Desert Industry

Desert Industry INVESTIGATING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGEIN THE SMALL SCALE DESSERT INDUSTRY IN SOUTH WALES. 1. INTRODUCTION: Financial Success often depends on marketing ability of a firm. Finance, operations, accounting and other business functions cannot help unless there is sufficient demand of products and services of a firm in the market. Hence, the focus of the firms today is totally on the customers (Kotler and Keller, 2006). In broader sense, the whole marketing process can be defined in the following diagram: In every stage of the marketing process, a firm not only has to keep its focus on the customers but also have to keep the efforts to be ahead of its competitors. Hence, in each stage of the marketing process, a firm tries to be ahead of its competitors by gaining a competitive advantage over them. In order to do this, certain competitive strategies are followed. These strategies involve taking offensive or defensive actions to create a defendable position in the industry. The best competitive strategy for a firm is unique and dependent on the challenges that the firm is facing. However, it is not possible for a firm to enjoy a competitive advantage in the market over a same strategy for long term basis. So, with the change in the external environment and competitors strategies, the competitive strategies of a firm, too, has to undergo certain changes. The project proposes to study competitive advantage for small firm in desserts industry, which has created a niche segment for itself in the competitive dessert and bakery market of South Wales. It also aims to study the importance that such small firms give to competitive advantage and the way they evolve with time. 2. FOCUS 2.1 Aim: By considering the above mentioned facts, the aim of the project has been narrowed down to: â€Å"To study Wales dessert market taking into consideration the prominent players in the industry, thereby, identifying the evolution of its competitive advantage and strategies over a period of time and the possible opportunities and threats in the coming time†. 2.2 Objectives: 1) To study Wales Dessert market and evolving competitive strategies of prominent players of industry with time. 2) To carry on a comparative study on the competitive strategies of the prominent players of wales dessert market. 3) To identify the upcoming threats and opportunities, hence, making recommendations in terms of how players can gain competitive advantage over its competitors. 3. CONTEXT: The concept of gaining competitive advantage forms the thrust of marketing activities in an organization. Working on a project using a study on competitive advantage would be a great value addition to me as a student of marketing specialization. This is because of the reason that Competitive advantage encompasses almost all major aspects/fields of marketing ranging right from the conception of product development through product promotion to product launch and strategies for its sustenance in the market. The reason for choosing not too developed dessert market was that information about the competitive advantage and strategies of large firms and MNCs is well talked of in books, articles, news, journals. Even while compounding theories and frame works related to competitive advantage and strategies, theorists have given major consideration to large corporations and MNCs. The Focus of project on such small segment industry is to understand the perspective and dimensions of the concept of competitive advantage and strategies at a small scale. 4. LITERATURE REVIEW: 4.1 About the Conceptual framework: Competitive advantage: The Concept The concept of Competitive Advantage was compounded by Michael E. Porter in 1985. In order to create a defendable position in the market or in order to survive successfully in the presence of various competitive forces so as to generate high returns on investments, it is important for a firm to take either offensive or defensive strategies (Porter, 1998). Resource Based Theory The major contribution of the resource-based view of the firm to date has been as a theory of competitive advantage. It argues that it is very important for a firm to develop a sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) within so as to successfully survive in highly competitive market. According to the theory, achieving a SCA allows the firm to earn economic returns over its investments. Also, it lays emphasis on how firms achieve and sustain competitive advantages. The theory puts forward the idea that in order to gain competitive advantage, possession of certain key resources that have unique features like value, barriers to duplications and appropriability, acts as an effective stimulus. The theory also stresses upon effective deployment of the resources in the market to maximize returns and on the appropriate strategic choice of the firm (Fahy and Smithee, 1999). A customer should see any competitive advantage as a customer advantage. For example, if a company sells fresh food than its competitors, this will not be a customer advantage if customers do not value fresh food. Companies must concentrate on building customer advantages because only by focusing on customer advantages, high customer satisfaction and vale can be assured which further leads to repetitive purchases that are i.e. A loyal customer base and ultimately higher market share (Kotler and Keller, 2006). Resource-Based Model of Sustainable Competitive Advantage : Source: (Adapted from Fahy and Smithee, 1999) Porters Generic Strategies: These are the Basic approaches to strategic planning that can be adopted by any firm in any market or industry to improve its competitive performance. For an organisation to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage Michael Porter suggested that they should follow either one of three generic strategies: 1) Cost Leadership 2) Differentiation 3) Focus These strategies are applied at the business unit level. They are called generic strategies because they are not firm or industry dependent. Each generic strategy implies different skills and requirements for success which commonly translates into differences in organisational structure and culture. Cost Leadership A firm is said to be following the strategy of cost leadership if it is able to deliver a product with same features and quality as its competitors but at a comparative lower cost to the customer. For a business to achieve such a strategy, it is important to achieve low cost of production and distribution. In short, the strategy emphasizes on charging lower price than competitors to gain more market share (Kotler and Keller, 2006) (Dibb et al, 2006) and (www.quickmba.com). Differentiation The differentiation strategy, unlike cost leadership, lays stress on delivering products with the benefits exceeding the same products produced by the competitors in the market. According to the strategy superior performance of the product is valued by a large part of the market (Kotler and Keller, 2006) (Dibb et al, 2006) and (www.quickmba.com). Focus The focus strategy is also known as a niche strategy. This strategy is adopted when a firm is neither in a position to implement cost leadership nor differentiation strategy. In this strategy the focus in terms of efforts and resources is confined to on a narrow and defined segment of a market. A niche strategy is often used by smaller firms. A company could use either a cost focus or a differentiation focus. A firm using a focus strategy often enjoys a high degree of customer loyalty, and this entrenched loyalty discourages other firms from competing directly (Dibb et al, 2006) (Kotler and Keller, 2006). PROS: 1) Porters generic strategies model achieves to reduce the strategic alignment of the organisations between cost and differentiation. The model successfully indicates that differentiation strategy is equally effective as cost leadership. 2) The selection of a generic strategy provides direction to management and staff that helps them acquire internal consistency between management style, reward system, recruiting policy, etc. so as to shape its internal structure as per the choice of strategy of the firm. CONS: 1) The concept of porter generic strategies is mostly focused on large multinational companies with multiple business units although the strategy can be implemented on small organisations too, but the tools employed in the strategies are too complex to add optimum value to them. 2) Porter stated that competitive strategic analysis needs to happen on an ongoing basis. But even when a quantitative/economic change in the industrys conditions is detected, the reaction is frequently too late to realign the company. Most change occurs bottom-up, intuitively and creatively, and can be detected early using soft data rather than hard data Porters Five Forces: Michael Porters Five Forces of Competitive Position model provides a simple perspective for assessing and analysing the competitive advantage or strength and position of a corporation or business organization. Industry structure and positioning within the industry are the basis for models of competitive strategy promoted by Michael Porter. The â€Å"Five Forces† diagram captures the main idea of Porters theory of competitive advantage. Source: (Adapted from Ankli , 2007) Bargain Strength of Supplier: Since a powerful customer always has the discretion of forcing supplier for discounts, delay payment or preferred services, later, sometimes have to partly finance the former, so the supplier has to partly finance them. As for examples, Enormous bargaining power is enjoyed by huge Supermarket chains that have huge, concentrated buying power (C Murphy, 2005) (Thompson and Strickland, 2004). Bargain Strength of Customers: The bargaining power of the customer depends on the range of choice of suppliers that it has with him/her. In a situation of monopsony, where one customer has the choice of many suppliers, the bargaining power of customer is high to an extent where he himself sets the price. Whereas for a situation where customers are poorly placed, their bargaining power is negligible and hence they have to accept the terms offered by the suppliers (Ankli, 2007) (Aaker and McLoughlin, 2007) (Thompson and Strickland, 2004). Potential Entrants: The firm has to be alert from not only the competitors but the new entrants in the market pose equal threat of market share being snatched. The possibility is even higher if there are minimal barriers to the entry and exit to business entities in the market. However, in reality, the industries have the policies that protect the financial interests of existing firms in the market and restrain additional rivals from entering the market (Thompson and Strickland, 2004) (Ankli, 2007). Substitutes: Another set of competitors that may pose threat to the market share of a firm are the firms that produce the products that can be substituted against the existing product of the firm. This threat is of high intensity if there is high willingness among the customers to switch from the use of current product to its substitute. Some major factors that may stimulate the willingness of customers to switch to the use of substitute can be use of breakthrough technology in substitute, Steep price difference between the existing product and the substitute (C Murphy, 2005) (Ankli, 2007). Industry Rivalry: The intensity of competition is directly proportional to the structure of the industry. What matters here is the number and capability of your rivals if you have many competitors and they offer equally valuable products and services, then in this situation you will have little power. If you are doing the same thing what others are doing i.e. suppliers and buyers are not happy with your deal, theyll go elsewhere. On the other hand, if you do that no-one else can do, then you can often have tremendous advantage and strength (Thompson and Strickland, 2004) (Ankli, 2007). According to Obasi Richard, with the use of the concept of Competitive advantage and strategies, it would be easier for the firms to have a better insight in business situations and the appropriate strategies pertaining to these situations. Also, the managers would be able to make tactical decisions rather than relying on their intuition, experience, or trial and error alone (Akan et al, 2006). 4.2 About the Chosen Sector: The desert industry of UK is although small industry however it is growing at a good pace. Since last few years many new players have entered in this segment and have been using competitive marketing strategies like Online Marketing, Customisation etc to sustain and do well. According to the website of British baker magazine there is an increase in the cake and cake bars market by 7% in the year 2008 as compared to 2007 to reach GBP 1.52 bn. According to research from Mintel out of the whole only two-third of the consumers only consume the cakes, frequency of use and penetration level is declining. Report also stated that the market is likely to grow between 2008 and 2013 by 26 % (www.bakeryinfo.co.uk). According to Reuters the UK biscuit and the cake market in the year 2007 was approximately to be worth GBP 2.96bn, a boost of 13.6% since 2003. It is likely to see a rise in the biscuit and the cake market between 2008 and 2012, even though this may be largely driven by rise in input cost. Biscuits and cakes are getting a tough competition from other alternatives such as fruits and savoury snacks but its value growth is maintained due to some added value activities (www.reuters.com). It can be seen that the dessert industry is growing and considerable research can further contribute to aspiring small desert industries which is my intention. 5. Research Methodology: 5.1 Research Paradigm: The research paradigm which will be used in the dissertation is Phenomenology. Phenomenological approach to research is so called because it is based on the way people experience social phenomena in the world in which they live. Phenomenologists are concerned with what things mean, rather than with identifying and measuring phenomena. They are particularly interested in the idea that human experience is a valuable source of data, as opposed to the idea that true research or discovery lies in simply measuring the existence of physical phenomena. 5.2 Research Approach: Since the project aims to find out competitive advantage and competitive strategy, so the findings of the project would be qualitative in nature. 5.3 Research Methods: Different research methods used for primary data are: * Surveys * In Depth Interviews Different research methods used for Secondary data are: * Self study from internet * Books * Research articles and journals 5.4 Sampling: For the analysis, two samples are considered, namely: a. Consumers b. Players in the Dessert Industry The consumers would be taken from all age groups, geographic locations and lifestyles. Similarly, players too would range from the biggest players in the market to the small organizations involved in the same business. 5.4.1 Sampling Criteria: For the analysis, two samples are considered, namely: a. Consumers b. Players in the Dessert Industry The consumers would be taken from all age groups, geographic locations and lifestyles. Similarly, players too would range from the biggest players in the market to the small organizations involved in the same business. 5.4.2 Number of Respondents/Participants: For Customers: 125 150 For Players: 10-15 5.4.3 Sampling Technique: The probability Technique will be used. The probability sampling is also known as random sampling. It gives each member of the target population an equal probability of selection. 5.5 Methods to analyse Primary Data: The study would use MS excel for the analyses of the primary data and text analysis as well. 6. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION AND ISSUES: Ethical considerations towards respondents: * Proper information about the study * Anonymity of the participants * Freedom to choice Ethical considerations for self: * Clear communication with respondents * Use of authenticated data * Proper interpretation of data 7. REFERENCES: MURPHY, C. 2005. Gathering, Analysing and putting it to work 1st edition. Aldershot, Hants: Gower Publishing Limited Doyle, P., Stern, P. 2006. Markeing Management and Strategy 4th edition. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited Dibb, S., Simkin, L., Pride, W., Ferrell, O. 2006. Marketing Concepts and Strategies 5th edition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company Thompson, A., Strickland, A. 2004. Strategic Management Concepts and Cases 13th edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Aaker, D., McLoughlin, D. 2007. Strategic Market Management 7th edition. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley Sons, Ltd Kotler, P., Keller, K. 2006. Marketing Management 12th edition. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited Porter, M. 1998. Competitive Advantage Creating And Sustaining Superior Performance 11th edition, New York, NY: The Free Press QuickMBA. 2007. Competitive Advantage [WWW] http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/competitive-advantage/ (15th Nov, 2009) Bakeryinfo.co.uk. 2008. cake market on the up but trends are changing [WWW] http://www.bakeryinfo.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3879/Cake_market_on_the_up,_but_trends_are_changing.html (13th Nov,2009) Reuters. 2008. Fahy, J., Smithee, A. 1999. Strategic Marketing and the Resource Based View of the Firm. Academy of Marketing Science Review, 10, pp. 1-20 Ankli, R. 1992. Michael Porters Competitive Advantage and Business History. Business and Economic History, 21, pp. 229-232 Akan, O., Allen, R., Helms, M., Spralls, S. 2006. Critical tactics for implementing Porters generic strategies. Journal of Business Strategy, 27(1), pp. 43-53 8. TIME PLAN In 6 months of the dissertation 2 weeks will be dedicate to introduction 1 month will be dedicated to Literature Review. 2 months for data analysis. 1 month for research methodology. 1 month for conclusion

O Level

w w ap eP m e tr .X w UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS s er om .c GCE Ordinary Level MARK SCHEME for the October/November 2008 question paper 5054 PHYSICS 5054/02 Paper 2 (Theory), maximum raw mark 75 This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began. All Examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and nexpected approaches in candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills demonstrated. Mark schemes must be read in conjunction with the question papers and the report on the examination. †¢ CIE will not enter into discussions or correspondence in connection with these mark schemes. CIE is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 200 8 question papers for most IGCSE, GCE Advanced Level and Advanced Subsidiary Level syllabuses and some Ordinary Level syllabuses. Page 2 Mark Scheme GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2008 Syllabus 5054Paper 2 Do not accept fractions. No penalty for [ 2 s. f. unless stated or for 1 s. f. where exactly correct. Only one unit and only one fraction penalty per question. Section A 1 (a) 0. 5(0) m B1 C1 A1 (a) mgh or F ? d or 10 ? 700 (–)7000 J C1 A1 (b) Q/E/H = mc? T or (? T =) 7000/(1) ? 4200 1. 7 or 1. 67 or 5. 5 8. 9  °C e. c. f. (a) 4 B1 (b) rotates/tilts/unbalanced/one side down/one side up rotates anticlockwise/down on left or head down or foot up (net) anticlockwise moment or moment on left > moment on right or weight/CM on left of pivot 3 B1 B1 B1 B1 (b) 10(. 0) N or e. c. f. (a) diagram of two forces and resultant W / 6(N) and T / 8(N) marked on perp. forces or scale given 10(. 0  ±0. 2) N 35–39 ° from T/Y/horizontal or 51–55 ° from W/vertical an d correct resultant C1 C1 A1 (a) (i) (a = ? )v/t or 84/35 2. 4 m/s? C1 A1 (ii) speed and time axes correct and labelled straight line of positive gradient through origin 84 (m/s) and 35 (s) marked (b) (i) two arrows with forward force > backward force (ii) air/wind resistance or friction or drag  © UCLES 2008 B1 [5] [4] [5] B1 B1 B1 B1 B1 [7] Page 3 5 Mark Scheme GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2008 Syllabus 5054 a) Any two pairs – may be expressed in terms of the gas: liquid M1 molecules dense(r) close(r)/touching incompressible/volume fixed close(r) or strong(er) forces fills bottom container forces strong(er) expands less when heated forces strong(er) more viscous/flows slower forces strong(er) sound fast(er) close(r) or strong(er) forces better conductors of heat close(r) slower diffusion close(r) Paper 2 A1 (b) molecules gain speed/energy/heat and escape/leave cloth/break bonds or latent heat needed fast(er)/high(er) (kinetic) energy molecules escape/evaporate (a verage) speed / (kinetic) energy (of remainder) decreases r temperature related to (average) energy/speed of molecules 6 M2 A2 B1 B1 B1 (a) red B1 (b) (i) equal to B1 (ii) less than B1 (c) two correct refractions on Fig. 6. 2 no dispersion and ray ends close to P (a) 12(. 0) V B1 B1 B1 B1 (c) (E=) QV or VIt or 200 ? 12 2400 J accept 2370–2410 J e. c. f. 8 M1 A1 (b) top row: 4. 6 and 0 bottom row: square 1 = square 2 + square 3 or 9. 2 bottom row: 4. 6 in squares 2 and 3 cao 7 [7] C1 A1 (a) fusion B1 (b) (i) mass decreases or product/nuclei/atoms less massive mass becomes/converted to energy B1 B1 (ii) E = mc2 6. 6 ? 10–29 ? (3. 0 ? 108)2 5. 9 ? 0–12 or 5. 94 ? 10–12 J B1 C1 A1  © UCLES 2008 [5] [6] [6] Page 4 Mark Scheme GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2008 Syllabus 5054 Paper 2 Section B 9 (a) (i) Any three lines: vibration of cone/loudspeaker vibration of air/particles (molecules) particles/molecules pass on vibrations/energy (to neighbours) com pressions and rarefactions or longitudinal wave/movement of particle (max 3) B1 B1 B1 B1 (ii) loud – large amplitude/max displacement low-pitched – frequency/no. of waves per sec low frequency, small frequency, etc. (long wavelength 1/2) B1 M1 A1 (iii) (t =) d/s or 0. 57/330 0. 0017 s C1 A1 iv) speed of sound greater in water/liquid or v. v. less time taken in water/liquid or heard sooner/faster B1 B1 [10] (b) (i) v = f? or 200 seen (? =) v/f or 330/200 or 330/0. 2 or 1650 (m) 1. 6/1. 65/1. 7 m (ii) attempt at compressions and rarefactions/longitudinal wave correct wavelength marked C1 C1 A1 M1 A1 [5] [Total: 15]  © UCLES 2008 Page 5 Mark Scheme GCE O LEVEL – October/November 2008 Syllabus 5054 10 (a) (i) at least 2 concentric, complete circles increasing gap at least 1 anticlockwise arrow and none incorrect (ii) stronger or more lines or lines closer together or extends further (b) (i) (R =) V/I or 6. /8. 0 0. 75 ? Paper 2 B1 B1 B1 B1 [4] C1 A1 (ii) (Q =) It or 8. 0 ? 120 or 8. 0 ? 2 960 C (16 C scores 1/2) C1 A1 (c) (i) L>R or N>S [4] B1 (ii) force (on wire) or wire bends/moves into page/perpendicular to field/away (from us)/LH rule quoted M1 A1 (iii) force reverses or out of page or bends the other way e. c. f. B1 [4] (iv) accept first two marks on unlabelled diagram (wire becomes) coil / armature /solenoid force/movement opposite on sides of coil or moment current reverses during rotation/due to commutator or split ring B1 B1 B1 [3] [Total: 15]  © UCLES 2008 Page 6 Mark SchemeGCE O LEVEL – October/November 2008 Syllabus 5054 11 (a) (P =) VI or 6. 0 ? 1. 6 9. 6 W Paper 2 C1 A1 (b) (i) filament/J releases electrons or thermionic emission attracted by +ve terminal/metal plate/K electrons move/accelerate [2] B1 B1 B1 (ii) otherwise electrons hit (air) molecules/particles/lose energy or electrons deflected/don’t hit screen/cause ionisation of air B1 (iii) electrons/charges/beam/ray deflected (by magnetic field) few(er) ele ctrons reach plate/K/+ve terminal/pass round circuit B1 B1 (iv) current = 0 or no reading electrons repelled by or not attracted to K or K does not emit electrons B1 c) (i) (dot/speck of light) moves so fast (that the eye sees it as a single line) or timebase pulls it horizontally or voltage is constant/zero B1 [8] B1 (ii) (line/trace) displaced vertically at uniform rate/speed or slowly moves 3. 0 divisions/3cm M1 A1 B1 (iii) screen not high enough or trace moves beyond edge of screen or line moves 6cm / more than 4cm (vertically) or line can only move 4cm or screen is only 4cm from middle to top B1 [5] [Total: 15] B1 Independent mark C1 Compensation mark; given also if the answer is correct M1 Method mark: if not given, subsequent A marks are not awarded A1 Answer mark.  © UCLES 2008

Attitude, Legislation, and Litigation Essay

In the past the Special Education has overcome some challenges and length. The laws and rules made it potential for all special needs to have an education and to be treated fairly like everyone else. The special needs are human beings just like any other person and they need to have the same opportunities and equality in today’s society. Attitude Over the years the attitude towards the intellectual disabilities has been poorly repulsive and prejudice. Connecticut 1650 code was a law where the special needs get sterilization and can no longer reproduce. Hitler also eradicated the special needs, because he saw them as being weak to his supreme race. The people were afraid of the special needs because they did not fit into the normal society. In the coming years the attitudes slowly change and special needs are becoming more accepted into society. The laws and rules will soon open up people minds and eyes to change their attitude towards the special needs. â€Å"Furthermore, the stigma and discrimination commonly experienced by individuals with intellectual disability are not only a barrier to effective integration but also result in reduced self-esteem and feelings of isolation† (Ouellette-Kuntz, Burge, Brown, Arsenault, 2010, pg. 132). Legislation and Litigation Litigation has made a huge impact on the Special Education. The IDEA and the NCLB has changed the education for the special needs to allow the students into the school to learn and have the same education values as other students. The special needs students were not permitted to go to school and people were afraid of them or they might get the same disabilities of what they had. The Legislation brought up laws to protect the special needs and  to have them to go to school along with the general education. The Legislation also ensures the NCLB that all the students and teachers meet their requirement goals and given assessments for students for their grade levels. The IEP (Individualized Education Plan) benefit the teachers to keep track or their students’ progress and contains information on how well they are learning. â€Å"It is critical that IEP teams carefully consider the implications of choosing an alternative assessment as it may lead to an alternative diploma or certificate and may influence the kinds of jobs and postsecondary options available to the student† (Bowen, Rude, 2005, pg.27). Legislation made a wave for the Special Education and continues to put new laws in to the school systems to provide resources and materials for the students who have disabilities. Challenges There are some challenges that the educators are facing, where they have to make sure their students are passing and they have to follow the NCLB act. The resources and funds are being cut in the education departments and it is making it uneasy for the special needs those essential materials in order to learn. In some school district it is affecting their students to progress and the teacher’s accountability to provide the materials to the lesson plans. The teachers are facing hard times if their students are not passing because of budget cuts and spending. Predictions Student with disabilities are still being encourage to believe that there is still expectation for them to succeed. Students with mild disabilities are in the regular education classroom and learning the same materials other students are learning. In the future Special Education will thrive for the best, because there will be more voices and concern for the privileges of educations. The students will also be allow to have more choices for their education and hopefully the budget and spending will be prosperous for more resources and supplies to give out to the Special needs. Personal Encounter My first encounter with a person with disabilities, I was thinking â€Å"What happen to them, or why do they behave like that?† I would think will that ever happen to me? I also spectacle why do they attend the same school I go to. I started to run out of questions and answer and that’s when I asked my  mother who is a Special Education teacher and she told me â€Å"People with disabilities have the same equal rights and opportunities as other people do and they are human beings just like us.† That day on I change my who perspective view on people with disabilities. Conclusion The Special Education teachers are willing to take on challenges and roles to support their students to achieve. The laws and regulation are pushing it ways through the doors and allowing benefits, and educational plans for the special needs. The parents, teachers, and communities are the voices that will provide better treatment and exceptional tools to better the educational needs for the students. References Ouellette-Kuntz, H., Burge, P., Brown, H. K., & Arsenault, E. (2010). Public Attitudes Towards Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities as Measured by the Concept of Social Distance. Journal Of Applied Research In Intellectual Disabilities, 23(2), 132-142. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3148.2009.00514.x Bowen, S. K., & Rude, H. A. (2006). Assessment and Students with Disabilities: Issues and Challenges with Educational Reform. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 25(3), 24-30.

The Metamorphosis A Traveling Salesman Named Gregor Samsa

Elizabeth Shuck Mr. Detweiler Honors English 4 November 2014 The Metamorphosis The Metamorphosis, is about a traveling salesman named Gregor Samsa. One morning, Gregor wakes up to find that he has transformed into a giant insect. Unable to get up, he reflects on how he does not like his life as a traveling salesman. When he does not get up, and is let to work, his mom begins to worry about him. Eventually Gregor’s officer manager shows up and knocks on the door to tell him to get up. He responds, however, they cannot understand him so they think something is very wrong with him. Eventually, Gregor is able to get the door unlocked by the use of his mouth, since he has no hands. When he begins to explain to the office manager what has happened, and asks for his forgiveness, he runs out of the apartment. Gregor, who is confused by the events that took place, attempts to run after him, only to be stopped by his father that drives him back in his room with a cane and rolled up newspaper, where he will remain for the rest of the story. When G regor wakes the next morning, he discovers that someone has left food in his room. His sister Grete, left milk and bread. This used to be Gregor’s favorite food! However, when he tasted the bread now, he was repulsed by it. He eventually gives up on trying to eat the bread. When Grete comes back in and sees that he hasn’t touched the bread, she takes it away and returns with rotten food scraps. He discovers now, that with his new body, heShow MoreRelatedAllegorical Metamorphosis1128 Words   |  5 PagesAllegorical Metamorphosis Metamorphosis is transformation of an insect from an immature form to an adult form. Although this term is ordinarily used in Biology, Franz Kafka uses this term to title his peculiar story. 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The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka puts an interesting twist on the classic idea of death by allowing one man to experience his own death while he still resides on Earth. Lastly, Arthur Miller’s magnum opus Death of a Salesman embodies the idea of suicide in a way that is all too understandable and reflects the sometimes diluted thoughts we have about expectationsRead MoreThe Psychological And Sociological Aspects Of The Metamorphosis2301 Words   |  10 PagesDeciphering the Psychological and Sociological Aspects in the â€Å"Metamorphosis† As a person matures and develops over their lifespan, their sense of identity is constantly evolving. Regardless, if their outlook on life is optimistic or not, people yearn for those feelings of fulfillment and wanting to have served a purpose in the world. While some people believe that they have found their niche early in life, the rest are often still on the fence about where they belong and who their â€Å"true† selvesRead MoreThe Setting Of The Book By Gregor Samsa2124 Words   |  9 PagesThe setting of the book is primarily in the home of the protagonist, Gregor Samsa. While references are made to outside places (such as his workplace, and a conservatory where he dreams to send his sister to study), the location of the book doesn’t really change. The story last for what appears to be several weeks, but the time period isn’t specified, although the technology which is referenced and terminology which is used would indicate that it is set during Kafkaâ₠¬â„¢s time and day (early 20th century)Read MoreSymbolic Similarities in The Shunammite and The Metamorphosis2786 Words   |  12 PagesHelthall 1 Travis Helthall Professor Rich Carpenter ENGL102-09 English Composition II May 8, 2012 Symbolic Similarities Research Paper The definition of metamorphosis as told by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is as follows â€Å"a marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching.† (1) Whereas the Shunammite is just a woman hailing from Shumen, although the name is more so known for the biblicalRead MoreFranz Kafka His Relationship with His Father Revealed in His Writing2982 Words   |  12 PagesFranz Kafka: How his relationship with his father was revealed in â€Å"A Letter to My Father†, â€Å"The Judgment†, â€Å"The Metamorphosis† Franz Kafka is an icon of dark existentialist and absurdist literature that frequently wrote about themes of isolation, alienation, and authoritarian oppression. His well-known work includes the short stories The Metamorphosis, and â€Å" The Judgment.† as well as his prominent Letter to His Father, in which he attempted to clarify the tense relationship andRead MoreEssay about Existentialism2347 Words   |  10 Pagesdifficult philosophy to grasp, but by exploring examples in literature and art, one can come to a better understanding of its basic tenets. The first tenet of existentialism is individualism and alienation, which is revealed in the works The Metamorphosis, â€Å"A Hunger Artist,† and â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper.† Each person is an individual; essentially, no two people experience a situation the same because no two people are the same. Due to this, existentialists tend to feel very alone and isolated. ExistentialistsRead MoreAn Existential Crisis2417 Words   |  10 Pagesquestions the very foundations of their life: whether their life has any meaning, purpose, or value. Sometimes there are men who will accept their fate graciously. Two works that depict these ideas are â€Å"The Death of Ivan Ilych† by Leo Tolstoy and â€Å"The Metamorphosis† by Kafka. In both works by Tolstoy and Kafka, the main characters at some point question their lives’ and what life means to them. In order to question one’s life, it would be necessary that one evaluate the decisions they make. A personâ⠂¬â„¢s life