when novelists and short story writers belabor their narrative with contrived constructions and purple prose. Here are some tips on avoiding the pitfalls of bad writing: 1. Be Fresh The purpose of metaphor and simile is to evoke recognition by comparison or allusion. Write these analogies to aid your readers with your clarity of vision, not to serve your ego, and avoid clichà ©s. 2. Be Clear When drafting expository fiction or nonfiction, record your voice as you spontaneously describe a scene or explain a procedure, transcribe your comments, and base your writing on the transcription, revising only to select more vivid verbs and more precise nouns and to seek moderation in adverbs and adjectives. 3. Be Active Use the passive voice judiciously. 4. Be Concise Write tight. 5. Be Thorough Accept that writing is the easy part; it’s the revision that makes or breaks your project and requires most of your effort. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:36 Adjectives Describing LightDeck the Halls50 Plain-Language Substitutions for Wordy Phrases

10 Argon Facts - Ar or Atomic Number 18

10 Argon Facts - Ar or Atomic Number 18 Argon is atomic number 18 on the periodic table, with the element symbol Ar. Here is a collection of useful and interesting argon element facts. 10 Argon Facts Argon is a colorless, flavorless, odorless noble gas. Unlike some other gases, it remains colorless even in liquid and solid form. It is nonflammable and nontoxic. However, since argon is 38% more dense than air, it present an asphyxiation risk because it can displace oxygenated air in enclosed spaces.The element symbol for argon used to be A. In 1957, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) changed argons symbol to Ar and mendeleviums symbol from Mv to Md.Argon was the first discovered noble gas. Henry Cavendish had suspected the elements existence in 1785 from his examination of samples of air.  Independent research by H.F. Newall and W.N. Hartley in 1882 revealed a spectral line that could not be assigned to any known element.  The element was isolated and officially discovered in air by Lord Rayleigh and William Ramsay in 1894. Rayleigh and Ramsay removed the nitrogen, oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide and examined the remaining gas. Although other eleme nts were present in the residue of air, they accounted for very little of the total mass of the sample. The element name argon comes from the Greek word argos, which means inactive. This refers to the elements resistance to forming chemical bonds.Argon is considered to be chemically inert at room temperature and pressure.Most of the argon on Earth comes from the radioactive decay of potassium-40 into argon-40. Over 99% of the argon on earth consists of the isotope Ar-40.The most abundant isotope of argon in the universe is argon-36, which is made when stars with a mass about 11 times greater than the Sun are in their silicon-burning phase. In this phase, an alpha particle (helium nucleus) is added to a silicon-32 nucleus to make sulfur-34, which adds an alpha particle to become argon-36. Some of the argon-36 adds an alpha particle to become calcium-40. In the universe, argon is quite rare.Argon is the most abundant noble gas. It accounts for about 0.94% of the Earths atmosphere and about 1.6% of the Martian atmosphere. The thin atmosphere of the planet Mercury is about 70% argon.  No t counting water vapor, argon is the third most abundant gas in the Earths atmosphere, after nitrogen and oxygen. It is produced from fractional distillation of liquid air. In all cases, the most abundant isotope of argon on the planets is Ar-40. Argon has many uses. Its found in laser, plasma balls, light bulbs, rocket propellant, and glow tubes. Its used as a protective gas for welding, storing sensitive chemicals, and protecting materials. Sometimes pressurized argon is used as a propellant in aerosol cans. Argon-39 radioisotope dating is used to date the age of ground water and ice core samples. Liquid argon is used in cryosurgery, to destroy cancerous tissue. Argon plasma beams and laser beams are also used in medicine. Argon may be used to make a breathing mix called Argox to help remove dissolved nitrogen from the blood during decompression, as from deep-sea diving. Liquid argon is used in scientific experiments, including neutrino experiments and dark matter searches. Although argon is an abundant element, it has no known biological functions.Argon emits a blue-violet glow when it is excited. Argon lasers exhibit a characteristic blue-green glow.Because noble gas atoms have a complete valence electron shell, they are not very reactive. Argon does not readily form compounds. No stable compounds are known at room temperature and pressure, although argon fluorohydride (HArF) has been observed at temperatures below 17K. Argon forms clathrates with water. Ions, such as ArH, and complexes in the excited state, such as ArF, have been seen. Scientists predict stable argon compounds should exist, although they have not yet been synthesized. Argon Atomic Data Name Argon Symbol Ar Atomic Number 18 Atomic Mass 39.948 Melting Point 83.81 K (189.34 C, 308.81 F) Boiling Point 87.302 K (185.848 C, 302.526 F) Density 1.784 grams per cubic centimeter Phase gas Element Group noble gas, group 18 Element Period 3 Oxidation Number 0 Approximate Cost 50 cents for 100 grams Electron Configuration 1s22s22p63s23p6 Crystal Structure face-entered cubic (fcc) Phase at STP gas Oxidation State 0 Electronegativity no value on the Pauling scale Bonus Argon Joke Why dont I tell chemistry jokes? All the good ones argon!

International Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

International Human Resource Management - Essay Example As the paper declares an international organisation can only perform effectively through interactions with the broader external environment of which it is part. The structure and function ¬ing of the international organisation must reflect, therefore, the nature of the environment in which it is operating. Factors such as uncertain economic conditions, fierce world competition, the level of government intervention, scarcity of natural resources and rapid developments in new technology create an increasingly volatile environment. As the essay stresses contemporary developments show that IHRM is that part of the process of management that is concerned with the maintenance of human relationships and ensuring the physical well being of employees so that they give the maximum contribution to efficient working. Another contemporary development is called strategic IHRM. It â€Å"encompasses a strategic perspective and use their framework as a contemporary description of HRM†. Effective leadership should ensure human resources policy is adhered to and department activities are successfully carried out. It is essential that every manager and supervisor is aware of the principles of IHRM. International human resources management is vulnerable to a greater extent if its work can be devolved back to other national managers. In the light of these developments it is not surprising to find many theories which attempt to outline and explain cultural similarities and differences among societies. 2. The current state of the IHRM is described (Barham, Conway 1998) as homogeneity, which have obscured the real challenge of managing across cultures in the world. It is unlikely there will ever be a truly single homogeneous HR in the European HRM in the sense of there being a single, homogeneous culture. While this has led to some to argue that the proposed benefits of the IHRM greater opportunities for achieving economy of scale, improve efficiency and stimulate innovation can never truly be realised, they are perhaps missing the point. The cultural diversity need not be considered as a barrier to achieving wide objectives, but a facilitator of achieving

Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 6

Globalization - Essay Example n has led to creation of new social networks and activities that have increasingly overcome traditional cultural, political, economic and geographic boundaries. This has played a critical role in the intensification and acceleration of social exchanges and activities hence increasing human consciousness and interdependence. Steger (23) brings the concepts together and defines globalization as â€Å"a multidimensional set of social processes that create, multiply, stretch and intensify worldwide social interdependencies and exchanges while at the same time fostering in people a growing awareness of deepening connections between the local and the distant.† According to Appuradai (1), it only takes the merest acquaintance with the facts of the modern world to note that it is now an interactive system in a sense which is strikingly new. Hughes (34) states that historians and sociologists, especially those concerned with translocal processes and with the world systems associated with capitalism have long been aware that the world has been a congeries of large scale interactions for many centuries. Yet today’s world involves interactions of a new order and intensity. According to Hansen (34), cultural transactions between social groups in the past have generally been restricted, sometimes by the facts of geography and ecology, and at other times by active resistance to interactions with the other. Appuradai (6) has proposed an elementary framework for exploring various disjunctures applied in globalization. The framework looks at five dimensions of global cultural flow which includes: ethnoscapes, mediascapes, technoscapes, financescapes and ideoscapes. The suffix scape points out to the fluid, irregular shapes of the landscapes, shapes which characterize international capital as deeply as they do to international clothing styles. The landscapes are therefore the building blocks of the imagined worlds of persons and groups To start with, ethnoscape refers to the

Research paper on carnival Essay Example for Free

Research paper on carnival Essay Mardi gras Just the name Mardi gras conjures up images of drunken, bead-wearing revelers dancing through the streets of New Orleans. But how, and when, did this huge mid-winter party get started? Heres a look at the history of Mardi gras throughout the ages and across the nations. Herman states, Historians tell us that the ancient Romans probably kicked off the Mardi gras celebrations. (pg. 115)Their mid-February festival known as Lupercalia honored the god Lupercus, alternately known as the god of fertility and the god of agriculture and pastoral shepherds. In either case, his party definitely had Mardi Gras-like qualities, including days of feasting and drinking. And a little enjoying the pleasures of the flesh, probably, too in fact, the term Carnival, often synonymous with Mardi gras, is derived from the Latin expression meaning farewell to the flesh. Like most of the ancient Roman and Greek festivals, Lupercalia was adopted and adapted by the Church as a way of subtly converting the local pagans to Christianity. The carnival-like celebration of Lupercalia thus morphed into a last fling before the beginning of the Lenten period. Lent refers to the 40 days of pertinence and purification celebrated between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. During Lent, the religiously faithful refrain from a number of indulgences of the flesh, including eating meat. (pg. 220) What began as a Roman-based celebration quickly spread across the European continent. By medieval times, lords were hosting carnivals prior to Lent in honor of the conscription of their new knights. Each region and country celebrated their own traditions, but all were indulgent. [pic] In France, this period of revelry before Lent was especially raucous. In fact, the term Mardi gras is a French expression meaning Fat Tuesday likely referring to the indulgent nature of the pre-Lenten celebration. The name may have been more than just allegorical, however. Ancient pagans often marked their fertility ritual by parading a fattened ox through the town before sacrificing it. (lent pg. 101) It was also the French who brought the celebration to America. Many historians believe the party crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1699, on the ship of a French explorer named Sieur dIber ville. The Frenchman landed in what is today Louisiana, just south of New Orleans, the heart of Americas modern-day Mardi Gras celebrations. In fact, his landing is believed to have coincided with the French celebration of Mardi gras, explaining his choice of name for his point of entry: Point du Mardi Gras. However, dispute the dIberville connection, contending that it was the early French settlers to Louisiana who introduced Mardi gras to America. Regardless of the precise origin, Mardi gras can clearly be attributed to a Franco-influence. By the mid 1820s, Mardi gras was firmly rooted in the New Orleans culture. Lent later states that Today, the citys celebrations are considered one of Americas biggest parties, with towns and cities throughout the Gulf Coast Region getting in on the fun. (112) Zulu (krewe of Mardi gras) Early in 1909, a group of laborers who had organized a club named The Tramps, went to the Pythian Theater to see a musical comedy performed by the Smart Set. The comedy included a skit entitled, There Never Was and Never Will Be a King like Me, about the Zulu Tribe. (herman pg. 201) The earliest signs of organization came from the fact that the majority of these men belonged to a Benevolent Aid Society. Benevolent Societies were the first forms of insurance in the Black community where, for a small amount of dues, members received financial help when sick or financial aid when burying deceased members. Conversations and interviews with older members also indicate that in that era the city was divided into wards and each ward had its own group or Club. The Tramps were one such group. After seeing the skit, they retired to their meeting place (a room in the rear of a restaurant/bar in the 1100 block of Perdido Street), and emerged as Zulus. (pg 210). According to herman, This group was probably made up of members from the Tramps, the Benevolent Aid Society and other ward-based groups. While the Group marched in Mardi gras as early as 1901, their first appearance as Zulus came in 1909, with William Story as King. The group wore raggedy pants, and had a Jubilee-singing quartet in front of and behind King Story. His costume of lard can crown and banana stalk scepter has been well documented. The Kings following William Story, (William Crawford 1910, Peter Williams 1912, and Henry Harris 1914), were similarly attired. (pg. 214). 1915 heralded the first use of floats, constructed on a spring wagon, using dry good boxes. The float was decorated with palmetto leaves and moss and carried four Dukes along with the King. That humble beginning gave rise to the lavish floats we see in the Zulu parade today. On September 20, 1916, in the notorial office of Gabriel Fernandez, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club were incorporated. Twenty-t wo of the organizations officers and members signed the first official document. The Geddes and Moss Funeral Home, located on Washington Avenue, played an integral part in Zulus beginning, and have continued to do so throughout the years. The first official toast of King Zulu and his Queen is held at this establishment each year. Zulus were not without their controversies, either. In the 1960s during the height of Black awareness, it was unpopular to be a Zulu. Dressing in a grass skirt and donning a black face were seen as being demeaning. Large numbers of black organizations protested against the Zulu organization, and its membership dwindled to approximately 16 men. James Russell, a long-time member, served as president in this period, and is credited with holding the organization together and slowly bringing Zulu back to the forefront. (pg. 220) In 1968, Zulus route took them on two major streets; namely, St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street, for the first time in the modern era to see the Zulu parade, you had to travel the so-called back streets of the Black neighborhoods. The segregation laws of this period contributed to this, and Zulu tradition also played a part. In those days, neighborhood bars sponsored certain floats and, consequently, the floats were obligated to pass those bars. Passing meant stopping, as the bars advertised that the Zulus will stop here! Once stopped at a sponsoring bar, it was often difficult to get the riders out of the establishment, so the other floats took off in different directions to fulfill their obligations. Zulu has grown tremendously over the years. This continual growth is credited to the members for their love, loyalty and dedication to this organization. In 1978, the organization opened its doors to their new home, a two-story frame building houses a lounge downstairs for members and guests to enjoy themselves. Of all the throws to rain down from the many floats in the parades during carnival, the Zulu coconut or Golden Nugget is the most sought after. The earliest reference to the coconut appears to be about 1910 when the coconuts were given from the floats in their natural hairy state. Some years later there is a reference to Lloyd Lucus, the sign painter, scraping and painting the coconuts. This was the forerunner to the beautifully decorated coconuts we see today. (pg. 229) With the proliferation of lawsuits from people alleging injury from thrown coconuts, the organization was unable to get insurance coverage in 1987. So that year, the honored tradition was suspended. After much lobbying, the Louisiana Legislature passed SB188, aptly dubbed the Coconut Bill, which excluded the coconut from liability for alleged injuries arising from the coconuts handed from the floats. On July 8, 1988, then-governor Edwards signed the bill into law. (pg. 233) Carnival in the Caribbean Hundreds of years ago followers of the Catholic religion in Italy started the tradition of holding a wild costume festival right before Lent. Because Catholics are not supposed to eat meat during Lent, they called their festival, carnevale-which means to put away meat. (internet site: â€Å"caribbean carnival†)As time passed, carnivals in Italy became quite famous. The practice spread to France, Spain and Portugal. As these Catholic countries began to take control of the Americas and other parts of the world, they brought with them their tradition of celebrating Carnival. In many parts of the world, where Catholic Europeans set up colonies and entered into slave trade, carnival took root. Today Carnival celebrations are found throughout the Caribbean. Traditions of the cultures have come together and especially African dance and music traditions transformed the early European carnival traditions in the Americas. Important to the Caribbean festival arts are the ancient African traditions of parading and moving in circles through villages in costumes and masks. These traditions were believed to bring good fortune, to heal problems and chill out angry spirits. Caribbean carnival traditions also borrow from the African culture the tradition of creating pieces of sculpture, masks and costumes. For the Caribbean people carnival became an important way to express their rich cultural traditions. It takes many months of coming up with a theme or overall concept and developing costumes for the dancers. Lots of creativity, energy and patience is put into work such as welding, painting, sewing, gluing, applying feathers, sequins and glitter. Carnival groups, entertained by music orchestras, parade and dance wearing costumes depicting a common theme. When Carnival first began it was celebrated from December 26 until Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). Nowadays Carnival festivities and activities are being held year-round in the Caribbean. The dates on which Carnival celebrations such as; music competitions, festivals, concerts, street jump-ups, beauty pageants, balls, parades etc. take place may vary from country to country, from island to island. For days, sometimes weeks, the people of the Caribbean express themselves socially and artistically and sheer joy with visitors from all over the world. (internet sit â€Å"Caribbean carnival†)Everyone, including the spectators, is part of the celebrations. Antigua and Bermuda The festivities reveal the many influences that formed the Antiguan society, cultural, social and political. Over the years cultural elements from countries like Venezuela, Brazil, Holland, Colombia and the United States have slipped into the Antiguan community and blended with and into the unique world famous carnival celebration with its typical characteristics of creativity and rhythm, dance happiness, Flamboyant costumes, Beauty pageants, Talent shows, and Great music. All these and more define a fantastic celebration of happiness that is the Antigua Carnival. In retrospect, the Antigua Carnival dates back in August 1 of 1834 when slavery was entirely abolished. In 1666, it was ravaged by French inhabitants but was soon conquered by the British and was formally restored to them by the Treaty of Breda. It all started when the local natives immediately went to the streets to express their joyful celebration of freedom. As the years passed by, it continued not until in 1957 where it was declared an official Antigua Carnival. (oduber pg. 97) Since then, the Antigua Carnival has developed into ten days packed with revelry in a glitzy manner of dance to the beat of the Calypso. It includes marches, jump-ups and shows which always took place around the last week of July up to the first week of August. The Antigua Carnival is undeniably the best time for tourists to immerse with the culture of this Caribbean island. If you head to the city, you are fortunate to witness the Pan Ban, a steel orchestra, practicing for the event.(oduber pg. 99) They go by troupes as they set up a Mas Camp, a base where their intricate wardrobes are made. It is also the starting point as they walk to the metropolis to open the Antigua Carnival. The lively event culminates by a massive road party called J’ouvert, which means â€Å"day break†. Everybody is literally on their feet as they sway to the beat of the dr ums from the young night until the middle morning. Barbados (Crop over) Masquerading was an old African tradition, where they paraded in masks and costumes through the villages to bring good luck and to remove evil spirits. Originally materials for costumes were natural things such as; grass, beads, bones, etc. Head-pieces and Masks were made of feathers to symbolize that people can spiritually rise above anything. Most European colonies within the Caribbean who were part of the slave trade have Carnival or Carnival-like celebrations. (praiser pg. 23)Now in large countries like USA, Canada and England, where they are Caribbean communities you will find Carnival celebrations. The History of Crop Over The end of the sugar cane harvest, or Crop Over as it is almost always referred to, has long been the occasion for celebration. In what seems to be the earliest reference to the Crop Over festival, we find the manager of Newton Plantation writing in 1788 to the estates owner in England, telling him that he had held a dinner and sober dance for the slaves, saying: twas a celebration of Harvest Time after the crop. (housman pg. 304) Many aspects of plantation life in Barbados carried on unchanged after the end of slavery, and the Crop Over festival likewise continued. Never the less there must have been an important difference in the way in which the festival was perceived. Before emancipation, the planter had no choice but to support his slaves, well or badly as the case might have been, all year round. After 1838, for most people Crop Over meant not just the end of a period of hard work, but also the beginning of a period of less work and lower wages. For many the interval between tw o crops would indeed have been hard times, and the symbol of these, perhaps not invented until after Emancipation, was the figure of a man stuffed with trash (the dried leaves of the sugar cane plant) which was known as Mr. Harding. (pg. 311) Mr. Harding was formally introduced to the manager of the plantation, and, according to some accounts, later burnt as part of the celebrations which must have had a tinge of desperation to them as people strove to enjoy themselves while they could. The festival was apparently fairly common at the beginning of the present century, by which time the name Crop Over seems to have ousted that of Harvest Time. A procession of carts would bring the last canes to the plantation yard, the draught animals being decorated with flamboyant, frangipani and other flowers, whilst brightly colored kerchiefs would be tied like flags to the canes. The laborers would parade around the yard, and it was at this point that that they would introduce Mr. Harding to the manager, after which they would adjourn for a dance, for the manager or the owner of the estate would normally contribute some salt meat and rum. Even by 1940 Crop Over was being described as a custom which has very nearly died out, according to Housman (pg. 316), and the continuing decline of sugar and the growing availability of other sources of employment had put an end to much of traditional plantation life. The modern Crop Over, revived by the Board of Tourism in 1974 and now administered by the National Cultural Foundation, pays tribute to the fact that sugar is still important in Barbados and the immense influence which it has had on our history. The present day festival is very different from the old time Crop Over, but it continues as a tradition by offering a thrilling celebration of many aspects of Bajan Culture, old and new. CROP-OVER CARNIVAL Crop-over has become the centerpiece of Barbados culture, a process enriched by much history, a savvy visitor promotional sense, and the great nearby pre-Lenten Carnival of Trinidad Tobago. Conga-line from April 22 May 01 begins with the longest Conga line in the Caribbean and features a series of concerts at the Malibu Conga line Village. May 1 is the finale, where bands, floats and Carnival goers take part in the May Day Parade, The Caribbeans largest summer Carnival begins on the first Saturday with the Decorated cart and float opening and Gala crop-over opening. (praiser pg.31) This parade begins at Bridgetown Independence Square in the early afternoon and finishes at the National Stadium. Here, the opening ceremony takes place with the ceremonial delivery of the last canes and the crowning of the king and queen of the festival followed by an excellent night of entertainment and socializing. The festival, revived in 1974 following a 30-year hiatus, continues to grow and evolve with the culture. Unlike most Carnivals whose roots are in spring, Crop-over is a harvest festival dating back centuries to the end of the sugar cane season. The end to all the grueling and arduous work was marked by the final delivery of canes to the mill. Surely a cause for song, dance and general jubilation, as such, the workers would begin the festivities by boisterously telling each other CROP OVER. Folk Concerts celebrating the emancipation from slavery are popular events during the Carnival season the last Carnival weekend features the most important Carnival events. On Friday, there will be the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals at the National Stadium. The next night in the wee hours of Sunday morn, the Fore-Day morning jump-up will go down from 2am till dawn. Before this special event is the steelpan competition. Cohobblopot is a huge carnival-like show where the most popular calypsonians and bands perform on Carnival Sunday night. The Calypso Contest is one of the worlds best even though it features primarily local talent. Before the best singer/songwriters of the season are chosen, the talent will perform their new compositions at many venues or tents. These tents, with names like Super Gladiators, Conquerors, House of Soca, Pioneers and Stray Cats, play an important role in deciding who will win the title of Party Monarch, Road March Monarch and the Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch. The King and Queen of the bands competition is also an important part of the Cohobblopot Sunday show. Get tickets in advance since the National Stadium can sell out, particularly with all the talk about not allowing it to be broadcast on free TV. (pg. 37) All this buildup makes for a memorable Grand Finale, or as they say at Barbados Crop-over, the Grand Kadooment. Here, over two dozen large costumed bands will go dancing down de road inviting everyone to jump up with them as they make their way to the ocean surf. (pg. 42) Tuk: Indigenous to Barbados, its a combination of African and British military rhythms with the musicians dressed in minstrel like costumes creating music from kettledrums, bass drums and whistles. They play sounds like marching band music, old-time waltzes and almost always end with an African beat. According to praier, This is a great spectacle to see. ( pg. 51) The musicians are as serious about their music as any steelband man. Although a part of the old era, it is still very alive and a part of the modern day celebrations with completions staged during Crop Over. Calypso Soca: Although calypso is indigenous to Trinidad, it now holds a very prominent place in the Crop over Celebration. Like Trinidad Carnival, it has all the trimmings, the Tents, parties, semi-finals judging and then to the Calypso Monarch finals, which take place just before Grand Kadooment. The Bajan artistes are holding their own with this art form and have even created new forms like Ringband and Ragga-soca, a definite invention of the Bajan calypsonians. (pg. 55) Steelband: Borrowed from Trinidad, the Bajans have taken it, and now the popularity and growth of the steelband in Barbados is phenomenal, states praiser. (pg. 68) with every year seeing the improvement of the sound and quality of the music to the extent that steelband has now taken a place on the curriculum of many of the schools on the island. Grand Kadooment: The grand finale, a parade of the costumed bands for the final competition for Designer of the Year Crown. The revelers are dressed in elaborate costumes depicting various themes dancing to music playing from the most popular bandstands, with disc jockeys winding their way down to Spring Garden where they would be judged for this coveted crown. (pg. 73) St. Vincent and the Grenadines (â€Å"vincy mas†) History Hugh Ragguette, a name that is synonymous with Carnival in St. Vincent explained to The Vincentian that the historic roots of Carnival lie in deep antiquity: since at the dawn of history, man celebrated several festivals of which Carnival was one. The Kalinagos and other indigenous peoples who inhabited St. Vincent had their festivals. With the introduction of slavery, the Africans with their varying cultures and rich variety added to those expressions. Although the practice of wearing mas' came from Africa and was subsequently adopted by the Greek and Romans, it was actually the French who celebrated carnival in the Caribbean as the highlight of the year. After the British supplanted the French, the practice continued. The wearing of Mas in carnival was introduced by the Pope in Rome in 1494 and then spread throughout Europe. (Sutty pg. 37) Naturally, the slaves participated in these festivals at a different level. â€Å"The slaves would have noted and participated in the festival, albeit at a different level. Naturally, they were not invited to the mas balls and dances.† stated however, when chattel slavery ended, the freed slaves embraced carnival and turned it into a callaloo pot, adding elements of the respective cultures.(pg 38) They took to the streets and displayed the theatrical spectacle they had created and to vent their subdued creative abilities. These street marches took place on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Unable to chain the hands and feet of the slaves any longer, in 1892, he related, the colonial Governor banned the festival claiming that the revellers were lashing out at each other and observers with whips. Ragguette held another opinion, â€Å"The main reason was to suppress the people’s culture and their peculiar African expressions. The coloniser could not understand these expressions and wanted to stifle them.† The fire that burnt within slavery was reduced to mere embers and in 1879, fuelled by the unchainable African spirit it le apt into flames again. In 1899, the people decided that come what may, ban or no ban, which they were going to celebrate. They began the celebrations as early as the Friday preceding Ash Wednesday. As a result, the colonisers brought out what was termed the armed might of the Empire. (pg 44) The people resisted and a riot broke out, writing the Carnival Riots of the 11th and 12th February into this country’s history books. From then on, Carnival has been a part of St.Vincent’s culture. Four years later, carnival fever spread to Trinidad in the south where the festival had been banned resulting in the Comboule Riots. throughout the years people have built on and experimented with the components of Carnival; to the extent Trinidadians have invented a musical instrument in the form of the steel pan to provide accompanying music to its calypso. ( pg. 47). By 1973, it was virtually impossible to hold all the Carnival shows during the Wednesday and Tuesday period. â€Å"Our pan, our calypso, and particularly our Mas has reached a level of development that it needed to spread its wings outside the Catholic Christian Carnival to a more embracing festival,† Ragguette commented. (pg. 49) Since the festival was held so soon after Christmas and the length of time available for shows coupled with the fact the Trinidad and Tobago, whom Ragguette stated â€Å"had run away with title of king of Carnival in the world and boasted of having the greatest show on earth,† held its Carnival around the same time, it was necessary to move the festival to another season. The June-July period was decided as most suitable. (pg. 50) With more time to work, the CDC wanted to introduce a Caribbean component into its programme. Antigua and Barbuda already had a Caribbean Calypso Competition and the organisation could not get beyond the logistics of a Caribbean Pan or King and Queen of the Bands competition. sutty explained that it was felt that a show should be organised to showcase â€Å"the beauty and profound intelligence of our Caribbean women†. (pg. 53). This resulted in the birth of Miss Caribbean Carnival Miss Carnival. Trinidad Carnivals principal components are calypso, steelpan and playing mas (masquerade). In the historic capital City of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, these elements are harmoniously structured to form a five day ritual pageant beginning with the King Queen Contest (Friday), Panorama (Saturday), Dimanche Gras (Sunday), JOuvert (Monday) and the Parade of the Bands (Tuesday). (green pg 57) These main events and countless others build to an unforgettable epiphany of beauty and stunning display of the irrepressible human spirit before concluding and allowing the quiet first day of Lent and reflection known as Ash Wednesday to be admitted to consciousness. [pic]The genesis of this worlds greatest Carnival has been attributed to the many cultures of Trinidad and their interaction. While the African influence is predominant, the Carnival carries an overriding theme of unity, a central part of this unique cultures mythology. Trinidads namesake, the holy Trinity is blessed as the unifying principle. This is the countrys well known motto, resting at the base of the ubiquitous and striking TT Coat of Arms reads, Together we Aspire, Together we achieve. (pg 59).Yet the wisdom lies in paradox for there is no Carnival with more intense competition than Trinidads. [pic]Today Trinidads model for public celebration is the most widely imitated festival art form in the world. Many Trinidadian Carnival artists are able to work year round performing throughout North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. J’ouvert Jab Jab The name of this mas is derived from the French patois for Diable Diable. It is pretty devil mas. The costume consists of a Kandal or satin knickers, and satin shirt with points of cloth at the waist, from which bells hang. On the chest, there is a shaped cloth panel which is decorated with swansdown, rhinestones and mirrors. Stockings and alpagatas are worn on the feet, while the headdress consists of a hood with stuffed cloth horns. The costume can come in alternating colors and be divided into front and back panels. (pg 61) The Jab Jab has a thick whip of plaited hemp which he swings and cracks threateningly. These whips can reduce the costumes of other Jab Jabs to threads. It is not to be confused with Jab Molassie. JAB MOLASSIE Jab is the French patois for Diable (Devil), and Molassie is the French patois for Mà ©lasse (Molasses). (pg 62)The Jab Molassie is one of several varieties of devil mas played in Trinidad and Tobago carnival. The costume consists of short pants or pants cut off at the knee, and a mask and horns. The jab malassie would carry chains, and wear locks and keys around his waist, and carry a pitch fork. He may smear his body with grease, tar, mud or colored dyes (red, green or blue). The jab molassie wines or gyrates to a rhythmic beat that is played on tins or pans by his imps. While some of his imps supply the music, others hold his chain, seemingly restraining him as he pulls against them in his wild dance. The differences among the various forms of devil mas were once distinct, but have become blurred over time. Trinidads carnival is a gorgeous paradigm of how carnival can connect the entire world. In this Trinidad little nation, the lifestyle and customs of various cultures come collectively for a short five days every year, the entire country stops thinking about their dissimilarities to celebrate life! Similar to many other countries under colonial rule, the history of Native Americans and African people in Trinidad is atrocious and a sad story. At different times England and Spain both maintained Trinidad as their colonies. Around 1785, Carnival was introduced to Trinidad. The French settlers started to arrive. The custom caught on rapidly, and fancy balls were held where the rich planters pretend masks, and beautiful dresses, wigs, and dance the whole night. The employ of masks had particular meaning for the slaves, as for several African peoples, masking is usually used in their rituals for the dead. Evidently banned from the masked balls of the French, the slaves would grasp their own tiny carnivals in their gardens — using their folklore and own rituals. However they also imitate their masters’ manners at the masked balls. Carnival has turned out to be a way to convey their authority as individuals for African people, and also for their rich cultural traditions. (pg. 102) The slavery was eradicated after 1838, the Africans were freed and started to host their individual carnival celebrations in Trinidad streets. This carnival developed progressively and sophisticated and rapidly became trendier than the balls. Nowadays, Trinidad carnival is like a mirror that reflects the faces the many immigrant nations from Africa, India, China and Europe. Carnival is such a significant aspect of life in Trinidad, as many schools trust that funding/ sponsoring a carnival band is a way to train youngsters about their culture and roots. According to green, Hundreds of schools and community organizations contribute in Trinidad’s Kiddies Carnival. In this fashion, communities’ works as one to build up strong friendships and good respect for the various cultures that make up Trinidad. (pg. 59) Bibliography â€Å"Caribbean carnival† Caribseek.comhttp://www.caribseek.com/adventure_and_entertainment/carnivals/caribbean-carnival.shtml. â€Å"Carnival in Trinidad.† Mustard.org.early 1985 carnival in Trinidad†¦evolution and symbolic menaing.21 February 2008 http://www.mustard.org.uk/articles/trinidad.htm. Cowley, John. Carnival, Canboulay and Calypso: Traditions in the Making. Trinidad: Macmillan Caribbean May 4, 1988 Green, Garth L. Trinidad Carnival: The Cultural Politics of a Transnational Festival. Massasetucheuts: Harper smith, 2005 Herman, Wouk. Don’t stop the carnival. USA: Doubleday, 1965 Housman, Gerald â€Å"The kebra nagast: the lost bible of Rastafarian wisdom and faith from Ethiopia and Jamaica.† (July 1979): 299-671 Lent, A John. Caribbean popular culture. Michigan: bowling green state university popular press, 2006. Pariser, Harry S. Explore Barbados. Manatee Press: 3 edition October 2007 Razak, Victoria M. Carnival in Antigua. Boston: Cenda Pub; 1 edition May 1, 1998 Riggio, Milla Co. Carnival: Culture in Action The Trinidad Experience (Worlds of Performance). Routt ledge: Pablo Delano, 2004: Sutty, Lesley. St Vincent and the Grenadines. Caribbean: 2 edition September 2002 Oduber, Vanja. Antigua carnival. New York: Chauvenheid Graphic Group 1996

Deviance :: essays research papers fc

SOCIAL DEVIANCE LET'S SIT RIGHT BACK AND HEAR A TALE, A TALE OF A FATEFUL TRIP, THAT STARTED ON THIS DESERT ISLE, ON THIS TINY SHIP.... WHEN YOU TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF AFLOAT IN THIS OCEAN OF PEOPLE, IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH TO KICK UP A STORM AND CAPSIZE. FOR AN ENTIRE DAY I WAS A ONE MAN TROPICAL DEPRESSION. MY PARTNER AND I WANDERED AROUND TOWN WITH ONLY A GOAL OF INVADING OTHERS' PERSONAL SPACE. THROUGHOUT THE CITY, WE CROWDED PEOPLE AT PAYPHONES, SAT NEXT TO PEOPLE ON PARK BENCHES, SNUGGLED UP TO SINGLE RIDERS ON ELEVATORS, BROKE THE LAW OF URINAL ETIQUETTE ABD GENERALLY ANNOYED PEOPLE IN A LIBRARY. WITH THE PAYPHONE WE MADE THE INITIAL DECISION TO ALTERNATE, MY PARTNER BEING FEMALE AND I MALE, TO ALSO SEE THE DIFFERENCE RESPONSES TO MALE VS. FEMALE INTRUSION. WE WOULD ALTERNATELY WALK UP TO AND STAND BESIDE THE KIOSK OR BOOTH. WE MADE A DRAMATIC DEMONSTRATION OF NOT LISTENING TO THE CONVERSATION BY DIGGING THROUGH PURSE OR WALLET OR TOEING AROUND SOME IMAGINARY OBJECT ON THE GROUND. ON PARK BENCH ES WE USED THE SAME IDEA. WE ONLY STUCK OURSELVES INTO THE SITUATION IF THERE WAS ONLY A SOLO RIDER AND ENOUGH ROOM FOR US TO HAVE STOOD A DISTANCE AWAY. CROWDING SOMEONE IN AN EMPTY 10' X 8' ELEVATOR OR PLOPPING DOWN NEXT TO SOMEONE ON A PARK BENCH SURROUNDED BY FOUR TO FIVE EMPTY BENCHES SEEMED TO SHOW THE MOST DRAMATIC RESPONSE. WE DECIDED THAT THE RULES NORMALLY ADHERED TO IN A LIBRARY SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF PERSONAL SPACE, JUST THAT THE SPACE HAD BEEN EXPANDED IN SIZE AND WIDENED TO INCLUDED SOUND PRODUCED BY ANOTHER. MY PARTNER SET HER CELL PHONE AND PAGER IN FRONT OF HER O A TABLE, SLID HER HEADPHONES INTO PLACE TO MAKE IT EASIER TO IGNORE BOTH AND SAT THERE. I MOVED TO THE STACK AREA AND CALLED HER PAGER AND PHONE REPEATEDLY. THE MOST QUESTIONABLE WAYS TO TEST PERSONAL SPACE WERE MINE, ASSUMING THEY WERE ALSO THE EASIEST TO DRAW VIOLENCE. I SPENT AN HOUR INSIDE THE THE WALK IN LOBBY OF A BANK IN THE DAYLIGHT AND AGAIN AFTER MIDNIGHT GETTING WHAT WAS EVIDENTL Y TOO CLOSE TO PEOPLE USING ATM MACHINES. THE LAST DEVIANT ACT WITHIN THE REALM OF PERSONAL SPACE WAS DONE ONCE AND ONLY ONCE. WITHIN A BANK OF SEVEN URINALS IN A RESTROOM, I WAITED FOR ONE TO BE USED (THE FAR RIGHT WAS PICKED), THEN MOVED TO THE SECOND FROM THE RIGHT.

Marketing Segmentation Essay

Marketing Segmentation United Health Care MKT/571 Professor Knabe August 26, 2013 Marketing Segmentation: United Health Care An integral part of a business’s market strategy is market segmentation. Market Segmentation is that process of breaking down a large market into smaller groups of consumers so that they can market more efficiently. Whether you are a consumer oriented company or a business oriented company you should use Market segmentation. Demographics As a health insurance provider our market segmentation is based on research and academic literature. In the health care industry we cover every constituent served by our organization. Out target markets are: Employers Members-commercial group, individual, Medicare, and Medicaid Network Physicians Brokers Although the orientation of each analysis differs the all have the same basic principles. Experience has led to the belief that the right connections between the conceptual and analytical approaches to derive segments and implementation strategies that clients has found useful for improve marketing efficiency and effectiveness. We have the same general approach to marketing as most health care insurance companies. We just add our own ideas and put a special twist on the presentation of our product when it comes to our marketing strategy. Our primary market segment is our members. The reason being that they are the largest market segment of the four groups. They can be broken down into four groups as well. If we offer market our products in a way that is appealing to the member not only do retain current members but we also attract new members. The process of market segmentation must be conducted with the ability of an organization to address the resulting segments. Geographic We have a fairly large geographic area, with the most of our members being located in the United States of America. We originated in the state of California so most of member or in the Western United states. We have also migrated to the other sections of the US. We currently have a heavy population in southern states such as Texas, Florida, and Georgia. We also have a heavy population in along the Eastern Seaboard and Northern states such as Wisconsin. The way we market our product in those areas is through mailers, magazine ads, television ads and sometime radio. Psychographics Our members come from all walks of life. When developing plans we aim to tailor them to the different types of member we serve. Many of our members are travelers so we offer a benefit that covers them from state to state and internationally as well. This benefit is very attractive to the members with active lifestyles. We also serve a high elderly population. We tend to offer benefits that would be appealing to the aging population that many other insurance plans have yet to offer. In 2011 we began offering a hearing aid benefit to our member. At this time no other company is offering this benefit, we have enrolled many new members because of this. Hearing aids are very expensive and the fact that we offer them at a discounted rate keeps our member and draws new members to us. We also offer a gym membership that caters to senior citizens, this is tends to draw members that like to stay fit and it enables them to do it at their own pace. We also offer products that are affordable to individuals that don’t have insurance offered to them by their employers. Behavioral We offer plans for all ranges of incomes. Members with higher incomes tend to purchase the plans that offer the premium benefits. Those with lower incomes tend to purchase plans with that meets the basic needs just to have some coverage. Our Medicaid members tend to have the basic needs met because it is basically a state funded program. When designing plans and choosing benefits, we have to consider the target market and user behavior. We design plans for members that go to the doctors frequently as well as for members that only go to the doctor for preventative care only. When designing these plans we also have to make cost sharing arrangements with employer and discuss premiums being that they will also be contributing to the cost of the insurance for their employees. Past behaviors such as history of switching, current health plan and carry, current benefit design, monthly premium and cost sharing arrangement with employees. Product Positioning Competition exists in just about every market, especially in niche’ markets. It’s our job to position our products and services for fit each particular segment. Product positions may be defined by communication such as advertising rather than the differences between the products. The objective is to expand existing products and continuously adjust them to our ever changing demographic. When doing so we make sure we assess certain criteria for all potential segments: profitable size- profit potential accessibility- segment must be accessible through advertisement and other promotional tactics self-containment- product launched should not take demand from other products offered marketing mix response- segment should be responsive to marketing and promotion efforts If all of these criteria are met there is a great chance of have a successful and profitable business. References Driving Consumer Insight with the market Segmentation Bakken, David G. Examples of Marketing Segmentation Kolemuller, Neil Variable Selection for Health Insurance Market Segmentation

A Brief Overview of the Interralatedness of the Three Gospels

Introduction: Coming to Terms with the Problem Most everyone who reads the Synoptic Gospels observes similarities that exist among them; their passages are very similar in content and structure which would make one think the authors borrowed material from each other or perhaps at all the same sources. However they are equally different in content and structure. This brings about the problems with the Synoptic Gospels commonly called the â€Å"Synoptic Problem. † Looking for a solution that is reasonable and defensible, we will look at biblical history, early church history, and the content of the Gospels themselves.As I answer these questions, and bring an overview to the synoptic problem, and provide a defense of the Fourfold-Gospel Hypothesis as the most reasonable and dependable solution to the problem. A General Description of Synoptic Relationships Synoptic Gospels fall into three separate categories: wording (vocabulary), order (structure), and parenthetical material. Re lationships and Content Consider the following verse from the passage in Matthew 19 about the children coming to Jesus.Matthew 19:14 Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the Mark 10:14 the children come to me, do not hinder them; for such belongs the Luke 18:16 Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the Matthew 19:14 kingdom of heaven. † Mark 10:15 kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom Luke 18:17 kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom Matthew 19:15 And he? Mark 10:16 of God like a child shall not enter it.†And he took them in his arms and Luke 18:17 of God like a child shall not enter it. † Following Swanson’s method of underlining the similarities, one can see there are definite similarities between the Gospels. There are however differences, the italicized words shown in Mark and Luke show the difference in formatting. The parenthetical materials in the Synoptic Gospels writers create the relationship in the content.Stein states that â€Å"it is highly unlikely that two or three writers would by coincidence insert into their  accounts exactly the same editorial comment at exactly the same place†. The Gospels themselves show the phenomenon of similarity and divergence within the structure. Much of the history and teaching of the Synoptic Gospels is contained in pericopac (literary units comprised of one argument or thought) and these pericopae often appear in the same order in all three Gospels, and yet there are obvious differences. Carson and Moo explain this problem well: All three Synoptic Gospels roughly follow the same order of events, even when there is no clear chronological or historical reason to do so.Each evangelist, however, omits material found in the other two, each contains unique incidents, and some of the events that are found in one or both of the others are put in a dif ferent order. The Investigative History of Synoptic Relationships The history of the investigation into the relationship between the Synoptic Gospels is divided into two great epochs: the early Church in the modern church era. The Early Church According to Dugan in his notes a History of Synoptic Problem, many are taken accounts to writing of the life of Jesus of Nazareth including Luke in Luke 1:1-4.Tatian (c. 110-172) put the four Gospels together in his famous book Diatessaron. Tatian worked to fit the four Gospels into one bound book. Ammonius in the third century took Matthews Gospel and broken it paragraphs. He also took the other three Gospels and rearranged their content. Augustine (AD 354-430) produced works called On the Harmony of the Evangelist. Augustine’s work was typical of many harmonies of Gospels purchased early years of the church. Modern synopsis was produced in 1776 by J. J. Griesbach. The Modern ChurchNo attempts were made to parallel the Gospels except for Ammonius until the eighteenth century. The archetype of the modern-day synopsis is Griesbach. From the eighteenth century there’s been an explosion of study and investigation into how the Synoptic Gospels relate to each other. Many criticisms have reason over the Synoptic Gospels from oral traditions to reaction criticism. Proposed Solutions for the Synoptic Problem Forming a hypothesis around the first three Gospels; while looking at the exact agreement within them and yet the wide divergence of what is written in them.There are four principle explanations of the Synoptic Problem. Common Dependence on One Original Source The German critic Gotthold Lessing proposed a solution to the synoptic problem using type of proto-Gospel that has since been lost as a common source for the Gospel writers. This source is referred to as â€Å"Ur-gospel† and it seemed to have been written in Arabic or Hebrew. Lessing understood Luke’s prologue to be a narrative.J. G. Eichho rn and others took the Ur-gospel and modified it to include some possibly â€Å"lost Gospels as the sources for the synoptic Gospels† Common Dependence on Oral Sources  J. G. Herder in 1797, proposed his hypothesis stating the oral summaries of the life of Christ. Gundry believes that the Ur-gospel theory lacks credibility with the relationship between the Gospels. Gundry explains: †¦ Most modern scholars doubt that transmission by word-of-mouth could have retained so many and such minute verbal resemblances as exist among the synoptics, especially in the narrative, which is not so likely to have been memorized verbatim as possibly the words of Jesus were memorized.Common Dependence on Gradually Developing Written Fragments  F. Schleiermacher originally suggested this theory in 1817, suggested that the church began to collect fragmented writings from the apostles. These fragmented writings became the source of material for the Synoptic Gospels. This cannot be true th ough. There is more evidence now than ever that there was simply sharing of material between the synoptic writers. Interdependent This group of proposed solutions assumes that â€Å"two of the evangelists used one or more of the other Gospels in constructing their own.†There were other material that could have been used during this period of time; however the apostles writing at the same time borrowed text from each other to write their own Gospels. The third hypothesis worth mentioning is the Augustine proposal. The Augustine Proposal The Augustine proposal says the Gospels were put into the Canon according to their composition. Some proposal says that Matthew was written first, then Mark, Luke, then John. Augustine is the first theologian from the west to make the connection between Mark and Matthew’s Gospel, and assuming that Luke borrowed documents from both to write his Gospel.Augustine’s theory of interdependent was the predominant theory until the eightee nth century when several other proposals began to surface. The Two-Gospel and Two-Source hypothesis are the most widely accepted theories today. The Two-Gospel (Griesbach) Theory In 1789 J. J. Griesbach published a paper in which he proposed the order of synoptic compositions of Matthew, Luke, and Mark each writer’s previous writers work. Griesbach says Matthew wrote his gospel first, Luke used Matthews Gospel to write his, and Mark used both Matthew and Luke’s Gospel to write his Gospel.Orchard has taken Griesbachs’ theory to a new level. Orchard has done research in the area of the Two-Gospel Theory and believes that Marks Gospel is a composition of Matthew and Luke’s Gospel. The Two-Source Theory This is by far the most widely accepted solution to the Synoptic Problem. Their primary sources of Synoptic Gospels. Markan believes that Mark’s Gospel was written before Matthew and Luke, and â€Å"Q† a saying source. Mark parallels Matthew 97. 2% of the time, while Luke parallels Matthews’s gospel 88. 4% of the time.Mark awkwardly wrote suggesting that it was the first gospel written and that my fuse was written later, using Mark’s primary source, correcting the difficulties with the language. It would be easy later on in expressions that might be misunderstood. With Matthew and Luke having so many verbal language agreements with Mark it would indicate that Mark was written first and they at least collaborated or used the same material when writing the Gospels. The â€Å"Q† becomes a factor when looking at Markans assumption that Matthew and Luke used Marks Gospel yet writing independent of each other.The two source theory is by far the most widely accepted explanation of the Synoptic Problem. With this theory Matthew and Luke used Marks Gospel as their narrative source and Q for their material. However there appears to be a better explanation of the synoptic problem. The Fourfold -Gospel Hypothesis t akes in both the initial evidence the external evidence. The Fourfold -Gospel hypothesis is the most dependable and reasonable solution to the synoptic problem. The fourfold-Gospel Hypothesis: A Most Reasonable and Defensible Solution Scott McKnight makes and observation surrounding the Synoptic Problem.Literary levels connect Matthew Mark and Luke and they are highly mutually dependent on each other. Mark can be considered the middle factor. Benard Orchard gives a logical conclusion to the Synoptic Problem. Orchard states: â€Å"†¦ The historical and patristic evidence, the internal critical evidence for mutual literacy dependence, and the â€Å"scenario† necessary to show how the tendency between the first and the second lines of the argument can be satisfactorily resolved.†With the Fourfold-Gospel Hypothesis, Matthew Rocha particularly Jewish church in acts 1-12, Luke wrote second to provide the gospel to a Hellenistic church that was in a missionary expansion with Paul in acts 13-28, while Mark was last Gospel written and records Peter preaching in Rome. External Historic and Patristic Evidence With fourteen different patristic witnesses on Blacks list that support the theory that Mark wrote last and used Matthew and Luke. According to the Patristic witnesses Matthew wrote second and John wrote last.Paul helped Luke write his Gospel either second or third. According to historic evidence in the early church, Matthew wrote first, second, and Mark). Lea and Black disagree with Markan saying: â€Å"however popular Markan priority may be today, it seems to fly in the face of the statements of the earliest church fathers, who are almost unanimous in asserting that Matthew predated both Mark and Luke. † Internal Evidence Markan states Mark was written first due to the shortness of the Gospel.As Matthew and Luke wrote their Gospels more accurate information was available then when Mark wrote his Gospel. Mark writes about five periods of C hrist’s ministry. Mark’s writing style is also simple and primitive compared with Matthew and Luke. Mark writes much of Peter’s preaching. â€Å"All that internal literacy criticism can do is to show that an existing text could have originated in more than one way. † When looking for reasonable and dependable solutions one must choose â€Å"the source theory that best reflects the actual historical circumstances† for this solution of the SynopticProblem. When looking historically and biblically as a scenario to Mark’s writing the Fourfold- Gospel Hypothesis represents Mark’s writing well. The Scenario of Mark’s Writing In Jerusalem and Palestine during the final stages of the formation of the early church there was almost exclusive focus on preaching of the Gospels to the Jews. Matthew predicts Jesus is the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecy. A need arose as the gospel progressed from Palestine to the Jews of Diaspora and then to the Gentiles. The need for a universal Christ and less Jewish Christ and a more Hellenistic Gospel.This would be Luke’s account it is â€Å"directed toward those Hellenistic congregations founded by the apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. † Mark binds Matthew and Luke’s Gospels together. Black explains Mark’s gospel: â€Å"because secondary chapter, Luke needed the approval of an eyewitness apostle proper accreditation in the church†¦ Peter himself was apostolic eyewitness they provided the accreditation for the gospel of Luke by personally comparing it with the Gospel of Matthew as he gave his own oral version of the stories common to both, at which he himself had been present in person.†Peter uses both Luke and Matthew’s Gospels to preach from, giving accreditation to both Gospels. Paul had been using Luke and Matthews’s gospel and with Peter using them and accepting them it gave a stamp of approval for Paul so no one c ould accuse Paul of wrong-doing. Looking at the Synoptic Problem the Fourfold- Gospel Hypothesis is a dependable solution because it takes into account the biblical writing the Gospels, evidence in the writing of the early church fathers, the internal evidence of the Gospels. All three Gospels speak to their own time period.Conclusion This brief overview of the Synoptic Problem has defined the problem by definition. The source relates to the Synoptic Gospels can be seen as a problem. It is difficult to determine the true source of the Synoptic Gospels. They have been part of the canon and church history for centuries. The Synoptic Gospels are part of the big picture, it is divinely inspired, and the inerrant Word of God. The historical evidence would lead one to believe the Fourfold- Gospel Hypothesis is the most reasonable way to make the picture fit.