Strategic Management business organization Essay

Strategic Management business organization - Essay Example It is highly important that the company designs and executes a specific strategy, as it will be the master plan with which it will pattern all its strategic moves and actions. Lack of a specific strategy is a "surefire ticket for organizational drift, competitive mediocrity, internal wheel-spinning and lackluster results (Thomson 2002)." Second, Thomson argues that business entities need to devise and implement strategies, as the efforts of all the functional areas in the company should be molded into a "coordinated, compatible whole." A comprehensive strategy takes all the business units into account making each action mutually supportive. Without a well-laid out strategic plan, there will be no basis for uniting the efforts of all the functional areas, no clear direction on the business decisions and plans that the business takes, and no conscious business model for profit generation. Kotler has argued that business entities are currently operating on hypercompetitive environment which is characterized by more stringent competition and higher buyer leverage. In this kind of situation, strategic management becomes more instrumental in the success and even mere survival of company. This report argues that strategic management directly and strongly affects the performance of an organisation. By organizational performance we refer to the ability of an organization to use its resources efficiently and to produce outputs that are consistent with its goals. This in order for an organisation to measure its performance, it must first establish a set of goals and objectives that it wants to achieve to use as benchmark with its actual performance. Setting the company's direction will enable managers know where the company is heading as well as the strategies to be employed in order to for the company to achieve what it wants to become. Consequently, organisational performance is often dependent on how well the company handling its strategic management. By employing the tools devised for strategic management, a company is able to gain significant information about its external and internal environment, enabling it to tailor a strategy to align its strengths with opportunities. Formulating the right strategy will enable the company to enhance its organizational performance. Strategic management is therefore one of the most crucial areas in management. Coming up with a specific strategy, which will be the basis of company's actions, processes and decisions is a must. A well-crafted strategy is indispensable to the company's performance and long-term success. It is therefore important that a business entity comes up with a unique strategy tailored for the achievement of its goals and objectives. Devising a purposeful and efficient strategy is a tedious task and managers should be armed with different techniques in diagnosing the company in order to prescribe the "right" strategy. The next section will look at the different models which are employed to aid managers in this strategy making process. PESTEL stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and

Summary and analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Summary and analysis - Essay Example These are such as fertility and poverty. Other aspects that come in are such as the internal determining factors as well as the external determining factors and the consequences that come out of instability in the population as well as the achievements that are born out of it. All in all, the article‘s sole focus is the instance of population and its effect on economic growth. The article is relevant to economic growth because without a doubt population is one of the most determining factors in the element of economic growth. The fact that the article has gone as far as to project the figures that could be existing as of 2050, lays out a clear cut picture of the effect that population will have had on the economy should the trend maintain its current ground. The article is in fact correct if the statistical methods of evaluation are anything to go by and should be used by statistical and economic analysts to understand and plan for the situation that is being projected. It should also be noted that as demonstrated in the article ignorance and illiteracy could be the root cause of economic crippling. All things said this article assumed the correct approach in its analysis of this economic

Appraising and Rewarding Performance of Manulife China Bank Life Essay Example for Free

Appraising and Rewarding Performance of Manulife China Bank Life Essay Assurance Corporation Manulife Philippines marks its 100th year of existence in our country. It is one of the oldest insurance firms in the country. The firm received its license to operate in Manila in 1907, twenty years after the company was first established in Toronto, Canada in 1887 by Sir John A. Macdonald, who at the same time was Prime Minister of Canada. Manulife Philippines was the first foreign company to list in the Philippine Stock Exchange, and is among the top five life insurance companies in our country today. The firm’s dedication to client service enabled it to grow and increase financial strength. In 2007, the Philippine Insurance Commission (IC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank) approved the operation of a bank assurance joint venture company, Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation (MCB Life). MCB Life is a strategic bank assurance alliance of China Banking Corporation (China Bank), the Philippines’ first privately owned commercial bank, and The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife), a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian-based Manulife Financial Corporation. In Asia, Manulifes goal for each market is to develop a company that will best meet the needs of customers, achieve employee satisfaction, and provide leadership in the life insurance industry. Manulife works hard to build companies that cultivate wealth creation, wealth protection, and an improved quality of life for local customers. Manulifes corporate vision is to be the most professional life insurance company in the world: providing the very best financial protection and wealth management services tailored to customers in every market where the company does business. MCB Life’s mission is committed to develop long term relationships with families and businesses which make us the company of choice in providing economic security through a broad range of financial services, customized and delivered by competent and ethical professionals. C. Company Profile and Background of Sun Life Financial Sun Life Financial is an international leader in protection and wealth management with key operations in Canada, US, UK, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Bermuda, and the Philippines. Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) pioneered life insurance in the Philippines in 1895. Today, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. , is one of the largest and most trusted insurers in the country with almost a half a million policies in force and is boosted by the strength and stability of Sun Life Financial shares in the Philippine Stock Exchange. Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. SLAMCI) is the fund manager and principal distributor of the biggest family of mutual funds in the Philippines, the Sun Life Prosperity Funds. It also boasts of being the first in its field to put in place the accounting system needed to adequately comply with the standards set by the International Accounting Standards (IAS). Serving as the company’s wealth management arm, SLAMCI benefits from the expertise of its mother company’s close association with MFS Investment Management (the inventor of mutual funds in the US). Sun Life Financial Plans, Inc. SLFPI) is the second wholly-owned subsidiary of SLOCPI and the sole distributor of its pension and education plans. SLFPI holds the distinction of being the fastest growing pre-need company in the country today. For 113 years now, SLF-Philippines continues to be a proud and trusted partner of the Filipino in his journey to financial freedom. D. Company Mission and Vision of Sun Life Financial Sun Life Financial’s vision is To be the preeminent provider of financial security to individuals over their lifetime. With regards to this mission of the company, Sun Life Financial aims to provide financial freedom for Filipinos. The objective of this study is to present the methods of rewarding and appraising performance of our two chosen companies, particularly in the insurance industry. For this research, we chose to do a study on Manulife Philippines, more specifically Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation (MCB Life); and also Sun Life Financial. This paper aims to present the different rewards given to employees and performance appraisals done to evaluate their employees’ performance, while comparing both companies. In order to obtain a clearer picture on how employees are being appraised and rewarded in two companies in the same industry, a comparison between Manulife Philippines and Sun Life Financial should be done. F. Statement of Problem The researchers would conduct a study on the rewarding and appraising of performance of insurance companies, and what the companies want to achieve. The researchers would like to find out how the companies reward their employers in this industry, and the process of performance appraisal; and the effects of these human resource activities in the daily operation of the companies.

Shakespeares World Essay -- essays research papers

Shakespeare's World Almost every nation on earth reads, studies and performs the works of William Shakespeare. No writer of any country, nor any age, has ever enjoyed such universal popularity. Neither has any writer been so praised. As William Hazlitt observed, "The most striking peculiarity of Shakespeare's mind was it's generic quality, its power of communication with all other minds." It is perhaps this quality that has earned Shakespeare the supreme accolade, that of lending his name to an era. Other than a monarch or an emperor, few can boast that a time or place is so exclusively theirs. As we talk about Napoleonic Europe or Victorian England, so we speak of Shakespearean London or the Age of Shakespeare. No other artist, let alone writer, has had their name inscribed on such a towering edifice. "Thou in our wonder and astonishment, hast built thyself a long-live monument," wrote Milton, in praise of Shakespeare. Shakespeare is by far and without doubt the most popular and successful writer of all time. But what of the man himself? Who was William Shakespeare? The life of William Shakespeare is shrouded in mystery. There is no record of him receiving an education, buying a book or writing a single letter, and no original manuscript of a Shakespeare play survives. There is no direct record of his conversations, and no one in his home town seems to have known that he was a successful playwright while he was alive. There is not even a contemporary portrait to reveal his true appearance. Although a number of mentions of William Shakespeare the poet-dramatist appear on record during the 1590's and early 1600's, they comment only briefly on his writings, telling us nothing about the man. Less is known about Shakespeare than almost any other playwright of his time. The orthodox version of William Shakespeare's life is probably the most widely accepted Shakespeare legend of them all. According to it, he was born on 23 April 1564, in an upstairs room of a Stratford house in Warwickshire. He was born to John and Mary Shakespeare, and was baptized Gulielmus filius Johannes Shakspere (William, son of John Shakespeare) three days later. His father ran a successful glove making business on Henley Street. In 1565, his father ... ...ow position could hope to rise to a high position while someone in a high position could expect to fall to a low position. All these would be brought about by a change in fate or fortune. Some people believed that the people rose to a higher position during the spring and the summer, while they sank to a lower position during the autumn and the winter. However, it was later noticed that such beliefs were very unpredictable. Like the belief in the zodiac, the Wheel of Fortune opposed the theory that fate was controlled by man. Instead, fate was believed to be controlled by the stars. This is why in the opening chorus of Romeo and Juliet, both of them are described as "†¦ star crossed lovers†¦" This suggests that the stars had already destined them to love and then to die. Shakespeare is arguably the best writer of all time, yet it is interesting to know that so little is known about him. Perhaps no-one will ever know who the real William Shakespeare was. Only one thing is certain: Shakespeare may be dead, but his great works never cease to astound us and it makes us wonder if any person will ever come to rival the maestro of English Literature.

Impact of 4ps Towards Consumer Behavior on Mobile Phones

With the passage of time, advents in technology have given new meanings to almost everything around us. Hence, there’s no permanent in this world except change. This tidal wave of change has surely affect or altered technologies especially in individuals’ modes of communication. These new advances have led to addition of many things which was called as a â€Å"revolution†. But what really concerns this study is actually the communicative revolution, wherein back to past times, where in people only used letters as their mode of communications to their love one which’s away from them. As technologies continue to evolve there came landlines. And now just a blink of an eye, information can now be transmitted through electronic signals and controlled waves present in the air around them. A mobile phone is an electronic device which is used in two way communication. To make use of a mobile phone, connection to a cellular network is required which is an interconnection of base stations through which signals are transmitted, hence the mobile uses those signals to forge and maintain connection. Mobile phones are not used for calls only, especially modern mobile phones. They offer a wide variety of communicative services such as: text messaging, sending and receiving emails, access to internet, interactive games, connectivity through Bluetooth and/or USB, and many more. Hence, the focus of this study is to discuss how 4p’s elements affect towards consumer behaviour on mobile phones among the college students of The Fisher Valley College in Taguig City. This study is aiming of providing students of insights into the factors that influence the student’s behaviour when it comes to choosing and buying mobile phones, particularly for The Fisher Valley College Students. In addition to the mentioned studies in this report, the researchers will also find information’s regarding how to conduct a qualitative and quantitative market research study. The report’s main focus will be on the student’s influences on mobile phones because it is these factors that aid the students in making a rational choice when given several alternatives to choose from. In this case factors influencing students’ behaviour in choosing a mobile phone from the different brands will be considered.

Adoption of Information and Communication Technology (Ict)...

ADOPTION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN THE BANKING SECTOR: SUCCESS OR FAILURE? Ukeh, Moses Ichongo Superlife Consulting, Makurdi 2013 Abstract Nigerian banking industry has become highly ICT-based and is reaping the benefits of technological revolution as evidenced by its application in most of its operations. The objective of this paper was to determine if the Nigerian banks have failed or succeeded in the adoption and use of ICT (see table 2.1). An evaluation of the adoption and use of ICT infrastructures from the periods between years 2000 to 2008 indicated steady growth. It is presumed that as of today, the Nigerian banks may have attained their ICT potentials in their operations, though with some†¦show more content†¦The increasing use of ICT has allowed for integration of different economic units in a spectacular way. This phenomenon is not only applicable to Nigeria but other economies of the world, though the level of their usage may differ. In Nigeria, ICT usage especially in the banking sector, has considerably improved, even though it may not have been as high as those observed for advanced countries (A deoti, 2005; Adeyemi, 2006). The use of ICT in the banking sector became of interest to this study due to the significant role it plays in the economy. It helps in stimulating economic growth by directing funds to economic agents that need them for productive activities. This function is very vital for any economy that intends to experience meaningful growth because it makes arrangements that bring borrowers and lenders of financial resource together and more efficiently too than if they had to relate directly with one another (Adam, 2005; Ojo, 2007). In essence, the banking sector acts as a bridge that connects lenders and investors in the economy. The bank reforms (especially the recapitalization that specifies a minimum capital base of 25 billion naira for commercial banks), are pursued with a view to making the sector realize its objectives in advancing the economy (CBN, 2006). It is expected that the impact of these reforms will be enhancedShow MoreRelatedImpact of Ict on the Performance of Banks. a Case Study of Barclays Bank Ghana17017 Words   |  69 Pagesimpact of ict on the performance of banks. A case study of Barclays Bank Ghana Table of Content Declaration i Abstract II Ackowledgement.............................................................................................................III Dedication.............................................................................................................................IV Table of Content v Preamble 7 CHAPTER 1 OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF ICT ON BANKS 12 1.1 ElectronicRead MoreInformation and Communication Technology (Ict) and Banking Industry2384 Words   |  10 PagesISSN  2039†2117  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mediterranean  Journal  of  Social  Sciences  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Vol.  2  (4)  September  2011  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Banking Industry Alawode, Ademola John+ Emmanuel Uche Kaka** * Department of Computer Science, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria ** First Bank Nigeria PLC, Ahoada Branch, Rivers State, Nigeria. Abstract Information and Communication Technology, the language of the new age and its grammar which is Science has become an indispensable andRead MoreThe Effect of Atm on the Operation of Commercial Banks in Nigeria5093 Words   |  21 Pages1 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Banking Operations in Nigeria – An Evaluation of Recent Experiences By Akinlolu Agboola Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria Abstract The study is a comprehensive evaluation of the response of Nigerian banks to the adoption of ICT. Three categories of variables that relate to the adoption and implementation of information technology devices were used for the study. These include the nature and degree of adoption of innovative technologies;Read MoreThe Impact of Information and Communication Technology (Ict) on Profitability in the Nigeria Banking Industry: Focus on Some Selected Banks4006 Words   |  17 PagesTHE IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ON PROFITABILITY IN THE NIGERIA BANKING INDUSTRY: FOCUS ON SOME SELECTED BANKS BY AKOMBO TERSEER SIMON BSU/MS/MBA/09/3150 A SEMINAR PAPER PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI AUGUST, 2011 Abstract Commercial banks—assaulted by the pressures of globalization, competition from non-banking financial institutions, and volatile market dynamics—are constantly seeking new ways to add value toRead MoreThe Role of Ict in Banking Operations13419 Words   |  54 PagesTHE ROLE OF ICT IN BANKING OPERATIONS CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY The Nigerian banking system has undergone remarkable changes over the years, in terms of the number of institutions, ownership structure, as well as depth and breadth of operations. These changes have been influenced largely by challenges posed by deregulation of the financial sector, globalization of operations, technological innovations and adoption of supervisory and prudential requirements that conformRead MoreThe Role of Internet in Globalisation1140 Words   |  5 PagesThe rapid growth in technology which ushered in the information age has become the basis for defining power in the modern societies. It is a widely accepted fact that no modern economy can thrive without an integral information technology and telecommunications infrastructure on board. One of the reasons why the Government of Rwanda adopted national ICT policy and Plan is to influence the spread of the internet as well as the ease of access to it. International connectivity de facto prices andRead MoreThe Impact of Information Technology on Banking Services (Case Study of Zenith International Bank Plc)12904 Words   |  52 PagesTHE IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON BANKING SERVICES (A CASE STUDY OF ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC) BY EBHOHON OLUWASEUN I MATRIC NO. 07/0527 ECONOMICS, BANKING AND FINANCE FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES BABCOCK UNIVERSITY ILISHAN-REMO OGUN STATE APRIL 2012 SUPERVISED BY: MR F.A.AKINTOLA i CERTIFICATION This research project, THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON BANKING SERVICES (CASE STUDY OF ZENITH BANKRead MoreHow Technology Affects Consumer Behaviour?14761 Words   |  60 PagesISSN 1822-6515ISSN 1822-6515 EKONOMIKA IR VADYBA: 2009. 14ECONOMICS amp; MANAGEMENT: 2009. 14 IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION ON CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR Elina Gaile-Sarkane Riga T echnical University, Latvia, elina.gaile-sarkane@rtu.lv Abstract Fast development of equipment and technologies, economic globalization and many other external circumstances stimulate the changes in consumer behavior. Usually consumer behavior has drawn upon theories developed in related fields of study of human behavior suchRead MoreEssay on Online Marketing in Sri Lanka3694 Words   |  15 Pages Online Marketing in Sri Lanka 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Introduction The development of online marketing in Sri Lanka is lagging behind when compared to developed countries. The adoption of online marketing is more than a technical issue. Country specific factors such as differences in culture and business environment are influencing the nature and type of appropriate IT solutions including online marketing. Therefore the marketing strategies must be suitable for the country to reach and communicate with theRead MoreIct and Ebusiness Retail Industry88499 Words   |  354 PagesICT and e-Business Impact in the Retail Industry Study report No. 04/2008 European Commission, DG Enterprise Industry e-Mail: entr-innov-ict-ebiz@ec.europa.eu, info@ebusiness-watch.org Impact Study No. 04/2008 ICT and e-Business Impact in the Retail Industry A Sectoral e-Business Watch study by empirica GmbH Final Report Version 4.0 September 2008 This report was prepared by empirica on behalf of the European Commission, Enterprise Industry Directorate General, in the context

Propaganda Techniques Used By Jacques Ellul - 1804 Words

1. According to philosopher Jacques Ellul, â€Å"Propaganda is a set of methods employed by an organized group that wants to bring about the active or passive participation in its actions of a mass of individuals, psychologically, unified through psychological manipulation and incorporated in an organization.† (Bytwerk, 3) Methods of propaganda range from films, such as Leni Riefenstahl s Olympiad and Triumph of the Will, to posters, marches, and sporting events. Propaganda is a means in which a group can control and win the loyalty of its citizens. However, as Ellul states, it is not merely a tool to encourage the unification and support of a group of people, it is to call those people to actively participate in the motives and and beliefs†¦show more content†¦Propaganda does not allow room for intellectual exchange, rather, it tells people this is the ideology, policy, or ethical stance they need to hold if they want to be good people, and citizens. In Leni Riefenst ahl s Triumph of the Will, only a strong, unified Germany is presented, with speeches, rallies, and majestic shots that present a powerful leader at the head of a prideful and perfect nation. Propaganda is persuasion in that anyone watching the film is surely persuaded to sympathize with the Nazi party, who are presented as orderly and civilized, yet strong and brave. However, Triumph of the Will does nothing to persuade skeptical Germans of why they should have supported the Nazi party, or why Jews were being systematically rounded up. Instead, the film leaves out any actions that could have been questioned, and provides no actual, concrete reasons for the necessity of the Nazi party and Hitler’s leadership. It only presents Hitler as a strong leader. Propaganda intentionally commits the shared opinion error. Organizations intentionally assume that every citizen holds the same beliefs and ideologies as they do, and create propaganda that reflects the views of â€Å"all citi zens†. This is a part of the psychological manipulation that propagandists employ. By presenting the truth they want people to universally accept as unchallenged and plain fact, they create a sense of inclusivity. If a person has different viewpoints than what isShow MoreRelatedCentral Themes in the Work of Jacques Ellul708 Words   |  3 PagesJacques Ellul was a professor of history and the Sociology of Institutions on the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences at the University of Bordeaux. He wrote 58 books and more than a thousand articles over his career, many of which discussed propaganda, the influence of technology on society, and also the correlation between religion and politics. The central theme of Ellul’s work proved to be the threat to human freedom and religion shaped by modern technology. Ellul’s continual concern wasRead MoreCause and Effects of Propaganda Essay1510 Words   |  7 PagesNIcole Barts Mrs. Wilson 3B Effects of Propaganda. Throughout history you find that many techniques of propaganda have affected today’s society. Whether it affects it in a good way or a bad way, propaganda is efficacious and does influence the way we think and act. You probably aren’t aware of what sort of propaganda is circling its way around, but once you are, you’ll think â€Å"wow did I really fall for that†? Propaganda is â€Å"information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to helpRead More Hitlers Powerful Leadership Essay1229 Words   |  5 Pagesinfluence people and earn their loyalty. In order to effectively influence people, one must use ethical means of persuasion rather than using unethical forms of coercion and manipulation, as used by Hitler on the German people.      Ã‚  Ã‚   In Hitlers attempt to gain political control and power he used coercion through a process of force and threats to influence people. Coercion is forcing people against their will to do what one wants them to do. Although threats and force can change behaviorRead MoreThe Works Of Anonymous Street Artist1557 Words   |  7 PagesThis paper will explore a form of modern day propaganda which is quite controversial, that of the works of anonymous street artist by the name of Banksy. Banksy uses the sides of buildings, streets and bridges as a blank canvas as a social commentary against political issues. Chapter 1 will argue how Banksy’s street art is a form of visual culture and propaganda by defining propaganda and comparing his works to previous examples of visual manipulation in history, such as pro war posters during WorldRead MoreSocial and Political Propaganda Essay1821 Words   |  8 PagesThere are two types of propaganda: sociological propaganda; the sprea ding of an ideology through the mass media, and political propaganda; efforts that are sponsored by governments and political groups that alter a persons’ interests. All propaganda has a direction, and the overall quality determines whether it will have a positive or negative effect over the masses. Our entire nation is a vast propaganda operational system that is greatly linked to education, consumerism and politics. A great dealRead MorePropaganda During World War I1796 Words   |  8 Pages Propaganda in World War I Anthony Morgan Ms. Beck Honors World Cultures Period 7 19 March 2017 Propaganda is defined as the information, ideas, or rumors which are deliberately spread widely to help towards a nation, government, or any type of cause against another. The use of propaganda can be extremely persuasive, if it is used correctly. In the time frame of July 28, 1914 to November 11, 1918, the use of propaganda in the world was being used on a global scale. It was being used throughRead MorePropaganda Effects of World War One Essay examples3323 Words   |  14 Pages Propaganda effects of World War I During the early 1900s a new era of warfare emerged as governments began to employ all economic, technological and psychological resources available to defeat their enemies. This concept of Total War altered the direction of humanity and governments understanding in their allocation of resources. This essay will examine the relationship between propaganda used during World War I, its effect on the masses and the absolutely essential need for the success of suchRead MorePropaganda Effects of Wwi3372 Words   |  14 PagesPropaganda effects of World War I During the early 1900s a new era of warfare emerged as governments began to employ all economic, technological and psychological resources available to defeat their enemies. This concept of Total War altered the direction of humanity and governments understanding in their allocation of resources. This essay will examine the relationship between propaganda used during World War I, its effect on the masses and the absolutely essential need for the success of suchRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pages978-1-4399-0271-4 (electronic) 1. History, Modern—20th century. 2. Twentieth century. 3. Social history—20th century. 4. World politics—20th century. I. Adas, Michael, 1943– II. American Historical Association. D421.E77 2010 909.82—dc22 2009052961 The paper used in this publication meets the requirements of the American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1992 Printed in the United States of America 2 4 6 8 9 7 5 3 1 C ONTENTS