Overview of a Luxury Fashion Brand Essay Example

Overview of a Luxury Fashion Brand Essay The fashion industry is very competitive. Company that venture in fashion should therefore have a proper marketing strategies that will make it have competitive advantage over the other companies. Most companies engaging in fashion have therefore turned to luxury brands being that there is global interest in fashion. Based on the environment that the businesses operate, the target markets and product attributes as well as marketing methods, the companies have embraced luxury brand management and fashion marketing traceries that have made them be on top of the fashion industry. This paper looks at one Barberry as a luxury brand that has been successful despite the challenges that have existed in the fashion market. In this paper an overview of Barberry is given based on its success in the industry. The brand has been outstanding and is defined by the Brutishness, independent luxury positioning and heritage as well as history. Compared to other brands in the fashion industry such as Pravda, Ezra and Ralph Lauren, the brand has been doing fairly well. Brands Brief History Barberry is a distinctive global luxury brand that was founded in 1856. The group has a British background. Over the years the company has built a strong and outstanding reputation for innovation, design, and craftsmanship (Hag, 2004). The group has much focus on outwear, best known for its trench coats. We will write a custom essay sample on Overview of a Luxury Fashion Brand specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Overview of a Luxury Fashion Brand specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Overview of a Luxury Fashion Brand specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The company designs, produces as well as sell products under the Barberry brand. The company based in London sources its raw materials from UK and other external suppliers it forms network with. The content of marketing as well as marketing programs; analogue and digital, are internally designed to promote the brand and product features to the consumers. Being that its products are sold globally through proprietary retail shops as well as third party wholesale customers, the brand needs a strong fashion marketing strategy to counter the competition in the fashion world. Marketing is in fact one of the core corporate functions that keeps the brand at par. The brand has also embraced digital marketing as one of the method it uses to remain competitive in the market that is dominated by other super- brands in the luxury fashion industry (Group Overview, n. D. ). Brands Product attributes and Target Market The brand being inclined to British lifestyle has a range of products that argues men, women and children of different social status in the society. It is best known Of shawls, scarves, and ties that are classified as soft accessories. On the other hand the brand has also classified small leather shoes, handbags, wallets, umbrellas, and wristwatches as hard accessories. The products are also tailored to meet individual needs (Tungsten, 2009). For example the brand also classifies products as seasonal and continuity. Continuity includes the iconic trench coats that are durable whereas the former refers to the short lived products such as responsive fashion trend that covers a limited season. The multilevel brand strategy of the company is organized at six major brand levels. First off, the high fashion range that serves the fashion shows and editorial coverage, which is produced in small quantities to satisfy the customers exclusivity, demand. This range targets the affluent customers and is distributed through Barberry flagship stores and other prestigious stores in America and London such as Barneys and Harrows. The second range is the London line that is a ready to wear range that is presented in two collections based on the four seasons. Womens wear usually has more lines compared to menswear. Menswear has also been tailored to meet sportswear accessories such as towels, shoe and bags as well as swimwear (Group Overview, n. D. ). There is also the Thomas Barberry range that targets the youths between 15 and 25 years of age, customer group. This group falls under diffusion brands and is available in Spain, UK and Europe. The other two diffusion brands are Barberry blue and black that is for the Japan fashion market. They are also targeted for younger male and female professionals. The multi-brand model of the company has provided maximum market exposure and extensive consumer demand. The second benefit Of the model is that, it has provided elasticity and market awareness evidenced by the brands that target specific countries. Additionally, the approach of having broad category of products range and differential pricing options have provided a marketing move for the company since the customers have accessed it on that account as well as enable the trading up and down of the brand levels (Group Overview, n. D. ).. The brand is known for its trench coats that target the young audience. The product has been marketed through websites such as retrenchment. Mom and celebrity endorsement (Grieve, Didactic, Tibias, 2013). Distribution channels of the Brand The brand is exclusively done through the operation of company stores, licensee agreement, and third party stockings. The company has a retail chain that comprises of four formats. These include designer outlet stores, department stores, regular retail price and flagship stores located in nearly all the major cities in Europe and London. The whole sale stockings include the prominent department stores, duty free shops and specialty fashion retailers. The brand also operates Showrooms in London, Milan, and Hong Kong mongo others. Additionally, the brand also employs the use of agents who make direct sales to the wholesale customers so as to increase sales of the products as well as encourage the sale of the products at the marked prices (The luxury-goods market: Disillusioned hedonist shoppers The Economist, n. D. ). The consistency of visual merchandising of the brand as well as its store presentation of the brand is maintained through a shop-in shop strategy that is implemented in department stores. The company maintains relationship with its wholesale customers by making accessible brand offer and other brands. Additionally, they engage in collaborative marketing action with the important clients (Hag, 2004). Through this the wholesale consumers are able to have access to allowances following the advertisement of Barberry brand products. In a nutshell, the licensee distribution engages two license partners that are jointly tinged with the duty Of wholesale distribution. The licensed partner firms are responsible for visual merchandising and sales agents. The distribution channel has been advantageous of the brand. It provides the presentation of the brands products in diverse and important markets. The model also allows for the return on investment since none of the profit is lost in paying franchise partners and other partners. Marketing methods The gabardine which was water resistant and meant for the military outfits made the brand famous not only in England but also all over the world. Having been hit by economic downfall, the marketing department had to strengthen its strategies so as to boost its sales. To keep at the level of other brands it had to focus on digital media as one of its core strategies (Grieve, Didactic, Tibias, 2013). The company benchmark other well established rands such as Apple, Nikkei and Google, to establish a unique and distinct model for the brand. Using these iconic brands it was able to use the social media with the aim of developing a campaign that was innovative and inclusive of the young consumers. The brand was outstanding, fashion forward and autonomous. This was and is still recorded in its trench coats that are iconic and are fond for the soldiers, celebrities, and working class (Grieve, Didactic, Tibias, 2013). The unique status of the luxury brand was built upon the unique product; the trench coats. Additionally, most street photography has recognized the brand from the same. In 2009 most people were aware of the brand and about a million making it the largest luxury brand in the fashion industry at that time (Digital marketing case study Social media case study: Barberry encourages customer participation with Art of Trench Digital Training Academy, n. D. ). The idea of the social media gave a revelation of the Art of the Trench campaign. The brand established its website where it was very easy for the customers to share their photos wearing products from the luxury brand. This was a form of reaching more customers who would visit the website and admire those photographs. Coupled with the partnership with Scott Chasm; a fashion flogger, the brand was able to amass a mammoth of consumers within a short period of time. The photos could be liked and shared by both customers as well as the potent Customers. The digital campaign placed the brand over others in the luxury sector. The success of the campaign boosted the e-commerce sales by almost fifty percent making the company to allocate more of its resources in digital marketing (Hill, 2014). Apart from social media, the brand also uses advertising, fashion stores, and editorial placement as its core marketing Hansel (Hines Bruce, 2001). They have an advertisement strategy that is launched twice every year. The advertisement campaigns are more focused in the leading fashion and lifestyle publications such as fashion magazines. The brand has cut its expenditure for media advertisement (Hines Bruce, 2001 The ads focus mainly on the brands history and heritage. The emphasis IS well placed on the company logo, trademarks. The adverts not only feature individual products but also aim at presenting the whole brand image demonstrated through diverse brand product range (Hill, 2014). The fast ion wows are also marketing channels for fashion. As a marketing move, Barberry appreciates the fashion shows as marketing plans that serve to inspire the luxury grade of the brand (Us, Coppery, Videophones Network, 2008). The shows are held in different periods depending on the brand. For example, the fashion shows are held twice a year in Milan. The city is well known for its luxury fashion heritage serves to market the brand internationally. Apart from establishing the fashions credibility, the shows also ensure international press representation (Chevalier Mozzarella, 2012). In London there is a fashion week every season in all designated London showrooms (Cooke, 2014). Editorial coverage aims at reinforcing the luxury brand positioning as well as creating brand awareness (Chevalier Mozzarella, 2012). Barberry has a strong public relations tactic that focuses on trade and fashion press. The strategy is inclusive of the whole world editorial coverage and annotations that are for the support of the brand. This ensures proper placement of the brand as the leading brand in fashion, trade, business and publications (Eases, 2009). Another important marketing overage is the brochures that are unleashed every season to market the collections to the consumers and wholesale as well as retail customers (Eases, 2009). The brand also has a website that further creates its awareness. The website that is up to date provides a brief history of the brand, the current images of the product, and the adverts representing the brand (Leverage the Franchise, n. . ). In the fashion show marketing, the brand has had a unique way of hitting the market. Recently in the London Fashion week, it made it possible for its customers to stream the fashion show live in 2010. This makes it the first brand to go live in AD all over the world. As evidenced by the proper use of technological inventions that have placed the company above the other competitors, other brands in the fashion industry should embrace the same m ethod to stay up in the market (Cooke, 2014). As a move of embracing technology Barberry also launched it mobile site in 201 0 making it possible for the customers to interact with the products from their smart phones, pads and tablets. This has continuously expanded its customer base globally being that most consumers use the same in communication and hopping at the same time (Strata, 2013. The marketing model of the luxury brand has made it recognize the importance of advertising in the creation of the brands image. The brand is widely known both in London and all over the world because of its unique advertising campaigns. The brand has come up with outstanding marketing strategies that have targeted various audiences. This move makes it do well in the luxury sector since they are unique and exclusive for the brand. The target market of the goods is well defined through the products and the fact that they can easily reach the goods at heir convenience makes it easier for the company to make huge profits. Luxury brand management spurs almost over all the actions Of the company form production, distribution, marketing and sales. Barberry as a luxury brand, have taken into consideration all the aspects of fashion marketing embracing the methods of marketing that assure large outreach such as the social media. The social marketing technique not only creates awareness of the brand but also creates a channel through which the company can interact with its customers and be able to get their feedback. This is then followed by wife analysis and mechanism implementation to meet the customer demands. In a nutshell, the paper has focused on what has made Barberry become one of the most recognized and successful luxury brands in the world of fashion market.

Foundation of Business

Foundation of Business Executive summary In the paper, a research is carried out to determine the effectiveness of four initiatives that are put in place by the management of Beaufidul Limited to improve the level of employee satisfaction in the company. The company had a declining trend in the level of profit due to lack of motivation among the employees. Questionnaires were sent to a sample of 500 employees and only 445 responded.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Foundation of Business Beaufidul Limited specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The analysis shows that resources training and promotion process are the most significant determinants of employee satisfaction in the company. As a recommendation, the management needs to improve the level of satisfaction among male, full-time and part-time employees. Also, also the management needs to review and improve the promotion process, resources and training in the company. Introduction Beaufidu l Limited, a company that manufactures a variety of beauty products, was experiencing a decline in the bottom line. The drop in perform was caused by staff-related issues. Specifically, the company was experiencing high turnover and absenteeism of employees. Thus, the management established that low employee satisfaction contributed immensely to the poor performance. In response to these problems, the management came up with four initiatives that aimed at improving overall satisfaction of the employees. In this paper, analysis will be carried using various tools to establish the effectiveness of these measures. Research design A survey was conducted in the company to collect data. The questionnaire that was used to collect the data had three sections. The first section had five questions that focused on personal information such as gender, age, and income among others. The second section has one question that was dedicated on the level of employee satisfaction. A Likert scale of ten points was used to collect some data (Bade Parkin, 2013). The final section concentrated on determinants of employee satisfaction. Four questions were asked in this section and each had a Likert scale of ten points. The random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 500 customers. 100 employees were selected from each of the five departments. The questionnaires were sent to the 500 customers and only 445 responded (Zikmund, Babin, Carr, Griffin, 2012). Analysis The first test shows that the overall employee satisfaction is statistically different from the goal of 6 out of 10 (Baltagi, 2011). The estimated mean is 5.59 and it is less than the goal. The result of the second question shows that the satisfaction of male employees is lower than that of female employees.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The third test indicates that there is a difference in the overall satisfaction across the various bases of employment. Further, there is a difference in the gender composition across the five departments as indicated in the fourth test. The level of employee satisfaction in response to the initiatives of ‘increased communication with management’ and ‘resources training’ differs as indicated by the results of the fifth test. The sixth test shows that there is a negative relationship between the employee’s years of employment and their overall satisfaction. The final test shows that ‘resources training’ and ‘promotion process’ are the significant independent variables while ‘salary’ and ‘level of communication with management’ are insignificant variables (Verbeek, 2008). Recommendations The analysis above shows that the goal was not attained. Thus, the management needs to take into account some of the recommendations that are summarized below. The lev el of satisfaction of male employees should be improved. There is a need to implement measures that can improve the level of satisfaction of full-time and part time employees. The company should increase the availability of ‘resources and training’. This will improve the quality of service delivery. The process of promotion in the company needs to be reviewed and improved because it has a significant impact on overall employee satisfaction. References Bade, R., Parkin, M. (2013). Essential foundations of economics. USA: Pearson Education. Baltagi, B. (2011). Econometrics. New York: Springer Publisher. Verbeek, M. (2008). A guide to modern econometrics. England: John Wiley Sons. Zikmund, W., Babin, B., Carr, J., Griffin, M. (2012). Business research methods. USA: Cengage Learning.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Foundation of Business Beaufidul Limited specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Appendix Hypo thesis Test 1 Does the current level of employee satisfaction differ from management’s goal of 6 out of 10? Null hypothesis: The current level of customer satisfaction = 6. Alternative hypothesis: The current level of customer satisfaction ≠  6. Statistical test In this case a one sample t-test will be used to test the hypothesis. This is based on the fact that customer satisfaction is a continuous variable. Test in Excel: t-test: paired two sample for means Results t-Test: Paired Two Sample for Means Variable 1 Variable 2 Mean 5.588764045 6 Variance 5.089513109 0 Observations 445 445 Pearson Correlation Hypothesized Mean Difference 0 Df 444 t Stat -3.84532424 P(T=t) one-tail 6.8998E-05 t Critical one-tail 1.648292755 P(T=t) two-tail 0.000137996 t Critical two-tail 1.965321285 Interpretation The mean of employee satisfaction is 5.59. The results show that t-calculated is greater than t-critical. Also, the p-value (0.00013799 6) is less than alpha (0.05). Therefore, the null hypothesis will be rejected at the 95% confidence level. This implies that the current level of customer satisfaction differ from management’s goal of 6 out of 10. Hypothesis Test 2 Is there any difference between the overall satisfaction of male and female employees within the business?Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Null hypothesis: There is no difference in the overall satisfaction of male and female employees. Alternative hypothesis: There is a difference in the overall satisfaction of male and female employees. Statistical test Independent sample t-test will be used to test the hypothesis. This can be attributed to the fact that employee satisfaction between two mutually exclusive groups will be compared. Test in Excel: t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Unequal Variances Results t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Unequal Variances Variable 1 Variable 2 Mean 4.857798165 6.290748899 Variance 4.270008033 4.888542357 Observations 218 227 Hypothesized Mean Difference 0 Df 443 t Stat -7.066280319 P(T=t) one-tail 3.10771E-12 t Critical one-tail 1.648300534 P(T=t) two-tail 6.21541E-12 t Critical two-tail 1.96533341 Interpretation The mean satisfaction for female employees is 4.86 while for male employees is 6.29. Further, t-calculated (7.066) is greater than t-critical (1 .96). Also, the p-value (6.21541E-12) is less than alpha (0.05). Therefore, the null hypothesis will be rejected at the 95% confidence level. This implies that there is a difference between the overall satisfaction of male and female employees. Hypothesis Test 3 Are there any differences in the overall employee satisfaction across the three bases of employment? Null hypothesis: There is no difference in the employee satisfaction across the various bases of employment. Alternative hypothesis: There is a difference in the employee satisfaction across the various bases of employment. Statistical test ANOVA is the most suitable technique for testing hypothesis that entails comparing the mean of more than one group. One way ANOVA will be used because there is only one independent variable. Test in Excel: ANOVA: Single Factor Results Anova: Single Factor SUMMARY Groups Count Sum Average Variance Casual 79 505 6.392405 4.523531 Part time 101 594 5.881188 5.685743 full time 265 1388 5.237736 4.719783 ANOVA Source of Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit Between Groups 92.3115 2 46.15574 9.412445 9.9E-05 3.01613 Within Groups 2167.43 442 4.903693 Total 2259.74 444 Interpretation The mean level of satisfaction for casual employees is 6.39, 5.88 for part-time, and 5.24 for full-time employees. In the results above, the value of F-calculated (9.41) is greater than the F-critical (3.02). Besides, the p-value (9.9E-05) is less than alpha (0.05). Therefore, the null hypothesis will be rejected at the 95% confidence level. This implies that there is a difference in the overall satisfaction across the various bases of employment. Hypothesis Test 4 Are there any differences in the gender compositions across the five departments? Null hypothesis: There are no differences in gender composition across the five departments Alternative hypothesis: Gender composition is different in at least o ne of the departments. Statistical test A Chi-squared test will be used in this case because a comparison is made between two definite variables. Test in Excel: Chi-square test Results Observed values Accounting Sales marketing RD Purchasing Manufacturing Total Male 48 32 22 40 76 218 Female 31 69 71 42 14 227 Total 79 101 93 82 90 445 Expected values Accounting Sales marketing RD Purchasing Manufacturing Total Male 38.7011236 49.47865169 45.55955 40.170787 44.08988764 218 Female 40.2988764 51.52134831 47.44045 41.829213 45.91011236 227 Total 79 101 93 82 90 445 CHI-TEST 1.1081E-17 Interpretation The p-value (1.1081E-17) is less than the alpha (0.05). Thus, the null hypothesis will be rejected and this implies that there is a difference in the gender composition across the five departments. Hypothesis Test 5 Is there any difference in employee satisfaction in response to the initiatives of ‘increased resources and training’ and ‘increased communication with management’? Null hypothesis: Employee satisfaction in response to the initiatives of ‘increased resources and training’ equals to satisfaction in response to ‘increased communication with management’ Alternative hypothesis: Employee satisfaction in response to the initiatives of ‘increased resources and training’ is not equal to satisfaction in response to ‘increased communication with management’ Statistical test In this case, a paired sample t-test will be used to test the hypothesis. The test is the most suitable for comparing the mean of two related variables. Test in Excel: t-Test: Paired two samples for means Results t-Test: Paired Two Sample for Means Resources and training Increased communication Mean 6.2 6.950561798 Variance 6.714414414 5.619171981 Observations 445 445 Pearson Correlation 0.048180595 Hypothesized Mean Difference 0 Df 444 t Stat -4.620628718 P(T=t) one-tail 2.51033E-06 t Critical one-tail 1.648292755 P(T=t) two-tail 5.02065E-06 t Critical two-tail 1.965321285 Interpretation The mean level of employee satisfaction in response to initiative of ‘resources and training’ is 6.2 and ‘increased communication with management’ is 6.95. The results show that t-calculated (-4.62) is greater than t-critical (1.96). Also, the p-value (2.51E-06) is less than alpha (0.05). Therefore, the null hypothesis will be rejected at the 95% confidence level. This implies that there a difference in employee satisfaction in response to the initiatives of resources and training and increased communication with management. Hypothesis Test 6 Is there a relationship between an employee’s years of employment and their overall satisfaction? Null hypothesis: There is no relationship between years of employment and their overall satisfaction. Alternative hypothesis: There is a r elationship between years of employment and their overall satisfaction. Statistical test Simple regression this test will establish if there is a linear relationship between overall employee satisfaction (dependent variable) and employees’ years of employment (independent variable). Test in Excel: Regression Results Regression Statistics Multiple R 0.857319 R Square 0.734995 Adjusted R Square 0.734397 Standard Error 1.162665 Observations 445 ANOVA df SS MS F Significance F Regression 1 1660.901 1660.9 1228.67 8E-130 Residual 443 598.8426 1.3518 Total 444 2259.744 Coefficients Standard Error t Stat P-value Lower 95% Upper 95% Lower 95.0% Upper 95.0% Intercept 8.179436 0.092197 88.717 3E-284 7.9982 8.36063 7.99824 8.36063 Years of employment -0.298434 0.008514 -35.05 8E-130 -0.3152 -0.2817 -0.3152 -0.2817 Interpretation The value of R-square shows that the number of years of employment explains 73.50% of variation in employee satisfaction. Further, the value of significance F (8E-130) is less than alpha (0.05). This implies that the overall regression line is significant and that the independent variable explains a significant proportion of the dependent variable. Further, the significance value of the t-statistic (8E-130) is less than the alpha (0.05). This shows that the independent variable is significant. Thus, the null hypothesis will be rejected and this implies that there is a relationship between the employee’s years of employment and their overall satisfaction. Hypothesis Test 7 Are any of the initiatives proposed by management related to the overall satisfaction of Beaufidul Limited employees? Null hypothesis: There is no relationship between the initiatives proposed by the management and the overall satisfaction of Beaufidul Limited employees. Alternative hypothesis: There is at least one relationship between the in itiatives proposed by the management and the overall satisfaction of Beaufidul Limited employees. Statistical test Multiple regression analysis this test will establish if there is a linear relationship between overall employee satisfaction (dependent variable) and other independent variables. Test in Excel: Regression Results SUMMARY OUTPUT Regression Statistics Multiple R 0.92948 R Square 0.863933 Adjusted R Square 0.862696 Standard Error 0.835948 Observations 445 ANOVA df SS MS F Significance F Regression 4 1952.27 488.067 698.427 5E-189 Residual 440 307.476 0.69881 Total 444 2259.74 Coefficients Standard Error t Stat P-value Lower 95% Upper 95% Lower 95.0% Upper 95.0% Intercept 1.587012 0.19798 8.01604 9.9E-15 1.19791 1.97612 1.19791 1.97612 Salary 0.015156 0.01632 0.92878 0.35351 -0.01691 0.04723 -0.0169 0.04723 Resources and training 0. 034421 0.01675 2.05444 0.04052 0.00149 0.06735 0.00149 0.06735 Level of communication with management 0.013664 0.01678 0.81422 0.41596 -0.01932 0.04665 -0.0193 0.04665 Promotions 0.964636 0.02039 47.3024 1E-174 0.92456 1.00472 0.92456 1.00472 Interpretation The value of R-square shows that explanatory variables explain 86.39% of variation in employee satisfaction. Further, the value of significance F (5E-189) is less than alpha (0.05). This implies that the overall regression line is significant and that the independent variables explain a significant proportion of the dependent variable. Further, the p-values of t-test show that ‘resources training’ and ‘promotion process’ are the significant independent variables while salary and ‘level of communication with management’ are insignificant variables. Thus, the null hypothesis will be rejected and this implies that there is at least one relationship between the initiatives proposed by th e management and the overall satisfaction of Beaufidul Limited employees.

App that Rates Fitness Apps Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

App that Rates Fitness Apps - Dissertation Example Methodology The process will begin by a feasibility study of the requirements to carry out the process of developing the application. It includes designing specifications of the application, coming up with the right platform and language. The website and links that will be integrated with the app evaluated and collected. The app will be a collection center for all other fitness app by giving rates according to likes and dislikes. The algorithm for incrementing and rating the app will be designed. Upon gathering all the materials, tools and specifications, the coding process will be started. Artificial intelligence ideas concerning app likes and rating will be made an inherent feature in the design. System will be significantly tested and maintained routinely. Stability will be checked against time, varying platforms and processor speeds. A fully developed system will be rolled out and launched into the market. Literature Review There are many applications and websites that use the same concept to make recommendations to their customers. The concept regarded here is a ranking system that makes content and collaborative predictions (Gedikli, 2013). An example is Goodreads. It is a huge site for readers and makes suggestions to its readers based on what they had done previously. The proposed application will borrow a lot from the way these applications were implemented. Smart Phones are always with among humans thus it can be monitored for progress and advance in the course of action.

Exercises BYP10-1 and BYP11-10 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Exercises BYP10-1 and BYP11-10 - Essay Example ‘Write the press release convincing the stockholders that the stock dividend is just as good as a cash dividend’, he orders. ‘Just watch our stock rise when we announce the stock dividend; it must be a good thing if that happens.’ There is nothing unethical about President Mailor’s actions, as declaring dividends are at the sole discretion of the company. Moreover, Greenwood has paid out cash dividends for over 15 years, when the company was doing better in terms of cash as well as earnings. At the time of crisis, where there is only enough liquid assets to take care of day - to – day operational activities, the decision taken by President Mailor is very reasonable. When stock dividends are declared, the stockholders are given additional stocks based on the number of stocks originally held by them. If this involves, adding new shares to the company, then the total number of stocks are increased; however the value of the stock is reduced, so that the total stockholders’ equity remains the same. Hence a stock dividend increases the number of stocks whereas the total value of stockholder equity is unchanged. As a stockholder, a cash dividend is preferred, as it is paid out immediately and adds value to the stockholder. However a stock dividend is of lesser value to the stockholder, as it just increases the number of stocks held and does not add value immediately. The stock dividend appreciates only when the value of the company goes up in the future. But there is also a possibility of the company’s value going down. Hence a cash dividend is more preferred by the

The Role of Women In The U.S. Military Research Paper

The Role of Women In The U.S. Military - Research Paper Example They were first introduced in military in World War I (1914-1918). Initially, the women did serve the military as nurses and also did a number of clerical jobs. After World War II, they were given permanent positions in US military under the Women Armed Services Integration Act, 1948. However, they were restricted to only 2% of the total US military. They were also not allowed higher positions of Generals in army. In 1978, female auxiliaries found in military branches were abolished by Congress and integrated forces were created for the first time. Women were also allowed to take part in many jobs other than those of healthcare and technicians. However, they were still restricted to be included in combat positions. The need of inclusion of women in combat positions was first recognized after the Gulf war in 1991. The women supported the armed forces on combat positions in the war. This brought the women to front lines. Their impressive and extraordinary services in the war gave groun d for the Defense Department of America to reconsider the ban imposed on the women to be included for combat positions. In 1993, the women were allowed to render their services on combat warships and aircrafts. Many military female officers welcomed the alterations. However, critics were of the view that these changes would damage the fighting ability of US forces. However, despite all criticism, more and more women were included for combat positions of US military. During Serbian conflict of 1999, women served as combat pilots in US Air force. Women were took part in Navy combat positions. However, during Iraq War, when two female Johnson and Lynch were captured, a debate regarding women services on combat positions started again. The role of women in US military for technical and healthcare jobs is acceptable for everyone. However, the deployment of women on combat positions is still a controversial issue. There are two view points, one that supports the deployment of women on com bat positions; and other that opposed such deployment. Both have their own arguments supporting their stand. DEPLOYMENT OF WOMEN FOR COMBAT POSITIONS IS ACCEPTABLE: SUPPORTERS’ VIEWS: The critics of women inclusion in combat points argue that the gender-integration of military will damage the morale of the women. This is the same argument which was made before when the US military was being integrated after the long segregation of whole military on racial basis. However, it is noticed later on that the racial integration of the army did not decrease the morale of the army. The same is the case with the inclusion of women for combat roles. The supporters argue that it is just a vague argument that the gender-desegregation of military will reduce the morale and efficiency of the military just as made previously about racial-desegregation of army. The supporters also criticize the point that women are physically weaker than men naturally. It is true but in non-physical attribute s, women are as much stronger as men are. They are psychologically stronger than men. However, some psychologists say that women are subjected to mental disorder same like men. Gender-integration may bring some positive effects on the overall performance of military. It increases the professional standards level of military and also brings cohesion which is by no means defective or less effective than found among men. So, there is no reason to believe that gender-desegregated units on combat positi

Theoretical Views of Intelligence

Theoretical Views of Intelligence Compare and Contrast Two Theoretical Views of Intelligence Gardner Multiple Intelligence Theory and Sternberg Successful Intelligence Theory The two theoretical views of intelligence that are going to be focused on in this assignment are the Howard Gardners multiple intelligence theory and Robert J. Sternbergs successful intelligence theory. Gardners multiple intelligences theory suggested different systems in the brain produce different types of intellectual capacities to approach problems and create products. He identified eight competencies and two tentative competencies, but allows that more may be discovered. These include linguistic, musical, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist, spiritual and existential intelligences (Gardner, 1993). Linguistic intelligence involves verbal aptitude which sensitive to written and spoken languages, the capability to learn languages, and the ability to use language to reach certain goals. Logical-mathematical intelligence consists of the abstract reasoning skill to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues scientifically. Musical intelligence involves skill in the performance, composing, appreciation of musical patterns and playing instrument. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the pot ential of using ones whole body or parts of the body to solve problems, control fine and gross motor. Spatial intelligence recognises and uses the patterns of wide space, visualize objects, and find ones orientation. Interpersonal intelligence consists of the capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people. It allows people to work effectively with others. Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to understand own thoughts and feelings, fears and motivations, consequences and thus make effective changes. Sternberg successful theory of intelligence are defined as in a given sociocultural context, mental abilities are used to reach ones goals in life through adaptation, selection and shaping of the environment (Sternberg Kaufman, 1998, p. 494). The three broad distinct areas associated with successful intelligence are analytical, creative, and practical thinking. Analytical intelligence is the mental steps to solve problems, creative intelligence is th e mental processes that lead to solutions, ideas, artistic forms, theories, products that are unique and novel (Reber Reber, 2001) and practical intelligence is the ability to size up new situation and adapt to real-life demands. Within the above theories, logical mathematical intelligence and analytical intelligence will be compared and contrasted. Firstly, definition of both theories will be compared. Then, both theories supported that the logical mathematic and analytical ability are educable, and lastly, Logical mathematical intelligence is the ability to reason, to calculate, to recognise patterns and to handle logical thinking (Gardner, 1993). In Howard Gardners words, it includes the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically and it is often related with scientific and mathematical thinking. Analytical intelligence is the capacity to analyze and evaluate ideas, compare and contrast, solve problems and make decisions (Sternberg, 1998) Like a number of scholars, Gardner and Sternberg view intelligence as educable, result of biological end environmental factors, which includes peoples environments (Ceci, Nightungale, Baker, 1992). Another is ones motivation (Collier, 1994; Sternberg Wagner, 1994) and training (Feuerstein, 1980). References Gardner, Howard (1983; 1993) Frames of Mind: The theory of multiple intelligence (2nd ed.). New York: Basic Books. Smith, Mark K. (2002, 2008) Howard Gardner and multiple intelligences, the encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved Aug 10, 2009, from http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm. Sternberg, R. J. ( 1996 ). Cognitive psychology. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace. Sternberg, R. J (1998). Journal of Principles of Teaching for Successful Intelligence, 33, 65-69. Retrieved Sept 10, 2009, from questia database.

Should Members Of Congress Earn More Money Or Less? :: essays research papers

Well, it really depends on one thing; I'm talking about their reason for becoming a congressman. If I were to become a congressman, my reason would be to help Californians express their opinions better. However this is my reason. Different people have millions of other reasons. I think there are three major reasons for becoming a congressman: represent his/her state, power, or money. I don't believe that most people get into Congress for the money. I believe most people that become congressmen want their state to be heard, and they want to improve it. However not everybody is so good some people are in it purely for power, usually power means money. I do not believe their salaries should be lowered, because if they feel they don't get what they deserve, they might not do their best in the office, they might abuse their privileges, etc. If they don't get paid enough they become more susceptible to taking bribes; this is the first sign of corruption. This might explain the paying less part, however it doesn't say much about raising their salary. I've considered the idea of raising their salary, however after a careful examination of facts, I didn't think raising it would improve much. As I have mentioned before, people (the Congressmen) don't do it for the money. Basically money isn't their primary concern. What would happen if you say doubled their salaries? People are not perfect, nobody is... if you pay them a lot more, chances are they might become greedy; when the only thing a person cares about is money, nothing ever gets accomplished. Greed is a terrible "sickness," even though you have a lot of something, in this case money, you want more, and more, and more, this craving never stops. The last thing you'd want is a greedy congressman. It is very likely that a greedy congressman would take bribes, and use his office to make even more profits, any way possible. A greedy congressman would probably forget his responsibilities, and duties as a congressman; this would only make it worse for that particular state.

Just Lather That’s All

Just Lather, That’s All: principles vs. actions In Hernando Tellez’s Just Lather, That’s All; despite given the opportunity to greatly help the revolutionists, the Barber cannot murder Captain Torres because the act goes against his moral beliefs. Even killing an evil man is beyond his personal principles. On the other hand, Captain Torres is more than capable of killing the Barber, but his arrogance prevents him. His intentional provocation of the Barber tests the revolutionist; he knows the potential danger, but refuses to accept the possibility as he believes he cannot be killed by such a simple man.Morality and arrogance prevent both characters from killing each other; their principles mean more to them than their duties. The Barber cannot kill Captain Torres, because he finds murder ethically ugly. After the horrible hanging of the revolutionists by Captain Torres, he becomes horrified and contemplates killing the man: â€Å"And how easy it would be to kill him. And he deserves it. Does he? No! † (par. 12) The Barber is certain that murdering Captain Torres is â€Å"easy† for him, but his morality puts him in hesitation, which is clearly shown as he contradicts himself: â€Å"[Torres] deserves [to die].Does he? No! † The Barber thinks that â€Å"no one deserves to have someone else make the sacrifice of becoming a murderer† (par. 12), even if that â€Å"one† is a ruthless executor like Captain Torres. The word â€Å"sacrifice† emphasizes the Barber’s hate for murderers, as it shows that someone must give up his moral principles and turn into a monster in order to become a murderer. The Barber has to sacrifice the joy of perfecting his job by committing the most shameful mistake a Barber can make – opening a customer’s pores and emitting blood. Blood† is the word that the Barber doesn’t like: â€Å"out of his neck a gush of blood would spout onto the sheet†¦ the blood would keep inching along the floor†¦ineradicable†¦like a scarlet stream. † (par. 12) The Barber’s disgust for blood, which symbolizes guilt, is manifested as he describes how once â€Å"blood† spouts, it will spread and never stop: â€Å"ineradicable†. In other words, the feel of guilt will be in him forever. The Barber thinks that killing Captain Torres while he is shaving for him and his eyes are closed is cowardly of him: â€Å"Captain Torres’ murderer.He slit his throat while he was shaving him a coward. † (par. 12) The Barber clearly hates blood and murder; he does not even kill the most brutal man. He realizes he will be called a â€Å"murderer†; an awful word that will always haunt him. He will be perceived as a â€Å"coward† for killing a brutal but defenseless man. However he claims that he is â€Å"a revolutionary and not a murderer† (par. 12) which is ironic since revolutionists are known to do anything even if it threaten their lives, in order to stand up for their beliefs.But the Barber is not willing to become a villain like Captain Torres: â€Å"I don’t want to be a murderer, no sir†¦I don’t want blood on my hands. Just Lather, that’s all. † (par. 13) The repetition of the word â€Å"blood† emphasizes how â€Å"blood† (guilt) is the first image that comes to the Barber’s mind when he thinks about murder. His morality makes him take the decision and that is to let the captain go. The Barber doesn’t want guilt or blood. He only wants to do his job: â€Å"just lather that’s all. † Simultaneously, Captain Torres can easily kill the Barber but his conceit tempts him to test the Barber.He can’t stand the idea of a normal man being able to kill him. He taunts the Barber by talking about the people he has captured and how they will all be executed soon. He wants to provoke him to find out if the revolutionist can kill him or not. â€Å"Not one of them comes out them comes out of this alive, not one,† (par. 5) says Captain Torres, knowing that the Barber is sympathetic toward the rebels. Captain Torres repeats â€Å"not one† to indirectly threaten the Barber; he tries to scare the Barber to find out if the man is brave enough to commit the murder or not after this threat.At the end, Captain Torres telling the Barber that he knows his secret shows how arrogant he is; instead of killing or capturing the man after exposing him, he walks away Captain Torres and the Barber fail in killing each other because of the Barber’s ethicalness and Captain Torres’ vanity. The Barber killing someone is out of question even if it is someone ruthless like Captain Torres. Captain Torres’ pride controls his actions to make him not help but test the Barber instead of killing him.

Proper Preposition Use and Placement (In, At, To, Etc.)

Proper Preposition Use and Placement (In, At, To, Etc.) IN Use in with static (non-movement) verbs and cities, countries, states, etc.: stay in the USAwork in New York AT Use at with static (non-movement) verbs and places: at the cinemaat workat home TO Use to with verbs of movement such as go, come, drive, etc.: go to workdrive to California IMPORTANT NOTES The use of (nothing) With verbs of movement and the noun home - He went home. - they drove home.With the verb visit - She visited France last summer. Test Your Understanding Now that you have studied the use of in / at / to / nothing - as prepositions of place and movement, try the follow-up quiz to test your understanding. Prepositions of Place and Movement Quiz Study other prepositions: Prepositions of Place - in / at / onPrepositions - for / while / duringPrepositions of time and date - in / to  /  on / atNouns PrepositionsPrepositions NounsAdjective Prepositions Combinations - 1Adjective Prepositions Combinations - 2

Risky Business

Risky Business Free Online Research Papers Risky Business Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect. Aviation has offered to the human being a variety of possibilities. Some people prefer to fly because it is the fastest way to travel. Others view flying as a sense of new freedom separated from terra firma: the ability to separate yourself from the hectic world. Yet some other people choose to fly because they are addicted to it; many choose flying as a job that they love to carry out day in and day out. Because flying in an airliner involves putting oneself in a metal tube, traveling at approximately nine hundred miles an hour, twenty to forty thousand feet above the earth, there are certain risks involved if the necessary requirements are not met. The high sophistication of the aircraft today, apart from increasing the level of safety, is also placing additional burden on the pilot to operate it safely. The fragile nature o f human beings and their tendency to make an error makes the possible threat to flying even greater. This paper will briefly explain a process put in place to help mitigate the riskier side of aviation. (Haussermann, 2006) What is risk? Risk is the chance of injury or loss. Insight can be gained by listening to how people refer to risk in an everyday context and, particularly, in the aviation environment. What emerges is that there are different ideas about risk, based on personal perceptions. Nonetheless, its underlying concepts remain- a chance that something is going to happen and consequences if it does. Risk is associated with any activity in this world. The level of risk in aviation varies depending on the nature of flying. Airline flying is at least ten times safer than driving an automobile. On the other hand, driving an automobile is ten times safer than recreational flying. The level of risk or threat associated in airline flying is low since the pilots are continuously being retrained to maintain their skills. They have to demonstrate their handling abilities in the proficiency test every six month. On the contrary, their counterpart in private flying world only sits for the test for every two years. Consequently, aviation accident records are littered with general aviation crashes. Flying is analogous to driving. The more frequent one indulges in the activity, the sharper the skill will be, and the lesser the risks are. For example, bad weather flying is almost a normal occurrence to the highly skilled pilot in advance cockpit aircraft, but a real threat to the unskilled in the basic airplane. (Mohamed) Why manage risk? Mismanagement of risk can carry an enormous cost. In recent years, business has experienced numerous, related risk reversals that have resulted in considerable financial loss, decrease in shareholder value, damage to company reputations, dismissals of senior management, and, in some cases, the very dissolution of the business. This increasingly risky environment, in which risk mismanagement can have dire consequences, mandates that management adopt a new more proactive perspective on risk management. (Cowherd Manson, 2003) Types of risk management Risk management has been called by many different names over the centuries; it is usually named based upon the activity that is trying to be managed. Some examples are: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Crew Resource Management (CRM), and Operational Risk Management (ORM) to mention a few. The basic underlying concept is the same for all risk management; the differences are in the scope, the situation, and subject. ORM/CRM is a concept that is quickly becoming the status quo in the aviation industry as guidelines for how to operate in a safe manner. What is ORM? Risk management is a natural component of daily life. Every time we cook a meal, walk down the street, ride a bike, drive our car, participate in sports, watch television, purchase a product or decide where to live we are choosing the best course of action for a specific given situation. Our professional life mirrors our personal life when it comes to ORM with one exception: the military has detailed regulatory risk management procedures in place to help ensure standardized decision making within the organization. ORM is not a new concept in aviation. All Technical Orders, Instructions, Checklists and Publications currently in use are, by definition, ORM documents. For example, the steps for starting an aircraft engine have been evaluated using decision-making tools and determined to be the best course of action prior to Tech Order and Checklist inclusion. The point here is that a certain level of ORM has already been applied and integrated into almost every existing aspect of flight operations. (Haussermann, 2006) Why incorporate ORM? Some may feel Operational Risk Management, more commonly referred to as ORM, is just another dirty three letter word. This can happen even with the best of programs when they are mandated with little understanding. However, ORM is simply applying common sense to whatever challenge you face. Over the years, ORM for aviators has typically been a patchwork of unit procedures and vague command guidance. Often our leaders werent exactly sure what it was, but they knew it was supposed to be good. So they would say something like, go do some of that ORM stuff. Of course, directing everyone to use ORM without putting down a foundation of understanding can be counterproductive. If people are really going to get on board the risk management train they have to be convinced it will actually improve their lives and the way we do business. (Haussermann, 2006) Principles of ORM ORM incorporates the following four principles: Accept Risk When Benefits Outweigh The Cost. Risk is inherent in all activities. Risk is also related to gain; normally greater potential gain requires greater risk. The goal of ORM is not to eliminate risk, but to manage the risk so that the mission can be accomplished with the minimum amount of loss. (The Six Step ORM Process) Accept No Unnecessary Risk. We should clearly understand that the acceptance of risk does not equate to the imprudent willingness to gamble. Only take risks that are necessary to accomplish the mission. (The Six Step ORM Process) Anticipate And Manage Risk By Planning. Risks are more easily controlled when they are identified early in the planning process. (The Six Step ORM Process) Make Risk Decisions At The Right Level. ORM decisions are made by the leader directly responsible for the operation. Prudence, experience, judgment, intuition and situational awareness of leaders directly involved in the planning and execution of the mission are the critical elements in making effective ORM decisions. When the leader responsible for executing the mission determines that the risk associated with that mission cannot be controlled at his or her level, or goes beyond management’s stated intent, he or she shall elevate the decision to their chain of command. (The Six Step ORM Process) The ORM Process SIX-STEP PROCESS WITH ASSOCIATED ACTIONS ORM is a continuous process designed to detect, assess, and control risk while enhancing performance and maximizing combat capabilities. The specific actions associated with each step of the ORM process are depicted below. (The Six Step ORM Process) In closing, itt seems clear that ORM is more than another management fad or academic theory. ORM will continue to become more integrated into the management process for organizations in the future. Not only aviation, but many industries are beginning to see the benefit of protecting themselves from all types of potential risk exposures. By identifying and mapping risk exposures throughout the organization, a company can concentrate on mitigating those exposures that can do the most damage. With an understanding of risks, their severity, and their frequency, a company can turn to solutions; be it retaining, transferring, sharing, or avoiding a particular risk. The new approach will keep managers and employees at all levels sensitized to and concerned about risk management. Risk management will be coordinated with senior management oversight and everyone in the organization will view risk management as part of his or her job. The risk management process will be continuous and broadl y focused. Risk management will be a driving force in foreseeable business future. (Cowherd Manson, 2003) References Cowherd, Jeffery L., Manson, Daniel P. (2003). Enterprise/Operational Risk Management. Retrieved 20 July, 2009 from the World Wide Web: csupomona.edu/~jis/2003/Cowherd_Manson.pdf Mohamed, Abdul L. Risk Analysis in Aviation. Retrieved 17 July, 2009 from the World Wide Web: angelfire.com/trek/abdullatif/Aviationrisk.htm The Six Step ORM Process (N.D.). Retrieved 22 July, 2009 from the World Wide Web: seco.noaa.gov/Safety/ORM/ORMUCBT%201_0/fundamentals/chapter2/chapter.html Types of Risk Management (N.D.). Retrieved 22 July, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://finance.mapsofworld.com/risk-management/types Haussermann, Eric (2006). Retrieved 22 July, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3744/is_200605/ai_n17182369/pg_2/?tag=content;col1 Research Papers on Risky BusinessIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalThe Project Managment Office SystemThe Hockey GameGenetic EngineeringThe Spring and AutumnHip-Hop is ArtThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseOpen Architechture a white paperStandardized TestingCapital Punishment

Telephony Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Telephony - Essay Example Over the years, the increasing development in the field of technology presents the capability of human beings to master over nature (Vergragt 2006, pp.1-3). Telephony represents that form of technology that allows easy and active interactions between different points through the availability of voice equipments. Telephone is the most commonly observed and used instrument of the technology of telephony. It provides interactive facilities to every residential house as well as in businesses. Telephones have also been associated with telephony switching systems and exchanges that are necessary for the processing of the calls occurring between two points. Developments have occurred over the years in telephony reflecting a shift from the initial local point to point connections to highly sophisticated connections in the modern world (What is Telephony 2012). The present study focuses on the origins, characteristics, and consequences of technological system considering the example of teleph ony. ... xtensive knowledge on the nature of sound that he applied in determining the possibility of passing multiple messages through at the same time through the same wire (Bellis 2012). The figure on the left presents one of the earliest telephones as invented by Graham Bell. The use of multiple telegraph had been suggested and tried earlier as well. However, with Bell’s application of a harmonic approach, the idea could be actually implemented. It was in the year 1878 that the first Bell telephone company was established. It is now known as the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T). In 1878, the first exchange of telephone was established in New Haven. Earlier the connections of the telephones had to be done in pairs. In the year 1889, the system of pay phone came into existence. Thereafter, with the advancements in the technology, the touch-tone phones, cordless phones, and mobile phones were developed (Bellis 2012). Characteristics of Telephony: The Technological System : The service of telephony or telecommunications is provided by an industry that includes different groups of people like the engineers, scientists and craftsmen. Telephone companies are either under the control of the government of a country or they may also be private in nature (Freeman 2004, p.1). Basic Telephony: The simple connection of the telephone as is most commonly known to the world is characterised by a device that is connected to other points across the world through use of pair of wires. The parts of such a telephone include a handset, a cradle, along with the signalling system that contains either dial or push buttons for making the connections. The handset is created with two electroacoustic transducers, the earpiece that acts as the receiver, and a mouthpiece that acts as the

Joan of Arc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Joan of Arc - Essay Example For this reason, the world continues to remember these people long after their demise. One such person who epitomizes selflessness is Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of France. Joan of Arc overcame challenges that appeared insurmountable at her time and got unheralded achievements. Joan of Arc lived in an era when women did not take a centre stage in matters regarding leadership with male dominance being the order of the day. In the same period, nations engaged one another in wars, which made it a challenge for women to take a leading role. This expose gives an analysis of Joan of Arc's life and the accomplishments, which made her break from the traditional self-image of women. Commonly referred as the Maid of France, Joan of Arc was born in 1412 to Jacques d’Arc and Isabeau Romee, poor farmers at Domremy in the valley of the Meuse (Newman 431). As a young peasant girl, Joan received an education similar to other peasant girls. In this regard, she did not learn how to read and write, but Joan learnt sewing, spinning and repeating the Ave Maria. For someone who went through an informal system of education, it is ironical that Joan of Arc became a subject to many literary works by acclaimed authors. More ironical is that Joan of Arc died at the age of nineteen years (Stanhope 4). Nonetheless, famous English writers such as Shakespeare and Holinshed reviled Joan of Arc, while Southey and Schiller idealized her work with Voltaire ridiculing her (Stone 3). However, for a young girl whose childhood activities included tending to her father’s flocks and working in the field’s, Joan of Arc became a symbol of what Mark Twain referred as a â€Å"peerless human being† (Stone 5). In addition, Mark Twain called her â€Å"the most extraordinary person the human race has ever produced† with George Bernard Shaw calling her â€Å"the queerest fish among the eccentric worthies of the Middle Ages† (Knopf 151). As a young girl, Joan of Arc did not demonstrate any extraordinary acts of boldness and heroism. In fact, Joan of Arc appeared timid when speaking to strangers with her neighbors referring her as a simple-minded though a compassionate girl (Stanhope 4). Joan of Arc’s acts of compassion included tending and nursing the sick and accommodating any wayfarer who found their way to Joan’s home. In addition, Joan was an embodiment of a pious life, which in many cases made her a subject of ridicule by her neighbors and other people. In the fields, Joan would kneel and pray in solitude and go to church and make devotions, which made her spend her pastime in a manner different from the children her age (Stanhope 5). In effect, this young girl started defining her own path at an early age, differentiated from her age mates. Instead of spending time with her peers playing in the fields after spending the day herding or in the farms, Joan of Arc’s commitment to God at her age was exceptional. While Joan was growing up, France was undergoing a series of conflicts between them and England, in the famous period of the Hundred Years’ of War. During Joan’s life in particular, the infant King of England, Henry VI of England, was proclaimed King of France, leaving the rightful heir, Charles the dauphin, holding his weakened courts in a few French provinces (Barstow, â€Å"Joan of Arc† 31). At this time, Joan was only thirteen years, and she had started experiencing visions regarding her being the person who would deliver France