International Environmental Analysis a Case of Tata Group

International Environmental Analysis a Case of Tata Group Tata is one of the Indian business giants that have been seen to expand drastically, acquiring different businesses abroad. These range from manufacturing businesses to consultancy services. For instance, Tata Motors (2006) acquired the truck division of the beaten Daewoo of Korea in 2003.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International Environmental Analysis: a Case of Tata Group specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Tata steel has acquired steel mills in many places including Europe. Tata Tea bought Tetley Tea in 2000 while Tata consultancy has spread its tentacles all over. In UK for instance, Tata employs at least 45,000 workers; Tata consultancy employs over 5000 staff while Tata UK is the country’s biggest manufacturer and employs over 40,000 workers. The steelworks at Stockbridge are currently under the ownership of Tata. In a recent business move, Land Rover which had earlier been taken by Tata launched the E voque, which is a mini sports utility vehicle. This is a vehicle that drew the admiration of many leading to placement of up to 20,000 orders prior to opening of its sale. This is just a glimpse of Tata’s spread of its tentacles. Tata’s Environment The internal environment includes its strengths and weaknesses in management, strategy, and products. In their internalization strategy, TATA envisages to always retain managers that were already in place in the acquired company and combine them with some senior managers from the Indian constituent. By retaining management staff of the acquired companies, Tata will be able to face the possible management challenges that would especially relate to human resources. Some of these challenges are developing HR initiatives to manage employee morale in a new environment and managing their productivity and insecurity (Shah 2006). The company also is keen on management development of the leaders. They have programs intended to improv e the skills of the managers. In its alliances, the company enhances product portfolios for the two companies (Greer 2002). For instance, it made an agreement with Fiat to build a pickup together that was designed for its Central and South American market in 2007. One of their weaknesses is that the passenger cars that offer Tata Motors are often produced on lower generation platforms which would not allow it compete strongly in a market where competition is strong. Tata has also not been able to enter luxury car segment even after acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover. This is perhaps because people associate it with heavy commercial vehicles. The external environment too consists of strengths and weaknesses.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The increase in oil products for instance can be considered to be a blessing in disguise, especially in America. As Tata corporatio n intends to introduce the low consumption Tata Nano. The economic challenges facing America calls for more jobs and the entry of Tata could not be such timely as now (Green 2002). In globalizing, Tata is a fast learner and takes its lessons from among others, Daewoo. It is able to diversify from metal to tea, from chemicals to hotels and several other lines of investments. One of the big threats is the shift from big cars to smaller compact cars that is becoming the trend of many manufacturers. The emergence of new technology electrical engine by Chevrolet is a looming threat. Since it is a home car, Americans might favor the Chevrolet over the Indian Tata even though they have the same specifications. The electric engine might also receive more attention with greater environmental awareness today. The company also faces serious problems in parochialism where the top management is dominated by Indians. The diversification could also be counted as a disadvantage; Tata seems to be dr agging both performing and non-performing sectors along. Some examples are Tata Teleservices and Tata Financial services (Windecker 2011). On the side of human resources, the challenge comes in developing equitable pay plans for individuals working in different countries. There would also need some extra knowledge in identifying and training expatriate managers to do overseas assignments and developing some human resource initiatives that will be directed towards workforce diversity, which means there would be need for diversity training programmes (Green 2002). There is a threat in TATA being a family business. It would seem also that its chairman, Ratan Tata, is one of a major investment himself. Replacing him would not be easy considering that he has led the company through major transformations right from its restructuring to innovations. Being a family business, it would mean that the other one in line is also a family member which raises the question whether this concept would continue working wonders in it internalization and its survival in the developed world markets. Rattan Tata retires in the end of 2012. There is no obvious heir of the business as Ratan has no children. If it becomes the end of a trend of inheritance, it is not yet the end of the company strategy and it will depend much on the direction in which the company is driven (Shah 2006). PESTLE Analysis of TATA In terms of entry barriers there may not be much lobbying to do to enter the American market even though they will have to have their cars approved by the appropriate agencies before they are allowed to enter. This may include some modifications as specified by the agencies. A company that is trying to keep a competitive advantage may not succeed well especially if they are also trying to be among the cheapest (Chaudhuri Muthukumar 2004).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International Environmental Analysis: a Case of Tata Group specifically for you for o nly $16.05 $11/page Learn More Even though the economic crisis can be used to market cheaper cars, Tata may have to adapt its strategy keeping in mind that this will also affect their business in other ways. For instance, the exchange rates, inflation, and GDP trends. This is a crisis in itself because the company might be considering the job creation it will bring through entering the market (Biswas 2005). Tata will have to look into the environmental footprint since there are current trends of higher environmental requirements. If their car is not environmentally friendly, it may receive a cold reception from an environmentally aware clientele. The company may therefore have much to do with corporate social responsibility (Nieuwenhuis Wells 2003). The company might need to do something about its image as compared to the home brands so as to counter the sour attitude or comparison of home versus Indian product (Encarnation 1982). Due to the presence of the electric Chevrolet Spark, more research and development will be required to bring such a product into the market if it will have to be competitive in the long run. Engine technologies are also changing fast and they need to adapt to this so that they do not become obsolete in the fast changing arena (Chaudhuri Muthukumar 2004). Indian policy towards investments abroad had always been a dilemma for the government. It was highly restrictive but in the recent times, investments abroad have been seen as India’s way of promoting its exports. The general guidelines that governed Indian company participation in joint investments abroad by 1995 had the following specifications: Only industrial ventures; the Indian participation could only be minority; there should be no cash remittances to start up the companies; There should be Indian participation in terms of machines, equipment and technical know-how; and the reserve bank of India should be the single window clearance agency and many oth er regulations (Encarnation 1982). All these guidelines were restrictive, reflecting that effort was to conserve foreign exchange. These policies were to ensure that the investments abroad would lead to increased export of Indian-made machinery. After 1995, the government policies were liberalized and it saw a wave of increased investments abroad. However, an annual ceiling of $500 million was introduced as a precaution. April 2003 saw the ceiling abolished and the companies were now free to invest abroad (Biswas 2005). In contrast to earlier waves of investments abroad, the current wave seems to be focused on developed nations like U.S and U.K. some investment projects are still directed towards other developing countries of the world (Agmon Kindieberger 1977). India is now in joint ventures in such areas like light engineering, oil and seed crushing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, glass and glass products, commercial vehicles, cement and other manufacturing, consultancy and many other fields (Dunning 1981). Statistical evidence shows that most of these investments have taken the form of acquisitions.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Dunning’s theory Dunning’s theory of investment development path shows that outward investments and also inward investments create more structural development in the home economy as compared to the countries of destination. According to the theory, as a country develops it may be able to expand its industries further to neighboring countries or to other countries that are behind it in terms of development. As development becomes advanced, it becomes possible to invest even in countries that are more developed than that investing country (Dunning, Hoesel Narula 1998). It would be expected that after India liberalizing its policy, there would be more concentration on its domestic market instead of concentrating on other markets where percentage growth is lower than in India. The explanation could be that India seems to follow the theory of investment development path (Ruta 2005). These investments eventually culminate to India’s development. With India’s p reoccupation with foreign currency reserves, it would be expected therefore that the outward flow of investments will fluctuate with the level of foreign currency reserves (Bhat 1973). TATA’s UK Environment The UK market is highly influenced by the bargaining power of competitors. The presence of powerful competitors in the UK like Ford, GM, Toyota, Peugeot and others makes it a highly consolidated market. Intense price wars would therefore arise and necessitate differentiation of products (Windecker 2011). The bargaining power of the buyers in the UK market also characterizes TATA’s UK environment. Due to the high competition of the several companies in UK, buyers also have immense bargaining power. They have also in the recent times exhibited high level of bargain seeking behavior. One cannot also fail to recognize the bargaining power of the suppliers. Even with the consolidation of the vehicle manufacturers, suppliers groups have also consolidated and so car dealer s experience a lot of bargaining power due to the overcapacity problem. TATA’s UK environment is also determined by threat of new entrants into the market. There is future potential of Chinese manufacturers flooding the EU markets if there is no protection measures implemented in the near future. Even when the threat is minimized by the entry barriers of value, investment capability and product development, the globalized nature of the industry makes entry of new competitors not clear cut (Aggarwal Johann 1998). The UK market is characterized by slow pace of market entry. The high competition in the UK market means that the market window for Tata Motors is narrow. This may undermine that company’s success on this market (Shah 2006). Despite the threat posed by these challenges Tata could position itself strategically and not only concentrate on low cost cars but also SUVs since after market recovery, there would be high demand for them. They could also take advantage of the expansion of the EU market. Why UK? TATA chose UK due to presence of several favorable business and environmental factors like economic stability, medium entry barriers, growth of the car market segments and the future market expansion prospects into the EU, using UK as the base. Fast entry mode was chosen where there was establishment of contractual relationships with UK operating market agents through joint ventures (Windecker 2011). This would guarantee Tata fast market penetration and market knowledge. There was a negative aspect that had to be counterbalanced. The fact that Tata heavily relied on its Indian success undermined its competitive pressure. In order to counter this, Tata proposed to focus on building customer relations and enhance customer loyalty. A consideration is being given by Tata to come up with a SUV model to suit customers who are looking for sports type, environmentally friendly high quality but cheap cars. This is a large market that Tata could focu s on. It would use price as one of the attractive factors and this would work wonders for price sensitive individuals. In its strategy, the company will launch advertising campaigns to create awareness about the car. The company also intends to cooperate with different car dealers and develop e-commerce to ensure the products are available. In a very recent research study of Tata by a branch of its UK consultancy segment, some sustainability strategy tailored to the UK segment was proposed. The ten year sustainability strategy is designed to complement its growth and expansion. The areas addressed were steel, automobile, software consulting, chemicals, tea and other major interests it invests in. First, creation of a Tata Sustainability Solutions (TSS) was proposed. While much of its operational details will not be discussed here, TSS will ensure centralized consulting support for all business units, increased transparency, financial independence, and management development, ease of raising funds, strategic continuity and consistency of business practices. In this research it was suggested that when the support structures are in place alongside TSS, the initiatives that reflect each unit’s target market needs, business expertise needed and such variables can start being looked at. The initiatives should be tracked in aggregate by TSS perhaps with an exception of the Corporate Social Responsibility. All details should be addressed using a specific timeline to avoid jumping the gun. If Tata was to adopt such strategy, several current strategies could be affected right from human resource practices to operations (Windecker 2011). What does internalization mean to UK stakeholders? Even if capital gains are not channeled to the UK, accommodation of such investments as those coming from the East is crucial for its economy too. The advantages could be counted especially on job creation. Counting Tata only, it has been confirmed that there are 40,000 jobs in UK only coming from such an investment. This would mean that if the acquired companies were still under previous management, there would perhaps be downsizing owing to the poor performance of these companies. Allowing such foreign investments also brings in new ideas into already existing knowledge base (Shah 2006). Such investments also make UK the hub of activity in the EU and bring market not only for the foreign company products but also for home products. It brings business to such other industries like the flight industry, freight, outsourcing and others (Windecker 2011). The presence of competition also can be considered an advantage in that it brings product improvement, differentiation and makes prices affordable for the customers. Company standards also rise due to the competition bringing aspects like HR practices and services to a new level. All these combined are a plus to the local economy. The competition it brings can however be considered a negative in the sense that it takes business away from local producers. This compared to other advantages that foreign investments bring, can be considered as healthy competition (Green 2002). The stockholders are above all better positioned to benefit from the diversified investments. The internalization of companies especially from the developing countries of the East and their entry into the UK can therefore be regarded as important for the UK. List of References Aggarwal, R., and Johann, K., 1982. Foreign operations of third world multinationals: A literature review and analysis of Indian companies. Journal of Developing Areas, 17(1), 13-29. Agmon, T., Kindieberger, C. P., 1977. Multinationals from small countries. Cambridge: The MIT Press. Bhat, V. M., 1973. â€Å"Indian investment and collaboration in foreign countries.† In C. N. Vakil (ed.), Industrial development of India: policy and problems. New Delhi: Orient Longman. Biswas, S., 2005. Knowledge services sector to generate $ 200-b economy by 20. The Economic Times, New Delhi, 12 April, p. 16. Chaudhuri, A.R., and K. Muthukumar, 2004. The Worlds Ageing, and its an Old hand at Work All around You, The Economic Times, New Delhi, 15 June, p. 9. Dunning, J. H., 1981. Explaining the international direct investment position of countries: towards a dynamic or developmental approach. Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv., 117(1), 30-64. Dunning, J. H., Hoesel, V., Narula, R., 1998. Third world multinationals revisited: New developments and theoretical implications, in J. H. Dunning (Ed.). Globalization: Trade and foreign direct investment. Amsterdam: Elsevier Encarnation, D., 1982. The political economy of Indian joint industrial ventures abroad. International Organization, 36(1), 31-59. Greer, C. R., 2002. Strategic human resource management: A general managerial approach, 2nd edition. Singapore: Pearson Education. Nieuwenhuis, P., Wells, P. E., 2003. The automotive industry and the environment: A technical, business and social futur e. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing Ruta, C. D., 2005. The application of change management theory to HR portal implementation in subsidiaries of Multinational Corporation. Human Resource Management, 44(1), 35-53. Shah, K., 2006. â€Å"The Dream Nightmare. The Economic Times. New Delhi, 10 June, p.7 Tata Motors, 2006. Annual report. Tata Motors. [online] Web. Windecker, R., 2011. Upsize and upscale lead the way. Automotive Industries, 184(6), 18

Clinical Leadership Outline Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Clinical Leadership - Outline Example Heart problems are usually chronic in nature and difficult to manage, which makes it one of the biggest reason for hospital admissions involving patients above the age of sixty five years (Rocchiccioli & Tilbury, 2012: p21). As a clinical leader, it is important to develop new ways that help the cardiac patients manage their ailments through management of teamwork and motivating healthcare staff to care for the patients. As a nursing leader in this area of practice, it is one’s responsibility to manage nursing administration. Inadequate manpower due to the round-the-clock nature of cardiac patient care results in lack of adequate leave for the nurses, which results in conflict and lack of motivation. In cases where the cardiac department is preparing for change involving the use of bedside reporting, it is important to consider decision making skills, interpersonal skills, and conflict resolution as a leader (Rocchiccioli & Tilbury, 2012: p22). It is important to be politically aware, especially since political factors influence the environment in which the clinical leader will operate in making the decision (Jasper & Jumaa, 2012: p32). In this case, being aware of legislation concerning annual leave is important. Political awareness enhances the ability to influence multi-level policy making, as well as enabling the leader to explain to the staff about the changes they are witnessing. In clinical practice areas that require as much effort as cardiac care, it is important to ensure that the staff is motivated to provide quality care. Motivation will enable the team members to enjoy their challenges, initiate optimism, and passionately go about their work (Jasper & Jumaa, 2012: p33). Motivating the entire staff to work as a team is a great challenge. Transformational leadership involves the motivation and inspiration of nurses in the cardiac

Preventing Re-Hospitalization - Research Paper

Preventing Re-Hospitalization - - Research Paper Example The only solution is improving chronic disease management which yields savings on a predictable basis. Though there has been much advancement in the curing of chronic diseases and in this case heart failure (HF), it still remains the core cause of hospitalizations in many nations and is linked with high mortality and morbidity, high medical care costs, and particularly in impaired quality of life. The different new approaches to heart failure care that have been investigated in clinical trials have raised the complexity of the treatment (Stromberg, 2002). The latest meta analyses indicates that, in addition to optimal pharmacological treatment or curing, the care of heart failure patients by a multidisciplinary team lowers rehospitalization and mortality rates and improves the quality of life of patients.(Van der Wal & Van Veldhuisen, 2005). A North-American survey of an intervention that involved telephoned contact and home visits by an HF specialized nurse after hospital discharge revealed that the intervention effectively reduced mortality and morbidity rates (The Lewin Group, 2008). During all visits, care givers of the patients were invited to listen to the instructions. After being discharged, patients were randomized to receive, systematic telephone contact for a three month investigational time or to receive the common care that comprised of the follow-up of the patient at the return appointment at the outpatient clinic without any telephone contact (GESICA, 2005). A single telephone contact per week was done in the first month, accompanied by one every 15 days in the second month and a single every 15 days in third month summing up to eight calls per patient. Telephone calls had to begin seven days after the release from the hospital, aiming and reinforcing and emphasizing instructions that were received during hospitalization and monitoring symptoms and signs of de-compensation and investigating probable visits to rehospitilizations and the emergency unit. Studied Outcomes The scores for the levels of heart failure knowledge and awareness of self-care were considered as primary results. The frequency of visits to the emergency care unit, deaths at the end of the three month duration and re-hospitalizations were considered as secondary results (Whellan, & Hasselblad, 2005). Study Limitations Some of the study limitations were: some of the patients could not be located at the start of the intervention and after the three month duration due to blocked telephone numbers or wrong telephone numbers. Another limitation of the study was the patient's economic and social statuses and cultural norms. On the other hand, the three-month duration of the study was perhaps too short for the patients to change the health behaviors and habits to the extent that could lower the rate of visits to the emergency care unit, death and re-hospitalizations (Folz, Friedenzohn , DeFrancesco et al., 2003). Performance Measures related to Discharge Educatio n to Patients with Heart Failure Performance measures are used to determine whether a firm or an organization is meeting its patient focused goals and

Intercultural communicaton analysis Essay Example for Free

Intercultural communicaton analysis Essay The life of every personality is deeply affected by a myriad of intercultural affiliations that affect a person’s ability to interact with other people and be seen by them from a specific viewpoint. Intercultural communication is likely to be particularly affected by cultural stereotypes. Therefore, each person’s life is shaped to a great degree by cross-cultural perceptions and co-cultural affiliations. In my personal case, I have a variety of cultural affiliations that have a direct influence on my life. In the first place, a lot of facets of my experience depend on my physical characteristics, such as my female gender. Being of that gender, I have a different kind of experience with other people, as it seems easier to bond with girls than with boys on certain subjects, and some aspects of physical work and sports are naturally harder for me because of my weaker constitution. In addition to gender, my life is also impacted by my ethnic origin and religious tradition. Being Turkish and Muslim, I tend to follow the rules and norms prescribed by our faith. Thus, I pray five times a day, observe the Ramadan, and attend meetings in the local mosque. As a result, my lifestyle puts me in contact with a lot of Muslims who constitute my immediate circle of communication. In communication with other cultural and religious groups, I have to recognize that my principles and habits are different from most people. Many of my peers, for instance, find it strange that I do not eat or drink by daylight for the entire month of Ramadan. This makes me pause and explain to them the significance of the fast and what it means to me as a Muslim. Being Muslim does not in itself give an exhaustive description of my cultural identity since I have also been exposed to a number of other cultural influences. I am Turkish, and our culture differs in many ways from that of Arabic countries or that of Iran. In addition, I speak English as a second language and went to a French high school. Thus, for me, as for many of my younger countrymen, European cultural influences proved a great impact. I have been watching European movies and read European books since childhood. Knowing English, I was also exposed to the US cultural influence, watching Hollywood blockbusters and interacting with American peers. Belonging to a certain category, one is always an easy target for stereotypes. Thus, it so happened that I am an only child, so many believe that I am spoiled. In a talk with a classmate at school, I had to give examples of household chores that I do at home to dispel his notion of my being utterly â€Å"spoiled†. He only believed me after I told him how I could cook myself the whole dinner for the family at the age of 10. On the other hand, communicating with older people, I have to correct their understanding of college students as spoiled, rough, and careless. Sometimes, I feel as if these qualities are attributed to me by default simply because young people are portrayed in this way in a variety of movies. I try to combat this stereotype by taking time to talk to them at length about my studies and future career plans. I think it gives them an idea that I am serious about college as a way to a better life, not just a socializing event. In this way, my life has been infused with a variety of cultural influences that made me the person I am. At times, it can be difficult to balance many of them, such commitment to my faith with realities of college life here in the US. However, I do my best to try and find a sound approach that will dispel stereotypes and allow me to retain my unique identity. Reference Neuliep, J. W. (2000). Intercultural Communication: A Contextual Approach. Houghton Mifflin.

How September 11th Changed American Culture Essay -- September 11 Terr

As Americans, we used to worry little about war, having enough to eat, travel, freedom, and our most basic everyday activities. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 have forever changed the American way of life. We have become more concerned with our physical safety because of the endless terror attacks in America and other countries. Americans have certainly become more patriotic since September 11. Many of us watch the news to learn of any new terror attack or major offensive against cities in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, a variety of countries in Africa, Yemen and numerous other locations. The stock exchange hit bottom on September 21 in the 8100 range and is now back over 17,000 (Pellegrini). Oil prices have been dropping, which will help to boost our slowing economy. Unemployment rates will unfortunately probably remain the same. "Manpower, Inc. said Monday that its survey of United States companies' hiring intentions for the first three months of the year barely regist ered a pulse, but our commitment together to boost the nation's economy will ensure a bright future. America's future seems to be based on our new ideas formed since September 11, but yet we still carry on the problems of the past. There is still many Americans living in poverty. There is still illegal drugs that infest our nation with addiction and crime that encircles the drug trade. There are many children not getting a good education and many of whom who are fearful of violence at our schools. It is up to us as Americans to face these problems head on now more than ever before. The nation's most important problems to tackle and change are our illegal drug problem, the lack of good education for those of all ages, and to end the terrorist s... ... An Autopsy. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1993. McGeary, Johanna. "The Taliban Troubles." Time 1 Oct 2001: 14. National Center of Educational Statistics. government. 18 Nov 2001. National Center of Educational Statistics. government. 18 Nov 2001. National Center of Educational Statistics. government. 18 Nov 2001. Office of National Drug Control Policy. government. April 2001. 18 Nov 2001. Pellegrin, Frank. "The Street This Week: Planes, Trains, Automobiles, Malls -- Or None of the Above?" Time 19 Nov 2001. 21 Nov 2001. Quiram, Jacquelyn, Mei Ling Rein, and Nancy Jacobs, eds. Education--Reflecting Our Society. Wylie: Information Plus, 1998. "Who are America's Drug Users?" org. 14 Nov 2001. 18 Nov 2001. Zill, Oriana and Lowell Bergman. "Do the Math: Why the Illegal Drug Business is Thriving." org. 14 Nov 2001. 18 Nov 2001.

Escape Essay

All day long Orloff had paced his cell. The blackness of the sky outside was equaled only by the blackness of his thoughts. The deep rolling of the thunder reverberated through the thick stone walls of his prison, and every now and then a fitful gust of rain swirled through the tiny broken window, wetting his face as he stared out into the night. Orloff cursed, wiped the water from his face with his grimy fingers, and turned to pacing his cell once more. For seven long years Orloff had been thus confined – but a small fraction of the life sentence he was serving for the horrible crime he had committed. But at times he had asked himself, â€Å"Was it not worth it, after all?† He could still feel the wet, warm blood trickling between his fingers, and see the whites of his victim’s eyes. Then, too, there was that great day of the trial, when so many officials, in their splendid uniforms and gold braid, and so many beautiful women, clad in their furs and satins, had gazed at him, horror-struck, unable to avert their eyes from his face, or miss one word that fell from his lips†¦At such times Orloff would rub his hands and smile to himself, in memory of that great day. But tonight Orloff was in a different mood. Black despair and vengeance reigned supreme in his soul; he wished only to escape, in order that he might seek out his destroyers and in turn destroy them. His steps became more feverishly agitated; perspiration gathered on his forehead and he clenched his hands until the nails bit into his flesh and little trickles of blood oozed from between his fingers. A brilliant lightning flash illuminated the far wall of his cell –lighting it as it had never been lighted before. Orloff’s eyes became riveted upon a huge stone, on the lowest tier†¦Were his eyes deceiving him, or had he in truth seen a tiny crack surrounding it, as though the cement had been scraped away or altogether removed? Hardly daring to breathe he tip-toed across the room and fell on his knees before the stone, feeling its edges with his blood-stained fingers. Yes, there was a deep crevice surrounding it. And, what was more, the stone was loose. Orloff tugged at it, scraping the flesh from his fingers, sweat pouring from his face and matted hair†¦It moved†¦He pulled the great stone from its place and peered into the blackness beyond. Another lightning flash showed him what he had hardly dared hope for – a passage in the rock, leading downward from his place of torment. On the floor was a piece of paper, folded and yellow with age. With trembling fingers he carried it to the window, through which shone the faint rays of a lamp in the courtyard below, and there unfolded it. On it was a brief message, apparently written with some dark red fluid. For the first time in his life Orloff was glad that he had been made to read, if only a little. For on the paper was written: â€Å"I escaped by this passage. May he who finds this share my good fortune.† It was signed S.K. The tramp of the sentry’s feet resounded outside the door of his cell. Orloff threw himself over the stone till the footsteps had died away; then he thrust his head and shoulders into the opening, and began slowly to worm his way along the narrow passage before him. The walls of the passage were wet with slime and mould, and sharp, jagged rocks protruded, tearing Orloff’s clothes and scratching deep into his flesh†¦But of all this Orloff knew nothing. His eyes were gleaming, but only one thought was present in his mind –escape. He dug his bloody fingers into the mud and pushed himself steadily forward, flat on his stomach, like a serpent. As he advanced, the floor of the passage became steeper and steeper, sloping at an ever-greater angle. The walls became yet wetter and more slimy and the jagged rocks bit deeper into his writhing limbs. Foot after foot Orloff propelled himself along this narrow, sloping path. His breath came in short gasps, while the darkness seemed to become ever more intense. For one moment he paused, an agonizing fear shooting through him. He realized that it would be impossible for him ever to ascend that sloping passage to regain his cell. A cold shiver ran down his spine. Then, he clenched his teeth and propelled himself forward with the superhuman strength of despair. A sharp bend in the passage revealed a sight which made him gasp. A faint circular opening in the distance permitted the rays of the moon –which had fitfully begun to shine –to penetrate the stygian blackness. The end of the passage lay before him. Victory –escape! The cold night air fanned his face; he urged himself onward in a last desperate effort. The passage became ever more sloping as he advanced. His body was inclined at a sickening angle. Strange streaks of blackness seemed to cross his vision, as he half fell, half slid the few feet which yet remained to be traversed. Orloff’s head crashed into something hard, which half stunned him. A moment later he opened his eyes, and saw before him a heavily barred iron grating, and – a skeleton.

Essay about Achieving Honor as a Woman of Deh Koh - 499 Words

Achieving Honor as a Woman of Deh Koh To many Westerners, the overall plight of females in Iran appears tenuous. It is illegal for females above the age of 9 to appear in public with out their heads veiled and bodies entirely covered. Women cannot serve in certain occupations, such as the military. It is difficult for a married woman to divorce her spouse, yet for men the right to divorce is unquestioned and done with ease. Married women in Iran who wish to leave the country for any reason must first obtain the permission of their husbands. Despite their many restrictions, females in Iran are anything but fragile. Iranian women are proud, strong, and work at changing the society they live in. In Erika Friedls book, Women of†¦show more content†¦She says, ...men grow tall before they wither and die; girls, like flowers, bloom shortly, only to wrinkle and dry up... The men are really the caretakers and the bosses. In the story of Maryam and Kosrshid, it says that she is illiterate and had to do all of her book keeping in her head. She was successful at doing this. She really was taking control in many situations. She wanted the school administration to buy one vineyard that was located in a convenient spot. She was successful at this as well. Throughout the book, Freidl gives many examples of hardships and triumphant times for women. Obviously everyone in life has many hardships but these women go through so much more. Friedl lets you hear the womans voice not just her own observations. She shows how women can be strong, but also women who are struggling. Each chapter focuses on a different woman in the village. Blood, marriage, or both relate most of the women so the stories intertwine. The women are not silent or weak. They endure their burdens, gossip, complain about each other, establish relationships, claim their rights as elders, pray to Allah, all within their allotted rights. They make sure no one is infringing on their rights, including daughter-in-laws who become part of their families after marriage. Daughter-in-laws are always lazy, or mother in laws are always slave drivers depending on whose story you are reading at the time. Everybody knows each others