Poetry Analysis of Going Blind by Rainer Maria Wilke

I chose the poem Going Blind by Rainer Maria Wilke. Essentially, the poem outlines an observer’s thoughts about a girl at a party who is blind. My initial feeling during the first few lines was pity for the blind girl, as the poem talks about her hesitant smile and how she holds her cup differently than everyone else because she can’t see them. She tries to follow along, laughs when cued, is left behind as partygoers start to wander. But then the feeling changes during the last line and another feeling emerges, one of sparked curiosity and a slight shift of perspective.Leading up to that, the observer viewed the girl almost as weak and incapable, left of out the evenings events. She pitied the vacant stare and the slow movements. But then observer catches a glimpse of something else, a glimmer of deeper existence behind the milky eyes. The focus shifts to less of a judgement towards this unknown girl towards herself and a place of self-awareness. She realizes that every thing may not be as her first glance may have suggested.Going Blind is written in a loose rhyme scheme that contributes to the relatable yet mysterious tone of the poem. The punctuation is not dissimilar to prose, but the sixteen lines in quatrain form are cut off to create the rhyme, which is a, b, b, a. I feel this poem appealed more to the sight, as the description given painted, for me, a clear picture of the room full of people, the way she sat with her tea, how the guests ambled from room to room, the way her eyes looked.As far as metaphorical phrases go, the blind girl’s eyes were compared to a lit pond, and her demeanor was compared to a nervous performer’s. The theme of Going Blind, from my perspective, is the complexity and the area of unknown within each blank face we see. We can think we have someone figured out, when in reality, there is more than meets the eye, and specifically, there is more to the character of this poem than her disability.

Arrival of the Bee Box by Sylvia Plath Essay

Plath’s arrival of the Bee Box is a poem which depicts a box containing bees. In regards to this theme, it is not the only poem that Plath has approached bees as she wrote The Beekeeper’s Daughter. Additionally this poem can also be seen as a classical allusion to Pandora’s box as it concerns a feared object, which may cause destruction if opened. At first this box is looked upon with distrust, and possibly fear, as there is a lack of control of the contents of this box. However the speaker gradually rears itself to gain control or at least power in regards to the box and feels more confident about approaching it. Initially there is a sense of uncertainty about the nature of the box. It is first said to be a â€Å"clean wood box/square as a chair and almost too heavy to lift† (1-2). This is a clear and objective description of the box however a contradicting depiction of the box follows: it is said to be the â€Å"coffin of a midget/or a square baby† (3-4). These are images of distortion with references to death, which can leave a somewhat disturbing image of the box. This misshape is also found on the final line of the introductory stanza as Plath describes it as having â€Å"not such a din in it† (5), yet in the midst of claiming silence Plath introduces an assonance(â€Å"in†) giving the sentence an acoustic trait. This sense of uncertainty is quickly replaced by fear as Plath now becomes concerned with the box’s basic attributes, such as it being â€Å"locked† and â€Å"dangerous† (6). As such it allows her to introduce the theme of control; the speaker has indeed â€Å"ordered this† (1) box yet the box, once delivered, is considered unapproachable and to be a burden (â€Å"I have to live with it overnight† -7). As such the lack of control becomes clear and it may even be said that it is the box that has started taking ownership of the speaker. And this ownership is in the form of fascination, the speaker cannot stop from exploring the box (â€Å"There are no windows, so I can’t see what is in there† -9) despite the reasons not to do so. Overwhelmed by fascination, the speaker â€Å"puts her eye to the grid†(11). This reveals a box with reminiscent themes of African slavery. For example the speaker has â€Å"the swarmy feeling of African hands† (13). In addition to this there are references to slave trade (â€Å"shrunk for export†-14) and the theme of dislike of captivity is conveyed by placing the consonance of an â€Å"ll† sound in the last line: â€Å"black on black, angrily clambering†. This resonates the bees (and the slaves) want to escape their prison. Later on we also find this same assonance associated to unpleasant noise (â€Å"It is the noise that appalls me most of all,/The unintelligible syllables.†17-18). Also the use of assonance (â€Å"dark, dark†-12; â€Å"black on black†-15) achieves a similar effect and sustains this unease. The reference of slavery may be related to the Civil Rights movement in America in the 1960’s and it would be Plath’s way of conveying the cries for equality. Most important however are the threatening nature of these complaints which draw back into the theme of control and underline that the speaker still does not feel safe in regards to the box and its contents, especially as the content is alive and fervent. The speaker then ponders as to how to let the bees escape (16). However such a choice is not made as the threat of the bees build up. Firstly a buzzing sibilance,†It is the noise that appals me most of all† (17), echoes the presence of the bees but it also provokes confusion, destabilizing the speaker who becomes confused in regards to what the bees are trying to communicate with him (â€Å"The unintelligible syllables†-18). This lack of understanding can be understood as the bees are now even more threatening, they are now a â€Å"Roman mob† (19), a symbol of rebellion. In spite of the individual bee being harmless, it is the bee’s nature as a swarm that impresses the speaker: â€Å"Small, taken one by one, but my god, together!†(20). The next stanza provides the first hints that the speaker is finally in control of the situation. Firstly, the speaker â€Å"lay[s his] ear to furious Latin† conveying the need to understand the bees, something not previously achieved. But to be properly able to understand them, the speaker discards all the Roman associations, which could be a symbol of power over the speaker. This is done by declaring â€Å"I am not a Caesar† (22). However this statement is ambiguous in the sense that it contains a paradox as the speaker both mentions power, when the need for power is obvious, and yet denies wanting or having it. Regardless of this, the speaker does finally gain power over the bees. Such is achieved by the speaker announcing that â€Å"I have simply ordered a box of maniacs.†(23). Not only does the speaker finally settle as to what the box is (having previously been uncertain about it), but the concept of power grasp resonates by the use of â€Å"simply†, allowing to set aside any previous problems about this box and imposing the speakers interpretation on it. This leads to multiple statements about what the speaker can do with this newly realized power such as: â€Å"They can be sent back./They can die†(24-25). This leads to the culmination of this stanza with triumphant, yet dispassionate, assertion â€Å"I am the owner† (25). This statement chimes throughout this stanza due to the anaphora of â€Å"I† serving as a reminder of who is now in charge. Additionally the short and concise sentences present throughout this stanza act as orders, another way of displaying authority. This newly gained authority is enjoyed as the speaker now settles and starts musing about the bees:†I wonder how hungry they are† (26). Again we find an anaphora, but this time it is â€Å"I wonder† (26-27), which is one of the first clear clues for choice as they introduce hypothetical statements which rely on will to be realised. Following this Plath makes another of her classical allusions, this one being the Greek myth of Daphne. This allusion is done to represent the extent to which the speaker, relishing the newly unveiled power, is now dreaming about what could be achieved with the bees, as now an extra touch of magical realism is added to the poem. In this trail of thoughts, the speaker refers to the ability to transform into a blond tree, the colour of honey, so as to appease the bees. The speaker also hopes to be ignored by the bees, dressed in a â€Å"moon suit and a funeral veil† (32). In this statement we can interpret the moon suit to be the usual beekeeper’s suit, but more importantly the moon suit gives an imposing, and possibly bizarre, image of the speaker. Additionally we find again a reference to death sustaining the dark aspect of the poem. The specific reference to a funeral may imply that the speaker is now mourning over the chase for power with the bees. Irrespective of this, the speaker ceases day-dreaming and instead rationalizes that â€Å"I am no source of honey/So why should they turn on me?† (33-34). This provides a justification for setting the bees free without the fear of being attacked. In doing so the reader claims to be â€Å"sweet God†(35), which links back to the references of â€Å"I am not a Caesar†(22). Indeed both these statements refer to power, but both also display a nuance in regards to the kin d of power that should be gained; there is an attempt at the distinction between a tyrant and the image of a kind and respected leader, â€Å"The box is only temporary† (36). Such ends the poem. One of its first roles is to create a couplet with the â€Å"free â€Å"of the previous line. However this conclusive line also serves as a way of declaring that perhaps choice is finally in the speaker’s hands. However the statement does not give the speaker the choice not to open up the box, which is after all what the bees and later on the speaker want. As such Plath ends the poem ambiguously by not being clear as to whether or not there has been a definite success. Throughout this poem, Plath has dealt with the struggle for control with the bees. At first she panics but then manages to calm down and make a rational decision about what should be done. Panics and confusion are often caused by the bee’s buzzing which may allow us to suggest that she uses bees as a metaphor for scary thoughts, a kind of paranoia. Indeed the buzzing sound that reverbs would be an easy way to drive someone mad and thus paranoia is a good candidate for this metaphor. In fact, the bees having been ordered by the speaker, presumably Plath, we can say that Plath is dealing with a personal dilemma. This would be reminiscent of Plath’s life by 1960, wherein she had multiple cases of trauma and was in a state of mental decline. It can then be concluded that Arrival of the Bee Box is indeed confessional poetry.

Conflict in story “The Kind of Light that Shines on Texas” Essay

In the story â€Å"The Kind of Light that Shines on Texas† by Reginald McKnight we encounter several conflicts that our main character, Clint, an African American child who attends a public school back in 1960, Waco, Texas. He faces through out the story several conflicts with society and also the conflicts he faces personally like living in prejudice. He also has problems with his mother due to his inner problems and lack of communication in the house. The point of view of this story is what really makes it so engaging and easy to read. This story is surrounded by conflict since the beginning, when we learn about the class ration of white kids to black kids and our main character is having a really bad experience because he is not getting anything positive out of going to school, his teachers and classmates are not nice to him, they make inappropriate comments which are for the black kids and also bullying from another student towards Clint, and as a result, he get into troub le in school. Clint has several conflicts in the story; the first one is person vs. society. Clint is struggling with the racism that was present in the 60’s in a southern conservative Texan town. The conflict he encounters is that his teacher, Mrs. Wickham, makes inappropriate comments towards the African American students in front of the whole class and then insists the comments where jokes, â€Å"Now don’t you nigra children take offense. This is all fun, you know,†(McKnight, 2006, pg. 226.) Basically making fun of her students and trying to show the other kids that it is okay to laugh at others. This affect Clint because he is the pun in the joke, he is the target to engage to make fun off and this is exactly what Oakley does when he begins to bully Clint. Also this make Client feel like an alien in the class. The other conflict we encounter with Clint is with him trying to understand why society is doing this to him and his similar classmates, why is Mrs. Wickham telling mean jokes, why is no one saying something about the insulting comments. He also starts to wonder why Marvin, the other African American boy in his class, does what he does in class, he wonders why does he spit on his arm and rubs it, â€Å"He had the habit of spitting on his right arm, juicing it down till it would glisten.† (McKnight, 2006, pg. 223.) Instead of helping Clint with his conflicts, also aimed at Marvin and why does he has to be the only target of the teacher and the class bully Oakley. That’s when he remembers the class they had the lights and prism, this made him remember what he learned. â€Å"The color of the  thing isn’t what you see, but the light that’s reflected off it.† (McKnight, 2006, pg. 233.) Here is where he learns that the all are the same but it’s due to the light that they appear to be different. I believe that the conflict is not resolved but Clint learn a valuable lesson about who he really is and Clint gets involved in a fight with his bully Oakley which is the persons vs. perso n conflict, it all started because the gym teacher was the instigator for the conflict to happened, he was the one who put the black kid against the white kid, he knew what was going on, and its because of this that the conflict starts. However there is a twist, Marvin steps up to the bully to defend Clint and give Oakley a beating. We don’t know the actual outcome of the story, but due to the whole set up, we might get an idea of what happened to Marvin. I believe that the possible resolution to this fight is that Marvin could have either get expelled from school because they lived in a conservative town or at least get a really hard punishment, on the other half, Oakley could be suspended for a couple of days or just go off with a warning. The mother son conflict in the story is what Clint really doesn’t want to talk about his mother about the problems he is facing in school, she shows no emotion or care towards him; he would rather be with his dad than his mother, but in this case it can’t be done because his father is in Vietnam fighting the war. She show’s no emotion when they talk, probably the most flat character in the story, she seems to be sad because his husband is away or has so many things going through her mind that stopped paying attention to her family. Instead Clint shows different emotion, like anger, confusion, and disappointment when he feels he can’t communicate with his mother and tell her about the problems he is having in school. In the story, we see that the point of view id form a child, who is beginning to learn about life and society, he feels confused because he doesn’t understand why is he the target and source of conflict in school, this is why we get engaged so easily when we begin reading the story, because we have always been in a similar position when we were younger, we did not understand fully why was something happening and did not received a clear response from the grownups surrounding us. I like it that the story is in 1st person because and we can really connect with t he main character and understand why is he struggling so more, as well as the factor that it’s a boy who is telling the story, we sense the innocence in the writing because  he does not understand why is the teacher making jokes about the 3 students and desperation he must be feeling when he goes to school and has to face all the conflicts. This story is a great example to show conflict between person and society as well as person vs. person. We get the chance to see how Clint sees society and how the school and town he is growing up is. We encounter how Clint has a problem with society because of the way they are treated in class and how the teachers are just making them feel inferior to the other students. Also how the school system plays a roll in the story because of the student ratio of 1:10 students seem to bother a lot Clint. In the story there also is a person vs. person conflict when the fight with Oakley takes place during the gym period, which it was basically set up by the gym teacher who told them that Reference: McKnight, R. (1992) The Kind of Light that Shines on Texas. In P. Shreve & B. Minh (Eds.) 30/30 Thirty American stories from the last thirty years. (Pp. 223-234) New York: Pearson Longman.

Confucius and Aristotle on Virtue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Confucius and Aristotle on Virtue - Essay Example Confucius and Aristotle on Virtue Similarly, the essay suggests ideas of virtue, which can apply to ethics in the contemporary society that has diverse workplaces. According to the concept of ‘virtue ethics’ by Aristotle, it is challenging to attain morality in a universal code. That indicates that the justified thing to do in a specific situation is what a virtuous individual would do. Aristotle defines virtue as the quality of character that is essential and ideal in ensuring a life well lived. In defining this concept, Aristotle focused on characterizing the good life as that lived under the influence of or in accordance with virtue. On the other hand, Confucius focused on going a notch higher to the process of defining the concept with the intention of escaping the potential circularity of virtue ethics. He further provided a starting point towards understanding how to achieve a good life. From that perspective, there is not a single, universal moral code. Nevertheless, there is a ‘root of humanity’ and, thus, the perfect opportunity for the attainment of closest loving relationships. Similar to most Greek philosophers, Aristotle focused on viewing virtue as a form of language. From that perspective, self-examination is essential in the generation of self-knowledge that eventually leads to the realisation of the good life. It indicates that knowledge comes out as a mean, which is relative to individuals. In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle focused on the integration of a patient, careful and descriptive approach to examining moral philosophy.

Disrupting Terror Group Finances to Exploit Weaknesses in Terrorist Research Paper

Disrupting Terror Group Finances to Exploit Weaknesses in Terrorist Organizations - Research Paper Example In most activities, finances or money are often needed. This is not an exception for terrorist organizations that need the financial support of supporters in order to carry out their goals. Based on known accounts, most of their finances come from donations from sympathizers and from their numerous economic enterprises. Since their members, including their donors, are mostly located in different parts of the world, their funds also have to be moved and have to change hands. Where interruptions to the smooth flow of these finances would be interrupted, the terrorist activities would also likely be interrupted. This is the basis of this discussion. It shall discuss the general flow of finances for terrorist organizations, and how disruptions in these finances would impact on the organization itself. It will also discuss whether or not such disruptions would be sufficient in exploiting the weaknesses of terrorist organizations. This paper is being carried out in order to provide readers more specific scenarios on how disruptions on finances impact on terrorist organizations. Terrorists, as in most businesses or other undertakings require funds to operate. These funds are usually allocated to finance payments for operatives, travel expenses, training, forging of documents, bribes, weapons, and suicide attacks (Financial Action Task Force, 2008). Funding for these activities may primarily be allocated for direct operational support and secondly for broader operational activities (FATF, 2008). Direct operational funding usually includes: direct costs of attacks, like bombs, vehicles, maps, and the like; salaries, communications; food and subsistence; training and travel; and logistics or communication (FATF, 2008). The broader allocations include funds allocated for the support of the organization. This may include the recruitment of members, support of complicit charitable organizations and other businesses, including mass media

Knowledge and innovation in organisations are fundamentally linked Essay

Knowledge and innovation in organisations are fundamentally linked. Critically analyse this statement - Essay Example In the internet this ranges from; data from all over the world has been categorized and catalogued by thousands of online companies making it possible for people to access and create resources online. Innovation is closely connected to the concept of creativity and although it is very commonly used, most scholars consider it a notourisily ambiguous concept since it is nearly impossible to pin it down as a single definition or measure (Terziovski, 2010). According to Galunic and Rodan (1998), innovation can be defined as the ability or capacity of an organization to constantly come up with and implement new ideas and in modern organisational management, it is considered a critical aspect of the organisational outcome. Many scholars agree that knowledge and innovation cannot be separated from each other and it is unquestionable that they are the driving force behind most economies in the world. Another way the connection between the two can be demonstrated is by perceiving innovation a s the application and transmission of knowledge from the research and development stage to the implementation and application (Gulbrandsen, 2007). Essentially, knowledge is superordinate to innovation since the former is simply a form of knowledge that has been synthesized and practically applied in a creative way. The intertwining relationship between the two concepts is especially demonstrated in the fact that organisations strive to acquire new knowledge which they then assimilate and apply so as to convert it into profit use it to drive whatever other non-fiscal or fiscal objectives that drive the company. Although it is only recently that attention has been focused on the concept of knowledge with the benefit of hindsight, there is little doubt that knowledge has always been central in human organisations. From the Stone Age era through to the modern period, creating and synthesizing new knowledge, which could also mean innovation has been the

Air pollution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Air pollution - Essay Example This paper will discuss air pollution and its various aspects. According to Lbl.gov, there are various major  kinds  of pollution, which produce renowned  effects on the well-being and health  of individuals and the environment as a whole. These pollution types include the discharge of such toxic gases as chemical vapors, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Once these gases get into the environment, they can become involved in advanced chemical reactions leading to the formation of  acid rain and  smog. Other serious implications include the development of holes in the ozone layer as well as greenhouse effect. The other type of air pollution, which results from fuel combustion for energy, involves the discharge of  particles  (particulate matter) into the air. These particles are tiny pieces of matter, which measures roughly 0001 inches. An excellent case in point of this  kind of particulate matter is diesel smoke. This kind of pollution is also kn own as black carbon pollution. Smoke from burning fuels in industries, homes, and automobiles, is a main source of air pollution. It is also believed that burning charcoal and wood in barbeques and fireplaces can as well discharge into the air significant amounts of soot. Liu explains that the common sources of air pollution include industrial facilities, motor vehicles emissions, household combustion devices, forest fires, mold spores, and pollen among others. According to him, these sources fall into two main categories, namely natural and human sources (15). The natural sources of air pollution include volcanic activity that lead to the production of ash particulates, chlorine, sulfur, carbon monoxide and smoke from wildfires; and dust from natural sources that are usually large areas with no or little vegetation (Chapman and Rob 23). Human sources of air pollution result from human activities that contribute to air pollution. One of the main sources of air pollution that results from human activity is from manufacturing facilities, waste incinerators, and power plants and other forms of fuel-burning heating devices (Gurjar 33). Aircraft, motor vehicles, sound equipments, and marine vessels are the other sources of air pollution from human activities. Military activities such as toxic gases, nuclear weapons, and germ warfare can be the other source of air pollution. Controlled burn practices and chemicals used in forestry management and agriculture are the other sources of air pollution resulting from human activity (Colls 27). Pollutants are the substances that cause air pollution. Pollutants that are of major public health and environment concern include ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide (Liu 18). Pollutants are classified into two main categories: primary and secondary. Primary pollutants are those that are emitted directly from a process such as sulfur dioxide from manufacturing facilities, the carbon monoxi de from the motor vehicle, or ash from volcanic eruption (Gurjar 36). Example of primary pollutants include carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, ammonia, radioactive pollutants,

Marketing Strategies for a Newly Opened Delicatessen Essay

Marketing Strategies for a Newly Opened Delicatessen - Essay Example Among them the following marketing strategies have received the attention of many analysts and researchers (Rosenbaum, 1998). Initially market dominance strategies acquired much greater recognition. These strategies are based on the understanding that any marketing strategy must have as its core objective the domination of the market. In other words the firm seeks either to lead, challenge, simply follow or develop a niche market (Treacy & Wiersema, 1997). According to market dominance strategies the typical behavior of the market dominating firm is to set prices (price leadership) or set a quantity (market leadership). Challengers do not have the same amount of market share or power. But nevertheless they are in a better position to challenge the market leader. Challengers usually have one or few advantages associated with such areas as technology, Research & Development (R&D) and so on (Cooper, 2001). On the other hand firms which do not have anything of the above capabilities would follow the market leader especially in price. Finally the firm which seeks to develop a niche market will do so without con centrating its resources much on wider strategic marketing initiatives. For a newcomer what matters first and foremost are the resource capabilities and an appropriate product placement strategy. For example The word â€Å"delicatessen† is a loanword in the English language borrowed from German. In German language it means delicacy or delicacies. However in English it has undergone a phenomenal shift in nuances. However this paper would take its secondary meaning which refers to a shop or a market where delicacies such as foie gras, caviar, truffle mushrooms, charcuterie, red wine, gourmet chocolate and so on are sold and eaten ( www.cba.ufl.edu) . An entrepreneur of a delicatessen has no much choice except to target a particular segment of consumers in the market. Even the choice of location is limited by the fact that many downtowners happen to visit

Do the classical theorists still apply to modern warfare in the Essay

Do the classical theorists still apply to modern warfare in the twentieth century What about in the twenty-first century - Essay Example However, governmental bodies and rulers, along with the participants of battles and conflicts have their distinct and particular classical theorists with the consultative expertise, who recommends and propose impeccable opinions to these bodies. These theorist offers with their opinions and recommendations principally for the role of planning as they have encountered the ground realities of the battlefield in a widespread and comprehensive way. In addition, they are masters with the boundless and considerable information and statistics on the past and chronicled researches2. The studies and data demonstrates the fact that classical theorist still apply to the contemporary conflicts and wars in the twentieth century as well as in the twenty-first century specifically concerning the technological advancements and boom in the industrial sector that the world is experiencing. Although the industrial revolution did not bring change largely for the classical theorists, yet they continued t o keep themselves modernized and elucidated the existing and recent truths and information on a continuous basis in order to maintain their worth and significance3. Several of the theories related to warfare in the old times have undergone some changes and are dissimilar and unlike to the modern warfare as the social, political, cultural, economic and technological factors alters with the passage of time and thus, have a great deal of influence on the articulation of the warfare4. Many of the classical theories have come under collection, assembling, and consolidation by the theorists that were imperative and essential intuitions, perceptions and visions that emphasized their extended apprehensions of the warfare, rather than their advice to the explicit activities in the war. According to some of the classical theorists, ethical and principal manipulation, climatic conditions, territory, or region of a country, authority, control and domination, and regulation and obedience were fe w major and elementary aspects that were critical and crucial to the planning of the war5. Whereas, when looking at the other end of the spectrum, in contrast to the extensive knowledge about the past records of the army and their headship and management, the above mentioned aspects of consideration at the planning of the war by few theorist was irrelevant, out of date or even pedestrian6. As the classical theorist had different perspectives, their ideas and thoughts differ from each other and this can come under witness by the diverse and deviating past situations and surroundings. Some of the theorists focused and emphasized that, victory in the fight and conquering and defeating the rivals through paramount focus was the leading and vital solution. While others highlighted and accentuated the fact that deceit and dishonesty is the key to success and winning in the battle, and ruling over, and controlling the enemy’s insight and opinions will make them fight to the directed side7. Despite of the fact that the classical theorists were poles apart, nevertheless, they had abundant and plentiful chief and significant resemblances and relationship in their theories. The

International Business Plan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

International Business Plan - Research Paper Example in the European country of Hungary. For this purpose, an assessment of the economic, social, political and legal environment of the country has been made. The paper also dwells on the requirements for success in the country from an individual’s perspective. Company Overview: About Levis Strauss & Co Levis Strauss & Co. made its humble beginning in 1853 when the Bavarian immigrant and founder of the company created the very first pair of jeans. At present, the company designs, markets and sells jeans, casual pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear et al. The company also has all related accessories for men, women and children in its product repertoire. The company boasts of popular brands like Levi’s, Dockers, Denizen, and Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Over the years, the San Francisco headquartered company has grown steadily to become one of the global behemoths in the apparel industry. As on date, Levis Strauss & Co has operations in as many as 110 countries a nd generates close to 50 percent of its net revenues from markets outside the United States. Levi Strauss & Co conducts its operations outside the United States through foreign subsidiaries owned either directly or indirectly by it. The company’s global business is grouped into three geographic regions: Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. The year wise (2009 through 2011) breakup of the net revenue earned by the company in these regions is shown in Table 1 below. Table 1: Region-wise Revenue for Levis Strauss & Co.* *Source: Annual Report of Levis Strauss & Co. The company’s brands are sold in 55,000 retail locations globally. Of these 2,300 retail locations house the brands of the company exclusively. As of November 27, 2011, the company had 498 company-operated stores located in 32 countries across the three regions. Of these there were 211 stores in the Americas, 178 stores in Europe and 109 stores in Asia Pacific. Additionally, there were another 1800 franchised, li censed, or other forms of brand-dedicated stores operated by independent third parties that sold Levis Strauss & Co. brands exclusively. Levis Strauss & Co has managed to build brands that people love and trust, in large measure, due to its responsible business practices. The company leaves no stone unturned to contribute to and respect the local communities in which it operates. As a business strategy, Levis Strauss & Co intends to grow its business profitably, spread out across consumer segments and price tiers and respond to marketplace dynamics while building on its competitive strengths. The company’s global footprint is a key factor in its long term growth and it must capitalize on it. Levis Strauss & Co has to focus on markets that provide lucrative growth opportunities. The company has to make full use of its massive global presence and local-market talent gain local market insights, adapt to local consumer trends and thus grow profitably. It is for this reason that t he company is looking to expand in Hungary. Country Overview: About Hungary The history of Hungary dates back to as far as A.D. 1000 when the country became a Christian kingdom. It emerged as an independent country after World War I. It was in 1968; under the headship of Janos Kadar, that Hungary introduced the ‘Goulash Communism’ whereby it began to liberalize its economy and placed