Collective empowerment Essay “To find out about my life. The truth. In the end. That’s all. †Nadine Gordimer’s 11th novel heroine, Vera Stark, takes over the hearts of literary critiques as she goes through the course of transition taking place in post-apartheid South Africa and in herself. “None to accompany me†is yet another Nadine Gordimer literary masterpiece that explores the dramatic effect of a country to an individual’s change on a personal level. The novel opens with Vera’s infidelity to her first husband; and as the story advances and she ages, she assesses her life and gains a new perspective on her relationship with her second husband, Bennett. Meanwhile, she tries to understand her daughter’s case on being a lesbian and why her husband pretends not to notice. Here, we see her struggle with her private feelings while engaged in civic issues where she had difficulty dealing with “relationships for which there was no preexisting formula of hostility or friendship, suspicion or trust. Note that the novel takes place in post-apartheid South Africa there’s been a radical change in social boundaries therefore, making it difficult to contend black interests. As Gordimer says, “When a railway line is abandoned, the tracks arent taken up. ; the railway referring to prejudiced white South Africans. Put in simpler terms, changing the law is one thing but changing the people’s attitude is another. Being a wife and a mother, a political activist and a lover, Stark’s sensible and sensual character reflects the author’s to some degree. Even her course of life takes resemblance to Gordimer’s: Vera Stark, a graduate of legal studies, becomes head of a Legal Institution established as a “reaction against the blackness of the black community, fights back the system with its own tricks. She will become the living example of how the collapse of an old regime allows us perhaps to abandon our old self. Maybe abandon an old personal life, too. Indeed, she will gradually see everything around her changing radically, and as consequences provoke other consequences, she will almost lose her life, after a murder attempt against her which will bring her face to face with the face of death, she will experience the fall of the frenzied racism monster as well as the transition towards a new regime with new supporters, ready like the others before them to be corrupted, the unjustified violence and the extreme poverty, she will revaluate her own existence, as a mother, as a companion and as a woman, she will watch her friends changing, she will be fascinated by the leader of the Black People and she will endure all these hardships with the stoicism of wisdom†(Nadine Gordimer on Vera Stark, “None to accompany meâ€); Likewise, Gordimer holds record for being a political activist throughout her lifetime and joined, as well as led, several organizations both legal and illegal that expressed her concerns on moral and racial issues, especially the apartheid in South Africa. Meanwhile, the novel’s secondary characters put an intriguing twist to the story, somehow blending in whilst telling a story of their own: Veras second husband Bennet, a supposed sculptor downgraded to selling prestige luggage to provide for her; their son Ivan, a London banker, and their lesbian daughter, Annie, a South African doctor; Didymus and his wife Sibongile (Sally) Maqoma, Vera’s black friends who returned from exile after the apartheid; their lovely daughter Mpho, half-Zulu, half-Xhosa, whose been raised in London; Veras co-worker Oupa, former prisoner on Robber Island, who has big hopes and plans for South Africa; and Zeph Rapulana, one of the new black men with the skills and personal power to help makes such dreams come true. Gordimer’s portrayal of each minor character’s image was brief but delightfully vivid. Also, despite being the lead character in the novel, two lives are actually examined throughout besides Stark’s, there’s Sally Maqona. After returning to South Africa from exile, she and her husband were received as heroes, for being part of the principal revolutionaries during the apartheid. However, an unexpected exchange in roles between the couple happened: Didymus, the male, was set aside the big picture for being a traditionalist whereas Sibongile, his wife, was selected to join high-profile politicians as she was regarded as one of the intellects and the most suitable to represent the new South Africa. Gordimer smoothly showed how these separate lives worked out how both women and their husbands are involved in taking down the apartheid system, and at the same time, how they handled more personal issues: a teen daughter’s pregnancy, the death of a co-worker, a son’s divorce, their own marital commitment, new employment and shifting friendships. All these are set in a growing complex political entity wherein each individual must somehow fit or adjust their identity. “Is there ever a really fair division of labour, as you call it, between couples? Vera’s daughter, Annie, asks her. Perhaps the answer to this question lies in the novel itself but then again, it’s uncertain will it be a yes or a no? Traditionally, so to speak, men take over positions dominating women. In this case however, one might find it amusing that it is the females holding the so-called ‘superior’ position instead of her husband, Sally is voted to preside over the board and even Vera has taken a seat amongst high-ranking officials. Moreover, I find it noteworthy to mention Vera’s alacritous acceptance of her daughter’s homosexuality at one part, she defends the merits of the male genitalia to her newly announced lesbian daughter. With such circumstances at hand, one wonders whether this novel was written to be intentionally inclined to feministic views or it’s just how it was meant to go. Nonetheless, this has nothing to do with Gordimer; in point of fact, she’s against sexism, racism, and the like as evident from her reactions in real life encounters. As to the novel’s setting, Gordimer’s ardent description of the South African post-apartheid is written in such a way as if meant to bring the reader inside the story itself. She highlights South Africa’s torment from racial discrimination and social division a glimpse of its ‘heterotopia’. Through Gordimer, one can not only see the narrative illustration presented but feel it, too, through the characters. It’s even more intense than reading a newspaper headliner, so to say. There’s no wonder Gordimer was able to come up with an excellent novel: she has ever since been a political activist in South Africa, expressing her thoughts through outstanding literary pieces concerning relevant issues facing the locals, and even being active in the anti-apartheid movement she joined the African National Congress during the days when it was still illegal. Her works dealt greatly with political issues, especially those of her own country, and love entwined with the lives of ordinary people. She’s won various awards through the decades including the 1991 Nobel Prize for Literature because her contribution is, in the words of Alfred Nobel, “of very great benefit to humanityâ€. All of her works are based from her own personal record, being one articulate witness of the contemporary world her country’s in, with a hinge of imagination reality and fiction combined. With “None to accompany meâ€, Nadine Gordimer certainly outdid herself this time a recollection of her previous notable works combined with a near-perfect replica of her own private life and personal beliefs on the inadequate development of her country: analphabetism and semi-alphabetism, poverty, racism, and the transition from the racist regime to the democratic state among others. Further additional concepts she used cover spatial control as a mark of repression and as an emphasis of political resistance, and a vague reference on South African urbanization. This particular flair of hers is quite remarkable, Gordimer is one of the few capable of delivering a composition where realpolitik meets the inner self it’s complex, intense, intriguing, and definitely fascinating. Regardless of recent reviews saying that her style of unfolding the narrative is more urgent compared to her earlier pieces, they commend her for keeping the ‘magic’ still. Her narrative form is unique to her she does it with sophistication and boldness; she writes what is there and she writes it with utmost comprehension and solemnity. Down to the last word, this read will leave you in awe. “It is not enough for someone to say that he is a writer. He must do what he can! â€, so she says. The new South Africa that is evolving right now is coming to terms with the various repressions and discriminations it did in the past. South Africa is now freeing itself from the vestiges of apartheid and at the same time unmasking apartheid as it takes in different forms not only in society but in the hearts of its citizens. While apartheid is now officially denounced, there are still traces of it in many of its structures and apartheid still exists in the internal structures of culture and individual consciousness. One must be able to weed out apartheid inside one’s own heart even if the mind says you have already rid of it conceptually. There are practices and bad habits that are hard to break. Apartheid still exists in subliminal forms. The true affirmation and sense of self worth still needs to be developed. Collective empowerment still needs to be done on the structural level. This means poverty eradication, women empowerment, literacy programs, and economic programs that would provide labor and a genuine sense of self worth. In the area of economics, there should be access to opportunity and privilege not only for the white and the rich but also for the majority poor and the black. In the political level, the voice of the majority still needs to be heard and well represented. In the area of culture, there still needs to be a radical break from the past and a birth of a totally new culture that would define South Africa on a new level of its accomplishments and not its sins from the past.
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12/12/2019 0 Comments Marketing and WoolworthWhat you have to do For this assignment, you are required to: Research into an organisation that you are familiar with Collect relevant information for use in completing the tasks of this assignment To perform the tasks satisfactorily, you need to conduct extensive secondary research using search engines, the useful websites in the Appendix of OTEN learning resources and any other relevant sources of information. This assignment continues from Assignment 1. You may need to refer to Assignment 1 to complete the following four tasks.Suggested response length: 8-10 pages Tasks Task 1 (25 marks) Describe the implementation of a recent marketing program or a marketing plan of the organisation. You are required to describe broad and specific action programs (what, when, who and how) with reference to the marketing mix elements. Woolworth is a retail primary activity in supermarket and has a portfolio business which is similar to wesfarmers, like BIGW, petrol and liquor stores bonds, it is a big huge range of consumer favourite brands.It is a big competition industry and need a cost leadership implementation plan for the company to success and achieve their mission and goals. in Sydney . Woolworth company has the board ,of directors act in behalf of share holders in supervising. And managing is to planning and managing a good plan for marketing to be always the company to be a fresh food people. the implementation plan for Woolworth is to focus on some areas in company like water , sourcing, packaging, waste and green stores plus challenges and opportunities to way forward including our target . he measurement of our environmental by rhe mission from farm to market , from market to distribution centre, from distribution to store from store to home . the sustainability strategy for Woolworth to give the importance issue to the business feedback reciving from stakeholders . woolworth commitments, policies and performance details on our corporate responsibility in Woolworth website. This strategy will help to make environment issues with the work that Woolworth mangemnt are already doing around the economic and social impact for the company . Working group to develop Woolworth strategy to energy and green house . sustainable transport targets ,waste, packaging and water. The groups come from all different places of the business to establish the implication and practical consideration behid the commitments and targets * http://www. woolworthslimited. com. au/icms_docs/130514_Doing_the_Right_Thing. pd Rom Marketplace, Shareholders, government suppliers, customers Workplace Employee Environment CO, energy, water, waste, resources, biodiversity To create a trade mark (brand, logo, etc. , and have it registered (protection of Intellectual property rights www. ipaustralia. gov. au) > product/brand manager > Consultation with company lawyers, external consultants and major stakeholders (if need be) > Registration on/before end of September. 2. The product should be available for despatch to retailers by the end of December * Product : Woolworth has a modern organization focus on marketing efforts on their customers to give the consumer a health and fresh brand to use on their good brand , Woolworth management has a new product call whatMacro Wholefoods it is a market brand organic for almonds and semolina and walnuts ec… macro organic the new range of products has a gluten free and that is very safety and healthy for any family in health issues . who Woolworth manager proud to bring macro wholefoods in market. Woolworth is a big local business employer of more than 192,000 people and committed their own suppliers , producers and manufactures. there is board of directors in Woolworth this board role is to represent and serve interests of shareholders by overseeing and assess value and quality of the company .Management board to take responsibility and right decisions across the company brand . what to buy what to brand is good for marketing in Woolworth companies . how Woolworth limited managers are best Australian organised and trusted for the good brand and fresh brand by with constantly checking if suite to consumer what is need to be in market how the quality should be and any effects for this kind brand what the effect should be a date on packaging when should be eating and when is ending date . packaging to be safety and good looking plus easy to use . very product should registered a trade mark for any new brand in market paid the fees for new brand and application to go through to completed . the consultation for the brand company will check if this new macro product will suit Woolworth production system . it is an enough f program for this macro product against any competition funding available to develop new macro product . ( peter mix page 259 ) when the product application start in 4/2/2009 and should be end it three month later around 4/5/2009 has to be ready for pricing and prepare to be in market .Determine and finalise the price list for retailers > marketing manager > based on info from sales people + industry info from MKIS, relevant macro-environmental Factors > price list ready for retailers on/before October 2. Determine pricing strategies > marketing manager > feedback from salespeople + Nature of product, marketing objectives, etc. > by the end of August Pricing : pricing is very important elements in marketing mix or any new product in market price should be clear to customer and also match the quality of the product . arketing manager for Woolworth will determine the price of the product by the cost and company position in market and what level of competition in market for this product . there is many competitors in pricing by auction markets there is many sellers to buy the product through the websites from different company . there is a costs , positioning and competition in each market that is why manager in Woolworth should depending in how and where market the product price and what value . And understanding the customers and consumers better, to improving product according to their needs. t html http://www. woolworths. com. au/wps/wcm/connect/Website/Woolworths/Our+Brands/Macro Determine distribution strategies (selective, intensive, etc. ) > marketing manager + marketing/sales team > based on market coverage, competition, cost of distribution, etc. > on/before 30 September 2. Determine channel management strategies > marketing director > in consultation with marketing/sales people, relevant stakeholders, etc. gt; on/before 30 September http://www. woolworths. com. au/wps/wcm/connect/website/woolworths/abou What will be carried out? Woolworth called fresh food people has a good low prices for food and grocery all family need it in store , includes vegetable , meats , groceries items and packaged, liquor in different brand , petrol, general merchandise plus home improvement and hotels http://www. woolworthslimited. com. au/page/Who_We_Are/Our_Brands/ Who is responsible?Woolworth company has the board ,of directors act in behalf of share holders in supervising. Company supervising and managing is to planning plus managing a good plan for marketing * . there is board of directors in Woolworth this board role is to represent and serve interests of shareholders by overseeing and assess value and quality of the company . * Management board to take responsibility and right decisions across the company brand . what to buy what to brand is good for marketing in Woolworth companys .How it is done: Woolworth is a big local business employer of more than 192,000 people and committed their own business of many thousands local farmers, producers and manufactures. When it should complete: Promotion: 1. Salespeople to call on all retailers and secure orders for production > sales manager/sales people > develop a customer call plan that covers all sales territories + info from MKIS, etc. > before November 2. Develop a advertising media schedule > advertising/marketing manager > based on ad budget, types of media options, etc. gt; by the end of November People: Physical process: Physical evidence: 4Ps or 7P depending on the nature of the products or services Task 2 (25 marks) Identify and describe two sales forecasting techniques that could be used by the organisation or in the industry. You can use two of the following sales forecasting techniques: Market build-up method Survey of buyers' intentions Composite of sales force opinions Expert opinion Delphi method Regression analysis or any appropriate techniques. Critically evaluate the two sales forecasting techniques.Task 3 (20 marks) Identify and describe four financial ratios used for measuring and monitoring the performance of the marketing program or the marketing plan of the organisation. Relate your discussion to any relevant marketing mix elements. Task 4 (30 marks) Describe five evaluation and monitoring control methods for the marketing program or the marketing plan of the organisation. You need to demonstrate your skills and knowledge of marketing metrics, financial metrics and benchmarking industry best practices based on reliable sources of secondary information.
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