Cokes Polar Bear Can Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cokes Polar Bear Can - Essay Example Consequently, the identical color in the two types of coke both classic and diet brought consumer displeasure and terrible confusion. The campaign of the white can coca cola became disruptive to the consumers making them do a double take. The coca cola company has never changed the traditional red color of its can however for the first time the company introduced coke Classic in a white can. Even though consumers may refute the power of marketing over their preferences, the consumer brain is profoundly influenced by effective advertising. Naturally in soda brands color red brings to the mind coke classic while silver evoke diet coke (Shayon 5). As such where consumers are able to make color association with brands, an attempt to change the color of a given brand like coke attempted to do, would certainly amount to a dramatic shift branding consequently disrupting the normal behavior of consumers. For this reason there is a greater possibility of regular consumers to be mistaken as to the identity of the brand as was the case in distinguishing coke classic can and that of Diet coke. Many of the angry and confused c ustomers posted their complaints on emails and twitter. Even though the company’s’ intention was to grab their customers attention through disruptive complain its customers were not impressed at all. Within day of the launch numerous complaints began flowing about the white can being too similar to the silver one. This made some diabetic and weight conscious consumers to accidentally purchase classic coke while in fact they had intended to buy Diet coke. Some of the customers went ahead to return already opened white cans to the stores where they had purchased them demanding that they should be given new diet coke cans. Some others opted to express their anger and dissatisfaction with the white can online. The introduction of white cans by the coca cola company was just another

Toyota Knowledge Management

Toyota Knowledge Management In present, most of the management professionals and academics have distinguished knowledge as a significant source of competitive advantage. Potentially, it is a substantial resource to a firm as it includes precious, unusual, unique and non-commutable features and an implicit aspect. Importance of knowledge is increasing day by day in the society and due to this a shift is occurring in individuals thinking regarding business innovations. These innovations can be technical, process or product innovation and strategic or operational. Innovations due to knowledge-based organizations are occurring all over the world and similar is the situation with Toyota Motor Corporation that is discussed in this report. In this report, existing knowledge management practices of Toyota Motor Corporation is discussed along with the interventions that it can use to improve its present KM practices and strategies. In this report, intervention proposed for Toyota is the use of KM as a management tool. As well, here, elements that are essential for effective KM strategy are also given so that the company can develop a new and much more effective KM strategy to deal with its existing KM flaws. The report provides all inclusive information about Toyotas past knowledge management strategies and some new effective strategies that it can used to make effective use of knowledge and its related aspects. Introduction The field of knowledge management has developed in concern to the management of the data, information and knowledge within an organization and as well as employing it to gain competitive advantage (Armistead 1999, p. 143). Knowledge management basically comprises of procedures and tools to efficiently captivate and share data. As well, it is also related to the potential use of knowledge of individuals within a firm. From last several years there have been serious discussions on the significance of knowledge management (KM) in our society (Hicks, Dattero Galup 2006, p. 19). Almost all researchers, scholars and management science professionals agree that substantial transformation had occurred and management of knowledge had become crucial. The excessive business operations failures, due to the traditional modes of operations have intensified the significance of knowledge and its management (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 204). In the increasing competitive situation, KM and associated strategy concepts had become essential and significant components for present organizations to survive and maintain their position in the long run (Armistead 1999, p. 143). Due to the significance and advantages of KM, it has become vital for executives and managers to deal with KM and related strategies. Nowadays, it is considered as a precondition for attaining higher productivity and flexibility in both the private and the public sector firms due to its significant advantages (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 204). Toyota Motor Corporation also makes use of knowledge management for managing its different business operations and processes. With this the company has become able in gathering, organizing, sharing and analyzing its knowledge in regard to resources, documents, and people skills. Here, in this paper the current role of KM in Toyota will be analyzed along with the specific recommendations in the form of new interventions will be presented to the company. This will enhance companys ability to manage all its resources in a way through which, it can enhance its knowledge organization and sharing (Wiig1997, p. 7). Existing Knowledge Management Plan of Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation has attained immense growth from the time of its initiation and with this the company have also confronted several troubles related to expansion and its management. In starting the company use to develop and produce cars only in Japan and export in some abroad countries but with increasing demand and globalization it started operating in several different foreign markets. With this increase in its operations base, the company confronted troubles related to management of its resources. For resolving this trouble the company made use of knowledge management as it become aware with its significance and need (Ichijo Kohlbacher 2006). The company operations started growing significantly and in this concern it also made use of several advanced approaches like lean production, total quality management etc. All these approaches assisted the company in attaining a significant place in emerging markets. In addition to these approaches, the company also understood the significance of knowledge and its use for company and its employees management (Armistead 1999, p. 143). The company understood that managing knowledge among its organization is essential and for this it adopted several knowledge management approaches like development of knowledge sharing networks and use of tactic knowledge (Pena 2002, P. 470). Knowledge Management The company management is aware with the fact that the creation of knowledge is not only an aggregation of information but it is a distinctive human process that cannot be decreased or replicated easily. The company management tries to alter data into information that can be used a knowledge for all by collection, organizing, summarizing, analyzing, synthesizing and making final decision (Alwis Hartmann 2008, p. 134). Management of Toyota is also aware that effective management of knowledge is essential that includes knowledge creation, sharing, security, and abandonment (Wang Ahmed 2005, p. 327). All this relies on enabling context that can be developed with the help of significant knowledge enablers that are as follows: Introducing a knowledge vision Handling conversations Displacing knowledge reformers Establishing appropriate context Globalizing local knowledge (Ichijo Kohlbacher 2006). All these knowledge enablers are introduced by Toyota that evidences its knowledge management practices. Although Toyota Motor Corporation has adopted a significant approach towards knowledge management and knowledge sharing but still it is not able to effectively manage knowledge among all its resources (Towill 2010, p. 335). Nowadays, the company is operating in different foreign markets but still it is not able to improve its production efficiency and quality and it is all because of lack of knowledge management and knowledge sharing (Bailey Clarke 2000, p. 236). The company management has still not gone through the fundamental issues of knowledge sharing or organizational learning that are key drivers behind a firms significant attainments. For attaining assured success in 21st century it is essential that its leaders develop intellectual capital with the help of knowledge creation and sharing on an international basis. The company had to work hard in the direction of knowledge sharing as its main issues are related to knowledge sharing. If company adopts effective approaches and networks it can easily resolve its issues related to knowledge sharing that in turn will render it with competitive advantage (Pena 2002, P. 470). For successful execution and operations, it is essential that the Toyota Motor Corporation significantly improves its knowledge management issues. Without this, it would not be possible for the company to manage its leading position in the long run as now knowledge has become crucial for running a business successfully (Randeree 2006, p. 145). The company had effective knowledge management plan but it is lacking at some aspects that if improved can deliver it with substantial advantages of knowledge management and business operations management (Jost 2010). Knowledge Management Interventions for Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation that is the Japans largest company and the worlds second leading automobile company is known as the worlds paramount knowledge company (Jost 2010). Till now, the company has three times, won the Global Most Admired Knowledge Enterprises (MAKE) Survey 4. As well as, it is also a five-time winner of the MAKE Japan Survey. This award is given for the unique practices in the field of Knowledge Management. These awards were given on the basis of measures like knowledge-based culture and products, knowledge sharing and cooperation and organizational learning (Bateman n.d.). All these aspects were managed effectively but still the company need to take extra efforts as it is lacking in some aspects of knowledge management. The most substantial aspect that needs to be improved is sharing knowledge and it can be done only if knowledge management is used as a management tool. The most substantial KM intervention that can be used by Toyota Motor Corporation is the use of KM as a management tool (Jost 2010). By making use of knowledge management as a management tool, the company can effectively improve all its existing flaws of KM in regard to its business operations. In addition to this by understanding the concept of intellectual capital also the company can improve its KM practices. The company management needs to understand that KM is a vital part of the wide concept intellectual capital because KM itself is about the management of the intellectual capital. Intellectual capital can be understood with the help of two terms strategy and measurement (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 205). Strategy pertains to the formation and utilization of knowledge and as well on the association between knowledge and value creation (Rao 2005). Other aspects of intellectual capital that is measurement concentrates on the development of new information systems that are proficient to measure non-financial data along with traditional financial data (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 206). The abstract bases of intellectual capital that can be used by Toyota can be understood in this figure. The company management should try to make attempts for exploring the creation and use of knowledge in a way through which it can be leveraged into value as given in the figure. By managing intellectual capital the company can significantly enhance its existing knowledge management practices and improve the flaws in KM. This will also assist the company in making use of KM as a management tool that is essential for making it effective in all aspects of a business (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 206). Knowledge Management as a Management Tool: Usually, KM is depicted as a management tool but it is made up of two aspects in which first is KM as an informational handling tool or operational tool and second is as a strategically focused management tool. By managing KM as operational and strategically focussed management tool, Toyota can easily increase knowledge sharing and organizational learning among its business processes (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 209). If company and its management handle both the aspects of KM, it can significantly attain all essential benefits of KM for its business and its assured growth. Knowledge Management as an Information Handling Tool In the field of knowledge management, knowledge is usually considered as an information handling trouble. It basically includes the formation, organization and utilization of knowledge (Morey, Maybury Thuraisingham 2002). Toyota Motor Corporation also need to use KM as an information handling tool that can be done by managing different but associated stages. In the first stage, the company should acquire information and in the second stage the collected information should be entered into storage system and then need to be structured rationally (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 209). KM is all about the attainment and reposition of employees knowledge and making this information available to others so that they can also use it. This can be done by making use of several advanced technologies like Internet and databases. In this way, the company can transform tactic knowledge to explicit knowledge that can be used by everyone for increasing their efficiency and productivity (Rao 2005). By storing information in several company databases the company need to initiate third stage that is related to make stored information accessible to maximum employees of the firm (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 209). Knowledge Management Stages This third stage is related to the maximum delivery and use of information. In the last stage, the company management can significantly utilize information. This process of information utilization can be commenced by employees sharing knowledge and socialising with each other. As well as information can also be utilized or shared through digital and in analogue pattern. Knowledge Management as a Strategic Management Tool: The next substantial aspect of KM that needs to be managed by Toyota is KM as a strategic management tool. It is said by management professionals that effective knowledge management begins with a strategy. In concern to a KM strategy, knowledge is distinguished as a most valuable and less used resource (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 210). For improving knowledge sharing and existing knowledge management practices, it is essential that the company improve its existing KM strategy as it plays a substantial role in successful knowledge management. For creating an effective KM strategy, the company need to develop systems that significantly capture and reassign internal knowledge into unique practices. The company management need to consider all of its aims, objectives and anticipated results in regard to KM as it varies for organization (Rao 2005). Sometime, KM can be worked out as a way to enhance performance, productivity, collaboration and competitiveness and sometimes it may be used for meliorating effective attainment, sharing and utilization of information within the company (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 210). In addition to this it can also be used as a technique for enhanced decision making, a tool to captivate unique practices, a way to become an innovative firm etc. The purpose of employing and using KM should be clear as in this way only the company can effectively manage its KM practices and strategy. By working on all these things, the company can develop an effective KM strategy (Reimer Karagiannis 2006). Recommended Strategies for Implementing Proposed Interventions For implementing proposed interventions, the Toyota Motor Corporation needs to consider following elements and strategies: Interrogative Questions and Assessments: First substantial element that should be included by Toyota at the time of creating and implementing its KM strategy is interrogative questions and assessments. The company management should associate its KM strategy with what it wants to attain as well as with it aim and objectives. This can be done with the help of interrogation and assessments of different aspects like what company want to attain and in which aspect it wants improvement (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 211). How its KM strategy will render it towards benefits and increase in employees performance etc. By identifying the answers of all these questions, the company can develop an effective KM strategy. Effective Communication: In most of the companies effort to implement KM strategy, a significant problem that has occurred is about ineffective communication. For successful implementation, effective communication is essential and similar is the case with Toyota (Hlupic 2003). For its successful KM strategy implementation, the company should develop an effective communication plan that should be flexible enough to adopt changes in communication pattern at the time of critical business decisions. Well developed communication plan will also help the company in increasing its knowledge sharing and becoming a learning organization (Morey, Maybury Thuraisingham 2002). Top Management Support: For successful implementation of KM strategy, it is essential that the company management have significant support from its top management. The company management should try to convince top management for promoting procedures that will prop up learning and sharing. Top management should be convinced in a way that it helps in setting-up fund knowledge networks and promotes further improvements (Reimer Karagiannis 2006). If, Toyota become able to receive full support from its top management it will substantially become able in developing and implementing a successful KM strategy (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 211). Significance of People and Culture: The next substantial element in concern to the development and implementation of an effective KM strategy is people and culture. Successful execution of KM is significantly associated with a firms people and culture. The management of Toyota also needs to develop an effective association between its KM strategy implementation its people and culture. By focussing on its employees and their significant role, the company can have a distinctive KM strategy implementation (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 211). The company that concentrates on its people and culture are much more able to attain its goals in comparison to the firm that concentrates more on technology. This should also be understood by Toyota and then only it will become proficient in the thriving implementation of its KM strategy (Jasimuddin 2008, p. 59). By understanding that the people and culture plays a central role in the creation of thriving knowledge based firm the company management can easily resolve all its people and cultural related issues. These issues are vital to be handled in a timely manner as otherwise it may direct company towards several disadvantages (Morey, Maybury Thuraisingham 2002). Adoption of Creativity: The next substantial element that should be considered by Toyota for improving its existing KM practices is the inclusion of creativity as it is vitally linked with strategy. By establishing a link between strategy and creativity, the company will become able in maintaining its position in the long run (Hlupic 2003). By associating KM and creativity, the company management can attain business creativity so it is essential to consider creativity at the time of developing a KM strategy. Creation of Learning Networks: One more critical element of KM is the creation of learning networks so that employees can learn from each other and maximize their knowledge. By creating learning networks, Toyota can also resolve its existing troubles of knowledge sharing and becoming a learning organization (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 212). In present employees of the company are not so focussed but by evidencing them KM benefits, they can be encouraged for the development of learning networks. Significance of Sharing Knowledge: Another important element that needs to be included by Toyota at the time of developing and implementing its KM strategy is sharing knowledge. The company strategy is lacking in concern to this element and should work hard for improving it and including it in its KM strategy. Nowadays, it is seen that employees does not prefer to share their knowledge with other due to increasing competition (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 211). Management of the company should try to build a positive environment in which everyone like to share knowledge with others so that they can increase their knowledge (Liebowitz 1999). In this concern, the company management should try to share existing knowledge with its new and present employees through groups discussions and regular seminars. They should try to develop an open and flexible environment in which everyone has intensity to increase its existing knowledge base. By adopting these approaches employees habit of sharing knowledge can be intensified in a significant way. Appropriate Incentives to Employees: The next critical element in regard to KM strategy is the creation of appropriate incentives for employees to share and implement knowledge. In present, Toyotas reward system does not support its sharing knowledge culture so by making changes in it, the company can improve its troubles related to sharing knowledge. The company management should try to develop a reward system that encourages its employees to use their expertise and understand the importance of KM (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 212). All aspects related to employees and their knowledge sharing should be involved in company reward system as it may come from any level of organizational structure (Despres Chauvel 1999, p. 112). Effective Evaluation System: The last substantial element that is vital to consider is the employment of effective evaluation system for evaluating the efforts made in the direction of making use of KM. The creation of system can range from informal to formal system. Toyota should also develop effective evaluation system so that all its knowledge practices and strategies can be evaluated in a timely manner and deliver effective use of KM (Reimer Karagiannis 2006). By following all these elements, the company can develop an effective KM strategy that in turn will assist Toyota in sharing knowledge and creating a learning organization. KM as a management tool will direct Toyota towards the development of successful KM strategy and implementation (Liebowitz 1999). Conclusion With the help of above discussion, it becomes evident that the Toyota Motor Corporation needs to improve its existing KM practices and strategies. For this, the company should adopt suggested interventions that are related to use KM as a management tool. By making use of KM as a management tool the company will become able in resolving its difficulties related to operation and strategy (Reimer Karagiannis 2006). KM as a management tool will serve the company with an ability to handle its information handling issues and becoming strategically focussed (Quality Counts 2008). In this way, it can be said that Toyota should adopt the above discussed interventions and should try to develop a new and effective KM strategy. For the development of effective KM strategy the company should consider all the above discussed elements as it will render it with specific and distinctive approach to KM and its utilization. By adopting recommended strategies the company can develop a new and more effective KM strategy that will help it in resolving all existing KM related issues like knowledge sharing and becoming a learning organization (Liebowitz 1999). The proposed interventions will direct Toyota Motor Corporation towards the development of effective and distinctive KM strategy.

How The Characters In The Merc :: essays research papers

People’s rewards are determined based on their actions. The fact that Shylock is not merciful to Antonio and that he is hateful towards the Christians, has resulted in him losing his possessions. Bassanio not only helps Antonio, but is also wise and being wed to Portia is his reward. Antonio gives money to Bassanio and is willing to die for his friend and his reward is his life. The particular actions and decisions made by Shylock, Antonio and Bassanio causes them to reap the benefits or misfortunes of their behavior. Shylock is one of the more evil characters, who shows no mercy and is robbed of his possessions for these deeds. Shylock is not merciful towards Antonio’s situation and he does not care for his life. When Shylock is about to take a pound of flesh from Antonio, Portia asks for a doctor to help Antonio with his wound. All Shylock can say about this is, “I cannot find it; ‘tis not in the bond.'; (IV i 260). He does not care for Antonio’s life. Not only does Shylock hate Antonio, but he also hates all Christians. He shows this when he says, “I hate him for he is Christian';(I iii 39). He is almost basing his whole dislike for Antonio on his religion. Shylock’s cruelty causes him to be punished. Portia tells him, “Thou hast contrived against the very life / Of the defendant; and thou hast incurred / The danger formally by me rehearsed';(IV i 358). Shylock’s cruelty towards Antonio and his prejudice against Christians results in his punishmen t by the law. Bassanio uses his wisdom to wed Portia and he courageously helps Antonio. His reward is having Portia’s hand in marriage. Bassanio is willing to give up his life for Antonio. When he says “Good cheer, Antonio! What, man, courage yet! / The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones, and all, / Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood.'; (IV i 111) He is saying he appreciates Antonio’s courage for him, but he also says Shylock will have to take his flesh, blood, bones and all before he can get at Antonio. Bassanio’s love for his wife is shown by his reluctance to give up his wedding ring. When Bassanio says, “Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife, / And when she put it on, she made me vow / That I should neither sell nor give nor lose it.

How Does the UPS Tracking System Work?

How Does the UPS Tracking System Work? Posted by The Fox on March 8, 2012 UPS is one of the largest mail shipment companies in the world. Every day, UPS handles and delivers nearly 15 million letters, parcels, and boxes to individuals and companies in well over two hundred countries all over the world. It is simply amazing how such an international giant manages to track and transport such a large amount of mail. Following is an overview of how the UPS tracking system works. When a person delivers a parcel to the UPS, a bar code is attached to the parcel.The employees loading the parcels onto a truck or airplane all have bar code scanners, as do all UPS drivers. Those handling the parcel simply have to scan it to see where it came from and where it is going. When a parcel is scanned, the information regarding the parcel’s location is immediately updated on the UPS website. This is the reason why a person can see the step-by-step progression of where his or her package is at th e moment. If the package is being sent less than 200 miles from the sender, then it is sent by truck. If the distance the package must travel is more than 200 miles, it is sent by plane.Each time the package is loaded or unloaded, it is scanned. Packages that are transported by plane are all automatically sent to Worldport, the UPS sorting facility in Kentucky. Workers in this facility only handle the package once or twice; the rest of the time, the package is tracked by machine. Sorters sort packages according to size and shape and ensure that the bar code on any given package is facing upwards. Scanners above the conveyor belts are then able to sort the packages according to destination. Is the UPS Tracking System Efficient?It has been estimated that 9% of all packages handled by UPS are either lost or delivered late. However, it should be noted that not all late deliveries are the UPS’ fault. Packages being shipped internationally will not reach their destination on time i f all the pertinent forms have not been filled out. If the recipient of the package is not available to receive the package, then the delivery will naturally be late. In such an instance, the delivery van would have to bring the package back at a later time, or the recipient would have to go to the nearest UPS center and pick up the package in person.Considering how many billions of packages the UPS transports every single year, the company’s system is surprisingly efficient. Billions of packages reach their destination on time every single year. While the UPS tracking system is not perfect, it is top of the line and one reason why UPS is the preferred shipping company of millions of people all over the world. While UPS has an efficient website that lets customers know where each package is at any given point in time, those who ship numerous packages on a regular basis may want to take advantage of the Package Fox sorting system.This system enables one to see all of his or he r packages in transit at the same time. Best of all, Package Fox will also help one to see at a glance if a package is lost, delayed, or has arrived late. If the UPS is at fault for the package arriving late or not at all, then Package Fox will help the client get the refund that is his or her due. The UPS is a highly efficient shipping service with a top of the line tracking system that enables it to track and ship parcels all over the world. The bar code on each box allows UPS employees to accurately determine where each envelope, parcel, and box is meant to go.This information is instantly uploaded to the UPS website so that a customer can see where the package is at any point in time. However, this system is not perfect and sometimes a parcel or box may get lost in the mail or arrive later than it is meant to. This is one reason why having Package Fox is such a good idea. Package Fox will not only make it easy to track multiple UPS shipments but also help one get a refund for a late or lost shipment. What are the input, processing and output of UPS package tracking system?Input: The inputs include package information, customer signature, pickup, delivery, time-card data, current location (while en route), and billing and customer clearance documentation. Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) is used to capture all the information about the package from the customer. Again, bar code devices are used throughout the delivery process to collect useful information about the package. UPS also collects information from its website. This website provides customers the facility to input their packageas details (destination, origin, shipment date, weight, size etc. , desired freight media (by air, by vehicle etc. ) and freight service to determine shipping rates and time in transit. Processing: Data collected from DIAD is uploaded to the to the UPS network, called UPSnet, for primary storing. Then all the data are transmitted to a central computer and store d for retrieval. Bar code equipments also send data about the package to the central computer for immediate processing. Data are also reorganized so that they can be tracked by customer account, date, driver, and other criteria. Output: Output occurs when all these information

Chick Webb

In a genre as widely popular and influential as jazz, even some of the most well-respected musicians could fall through the cracks in terms of being a mainstream legend. This is not a revelation of a statement on its own, as this was the story for many a musician. The cause could be simply be a casualty of overshadowing during the jazz/swing craze, not being terribly innovative, or not having a string of hits. Some of these causes even afflicted the subject of this paper. However, it was another factor that makes his story so interesting, yet tragic.Not every artist could be etched in legend such as figures like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, or have his music played all over like Benny Goodman. But Chick Webb’s impact on both the music, culture and technique regarding the drums were and still are well-respected in the jazz scene, despite some of the factors that would hold him back from being a transcendent star. The story of Chick Webb has to begin with the factor that held him back the most and is also the first to afflict him. Despite his disputed birth date, Chick was born in Baltimore, Maryland to William H. and Marie Johnson Webb.William Henry Webb, his birth name, was born with spinal tuberculosis, a condition that would negatively affect him his whole life and ultimately cost him his life. So how does one manage all this pain, let alone become the greatest jazz drummer in history? For starters, the idea of playing the drums came from his doctor. The intent was that the rapid movement of the limbs that is required by the drums would â€Å"loosen up† his stiff limbs and lessen the pain. With the appeal of the instruments’ recreational and medicinal apparent, a young Webb would become a newspaper boy with the sole goal of saving up enough money to buy a drum set.Until then, Webb would settle for the bottom of overturned garbage cans to whet his appetite. By 11 years old, Webb would have his drum set and by 17 years old, he had mo ved to New York City to pursue his dream of being a player in the jazz capital of the world. Chick Webb began playing in New York night clubs as soon as he arrived in 1924. Clubs such as the Paddock Club and the Black Bottom took him in, reference by none other than Duke Ellington, who instantly recognized his talent. Ellington would become an important figure in Webb’s life, both as a mentor and a rival, further down the line.Noting his dominant skill and strong personality, Ellington would encourage Webb to form and lead his own small band. Webb would do just that by forming the Harlem Stoppers, a quintet that would go on to supply the demand for swing music in the era known as the Harlem Renaissance. His skills were rare, and considered ideal to fuel the upbeat pace of swing music and provide a drive to the music that could rarely be matched. Naturally, this skill became quickly recognized all over the city, leading to the expansion of the Harlem Stoppers, who would now be known as the Chick Webb Orchestra.Webb’s status as a successful musician was cemented when his band was selected as the house band of the Savoy Ballroom, a legendary venue located in Harlem. He would be the face of the venue until his final years. Based solely off their own merits, the Chick Webb Orchestra was a highly regarded band. But what made the band legendary in its own right was their willingness to accept challengers in what was known as â€Å"cuttin’ sessions†, or battles of the bands. Many good, but ordinary jazz bands attempted to challenge the great Chick Webb Orchestra, only to be blown out of the ballroom.However, when then-â€Å"King of Swing† Benny Goodman and his band arrived to challenge Webb’s, Chick began to finally get some acclaim from outside of New York. In New York, over 9,000 people came to see this historical event, 5,000 of them standing outside just to have the chance of possibly hearing the monumental clash that was to take place. And when the opportunity arose for Webb and his band to make a statement, they did so in force. Performing first, Goodman’s orchestra performed honorably as many expected from a unit of their stature.But when Webb’s crew began, the outcome would become obvious. With the roar of the crowd Webb’s orchestra, they would end up blowing Benny Goodman’s band out of the ballroom just as he did all the other bands before him that challenged him. His driving sounds often over-powered other bands, playing into the hard swing of his orchestra. Gene Krupa, a legendary drummer in his own right and drummer for Goodman’s band noted that â€Å"Webb cut me to ribbons! † It was this moment where Webb was crowned â€Å"King of Swing† and undoubtedly â€Å"King of the Savoy†.Other legendary challengers such as Count Basie (who played Webb to a draw at the very least), Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington would test the mettle of the Chick Webb Orchestra, but none would diminish his status as one of the preeminent bandleaders and musicians of the time. Like most famous muscians of the time, Webb began to record his work, beginning in 1927. However, his powerful sound was difficult to record cleanly without drowning out the full composition of the work. This forced im to tone down his sound and let the rest of the music even out, possibly lessening his fame. However, in circles within the music industry, Webb’s talent and influence did not go unnoticed. When Decca Records formed in 1934, Webb signed to the label and made his most famous recordings, almost all of which featuring Ella Fitzgerald as the singer. Webb initially discouraged the inclusion of Fitzgerald as she did not fit the image of the typical lead vocalist for a swing band. However, once he heard her voice, she would become the lead vocalist for Chick Webb’s Orchestra.This addition skyrocketed the careers of both artist, transforming F itzgerald into a bonafide superstar following the success of their top hit together, Fitzgeralds rendition of â€Å"A-tisket, A-Tasket†. As the quintessential swing artist, Webb’s sound merged perfectly with Fitzgerald, so much so that she became known as the â€Å"First Lady of Swing†. Unfortunately, one could say the vast popularity of Fitzgerald would often overshadow Webb, especially true on recordings. What made it worse for Chick Webb, was the timing of his newfound popularity. In 1938, not too long after the instant success of â€Å"A-tisket, A-tasket†, Webb’s health began to fail.Webb had been playing through pain his entire career, often leaving the stage exhausted. But this time, his spinal condition became more serious and restricted him from playing to a standard that he deemed fit for his fans. Seeking relief, Webb would return to Baltimore for a major operation at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Sadly, Webb would never leave the hospital, dyi ng at just 34 years old. Reportedly, his last words were to his mother, saying â€Å"I’m sorry, I’ve got to go. † The respect the jazz scene had for Chick Webb was obvious at his funeral, where the top musicians of the time all came to pay their respects.The general public also came in full force, so much so that the church where the services were being held could not contain them all, and the procession was composed of almost 80 cars. As one of the few prominent drummer-led swing bands, Webb’s impact is almost always understated. Be it because his lack of hit records as the frontman, a result of Ella Fitzgerald’s popularity or the era’s inability to properly record his talent, or his shortened lifespan, Chick Webb has become a somewhat forgotten name to the mainstream, despite his legendary status within the jazz culture.But due to his influential style, and his battles against some of the more marquee names in jazz/swing, Chick Webb will n ever be forgotten. Works Cited Fritts, Ron, and Ken Vail. Ella Fitzgerald: The Chick Webb Years & beyond. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow, 2003. Print. McDonough, John. â€Å"CHICK WEBB: THE MATRIX. † Down Beat 77. 8 (2010): 37. Downbeat. com. Down Beat, Aug. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. . Sandler, Gilbert. â€Å"Webb Won the Battle of the Bands. † Baltimore Sun.N. p. , 28 Apr. 1992. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. . Teichroew, Jacob. â€Å"Artist Profile: Swing Drummer and Bandleader Chick Webb. † About. com Jazz. N. p. , n. d. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. . Turner, Nathaniel. â€Å"Chick Webb Bio. † Chick Webb Bio. N. p. , n. d. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. .