Reading journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Reading journal - Essay Example Nye Jr. states that there were more differences than similarities in industrial development in Britain, Germany, American and Japan (1). Moreover, Nye Jr. points out that industrial development in China, India and Brazil will not reflect that of U.S and Germany when completed (1). Additionally, Nye Jr. argues that the influence of America in other country is ‘situational’ and will diminish with time. According to him, the U.S was in the forefront in the current information revolution hence Americanizing other cultures through television programs and internet. However, if any other country took the place of Americans, the same would have happened (Nye Jr. 1). Of more importance, Nye Jr. maintains that some have strongly held to their cultural identity. For instance, the Japanese are persistent to their unique culture despite external influences from other countries. In addition, Nye Jr. argues that vibrant cultures borrow useful ideas from other cultures that need not to be the U.S (1). Finally, Nye Jr. points out that globalization is a double edged sword citing that in some incidences, the American culture has not only received a backlash but there have been efforts to change the culture itself. For example, the American policies concerning capital punishment and genetically modified foods draw a lot of criticism in Europe (Nye Jr. 1). Further, Nye Jr. argues that the American culture will diminish as people from other areas of the world gain increased technological capabilities (1). Interestingly, this article relates to several current personal experiences at various areas. Firstly, globalization has led to change in the modes used in teaching students in school. For instance, in the recent past, our tutors began training us through online programs that enabled easy assessment of individual performance. Secondly, at individual level, due

Wash Avenue Incorporated Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Wash Avenue Incorporated - Case Study Example Having worked in a car wash to support his college education, he has acquired the necessary skills and has always been inspired to put up his own company. To differentiate itself from other players, Wash Avenue will be located in the mall's garage and provide services while the customers shop. The company will officially be opening its first shop in Copley Place but plans to expand into other areas as soon as it gains popularity in the market. By locating in the malls, Wash Avenue hopes to develop a core competence in (1) extending quality car wash service and (2) utilizing the best available technologies in the market. In order to translate this into sustainable advantage, Wash Avenue will outline a unique process of giving "car make-overs" and ensure consistency. The company will also partner with the car wash technology expert Seven CarWash Romania Inc (2008) which will design and update its equipment. The US car wash industry is comprised of 14,000 full-service car washes accounting for US$5 billion in annual revenue (International Car Wash Association 2008). This huge market is still highly unsaturated and business organizations are still looking for ways where they can improve their service offerings. In this situational analysis, the PEST model will be used in order to fully understand all the opportunities, challenges, and issues which confront the industry players (Thomson 2002). This strategic management technique will enable Wash Avenue to identify the opportunities and threats in its external environment and respond to this by crafting appropriate marketing strategies. Political. The nature of car wash business makes it as a subject of legislations which varies from state to state. However, the theme of these regulations is often about the preservation of water and environment (International Car Wash Association 2008) . All car wash operators are required to manage and to use only a minimal amount of water during the process. Currently, as customers are also becoming more and more aware of social corporate responsibility, car wash operators are also pressured of rethinking their solid waste management practices in order to ensure sustainable development. Economic. The United States have entered a turning point in its economic history. From long been globally respected because of its economic hegemony, the nation is now threatened by economic slowdown (US Economic Crisis 2008). This situation is