Marketing Applications Essay

Which environmental forces sociocultural, economic, political, legal, regulatory social ethical, competitive, or technical, might a marketer need to consider when marketing the following products in the international marketplace and why? †¢Barbie Dolls †¢Beer †¢Financial Services †¢Televisions International Marketing involves developing and performing marketing activities across national boundaries. Marketing is the process of creating, distributing, promoting, and pricing goods, services and ideas to facilitate satisfying exchange relationships with customers and to develop and maintain favorable relationships with stakeholders in a dynamic environment. Therefore, I believe all the forces sociocultural, economic, political, legal, regulatory social ethical, competitive, or technical would apply to the above mentioned products. A marketer would need to recognize the products and services customers in the home country would want and need then provide them at the right price and place. A marketer should also be able to assess the risk involved and have the ability to function and spot opportunities and threats in business matters internationally. Sociocultural: it is vital that a marketer understand the country’s people and their attitudes, beliefs, values, customs, and lifestyles preferences. A marketer may need to change the product or product label to meet the conditions, wants or the wishes of the foreign country. Economic forces: considerations would include a country’s buying power and what resources it has at its immediate disposal such as money or the ability to trade. Unemployment, recession, and a willingness to buy products are international economic forces too. Other forces are currency fluctuations, Tariff Barriers and currency exchange rates. Changes in customer buying habits and labor costs around the world are forces as well. Political, Legal and Regulatory: Understanding how laws, policies, government regulations, and self regulatory agencies affect marketing forces is a necessity. A marketer would need to be educated on how certain laws (as well as a country’s interpretations of the laws) and compliances are enforced ,such as the Federal Food & Drug Administration, Federal Trade Commission and Government controls etc, before marketing internationally. Any obstacle that makes it difficult for a business to enter a product into an international market such as slow customs, Government regulations, natural barriers, bureaucratic inactivity in processing licenses means no productivity for a business. Socioethics; how a marketer deals with international issues has a considerable impact on the businesses success. A Marketers’ standards of conduct and moral values could make or break a business deal. The marketer should do business and behave ethically. Customer may be concerned about privacy, truth in pricing and advertizing be concerned how they market their products to children and young adults. Competitive: In order to be stay on top of international competition a marketer should totally understand why, how, where, and when to do business in specific international business markets. I believe it is important to know the company’s strategic mission, its strengths and its weaknesses too. A marketer should make the product stand out from the competitor’s products by creating competitive pricing and value. The product should also be difficult to duplicate or substitute and be able to meet differences in the country’s tastes and demands. Technology: A marketer needs to be able to build efficient connections with customers and suppliers and to have the awareness and tools i.e. computer, satellite, cell phones, voice mail and faxing to solve problems and perform the job more efficiently. Other businesses may not have the latest technological knowhow or the most up to date technology. A marketer would need to understand how to get around those types of problems or it could create barriers in marketing products. Marketing Applications # 3 The shoe manufacturer would need to establish a clearly defined competitive strategy to put their efforts into motion. They would need to learn about international markets and select an appropriate field to do business in. Since domestic marketing is doing business within the borders of the local or home market it would be a good idea to first attempt limited exporting as it is usually the first step before getting into the international arena. It is also a good way to practice and establish business relationships in a different country. Limited exporting can give the shoe manufacturer an idea for how the shoes will sell where. It will also give them a feel for international trends. Limited exporting is less risky when a company wants to expand with existing products and it requires the least amount of effort and obligation on the part of the shoe manufacturer’s resources. The next step of the shoe manufacturer going international is the initial entry where the shoe manufacturer hires foreign representation or contracts with foreign manufacturers. Then they should pursue international markets, at that point they may license or franchise to another company the right to use the shoe manufacturer’s brand name or other terms. When the shoe manufacturer decides to go global they should become more aggressive in their importing and exporting business. They should explore contract manufacturing and hire a broker or send employees to foreign countries as salespeople and build upon strategic alliances or joint ventures where the shoe manufacturer buys or joins a foreign company to create new entity.

Green Mile Book Report Essay

To some people the words â€Å"Book-report†Ã‚  mean rent the movie and write a report on that. Yes, it is easier to watch a three-hour movie rather than read a 536-page book. With most books turned movies, though, the book is far too detailed to fit everything. This is how it is with the book The Green Mile and the movie The Green Mile. There are similarities but, there are also a lot of differences between the two. The main parts of the book and movie are alike: Coffey being caught with the two dead girls in his arms, Coffey saves Hal’s wife and Coffey dying at the end. There are smaller details that are alike and that is more important than the main parts. One small thing is that Paul does have a UTI in both the book and the movie. This is a small part but it brings a lot to the movie and the book because this is how Paul finds out that Coffey is innocent. Another small thing is the placement of the prisoners in the book and the movie. They aren’t exact but they are pretty close and this shows importance when the mouse, later called Mr. Jingles, walks up and down the green mile. Lastly, a small detail that is the same in both the book and the movie is the last sentence. Paul explains his punishment for killing one of God’s great miracles. This is very important because it brings the whole movie and the book to a close. Along with the similarities there are major differences and minor differences between the book and the movie. The major differences that I noticed between the book and the movie are: the mouse doesn’t die at the end in the movie, and there is no real character in the nursing home that bugs Paul in the movie like there was in the book. A smaller detail that is different is that in the book Paul asks Coffey to tie his shoe and Coffey can’t do it. This turned into a major point in the book because it went through how the dog was killed with meat and Coffey was carrying his lunch tied up, when he was found with the girls. The only way Coffey would have been able to use the meat would have been to untie the package his lunch was in and then retie it. In the movie this isn’t even explained which is kind of sad because it shows that he really isn’t the one who killed the girls. Another factor is that in the movie everything is shortened to save time. This is because people don’t want to sit through a five-hour movie. Lastly, the movie was created by the  impression the scriptwriter got with the help of Stephen King so of course there is no way they could have the exact same ideas all the time. This is a great book and a great movie and there is no way that the movie could cover everything that the book covers because there is a time limit with movies when people start to lose interest. Ways that the differences could become less evident would be by in each scene add detail even if it is just one line for a character it would make the book and movie seem more alike. Instead of two people looking at the book and combining their idea it would be one idea shared by millions. Everyone says â€Å"don’t just a book by the cover†Ã‚ , well with more books turning to movies I think that that saying should be modified. The saying for nowadays would have to be â€Å"Don’t judge a book by it’s movie.†Ã‚  I am not saying that all books turn movies are bad. I am saying if you didn’t like the movie and see the book try to read it because there might be more to the story than what the movie covered. Overall both the movie The Green Mile and the book The Green Mile are very good stories but to get the whole story you should both read the book and watch the movie.

Role of Operations Management

Role of Operations Management Operations management is the design operations and improvement of systems that create and deliver a company’s products and services. In other words, â€Å"is the process of taking input such as raw material and component and turning it in to out put by adding values† (Shaikh, 2010). Any activity that relates to the management of the entire business process that produces goods and services falls into the operations category. Competition among today’s organizations has become immense and is getting tougher and tougher day by day since more new companies are starting businesses in the same industry.Whether they are from the manufacturing sector or service sector, the need for cutting the unnecessary costs, achieving maximum efficiency, and implementing operations management strategies is increasing with the passage of time. Therefore, more focus is being laid on Supply Chain Management these days by the businesses in order to set up cer tain operations approaches, distribution systems, and capacity layouts that not only reduce redundant costs but also provide better quality goods and services to the customers.This paper will discuss two operations approaches for each of these sectors manufacturing and service and would relate those approaches to quality control and efficiency that can be achieved by the businesses. Operational Approaches for Manufacturing Organization There is no wonder to know that the manufacturing organizations deal with the inventory much more as compared to the service organization. The inventory includes raw materials, complementary parts, actual or finished products, and other packing materials therefore, the two most used operational approaches for by these organizations are Lean manufacturing approach and Outsourcing.Lean manufacturing is the approach that identifies and minimizes waste by adopting continuous improvement to satisfy the customer’s demands. It ensures maximum quality by examining each part of the good after its production to identify the flaws that might be there (Blacharski, 2010). Second approach is outsourcing where the organizations that are not efficient enough in producing a certain product or material, assigns that production task to some other company, entity, business, or vendor that actually possesses the skills, mastery, technology, and resources to produce and deliver it.Operational Approaches for Service Organizations Just-in-time approach and the Balance between Degree of labor and degree of customization are the two operational approaches that are often used by the service organizations. Just-in-time or JIT system is designed and implemented in order to produce or deliver services just as they are needed. In this approach the raw material or inventory (potatoes or chicken) is delivered to the service department or facility such as, Mc Donald’s restaurant just at the time when it is needed.And secondly service organizations often try to maintain the balance between the degree of labor employed for the provision of services and the degree of customization based on the needs and wants of the customers. Advantages and Disadvantages The advantages of Lean manufacturing include reduced set up times, less lead times, lower expenditure of materials, simplification of materials for easy identification, reducing wastes, standardizing operating procedures, sustaining better environment and results, good maintenance, and safe practices (Heizer & Render, 2010).Disadvantages can be excess time spent on cleaning and identification purposes, also with the use of resources and money. Advantages of outsourcing include reduction in inventory costs, reciprocity, preserve supplier commitment, better production results, and offsetting the lower technical expertise and capacity the company has. Disadvantages include increase in expenditure, high production costs, and the company might not obtain desired quality or core comp etence. Advantages of JIT include reduction in inventory costs, storage costs, handling costs, cutting costs of quality, and improving quality.There is one major disadvantage that can be the stoppage of production or delivery of services if inventory is not delivered at the right time. The degree of labor and customization provides better customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, increased ordered and sales, less wage costs, and service variety. Disadvantages might be the increased costs in setting up new technology or method for providing unique or customized service for different customers, their maintenance costs, technology costs, and increased layoffs.In conclusion, I think this will improve my approach as in one day starting my own business to understand how operations management can be beneficial to a wide variety of organizations, both big and small. Operations management plays a vital role in the daily functions of an organization whether the company has identified this or n ot. Every process that a company employs to meet its strategic goals is a result of operations management.Operations management aids a company in becoming well-organized, operating more efficiently and productively, staying competitive and improving customer relations. Nationwide Business Interview I expect to learn what is fundamental to achieving and more importantly sustaining a career and business success, particularly within a competitive sales and marketing environment. The most challenging task is to motivate and manage employees to get on the same page and get something planned and completed on time and within a budget.The most critical skill you need as a manager is to understand and manage through tough current economic conditions, such as planning and executing, cost-control, developing and motivating employees and communicating and managing change. To have great communication skills for sales, negotiaton and networking also leadership skills is essential in order to reac h your goals. . A big part of surviving in business is about solving problems fast and effectively. An manager needs good problem solving skills.The important trend I have experienced is and crucial is customer experiences scanning our consumer trends, you will be able to understand where your industry may be headed, or even better, shape its direction yourself, by introducing new products and services that catch the competition off guard. The steps I take to organize my task for today is to first make a list of all tasks that you have to do. At the start of the day I select my most important items and start working on them. If a new task comes up during the day, I keep working on the current task unless the new task is more important.When deciding which tasks take priority when completing a project is deciding what needs to be completed first and it depends what is critical to meet deadline. To be effective in a business crisis your communication plan must be and easy to reference document that contains decisions, action, resources and contacts you and your team will need to represent your organization in the high pressure of a crisis. Employees should always keep in mind the interests of the organization and realize the company standards are more important than the customer’s nterests to bend the rules.Bibliography 1. Blacharski. D. (2010). What is Lean Manufacturing. Retrieved on November 13, 2010. From http://www. wisegeek. com/what-is-lean-manufacturing. htm 2. Heizer. J & Render. B. (2010). Operations Management. Eighth edition. Pearson Education, Inc. Prentice Hall. Dorling Kindersley India Pvt. Ltd. 3. Shaikh. S (2010). Operational Approaches. Retrieved on November 8, 2010. From http://safeshaikh. com/business/supply-chain-management/operational-approaches/ Role of Operations Management This paper describes operations management and how it is applied in the banking field. Operations management is fundamental for any business seeking a competitive advantage in productivity. The role of operations management is to efficiently and effectively produce quality goods and services to create wealth. Bank operations management is the foundation of banking. Processing daily transactions, controlling and managing trades and sales and supporting front and back officers is part of the many functions of operations management. According to Chase, Jacobs, and Aquilano, 2006, operations management is defined as the design, operation, and improvement of the systems that create and deliver the firm’s primary products and services (p. 9). Bank operations are behind the scenes and commonly referred to back office operations because it does not handle front office sales. However a bank cannot move forward without operations management. Thus operations strategy is vital to banking to function at its optimal level. By definition â€Å"operations strategy is concerned with setting broad policies and plans for using the resources of a firm to best support its long-term competitive strategy† (Chase, Jacobs, & Aquilano, 2006, p. 24). Typically a strategy breaks down into three major components: operations effectiveness, customer management, and product innovation. It is important that a firm’s strategy aligns with its mission of serving the customer. JPMorgan Chase, the bank with which I am familiar, strategizes into three major components: operations effectiveness, customer management, and product innovation. A strategy must always align with a firm’s mission statement to make sure goals are attained by focusing on customer service. In the banking business some of the many competitive dimensions are the following: cost or price of service or product, quality, and speed. JPMorgan Chase bank is a recognized national bank that integrates competitive dimensions in business strategy. Some of the services offered are free checking accounts with fee waiver requirements. Read also Exam Operations Management The starting fees are $12 a month for some checking accounts but there are fee waivers that some customers qualify for to waive the monthly fees. One common fee waiver is a recurring direct deposit totaling $500 or more each month. Price is an important factor for some customers but quality is an even greater concern for others. Because Chase bank offers high technology banking through Quick Pay and Quick Deposit at no cost to all customers, a monthly service fee for a checking account may be less important for customers seeking convenience and quality products. The next dimension Chase focuses on is speed and delivery of online payments. Chase is dedicated to providing the best customer experience in all areas of banking, including online and mobile banking. Chase bank is mainly focused on customer service, which is the reason for business growth. There are three dimensions of value by which businesses differentiate themselves in the marketplace, according to Chase, Jacobs, & Aquilano, 2006. The three ways are through: product leadership, customer intimacy, and operational excellence. Chase strives to keep a proportionate balance of all values to maintain the good reputation and strong name. All the competitive dimensions mentioned above are controlled and managed by back office operations. Therefore operations management is the cohesiveness of the banking business as a whole. It interconnects all functions of banking to maximize productivity in the most effective and efficient manner, creating wealth. Without back office operations support, JPMorgan Chase bank would not have the ability to excel in the banking business.

Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 5

Personal Statement Example Sometimes just holding the things or bringing him something that he needs. I could not see my father taking the entire burden alone therefore; I decided to help him in my own way. This time was the most difficult time of my life as well as the turning point in my life. During that period, I realized the importance of knowledge as well as money and I came to know that knowledge is a way towards money. However, one cannot deny that at times only money can help in acquiring the knowledge and then this knowledge contributes in earning both money and respect. Moreover, I came to know one more bitter reality of the world that money makes friends and money gives you respect. Nevertheless, there also exist some angels in this world who are aware of the importance of knowledge and do not care about financial conditions of a person rather their talents. As we study in economics that investing in social sector that is education, does not give a country immediate results but a country sees its r esults after some years. Similarly, knowledge along with its alleviating power that is education can take a person to the soaring heights of success but it needs some time. There are two reasons that augment my interest in economics. Firstly, my financial conditions that have always prompted me to think about certain aspects of economics such as the reason of sudden changes in demand and supply, increase and decrease in prices of certain products and saturation of market. As in the period of financial crises, I had all the responsibilities of house such as buying of groceries and other important stuff therefore, I was always aware of the increase and decrease of prices. I did not only confine myself to knowing the prices but I also tried to know the reasons behind changes in trends. In this struggle, I always got the answers of my questions that why the prices increase and decrease. This reasoning attracted me more and became second reason of creating my interest in economics. In ec onomics, there is always a reason behind occurring of any event and I am very rational person therefore, by the time I started researching more on economics and inclined more towards economics. However, this was a very tough time of my life but without these hardships, I would never be able to discover myself and know what actually field of my interest is. I used to talk to my father about the bankruptcy and know what the economic reason behind this bankruptcy was. Did we not create enough demand for our product or did our product was very expensive that people could not afford it. Did government put some restrictions on our company or did we not have enough funds to run the company. If we did not have enough funds, then what was the reason behind this? My father and I used to have long conversations on these issues and I used to enjoy it a lot. Reasoning is something that fascinates me a lot and therefore economics is my priority. In addition, I did not remain behind in the race of extracurricular activities. In my school, I was inter club representative and represented my school in other schools. I was also the representative of Hong Kong Students. I never let my financial crisis overwhelm me rather I lived my life in a realistic and positive manner. These situations made me a very audacious person and gave me valor to speak in front of people, as I knew about the reality of this world that no one is yours until you persuade them through your acts and actions. I possess

Globalisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Globalisation - Essay Example Consequently, it has made a resounding effect on the picturesque of mankind playing a pivotal role in the social aspect and thereby making drastic changes in the welfare of the civilisation of mankind. Hence, globalisation can be referred as a process of amalgamation through which exchange of world views, products, ideas and different facets of cultures takes place (Lee & Vivarelli, 2006). Based on this context, the paper will be concentrated on explaining the concept of globalisation as an on-going phenomenon by critically discussing the major features of the terminology. Emphasising on the vividness of the term ‘globalisation’, an explanation will also be provided in the discussion henceforth, elaborating the theoretical context of the phenomenon. Concept of Globalisation Globalisation can be referred as one of the major outcomes of the continuous expansion of trade activities and exchanges taking place since ages in the progressively integrated and borderless internat ional economy. There have been extraordinary developments in the trade and exchange related activities, through services, production functions and also through the interaction of currencies in the capital movements (Ojeili & Hayden, 2006). Consequently, globalisation has emerged as one of the revolving strata, opening the doors in the international economy and leading towards the assimilation in relation to markets on a global basis. Although the phenomenon is much debated and illustrated in the economic sphere of the world economy, it has also been playing a crucial role in influencing the social sphere of mankind, interrelating and apparently comparing one culture with another. This also provides a broader scope of harmony and uniformity within the global social atmosphere. Hence, it is on the basis of these rudiments that globalisation has often been regarded as a ‘mega-phenomenon’ rather than a mere change process (Stefanovic, 2008; Houghton & Sheehan, 2000). It is in this context that globalisation process is often argued to facilitate ways for trade liberalisation as well as economic liberalisation heading towards the reduction of conservative and monopolistic trade contributing largely in the development of a liberal world. The description provided by Archibugi & Iammarino (2002) further illustrates that â€Å"the pace of globalisation and that of technological change have in fact been strictly interrelated and, from a long-term perspective, it appears less important to establish which one should be considered responsible for triggering the other rather than to establish that they mutually enforced each other† (pp. 99). Hence, globalisation can also termed as a change driver in today’s context. For instance, globalisation have often been observed to influences changes within organisations, economies, as well as social environment of various cultures facilitating technological changes through resource mobilisation rendering gre ater chances for innovation and development. Another vital dimension of globalisation, which has often been identified in its conceptual framework, is its role to augment better communication within the various participants. Contextually, the major communicators or drivers of globalisation have

Learning Team Dynamics and Considerations Term Paper

Learning Team Dynamics and Considerations - Term Paper Example According to the research findings it can therefore be said that Team D was composed of five members with the objective of working together in the Small Groups and Team Communication Module. The group consisted of three gentlemen and two ladies. A number of goals were established for the group; to achieve the learning outcomes of the Small Groups and Team Communication Module; to make the group experience memorable and effective; to practically learn about group dynamics. The first objective was informed by necessity as all members attending the module were divided in five groups. The second objective was informed by the need to enjoy the experience in the group while at the same time achieving the first/main objectives efficiently. The third objective was established after about a week into the module after the realization that the group offered the members an opportunity to visualize what is learnt in theory. Upon analysis and literature consultation, the goals set by the group wer e not the most effective as they did not meet all the requirements of SMART goal making; specificity, measurability, achievability, realistic and timelines. While the first goal is SMART, the other two goals are not as specific and measurable. However, the group managed to achieve the three goals amid challenges and successes (discussed in the other areas of this paper) while noting that the deficiencies in goal making such as lack of specificity impacted all other aspects of the group. Communication Strategies, Dynamics and Outcomes Communication is a critical determinant of the team process and outcomes in a small group as argued by Rothwell (2010). The author also explains that communication within a group is a transactional and continuous process in which each party is both a sender and receiver. Importantly, communication competence- defined by proficiency/deficiency and how the group deals

What are the benefits and weakness of using focus groups Essay

What are the benefits and weakness of using focus groups - Essay Example Assuming these to be correct, structured group discussion is a relevant procedure to obtain people’s opinions, feelings and perceptions, although the interactions between group members have to be borne in mind. (Blankenship, Breen, G.E. and Dutka, A., 1999, 61) The information obtained can be about what each person feels and thinks, but it can also be influenced by a phenomenon such as ‘groupthink’, through which people conform to what others believe. In judging the popularity and the effectiveness of focus groups, it is important to assess the advantages of the method as well as its limitations. In adult education, focus groups perhaps offer a more concrete opportunity for participants and researchers to learn from the process (Field, 2000, 330), being a powerful way of engaging with professionals, policy makers and end-users. The benefits of using such an iterative process in which ‘people’s views and understandings are shared, debated, challenged and changed’ (Field 2000, 325) are more important than the potential disadvantages. Morgan (1999, 142) notes that the majority of the published articles about focus groups refers to the use of this method along with other methods, such as individual in-depth interviews or with surveys. In the research process, focus groups can be used at different points: at the preliminary or exploratory stage of a study; a preparation for decisions about the precise objectives and design of the study; for the collection of the main data; in the closing period of a study to interpret findings, or to generate further perspecti ves for research. Use of focus groups can be seen in applied research as a strategy for collecting data, especially when doing qualitative research to tap peoples subjective experiences (Sullivan, 2001, 23) Focus groups do not invade peoples privacy in order to come to

Checkpoint kinases (CHK2) Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Checkpoint kinases (CHK2) - Lab Report Example According to the figure 3,the list indicates several transcripts from the same gene and different SNP effect.The reason to this is as shown in the figure 4 which has all the splice variants(27) of the CHK 2 gene.In the figure 4 ‘‘protein coding† implies that the transcript encodes a CHK 2 protein variant. The reason why we see GAA/GAG yet the SNP was T/C change is that it is a silent mutation whereby GAA and GAG code for glutamic acid.Also the reason why the new C(GAG) is more frequent in some populations is because there was a successful mutation. Basing on the analysis above, we can see that the SNP resulted to silent mutation. By definition, silent mutation is a type of a point mutation that leads to a codon which codes for different or same amino acid but without any functional change in that particular protein. Hence, it does not cause change in the sequence of amino acid, thus, the protein will remain functional. In this regard, they are taken to be evolutionarily neutral. In relation to this, the CHK2 SNP (T/C) is considered to be silent mutation because the sequence of the protein which is GAA/GAG remains unchanged. Therefore, its function remains the same. It can therefore influence splicing because the nucleotides sequence has been altered. While most of the RNA transcripts from protein encoding genes of the human genome are related to physiological splicing, pathological splicing has been found in cancer tissue (Berge et al, 2010). The Chk2 is known to be a multi-organ susceptible gene that provides a barrier to tumorigenesis to maintain a genomic stability, and this gene has found mutated in both hereditary and somatic cancer. Despite the fact that other genes’ alternative splice forms have been found to have a negative impact on the wild type molecules, the CHK2 splice protein variants function is still not clear(Berge et al, 2010).For instance, the mRNA splice variants for Chk2 gene

Invasion of Normandy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Invasion of Normandy - Essay Example 1 The Normandy Invasion is regarded as the world’s greatest military operation, because it paved the way for the liberation of France, and the entry of the Allied forces into Europe. The paper attempts to discuss the reasons for this invasion, concerning the idea that the decision proved to be a worthy choice, since it led the Germans to surrender nearly 11 months, after the invasion. 2 One should understand that Normandy was chosen, because of its strategic location. The decision was not inevitable. It required careful planning. Since the Hundred Years War in Europe, Normandy had not seen any invasion. Therefore, there was no way the Germans could have expected an attack from this area, since there were no ports in the area. 3 The area for the invasion was chosen was between Cherbourg and Le Havre, and it was closest to the embarkation ports in England. It had highways, which led to Paris. The coast also offered the best landing places, and a nearby port, which the Allies had to seize. In fact, Normandy also proved to be close enough to ensure that fighter plans could be dispatched for aerial bombing, along with a coastal attack. 4 In that particular summer of 1944, six armies and millions of men fought and the place was transformed into a blood bath, until Hitler’s forces laid down their defense. Eventually, the road to Paris was cleared, and the Allied capture of France was complete. 5 While everyone knew that the Allies were to attack soon, so that they could have access to France, the question was the exact location of the attack. Therefore, the element of surprise was also one of the reasons, why Normandy was chosen. The Nazis were expected an attack near Calais, since the place had an access to a deep-water port.6 Hence, the plan was in such a way that the troops of each country in the Allied forces would capture hold of the beaches first, namely five beaches in Normandy and then move inland. Since the beaches had no harbors, they were to b e prepared artificially, and assembled at Arromanches in the British sector, and the other off Omaha Beach. Moreover, the Allies had maintained the surprise to such a large extent that very few Germans expected an invasion from Normandy, and the bad weather conditions had even put this idea out of the minds of those, who previously thought this was possible. 7 The alternative place, as mentioned above was the Calais, which offered a deep-port, but this was heavily occupied by German soldiers. However, the Allied Forces had learned from their mistakes quite well, since they had been defeated at Dieppe two years earlier, which was a heavily defended port. 8 Of course, the advantage of the Normandy Invasion, instead of the invasion of Calais is put forth by Liddell Hart, a military historian, who states that the purpose of strategy is â€Å"to diminish the possibility of resistance. The aim of strategy must be to bring about this battle under the most advantageous circumstances. And t he most advantageous the circumstances, the less, proportionately, will be the fighting†. 9 Nevertheless, a deceptive campaign also ensured that the Germans continued to maintain army forces at Calais. Another alternative included Brittany, which was dismissed quickly because, while it had excellent ports, it would have been easy for Germany to seal the Allied army on the Brittany peninsula. 10However, the rough areas of the beaches at Normandy could act as a deterrent, as well, since the area had cliffs on the edges of the water.

Policy Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Policy Analysis - Essay Example Such statements are suppressed because they violate the Fifth Amendment and they are subject to the Miranda exclusionary rule. A waiver, in this regard, occurs when the suspect logically, knowingly and voluntarily waives his right. In order to determine the validity of the waiver, it is important to look at the circumstances and events resulting in the waiver. Where the suspect makes a spontaneous or voluntary statement before the rights are read, such statements can be admitted provided the statements were not prompted by interrogations. This position clearly shows that Miranda rights are only necessary when law enforcement intends to interrogate a suspect (Burgan, 2006). Miranda rights, policies and procedures, therefore, greatly affect the operations and decision making process within law enforcement. The rights give the suspect protection against self-incrimination as well as providing appropriate guidelines for law enforcement in the manner they interrogate suspects. Miranda policies and procedures assist in determining whether suspects’ statements can be admitted or suppressed in a court of

Frank Norris’ work “Vandover and the Brute” Essay Example for Free

Frank Norris’ work â€Å"Vandover and the Brute† Essay The development of sexuality in Frank Norris’ work â€Å"Vandover and the Brute† is an interesting reflection of the Puritanical views that Americans have towards sexuality, promiscuity and the consequences thereof. The importance of this book is that it openly examined this value system in 1914, a time when Vandover’s behavior, even without the lycanthropy, was considered brutish and improper. Yet the American environment was in the midst of the first â€Å"sexual† revolution as many young women of the 1920s would don clothing that revealed their flesh and boyish haircuts for the â€Å"Roaring Twenties†. Again in the 1960s, the next major era of women’s rights movements, sexuality would be tied to freedom and women would equate burning their bras and free love with freedom and independence. This book then is a look at how a young man might acquire the values of the community around him without ever being taught directly that sex is dirty and that women are somehow degraded when they participate in it. The interesting thing about Norris’ work, which was published after his death, is that Vandover managed to acquire these misguided notions of sexuality on his own. In the first chapter, the author points out that during his adolescent years Vandover’s only female contact was with the housekeeper with whom he was constantly at odds. In addition, because his father would not discuss sexuality with him, he was forced to turn to an Encyclopedia Britannica to answers his questions about women and sex. He was subjected to the crude jokes and unconscious sexual immaturity of boys going through puberty, but without a mother, governess or other strong feminine influence to teach him right from wrong. Indeed, if one assumes that the author was in fact trying to make a statement about society rather than just tell a story about a maladjusted young man in the late 19th century, it becomes clear from the very first chapters that one of Norris’ indictments is against Vandover’s father and his unwillingness to talk to his son about the facts of life. In dead, one of the underlying themes through the entire work is the idea that people only hint at their feelings and do not openly discuss the sexual nature of humanity even though it is a significant portion of their lives. One of the most interesting facets of this book is the discussion of Vandover’s first sexual encounter and his embarrassment and guilt over it. If the situation had perhaps been handled with some amount of discussion, it might have prevented the events that would later occur, including Vandover’s seduction of a â€Å"good girl†, her subsequent suicide, and his eventuality degradation to gambling and alcoholism. The author’s message that society needs to quit hiding its own nature and covering for the high class when they engage in reckless behavior is evident mid-book when Haight explains to Vandover that several of the young, classy women at a cotillion were drunk. Haight tells his friends that society should call a spade a spade and that when women of class drink too much they should be considered drunk as much as any man. This dual criticism of the means by which people receive a sexual education and the double-standards applied to men and women is perhaps the most interesting passage in the book. Another interesting idea that Norris sets forth through the theme of the book and the story itself is that Vandover’s sexuality and promisecuity are to blame for the turn of events for him, including the loss of his family fortune and his new role as a werewolf. Interestingly, rather than approaching the concept that Vandover’s situation might be a result of his addictive behavior including his sexually predatory nature, his alcoholism and his gambling addiction, the reader is left with the idea that the bad things which happen to him are consequences of his sexuality alone. Though Norris portrays Vandover throughout the novel as a weak-willed individual who is too lazy to work hard and get what he wants out of life, everything in his life is blamed on his sexuality and his desire for women of a certain type. The fact that Vandover does not settle down with a fine, upstanding woman, regardless of his feelings for her is seen as an affront to society as a whole. The most important messages about sexuality that are relayed via â€Å"Vandover and The Brute† are the concepts that sexuality exists as it does because people don’t talk about it and that there are consequences for sexual behavior. The first concept is perhaps the most intriguing because it still applies now, almost 100 years later. Though we do not have the same level of closed-mouth attitudes toward sex as Vandover encountered, it is not uncommon even in the modern day to find parents of high school students who do not want their children exposed to sex education for fear that the education will lead to promiscuity. Instead of teaching real information regarding the dangers, both physical and emotional, of beginning a sexual relationship at the wrong time, too many parents concentrate on the Puritanical approach to sex education, associating it with guilt and sin. Young people are not properly educated regarding the safety issues of sex and sexually transmitted diseases continue at epidemic levels when they could be prevented with adequate discussion of the topic. Ironically, as we approach the 100-year mark for the publication, Norris’ primary criticism of the teaching of sexuality still stands today.

The initial stages of big business Essay Example for Free

The initial stages of big business Essay While the initial stages of big business trace back to pre-Civil War America, it was not until the post-Civil War time period that large corporations effected on American society. From Rockefeller to Vanderbilt to Carnegie and all in between, these men and their businesses had unprecedented influence on American life. John Rockefeller created the Standard Oil Trust, with the intention of his business, Standard Oil Company, becoming the oil monopoly; short after, The Homestead Strike against Carnegie Steel aroused massive public support for unions. Likewise, big businesses’ growth and influences brought about a decline in the cost of living and the birth of a new political party. As a whole, the rise of big business in post-Civil War America caused a downward economic spiral while simultaneously increasing American hostility toward government and corporations, ultimately leading to the birth of new political and philosophical movements. The growth of corporations in post-Civil War America led to economic deflation which subsequently widened the gap between the rich and the poor, paving the way for a change in labor and the relationships between social classes. The chart form Historical Statistics of the United States depicts the connection of the increase in big business with the improved innovations of mass production in agriculture. While improved farming equipment increased the crop production, the demand for produce declined, creating economic deflation. In response to the farmer’s plight, Charles Macune came up with the idea of the subtreasury plan, a plan that would allow farmers to store their nonperishable commodities in government warehouses until the market prices rose. Also, as a response to the farmer’s struggle the Farmer’s Alliance was created with the intention of alleviating farming hardships. Similar to agricultural mass production, Theodore Dreiser’s Sister Carrie demonstrates how the rise in big business contributed to the mass production that spurred department stores. Department stores like Macy’s and Wanamaker’s sold mass amounts of the same product for rock-bottom prices. As opposed to the few that could afford the pricey handmade garments in years prior, these prices allowed the masses to engage in commercial activity. The growth of big businesses clearly goes hand-in-hand with consolidation, where there is an increase availability of consumer goods for society. In order for there to be department stores and an increase in agricultural innovations, there need to be a transition from specialized labor to mass production. David Well’s, Recent Economic Changes†¦ asserts the opinions of a corporation leader on the switch to mass production by comparing its effectiveness and necessity to that of a military. While Wells believes specialization of labor left workers unskilled and useless, mass production stripped the worker of his independence and decreased the worker’s pride in his craft. The economic demands for mass production created sweatshops as opposed to the one-man-owned small businesses that operated prior. The rise of big business changed labor production and impacted the economy with mass production; it also changed the labor force, allowing more opportunity for employment. Prior to this time, women generally were not active in the work force, yet the picture of female typists depicts a slew of women preforming the same task. Mass production allows for more labor opportunities because unspecialized labor entails little skill. By requiring more workers, big businesses have opened the doors for women in the workplace. Andrew Carnegie’s, â€Å"Wealth† displays how the general population felt the impact of big business through the theories of â€Å"Social Darwinism† and â€Å"Social Gospel. † Carnegie believed that the wealthy were fit for success and money which is why they should handle the finances as opposed to the poor, who were subject to elites’ decisions. However, the rich needed to use their surplus funds to better the community and the lives of the less fortunate because, â€Å"He who dies rich dies in disgrace. Carnegie was a model of â€Å"Social Gospel,† considering munificent donations to parks, universities, and museums. Due to these theories, the poor experienced a new financial relationship with the wealthy, where they received generous luxuries. The impacts of big business influenced the economy and lead to deflation, a larger economic gap between the rich and the poor, a change in labor, alterations in relationships between social classes , and ultimately contributed to shifts in government that spawned new political ideals. Similar to the economic alterations brought about by the growth of corporations, big businesses contributed to a corrupt government and a wave of unprecedented political movements. The cartoon, â€Å"Big Bosses of the Senate illustrates the public’s view of government being run by the leaders of large corporations and senators aligned with trusts. The issue with the senate was that senators were not directly elected by the people and the senate was close to less powerful citizens. This allowed men with their own financial goals ahead of the welfare of the people to be elected. Cartoonist Thomas Nast earned fame with a portrayal of senator â€Å"Boss† Tweed, New York City’s wealthy convicted fraud and extortionist, as a vulture devouring the city’s bones. In 1869, Tweed proved he was a corrupt politician when used his power to ensure his protege, John Hoffman won governor, bribed Republicans, and was convicted of forgery and larceny. Due to the corruption in government, the Sherman Anti-Trust act was created; this legislation outlawed trusts and monopolies that fixed prices. In response to the corruption the Congress passed the Pendleton Civil Service, where candidates for federal positions were thoroughly examined, and the Interstate Commerce Act, where the Interstate Commerce Commission oversaw the interstate practices of the railroad industry. Another issue with government that was directly related to big business was the lack of organized labor. George McNeil’s, The Labor Movement, explains how helpless laborers felt about the excess power of those in charge of large companies. To challenge the unrestrained power, Oliver Kelley founded the Grange, an organization intended to help farmers, â€Å"buy less and produce more, in order to make famers more self-sustaining. † The Grange focused their wrath on attacking railroads which charged higher rates for short runs as opposed to long hauls. In 1877, the Grange brought the court case Munn V. S. Illinois to the Supreme Court; the Supreme Court declared the â€Å"Granger Laws† (there appeals to the railroads) as constitutional and upheld the law that set a maximum rate for the storage of grain. While the Grange targeted some of the public’s issues with leader’s unrestrained power, most people felt like they were being exploited by large firms and wanted a way to stand up to the leaders. Samuel Gomper’s, What Does Labor Want addresses the public’s desire for unions that will ensure adequate wages and compensation for company’s negligence. Since so many American’s desired the right to directly elect senators and have the right to organize, the political party, the Populist Party, was formed with a platform containing the direct election of senators, civil service reform, and an eight-hour workday. The document, â€Å"People’s Party Platform,† discusses how the Populist Party was dedicated to returning the government to the people, ending oppression, injustice, and poverty, and strengthening central government. The Populist Party supported referendum, the policy where voters could enact a law or express their views a proposed measure, and the subtreasury plan. Major advocates of the Populist Party included James Weaver who was the president of the party and a presidential candidate in 1892, galvanized supporters, and forefront speaker Mary Lease who spoke about big businesses making Americans â€Å"wage slaves. Henceforth, the growth of big businesses’ contributions to a corrupt unrestrained government and newfound political movements consequently produced a plethora of sentiments from the American people. The effects of big business in post-Civil war America roused avid opinions from citizens in response to the third-class population and corporation leader’s excessive power. Carnegie’s â€Å"Wealth† exhibits the prominent turn-of-the-century philosophy of â€Å"Social Gospel,† the belief that great wealth comes with great responsibilities. The belief came about in response to the unprecedented surplus of wealth the wealthy acquired through their profitable business endeavors. Carnegie warned the public the, â€Å"The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced,† because men have the duty to regard their surplus fortunes as a trust to be administered for the benefit of the community. Despite the fact that Carnegie responded positively to the impacts of growing corporations, many people found themselves dissatisfied with their new working conditions. McNeil’s, Labor Movement, demonstrates the laborer’s belief that the leaders of big business obtain too much power and control over the workers. The leaders placed unfair monopolies on the food and fuel industries, corrupted the government, withheld lawful wages, and discharged and employee without cause. If employers tried to organize, corporation leaders could resort to blacklisting, a method in which he would close a factory to break a labor movement before a union could form. The majority of citizens did not respond well to the unrestrained power; Gomper’s, What Does Labor Want, documents labor’s demands for the right to organize, adequate wages, and compensation for company’s negligence. In response to the people’s demands, Terrence Powderly founded the Knights of Labor, an organization which attempted to unify all working men and women. The Knights of Labor denounced â€Å"wage-slavery† and encouraged workers to combine their wages so that they could collectively purchase mines, factories, and stores. After declining in national importance, the American Federation of Labor (AFL), an alliance of skilled workers in craft unions, began to grow. The AFL opposed political activity not directly related to the union and advocated its â€Å"bread and butter† goals such as higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions. Over time, the AFL grew to be America’s most powerful labor union and in 1904, Samuel Gompers was recognized as the national spokesman for American laborers. While many people’s plights were alleviated by these organizations, some people still were devastated by the expansion of big business. George Rice’s â€Å"How I was ruined by Rockefeller,† demonstrates how Rockefeller’s monopoly on oil poked major holes in Rice’s wallet. Rice could only by the Standard Oil Company’s oil, as opposed his prior oil that was not only the same quality oil, but also, it was three cents cheaper. This practice exemplified the â€Å"American Rose Theory,† where in order for a gardener to have the best rose, he needs to cut all the other roses; in order for a company to be the best, it needed to eliminate all of its competition. This theory also plays into vertical integration, where a company buys out its competitors in order to ensure that it is the greatest. As a whole, the growth of corporations’ effects on the economy and politics were the main reasons for new philosophies pertaining to the social classes and new political demands and ideals. From the severe economic deflation, to the increased political tensions, to the birth of new political and philosophical movements, the impacts of growing big business on all aspects of post-Civil War American life are truly evident. Had mass production not contributed to agricultural innovations, then the economic deflation would not have had such a profound effect on farmer’s livelihoods. If the government was not controlled by large corporation leaders and senators aligned with trusts, then there is a large possibility that the Populist Party would have never been born. If the people were not perturbed by leader’s power, then labor movements such as the American Federation of Labor would not have occurred. Overall, the rise of big business completely changed the face and functions of American society.

Benefit-Cost Ratio in Healthcare Services

Benefit-Cost Ratio in Healthcare Services When you think of going to the hospital or calling an ambulance, it is difficult to not think about the costs included with those services. All of the money spent does in fact go to good use in the hospital because the cost to run and maintain the machinery and equipment is very high. It can be so great that supplies are scarce therefore equipment does not get to the ambulances. An important life saving device is an AED, or an Automated External Defibrillator. These can be found around hallways of the campus and exerts a shock to someone who had a heart attack and no longer has a heartbeat. AEDs are fairly expensive and highly inelastic so they are difficult to obtain or replicate. ÃÆ'-rebro University in Sweden analyzed the costs and benefits of carrying the AED for EMS (Emergency Medical Service) use. The most common cause of death is coronary heart disease in the world happening nowhere near a hospital bed (Sund). When someone goes into cardiac arrest, it is crucial the patient is resuscitated as soon as possible to increase the chance of survival. Defibrillation plays one of the most important parts during resuscitation and that is where the AED comes into account. Every minute that a person goes without a heartbeat, their chance of survival decreases dramatically. Their brain needs oxygen, the entire body needs blood, and without the heart flowing blood throughout the body, there is a higher chance of organ failure if they do survive. But before you go out and purchase thousands of AEDs, there are a few things that need to be looked over. Not only do the hospitals have to account for the cost of a single AED, but they have to train the different employees on how to use it, the hospitalization afterwards, and the supplies used during the ten-year lifespan such as the sticky pads that go on the person to send the shock and replacement batteries. The total costs of the defibrillators in the county of Stockholm accumulated to just over 8 million euros, or 8.45 million dollars (Sund). Assume the average cost is 8 million dollars per county in North Carolina. There are 100 counties in North Carolina, totaling 800 million dollars for installation of defibrillators in our state alone. There is no doubt the AEDs would have a high cost, but the benefits overcome that hurdle by saving many peoples life. For most 9-1-1 calls, the first responders are the police, fire department, and EMS with an ambulance for transport. By having the fire depot responding to medical calls, the chance of survival increases significantly. In the county of Stockholm, the average time for use of the AED decreased by one minute and the percentage of survival after one month increased by two percent (Sund). In just one county, those numbers represent how significant and useful an AED device can be. To put a monetary amount on the value of life, it would be 2.2 million euros to prevent premature death. This comes from a survey where people were asked how much they would be willing to pay to prevent death (Sund). In the end, the benefits of an AED device calculated to be 36 times higher than the costs, proving that a price cannot be put on a persons life. With a benefit-cost ratio of 36, meaning the benefit is 36 times more than the amount of the cost spent, it is easy to see that the people of Stockholm would be supportive of the program. The AEDs are a one in ten year purchase with an almost infinite use within the time frame. Once the AED devices are bought, that is the only cost, but every life saved is an additional benefit. It is easy to see that in one year, you can make the money back by three times as much. Currently, slightly over half of all EMS has an AED available. Maybe if the government read this article, they would understand the importance of it and how much it impacts survival during an emergency. Reference (APA) Sund, B., Svensson, L., Rosenqvist, M., Hollenberg, J. (2011). Favourable cost-benefit in an early defibrillation programme using dual dispatch of ambulance and fire services in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The European Journal of Health Economics: HEPAC, 13(6), 811-8. doi:http://0-dx.doi.org.bravecat.uncp.edu/10.1007/s10198-011-0338-7

Personal Narrative- Wearing Christian T-Shirts :: Personal Narrative

Personal Narrative- Wearing Christian T-Shirts A life defining moment of mine was when I started wearing Christian t-shirts instead of everyday t-shirts. The old t-shirts just seem so bland to me now, and I did not really care for them as much as the others. I also preferred the messages that were on the Christian t-shirts. Most of the time the messages would make fun of something, like laundry detergent Tide, or commonly use phrases, such as armed and dangerous. After a short period of time, I started to shop only at Sunshine for my t-shirts. It was one of the only Christian Book stores that had a decent selection of t-shirts in Brazoria County that was closes enough to go to. The best part is that Sunshine’s selection would be different every time. They also had ordering book at Sunshine, so if there was a shirt that they did not have it was probably in a catalog somewhere. Wearing the Christian t-shirts help me keep my focus on how I should act as a Christian. The t-shirts also help me strive to be a better Christian than what I am. Wearing Christian t-shirts have done sever thing in my relationship with God. There are several occasions were the t-shirts have affected the way I act. Many times while I was at high school some people would always pick on. Having the t-shirts on helped remind me that I was a Christian and that I should not act that way that the other people were. I also believe have the Christian t-shirts leaded to some persecution event though it was never said that way. However, I am here now so it could not have be that bad. I also strive to become a better Christian because of my t-shirts. One reason for this is if you need help who are you going to ask a friend you know is a Christian or a friend who is a Christian who wear a Christian T-shirt everyday.

Suffering in Harriet Wilsons Our Nig Essay -- essays research papers

Harriet Wilson’s Our Nig is a novel that presents the harshness of racial prejudice during the 19th century combined with the traumas of abandonment. The story of Frado, a once free-spirited mulatto girl abandoned by her white mother, unfolds as she develops into a woman. She is faced with all the abuse and torment that Mrs. Belmont, the antagonist, could subject her to. Still she survives to obtain her freedom. Through the events and the accounts of Frado’s life the reader is left with a painful reality of the lives of indentured servants. Though the novel is not told from Frado’s perspective, her story becomes more sympathizing and sentimental from a third person narrative. Wilson uses her supporting characters to express Frado’s emotions and to show her development. Through her style, the reader becomes more aware of the Belmont family and society’s prejudices through how they react to Frado’s suffering. For instance Aunt Abby, one of the more sympathizing characters, says â€Å"we found a seat under a shady tree, and there I took the opportunity to combat the notions she seemed to entertain respecting the loneliness of her condition and want of sympathizing friends† (54). While Aunt Abby makes an effort to console Frado, there is no real sympathy in her words. They are mechanical and rehearsed. Aunt Abby does not genuinely care for Frado but she does pity her situation. Unlike Aunt Abby, James offers a more sincere regard for Frado. He buys her a puppy and often protects her from his mother’s brutal thrashings. He even intends to bring her home with him to live. He does not possess the indifference of his father or the cowardice of his sister, Jane. Being one of the few characters who emits a genuine aura of concern James i... ...mont’s but is sadly disappointed by her unfortunate state in the end of the novel. Slave narratives are not meant to be uplifting but this story brings depressive reading to a whole new level. Frado’s story is one of unrelenting abuse and pain. Through Wilson’s style the reader understands every point of view and especially the views of prejudice and racism. The title â€Å"Our Nig† relates one of the most insulting realities of Frado’s existence. She was property in a sense. Her labor and her efforts were equated to those of a horse that could be broken when necessary. Frado’s encounters and relationships further distinguish this novel from other slave narratives. This story shows what society and what the human spirit is capable of. People can cause the immense suffering of others but People can also rise up from the depths of despair and overcome great obstacles.

Hydroygen Renewal Project :: Energy Power

Chevron is one of the world's largest integrated oil companies in the world and is headquartered here in the Bay Area. Chevron is known to be involved in the exploration for, and production of, oil and natural gas, as well as the pipeline transportation of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, the refining of crude oil into refined petroleum products, including gasoline, aviation fuel, and other light petroleum products. One of its refineries is also located in the Bay Area. The Richmond Refinery is one of the largest and oldest refineries on the West Coast. Construction of the refinery started according to in 1901, and it was soon bought by Standard Oil (TCFLUI). It covers 2,900 acres, has 5,000 miles of pipelines, and hundreds of large tanks, that can hold up to 15 million barrels of crude, gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, lube oil, wax, and other chemicals produced by the refinery. Most of these operations require intense heat and pressure, requiring 130 megaw atts of power and up to 50 million gallons of cooling water daily (TCFLUI). With a processing capacity of over 350,000 barrels per day, this refinery is among the largest in the United States (TCFLUI). Recently chevron proposed a project plan to the city of Richmond that would upgrade the outdated refinery. The plan is known as the hydrogen renewal project, it would include a power plant replacement which would replace inefficient steam boiler. Hydrogen plant and purity replacement which would replace the outdated high energy used plant with a newer energy efficient plant, along with modifying existing equipment to improve the purity of the hydrogen used by the plant. Some members of the Richmond community are in an uproar about the recently proposed plan claiming that this is far from what the city desires at the moment. Critics of the proposed plan such as an Oakland-based environmental group indict chevron of lying, accusing the company that their plan to switch to refining dirtier, cheaper crude oil that could result in five to fifty times more pollution (cbs5). This would increase releases of mercury, selenium, toxic sulfur compounds, and greenhouse gases. And why would the Chevron switch to refining dirtier, cheaper crude oil? Greg Karras a senior scientist with communities for a Better environment claims â€Å"Because price discounts can exceed $5 per barrel, which , for a refinery Chevron’s size, could lead to be about $400 million per year† (cbs5).

Perception Reaction Paper Essay

The first thing my eyes go to is Tye’s sister Shane. She is playing with her hair, with a very skimpy bikini. She us a very pretty young teenager having fun listening to her friend’s IPod tanning up the sun rays. I see Shane’s friend in the background, not very noticeable other than she is the one picking out a song or she might be texting. I look a little more to the right and I see what appears to be a teenage boy probably 16 while his sister is maybe 14. Tye looks a little agitated at his sister maybe some jealousy. He is relaxed kicking back with something on his mind. With the rest of the people in the background there is a few other women tanning as well enjoying the beautiful weather. Also a couple boys that must have been out of the swimming pool for a bit are probably getting hot and ready to make their â€Å"shooting† heard. Everyone seems to be having a fun time but Tye’s face makes me wonder. Part 2 The way the parents tried to handle the situation is pretty much what I would do to my children. Not only is Tye confused about his life, but the family also with all the confusion dealing with a gender issue child. I believe an early teen has pretty much decided if they were â€Å"trapped† in another’s body. Tye is going to have a rough time through high school but when attending college he will be more social acceptable. I understand from personal experience of how confusing gender can be. I was a hard core tomboy but once my parents divorced I changed into a more girly tomboy, now just a tomboy on the inside. Part 3 Wow where do I start with on this article. I have always been that tomboy type but I never could imagine changing my outlooks such as my breasts and so on. Tye seems to know what he wants since a young child. I would have done the same thing by trying to make either my daughter or son the gender they were born with. I guess over time a parent would have to accept what the child decides to be no matter what the outcome is. Maybe, I would be as supportive after the fact is accepted. This article opened my eyes from the teenager’s eyes and understand how hard life can be to be socially accepted. Very good topic to write about.

Yellowstone Super Volcano

The Yellowstone volcano is known to many as the most dangerous volcano is America. Right now, the ground underneath Yellowstone National Park is rising at an alarming rate. In fact, it is rising at the rate of about three inches per year., which is practically unheard of. The reason why this is such a concern is because underneath the park sits the Yellowstone supervolcano, the largest volcano in North America. Scientists tell us that it is inevitable that it will erupt again one day, and when it does the devastation will be almost unimaginable. But could it cause a mass extinction? A full-blown eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano would dump a 10 foot deep layer of volcanic ash up to 1,000 miles away, and it would put much of the United States as uninhabitable. With enough warning, the states near Yellowstone could be evacuated, which would largely avoid a great number of deaths caused by the downpour of ash. However, that's just in the short term, the aftermath would be the pro blem. For several days, ash would hang in the air, making it difficult to breathe. That blanket of ash covering the country would smother vegetation and pollute the water supply, which will quickly lead to a nationwide food crisis. As for the rest of the world, it would face a few years of mild climate change caused by the supereruption's ash cloud, which would wrap around the globe, casting Earth in shadow for several days and altering the chemical composition of the atmosphere for a decade or so. However, recent research shows the global impacts of supervolcanoes are less severe than scientists once thought.Scientists now think the vast majority of Earth's species would weather a Yellowstone supereruption just fine. They don't see any evidence in the geologic record of mass extinctions coinciding with supereruptions. In conclusion, they don't predict extinctions to result from such geologic events in the future.References1) http://www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/volcanoqa.htm 2)htt p://www.livescience.com/20714-yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption.html

‘George’s Trains’ Working Capital Essay

George’s Train Shop is a family owned business that focuses on the sales and repairs of train toys. George is running a profitable business, but as he is aware of my MBA Managerial Finance class, he has asked for advice on his working capital practices. Although George is currently enjoying the benefits of a profitable business, there are opportunities for him to expand his business ventures. This first starts by dissecting degree of aggressiveness in working capital practices, current capital budgeting practices, and areas where he can improve in both arenas. In addition, careful management of the company’s cash flow will allow George’s Train Shop to explore other business opportunities for growth as well as flourish with increased.Alshubiri investigated the relationship between the aggressive/conservative working capital policies and the impact on profitability and risk. The study indicated a negative relationship between the profitability measure of firms and banks and degree of aggressiveness of working capital investment and financing policies (2011). Aggressive working capital policy is one in which you try to squeeze by with a minimal investment in current assets coupled with an extensive use of short-term credit. Conservative working capital practices are those in which companies assure plenty of cash in the bank, warehouses are full of inventory and payables are all up to date (Bank, n.d.). In an attempt to cut expenses to a minimum, George’s Train Shop owner, George Olieux, manages working capital by keeping few inventory and reordering inventory when only 1 product model is left on shelf (Intelecom, n.d.). According to Bank, as you tighten inventory, your sales and accounts receivable might swoon because you could run short on product. Inventory shortages might result in lower revenue and collections as competitors with well stocked inventories steal your customers (n.d.). Moreover, you risk default and bankruptcy as you adopt more aggressive working capital policies, as tight inventories can lead to shortages and lost sales. Firms with aggressive working capital policies, such as George’s Trains Shop may not be able to generate more returns on assets by following aggressive approaches towards short term assets and liabilities. Capital Budgeting refers to the process in which a  business determines whether projects are worth pursuing (Byrd, 2012); however, because the amount of capital available at any given time for new projects is limited, management needs to use capital budgeting techniques to determine which projects will yield the most return over an applicable period of time (Investopedia, n.d.). When Olieux acquired the business, it was heavily dependent on sales of classic Lionel trains, but when demand dropped, he had to make capital budgeting decision and invest in new product lines (Intelecom, n.d.). George Olieux explored other product opportunities by analysis of trends in the market. Because smaller trains and race cars were gaining popularity, Olieux decided to start selling race cars and smaller train models. The ability to identify which assets are expected to add value to the firm is central to the financial management role (Byrd, 2012). George’s capital budgeting technique included observation of market trends and pursuing assets, such as race cars and small trains, that were trending at the moment. Since George did not use popular methods of capital budgeting, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period, George had to take a conservative route by first exploring the success of just one race car product line. A potential pitfall George uses in current capital budgeting practices is the lack of a sophisticated measure of capital budgeting, such as the net present value. Such methods can measure which projects can add value to the business as well as compare various investments to one another. The Net Present Value method measures the dollar added value the investment will bring to the firm. It is calculated by taking the present value of future cash flows minus the initial investment (Byrd, 2012). George has statements from previous years that document cash flows and bu siness cycle trends. These statements include the timing and magnitude of cash flows, which include increased cash flows in the summer due to tourism, and reduced cash flows during income tax time. Using previous cash flow statements can help anticipate and calculate future cash inflows of a potential investment, such as the purchase of a Race Car or small train line, and can provide George with an accurate picture of the project’s Net Present Value. The lack of a cash cushion is one primary reason small businesses fail; therefore for small businesses, it is important to understand and manage the company’s cash cycle (Byrd, 2012). The cash flow statement records the amounts of cash  and cash equivalents entering and leaving a company, and includes three components by which cash enters and leaves a company: core operations, investing, and financing (Heakal, 2010). The operations section of the Cash Flow statement would include changes made in cash, accounts receivable, depreciation, inventory, and accounts payable (Heakal, 2010). This would include purchases of inventory and the sales of products/services. George keeps inventory levels to a minimum as an attempt to keep cash spending at a minimum, so frequent purchasing and selling of inventory is observed. The investing section of the Cash Flow statement would include George’s investment in acquiring the lease for the building and business, while the financing section includes loans for purchasing the business and interest paid on those loans. A company can use a cash flow statement to predict future cash flow, which helps with matters in budgeting (Heakal, 2012); therefore I recommend that George use the business’ cash flow statement in evaluating capital budgeting projects, such as the addition of Race Car and small train product lines, as well as other potential ventures. Moreover, I recommend George use the statement of cash flow to understand how much cash is generate and how much of that cash stems from core operations, such as the sale of specific product lines or the repair services offered. The management of cash is necessary to start, operate and expand a business. Before George can expand his business, he must prove to potential investors not just the profitability of the business, but the ability to pay short term obligations. By using sophisticated capital budgeting methods, such as the NPV, George can accurately asses the value added from potential investments. Through careful managing of cash flow statements, George has the potential to not just pay off short term obligations, but expand business ventures. Resources Alshubiri, F. (2011). The Effect of Working Capital Practices on Risk Management: Evidence from Jordan. Global Journal of Business Research, 5(1), 39-54. Bank, E. (N.D.). Aggressive vs. Conservative Working Capital. Retrieved on 9/5/2013, From website: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/aggressive-vs-conservative-working-capital-65216.html Byrd, J., Hickman, K., & McPherson, M. (2012). Managerial Finance. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Heakal, R. (2010). What is a Cash Flow Statement? Retrieved on 9/8/2013, from website: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/04/033104.asp INTELECOM. (Producer). Management of Working Capital Case Study: â€Å"George’s Trains†. [Video File]. Retrieved from the Intelecom Video Library. Investopedia (n.d.). Definition of ‘Capital Budgeting’. Retrieved on 9/6/2013, from website: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/capitalbudgeting.asp Palani, A. A.. & Mohideen, A. (2012). Impact of Aggressive Working Capital Management Policy on Firm’s Profitability. International Journal of Research in Commerce And Management, 3(3), 49-53.

Singing in the Rain

Singing in The Rain Brianna Walsh The Use of Singing and Dance in Singin’ In the Rain Singin’ In the Rain is a fantastic movie that shows the transition between silent films and â€Å"talkies. † This film, however, would have no impact what so ever if it were not a musical. The dancing in the movie gave it something different making the movie a classic, while the singing gave the premise of the movie. Lina Lamont would be the first problem with a normal film. If the movie did not have singing, the impact of how bad her voice really was would not be heard. The shocking shrill of her voice is really the premise of the whole movie.To really be appreciated, Lina waited a little before talking in the movie creating anticipation in the viewers. Her lack of dancing abilities just furthered her distance from the â€Å"talkies† and made the audience root against her. Kathy Selden really shined in this movie because of the singing and dancing. Her voice was fantasti c and her dancing, especially paired with Don Lockwood, was better than many audiences had ever seen before. Without these two aspects in place, Kathy would not have been as likeable and her position as the underdog would have affected how the audience viewed her.Don Lockwood swooned all the ladies in this film with his charming singing and amazing tap dancing. He was really the star, in my eyes, of both of the categories. He was impossible to look away from because of his complicated choreography with his co-stars. Don would be nothing in this film if not for the singing and dancing. His part in the film would lessen immensely and he wouldn’t have made such an impact with the viewers. This film is a classic in American history solely because of the singing and dancing scenes. If these two things were not included in the film, it would have been lost among other movies of the time.

Dunkin’ Donuts: Betting Dollars on Donuts

Once a niche company operating in the northeast, Dunkin' Donuts is opening hundreds of stores and entering new markets. At the same time, the java giant is broadly expanding both its food and coffee menus to ride the trends, appealing to a new generation of customers. But is the rest of America ready for Dunkin' Donuts? Can the company keep up with its own rapid growth? Serving the Caffeinated Masses There's a lot more to a coffee shop. Some 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed every year, making it the most popular beverage globally. Estimates Indicate that more than 100 million Americans drink a total of 350 million cups of coffee a day. But Dunkin' Donuts does, and it's betting dollars to donuts that consumers nationwide will embrace its reputation for value, simplicity, and a superior Boston Kreme donut. Winning New Customers Most of America has had an occasional relationship with the Dunkin' Donuts brand through its almost 5,800 domestic outlets, which have their densest cluster in the northeast and a growing presence in the rest of the country. But the brand has also managed to carve out an International niche, not only in expected markets such as Canada and Brazil, but also in some unexpected ones, including Qatar, South Korea, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The company had 7,306 Dunkin’ Donuts stores in the U. S. at the end of 2012 and plans to double the number in the next 20 years. In 2013, it will add another 330-360 restaurants across the country. In order to accelerate store openings, Dunkin’ is offering incentives to franchisees such as reduced royalty payments during the initial phase. Trefis expects the company to add around 300 new Dunkin’ Donuts stores in the U. S. on average for the next several years. Since most of Dun kin’ Brands restaurants are franchised, the capital requirements to open new restaurants are lower which ensure that the expansion plans do not cause a strain on the company’s fiscal situation. What Would Consumers Think? None of Dun kin Donuts' moves makes much difference unless consumers buy into the notion that the company has the culinary imperative to sell suggests. At one point of time Dunkin Donuts decided to add on to its product line by incorporating the breakfast menu. There was a doubt in the minds of people handling strategic marketing that even when consumer see the line of products expand into what was once solely the realm of the company's competitors, they may be unconvinced that Dunkin' Donuts is the shop to go to for breakfast. For most of its existence. Dunkin' Donuts' main product focus has been implicit in its name: donuts and coffee in which to dip them.  Also you can read about  History of the Culinary Arts. First time customer acquainted with this simple reputation were often overwhelmed by the wide varieties of donuts stacked end-to-end neat, mouthwatering rows. Playing catchup to the rest of the morning market, Dunkin' Donuts has only recently joined the breakfast sandwich game. According to spokesperson Andrew Mastroangelo, Dunkin' Donuts sells approximately one billion cups of coffee a year, for 62% of the company's annual store revenue/ Considering that coffee is the most profitable product on the menu, it's a good bet that those margins give the company room to experiment with its food offerings. Changing Course to Follow Demand Faced with the challenge of maintaining a relevant brand image in the face of fierce and innovative competition. Dunkin' Donuts pursued a time-honored business tradition – following the leader. The company now offers a competitive variety of espresso-based drinks complemented with a broad number of sugar-free flavorings including caramel, vanilla, and Mocha Swirl. Further more, ever-increasing competition in the morning meal market made an update to Dunkin' Donuts' food selection inevitable. The company currently focuses on begel and croissant-based breakfast sandwiches, including its new Oven-Toasted Breakfast line. On Every Corner Starbucks is known for its aggressive dominance of the coffee marketplace. When a competition opens a new store in twon. Starbucks doesn't worry. It just opens a new store across the street, in a vigorous one-upmanship that conquers new ground and deters competitors. But many who have struggled to compete with Starbucks have had to do so with limited resources or only a few franchises. Not so with Dunkin' Donuts, whose parent brand. Dunkin' Brands, also owns Baskin-Robbins. Simple Food for Simple People Dunkin' Donuts' history of offering simple and straight forward morning snacks has given It the competitive advantage of distinction as the anti-Starbucks-earnest and without pretense. Like Craftsman tools and Levi's jeans, the company offers a comforting sensibility appealing to simple, modest, and cost-conscious customers. The Sweet Spot Has a Jelly Center Dunkin' ‘Donuts is trying to grow in all directions, reaching more customers in more places with more products. Although Dunkin' Donuts often partners with a select group of grocery retailers such as Stop ; Shop and Wal-Mart-to create a store within-a-store concept, the company won't set up shop in just any grocery store. ‘We want to be situated in supermarkets that provide a superior overall customer experience,† he said. â€Å"Of course, we also want to ensure that the supermarket is large enough to allow us to provide the full expression of our brand. . . . which includes hot and iced coffee, our line of high-quality espresso beverages, donuts, bagels. muffins, and even our breakfast sandwiches. Furthermore, the outlet's location within the supermarket is critical for a successful relationship. â€Å"We want to be accessible and visible to customers, because we feel that gives us the best chance to increase incremental traffic and help the supermarket to enhance their overall performance. The company is banking on these mutually beneficial partnerships to help it achieve wides pread marketplace prominence. Dunkin' Donuts is a nationally known brand with a long reputation for quality, giving the company the benefit of not having to work hard to earn many customers' trust. But this strategy is not without its risks. In the quest to appeal to new customers, offering too many original products could dilute the essential brand appeal and alienate long-time customers who respect simplicity and authenticity. If Dunkin' Donuts' executives focus too narrowly on franchising new stores, they might not be aware of issues developing in long-standing or even recently established stores. Some older franchises seem long overdue for a makeover, especially when compared to the Starbucks down the block. For the time being, Dunkin' Donuts seems content to continue its methodical quest for continental domination of the coffee and breakfast market. In order to keep up with the latest health concerns, it has reformulated its cookies and muffins to avoid trans fats. The company has even begun shifting its donut production from individual stores into centralized production facilities designed to serve up to 100 stores apiece. Will Dunkin' Donuts strike the right balance of products and placement needed to mount a formidable challenge against competitors in both the breakfast and coffee markets?

EMBA 530 initial post week 9 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

EMBA 530 initial post week 9 - Essay Example One important factor is the use of participative decision making involving all the family members led by the senior members – i.e., the parents in a nuclear unit. This means that family meetings are held on most vital matters, and there is a generally liberal attitude in these collaborations. This factor was linked specifically to the longevity and success of the business (Fahed-Sreih & Djoundourian, 2006). A second important factor in successful family businesses is a resistance to institutionalization (Ayranci, 2010). This does not mean opposition to professionalism, because many of these firms are succeeded by younger family members who have obtained MBAs and formal training. What the family business resists is the formalization of procedures which many call bureaucracy. Family members prefer to maintain a level of informality where they could talk to each other simply and directly despite the difference in their position in the hierarchy. A third factor is ownership preferences, pertaining specifically to higher degrees of ownership concentration in successful family businesses (Hoopes & Miller, 2006). As mentioned earlier, the family business is not necessarily one which is wholly owned by one family; in some cases, those organizations referred to as family business may simply be majority-owned, and some not. Successful family businesses, however, have a higher concentration of ownership held within the family, and the more the ownership is held by family members, the more focused the firm’s strategy is and the more successful it becomes. The fourth important factor is the family’s commitment to change (Davis, 1983). In this rather dated article, a timeless observation was made that family businesses tended to be of two types – those which placed an emphasis on the way things had been done in the family business for decades and would not want to change them, and those which are keen on the changes

The Politics of Pacific Northwest Research Paper

The Politics of Pacific Northwest - Research Paper Example They include artifacts; collect art and primary sources so that the young generations can pass the traditions as recommended. The collections which are more than 68,000 objects from fine art and material culture from the America, Europe, and Asia are preserved to make sure that the young generation will have a chance to see and follow the traditions. Regional history includes the exploration, settlement, economic among others that the individual are required to follow. Many regions have relative liberal abortion laws, gender equality laws; others encourage the use of marijuana and other rights concerning the individuals. British Columbia has legal law that allows for gay marriage which was passed in 2003 while for Washington was legalized in 2001, the Oregon allows for same sex marriage this is because the urban size and voting impact has a lead and this make it easier for the passing of laws without any problem (Dublin 36). The region has a long history of political radicalism which means that general strike would be engaged thus combination of communes and socialist and thus an influence in the region. Every human being has right to life and that’s why the government has been fighting with terrorists. The region is productive in terms of economic since it has a long history involving the starting of cooperative and communal businesses and organizations. The Puget Sound has a history of publicly owned power utilities and thus some of the states that are around have public utilities that are personal. As a result they enjoy the lowest electrical power rates in the whole of the continent.

Ontology, epistemology and methodology in information system Article

Ontology, epistemology and methodology in information system researches - Article Example 93), ontology was considered to be the â€Å"study of the categories of things that exist or may exist in some domain.† Moreover, he states that the product of an ontology is a â€Å"catalog of the types of things that are assumed to exist in a domain of interest D from the perspective of a person who uses a language L for the purpose of talking about D.† He adds that predicates, word senses, or concept and relation types of the language L are represented by the different types in the ontology in cases when these are used to provide a discussion of the topics in the domain D (Sowa, 1993). Viinikkala (2003) defined ontology as an aged branch of philosophy, the purpose of which is to establish the truth about reality by answering the persistent inquiry of what exists. Furthermore, she shares Sowa’s goal of ontology which is to provide an â€Å"objective description of reality and any domain of objects† (Viinikkala, 2003, p. 3). Table 1. Common elements in th e philosophical definition of ontology Gruber Sowa Viinikkala What is ontology? explicit specification of a conceptualization study of the categories of things that exist or may exist in some domain branch of philosophy that establishes truth about reality Goal provide specification for a representation of a world catalog of the types of things that are assumed to exist in a domain of interest provide an objective description of reality and any domain of objects 2.1.1 Objectivity philosophy In a philosophical sense, objectivity is believing in an issue on the basis of what can be said in favor of, and against, its truth, without putting any bearing on whether one would prefer to believe the truth or not (Yandell, 1999, p. 15). Objectivity does not require for one to have any amount of feeling for the belief to be true... This paper states that the increasing interest in the subject of ontology, epistemology, and methodology in information system researches is brought about by their extensive applicability in the domains of information systems analysis and design (ISAD). As information systems are practically representations of real-world phenomena and scenarios, it is considered an important thrust to accurately and appropriately identify the entities that need to be represented and, essentially, how these should be represented. Because of the extensive applicability of ontology and, consequently, those of epistemology and methodology, it would serve the field well if these concepts and other constructs pertaining to them are properly defined. Since different sources may provide a variety of different definitions for these terms, it will be wise to draw out the commonalities from these definitions. Moreover, it is wise to note that the definitions for these concepts are presented differently on a phi losophical level, as compared with those on a technical or practical level. These differences should be noted as well in order to better unify these philosophical and practical meanings. The concepts of ontology, epistemology, and methodology are gaining extensive applicability in the information systems. While there are, to an extent, some similarities between the definitions of these concepts in a philosophical sense and when used in information system, a closer look at how these concepts are applied in the information system reveals certain significant differences.

REFLECTION ON INTERNATIONAL MARKETING Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

REFLECTION ON INTERNATIONAL MARKETING - Essay Example Additionally, international markets are characterised by a wide range of market forces that may limit the success of particular products that do not conform to the market forces. Some of the pertinent issues that may affect the success of a product in the market includes the skin colour of the people, their cultural aspects, and even their general attitude towards specific products. For instance, in Asia, the idea of a bright skin colour is a sensitive issue that influences the sale of beauty products. As such, organizations that consider entering the international market should be prepared to conform to these market forces to avoid the risk of opposition from their potential customers. Unilever is one of the organizations that have faced a market resistance from their sale of skin whitening products in Asia. International marketing strategy demands that an organization conforms to the ethical aspects of the new market to avoid igniting moods and emotions that may affect their operat ions. In the Asian market, there has been an upsurge of the demand of beauty products, a trend that has attracted many beauty product organizations to venture into this market. McDougall (2013, Para. 2) pointed out that Asia contributes to a large extent to the expanding beauty market that is expected to hit $19.8 billion by the year 2013. In Asia particularly, the market for beauty products has expanded due to the great desire of citizens to lighten their skin as a way of conforming to the notion that dominates in this environment that the bright skin is a symbol for superiority while darker skin symbolizes a suppressed person in the society. In China, India, Japan and Thailand, the people have learnt to associate light skin with beauty, youthfulness and success. Additionally, the demand has heightened due to the change of use of these skin lightening chemicals. Traditionally, these products were used for facial care yet currently the products are used for whole body care. Resultan tly, the market is expected to grow rapidly for at least five years in the near future. Consequently, multinational organizations, such as Unilever, have identified this as a potential market for sale of beauty products. However, the organizations seem to have undermined the concept of consumer behaviour that Samli (2013, P. 2) regards as a giant market force in the 12st century business environment. Skin colour has been a controversial issue in the Asian society that has sparked a great debate on the definition of beauty in this market. The nortion that bright people are superior to the white people has lead to a vicious discussion as most activists regard this kind of attitude as an act of discrimination that must be eliminated once and for all in the society. One of the activists against colour discrimination, Nandita, has launched a campaign to declare that â€Å"Dark is beautiful† as a way of fighting this issue that has generated mixed emotions in this country (Daily Ne ws, 2013, Para. 1). Being a popular actress, Nandita has garnered a lot of public interest among the black people who have shown their support of the campaign to fight against colour and racial discrimination. This campaign is similar to the campaign in Senegal that declares that â€Å"Don’t Bleach, black is beautiful† to assert the public that beauty is beyond the skin colour. From this point of view, skin colour is a matter that is likely to influence the consumer behaviour in the Asian market and taking precaution is the only way to