Michael Porters Theory Of National Competitive Advantage Economics Essay

Michael Porters Theory Of National Competitive Advantage Economics Essay Porters Diamond suggests that the national home base of a firm plays an important role in shaping the extent a nation can create new advanced factors such as skilled labour, advanced technology and knowledge base, government support, and culture. Government and chance are two elements are not included in the four basic ones that form the diamond but integral nonetheless as either-or can influence the entire diamond. It is with these six forces and their interactions were studied for 100 industry case studies (Porter, 1990 26-27). The importance of this model is integral on these elements support or hinder these firms from developing advantages in the global arena, specifically from a firm-based perspective. Factor conditions pertain to the situation in a nation regarding various production factors, both man-made and inherited. These national factors directly affect the industries that subsequently develop. Demand conditions reflect the state of home market demand for products produced within the country, encompassing customer needs/wants, their scope and growth rate, and the mechanisms that transmit domestic preferences to foreign markets. Relating and supporting industries are key in determining a firms success, as the existence or non-existence of internationally competitive inputs reinforce and firms ability to innovate and remain competitive in the global arena. Firm Strategy, Structure, and Rivalry pertain to the conditions in a country that influence a firms establishment, its organization and managemen t, as well as the characteristics of domestic competitors. Porter argues that domestic rivalry and subsequent quest for competitive advantage help provide the elements for repeating those same results in the global marketplace. In applying a real-world example, Porters Diamond will be used to offer explanation as to why the internet market is dominated by firms from the United States of America. Factor Conditions: An industry requires an appropriate supply of factors in its home base if it is to be successful. In the United States there are many specialized factors which apply to the internet industry in addition to generalized advantages that span across domestic industries. A high national income in unison with a large population meant expensive computer hardware and monthly internet fees could be obtained by millions and millions of U.S citizens. It is not selective factor disadvantages, but rather an abundant supply of capital, entrepreneurial orientation, and world-class educational infrastructure (computer technology included) that explain the industries dominance. Demand Conditions: The internet has been rapidly adopted by consumers and businesses alike. The United States has a high penetration of internet access. Virtually every major firm has a website. High disposable income means American consumers can afford to purchase a variety of goods online. This climate has created a rich environment for online only firms to develop and prosper within the U.S. Notable examples include worldwide heavyweight Google, Amazon.com, Ebay, Yahoo, Facebook, Twitter, and Netflix. Related + supporting industries: The United States benefits from local suppliers eager to help prosper by helping industries production, marketing, and distribution needs. Notable is Silicon Valley for its incredibly dense population of high-technology firms; creating an ideal climate with input suppliers closely and the human capital necessary. A culture that fosters entrepreneurship means many individuals are not afraid to risk capital in creating a new venture Firm Strategy, Structure, and rivalry: Following the tech-bubble of the new millennium, which saw the NASDAQ ** technology firms never truly recovered from their reputation as an industry that is volatile, ultra-competative, and ever changing. Many firms have sprung up with impressive growth only to crash-and-burn. This competitive environment however is key to understanding the nature of the industry. Obtaining and sustaining a competitive advantage can be enormously profitable for firms, but by being forced to closely monitor costs, raise productivity, boost product quality, and develop innovative products U.S based internet firms have been able to transfer these advantages only at a costs much lower. Having already obtained the advantage in their home market, they can enter the international marketplace with additional leverage in areas such as Research and Development, quality control, human capital, and overall management. In order to truly understand Porters Diamond theory, the International aspect is integral in forming the platform for which this trade takes place. In The Competitive Advantage of Nations, Porters fundamental objective from the start was to uncover why some social groups, economic institutions and nations advance and prosper (Porter, 1990, p. xi). In todays business environment with Globalization playing and ever more important role, Porter suggests that the competitive advantage of a nations industries is determined by the configuration of the four aforementioned elements forming the Diamond: factor conditions; related and supporting industries; and firm strategy, structure, and rivalry. Foreign subsidiaries with strong internal capabilities and the ability to capitalize on host country opportunities may take strategic initiatives that areas important to a firm or industry as home country determinants(Morrison and Crookell. 1991). Although the domestic environment in which firms compete shapes their ability to compete in international markets, there is likely other circumstances beyond facing vigorous competition domestically in terms of continuously striving to improve their products that influence and offer insight into Firm based National Advantage. National policy and economics considerably influence firms ultimate ability to compete in the global marketplace; while Porter notes national policies may also affect firms international strategies and opportunities in more subtle ways, merely portraying various cultural influences, the geography, religion, climate, and political factors that greatly influence firm-based national advantage by acknowledging they affect each element of the Diamond is not adequate. Porters insisted that a firms ability to compete depends largely upon the strength of the diamond within its home national and the assertion that national economic performance depends on this. Both of these can be critiqued for relevance at a time when the world economy has become increasingly globally oriented, and the multinational corporation increasingly important. ***Dunning (1993, pp. 9-10) points out that in the 1990s an increasing proportion of the assets of firms in a particular country are either acquired from or are located in, another country. Despite this, many firms have a large proportion of their operations away from their home base and it is debatable to suggest that their competitive position rests uniquely upon the strength of diamonds in their home base. It is important not to confuse this with their initial move abroad which it may have initially been the catalyst. In questioning the Clarity of Porters Diamond, Daly (1993) for instance claimed to have significant reason to reject Porters claim that exchange rates and wages are not integral to determining competitiveness. He was able to demostrate that export growth and export shares are impacted by variations in exchange rate as well as labour costs. Despite this, Porters definition of competitiveness is more focused on national productivity compared to export shares. In asserting that competitiveness cannot be meaningfully defined in terms of low labour costs and favourable exchange rates (CAN, p. 7). claim Porters case studies lack a homogenous analytical tool to determine the importance and precise impact of each determinant on the industries competitive position (Rugman, A. M., Verbeke, A. 1993). They that it is extremely difficult to operationalize Porters diamond when putting theory into practice such as what a consultant or strategic planner would attempt I would argue that Michael Porters Theory of National Competitive Advantage is in fact important and a useful tool in understanding the factors affecting firm-based trade-theory, while still offering some analysis as to how country-based specifics influence firms actions and products and ultimately national advantage. As per Porter the determinants of national advantage reinforce each other and proliferate over time in fostering competitive advantage in an industry, thus nations achieve success in international competition where they possess advantages (Porter, 1990). Porter portrays that domestic rivalry as the major spur to innovation and hence success in international competition. It is clear no theory can single-handedly all trade flows in international trade but Porters Diamond is more relevant in understanding intra-industry trade of differentiated goods. This pertains in particular to competitive and dynamic industries where each element in Porters Diamond would be very releva nt in influencing product change while other country-based specifics play a minimal role. Rugman, A. M., Verbeke, A. (1993). How to Operationalize Porters Diamond of International Competitiveness. International Executive, 35(4), 283-299. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Dunning. John H. (October 1990) Dunning on Porter. paper to the Annual Meeting of the Academy of International Business, Toronto. Morrison, Alan and Crookell, Harold (1991) Free Trade: The Impact on Canadian Subsidiary Strategy. in Earl H. Fry and Lee H. Radebaugh (eds.). Investment in the North American Free Trade Area: Opportunities and Challenges, Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.

“How Far Is Play Key in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead?”

In the play â€Å"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead†, the writer Tom Stoppard reveals to the reader the importance of â€Å"play† in his play and how it helps develop the plot and the characters of his literary work. Stoppard uses witty language, and satirical humour to help highlight the importance of numerous types play to the reader. Stoppard uses play as a main theme throughout his play as commentary on how play has many different interpretations, thus he uses his play as an impetus to explore this theme and allow the reader and the audience to gain a better understanding. Read this â€Å"The Secrets of Haiti’s Living Dead† One of the most prominent forms of play that is evident in the exposition of the play is how Stoppard plays around with the expectations of the audience as well as having both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern both tease the audience as part of their act. Stoppard begins the play with both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern already in action as if we as the audience have come â€Å"late to the action† by beginning the play with what seems to the audience as a non-sequiturs conversation â€Å"†¦Heads†¦ There is an art to the building up of suspense. Through this we as the reader are able to see how Stoppard is deliberately beginning his play in an unorthodox manner which would surprise the audience who would be hoping to follow the plot of the play from the beginning. By doing this, Stoppard is able to create an effect on both the reader as we are able to infer the audience’s expectation which have probably been diminished but nevertheless intrigued. As a reader we are a lso curious to know how long Stoppard will uphold this dramatic tension and leave both the reader and audience uneasy. Once we as the reader become aware of the fact that Stoppard’s play in not a conventional play that meets our expectations or the audience, we become subject to Stoppard’s world of plays awaiting anything that may come our way. In the exposition of the play, we see how the play begins with Rosencrantz flipping a coin continuously as Guildenstern tries to figure out how the coin only seems to flipping â€Å"heads†, â€Å"†¦. Heads†¦ The law of probability, it has been oddly asserted, is something to do with the proposition that if six monkeys†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Here Stoppard is able to highlight the important motif of coins and to a certain extent gambling through Rosencrantz playing with the coin. One could infer that through this coin play; Stoppard is simply trying to assert the attention of the audience by having them wait in suspense for something to happen. On the other hand, Stoppard also uses Rosencrantz game to highlight the fact that even from the very beginning of the play; his characters have no direction or purpose as to what they are meant to be doing on stage. This leaves us as the reader and the audience included feeling bemused by Stoppard’s play and wondering whether there are any conventional elements to Stoppard’s play. Furthermore, Stoppard is able to continue to build on the theme of play, by exposing the reader and the audience; through his manipulation of language and word play, to other characters in the play and how they help develop the plot of the play. During Act One, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern meet a band of Tragedians whose leader is the mysterious and crafty Player. Once the two parties begin to engage in conversation it becomes obvious that the play begins to make sexual references and similarities to the world of acting and prostitution. Naturally, both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are intrigued by his offer and try to delve deeper into what the Player is offering â€Å"You’re not – ah – exclusively players, then? †, â€Å"We’re inclusively players, sir. † Through Stoppard’s use of double entendres in the language, we are able to see how he plays at the sexual innuendos of the Player through the implications of the meaning â€Å"inclusively† to show how the word intimates intimacy and an element of risque endeavors. By doing this Stoppard is able make a satirical comment about the similarities in the nature of acting and prostitution and how they both perform for money, though they differ on the nature of their performances. Through this we as the audience are able to see how Stoppard is able to add humour to the play through his word play and sexual innuendos, allowing the reader and the audience to enjoy the play despite the fact it may appear to be quite absurd. Lending weight to the above notion, Stoppard is able to show the importance of play through the character of the Player, who is able to toil around with both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and helps them come to the realization that they are actors and that they have a purpose. The player is able to do this by playing around with the minds of both the protagonists, firstly through his sexual innuendos as explored above and through the fact that he helps Rosencrantz and Guildenstern realise that they are actors on stage and that they are performers to an audience. Stoppard is able to use the Player as a foil to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern who begin to question the Player asking him â€Å"†¦aren’t you going to change into your costume? †, â€Å"I never change out of it, sir† and â€Å"aren’t you going to – come on? †, â€Å"I am on. † Here we see the irony Stoppard is trying to convey as both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern did not walk onto stage appear to put on a costume in order to come on and act. Here Stoppard explores the theme of â€Å"seeming and being† as he shows how throughout the play the two protagonists interchangeably play around with their characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in â€Å"Hamlet† and in Stoppard’s play. This leaves us the reader to question whether Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are acting or whether they are being themselves, leaving us intrigued as we ponder this peculiar phenomenon. Another character who helps elucidate on Stoppard’s theme of playing is the character of Hamlet who appears to be mad plays mind games with his two friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Nobody in the play of â€Å"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead† and in â€Å"Hamlet† knows why Hamlet is acting crazy and thus, they try to find reason for his madness. What they are not aware of is the fact that Hamlet has chosen to act mad and â€Å"play† the fool in order to prove the guilt of the new king and to find out if his mother was in on the plot to murder his father. Thus in Stoppard’s play it is obvious that Hamlet is simply playing around as he tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he is â€Å"but mad north north-west; when the wind is southerly [he] knows a hawk from a handsaw†. Through Hamlet’s complex metaphor it is clear to see that he is actually lucid and is able to know that he is being tricked and deceived by his childhood friends with orders from Claudius. Here we are able to see how because of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s lack of wit and inablilty to comprehend Hamlet’s message they are inevitably the ones played by Hamlet and thus their ignorance leads them to their death. We as the reader and are left to see how Stoppard is able to use the character of Hamlet to show how disguise and deception both coincide with the theme of play as well as seeming and being. Lastly, Stoppard also conveys the importance of playing, through his use allusion to other texts by various writers to help show past and present literature works influence almost all writers. Stoppard’s play is based on the plot of â€Å"Hamlet†, but it greatly echoes Beckett’s play â€Å"Waiting for Godot†. In Beckett’s play the main protagonists of the play also lack direction and purpose and are waiting for the appearance of Godot who never comes. Thus similar to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, they too engage in games to pass the time â€Å"†¦well, what to do now? †, â€Å"Don’t, let’s do anything. It’s safer. By adopting the same ideals from Beckett’s play about the nature of the play and the characters, it is possible to see how Stoppard is commenting on the importance of literary influences on writers and their works. Overall, Stoppard is able to convey the importance of the theme play in his play throu gh his use of careful and witty choice of language and through the satire of his characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Stoppard is able to allow the reader and the audiences to experience the importance of the theme play through his exploration of the different interpretations of the word in numerous unconventional forms.

Intellectual Of Electrical Engineering The Negritude

Intellectual to electrical engineering The Negritude By the end of the 19th century, most of Africans were living under some form of European colonial domination. The history of Africa and its Diaspora was dismissed as insignificant at best, inexistent at worse. Black cultures were ridiculed, stereotyped, and scorned. So the concept of Negritude emerged as the expression of a revolt against the historical situation of French colonialism and racism. Negritude was both a literary and ideological movement led by French-speaking black writers and intellectuals. The movement is marked by its rejection of European colonization and its role in the African diaspora, pride in â€Å"blackness† and traditional African values and culture. The negritude movement was inspired by the Harlem renaissance writers and thinkers but still different to the Black panters mouvment in many point such as the use of violence. The negritude founders’ Aimà © Cà ©saire from Martinique, Là ©opold Sà ©dar Senghor from Senegal and Là ©on-Gontran Damas from French Guiana ( met in Paris in 1931) have to define themselves against a world which leaves no room for who and what they are because they are black folks in a world where universal seems to naturally mean white. Thus, the Negritude or the self-affirmation of black peoples was an answer to the question: what are we in this white world? Indeed, all of the three founders was colonial subject because they all came from French colonies, and being colonial subjects meant

Violin Essay - 1042 Words

Violin Music and art, the feelings that go through a person while the music of Mozart and Beethoven are playing, are indescribable. Listening to music can take a person away to a different era. Music like Mozart or Beethoven can really take a persons imagination soaring in a whole new perspective. Composers throughout the novel, Violin were Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. Violin was a truly fabulous name for this story. It contains many fantastic elements as well as realistic elements; however, it should not be confused with magical realism. Violin copy written in 1997 by Anne Rice. She has written several novels that were imaginary and fantastic. The novels that Anne Rice has written have that kind of effect on a person while†¦show more content†¦Music can make a person feel good and make a person feel bad. The stench of the body was going all through the house was a realist element. When the neighbor arrived, she could smell the body right away. The realistic element was definitely here. The stench of the body was a dead giveaway that it was real. The stench of a decaying body isnt the best smell in the world. The man playing the violin seemed to be a fantastic element; however, the man playing the violin in reality was real. The man came up on the porch and played his violin for Triana. She watched him through the window. The maid came in and apologized to her and told her that she had asked him to leave that they did not want to see him or hear him play the violin (55). The women told her that was o.k. She liked listening to the man play the violin. The man came from nowhere and played the music she loved so well. The composers of the music in the story were Mozart and Beethoven among others. These great composers really knew how to make some beautiful music. The woman in the story seemed to get lost upon listening to the rhythms and beats of the enchanting music. 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