Reflection paper on the experience of a student that visited a Native Essay

Reflection paper on the experience of a student that visited a Native American Sweat Logde - Essay Example Though I lacked a deep understanding of the Native American theology and religious beliefs, still the sweat lodge experience left me feeling cleansed and refreshed. To begin with, before I actually experienced the sweat lodge ritual, I felt a bit anxious and curious. I was really eager to be a part of a religious experience that is so important to the Native American culture. Yet, I also felt anxious and a bit afraid, doubting my ability to understand the larger meaning and relevance of a Native American sweat lodge ceremony. Irrespective of this, I decide to approach the whole experience with an open mind and to restrain myself from being judgmental of a theological tradition that was new to me. I am glad to say that I did not comes across any major hurdles in being a part of the sweat lodge ritual I attended. I realized that the theology marking the sweat lodge ritual happened to be profound, yet easy to grasp and relate to. I found that the people who belonged to the Native American tradition or those had attended a sweat lodge ceremony before had taken great care to prepare them self for this ceremony. Eager to know more about it, I questioned some of them as to how they prepared them self for the sweat lodge ceremony. I found out that they had resorted to fasting, prayer sessions and some cleansing rituals to prepare themselves well in advance. It was really moving to find out the sense of reverence and respect with which these individuals prepared them self for the sweat lodge ceremony. It clearly showed the kind of spiritual importance and relevance they associated with this ceremony. So I decided to pray with these people, to be able to relate to the whole experience with a sense of reverence and solemnity. The attitude of many of my partners there amply conveyed to me the fact that I was going to be a part of something really deep and sacred. I

Zara case company analysis report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Zara case company analysis report - Essay Example It further looks at the PR of the company and the major crises that have been facing the company over the years. A comprehensive analysis of the company’s strategy is done to establish the root of the company’s success. Lastly, the paper gives suggestions on how the company can improve its operations in the global scene.Zara is the leading brand of Spanish Fashion Group Inditex and a well- established Fashion Company in the global scene (Zara, 2012). The company was established in 1975 in La Coruna and since then, its growth has been sterling. It had opened branches in major fashion cities including Paris and New York by the year 1990. It was because of their tremendous reputation that Zara Home was opened in the year 2003. In 2007, Zara established their first online shop that specialises in the sale of home products (Inditex, 2012). At the moment, the company operates 1830 stores in different parts of the world. According to recent financial statements, it contributes to more than 64% of Inditex’s revenue (Inditex, 2011). The company distinguishes itself as fast fashion trademark and offers high fashion clothing to reach the public at affordable prices. Zara’s success has been impressive over the years and this paper analyses its external environment, value chain, leadership, strategies and challenges facing the brand name. External Environment Analysis The fashion industry is ever changing due to contribution of companies like Topshop, HandM and Zara (London Business School, 2008). Consequently, factors affecting the clothing industry will influence trends in the high fashion world. In the clothing industry, customers’ preferences vary according to their ages and body types (Keane and te Velde, 2008). Furthermore, the demand for clothing is affected by population size and patterns. For example, an increase in the proportion of pregnant women and birth rate will increase demand for maternity and baby clothes (Suttle, 2011:45 ). It is important to note that demographic trends are the driving force in the fashion industry. The PESTLE analysis will be used to study the macro- environment and the Porter five forces model to evaluate the micro- environment. PESTEL analysis The fashion industry is characterised by high levels of competition among the top fashion brand names and frequent changes in the customers’ tastes and preferences. PESTEL analysis is used to identify factors that affect the demand of goods produced with regards to the external environment. Political Aspects In terms of the political framework in the clothing industry, workers’ rights and employment regulations are mandatory in the creation of a legal environment in the manufacturing