The Walt Disney Company Case Study Essay Example

The Walt Disney Company Case Study Paper BUSMRH 4490 Strategic Management Case 2 The Walt Disney Company: The Entertainment King Kaitlyn Kisiday Alex Maicks Chelsea Parker Jonathan Russ Ryan Terek 1. ) Why has Disney been successful for so long? Disney has sustained prolonged success for a variety of reasons. One source of success was the way Walt and Roy Disney decided to manage the company internally when the organization was founded in 1923. Disney emphasized teamwork, communication, and cooperation in the workplace to make employees feel valued and strengthen their commitment to the company. These values remain at the core of Disney’s corporate culture, and have been formally incorporated into their new-hire training program at the company’s corporate university. With the use of animation, Disney can control an entire entertainment experience, unlike actors, because cartoon characters and their environment can be created and controlled by imagination. Disney’s most distinct corporate skill, according to former CEO Michael Eisner, is the ability to manage that creativity. Eisner encouraged innovative ideas and was protective of the company’s creative efforts even at their earliest development. Emphasis on this development allowed Disney to take advantage of opportunities in the market and often become the first mover. Disney has proved successful at determining which advantages would be sustainable and which should only be temporary. The main contributors to prolonged success have been the results of the key strategic decisions made by the organization regarding diversification. Disney has used diversification to create additional sources of revenue beyond cartoon shorts and feature films by expanding vertically into television, theatre, retail, and the internet. We will write a custom essay sample on The Walt Disney Company Case Study specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Walt Disney Company Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Walt Disney Company Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Creating divisions outside production, such as Disney Music Company, Disneyland, Disney Cruises, and DisneyQuest, created cross-promotional opportunities among Disney’s products, services, and strengthened the brand itself. Disney’s ability to effectively manage both vertical and horizontal integration into a wide array of business activities and projects continues to drive the company’s progress and profit. 2. ) What did Michael Eisner do to rejuvenate Disney? Specifically, how did he increase net income in his first four years? Michael Eisner entered Disney as CEO in 1984, and committed his efforts to producing annual revenue growth and return on stockholder equity in excess of 20%. He also pledged to strengthen the Disney brand and protect corporate values of quality, creativity, entrepreneurship, and teamwork. Believing that â€Å"managing creativity† was Disney’s most unique corporate capability, Eisner was to able harness Disney’s creative and innovative capabilities to maximize profits from new and existing operations. Rebuilding the strength of their television programming and films was an important part of this strategy. Disney increased its presence on network television to re-establish Disney as a producer of quality programs, and increase demand for Disney’s other entertainment ventures. The Disney Sunday Movie, debuted on ABC in 1986, and was followed by the popular Golden Girls on NBC, and production of syndicated non-network shows. Disney also increased their screen presence and generated revenue by selling older programs to other networks through a newly created syndication operation. A struggling movie division produced two films, held only 4% of box office share, and generated a profit of only a $1 million 1984 [Exhibit A, page 6]. To increase film output, Eisner used the Touchstone label to compete in new segments of the film industry, predominantly comedies, without diminishing Disney’s core audience. These films were produced on moderate and closely managed budgets with intent to be profitable rather than to become the next box-office juggernaut. Disney also increased the output of their animated films though investment in new technology and human capital and the decision to release these films every 12 to 18 months, versus every 4 to 5 years. After four years, the Disney film division reached an averaged output of 15 to 18 films per year, produced the highest earning film in 1988, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and became the market leader with 19% box office share. Most impressively, income from the movie division grew from $1 million in 1984, to $34 million, $54 million, $131 million, and $186 million in each corresponding year. Income from Disney theme parks increased more than 200% during Michael Eisner’s first years, from $186 million in 1984 to $565 million in 1988 [Exhibit A, page 6]. New national advertising, increased park capacity, expanded hours of operation, and increased ticket prices contributed to the short term increase, while investments in new attractions, event spaces, and hotel development would help sustain steady profits into the future. In 1984, income from consumer products totaled $54 million [Exhibit A, page 6]. The new leadership and direction of the company under Michael Eisner from that time renewed the strength of Disney’s brand equity. A stronger brand supported development in the consumer products division of the â€Å"retail as entertainment† concept. The Disney Store, launched in 1987, achieved twice the average rate of sales per square foot in the retail industry. By 1988, income from consumer products totaled $134 million, increasing by more than 140% during Eisner’s first years as CEO. Successful leadership by Michael Eisner at Disney’s top resulted in financial success at Disney’s bottom line. Disney’s net income increased from $242 million in 1984 to $885 million by 1988. Over the same period of time, income growth averaged 40% each year, and Return on Equity reached 24% and 25% in 1987 and 1989, respectively. 3. Does Disney pursue vertical integration? Apply transaction cost economics to understand Disney’s vertical expansion decisions. Disney pursued vertical integration in a variety of ways. Aside from cartoon shorts and animation films, Disney expanded to enter the television, internet, and theme park markets with creations such as Disneyland, DisneyQuest, and the Disney Channel. Disney saw the internet as a possible distribution channel for its film library and its sports and news programming. Disney believed that the internet would soon be where entertainment in the home consolidates. Disney also pursued forward vertical integration. Disney ended their relationship with distribution partner RKO in 1953 and created Buena Vista to save distribution costs for their animated films. Disney was able to save ? of their gross revenues due to this decision to distribution their movies themselves. Disney also further improved the bottom line by avoiding exorbitant salaries by developing the studios own pool of talent. Disney also employed forward integration through the initiation of Disney Stores. This provided Disney with a wholly owned retail outlet to distribute product through that generated sales per square foot at twice the average rate of traditional retail. Disney Stores allowed Disney total control of customer experience and brand management in that space. The EuroDisney project is an example of Disney’s use of vertical disintegration. Although responsible for the design, development, and operation of the park, Disney did not have a majority ownership. Investment from outside parties limited their initial investment and share of risk. Disney chose to give up sole claim to the profits of EuroDisney in exchange for a fixed percentage of ticket sales and revenues. In many its operations, Disney employs a vertical integration strategy because it eliminates much of the transaction costs that come from working with the market, such as the possibility that the markets may fail. Creating contracts is another cost, as contracts take time and are difficult to form in a way that satisfies both parties involved, in an attempt to cover all possible contingencies. In addition, companies have their own, unique motives. When working in the market, there is always risk these other companies will work in their own favor as they come across opportunities that only benefit them. Also, Disney is very committed to holding to their values. This may create another cost in the form of conflict because they may come across differing views and cultures with other companies that do not run their business the same way. 4. ) What corporate strategy does Walt Disney employ? Identify and explain all types of diversification/integration within Disney’s overall corporate strategy. Disney employs both vertical and horizontal integration as part of their corporate strategy. The Walt Disney Company pursues a highly differentiated strategy, operating primarily in five distinct segments: Theme Parks and Resorts, Consumer Products, Media Networks, Studio Entertainment, and Internet and Direct Marketing. Theme Parks and Resorts is Disney’s second highest grossing segment. Included under this segment are all Disney Theme Parks, with the exclusion of EuroDisney, and all other resorts and resort activities. Sports teams, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels, as well as regional entertainment facilities like ESPNZone and DisneyQuest, are within this business line. Media networks, Disney’s highest grossing business line, can be broken down into two subcategories: Broadcasting and Cable Networks ; International. Broadcasting consists of ABC Television and Radio Network along with associated TV and Radio stations. Cable Networks and International includes ESPN, Disney Channel, Toon Disney, and SoapNet. Various newspapers and periodicals acquired through the ABC merger also fall into this business line. Studio Entertainment is a very diverse segment including: Television, Film, Home Video, theatrical, and music production, as well as, distribution and syndicated TV. Disney has created or acquired multiple movie production companies including Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone, and Miramax, each company producing a very distinct product with a separate target audience. A similar pattern is identifiable with Disney’s various music production companies; each produces a distinct product with a distinct target market. Television production includes program development in the form of live-action, animation, and pay television services. Consumer Products consists primarily of licensing arrangements with various retailers, promoters, and publishers, where Disney allows third parties to use â€Å"Walt Disney†, Disney characters, and other intangible properties for specific purposes. Consumer Products also includes Disney Stores, Disney’s direct retail outlet. Finally, Disney also produces books, magazines, and audio and computer software for entertainment and educational purposes. Internet and Direct Marketing includes all of Disney’s’ online activities as well as the Disney catalogue. This includes entities such as the Disney catalogue, ESPN. om, Disney. com, GO. com, Etc. Aside from all the aforementioned business activities, Disney is or has been involved in many more projects and lines of business. Disney started an in-house travel company to work with travel agents and airlines to draw customers to Disney Parks and Resorts. Disney created the Disney Development Company to find the best way to utilize Disney’s unused acreage. Disney also has been involved in timeshares, night clubs, theatre operations, Disney On-Ice, and the Disney Parade. 5. ) Evaluate the benefits and costs of each type of diversification. From this analysis state and justify (through quantitative analysis) whether Disney is creating or destroying value via diversification? After analysis, Disney has an obvious benefit of diversification, mainly because it allows them to expand their initial business idea into several different markets. Disney was able to take a relatable set of characters and ideas in the film industry, and not only maximize the profits from those characters in the form of amusement parks, resorts, and other entertainment facilities, but also expand their business into other markets which may seem nrelated. While the initial start-up cost and recurring operating costs of theme parks, studios, and media networks are high, they have proven to be one of Disney’s highest grossing business ventures. For example, in 2000 theme parks generated $6. 803 billion in revenue and operating income of $1. 62 billion [Exhibit A, page 6]. These theme parks help create and support much of the Disney brand that p eople think of today, which is one of their strongest sources of value. In the media networks, Disney earned $9. 615 billion revenue in 2000 and produced an operating income of $2. 98 billion. The benefit of this venture is that Disney is able to spread their brand across the country by reaching cable audiences with the Disney Channel and ESPN stations, as well as local viewers, after their purchase of ABC. Once again, the costs and risk of creating a channel and buying a major television channel comes with high cost, yet Disney is still able to make a profit from this segment of their business. While the film industry had revenues of $5. 994 billion, expenses for the segment are high as they only saw an operating income of $110 million. This is one of Disney’s original lines of business, but it appears Disney has peaked in this segment. Even though profits aren’t as high as other segments of their business, the benefits of this segment still outweigh their costs. Additionally, due to the relatively cheap cost of consumer products line, in 2000 Disney was able to record an operating income of $455 million and with revenues of $2. 622 billion. Disney benefits by selling products related to their highly desired brand, and for a relatively low cost. Unfortunately for Disney, their internet and direct marketing line saw an operating loss of ($402) during 2000, the fourth consecutive loss for this segment. Disney once again tried to carry success over from their well established brand into a new segment. However, the costs and demands of owning and running an internet and direct marketing line appear to be outside of Disney’s core competencies. Even though they may have foresight to predict the importance of e-commerce in retail, Disney has yet to make a profit of this segment. Further supporting the benefits of Disney’s diversification is Disney’s Index on the S;P 500, having reached over 1,000 for the last three years of data provided (1998-2000. ) These marks were the highest Disney has ever reached in this Index, according to the data provided, and achieved at the height of Disney’s diversification. This upholds the position that Disney does produce value through its diversification into many different business ventures. 6. ) Which expansion modes have Disney utilized to implement its corporate strategy? Use facts from the case to identify the benefits and costs of each expansion mode. Disney has pursued three primary forms of expansion: Vertical expansion, Horizontal expansion, and Geographic expansion. Vertical and Horizontal expansion refer to Disney’s various product and business lines, and geographic expansion refers to Disney’s physical presence. Disney owns or has licensed parks on three different continents. By expanding geographically, Disney has become one of the most recognized brands in the world, in large part due to their physical presence. By having operations in multiple counties in several parts of the world, Disney is able to gain expertise and knowledge that can help it more closely connect it to its target market. Creating new parks, resorts, or other entertainment facilities carries huge initial start-up costs and recurring fixed costs. It also adds numerous employees and operations that can become difficult to manage efficiently. Expanding horizontally allows firms to take advantage of economies of scale by lowering the average cost per unit by spreading fixed costs over greater production. Another key advantage is the potential to gain new distribution channels. Following the ABC merger, Disney gained over 20 radio stations and many print media outlets. Seemingly, the primary motivation for Disney to integrate horizontally appears to be for economies of scope. Economies of scope is the utilization of a wider array of available resources to new create synergies. After Disney merged with ABC, they were able to utilize economies of scope through cross-promotion. They could advertise and tie-in Disney products on the acquired ABC media outlets and vice versa. Another advantage of vertical integration, made obvious through the merger with ABC, is the gain in market share. Though not stated explicitly, it’s not difficult to image that Disney may have gained substantial power in negotiations with cable and satellite television providers after merging with ABC. A major cost of horizontal integration comes from a new, bloated company. Departments become redundant across the organization, and the company becomes inefficient. Acquisitions like this also are accompanied by months and months of paperwork that ultimately distracts from the company’s primary operations. Disney and ABC were forced to mesh together two distinct corporate cultures. This can irritate and de-motivate employees, ultimately causing further inefficiency. Vertical expansion can create better coordination within the supply chain. When Disney created its own distribution company, Buena Vista, they were able to directly control all operations involved in the distribution of their media, eliminating the potential costs of negotiations and hold-ups. Another benefit captured by creating Buena Vista was the ability to capture downstream profit margin. Vertical expansion could eventually lead to Disney gaining more core competencies. Achieving lower unit cost, better coordination, and increase in core competencies create higher entry barriers for potential competitors. Vertical integration can also cause a firm to become too large and complex to efficiently manage. Owning and operating completely different business’ under the same corporation requires expertise in many different areas be successful, which can be a substantial cost. Exhibit AThe Walt Disney Company Financial Data, 1983 – 2000 ($ millions)

Online Marketing Research Proposal Writing Tips

Online Marketing Research Proposal Writing Tips Online Marketing Research Proposal Writing Tips Would you ever decide to start your own business without business plan? If you are responsible enough, you have definitely said â€Å"no† to the question. Businessmen are really careful when the question is about spending marketing dollars, but the truth is that sometimes they do not pay due attention to the effective marketing research. When you need to deal with the marketing research proposal writing, make sure to follow simple tips mentioned below while planning the project. Aims and Objectives When working on this section, ensure to include the basic goals of the marketing research. Also, remember to provide specific objectives of the project. Your number one task is to explain the value of the research that you are going to conduct, stating why exactly your proposal should be approved and mentioning all useful and positive results and gains your research will bring. Magnified Market Research word illustration on white background. Framework Analysis Although this part of the marketing research proposal is tightly linked with the objectives and aims section, it must be more concentrated on depth of the background circumstances that indicate the reasons why the certain marketing research project is actually proposed. While the objectives and aims of the paper provide descriptions for the specific research outcomes, the framework analysis segment must show the practical standpoint of these outcomes. The author is required to provide information from trustworthy sources on the topic he is researching. Then one can demonstrate the certain need for the proposed research plan. Hypothesis As a rule, hypothesis includes only a couple of sentences and provides the reader with an overview of the research possible outcomes. Data Collection Make use this very part of marketing research proposal in order to provide a thorough description for each of the data collection methods that you are going to use during the research phase. Feel free to address the overall strategy or the methods of the individual data collection. As a rule, they include such methods as social networking research, focus groups, in-home tests, etc. Make sure to be clear and specific about every method. The thing is that the more detailed the section will be, the more chances you will have to see your proposal accepted. Research Methods This is where you can talk about the research methods merits. Make sure to discuss the implications of every data collection method, as well as to explain all the methods that you are going to use in order to interpret information. Besides, you will also need to discuss the means used to evaluate all data that has been collected. Budget Timeline This very segment must detail the timeline that your project research will follow. In order to get your proposal approved, make sure to pay due attention to the specifics. Provide a short and realistic budget projection for your marketing research proposal. Ethical Considerations These issues are highly crucial for any research. This is the section that you should use to delineate each of the ways that your research will abide by the ethical code in practice and method. Plus, among the rest of the responsibilities, address factors like data security, privacy, confidentiality and research participants consent. At you have a great opportunity to get professional research proposal help from highly qualified academic experts. Check it out!

Evaluation on buying organic food Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evaluation on buying organic food - Essay Example Psychosomatic study has shaped a large number of theories associated with the difficulties encountered in organic food purchase decision making process. These studies have revealed that consumers’ purchase decisions in a definite environment and at a specified time are determined by a combination of mental and relative factors as well as their connections (Klockner 40-56).Moreover, the following phases will be conferred: In what way do ethics, principles, attitudes and fears for both the health and environment influences the consumption of organic food, does availability, visibility, and prices awareness contribute, the role played by trust, environmental and health psychological simulations contribution towards organic food purchase and lastly, the impact of labels on organic food on decision making influence Consumers are always placed at the bottom of production chain. However, they play a chief role in in the establishment and development of the organic food market. In ess ence, the ultimate purchase in a supply chain, health food entity or on a grocery market by a consumer creates the demand that eventually sustains organic production sector. In addition, the act of purchasing food is not as easy as it seems since it requires keen attention by the consumer for the ingredients among other nutrients details. Further, the purchasing process can be split into a sequence of linked decisions by the consumer. For instance the consumer will start with allocating time for his/her shopping, then they will choose the place where they will go for their shopping for example, a local supermarket, hypermarket, grocery shop, etc. Accordingly, the consumer will make his/her budget, and the category of products they would like to purchase. This is the most important stage that a consumer of organic food faces. Further, this stage is consequential because within each food classification the consumer must have a specific product they are willing to purchase. The importa nce of the mentioned stages affects the end product of purchase. For instance, when a decision to shop in a supermarket instead of a grocery store is made, both places will have different varieties of produces. Consequently, the different variety impacts the foodstuffs that are taken into thought. In addition, when the food shopping is done under time constraints, it will clearly have an effect on the purchase choice because the time invested to make decisions is dramatically reduced ( Reed 87-100). It is important to evaluate the explanation of motive in influencing the purchase of organic food. Generally, there must be a motivation that triggers individuals to prefer organic food over conventional food when making a decision. Consequently, there are three main motives to buying organic food namely; Values, Attitudes, and Concerns. These three motives are psychological and the purchaser keenly regards them. The consumer will be purchasing organic food with a motive of enriching the ir health and on the other hand protect the environment and the animal welfare which is a value that most organic food consumers hold. Consequently as has been mentioned earlier, health concerns are a chief influence to the purchase of  organic food.  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Research for organic textile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Research for organic textile - Essay Example Other buyers opt for organic textile products for their children’s allergies or their sensitive skins. For this reason very few companies deal in organic textiles, most of them importing organic raw material and processing them in China or Japan while others importing end-use products from U.S.A. or the European Union (Joca, 2001). Being that Japanese consumers like reliable certification, most organic textile products sold within the country come from the U.S.A who’s certification standards on products is known to be quite stringent.. While Japan consumes over 800,000 tons of cotton products yearly, only between 300 to 350 tons are of organic cotton material. Most organic textiles are sold in cooperative stores, department stores, specialty stores and natural food stores. Most supermarkets do not sell organic textiles and most businesses deem catalogue, mail-order and online business favorable for organic textile products in the country. Currently, the market for organic textiles in the country is growing gradually with their prices closely matching those of high level branded clothes sold in department stores. The high prices are more as a result of small-scale production and high cost of raw US cotton. Most organic textile products sold in Japan are uncolored and unbleached with a gradually growing need for new styles, blends, printed or dyed products. In order to establish a business in Japan, a minimum of one yen is required but under certain conditions; within five years the business must have a minimum capital of between three and ten million yen depending on the type of business (Jref Inc., 2009). A minimum registration fee of 181 yen is also charged for startup businesses; these cover a whole range of licenses and permit fess. According to the Organic Exchange and Organic trade association, apparel account for about 85% of retail organic products in Los Angeles (Singleton, 1997). The home textile

The Mission of the Ideal Organization Assignment - 2

The Mission of the Ideal Organization - Assignment Example One basic assumption of an ideal organization’s culture and structure is the provision of a graphic profile of the enterprise’s traditions in terms of the behavioral norms that employees need to exhibit. Fitting in and meeting organizational expectations make up another basic assumption of an ideal organization. These anticipations guide the attitude of employees towards their work and the way they socialize with coworkers and superiors. The structure of an ideal organization would be functional. A functional structure concentrates on building very effective and specified divisions that carry out specialized duties. A functional organizational structure would be broken down into three business divisions: retail and business, asset management, and wholesale finance. Administration of these divisions would revolve around centralization, hierarchy, and departmentalization. If the organization were a large corporation, specialization would be commendable for the accomplishment of bureaucratic administration. Additionally, departmentalizing differing aspects of the organization’s operations should maximize effectiveness.  

Windows Vs Linux Comparison

Windows Vs Linux Comparison Linux and windows operating systems are software with programs and information needed to run and monitor the computer programs. An operating system is one of the most important computer programs which a computer can not run without them. Even though they are both important for computer programs, Linux and windows are two different operating systems and they have different features which basically differentiates them. (Web msdn.microsoft.com, online)[26th September 2010] This project will basically focus on the difference between Linux and windows, the importance of Linux and widows operating systems, the top 6 most important difference between Linux and windows and a summary table of the difference and similarities of the two and it will also cover the background of the two operating systems. OBJECTIVES This major of this project are; To discuss the difference between Linux and windows To discuss the importance of the two operating systems To discuss the top 6 most important difference between Linux and windows BACKGROUND STUDY Windows was introduced in 1983 by Microsoft and it has been there most success as it has been dominating other computer operating systems and it is the most preferred operating system by many people. .Ever since 1983 Microsoft has been improving windows operating system with the growth of technology. (Micheal, 2004, online) [26th September 2010] Linux operating system was introduced in 1991 by a student of Helsinki University (Linus Torvalds). The Linux operating system was derived from UNIX operating system. It was called the GNU/Linux because it is a combination of the Linux as the kernel and GUN system. The Linux operating was made free to everyone and also Linus Torvalds made the source codes available in the internet for educational purposes and also for improvements. Ever since Linux operating system was introduced 1991 the internet has been promoting the development of the Linux operating system, nowadays many companies are giving Linux operating system there support through the internet and this shows how successful Linux is growing. (Micheal, 2004, online) [26th September 2010] FINDINGS Key words; OPARATING SYSTEM: It manages and controls the hardware components for a computer. RAM: Random Access Memory. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LINUX AND WINDOWS OPARATING SYSTEMS This two operating systems where developed to achieve the same important aim being to provide computers with a software that has different programs to help run a computer. Considering the two main aspects of Information Technology being Hardware example Device Driver, Software example Software Applications, this two are different. . (Web msdn.microsoft.com, online)[26th September 2010] DEVICE DRIVER Most of Linux operating systems are built-in support for a device and it is not easy for one to add it in if they are using other distributions without the built in devices but for windows users is much easy for one to do it. THE SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS Windows and Linux operating systems both have similar softwareà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s like the internet browser, email client etc but looking at the important ones like the video mixing and others windows provides better than Linux. PORTABILITY The feature of portability is the one which boosts the Linux operating system to be better than windows as one can store an operating system to a CD and use it to boot from it with all features and softwareà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s needed and this CD is called a liveCD where as windows does not have this feature as they are trying to avoid sharing of illegal copies of there operating system. SECURITY Linux has an excellent security feature which is free from viruses and it is not easy to be hacked unlike windows which has many viruses and is easily hacked The most important top 6 difference between the two are; The Linux operating system provide its source code to the community through internet for them to improve it or even add more features to it, to make your computer work better where as windows does not provide ay source code to any one. All versions of Windows are provided by one company being Microsoft where as Linux is distributed by different companies like REDHAT, SLAKWARE etc. Linux operating system is very cheap for server uses and free for home users and one can use it as many as they want where as windows is very expensive and it also limits one to use the operating system with activations Linux operating system has an important feature called multitasking which enables one to run many process at ones where windows will limit one. The Linux operating system a symbol of a penguin for identification where as windows use a flag of four colures which are red, green, blue and yellow. Windows needs lot of memory(RAM) to run compared to the Linux operating system SIMILARITIES Linux and windows both hide operating system files in the directory which are not to be used by the user. They both support one scripting language which is the PHP and it can be used in windows and Linux Both Linux and Windows are multi operating systems They both support the use of device ports like; USB, parallel and serials They both allow user to choose there file security, which means they can share files in both operating systems with the use of networks. (Web odetocode.com,online)[26 September 2010] Windows and Linux operating systems are different as shown in the document and there many more different features of this two which are not listed above. The difference between the two operating systems The table below shows the difference between the two operating systems being the Linux and Windows (Web techrepublic.com) [26th September 2010] FEATURES LINUX WINDOWS Variants Red Hat, caldera, linuxPPC, SuSE Windows 2000, windows XP ,Windows vista, windows 7 Licensing FREE EXPENSIVE Performance Uses less memory so ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s faster. Uses less memory but more that Linux does so ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a bit slow Security It is much save as it provides a every excellent security It easily hacked as does not have a very tough security Safety It is much safe as they are no known viruses for it. There are millions of viruses for windows operating system maybe it because it worldly used. CONCLUSION This report has compared Linux and windows by providing the difference and the similarities between the two. The two operating systems are both important to computer users and none of them is different to another, but we can say they are just fundamentally different to each other. (Web ibm.com) [26th September 2010] They are both operating systems and an operating system is one of the most important computer applications as it manages data in it, provides the users with the interface to use the computer and it also makes the computer to run which is one of the most important point of having an operating system on your computer.

John Bunyan’s Pilgrimes Progress Essay -- Literary Analysis of Pilgri

Many people wonder what it would be like to go from a dangerous city where they live and journey to a plentiful heaven. This storyline is portrayed in John Bunyan’s allegorical book, Pilgrim’s Progress. This fascinating story describes the life of Christian, a married man living in the City of Destruction, who longs to travel to the Celestial City. As Christian struggles to stay on the right, though more difficult path, I fight to focus in school and not pay attention to distracting ideas. I also fight to get strong enough in dance to become a professional dancer, just as Christian has to climb the Hill of Difficulty to get to the Palace Beautiful. In order for Christian to arrive at the Celestial City without wasting away his life, he must be patient. In the same way, I must be patient to reach my life goal. Just as Christian struggled to get through his obstacles in his life, I must get stronger to dance, focus in school, and be patient in order to reach my l ife goal of becoming a faithful and patient person of God. Christian encounters many people who try and lead him down a different path including Worldly Wiseman. Worldly Wiseman encourages Christian to take the get rid of his burden, and take the short, easy route to his destiny, instead of the long, hard route Christian is currently taking. Christian finds that even though the short route is described as ‘better’ by Wiseman, Christian knows that he needs to stay on his own route because he finds relief: â€Å"I don’t care what I meet in the way as long as I can also find deliverance from my burden† (Bunyan 16). Worldly Wiseman focuses his life on getting rid of all burdens, and focusing on worldly comforts. Christian, on the other hand, keeps his burden, and pushes th... ...e, I struggled to get stronger to go on pointe, but in the end, my reward was actually being able to dance on the ends of my toes without getting injured. Also, I had to focus hard in school while missing the fun with friends, but my grades stayed high and it made school easier. At the time, I was not feeling very wise like Mr. Worldly Wiseman, but I soon learning that it also taught me to be patient. In all of my experiences in my own life, I learned to be more patient with myself and realized how much easier it will be to reach my life goal with new experiences. Even though I have not yet met my life goal, I still learn through my experiences just as Christian learned from his experiences going to the Celestial City. Works Cited Bunyan, John, and L. Edward. Hazelbaker. The Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English. Alachua, Florida: Bridge-Logos, 1998. Print.

Business Terms and Relocation

Risks, Benefits and Costs of Relocation –By Prudential Joseph R. Carucci Real Estate Business location continues to be a primary factor in sustaining a company’s competitive position – whether it is a corporate headquarters seeking to get closer to emerging markets, or a back office wanting to reduce operating costs. Companies often find that their current locations no longer provide the competitive advantage they once held. Consequently, they attempt to weigh the risks and benefits of a major relocation along with the costs to determine the viability of relocation.Risks Related to Relocation: By far the most significant risk related to a major relocation for any operation is the potential for business disruption. The outcome could result in the loss of valuable employees (knowledge assets) and distractions from normal business activity during planning and implementation that impact service delivery and customer retention. While the risk of disruption is real, ca reful planning and implementation can minimize its impact. A special relocation policy can be developed to maximize employee retention.Effective communications can minimize employee distraction and customer concerns. Short-term staff redundancy along with the phasing of relocation can minimize overall impact. Other factors that influence the success of a relocation decision include: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Not making an effective location selection decision; Not adequately defining the costs of a relocation; Not making a reasonably accurate attrition calculation; Not engaging in a major relocation because of the fear of failure. Benefits of Relocation A relocation decision needs to achieve a payback in two to three years or less.Since the cost of labor comprises approximately 75% of the total operating cost, picking a location that results in a 10-15% reduction in labor cost is key. Because the majority of staff in a back office are on pay scales that reflect the local marke t, a significant cost reduction is potentially achievable. Attrition in a back office relocation is usually high (80-90%) depending on the destination. Benefits derived from relocating a company headquarters operation are less concerned with reducing cost and more on strategic positioning of the company.Key objectives focus on gaining access to emerging markets, enhancing the ability to recruit and retain top talent, or making a radical change in corporate culture – all of which send a positive signal to each company stakeholder and support the long-term viability of the company. Employee retention from a typical headquarters relocation is 60-70% and is influenced by the level of interest in the destination, availability of other local job opportunities and family situation. The average cost of relocation per employee is about $50,000, but can vary widely depending on salary, home ownership status and relocation policy provisions.Relocation Cost and Risk/Benefit Analysis Proc ess Risks and benefits will vary for each type of business operation. In a given scenario, a particular condition may be viewed as either a risk or benefit depending on the specific needs of the company. For example, if a company wants to radically change culture and reduce the cost of highly tenured employees, a large percentage of attrition is positive. If there is a significant concern over the potential loss of â€Å"intellectual capital† due to a relocation, the company should have its relocation policy reviewed and incorporate provisions that maximize retention.The analysis process should be comprehensive, and take into consideration short-term risks as well as long-term benefits. Business location consulting firms specialize in preparing relocation analyses and in evaluating relocation alternatives. Factor examined include: retention/attrition of affected employees; one-time costs of relocation and build-out as well as the long-term costs and savings for real estate an d labor. The following five-point process will help a company analyze its relocation cost and risk/benefit: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Define location and employment level alternatives.Determine potential employee retention and attrition for alternatives Estimate the one-time costs of relocation, attrition, new staff recruiting/training, etc. Estimate the incremental ongoing cost/savings over a specified period related to the cost of real estate and labor, facility improvements and lease penalties. Identify both the risks and benefits to the company for each location scenario. Whether it’s a short or long-distance relocation, this analysis process will help your company better understand the risks, benefits and costs of relocation.

Definition and Examples of Antanaclasis (Word Play)

Definition and Examples of Antanaclasis (Word Play) Definition Antanaclasis is a rhetorical term for a  type of verbal play in which one word is used in two contrasting (and often comic) senses- a type of  homonymic pun. Also known as the rebound. Antanaclasis  appears often in aphorisms, such as If we dont hang together, we shall surely hang separately. See Examples and Observations  below. Also see: AntistasisAsteismusDiacopeJanus WordLogologyParonomasiaPloceTraductioWord PlayWords at Play: An Introduction to Recreational Linguistics EtymologyFrom the Greek, reflection, bending, breaking against Examples and Observations And theres bars on the corners and bars on the heart.(Tim McGraw, Where The Green Grass Grows)People on the go . . . go for Coke.(advertisement for Coca Cola)If you arent fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm.(Vince Lombardi) Viola: Save thee, friend, and thy music! Dost thou live by thy tabour?Clown: No, sir, I live by the church.Viola: Art thou a churchman?Clown: No such matter, sir: I do live by the church; for I do live at my house, and my house doth stand by the church.(William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act 3, Scene 1)For every woman growing anxious about thinning hair, there are thousands growing it back.(advertisement for Rogaine)At first glance, Shirley Polykoffs sloganIf Ive only one life, let me live it as a blonde!seems like merely another example of a superficial and irritating rhetorical trope (antanaclasis) that now happens to be fashionable among advertising copy writers.(Tom Wolfe, The Me Decade and the Third Great Awakening) Death, tho I see him not, is nearAnd grudges me my eightieth year.Now I would give him all these lastFor one that fifty have run past.Ah! He strikes all things, all alike,But bargains: those he will not strike.(Walter Savage Landor, Age) Antanaclasis in Hip HopRarely is it that a single rhetorical form can essentially define the poetics of not just one MC but of an entire clique. Such is the case with the Diplomats and the figurative trope of antanaclasis. Antanaclasis is when a single word is repeated multiple times, but each time with a different meaning. For the Diplomats, the popularity of it likely began with Camron, the leading member of Dipset, who started his career rapping alongside Mase. Consider the following lines off one of his mix-tape releases: I flip China White,/my dishes white china/from China. Playing with just two words, he renders them in several distinct permutations. China white is a particular variety of heroin. White china is a generic term for dishware, and he then goes on to specify that his dishware actually is from China. What might sound like nonsense or repetition for the sake of sound alone soon reveals itself as a rhetorical figure in action.(Adam Bradley, Book of Rhymes: The Poetics of Hip Hop. BasicCivitas, 2009) From Antanaclasis to AposiopesisHem! again said the thrifty Roland, with a slight inflection of the beetle brows. It may be next to nothing, Maamsisterjust as a butchers shop may be next to Northumberland House, but there is a vast deal between nothing and that next neighbour you have given it.This speech was so like one of my fathersso naive an imitation of that subtle reasoners use of the rhetorical figure called Antanaclasis (or repetition of the same words in a different sense), that I laughed and my mother smiled. But she smiled reverently, not thinking of the Antanaclasis, as, laying her hand on Rolands arm, she replied in the yet more formidable figure of speech called Epiphonema (or exclamation), Yet, with all your economy, you would have had usTut! cried my uncle, parrying the Epiphonema with a masterly Aposiopesis (or breaking off), tut! if you had done what I wished, I should have had more pleasure for my money!My poor mothers rhetorical armoury supplied no weapon to meet that artful Aposiopesis, so she dropped the rhetoric altogether, and went on with that unadorned eloquence natural to her, as to other great financial reformers.(Edward Bulwer Lytton, The Caxtons: A Family Picture, 1849) Serious Word PlayThe modern sensibility prefers the mechanics of a rhetorical effect to be hidden from view; anything which smacks of contrivance or artifice, any construction which leaves the scaffolding in place, is regarded with some suspicion. . . . In other words, the more obvious the pun to the reader (regardless of what feats of ingenuity went into its fabrication), the less pleasure there is to be derived from it. This is perhaps why antanaclasis, the figure in which a word occurs and is then repeated in a different sense, has never been rehabilitated . . .; the repetition flags the effects, and it shades from being clever into being clever-clever. This hasnt always been the case. In the Renaissance, obviousness was no impediment to joy: quite the opposite, in fact.(Sophie Read, Puns: Serious Wordplay. Renaissance Figures of Speech, ed. by Sylvia Adamson et al,. Cambridge University Press, 2008) Pronunciation: an-tan-ACK-la-sis

Ideas And Themes In Writings English Literature Essay Essay Example

Ideas And Themes In Writings English Literature Essay Essay Example Ideas And Themes In Writings English Literature Essay Essay Ideas And Themes In Writings English Literature Essay Essay Writers use tonss of literary techniques and characteristics to back up their thoughts and subjects in their writings.All those tehniques are design to pull strings and determine the readers perceptions.They place readers to react to the authorship in certain ways, either holding with or challenging those themes.Themes of allienation, nostalgia to love and loss are really frequently repeated in Literature.We can see this really clear in three short narratives which I would wish to compose about, Erneast Hemingways Hills Like White Elephants , John Cheevers The Enormous Radio and Doriss Lessing To Room Nineteen.In first narrative Hemingway tells us about inabillity to pass on efficaciously in a relationhip.Main characters got a immense trouble in jointing their feelings which makes them frustrated with each other.In The Enormous Radio we see subjects such as dependence and loss of control, hidden secrets ans dirts and communicating issues but they all lead to the chief subject of t his narrative which is loss of love.Last Doris Lessing narrative subjects are subject of allienation, individuality issue and loss of sense of being.Main character of this narrative, Susan is portrayed as a captive of political orientation driven by sociaty that adult females are expected to be lief and volitionally acepting their repression and bondage. Narrative point of viewe is one of the first techniques which has immense influence on significance and tone of the story.All narratives are written in the same a 3rd individual point of viewe but with a small difference between them.Erneast Hemingway wrote Hills Like White Elephants in 3rd individual point of position and aim which is limited to what characters say and do.He does nt uncover their ideas ang feelings, as a readers we need to think that by construing the text.In Enormous Radio we see that storyteller use the same 3rd individual point of viewe but it s omniscient.He is able to depict non merely each characteraa‚Â ¬a„?s actions but besides their inside emotions, motivations, and feelings.Sometimes narrator even takes subjective attack by depicting one of the characters Irene as a egoistic adult females which is merely concerned about how people viewe her and by depicting Jim as a loyal and difficult working adult male who tries really difficult to give her and their kids a comfy life.In Doriss Lessings To Room Nineteen narrative starts from the 3rd individual narrative point of viewe merely to switch subsequently in a narrative to first individual point of viewe.Lessing utilizations watercourse of concioussness techinque and interior soliloquy which creates the feeling for the reader that he is about listen ining on the flow of concious experience in characters mind.This give a reader an acces to ideas, emotions and esthesiss experienced by a character. Varied inside informations of puting and character has got a immense contributon to the maning of these short stories.Setting plays the biggest function in Hemingways narrative where even the rubric refers to symbolical importance of it.Jig, one of the characters of a narrative, by depicting the hills that they look like white elephants refers to her gestation and the chief issue of this narrative which is abortion.She describes the hills in the distance that they look like white elephants because American which she travells with, views the babe as an aproaching obstruction to their careless life.The remainder of a scene besides provides symbolism which express the tenseness and struggle between the couple.The train paths traveling into two different waies, in between which twosome sits at the train station might mention to match being in the center of doing drastic determination. A twosome is merely like those paths which run side by side but will neer hold a opportunity to run into . Different sort of land on both sides, on one viridity and fertile and on the other dry and without trees besides describes their different viewe and reading of the quandary of pregnancy.In The Enormous Radio , the reaching of the new wireless which changes its scene, traveling deeper in the house, traveling from the door to the center of the life room behind the couch because of its physical ugnliness it seems to be like agressive interloper, irrupting Irenes life.By listening to the wireless which picks up noises and conversations from the whole edifice she besides starts irrupting on other people lifes.This is how we start to see immense alteration in Irene and her relationship with Jim.She gets involved in people lives heard on the wireless so much she shortly became down and alterations from a pleasant, instead apparent adult female to a adult female who doubts who she is and uncertainties in her relationship with her husband.They both start to gain there is a tenseness in th eir matrimony, that Irene has many dark, deep secrets which she has hidden really good all these old ages and which she feels guilty about.Setting it s non so of import in this story.Narrator is seeking to concentrate merely on the wireless, voices and music coming out of it which plays immense function in a narrative by determining ambiance of a narrative and besides altering temper of a chief characters.The same we will see in Doris Lessings narrative where there is less description on puting but this minimal art have immense importance for the meaning.This minimal art gives the reader a sense of unrealized emptiness of a relationshp between Susan and Matthew and emptiness in Susan s life which is described as a desert which shows her hopelessness and depressesion.Also the empty room 19 which in she spends most of a clip describes Susan s demand of allienation. Use of techniques such as sarcasm, symbolism an understatement by wrtiers in those short narratives has got a immense impact on themes.The most of import in those narratives is symbolism which is a usage of symbols to stand for or propose other things or ideas.As said before in Hills Like White Elephants we can already see symbolism in the rubric of a story.Jig refers to the hills that they look like white elephants to speak about abortion which is the chief subject of this story.A white elephant is a mostly useless object that is expenssive to ain and maitain which symbolise a unborn baby.The whole symbolism of a scene is of import in many ways which I already had a opportunity to analyze earlier.The rail paths could symbolize Jigs and Americans relationship and being in the center of doing an of import decision.Two sides of a station described in a narrative has it s ain significance, green can by a symbol of life, babe, a new beggining and dry side can stand for decease and abort ion.Irony in this narrative chiefly shows Jig s defeat towards the American and this is its chief purpose.In conversation between them about licuorice and its familiar gustatory sensation we can clearly see Jig is non merely mentioning to a drink but besides to their life style which she is able to abandon at any point to settle down.I believe immense impact on the narrative has the last sentence spoken by Jig, when she tells the American she is fine.We can understand this sentence as an sarcasm and that Jig will travel through with the abortion because of her inability to pass on her feelings to the American wich leaves her defeated and non being able to contend anymore.Also conversation between them, approximately such an of import topic which is abortion, seems to be really simple, fiddling and even pointless.The talk about good drinks and lovely hills is merely a screen for a deathly argument.This tehnique used by Hemingway is called understatement.Again symbolism is used in Joh ns Cheever The Enormous Radio.It is chiefly used to depict the concealed significance of the wireless from the title.It symbolise an dependence and loss of control.Irene gets so obssesed with listening to her friends and neighbors on the wireless that she is non even interested any longer in her relationships with other people in existent life.She prefers to travel place and eavsdropp on them through the radio.Radio besides symbolise a concealed secret and scandal.When Irene start to doubts felicity of her marriege, all secrets are being revealed like larceny and abortion, which she was concealing all these years.Radio is besides used as an irony.It was purchased to convey joy and felicity to Irenes and Jims life but it merely caused problem between them uncovering deep and dark secrets.In To the room 19 once more we can happen symbolism in the rubric of a story.We see Susan as a adult female who has been caught up in the web of the societal functions in a community and she is seek ing to step out of this universe into a universe of her ain devising which is room nineteen.She is no longer a married woman and female parent in this room, she escapes her societal function and she eventually finds peace and freedom.We can see an sarcasm in words depicting Susan and Matthew as intelligent which is the really characteristic that is their downfall.Although they do everything sanely in their heads, their repression of her as a adult female is anything but intelligent.Also Lessing usage repeat technique, utilizing word intelligence fiftee times to do an sarcasm even stronger. Dialogues, conversations between characters have besides large impact on the significance of those stories.Hemingway narrative is told in 3rd individual point of viewe and it does nt state us any facts about characters.This is why duologue is of import and we need to interpretate it to happen out about attitudes oh the chief characters towards each other.Their are able in this manner to talk for themselve and we can besides see through the tone and form of the duologue, exsistence of a deep job in their relationship.In The Enormous Radio duologue has the same purpose.We are able through duologue to happen out more about characters ideas and feelings.We besides in a duologue see a tenseness between chief characters, which bilds up towards the terminal of the story.In the To Room Nineteen Doris Lessing we can see through duologues between Susan and Matthew the deficiency of communicating in their married life.Lessing besides use interior soliloquy to emphasize the significance of the story.Through Susan s interior soliloquy we can see her helplensness and emptiness of her matrimony life. All those strories got their ain particular construction which has an impact on the temper and ambiance of these stories.In Hemingways Hills Like White Elephants puting frames the narrative, it plays a important function in finding the ambiance in his work. The pick of a scene and objects supports the sytuation and develops the narrative conflict.Also duologues are keeping the narrative together, they tell us about the chief subject of a story.In The Enormous Radio music frames the narrative, creates the temper and reveals the emotional passage of the characters.In To Room Nineteen Doris Lessing is utilizing more literary techniques in her authorship to back up the significance. Narrator by altering the tone of linguistic communication creates a mood.At the beggining of a authorship words are longer which makes reading slower and creates really peacfull effect.But than towards the terminal of a narrative storyteller is seeking to make tenseness in a narrative and starts utilizing shorter words which makes our reading much quicker.Also watercourse of conciousness technique adds dramatic consequence to the narrative and without it composing would be really bland. I have truly enjoyed reading short narratives, particularly those three which I have chosen for this rating and analysis.Mainly I believe so because of female issues in sociaty presented in those stories.Earnest Hemingways Hills Like White Elephants is deffinitelly my favourite.It is really interesting that storyteller does nt uncover any informations about characters, what they think and feel.To happen out we need to interpretate the text, in this instance duologue between them.Through reading the narrative I felt like sitting following to the twosome, eavsdropping on their conversation.Because there is a immense communicating issue between them and they are unable to uncover their true feelings once more it is left to the reader to analyze what characters are truly thinking.It besides intrigued me how narrative shows a contrast between male and female viewe on relationsips.When abortion for Jig, killing their unborn babe is a immense determination for her, for American is merely a simple operation letting the air in.He does nt place himself with the babe which is an obstruction for him and his careless lifestale. I besides found The Enormous Radio really interesting to read.I believe John Cheever through this narrative once more proved the fact how pass oning issues between people might impact their relationship.Irenes secrets and dirts creates tenseness between their matrimony and they lead to loss of trust and love between them.The construction of a narrative has besides catched my attention.I found it really interesting that music was making the temper in the narrative and that music was uncovering the emotional passage of the characters.In To Room Nineteen I was hugle intrested in Lessings attitude towards female repression, disaffection and flight which is all exposed in this story.She tries to explicate how societal, cultural, and ethic recreations, how they all limit adult females positions and experiences and their rational, religious, and emotiona l freedom.By indroducing us to the chief character Susan, which full exsistence was like prison, she tells us that this allienation might even ensue in mental breakdown.Short narratives are really speedy and gratifying reading but still they have a immense deepness and of import message hidden in them.I would deffinitely recomend to others short narratives which I had a opportunity to read and I will besides go on to spread out my experience as a reader.

Events [in his life and around him] that shaped Glenn Gould's adult Research Paper

Events [in his life and around him] that shaped Glenn Gould's adult life - Research Paper Example In 1939, when he was 7 years old, he started to go in the Toronto Symphony concerts. Between 1940 and 1944, Gould went through all exams from Grade 3 to Grade 10 in the Toronto Conservatory of Music in which he studied piano. After Grade 10, Gould started to study theory until 1947. He won many medals from that conservatory for the next 10 years, and also performed in many functions meanwhile. Between 1948 and 1950, Gould discovered the Schoenberg music through Guerrero. From this time onwards, he became a champion of the Schoenberg music for the rest of his life. In July 1951, Gould made an honoring speech for late Schoenberg. From 1952 onwards, he spent most of his time with his family. He gave himself time to prepare himself as an adult musician. In 1957, Gould released his last â€Å"Radio Canada International transcription disc (Programme 140): Brahms's Piano Quintet, with the Montreal String Quartet† (Bazzana). Soon after that, Gould stopped playing piano aggressively. à ¢â‚¬Å"He was the James Dean of classical music† (Page cited in Clarkson). Works Cited: Bazzana, Kevin. â€Å"Timeline.† 2011. Web. 1 Apr. 2011. . Clarkson, Michael. â€Å"The secret life of Glenn Gould.† 25 Aug. 2007. Web. 1 Apr. 2011. .

Depression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Depression - Essay Example Secondly, females are more prone to depression than man and the ratio was worked out to be almost 1:2. There are several historical evidences indicates that the symptoms which are used to describes depression today were recognize in ancient times too. Even though there were wide understanding of depression and its symptoms till middle of nineteenth century there were little progress in terms of mechanistic aspect of depression. Than after people started gathering information regarding causes' of depression starting with Brain functioning, hormonal role, environmental influence and finally genetic basis of depression. Genetic composition of individual plays very important role in predisposition of depression. Epidemiological data indicates that there are almost 40%-50% cases have hereditary correlation with diseases condition and that is strong evidence to see depression as genetic disorder. Epidemiologic studies approximately show that around 40-50% of the depression caused is due to genetic reasons.(Sanders at al., 1999) This also leads to an understanding the depression highly heritable like several other common complex medical conditions like Type II diabetes, hypertension, asthma and certain cancers. But the study relating to depression has lead us to more confusion, since no certain genes have been yet discovered that confers to it. This process has been difficult since finding one gene responsible for causing depression is a complex phenomenon since a single gene will produce relatively small effect and would thus be very difficult to solve experimentally. It is also possible that different variants of genes are responsible to cause depression each family. (Nestler et al.,2002) The association of the location of TPH2 (Tryptophan hydroxylase) gene and the role of serotonin is being widely described and is also associated with depression. The TPH gene is responsible for depressive disorders and suicidal tendencies. The researchers have also indicated the role of the hydroxyindole acetic acids in Cerebrospinal fluid which is significant in suicidal tendencies. The location of serotonin transporter gene and the role of its polymorphism is significant is suicidal tendencies. (Kamrowska A., 2007). In 1999 Silber et al, studied the possible causes of greater depression among adolescent girls by examining variation in the influence of genetic and environmental risk factors among 182 prepubertal female, 237 prepubertal male, 314 pubertal female, and 171 pubertal male twin pairs. The patients were from the Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development. The impact of life events on depression was particularly evident in the adolescent girls. The results clearly indicated that the increased heritability for depression in this group and its life long consistency clearly indicated that that it was largely mediated by genetic factors. The researchers could also perform model fitting which also showed that at least part of the liability to depression and to life events was linked to a common set of genes in the adolescent girls, and there was a notable developmental increase in the genetic variance for life events. The role of dysregulation of beta -serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission is also known to be responsible for depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, autism etc. Although these conditions are treated with serotogenic drugs, the molecular mechanism by which 5-HT is involved in