Coach Inc. Is its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustainable

Executive Summary This paper presents a case analysis report on Coach Inc. The case analysis is comprehensive and focuses on the nature of operations in the company. The first part focuses on the operations of the company and the issues that face the sustainable operation and positioning of Coach Inc. in the competitive industry.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Coach Inc. Is its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustainable specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The second part of the paper presents an analysis of the issues of competitiveness of the company based on the SWOT analysis framework. The third part of the paper explores the strategic choices as far as the future competitiveness of the company is concerned. This is followed by the development of a number of recommendations and how they can be implemented by the company to ensure sustained performance. Coach Inc.: Is its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustainab le? Background statement of the problems/issues Coach Inc. has molded its operations around the production of simple handbags since it began its operations in 1941. The company was acquired by a new investor, Sara Lee, after more than forty years of operation. Coach Inc. continued to embrace the strategy that had been adopted by the founder company. A marketing research that was conducted by Frankfort resulted in a shift in the nature of products and product delivery by Coach Inc. The company shifted from the delivery of simple bags to classy and sophisticated bags. At the same time, Coach Inc. ensured that the prices of these products were relatively lower than the prices set on such products by its competitors. Attractive pricing has made the company remain appealing to a lot of customers considering that pricing is a critical factor in determining the behavior of consumers in the market. In addition, the company has progressively adopted aggressive expansion strategies that are aimed at seeing it attain a large market share in both the mother country of operation and the foreign market. According to the case, these strategies saw the annual sales of the company swell to $2.1 billion in 2006 from $500 million in 1999. The trends in the global industry depict a lot of opportunities in the industry. However, the industry has attracted a relatively large number of players. Therefore, there is bound to be a lot of pressure on Coach Inc. as one of the leading players in the industry to overcome the competitive pressure that emanates from the industry and the market.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is important for the company to maintain a high level of vigilance in the changes in demand and patterns of consumption in the industry, as well as monitor the other sources of competition. This is vital in the choice of strategies that will see the com pany maintain a sustainable level of competitiveness in the market. Situation Analysis Competitive strengths According to the case, one of the main strengths of the company lies in the choice of its target market. The company targets middle income consumers. The middle income earners form the largest part of the market in which the company operates. Moreover, the strategy that the company uses is quite appealing. The company embraces quality and styling. It also offers the luxury handbags at prices that are far much lower that the prices that are offered for such products by competitor firms. Marketing literature provides evidence that pricing is one of the vital considerations when it comes to the efforts of any company to attain a competitive position in the market. It is one of the things that influence the perception and buying patterns in the market. Expansion strategies are often used by firms to attain a higher market share. The addition of retail stores in its major markets, the United States and Japan, has helped the company to gain a stronger footage and a better position over its competitors. This is strength as far as the competitiveness of the company is considered. Gaining footage in the mother market enables the firm to make more revenues. This is critical for expansion into new markets. Weaknesses As noted in the case, Coach has built its reputation and competitiveness on offering luxury products at appealing prices. This is a risky strategy considering the fact that the global economy is characterized by inflation and increment in the prices of supplies. The company is bound to incur significant cuts in its sales and profits when it adjusts its prices upwards as a cost adjustment measure. A compromise in quality as a cost adjustment measure is likely to make most customers change their perception about the company and its products.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Coach Inc. Is its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustai nable specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Prevailing opportunities New markets present new opportunities for the company. The Asian market is one of the most promising markets for a substantial number of companies. This is based on the fact that most economies in the region are expanding at a quick pace. The plan by the company to open new stores in the Asian region, particularly Hong Kong and China, means that the company is bound to further increase its market share. These markets are the most promising markets as indicated by global patterns in fashion trends. Successful entry into these markets further offers the company an opportunity to venture into other lines of products. This will cushion the company from the shocks that emanate from the competitors in the luxury handbag sector. Planned expansion through strategic alliances is another factor that opens up the company to more opportunities. Most companies in the contemporary glob alized markets are opting for strategic partnerships and alliances as a way of bridging the cultural and operational impediments in new markets. Strategic alliances are bound to help the company to broaden the range of products it offers. These include venturing into the production of fragrances and women’s knitwear, besides the specialization in luxury handbags. Threats Coach Inc. faces stiffer competition in the market from other competitor companies that are up to the task in terms of adjusting their strategies. From the case, it is clear that other industry elites, such as Gianni Versace, Giorgio, Dolce, Armani, Gabbana are also proactive in terms of the expansion of their operations in the market. These firms are bound to give cut-throat competition to Coach Inc., more so in the mother operational markets where these companies are presumed to have a deeper touch with the customers. Also, companies from France and Italy have continued to dominate the luxury goods industr y. This makes it difficult for Coach Inc. to penetrate and establish a desirable market position in the European market. Issues of copyright infringement and other unethical practices keep emerging from the industry as the global luxury industry continues to expand and attract a larger number of stakeholders. As a strong brand in the market, Coach Inc. is at risk of losing lots of revenue to the counterfeit products from fraudulent operators who may choose to make use of the Coach’s trademark in their operations.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Setting precedence in the production of quality products at affordable prices has made the company appealing to most consumers. However, this is also a risk for the company. The stiffening economic conditions in the global market denote high rates of inflation. This means that the Coach Inc. is bound to get its supplies at relatively higher prices than the current prices. In such cases, the company may be forced to implement an upward adjustment in the prices of its products to cater for the inflationary pressures and their implication on costs. When this happens, pricing will no longer be a competitive force for the company. Analysis of Alternatives Dealing with pressures from other companies in the market requires the company to embrace strategic alliances in the market. Strategic alliances can help in boosting the market position of the company by enabling the company to expand the range of places where its products can be acquired. It can also enable the company widen its produc t range. Part of the increase in the sale of luxury goods across the world is attributed to the growth of the big discount stores such as Target and Wal-Mart. Therefore, one way the company can gain access to newer markets across the world is by targeting the large discount stores in different countries. This way, the company can easily match the strategies that are being deployed by the rival companies in the market. Europe is one of the largest markets in the world. It presents opportunities for any company dealing in the production of luxury goods. However, competition in the luxury goods industry is quite high in the region due to the long held experience and dominance of French and Italian firms in the industry. The best strategy for penetrating such a market is through mergers with firms in Europe, or the acquisition and rebranding of underperforming firms in the market. This is also a way of defending the company from the competition pressure that comes from the increased ent ry of luxury goods from France and Italy in Asia and North America. The company should embrace further diversity in terms of the range and quality of products that it offers to its customers as it targets the middle and emerging economies in the world. Most people in the emerging and developing economies in Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East do not have high incomes. This is contrary to Europe and North America where most people lie in the middle income category and can afford the luxury goods. Therefore, the company should consider producing goods of quality and prices that can meet the income of these people. It is impressive to note that the company has already diversified the range of products that it deals in. This implies the ease of further considerations to meet the demands of customers in the target markets. The enforcement of copyright laws seems to be a problem for most companies in the market. Coach’s brands are bound to be used as a platform for mon ey making by fraudulent operators in the luxury industry since its brands are highly recognized in the industry. Therefore, the expansion strategies need to be accompanied by consumer awareness. It is important for the company to constantly and aggressively disseminate information about its products to all its consumers in the market. Consumers are bound to make wise choices as they become more aware of what they want. This way, they can easily detect counterfeited products in the market and reduce the susceptibility of the company to counterfeiting. One of the strategies that were used by the company to establish its brand in the market was the enhancement of customer service. However, the company is bound to widen the gap between it and its customers as it enforces a rapid expansion program. The management needs to ensure that customer service is taken to another level to sustain the market share. This means that both the direct retail stores and the indirect stores need special p eople to respond to the concerns of the customers. The other consideration is e-marketing. Recommendation(s) Implementation Coach Inc. needs to focus more on product differentiation, instead of dwelling on offering high quality luxury bags. Differentiation can be best attained through the establishment of strategic partnerships with other companies in the market. The company can establish a foundation in the production of other luxury and beauty products. It also has an opportunity to use these partners as retail outlets for selling its products. The stock price of the company showed an upward movement between 2000 and 2004. This denoted an increase in the number of customers and a substantial increase in market share. The ability to increase customer confidence in the company and increased investment by customers in its stock depends on how the company will continue to appeal to the customers. There is a need for the company to attain a ‘green tag’ to sustain its atta chment with the customers. E-commerce is one of the desirable platforms as far as keeping touch with the customers and sustaining the market share are concerned. One way through which Coach Inc. can enhance sales and embrace customer service is through the adoption of online marketing techniques. This case study on Coach Inc. Is its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustainable was written and submitted by user Alexia Harrell to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Coach Inc. Is Its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustainable Driving Forces Bargaining power of customers. The bargaining power of customers is a driving force for the industry as it forces companies to invent new product lines and designs to remain competitive as well as implement new strategies and trainings to gain more appropriate skills. Moreover, shifts in customers’ preferences can be observed when a company loses its leading positions in the industry or is not able to sustain its competitive advantage over its rivals.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Coach Inc.: Is Its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustainable? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More New entries. The threat of new entries that may potentially become competitive can be considered another driving force that forces companies that operate within the industry to move further in terms of new technologies implementation, new strategies applied to the company’s management, research, and dev elopment. In this respect, the development of the industry happens due to threats of new entries and changes in bargaining power of customers. Intensity of competitive rivalry. The intensity of competitive rivalry as well as threat of new entries and increasing bargaining power of customers are the major driving forces for the industry of luxurious goods because companies that operate within it have to make adequate decisions to change their strategies with regard to changing technologies, customers’ preferences and needs, and other threats that may alter the longitudinal plans of the company for the next 1-3 years. Key Success Factors Brand building skills. If a company that operates in the market of luxurious goods is not capable of implementing training and developing core competencies necessary for building of brand, this company would not remain competitive for a long period of time because the brand building skills can be considered one of the key success factors for th is industry and every company that wants to succeed in it should develop those skills. Competitive design. Competitive and recognizable design of goods manufactured under a certain brand should be used to promote this brand as well as goods manufactured under it to succeed in the industry. In other words, new designs should be aimed at gaining acknowledgement and preference of customers. Moreover, designs should help customers to differentiate between goods manufactured by this and that brand and make distinctions easier with regard to certain cues used by each brand to remain unique. Convenient retail locations. Convenient location of retail stores is another key success factor for the industry of luxurious goods because all categories that were planned to be addressed can be addressed via retail stores such as company-owned stores and factory stores in case of Coach Inc, a manufacturer of luxurious goods. Moreover, stores owned by the company can develop customer’s loyalty due to the attractiveness of their stores (Gamble, 2008, p. 311); besides, this a common success factor for all companies that operate in the industry. Recommendations Strategic problem. How long will the coach Inc company be able to address the needs of its customers via implementation of low cost competencies and remain a brand whose customers have changing bargaining powers and are not able to remain loyal to the brand? In other words, the period when the company had to launch new designs once a year has passed while the company should remain competitive and launch new designs every month.Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Strategic recommendation. Focus on product differentiation. As the product differentiation can be considered one of the most effective strategies implemented by Coach Inc into operation, the further direction can coincide with the current one d ue to the proven success of this strategy implementation. Moreover, the company can expand into international market more actively via agreements made with manufacturers of luxurious goods in other countries to make and distribute goods under the Coach Inc brand. Expand product offerings. This strategy is sure to contribute greatly to the overall success of the company and be beneficial for its further expansion into the international market including other countries than those with which the company has been successfully building partnership. As the company will expand product offerings it will gain new customers in other areas. For instance, use of leather in combination with other materials can be really beneficial. Develop customer loyalty and brand recognition. Though this is one of the current strategies, it proved to be really effective and can be used in future to build relations of trust and loyalty with the company’s customers. As the intensity of rivalry competitio n and threat of new entries is high, the company should be extremely recognizable in terms of specific style, design, and attitude to customers. Objectives. The company should expand its product line by five items that can be manufactured according to agreement by other companies under the brand of Coach Inc. The company should double the number of retail stores in the United States by the end of the 2007 and increase the number of retail stores in Japan in the same period by 70 items. Introduction of new styles during each month of the 2007 should be aimed at increasing of gross revenue and customer loyalty. Reference Gamble, J. E. (2008). Coach Inc.: Is its advantage in luxury handbags sustainable? In J. E. Gamble A. A. Thompson (Eds.). Essentials of strategic management: The quest for competitive advantage (pp. 303-316). New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin. This critical writing on Coach Inc.: Is Its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustainable? was written and submitted by user Bryan Harvey to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Coach Inc. Is Its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustainable Introduction The company Coach Inc. deals with production, distribution, and sales of handbags. The past company’s direction included low-cost handbags that were not really luxurious though reliable and ‘resilient to wear and tear’.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Coach Inc.: Is Its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustainable? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The shift in consumers’ preferences made the company introduce more luxurious designs of handbags to be more compatible to the rising fashion on Italian and French stylish luxurious brands. Thus, the company used the differentiation and cost leadership strategies to learn about the needs and expectations of consumers and meet their requirements implementing uniqueness competencies and low cost competencies in the narrow market scope. Thus, the differentiation and cost leadership strategies enabled the company to address the customers who require unique goods and those who search for something less expensive. In other words, the company managed to divide the potential buyers in accordance with their buying power to ensure that both categories will get the goods at a relevant price. Strategic Issue The company coach Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers and owners of best-selling handbag brand on the territory of the United States and Japan as these two countries were reported to be the greatest consumers of luxurious goods hence leading to the targeting of the goods to the American and Japanese consumer markets. The strategy of the company includes a wide range of goods claimed to be luxurious manufactured and sold within the company-owned full-price stores, retail department stores, and factory stores. Agreements made with producers of eyewear, shoes, and watches are aimed at manufacturing high-quality luxurious goods of these categories under the brand of Coach. Thus, differentiation strategy was used to address the category of customers who have already built the loyalty to a certain brand but are ready to try goods manufactured under other brands. Cost leadership strategy was used to ensure that the category of customers who have been loyal to this brad for years would not be eliminated from the company’s plans. The strategic issue for the company is the increase in the number of full-price company-owned stores and the number of factory stores in the United States and in Japan. Another strategic plan of the company is the production of fragrance and other goods that are positioned in the category of luxurious goods. Besides, the gifts and customer attendance should be the main focus of the company, especially talking about holiday periods.Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Knitwear and cashmere women’s collections designed in alliance with ma nufacturers of such goods are aimed at addressing more luxurious audience as the price range is higher than the one for handbags though the handbags remain the main focus of the company. The major strategic initiative concerning the handbags includes the launching of new designs and collections as a part of the differentiation strategy to ensure that the brand is recognizable in the broad market scope. In this respect, the company successfully exercises the segmentation strategy to ensure that the company managed to meet the needs of two categories of customers by applying the differentiation and cost leadership strategies taking into account the uniqueness and low cost competencies. Moreover, every new item produced by the company is also an implementation of the differentiation and cost leadership strategies. Reference Gamble, J. E. (2008). Coach Inc.: Is its advantage in luxury handbags sustainable? In J. E. Gamble A. A. Thompson (Eds.). Essentials of strategic management: The q uest for competitive advantage (pp. 303-316). New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin. This critical writing on Coach Inc.: Is Its Advantage in Luxury Handbags Sustainable? was written and submitted by user Hawkeye/Clint Barton to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

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VitraHaus Construction Analysis The home of Vitra Home Collection, VitraHaus (2006-2010), is located on Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany.1 It was designed by Basel-based architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron and opened in 2010.2 The purpose of the VitraHaus was to provide a space to present Vitra Home Collection furniture arrangements in different style genres and also provide inspirational ideas for visitors home and their own taste in design.3 In Charles Ray Eames Showroom, this was overcome by use of precedents which includes minimalism and the architects previous projects in Munich, Basel, and Paris.4 A) Historical Introduction: The VitraHaus(fig.1) was initiated as the home of the Vitra Home Collection that launched in January 2004.5 The company Vitra is a manufacturer and retailer of many leading furniture designers works.6 Vitra is also known for the Vitra Campus(fig.2) that make up its premises in Wil am Rhein.7 It is where company s widely acclaimed architecture of museum, atelier, showrooms, warehouse and manufacturing buildings are situated which make up its premises.8 These buildings are known for its internationally recognized architects such as like Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, Zaha Hadid, Nicholas Grimshaw, Alvaro Siza and Antonio Citterio as well as structures by Jean Prouv? and Richard Buckminster Fuller.9 Since its foundation in 1950, the company focused mainly on office furnishings and has targeted business clients until they launched its Home Collection in January 2004 with a new target group in mind: individual customers with an interest in design.10 It features collection of unique home product s including design classics, re-editions, as well as works by contemporary designers.11 The Vitra Home Collection was displayed in a former factory building on the main Vitra production site until the company decided to have a space solely serve for the Home Collection.12 To construct an additional space on the Vitra Campus, the company commissioned two Basel based architects Herzog and de Meuron in 2006 to design the home of Vitra Home Collection the VitraHause.13 The design development took place from 2006 to 2007 and the construction continued from 2007 to 2009 where the VitraHaus opened in Feburary 22nd 2010.14 The construction of VitraHaus was also a starting of a new chapter in the history of Vitra Campus since it was the newest addition in sixteen years since the last building the Vitra Design Museum by Frank Gehry in1994.15 B) Spatial Organization and Planning: The VitraHaus is a five storey structure with twelve houses within the building.16 (fig.3) The Charles and Ray Eames showroom (fig.4) is located in the third floor of VitraHaus with dimension of approximately 90sq.meter.17 The visitors discovery on the path through the VitraHaus starts from fourth floor of the building towards the lower floors.18 As one starts their tour in fourth floor loft, they are introduced to a spectacular view of the Tullinger Hill and the history of Vitra and the VitraHaus.19 After one has been introduced to a brief knowledge of the Vitra and its history of furniture, The Vitra Classic awaits in the third floor (fig.5) where Charles and Ray Eames showroom is located.20 The Vitra Classic floor can be reached by three different paths throughout the building.21 First is to take the main stair which connects all the floors in the building.22 This main stair will introduce you directly to Charles and Ray Eames showroom which is located in the North East side of the floor.23 The second method is to take a lift which also connects all the floors in the building.24 However, the lift will lead you to the other collection of Vitra Classics which is located in the South West side of the floor.25 But one can easily walk to the other side of the floor.26 The third is a spiral stair which is accessible from the second floor.27 On the arrival of this spiral stair, one can choose to walk straight forward to the South West part of the floor or turn around to visit the Charles and Ray Eames collection.28 As you enter the showroom (fig.6), the front facade with glazed gable ends opens up the room to the view of landscape and the Vitra Campus.29 The daylight from the window also makes the room feel more spacious. On the East of the room is the display wall with wall mounted shelving and colour coded signage to categorize Charles and Ray Eames designs.30 To the West side of the space, chairs are displayed on the floor along the wall with different flooring that separates between the display area and circulation floor.31 The West side of the space also has the spiral stairs which opened up upper part of the wall which gives view of second floor which presents the Living, Eating, and Working at Home collections.32 C) Materials and Construction Method(s): The VitraHaus is a five storey structure of stacked volumes of the archetypal house which comprised of twelve houses.33 Five houses are set at the ground floor with seven more houses are stacked up, intersected and in support of one another.34 Stacked into a total of five storeys and breathtakingly cantilevered up to fifteen metres in some places, the twelve houses, whose floor slabs intersect the underlying gables, create a three-dimensional assemblage ? a pile of houses that, at first glance, has an almost chaotic appearance.35 The VitraHaus rises above the other buildings on the Vitra Campus with maximum dimensions of 57 metres in length, 54 metres in width and 21.3 metres in height.36(fig.7) The deliberate intention was to grant an overview of the surrounding landscape, the campus as well as an overview of the Home Collection by constructing a vertically oriented structure with a small footprint.37 The charcoal coloured stucco on the exterior of the building unifies the structure, and connects it to the surrounding landscape.38 (fig.8) A wooden plank floors made from the local larch wood defines an open central area, where five ground floor buildings are grouped.39 (fig.9) It performs as a conference area, Vitra Design Museum Shop, business lounge and a Vitrine exhibition space, the lobby with a reception area and a caf? with an outdoor terrace for summer use.40 As interior and exterior spaces interpenetrate, so do two types of forms: the orthogonal-polygonal, as perceived from the exterior, and the organic, which produces a series of spatial surprises in the interior. 41(fig.10) It is a secret world that is intended by Herzog de Meuron with a suggestive, almost labyrinthine character. 42 On the path through the five storeys, the complexity of the interior space arises not only from the angular intersection of the individual houses but also from the integration of a second geo metrical concept.43 All of the staircases are integrated into expansive, winding organic volumes that figuratively eat their way through the various levels of the building like a worm, sometimes revealing fascinating visual relationships between the various houses, at other times blocking the view.44 The individual houses, which have the general characteristics of a display space, are conceived as abstract elements.45 With just a few exceptions, only the gable ends are glazed, and the structural volumes seem to have been shaped with an extrusion press.46 An important feature of the VitraHaus is the glassed end gables(fig.11); a feature which gives the house two personalities.47 By day the surrounding countryside appears to be drawn into the interior and to become almost a part of the decoration; in contrast, however, when darkness falls, the illuminated interior of the building glows from within, while its physical structure seems to dissipate.48 The rooms open up; the glazed gable ends turn into display cases that shine across the Vitra Campus and into the surrounding countryside.49 D) Furnishings and Ornamentation: The philosophy of Vitra Home Collection is to provide inspirational ideas for individuals home and their own taste in design rather than an interior design system or a homogeneous product line.50 Vitra Home Collection wishes to inspire customers to furnish their home as a process of collage of products and objects according to one s individual preferences and circumstances.51 To allow one to be inspired, and encourage to explore and heighten their sense of design, the interior of the overall space is very simple and furnishings are used as minimal as possible.52 The interior walls are finished in white which gives priority to the furniture displays and allow the characteristics of furniture presents its fullest .53 Since the space is used to showcase the retail furniture, series of wall shelving and signage are used to display.54 The white shelves are mounted in different levels with colourful signage to categorize the types of Charles and Ray Eames chairs into plastic, wire, aluminu m, and ply wood groups.55 The rugs or different variety of floor furnishings are used to give the boundary to the additional furniture displayed on the floor.56 The spot lightings are mounted in the ceiling as ambient light as well as to emphasize the products.57 Since there are minimal use of ornamentations, the abstract structural volumes interacting through the space and the glazed gable ends adds rhythm to the space.58 The high ceiling, white finishes, light wood floors, and large windows give spacious feeling to the space.59 Each house has a touch screen catalogue(fig.12) where each visitor can insert their VitraHause keycard and browse through Vitra s catalogue, purchase a product on a spot or learn about particular design or designer.60 The Vitra Classic Collection also features the Photo me La Chaise Armchair which is set of a La Caise Armchair by Charles and Ray Eames with a camera that allows visitors to have memorable photo time upon their visit to the VitraHaus.61 The photo can be stored in a personal VitraHause keycard and can be emailed later.62 E) Functions and Signification: Since the company Vitra is a manufacturer and retailer company that acquired licenses for the designs of Charles and Ray Eames in 1951, it is not a surprise to see that one of the showrooms in VitraHaus was dedicated to the designs of Eames.63 The Charles and Ray Eames showroom functions as a space that showcases the works of Charles and Ray Eames in different range of groups.64 The groups are categorized by the materials used in the making of the chairs which includes but not limited to; plastic, wire, aluminum, and ply wood.65 As mentioned earlier, the deliberate intention of the building was to grant an overview of the surrounding landscape, the campus as well as an overview of the Home Collection by constructing a vertically oriented structure with a small footprint.66 This has been illustrated in the Charles and Ray Eames showroom with large window that has an overview of the campus and the opening for the spiral stair case allows an overview of the Home Collection on lower floors.67 The philosophy of the Vitra Home Collection also has been demonstrated successfully in the space.68 The Vitra Home Collection s intention was to provide inspirational ideas for individuals own taste in design so one can furnish their home as a process of collage of products and objects according to one s individual preferences and circumstances.69 This philosophy is successfully delivered through minimal interior design of the space.70 It allowed the unique characteristics of each chairs to be presented in its fullest with the contrast of the white wall.71 This contrast and display almost creates an imagery of pallets of colourfull paints on a white canvas which inspires visitors to explore and imagine their own design of space.72 The special photograph set and digital catalogue also adds excitement and convenience to the visit.73 The space that is solely dedicated in respect of the design classic, with the company s philosophy of provide a space that can inspire one to build and develop their own design world.74 This suggests that the space not only functions as a showroom, but it also functions as a space for an education, preservation of stories, personal knowledge and to be one s muse.75 F) Designer s Sources/Inspirations/Influences/Precedents: The concept of the VitraHaus contains two direct quotations of the themes that appear repeatedly in the oeuvre of Herzog de Meuron: the theme of the archetypal house and the theme of stacked volumes.76 Herzog de Meuron has aimed not for virtuosity but innovation, looking always to the broader culture and art for inspiration.77 Referring to Andy Warhol, Jacques Herzog has said, He used common Pop images to say something new. That is exactly what we are interested in: to use well known forms and materials in a new way so that they become alive again. 78 Their influences of the archetypal house and theme of stacked volumes can be seen in many of their work from precedents to future projects that are in progress.79 The Goetz Collection, in Munich 1989-1992 (fig.13), St. Jakob Turm in Basel 2005-2008 (fig.14), and Rue des Suisses in Paris 1996-2000 (fig.15) are one of the precedents that has been designed by Herzog and de Meuron.80 Another form of their precedents study can be found at the Herzog and de Meuron Exhibition at the Walker Art Centre in November 2000 to February 2001.81 The exhibition included from material studies to technical drawings and from initial models to full-scale prototypes(fig.16).82 Here, many prototypes of stack up of geometrical shapes can be found.83 In VitraHaus, it was especially appropriate since the primary purpose of the five-storey building is to present furnishings and objects for the home.84 Due to the proportions and dimensions of the interior spaces ? the architects use the term domestic scale ? the showrooms are reminiscent of familiar residential settings.85 Architect Jacques Herzog, naturally, sees the situation somewhat differently.86 For Herzog, the project was a chance to get away from development driven architecture and a rare opportunity to complete an author driven project.87 Through the stacking and interlacing you not only create a multitude of new forms and architectural spaces but achieve a wonderful paradox: a simple, familiar house design which appears complex on account of the numerous intersections.88 This perceived complexity is further enhanced by the combination of the external orthogonal-polygonal form and the more organic internal form which results, principally, from the spiral staircases and occa sional open spaces and small side windows.89 Principally the black exterior allows the effect of floating houses by allowing the structure to merge with the darkness.90 In addition the anthracite of the VitraHaus contrasts with the brilliant white of Frank Gehrys neighbouring Vitra Design Museum.91

Do not go gentle into that good night by Dylan Thomas :: Poetry

"Do not go gentle into that good night" by Dylan Thomas is a poem about death. Dylan Thomas wrote this poem during the last illness of his father's life. The author creates an image of death with the use of the sons pleading words asking his father to fight against the darkness that is taking over and leading him into the afterlife. Dylan Thomas meticulously creates an image of death through the use of cunning words and by giving each word a deeper significance than its literal connotation. The author uses the image of death in every paragraph of the poem. It is one of despair and gloom. Dylan Thomas uses the words "night (1.1)" and "dark (2.1)" to describe the certain outcome of the father. Thomas declares "Rage, rage against the dying of the light (1.3)" to generate the feeling that death is unpleasant therefore forming a grim image for the reader. The author also uses numerous literal undertones throughout the poem to produce a melancholy attitude in the reader. He speaks of "wise men (2.1)", "good men (3.1)", "wild men (4.1)" and "grave men (5.1)" all coming to their death without any hope of life continuing thus encouraging the guarantee that everyone will come to their end. The literary element of tone is also present in this poem. Thomas sets the tone by conveying his anger about death by using grim words coming together to create a poem only nineteen lines long. Thomas also repeats "Rage, rage against the dying of the light (1.3)" and "Do not go gentle into that good night (1.1)" several times, communicating a dreadful tone to the reader. By using these strategically placed words and phrases, he forms a word-repeating pattern that is often found in the tone of anger.

Err Task B Your Work Role Essay

Task B- Your work role Describe the information which needs to be shown on your pay slips/statement. Personal information eg. Name and date of birth Total pay – your full pay before any tax or National Insurance has been taken off Any deductions which change from payday to payday eg. tax and National Insurance, and what the deductions are for. The total amount of pay that you will come out with after deductions National Insurance number Tax code The tax period Pay rate A breakdown of additional payments like overtime, tips or bonuses Identify two changes to personal information which must be reported to your employer Change of address Change of bank details Describe the procedure to follow if you want to raise a grievance at work You should first discuss the grievance with your person in charge or manager. This should be done in confidence with all of the details being discussed so that action can be taken if they feel this is necessary. If your superior is not able to resolve the grievance, then it will be referred either verbally or in writing to the home owner. If you feel uncomfortable going through any of the stages alone you have the right to have another person with you at any stage of the procedure. Explain the agreed ways of working with your employer in relation to the following areas. Data protection – No data or personal information is to be passed on or given out to anyone without the client or the clients next of kin consent. No Data should leave the building unless consent is given by the manager Grievance- If anybody has a grievance they must first discuss this with the home manager so that it can be dealt with. C onflict management- If you feel there is unnecessary conflict between employees you should go to your manager to discuss this. You should find the reasons for the conflict and if it is possible to eliminate the conflict Anti- discriminatory practice – You can work with your employer regarding anti discrimination practice by going to them if you feel you are being discriminated against by other colleagues. You should be able to talk to your manger about this so that she can investigate further and try to resolve the problem. Health and safety – Employees work with their manager regarding health and safety by completing health and safety training put forward by the manger. Confidentiality – It is important that all of the residents personal information is kept confidential and not passed on to anybody. This is unless prior consent has been given by the manager if the resident health or safety is in danger if information is kept confidential. Whistleblowing – You work with your employer in regard to whistleblowing by informing your manager of any wrongdoing that you feel is going on in the home. The manager can then investigate the case further to decide if and what action needs to be taken. Explain how your role contributes to the overall delivery of the service provided. As a care assistant I feel that my role in the service provided is very important to keep the residents happy and healthy. On e way in which this is done is through personal hygiene. By assisting resident to get washed and to say clean this is helping to prevent them from getting sores and infections. Another way I contribute to the overall delivery is by making sure the residents nutritional needs are being met. This is done through assisting people to eat and drink who cannot do this for themselves. Explain how you could influence the quality of the service provided by: Following the best practice within your role- Following the best practices means that everything will be done safely and so the residents will not be put in any danger. Following the best pracises will mean that everything will be done efficiently and so this will make the residents happier and this will make the quality of the service better for them. Not carrying out the requirements of your role – Not carrying out the requirements of your role can put the residents health and safety at risk. If the residents are at risk his will be lowering the quality of the service that is provided. Describe how your own work must be influenced by national factors such as codes of practice, national occupational standards, legislation and government initiatives Your own work must be influenced by these national factors because they give you guidance on the correct ways of doing things. They also set standards so you can stick to the standards or try to better the standards. Your work must also be influenced by them because they give you rules to follow and so you must stick to these rules within your work. Identify two different representative bodies which influence your area of work Care quality commission Describe the role of the two representative bodies you have identified CQC is the Government’s independent regulator of health and adult social care services. They monitor services to ensure that they are meeting the essential standards. If necessary they take action when standards are not being met.

Wearing a Helmet essays

Wearing a Helmet essays A quiet humming sound caused by the neon lights dominated the room. This sound was accompanied by the low rumbling of the nurses talking with each other about the latest gossip, and whatever else it is that nurses talk about. Occasionally this noise would be rudely interrupted by the chirping telephone screaming annoyingly for someone to answer it. It was an extremely slow Sunday afternoon in the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center Emergency Room for Dr. Roberts and his team of medical professionals. It was the type of day that a person has when they at work and there is nothing to, and all that you can think about is going home early and enjoying the wonderful summertime atmosphere. Meanwhile, while this atmosphere of doing nothing but organizing the medical supply crash carts existed, somewhere on the local freeway, a group of friends were out riding their motorcycles, and getting away from the pressures of life. One of the friends was a twenty-two year old named Taylor. He is a student, attending the University of Utah, who had just recently been married. He was also anticipating on attending medical school later on in his future. Even though he had a lot of things going for him, for one reason or another Taylor decided to not wear his helmet that day. Taylors friends began showing off to one another by popping wheelies, standing on the seats of their bike, and weaving in and out of traffic, at speeds of over ninety miles per hour. Taylor was riding behind the pack of bikes and decided that he should catch up to the rest of the group. He shifted gears and darted ahead into an opening in between the cars. Suddenly he collided with a car that moved into the op ening the same time that Taylor did. Taylor and his motorcycle were knocked over, and were both sent hurdling into the air, flipping end over end. Soon the team of paramedics, who had been dispatched to attend to the wreck, arrived on the scene of the motorcycle acci...

Keeping Peace in the Future essays

Keeping Peace in the Future essays Keeping Peace In The Future In my opinion there are two main ways of securing peace in the up coming decades. The first way is that of a realist approach and a liberal one. In the eyes of a realist, national security can one hand only be reached by a destructive capability and the ability to intimidate anyone that defies or threatens national security. On the other, the realist will however not intervene if conflicts do not measure up with national interest. Either way, the realists believe this and this alone would maintain the peace for the future. The liberalists however believe that a more unified body with all peace-loving nations can be the best way of conflict management. They believe that any conflict in the world should be controlled before it can ever escalate in to a bigger one. To start of with the realists believe that a greater military body would create a balanced and therefor peaceful world. To achieve this the realists see possibilities of enlarging the power of NATO and other military, governmental organizations. To create more members and enlarging the firepower would in realistic eyes decrease countries to enter conflict. The liberalists find this a very poor argument. They find that with a possible expansion of NATO and increasing power of the organization that the third-world countries can be left out. Liberalists tend to think more in the format of the United Nations. They think with the Expansion of the Security Council, that global peace can be maintained in a more unified, universal manner. Also they believe that the General Assembly could increase in power and take a more serious role in international disputes and conflict resolving. By increasing this power it would call on a more responsible Secretary-General, and there as giving the Unit ed Nations as an inter-governmental body more strength, and possibly giving the world a better way of solutions. ...

Week 3#202 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 3#202 - Assignment Example It is important in making the young adults to understand the different stages of development (Gibbs, 45). Moreover, this theory is crucial in ensuring that the individuals develop a sense of both intellectual as well as moral development. This is very necessary for students in a learning environment. The theory of moral development is also very important in imparting the students with the principles of justice, universal liberty as well as imparts a sense of order in the society (Gibbs, 57). The video depicts some of the social rots that face the current society. It is sad that corruption has taken its roots into our society to an extent that it manifests in the policing system. It is the police who should be actively engaged in combating the cases of corruption and impunity yet they seem to take the front line in promoting corruption. This movie paints a very bad picture on the police and the society. It makes ne have very bad feelings towards the police sector. From my feelings about this video, it is very important that all the police should undergo thorough vetting before being employed to curb the cases of corruption. In addition, investigations should be done by independent bodies on these cases and those found guilty should be charged before a court of

Movie Review Essay An Inconvient Truth (with Al Gore)

Movie Review An Inconvient Truth (with Al Gore) - Essay Example The main attraction, however, is the beautiful blend of awesome digital animation, and personal reflections from Gore that add a very nice human element to the film. The way the film mixes the autobiographical elements: from Gore in a classroom in 1968, listening with rapt attention to the great geochemist Roger Revelle explaining the first few years of data on carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere to the Al Gore on the family farm, talking about his father's tobacco business, and how he shut it down when his daughter (Al Gore's sister) got lung cancer: is simply phenomenal. The natural elan with which Gore carries off his acting makes us realise that here is a man who he is clearly in his element here, talking about something he has cared deeply about for over thirty years. What was most heart warming to notice was the efficient manner in which the film handles science, including reference to some of the very latest research that is going on in contemporary times. Not only are discussions of recent changes in Antarctica and Greenland expertly laid out, but Al Gore also does a very good job in talking about the relationship between sea surface temperature and hurricane intensity.