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Human Life from Different Perspectives An Anthology
Paula Urdaneta
University of Houston
ENGL 2330
Professor Bass
Date
Human Life from Different Perspectives: An Anthology
Various theories have been put forth to explain human existence, thereby influencing contextual perspectives at different times. Arguably, it would be advantageous to anyone interrogating such existential theories to keep an open mind, for at some points the theories may agree with each other while completely disagreeing at other instances. Such is the kind of mindset one must adopt when reading literary texts whose authors have been influenced by different schools of thought as far as the concept of human life is concerned. Reading these texts in unity leaves no doubt that indeed life can be viewed from different perspectives, with some portraying it as meaningful or meaningless depending on the context. That makes sense more so considering that human beings are particularly sentient beings; with physical, emotional, and mental responses to everything in their vicinity. As such, the thought of creation or destruction of life will always be present in nature just as the possibility of artificial life to create an ideal or desired self. In this respect, the presence of existential crises gains relevance in the manner it brings into the picture the anxieties and inner conflicts accompanying human existence, responsibilities, freedom, independence, and issues relating to commitment and purpose. It is also in this context that concepts like isolation, meaninglessness, and death gain elevation because they lead to an array of psychological problems and there seem to be no final answers to them. In the absence of the implied existential crises, it is impossible for humans to truly discover or decide what meaning they wish to grant to their existence. Against the backdrop of this acknowledgement, it seems safe to infer that despite artificial life, technological advances and virtual reality, humans by nature are able to feel empathy regardless of any situation they encounter themselves by their sacred and unique identity that acts as a tool to allow them to be real.
An artificial life form seen in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein turns out to be a frustration to its creator. The scientist, in his desire and desperation for greatness and success employs vast and advanced capacity of knowledge to create artificial life, which unfortunately leads to the unfolding of many negative events. For failure to get what he desired for when he set to make the creation, Victor Frankenstein ends up rejecting and hating it.
Due to the creator’s rejection of the creation, it (the creation) develops unpleasant behaviors that make it seem ‘less human’. This is what is usually observed in humans when presenting rejection and lack of nurture whereby they naturally demonstrate unpleasant characteristics. In the context of Frankenstein, this shows that the creature is equally human in every aspect. A more in-depth analysis of this work brings to the fore the issue of playing God where Frankenstein receives punishment for such an unimaginable transgression. Thus, he becomes the author’s tragic hero who suffers in the face of synthetic biology, thus the present inference that even in the face of such artificial life and technology, human nature remains unchanged (more so in terms of emotions and feelings).
Still in Frankenstein, Victor’s creature turns against him, but he does not fully acknowledge its existence. The way he treats it suggests he does not give much value to it, for he considers it a construct of flesh and an object that is an abomination. As for the monster, it longs to be recognized and acknowledge by Victor, but this is in vain. This monster remains in a state of misery and desperation. It knows it has no identity unless Victor validates it. This is the same situation that androids find themselves in in Philip Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep since, unless they are validated by human, they have neither identity nor existence. True as it were, this behavior is noted among artificial forms of life encountered in broader science fiction literature. While they may be considered as forms of life by their creators, they are often wondering if they are real or if their existence is simply a simulation of the reality of human experience. Indeed, there are distinguishing traits between human life and these forms of artificial life.
Empathy, a significant human emotion, lacks when humans do not allow themselves to feel and understand others. Philip Dick in his Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep depicts a society made up of real and artificial humans, with the only distinguishing factor being empathy. In the story, the remaining and only surviving humans have produced androids, which are a form of life, all in a bid to refill the world and give it meaning following realization of the earth’s apocalyptic meaninglessness. Androids, a form of manufactured life, serves a wide range of social functions that have been lost or eroded by the war, including but not limited to hope and empathic contact. Nevertheless, android life’s artifice remains a mere mimicry that is used as an object of pursuing human authenticity. This begs the question as to what it means to be a human being. Here, one must interrogate the traits that define humanity. While humans are noted to be using androids and other forms of artificial life to reinforce or support their social functioning, they still call such artificial life into question and reject them. This is quite paradoxical because they are using such forms of life to add meaning to their own life. The difference between such artificial life and humans themselves is that the former lack feelings of empathy as well as compassion. As such, artificial forms of life such as androids may be considered to lead a life of their own, but they cannot be considered human since they do not display or experience the said feelings. Thus, empathy, compassion, and other feels are part and parcel of being human, hence a defining aspect of human life.
Technology is noted to have surpassed natural life through the creation of a dystopian futuristic world filled with a cybernetic culture. In Willian Gibson’s Neuromancer, society is absorbed by technology and sees the value of life based on their capacity to connect to the “cyberspace”. Characters reject their natural human qualities and prefer to feel “high enough” in order to feel connected to their desired reality. They do this to the extent of harming themselves with their lifestyle provoking dependency and addictions. In this story, one sees an artificial manipulator that uses human beings in its bid to overcome its limitations. Humans are noted to enjoy downloading the contents of their minds into the artificial virtual arena where death does not count in as far as categorizing artificial intelligence (AI) as an omniscience and omnipresent God is concerned. In this work, technology is elevated in the sense it transforms human identify, an example being the creation of a cyborg woman who happens to be a juxtaposition of the creature and creator, hence posthuman identity. This new creature, which can be said to be neither artificial nor human, can rightly be considered a natural or an original adaptation of a human and as such a technological evolution that makes the human being obsolete. As other stories in its category, this story depicts cyberspace as an arena for the creature to not only express its viewpoint but also make known its perception of human beings. Overall, the core human characteristics are absent in the creature.
In a word, by paralleling a real society with a nightmarish futuristic dystopia these different yet similar stories propose that core human traits like empathy and compassion are what define a human being as a living soul who naturally develops a need for belonging. It is important to keep in mind that people’s own experiences and existences define and shape their views as worthy of being called “human” despite being artificial or lost (in reality). The synthesized texts could not demonstrate this fact any better.
External Environment Opportunities And Threats
External Environment: Opportunities And Threats
1.0 Societal Environment
These are compelling forces that are general in nature and don’t touch on the short run of the business activities but rather will have an influence on the long-run. In the David-Hartley Inc, the factors that can be categorized in this group are: Economic, Technological, and socio-cultural.
Economic
These are surrounding circumstances a rising due to inflation affecting the business. In the year 2008 there was a recession the struck the USA. According to the CEO Jim Ziemer, the company was going to face turmoil in its sales after successful sales since 1986 to 2007. However, the company is regarded as the recession-resistant company. This is true because the company have spread all over the globe. This guards it against this monetary wave (T).
Technological
The company did not for almost 100 years adopt technological changes, but this was realized when an air cooled motor cycle was developed. This gave the company a lee way to adopt technology in all its production line. With utilization of technology, the company was able to feel some positive impact in sales and hence proceeds (O).
Political-legal
Compliance to environmental safety is paramount in any corporation. The company comply with permissible amount of emission and thus is subject to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and California Air Resource Board (CARB).
In the same note, it is also subject to National Highway Traffic Safety Application (NHTSA) for production of machines that comply with federal safety and are worthy to be on the road (O).
Socio-cultural
The David-Hartley customers have varied lifestyle. People from all works of life are part and parcel of this corporation cutting across gender mainstreams. People like this as a way of relaxation and provide an opportunity (O). The majority of the racing population are adults. This is posing a threat as this will soon retire leaving nobody behind (T).
2.0 Task Environment
There is though competition in the ability to offer wholesale and retail financial services. Competitors compete for price and services whereas the company offer convenience, service, brand association, terms, price, industry experience, and dealer relationship. This is a threat.
On the same note, the introduction of the Buell into the market provided threats in seizing the market already captured (T).
The seasons that vary affect the sales. In many instances people do like motorcycles during the warm season and this is the period which sales go up. This poses a threat. Likewise, people buy motorcycle when ready and competent to ride (T).
Marketing distribution is enjoyed greatly by the company owing to the spread that is rooted since the company began. This is an advantage to the company (O).
E-commerce is an area in which the company have reaped the benefits from. The introduction of the David-Hartley.com website has enabled to advertise their products on the internet (O).
Through research and development, the company has been able to make continuous improvements in their products. The introduction of the air cooled motorcycle is a product. This gave the company a boost and to continue investing in research and development (O)
External Environment of The Company TomTom
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Introduction
Tom Tom is the global leader in developing navigation and mapping products. For decades, the company has dominated the market over time due to the innovative ideas, designs and products developed in the company. However, the external environment in which the company operates in is full of threats and opportunities.
The company has to develop strategies that will enable the company to remain competitive in the global market because technology changes day by day. Hence, the company has to develop new products inspired by technology to ensure that it moves with the current customers’ tastes and preferences. The external environment that surrounds the company is discussed below:
The competitors
The main competitors of the company in the market are Garmin, MITAC and the Navico Company. Garmin is the main competitor in the market as it controls 45% market share. These competitors affect the company’s ability to make more profits on its entire sales (George, 2010). Therefore, the company needs to invest more resources in marketing. This includes massive advertisements on social media platforms and via the internet. This will help the company to market its product globally.
The sales department should come up with new strategies on how to pursue and achieve new markets. This includes training all the staff working in the sales department to ensure that they handle clients professionally. The management of the company should also reward the good job done by the employees as a way of motivating them. The company should also take advantage of its dominance in the market and develop products which are in line with the recent technology to ensure customers’ loyalty. This is because marketing planning determines the success or failure of the company in a competitive market. Finally, the management should develop strategies which will enable the company to remain competitive even in future.
Economic system
The corporate economic system refers to how the company allocates scarce resources to produce various differentiated products and services, within the prevailing and expected economic situations. The global is affected by issues such as the global recession which affected most countries in the world. Most businesses are successful when the economic conditions in a country are favorable. Factors such as inflation affect the exchange rate of foreign currencies as the company sells its products all over the world.
Favorable economic conditions attract many investors in the market. This has a positive impact in the economy as it will lead to creation of employment opportunities thus improving the living conditions of the people living in the country. The nature of the economy is also determined by the role of government towards economic growth. Political stability and peace provides a conducive environment which attracts most investors to invest in the country. This promotes economic growth as the government raises revenue from the company through taxation and from the salaries of the employees of the company (Wright, Kendia & Pingle, 2009).
Economic factors determine how a company pursues a target market. This is because the company has taken into consideration the level of income of its target customers and the exchange rates in the company. Economic factors also affect the number of investors who are planning to invest their funds in the company. When the economy is favorable, most people will be confident that their funds are safe. The value of currency of a given country also determines the decisions of most investors. Level of marketing is also determined by the nature of economic factors. Where the market is saturated and competitive, more marketing is required to ensure that the company wins the largest market share.
Legal issues
Business must operate within the legal frameworks of the national and international laws. The laws govern trade and commerce and how contracts should be enforced. Tom Tom has been faced by some legal challenges. In 2009, the Microsoft v. Tom Tom case filed in the court c by the Microsoft. TomTom was accused of abuse of software patents owned by the Microsoft. Microsoft had patented the FAT32 filing system. Tom Tom was accused of running the navigation products using the Linux kernel, but under the Microsoft’s FAT32 patents. Tom Tom had later filed a countersuit, accusing Microsoft of infringements of its patent rights under the the Streets and Trip product. The dispute was resolved in March 2009, after the company paid fpr the FAT32 file system’s license. The case shows that Tom Tom had not looked into the possible legal implications of its business. The company however, decided to join the Open Invention Network, to avoid future mistakes, share innovations on Linux and operate within the Linux ecosystems legally. The company is required to comply with the legal requirements to enable it to conduct its operations in the country. This includes getting the license to operate business. Further, the company is required to acquire a copyright for its products in the market. This helps to define what it required to produce and where it is supposed to operate.
Social system
This refers to the culture and beliefs of the customers and other stakeholders in the targeted market. This influences the success or failure of the company directly. Proper market research has to be done to determine the needs of the client in that particular market. This is important as it helps to determine consumers’ ideas, attitudes towards the product on sale and finally the behavior pattern.
Research and product development department needs to perform a survey to determine customers’ response toward the products offered in the market. Further, the company will be able to determine the needs of the customers in the market. However, their response is affected by factors such as their culture, level of income and the state of the economy. When proper research and development is done, the company will be able to design and products which satisfies the need of their customers in the market.
In the 21st century, the company is required to take advantage of the recent technology to markets its products and services. This is because most companies are marketing their product and services online via the internet. This can be achieved when a company creates a website and blogs to market its products. Further, it can also use the social media platforms to reach as many clients as possible.
Tom Tom has a good working environment that favors its internal operations. The organization behaviors allow creativity, hard work, team work and good industrial relations. The company has social welfare programs for its employees. There are leaves with pay for employees, health and educational benefits for the employees.
Government policy and regulations
The government has established various agencies which monitor all that revolve around production of products and services. This includes product packaging where the established rules and regulations have to be followed. It aims at protecting the interests of the consumers in the market. Packaging and shipping of these products to the target directly impacts on the cost of the products. This is because the company aims at minimizing the cost of production while maximizing on sales.
Government rules and regulations also affect the ability of the company to enter new markets. This mostly aims at protecting the industries in the economy as they play an important role in economic development of a country (Tom Tom, 2010).
Further, international laws have clearly outlined the process which a company wishes to pursue into foreign markets should follow. This aims at restricting the number of players in the market as well as protecting the interest of the consumers.
Finally, the government should formulate rules and regulations which promote political stability as this attracts investors in a particular country. Rules and regulations governing established of the company or licenses to allow a company to venture into a new market should also be friendly. This has a positive impact on the economy of the country as it will attract more investors into the economy.
Customers
They are the main target of the company as they are the main clients of the products and services produced. The clients are owners of fleets, individuals, governments and other institutions. They are easily influenced via extensive marketing mostly via the internet and on social media platforms. They can also be influenced by strategic release of financial and corporate information. This influence their purchasing pattern and loyalty to the company’s products and services.
The company has a challenge of maintain its customers because of the competitive pricing in the industry. The main competitors could maintain the current levels of prices or decide to begin a price war with Tom Tom. Tom Tom may find it difficult to compete on such a scenario. Starting a price war in this case, for Tom Tom, could be difficult because of the restrictive cost structures. The major competitors have a lower cost based with which allow them to respond to the Tom Tom pricing strategies. To maintain its clients, Tom Tom can respond by looking for market in other areas such as Africa and Asia. Tom Tom can also maintain their current prices but have products’ differentiation.
The company should design and products which move with the customers tastes and preferences. Most consumers in the market today are technology oriented. This requires the company to design and produce products which are up to date with the latest technology. Failure to do this will lead to decrease in sales as consumers will shift to competitors who produce goods and services that satisfy the needs of the customers at that particular moment. Hence, the company should aim at satisfying their needs to achieve customers’ loyalty.
Extensive market research should be conducted to determine the needs of the customers and the effectiveness of their marketing strategies in the market. It also enables the company to determine the changes which are required in order to achieve a larger market share. This also gives important information on how future marketing programs should be conducted to improve the net sales. The company should also offer promotions and off sale services to the customers. This helps to attract and retain new customers in the market. It also boosts the entire sales and customers’ loyalty to the company. This can be done during holidays and during low pick seasons to improve sales. In addition, the prices of the products should also be pocket friendly.
Public opinion
Public perception on the company affects the company sales directly. Positive perception boosts the sales of the company while a negative perception hurts the entire sales. However, the company can influence this by using professionals to release strategic information periodically. Public opinion helps to determine the areas where the company needs to improve (Bloomberg, 2012). Tom Tom needs to invest more in public relations to boost its image. The company has a well-designed website that is used for public relations. The company uses the website to publicize any information that is of public interest such as news briefs, new products and innovations.
Tom Tom should also observe corporate social responsibility by giving back to the community. This can be done by participating and sponsoring a number of community projects. This includes medical camps, clean – ups and recreational services with all and the less fortunate in the community. The company should also promote environmental conservation by coming up with projects which promote environmental conservation.
Technological innovations
In the business world today, technology promotes numerous innovations which promote design of new products which serve the needs of the customers in the market. The company has been very innovative in its business. The Tom Tom company has smart and creative business solutions for competitive edge. The Tom Tom Bridge is one such technology. The innovation allows the users to have seamless and uniform integration of Tom Tom’s technology and its clients. The focus of the technology is to allow one-stop assimilation of systems and efficiency in the operations of the clients. The technology employed by the company thus allows the users to incorporate their systems with that of Tom Tom Company.
The company should therefore adopt the latest to inspire new designs. Most consumers in the market today are technology oriented; hence, the company should offer products that satisfy their tastes and preferences (George, 2010).
Conclusion
The external environment has greatly affected the success of the company in various ways. It has developed new strategies that will enable it to compete effectively with other players in the industry. However, more research and development should be conducted to determine the customers’ tastes and preferences in the market.
The government plays an important role to enhance business in the economy. Proper rules and regulations should be formulated to attract more investors in the economy. This leads to creation of more employment opportunities that improving the living standards in a given country. The company should also move with the latest trends in the world of technology to ensure that it develops products which satisfy the needs of their customers.
References
Bloomberg Businessweek. (2012). TomTom. Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved 20 April 2013 from
HYPERLINK “http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/earnings/earnings.asp?ticker=AMZN” http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/earnings/earnings.asp?ticker=AMZN
George, N. R. (2010). Washington Post. Five Components of an Organization’s External Environment , 2-6.
Hoffman, A.N.(2010). TomTom: New Competition Everywhere! RSM Case Development Centre, Erasmus University.
TomTom (2010). Annual Report 2010. Retrieved 20 April 2013 from, HYPERLINK “http://files.shareholders.com” http://files.shareholders.com
Wright, P., Kroll, M., Kedia, B., and Pringle, C. (2009). Strategic Profiles, Market Share, and Business Performance. Industrial Management, May 1, pp23-28.