Richard Iii/Looking for Richard Essay - 1179 Words

HSC Advanced English, Module A: Richard III and Looking For Richard, Essay Connections of commonality and dissimilarity may be drawn between a multiplicity of texts through an appreciation of the values and attitudes with which they were composed. Accordingly, the values and attitudes of the individual being may be defined as an acute blend of externally induced, or contextual and internally triggered, or inherent factors. Cultural, historical, political, religious and social influences, dictated by the nature of one’s surroundings, imprint a variable pattern of values and attitudes upon the individual. Thus any deviation in any such factor may instigate an alteration of the contextual component of one’s perspective. By contrast, the†¦show more content†¦This derives from the play as a recount of historical events with a known outcome and a medium for propaganda in support of the monarchy, an avid determinist. Nevertheless, the aforementioned tension is prevalent throughout and epitomised by the paradoxical pun ‘I am determined to prove a villain’. Uttered with a tone of poise and self-assuredness, the term ‘determined’ implies a conscious statement of purpose and a preordained villainy. Thus Richard is aligned with the stock character of the Vice, an instrument of predestination, and the innovative Machiavel, an advocator of humanism. Despite this, the ultimate decline of Richard is consequential of the reign of determinism. The directly antithetic correctio ‘I am a villain. Yet I lie, I am not’ yields an implicit self-doubt and acknowledgment of an inability to fulfil his humanist purpose. Providentialism thus displays precedence over self-determination. This is in direct contrast to Pacino’s docudrama, composed for a secular modern American audience disengaged with traditional notions of determinism. A greatly diminished and altered portrayal of Margaret, the primary instrument of determinism in the play, is expressive of this. Pacino devalues her curses by reduci ng her to a ‘sort of ghost of the past’. A frenzied montage of informative discourse and the activity of the play complete withShow MoreRelatedEssay on Richard Iii and Looking for Richard1284 Words   |  6 PagesA deeper understanding of ambition and identity emerges from pursuing the connections between King Richard III and Looking for Richard. Compare how these texts explore ambition and identity. Ambition; an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honour, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment * Al Pacino’s production as an art-house vanity project * Promotes himself – manipulating the audience through cutaways, specific and timedRead MoreKing Richard Iii and Looking for Richard Essay1602 Words   |  7 PagesEssay 1 – King Richard III and Looking for Richard How has your study of the connections between King Richard III and Looking for Richard deepened your understanding of the context of and values within, each text? William Shakespeare’s play King Richard III and Al Pacino’s docu-drama Looking for Richard have enriched my understanding of how context shapes the values inscribed within each text. In light of this, the connection that exists between the two texts is: how the central character of theRead MoreKing Richard Iii and Looking for Richard Essay2197 Words   |  9 PagesThe texts King Richard III and Looking for Richard both accept the centrality of power and the yearning for it, as a central plot driver and an assumed part of the human condition. However, each presents a different perspective as to the nature of power; its origins and morality. Discuss this statement with close, detailed reference to both texts set for study. Power is defined as the possession of control or command over people and events. In Shakespeare’s play ‘King Richard III’, the centralityRead MoreKing Richard Iii and Looking for Richard Essay Plan1162 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeare’s Richard III and Al Pacino’s Looking for Richard both portray central values and ideas of the time. * The texts ideas are reflected by the context of the time. * Both texts written in different time periods meaning completely different contexts which shape the text. * Through Pacino’s hybrid style docudrama, he attempts to demystify Shakespeare’s Richard III, making it more accessible to the everyday person. * Shakespeare shows the journey in Richard III of Richard himselfRead MorePaper 2: Module a Richard Iii/Looking for Richard1020 Words   |  5 Pages Through exploring connections between Shakespeare’s Richard III and Al Pacino’s Looking for Richard the values of the era are often a product of the context of the text. However, through studying the theatricality of man and the pursuit of power, it is clear these notions transcend time and context. Shakespeare valued the way an actor could act within a play and theatre was valued in this context. Shakespeare also demonstrated how Richard pursued political power, whilst Shakespeare himself pursuedRead MoreNotes on King Richard Iii and Looking for Richard Essay1350 Words   |  6 Pagesever a woman in the humour won?† - assonance and expansive ‘o’ sounds as well as rhetoric and repetition â€Å"I’ll have her but I’ll not keep her long† - intercuts of ‘Ha’ as well as an increased speed of cuts through this line – almost portrays Richard as mad – cut of him out of costume in rehearsal laughing - Seduction through language and sexual tension in Pacino’s version – low neckline in costume, attempted kiss- more recognised and understood by audience, romantic model of film - no diageticRead MoreEssay about Richard Iii + Looking for Richard Comparative Speech834 Words   |  4 PagesGood morning/afternoon Throughout my comparative study of texts and context, I have explored various connections shared between William Shakespeare’s ‘Richard the 3rd’ and Al Pacino’s ‘Looking for Richard’. As both of these items are based on the same character, King Richard the 3rd, they share a lot in common. The connection that I have chosen to concentrate on though is the idea of power, and how both texts explore this theme. William Shakespeare is an extremely famous EnglishRead MoreAnalyse How the Central Values Portrayed in King Richard Iii Are Creatively Reshaped in Looking for Richard.1683 Words   |  7 PagesAn honest tale speeds best, being plainly told.† This quote from William Shakespeare’s King Richard III is a seed from which Al Pacino’s docu-drama Looking For Richard grows, both texts demonstrating the intrinsic relationship between contexts and the composition of texts. As 21st century students, we see Pacino’s creative reshaping emphasise inherent values within the original text, from dynamic perspectives to interpretational understandings, presented in an ‘honest’ and ‘plainly told’ compositionRead MoreJane Eyre1260 Words   |  6 Pagesbetween King Richard III and Looking For Richard is further enhanced by consideration of the marked differences in textual form. Evaluate this statement in the light of your Comparative Study of King Ri chard III and Looking For Richard. William Shakespeare’s 16th century historically tragic play, King Richard III and Al Pacino’s 20th century docudrama, Looking for Richard portray parallel themes of war, characterisation of Richard in context and plot. Shakespeare wrote King Richard III during theRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s King Richard IIi1258 Words   |  6 PagesRichard: What have you done to me! Shakespeare: My historical tragedy â€Å"King Richard III† is just my dramatic presentation of your exploits in your bloody pursuit of the throne. Pacino: My postmodernist docudrama â€Å"Looking for Richard† is my modern interpretation of Richard III. My attempt to establish connections that enhance our understandings and interpretations of our respective contexts, ideas and values, primarily involving the representation of the human condition through the character of Richard

Confidentiality and Managed Care Ethical and Legal

Question: Discuss about the Confidentiality and Managed Care for Ethical and Legal. Answer: Introduction: This is where a patient refuses treatment after the doctor has educated the patient of the diagnosis, prognosis, accessible other interventions, risks and benefits of those options, and risk and probable outcome of no intervention (Lo, at al,2011). The patient needs to be in his rightful mind at the time of refusing treatment, he should not be mentally ill, intoxicated drunk or on drugs at the time of making this crucial decision. This is where patient who does not take a prescribed medication or does not follow a prescribed course of treatment (Donovan, at al, 2010). Course of action that would be most appropriate for Refusal for treatment and Non compliance Where the patient refuses treatment the doctor has an option of providing involuntary treatment. The treatment is usually given by injection or by mouth, but only to control the emergency and the doctor stops administering the involuntary treatment once the patient is out of imminent danger. As for non-compliance the doctor can carry out a discussion with the non-compliant patient on his problem and the steps the patient can take to resolve his problem. Ethical issues that arise related to the patient's right to a confidential therapeutic relationship and the family caregiver's right to information (Davidson, at al, 2012) The health care provider may share or discuss only the information that the person involved needs to know about the patients care or payment for care. The healthcare provider is not supposed to give out the information of the patient without the patients consent. How are the above issues addressed by the Mental Health Act in your State? The mental Act provides for the right of confidentiality where the care giver is supposed to keep the information of the patient confidential. He is not supposed to disclose this information except with the permission of the patient (Donovan, at al. 2006). References Davidson, J.R. and Davidson, T., 2012. Confidentiality and managed care: Ethical and legal concerns. Health Social Work, 21(3), pp.208-215. Donovan, J.L. and Blake, D.R., 2010. Patient non-compliance: deviance or reasoned decision-making?. Social science medicine, 34(5), pp.507-513. Donovan, R.J., James, R., Jalleh, G. and Sidebottom, C., 2006. Implementing Mental Health Promotion: The ActBelongCommit Mentally Healthy WA Campaign in Western Australia. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 8(1), pp.33-42. Lo, B., McLeod, G.A. and Saika, G., 2011. Patient attitudes to discussing life-sustaining treatment. Archives of internal medicine, 146(8), pp.1613-1615.

THE LIFE OF PLATO Essay Example For Students

THE LIFE OF PLATO Essay ByVaughan KimberlingPlato was born in 427 B.C. into a wealthy family that was botharistocratic and politically influential. His family had a rich history ofpolitical connections and consisted of his parents, Ariston and Perictione,his older brothers Adeimantus and Glawcon, and later a younger sister,Potone. In keeping with his family heritage, Plato was destined for thepolitical life(Beavers and Planeaux). During Platos early years he wasinstructed by eminent teachers in grammar, music, and gymnastics. Platoalso had literary aspirations directed particularly toward creative work inpoetry and tragedy(Sahakian 32). Plato mainly engaged in many forms ofpoetry, only later turning to philosophy. As a young man, during the finalyears of the Peloponnesian War when Athens was in urgent need of manpower,Plato served in the army. According to Sahakian, Plato seemed destined topursue a public career until he became a disciple of Socrates (Sahakian32). We will write a custom essay on THE LIFE OF PLATO specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Plato was in his twenties when he directed his inquires toward thequestion of virtue. Plato became a faithful disciple of Socrates not onlythrough Socrates remaining life, but after his death as well. Cornfordbelieved:It was the unique good fortune of Socrates to have, among his youngcompanions, one who was not only to become a writer of incomparable skill,but was, by native gift, a poet and a thinker no less subtle than Socrateshimself(Cornford 55). Plato was twenty-eight when Socrates died and he was committed to refiningand extending the Socratic principles. He also devoted his time todefining the Socratic method of inquiry against criticism. From SocratesPlato learnt that problems of human life were to be solved by the moralityof aspiration and the pursuit of an invariable ideal of perfection(Cornford 63). Behind all of Platos beliefs is a Socratic motive in whichhe derived. Plato unified his beliefs of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, andpolitics into a single inquiry. He found that the formation of a noblecharacter was to be before all else. The format in which Plato used tounify his beliefs is unknown, but events during his life, like the chaos ofAthens final defeat in 404 B.C. are believed to help his unification. During this time of unification, Plato began to travel. Plato was fortywhen he visited Italy for the first time and shortly thereafter he returnedto Athens and founded the Academus Academy, located nearly a mile outsidethe city walls and named after the Attic hero Academus (Beavers andPlaneaux). The Academy was an independent institution of learning and canbe seen as the precursor of todays modern university. Falikowski writesthat:The Academy was a quiet retreat where teachers and studentscould meet to pursue knowledge Students throughout Greeceenrolled to portake in the adventure of learning and toexperience personal growth toward wisdom (Falikowski 15). The primary goal of the Academy was to educate citizens for statesmanship. Plato, like Socrates, did not except fees for his teaching. The Academywas left to the son of Platos sister, Speusippus, when Plato died in347B.C. Emperor Justinian then closed the Academy in 529B.C. Vision of the SoulIn his writings, Plato addressed perennial questions like Whatconstitutes the good life? and What sort of individual should I strive tobecome?(Falikowski 16). To answer such questions, Plato paid particularattention to the soul. Plato assigned the human soul an intermediaryposition between the World of Becoming and the World of Ideal Being. Thesoul to him was immortal by nature, even though it is not external. Thesoul unlike physical things, can survive change. Plato envisioned the soulas having three divisions with individual duties. These divisions weremade up of the reason, spirit, and appetite. The reason is the part wemight refer to as the intellect, It seeks knowledge and understanding. .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 , .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 .postImageUrl , .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 , .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0:hover , .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0:visited , .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0:active { border:0!important; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0:active , .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0 .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua1b695640e3bd44cb8fcafb7b29a1ad0:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Gloria Estefans Successful Life EssayThe ability to think and make up our minds before we act, is by means ofreason (Falikowski 17). In other words, it is passion, which includes ourself-assertive tendencies. As the emotional element of the psyche, spiritmanifests itself in our need to love and be loved (Falikowski 17). Whenwe wish to make an impression, to make us be accepted and or admired byothers, or when we work hard to be liked, our spirit is our motivatingforce. The third division is our appetite. The appetite or desire, thephysical side of our selves, seeks to satisfy our biological instinctiveurges. According to Falikowski:Plato describes it metaphorically using t he example of acharioteer in control of two

Analysis of Anne Bradstreet’s Poems Essays

Analysis of Anne Bradstreet’s Poems Essays Analysis of Anne Bradstreet’s Poems Paper Analysis of Anne Bradstreet’s Poems Paper Essay Topic: Anne Bradstreet Poems ENGL2010 February 10, 2013 Analysis of Anne Bradstreet’s Poems Anne Bradstreet’s poem In Reference to Her Children, 23 June 1659 is a poem telling of her love, care, and worries for her children. In Reference to her Children† is both metaphorical and symbolic, expressing everything from pathos to love and a hope for her eternal reward. (www. papermasters. com) The poem is structured with a single stanza with every other line rhyming. The speaker seems to be speaking to a semi- private audience given the intimacy of the poem, and the way it speaks to the children. The tone of this poem is familiar, using the language in an abstract way by being birds; but the language is also concrete, and it is not hard to understand what this mother is trying to say. In lines 1-40, Bradstreet sets up an image of a mother bird and her nest filled with babies: four girls and four boys, representative of a human mother and her children. The speaker seems to be Bradstreet, speaking the poem first as a story about her children, as the tone changes near the end of the poem though it is clear she is writing the poem to her children. The speaker tells an emotional story of her time and experiences with her children over the years of them discovering their own independent lives. Bradstreet uses this poem to express her love and worries for her children as they grow and develop their own lives. The tone of this poem seems to be semi joyful, and familiar in the beginning, of a mother telling about her children being born and nursed with pain and care. In line four, the speaker tells of sparing nothing in order to take care of her young; showing how deep her love is for them. At first it sounds joyful as she speaks of how her young â€Å"Mounted the trees, and learned to sing† (Bradstreet) this line gives the sense of joy that comes with learning, nature and singing. The tone then changes, while the speaker is telling of her oldest bird growing up and taking flight, she becomes very sad because she worries for and misses her son. The speaker tells how most of her young have moved on, telling of their ambitions and circumstances of leaving. She makes it clear in lines 11 and 12 she does not want to let her children go, she needs them to be with her where she can enjoy singing and caring for them. There are five children who have left her home, leaving her with three at home. She expresses worries for the three because they soon will â€Å"take their flight† (Bradstreet). This poem shows a sincere care for the children, wishing them well. The speaker talks of praying for her children and only wanting good to come to their lives. Her thoughts stay steady of her children throughout the whole poem, this poem is the result of the endless love and care she has for her children. After telling of how her children came to spread their wings, the tone turns sad, while acknowledging her natural fears as a mother. She says, â€Å"If birds could weep, then my would my tears†; â€Å"Let others know what are my fears† (lines 41, 42) shows how much she fears for the children’s safety. The speaker begins to imagine a sequence of bad events that could happen to the children. The speaker finds herself overwhelmed with sadness and thoughts of how tenderly she cared for her children. The speaker tells of her raw emotions in line 60, expressing the intense pain her worrying is causing her body; â€Å"My throbs such now as ‘fore were never’. One of the speakers concerns are the ignorance’s of danger, because of this concern line 65 warns her children saying 62, â€Å"to your safety have and eye, so happy may you live and die†. This part of the poem makes it more obvious that she is speaking directly to her children. The poem takes a slight turn in tones, the speaker goes from pure worry and stress about her children to a sense of acceptance. Statement that sticks out in showing acceptance are; â€Å"Meanwhile my days in tunes ill spend Till my weak lays (poems) with me shall end† (lines 67-68); â€Å"In shady woods ill sit and sing, And things that passed to mind ill bring†(69-70). These lines are the first ones in which she really indicated anything of herself and what she will do, without involving the children except by memories. This shows some signs of accepting her children have to do what they will and admitting she will continue to move forward without them in her nest. The speaker goes on to speak of not lamenting her age; this shows she accepts the years that have gone by and has no regrets. The speaker is accepting her age and the fact that her flight is soon to come; but this will be the most important flight, the one to her heaven. After she begins to accept her age and the fact that her children are developing their own lives the poem takes on a sense of contentment. The poem In Reference to Her Children seems to be a sort of therapy for Bradstreet as she goes though the stages of grieving for her children. The poem shows all the different stages of acceptance, during a situation that was started with uncertainty. Bradstreet was one of the first American poets since the movement from England. Like many women writers in the nineteenth century, Bradstreet used print to publicize the supposedly private experiences of a woman. (VanEgen) Bradstreet was heavily criticized for this, being as the puritan view saw women as mothers and wives and nothing more, using her poems for reasons to say she must be a bad mother, puritan or wife because of her time used to write. In reality Bradstreet was good at all of those things finding the time to write after her work as a mother. Bradstreet found a way to find a public voice without violating cultural standards of privacy; she brought attention to the experiences of women and helped to re-envision their place in a society centered on the home (VanEgen). She uses her poems as a tool that helps her to accept and analyze the situations she finds herself in. he care and thought she puts into her words are a kind of organizer for her feelings and wants a way to see her life in a new perspective, helping her to cope or accept. Bradstreet, Anne. In Reference to her Children, 23 June1659. New York: New York, 2012. Print, 20 Feb. 2013. VanEngen, Abram. Advertising the domestic: Anne Bradstreets sentimental poetics. Legacy: A Journal of American Women Writers 28. 1 (2011): 47+. Academic OneFile. Web. 27 Feb. 2013. Analysis of â€Å"In Reference to Her Children†. Paper Masters Custom Writing Service Web, 20 Feb. 2013

Playing God in the Garden-Planting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Playing God in the Garden-Planting - Essay Example Biotechnology foods may be unnerving to some, but in our quest to feed the world at an affordable cost we need to make some trade offs. Pollans article is a good common sense look at the subject. Nothing comes without a risk, but companies and investors that take that risk need to know that they are making a bet on their own reputation and their financial future. First of all, Bio-Toxin potatoes are not as unsafe as some of the chemicals used in conventional food products. With every new innovation in pest or weed management, there comes a risk of one-day discovering a long-term health effect. The age of chemicals introduced Alar, DDT, and Heptachlor as a miracle application that would produce more food at a lower cost. They were discovered to be extremely harmful to the ecology of our planet as well as our personal health. Socially, we reversed our direction and the industry developed safer products. Unlike the past, Monsanto needs to put its money where its mouth is in regards to its belief that the new genetically engineering approach is safe. Of course, when weve seen the results of tobacco, asbestos, and Enron, there are few reasons to trust a multi-national conglomeration with their reach. The public needs to hold Monsanto and the scores of other biotechnology companies financially and socially responsible for their products. The FDA and the EPA have passed the ball back and forth but have refused to get involved in the game. They have left it to the companies and they and their investors need to be aware that they will be held accountable. Past genetic engineering was slow and took generations to produce any results. 50 years ago, plant geneticists were crossing drought resistant soybeans with a variety that was resistant to mold. After generations of selection, they had a new variety that had the mold resistant gene. Today, this is done in a petri dish in a fraction of the time. There is little difference in the two

Business Taxation. See uploaded guidlines Essay

Business Taxation. See uploaded guidlines - Essay Example Research and development (R&D) tax credits are a company tax relief which can either reduce a company’s tax bill or, for some small or medium sized companies, provide a cash sum’. Through a different definition it is noticed that ‘Research and development tax credits are a company tax relief which can either reduce a company’s tax bill or, for some small or medium sized companies, provide a cash sum; the R&D tax credit works by allowing companies to deduct up to 150% of qualifying expenditure on R&D activities when calculating their profit for tax purposes’ (The Small Business Portal, 2006). It should be noticed that the above scheme can lead to the benefits stated above only if specific terms and requirements are met (as it will be explained below). The benefits offered by this scheme to firms across the country can be differentiated. Specifically for small businesses it is noticed by the UK HM Revenue and Customs that the particular scheme can lead to a reduction of the tax bill up to a percentage of 15%. On the other hand, it is also supported that ‘some SME companies not in profit can surrender their R&D tax losses for cash (in the form of a payable credit) of up to 24p per  £1 of actual expenditure within specified categories’ (UK, HM Revenue and Customs, Small Businesses). The level of the benefit can reach up to a 100% of capital allowances for small firms that make a relevant capital expenditure. In order to understand the benefits offered for small businesses in UK under the particular scheme it is necessary to refer primarily to the definition of R&D scheme at least regarding its general characteristics. In this context, it is noticed that ‘broadly, in order to qualify, activities must be creative or innovative work in the fields of science or technology and undertaken with a view to the extension of knowledge and breaking new ground, whether that be through resolving some uncertainty or creating a new or substantially improved

Strengths and Opportunities of Walmart Essay Example for Free

Strengths and Opportunities of Walmart Essay Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart, is an American multinational retail corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the worlds third largest public corporation, the biggest private employer in the world with 2. 2 million employees and is the largest retailer in the world. Walmart is also one of the worlds most valuable companies. First of all, Walmart has good reputation for convenience and their low price strategy and these become their advantage to attract customers. Walmart reclaimed the top spot in the Fortune 500 in 2012 after slipping to No. last year. The retailer’s refocus on low prices continued to attract frugal shoppers into the discounters U. S. stores. Everyday Low Price (EDLP) is the cornerstone of the company strategy and their price focus has never been stronger. Today’s consumer seeks the convenience of one-stop shopping that they offer. From grocery and entertainment to sporting goods and crafts, Walmart provide the deep assortment that the customers appreciate. The company price investments across a broad assortment allow them to deliver a lower-priced market basket. Through Walmart’s localised and national market basket media campaigns, they show customers market by market that they are the low price leader on baskets of merchandise. In fiscal 2013, Walmart U. S. delivered a strong 1. 8 percent comp increase or an additional $4. 7 billion in comp store sales from last year. Net sales rose to $274. 5 billion, a 3. 9 percent increase and operating income grew by 5. 4 percent to $21. 5 billion. They are driving growth and meeting the customers’ needs by offering lower prices on a broad assortment of relevant merchandise. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit their 10,800 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. By offering everyday low prices on a broad merchandise assortment, the company builds customer trust and resonates with consumers globally. Besides that, Walmart also has some successful cost leadership strategies. The strategies are efficiency in operations and distribution strategies, efficiency in supply chain management and the strong bargaining power. For fficiency in operations and distribution strategies: the Organisation Development (OD) strategies have helped Walmart achieve low prices- Walmart opens the stores outside of large cities and within 200 miles of existing stores. By bunching stores together in small areas, distribution costs are below average. Moreover, Walmart seeks to meet different customers’ needs with four main distinct retail options; these include supercenters, discount stores, Sam’s Club, and neighborhood markets. For the efficiency in supply chain management: Walmart is incredibly successful in managing its supply chain. The company applies the most reliable supply chain management system which is very efficient because almost all product data can be tracked to and from the manufacturer, warehouse, and the store shelf. Efficiency in supply chain system may save Walmart several million dollars as it can prevent losses from faulty product management. For the strong bargaining power: Walmart buys its products at rock-bottom prices, exchanges high purchase volumes for low cost while passing the savings onto its customers. The bargaining power of suppliers is weak. Many suppliers even give in to Walmart’s pressure because they depend on the discount retailer for the majority of their sales. Obviously, suppliers would do what Walmart wanted them to do if they hoped to maintain their sales. The cost leadership strategy enables Walmart to offer products at low price points. The company offers its grocery products at prices about 12% lower than the market. This strategy ensures a steady, recurring stream of customers for its goods, making Walmart synonymous with inexpensive and this keeps constant pressure on competitors. In addition, Walmart also has a focused strategy in place for human resource management and development. The employees are the key to Walmarts business and they are willing to invest time and money in training and developing them. They believe that the success of the business model relies on entrepreneurial employees who desire to learn and grow within the industry. They invest in the training and development of each employee, offering equal opportunities for learning at all levels. Training and development of employees provides a competitive advantage, enabling continual improvement of performance across the whole organisation. The employees must develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to serve, support and sell within the operating framework of their division. Therefore, the company’s goal is to expose employees to training that is specific to their area of responsibility and provide opportunities for further learning and development for ongoing growth within the organisation. Opportunities Retail market growth in Walmart’s emerging markets gives an opportunity to the company. Retail markets grew by at least 5% on average in emerging markets in the last year, opening huge opportunities for Walmart’s revenue growth. The business currently operates in Brazil, Mexico, China and India markets. Since 2008 to 2012, the number of international locations has nearly doubled. Walmart International serves more than 105 million customers per week in 26 countries. The company’s portfolio provides a balance of growth with improved profitability and higher returns. In fiscal 2013, Walmart International contributed almost 30 percent of the company’s net sales, with an increase of 7. 4 percent from the prior year to $135. 2 billion. Besides that, the company operating income also grew 8. percent to $6. 7 billion. Walmart ended the year with 497 more new stores, totalling approximately 19 million square feet. As the largest retailer in the world, the retail market growth in its emerging markets has given Walmart a new reason to be successful. Another opportunity for Walmart is the concentration on grocery and food trends continue to grow. The perception that home-prepared foods are much healthier and an unmet desire to enjoy affordable, restaurant-type food at home have given food marketers the opportunity to recapture mealtime. The current trend of eating healthier food has resulted in higher demand for grocery products. Walmart’s largest part of the overall business food and grocery had successfully continued to gain share from the market from this trend. As the largest retailer in the world, Walmart has an opportunity to expand its grocery stores to earn more income from this trend. Besides that, the significant growth in the online grocery shopping has given an advantage to Walmart as Walmart had started to offer the customers the option to shop online using mobile devices since the year 2000. A 2012 Nielsen survey of consumers in 56 countries uncovered some fascinating insights on this trend. The number of people stating that they intend to buy food and beverages online grew 44% over the last two years and 26% of global respondents say they plan to purchase food and beverage products through an online connected device in the next three to six months. In addition, Online grocery sales are also expected to increase 9. 5 percent annually to become a $9. 4 billion industry in 2017, according to data from IBISWorld. The service fulfilled the customer desire for quick, easy, cost-efficient grocery shopping. Walmart is trying to expand their e-commerce operations with several tactics. One success of the company is the new search engine for walmart. com which delivers more relevant results to online shoppers and led to increased sales conversions. They are also testing some great innovations, such as same-day delivery of purchases from the company’s U. S. website. The company just expanded mobile self-checkout through their Scan and Goâ„ ¢ app. They have also launched a multi-year process to build the next generation global technology platform. Moreover, Walmart had also carried out many projects which will boost the companys public image. In the year 2012, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s charitable contributions surpassed $1 billion in cash and in-kind donations to positively impact local communities around the globe. This includes $1 billion in cash and in-kind gifts in the United States and $82. 2 million in cash and in-kind gifts in international markets. In addition, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Logistics employees volunteered more than 2. million hours, generating $18 million to U. S. nonprofits. At 20 June 2013, the Walmart Foundation announced $14 million in grants to provide more than 1. 7 million children and families with free meals and nutrition education programs. The grants will expand access to meals for children outside of school this summer and throughout the year, while also teaching families how to develop healthy, low-cost eating habits. Ethical sourcing is also practiced by the company. The foundation of Walmart’s business has always centered on helping people live better. This mission applies not only to their customers but also to the workers who make the products. The company collaborate with other retailers, brands, NGOs and government leaders to verify the products they sell are produced in a way that provides dignity and respect for workers in their supply chain. As the world’s largest retailer, they strive to positively influence global supply chain practices by raising their own standards and improving working conditions in the countries from which they source. These projects had successfully increased the company’s public image and community relations.