Explicative Style Paper on The Lack of Islam in American Public Term

Explicative Style on The Lack of Islam in American Public Schools and the Struggle of Muslim's to gain their own American - Term Paper Example These include the assimilation degree of the Muslims into society, national identity, and religious and civil law inter-relation. One avenue for finding a balance between security and identity issues with diversity tolerance in the society. The United States’ ideal, contending â€Å"out of many, one†, has assured that Muslims can participate in the maintenance and improvement of America as a culturally pluralistic democracy (Moore 286). However, the question arises as to the effects of the war on terror on American assimilation of Islam, both in the education system and society. This paper will argue that there is wanting progress on assimilating Islam into the education system while the formation of an Islamic-American identity is a struggle. The Lack of Islam in American Public Schools Religious illiteracy among American teachers has made it likely that teachers in the system will harbor generalizations and prejudices concerning Islam, which hinder the attempts to acc ommodate Islam in the education system (Aown 1257). Such bodies have long identified the basic requirements that Muslims need to uphold their Islamic faith in public schools as the Council on Islamic Education. These bodies have also raised vital issues that need to be on Islam and State that have now become difficult for public schools resolve. However, some of the state sponsored schools have found it difficult to make some of the accommodations that have been identified. At the heart of this issue is the extent to which the requirements and needs of Islam can be represented in the education system. Another issue that has held accommodation back is the failure of the teachers to understand whether the First Amendment’s establishment clause, prohibits the American state from accommodating religious groups to exercise freely. The religious belief requirement in the First Amendment’s free exercise clause could cause friction with the establishment clause when the studen t wants to practice his/her beliefs in a public school (Aown 1258). The teaching fraternity must ensure that the requirement for belief not to be hindered must be in balance with sensitivity not to give overwhelming state support for specific beliefs (Aown 1259). Some Americans are of the belief that, as long as support by the state is not preferential, then it is all right, whereas others believe that state support is not acceptable. However, it is possible to make thoughtful and sensitive accommodations easily without raising any questions to do with the constitution. For example, it may be possible to allow Muslim students for them to wear modest clothes, or even allow them to skip some social activities without any violation of school policies. In addition, some schools allow Muslim students to be absent for some religious holidays, although this is not widespread. While this accommodation may be considered a reasonable accommodation, some teachers resist it, mostly because they do not understand Islam and the importance of these holidays. Accordingly, some local district and state schools have been criticized for refusing to assent to these holidays (Aown 1259). This can be improved by placing Islamic holidays together with holidays for other religions for teachers to plan on the school calendar. While some schools have began to implement excusal policies that let Muslim

VENDORS OF RED BULL CRASHED ICE Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

VENDORS OF RED BULL CRASHED ICE - Case Study Example (Red Bull Crashed Ice, 2008) Also, the essay will be a discussion of the vendors needed to make such an event successful. Examples of vendors that will be discussed include; food vendors, beverage vendors, advertising vendors, Music and entertainment vendors, ancillary vendors and security vendors. A sports event without food is a failed one. Reports indicate that many Canadians including the ones at Quebec City are looking for snack based foods. Some of the most common foods to be found in such events include peanuts, soft drinks, hotdogs, and ice cream. Consequently, the Red Bull Crashed Ice event will be more of a success if it contained some of the latter mentioned items. Dry foods such as peanuts and other snack may be sold by many vendors. However, food requiring some sort of heating such as hotdogs and sausages will need to be sold by vendors with stands. The company either has the choice of having stalls where the vendors could be located or alternatively, they could offer these items in carts. The latter approach would be more feasible than the former one because of the fact that the event will only last for one day. Additionally, most food vendors are usually contract based; consequently, most of them may already have their own facilities that would assist them in the process of selling their merchandise. In order to determine how much reception the sports fun will give to a food type, it is essential for one to consider the nature of the sport. In sports where there is less action, then people are likely to get out of their seats and buy items. The Red Bull Ice event will be packed with action as it is naturally a fast sport. (Red Bull Crashed Ice, 2008)Additionally, the weather or the condition of the venue plays a large role. It has been noted that when it is extremely cold, people tend to stay in their seats and move around less, however, when it is warm, then they are likely to look for food stands. In order to ensure that food vendors conduct their business people, it will be essential for food vendors to move around with the commodities because the nature of event is likely to trigger minimal participation from people. In order to boost the success of this event, it will be important for the food vendors to offer a wide variety of foods. For instance, hamburgers, pizzas and some deep fried chicken may be an alternative. It should be noted that most people tend to prefer certain dry foods in sports events because it gives them the flexibility to stand up and cheer their teams without worrying about dropping their food. This means, that the food on offer needs to be easy to handle. There are various ways in which the company can access such food vendors. First of all, it could find out some of the vendors that have taken part in previous events in Quebec thus hiring them. The best way of doing this is by consulting with previous sponsors of the game. Alternatively, the company could search through numerous Food vending sites across the Internet which contain lists of people who have worked in the sporting event before. These vendors normally place their resumes on those websites and the company can then prove whether the claims made in those advertisements are true by calling some of their previous clients. Additionally, some vendors have created websites of where to find them and where they are based Quebec City has a wide range to choose from. One such company is known as Kijiji Edmonton. This company was created with

Apple Inc Impact On Generation Y Media Essay

Apple Inc Impact On Generation Y Media Essay Generation Y is often referred to as the echo boomers, internet generation, or even the iGen. These names come from the fact that since birth all of these children have always had access to technology no matter where they go. Stephanie Armour says Generation Y is young, smart, and rude. They may wear flip-flops to the office or listen to iPods at their desk. They want to work, but do not want work to be their life (Armour). Generation Y can also be described as ambitious, who also value their work life, they work good in groups and are media savvy, as well as being optimistic and globally conscious (Gordon). This is where the company Apple comes to play a major part in Generation Y lives. Apple Inc. has provided this generation with many different ways to be able to carry the internet in their pockets as they travel from place to place, such as the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. One main characteristic of Generation Y is that they love to be in control, and with these three items that Apple has created with I in front has proved that they are in charge of their item and they can personalize it and make it them. Apple has impacted Generation Y so greatly because it has allowed them to carry their music everywhere they go and it has changed the way that society communicates with the outside world, because it allows everyone to check emails, read the news, stay up to date on their favorite sports team, and even watch movies and play games. The impact that Apple has made on Generation Y has greatly changed the way that they listen to music more fashionably, the way they communicate with each other, and how they interact with the outside world through social media and has shaped the generation into what everyone knows them as, tech. savvy. Apple has been around for 30 years, it was first founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak (The History). The company produced personal computers that were found on the market such as the Apple brand, Macintosh and Power Mac computers. When the nineties came around the company experienced a decrease in the sales because of increasing companies and decided to do something different (The History). In 2001, Apple introduced the iPod which was one of the first MP3 players that could hold over 1,000 songs, allowing teens and even adults everywhere to listen to whatever they wanted, wherever they went which altered the music industry (30 Years). The iPod could hold 10 hours of battery life and fit in the pocket of any pair of pants, the iPod instantly replaced everybodys generic MP3 player. As the years progressed so did the iPod, in 2003 Apple introduced the iTunes store which allowed customers to purchase music, apps, and books online, while iPods could not hold video, this feature later became available in 2005 and then in 2007 the iPod became touch screen, practically just like the iPhone without the phone (Mallin Todd, 63-74). In 2007, the first iPhone was launched, loaded down with apps and memory for one to be able to find whatever they needed, and eventually hurt Apple because it decreased the need for a separate iPod because the phones acted as MP3 players as well (Mallin Todd, 63-74). Along with all of these other inventions Apple also came along with the invention of the iPad in 2010, which was somewhat like a portable computer all compacted into a 10-inch touchscreen tablet (Mallin Todd, 63-74). With all of these inventions came bugs and issues along the way Apple has also produced multiple versions of the iPod, iPhone, and even iPads, and today there is even an iPad mini. With all this technology evolving so does society and Generation Y, and the technology that is available impacts the way that the generation grows. In a blog written by Anastasia Goodstein on the NBCNEWS website, she talks about how Apple seemed dominate in the education market during the 1980s but that the biggest impact on teens was the creation of the iPod (Goodstein). When a survey is conducted on top of most teens list is an iPhone which is even put over cars on what is wanted most by teens (Goodstein). The love for iPod did not just happen overnight though, teens idolized Steve jobs and this was unusual for most teens (Goodstein). Goodstein talks about how research that was conducted by Viacoms teen network, found that apple is absolutely essential to teens (Goodstein). When interrupting a teens conversation, it is found that the main topic of it is the iPod. Most teens have a need for these items because it makes them cool. Music is a teens main love, it helps express who they are and release emotions that they have no other way of releasing. Apple provided teens with the ideal MP3 player eliminating what other generation s knew such as the Walkman or a CD Player, which they had to either listen to the radio or make a mix tape on their computers which took a huge amount of the day, but with the new invention of this MP3 player it allowed them to download songs without the whole album, and allowed them to create their own playlist on the spot without delay to what mood they were in that day (Goodstein). Apple not only gives the teen a way to express this need but they attract the teens through the use of their design. With solid white earphones against a black silhouette of a person dancing with jams blasting on a commercial attracts attention, causing teens to want this item because they want to have the lasted technology (Goodstein). A lot of the way that this item has made such an increase in sales is because they use teens as their marketing strategy. When teens are in high school, to be in the in-crowd, it is always essential to have the coolest items, so when one teen shows off their fancy new i Pod to their classmates they instantly run home telling their parents about the need and want for this item, and the teens value their friends opinion much more than that of an old person on TV talking about a MP3 player. The reason that this gadget has such an impact on the Generation Y and not any other generation is because they have a need for creativity and to not be the same as everyone else, which is one of the many characteristics of this generation. To add to the creation of the iPod, Apple decided to create the iPhone in 2007 which instantly impacted the way that Generation Y communicated with one another (Arthur). The iPhone is equipped with social media apps, news apps, shopping apps, and even bank apps. The iPhone has also allowed Generation Y to become lazy, with the advantages of doing things from smartphones they do not have to move, all that is required is the little movement of two thumbs. Unfortunately though the impact of the iPhone just does not affect how Generation Y communicates but it can also make many jobs obsolete. When the news can be found on your iPhone or iPod, the need for news casters becomes questioned. With the never ending creation of new apps for the iPhone this also produces less communication for each individual with the outside world. When walking into a college classroom before class begins, usually every student will either be checking the latest gossip on their macs, iPhones, or other technolog y that will allow them to use the internet, which proves that this generation is one to rely on technology for everything. Generation Y relies on the use of the internet to be able to do their everyday needs, first thing to do in the morning when waking up is to check what is going on with Facebook, twitter, and Instagram, it is required before any teen can even start their day. This has also changed the way their daily routines play out, Generation Y checks their phone when they wake up, checks it when they are out the shower, and even after they are done getting ready, again. This technology is glued to their hands. Today, 2.27 billion people use the internet every day, double what it was five years ago (Arthur). The iPhone just does not offer apps to stay with what is going on in the world but it offers many different means of communication. Teens have the option to make phone calls, text message, video calls, instant message and also social networking. Along with the negative im pact that the iPhone has made, it also can be looked at from a positive standpoint. The iPhone is a great way for communication especially in emergencies, because instead of having to send a text once to everyone, they have invented a group message where you can select multiple numbers and send a mass message out. While many other smartphones have just as much impact on Generation Y, the iPhone makes the biggest impact because of its flexibility and popularity with teens. Along with the invention of the iPod and the iPhone came the invention of the iPad, which has also been made better into an iPad 2 and even an iPad mini. The iPad is a seven to ten inch, thin touch screen device with full color display that can be used as a magazine or a book e-reader (What Does). It is also equipped with internet which allows it to be used to check Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube and it can even support a video game addict who wants to play on the go. The iPad ultimately offers everything that the iPhone does without the calling portion of the phone and it is also a bigger screen. The invention of this tablet can make things such as libraries suffer because it is great for books, magazines, and newspapers (What Does). Generation Y uses the iPad for many different things, it has become important a part of their lives. Generation Y has the opportunity to use their iPads as a text book but this is not necessarily a positive thing because along with the iPad like stated before there is twitter, Instagram, email, and Facebook, and if in the middle of reading the textbook or taking notes, they receive a notification for one of these social networking apps they are not going to turn down the option to check it. Generation Y is known to want to always be in the loop or know the latest news so that is what they do with these social networking apps. The iPad though which has these apps will draw the students away from their professors lectures or even hold them off on getting their homework or reading required done. The impact that the iPad makes on Generation Y is a negative one but can also be positive. The positive effects of this technology are the convenience and the amount of information that they are able to access. With the internet in the palm of the hand Generation Y is able to search the enter web database for whatever is needed, college libraries are even available online now and can easily get an article or book needed transferred through th e online database. Generation Y relies on Facebook as a guide in their day to day lives and it shows how many people are obsessed with what kind of reputation that they have online. Facebook is one of the main leaders in the online social world but this is a negative thing that happens. It is negative because Facebook can cause workers to be distracted and not perform their jobs correctly and a lot of the time people sit around on their phones getting in others business instead of doing something productive and this leads to many issues that Generation Y has faced. Facebook is not the only social networking app that has impacted Generation Y though. With the various apps that are available on the Apple technology, one interesting but creepy app is called Find my Friends, this allows the owner of the device and all their friends who have this app be able to find out exactly where their friends are and how far away they are from each other. This puts the consumer in control because they are allowed to hi de their location whenever they feel needed and make it visible whenever need and that is what Generation Y loves about technology. This app though is not the only way that Generation Y can be in control of their technology, on the iPhone they can choose if other iPhone users can see if they read their message, but this causes many issues throughout their lives. Apple Inc. has allowed Generation Y to have unlimited use to the internet and to any kind of technology they want, but in the long run this leads to a decrease in the rate of activity and this leads mental health issues. While the technology can cause mental health issues, it is a positive for some. IPhones and iPads are great for disabled people, they struggle their day to day lives to try to pay stuff and talk to people but with the internet available in the palm of their hand it makes life so much easier for them. The fact that Generation Y has lived their whole life with technology and it plays a major role in their day to day lives and will not only affect them now but it will affect their future. In conclusion, Apple Inc. has placed a strain on Generation Y and what obstacles and achievements they may face or can overcome. The company is perceived in a positive way; it allows an easier means of communication and is always readily available but with these positives also comes consequences. With the continues production of iPod, iPhone, and iPad, there will also be an increasing need for more technology and there is no telling what Apple will come up with next but with this increase also come more issues for Generation Y to face throughout their lifetime.

history :: essays research papers

At the time that Gotham City was situated, the political condition of the country was undergoing major transition. There was great need for politicians to take up opportunities created by the masses as a leverage for their own cause. Gotham City with its infrastructure would have been an ideal situation for any political figure to take up and use it for his own advantage. Michael Curley, who has been a democratic candidate himself, was keen on individuality. He had been nominated for Boston’s mayor several times but he had not been able to achieve significant success with Congress due his criminal background. Curley would have suggested that the town continues to develop the Gotham district that was thriving and at the same time the immigrant groups should be paid more attention. Curley believed that every person is entitled to social rights. Even if he was charged with fraud himself and jailed, the Bostinanian believed in individuality. He belived that any misuse of public rights should be rectified by law. In the case of Gotham City, the rights of the immigrants were being misuse; therefore they should be given their due rights. Similarly, George Washington Plunkitt (1842-1924) would also have the opinion that people whether poor or rich should be given opportunities to rectify their situation. He believed in dealing with any situation in an honest manner, not through dishonest black mailing etc. He believed every man is an opportunist and he should use such opportunities to better his cause. Whether these opportunities comes in the form of rectification of a city living standards or investing in a project. With Gotham City’s background an opportunist should take up the situation in his own hand to improve the condition of the city. With an infrastructure like Gotham, Plunkitt would have considered the city a good investment. To improve the condition of the city, they would have to improve the living condition of the immigrants further. This way they would build a stronger city and labor force for the meager industrial structure further. On the other hand Woodrow Wilson with his Princeton background would have a different view for reorganization of Gotham City. Wilson gained a Ph.D. and professorhood when he became president of Princeton in 1902. His main concern was to reorganize the curriculum and introduction of preceptorial system of instruction to provide individualized education to the masses.

Shortening Lead-Times to Create an Agile

1. Introduction The last decade has witnessed a significant transformation that fast fashion has become a key feature in current fashion industry. Although it was regarded as a niche concept offered by a few winners such as Zara and H&M, fast fashion has now been adopted as a key operation mode by many brands in the fashion market (Baker, 2008), using advanced and more efficient supply chains to be more responsive to changing trends towards customer demand. Hence, Fast fashion brands perform relatively better than other fashion brands in various aspects. (Mattila et al. 002: 340 – 351) Esprit is a fashion brand owned by Esprit Holding Ltd. , manufacturing apparel, accessories, footwear and housewares under the Esprit label. In the previous fashion market, Esprit is generally recognized as the originator of fast fashion. As one of the pioneers in the fashion industry, however, Esprit has lost its way in recent years. (Best Retail Brands, 2012) â€Å"In essence, Esprit is a str ong and profitable brand, but the brand has gradually lost its soul over the past few years,† Ronald Van Der Vis – chief executive of Esprit admitted. News. com. au, 2011) The company is now focused on a brand revival with significant investment planned for marketing and the retail experience, as well as plans to exit some European markets and sell off the U. S. business. (Best Retail Brands, 2012) The most notable action is that the company has appointed Jose Manuel Martinez Gutierrez, who was group director of distribution and operations at Zara, as the CEO position in September 2012. This evidence shows that Esprit is going to struggle with fast fashion leaders like Zara and H&M.From an operational perspective, agile supply chain strategies have been relatively well studied, and can yield significant value to firms through faster supply chain. (Fisher and Raman 1996) Esprit has started realizing that how to make its products and services to reach customers in the sho rtest time is most important in today’s fashion market. As a result, rapidly changing competitive fashion market and dynamic customer expectations require Esprit to seek agility in its whole supply chain. This paper focuses on the brand reformation in the aspect of creating agile upply chain for Esprit, with an analysis of the key problem that Esprit is currently facing and provide three solutions, which are: 1. Designing new products following fashion shows 2. Establishing smaller-scale operational mode 3. Using quick response strategy 2. Literature Review 2. 1 The conception of fast fashion Fast fashion is a contemporary term used by fashion retailers to acknowledge that designs move from catwalk to store in the fastest time to capture current trends in the market. (Bruce et al. 001) In an operational level, Barnes and Lea-Greenwood (2006) defined â€Å"Fast fashion† as a business strategy which aims to reduce the processes involved in the buying cycle and lead times to get fresh fashion product into stores, in order to satisfy consumer demand. 2. 2 Agile supply chain in fast fashion The supply chain is central to the creation of fast fashion. If suppliers cannot respond quickly enough, inefficiency will occur, and clothing will be unsalable and finally result in the increase of inventory.Fashion market has been defined that it has four characteristics which are short life-cycles, high volatility, low predictability and high impulse purchasing (Martin et al. 2004), as a result, building up agile supply chain is highly essential in today’s fashion market. Bruce et al. (2004) has described agile supply chain that it is shorter, more flexible and demand driven than the normal supply chain. Christopher et al. (2004) pointed out that agile supply chain is driven by information such as market demand and information sharing between businesses in the supply chain. 2. 3 Three critical lead-timesAccording to Martin et al (2004), retailers should c oncentrate on using different ways to improve the quality of forecast to cope with various uncertainties from the market. However, because the vitality of market demands, the prediction of forecast will always be accurate in fashion market. As a result, the way of reducing lead-time should be found rather than just relying on the market forecasting. 2. 3. 1 Time-to-market In the highly changeable fashion industry, life cycles of fashion products have been reduced, which means that there is a need for firms to reduce the time-to-market of new products to get market at the fasted speed.Time-to-market is defined as the length of time taken in product development process from product idea to the finished product. (Garel, 2003) Griffin (2002) used time-to-market to analyze its relationship with the degree of product complexity and originality. In which product complexity and originality were found be related with multifunctional teams and the use of formal process. Sherman et al. (2002) presented that the quantity of people, such as suppliers, top management people and multi-functional teams who involved in the process is highly associated with time-to-market. It is also important to point out that Martin et al. 2004) has drawn a figure presenting the risk that companies will confront if slow to market. 2. 3. 2 Time-to-serve According to Martin et al. (2004), time-to-serve could be understood as the time to capture customer’s order and deliver the product to retail stores. Time-to-serve applies both principles of lean thinking and just-in-time process to time compression. However, it also inspects the incurring of costs and adding of value with proceeding time. This offers enterprises with a more comprehensive perception where progress can be made in order to reach a higher service levels concerning availability. Marcelo, 2011) Bergvall-Forsberg and Towers (2007) suggest that sourcing garments closer to consumer markets, particularly in Europe, could shorten the time-to-serve. 2. 3. 3 Time-to-react Time-to-react is one of the lead-times given by Martin et al. (2004), which means the time to adjust the output of the business in response to volatile demand. Because most supply chains are driven by ordering, understanding what customer actually request and do the quick response is a challenge that many fashion retailers are facing. (Martin et al. 2004) Forza and Vinelli 1997:125) has defined that â€Å"Quick response strategy acts on the single phases/activities throughout the entire chain-right from the producers of yarn up to the sales outlets-with the aim of reducing the time spans that elapse from the textile design stage to the purchasing of the garments by the final consumers†. Time-to-react can be accelerated through the tenet of quick response strategy, which has been divided into three parts: reducing excess stock from raw material to market, declining the risk of new product forecasting and speeding up the delivery. Birtw istle et al. , 2003) 3. Problem After decades of development, Esprit has become a mature, well-known and international fashion brand that offers customers various kinds of fashion products. However, as showed in the annual report of Esprit in 2011, the net profit of Esprit Holding Ltd. was 79 millions, has slumped sharply by 98%, compared with the same period last year. Moreover, Esprit has closed more than 100 physicals stores in the most areas of North America and some areas of Europe and China because its meager sales. (News. com. au, 2011)These situations directly result in the loss of customers and the damage of its brand image. In the current dilemma of Esprit, Weixiong Cheng, the executive vice-president of ME&CITY, considered that speed and flexibility are the most essential factors in this changeable fashion market, however, with conservative design and sluggish supply chain, Esprit failed to response to ever-changing market needs, whereas the leading fast fashion retailer such as Zara and H&M is struggling to continuously bring fresh fashion goods to customers, which have brought unprecedented competitive pressure to Esprit.Stephen and Aikaterini (2011) point out that because the fashion industry is characterized by intense and dynamic competition, participants are obliged to develop innovative structures and processes supporting market growth, maintaining competitive advantage and exploiting new product sectors and consumers. Martin et al. (2004) consider that the big gap between traditional fashion and fast fashion is the agility of the supply chain. Esprit puts too much emphasis on unique brand’s image, while ignoring the speed and flexibility in the market. The low-speed of updating new products can’t meet consumers demand.So it not only misses the best sales opportunities but also increases the risk of inventory. In this context, Esprit must find some ways to recover. 4. Solutions Martin et al (2004) explain that through effectivel y manage three critical lead-times; the competitive advantage of enterprises can be improved. They are time-to-market, time-to-serve and time-to-react. The speed of Esprit’s supply chain could be improved through these three aspects. 4. 1 Design new products following fashion shows The first solution is designing new products following recent fashion shows.A successful supply chain should be sensitive to the market and response to the product design as soon as possible. Compared with copy the design from other fast fashion brands, depending on fashion shows to design new products will be faster. So the time to design new products will affect the speed of fashion supply chain directly. Yinyin (2010) consider that â€Å"fast fashion† is a new term used to describe clothing collections that are based on the most recent fashion trends. It means the popular fashion factors will change rapidly which lead to the short life-circle of fashion products. The product is often ephe meral, designed to capture the mood of the moment: consequently, the period in which it will be saleable is likely to be very short and seasonal, measured in months or even weeks†(Martin et al. 2004). It requires that suppliers should grasp the fashion trends and design new products in short time. Fast fashion companies employ a large number of designers and buyers; they are responsible for collecting a complete range of fashion information and getting inspiration from fashion shows. Also, Hines and Bruce (2001:123) state that, the-term trend is closely related to future designs.The right decision should be made on the design and style of the clothing (Forza and Vinelli, 1997). If a company can catch the first opportunity to reach new market, it would be succeed in sales. With the advances in mass communication, consumers can easily keep up with the latest fashion trends (Liz and Gaynor, 2006:260). Mass consumers not just like â€Å"cheap†; in fact, they are more intere sted in â€Å"trendy and inexpensive. † For instance, easy chic, and short-term trend is often associated with the popular elements in a particular season, such as a particular color.Minxun (2012) points out that Esprit makes transition to be a fast fashion brand; the key point is product design that is not only new but also fast. It means Esprit should follow the fashion trends and meets the consumers’ demand to design products soon. In order to forecast the consumers taste, the Esprit designers should refer to some famous shows that contain the fashion ideas, trends and colors for the new season’s textile designs (David et al. , 2006). Esprit should not following other fashion brands, being the first one to entry new market. 4. Establish smaller-scale operational mode In traditional fashion companies, the total time in manufacture process is considerable which enormously lengthen the order to delivery cycle. The underpinning reason for this long manufacturing time largely lies in the batch-based production and shipping methods. Companies want to pursue cost-minimization and every step is quantities-processed separate from each other in the total manufacturing process. In previous years, about 80 percent of Esprit’s business in Europe is the wholesale rather than retail (Kailath T, 2002).This led to the European headquarters inclined resources to order-placing meetings. Esprit’s order-placing conferences from beginning two times a year became four times a year, until the final 12 times a year, and each time there was three months for lead-time (Kailath T, 2002). The traditional economic batch-quantities methods could truly minimize their costs of manufacturing as well as the costs of shipping. But this viewpoint of cost is too narrow and enterprises would ultimately lose their advantage competitiveness compared with those fast-fashion brands.Esprit needs to change its existing manufacture and shipping patterns urgently if th e company attempts to transform its existing operational system. It must abandon its conventional economies of scale principle both in manufacturing stage and shipping stage. Fast changing, small amount and a high variety of products are commonplace for fast fashion brands. The successful fast fashion brand ZARA, it remains about 30 percent of spare capacity rather than maximizing the use of its productivity (Andres M, 2003).ZARA gives up the pursuit of economies of scale and takes small quantities of production and distribution methods. Whether ZARA and H & M, an artificially created shortage of supply, not only helps cutting down products’ lead-times but also encourages consumers to buy the commodities quickly. Also, small-scale production increased flexibility of the production line in order to better respond to changes of customer needs. If Esprit wants to transform into a fast fashion brand, it must abandon its conventional bulk production style which just pursuing econo mies of scale.The company should cut down its outputs and increase the diversity of products. The adoption of lower output and higher variety of production could help Esprit drive higher service levels in terms of availability within the shortest possible time. Another critical problem in Esprit’s supply chain is its shipping time that largely delayed the time-to-serve. Company’s former underpinning philosophy of pursuing the economies of scale kept the costs of shipping down to some extent, but may ultimately self-defeating for missing the best sales opportunities and increasing the risk of inventory.The best way to solve this problem is to accelerate the commodities’ transport speed even though sacrifice some cost consideration. Fashion represents to be fast. Take successful fast fashion brand ZARA for example, for the sake that products can be shipped to regions outside of Europe within 48 hours. The company is willing to pay two percent of high airfreight co st price. In France, Germany, Italy, Spain and other EU countries, ZARA transport its products mainly by truck with an average of 36 hours to the chain stores.The sales in these areas occupy 70 percent of company’s total sales. As for the remaining 30 percent of sales, the company sends its products through airway to distant countries and regions such as Asia for the sake of improving the transport speed (Marcelo R, 2011). ZARA’s chain stores in China have their separate order rights the same as other stores all over the world, even a section only book one piece of clothing, ZARA could also guarantee to send it to the store within 48 hours (Marcelo R, 2011). If Esprit wants to reform ts operational system and earn much more profits in fashion market, the company must make efforts to curtail the products’ shipping time to gain competitive advantages compared with other fashion brands. What’s more, the shorter transporting time could help Esprit lower its s upply chain risk. 4. 3 Lead-time reduction by â€Å"Quick response† strategy Quick response strategy has been adopted by a growing number of fashion retailers in order to improve the company’s competitive advantage. Esprit makes sales forecast and then outsources to third parties half a year in advance.However, the market environment may change during this period; therefore, the lead-time must be shortened in order to risk reduction. Figure 1 Merchandise, data and financial transfer with quick response Source: taken from Quick response in retailing: components and implementation (1995, P. 13) As we can see from figure 1, Customers go to the store to purchase the products or services they need. The purchasing information will be collected, such as style, color, and number. Then this buying information would be sent to vendor for analyzing.Fernie (1994) suggests that the development of IT technology can ensure the implementation of the quick response strategy. For instan ce electronic data interchange (EDI). Suppliers manufacture products in accordance with the order requirements, transportation to retail stores through distribution channels. Esprit would be suggested to use the designs of their offshore suppliers. And Esprit buyers will make ultimate selects from these designs. Furthermore, the ultimate decisions making are based on analyzing historical sales data.In practice, celebrities, pop stars and fashion events have affected the design of the products. In this way, a large amount of money and time will be saved. Quick response strategy gives close attention to an effective and efficient delivery process of goods from suppliers to customers with minimum lead-time. It aims at the high profits, low risk, changing demand and attractive products. The short product life cycle, demand uncertainty and fierce competition are the characteristic of fashion industry. In this environment, market mediation is becoming more and more important. Fisher (1997 , P. 07) point out that an accurate prediction makes a good match between the demand and supply of the products. The ultimate goal of the implementation of the quick response strategy is to meet the customers demand. Therefore, Esprit Buyers and sales staffs should track and analyze recent sales data promptly, so as to recognize the best-selling styles and slow-moving style. For these best-selling items, buyers could inform the supplier’s design team to produce similar styles as quick as possible. For those slow-moving items, managers could take markdown or discount strategy, which could relieve the inventory pressures.In addition, when fashion companies choosing suppliers, the speed and flexibility should be taken into account, not just low cost (Fisher, 1997, P. 108). Esprit could combine local manufacturers with outsourcing to low-cost producers. More specifically, the high-tech products and core products could be manufactured in local factories. As for basic products, the y could be produced in low-cost regions. For example, the suppliers of North Africa provide trendy clothing within three weeks at a low price (Birtwistle et al. , 2003) Indeed, multi-sourcing is a good way to outsource.Furthermore, the relationships among stakeholders influence the effect of the implementation of quick response strategy. On one hand, they are independent of each other; on the other hand, they share information and support each other. Figure 2 Physically Efficient Versus Market-Responsive Supply Chains Physically Efficient ProcessMarket-Responsive Process Primary purpose Supply predictable demand efficiently at the lowest possible costRespond quickly to unpredictable demand in order to minimize stock outs, forced markdowns, and obsolete inventory Manufacturing focusMaintain high average utilization rateDeploy excess buffer capacity Inventory trategyGenerate high turns and minimize inventory throughout the chain Deploy significant buffer stocks of parts or finished go ods Lead-time focusShorten lead time as long as it doesn’t increase costInvest aggressively in ways to reduce lead time Approach choosing suppliersSelect primarily for cost and qualitySelect primarily for speed, flexibility, and quality Product-design strategyMaximize performance and minimize costUse modular design in order postpones product differentiation Source: taken from What is the right supply chain for your product? (Fisher, 1997, P. 08) It can be seen from this chart, buyers concerned about the procurement budgets, discount management and increased margins. Manufactures pay more attention to the volume of orders, production scale, as well as timing. For distributors, the new products must be picked and delivered to consumer precisely, cheaply and as quickly as possible (Birtwistle et al. , 2003). By this way, Esprit would achieve the purpose of inventory reduction and short lead-time, as well as fewer forecast errors. 5. Advantages and disadvantages AdvantagesDisadva ntages Design new products1.Occupy market share firstly and make profits 2. To be the market leader of fast fashion and gain consumer loyalty. 1. New products are risky because of the uncertain forecast. 2. The complex clothing manufacture lead to the high cost Establish smaller-scale operational mode 1. Decrease the lead-time in supply chain 2. Win more competitive advantages for the company 3. Decrease the risk of supply chain1. Lose the cost advantages that bought by the economies of scale 2. Lose part of the profits 3. Increased product ranges lead to the rising of cost Lead-time reduction by â€Å"Quick response† strategy . Reduce inaccurate forecasts 3. Helping to keep a safety stock 4. Sales and profits will be boost by quick response strategy 5. Consumers’ satisfaction will be improved1. To some extent, the product quality is ignored. 5. 1 Advantages 5. 1. 1 Advantages of designing new products First of all, short time-to-market leads to the sales increase. If a company can catch the first opportunity to reach new market, it would occupy the market share in the first time and be successful. Martin et al. (2004) consider that the supplier make the new products early will make greater profits than later.Otherwise, the early entrant makes much less obsolescent stock. Secondly, early entrant can to be the market leader and gain consumer loyalty. Gabszewicz et al. (1992) indicated that brand loyalty does confer considerable first-mover advantage, consistent with â€Å"hard to follow† results. If the Esprit can design the popular fashion clothing faster than others, it will be stand out in various fast fashion brands. After consumers admiring the fantastic design and amazing speed, it will replace Zara and become the leader of fast fashion. In long term, consumer loyalty is very important to against the strong competition. . 1. 2 Advantages of establishing smaller-scale operational mode In manufacturing stage, the company should cut down its outputs and increase the types of products. This practice could fundamentally decreases the lead-time in supply chain and wins competitive advantages in this rapidly changing fashion market. While in shipping stage, the adoption of some faster transporting ways such as airways and the establishment of a much quicker delivery system could not only shorten the lead-time but also improve delivery flexibility to cope with various changes.The shipping system will inevitably occur transportation breakdown due to some unexpected situations such as bad weather conditions. The traditional bulk transportation would unavoidably suffer huge losses when facing such cases. However, the smaller-amount modes of transportation can minimize such losses to a certain extent. 5. 1. 3 Advantages of quick response strategy Esprit will benefit lot from quick response strategy. Firstly, it can reduce inaccurate forecasts base on the previous sales data. Secondly, it could be very helpful to keep a safe ty stock. Thirdly, sales and profits will be boost by this strategy.Last but not least, consumer satisfaction will be improved. These benefits will enhance the competitive advantage. 5. 2 Disadvantages 5. 2. 1 Disadvantages of designing new products following fashion shows Shelby, H (2011) consider that the new product innovation is risky comes from the observation that only a fraction of new products become commercial success. Even though the new products are design depending on the consumers demand, it is hard to collect all the consumers’ hobby. On the other word, sometimes the survey data shows only represent a part of consumers’ taste.It is very difficult to make sure that others are willing to buy the new products. â€Å"It has been estimated, for instance, that between 60 and 90 percent of new products end their totally withdrawn or left unsupported† (Booz et al, 1968). So it has a high risk to be the number one or the fastest one which produce the new de sign clothing. Yen et al (2011) points that with the increasing number of new products introduced more frequently as well as the smaller volumes per product, the pool of skills required for clothing manufacturing is becoming more complex. It leads to high-cost as the result.For the different new design clothing, suppliers should change the supply chain frequently. That will cost a lot and can’t sell in high price that result in making little profit. 5. 2. 2 Disadvantages of establishing smaller-scale operational mode The solutions showed above in time-to-serve part are not without their inherent shortcomings. First of all, the company would lose its cost advantage that bought by the economies of scale. Then, because of the lower yields, company's production may not be able to meet the demand of the market. As a result, Esprit may lose this part of profits.Last but not least, company has to invest much more money to diversify company’s product range as well as create a much quicker transportation system. All these innovations would average up products’ costs ultimately. 5. 2. 3 Disadvantage of quick response strategy Quick response strategy emphasizes particularly on fast and effective. To some extent, the product quality is ignored. For instance, the multi-sourcing is difficult to guarantee uniform quality, and inevitably rejects into the market, that would lead to customer dissatisfaction and the frequently returns. 6. ComparisonSimilaritiesDifferences Design new products VS Establish smaller-scale operational mode 1. Shorten the lead-times 2. Average up the cost of products Different influence on risk Establish smaller-scale operational mode VS â€Å"Quick response† strategy 1. Speed up the distribution cycle 2. Improve consumers’ satisfaction 3. Decrease inventory risk Different influence on cost Design new products VS â€Å"Quick response† strategy 1. Boost sales and margins 2. Enhance the brand loyalty Different i nfluence on risk 6. 1Design new products VS Establish smaller-scale operational mode There are ome similarities between these two solutions. On the one hand, both of them aim at shorten the lead-times in the supply chain. On the other hand, the two solutions would average up the cost of products. The obvious difference between these two solutions is the influence on risk. The solution proposed in time-to-market part would increase the products’ risk, while in another solution, supply chain’s risk would be reduced. 6. 2Establish smaller-scale operational mode VS â€Å"Quick response† strategy The similarities between Time-to-serve and Time-to-react can be presented in three aspects.Fundamentally, these two solutions all speed up the distribution cycle that from manufacturing to the end-customers. Next, consumers’ satisfaction would be improved. Last, they all could help Esprit to decrease inventory risk. Their main difference lies in cost. Solution propose d in Time-to-serve section would cut down company’s cost while another one would increase it. 6. 3Design new products VS â€Å"Quick response† strategy The brand loyalty would be enhanced by these two methods. In addition to this, the sales and margins would be boosted. These advantages would make the company stand out in various fashion brands.As the mentioned former solution above that there is a hazard about the risky new products. Nevertheless, the later one lowers the risk of products management. 7. Conclusion In this paper, fashion supply systems are characterized by three critical lead-times: time-to-market, time-to-serve and time-to-react, which are highly essential to building up an agile supply chain. However, in the consideration of the current fast fashion industry and the today’s situation of Esprit, how to react to the target market in the right time is a priority that Esprit should mainly focus on.As apparel markets have become more varied and cha ngeable in the present retail environment, there is a transition from a production-driven to a market-driven approach in the fashion industry. (Bhardwaj, 2009) Hence, in order to survive, Esprit has to sustain competitive objectives by ensuring the brand meet the market demand. The quick repose strategy is a must for Esprit to equip it with agility to fight against the leading fast fashion brands at its first step. Reference Baker, R. (2008). Retail sector focus-fashion:following fast fashion. Marketing magazines , 37. Birtwistle, G. , Siddiqui, N. , & Fiorito, S. S. 2003). Quick response:perceptions of UK fashion retailers. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management , pp. 118-128. Christopher, M. , Lowson, R. , & Peck, H. (2004). Creating agile supply chains in the fashion industry. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management , pp. 367-376. David, T. , Jo, H. , & Tracy, B. (2006). Supply chain influences on new product development in fashion clothing. J ournal of Fashion Marketing and Management , pp. 316-328. Fernie, J. (1994). Quick Response:An International Perspective. International Journal ofPhysical Distribution & Logistics Management , pp. 8-46. Fiorit, S. S. , May, E. G. , & Straughn, K. (1995). Quick response in retailing:components and implementation. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management , pp. 12-21. Fiorito, S. S. , Giunipero, L. C. , & Yan, H. (1998). Retail buyers'perceptions of quick response systems. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management , pp. 237-246. Fisher, M. L. (1997). What is the Right Supply Chain for Your Product? Harvard Business Review. Forza, C. , & Vinelli, A. (1997). Quick response in textile-apparel industry and the support of information technologies.Integrated Manufacturing systems , pp. 125-136. Gabszewicz, J. , Pepall, L. , & Thisse, J. (1992). Sequential entry with brand loyalty caused by consumer learning-by-using. Journal of Industrial Economics , pp. 397- 416. Hines, T. , & Bruce, M. (2001). Fashion Marketing:Contemporary Issues. Kent: MPG Books Ltd. http://www. interbrand. com/en/BestRetailBrands/2012-Best-Retail-Brands. aspx. (n. d. ). Lopez, C. , & Fan, Y. (2009). Internationalisation of the Spanish fashion brand Zara. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management , pp. 279-296. Mattila, H. , King, R. , & Ojala, N. (2002).Retail performance measures for seaonal fashion. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management , pp. 340-351. Mazaira, A. , Gonzalez, E. , & Avendano, R. (2003). The role of market orientation on company performance through the development of sustainable competitive advantage:the Inditex-Zara case . Marketing Intelligence & Planning , pp. 220-229. McIntyre, S. H. , & Statman, M. (1982 May-June). Managing the Risk of New Product Development. Business Horizons . Minxun, Z. (2012). Esprit transfer to be fast fashion. Retrieved 2012 06-11 from http;//news. hexun. com: http;//news. hexun. om/2012-09-24/146191360. html W ang, Y. (2010). Consumer Behavior Characteristics in Fast Fashion. TEXTIL HOGSKOLAN. Lisbeth Svengren Holm. Wigley, S. M. , & Provelengiou, A. -K. (2011). Market-facing strategic alliances in the fashion sector. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management , pp. 141-162. Baker, R. (2008). Retail sector focus-fashion:following fast fashion. Marketing magazines , 37. Birtwistle, G. , Siddiqui, N. , & Fiorito, S. S. (2003). Quick response:perceptions of UK fashion retailers. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management , pp. 118-128. Christopher, M. Lowson, R. , & Peck, H. (2004). Creating agile supply chains in the fashion industry. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management , pp. 367-376. David, T. , Jo, H. , & Tracy, B. (2006). Supply chain influences on new product development in fashion clothing. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management , pp. 316-328. Fernie, J. (1994). Quick Response:An International Perspective. International Journal ofPhysical Dist ribution & Logistics Management , pp. 38-46. Fiorit, S. S. , May, E. G. , & Straughn, K. (1995). Quick response in retailing:components and implementation.International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management , pp. 12-21. Fiorito, S. S. , Giunipero, L. C. , & Yan, H. (1998). Retail buyers'perceptions of quick response systems. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management , pp. 237-246. Fisher, M. L. (1997). What is the Right Supply Chain for Your Product? Harvard Business Review. Forza, C. , & Vinelli, A. (1997). Quick response in textile-apparel industry and the support of information technologies. Integrated Manufacturing systems , pp. 125-136. Gabszewicz, J. , Pepall, L. , & Thisse, J. (1992).Sequential entry with brand loyalty caused by consumer learning-by-using. Journal of Industrial Economics , pp. 397-416. Hines, T. , & Bruce, M. (2001). Fashion Marketing:Contemporary Issues. Kent: MPG Books Ltd. http://www. interbrand. com/en/BestRetailBrands/2012-Best-Reta il-Brands. aspx. (n. d. ). Lopez, C. , & Fan, Y. (2009). Internationalisation of the Spanish fashion brand Zara. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management , pp. 279-296. Mattila, H. , King, R. , & Ojala, N. (2002). Retail performance measures for seaonal fashion. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management , pp. 40-351. Mazaira, A. , Gonzalez, E. , & Avendano, R. (2003). The role of market orientation on company performance through the development of sustainable competitive advantage:the Inditex-Zara case . Marketing Intelligence & Planning , pp. 220-229. McIntyre, S. H. , & Statman, M. (1982 May-June). Managing the Risk of New Product Development. Business Horizons . Minxun, Z. (2012). Esprit transfer to be fast fashion. Retrieved 2012 06-11 from http;//news. hexun. com: http;//news. hexun. com/2012-09-24/146191360. html Wang, Y. (2010). Consumer Behavior Characteristics in Fast Fashion.TEXTIL HOGSKOLAN. Lisbeth Svengren Holm. Wigley, S. M. , & Provelengiou, A. -K. (2011). Mark et-facing strategic alliances in the fashion sector. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management , pp. 141-162. Sihem, B. M. , Christophe, M. and Gilles, G. , (2004), Time-to-market vs. time-to-delivery: Managing speed in Engineering, Procurement and Construction projects, International Journal of Project Management, Vol. 22 Iss:5, pp. 359-367 Griffin, A. (2002) Product development cycle time for business-to-business products, Industrial Marketing Management, pp. 291-304 J. D. Sherman, W. E. Souder, and S.A. Jenssen, Differential effects of the primary forms of cross functional integration on product development cycle time, Journal of Product Innovation Management, 17 (4), (2000), pp. 257-267 Bergvall-Forberg, J, and Towers, N. (2007), Creating agile supply networks in the fashion industry: a pilot study of the European textile and clothing industry, Journal of the Textile Institute, Vol. 98 Iss: 4, pp. 377-86 Vertica, B. and Ann, F. (2010), Fast fashion: response to changed in the fashion industry, The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, Vol. 20 Iss:1, pp. 165-173

Interpersonal Relationship and Billy

English (Belonging) Blind Side Essay â€Å"Committing yourself is a way of finding out who you are. A man finds his identity by identifying. A man's identity is not best thought of as the way in which he is separated from his fellows but the way in which he is united with them. †- Robert Terwilliger. This idea is represented in the core text of The Simple Gift and related text of The Blind Side which further reveal that belonging is the understanding and acceptance of an individual which makes them feel included.It is through their relationships with people and places combined with their experiences that help transform their own ‘identity’. Steven Herrick’s novel The Simple Gift (SG) is a verse poem written from three various perspectives of Billy, Old Bill and Caitlin. The text was first published in 2000 and is set in contemporary Australia, in a fictional town of Bendarat. It follows the protagonist Billy and his longing to find his place in life to feel accepted, but it is not until the experiences of belonging with individuals is formed that his identity is shaped.The novel’s structure is non-linear as it involves flashbacks over the course of the story to reflect back on the character’s past. The novel’s first poem Champagne written from Billy’s perspective, expresses the catalyst behind Billy leaving home, this being his abusive father. Billy refers to his dad as an â€Å"old bastard† as he steals his â€Å"champagne and cigarettes†. Billy’s use of a negative tone clearly defines the anger towards his father and their non- existent relationship. The technique of irony is used throughout this poem as it is titled â€Å"champagne†.Champagne is usually symbolic of celebrating an occasion. This represents an idea that Billy is â€Å"celebrating† leaving home. Billy does not have a relationship with his father, therefore has no consecutiveness with the community in Longl ands Road. These reasons influence his decision to leave home in search of the new ‘Billy’. The Blind Side shows that when those around an individual are of a welcoming nature, close relationships can be formed. The 2009 film The Blind Side (TBS) written and directed by John Lee Hancock is a contemporary American film.The film has a circular structure which shows the transition of Michael Oher, an uneducated teenager with an impoverished upbringing, searching for a better life. The narrative device of his adoption by the wealthy Tuohy family is the catalyst for his initial sense of belonging. In a series of visual rather than dialogue driven scenes Leigh Anne Tuohy and her family give Michael experiences a diverse group of social circumstances which positively change his life as he becomes a star football player, accepted into the Mississippi University and metaphorically accepted in life.These experiences bring about Michael’s new identity. The opening sequence of TBS opens us to Michael’s old world as the flashback technique is used. The combination of frame shots exposes us to his hometown, and why he wants to leave this deprived, rundown area. The scene shows a sad, lost and depressed boy walking towards the camera with no direction. The use  © (2012) All Rights Reserved 1 of 2 For more info, go to www. hscintheholidays. com. au of a long shot shows Michael’s surroundings, as we connect to his life. It shows that Michael is an ‘outsider’.Through this sequence we also see a train travelling away from the town. This train is symbolic of Michael; moving and escaping his life, in an attempt for a new one. Both the poem Champagne and the opening scene of TBS show in a similar way both personas’ reasons for leaving their hometown. The lack of relationships both characters have with those around has a negative impact on who they are. This is the reason for them leaving. In comparison to Michael’s home town, Billy describes his area as â€Å"rundown and beat† on pg 4 of Longlands Road.Although we cannot see Billy’s hometown, we perceive that it would appear quite similar to Michael’s. The idea of not belonging is evident in each text at this stage as no close relationships have been formed which has a large impact on one’s identity. The poem The Hobo Hour on page 48 of SG is the start of Billy’s relationship with Old Bill. Old Bill is described by Billy as â€Å"an old man with long grey hair and a beard†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he is seen as a stereotypical ‘hobo’. In the poem Herrick uses the symbol of hands for the idea of ‘giving’.Billy â€Å"hands across† the cigarettes stolen from his father and gives them to Old Bill despite not knowing him. This giving is seen as a simple gift. The line â€Å"burns brightly then fades to old smoke† is used by Herrick as it is a metaphor for Old Bill’s life. These simpl e acts of kindness show the developing relationship between Billy and Old Bill. This poem The Hobo Hour relates to the thanksgiving scene in TBS. The scene in TBS shows the Tuohy family eating their thanksgiving meal together.The film technique of a close-up is used to show Michael’s emotions over the shared meal as he shows a sign of happiness. Both texts are alike as they show that in giving a simple gift a close relationship can be formed. The final poem of SG is the ending of Billy’s search for belonging. The poem is from Billy’s perspective and titled The Hobo Sky. Throughout the poem, Herrick has used the technique of lists as Billy explains in detail exactly what he is doing, examples include: â€Å"I cleaned the bowls† †I watched until he was out of sight† â€Å"I looked up†.These quotes include the use of repetition of the word â€Å"I† which puts emphasis on Billy’s new identity as he clearly has a sense of self by the use of the â€Å"I† pronoun. The use of Herrick using the words â€Å"deep blue sky that Old Bill and I shared† suggests that Billy’s new life has been a shared experience with close relationships between various characters. In the scene where Michael begins university, you are able to see how the tight positioning of both the Tuohy’s and Michael is symbolic of their close relationships.When Leigh Anne is told â€Å"you’re changing that boy’s life† she replies by saying â€Å"no he’s changing mine†. Like Billy, all of Michael’s shared experiences have gotten him to where he is today. Both Billy and Michael have found a family. Each persona’s close and personal relationships have come from others experiences. Both The Simple Gift and The Blind Side show that close, personal relationships come from shared experiences and it is through this process that one’s sense of identity is formed, creating the deepest form of belonging.  © (2012) All Rights Reserved 2 of 2 For more info, go to www. hscintheholidays. com. au