#foth: release day

[focusontheheart]

We are very happy to present to you: Focus on the Heart - A Visual Novel Fangame!

�� A game made by fans, for fans.💘

Focus on the Heart is a CYOA-style Visual Novel fangame project featuring 8 characters for Aloy to romance! This game is the combined community efforts of 40+ fans, with unique art styles for every character route, narratives crafted with love, and smooches for all.

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💜Focus on the Heart is NOW AVAILABLE to download FOR FREE at the above link on itch.io! 💜FOR PC & MAC 💜Please follow the instructions HERE to download the game and unpack the files 💜You can watch the trailer HERE 💜If you want to tag our socials with your hype, please use #FOTHreact and #FOTHcharactername (i.e. #FOTHErend, #FOTHTalanah, etc.) for the respective routes to prevent spoilers for other players.

We wish you happy playing, and thank you very much for your support!! 💘

[i-lavabean]

Is it too early to make fanart of Focus on the Heart?

Kotallo's path was such a wonderful story and some of my very favorite people did amazing work on it! Seriously if you haven't played FOTH check it out; it's a beautiful fan made work of art.

[foibles-fables]

speaking of focus on the heart, i’m SO excited for it! i really can’t wait to play talanah path, especially with you and meg behind it! but i really wish you were the one in charge of the scripts…i can’t help but be worried about lgbtq erasure. i’ve been so anxious about it being anti-lesbian since it was announced with men as love interests, especially since aloy is canonically attracted to WOMEN, but i’ve been afraid to send an ask to the tumblr because i can’t ask anonymously and i don’t want to be a target for a legitimate concern.

AAHHH I am so flattered you're excited for the game and and for the Talanah path! 💖💖💖🥹🥹🥹 Meg and I put a lot of care and heart and effort into it and we can't wait for you to play.

I also really appreciate you trusting me with your concerns about LGBTQ erasure in the game. I can assure you that no path, in any way, erases Aloy's queer identity or her attraction to women. (I've taken sneak peeks at all of the scripts...it was impossible not to, given all of the excitement!!!) The main starting guideline each path was given before we began scripting is that the events of Burning Shores--along with Aloy's feelings for Seyka and her attraction to women--are affirmed as canon, regardless of character route. :)

In FOTH, each romance route is self-contained (i.e., you choose your love interest at the beginning and go on an adventure with only them) and all of them address the events of Burning Shores in thoughtful, respectful, and positive ways. We wouldn't have it any other way! Many of our members at all levels--from the overall project leads to the writing/art teams for each character--are LGBTQ+ and are honored to be able to portray our now canonically queer Aloy in FOTH. 💖

Again, thank you SO much for sharing your excitement. Totally absolutely made my whole day. 💖💖 Stay tuned for a release date!!!!

[bloomingdead]

What do you comprehensively about focus of the heart? It’s definitely a project that’s certainly *there* with some talented folks on it.

This ask has been sitting in my box for a while, and I’ve resisted responding to it because I really don’t want beef with anyone on the project. My personal experience with those I have engaged with has been unpleasant, but that doesn’t fault their product nor everyone working on it. Also, I may jump around quite a bit because a lot of my feelings on FOTH have nothing to do with the game itself (it’s still in development) and everything to do with the “discourse” and reasons surrounding its creation.

Let me preface by saying, I’m incredibly impressed that the artists involved were able to come together to create a project inspired by the fandom they all love so much. Artist groups are a really great way to gain visibility as an artist. You could be making art that never reaches the people who would want to see it, but if you group together with other similar artists and support each other, your audiences begin to overlap and grow. That seems to be working really well for the people behind FOTH.

I should also warn that I am not the biggest fan of “fanon” content. I haven’t read a fanfic in its entirety in at least 10 years and I don’t make much content other than the occasional doodle and think-piece ramblings. I have nothing against shipping, headcanons, and AU’s. I partake in all of these myself, I have no issue with it. What I do have an issue with is people who say a creator intended for fanon that doesn’t exist in canon. Or people twisting dev’s words to their benefit, pulling things out of context to bolster their opinions. This has created conflict in the past between me and an artist or few on this project.

Shipping is very popular in the Horizon fandom, and has been since the first game was released. Zero Dawn provided us with many potential new friends for Aloy, some of which many fans were left confused as to how Aloy truly felt about them. After all, Ashly Burch who portrays Aloy is pansexual, and she claimed that over half the characters she’s played are queer. And Aloy, although inexperienced and unsure of herself in Zero Dawn, was definitely left flustered at some point by many of the popular shipping characters.

So why did it take the release of Burning Shores, a DLC that finishes with Aloy declaring her romantic attraction to a new companion, for the fandom to put together a dating sim? The Burning Shores DLC was released on April 19th 2023. The first post on the Official FOTH Tumblr was made on June 7th 2023. Their “About Us” post from the same day, says in the second sentence that they decided to create the game, “in the wake of negative internet discourse about fandom shipping.”

Negative discourse? What does that even mean in this context? Are they referring to devout fanon members harassing the game devs and Kylie Liya Page for the creation of Seyka as Aloy’s love interest? Who the fuck, other than people mad about Seyka, were creating fandom discourse around shipping Horizon characters at that time? Kylie Liya Page has literally been cyberbullied from the day the game came out. Yes, it’s died down considerably, but the only negativity surrounding shipping in the fandom was created by the very people who love shipping the most. Kylie was still experiencing the thick of this “negative internet discourse” six months ago.

So many of the very same people who desperately wanted Aloy to get her first romance, are the ones who were most off-put by Seyka’s story. It wasn’t good enough, it was forced, rushed, chosen “for me.” No, Seyka was chosen for Aloy, not you. A lot of people seem to forget that the role-playing element in Horizon is more of a tone-check. Heart, Brain, Fist. You’re not choosing Aloy's response, but how she responds. Is she going to address this compassionately, pragmatically, or stoically? Your attitude will be remembered in future conversations, but your choices have no effect on the quests or ending of the game. Your options in quests are to complete them as intended, or don’t do the quest. 

We were never going to get multiple options for Aloy’s romantic partner in this game. She could still have another! Seyka doesn’t have to be the endgame, most people don’t end up with their first love. But how shitty would it be for us to lose Seyka completely as a character in the third game, because Kylie doesn’t want to come back and face that abuse again, or because the devs don’t want to subject her to that or lose more fans over it? What if they get rid of Seyka with a shitty write-off, and then Aloy ends up alone? We’ve now seen that she’s capable of opening her heart and experiencing that kind of character development. It would suck to have that taken away.

When you’re allowed to do whatever you want in fanon space, why go out of your way to harass the creators of the canon? Why bully fellow fans for having different opinions than you? You were already imagining these made up relationships that don’t exist, why does Aloy having a canon love interest ruin that? Why is Aloy having a canon love interest a disruption to fanon? It isn’t a disruption to fanon, clearly, as the creation of and support for FOTH has proved. Not only just by simply existing, but by their inclusion of Seyka in the game.

I was accused of being a bigot because I posted on my own blog that Aloy reads as a lesbian to me. I was harassed after Burning Shores came out for joking that we now have more proof of Aloy being a lesbian than bisexual. I’m a silly little lesbian, I see gay bitch, I want a lesbian. But that’s an opinion that exists in my mind, and on tumblr. It’s definitely not something I’m going to bring to the devs and accuse them of dancing around. Because still, as it stands, Aloy is most likely coded as pan/bi. It doesn’t warrant me or the thousands of other lesbian fans being harassed over a headcanon, though.

To me, and probably most people who genuinely feel normally about this game, there are way bigger issues in this fandom than anti-ship. There have been way bigger concerns surrounding how the developers and actors have been treated by the fans. There are way worse attacks conducted by fans who love shipping content than those who hate it. There have been worse attacks on people in this fandom by people "defending" their favorite ships than by outsiders in the gaming community that invade our spaces to tell us how mannish and ugly Aloy is. The people who think shipping is the biggest point of discourse in this fandom are most likely the same ones perpetrating it.

FOTH portrays their product as bravely pushing the boundaries on something that is going to receive backlash because it is shipping content. It represents itself as an amalgamation of all the shipping content in the fandom, dedicated to it. The language applied is intended to attract anyone who is cool with shipping, which I’m pretty sure is over 95% of this website. Definitely over 95% of the Horizon fandom. A genius move, from a marketing standpoint.

“What? That’s ridiculous, why are they facing negative discourse for a silly little dating sim? I’m cool with shipping, they get my support.” 

It is ridiculous, isn’t it? Tumblr is full of shipping, how is a tumblr account for a dating sim finding itself in a position where it has to preemptively address negative discourse on the first day of the official blog existing? It’s because the negative discourse they’re warning against isn’t aimed at shipping, it’s aimed at the aggression seen from the creators on their personal blogs in regards to their favorite ship. But they opened with the discourse statement so that if they ended up receiving criticism from the people they bullied, there’d be a potential for fans of their project to blindly defend them because FOTH prefaced that all their haters just hate shipping. 

That one statement from their account tells me that FOTH seems to be picksy-choosing what issues in this fandom warrant concern. Apparently, calling Aloy a lesbian is a bigger offense than sending death threats to actors and developers. Apparently, the worst discourse to happen in the Horizon fandom is because of those who defended Seyka from unwarranted hate and not the people who were enraged with her addition to the series. Apparently, FOTH wants to ignore all the harassment the devs of Horizon went through, but keep their fans aware that any so-called hate (criticism) that the FOTH creators face is simply unjustified and toxic. They opened their blog with an attempt to alienate anyone who might ever have a reason to criticize the game.

I won’t be playing FOTH, I have little interest in it besides innate curiosity. The closest I get to touching dating sims is fantasy RPG’s though, so I likely wouldn’t be playing it regardless.

As I stated in the opening, my feelings about FOTH have nothing to do with the game itself and rather the people behind it and the circumstances that brought it to fruition. I don’t think every artist behind it has the altruistic goal of simply creating something fun for everyone in the fandom to enjoy, I think some of them are just scratching an itch. If they were looking for something productive to place their frustration into, they found it. I’d be interested to know which pairings end up being the most fleshed out, and which ones are lacking. Especially since every artist got assigned to a character they genuinely enjoy. DM me privately to place your bets. 

So, I guess, TLDR; I’m not going to try and stop anyone from playing Focus On The Heart, but I don't trust all the people working on it nor their intentions. For Reasons™.

[rp-timelines]

FOTH: 2010-2019

2010

2010 Veronica - died.

January 11, 2010 Margot Dillon Donnelly was born to Mark Donnelly and Valletta Quartermaine.

June 2010 Alivianza Genovese was arrested on suspicion of cocaine possession.

July 29, 2010 Alivianza Genovese violated her parole and was arrested.

August 2010 Alivianza Genovese began a two year prison sentence at Rikers Island.

September 2010 Mantegna Donnelly was appointed the Police Commissioner of the Kings Point Police Department.

October 2010 Katriel Cerullo and Winston Barrett seperated.

December 11, 2010 Cartney McGrath and Firenza Barrett married.

December 14, 2010 A drunk driver caused a multiple car crash which resulted in the deaths of Adam Zacchara and Thorne Jacks. Also involved in the crash were Braxton Zacchara, Larken Scully, Jaisen Zacchara and Kaedence Zacchara.

December 19, 2010 The funeral for Thorne Jacks took place.

December 22, 2010 The funeral for Adam Zacchara took place.

2011

2011 Kayne Lysander Donnelly was born to Amelita Falconeri and Jacob Donnelly.

January 21, 2011 Jacob Donnelly and Larken Scully's divorce was finalized.

February 2011 Taylor Quartermaine moved in with Caspian, Winita and Winston Barrett.

May 2011 American Idol came to Kings Point for Steele Barrett's hometown visit. There was a parade and a concert by Steele.

May 25, 2011 Steele Barrett won American Idol.

August 2011 Alivianza Genovese was granted an early release from prison.

September 2011 Alivianza Genovese and Riker Lansing moved in with Katriel Cerullo and Katriel Molino.

September 2011 Diane Hilton and Klaus Robertson began dating.

December 24, 2011 Diane Hilton and Klaus Robertson became engaged.

2012

2012 Vanita - Donnelly was born to Daniel Donnelly and Erin Falconeri.

April 20, 2012 Alivianza Genovese, Benito Lombardi, Deran Cody, Harvard Lansing, Nathan Donnelly and Riley Donnelly, with the assistance of Ava Lansing, robbed Yankee Stadium. During this heist, Harvard shot and killed a FBI Agent and was shot himself. All involved were able to escape and remain unknown to this day.

April 30, 2012 Harvard Lansing and Rebel Lansing moved.

May 7, 2012 Kayson Rogue Donnelly was born to Mark Donnelly and Valletta Quartermaine.

August 11, 2012 Diane Hilton and Klaus Robertson married.

September 27, 2012 Arlis Gracen Poletti was born to Kayla Donnelly and Rockefeller Poletti.

September 30, 2012 Trista Zaccaria McKay was born to Draven McKay & Maurizia Breckenridge.

October 28-29, 2012 Hurricane Sandy arrived in New York, bringing power outages, massive flooding and 70 mph winds with 100 mph gusts.

December 5, 2012 Breannah Alandra Barrett was born to Katinka Falconeri and Winston Barrett.

2013

January 23, 2013 Athens Valor Rockefeller was born to Cavalry Rockefeller and Katherine Cartier.

September 18, 2013 Prada Gold Hansen was born to Alivianza Genovese and Casey Hansen.

October 19, 2013 Braxton Zacchara and Larken Scully married.

December 2, 2013 Kaedence Donnelly was diagnosed with aplastic anemia.

2014

January 17, 2014 Kaedence Donnelly received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from her half-brother Kayne Donnelly.

February 12, 2014 Lando Kashius Poletti was born to Kayla Donnelly and Rockefeller Poletti.

June 2014 Caspian Barrett graduated from Barrington Preparatory School.

April 11, 2014 Raven Night Zacchara and Rocket West Zacchara were born to Braxton Zacchara and Larken Scully.

August 30, 2014 Gabriel Donnelly and Victoria Falconeri married.

December 9, 2014 Xavia - Falconeri was born to Jesiah Falconeri and Maegan Miller.

2015

2015 Serenity Corinthos died.

2015 Thomas - Donnelly was born to Daniel Donnelly and Erin Falconeri.

January 1, 2015 Mavis Stefan Allister was born to Carmina Cerullo and Ridge Allister.

January 3, 2015 Rian Cerullo and Tinsley Genovese married.

February 28, 2015 Bowie Dior Rockefeller was born to Alivianza Genovese and Langston Rockefeller.

March 1, 2015 Callista - Poletti and Coriander - Poletti were born to Natalia Falconeri and Wesley Poletti.

March 7, 2015 Cergio - van Gerbig and Kono - van Gerbig were born to Nichita Kalakono and Zachary van Gerbig.

March 17, 2015 Katinka Falconeri and Winston Barrett married.

April 9, 2015 Donatello - Rockefeller was born to Bridge Rockefeller and Katriel Molino.

May 8, 2015 Scarlett Lindyn Donnelly was born to Aaricia Zacchara and Romeo Donnelly.

May 19, 2015 Margaretta Fiter died.

May 29, 2015 Sophia - Corinthos was born to Jeremy Corinthos and Koral Poletti.

May 31, 2015 Hudson Lenard Emmett Baldwin was born to Austin Baldwin and Kherington Poletti.

August 1, 2015 Parrisha Rose Barrett was born to Katinka Falconeri and Winston Barrett.

August 6, 2015 Lancelot Stefan Cerullo was born to Asher Lansing and Calvin Cerullo.

August 9, 2015 Shaine Scully and Trevonne Lansing married.

September 9, 2015 Andrea Lansing was officially adopted by Shaine Scully and Trevonne Lansing.

October 6, 2015 Bridget - Donnelly and Tegan - Donnelly were born to Gabriel Donnelly and Victoria Falconeri.

October 9, 2015 Carmela - Trager and Winston - Trager were born to Alexander Trager and Cerise Corinthos.

November 12, 2015 Bailey Camelot Genovese was born to Beckett Genovese and Tamblyn Falconeri.

November 18, 2015 Jacob Donnelly and Kambria Lansing married.

November 30, 2015 Nelsey Rose Rockefeller was born to Cavalry Rockefeller and Katherine Cartier.

2016

February 15, 2016 Alivianza Genovese and Langston Rockefeller married in Sleepy Hollow, New York.

February 23, 2016 Winter Kat Robertson was born to Diane Hilton and Klaus Robertson.

March 13, 2016 Chaela - Rockefeller and Vernyn - Rockefeller were born Quincy Rockefeller and Verneese Corinthos.

May 5, 2016 Ferrari - Cerullo was born to Kalitta Cartier and Valerius Cerullo.

May 31, 2016 Kasper - Corinthos was born to Jeremy Corinthos and Koral Poletti.

July 30, 2016 Rodalyn - Jacks and Sahrenda - Jacks were born to Kristina Lansing and Thorne Jacks.

August 4, 2016 Kiah - Poletti was born to Kayla Donnelly and Rockefeller Poletti.

September 4, 2016 Tico Lansing was born to Guillermo Lansing and Jaiden McBain.

September 21, 2016 Marigold Lansing was born to Italeigh Boscorelli and - -.

October 1, 2016 Jacob Donnelly and Kambria Lansing married.

October 11, 2016 Beaux Riley Donnelly was born to Jewels Giambetti and Riley Donnelly.

October 30, 2016 Alina - Corinthos and Eliane - Corinthos were born to Morgan Corinthos and NYCki Lansing.

December 31, 2016 Hemingway Sherlock Barrett was born to Katinka Falconeri and Winston Barrett.

2017

January 25, 2017 Fenway Riley Donnelly was born to Kambria Lansing and Jacob Donnelly.

February 14, 2017 Joshua Sorel was murdered saving his grandchildren Angelo Falconeri, Viola Falconeri and Francis Falconeri.

March 30, 2017 Kaspian - Rockefeller was born to Bridge Rockefeller and Katriel Molino.

June 24, 2017 Ratcliffe Barrett and Vittoria Cerullo-Falconeri married.

October 30, 2017 Pope Levi Donnelly was born to Connor Donnelly and Kendra -.

November 28, 2017 Phoenix Valentyn Donnelly was born to Evelyn Nichols and Theodore Donnelly.

December 14, 2017 Davide Genovese died of complications involving multiple myeloma.

2018

February 16, 2018 "Name" Baldwin was born to Austin Baldwin and Kherington Poletti.

March 3, 2018 Journey Lyric Donnelly was born to Jacob Donnelly and Kambria Lansing.

March 5, 2018 Brett Adam Giambetti and Nicholas Rydell Giambetti were born to Emerson Nichols and Reynaldo Giambetti.

May 12, 2018 Voightavia Rockefeller committed suicide in her dorm at the University of Southern California.

May 30, 2018 Caspian Barrett, Tames Lansing and Tinkerbell Rockefeller graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

June 13, 2018 Barrington Preparatory School's Senior Prom was held.

June 15, 2018 Quincy Rockefeller graduated from Barrington Preparatory School.

2019

January 2019 The house of Jacob Donnelly and Kambria Lansing was broken into. The only things missing were jewelry and handbags, but the incident greatly upset Kambria who was afraid to stay at home while Jacob was at work, in fear the burgler would come back. This lasted for weeks.

February 28, 2019 Draven McKay suffered a severe stroke and was hospitalized in critical condition.

March 4, 2019 Draven McKay died.

[homestudyhelp365-blog]

Are there any gaps in Shukla's game plan to conquer the globe

Assignment Solutions, Case study Answer sheets

Project Report and Thesis contact

aravind.banakar@gmail.com

www.mbacasestudyanswers.com

ARAVIND – 09901366442 – 09902787224

  INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

 Section A (8 Marks Each) 1. (a) What are basic differences between domestic and international business?

(b) While some see globalization as the avenue to the development of poor nations, others see it intensifying misery and inequalities. Critically examine the above statement in today's context.

2. Explain the following: (a) Localisation of global strategy (b) Technology contracting (licensing) as an alternative to FDI or ownership strategy. (c) Major factors contributing to the success of international strategic alliances.

3. Explain the role of " Power Distance" in understanding Hofsted's work on cross-cultural prospective. How does this help in managing international environment?

4. Discuss the relationship between an MNE and its subsidiaries in the context of the "make or buy" decision. What are the implications so far as the organization structure/design is concerned?

5. (a) Explain the role of bargaining power" in managing negotiations in international business. (b) Briefly discuss the direct and indirect impacts of FDI on LDCs

  SECTION B (20 Marks Each Case)

6. Please read the following case study carefully and answer the questions given at the end. SEN-SCHWITZ To the Florid-faced German at Frankfurt Airport's immigration-counter, he appeared to be just another business traveller. True, but a bit of an understatement. The man under scrutiny was Binoy Sen, whom the Indian media referred to as the Boom-Box king. At 14, he had assembled, from parts scavenged from the local dump, a spool-recorder that had fitted nicely into a suitcase. By the time he time he was 37, in 1979, Sen & Sen (S&S), a company he had promoted with his elder brother, Sanjoy --- who made up for his lack of technical expertise

 AN ISO 9001 : 2008 CERTIFIED INSTITUTE Total Marks:1 00

with a razor sharp business brain --- was Asia's largest manufacturer of radios and cassette-recorders. Now, at 56, he presided over India's largest audio-Products Company. Sen-Schwitz, a joint venture with the Frankfurt-based consumer electronics giant, Schwitz GMBH. S&S association with Schwitz had actually begun in 1984. Music had become a movement in Europe at that time, with immigrant labour of all colour and teenagers of all sizes constituting market-segments that no company could afford to ignore. But their means were slender, and intensity of output, rather than nuances of pitch and tone, was what they were concerned about. Since assembling was a labour and cost intensive process, at least in Europe, Schwitz could not manufacture low-end boom-boxes cheaply. So, the company turned to Asia, where it was certain some Chinese or Taiwanese company could meet its requirements. None could. However, on a reach of Taiwan, one of the company's managers had spotted a couple of S&S products at a retail outlet. While this Indo-German relationship had begun as a vendor-buyer one, Helmut Schwitz, 51, the CEO of Schwitz --- no relation of Adolf Schwitz, who had founded the company just after the end of World War II --- took an instant liking to the Sen brothers. Two years after S&S started supplying it products, in 1986, the German company acquired a 10 per cent stake in its Indian supplier. IN 1992, when Schwitz released that he could no longer ignore the Indian market and the Sens accepted the fact that they couldn't survive the threat from global competition without technology and marketing support from their German Partner, they formed a formal joint venture. The Sens and the German company both held 26 per cent stakes in Sen-Schwitz, with the rest being divided between the financial institutions and the investing. The joint venture did well right from its inception. The transnational's superior quality standards and S&S strong distribution network worked wonders. Within 2 years, the company had managed to carve out a 45 per cent share of the Rs. 795-crore market. The Sens were happy and so was Schwitz. By 1998, Sen Schwitz's share had increased to 65 per cent in a market that had grown to Rs. 1,150 crore, And when Sen reached Frankfurt for the annual review of the joint venture that Schwitz GMBH insisted on --- the company had 7 joint ventures across Asia and Latin America --- he could not but help feeling that all was well with the world of music and money. Sen's feelings were only amplified during the review. After the preliminary greetings, Helmut Schwiz took the oais. The room darkened, and a series of PowerPoint images flashed on the screen behind Schwiz as he spoke. Sen caught only fragments of the German's heavily accented voice, his attention was focused on the images and the bullets of text they contained. Sen scrawled a few of them on his notepad * A turnover of $ 100 billion by 2005 * AQ growth - rate of 20 per cent a year. * 35 per cent of the growth coming from India and China Then. Schwiz started speaking about India and Sen's attention moved from the screen to the man. What he heard pleased him. "Sen-Schwiz has a marketshare of 65 per cent in a market that is growing at the rate of 30 per cent a year. As far as our targets for 2005 go, we believe that it is our most promising joint venture." The blow fell later, during the break for lunch. Sen and Chris Liu who headed the company's joint venture in Taiwan, were exchanging notes when Schwiz butted in and, in his characteristic overbearing fashion, quickly monoeuvrec Sen to one corner of the room. "India is, clearly, the market of the future, Binoy," he said, biting into a roll. "You're doing a great job, and can expect support from me for all your endeavours. But I'm worried about your margins." Here it comes, thought Sen, the twist in the tall. "A post tax margin of 8 per cent doesn't look too good," continued Schwiz, "especially when seen in the light of rising volumes. We should take a fresh look at our Indian operations, why don't you meet with Andrew?" Suddenly, Sen was on guard. The 55 year old Andrew Fotheringay was Schwiz's President (International Operations). Sen liked him; they had worked together when the joint venture was being set up, and had been impressed by his eye for detail. But he also knew that Fotheringay was Schwiz's hatchetman. "What's on your mind, Helmut ?" he asked point-blank "oh, nothing yet," replied Schwiz, "but we have to find a way to introduce more products into the Indian market without stretching Sen-Schwitz, Talk to Andrew." That wasn't to be Fotheringay, whose wife was 9 months pregnant, had to suddenly leave for London, but promised to fly down to Calcutta, where Sen-Schwitz was based as soon as the baby was born. Now, Sen was sure that something was up : Fotheringay wasn't the kind of manager to do something like that for nothing. Sen voiced his fears at a meeting of the Sen-Schwitz board, which had been scheduled on the day of his return. One of the board members, R. Raghavan, 53 a professor of corporate strategy at the Indian Institute of Management, Gauhati, felt that Sen was over reaching I don't think it is quite what you think, Sanjoy he started although Sen hadn't put any specifics to his fears. "Sen-Schwitz is, as BUSINESS TODAY keeps reminding us, evidence that there is, indeed, scope for a win-win joint venture even in the Indian context." He was wrong. Sure, the joint venture has benefited from the German parent's technical expertise. In turn Schwitz GMBH had profited substantially from Sen Schwitz's dividend pay-outs : more than 25 per cent every year. Werner Kohl, 48 Sen Schwitz's Technical Director, seemed to agree with the professor. Kohl was a Schwitz nominee on the board, and had been a Vice-president (Operations) at the transnational's Hamburg plant before being seconded to Sen-Schwitz for a 5 year period. But Kohl Sen knew was not likely to know what was happening back home. The one person who agred with Sen was Rajesh Jain 44, the IDBI nominee on the board, who expressed the opinion that Schwiz GMBH could possiibly, be planning another joint venture with some other company. That sounded far-fetched even to Sen. Sen-Schwitz's closest per cent. Besides, no company could match Sen-Schwitz;'s distribution network. So, he decided to let his fears abate till Fotneringay could either dispet them --- or make them come alive. True to his word, Fotheringay, now the proud father of his first daughter landed up in Calcutta a week later. He first met the company's functional heads, and gave them a pep talk: " Sen-Schwitz's volumes-thrust should be backed by a profitability focus. Once we ensure margins of 13 to 15 per cent, we will be on our way."  Alone with Sen, though, Fotheringay quickly laid his cards on the table. Schwitz, he informed Sen, wished to set up a 100 per cent subsidiary in the country. Sen's mind was, suddenly, clear. He had been a fool not to see it coming. All that talk about restructuring the joint venture, introducing newer models, and the need for higher margins led up to just one thing: a fully-owned Schwiz subsidiary." So what does this mean for us, Andrew," he asked, "Is this advance warning about a parting of ways?" Fotheringay was quick to dispel this notion. "The subsidiary will not compromise the interests of the joint venture. Schwitz has a long-term commitment to the India market, and this subsidiary is just a step in that director." All this talk-about commitment, realized Sen, was taking them nowhere. He sounded just a little imitated when he spoke: "I just can't understand why you people are even considering a subsidiary when the joint venture has been so successful. We have a great brand, good products, the finest distribution network in the business, and an excellent supply chain Together, we have created a matrix that has delivered. Why does Schwitz want to reinvent the wheel?" Fotheringay's answers didn't satisfy him. He made some noises about the subsidiary taking upon itself a large portion of the expenses involved in building the Sen-Schwitz brand, thereby reducing its operational expenses, and improving its margins. Sen was quick to point out that the Government of India did not view proposals for fully-owned marketing subsidiaries favourably. "Besides, does this mean that we transfer our marketing and distribution network to the subsidiary?" he asked incredulously. Fotheringay side-stepped the issue: "No, no, the subsidiary will only manufacturer products." Reading the look on Sen's face, he hastened to enumerate Schwitz's gameplan: 'Of course, none of our offerings will complete directly with Sen-Schwitz As you are aware,the audio systems market is fairly segmented, so there is a great deal of potential for new offerings. We want to set up a committee from Sen-Schwitz and Schwitz to decide on the respective roadmaps of the joint venture and the subsidiary so as to avoid any conflict." "That apart," he smiled, here comes the carrot, thought Sen and he wasn't wrong,"the Sens will have the option to buy upto 49 per cent of the subsidiary's equity when it goes in for an IPO." The subsidiary is not even off the ground, thought Sen and Andrew is already speaking in terms of US and THEM Fotheringay took Sen's silence to mean acceptance."The other reason," he continued, "is that we cam use the subsidiary to introduce our premium brands into the country. There is evidence that the market for premium audio-systems is all set to boom. Think about it, Binoy. The subsidiary will only strengthen the strategic relationship between the Sens and Schwitz GMBH." The Sens aren't involved, thought Sen; this is an issue that concern Sen-Schwiz andSchqitz. But he didn't want to split hairs, and promised, instead, to think about it. Sen-Schwitz's Executive Committee thought about it for 3 months. And it still didn't make sense to them. Schwitz GMBH operated through joint ventures in every part of the developing world. Only in the US, UK, and France did it have fully-owned subsidiaries, using the subsidiary as a sink that would absorb the joint venture's marketing expenses didn't make sense too.

"It sounds altruistic," said V.K. Kapur, 44, the company's head of marketing. "If launching more products is the only behind the subsidiary, there is no reason why the joint venture cannot serve that purpose." Sen and the rest of the Committee had to agree. "There's also no reason why we cannot improve our margins by focusing on our operational efficiencies," argued Ajay Singh, 46, Sen Schwitz Director, operations, and Sen had to agree. He decided to discuss the matter with Sanjoy, who had retired from the business, and was involved in managing a charity. But Sen didn't get a chance. News-agency had picked up a report that had appeared in the Financial Times Schwitz's decision to set up a 100 per cent subsidiary in India. The report created a major stir in the Bombay stock Exchange, with the price of Sen-Schwitz's stock falling by 30 per cent a day. It was evident to Sen that no matter what Fotheringay and Schwitz thought, the stock-market perceived the subsidiary as a threat to the joint venture. It was also evident that the stock-market viewed Schwitz as the more valuable brand."I understand,"Sanjoy told Binoy, when the situation had been explained to him. The technology is Schwitz's. The brand, at least the more powerful one, is theirs. And they have access to our distribution network. Face it, we don't have a plank to fight on."

 Questions:

(a) Identify the sequence of events that has led to the current problem.

(b) Analyse the problem in the context of the process of globalization that has been increasingly witnesses over the past decade or so.

(c) Examine the "fairness" of establishing a 100% subsidiary by Schwitz GMBH when the alliance is on.

(d) What future course of action would you suggest to S&S? Give reasons for your answer.

7. Please read the following case study carefully and answer the questions given at the end.

 Sunlight Chemicals Starting at the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea from his comer office at Bombay's Nariman Point, Ramcharan Shukla the 53-year old executive vice-chairman and managing Director of the 500-crore Sunlight Chemicals. (Sunlight felt both adventurous and apprehensive. He knew he had to quicken the global strides Sunlight had made in the last four years if the company was to benefit from its early gains in the world markets. However, he was also shaken by a doubt: would his strategy of prising open international markets by leveraging the talents of a breed of managers with transnational competencies succeed? Globalisation had been an integral part of Sunlight's business plans ever since Shukla took over as managing director in 1990 with the aim of making it the country's first international chemicals major Since then Sunlight --- the country's third-largest chemicals maker --- had developed export markets in as many as 40 markets, with international revenues contributing 40 per cent of its Rs. 500 crore turnover in 1994-95. The company also set up manufacturing bases in eight countries --- most recently in China's Shenzhen free trade zone --- manned by a mix of local and Indian employees. These efforts at going global first took shape in December 1991 when Shukla, after months of deliberations with his senior management team, outlined Sunlight's Vision 2001 statement. It read " "We will achieve a turnover of $ 1 billion by 2001 by tapping global markets and developing new products." The statement was well-received both within and outside the company. The former CEO of a competitor had said in a newspaper report: "Shukla has nearly sensed the pressures of operating in a new trade with a tough patents regime." But Shukla also realised that global expertise could not be developed overnight. Accordingly, to force the company out of an India-centric mindset, he started a process of business restructuring. So, the company's business earlier divided into domestic and export divisions, was now split into five areas: Are I (India and China), Area 2 (Europe and Russia), Area 3 (Asia Pacific), Area 4 (US) and Area 5 (Africa and South America). Initially managers were incredulous, with one senior manager saying: "This is crazy. It lacks a sense of proportion." The Cynicism was not misplaced. After all, the domestic market --- which then contributed over 90 per cent of the company's turnover --- had not only been dubbed with the Chinese market, but had also been brought at par with the areas whose collective contributions to the turnover was below 10 per cent Shukla's explanation, presented in an interview to a business magazine: "Actually, the rationale is quite simple and logical. We took a look at how the market mix would evolve a decade from now and then created a matrix to suit that mix. Of course, we will also set up manufacturing facilities in each of these areas to change the sales-mix altogether." He wasn't wrong. Two years later, even as the first manufacturing facility in Vietnam was about to go on stream, the overseas areas' contribution to revenues rose to 20 per cent. And the mood of the management changed with the growing conviction that export income would spoon surpass domestic turnover. Almost simultaneously, Shukla told his senior managers that the process of building global markets could materialise only if the organisation became fat flexible, and fleet-footed. Avinash Dwivedi, am management consultant brought in to oversee Sunlight's restructuring exercise, told the board of directors: "Hierachies built up over the years have blunted the company's reflexes, and this is a disadvantage while working in the competitive global markets." The selection of vice-president for the newly-constituted regions posed no immediate problem. For Sunlight had several general managers --- from both arms of marketing and manufacturing -- whose thinking had been shaped by the company's long exposure to the export markets. For obvicus reasons, the ability to build markets was the primary criterion for selection. The second criterion was a broad business perspective with a multi-functional, multi-market exposure. That was because Shukla felt it did not make good business sense to send a battalion of functional managers to foreign markets when two or three business managers could suffice. But Specific markets also needed specific competencies. That was how Sunlight chose to appoint a South African national to head Area 5. The logic" only a local CEO could keep track of changes in regulations and gauge the potential of the booming chemicals market in the US. However, the effort was always focused on using in-house talent. Shukla put it to his management team: "We should groom managerial talent --- whether local or expatriate --- for all our overseas operations from within the company and should rotate this expertise worldwide. In essence, we should develop global managers within the company." While doing the personnel planning for each area and fixing the compensation packages for overseas Assignment. Sunlight realised the importance of human resource (HR) initiatives. The HR division headed by vice president Hoseph Negi, had been hobbled for years with industrial relations problems caused by the unionisation of the salesforce, " You have to move in step with the company's global strategy." Shukla had told his HR managers at a training session organised by Dwivedi who was spearheading the task of grooming global managers. Four years down the line, Shukla felt that Sunlight was still finding its way around the task Sure, a system was in place. Depending on the requirements of each of the four areas, Sunlight had started recruiting between 25 and 30 MBAs every year from the country's leading management institutes. During the first six months, these young managers were given cross-functional training, including classroom and on-the-job inputs. The training was then followed by a placement dialogue to determine the manager -area fit. If a candidate were to land, for instance, on the Asia-Pacific desk at the head office, he would be assigned a small region, say, Singapore, and would be responsible for the entire gamut of brand-building for a period of one year in coordination with the regional vice-president. The success with which he would complete his task would decide his next job: the first full-time overseas posting. He could be appointed as the area head of, say, Vietnam, which was equivalent to an area sales manager in the home market. After a couple of years, he would return to base for a placement in brand management or finance. A couple of years later, the same manager could well be in charge of a region in a particular area. Over the past four years. Sunlight had developed 30 odd potential global managers in the company spanning various regions using this system. But, considering that the grooming programme was only three years old, Shukla felt that it would take some time for the company's homespun managers to handle larger markets like China on their own. The real problem in this programme was in matching the manager to the market. Dwivedi suggested a triangular approach to get the right fit: define the business target for a market in an area. Look at the candidiate's past Performance in the market, And identify the key individual characteristics for that market. Dwivedi also identified another criterion: a good performance rating at home during the previous two years. Once selected for an overseas posting, the candidate would be given cross-cultural training: a course in foreign languages, interactive programmes with repatriated managers on the nature of the assignment and, often, personality development programmes on the nuances of country business etiquette. Further, an overseas manager would be appraised on two factors: the degree to which he had met his business plan targets for the market, and the extent to which he had developed his team. After all, he had to cachet the posting within three years to make place for his replacement. Achievements were weighed quarterly and annually against sales targets set at the beginning of the year by the vice-president of the region. The appraisal would then be sent to the corporate headquarters in Bombay for review by the senior management committee. Shukla had often heard his senior managers talk appreciatively of the benefits of transrepatriation. "The first batch of returnees are more patient tolerant and manure than when they left home," said Manohar Vishwas, vice-president (finance),"and they handle people better." But the litmus test for the company, Shukla felt would be in managing a foreign workforce --- across diverse cultures --- at the manufacturing facilities in six countries outside India. The Shenzhen unit, for instance had 220 employees, out of which only 10 were expatriate Indians. Further, the six-member top management team had only two Indians. Of course, the mix had been dictated by the country's laws and language considerations. Some of the African markets had their own peculiarities. The entire team of medical representatives, for example, comprised fully-quilifies, professional doctors. Sharad Saxena, vice-president, Area 5, told Shukla: "As there is heavy unemployment in Africa doctors are attracted to field sales work for higher earnings." There were other problems too: as both Chinese and Russian had been brought up on a diet of socialism, they were not used to displaying initiative at the workplace. Dwivedi had suggested that regular training was one of the ways of transforming the workforce. So, Shukla hired a training group from Delhi's Institute of Human Resource Management training to spend a month at Shenzhen. This was later incorporated as an annual exercise. Observing that interpersonal conflicts were common in situation where with single-country background were working together, a new organizational structure was introduced. Here, Sunlight positioned local managers was introduced. Here, Sunlight positioned local managers between an Indian boss and subordinate. Similarly, some Indian managers were positioned between a local boss and subordinate. Says Avishek Acharya vice-president, Area 3: "There were some uncomfortable moments, but it led to a better integration or management principles, work practices, and ethics." Obviously, reflected Shukla, Dwivedi was doing a great job. As he watched the setting sun, however, he found his thoughts turning to a more fundamental question. However immaculate his HR planning had been, had he made a mistake by not developing his strategies first? Was he mixing up his priorities by putting people management" ahead of issues like marketing, technology, and global trade? Even the HR strategy he had chosen worried Shukla. Should he have opted for more locals in each country? If expatriate managers failed more often than they succeeded in India wasn't the same true for other countries?

 Questions: 1. Is Sunlight on the right track in going global without trying to consolidate its position further in the home market?

2. Can Sunlight realise its global vision with its current mix of strategies? However fine the company's HR planning had been, had Shukla made a mistake by not developing his strategies first?

3. Are there any gaps in Shukla's game plan to conquer the globe?

4. What are the learnings that you can derive from the "Sunlight" case so far as the internationalization of business is concerned?

 8) Please read the following case study carefully and answer the questions given at the end:

Electrolux Electrolux is Sweden's largest manufacturer of electrical household appliances and was one of the world's pioneers in the marketing of vacuum cleaners. However, not all the products the Electrolux name are controlled by the Swedish firm. Electrolux vacuum cleaner sold and manufacturer in the United States, for example, have not been connected with the Swedish Firm since the U.S subsidiaries were sold in the 1960s. The Swedish Firm reentered the U.S. market in 1974 by purchasing National Union Electric, which manufacturers Eureka vacuum cleaners. Electrolux pursued its early international expansion largely to gain economies of scale through additional sales. The Swedish market was simply too small to absorb fixed costs as much as the home markets for competitive firms from larger countries. When additional sales were not possible by exporting, Electrolux was still able to gain certain scale economies through the establishment of foreign production. Research and development expenditures and certain administrative costs could thus be spread out over the additional sales made possible by foreign operations. Additionally, Electrolux concentrated on standardized production to achieve further scale economies and rationalization of parts. Until the late 1960s, Electrolux concentrated primarily on vacuum cleaners and the building of its own facilities in order to effect expansion. Throughout the 1970s, though, the firm expanded largely by acquiring existing firms whose product lines differed from those of Electrolux. The compelling force was to add appliances lines to complement those developed internally. Its recent profits ($220 million in 1983) have enabled Electrolux to go an acquisitions binge. Electrolux acquired two Swedish firms that made home appliances and washing machines. Electrolux management felt that it could use its existing foreign sales networks to increase the sales of those firms in 1973, Electrolux acquired another Swedish firm, Facit, which already had extensive foreign sales and facilities. Vacuum cleaner producers were acquired in the United States and in France; and to gain captive sales for vacuum cleaner. Electrolux acquired commercial cleaning service firms in Sweden and in the United States. A French Kitchen equipment producer, Arthur Martin, was bought, as was a Swiss home appliance firm. Therma, and a U.S. cooking equipment manufacturer, Tappan. Except the Facit purchase, the above acquisitions all involved firms that produced complementary lines that would enable the new parent to gain certain scale economies, However, not all the products of acquired firms were related, and Electrolux sought to sell off unrelated businesses. In 1978 for example, a Swedish firm, Husgvarna, was bought because of its kitchen equipment lines. Electrolux was able to sell Husqvarna's motorcycle line but could not get a good price for the chain saw facility. Reconciled to being in the chain saw business. Electrolux then acquired chain saw manufacturers in Canada and Norway, thus becoming one of the world's largest chain saw producers. The above are merely the most significant. Electrolux acquisitions: the firm made approximately fifty acquisitions in the 1970s. In 1980, Electrolux announced a takeover that was very different from those of the 1970s. It offered $175 million, the biggest Electrolux acquisition, for Granges Sweden's leading metal producer and fabrication Granges was itself a multinational firm (1979 sales of $ 1.2 billion) and made about 50 percent of its sales outside of Sweden. The managing Directors of the two firms indicated that the major advantage of the takeover would be the integration of Granges aluminum, copper plastic, and other materials into Electrolux production of appliances. Many analysts felt that the timing of Electrolux's bid was based on indications that Baijerinvest, a large Swedish conglomerate, wished to acquire a non--ferrous matels mining company. Other analysis felt that Elctrolux would be better off to continue international horizontal expansion as it had in the 1970s. The analysts pointed to large appliance makers such as AEG Telefunken of West Germany that were likely candidates for takeover because of recent poor performance.

 Questions:

1. What are Electrolux’s reasons for direct investment?

2. How has Electrolux's strategy changed over time? How has this affected its direct investment activities?

3. Which of Electrolux's foreign investments would be horizontal and which would be vertical? What are the advantages of each?

4. What do you see as the main advantages and possible problems of expanding internationally primarily through acquisitions as opposed to building one's own facilities?

5. Should Electrolux take over Granges?

 Assignment Solutions, Case study Answer sheets

Project Report and Thesis contact

aravind.banakar@gmail.com

www.mbacasestudyanswers.com

ARAVIND – 09901366442 – 09902787224

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[focusontheheart]

One year ago, FOTH began development. Now, we're 8 days away from release, and we cannot wait to share what we've made with you!!

For now, Aloy can get some smooches!

---

Lines by our Narrative Lead @chloefraazers Colouring & animation by our Art Lead @nerd-artist

[focusontheheart]

Meet the Team - Bookmancer

You can also find her on: Twitter @ bookmancer_myth IG @ bookmancer_legendarium AO3 @ Bookmancer_Legendarium

Hello, Bookmancer here! I had no idea that when I played the robot dinosaur game, my life would be divided into two phases: before Horizon and after. I discovered Horizon right around its release. I was fascinated by the trailer and captivated by the Tallneck, which is still my favorite machine.   I'm continually awed by the storytelling, visual beauty of Horizon's world, and depth of its characters. HZD actually got me into virtual photography because it’s the first game that really encouraged me to pause, look around, admire the world, and fiddle around with how to capture its beauty. Because I do so much VP, I always like to look at paintings and photos to try and replicate them.  I started in the fandom through VP before indulging in my love of writing to share fanfic - and now this dating game! I’m always awed by other content creators in the Horizon fandom and out. They think of such creative things, and everyone is very encouraging. I'm excited to further explore Seyka's story in FOTH and Horizon 3 and am fascinated by her as a mirror to Aloy's stubborn compassion, but flavored by tribal connections Aloy only just made through her found family. But for the near future, I want to write more deep-dives into the psyche of the characters, their hopes and insecurities, and how they play off of each other. I’d also like to draw more and take more shippy VP!

See the Q&A with Bookmancer below the cut!

Q: What is a favorite piece of work you've done (i.e. completed, working on, in concept)?

I've written some fanfic for Horizon - some published that I really like and actually came out how I wanted to, and some that's still living in my brain and I have to pay its rent in the form of chanting "I should write this already…" But I'm pleased with my fic "who can take my hand in the flood?" and want to write more of the ever-growing GAIA Gang being happy and healing. I’m working on a Seyloy fic of her getting welcomed into the gang.

Q: What are some of your favorite tropes to write, draw, or read?

I love friends to lovers! Also, star-crossed lovers, opposites attract, fish out of water, rivals learning more about each other and coming to a powerful understanding, and bodyguard AUs.

Q: What is an unexpected thing or fun fact about you?

I've got a language learning club going with some friends so we can pool resources and offer encouragement. I love learning about absolutely anything, and I'm getting into crocheting. Outside of FOTH writing, I write fanfic for various fandoms. I do a ton of VP and it's probably doubled my playtime in HFW. I love swimming, and I can only whistle by inhaling, not exhaling.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about working on this project so far?

I've loved seeing the outpouring of creativity, the fandom uniting for something that's so beloved to so many, and learning a metric Horus-ton about… well, a ton of things! Every day, I'm amazed over and over again, and I'm so thrilled I to get to see this come together up close. Everyone is incredibly talented and inspirational, and every bit of it has been collaborative and uplifting.

[kittleskittle]

echoing this to say that just because we're quiet doesn't mean that there's not anything going on behind the scenes - i am, in fact, personally in crunch time at this very moment in order to finish up the rest of our assets, coding, and QA! and from now until release, i'll be working on FOTH every single day in order to polish it, and then polish it some more.

yinz are in for something SO special, and i know i can speak for the rest of the team when i say that we're chomping at the bit to share the culmination of this past year's labor with the fandom!

and, well, if you're eager for more info...keep an eye out on our socials 👀 soon...

I’d like to say as someone who is excited for this project: Take as long as you need. I think its better if everyone involved delivers a product about which they feel good, even if it’s not perfect. You guys have established a deadline, but I for one would not mind if it was moved to accomodate. Cause in the end its a passion project. I am wishing you all the best on this and looking forward to playing all the routes!

Thank you so much for your kind words!

We're looking to bring you and the fandom the best game we can deliver, and your faith and excitement in us is very heartening and heartwarming. 🥰

We're at a bit of a quiet spot right now development-wise with bringing everything together, so there isn't as much content to share as we'd like to. But when we have some more sneak peeks to share, we hope it inspires the same excitement in you to play that creating and working on this fangame does for us. 💘

In the meantime, keep an eye on our socials in the coming weeks, we hope to share some fun stuff soon!

[rp-timelines]

FOTH: 2000-2009

2000

May 18, 2000 Brandyn Cerullo and Drucilla Cartier becamed engaged.

August 31, 2000 Mercer Donnelly was murdered in the line of duty - unknown to most, his murder was a hit ordered by Hollis Cody.

October 28, 2000 Sophia - Cartier was born to Katherine Cartier and - -.

2001

2001 Mercer Riley Donnelly II was born to Angelique Taylor and Daniel Donnelly.

September 11, 2001 Terrorists attacked America, with the most loss of life occuring in Kings Point.

November 17, 2001 Riley Rockefeller was born to Cavalry Rockefeller and Mava Donnelly.

2002

March 13, 2002 Fire Sterling Genovese-Cramer and Karacel Casandra Genovese-Cramer were born to Alivianza Genovese and Cassius Cramer III.

March 30, 2002 Tegna Jacob Poletti was born to Kayla Donnelly and Rockefeller Poletti.

May 16, 2002 Rachelle Drucilla Cartier was born to Cadenza Dimestico and Rossano Cartier in New York.

August 1, 2002 Mark Donnelly and Valetta Quartermaine married.

August 20, 2002 Angel - Donnelly was born to Gabriel Donnelly and Sicilia Boscorelli.

August 31, 2002 A blackout striked the city during a heat wave. Frederick Yokas suffered a heartattack. His wife, Faith Mitchell, saved his life.

September 8, 2002 Alex Taylor was struck by a car.

September 11, 2002 Sergei and Tatiana Deschenko were murdered on Fyoder Chevchenko's orders. John Sullivan's home was burned to the ground.

September 12, 2002 John Sullivan murdered Fyodor Chevchenko.

September 25, 2002 Double funeral held for Sergei and Tatiana Deschenko.

November 2002 A grocery store fire occurred with shoppers inside, including Angela Molino and Maurice Boscorelli. Both are midly injured. Firefighter William Walsh was also injured.

November 22, 2002 Fiona McCarthy and Sheen McGrath married.

December 11, 2002 A back robbery occurred with Emily Yokas and Faith Mitchell taken as hostages.

December 15, 2002 Ambulance was ambushed (hit by a vehicle and shot up) by gang members. Inside were Carlos Nieto, Maurice Boscorelli, Monte Parker and their young patient.

2003

2003 Katriel Cerullo and Winston Barrett began dating.

2003 Drevan Spalding Lansing was born to Julian Lansing and Melrose Genovese.

January 2003 Carlos Nieto was accused of molesting a teenage girl and arrested.

January 21, 2003 Adam Kendrick Zacchara and Jaisen Braxton Zacchara were born to Braxton Zacchara and Larken Scully.

February 17, 2003 A major blizzard occurred. Emily Yokas overdosed on ketamine and nearly died.

February 18, 2003 Maurice Boscorelli and Maritza Cruz were injured in an explosion. Leticia Cruz was killed in the fire caused by the explosion.

March 12, 2003 An explosion occured from a car accident, killing Alexandra Taylor. During a confrontation (with each other), Faith Mitchell and Maritza Cruz were shot.

March 14, 2003 James Doherty was promoted to Lieutenant.

March 15, 2003 Alexandra Taylor's funeral.

May 27, 2003 John Sullivan saved Barbara Carrington from a hit put out on her life. Maritza Cruz was raped and beaten, causing a miscarriage of her unborn child (father was Maurice Boscorelli). Tyrone Davis Jr was injured in an explosion meant for Barbara Carrington.

June 7-8, 2003 A set of men were pretending to be KPPD officers, pulling over, beating and raping women.

June 20, 2003 Angela Molino was fired after Maurice Boscorelli destroyed property at her place of employment.

June 22, 2003 Monte Parker stole Sasha Monroe's gun, held the 55 firehouse hostage and shot his boss. He was then arrested by John Sullivan.

June 23, 2003 Edward Dade, was shot and killed by an aquaintance of Michael Boscorelli.

June 24, 2003 Anthony Boscorelli turned in his son, Michael Boscorelli, who was soon arrested.

July 5, 2003 Sasha Monroe was in a car accident, that led to the death of a child.

July 22, 2003 Michael Boscorelli was released from jail.

July 26, 2003 Michael Boscorelli was murdered. Fred Yokas seperated from Faith Mitchell.

August 1, 2003 Michael Boscorelli's funeral. Angela Molino and John Sullivan were injured when a car crashed into the funeral home. Angel of Mercy Hospital was shot up. Carlos Nieto, Sasha Monroe and Tyrone Davis Jr were injured after being attacked by the shooters. Maurice Boscorelli was shot. Faith Mitchell shot and killed Donald Mann, who ordered the hit. Maritza Cruz helped cover it up.

August 4, 2003 Faith Mitchell was meritoriously promoted to Detective. John Miller began working at the Camelot Precinct.

August 13, 2003 Tyrone Davis Jr was promoted to Field Training Officer

August 15, 2003 Maritza Cruz was arrested for the murder of Donald Mann, sent to Rikers Island. Faith Mitchell confessed (with full immunity) that she shot and killed Donald Mann, resulting in Maritza's release.

August 27, 2003 Sasha Monroe was revealed as IAB to the entire precinct.

August 29, 2003 A bomb exploded at a small coffee shop. Holiday Wilding narrowly escaped the blast. Cathal T. Finney died while working on his car, when it fell and crushed him - unknown to nearly everyone, Cathal actually committed suicide, while Brendan Finney and Tyrone Davis Jr covered it up.

August 30, 2003 Cathal T. Finney's memorial service. Maurice Boscorelli released from hospital.

September 2, 2003 Slate Aubrey Donnelly was born to Mark Donnelly and Valletta Quartermaine.

September 11, 2003 A shooting and murder occurred at the Camelot precinct.

September 30, 2003 Maurice Boscorelli accidently shot Sasha Monroe, causing her to miscarry her baby (father was Tyrone Davis Jr).

October 4, 2003 Brendan Finney and Tyrone Davis Jr were injured in a car crash. A local news station was held hostage and saved by Faith Mitchell. Emily Yokas was held hostage and saved by Maurice Boscorelli. Manuel Santiago was shot.

October 5, 2003 The Camelot Precinct was attacked and destroyed. Maritza Cruz blew up a building killing dozens of the gang members responsible for the attack.

November 2003 Carlos Nieto and Holiday Wilding married.

2004

June 13, 2004 Alivianza Genovese gave birth to a biological son and daughter, whom she placed for adoption. They were adopted by Brandyn Cerullo and Drucilla Cartier. The boy was named Cartier - Cerullo and the girl was named Gloria - Cerullo.

September 26, 2004 Katriel Cerullo and Winston Barrett married.

October 31, 2004 Martiza Cruz and Maurice Boscorelli became engaged and eloped over the weekend with only Angela Boscorelli in attendance.

2005

July 9, 2005 Rilo Giordan Lansing was born to Julian Lansing and Melrose Genovese.

September 14, 2005 Rydyn Thaddeus Cerullo was born to Asher Lansing and Calvin Cerullo.

September 24, 2005 Garland Paula Barrett was born to Katriel Cerullo and Winston Barrett.

December 2005 Julian Lansing and Melrose Genovese divorced.

2006

March 21, 2006 Vegas Brenn Donnelly was born to Mark Donnelly and Valletta Quartermaine.

May 10, 2006 Elise Persephone Rockefeller was born to Cavalry Rockefeller and Mava Donnelly.

May 26, 2006 Rebel King Lansing was born to Alivianza Genovese and Harvard Lansing.

June 13, 2006 Isabela Faith Boscorelli and Leticia Rose Boscorelli were born to Maritza Cruz and Maurice Boscorelli.

September 2006 Alivianza Genovese was arrested for driving under the influence and child endangerment.

September 12, 2006 Atari Carmine Cerullo was born to Asher Lansing and Calvin Cerullo.

September 24, 2006 Carmine Cerullo died of a heartattack at Garland Barrett's 1st birthday party.

October 2006 Adonis Grainger, Aleighse Donnelly, Axelle Grainger, Caspian Barrett, Garland Barrett, Lovelia Donnelly, Katriel Cerullo, Kennedy Genovese, Soleito Genovese, Violette Lansing, Winston Barrett and Zaine Genovese moved in with Gloriana Scully.

2007

2007 Roarke - Donnelly was born to Daniel Donnelly and Erin Falconeri.

January 2007 Alivianza Genovese was arrested for speeding and violatating her probation.

January 20, 2007 Draven McKay and Maurizia Breckenridge married.

May 2007 Blackie Parrish, Winston Barrett and their band went on tour. Caspian stayed with Piedmont Cody and Veronica - for the summer.

May 6, 2007 Evelyn Nichols and Theodore Donnelly married.

June 5, 2007 Alivianza Genovese began her jail term of 45 days.

June 21, 2007 Emmett Jack Cartier was born to Cadenza Dimestico and Rossano Cartier.

June 26, 2007 Alivianza Genovese was released from jail early due to overcrowding.

July 4, 2007 Alivianza Genovese and Harvard Lansing committed their first bank robbery.

August 2007 Blackie Parrish, Winston Barrett and their band returned from touring.

2008

2008 Adonis Grainger, Axelle Grainger, Caspian Barrett, Garland Barrett, Katriel Cerullo, Kennedy Genovese, Soleito Genovese, Winita Barrett, Winston Barrett and Zaine Genovese moved.

January 11, 2008 Harlow Winter Love McGrath was born to Cartney McGrath and Firenza Barrett.

March 18, 2008 Riker Elmo Lansing was born to Alivianza Genovese and Harvard Lansing.

April 4, 2008 Jacob Donnelly and Larken Scully married in a small civic ceremony.

April 14, 2008 Carrelle - Webber was born to Katherine Cartier and Voight Webber.

May 19, 2008 Arlen - Donnelly was born to Evelyn Nichols and Theodore Donnelly.

June 2, 2008 Kaedence Amelise Donnelly was born to Jacob Donnelly and Larken Scully.

September 2008 Caspian Barrett began attending Barrington Preparatory School.

September 13, 2008 Jacob Donnelly and Larken Scully had a large wedding ceremony.

September 16, 2008 Edwin Wolf Donnelly and Valina Jules Donnelly were born to Mark Donnelly and Valletta Quartermaine.

October 12, 2008 Regina Lansing learned she had been kidnapped at birth. Upon learning this, her grandmother Caroline McCarthy had a heart-attack and later died at the hospital. Regina then ran away from home to her brother Harvard Lansing's residence.

November 3, 2008 Carmina Raimonda Zacchara was born to Braxton Zacchara and Gemma Cerullo.

December 6, 2008 Meralda Briony McKay was born to Draven McKay and Maurizia Breckenridge.

December 24, 2008 Diane Hilton forced Regina Lansing to return home.

2009

August 26, 2009 Salem Romano Voight Donnelly was born to Caralina Falconeri and Dean Donnelly.

September 9, 2009 Sparrow Midnight Charles McGrath was born to Cartney McGrath and Firenza Barrett.

October 25, 2009 Katella Diane Lansing was born to Benito Lombardi and Regina Lansing.

November 21, 2009 Cody Donnelly was murdered at a gas station just outside of Kings Point.

[maggierosestudio]

IT’S FINALLY HERE!!!

So much love went into this from every corner of the game development team. Check it out and let me know what you think of the Petra and Alva tracks I worked on ���️🫶

We are very happy to present to you: Focus on the Heart - A Visual Novel Fangame!

💘 A game made by fans, for fans.💘

Focus on the Heart is a CYOA-style Visual Novel fangame project featuring 8 characters for Aloy to romance! This game is the combined community efforts of 40+ fans, with unique art styles for every character route, narratives crafted with love, and smooches for all.

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💜Focus on the Heart is NOW AVAILABLE to download FOR FREE at the above link on itch.io! 💜FOR PC & MAC 💜Please follow the instructions HERE to download the game and unpack the files 💜You can watch the trailer HERE 💜If you want to tag our socials with your hype, please use #FOTHreact and #FOTHcharactername (i.e. #FOTHErend, #FOTHTalanah, etc.) for the respective routes to prevent spoilers for other players.

We wish you happy playing, and thank you very much for your support!! 💘

[nerd-artist]

Tag us with #FOTHreact if you want to share your impressions

And #FOTHErend for our specific route 💖💖💖💖💖💖

We are very happy to present to you: Focus on the Heart - A Visual Novel Fangame!

💘 A game made by fans, for fans.💘

Focus on the Heart is a CYOA-style Visual Novel fangame project featuring 8 characters for Aloy to romance! This game is the combined community efforts of 40+ fans, with unique art styles for every character route, narratives crafted with love, and smooches for all.

---

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💜Focus on the Heart is NOW AVAILABLE to download FOR FREE at the above link on itch.io! 💜FOR PC & MAC 💜Please follow the instructions HERE to download the game and unpack the files 💜You can watch the trailer HERE 💜If you want to tag our socials with your hype, please use #FOTHreact and #FOTHcharactername (i.e. #FOTHErend, #FOTHTalanah, etc.) for the respective routes to prevent spoilers for other players.

We wish you happy playing, and thank you very much for your support!! 💘