...Critical Argument Analysis Gabriel Martinez ENG/215 November 9, 2015 Professor Stephanie Critical Argument Analysis “There’s not a man that can’t be thrown, not a horse that can’t be rode, a bull that can’t be stopped, there’s not a disco that I Coke La Rock can’t rock”. (DJ Coke La Rock 1973) This line spoken by Coke La Rock was the birth of rap and hip-hop music. This one bar made Coke La Rock the very first rapper in Hip-Hop and birthed a new genre of music, we now know today as Rap music. John McWhorter, Opio Lumumba Sokoni, and Desi K. Robinson all have written about their different views and opinions on the good the bad and the ugly of rap music. They all offer different arguments on the effects of rap music. Rap music began as a way for black families to focus on bringing families together and uplifting each other’s spirits in times of heartache and pain. However, now since its humble beginnings so much has changed and developed but the spirit of its heart and soul stays the same. John McWhorter argues in his article, “Mean StreetsTheater,” (2003) on the negativity of rap music and the violence that it promotes. He argues that the violence of rap music is causing the rappers to be murdered. He goes on to say that not only are rappers being murdered but also they’re being murdered in front of their children, exposing their children to the violence. Today in our society many agree with his point of view and are causing...
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...aggressive marketing—and sales—of their beds is a dream come true for the bedding industry: Simmons Bedding Company, which makes mattresses for Westin, as well as for Four Seasons and many other chains, has seen its market share triple in the past decade. Selling Sleep Goes High-Tech April 2015 Synopsis: Seeking to help RSAs simplify and streamline the selling process, Atlanta-based Simmons has created a three-part, in-store tech package as part of its SIMposium retail sales initiative. The new digital tools include an online information hub called SleepSells.com; a virtual reality app called SIMulator that enables users to “see” inside Simmons mattresses; and Wright’s RetaiLive program, which provides instant access to Simmons-related content via mobile devices. Previewed at the winter Las Vegas Market, SleepSells.com is a one-stop information hub for the retail sales community. The site houses a multimedia mix of information that RSAs can leverage to strengthen their sales pitches. Content includes behind-the-scenes looks at Simmons’ emerging products and technologies, insights on industry and consumer trends relating to sleep and wellness, and updates on retail best practices. Sharing and comment features will allow for two-way conversation among RSAs, Simmons’ Retail Account Specialists and company decision-makers. The site went live in February. During the winter Las Vegas Market, Simmons also announced that a new virtual reality version of the SIMulator app would be available...
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...Jeff Shields New Venture Creation – DuVal Russell Simmons – Case Study 1) Early on, Simmons decided that he wanted to make his own way in the world. He wanted to live a fast-paced life and call his own shots. Even though he did not like school, he still enrolled at the City College of New York as a sociology major. 2) The target market that Simmons is trying to appeal to is that of urban teens and young adults. He understood that his target market valued authenticity and “keeping it real”. In his words, “You have to tell the truth. It endears you to the community. The people can smell the truth, and they’re a lot smarter than the people who put the records out.” 3) By growing up while being heavily influenced by hip hop music and culture, Simmons had a distinct advantage in reaching out to and understanding his target market.; as he is/was one of that target market. This is advantages for him because he can know and understand what artist and styles will make it big when it reaches the public due to his experience in hip hop music and culture. This can also be a limitation, because he may not have as much experience in other cultures and music styles, thereby limiting him strictly to hip hop and preventing him from spreading his musical venture. 4) Hold a charity basketball game in the New York City community that features appearances from professional athletes. The market research necessary to ensure that it would be a success would be researching...
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...Russell Simmons has been successful because he turned an idea into an opportunity. Mariotti and Glackin (2013) states while Russell attend college he saw an opportunity in the underground music genre Hip-hop (p.154). From that moment on Russell knew he could capitalize off hip-hop. Not only did Russell take a chance on an opportunity, he formed a great record label with his friend Rick Rubin called Def Jam Records. However his success did not stop there Russell went on to create a clothing line, Rush Communications and many other ventures. With his knowledge of street entrepreneurship and the philosophy of “keeping it real” (p.154-155), Russell Simmons was able to promote his ventures with great success, making him one of the biggest entrepreneurs ever. Marketing a business can be a challenge; you must know what the people want and how to deliver what they need. Targeting a market that will buy your product is very important. For Russell Simmons his target market was geared toward his surroundings, urban youth. Jennifer Reingold (2003) illustrates “He is not a man who made it big and then abandoned his roots but rather one who is still as comfortable on the streets of the inner city as he has become on Wall Street”. Within that statement one can conclude that Russell Simmons targeted a culture he is familiar with and still associates with while achieving success. The urban youths and Russell Simmons shared the same beliefs of staying authentic and telling the truth...
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...Concepts Professor Camilla Craig Mat 27th, 2016 Russell Simmons has three core leadership qualities that have helped him to become the successful CEO that he is. A common trait that most successful leaders often have is their commitment to accomplishing goals. Russell Simmons is widely known as the father of hip-hop, who embodies these qualities. Russell Simmons wears many hats and is involved in several different business ventures. He co-founded Def Jam Records which he made $100 million dollars by selling Def Jam to Universal Music Group. Then Simmons found the companies Argyleculture, American Classics, and Phat Farm. Russell Simmons is not just a business owner he is a successful author, who is most famously known for his bestselling book Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success. One of the leadership qualities that Russell Simmons personifies is emotional intelligence. When Russell Simmons talks about working with executives and artist, he always emphasizes the importance of everyone being happy in the deal (Harvard Business Review). Simmons made it very clear that his business success comes from starting businesses based on needs that exist. Due to Russell Simmons being aware of the fact that a need exist is an accurate indicator of an emotionally intelligent leader. The second leadership quality that Russell Simmons has is a positive attitude. Russell Simmons believes and advocates that having a positive attitude, openness...
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...IKEA Case Study – Alan B. BalesWeek 21. What are IKEA's competitive priorities? IKEA’s corporate mantra is to have “Low Price with Meaning”. In other words,their desire is to manufacture and present a product that is both functionallysound and inexpensive at the same time. Notice, I did not use the word “cheap”or inexpensively manufactured using sub-standard materials with untested orquestionable processes. They strive to make things less expensive without evermaking customers feel “cheap”. To accomplish this, IKEA has to maintain abalance between design, manufacturing, and distribution. 2. Describe IKEA's process for developing a new product. The team behind a new product at IKEA consists of designers, productdevelopers, and purchasers of materials who get together to discuss overalldesign, materials and suitable suppliers. Each specialist contributes theirknowledge. For example, a buyer will use their contacts with suppliers all overthe world through the IKEA Trading Services office to determine who can makethis at the best quality for the right price and at the right time. This process is acollaborative effort and takes into account everything from colors to selling priceon the floor of an IKEA store. It is not corporately mandated design; it is design bycommittee if you will. 3. What are additional features of the IKEA concept (beyond their design process)that contribute to creating exceptional value for the customer? IKEA’s model also creates additional value by working...
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...ability to succeed, a desire for immediate feedback, a high level of energy, skill at organizing, and value of achievement over money. There are many reasons why someone may take this path but the bottom-line is this person has a strong will and determination to succeed. The leading entrepreneurs I have chosen are Mary Kay Ash and Russell Simmons. Russell Simmons is a business mogul, activist, best-selling author and he is owner and founder of RUSH Communications. RUSH Communications is a leading multi-faceted holding company with investments in well-known and respected brands in three industry segments: entertainment and media; fashion and lifestyle; and empowerment. RUSH Communications, Inc. includes a management company, the hip-hop record label Def Jam, and the sneaker company Run Athletics. He is also the founder of the clothing lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and American Classics. Some of Simmons other ventures include a film and television production company, Simmons Lathan Media Group, Unirush Financial Services, Simmons Jewelry Company, and GlobalGrind.com. Rush Communications is currently worth approximately $340 million. Simmons leads in a situational approach style. His style adapts to the situation and he is able to use different leadership styles to get many different jobs done. He uses his democratic style to receive input from his employees on what they feel consumers want and need. He uses this information to make sound business decisions to keep his companies...
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...The Sports Guy Case Study Case Synopsis The case is about The Sports Guy which is an independent sporting goods store owned by Bob “Rocky” Rhodes; his business is in the retail sporting goods industry. The store is located in the south part of a small town which is just outside the Greater Toronto Area. The town has been growing rapidly for the last few years and the area around the store has become a prosperous neighbourhood, making their location a busy commercial area. The Sports Guy store sells sports related clothing and equipment. About 70% of their sales consist of equipment and uniforms bought by local teams, and 30% of sales consist of regular (walk-in) retail trade. The store’s sales have increased over the years however; have not been growing much in recent years. In the last few years the sales to teams have mostly covered the business’ costs, while the “walk-in” trade has provided most of the profits. Many times Rocky has been left with out-of-season stock that had to be sold off at a loss. Rocky is concerned about the declining inventory turnover rate that is causing an increase in his short-term debt and interest expenses. Problem Statement Rocky wants his business to grow with the town, but to do so will require access to bank credit to finance higher inventories and future expansion. He will have to improve The Sports Guy’s profitability. How will Rocky improve the financial performance of his business when their net profit (after tax) has decreased...
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...1. Russell Simmons has been successful as a media mogul because he was presented an idea/opportunity to create a dynamic business in the music/clothing industry and he jumped on it without second thought. With the help of Rick Rubin, he was able to dedicate his intelligence and skills in these industries to become one of the most well known entrepreneurs today. Since day one he has had a keen sense of what urban youth wanted and has stayed true to “keeping it real.” At the time, hip hop was an underground genre that Russell Simmons was able to deliver to the ears of all who wanted to tune it. 2.) In all of his business endeavors, Russell Simmons has targeted urban youth. This target values authenticity and that’s what Russell Simmons delivers. Through hand selected artists and his Phat Farm clothing line, Russell Simmons has emulated the true meaning of “real.” 3.) Growing up surrounded by hip-hop culture, Russell had an advantage in the marketplace by understanding first-hand what his peers and predecessors wanted that weren’t available at the time. He realized that he could generate revenue through rap; an underground genre that had not yet taken flight, and generate a style that urban youth felt most comfortable with. He was able to give urban youth around the world the music they idolized and the clothes they preferred to wear. 4.) Brainstorm a business ideA business idea I would pitch to Russell Simmons would be creating apps. Applications have become very popular now-a-days...
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...The transition from a Socialist approach to a free market approach and the rise of a new high-tech sector are two remarkable shifts that have occurred in the last two decades in Israel. In the face of these changes, human resource (HR) practitioners are currently expected to assume new roles, adopt different work values, and apply appropriate strategies. HR managers in the low-tech industry still adhere to traditional values and strategies, including a reliance on trade unions and an emphasis on job security and the employees’ years of work experience and seniority as key criteria for promotion. In the emerging high-tech sector, HR managers have adopted new values and developed new strategies, including human resource management programs, employee empowerment, higher salaries and better benefits, while placing an emphasis on employees’ talents and qualifications. Source: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm/journals.htm?issn=01437720&volume=22&issue=3&articleid=848302&show=html&PHPSESSID=qj5kp1babsuadbfaj 47luam41 Recent changes in Israeli society and economy and their relation to Organizational Politics Over the past three decades, Israel has undergone significant economic, industrial and cultural transformations. These developments have shifted public values considerably and may indirectly affect OP and HR practices. For example, Sagie and Weisberg (2001) maintain that in recent years, Israeli society has gone from being ascetic...
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...CHINA BOOST FOR SENAI HI-TECH PARK Senai Hi-Tech Park, Malaysia's second high technology industrial park, got off to a promising start with investments of more than US$500 million (RM1.7 billion) from two companies in Johor. China-based EQ Solar Technology International Sdn Bhd plans to invest US$500 million to produce solar modules while leading industrial gases provider MOX-Linde Gases Sdn Bhd, through its initial outlay of RM60 million, plans to set up an industrial gases separation plant. Senai High Tech Park chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Ahmad Shukri Tajudin said this shows that the park is ready to compete as another preferred location for hightechnology manufacturing, research and innovation activities. Located within Iskandar Malaysia, the park has drawn interest from investors in the US, Europe and China. "Interest is in various sectors including semiconductor industry and solar," he said at a media briefing. International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. "We're expecting a few more similar investments," Mustapa said, without disclosing details. Malaysia has so far attracted several global solar industry players like First Solar, Sunpower and Q-Cells. There are also several domestic investments in solar power projects in Selangor and Sabah. Mustapa hopes that the park will create more jobs, similar to what was achieved at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in the north. The...
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...over the years. Guillermo Furniture Store Recommendation Analysis and Recommend Financial Decision The economy is weak, new competitors’ establishing a presents, Guillermo must tackle a tough decision, which is to become a furniture distributor or stay on the manufacturing side, or possibility do both. Guillermo understands that change is forth coming and he has to venture forward but the dilemma is what the best alternative is. First Guillermo must analysis the financial alternatives and establish which objective is beneficial for the company. The next step is to gather information and formulate a pro forma cash flow budget to analyze the projected earnings for the next five years for the company (University of Phoenix, 2007). Hi-Tech Option Guillermo established his wealth various years ago because of the low cost in labor along with an extraordinary location for manufacturing. The company’s success has held strong on those foundations until now. There are a few concerns for Guillermo that may cause the company to change the way it does...
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...strategy-oriented HR system case study 1. * Strategically required organizational outcomes: * Good products and good services. Products and services is always the most important thing for a manufacturing company. Siemens has become a world leader by diversifying into hi-tech products and services, it need to maintain this advantage and develop it even further to achieve more. * Going global and expand. Globalization gives big companies a chance to expand rapidly. Siemens has succeeded in going global but this is a long way, it still needs more expansion into more countries or areas that are not covered yet. * Positive brand image. A good company image is extraordinarily important to the company’s healthy development. Siemens needs to keep customers satisfied both with its products and services, which helps it to get more market share and expand even faster. * A good employee selection, training and compensation system. The company not just need to keep customers satisfied, it has to keep employees happy too. So that it can work more efficiently and effectively. * Required workforce competencies and behaviors: * Learning on a continuing basis. Siemens is in high-tech business so the nature decided that its employees need to learn new things every day. * Good teamwork. The ability to work with people is essential in such big corporation. Especially when it’s going global. * Mutual respect and appreciation of workforce diversity. Siemens...
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...DARA & SON PVT. LTD Rohini, Sec. 29, New Delhi Research Paper by Manish Bhatt and Prabhudas Lilladher ATTRACTIVE MIDCAPS AMONGST RECENT IPO ISSUES:- [pic]Tech Mahindra and GMR Infrastructure have once again raised interest in the IPO segment. While Tech Mahindra and GMR Infra are obvious choices experts are also bullish on Nectar Life sciences, Unity Infra, All cargo Global and…With over subscription of Voltamp Transformer recently experts give attractive midcap picks from this fraternity for the long-term. Future business model, sound managements, availability at prices below their issue price, attractive valuations, niche positioning within their industry and future growth are important reasons why investors should log on to these IPOs feel a bevy of experts Money control spoke with. Apart from that Keynote Capitals in its report titled ‘Attractive Recently Listed Midcap Stocks’ have mentioned names like Nectar Life sciences, Repro India, Talbros Automotive and K Sera. While a number of them are available at a substantial premium to their offer price, six of them are still quoting at a discount to their issue price. Everest Kanto looks pretty good at current levels for the long term. All cargo Global also looks good in the recently listed midcap IPOs. Both the companies are in a niche segment and have done quite well on the fundamentals post-listing. Everest Kanto ranks first as far as LPG cylinder manufacturing is concerned. It posted fairly...
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...NAME: Meghna Shrivastava STUDENT ID: c7080738 COURSE: B.A (HONS) International Business MODULE: Management of International Business MODULE TUTOR: Mr. Ashish Tripathi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Club Mahindra holiday is a consumers service industry which is part of Mahindra group having infrastructure of US $ 14.4 million. Under Club Mahindra flagship Mahindra Holiday and Resorts India Ltd (MHRIL) was started in 1996 as a realty sector of Mahindra group brought up for bring values, reliabilities and trust and customer satisfaction. Club Mahindra has got an affiliation with RCI which consist of 60% of the service industry market share, which make Mahindra holiday timeshares largest holiday ownership brand in India. Apart from being a customer centric company club Mahindra performs various Corporate Social Responsibilities for the well fare of people, employees, its customers and environment. According to CESD, 2007 Tourism is becoming one of the largest business sector in the world showing 2005 receipt of international tourism reaching $6.82 trillion. Club Mahindra performs in service industry where revenue produced in 2008 by service industry was $4,028.6 billion showing CAGE OF 6.3% from 2004-08. (Datamonitor, 2009) Furthermore, club Mahindra perform or exist in environment where customers has the power to control the market. Whereas, large number of suppliers weakens them from leading, new entrants in service industry is very easy but the threat of substitutes and...
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