Saturday, January 25, 2020
The African Identity | History and Concepts
The African Identity | History and Concepts According to the Lexicon Webster Dictionary an Identity is referred to as the condition or character that distinguishes a person or a thing (Lexicon Webster, 1981). The main distinguishing conditions or characteristics (the identity) that the slaves had were that they were black and Africans. Africans who were ripped from their homeland and brought into a new world to live under the rule of the white man (Europeans), who believed that they were inferior and whom they viewed as an oppressor. Question, did that Identity survive this oppression? Did that sense of being a proud, black, African get diminished by the slave trade? Agreeably, it would have been hard to maintain that identity, but I strongly believed that the strength of the African people, the strength that made them qualify for the labour required on the plantations, was the same strength they tapped into to hold on to every sense of I am an African. In this paper I would present ways in which they slaves would have been ab le to embosom the African Identity and reasons why many would think it was lost. Also I would confer the evidence present today to support that this identity survived long enough to have been transferred from generation to generation and is today, very present in the lives of the offspring of slaves. The slaves had to struggle to hold on to their Identity; a struggle that started as they were being forced from their homelands (Clarke, 1995). This struggle continued in the Americas. It was a brutal but not fatal assault of the black African slaves sense of self. They were being forced to accept a new identity; but did they really? Or was it just an idea? Although the slave masters restricted all forms or African culture from being practised and enforced their cultures, the slaves found creative ways of resisting this. A simple method such as masking it under the practises of the whites at least to keep some semblance of it alive was adopted (Saharan Vibe, 2007). Yes it would have been hard to maintain identities given that they were punished for doing so. However there are times when they could have interacted without the watchful eye of the slave master catching them (at nights, at church). There was always a defiant few whose bond to the sense of African identity was so strong that even these minimal moments were used to resist against the whites by keeping alive any forms of the identity possible and at least pass it on to other generations when they can (Lashington, 2011). There are numerous practises that we engage in today in the Caribbean and the Americas that are deeply rooted in African culture that even we dont realize. These support the fact that the Identity survived and lives today. It was so prominent it was called Africanism, the fight of the Africans to keep Africa Alive. This they did in different cultural Expressions: Religion, Music, Dance, Festival, Folk tales, Language, and customs. The extent to which the culture was kept alive was different from island to island because of the time the plantation system was started in the particular island and how many slaves were there (Phillip, 2010). I can personally attest to having participating in various expressions of traditional African culture. As a dancer I have been privy to learning the Bele dances a native African dance that is usually danced to the music of drums, shack shacks and sticks; a totally African combination. The Religion: having relatives that actively worship as Spiritual Baptist I was exposed to the Shango and Saraca which was accompanied by the same African instruments. I have witnessed customs such as the placing of black and red or blue Maljo beads on babies when born to ward of the evil spirits and attended many wakes in my short lifetime. I was taught in school of the Anansi stories that originate from Western Africa and other Moral stories. I have been in a su su before and have had many days of eating Ashum around all saints time. If I have experienced and is still experiencing elements of African culture today, how is it that it is said to have not survive the slave trade (Phillip, 2010). The foods we eat also stems from the African Identity. Examples of this are the ground provisions and salt fish (though the salt fish is more associated with slavery rather than African culture) but it was passed down. Going to the market early on a Saturday is another trait (Phillip, 2010). To focus on the expression of music to show how strongly some aspects were kept as compared to others. Just as music was used as a form of communication for the slaves during colonialism so it is today in the form of Calypso (especially in Trinidad) as social commentary and Reggae (mainly in Jamaica) is used to protest against forms of oppression. In some islands/colonies because the African music was not freely allowed there was a dilution with that of the Europeans. The same was for the language; hence the amalgamation of English and African to give patois in the British colonies and the French and African to give Creole language in the French colonies. The emergence of these new or modified languages did however play a pivotal role in the success of rebellions and resistances that were held in the Caribbean (Take Five, n.d). As a result of the traits of the Africans view that they will one day be free and return to the motherland that has been passed down, we are now experiencing today in the form of reggae music that reeks of the yearning of black people to return to the homeland. Well known reggae artiste Richie Spice in one of his latest albums In the Streets to Africa has two tracks on the album that pay tribute to the African heritage. One such track, Black like tar, where spice sings of being proud to be black and acknowledges Africa as the Motherland. Another of his tracks Motherland Calling sung as a chant to strong drumming music, Spice again acknowledges Africa as the motherland and the belief that even today the motherland is still calling; Africa is still waiting and one day will welcome all her children back home (Rastaman Vibrations, n.d). Then there is the Legendary Bob Marley who fought for black or African liberation from oppression. His songs spoke of Liberation and Unity. In the track Zimbabwe he urged the black man to get up and fight for be freedom/liberation and to have rights. The same for Get up stand up another call to get up and fight for our rights and to never give up on that fight. In another of his tracks Buffalo Soldier the words stolen from Africa, brought to America, fighting on arrival, fighting for survival; recognizes the fact that Africans were forced into slavery and have fought against the oppression of the colonialist systems to keep the African identity alive throughout (Rastaman Vibrations, n.d). The powerful message brought on by his songs continues with Marleys song Chant down Babylon. Babylon to Africans or black people symbolizes the spirit of those who enslave, commit genocide, slave labour and grind the poor less advantage peoples of the world. Marley also recognize the need for unity in the world. With this realization there came songs One love and Africa Unite a call to the people of the world to unite for the betterment of all people; especially Africans as they did during slavery. Lastly, there is the famous Redemption Song- the song of freedom. A song whose intent is to reassure the people that freedom is possible but that they must free minds before true liberation is realized. This is clear evidence that the same spirit of the African slave to be free and to return to their home land Africa still manifest in the lives of the Black people of the Caribbean and the Americas today. The reasons that many believe that this identity did not survive was because the great attempts of the Europeans to suppress any forms of the culture; because of the dehumanization instituted by slavery in the British colonies. These activities distorted the notion of what Africans thought of themselves to be but it did not eradicate it. This was the reason why the slaves rebelled and resisted against the inhumane treatment brought on by the European slave Trade; and the cultural domination it was instituting on the Africans (Bolland, 2002). I agree that there are elements or practices that would have been lost but to say generally that the Identity itself was lost is wrong. If it did not survive why then do we here chant of Kumbayas ringing from black churches today? Why kids are still taught with Anansi stories in the schools? The answer to these questions is simple because these things were passed down from our ancestors; slaves (Saharan Vibe, 2007). Another reason why it is believed that it was virtually impossible for African slaves to have a sense of identity was because it was never really acknowledged and when it was it was misrepresented as the white man was responsible for documentation of it (Clarke, 1995) This wasnt a happening only in the Americas. African history was shaped by external influences for centuries. From the Muslim historians from the eighth to fifteenth centuries to the accounts of European travellers during the age of exploration to the dreadful portrayal of Arica as a continent of eternal blackness by German philosopher G.W. Hegel in the nineteenth century. Thus it has been very difficult even in light of the decolonization movements of the continent. Continuing along that line, even native writers urged Africans themselves to come to terms with African Identity in relation to the wanton violence that had been imposed through post colonialism and that continues to plague Africans in post colonial times. In a painstaking recreation of how the western world created Africa as a historical construction, from backward, hostile and uncivilized portrayed by Hegel into the twentieth century Europes adoption of these older views (LeFlem, 2008). As a result of instances as these coupled with institutions such as the caste system that existed in the colonial plantation days that forced upon the slaves that blacks are inferior to the superior Whites, there was the emergence of a mentality that still lives on that have black people thinking that the white mans country, colour, culture etc is much better than ours (Baker, 2011). It is sometimes very easy when thinking of the African identity to equal it to Caribbean Identity or African American Identity. This is in no way true. If one tries to explain this concept of Caribbean Identity, an apt description of the typical Caribbean person is that he or she is part-African, part-European, part-Asian, part Native American but totally Caribbean; to understand this is to understand creative diversity (Midrelief.com, 2007). Again, this shows the survival of the African Identity; it was amalgamated with other influences (identities) to form the Caribbean Identity (Midrelief.com, 2007). A similar conceptualization can be concluded for African Americans. An important factor in this quest to determine the survival of the slave Africans identity is to understand that it has been exposed to Globalization. I strongly believed the remaining traits of that identity is being further diminished by this phenomenon. The culture that many fought to keep alive for so many years is becoming more and more obsolete by the broken down barriers in communication and travel and the many advances in technology (Take Five, n.d). Conclusion Though slavery raped us of the authenticity and pureness off the rich African culture that was once the boast of any African it was the strength of the African that helped him to keep to the struggle to emancipate himself from the shackles of a colonial legacy and not be captives in that evil system (Take Five, n.d). It is with certainty that I say that the African Identity is very much animate in the lives of many individuals, communities, nations, and continents because it has truly survived the attempts of colonialist to eradicate the sense of Africanism that was kept living in the hearts of the African natives throughout the duration of slavery and is still is present in the everyday lives of this generation whether we are aware of it or not. Agreeably the traces of the culture that is present today shows that it could not have been lost. Diluted? It is possible. Hidden in fusions with practices from colonial countries? Yes. But to say that the African Identity was lost because t hey were not in their homeland is not right (Midrelief.com, 2007). The onus is on us this present generation to keep what has survive to today and/or reformulate with what we learnt about the culture of our ancestors. We need to always remember how truly a proud, courageous, and intelligent people our African ancestors were, and that we must claim their spirit. All that is left is for us to use it to fully emancipate our minds! (Take Five, n.d)
Friday, January 17, 2020
How JROTC Builds Character and Leadership Essay
In this JROTC you learn a lot, whether itââ¬â¢s about the military, being disciplined or Being a strong leader, itââ¬â¢s all about becoming a better citizen and learning the reason why we do what we do in this world. It teaches about military, promoting physical fitness and even life itself. JROTC builds the teamwork and responsibility that you will need to have all your life. By ranking up through the four years helps build leadership skills by the positions you are put in. Just like if you are a squad leader you are in charge of about 8 cadets. The higher your position the more responsibility you are given. That is why success in JROTC is given to the highest ranks. The reason I joined JROTC is so that I could build those leadership skills that can be applied to almost anything in life. In JROTC it is said that the mission is to ââ¬Å"Motivate young people to become better citizens,â⬠In order to do something like that we have to have the leadership to teach and educate these young people into becoming better well known citizens. The JROTC program in American High Schools has provided its cadets with life changing skills which strengthen the attributes of character. JROTC Has helped many people become Great citizens in our community, whether you are going into the military or not it is good to have the leadership skills. It will also look good on a job resume to have those skills, because most jobs are looking for someone that can take charge a have the discipline to follow the directives and orders that are given. It is a course that should be taken nationwide even if you are not planning on going to the military, because you will learn to respect people you will Have leadership skills and more importantly you will have better character.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
commercialization of organ transplants Essay - 948 Words
COMMERCIALIZATION OF ORGAN TRANSPLANTS Student: Patrick Frost Instructor: Professor Edwin Martinez del Rio Business Ethics 309 October 21, 2013 Strayer University COMMERCIALIZATION OF ORGAN TRANSPLANTS Arguments in favor of organ commercialization Commercialization of human organs from consenting adults will lead to an increase in the supply of organs needed for transplants (Kanniyakonil, 2005). The major challenge in hospitals is the lack of organs needed for transplantation to the increasing number of patients. Currently, organs are only accepted from victims of altruism suicide and this does not cover the medical needs throughout the world. Thus, by commercializing organs for transplants, the number of organ willâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Commercialization of organs will also lead to degradation in the medical ethics. Patients who are incapable financially may not be given the same medical care quality as people with money. Medical incompatibility is another reason why commercialization of human organs is not advisable. Family members are advised to donate due to enhanced chance of molecular compatibility. However, if organs are sold over the counter unknowing public may buy the organs without the knowledge of the requi red medical compatibility. Thus, their loved ones may develop serious medical complications or even die as a result of the transplant. My position on the debate My position on the debate of commercialization of organ transplants is that it should not be allowed. This, however, does not mean that people are not participating in the practice. Commercialization of organ transplant is a lucrative business. However, this is morally wrong and is against human ethics. This is due to the fact that commercialization of human organs even if it results in saving lives has a bigger negative impact on the society and on the individual. The major moral problem is that people donating will be under the obligation of benefiting. Like is said earlier, in places where organ commercialization is being practice, the business is very lucrative. The need to benefit from the organ donations violates the ethics that are aligned with humanShow MoreRelatedCommercialization of organ transplants1774 Words à |à 8 Pages Commercialization of Organ Transplants I. Introduction: The following report contains a summary of the arguments for and against the commercialization of transplants found in the research. Formulation on the position of which the debate of whether or not the sale of organs should be permitted is presented. There is the defense of moral judgment with a moral argument along with the identification of the moral principle that is appealing to the moral argument. 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So itââ¬â¢s easy to see why family members would beRead MoreOrgan Trafficking Essay1551 Words à |à 7 Pagestotal, Im worth about $300,000 on the organ market. The organ trade is one of the fastest growing and least enforced trafficking crimes throughout the globe today (Glazer 341). Sarah Glazer claims in Organ Trafficking that 5,000 to 10,000 of the 100,000 transplanted organs are obtained illegally each year (341). Although the laws passed and organizations founded have delayed the escalation of organ trafficking, the selling and distribution of com pensated organs should remain illegal and suppressedRead MoreThe Truth Behind Organ Sales. The Expression Organ Trade1400 Words à |à 6 Pages The Truth Behind Organ Sales The expression organ trade or sale covers an extensive variety of various practices. Individuals most promptly connect it with the case in which one person (who may want or needs cash) pitches his or her kidney to another (who needs a kidney). However, there are different potential outcomes as well. One (in nations where the earlier consent of the deceased is required for cadaveric organ gift) is to pay individuals living now for rights over their body afterRead MoreVoltaireââ¬Å¡Ãâà ´s Candide1924 Words à |à 8 Pagesaspects regarding organ transplants. This Act was last amended in 1989. Since then medical science has developed so big in size and to such an extent that organ transplants today are almost routine operations in many hospitals. Unfortunately the current methods of procuring human organs are not supplying the demand. A new approach, the commercialization of human organs for transplantation is a possibility with the potential to supply one hundred per cent of the demand for organs. There are howeverRead MorePersuasive Speech : Donating Organ For A Person1935 Words à |à 8 PagesArgument Donating organ to a person in need adds significant years to his life. The donor will be back to his normal life within a week after donation and will have no side effects if treated carefully. Here is an example of Tom Walker, a coach who decided to donate his kidney to one of his team player. Kevin Jordan, a left handed outfielder, was offered admission to Wake Forest University and their baseball team in his senior year at high school. He amazing talent on field was recognized by
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Marketing Research Proposal Sample - Free Essay Example
Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 558 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2017/09/24 Category Advertising Essay Type Argumentative essay Did you like this example? Introduction: Indian fruit juice market is an unorganized and newly developing market. Only recently this sector is getting more organized and attracting more players in the market. Though the unorganized corner shop vendors dominate this market, Indian consumers are moving towards branded fruit juice because of their improvement in health consciousness. Indian fruit juice market is having a net-worth of 275 crores as of now and increasing at a rate of 35% to 40% per year. This study was conducted to identify the existing market structure, industry trends, existing players and their status in the market, growth possibilities and consumer behavior of existing fruit juice consumers. The study was conducted to understand the total market intelligence so that it can guide any new entrant in this sector in Indian market would get befitted. The study includes both primary and secondary research. Primary research was conducted across India. Primary research involves collecting information from both consumers and retailers so as to get better understanding about the market. This research report can serve as a guide for any new entrant who wants to enter in this fruit juice market in India. The report can also serve as a basic industry information resource. (https://www. reportbuyer. com/food_drink/country_overviews_food/indian_fruit_juice_market. html) Problem statement: Which factors influence the consumer purchasing decision for fruit drinks. Objective To determine the product attributes influencing purchase decision of fruit drink brands. * To determine the reasons for consuming various fruit drink brands. * To determine the most preferred SKU(quantity) in fruit drink category. * To determine the most preferred channel in the fruit drink category. * To determine most preferred fruit drink SCOPE * Study will be carried across different areas of Ahmedabad city. * People of different age groups will be considered in the Study. * Study is concentrated on C arbonated and Non-Carbonated fruit drinks. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Research Design: The research design to be used in our study would be exploratory research. The exploratory research would be done with the help of questionnaire so as to obtain relevant and important data. It is very important in our study and will help to achieve the required results. Data collection sources and the methods for collecting the data: a) Secondary data: * Secondary data will be collected from Internet, Periodicals, Magazines, Newspaper and the official websites of prominent retail players in India. ) Primary data: * Customers would be interviewed at different places such as Malls, supermarkets, college campuses, public places etc. * structured questionnaire will be administered to the respondents. Sample Design: a) Population ââ¬â People residing in the city of Ahmedabad. b) Sample Unit ââ¬â Consumers of fruit drinks. c) Sampling Method ââ¬â Quota Sampling d) Sample Size ââ¬â 500 Sign ificance of the study * This report aims to generate information on various factors influencing consumer decision while purchasing a fruit drink. Companies can utilise this information for identifying the awareness levels of their respective brands in the fruit drink category. * Companies can also utilise the factors influencing the choice of SKU for managing their portfolio of different SKUs in the fruit drink category. * The information on factors influencing the choice of a channel can be used to focus on the growing channels and also in managing existing channels. Schema map of the Samples Quotas will be formed on the basis of age group and geographics. On the basis of Age groupNo. of samples 06-11100 12-19100 20-34100 35 -49100 50+100 Donââ¬â¢t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Marketing Research Proposal Sample" essay for you Create order
Monday, December 23, 2019
Summarize and compare and contrast the English Bill of...
The English Bill of Rights, the Cahier of the Third Estate of the City of Paris and Common Sense were all written during a time of revolution in their respective countries. Although all three political writings originated in a different country, they each share several important similarities. Each document also addressed specific issues, which the others did not. The English Bill of Rights, the Cahier of the Third Estate of the City of Paris and Common Sense all served as a bridge between their countries different forms of political structure. The English Bill of Rights came after the reign of the first two Stuart kings, James I (1603-1625) and his son Charles I (1625-1649). Both kings ran into problems with the House of Commons overâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦The Cahier of the Third Estate also addressed the treatment of prisoners by banning torture. The English Bill of Rights shared one major similarity to Thomas Paine s Common Sense. Although the French Cahier of the Third Estate did not address when assemblies should be held, both the English and American did address the issue. The English Bill of Rights declared that Parliaments should be held frequently, and Paine suggested in Common Sense that assemblies should be held every year. The concept of frequent parliamentary meeting was unheard of before this time. Previously, assemblies could go over a decade without convening. The French Cahier of the Third Estate and Paine s Common Sense also shared a major similarity. The Cahier of the Third Estate wanted the Kingdom to be divided into assemblies, which would be represented by freely elected officials. The Cahier of the Third Estate also wanted individual cities, towns and villages to have elected officials that would decide local issues. Thomas Paine presented a similar idea in Common Sense. Paine suggested that the colonies should be divided into districts and each district should be represented in the assembly. Although all three documents shared similar characteristics, there were differences between the English Bill of Rights, the Cahier of the Third Estate and Common Sense. Each document addressed issues
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Technology and Traditional Skills Free Essays
Over the last half century, modern technology has developed dramatically world wide and many people have been facinated this trend. On the other hand, it is a significant fact that traditional skills and a way of life have been faded rapidly. this phenomenon has also brought several issues in modern societies. We will write a custom essay sample on Technology and Traditional Skills or any similar topic only for you Order Now In my opinion, the importance of traditional skills and customs shoud be recognized by individuals. This essay will examine three aspects of advantages of preserving the traditional skills and customs. Fist of all, traditional practices often increase a sense of community and a social cohesion. For instance, national festivals have a significant meaning in terms of clutural and historical education. As people realize the importance of their heritage through the festival, they can improve their patriotism and sympathy with a social bonding. Secondly, the inheritance of traditional methods and social customs have a profond impact on next generations. For example, folklore, historical stories and songs can be the best way to teach children how to learn a moral and wisdoms to live in societies. These children will be able to interact with other people when they grow up and start working in the community. In addition, these children who learned a moral and wisdoms through the education of traditional skills and knowledge will contribute to next generations. Furthermore, following conventional skills play a vital role not only to social cohesion but also to preserve environment. Convention skills such as walking towards a distination and using handmade products are all easy on environment because these practices are often harmless the nature due to saving petrol and redusing wastes. Thus these conventional practices enable peolpe to learn how to protect environment. By comparison, technology has brought unpleasant problems world wide. Peolpe who are addicted to the Internet have a tendency of a lack of communication skills and sympathies with orther people. Hence some sociologists are apprehensive that crimes among young people have been increasing due to the prevalence of the technological development. In conclusion, people should realize the importance of trafditional customs and skills because these practices have great advantages and it contributes positive influence to people in societies and the future. How to cite Technology and Traditional Skills, Essay examples
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Collaborations in Textile and Clothing Sector MyAssignmenthelp
Questions: 1. What are some of the challenges for the Welspun group as it continues on its path of growth through globalization? 2. Are the high growth rates sustainable? If Yes, what will be the key success factory for the group? In no, What should be futures strategy? 3. Can the groups growth strategy serve as a role model for companies elsewhere? How and under what conditions? 4. What will be the one single factor that has had the biggest impact on the groups high growth trajectory? Answers: 1. Most of the companies have their origin in Japan, US and Europe and now looking expanding their operations to take advantage of cheap labor and newer markets preferable South-east Asia. However, Welspun has its origin in India, Asia and is expanding to countries worldwide. One of the most important challenge of this expansion and globalization is increasing compliance and quality policies, environmental guidelines, labor laws, and anti-money laundering rules in developed nations. For instance, it is a well-known fact that labor conditions in these Asian countries like Philippines, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia to name a few are quite pathetic and some also employs child labor to keep the costs low. However, US clients have very strict compliance polices for their suppliers and suppliers has to mandate it. Welspun does not have experience of such rules and this is a reason Target has stopped doing business with Welspun due to the quality problems and false claims made by the Welsp un. Soon after this incidence, Walmart also stopped selling Welspun towels in its stores because they were not made of authentic Egyptian cotton. Walmart has filed case against Welspun and also refunded the money to its customers who had purchased such products (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-14/bed-bath-beyond-stops-selling-welspun-sheets-after-controversy ). However, Walmart is selling other products of Welspun. The biggest challenge for Welspun is now to meet the quality requirements of its clientele otherwise it credibility will further go down and it find itself difficult to comeback. Moreover, it is growing at a rapid rate both by exploring new markets as well as by acquiring and merging with established brands. It is now facing stiff International competition worldwide after getting attention due to rapid growth. Another challenge that company has is to improve its credibility and reputation after Walmarts issue. Also, it had setup a facility in US near its major customers and those customers have now stopped the business not fully but partially. Also, New York is quite expensive city and cost structures, labor is quite expensive. Brand recognition, rising cost of compliance and local requirements of each country are some of the other challenges as it will continue to expand. 2. Such high growth rates are sustainable only if the company is able to maintain its quality and core values and does lose focus while expanding. However, 2 of its major clientele Target and Walmart had stopped some part of their business with Welspun due to quality issues. This means that Welspun has expanded at a very rapid rate and unable to maintain its focus and quality. Also, as the company is also diversified into other products, existing customers are perceiving that Welspun is not giving proper attention to its textile business which is creating quality issues. During such challenging times, such high growth rates are not sustainable. Instead of focusing on the growth rate, Welspun should focus on getting its clientele like Walmart and Target back by improving the quality of its products and signing more strict contracts having clause of penalty with such customers. Future strategy of the company should be to get the lost customers back by improving its quality and if it is successful in doing so, once again it will witness decent growth levels due to improved credibility and reputation. The focus strategy should focus on below points: Clearly defining future priorities like expanding into newer markets, product diversification or getting the lost clientele back (Soni, 2016). Once the company has define the priority, it should create appropriate plan to put it into action. It needs to decide whether it should continue to grow by using Merger and acquisitions approach as in past or focus on growing organically. Acquisitions sometimes lead to loss of focus as monitoring too many companies will be difficult to monitor and has risk of tarnishing the reputation of the company and Welspun cannot afford to take such risks after a couple of events in past (Kar, 2015). 3. Absolutely, the groups growth serves as a role model for the companies worldwide. The rapid growth becomes possible at the Welspun due to its knowledge of the markets and venturing into new geographies and new products at the right time. It has diversified itself by launching new products and by exploring new geographies simultaneously which could be a risky proposition for any company. It started with textile business and soon ventures into pipes, energy, steel and Infrastructure sector. Diversifying and scaling together is not easy process and requires superior leadership skills. Welspun supplies it products to more than 50% of the global retailers and has clients like Macys, J C Penny As the sales were rising in US, it had setup a plant in US in New York although it had to pay a huge cost to setup a plant in such expensive place. However, it helped company to gain the confidence of its clients and better understand their requirement and quickly fulfill their requirements by reducing lead times. Besides organic growth, it also dared to merge, acquire and entered into joint venture with companies worldwide aligned with its motto of Dare to commit and become a known name quickly. Some of the examples are as below: It had entered into joint venture with Vincenzo Zucchi of Italy for terry fabric bath robes and quickly acquired the market intelligence and right expertise needed for the Bath robes markets. Welspun Zuchi has now plant setup plant in India with finest technology and supplies superior world class quality bath robes in more than 34 countries (Cavusgil, Rammal, Freeman, 2011). It also entered into joint venture with Mannesmann DEMAG, German company for pipes. With this joint venture, it not only acquired world class German technology, it also acquired the global established clients like Saudi Aramco, Shell, ONGC, Unocal, Exxonmobil to name a few (Prasad, 2004). It acquired 76% stake in Sorema, Portugal based firm exclusively for marketing of products in Portugal and Spain. Sorema is a leader in shower curtains and bath rugs. 4. Deep Understanding of the global markets and foray into numerous products had the biggest impact on the aggressive growth path of the Welspun. It started in textiles business, increased its presence in bath rugs, curtain showers, foray into pipes, energy and infrastructure sectors and also developed capability to manufacture carpets. This extensive product mix has helped the company to climb to the new heights quickly. Not only this, Company is always at the forefront in adopting a new technology be it in its manufacturing processes or its company internal processes. It has signed a deal with HP, 100 million US dollars contract where HP will be developing IT solutions, implementing ERP and providing support to the company. In terms of its manufacturing technology, it had signed partnerships and joint ventures with numerous companies like Mannesmann DEMAG, Dystar, Archroma, Huntsman textiles, Tsudakoma, Picanol helped the Welspun to get access to superior technology without reinventing the wheel and also saved lot of resources and time (Hansen, 2007). Joint ventures, Collaborations, Merger and acquisitions with established brands helped the Welspun to get quicker access to new geographies, new markets and new clientele quickly. Having a joint venture with Italian firms for bath robes and then shifting the plant for bath robes manufacturing at a cheaper place in India helps the company to save a cost. These strategies help Welspun to mark is presence globally in a very less time. Strong leadership that have deep knowledge of markets and also have risk taking ability also helped the company to grow at very rapid rate. Leadership have acquired the right company at the right time and thus acquiring capabilities necessary for the Welspun to grow further and acquire larger markets (Gahlaut, 2008). Lastly, its flagship businesses are Textiles and pipes and each of which needs a cyclical raw material which is cotton and steel respectively. It also helped the organization to develop hedging strategy. Reference Cavusgil, S. T., Rammal, H., Freeman, S. (2011). International business: the new realities. Pearson Higher Education AU. Gahlaut, V. (2008). India-Rising power in International MA. Hansen, M. W. (2007). Outward foreign direct investment from India: theory and evidence.Centre for Business and Development Studies Working Paper, (8). https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-14/bed-bath-beyond-stops-selling-welspun-sheets-after-controversy Kar, M. (2015). The Role of Foreign Collaborations in the Textile and Clothing Sector. InThe Indian Textile and Clothing Industry(pp. 69-82). Springer India. Prasad, R. (2004). Emerging Paradigm of Strategic RD alliances vis--vis corporate international competitiveness.Technology Experts,7(1), 1-6. SONI, A. B. (2016). MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS IN INDIA AND ITS LONG TERM IMPACT ON SHAREHOLDERS WEALTH. CLEAR International Journal of Research in Commerce Management, 7(8).
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