Second Language Learning - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1304 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Teaching Essay Type Review Did you like this example? A Brief Literature Review and Self-reflection on the Critical Period Hypothesis Introduction Is there really an ideal age at which second language learning should begin? Is there only a slim chance for an adult learner to master a second language? These thought-provoking questions arising from the Critical Period Hypothesis, as well as the interesting phenomena relating to the hypothesis that occurred during my life as a teacher make it the focus of discussion of the essay. The Critical Period Hypothesis: A highly debatable issue One prominent proponent of the Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH) was Eric Lenneberg (1967), who based his hypothesis on neurological development. He explained that there is a maturation process called cerebral lateralization, during which the brain loses its plasticity as it gradually matures. This process, starts at around two, is supposed to be completed at puberty, after which it is very difficult or even impossible for a learner to successfully acquire a new language. The CPH has been widely discussed in the area of second language acquisition (SLA) and has aroused much controversy. The CPH is most closely linked to the acquisition of the phonological system. As put forward by Scovel (1988), it is not possible for learners beyond the age of 12 to attain a native-like pronunciation though they might be able to master the syntax and vocabulary of a second language. A similar view regarding phonological attainment was propounded by Flege and Fletcher (1992, p.385). They concluded from their studies that a foreign accent first emerges at an age of L2 learning of between 5 and 8 years, which probably implies, in the domain of phonology, that the critical period ends even earlier than what Lenneberg proposed. This coincides with later studies conducted by Krashen (1973), who claimed that lateralization is completed at around age 5. Mark Patkowski (1980) conducted a study on how the age factor is related to the acquisition of linguistic features other than accent. The findings further supported the CPH as the results indicated that the age factor is very important in a sense that it limits the learners development of a native-like mastery of various linguistic features of a second language. Jacquline Johnson and Elissa Newport (1989) also carried out a study relating to the rules of English morphology and syntax and found that those earliest starters got the highest scores on the grammaticality judgement test. Despite some clear evidence t hat supports the CPH, a remarkable research undertaken by Catherine Snow and Marian Hoefnagel-Ho_hle (1978) provided evidence against it. The findings revealed that both adolescent and adult learners could surpass the children learners by making enormous and rapid progress in a wide range of language knowledge. White and Genesee (1996) also revealed in a grammaticality judgement task that late starters are able to achieve near-native proficiency. Robert Dekeyser (2000) done something along the line of Johnson and Newport and found that adult and children might have different way in learning language. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Second Language Learning" essay for you Create order Insights gained from the CPH: A Self-reflection Taking into account what I have explored from the literature review, I do believe that the evidence for CPH is somewhat mixed, especially when I reflected upon the L2 learners I taught in a secondary school in Hong Kong. In all my years of teaching, I have had a chance to teach a fairly large number of L2 learners who are immigrants from the Mainland. They are of diverse backgrounds in terms of age, gender, financial condition, etc. Very importantly, not all of them started learning English at the same age. There are a few cases which impressed me most. Two girls who first came to Hong Kong at the age of 17 joined my S4 class. Both of them started learning English at the age of around 12 when they were in the mainland. What was so remarkable was that both of them could write very fluently with highly accurate grammar and a variety of sentence patterns. Their performance in writing and reading even surpassed their local counterparts who started taking up English in kindergar ten. This can somewhat be taken as counter-evidence to the CPH. Both girls revealed that they had an extraordinary strong motivation to improve their English and to catch up with their classmates. These social-psychological factors did play a part in their success of L2 acquisition. As discussed in Lightbown (2006), learners beginning at primary school level might not have an absolute advantage over adolescent learners in attaining greater proficiency in the long run. This is especially true when learners, confining to a classroom setting, receive just a few hours of training every week. Interesting enough, despite extra tutorials to improve the girls oral skills, they carried a rather strong foreign accent. In fact, they do speak Cantonese (a different dialect) with an accent, let alone English, a language which is far different from their mother tongue. This seems to support findings demonstrating that it is very unlikely for late starters to attain native-like pronunc iation. Conclusion As an experienced and sensible teacher, I believe that one should not constrain ourselves too much in any one of the theories or models. If a teacher is a true believer of the CPH, it would somehow affect their expectation on their students who are beyond the puberty period. This in turn would also lead to a lower expectation of the students themselves even though they are not aware of the fact that their teachers assume that they have already gone beyond the optimal period of learning a second language. Instead we should be flexible and reflective enough to cater to our learners needs and facilitate their learning regardless of their age. Though I am convinced that the age factor does play a part in affecting SLA, I concern more in how I could adjust my teaching methods to suit the needs of learners at different ages. It is no doubt that the hypothesis should not be oversimplified and overgeneralized and to be indiscriminately applied to our students because second lan guage learning is a really complicated process in which a lot of factors can be intermingled to affect how successfully a person can learn a second language. To conclude, there has been no overwhelming evidence showing that young learners have absolute superiority over their adult counterparts. Despite the difference in the research findings, there seems to be a general consensus that there are a number of factors interacting to affect SLA, and it is possible that late learners might achieve success in SLA, most likely via a different route from children learners, as discussed by Krashen (1975); (Dekeyser 2000). I believe it is also due to this reason that a lot of other factors cognitive, psycholinguistic and socio-cultural that come into place as to how a learner acquire a second language. References Lightbown, P. Spada, N. (1993). How Languages Are Learned. Oxford University Press Robertson, P. (2002) The Critical Age Hypothiseis, The Asian EFL Journal (On-Line) https://www.asian-efl-journal.com/marcharticles_pr.php Flege, J.E. and Fletcher, K.L. 1992, talker and listener effects on degree of perceived foreign accent. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 91, 370-89. Daniels, D. and Moos, R.H. (1990). Assessing Life Stressors and Social Resources among Adolescents: Applications to Depressed Youth. Journal of Adolescent Research, 5, 268-289. Erikson, Erik H. (1980). Identity and the life cycle. W.W. Norton Company, Inc. Hall, J.A. (1987). Parent-Adolescent Conflict. An Empirical Review. Adolescent, 22, 767-789. Montemayor, R. (1986). Family Variation in Parent-Adolescent Storm and Stress. Journal of Adolescent Research, 1, 15-31. Ormrod, J.E. (2000). Educational psychology: developing learners (3rd ed.). London: Prentice Hall. Rice, F.P. (1993 ). The adolescent: Development, relationships, and culture (7th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. The concept of critical period was initially introduced by Wilder Penfield and Lamar Roberts (1959). As summed up by Hong and Morgan (2005), they proposed that the relatively higher plasticity of a childs brain, as compared to that of an adult, enables a child to learn a language more easily.

Beowulf vs. Eaters of the Dead - 1645 Words

Great Literary Epics of the Past The Roman conquest of England in 43 AD, coinciding with the introduction of Christian values, the alphabet and writing utensils was the start of a new Era. Missionaries sent by the Roman Pope to England influenced the pagan values of the native Britanie, as exemplified in their literature. Anglo-Saxons, whom contributed the features of a literary Epic, were torn between pagan beliefs and Christian values as their predecessors had been. The first literary Epic, Beowulf, illustrates the struggle between these two ideologies, as well as contributes the sought after values of heroism. The Eaters of the Dead also demonstrates this struggle between cultures, playing off Beowulf in theme. Excalibur, the Arthurian†¦show more content†¦The story line soon takes off when the reader finds Fadlan is forced to play the role of the thirteenth warrior in a quest to destroy the terror that plagues these people. Being a common man of middle age, the protagonist fears for his life so refuses the position of greatness- only to have it thrust upon his as Beowulf did. I protested I was not a warrior. Verily I made all the excuses and pleadings that I could imagine might have effect upon this rude company of beings. I demanded that the interpreter convey my words to Buliwyf, and yet he turned away and left the hall, saying this last speech: ‘Prepare yourself as you think best. You shall leave on the morning light. As weeks pass Fadlan is forced to do battle with the Northerners, for, as he sees it, either course of action may end in death, so why not go forth in battle. Growing more accustom to the brutish ways of the Vikings, Fadlan soon sinks into their lifestyle, feeling proud of himself in battle, as well as partaking in the Northerners- once discomforting Ââ€" openness of sexual pleasures. Though adapting to much of the Viking way of life, Fadlan continues to express his fears openly, only to overcome it faced with his most feared obstacle- heights. Also it is true that I was much aggrieved at the prospect of climbing down the cliff. Verily I felt in this manner: that I should rather do any action upon the face of the earth, whether to lie with a women in menses,

Compare Theodore Roosevelts Square Deal with Woodrow free essay sample

Though Wilson seemed to have many more acts in ACH category, mostly economic), he only acknowledged these few areas, unlike Roosevelt who acknowledged a whole array of areas such as labor, economy, politics, consumer protection, and environmental conservation. The Progressive Era was the time period after the depression of the sass and before World War l. During this time the united States was going through a period of social change and political tumult.The American Society embarked on a Journey of many reforms as a response to the diverse tensions and pressures presented by industrialization, urban growth, and ethnic tension. The roots of this reform clearly lay in the depression of the 1 sass (1893 to 1897). The depression traumatized the problems in society, and raised the possibility of more violent upheavals if reform was not instituted. Major areas needing reform were poor public facilities, tax favoritism, corruption, environmental reform, and urban reform.This was a period of self-examination and renewal; it was a healthful contribution to the nations history books. Even if the new regulatory agencies direct primaries, municipal reforms and conservation legislations may not have made all wrong things right, they were able o make some significant change for the better. These new laws and commissions act had alleviated many citizens and had established the principle of governments responsibility for the general welfare of the various elements of the social order.The progressive era was a further demonstration of the united States success with democratic capitalism; it showed the society ability to change itself for the better without a revolution. The most important legacy of the progressive era was the example it set for gradual measured reform. (Gould, 1-10) During the Progressive Era, there were two prominent Progressive Presidents each tit his own policy for progression out of the nasty and crude elements that plagued politics, the economy, and society In general. Theodore Roosevelt was the first Progressive President; he was renowned for bei ng a strong president with a strong personality.He was outraged at the Injustices experienced as a small business oppressed by a big business, or a worker by a boss, or the forests by the Industrial greed of this era. Roosevelt was sympathetic for the Individual who suffered the sympathetic for those without the opportunity to speak up for their rights, but rather is love for Justice was what fueled him more. He sought to reform these problems under his policy known as the Square Deal. The purpose of the Square Deal was expressed in this statement of his the labor unions shall a square deal, and the corporations shall have a square deal. Essentially he meant that there should be equality of opportunity, and Justice to each individual, or corporation despite their background, status or size. The second major Progressive President was Woodrow Wilson. He wasnt known for a very strong personality rather he was renowned for his strong sense of conviction. Wilson believed that national identity and character branched out from the liberty of petty capitalists to release their energies and develop the economy. He felt the emergence of these new monopolistic style trusts were endangering this process by cutting of entire industries to newcomers.He also felt that members of certain big businesses and certain unidentified political bosses had formed a small oligarchic alliance; this small group of men controlled the government and the economy, while the true freedom began to slide away. Thus his policy was known as New Freedom. Under the New Freedom he sought to store power to competition among small corporations rather that regulate large monopolies. Roosevelt Square Deal and Willows New Freedom were policies that they used to help improve American economy, society and politics.However Roosevelt tried to reform many areas, Willows focus of reform was mostly economic. (Gould, 97-100) (Staunchness, 62,81 16, 127) (Whitehall, 162) A major part of both policies was the breaking up and regulating of trusts. Roosevelt never wanted to dissolve or destroy the large corporations rather he saw them as necessary parts of American life. However he felt that these companies must be mounded tightly to strict moral standards. Roosevelt followed the idea of rules of reason which was the policy of busting bad trusts, leaving good ones alone.He was the person who would decide which trusts were good and which ones were bad. He earned the name of trustees when he had filed a suit against the Northern Securities Company (which was followed by 43 other cases). This was Roosevelt first case, in which he filed a suit against a large corporation for the purpose of trust busting. The Northern Securities Company was a large holding company that was formed by railroad and banking interests. In 1902 Roosevelt trust busted them by claiming that they violated the Sherman Anti-Trust Act in holding money against the public good, thus the court ruled to dissolve the company.In two later cases he also attacked the Standard Oil of New Jersey and the American Tobacco Company. He left many of the larger companies that were serving the public good alone, but he had dissolved many other large companies that were monopolistic and never really served the interest of American well being or economy. In 1903 he persuaded Congress to form a Department of Commerce and Labor. Along with a Bureau of Commerce, which old investigate and regulate business practices. In the 1905 case of Swift vs.. U. S. The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was further strengthened under Roosevelt.He wanted to strengthen it because he wanted to make railroad legislature stronger, especially for the farmers who were at the mercy of railroad middlemen. Thus he wanted to strengthen the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). Under the Oilskins Act (1903) he was able to make rebates illegal. Under the Hepburn Act (1906) the ICC was given the power to inspect books, fix maximum rates, disallow free passes to legislators, put burden of proof on business instead of ICC, and allow exultation of pipelines. Wilson felt that he stood for regulated competition while Roosevelt stood for regulated monopoly. The Federal Trade Commission Act, which as instituted to promote free and fair trade competition created the Federal Trade Commission. It investigated economically unfair business practices and it regulated and attempted to rectify these practices. The commission regularly generated statistics of economic and business conditions, and offered them to the public. Another Major step towards trust busting under Wilson was the Clayton Antitrust Act. The Clayton Antitrust Act was designed to clarify the Sherman antitrust Act in terms of new economic issues that had arisen in this new era.The practices such as local price-cutting and price discrimination were made illegal. Both Wilson and Roosevelt attempted reform of he corporations, however Wilson attempted to totally break up large trust, while Roosevelt felt they were necessary if they had and special benefits towards society. (Gould, 97-100)(Conclusions, 62,81 , 1 16, The Square Deal and New Freedom also addressed the issue of taxes and tariffs, with a keen interest in better outcomes for the average person rather than the wealthy en. During Roosevelt Presidency the tariffs were generally high.Under Wilson a prominent tariff was the Underworld-Simmons Tariff, which reduced the previous tariffs to about 29 percent. It also included a graduated income tax, which later was made legal via the constitution as the sixteenth amendment, this made up for monetary loss. Wilson, noticed that it followed his principle of New Freedom, thus he heavily advocated it. The Supreme Court originally declared the income tax, as unconstitutional, however it was later ratified as the Sixteenth Amendment. This new rower was first used in the Tariff Act of 1913, which had set the tax of corporate income at 1 percent.It also levied a 1 percent tax on all rich families. The Income tax has been greatly increased, as the tariffs have been lowered. The tariff and tax reform was greater during Willows Presidency than Roosevelt Presidency. (Gould, 97-100) (Staunchness, 62,81 16, 127) (Whitehall, 162) One of the most notorious aspects of the Industrial Revolution was the increasingly worsening condition for laborers within the work place, and also deprivation of certain rights (fair wages and work hours). During the Roosevelt Presidency a major labor relation movement was the 1902 Coal strike.The strike was led by John Mitchell led 140, 000 out on strike for 20 percent pay raise, 8 hour day, and union recognition. Roosevelt decided that he would arbitrate the dispute, the workers agreed to this, however the owners did not. Roosevelt finally threatened to use the military and take over the mines, and the owners finally agreed to let Roosevelt arbitrate. In March of 1903 Roosevelt made a settlement, the workers and owners agreed on a 9-hour day, a 10 percent raise, but no union recognition. However these coal companies were also encouraged to raise the prices to compensate for the costs of raises.This was the first time that the federal government didnt arbitrate on the side of management; rather it treated both sides as equals. Labor reform was also a part of the New Freedom Policy. The Keating-Owen Act of 1916 (inspired by The Bitter Cry of Children by John Spares) prohibited the interstate transportation of products made by children (attempting to induce the practice of keeping kids under 14 out of the labor force). Though law was never passed it showed growing recognition for the need of hill labor laws and regulation.

Walmart Company Opportunities and Advantages

Thesis Statement This report evaluates the Wal-Mart Stores. Thus, it explores the Company in terms of its low-cost strategy, product diversity and the high number of large physical stores. Using these capabilities, Wal-Mart has and continues to lead in the retail industry.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Walmart Company Opportunities and Advantages specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The report, therefore, evaluates how these capabilities have enabled Wal-Mart to realize its mission of helping people save money to live better. This mission continues to drive everything that happens at Wal-Mart. Customers continue to trust the everyday low price strategy through which they are able to save their money. Wal-Mart’s Cost Advantage Supply Chain Advantage Wal-Mart successfully implemented an efficient supply chain management strategy in all its operations. Through this, the Company is able to lower cost of products while providing a highly competitive pricing for its consumers. Additionally, the efficient supply chain management strategy enables Wal-Mart to offer its customers the products they need where they need them. In purchasing, the Company managers use the system to find products they will sell and look for suppliers. Thereafter, they procure products from suppliers at low prices to meet Wal-Mart profitability goals. The Company establishes long-term partnerships with suppliers so that it can get large quantities of products at lowest possible market prices. The focus is on buying from cheaper domestic suppliers. Operations managers then use forecasts to determine customer demand for products. These products are then supplied to various distribution centers to meet customer demand and needs. Here, Wal-Mart lowers inventory carrying costs. On the other hand, the distribution function ensures that products move from manufacturers to the Company stores before getting to the customers. Be sides cutting down costs for inventory and product transportation, the Company drastically reduces the time taken to transport these products hence eliminating system inefficiencies. There is efficiency in Company operations, as well as the distribution strategies achieved through having stores in large cities close to each other. â€Å"Every distribution center supports 90 to 100 stores in a 200-mile radius† (Wal-Mart). This lowers distribution costs incurred by the supply chain department.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Besides, the Company uses technology to make sure integration of the supply chain. Wal-Mart has embraced technology as a strategy to have a competitive edge in the highly competitive retail industry. For instance, through innovation, the Company has revitalized its supply chain lowering costs and pass resulting savings to its product consumers. Trau b in his article titled â€Å"Wal-mart Used Technology to Become Supply Chain Leader† says that Wal-Mart achieved this by use of a supply chain management system in its operations. For instance, the Company uses technology in forecasting customer demand accurately while tracking and predicting inventory levels within various stores. Moreover, technological innovations have enabled Wal-Mart to create transportation routes that are highly efficient hence lowering costs (Walmart Stores 9). With information technology, the Company tracks product movement until they are finally delivered into its stores. The efficiency in the supply chain system helps Wal-Mart save money with benefits being passed on to consumers in terms of low product prices. Any investor would enjoy having a strategic alliance with a company having such an excellent supply chain management system in place. I highly recommend Tech-Shield to invest in Wal-Mart. Low Manufacturing Cost Given that Wal-Mart controls most of the activities in the retail industry, it is a key business partner to its suppliers. Wal-Mart has a lot of control over the market. For instance, if Wal-Mart was to switch from doing business with other suppliers, this creates a scare among existing suppliers. Currently, the Company has partnered with over 3,000 suppliers (Wal-Mart Stores). The Company purchases goods in large quantities from its suppliers. Additionally, all suppliers have transparent production and delivery system to enable Wal-Mart track delivery of products. In order to cut costs, the Company has set up its own distribution channels hence eliminating a need for wholesalers (Rosenfeld). On the other hand, most manufacturers’ survival in the industry depends on the ability of Wal-Mart to market their products.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Walmart Company Opportunities and Advantages specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For this t o happen, they have to play within requirements that Wal-Mart puts on the table. This has given the Company the audacity to bargain for products prices helping it acquire them at low prices. To ensure low costs, Wal-Mart advises suppliers to locate in countries with low production costs. For instance, Wal-Mart imports most of its products from its manufacturers in China, Vietnam and Bangladesh (Clifford). Grocery suppliers have had to offer their products at low prices to maintain their partnership with Wal-Mart (Geller and Wohi). Wal-Mart has been able to lower costs through a low wage strategy to its workers (Berfield). Low cost benefit consumers of all income groups as they are able to buy products at affordable prices. Wal-Mart, being a leader in the retail industry, significantly benefits from economies of scale. These are as a result of an outstanding system that the Company enjoys in terms of developed distribution channels and system, brand name, huge financial capital and l ocation of stores. Given that new entrants require huge capital investments to compete with the Company, most of them keep off. Additionally, given its good financial returns annually, Wal-Mart enjoys a cost advantage over rivals in the industry. For instance, customers looking for quality products at low prices shop at Wal-Mart. Nevertheless, large suppliers like Coca Cola do have more bargaining power compared to smaller ones. With such a good strategy to lower Wal-Mart’s manufacturing costs, Tech-Shield should think about entering a strategic alliance with Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart’s Product Diversification Strategy Wal-Mart continues with its commitment to offer quality goods and services to customers at the lowest market prices as they believe that they are in business to serve customers. â€Å"Customers are the reason why we’re in business. And when we exceed their expectations, we’re at our best† (Walmart 2012 Annual Report 3). Moreover, Wal-Mart h as a workforce of more than 2 million serving over 200 million customers in its 10,000 retail units in over 27 countries.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 workforce has been vital in helping Wal-Mart achieve its mission, as well as grow its business.Using its mission of â€Å"Save Money, Live Better† (Wal-Mart Stores 1), Wal-Mart continues to serve its customers by offering quality products at lower prices compared to rivals in the industry. Here, focus is on delivering value and quality to customers. Furthermore, Wal-Mart endeavors to help its customers buy commodities at affordable prices. Through this, Wal-Mart helps to improve the situations of people in the communities it operates. This mission has been embedded not only in the Company’s business, but also in its culture to impact every part of Wal-Mart. This includes Wal-Mart’s shareholders, workforce, customers and the communities where it operates. Through a product diversification strategy, Wal-Mart offers a range of products to its customers. This is through its various formats like supermarkets, hypermarkets, retail stores, discount stores, supercen ters, restaurants among others (Walmart 2012 Annual Report 6-10). The range of products includes groceries, jewelry, toys, pharmaceuticals, books, household essentials, health care products, cell phones, electronics, home appliances, office equipment (Wal-Mart Stores) among many others. Here, Wal-Mart virtually has everything in their stores. Matters of product quality and quantity in the retail industry are crucial when it comes to purchasing decisions that customers make. Product diversity gives Wal-Mart a competitive advantage as customers can find any product they need at the various stores. Tech-Shield would definitely look to invest in such a company. Wal-Mart Store Size and Location Wal-Mart internationalized its operations in 1991. This saw the Company embark on an expansion strategy to meet customer needs beyond the United States. Since then, the Company has been able to start operations in 27 countries. In order to serve its customers better, Wal-Mart partners with over 80 0,000 associates operating more than 5,500 stores (Wal-Mart Stores). The mission behind the expansion strategy is ensuring every community has a store. Besides, the stores are large enough to ensure customer convenience during shopping. â€Å"Retail centers range in size from 8,900 square feet to 110,000 square feet. Its wholesale stores range in size from 35,000 square feet to 70,000 square feet† (Reuters). Most of these stores are close to each other, as well as the warehouse. The warehouse system where it locates close to stores reduces Wal-Mart overhead hence the costs of production. In another move aimed at ensuring customers conveniently access its products, Wal-Mart came up with â€Å"Neighborhood Market stores† (D’Innocenzio). These small stores within neighborhoods increase product sales while helping Wal-Mart remain competitive in an industry where rivals have dollar stores and drug chains. Points of Correlation The low price strategy has enabled the C ompany offer quality products to customers. Through various strategies, Wal-Mart is able to lower costs and pass on the savings to its customers. For instance, it works closely with suppliers to lower transportation costs. On the other hand, the Company does not use wholesalers in its operations hence enabling it to lower costs. Through integrating information technology into its supply chain system, Wal-Mart tracks product movement until it reaches its stores. In this case, inventory costs are drastically reduced. Besides, the Company offers quality products in large quantities through its stores in over 27 countries. Moreover, these stores are large enough for customers to shop conveniently. Wal-Mart has a customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage its relationship with customers. The Company aims at creating a better customer experience with its customers so that they enjoy shopping at the retail chain. The Company values its customers with a believe that they are th e number one boss. Customers are hence interested in shopping at Wal-Mart because of the wide range of quality products offered at lowest market prices. Wherever a customer is, they can walk to a Wal-Mart store and get whatever product they need. Consequently, customer needs are met by having a range of products sold at lower prices compared to what other retailers in the industry. An investment is Wal-Mart is worthy given the cost advantage strategy, product diversity, and global presence of the Wal-Mart brand. Conclusion From the evaluation, I would recommend to Miguel that Tech-Shield should consider investing in Wal-Mart. The Company has huge growth potential given its high market share. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for Wal-Mart to seize and continue with its dominance in the retail industry. For instance, diversify of Wal-Mart offers crucial areas in which Tech-Shield can be a partner through strategic alliances. The low cost advantage helps Wal-Mart increase its market share. As such, it is a great opportunity for Wal-Mart to leverage through economies of scale plus the various cost cutting mechanisms in place. On the other hand, investing in Wal-Mart is a way through which Tech-Shield can increase its market share and venture into other business ventures. Therefore, I would not hesitate to recommend that Tech-Shield invests a significant capital into Wal-Mart through a strategic alliance. Works Cited Berfield, Susan. â€Å"Are American Taxpayers Subsidizing Wal-Mart’s Low Wages?† 3 June 2013. Bloomberg Businessweek. Print. Clifford, Simon. â€Å"Walmart Plans to Buy American More Often.† 15 January 2013. The New York Times. Web. CNN Money. Global 500. 23 July 2012. Print. D’Innocenzio, Ann. â€Å"Wal-Mart plans to open small stores faster.† 10 October 2012. Associated Press. Print. Geller, Martinne and Jessica Wohi. â€Å"Analysis: Wal-Mart’s price push tests manufacturers’ prowess.â₠¬  6 March 2012. Reuters. Print. Reuters. Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N). 2013. Print. Rosenfeld, Herman. â€Å"Challenging Wal-Mart. Globalization, Supply-Chain Dominance and Sweatshop Labour.† 13 March 2007. Global Research. Web. Traub, Todd. Wal-mart Used Technology to Become Supply Chain Leader. 2 July 2012. Print. Walmart 2012 Annual Report. 50 years of helping customers save money and live better. Annual Report. Arkansas: Wal-Mart Stores, 2012. Print. Wal-Mart. 2013 Global Responsibility Report. 31 January 2013. Print. Wal-Mart Stores. Our Mission: Saving people money so they can live better. Global Sustainability Report. Arkansas: Wal-Mart, 2013. Print. Walmart Stores. Walmart 2011 Annual Report. Building the next Generation Walmart. 1 January 2011. Web. This essay on Walmart Company Opportunities and Advantages was written and submitted by user Xavier Davenport to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.