Defines Compares and Contrast Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Defines Compares and Contrast - Coursework Example ther hand has been defined to be the putting together of creative ideas either in paperwork or in physical pattern to make the idea a tangible value (Zhao, Calantone and Cavusgil, 2002). Capron (1999) also mentioned that innovation represents the actual implementation of something that is new. From the definitions given, it would be noted that there are some ways in which all of these three important terms are different from each other and other ways in which they closely relate to each other. Comparing the three terms, Poon, Choi and Davis (2008) explained that all of innovation, design and creativity are needed in a typical organization to make the execution of organizational goals possible; especially in cases where organizations want to build a competitive advantage for themselves. By this explanation, the meaning that is drawn is that innovation, design and creativity are all focused on bringing about things that are new and different from what already exists. Therefore even though the three may carry different meanings, they are all concerned with new ideas because it is when organizations are able to differentiate themselves from others through creative, innovative and design oriented means that they gain competitive advantage over their competitors. Another important similarity that organizational leaders ought to know in the application of these three terms is that none of the three is independent on its own (Capron, 1999). Rather, they each depend on the other t o ensure the objectives for which they are independently set are achieved. By implication, even though each of these can help organizations achieve different objectives, the achievement will not be made if the three are not used together. Despite the similarities, there are various differences that exist between these three terms. For example, whereas creativity is abstract and produces abstract results, innovation is highly tangible as it results in implemented products. In effective, a person

Sales Strategies Essay Example for Free

Sales Strategies Essay EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The supermarkets in the UK is expanding with retail food products being sensitive to cross-price elasticity in that supermarkets are encouraged to be inventive, which will accomplish an advantage, matched to its discounter competitors (Emerald Group Publishing Limited , 2014). This report will explain the types of sales strategies that Aldi may develop in order to compete with other supermarkets within the same market. Aldi have to be considered as a competitor as society is searching for value and that customer behaviour is a major influence in sales strategies and that Aldi will be successful in future years with their overall strategy. BACKGROUND Aldi opened its first store in the United Kingdom (UK) in the 90’s, currently supporting more than 500 stores in the UK, originally established in Germany.   The challenges that face Aldi are primary in attracting customers. As well as attracting customers, Aldi will have to consider its competitors within the market. There are a number of considerations that would influence customer’s behaviour which impacts on the retail market. Society has a wide range of needs and wants which can be varied and impacts customer’s decisions on a daily basis. The decision that is made is key to the decision making behaviour which results in individuals adapting from situation to situation which would have an impact on all supermarkets (Dibb, 2012). The leading retailer’s share of grocers’ for 2011 and 2012 explains that Aldi versus Morrison’s posted surging returns with Morrison’s showing as losers. Diagram one: Share Market Mintel Report An article (sky news, 2012) reports the company Aldi, has seen profits exceeded over 200% in 2011 to  £57.8m, suggesting customer confidence is low and that customer spending brought on by higher inflation and weaker growth has influenced Aldi success with 40 new stores planned to be developed and open by the end of 2013 generating up to 4,500 jobs. Aldi has now introduced 500 new stores in the United Kingdom (UK) and plans to open new stores in higher more upmarket locations and offer a wide range of products attracting higher-earning customer (Aldi, 2013). This strategy is supported by (Harvey,2000, p. 17) who suggests that in a society, a range of low and high income customers can be brought together by retailers creating an internal niche market, with their own discounted products or with higher branded products, integrating separate ‘segments of customer demand’. As Aldi continue to improve on already continued growth, Morrison’s have to act to attempt to maintain and improve within the retail market competition. This is demonstrated by an article (mail online, 2013) Morrison’s attempt to struggle back, which Morrison’s bosses trust only a reduction of prices  on products will sustain Morrison’s future. chief executive Dalton Philips of Morrison’s confirmed â€Å"The economic backdrop remains difficult for the customer†, as stated (BBC, 2013) Morrison’s report Pre-tax profit fell to  £344m for the first half of the year, compared to the same period last year (2012) with profits reaching  £440m. Diagram Two: Share Market Sky News Comparing Diagram one and Diagram two of the market Share, Aldi demonstrate they have a major influence in the market. Aldi in 2011 had a market share of 2.2% increasing to 4.7% ending May 2014. On the back of Aldi success, Morrison’s market share commenced at 10.4% in 2011 with the figures staying static the following year, followed by a slight increase reaching 10.9% by May 2014. The slight increase in performance may be due to Morrison’s raising a price war with Aldi by reducing its prices on 135 products with expectation that more reductions will follow, estimating  £1bn over a three year period which will be permanent reductions rather than promotions, quoted by chief executive Dalton Philips in an article (The Guardian, 2014). It remains to be seen if this will revive the growth of Morrison’s in the future. OBJECTIVES Outline the background information of customer goods and Supermarkets. Outline the background of Marketing Segmentation. Apply the theory of Market Segmentation used by supermarkets. Detail the tool used for Sales strategy and by key brands to provide competitor advantage. METHODOLOGY In order for the company to identify sales strategies in the market, will carry out what is called â€Å"Market Research†. This process is to furnish the retail company to meet the customers’ needs. (Lescher, 1995) defines market research as â€Å"gathering and evaluation of data regarding customer’s  preference for products and services.† On attempting to interview Robert McDonald the Assistant Store Manager of the Aldi Paisley, but was unavailable for comment on a visit to the store on 29/06/2014. On the back of the store visit, made contact with Aldi Head Office in Bathgate and through social business network LinkedIn but unfortunately Aldi were unable to comment on their sales strategy. SUPERMARKETS IN THE MARKET Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD UK) reported that the United Kingdom market is estimated at  £174.5 billion in April this year (2014), demonstrated 2.8% increase from 2013. IGD forecasts that in the UK, the grocery market value will reach the figures of  £203.0 billion by 2019 potentially an increase of 16.3% from 2014. Today’s market the UK grocery market is made up 6 sections, making the retail market competitive. Based on the pie chart, Hypermarkets and superstores have the market monopoly demonstrating  £73.7bn Sales with Convenience Stores next  £37.4bn and Small Supermarkets the next contender with  £35.5bn. As Aldi come under the â€Å"Discounters† with  £10.8bn, with a continued strong presence within the retail market, this figure can only increase and could be a potential big player in years to come, if the organisation continues to grow as previous years and challenge others. AIDA(R) Module Aldi can use a number of channels and methods to increase promotional activity by using the AIDA module. The module can be used for the following; Awareness: Creating brand awareness to its existing and new customers. Interest: Sufficient customer interest to encourage the buyer to start researching further. Desire: Simply the desire from liking it, to wanting it. Action: Attracting the customer to visit store, signing up for newsletter. Once the organisation has captured the buyer, it must consider the retention of the buyer using â€Å"Retention† methods. The methods can be Social Media, TV  adverts, Newsletters. If buyers are satisfied with your product, a vote of confidence can attract new buyers (customers) to the company brand, rather than its competitors (business case studies, 2014) MODEL OF MARKET SEGMENTATION The process for Market Segmentation is to identify the whole of the market and divide the market into each segment, which allows companies to maximise their own opportunity to generate success. (Dibb et al, 2012) defines Market segmentation â€Å"the process of grouping customers in markets with some heterogeneity into smaller, more similar or homogenous markets.† Without market segmentation, the market would assume that customers would share similar needs and that companies can provide one product to the market (Dibb et al, 2012). Therefore this assumption is not correct and as supported by (Dibb et al, 2012) having a Heterogeneous market describes that customers have different needs and wants. PROCESS OF MARKET SEGMENTATION Dividing the market into segments is called STP. STP consists of three key areas which are Segmentation, Targeting and positioning. Segmentation Segmentation can identify potential opportunities within a market. When designing a market strategy, the organisation can take advantage of the marketing mix approach. The marketing mix includes the four P’s which consists of product, promotion, price and place (Hooley, 2012). Aldi can use this method to take advantage of existing customers as well as attracting new customers. Aldi use the four P’s which can create a process were the right product is sold at the right price, at the right place demonstrating the best possible methods of promotion. Targeting Companies can use targeting as a business tool, making a decision on what key areas of the business within the organisation requires attention. This process is intended to be implemented in key areas such as sales as described (Dibb et al, 2012). Positioning Diagram Three: Company positioning by Customer perception Diagram three is a perceptual mapping of the UK supermarkets based on customer perception. The map illustrates that Aldi have built up a customer following, which shows a change in customer demand and behaviour. Aldi have progressed and competing with Asda and Morrison’s, illustrating that all companies have to be competitive to ensure the individual company has an advantage over its competitors. As customers are more economically aware and seeking value for money, this can be used to target a certain area in the market .i.e. low quality, high quality, low cost, high cost depending on the current times. Customers may wish to purchase lower quality brands over high quality brands as it may be better value with the end result getting more for your money. An example of customers getting more for their money, took a challenge to purchase one item from each store and taste it to see if the difference could be spotted with Aldi and Morrison’s products. Purchasing Aldi own brand of Jaffa Cakes which demonstrated similar packaging to the McVitie’s brand with 24 segments at a cost of  £0.95 a packet, roughly working out 4 Pence a biscuit. Morrison’s selling the main brand of McVitie’s Jaffa cakes also offering 24 segments at a cost of  £2.19 a packet working out 9 Pence a biscuit. Tasting the two brands without knowing which one was from Aldi and Morrison’s, concluded that it was hard to identify which product was from each store. Thus changing to purchase the Aldi brand rather than the main brand (McVitie’s) saving a whopping  £1.24. This experiment can be supported in means of description and cost by visiting www.mysupermarket.co.uk. Aldi:  £0.95 Morrison:  £2.19 Aldi have acknowledged that competitive pricing is a major influence to bring attention and awareness amongst customers with Aldi being able to support quality products at a cheaper cost than its competitors by purchasing products in bulk from its suppliers. Aldi also agree the best possible price from suppliers allowing them to pass the savings on to the customer. To support that Aldi can offer main brands at a cheaper alternative without affecting quality, the cost of a Warburton’s Bread from Morrison’s is  costing  £1.45 with Aldi offering the same product at a cheaper cost of  £0.99 pence (mysupermarket, 2014). Aldi:  £0.99 Morrison’s:  £1.45 POTENTIAL SALES STRATEGIES When looking at Aldi products and comparing them to other competitors within the retail market, it was evident that Aldi are demonstrating three broad sales strategies to maximise profit from new and existing customers by using targeting strategy, pricing strategy and customer retention strategy. Using the current economic times, targeting the customer’s that are looking to save pounds, Aldi are using a sales strategy by offering cheaper alternatives which result in retaining the customer overall leading to company profit (Business case studies, 2014) Aldi introduced a marketing campaign in 2011 using the slogan â€Å"Like Brands, Only Cheaper† using straight forward, no nonsense, simple adverts to advertise their own products. The advert using an old fisherman saying â€Å"Well, there you go then: a fine pair of â€Å"Pollock’s† demonstrating Aldi own product against the main product that it’s the same but cheaper. An advert that won most popular TV advert of 2011 featuring a wife talking about her husband’s penchant for a cup of char before declaring: â€Å"I don’t like tea. I like gin†. Aldi Marketing Campaign 2011. Aldi marketing stragety is to encourage customers to purchase their own brands over the more costly options that are on offer. This campaign suggests its working by the profits the Organisation has seen in recent years as discussed within this report. To this date, the same marketing campaign is still being used (The guardian, 2014) Strong Selling Strategy The retail market is competitive environment with companies expanding and growing availability in the United Kingdom (UK) providing customers more choice. As customers have disposable income to spend, supermarkets are always looking to act on customers emotions. One key observation is displaying the discount price along with the original retail price to influence the customer’s decision on making them realize what a fantastic bargain they are receiving. Aldi.co.uk Supermarkets are always looking to take advantage of an area in the market and Aldi are no different. As reported (Guardian, 2014) Aldi are introducing school uniforms taking advantage of other competitors by offering cheaper alternitvate to other supermarkets and offering parents the opportunity to get their childrens clothing for the coming term in September costing less than the cost of a McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets sharebox. The package by Aldi offers four school essentials at a cost of  £4 when other competitors, Sainsbury’s package is costing  £7.33, Tesco  £6.75 and Asda  £7.50. Managing director, Tony Baines was quoted â€Å"The run-up to the new term can be a stressful time for families. As a result, we were keen to offer parents the opportunity to stock up on superior school uniforms and accessories ahead of the new term with breaking the bank† (Guardian, 2014). As a result of Aldi decision to introduce clothing into the mix, this may see a new price war with other supermarkets trying to compete against Aldi, it still to be seen how this will impact on the other supermarkets and how they will react to the new offering by Aldi. Aldi.co.uk CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Aldi consider the â€Å"Just in Time† (JIT) approach to store management by holding the required stock that the store only requires. As stock is costly with Aldi purchasing stock when required, when stocks are reduced, the companies’ capital improves, allowing Aldi to purchase more stock when required (Jobber, et al, 2006) Aldi.co.uk As Aldi core purpose is to â€Å"provide value and quality to customers† working efficiently and reducing costs allows reinvesting profits back into the organisation. Lean thinking and continuous improvement is fundamental to meet its business goals for growth allowing new properties, suppliers and more savings for customers and offering benefits to employees. An example of Aldi success, a planning application for 46,200 sq. m regional  distribution in Wales has been submitted, according to (IGD, 2014) As Aldi demonstrate continued growth in the UK as the organisation attracts more shoppers that wish to save money on their shop. Aldi have revealed further plans to increase their stores to a minimum of 1,000 stores by the end of 2021 (IGD, 2014). The established German company will support further investment in the UK with 60 new stores to open by 2015, while existing shops will benefit from major refurbishment. On the other side of the bridge, Tesco’s CEO, Philip Clarke became replaceable after 40 years at the supermarket by the head of Unilever’s personal care business Dave Lewis. The news came after Philip Clarke failed to produce the results, the company was looking for after a decline in sales and profit alongside a renewed profit warning (Guardian, 2014). Aldi have taken a percentage of the market, which has impacted on others within, with Tesco and Morrison’s having to invest Millions into the price war to try and stay competitive (Mail online, 2014). As Morrison’s and Tesco have recently issued profit warnings, it suggests that Aldi are winning the price war and making others take notice. CONCLUSION Aldi determined the market using the STP (Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning) process. Using this method identifies what type of market Aldi are targeting. Aldi demonstrated using the four P’s, product, promotion, price and place to take advantage of competition and gain more customers. The change in economy has seen a change in customer spending with behaviour changing by searching for alternative and main brands at a cheaper value. It’s worth noting that other supermarkets are feeling the pressure from Aldi and to sustain such a market position and complete with Aldi, it’s worth consideration the reduction of products to match Aldi which was highlighted by Morrison’s chief executive Dalton Philip. Aldi are fulfilling its potential by taking advantage of the market by working efficiently which allows to keep cost at a minimum and enable the company to expand within the UK. The companies campaigns â€Å"Like Brands, Only  Cheaper† have increased the presence of the company’s profile, with continued relationship building with its customers through a number a channels, creating loyal customers. Morrison’s have found it difficult to maintain their position within the market, feeling pressure from Aldi and resulted in a â€Å"profit warning† being issued. It’s therefore clear that Morrison’s have taken the eye of the customer and market, which has shown customer decline and profits dropping due to lack of promotions and low costing products. Unless Morrison’s change their way of thinking, a change in the competition may come in the near future for them. Whether they are able to survive remains to be seen while Aldi continue to be competitive. BIBLOGRAPHY aldi.co.uk. (2014). aldi.co.uk. Retrieved June 16, 2014, from https://www.aldi.co.uk/ Dibb et al (2012). Marketing Concepts Strategies. 6th ed. Hampshire: Cengage Learning EMEA. Emerald Group Publishing Limited , 2014. Emerald insight.[Online] Available at: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=870441 [Accessed 3 June 2014]. Hooley, G (2012). Marketing strategy competitive positioning. 5th ed. London: Financial Times Prentice Hall Mintel Group Ltd, 2014. Mintel. [Online] Available at: http://academic.mintel.com/display/638369/ [Accessed 4 June 2014]. Sky News, 2012. Sky News. [Online] Available at: http://news.sky.com/story/991623/discount-chain-aldi-profits-soar-200-percent [Accessed 3 june 2014]. BBC, 2013. BBC Business News. [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24059641 [Accessed 2 June 2014]. Rankin, J., 2013. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/mar/08/morrisons-online-grocery-shopping [Accessed 2 July 2014]. Lescher (1995). Online Market Research. Canada: Addison-Wesley. 4. IGD, 2014, IGD. [Online] Available at http://www.igd.com/our-expertise/Retail/retail-outlook/3371/UK-Grocery-Retailing/ [Accessed 7 July 2014] Business case studies, 2014. Business case studies [Online] Available at: http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/aldi/creating-value-through-the-marketing-mix/introduction.html#axzz39B1JV1tj [Accessed 12 July 2014]. Smithers, R., 2014. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jul/16/cheap-school-uniform-discount-wars-aldi-mumsnet [Accessed 18 July 2014] Wearden, G.,2014. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jun/23/morrisons-cut-price-135-items [Accessed 19 July 2014] Plunkett, J,. 2011. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/dec/28/gin-loving-pensioner-top-tv-ad-2011 [Accessed 19 July 2014] Rankin, J,. 2014. The Guardian. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jul/21/tesco-boss-philip-clarke-quits-profits-warning [Accessed 23 July 2014] Steiner, R,.2014. This is money [Online] Available at: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-2692087/CITY-FOCUS-How-big-grocers-tough-time-Mail-mans-exclusive-look-Aldi-UK.html [Accessed 19 July

The History And Techniques Of Animation Film Studies Essay

The History And Techniques Of Animation Film Studies Essay In this article we discuss the concept of animation, exploring its definition and the history of early animation devices, the techniques developed for animation, including traditional animation, 3D CGI (Three Dimensional Computer Generated Imagery) in particular facial aninmation and mocap (motion capture), and the development of animation in China, including history, the market and industry. Finally, we speculate on the promising future of animation in China. Animation is associated to an ability of human vision known as the Phi Phenomenon. If you watch a succession of closely connected pictures in fast sequence, you see them as uninterrupted movement. Each picture is called a frame. Cartoons on television and images generated in video-games are examples of animation. More details on popular techniques to enliven the effect of animation, known as the twelve principles of 2D animation are provided in (El Rhalibi, A. and Shen, Y. (2004)). This is one of the types of early device which produces the illusion of the motion picture. The prototype of this device was invented in China by inventor Tian Huan on 180 AD. The images were drawn on to transparent paper attached to vanes and the inventor hung the Zoetrope above a burning lamp. The hot air which rose from the candle made the device rotate due to convection and form images which appear to move due to the shadows cast through the rotating slides. More recently, in 1834, William George Horner ((1786-1837) developed the modern Zoetrope. The device was composed of a cylinder which had slits along its sides set on a spindle stand. A series of images were placed around the internal edge of the cylinder, and when rotating the outer cylinder and looking through the slits the user can see a succession of images inside that give the illusion of motion. This device is still being used in animation classes to make the students understand animation techniques. 3.2 Thaumatrope (1824) This device was invented during the Victorian era, in 1825 by Dr. William Henry Fitton (1780-1861). The Thaumatrope is a device which has a small circular card. Two different pictures are drawn; one on each side of the card and a string/small pole goes through the centre. When the pole is spun by placing in between the hands the card quickly flips around causing the images to coincide and appear to join as a single image. John Ayrton Paris (1785-1856) used this device, at the Royal College of Physicians in 1824, to demonstrate the phi phenomenon. 3.3 Kineograph (1868) The kineograph or flick book was invented by John Barnes Linnet in 1868. The kineograph was one of the biggest inventions which took us nearer to the modern animation technique. The kineograph gave the perfect illusion of motion. The sequential images are drawn on each sheet and when the sheets are flicked the images appear to move. All these inventions, and others such as Electrotachyscope, Mutoscope, Phenakistoscope, Praxinoscope, and Zoopraxiscope, were a major cause for the invention and development of modern animation. 4. Animation Techniques 4.1 Traditional Animation Method Traditional animation embraces many methods including cel animation, stop-motion animation, claymation (a.k.a clay animation) and further techniques based 3D CGI and motion capture. In the following we discuss about 3D CGI with an example of techniques used for face animation, and motion capture. 2D animation techniques and stop-motion information can be found in (El Rhalibi, A. and Shen, Y. (2004)). 4.2 Animation with 3D CGI 3D Computer-generated imagery (CGI) transformed animation. The first film completed entirely in 3D CGI was Toy Story (1995), produced by Pixar. The process of 3D CGI is very repetitive and similar in that sense to classical 2D animation and follows many of the same principles. 3D CGI use very sophisticated software applications to create and manipulate very complex and realistic 3D objects, characters and environments. The software also provides functionalities for the animation of 3D scene components. The major difference between 3D CGI animation and traditional animation is in 3D CGI the images are replaced by 3D models which are digitally modelled using 3D modelling and animation tools. The 3D models are animated roughly like stop motion animation but in 3D CGI there is no physical object. The objects in the 3D world are all virtual objects. The CAA (Computer Aided Animation) widely used in 2D animation is a mix of both categories of animation. The traditional animation is done with the aid of computer to speed up the process of keyframe, cel, and interpolation. Some software languages and platforms, such as Flash which is a multimedia platform, provide these functionalities for both 2D and 3D. 3D CGI can be used for many kind of animation, including in combination with standard such as MPEG4. The following section reviews the use of 3D CGI for Facial Modelling and Animation. 4.3 Facial Modelling and Animation We provide an overview into the current research conducted in regards to both facial modelling and facial animation techniques (N. Ersotelos and F. Dong, 2007). Modelling a 3D virtual character can be cumbersome and time consuming process. Typically a character is modelled as a polygon mesh; whilst alternative techniques exist such as multi-layer modelling which include underlying structures such as the muscle and skeletal formations, these techniques are still considered too computationally expensive, particularly in the context of real-time applications. There are several approaches to constructing a modelled character: Standard Geometric Face Modelling, an approach typically used in animated feature films and games; Generic Model Individualization (GMI), where a specific model is constructed through the deformation of an existing model, such as those constructed from video streams and 3D face scanners; and Example-based Face Modelling (EFM), where a face is constructed with the desired facial features through the linear combinations of an existing face model collection, an example of this is the morphable facial modelling technique. In re lation to facial animation, there are three prominent classifications for the techniques employed: A Simulation-based approach, in which synthetic facial movements are generated through the mimicking of facial muscle contractions, whose application is prominent in the field of medical-based visualization. The Performance-Driven approach, where facial actions are typically applied to a face model, from sources such as video recordings and performance capture. The MPEG-4 standard falls into this classification, but can also be driven through procedural means. The third classification is the Blend Shape-based approach, which typically creates a set of desired animations through the combination of a number of existing face models. There are various levels of granularity for blend shapes, such as interpolation between models, interpolation between images, morphable model approach, and a facial segmentation approach, where the face is divided into small regions, which are manipulated and interpolated between poses. The latter approach has become increasingly prevalent within the games industry. In this case, facial models are rigged with segmentations based on skeletal joints/ bones, blend shape objects, or a hybrid combination of both. The Face rig is then manipulated through the artists tools or through automated techniques such as motion and performance capture. Examples of this case can be found through visual outsourcing specialists such as Image Metrics, whose proprietary technique has been integrated with commercial game engine solutions such as Emergents Gamebryo engine. In the context of facial animation, common approach is to adopt techniques from the real-time face segmentation blend-shape approach and apply them to MPEG-4 based techniques at the lowest level of integration. Whilst blend shape objects have been used to great effect within the film industry (e.g. the Lord of the Rings films Gollum character was comprised of 946 blend shape controls [5]), a nd have seen recent adoption in the high-performance games market, they are computationally expensive to implement, especially across low-mid range desktop PCs in real-time. Therefore, a better method is to adopt a skeletal system for the facial segmentation. Other techniques such as motion capture (mocap) have been developed to produce the data to feed-in animation systems for character animation, or even facial animation. 4.4Animation and Mocap Mocap (Motion Capture) is the technique of capturing motion and converting that motion onto data to be exploited on an animation system or 3D authoring software. It is applied in the production of animation for entertainment (films and games), medical, sports, and military applications. In film production it involves capturing digital data records of the actions of actors, and applying this data to animate digital 2D and 3D character models in computer animation. This animation information is mapped to a character model so that the model executes the same movements as the actor. Mocap is used routinely to produce films which endeavour to replicate the realism of live-action cinema, with near realistically looking digital characters. Some recent films using motion capture techniques are discussed in the following. The Polar Express (Directed by Robert Zemeckis in 2004) used mocap with actor Tom Hanks executing the performance of many different digital models. In 2007, the adaptation o f the famous chronicle Beowulf animated digital characters were also partially based on the actors providing movements, with mocap, and voices. The Walt Disney Pictures Company has also recently started to invest in mocap, releasing Robert Zemeckis A Christmas Carol (2009) and Tim Burtons Alice in Wonderland (2010) which both use this technique extensively. Other applications which routinely apply mocap to animate in-game characters are video games. This has been done since 1995, with the release of the Atari Jaguar game Highlander: The Last of the MacLeods. Movies also use captured movements for 3D CGI effects, and progressively replacing classical cel animation technique, to animate entirely 3D CGI creatures, like the Navi from James Camerons Avatar. Motion capture is commonly used for animation, movies and video games in all the leading countries that produce this media. In the following we discuss the development of animation in China. 5. Animation Development in PRC 5.1 History of Animation in PRC Animation did not start in China before the 1910s. In 1918, an animation clip Out of the Inkwell, produced in the US, was played in the biggest Chinese cities. This event can be considered as the beginning of modern animation there. However the animation industry in PRC did not start until the 1920s, with the advent of the Wan brothers who worked on several animation shorts for a decade before they produced the earliest animation with sound known as The Camels Dance. It was only four years afterwards in 1939 that Walt Disney Studios Snow White was presented to Shanghai audience and represents another important milestone of the history of animation in PRC. And two years after, in 1941 the original full-length Chinese film animation, titled Princess Iron Fan was launched (reference from History of Chinese Animation). At this time other countries in Asia were making impressive progresses with their animation development. In particular Japan has started to develop the famous anime style and technique. However these progressions did not directly influence China. During the 1940s, the Wans created more than twenty animation shorts to educate people with nationalistic themes against opium, imperialism and the Japanese invasion. However, animations produced in China, and until the Chinese Cultural Revolution, were essentially inspired by Chinese traditions, culture and arts, drawing most topics from old folklores. An instance of a time-honoured Chinese character used in animation is Monkey King, a character that originated from the traditional literature Pilgrim to the West, which was introduced by the Wan brothers in the 1964 full-length animated feature titled Havoc in Heaven. Unfortunately, while the animation industry in China was at its apex in the 1960s, it was cut short during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), and was left last in the animation development race. The other countries took advantage and by the 1980s Japanese animation production comes out as the market global leader in Asia. In the 1990s, when PRC opened again its market to the world, new opportunities for animation occurred. Nowadays, PRC animation industry has significantly recreated itself with influences from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan. One of the first innovative changes in 1995 was a manhua animation adaptation titled Cyber Weapon Z. Manhua involves characters who are very similar to any typical anime showing a clear influence from Japan. The advent of the Internet in China, with the first ever connection in 1987, increasing to more than 384 million users by 2009, led to the creation of various form of professional as well as amateurish animations, in the form of webtoons. The webtoon phenomenon has taken China to a new level in animation production. During the last decade, 3D CGI and special effects production has also increased greatly and many Chinese animation feature and shorts had begun to adopt it by the mid-2000s with for example in 2005 the release of the famous animation DragonBlade: The Legend of Lang. 5.2 Animation Industry and Market in PRC Nowadays, in 2010, the animation industry is well established in PRC. Many large studios, dominate the market, and there are even more small studios spread across the country. Many of these are agents of broadcast or other media organisation. The animation industry has essentially positioned itself in the region of Shanghai with most animation studios located over a few hundred kilometres from the city. In Suzhou (Jiangsu province) there are 2 of the leading and largest animation studios, Hong Ying and Wang Films, and also a few small office branch studios of other firms. Both companies are from Taiwan and operate a network of branch studios in Shanghai, as well as abroad. Wang Films is perhaps the most highly regarded of all studios in Asia, and have studios also in Indonesia, and Thailand as well as in PRC. Shanghai contains a number of studios including Shanghai Animation and Shanghai Morning Sun. Hong Kong Animation Services is yet another animation firm in the Shanghai region, a nd employs a network of branch studios operating in the Shanghai region. In the city of Shenzhen, in Guangdong province, the animation industry also has a good presence with two other big animation studios Jade Animation and Colorland Animation. These two organisations are Hong Kong joint ventures and contend with many small studios which are either supported by the state, for example CCTV Oriental Hong Ye, or Japanese ran branch studios, for example Rising Sun Animation, operated solely for parent companies in Japan. Animation industry in economically booming PRC is performing efficiently. The production charges, including labour and other resources price, are cheaper than in other countries. The number and quality of animators has increased significantly and considering the recent quality of the productions and the increasing number of animation studios, it seems that the skills pool will carry on growing to cater for future expected needs of the animation market. In year 2000, an animation studio paid $2.8 million producing the animation Lotus Lantern. The animated motion picture made a box-office-revenue of $2.5 million. Some years later, Qins Moon the popular Chinese series was released in 2007. It used striking 3D CGI and thrilling stories. Its 3rd season episodes were aired on June 2010. From a demographics position, in 2009, the consumer market in PRC is divided as follows, 9% of the viewers are below 13 years of age, 60% are between 14 to 17 years of age and 31% over an age of 18, including more than 650 million animation fans. From the economic viewpoint, Quatech Research, in 2009, surveyed, people aged between fifteen and thirty in the main modern Chinese cities; Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai; and found that over $165 million was disbursed for animation products, however over 85% of profits flowed directly out of China. Additional reviews showed that 62% of the consumers favour animations from Japan, 28% support US animations and just 10 % favour animations made in PRC or Hong Kong. While the animation industry has progressed technologically well (e.g. using 3D CGI and mocap), and has mostly caught-up with competing countries in 2010, it still has much effort to do to change the people support for Chinese production. 6. Future of Animation in PRC Since the invention of the Zoetrope, animation has evolved to an amazing quality and complexity. Most animation products are nowadays being developed using the most advanced techniques and 3D CGI based technologies and motion capture. 3D CGI technologies are well established at US and Japanese animation studios, and start to be used for full-length animated film in China as well. In 2010, Chinas original 3-D animated science fiction film Animen was created under the direction of Xu Ke, managing director of the company Hippo Animation House, from Chinese mainland. Using state-of-the-art motion capture technology, it is also the first home-grown 3D sci-fi animation film to be made on the Chinese mainland. More than 50,000 production cels were drawn for the films numerous drafts. Also, more than 1,200 shots of the 90-minute film were added with 3-D effects. The film was in development for six years and its production budget reached $7.3 million. Despite a chaotic history, animation in China is catching up swiftly, and is emerging to become a market leader of animation productions, to join the other powerhouses in USA and Japan. 7. Further Reading Bradford, R.E. (1995) Real-Time Animation Toolkit in C++ John Wiley Sons Inc. China Through a Lens: Li Xiao (2003). Chinese Animation: Splendid Past, Bitter Present [Online]. http://www.china.org.cn/english/2003/Aug/72789.htm China Market Report (2008), 2009-2012 China Animation Industry Market Research Report, Shenzhen Zero Power Intelligence Co., Ltd. China Market Report (2009), 2010-2013 Annual research and consultation report on China animation, Shenzhen Zero Power Intelligence Co., Ltd. El Rhalibi, A. and Shen, Y. (2004) Animation: Berkshire Encyclopedia of Human-Computer Interaction. Volume 1. p. 13-17. Berkshire Publishing Group. N. Ersotelos and F. Dong, Building highly realistic facial modelling and animation: a survey, The Visual Computer: International Journal of Computer Graphics, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 13-30, Nov. 2007. Foley et al (1990) Computer Graphics: Principles Practice 2nd Edition Wesley 0201848406 Griffin, H. Animators Guide to 2D Animation Focal Press 024051579X, Y Don Hahn The Alchemy of Animation: Making an Animated Film in the Modern Age Disney Editions (7 Oct 2008) History of Chinese Animation. [Online] (Retrieved on 11st July 2010) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Chinese_animation Kit Laybourne (1998), The Animation Book. Crown Publications; 2nd Revised edition John A. Lent (2000), Animation in Asia and the Pacific, John Libbey Publishing John A. Lent (2009) Animation in South Asia, Studies in South Asian Film and Media Volume 1 Number 1 Â © 2009 Intellect Ltd. [Online] http://www.atypon-link.com/INT/doi/pdf/10.1386/safm.1.1.101_1?cookieSet=1 Peter Lord, and Brian Sibley (2004) Cracking Animation: The Aardman Book of 3-D Animation; Thames Hudson; 2 edition (22 Nov 2004) Magnenat-Thalmann, N., Thalmann, D. (1996) Interactive Computer Animation Prentice Hall Kelly L. Murdock 3ds Max 2010 Bible John Wiley Sons; (28 July 2009) Kerlow, I. V. (2000) The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Imaging Van Nostrand Reinhold 0442018967 List of Chinese animated films. [Online]. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Chinese_animated_films Parent, R. (2001) Computer Animation: Algorithms and Techniques Morgan-Kaufmann, San Francisco Chris Patmore (2003), The Complete Animation Course: The Principles, Practice and Techniques of Successful Animation. Thames Hudson (4 Aug 2003) Qins Moon Series. (2007-2010), [Online]. http://www.qinsmoon.com/CHS/new/main2.php Robert Reinhardt and Snow Dowd, Flash CS4 Professional Bible John Wiley Sons; Pap/Cdr edition (6 Feb 2009) Ronan, Colin A; Joseph Needham (1985). The Shorter Science and Civilisation in China: Volume 2. Cambridge University Press Susannah Shaw, Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation. Focal Press (Visual Effects and Animation); 2 edition (3 April 2008) Thomas, F. Johnson, O. (1981) Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life Abbeville Press New York 089659498X Milt Vallas (1998) China-The Awakening Giant: Animation And Broadcasting In The Mainland, Animation World Magazine Issue 3.5 August 1998, [Online] http://www.awn.com/mag/issue3.5/3.5pages/3.5vallas.html Watt, A. Watt, M. (1992) Animation and Rendering Techniques Theory and Practice Addison -Wesley 0201544121

The Problems with Bandwagon Patriotism Essay -- Politics Political Ess

The Problems with Bandwagon Patriotism I’ll admit it, I’m American. I’m an American and I admit, I enjoy it very thoroughly. I enjoy having the right to a free education, choice in who rules over me (who rules, who cares? pun intended), and the right to walk around the streets at three a.m. because I can. But I do not consider myself patriotic, in any way, sense or fashion. The astounding number of Americans nowadays who consider themselves patriotic can overwhelm the small few who were there for America before 9/11. But just what can we do about the bandwagon patriotism and its abuse on middle-eastern oriented Americans; it’s manipulation of American’s gullibility for cheap trinkets, and the backing of leaders in a war we don’t belong in. I believe it’s time to instill more peaceful tactics in our country today. It’s time to stop calling ourselves Americans and start calling ourselves humans. So far America has lost more soldiers in Iraq since the war end ed than we actually lost in the war itself and people of Middle Eastern decent have suffered more embarrassing attacks than most â€Å"average† Americans. Perhaps its time to reconsider the Patriot Act, because truth be told it’s not exactly what our true patriotic forefathers had in mind when they wrote that all men were created equal(despite the fact these men had slaves). Most Americans that watch CNN or FOXnews can tell you that exactly one month after the attacks on the twin towers, that Congress passes â€Å"The Patriot Acts†. But what most Americans can’t tell you is what exactly is inside of these acts. According to the actual document itself, the purpose of The Patriot Acts is: To deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around... ...ic) descent she gave me perhaps one of the most memorable quotes I felt I could have used in my paper. I’m not sure of the legalities of this, or if I should have gotten a written paper, but she said if I wanted to I could use this quote of hers. We were sitting in Barnes and Nobles, and the topic of stealing came up and how ridiculously easy it would be to steal something. Upon hearing this she said, â€Å" It might be easy for you, but whenever I’m shopping somewhere I almost always feel the workers eyes on me, like I’m F(bleep)ing Osama Bin Laden’s daughter or something†. So what does this say about Bandwagon Patriotism? All it does is give Americans another reason to hate, gives scared Americans another scapegoat to point the finger at. So armed with my solutions I hope you will ask yourself, just when will we stop being Americans, and start being humans?

Particular audience Essay

It is confidence building to remember that all experts were at one time students and entry-level members in their career fields. With this in mind it will help to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety you might feel when you first make contact with them. There are many possible avenues to locating and interviewing an expert. However, there are key tactics that can be utilized in order to increase your chances of landing your first choice. This brief essay will outline a plan of action in order to increase the odds of finding success with your expert interview. To begin, make a list of possible experts relevant to your subject. Some of the best ways to find these experts are in calendar of events in newspapers, magazines and on television. By keeping your options open you can rest assured that if for some reason one of the experts does not wish to participate, you will at least have back-up options. The next key, after locating your expert and establishing a method of contact – whether online of offline – is to establish your credibility. Tell them or send them a link to where they can find examples of your work, or of the institution that you represent. This will show them that you are legitimate and that your will reach a particular audience. Once you have established a working relationship you need to set a date and time. Remember that you are asking for their time, so be as flexible and accommodating as possible without compromising your deadline. When the interview comes, be prepared. Have your recording equipment ready and make sure you have done your research so that you can ask insightful questions. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be. At the conclusion, let them know you will send them a copy of the interview for their records and thank them for their time.

Jahrod

Textbooks vs. Tablets Jahrod Meyers Central Carolina Technical College Topic:Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 schools? Specific Purpose:Explaining the advantages and the disadvantages Thesis Statement:Publishing for the K-12 school market is an $8 billion industry, with three companies – McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt – capturing about 85% of this market. Tablets are a $35 billion industry with roughly one in three adults owning a tablet. As tablets have become more prevalent, a new debate has formed over whether K-12 school districts should switch from print textbooks to digital textbooks on tablets.Introduction A 4GB tablet filled with 3,500 e-books weighs a billionth of a billionth of a gram more than if it were empty of data – a difference that is approximately the same weight as a molecule of DNA. The same number of physical books would weigh about two tons. In San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, robberies related to intern et-enabled handheld devices (including tablets) have accounted for 50, 40, and 25 percent respectively of all robberies in 2012. Manufacturing one tablet requires the extraction of 33 pounds of minerals, 79 gallons of water, and 100 kilowatt hours of fossil fuels resulting in 66 pounds of carbon dioxide.Students who used an interactive, digital version of an Algebra 1 textbook for Apple's iPad in California's Riverside Unified School District in 2012 scored 20 percent higher on standardized tests vs. students who learned with print textbooks. During the 2011-12 school year more than 13,700 US children, aged 5 to 18, were treated in hospitals and doctors' offices for backpack-related injuries such as contusions, sprains, fractures, and strains to the back and shoulders. Transition:getting into the pros and cons. Body I. PRO Tablet a. Tablets help students learn more material faster. b.Tablets can hold hundreds of textbooks on one device, plus homework, quizzes, and other files, elimi nating the need for physical storage of books and classroom materials. c. E-textbooks on tablets cost on average 50-60% less than print textbooks. d. Tablets help students better prepare for a world immersed in technology. II. CON Tablet a. Tablets have too many distractions for classroom use. b. Many students do not have sufficient home internet bandwidth to use tablets. c. The average battery life of a tablet is 7. 26 hours, shorter than the length of a school day. d. Tablets shift the focus of learning from the teacher to the technology. * Transition:In closing, â€Å"Computers are getting smarter all the time. Scientists tell us that soon they will be able to talk to us. (And by ‘they’, I mean ‘computers’. I doubt scientists will ever be able to talk to us. )† Dave Barry. Conclusion I. Opponents of tablets say that they are expensive, too distracting for students, easy to break, and costly/time-consuming to fix. They say that tablets contribute t o eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision, increase the excuses available for students not doing their homework, require costly Wi-Fi networks, and become quickly outdated as new technologies are released.II. Proponents of tablets say that they are supported by most teachers and students, are much lighter than print textbooks, and improve standardized test scores. They say that tablets can hold hundreds of textbooks, save the environment by lowering the amount of printing, increase student interactivity and creativity, and that digital textbooks are cheaper than print textbooks. III. 43% of Americans read online books, magazines, or newspapers. Amazon announced in July 2010 that e-books were outselling paper books, and a July 2012 report by the Association of American Publishers showed that e-book revenue IV. xceeded that of hardcover books for the first time ever. 80% of publishers now produce e-books. While e-books sales rose 117% from 2010 to 2011, the print book business declin ed 2. 5% in 2011 to $27. 2 billion from $27. 9 billion in 2010. However, over 90% of educational textbooks are still read on paper, and only 30% of textbook titles are available electronically. V. I feel that transfer to tablets isn't a bad idea. Considering you will only have to keep up with the tablet and not 5-6 different books for one class. It will also help the children in K-12 to learn and soon master technology