Category: Uncategorized



International Business Expansion

Name

Institution

In entrepreneurship building and sustaining of a local consume base is normally the first step of the business. Once the entrepreneur attains this goal, he or she starts to think of expanding the business internationally. Becoming an international company is a great deal but not all companies that decide to go globally achieve their goal or objectives. To successfully turn your company from local to international, an entrepreneur need to consider new factors that could not necessarily impact a domestic corporation. Creating an international presence is not simple as many will think. There are numerous factors concerning marketing and selling products in another country. The company will have to take time and carry out a research for potential foreign markets. The company will have to get first hand concept of how the business will survive in foreign market. Even though the business environment in the foreign environment may not be identical with that of your home country you need to familiarize yourself through business discussions.

The entrepreneur should take into consideration culture, trade barriers, currency and proximity – the fewer variations between your nation and the one to invest or export, the easier it is to do business in that country. Before one decides to expand the business, you need to ensure that the available resource s and staff can handle the new influx of labor accompanying such growth. The company must have a team to just focus on international development and be ready to encounter the challenges and support the expansion.

The following are the challenges faced in expanding the business internationally. This includes; language and culture barriers- selling to consumers or operating with suppliers who do not speak your language may be an obstacle for the company owner. Also, cultural norms may affect success of business expansion. Taxation and compliance issues can also impact the expansion of business internationally. Domestic competition can affect foreign products where an individual would prefer to buy their own made products as compared to those imported of similar kind. The involvement in the international business can help one to develop his international relation skills and a wide variation of business growth.

Q2

Automobile industry has greatly developed widely in the world with various model of automobile industry being invented each day. When the company markets itself internationally will have to face the following market competition.

Monopolistic competition the company may encounter many suppliers of automobile in the market even though the barriers to entry are few. It can force the firm to try to attain competitive advantages through differentiating its products from other similar automobile products. This could be achieved through making superior automobile and doing much advertisement. For example, the automobile company can convince the consumers how the vehicle consumes less petrol in comparison to another automobile.

In an oligopoly market the firm faces competition from few suppliers. The company may take into account the changing of price in regard to other firms. This is because in the auto manufacturers fixed cost is usually very high hence limiting entry of other firms in the market.

In a pure monopoly market the firm will have a competitive advantage as it will be the main supplier of and also the determiner of value to the products supplied. The company will face little competition due to high initial costs to venture into the business. For example, the supply of high end vehicle of luxury will put the company in a monopolistic state. If the company were to be the major supplier in the United States, then it could have a high end competitive advantage due to its monopolistic state.

Expectation about English writing

My names are Jack Smith. I am a 27-year old man from Los Angela’s pursuing my Master’s Degree program in English Literature at the L.A University. I recently cleared my bachelor’s degree program in English language and Communication. The program mainly focused on interdisciplinary context whereby linguistic and cultural studies aspects are nurtured differently.

English writing is an essential aspect not only to learners but also to any person who wishes to communicate effectively. Additionally English writing plays an important role in learning and has been continuously taught to students throughout studies from the preschool to advanced learning institutions. Generally, the English language plays a central part in curriculum whereas writing remains the main basis upon which students work, learning and intellectual levels would be judged in the community, and workplaces.

English Writing strengths

As a student, our lecturers have been on a mission to teach us the importance of English writing and from the lectures, I can attest that English writing has a lot of benefits to English learners in both their careers and or when it comes to general communication. One of the major strengths of English writing is that English writing helps a person in expressing himself effectively. Through writing, a person will be more confident when it comes to self-expression. Additionally, English writing allows an individual to talk in a decent manner. In English writing, research plays an important role in that it ensures an English writer attains proper work done. This means that the writer gets the chance to learn more regarding the English language and various aspects through on-line research. Other strengths of English writing include good use of grammar, use of proper vocabulary during communication and proper sentence construction. Generally, English writing is important to not only English learners but also every student.

English writing weaknesses

As much English writing is an essential aspect to English learners, the idea of writing can pose different weaknesses and difficulties to an English writer. In most cases, many English learners tend to struggle with essay writing which is an important aspect during writing. In this case, constructing of argumentative essays remains one of the weak points of English writers. Students also fail to get enough practices regarding English writing, which they need to perfect their writing. Students always rely on the internet sources to get the writing information. The idea of relying on internet sources to write can generally derail the learner when it comes to acquiring educational skills and knowledge. There are also some cases where English writing is merged with plagiarism in that the student copies directly from similar context during the writing. Plagiarism stands out to be the biggest weakness and downfall of English writing.

Expectations

My experience as an English graduate has enabled me to acquire various skills and knowledge in English and Communication, which would be important in my English writing career. My main objective is to establish myself in the English writing field, after being able to perform well in previous English writing classes. I also hope to gain more skills in English classes and be able to promote English related ideas into meaningful aspects. I believe that after a successful completion of my Master’s program in English and Communication, I would be in a better position to promote, improve and develop my English career.

Expedia, Inc. and the Online Travel Industry

BUS 596

Professor Yvonne S. Smith

May 28, 2008

University of La Verne

Table of Contents

Expedia, Inc. Overview ………………………………………………………………Page 3

Strategic Posture

Strategic History of the Organization………………………………………Page 3

Mission Statement and Strategic Vision of Expedia, Inc.………………………Page 4

Current Business Level Strategy………………………………………………Page 5

Environmental Analysis

Five-Forces Analysis of Online Travel Industry………………………………Page 5

Driving Forces of Online Travel Industry………………………………………Page 11

Internal Analysis

Functional Analysis………………………………………………………………Page 16

Financial Analysis

Liquidity Ratios

Current Ratio………………………………………………………………………Page 20

Quick Ratio………………………………………………………………………Page 21

Asset Management Ratios

The Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) Ratio………………………………………Page 22

Total Asset Turnover………………………………………………………………Page 23

Debt Management Ratios

Debt to Assets Ratio………………………………………………………………Page 24

Debt to Equity Ratio………………………………………………………………Page 24

Profitability Ratios

Return on Total Assets (ROA)…………………………………………….. Page 25

Return on Common Equity (ROE)…………………………………………….. Page 26

Net Profit Margin………………………………………………………………Page 26

Market Value Ratios

Price/Earnings (P/E) Ratio………………………………………………………Page 27

Price/Cash Flow Ratio………………………………………………………Page 28

Organizational Structure and Culture………………………………………………Page 29

Core Competencies………………………………………………………………………Page 31

Distinctive Competencies………………………………………………………………Page 32

SWOT Analysis and TOWS Matrix

Strengths………………………………………………………………………Page 33

Weaknesses………………………………………………………………………Page 35

Opportunities………………………………………………………………………Page 36

Threats……….………………………………………………………………Page 36

TOWS Matrix………………………………………………………………Page 37

Strategic Direction

KSI #1 and Alternatives………………………………………………………Page 39

KSI #2 and Alternatives………………………………………………………Page 40

KSI #3 and Alternatives………………………………………………………Page 42 Action Plan for Year 1: 2009………………………………………………………Page 43

References…………………………………………………………….………………..Page 46

Expedia, Inc. Overview

According to Hoovers, Expedia is the current market leader in online travel services compared to its rivals Priceline, Orbitz, and Travelocity (Hoovers, 2008). This online travel service allows its customers to book online airplane tickets, hotel reservations, cruises, car rentals, and customized vacation packages. In addition, Expedia offers news, maps, and other travel associated content with its portfolio of brands including Hotels.com, Hotwire, TripAdvisor, eLong, and Classic Vacations.

As Expedia grew, the company decided to expand itself using a growth strategy that focused on international expansion. This was evident in 2006, when Expedia launched its new website for one of the worlds’ major traveling markets, Japan. Altogether, Expedia’s international brands include: eLong, Expedia Australia, Expedia Canada, Expedia France, Expedia Germany Expedia Italy, Expedia Japan, Expedia Netherlands, Expedia United Kingdom, and Hotels.com for global sites while Expedia’s domestic brands include Classic Vacations, Expedia.com, Expedia Corporate Travel, Hotels.com, Hotwire.com, and TripAdvisor (Expedia, Inc., 2008). Expedia, Inc. also operates in more than 50 global points of sale with destination sites in South and North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific (Expedia, Inc., 2008). Interestingly, Expedia generates its money by charging transaction fees, or by purchasing travel inventory directly from the travel provider at discounted prices then charging customer’s premiums in addition to the original fee (Wikinvest, 2008).

Strategic Posture

Strategic History of the Organization

Expedia was founded in 1995, when the Microsoft Corporation decided to launch a new online travel service, but did not make its introduction to the Internet until 1996 (Expedia, Inc. 2008). In 1996, Expedia was still connected to the Microsoft Network, MSN (Expedia, Inc., 2006). Microsoft took initiative and provided financially for the start-up of this new company. In 1998, Expedia started to operate within the United Kingdom as well as investing heavily in technology to offer advanced search capabilities and other services to its customers. In 1999, Microsoft decided to spin of Expedia into its own publicly traded company, but kept a majority of Expedia’s shares for itself. In 2001, USA Networks, Inc. decided to acquire Expedia from the Microsoft Corporation and spent approximately $1.5 billion for its possession. In 2002, USA Networks, Inc. changed its brand name to USA Interactive, Inc. Then in 2003, USA Interactive, Inc. renamed itself as USA Interactive and then acquired the remaining shares of Expedia for approximately $3.3 billion (Expedia, Inc., 2006). During this time, the company began to grow its domestic and international travel portfolios with various companies. Additionally, Expedia prides itself in serving its customers with the best services and resources possible regarding travel for business or pleasure and continues to strive for this mission. Currently, Barry Diller serves as chairman and senior executive of Expedia, Inc., while Dara Khosrowshahi serves as CEO and president (Expedia, Inc., 2008). Both individuals continue to make efforts to make the best out of online travel experience for their Expedia customers (Expedia, Inc., 2008).

Mission Statement

The following is the mission statement for Expedia, Inc.:

“To get the world going by building the world’s largest and most intelligent travel marketplace” (Expedia, Inc., 2008).

Strategic Vision

The following is the strategic vision for Expedia, Inc.: “Expedia, Inc. is looking toward its next decade by continuing to innovate how travelers plan, purchase and share their travel experiences. We’re continuing to enhance our sites and travel booking tools and features while building our brands and travel offerings globally” (Expedia, Inc., 2008).

Current Business Level Strategy

Expedia plans to continue to meet the demands of its consumers and the current and future trends of society. The company plans to continue to be innovative with its technology and services it provides to travelers worldwide. Lastly, the company plans to gain a competitive edge over its competitors by understanding how travelers plan as well as buy and arrange travel tickets and packages. Expedia hopes to keep improving its websites and travel booking tools making these even more accessible to consumers while also improving brand image and travel contributions worldwide (Expedia, Inc., 2008).

Environmental Analysis

Five-Forces Analysis of Online Travel Agencies

According to Thompson, Strickland, & Gamble, 2008, there are five critical competitive forces that operate and vary from industry to industry within the overall market. These five competitive forces that industry members face include: (1) rivalry among competing sellers, (2) buyers, (3) potential new entrants, (4) suppliers of raw materials, parts, components, or other resource inputs, and (5) firms in other industries offering substitute products. The following chart is a model for substitutes, rivalries, buyers, new entrants, and suppliers in the online travel industry.

Five-Forces Model for Online Travel Agencies

Substitute Products Direct Sellers Metasearch engines Suppliers Rivalry Buyers

Hotel suppliers Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. Leisure travelers

Airline suppliers Priceline.com Corporate travelers

Car rentals Travelocity.com Inc. Travel agents

Destination services Expedia.com Travel Agencies Cruise lines New Entrants Direct Sellers Metasearch engines Call and book travel agents Call centers The following charts will analyze all five competitive forces and the level of strength each force endures regarding the online travel industry. High, medium, and low levels were assigned to each category based on subjective views by the group after researching and analyzing information available on Expedia, Inc. and examining the theories provided by Thompson et al.

Rivalry among Competing Sellers Force

Rivalry intensifies when competing sellers are active in launching fresh actions to boost their market standing and business performance High

Rivalry intensifies as the number of competitors increases and as competitors become more equal in size and capability. High

Rivalry is usually stronger in slow-growing markets and weaker in fast-growing markets. Med

Rivalry is usually weaker in industries comprised of so many rivals that the impact of any one company’s actions is spread thin across all industry members; likewise, it is often weak when there are fewer than five competitors. Med

Rivalry increases when buyer demand falls off and sellers find themselves with excess capacity and/or inventory. Low

Rivalry increases as it becomes less costly for buyers to switch brands. High

Rivalry increases as the products of rival sellers become more standardized and diminishes as the products of industry rivals become more strongly differentiated. High

Rivalry is more intense when industry conditions tempt competitors to use price cuts or other competitive weapons to boost unit volume. High

Rivalry increases when one or more competitors become dissatisfied with their market position and launch moves to bolster their standing at the expense of rivals. Med

Rivalry becomes more volatile and unpredictable as the diversity of competitors increases in terms of visions, strategic intents, objectives, strategies, resources, and countries of origin. Med

Rivalry increases when strong companies outside the industry acquire weak firms in the industry and launch aggressive, well-funded moves to transform their newly acquired competitors into major market contenders. Low

A powerful, successful competitive strategy employed by one company greatly intensifies the competitive pressures on its rivals to develop effective strategic responses or be relegated to also-ran status. Low

There are approximately four prominent competing online travel agency firms known as Orbitz Worldwide, Inc., Priceline.com Inc., Travelocity.com, and Expedia.com Inc. (Yahoo! Finance, 2008). Each firm in the industry attempts to increase their market presences using business models to catch the eyes of consumers, such as pricing, packaging, guarantees, and extra services (Rogow, 2007). For example, active launching of fresh products is high as competitors strive to differentiate their products and brands from those of rivals in order to remain independent (Rogow, 2007). An example of product differentiation in the online travel industry is making the online process more efficient with mobile devices, such as PDAs and Blackberrys for on-the-go travelers (Rogow, 2007). Other firms may also include weather forecasts to intended destinations for their customers traveling agendas (Rogow, 2007). Furthermore, as the market for online travel continues to grow, acquisitions between certain firms in the industry continue to make certain firms even larger in the competitive arena attempting to gain more market share (Rogow, 2007). Overall, since the business model strategies being used by these competing online travel agencies are relatively easy to duplicate, competition within the industry is strong.

Potential New Entrants Force

The presence of sizable economies of scale in production or other areas of operation. High

Cost and resource disadvantages not related to scale of operation. Low

Strong brand preferences and high degrees of customer loyalty. Low

High capital requirements. Med

The difficulties of building a network of distributors or retailers and securing adequate space on retailers’ shelves. Med

Restrictive regulatory policies. Low

Tariffs and international trade restrictions. Low

The ability and inclination of industry incumbents to launch vigorous initiatives to block a newcomer’s successful entry. High

Potential new entrants that try to compete in the online travel industry must compete with large size firms that have acquired additional sources to compete (Rogow, 2007). Therefore, new entrants into the market would be direct sellers, metasearch engines, call and travel book agents, and call centers. We currently live in an era that is technology based. Many customers conduct their research online from multiple sources. New entrants could include physical call centers for those who prefer to talk to an actual person instead of doing the research themselves, or have fears of potential threats from the Internet, such as credit card fraud or identity theft (Rogow, 2007).

New entrants will have to enter paying higher costs to compete in this industry, or accept cost disadvantage and lower profitability. Customer loyalty does not seem to be a factor in the online travel industry since customers seem to be price sensitive and will search for the best price available (Rogow, 2007). This does make it easier for incumbent companies to enter the industry. Lastly, the online travel agent industry uses a global distribution system (GDS) to check real-time flight schedules, pricing, and other factors when traveling. Many of the four main competitors have already acquired current GDS companies, or have made strategic alliances with several GDS companies making it even more difficult for new entrants to succeed (Rogow, 2007).

Firms in Other Industries Offering Substitute Products Force

Whether substitutes are readily available and attractively priced. High

Whether buyers view the substitutes as being comparable or better in terms of quality, performance, and other relevant attributes. High

Whether the costs that buyers incur in switching to the substitutes are high or low. High

Substitutes for online travel agent firms include direct sellers and metasearch engines. Direct sellers include the actual airlines, hotels, car rental facilities, etc. Customers have the opportunity to call, or visit the webpage of the actual location for an intended destination, or can use an online travel agent to find the lowest fares possible for them. Customers also have the choice to use metasearch engines that use multiple databases and other search engines to generate a list of choices that is easier than going to each search engine individually and trying to understand the results. In addition, online travel agencies try to lure customers away from booking trips with actual hotels, car rentals, and airlines by offering certain guarantees or packages if purchased from an online travel agency instead of the company itself (Rogow, 2007).

Buyers Force

If buyers’ costs of switching to competing brands or substitutes are relatively low. High

If the number of buyers is small or if a customer is particularly important to a seller. Low

If buyer demand is weak and sellers are scrambling to secure additional sales of their products. Low

If buyers are well informed about sellers’ products, prices, and costs. High

If buyers pose a credible threat of integrating backward into the business of sellers. Low

If buyers have discretion in whether and when they purchase the product. High

Currently, there are two types of buyers for online travel purchases: primary and secondary. Primary buyers consist of actual travel agent firms that use GDS to pull information from various hotels, car rentals, and airlines and make the information available to customers. Secondary buyers consist of corporate and leisure travelers. Pull factors are evident with the abundant amount of information and services available to customers regarding different carriers and low price fares (New Media Age, 2007). In addition, certain push factors that are present with online travel agencies are insufficient information about other competing firms unless otherwise researched by the consumer and price sensitivity (New Media Age, 2007). Overall, online travel agencies use GDS to find open reservations that are then transferred to the use of consumers for both leisure and corporate travel.

Suppliers of raw materials, parts, components, or other resource inputs Force

Whether the item being supplied is a commodity that is readily available from many suppliers at the going market price. High

Whether a few large suppliers are the primary sources of a particular item. Low

Whether it is difficult or costly for industry members to switch their purchases from one supplier to another or to switch to attractive substitute inputs. Med

Whether certain suppliers provide a differentiated input that enhances the performance or quality of the industry’s product. Med

Whether certain suppliers provide equipment or services that deliver valuable cost-saving efficiencies to industry members in operating their production processes. Med

Whether suppliers provide an item that accounts for a sizable fraction of the costs of the industry’s product. Low

Whether industry members are major customers of suppliers. High

Whether it makes good economic sense for industry members to integrate backward and self-manufacture items they have been buying from suppliers. High

There are approximately six types of suppliers the online travel industry utilizes including: hotel, airline, car rental, destination services, travel agencies, and cruise lines. For example, when a hotel has a vacancy, it will show up on the GDS, which will then become available to the online travel agents with consumers following soon after. Upon using a specific online agency, results will be generated for consumers regarding location, date, price, time, etc. Overall, there is no physical component supplied to online travel agents. Information is pulled through various technology systems and is redirected to customers looking for travel savings.

Driving Forces of the Online Travel Industry

The following analysis will now focus on five of the driving forces concerning the online travel industry.

Emerging New Internet Capabilities and Applications

With the driving force of emerging new Internet capabilities and applications, online reservation systems and hotel websites for the travel industry are on the rise. According to comScore, in January 2008, there were more than $824.4 million Internet users worldwide (European Travel Commission, 2008). In addition, The European Travel Commission reported that “Internet users have increased by 265.6% from eight years ago” (2008, pg. 1). Because of this, the online travel industry will more than double its revenues in the next three years, “from $38 billion last year to more than $80 billion in 2007” (Internet World Stats, 2005). According to the World Youth & Student Educational Travel Confederation’s global study of young independent travelers, young travelers who book online have increased from 10% to 50% in the past five years. And 80% of these travelers use the Internet to search for information before departing on their trip (European Travel Commission, 2008). The independent and youth travelers have basically grown up online from an early age and automatically turn to the Internet for travel information, advice, and reviews. Many websites and search engines are becoming increasingly informative for travelers who would like information on their preferred destination before booking a reservation. Online reviews have been the most helpful to consumers as friends and family opinions are decreasing. According to the statistics given by the Internet Advertising Bureau, 88% of users rate information provided by search results higher than that of friends and family (European Travel Commission, 2008). Feedback from travelers is also preferred as an Internet transaction where companies email their previous customers and ask for customer feedback from their previous stay. JupiterResearch’s research has found that the most compelling means to solicit feedback from travelers is e-mail: 42% of online travelers who contributed content did so because they received an email inviting their feedback (European Travel Commission, 2008). With daily transactions of booking a reservation online, travel websites are becoming more aware of security issues with the use of credit cards and online identity theft. Internet travel companies are increasing their spending on technology to improve security, performance, and reservation system databases.

Increasing Globalization

With the driving force of increasing globalization, the online travel industry is targeting every country imaginable for reservations. Currently, online travel websites are particular to their area, such as only offering bookings in the United States, but an increase in overseas travel has created an additional source of profit. The growths in bookings made outside the United States have outpaced the growth in domestic bookings. This is mainly because more people are traveling and are “increasingly comfortable trusting their reservations to Web sites” (European Travel Commission, 2008). Several Internet travel systems have noticed an increased in international travel to the United States by 11.8% in 2004 (Travel Industry Association, 2008). This is largely in part to the use of the Internet and how information on destinations help foreign travelers decide on where and when to book their trip. For example, from Nielsen ratings on Internet usage: 38.7% of the population in Asia use the Internet, 26.4% of the population in Europe use the Internet, and falling closely behind is North America’s 18% of the population that use the Internet (Internet World Stats, 2008). Online travel companies are increasingly competing to gain the trust and respect of foreign travelers to visit the United States and to book their reservations on their website. Companies are also adding more resources and information on their websites for customers to allow them to have the opportunity to book an international vacation.

Changes in an Industry’s Long-term Growth Rate

With the driving force of changes in industry’s long-term growth rate, many Internet company travel websites are increasing and retail travel agencies are decreasing. Travel agents are no longer the main representatives that customers will pay attention to. As consumers get comfortable with the Internet, and the reservation systems get easier, the content will “quickly force the $1.3 trillion dollar business to adjust how it markets” (Rubel, 2007). Travel agents have been the “key intermediary between travel suppliers and consumers,” with detailed information on particular destinations as their main competitive edge over others in the industry (Cheyne, 2006). Travel agents who have retail spaces are being forced to close down their stores as hotels, airlines, and other travel partners are increasingly using the Internet as their form of booking agent. Companies once relied on travel agents to sell their destinations, but because their online websites offer much more for their customers, they no longer need these travel agents to help them sell their services. Because of this, travel agents could become more competitive “through more effective use of information technology and that the perceived value of the services required can influence consumer choices” (Cheyne, 2006, pg. 1).

Changes in Cost and Efficiency

With the driving force of the changes in cost and efficiency, consumers booking their trips online are searching for the most inexpensive way to travel. Bargain hunting between travel companies is rapidly growing as a customer will not only search on one website, but will search through many to get the best price for their intended destination. Travelers are continuously looking for better deals or packages that will increase their value of their intended trip. Companies are competing for bookings and reservations and will add amenities to the package or credit towards the hotel’s restaurant or room charge in order to gain business and compete with others in the industry. More and more travelers are also booking online and are willing to pay an extra few dollars to guarantee their reservation or to have that special added amenity given from the company or hotel. With the amount spent on a vacation booked online, “51% of luxury travelers are willing to book a $2,000 to $5,000 vacation package online; and another 29% are comfortable booking a $5,000 or more vacation package” (European Travel Commission, 2008). The standard traveler of 24% would be willing to spend $2,000 to $5,000 for a vacation booked online, and almost 50% of travelers are comfortable spending up to $1,000 and $2,000 (European Travel Commission, 2008).

Growing Buyer Preferences for Differentiated Products Instead of a Commodity Product

With the driving force of growing buyer preferences for differentiated products instead of a commodity product, online travel companies are competing for differentiation with many added benefits being offered to the customer. Internet booking reservation systems have specific areas in which customers can make a particular need or request prior to their stay. Online travel companies are increasing the amount of hotel photos and videos on their websites to allow customers to feel connected to their interested destination. Online brochures have also increased as a way for travel agencies to promote a particular destination and to offer an increased amount of information on a specific region. A new travel focused social networking website has been launched to help travel companies promote their services to consumers through classified ads, videos, blogs, and profiles (European Travel Commission, 2008). Because customers are not as brand loyal as they once used to be, companies are having a harder time attracting previous buyers for repeat business. With the help of social networking websites, travel companies can advertise to the increased amount of Internet users worldwide and hopefully gain new and repeat business on a continuous basis.

Industry Outlook

Currently, the online travel industry is continuing to grow and is projected to represent 34% of all travel spending by the year 2010 (Jupitermedia, 2005). This projection is due to the lower distribution costs of online travel agencies and higher total travel spending for air, cruise, and hotel sectors (Jupitermedia, 2005). One important factor that must be taken into consideration is rising fuel costs for travel that are requiring firms to raise their costs and prices (Jupitermedia, 2005). This will certainly affect how well online travel agencies will be able to continue to offer reasonable prices to consumers while staying competitive in the market (Jupitermedia, 2005). Lastly, another important factor that will determine the future of online travel agencies is the continued growth of business travel (Jupitermedia, 2005). It is projected that the business travel market will account for $31.5 billion by the year 2010, which was estimated to be around $15.1 billion during 2005 (Jupitermedia, 2005).

Internal Analysis

Functional Analysis

To analyze the functional value chain of Expedia, Inc., the major functions include R&D, Marketing, Service, and Information Technology and Operation. The functional analysis uses four criteria to evaluate the performance of each function. The measures of criteria are efficiency, quality, innovation and customer response. The following table is the result of the functional analysis with a rating scale of High, Medium, and Low.

Table: Functional Analysis

R&D Marketing IT & Operation Service

Efficiency High High High High

Quality High High High High

Innovation Med. Med High Med

Customer Response N/A High N/A High

R&D

Expedia, Inc. is an online traveling company that provides traveling information and reservation tools to its customers. Therefore, the first priority of R&D function within Expedia, Inc. is seeking the variety of traveling products and services and obtaining a wide range of travel brands.

Overall, the performances of R&D within Expedia, Inc. are high because Expedia, Inc. strives to obtain maximum customers, partners and suppliers through frame wide-ranging brands collection. In order to be the leading brand in this industry, Expedia, Inc. believes relying on widespread brands collection would get maximum value and market shares. Therefore, Expedia, Inc. mentions that “Expedia, Inc. believes its flagship Expedia brand appeals to the broadest range of travelers, with its extensive product offering ranging from single item bookings of discounted product to complex bundling of higher-end travel packages” (Expedia, Inc., Annual Report, 2007, pg. 5).

In order to enhance its suppliers, Expedia, Inc. uses the extent brands collection and international points of sales. This can help Expedia, Inc. offer a variety of products and services. According to the annual report of Expedia, Inc., Expedia will keep investing in R&D to maintain the best brand portfolio and create maximum value to its suppliers, partners and customers (Expedia, Inc., Annual Report, 2007, pg. 5).

Marketing

The marketing strategy of Expedia, Inc. is to construct an effective, profitable channel by raising awareness of the consumers who are sensitive to price and to enhance the benefit of its subsidiary companies and itself. Furthermore, the media strategy of Expedia, Inc. includes TV commercials, print media, direct-mail, and Internet such as portal we

Name

Instructor

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Date

Experience is the Best Teacher

Experience they say is the best teacher, and I believe this phrase holds as long as one still lives on Earth. There are several occasions people are warned against some issues, but they take them for granted. I happen to have been a victim of carelessness and negligent to the pieces of advice given by elders and friends in the name of autonomous thinking. At one point when my age hit above twenty, I thought I was already on top of the world completely oblivious of what was in waiting. Transition to university from high school amongst youth is always characterized by a lot of activities especially along the social interaction. The young people are always restless, and they bring in new blood to the partying life by only throwing caution on air. Few persons are able to survive this phase of life, and I was not exceptional. Music and Cinema happen to provide the best avenue of meeting peers, and I happened to have liked it so much that I gave little attention to the many warning by parents and other concerned relatives. I can confess that December holiday is one of the lively festive seasons’ on the earth, but it comes with the highest risk of losing life through diverse means.

My case coincided with an important family event just the following day. I joined my friends to Beach party in the evening as they promised to grace my Birthday party the following day which its plans had already been running, and all that remained was invitation. There had been a warning by security agencies about increasing incidences of crime along the beach hence specified regions set out of bound. The vibrant nature of young people in high spirit of a party cares less about any such warning and would likely fall prey to the set penalties. It was unfortunate that as we left, we did not bother listening to the latest news updates which emphasized on possible round up of perpetrators in the beach part and, so we left. The attempt to avoid the human traffic and slow entry through the main gate, we thought we were tricky by suggesting to use an alternative entrance which had been earmarked by security agencies as the leeway to a beach party crimes.

Although one of my friends appealed against such a decision, the majority rule overwhelmed him, and the spirit of peers made a decision that we were to pursue the course. Little did we know that the preferred short-cut was a death trap, and it would not take long before we came face to face with the assigned security agents who were armed to the teeth.I was at the forefront and when the police shouted at as with threat of shooting to kill if dared running. Despite our plea for mercy and loud confession that we were not aware of the aforesaid by-law, they kept cocking the guns assuming we were thugs.

It was by the grace of God that we escaped shooting by a whisker but ended up in a holding cell the whole night awaiting arraignment to court for loitering. At this point, I realized that I had lost the Earth and the sky since the beach party mission was miserably brought to an end. Worse of all, my birthday was spent in a pathetic holding cell cubicle the entire day. It would not be uncommon to find some people feeling disappointed at such experience, but the bottom line is that it serves as perfect lesson of consistent care when undertaking any mission.

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Experience of Playing of Video Games

Video games are a vital leisure activity mainly for boys. The current rate of technology growth and the interface built around software and computer programs have initiated s new dimensions to entertainment though video games. Today, there are more than a million video games that are integrated through computer-based programs and even on smart phones. I have been a huge fan of video games where I started playing at the age of 8 years. Over the years, video games have played a key role in entertainment where I have been able to navigate through different levels. One of the most entertaining video games that I enjoyed at the age of ten was “Temple Run” that I used to play using my mother’s phone. Through the years, I have watched technology and the interface of video games grow as they become more complex, demanding as well as entertaining. To better understand the value of video games, it is good to look at how the industry has changed over time.

As a beginner in video games at the age of eight, I only interacted on the phone interface where it was still entertaining. Towards the age of ten I was able to use my father’s computer where I started learning the core basics in a computer-integrated online games. One of the limitations I had is that I did not have a strong internet connection at home and this means I had to download video games at night when it was more convenient and faster. I also had colleagues and neighbours where we would compete in various games like virtual football and soccer with the winner earning gifts and even money. The computer games began with a 2D interface that was not so much interesting to use mainly on the computer. One of the key aspects of the 2D and 3D interfaces is they allow the player to navigate with ease and this makes the computer games more interesting (Adachi et al., 205). The shift from computer to personalized interfaces like in mobile phones was one of the key aspects of video gaming that gained speed from 2011. One of the most fascinating things about video games is that one can’t separate emotion from action; they are part of the same flow of events, one leading into the other.

Through my years of interacting with computer video games I have learn a lot and also enjoyed the speed through which technology is revolutionizing the industry. The experience has not only been rooted to the interaction and online competetions but the personal navigation through different interfaces. The mobile video games have become a dominant interface where players can compete online from remote locations (Lynch et al., 301). For example, the virtual sports games on the virtual generated interfaces provide a multiplayer interface where a dozen players can play virtually and compete from different locations. I am personally a fan of war games with a wide range of games that have engineered war-like interfaces where I able to compete a take missions with different players. These computer and phone supported video games are some of the most interesting because they have adopted a virtual reality environment that makes most plyers take control of the game flow (Oliver et al., 7). These are just soe of the advancements that are in the changes that I have experienced in the growing industry of video games that is steadily advancing with the upcoming technology.

The other dimension is the mobile multiplayer game where players play together or against each other using their mobile phones on a public display (Oliver et al., 12). I have interacted at this level where I found it entertaining and more advanced than the 2D interfaces. Over the years, the video games have evolved as the technology takes shape and this has eve ushered in virtual games that players can participate in online competition. Some of the pro-players have even mastered the various tricks that they capitalize on when navigating the whole field of online video games (Adachi et al., 202). My personal experience has grown with time and this gives me more exposure in the whole arena of personalized virtual video games. I have come to appreciate the fact that video games have not only changed my perception about the world of entertainment but improved my computer interaction and learning.

Today, the various virtual games and online interfaces have given me a new outlook into where the world is headed in terms of video games thus creating a new dimension into what and how the video games can improve my life. The shift from personal to multilevel competition has given the field of vide games a new shift that is adding taste and new dimension to gaming. For example, the players may not know each other and may not even know who of the people sharing the room with them are currently participating. In such a game, players can enter and leave at any time. These changes and increased technological inputs have allowed me to take a new look into the video gaming and also increased my appetite towards video games.

Works Cited

Adachi, Paul JC, and Teena Willoughby. “The link between playing video games and positive youth outcomes.” Child Development Perspectives 11.3 (2017): 202-206.

Lynch, Teresa, and Nicole Martins. “Nothing to fear? An analysis of college students’ fear experiences with video games.” Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media 59.2 (2015): 298-317.

Oliver, Mary Beth, et al. “Video games as meaningful entertainment experiences.” Psychology of Popular Media Culture 5.4 (2016): 390.

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Existence of Cannibalism

Sagan defines cannibalism as the consumption of whole or part of human flesh by fellow human beings. Although very controversial and associated with non western countries according to Barker, Hulme and Iversen , its history dates a long time back . However, from research, it is evident that it has been a popular part of the American culture evidenced from “Cannibal Jokes” where it’s used to tell jokes as in the case of the humorous story “Cannibalism in the cars” by Mark Twain where prominent train travelers are forced to engage in cannibalism when stranded due to a snowstorm (Ngo 132). Testimonies in form of diaries and interviews from the survivors of the snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains which took five months as revealed by Hart are also an indication of cannibalism in the history of America (133).

The variation in beliefs and traditions among the numerous cultural communities in the world, make a common practice among certain groups of people in order to obtain particular benefits. The human flesh is normally consumed from dead bodies. At times it is applied for survival, diet and religious or ritualistic performance by some communities based on tradition. The existence of cannibalism today will be discussed s well as the various forms with which it is exhibited.

As Poole portrays, cannibalism is still a current practice. Human beings can be trapped and bought for food in some cultures like in the Miyanmin society in west Sepik Papua in New Guinea where the villagers value the life of pigs and marsupials over humans who form part of their normal diet. Without differences in gender, ritual status, kinship or bodily substance, anyone even their dead are eaten. In order to get a continuous supply of human flesh they raid and drag neighboring villages to their village to be eaten. This occurred following a onetime shortage of wild animals where human beings became more hence appropriate for food acquiring dietary cannibalism (Ngo 133).

Leopard people and the alligator societies of South America also eat human flesh as their traditional culture. They practice dietary exocannibalism in hunting groups with a member concealing the face with Leopard skin while as MacCormarick describes, the alligator people uses alligator-like submarines (134).

This is different from religious or ritual cannibalism practiced for ceremonial purpose and not nourishment. One or more victims may be sacrificed at a time to honor the dead during funeral rituals. For example, a chief or leader in the Bangala tribe around Congo River in Central Africa is honored by the number of slaves sacrificed for feasting (134). In South America however, it is performed as a revenge for the highly honored dead while Indians sacrifice a single victim per ritual .For instance, a victim is forced to take the part of a killed warrior, marry his wife then later killed. The children soak their hands in the victim’s blood to symbolize avenge for the dead warrior while elderly women drink his blood, roast and eat his body.

Among the Bimin-Kuskusmin tribe in Africa, the capacity of a woman to bear children is highly value. Only a small part especially from the genitals is used for ritual with the supervision of elders. Poole expresses how a widow eats raw flesh obtained from the penis of her dead husband, to increase her future capacity of fertility and reproduction. Moreover, a widower in the hope to make the fertility of his deceased wife’s daughters enhanced may eat the flesh from a piece of her vagina and a piece of bone marrow to represent his honor for her capacity to reproduce. Other women who hope to benefit from the reproductive power of a dead elderly woman who possessed a great capacity in reproduction eat her uterus along her inner vaginal parts (135).

Besides cultural influence, some people who under normal circumstances do not practice cannibalism may do it when compelled by circumstances. These include extreme hunger or starvation due to either drought or being in locations without any source of food as in the case of the fifty-five refugees from Vietnam who were escaping to Malaysia. According to Ngo, they were forced to eat the flesh of their relatives and companions due to desperation and the need to keep alive therefore survive (132). This is in turn known as survival cannibalism .Another form is evidenced by Tuzin in the case where Japanese troops sacrificed the Arapesh people in northeastern Guinea as food so as to survive. As shipman describes, it is possible to divide cannibalism into two major categories based on the above illustrations. These are exocannibalism which refers to outsiders or foreigners being eaten and endocannibalism members of the same social group are eaten (133).

With the possibility of survival cannibalism human beings are cannibals in nature since we are all descendants of the same ancestors as the Miyanmin, Alligator as well as the Leorpard people. In addition, it is evident that our ancestors were cannibals; a practice that has changed over the ages. It can therefore be concluded that cannibalism is still widely practiced in the world by particular communities as well as individuals depending on their traditions and beliefs.

Works Cited

Ngo, L. “Cannibalism: It Still Exists.” Axelford, B.R. and C. R. Cooper. The St. Martin’s Guide

to Writing. Boston: Bedford, 2010: pp. 132-135.

Experiences and learning from the group interview

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The interview process is important as it demonstrates the interviewee’s ability to tackle a given task, fit into a given atmosphere and deal with various conditions as they emerge. Though the interview is designed to measure these qualities, it is through the interview that the right candidate is determined. This paper illustrates lessons learnt during the group interview process. This is done with reference to good interview tips and skills and interviewee’s preparations prior to interview.

Through the interview, I have learnt that it is important to carefully do research on an organization. The analysis of the position starts with thorough job analysis. This entails the review of the position being interviewed for, responsibilities and requirements among other factors. According to Groat and Wang (2002), the interviewee should be aware of the qualities being looked for in an interview. Though the interviewee had a clue about Primark, but the information was not sufficient considering the position being interviewed for (Hollowitz and Wilson, 2003). The interviewee was therefore able to convince us that he has an outgoing personality.

Knowing oneself before the interview is also of great importance for the interviewer. The interviewee carefully and successfully indicated his last position and role prior to the interview (Trochim, 2002). The roles were in line with the job being interviewed for and so the relevance of the information provided. The reason for job application was provided as well. According to Hollowitz and Wilson (2003), the interviewee needs to identify appropriate educational and prior experience, this was done successfully. The interviewee could identify the skills and knowledge needed to successfully perform the primary duties and responsibilities of the job.

In reviewing the duties and responsibilities of an opening, interviewer should determine if the interviewee is realistic in relation to other factors for instance previous experience and education. The interviewee could condense his experience and life (Pantakhy, 2012). Equally important is determining the interviewee is relevant to the overall job function, and if they overlap with the responsibilities of other jobs. The interviewee should have in-depth knowledge of the job requirements and extensive experience. In conducting an interview it is important also for the interviewer to determine the interviewee’s proven ability, familiarity, and degree relevance (Kvale, 2007). The interviewee in this case had a relevant degree and extensive past experience making him the right candidate for the human resource position.

The interviewee apart from educational experience and degree held should have the ability to get along with other co-workers, management, employees and customers. In cases where two job seekers have similar degrees, intangible job-related criteria are important in making the final decision (Trochim, 2002). The interviewee though answered the question of how to deal when conflicts results, the result was unsatisfactory. This showed the interviewee’s inability to fully tackle a conflict.

In conclusion, the interviewee demonstrated an understanding of the job requirements and skills needed to tackle the task. Furthermore, the experience shown to the interviewer was relevant and sufficient. The interviewee based on my judgment and understanding had an outstanding quality for the job being interviewed for and so deserved the position (Kvale, 2007). However, based on the interviewee’s response, there is an urgent need for him to improve his conflict resolution techniques.

References

Foddy, W.(1993). Constructing Questions for Interviews. Cambridge University Press.

Groat, L & Wang, D. (2002). Architectural Research Methods, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Hollowitz, J. & Wilson, C. (2003). Structured Interviewing in Volunteer Selection. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 21, 41-52,

Kvale, S. (2007). Interviews: An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing, Sage Publications.

Trochim, K. (2002). Types of Surveys. Research Methods Knowledge Base.

The Oslo Peace Process

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The Oslo Peace Process

Introduction

In the entire international political system, the Middle East has had many systems, which are extensively penetrated. The great powers in the region had been rivals ever since the year 1978, when Napoleon came to Egypt. It is a fact that the Far East and Europe viewed the Middle East as a vital gateway. Furthermore, the world became interested in the region after oil was discovered. The dispute that exists between the Arabs and Israelis is responsible for the instability, which exists in the region. In modern times, the conflict between the Israelis and the Arabs is known to be intractable, protracted, as well as bitter. In turn, there have been many peace negotiation processes in an attempt to resolve the situation. The Oslo peace process is one such attempt that failed to yield any positive results (Eran, 2002).

This paper seeks to give a critical analysis concerning the impact that the Oslo Peace Process had on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Analysis of the Oslo Peace Process during the Isreali-Palestinian Conflict

The conflict and tension, which have existed between the Palestinians and Israelis, has attracted a lot of attention. In turn, various parties saw the need to solve the problem, which threatened the life of many people. This is after the USSR broke up, American pressure, as well as after the Gulf War ended. In turn, the international world provided a conducive environment that sort to solve the problem, which the Israelis had. Between the years 1993 to the year 1995, the PLO and Israel signed the Oslo Interim Agreement, and the Oslo Declaration of Principles. The documents sort to ensure that a Palestinian National Authority existed for a specific purpose. The agency would ensure that it negotiated with Israel as it had a temporary entity on matters concerning Gaza and the West Bank. Fortunately, it yielded excellent results, and in the year 1994, the peace treaty was signed (Slater, 2001).

Later on in the year 1996, Israeli troops withdrew from the Gaza Strip and other areas in the West Bank. The Fatah faction, a controlled legislature, was formed by Palestinians who had control over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The members of the faction elected Yasser Arafat as Chairman, and he had the authority to govern the said areas. In turn, the Palestinians took over the lands, which they Israelis had occupied. Moreover, the Israelis introduced a settlement program for its people, in order to ensure that they had shelter. Therefore, by the year 2004, many housing units were built for the many homeless Israelis. According to the principles of the Oslo Declaration, the PLO would not engage in any violent acts, especially to the new settlers (Slater, 2001).

The Israelis were not in favor of the peace process and it even led to the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin an Israeli Prime Minister. The new Israeli prime minister known as Shimon Peres made sure that the Oslo Interim Agreement was signed when he came into power. During his tenure, there were countless suicide bombings by the Hamas, and Benjamin Netanyahu took over leadership. Netanyahu did not support the peace process, and he created a lot of controversy concerning this matter (Pappe, 2004). There were extreme numbers of causalities, as a result of rioting, after Netanyahu was accused by the Arabs for trying to threaten Al-Aqsa mosques security. The PNA and Israel, despite Netanyahu’s opposition, signed the Hebron interim agreement in the year 1997. Around 500 settlers were left to live in the Arab city after the withdrawal of the IDF. In the following year, Palestinians became even more committed towards preventing incitement and terror; also, the Israelis withdrew its troops. Even, after Netanyahu left his leadership position, Barak the new Prime Minister continued with the peace process. However, he failed in his mission, as extreme violence took place in the year 2000.

Conclusion

It is quite evident that the Oslo Peace Process did not solve the problem as it broke down instead. It seems that it would face eminent disaster from the time that it began as it had many shot comings. It failed to address the key reason why Palestinians and Israelis were at conflict with each other. There is also evidence to suggest that, under Likud’s leadership, the deal did not materialize. Moreover, political progress could not be achieved as long as trust did not exist. In a bid to expand its territory, the Isreali came up with policies, which lead to loss of momentum and mistrust. It is due to this policy that the conflict does not seem to come to an end. In conclusion, the Oslo Peace Process is a notable event, which took place in the Middle East. Though it did not yield any rewarding results, it is regarded as a path towards achieving peace. There is a need to ensure that more is done by the International world to ensure that peace will one day prevail in the Middle East.

References

Pappe, I. (2004). A History of Modern Palestine: One Land, Two Peoples, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Slater, J. (2001). What Went Wrong? The Collapse of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process, Political Science, 116, 2, 171-199.

Eran, Oded. (2002). Arab-Israel Peacemaking.” The Continuum Political Encyclopedia of the Middle East. Ed. New York: Continuum.

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Experiences of Japanese Americans at Jerome and Rohwer

The film is about the history of the Japanese Americans who have stayed at Jerome and Rohwer camps for many years now. It gives an encounter of how events escalated from one point to another (Niiya 2). This paper reviews the film, “Time of Fear,” which tells the story of over 15000, women, men, and children who were relocated by the government to the camps in the southeast Arkansas. Southeast Arkansas is considered one of the racially segregated and poorest regions in the United States.

A narrator states how all those people ended up at the camp, and this can be traced about 70 years ago. Families were forcefully ejected from their homes in Los Angles because of the attack that had happened at Pearl Harbour, which dragged the United States into World War II. The bomber was suspected to be of Japanese origin, and so all the Japanese became the target of victimization. At gunpoint, on a Sunday morning, U.S soldiers swept through homes evicting the homeowners who were forced to go to southeast Arkansas places of Jerome and Rohwer where camps were established. This is history that is still fresh in the minds of the victims as the narrator expresses in pain (Niiya 19).

The camps were used as isolation areas during the war for the Japanese American. Life in these camps was not as it is in other regions. Jerome was sub-divided into 50 different blocks that were guarded by army officers and had a barbed wire fence all around, with seven watchtowers in the camp. This made it very hard for the Japanese Americans, and they ended up living like prisoners. From the video, it is revealed that the Japanese Americans found themselves in a very exceptional category. That is because they were neither coloured nor white, which made the local community to be violent towards them (Niiya 25). That created tension amongst the locals and the Japanese Americans.

The Japanese Americans spent most of the day at the farms, sawmills and making soap. The camps were small and provided little room for movement and freedom; they made people or families share a room that could not even be shared by one family. There was hardship at these camps, and anyone that left the camp without permission was punished. With this population, the congestion at the camp led to the breakout of diseases and sicknesses on various occasions. For example, in 1944, there was a breakout of influenza, which spread throughout the camp for several months. However, treatment was offered at the hospital at Jerome, which helped contain the influenza.

The different interview in the video revealed that as time passed the conditions at the camp changed and people were finally allowed to leave with permission to go and look for jobs. However, most people were not for the idea, as they were not sure of a place to stay and food (Niiya 33). The other challenge was that the clearance tool a longer time and some people lost interest in leaving.

In conclusion, World War II had a very negative impact on the Japanese American of that time as they suffered the consequence of the war. They were surrounded and sent to a camp that was under tight military guard. However, the camps were later changed and used for German prisoners during the war.

Works Cited

Niiya, Brian. Japanese American History: An A-to-Z Reference from 1868 to the Present. New York, NY: Facts on File, 1993. Print.

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Analysis of Carnival of Venice, 1946, Oil on Canvas by Enrico Donati and Bombardment, 1937-38, Oil on Masonite paintings

Introduction

Often, people purchase paintings and other pieces of art without knowing how to analyze these artistic pieces of work. Most people purchase paintings for their decorative purposes, as opposed to, the artistic elements that these paintings bear, as well as, their artistic significance. Analyzing art is important for providing a response to the piece of art, as well as, interpreting the hidden meaning of a specific piece of art. Such an analysis allows the audience to comprehend the message that the artist is trying to pass with the specific piece of art.

For this critical analysis, two paintings, both created after 1900, will be analyzed. Specifically, the pieces of art to be analyzed include the Carnival of Venice, 1946, Oil on Canvas by Enrico Donati and Bombardment, 1937-38, Oil on Masonite, by Philip Guston. Specifically, the analysis will include a comparison of the two pieces of art in terms of a visual analyses and cultural analyses.

Visual Analysis

As previously mentioned, two pieces of art will be analyzed including Carnival of Venice, 1946, Oil on Canvas by Enrico Donati and Bombardment, 1937-38, Oil on Masonite, by Philip Guston. The Carnival of Venice, 1946, Oil on Canvas is Enrico Donati’s depiction the Italian annual festival. In appearance, the painting looks like three contorted ships in a mystic sea that are slowly dissolving into the void firmament above. The first two ships are placed in the front most part of the painting, whereas the third ship is in the far background of the painting. Additionally, as the ships slowly loose shape, they take the form of various grotesque animalistic shapes, which all seem to be attracted to the sky, and give a sense of impatience as they reach for the sky. In essence, the painting appears as symbolically, and naturalistically biomorphic with the images providing an abstract of the feelings and thoughts of the artist.

The predominant colors in the painting are the subtle blue and the fiery reds and yellows. The color blue, as well as, its different shades saturate the painting, whereas the reds and yellows give the painting the artistic intensity it requires. In terms of dynamics, the painting appears as a subconsciously, vehement image. However, a closer examination gives the painting a frenetic feel, especially when observing the top half of the painting. The painting inspires an eerie and irrational mood, as the images in the painting appear peculiar and unusual and for that reason, the painting cannot be understood at the first look. The surface of the painting provides a tactile impression that gives the audience the sense that the painting is rough in texture. This is because the placement of the images in the painting is somewhat asymmetrical thus, suggesting a quantity of lumpiness in the painting. The most striking thing about Donati’s painting is the bottom half of the painting symbolizing a reflection of the top part of the painting. This is because the presumed reflection does not convey the same frantic mood as the top part of the painting, and it reveals a sense of calm and composure. Arguably, the reflection provides a sense of balance for the painting, and it does not provide an actual reflection of the top part of the painting.

The second painting for analysis is the artistic piece, Bombardment, 1937-38, Oil on Masonite, by Philip Guston. Unlike the previous painting, this painting is much more intense and hysterical, thus catching the attention of the audience instantly. Guston uses a curvilinear technique in the creation of the painting, which is observable in the fact that the painting is within a circle. As explained in the museum label, the painting represents the events that took place during the Spanish war, and is an aerial depiction of the bombardment of civilians by warplanes. The painting embodies a seemingly circular façade of a number of different people being sucked in to what looks like a portal people-suctioning portal or hole.

Observably, this portal seems to be created by the persnickety weaponry being dropped from by the dark, sinister warplanes that inundate the sky at the top of the painting. In terms of color, the most predominant color in the picture is black, and the artist uses shades and hues of black in many parts of the painting. Another color that stands out in this painting is the radiant orange that is used to accolade the black colors in the painting. Dynamically, the painting appears pulsating and frenetic and it gives the impression of a chaotic world. This, in turn, inspires a dark and apprehensive mood, as the audience gets the feeling that something bad is occurring in the painting. The most striking thing about this painting is the caricature of a man in a mask being dressed in a brilliant orange gown, with his hand at the nozzle of the mask, as if he struggles to breathe in some air.

Research

Born on February 19 1909, Enrico Donati was a Surrealist painter, who created a number of artistic pieces of work that had a philosophical connotation. As a painter, Donati was fascinated, if not obsessed by the unconventional techniques and works of art. Accordingly, Donati experimented with almost all of his paintings, using various artistic materials such as paint, turpentine, tar, and even sawdust. Most of his paintings drew attention from academic circles and he received plenty of awards through his artwork. Born in Italy, Donati allowed his cultural background to influence, as well as, be part of the pieces he created. More specifically, the painting, The Carnival of Venice, created in 1946, is a depiction of the famous event the carnival of Venice, which takes place annually in Italy. This work of art is meant to illustrate the different faces of people during the event. These faces signify the different masks that Italians wear during the festival.

Phillip Guston is the artist responsible for the creation of the second painting, The Bombardment, created in 1937-38. The artist was born in 1937, on June 27th and he is well known for his use of abstract expressionism in all his pieces of art. However, the artist soon transformed his artistic pieces of work into embracing neo-expressionism, as revealed in the painting, The Bombardment. In his explanation of the painting, Guston states that he aimed at expressing the atrocities that General Francisco Franco and Adolf Hitler were responsible for during the Spanish Civil War. Accordingly, Guston was determined to create awareness on decrying human hatred and destruction through this painting, and he aimed to change the events taking place in his society during the time.

Cultural Analysis

Based on the visual analysis, as well as, research on both paintings, it is evident that these two pieces of art evoke different cultural interest and taste. Additionally, both paintings communicate significant cultural events that may have taken place during the period when the paintings were created. Each of the paintings express different values and beliefs, in relation to culture. Specifically, Donati’s painting communicates the Carnival of Venice, one of Italy’s historical social conventions that regarding the different social classes in the state. Guston’s painting, on the other hand, expresses his political views regarding the Spanish war. An observation of the painting makes it clear to the audience that Guston considered the event as a disastrous and atrocious experience.

Both these pieces of art stand out as personal expressions of the artists’ views and perceptions regarding the society during their time. Both the events being depicted in the paintings were significant to the artists’ cultures, and for that reason, the two artists felt they needed to provide their individual perceptions regarding the events that took place during the time. Conclusively, these two paintings can be connected to the contemporary American audience, as they both hold an indirect denotation to the current affairs in the American society. Whereas one painting conveys an artist’s point of view regarding social classes, the other painting communicates the effects of war to the society. Both the expressions of the two paintings relate to what is happening in the state today, and for that reason, can be connected to the contemporary American audience. Both paintings are intellectually and visually appealing, as they draw immediate attention from the audience , as well as, stimulate rational thought from the audience.

Work Cited

Auping, Michael, Philip Guston: Retrospective (United Kingdom: Thames & Hudson, 2006),

1-271.

Kurtz, Wilhelm, Art Forgeries and How to Analyze Paintings Successfully. (United Kingdom:

Gloucester Art Press, 1990), 1-177.

Landau Ellen, “Double Consciousness in Mexico: How Philip Guston and Reuben Kadish

Painted a Morelian Mural” American Art 21, No. 1 (Spring 2007): 74-.97

Prial, Frank, “Enrico Donati, Surrealist Artist, Dies at 99”, New York Times,

<http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/26/arts/26donati.html> 15 November 2011.

Wolff, Theodore F., Enrico Donati: Surrealism and Beyond. (New York: Hudson Hills, 1996).

1-168.