Operations Management Report free essay sample

It outlines the findings of an observation made on Saturday, 30th March, 2013 which established that long queues are a common occurrence at Movie World theme park particularly during peak times. The report will examine the body of knowledge in the existing literature with regard to queuing at theme parks and how it affects guest satisfaction, it will then suggest possible solutions, drawing from the literature review and then provide an evaluation of the alternative solutions as well as recommend appropriate methods for the resolution of the queuing challenges at Movie World Theme park. The report concludes by reiterating the importance of effective queue management and its potential to reduce the level of moment of truth, a factor which is very critical to guest satisfaction. 2. 0Brief description of business and context-Movie World Theme Park Movie World theme park is a popular  movie  related  theme park  on the  Gold Coast  in  Australia which is owned and operated by  Village Roadshow Limited and is the only movie related park in Australia. We will write a custom essay sample on Operations Management Report or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Movie World operates various movie-themed rides and attractions ranging from motion simulators to roller coasters and slow river rides. It also boasts of   costumed character  performers who patrol the park, allowing visitors the chance to take photos with them. This paper will analyse the operations of the theme park as observed on Saturday, 30th March, 2013 with particular interest on queue management. Long and disorderly queues were observed on the day, this report will discuss queue management as an operation management problem that Movie World Theme Park needs to address, particularly at the ticketing offices and as visitors were waiting to get on roller coaster and slow river rides. This is because according to Norman (2009), long lines at theme parks are a continual source of irritation for visitors and may impact on the quality of their experience. 3. 0Identification and analysis of Operations Management challenge-Long and disorderly queues At the ticketing offices, the queues are very long and sometimes disorderly; this is exacerbated by the fact that not all the booths are open at the same time in most cases. Heung, Tsang and Cheng (2009) suggest that most activities in which a service is provided require customers to wait in a queue during the experience, the problem of queuing is quite common in theme parks where visitors who patronise popular new attractions appear to be spending more and more time queuing, as they are forced to wait for a significant length of time simply to play a game or take an adventure ride at a theme park. They contend that waits for rides at attractions are the top complaints among guests. Research has shown that one thing that is inherent in waiting lines is the universal dislike for the process, the feelings and opinions developed in waiting lines influence the customers perception of the awaited experience (Cope, Cope III, Bass, Syrdal, H. A, 2011, Davis Heineke 1994). Desai and Hunsucker (2008) contend that the goal of many visitors at an amusement/ theme park is to experience the most number of rides and attractions possible within the stipulated time; they argue that during peak seasons a common sight at theme parks is a long queue of visitors waiting to seek the thrill and excitement of amusement rides. They further argue that coupled with a limited ride capacity, the park managers face major problems in coping with this heavy demand and high wait times on rides. This scenario of having to wait lengthy periods in queues indicates inferior service levels on the part of park management and may contribute to customer dissatisfaction. Davis Heineke (1994) suggests that the real issue in queue management is not the actual amount of time that the customer waits in a queue, but also the customer’s perception of that wait and his or her associated level of satisfaction, therefore providing a high level of customer satisfaction should be the true objective of effective queue management. The emphasis is customer satisfaction because it provides the necessary linkage between the level of service provided and the customer’s perception of the service and the customer’s future behaviour towards the firm. 4. 0Possible solutions to the challenge In order to mitigate the effects of long waiting time, Kostami and Ward (2009) submit that many service providers offer customers the choice of either waiting in a line or going offline and returning at a dynamically determined future time e. g. Disneyland. They argue however, that to operate such a system, the service provider must make an upfront decision on how to allocate service capacity between the lines especially considering the fact that the estimation of offline waiting times is complicated by the failure by some offline customers to return for service at their appointed time. Other solutions may include resolving capacity problems by increasing ride capacity through adding more infrastructure or increasing the capacity of existing equipment, though this may inevitably involve heavy capital expenditure (Desai and Hunsucker, 2008). Heung, Tsang and Cheng (2009), contend that customers who are unoccupied tend to perceive longer waiting times more negatively than customers who are occupied during their waits, this suggests that efforts aimed at occupying waiting customers with reading materials, interesting displays or providing opportunities for them to do their own tasks as they wait would minimise the negative perceptions that they would have about the waiting time. Further, Heung, Tsang and Cheng (2009) argue that a critical element in all facets of managing customer perception with respect to queues is the proper training of contact personnel especially in high visibility and low variety business environments like theme parks. Norman (2009) contends that measures such as advance reservations minimise the trauma of waiting but they must be seen as fair and equitable to those without reservations. Management may consider assigning customers numbers at arrival and then calling them in sequence. Norman (2009) submits that fairness of system and value of the ride could minimise perceived waiting time. Management should therefore, focus on giving people a good experience while waiting on a line. Management may also consider applying Little’s Law in working out average waiting time and the average number of guests waiting for a service, this will enable them determine average rate of arrivals to the system, thereby forecasting demand and hence reducing the adverse effects of queuing(Little, 2011). 5. 0Conclusion/Recommendations Long waiting time can negatively affect the guest experience and even result in balking or reneging on the part of the guest. It is therefore, recommended that to minimise on the negative effects of waiting time, more ticket booths are opened and more activities are introduced. Resolving capacity problems will enable management at Movie World theme park to minimise average cost when there are costs associated with customer abandonment and queuing. Of utmost importance is the need for management to focus on giving guests a good experience by ensuring that systems put in place to resolve these queuing challenges and thereby improve the through put, in the provision of the service, are seen to be fair by the customer. Effective queue management may mean the difference between quality guest experience, and therefore, zero moment of truth, and dissatisfied customers whose complaints if not well managed may result in loss of business for the service provider. In a business environment where the customer has a number of alternatives to choose from, it is important for service providers to take quality management seriously, and in the case of Movie World, management cannot afford to ignore the problems caused by queuing, considering its effects on guest satisfaction. References Cope, R. F. , Cope III, R. F. Bass, A. N. , Syrdal H. A. (2011). Innovative knowledge management at Disney: Human capital and queuing solutions for services. Journal of Service Science, 4(1), 13 Davis, M. M. , Heineke, J. (1994). Understanding the roles of the customer and the operation for better queue management. International Journal of Operations Production Management, 14(5), 21-34. doi:10. 1108/01443579410056777 Desai, S . S. , Hunsucker, J. L. (2008). A sensitivity analysis tool for improving the capacity of amusement rides. Journal of Simulation, 2(2), 117-126, doi:10. 1057/jos. 2008. 3 Heung, V. C. S. Tsang,N. , Chang, M. (2009). Queuing behaviour in theme parks: a comparison between Chinese and Western tourists. Journal of China Tourism Research, 5(1), 41-51 http://dx. doi. org/10. 1080/19388160802711394 Kostami, V. , Ward, A. R. (2009). Managing service systems with an offline waiting option and customer abandonment. Manufacturing and Service Operations management, 11(4), 644-656. Little, J. D. C. (2011). Little’s Law as viewed on its 50th anniversary. Operations Research, 59(3), 536-549 Norman, D. A. (2009). Designing waits that work. MIT Sloan Management Review, 50(4), 23-28

Essay Sample on Osteoporosis Research on Its Prevention

Essay Sample on Osteoporosis Research on Its Prevention Osteoporosis was responsible for fractures in approximately 1.5 million Americans in 2004, and this number grows each year due to longer life spans and the aging of the Baby Boom generation. The costs for treating advanced osteoporosis are currently a staggering $18 billion every year, which breaks down to $38 million each day (Surgeon General, 2004). Osteoporosis, defined as â€Å"a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture† (Surgeon General, 2004), is also insidious in that most people do not know they have it until the disorder is advanced. For these reasons, both prevention and treatment of this disorder are becoming ever more critical. Obviously, prevention is preferable. The good news is that prevention is possible through nutrition and exercise. The loss in bone density which characterizes osteoporosis is due to low calcium levels in the bone. Certainly, then, calcium supplements or increased calcium through foods do help in the prevention of osteoporosis, but calcium supplements alone are inadequate. Studies also show that magnesium plays an important role in the absorption of calcium into bones so that without adequate magnesium levels, increased calcium supplements will be ineffective (Abraham, 1991, 170). Without proper levels of magnesium, ingested calcium is likely to be deposited in arteries rather than bone (Abraham, 1991, 172). Some foods inhibit the absorption of calcium and should be moderated or mitigated by the consumption of other calcium rich foods. For instance, a connection has been established between low amounts of protein in the diet and a weakening of the bones. Conversely, high intakes of protein also translate into a higher risk of osteoporosis (Murray, 2004, 753). Caffeine, alcohol, and salt are also detrimental to bone density. The foundation of this connection is in the pH levels of the body: the higher acidity in the body, the higher the risk for osteoporosis over time (Abraham, 1991, 165). A low pH indicates acidity whereas a high pH is considered alkaline. The body attempts to maintain neutrality in the body, at around a pH of 7. In order to maintain this pH when many acidic foods and beverages are consumed, the body releases minerals from the bones, which results in lower bone density (Abraham, 1991, 165). More specifically, protein over 46 grams per day for women and over 56 grams per day for men is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Interestingly, a nutritious vegetarian diet lowers the risk of osteoporosis in the later decades of life, though little difference is seen in the middle decades of life (Murray, 2005, 753). For the most important of other minerals, the following list can prove useful: Folic acid 20-60 mg Boron 6-12 mg Calcium 800-1,600 mg Vitamin D 400-800 IU Magnesium 400-800 mg Vitamin K 150-300 mcg Silicon 100-300 mg Lysine 500-1,000 mg B Complex 50-100 mg(Atkins, 1998, 353) These nutrients can be taken as supplements or, better yet, they can be found in green leafy vegetables, soy foods, and healthy proteins while reducing refined sugars, soft drinks, and caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. An interesting note about Vitamin K is that in the body its function is to convert inactive osteocalcin to its active form (Murray, 2005, 754). Yogurt can be a good source of Vitamin K as well as green leafy vegetables (Deglin Vallerand, 2007, 1358). Another important direction of current research is in a nationwide study of 77,761 women, researchers found a relationship between drinking milk and increased fracture incidence. While calcium intake does increase bone density, drinking milk did not reduce the likelihood of fractures, by as much as 45 percent (Murray, 2005, 754). More research in this area is important to understand and confirm this dynamic. It is also clear that exercise is critical to preventing osteoporosis. The body is ever adaptive, and when a person exercises, not only are the muscles stimulated, but the bones are also encouraged to become more dense in order to handle the increased work load (Surgeon General, 2004). Exercise also has the benefit of decreasing the risk of falls, because it increases a persons sense of balance. Exercising three times a week for one hour is the ideal program. The type of exercise is less important than the regularity (Murray, 2005, 755). Another element in prevention is to address the decrease in estrogen of a womans body when she becomes post-menopausal. Estrogen is one of the hormones that regulates calcium levels in the bones. This is why many women become vulnerable to osteoporosis after their change in life (Siris, 2004, 1110). Likewise, in men, testosterone has this effect, and there is a clear connection between lower testosterone and increased risks of developing the disorder. Since people are not usually aware of the presence of osteoporosis in their bodies until symptoms are pronounced, superior treatment of the disorder is also vital. Treatment is most often a combination of medication, nutrition, and exercise. The exercise and nutrient values listed above are necessary during treatment as well, so in the following pages, pharmaceutical solutions will be addressed, including any contraindications they present to the patient. The pharmaceuticals used to treat osteoporosis are classified as biphosphonates. These drugs have been developed with the idea that to build bone density, the agents which build up bone, osteoblasts, should be increased while those that remove bone, osteoclasts, should be reduced. One of the most common biphosphonates is Fosamax. Fosamax is an inhibitor of osteoclast function, distributed first to soft tissue and then to bone (Deglin Vasserand, 2007, 102). Dosage is usually 10 mg per day or 70 mg once per week. For prevention, Fosamax can be taken at half this dosage. Fosamax is contraindicated in renal insufficiency and pregnancy, so this must be considered individually. Furthermore, food and drug interactions do exist. Calcium supplements and antacids reduce the absorption of Fosamax into tissue and bone. Food itself significantly reduces Fosamaxs effectiveness, so it should not be taken around the time of a meal. Also, caffeine, mineral water, orange juice, and other highly acidic substances reduce its effectiveness (Deglin Vasserand, 2007, 102). Actonel is another pharmaceutical available for treatment. Actonel is also a biphosphorate, though it acts a little differently than Fosamax in that it binds with enzymes in the bone to prevent osteoclast activity (Deglin Vasserand, 2007, 1040). It is fairly inefficient, because at its best absorption only 40% makes its way to the bone. Nevertheless, it can be effective in reversing the effects of osteoporosis by helping increase bone density and reduce the chance of fracture. The third most prescribed drug for osteoporosis is Boniva. The Boniva which is absorbed rapidly binds to bone, reducing the action of osteoclasts immediately. 50 to 60 percent is not absorbed, however, and is excreted. Calcium, milk, and other foods reduce its absorption, as is the case for the other biphosphorates (Deglin Vasserand, 2007, 621). The development of a regime to prevent osteoporosis is important in all older individuals and must also be considered by people of all ages. Although osteoporosis is most common in postmenopausal women and senior citizen age men, it is a disorder that can happen at any age. It is especially probable in people with eating disorders or those with poor diet and exercise habits. The seriousness of preventing and/or treating this disorder cannot be understated. Recent studies show that 20 percent of seniors who suffer a fracture die within a year of the break (Surgeon General, 2004). For those that live, the reduction in their quality of life is often permanent. As it has been shown here, good nutrition and exercise regimes can make a tremendous difference to vulnerable individuals.

W.C. Russell Moccasin Company Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

W.C. Russell Moccasin Company - Article Example The company runs ads in high-end hunting magazines and relies mainly on word-of-mouth. However, it will be sending monthly email newsletters to a list of 8,000 people owning a pair of its boots. The firm traces beginnings to founder Will Russell when he began selling hand-sewn boots in 1898. A company bought the firm in 1927 only to sell it a year later to Bill Gustin. Gustin’s son-in-law Ralph Fabricius joined the company in 1957 and became company president in 1970. Today, the firm employs 35 people that produced 13,000 pairs of shoes and boots last year. One of the company’s significant markets is Japan where orders are up by 15%. The company started selling in the country 28 years ago through a single wholesaler but there are now 15 wholesalers in that country. Despite the reputation for embracing tradition, Coster (2009) reports that the Japanese customers wear the boots for fashion. Japanese magazines have started to feature the company’s products since fou r years ago. The company introduces a new boot yearly to maintain consumer interests. Customers express devotion for Russell boots in the testimonials section of the Russell website, some of them next to newly killed animals. For market analysis, we use a modified version of the David Aaker perspective as described by NetMBA Business Knowledge Center. We infer that the niche of W.C. Russell Moccasin Company is in hand-sewn boots from animal hides. Both market size and market growth of the product niche of W.C. Russell Moccasin Company has been small. After 111 years, annual sales reached only $3 million in 2008. This size is very small compared to total consumer spending of several trillion in the U.S. and tens of trillions of dollars worldwide. Firm profitability, however, may be above the market level or acceptable given more than a century of existence. The same, however, is not necessarily true for the industry. The firm relies on word of mouth for promotions.

Study of chemical vapor deposition CVD grown transparent conducting Dissertation

Study of chemical vapor deposition CVD grown transparent conducting oxides (TCO) - Dissertation Example The results show that samples AGC-U and TEC 8 are both fit for use as semiconductor materials though the electrical conductivity of TEC 8 is better than that for AGC-U. Moreover when it comes to samples 198-219 the electrical properties (such as sheet resistance, mobility, resistivity and carrier concentration) tend to change as the doping levels are varied. The best electrical properties can be attributed to Sample 200 (with a doping level of 0.6 M) as it has the highest conductivity. It was also found out that fluorine doped samples had higher resistivity and that the mean transmission and mean reflection change as the doping levels of fluorine are changed. The mean transmission varies between 46.95% and 63.21% while the mean reflection varies between 2.21% and 4.25%. Sample 198 had the highest transmission while Sample 213 had the lowest transmission and reflection. It was also found out that the peak position did not vary as the levels of fluorine doping were changed. However the intensity (Lin count) tends to change as fluorine doping levels are changed. Sample 213 (0 M) had the lowest intensities while Sample 198 (0.4 M) had the highest peak.

Efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of Severe Sepsis and Literature review

Efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of Severe Sepsis and septic shock In critical care - Literature review Example Treatment involves aggressive fluid resuscitation, antibiotics, surgical excision of infected or necrotic tissues and drainage of pus, supportive care, and sometimes intensive control of blood glucose and administration of corticosteroid and activated protein c. Adjunctive corticosteroid therapy is commonly prescribed to patients with septic shock, despite the fact that few trials show survival value. A reduction in time to shock reversal has been observed. The present study aimed to review the literature available for the efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock. Data was gathered from articles published in peer reviewed journals. Despite the lack of consensus in the efficacy of corticosteroids in the published literature, corticosteroids were found to be safe and effective as first line treatment for septic shock, though there efficacy in severe sepsis treatment is not documented. {Key Words: Septic shock, severe sepsis, corticosteroids, hydroc ortisone, critical care, adrenal insufficiency, organ dysfunction} EFFICACY OF CORTICOSTEROIDS IN TREATMENT OF SEVERE SEPSIS AND SEPTIC SHOCK INTRODUCTION Septic shock is one of the most critical complications associated with surgical cases and still one of the major causes of mortality in the intensive care units (ICUs). Shock, in general refers to a scarcity of oxygen supply leading to hypotension and hypoperfusion followed by cellular dysfunction; sepsis refers to a systemic inflammatory response to infection (Wang et al. 2009). Thus, severe sepsis can be defined as sepsis complicated by organ dysfunction, tissue or organ hypofusion; or hypotension (Balk, 2000). The organ dysfunctions associated with severe sepsis include renal, respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic, hepatic and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Septic shock is systemic inflammatory response to infection occurring with acute respiratory failure, persistent arterial hypotension and perfusion abnormalities, in sever e case leading to organ dysfunction (Bridges, 2005). Progressively increasing incidences of mortality and morbidity are reported for sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock, respectively (Zanotti-Cavazzoni & Hollenberg, 2009). An epidemiological study of cases of severe sepsis in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the period spanning 1996 to 2004 reported hospital mortality of 48.3% in the year 1996, which has marginally decreased to 44.7% in 2004. Moreover the total number of deaths due to severe sepsis has risen from 9,000 to 14,000 during this period due to rise in incidences of severe sepsis (Harrison et al., 2006). Another study to evaluate worldwide incidences of mortality as consequence of severe sepsis reported a marginal fall in number of deaths due to the condition, the mortality still remaining as high as 30-50% (Laterre et al., 2004). Cardiovascular and hemodynamic instability are closely associated with increase in

The History Of Dance And Cultural Influences Film Studies Essay

The History Of Dance And Cultural Influences Film Studies Essay Political climates, social factors and cultural influences are some of the key elements that affect dance and its development. Emotional and intellectual reactions towards changes in these political and social circumstances are often evidently seen in the medium of dance. (Company, Library, College, Division, Dept, Branch, Hanna, Arny, and Company) In the movie White Nights, the lives of two dancers from entirely different cultural backgrounds are intertwined resulting in an interesting marriage of tap dancing and ballet. These two distinctly unique forms of dance are central to the plot of the story as they help to push the action in the movie forward. Planted in an atmosphere of distrust and paranoia, Greenwood ironically found solace tap dancing his way into Broadway numbers that were truncated into small and less glamorous sets for an unexposed Soviet audience. On the other hand, the leading character Rodchenko, experienced a great freedom as he fled the totalitarian state; openi ng the door for exploration and exposure to a wider range of dance techniques, experimenting with different artistic directions. Eventually, their passion for dance and expression becomes the catalyst that transforms the relationship between the idealistic Russian ballet superstar, Nikolai Rodchenko and the disillusioned Harlem-born tap dancer, Raymond Greenwood. Set in the tense political climate of the Cold War between communist Soviet Union and capitalist United States of America, it was one of the primary perimeters for much of the tension between the two characters. With suspicion and fear, the two began their accidental friendship resulting a collaboration not only in executing a plan of escape but also in their respective dance forms. In a way, dance became one of the vehicles and motivation for these characters migration to another land. Due to the dissatisfaction or restrictions they have experienced due the political situation of their nation, they opted to leave for another land in search for an avenue to express themselves in dance. Likened to the oppression of the legalistic church during the Dark Ages, the outlet for emotional expression through dance was never successfully suppressed by political or social forces. Similar to the countryside folks who danced underground and away from the eyes of the authorities during the Dark Ages, Nikolai also found an outlet for greater expression in dance in America and other parts of the world. Parallel to the character of Nikolai, Raymond Greenwoods dances could also be seen as a result of the political climate of which he was placed in. Due the Vietnam war, he became traumatised and disillusioned with the American government. He too, was pushed by the atrocities he experienced to leave those memories behind and start anew in the drastically different world of the Soviet Union. In addition, International press relations and the image of the Soviet Union in the global community also seemed to be one of the key concerns which motivated the plot. Nikolai was held in the Soviet Union against his will in an attempt to convince the international ballet star to dance in Leningrad instead of the world at large. This is an example where the interests of the totalitarian state directly impedes an individual advancement in the world of dance (as in other art forms). This relates to the idea of how oppression has an effect on dance. As such, one cannot deny how the political situation of a nation has great impact on the emotional state and being of a dancer. This successfully creates a significant reaction which is displayed through the medium of dance. Socially, the sentiments and emotions toward the Soviet Union and the racism situation in the United States have been important factors that shaped the dances seen in the film. In the case of Nikolai, the rebellion and frustration towards the iron fist of the Soviet Unions reign was distinctly expressed in a sequence where he was dancing in front of his old flame. The movements and shapes involved in that dance were a clear expression of rebellion as it went against the basic ballet concept of pure and clean straight lines created by the body. The dance consisted of bend knees, asymmetrical forms and crooked shapes/lines, going against the elegant form and shape of classical ballet. Even the music (which was forbidden in the Soviet Union) feature the screaming tones of an frustrated Russian, displaying the emotions of an oppressed society. Just like in Hip-Hop dances and rap music of the African-American community, dance served as an outlet of release for all the emotional angst and sentiments of rebellion evident in the culture of a particular community due to the social issues and problems present. This scene not only displays a different side of Russian dance culture but also helps to bring the plot forward as it moves Helen Mirrens character to risk her life to aid Nikolai arrange for a route of escape. In this sense, the scene was strategically used to move the viewer and the character which was crucial in moving the plot forward. Again, this fulfills Noverres concept of ensuring that dance solos are used in supporting to a central theme and plot. The two different cultures and dance forms are introduced to the viewers are separate and distinct entities at the beginning of the show. In the opening scene of the movie displayed a dance piece that seemingly fitting the four elements of which Jean- Georges Noverre proposed that ballets ought to have in the famous Lettres sur la danse et les ballet: 1. Ballet should not only be technically brilliant, but should move audience emotionally through dramatic expressiveness. 2. Ballet should have unified plots that were logical and understandable. 3. The story should contribute to the central theme. Dance solos, etc. that do not relate to the plot should be eliminated. Scenery, music, costumes and plot all should be unified and appropriate to the theme. 4. Pantomime should be simpler and more understandable In accordance to this set of criteria, the opening scene aligns itself to these requirements. With a clear narrative expressed, the dramatic orchestra music and the elaborately realistic set where all present in support of the plot where the dance make sense. Despite the lack of speech or singing, the use of pantomime to tell the story on stage was evident in this opening scene. Although there is a generally clear and distinct storyline, the viewer of the movie was free to interpret the intricate details of the plot as it was not specifically articulated expression such as anguish, confusion and anxiety were expressed through the dancers using stereotypical and socially understood expressions. Without any prior knowledge of the historical context of the film, the viewer is still able to interpret and understand the general happenings in the ballet performance by reading the body language of Nikolai Rodchenkov. Just as Noverre recommended, it was simple and logical, making it quite pl ain for audiences to understand. As such, the Russian classical ballet roots were evidently displayed through the character of Nikolai.. Similarly, we also witness a distinctly American style of dancing (from the character of Raymond Greenwood) which has influences from the African-American community. One of the basic steps of tap dancing is shuffling which originated from the tribal African dances where they often keep their feet close to the ground in a bid to stay closely connected to the Earthly deities they believed in. Also, the repetitive rhythmic moves that harmoniously syncopates with the music in tap dancing are believed to be descendants of a tribal African dance concept where the repetition actually represented the cycle and circle of life. (Libraries, and Knowles. 21-23) Deeply connected to his complicatedly tough environment of Harlem, we see the past and motivation of Raymond Greenwood in a drunken tap dancing scene. Particularly, there was a segment in the scene where Raymond spoke of his decision to join the military. This is aided with a marching-like rhythms expressed in his tap dancing, vividly pai nting the picture of his circumstances during that time to the viewer. Though rather melodramatic, the brief sequence could be seen as a piece in accordance to Noverres concept where dance steps should be telling of a story to give meaning to these movements. As the plot progresses, it is observed that the characters were brought from Siberia to Leningrad. This is due to Raymonds persuasion (under the threat of the Soviet secret police) and the eventual decision on Nikolais part to dance at the theatre in Leningrad. The two dancers then began to collaborate increasingly in their craft as their relationship and circumstances develop. The two dancers slowly progress to merge or collaborate as they begin to gain trust with each other, plotting a route of escape from the secret police of the Soviet Union. Anchoring on their remarkable talent in dance, viewers are presented with a modern dance piece towards the end of film. This is where the two dancers performed a synchronised sequence accompanied by up-to-date 80s music, featuring moves that married elements from tap dancing, ballet and a kicking movement that viewers would inevitably related to Asian martial arts. This collaboration not only created a climax in plot, it also depicted the ch emistry that has develop between the two characters as they move in unison across the big screen. Notably, the brilliant choreography of award-winning choreographer, Twyla Tharp with the remarkable execution by George Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov is evidence of how dance can become so versatile and fluidly applied in any circumstances. By Incorporating the different elements of modern ballet, with American tap dancing, choreographed according to a pop 80s piece of music, it resulted in an interesting and engaging dance sequence that effectively move the viewer emotionally and dramatically. Overall, dance and its development can always be credited to the political, social and cultural elements at work. Many a times, dance is a reaction toward the changes in these spheres that trigger an emotional and intellectual response. Through the film White Nights, the role of dance and power of dance is demonstrated through the believable and talented actors. With the help of a clever screenplay and cinematography, the effect of watching a dance piece in theatres is successfully translated on to the big screen, allowing the beautiful world of modern ballet and tap dancing to become accessible to an even wider range of audience. Using the dance pieces to develop characters and propel the plot, one might consider White Nights the modern cinematic take on Noverres concept of a ballet anchored upon a central theme and plot.

Native Son Essay: Analysis of Setting, Major, and Minor Themes

Analysis of Setting, Major, and Minor Themes  of Native Son  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚           The major themes of Native Son are environment, racism,   black rage, religion, Communism, determinism and freedom.   A minor theme is the relationship between men and women.   Ã‚     One of the major themes of Native Son is the effect of environment on behavior and personality. Thus, setting is  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   especially important in the novel. The story takes place in Chicago in  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   the late 1930s, when the United States had still not recovered from  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   the Great Depression. Jobs are scarce, and Bigger and his pool-hall  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   friends are among the many unemployed. Richard Wright was influenced  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   by the literary school of naturalism, whose adherents tried to observe  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and record their world, and especially its more unpleasant parts, with  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   scientific accuracy. Wright knew Depression-era Chicago well and  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   drew heavily on his first-hand knowledge. In many respects, the  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chicago of Native Son is an accurate representation even in its  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   details. For example, Ernie's Kitchen Shack at Forty-seventh Street  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and Indiana Avenue was modeled on a real restaurant called The Chicken  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Shack, located at 4647 Indiana Avenue and owned by a man named Ernie.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Two aspects of Bigger's environment influence him especially  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   strongly- his confinement to Chicago's black South Side ghetto and his  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   glimpses of the dazzling white world, of which he feels he can never  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   be part. Bigger's family shares a rat-infested room, but, when he sees  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   an airplane flying overhead or views the glamorous life portrayed in a... ...eds. Conversations with Richard Wright. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 1993. Kinnamon, Keneth. The Emergence of Richard Wright: A Study Literature and Society. Urbana: U of Illinois P, 1973. Kinnamon, Keneth, ed. New Essays on Native Son. New York: Cambridge UP, 1990. Macksey, Richard and Frank E. Moorer, eds. Richard Wright: A Collection of Critical Essays. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1984. Margolies, Edward. The Art of Richard Wright. Carbondale: Southern Illinois UP, 1969. Miller, Eugene E. Voice of a Native Son: The Poetics of Richard Wright. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 1990. Rampersad, Arnold, ed. Richard Wright: A Collection of Critical Essays. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1995.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚