Evolution of Global Consumer Trends by Datamonitor Essay

Evolution of Global Consumer Trends by Datamonitor - Essay Example As a consequence of the remarkable expansion of luxury markets over the recent decade, the literature in marketing has currently witnessed considerable enthusiasm in the investigation of prestige brands, particularly in the fashion industry. However, scarce is known about the effective process of marketing and observing prestige brands. Research carried out in the UK by Applied Futures, a market research company predicted significant social changes at the advent of the 21st century. Their investigation determined that individual’s needs for appearances and materialism were escalating. Specifically, they identified an elevating demand for flamboyant and status fashion products (M2 Presswire, 2008). For instance, current market reports in Australia appear to provide evidence to this assertion. The Sunday Telegraph revealed an exceptional increase in Australia’s luxury products, such as amplified demand for mink furs, and very expensive jewelleries such as diamonds. This i s, which is important to note, occurred prior to the economic slowdown which started in 1997 (ibid). The perspective for Europe’s textile and fashion industry in 1996 is, primarily, not good. Recent reports on market conditions in Italy, Germany, France and the UK are revealed. Germany’s primary suppliers and retailers of clothes for women predict no or zero growth. Several analysts predict sales of apparel in Italy to remain slow-moving, yet others anticipate significant growth (Weisman et al., 1996). Regardless of a number of encouraging reports everywhere, the UK luxury fashion at the advent of the 21st century is far from pretty. Women in UK remain the primary users and buyers of products within the cosmetics and toiletries department, with roughly eight in ten women admitting that they purchase the bulk or cosmetic and toiletry products in their homes.

Management Principles & Practice Essay Example for Free

Management Principles Practice Essay A group of twelve lifelong friends put together $1,200,000 of their own funds and built a $6,000,000, 48-lane bowling alley, near Norfolk, Virginia. Two of the investors became employees of the corporation. Ned Flanders works full-time as General Manager and James Ahmad, a licensed CPA, serves as Controller on a part-time basis. The beautiful, modern-day facility features a multilevel spacious interior with three rows of 16 lanes on two separate levels of the building, a full-service bar, a small restaurant, a game room (pool, videogames, pinball),and two locker rooms. The facility sits on a spacious lot with plenty of parking and room to grow. The bowling center is located in the small blue-collar town of Wallingford. There is no direct competition within the town. The surrounding communities include a wide-ranging mix of ethnic groups, professionals, middle- to upper-middle-class private homes, and apartment and condominium complexes ranging from singles to young married couples to senior citizen retirement units. Nearly 200,000 people live within 15 miles of Wallingford. The bowling center is open 24 hours per day and has a staff of 27 part- and full-time employees. After four years of operation, the partners find themselves frustrated with the low profit performance of the business. While sales are covering expenses, the partners are not happy with the end-of-year profit-sharing pool. The bowling center operates at 100 percent capacity on Sunday through Thursday nights from 6:00 P.M. until midnight. Two sets of men’s leagues come and go on each of those nights, occupying each lane with mostly five-person teams. Bowlers from each league consistently spend money at both the bar and restaurant. In fact, the men’s leagues combine to generate about 60 percent of total current sales. The bowling center operates at about 50 percent capacity on Friday and Saturday nights and on Saturday morning. The Friday and Saturday â€Å"open bowling† nights include mostly teenagers, young couples, and league members who come to practice in groups of two or three. The Saturday morning group is a kid’s league, ages 10 through 14. There are four ladies leagues that bowl on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Business is extremely slow at the bowling center on Monday through Friday and Sunday mornings, and on the afternoons of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is not uncommon to have just three or four lanes in operation during those time periods. The owners have taken a close look at the cost side of their business as a way to improve profitability. They concluded that while the total operating expense of $1,466,000 might appear to be high, there was in fact little room for expense cutting. At a recent meeting of the partners, James Ahmad reported on the results of his three-month-long investigation into the operating cost side of other bowling alleys and discovered that the Wallingford Bowling Center was very much in keeping with their industry. James went on to report that bowling alleys were considered to be â€Å"heavy fixed cost operations† and that the key to success and profitability lies in maximizing capacity and sales dollars . QUESTIONS 1. Apply the decision-making process described in the chapter to this case. What is the major problem facing Wallingford? List five specific alternative solutions that could be implemented to solve that major problem. 2. As general manager of this company, how could you utilize and manage the group decision-making process and technique to improve company profits? Which employees would you include in the group?

The Eccentric Work of Djuna Barnes :: Biography Arts

The Eccentric Work of Djuna Barnes It is precisely Barnes's relation to literary tradition that so troubles assessments of her work: readers do not know where to "place" her. . . . Although well respected by her contemporaries, Barnes's work has fallen prey to the same set of received notions that until very recently informed studies of Gertrude Stein: both women have been chastised for being significantly different from their Paris colleagues and for failing to master the Modernist enterprise. (Benstock 242-3) It only seems appropriate that I begin with this quotation from Shari Benstock's Women of the Left Bank because it immediately situates the critical problem that my own project hopes to illuminate: how to begin to approach Barnes's eccentric work within a historical context and how to make sense of the implications of such eccentricities given that context. Her work, even within the diverse body of eccentric modernist texts, stands apart in its uniqueness. Like many modernist texts (i.e. Toomer's Cane, Joyce's Finnegan's Wake, and much of Stein's work), Barnes's work is difficult to categorize. Unlike other modernist texts, however, Barnes's work challenges genre through its mixing of both linguistic and visual representation. For example, in texts such as Ladies Almanack and The Book of Repulsive Women, Barnes uses both text and drawings to depict female sexuality. It is this shifting between modes of representation that will be the emphasis of my project. Through an examination of both her textual and visual art forms, I will argue that Barnes was experimenting in different ways than her contemporaries, ways that radically challenged understandings of gender, identity, and sexuality by suggesting that these categories are unstable, ever-shifting entities. One of the most important elements in this experimentation was her performance: through her shifts between forms and genres, Barnes mimics and performs the very instabilities that she represents in those art forms. Much like the fin-de-sià ¨cle Decadents with whom she is often linked, Barnes makes central the trope of transition in her shifts between genres. Indeed, Djuna Barnes's work is grounded in decadence, and a brief examination of this tradition will help situate her work. French and English fin-de-sià ¨cle writers and artists such as Arthur Rimbaud, Paul Verlaine, Oscar Wilde, Arthur Symons, Max Beerbohm, and Aubrey Beardsley all used a decadent style in their works. Though many critics point to the difficulty in defining decadence, they do agree that the style has distinguishing characteristics:

Industry Analysis Paper

Athletic Footwear Industry Analysis When you think of athletic footwear what are your first thoughts? Nike? Under armor? Skechers? K-Swiss? All these companies have a common type of product/category called athletic footwear that they all sell and make a huge profit from. Throughout our analysis we will focus primarily on the United States Market industry compared to the International industry in athletic footwear/ running shoes. Within the United States there is a wide variety of different types of shoes but one of the most trend setting shoes that provide the most income are athletic footwear/ running shoes.The United States has over 10 billion dollars of revenue of profit that the athletic footwear industry provides and is one of the largest markets for athletic apparel and footwear in the world, which will provide a sufficient analysis for us to determine (Athletic Shoe Stores in the US: Market Research Report, IBISWorld 1999). This will allow us to focus on a market that we are f amiliar with and will penetrate the industry down to make a more accurate analysis on the industry athletic footwear/ running shoes. We will be analyzing women and men’s retail running shoes through their industry activities.This will declare an accurate competition level between different competitors throughout the industry’s products. Athletic running footwear has had an extreme demand of athletic apparel due to increasing number of athletes and the growing health awareness among the people of the US (Ken Research in Footwear, Market Research 2013). There is more of a demand for women’s running shoes compared to men with the increase of interest to jogging/running for the women population (Ken Research in Footwear, Market Research 2013). We will be analyzing all aspects of the United States industry within the men and women’s attire of running footwear.Some of the trends in the general environment of the athletic footwear industry are the economic clima te, healthy and active lifestyle, and fashion trends. In every retail industry the current state of the economy can greatly affect the environment. If the economy is in a depression that effects the shopping patterns of their consumers and as a result becomes a threat to the industry. The athletic footwear industry took a hit when the recession decelerated the US economy in 2008 (Smith). Many American’s were struggling financial which led to the athletic footwear industry to take a hit in their profit margins as well.Companies had to discount their products to keep a high volume of sales (Smith). The economic climate also plays a role in the rising population and disposable income levels of consumers. In 2010, consumers felt more confident financially by having more disposable income and began purchasing items like athletic footwear more frequently (Smith). The industry was able to gain leverage to increase prices and focus the consumer on quality and not price (Smith). The i ncreased level of income allows consumers to afford a premium-priced shoe which is driving the industry’s profit margins today (Smith).Both income levels and general population are continuously growing which becomes an opportunity for the industry to capture as much of the market as possible. Another trend that is affecting the industry is the healthy and active lifestyle. Obesity is at an all-time high and the lifestyle of healthy living is becoming a major part of our culture (Smith). This trend has encouraged consumers to exercise more and therefore need athletic shoes (Smith). This is a major opportunity for the industry because their product is directly related to the culture change we are headed in.Finally fashion trends have become a big role in the footwear industry. The market is in demand for innovative designs, styles, and celebrity endorsements. Some consumers in the industry are looking for footwear that is specifically made to help them perform better while othe rs look for shoes as a fashion trend. The current trend of light weight footwear is attractive to runners because it helps them perform better. The industry is currently thriving on profit from running shoes (Townsend). And in 2010 sales surged when the trend of light weight shoes with styles of neon hues hit the market (Townsend).Consumers are now wearing those bright colored shoes as a fashion trend whether it be on the track or on the city sidewalks (Adams). They are not afraid to pay up for shoes that are comfortable and trendy (Townsend). The industry also uses celebrities in marketing their products to reach consumers. Athletes like Michael Jordan and Lace Armstrong contributed to the success of athletic shoe companies. Many consumers look up to these athletes for motivation and in return will buy shoes because they are wearing the same style or brand of shoe.These trends are an opportunity for the industry because it allows companies to fill the need of consumers and in retur n they become profitable. The first threat identified by the five forces framework is the threat of new entrants. New entrants are firms that have either recently started operating in an industry or that threaten to begin operations in an industry soon. The athletic footwear industry is a very difficult industry to come into. This is because of the market in which the footwear industry operates, is highly saturated.This saturated market combined with the economies of scale in production, research and development, and marketing make a company have to operate in large scale to be cost effective in the industry (Athletic Footwear: Industry Analysis). Also, the main companies in this industry have major cost advantages independent of scale. Their management know-how that they have developed over the years united with their learning curve allows them to dominate this industry (Athletic Footwear: Industry Analysis). The second threat is the threat of rivalry, which is the intensity of com petition among a firm’s direct competitors, is high for this industry.The main factor of the competitiveness of the industry is due to the fact that industry rivals compete aggressively against one another for vital market share. The athletic shoe industry is very old and companies must focus on market share rather than concentrating on market growth. The athletic footwear market is expected to grow at a continual annual growth rate of 1. 8% from 2011 to 2018 to reach 84. 4 billion by 2018 (PRWeb). Non-athletic footwear is the largest market segment and is expected to grow faster than the athletic footwear sector.Various fashion trends in the market, such as demand for innovative designs and styles and celebrity endorsement, is driving the non-athletic footwear market (PRWeb). This new trend in the footwear industry makes the way companies compete vary vastly from company to company. Innovative companies such as Nike strive for product differentiation as well as massive marke ting strategies, but other brands such as Sketchers attempt to capture the low budget appeal. 70% of the market share is made up of the top five players which include Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Puma and New Balance (PRWeb).Other key companies are Asics, Converse, Sketchers and K-Swiss. The popularity of local manufacturers and growing piracy in developing countries remains the major challenge for global footwear manufacturers (PRWeb). With the new trend of switching from athletic footwear to non-athletic footwear, it makes the threat of substitution very high. The consumers’ ability to buy a non-athletic shoe is effortless, especially due to the increased focus on value for money and looking for simple, hard-wearing shoes that last (Report Linker). When it comes to the suppliers in the athletic shoe industry it has a low threat to the companies.There are a large number of firms that are able to supply the materials and basic needs of the companies. To add onto the limited threat c aused by the suppliers, their industry is not dominated by a small number of firms. The athletic footwear companies are able to exert their extensive power over their suppliers on the three homogeneous raw materials of cotton, rubber, and foam needed to make a shoe (Athletic Footwear: Industry Analysis). Even though the threat of suppliers is not an issue for this industry, the buyers can play a key factor when it comes to the decision making process.Buyers have a low threat risk because of the vast number of individual buyers, but there are few switching costs for them to switch to a new shoe brand. This causes companies in this industry to focus on the buyer’s needs and wants when it comes to designing a shoe. The five forces model shows that overall profitability can be high for this industry. The cost it takes to produce the actual shoe itself is very low, but the limited amount of major companies that are continually rivaling one another allow them to dominate this indus try and make it extremely difficult for new comers to last.The knowledge and skills that companies such as Nike have acquired over the years allow them to stay on top as well. The companies low production costs and high markup costs allow those firms in this industry to thrive to the point of their limits. But because these companies have grown so large, they must compete viciously against one another for the same customers. The main competitors of Nike in the shoe industry are K-Swiss, Skechers, and Under Armour. These are the publicly traded companies and are in direct competition in shoes. Nike dominates the market and has 42% of domestic market share in the United States (Articlebase).Recent net sales reports Nike at $24. 12 billion (Market Watch), K-Swiss at $268. 36 million, Skechers at $1. 56 billion, and Under Armour at $1. 83 billion. Nike has been the leader the shoe industry since 1980 when it gained 50% of United States market share (MyBizIQ. com). They have maintained t he position as leaders in the shoe industry. Nike has become experts in segmentation and targeting their market (NikeRepository. com). Works Cited â€Å"A Marketing Case Study on Nike. † Articlebase. (2012): n. page. Web. 24 Feb. 2013. . Adams, Brittany. â€Å"Running Shoes Get The High Fashion Treatment. †Ã‚  Style File RSS. Style. com, 19 July 2012. Web. 24 Feb. 2013. < http://www. style. com/stylefile/2012/07/running-shoes-get-the-high-fashion-treatment/>. â€Å"Annual Financials for Nike Inc. Cl B. † Market Watch (2011): n. pag. Web. 13 Feb 2013. . â€Å"Athletic Shoe Stores in the US: Market Research Report. †Ã‚  Athletic Shoe Stores in theUS Market Research. N. p. , n. d.Web. 21 Feb. 2013. Athletic Footwear: Industry Analysis. 1 May 2006. 16 February 2013 . â€Å"Nike, Inc. History and Information. † NikeRepository. com. N. p. , 2010. Web. Web. 13 Feb. 2013. . PRWeb. Global Athletic Footwear Industry Analyzed by Transparency Market Research. 26 October 2012. 13 February 2013 .Report Linker. Footwear Industry: Market Research Reports, Statistics and Analysis. 12 February 2013 . Smith, Gavin. â€Å"Athletic Shoe Stores in the US Industry Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld. † Athletic Shoe Stores in the US Industry Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld. PRWeb, 30 Nov. 2012. Web. 24 Feb. 2013. . â€Å"Swooshing to Success. † MyBizIQ. com. (2013): n. page. Print. . The US Athletic Apparel and Footwear Industry Outlook to 2015 – Evolving Niche Segments in Sportswear. †Ã‚  By Ken Research in Footwear, Sports Apparel, Apparel. N. p. , n. d. Web. 12 Feb. Townsend, Matt. â€Å"Fashion Spurs Sales of Athletic Shoes. †Ã‚  Bangor Daily News RSS. Bloomberg News, 26 May 2012. Web. 24 Feb. 2013. .

Heritage assessment Essay

Kizlik [2014] argues that the purpose of a learning objective is to communicate, and that a well-constructed behavioral learning objective should have little room for doubt about what is intended. Health professionals in designing educational programs to engage both patients as well as families, should be able to taper the task or objective to the specific patient and their family; for them to be able to explain what you taught them and for them to be able to demonstrate it. On the Euromed Info website, on Developing Learning Objectives. Retrieved from http://www.euromedinfo.eu/developing-learning-objectives.html/ [n.d.] state that â€Å"a simple and practical way of developing learning objectives is to start with the words, WHO, DOES WHAT, HOW and WHEN.† For the purpose of this exercise the learning objective will be for the patient and the family to be able to change an ostomy bag in a patient with a newly formed colostomy. It is important to find out from the patient and th e family which learning styles work for them, example whether reading of pamphlets, one on one teaching or visual aids. Also the condition or ability of the patient to perform the task, e.g. is the patient strong and well enough to perform the task or are they too weak from being ill. In using the learning objectives cited above, WHO- will be the patient and family DOES- list the components needed WHAT-changing a stoma bag HOW – by performing task or stating how to WHEN- by discharge The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations [JCAHO] as cited on the Euromed Info website on Family Structure and Style, retrieved from [http://www.euromedinfo.eu/family-structure-and-style.html/] defines the family as â€Å"the person or persons who play a significant role in the individual’s life including persons not legally related to the individual. â€Å"How a family functions influences the health of its members as well as how the individual reacts to illness† retrieved from http://www.euromedinfo.eu/family-structure-and-style.html . In the light of this , having the family understand the rationale behind the treatment and steps on how to help the patient change this stoma bag will assist the  patient to be more confident in changing their stoma bag and also in dealing and coping with this new health change. REFERENCES http://www.adprima.com/objectives.htm http://www.euromedinfo.eu/developing-learning-objectives.html/ http://www.euromedinfo.eu/family-structure-and-style.htm

Constantine essays

Constantine essays Constantine was not a religious man. In fact, most of his cares rest upon his power over the Roman Empire and the Roman Empires power over the rest of the world. He stood by any god or force that would gain him victory in the battlefield or prosperity at home. (Sayers 280) He did not look at anything religious with an inner reflection to his own feelings or ideas but with a goal or a need with which the religious scheme could provide him. He would back any person of any religion for loyalty and cooperation. Reasons such as these lead to the belief that Constantine converted and encouraged Christianity in the Roman Empire as a means of propagating power, rather than because of strong religious belief on his part. (Sayers 281) According to Eusebius, Constantines personal biographer and close friend, Constantine was born between AD 273 and 275 in the city of Naissus (a city in the Balkan Islands). (Varner 1) He was enrolled in the military at an early age and thus lacked a formal education. As a teenager he was enrolled in a military group known as the Protectors. (Varner 21) Protectors were used to guard high-ranking officials and including the emperor himself. He was not religious as a young man, concerned only with politics and military strategies. His father was Flavius Valerius Constantius, an army officer, and his mother, who he loved dearly throughout his life, was Helena. His father was promoted to the rank of Caesar, or deputy emperor, in AD 293, thus Constantine was destined to be emperor. (Varner 2) After his fathers promotion Constantine served in Augustus Maximians court in the west. He became Emperor of this western area in AD 306. (Varner 20-24) Constantine knew that Christian people were numerous in places all over the empire and that the persecutions of these people only made the empire weaker. He disliked their persecution as they were good people, smart and very down to earth but most importantly...

The Realistic Views of Miss Jane Pittman Essays

The Realistic Views of Miss Jane Pittman Essays The Realistic Views of Miss Jane Pittman Paper The Realistic Views of Miss Jane Pittman Paper Gaines tells his story of struggle and triumph through his character, Jane Pitman. Although this Is a fictional novel, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman portrays many realistic views and events that occurred In the late 19th century, during and after slavery. Throughout the novel, many slaves experience a realistic loss of a close friend or relative (Carmen 72-73). When the slaves attempt to run away in small groups, they get separated. The white plantation owners chase after them with guns and dogs. While Jane, only 12, and Ned, her recently met friend, are hiding, Needs mother is shot and killed by a Confederate soldier. Later in the novel, Jane meets two young brothers, Timmy and Tee-Bob. Timmy is black and Tee-Bob is white. Because it is so hard for them to live with a white father and black mother, Tee-Bob commits seclude. Although there are only few scenes In which slaves are trying to escape, they are so dramatic and well-characterized, the reader can understand what the slaves were going Karachi 2 through. One of the very first scenes In the novel describes Jane and a few other slaves running away to Ohio. They are later chased by their owners and Jane, along with her small group, are shot at. While traveling to Ohio, Jane gets lost several times and struggles in search of food, but overall she never gives up. Gaines gives lane the characteristics of determination, physical endurance, and a lack of self-pity Sometimes the African-Americans lose each other for a more (Carmen 65). Positive reason. Many of them leave their homes in search of a better life. For example, when Ned grows up, he decides to leave and Join the Union army. Most of the African-Americans are determined to head North to escape from the struggles of racism (62). The scenes Gaines Illustrates with death and separation are described so well, its as if the reader is actually there. Ernest Gaines shows us how often death ND separation from slave families occurred in the 19th century and how tragic and realistic it actually was. Living with racism is the toughest struggle the African- Americans had to overcome. Carmen says of Gaines readers: .. Hey receive a vivid Impression of the kinds of guerilla tactics that terrorized people of color and forced them to submit to the De facto slavery system that persisted well into the 20th 1 OFF cent I nurturing ten wangle story, even Walt ten war Dealing over, most Attract Americans were treated with no respect. While the war was still in effect, most slaves were forced to live in inhumane conditions. Most slaves live in small qu arters, ancient structures (Bloom 34), serving as homes. Readers see how horrible the conditions of the houses really were. They were so badly kept that many slaves developed sickness causing death. Even with this cruel Karachi 3 treatment, Gaines shows them willing to fight for small human pleasures, such as food or friendship (Bloom 32). For example, with the war over, the free African Americans are still willing to work with their plantation owners Just for food and shelter. Not all white people in the novel are racist; Gaines also illustrates white people who do not believe in slavery. He lets the readers know that whites are not all selfish and inconsiderate. For example, he mentions a respectable Union soldier. The soldier gives Jane her name. Before then, she was known as Dicey. The soldier changes it because he says Dicey is a black name. He does not want her to be treated like a slave or working, since she is only a child. He demands that Jane get break from working and begins a conversation with the girl. The Union soldier explains to Jane that he lives in Ohio and slavery is not tolerated there. After meeting this soldier, Jane is determined to travel to Ohio (Stanley, deed. 83). The Union soldiers n the book, along with real life, both disagreed with slavery. The soldiers hated seeing the African Americans treated as slaves. In the book there are many new beginnings for the slaves. In reality with all the African-American slaves, many had trouble finding new homes and Jobs. Although today along with the novel, the war ended and slavery is now over, African-Americans still find struggles in racism. The book shows how many former slaves stay and live with their old plantation owners so that they have food and a place to live. At one point, Jane agrees to live and work for a plantation in return for a home. Other former slaves were determined to go out on their own and be free such as Ned when he leaves for the North. Karachi 4 Ernest Gaines main purpose of the novel was to depict the clash between youth and age. Bloom says, His concern is for the ways in which people attempt to hold on to or break from the past, and adjust to the present or influence the future (Bloom 33). Canes point of view changes along with her age. As she grows older she becomes more of an observer rather than a fighter. Her struggles throughout her past continue to stay with her and make her stronger all the way till her death (Harpoon 103). In real life people will recover from rigorous situations or learn from their mistakes, and this makes them stronger. After reading The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman, readers will see how factual and truthful the story really is. Gauged once stated, Gaines creation is so successful, his rendering of Canes voice is so convincing, that many readers will come to believe Jane was a living person, not a fictional character (Carmen 62). Gaines takes facts from the past and turns them into a fictional story. The reader will find that every single event that occurs in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman could nave napped EAI In real Tie

Losing the Dark

Losing the Dark Have you ever heard of light pollution? Its the overuse of light at night. Nearly everyone on Earth has experienced it. Cities are bathed in light, but lights also encroach on the wilderness and rural landscapes as well. A study of light pollution around the world made in 2016 showed that at least a third of people on Earth have skies that are so light-polluted they cant see the Milky Way from their locations.   One of the most astonishing discoveries the astronauts on the International Space Station share with us is the widespread light pollution that covers our landscapes with the yellowish-white glow of lights. Even at sea, fishing boats, tankers, and other ships light up the darkness.   The Effects of Light Pollution Because of light pollution, our dark skies are disappearing. This is because lights on homes and  businesses are sending light up to the sky. In many places, all but the brightest stars are washed out by the glare of lights. Not only is this simply wrong, but it also costs money. Shining them UP to the sky to light the stars wastes electricity and the energy sources (mainly fossil fuels) we need to create electrical power.   In recent years, medical science has also looked into the link between light pollution and too much light at night. The results show that human health and wildlife are being harmed by the glare of lights during the night time hours. Recent studies have linked exposure to too much light at night to several serious diseases, including breast cancer and prostate cancer. In addition, the glare of light pollution interferes with a persons ability to sleep, which has other health consequences. Other studies show that the glare of lights at night, particularly on city streets, can result in accidents for both drivers and pedestrians blinded by the light of electronic billboards and superbright headlights on other cars. In many areas, light pollution is contributing to tragic loss of wildlife habitat, interfering with bird migrations and affecting reproduction of many species. This has reduced some populations of wildlife and threatens others.   For astronomers, light pollution is a tragedy. No matter whether you are a beginning observer or an experienced professional, too much light at night washes out the view of stars and galaxies. In many places on our planet, people have rarely seen the Milky Way  in their night skies. What Can All of us Do to Prevent Light Pollution? Of course, we all know that lighting is needed in some places at night for safety and security. No one is saying to turn off ALL the lights. To solve the problems caused by light pollution, smart  people in industry and science research have been contemplating ways to have our safety but also eliminate the waste of light and power.   The solution theyve come up with sounds simple: to learn proper ways to use lighting. These include lighting places that only need illumination at night. People can reduce a LOT of light pollution by shining lights DOWN to the places where they are needed. And, in some places, if light isnt needed, we CAN just simply switch them off. In most cases, proper lighting not only preserves safety and reduces the harm to our health and to wildlife, but it also saves money in lower electrical bills and lowers the use of fossil fuels for power.   We CAN have dark skies and safe lighting. Learn more about what YOU can do to light safely and reduce light pollution from the International Dark Sky Association, one of the worlds foremost groups seeking to solve light pollution issues and preserve safety and quality of life. The group has many useful resources for city planners, and both urban and country dwellers interested in reducing the glare of lights at night. They also sponsored the creation of a video called Losing the Dark, which illustrates many of the concepts discussed here. Its available free for download by anyone wishing to use it in their planetarium, classroom, or lecture hall.

Sainsbury Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Sainsbury - Assignment Example J Sainsbury is not expected to distribute cash, pay dividend to shareholders or share repurchases over the next five years as it expects to expand its activities and invest in all positive net present value (NPV) projects by opening more shops in Moscow and its environs. One of the priorities will be, creating an online database for customer's interaction, queries, purchases and free-draw. Consequently, all profits will be re-invested into its expansion program (Opening of new stores, extending its product line) as well as any profitable venture that the company may come across supported by the shareholders. Based on feasibility studies, the partners, I have targeted the heart of Moscow, to be used as the country head office; hosting the first shop and serving as a warehousing, and dispatch unit for online purchases. This area is unique because of its accessibility to other cities, and European countries. The partners intend to use the London Olympic to promote some of their brand such as insurance and banking options, and to benefit from ancillary auxiliary activities and industry. Rent for the building stands at $100000 per annum for the first two years. Initial funding for the project is expected to be $1000,000. ... Initial funding for the project is expected to be $1000,000. Of this amount, the parent company will contribute40%, that is, $400,000 while local shareholding will contribute 30percent; a bank loan of $300,000 has been secured to cover the remaining 30% of the funding requirements. Sales for the first year are expected to amount to about $2000,000 and are expected to grow at an annual rate of 30%. Gross profit is expected to be $475,102 against which expenses for rents, depreciation of factory equipment, wages and salaries, overhead expenses and miscellaneous expenses will be charged. Expenses during the second, third, fourth and fifth year are expected to witness increases as the company plans to increase expenditure on advertising, research and development, staff, and office and factory equipment. More stores will be created within this period, to facilitate dispatch of goods and services. About 80% of sales will be generated online. To minimize theft, customer loyalty card will be provided, to facilitate online purchases. 1.0 Introduction Globalisation, the new information technology, and deregulation of financial markets has eased the provision and search of finance. Millions of shares are traded every day on the world's stock markets. (Penman, 2003). Investors who trade on these stocks are often forced to ask themselves whether they are buying or selling at the right price. (Penman, 2003). They often attempt to provide answers to these questions by turning to various media including internet chat rooms, printed press, "talking heads" on television and financial networks, who often voice opinions on what they feel the stock prices should be. (Penman, 2003). In addition, investors consult investment

Market Research on Radiation Therapy system Paper

Market on Radiation Therapy system - Research Paper Example Accuray’s commercial release of installed base systems has increased from zero to approximately 600 systems in a decade. These sales have been recorded mainly in the United States and internationally. The high release is as a result of the growing demand for efficient and effective radiation therapy in the market. The development of clinical evidence that support the merits of IMRT and image-guided radiotherapy is also a boost to this technology (Faiz 140). Manufacturers of Radiation Therapy systems Accuray in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 recorded an increase in new orders. The corporation has also installed TomoTherapy H series and the new Cyber-knife M6 series systems. These installations have led to an increase in the gross profit and an improvement in service revenue. A gross total of $53.8 million of new product orders have been recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. The second quarter of fiscal 2013 had a gross product orders totaling to $39.8 million. The net product orders in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 amounted to $44.1 million as compared to the previous quarter with $17.9 million. The company has also recorded ending product backlog of $279.9 million marking a 7% increase from the previous quarter. ... Varian company attained net orders worth $3,122 million and recorded a total of $2,807 million revenue last year. These records show an increase in net orders from $2,933 and an increase in revenue from $2,597 in the previous year. The operating earnings of the company in the fiscal 2011 totaled $588 million which increased to $594 million in fiscal 2012. Net earnings in fiscal 2012 were $427 million from $409 million in the previous year. Elekta Oncology Systems Inc. manufactures integrated x-ray systems, linear accelerators with multileaf collimators and offers clinical solutions for patient fixation and positioning (Arno and Roeske 100). It supplies its products to cancer centers, universities and hospitals. The corporation is famous for introducing critical technological advances in the radiotherapy field. The company focuses on evidence-based medicine with the aim of saving and prolonging life. Some of the techniques used by Elekta are Stereotactic radiation therapy, Image Guide d Radiotherapy, beam shaping and motion management (David et al 730). The company expects the net sales of the fiscal year 2012/1013 to increase by 15% in local currency. It expects an increase of operating profit by over 15% despite effects of exchange rates volatility. The company recorded a total of$1.46 billion and a net income of $0.16 billion. Costs Radiation Therapy systems X-ray radiation therapy system costs about $10 million and requires less space as compared to particle beam therapies whose facility cost up to $100 million. Varian Inc. holds approximately 60% of the international market share of radiation oncology equipment. A brand new system costs $2-3

Artifacts of our own cultures surround us. From art and music to Essay

Artifacts of our own cultures surround us. From art and music to architecture and literature, from philosophy and religion to laws and economics, we live among cultural artifacts that have deep roots - Essay Example The United States of America has its rich history that is being evidenced by the various artifacts that are seen in museums, which are preserved to serve as a symbol of the changes the nation has gone through the years. One of these significant artifacts is the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that became the inspiration of Francis Scott Key in creating a poem, which is now America’s national anthem. The stars in the banner are about two feet across in size. The method used to create the cotton stars was the reverse applique’ method. The blue portion of the banner is canton or wool pigmented with indigo. There was a stain on one star that may have come from a metal buckle. Georgina Armistead Appleton sewed an inscription into the flag. Only fifteen stars were left since one star was cut out during the 1800s (Smithsonian National Museum of American History, n.d.). Wool pigmented with roots of madder plant make up its red stripes. One stripe and one star represented the fifteen states of the U.S during that period (â€Å"The Star-Spangled,† n.d.). The flag has deteriorated with its edges damaged, and it has undergone several repairs prior to reaching the Smithsonian museum, where it is now being preserved (Smithsonian National Museum of American History, n.d.). The Star-Spangled Banner is a legacy, a symbol of freedom and victory for the American people. If not because of this flag, the national anthem that America has in this day age will not be made. Americans live in a country, where there is liberty and diversity, and this is well embodied by this artifact. The banner has been made at that point in history, where the American soldiers were fighting for the country. Thus, it became a witness to some of the crucial points in American history. Americans are warriors, who value peace and benevolence. This is evidenced by the nation’s participation to worldwide

The Case of the West Memphis 3 Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The of the West Memphis 3 - Case Study Example Such questions as to how they were able to feel confident in theory that they would have put together from those assumptions and have that become the case they would ultimately be able to form. For criminal prosecution, evidence based on factual findings is fear greater than that which would have been obtained through assuming something to be true or incorrect. In that not only were there assumptions made very soon after the crime was discovered to have been committed, but the police would have been approaching potential suspects based on such information with questionable validity and relevance. In the offset, the case against the resulting suspects would appear to be tenuous at best. As it stands, the events leading up to the arrest and prosecution of the three men in question for the heinous crimes committed against the three young boys, would lack the necessary means of just and righteous prosecution. To the citizens of West Memphis, it would have been a great relief to see the apprehension and subsequent prosecution occur. Based on the question of assumptions being made, the linkage of the three accused to the murders, in part by their alleged connection to a Satanica l group and also the behaviors of the groups themselves, would lead to further questions involving whether or not the young men did in fact belong to such a group and if those groups partook and sought to encourage such behavior on the part of its membership. The citizens of West Memphis were relieved that the monsters that had committed these heinous crimes had been apprehended and justice would be served. There was a great deal of anger in the community directed towards these three adolescents, supposedly involved in Satanic cults, who were accused of killing three innocent boys as part of a Satanic ritual. Rumors of Satanic groups had abounded in this dominantly Baptist community for decades. Details of their exploits were well known although there was never any proof of any murders actually having been performed in the past. (Steel, Ch. 1). With everything thus far, the case against the three youths appeared to lack strength. While the details were to have been known throughout the community at large, there would have been no proof whatsoever as to whether or not these groups would have taken part in ritualistic murders as part

Analysis and evaluation of strategic choices in the airline industry Essay

Analysis and evaluation of strategic choices in the airline industry - Essay Example According to Barrett (2010), the airline industry has embraced mergers and acquisitions that have seen leading airline companies combine, or even own other companies in the quest to expand their investment, as well as, counter the ever changing environment; of this type of business venture. In the period of 2004-2011, a number of Mergers and acquisitions were encountered in this industry. For purposes of proper and effective analysis, few cases have been chosen in this study and will be looked at in the following section. According to Transatlantic airline alliances (2010), the airline industry can be described as complex and volatile; major crises face this industry like, fuel prices, world and regional economies. MERGERS AND ACQUISATIONS Mergers in the airline industry are a reality in the business world. A number of mergers have been experienced in this industry notably with the popular airlines as well as the smaller airlines. According to Barrett (2010), history has shown that s ubstantial airline mergers yield inconsiderable results at their best. This paper looks at two mergers that occurred in this industry between the years 2004 and 2011- merger of British Airways-Iberia and the Continental-United merger. This paper aims at evaluating the strategies behind these decisions, projected achievements and what prompted the companies in this industry to come up with the ideas of mergers and acquisitions. On critical analysis of the above mergers, various reasons can be deduced for coming up with the merger strategy. British Airways mergers and acquisitions The tough global economic situations being experienced has seen British Airways get into mergers and acquisitions as a way of trying to remain on board. British Airways has made four acquisitions, has taken no... The intention of this study is merger in the airline industry. A number of mergers have been experienced in this industry notably with the popular airlines as well as the smaller airlines. History has shown that substantial airline mergers yield inconsiderable results at their best. This paper looks at two mergers that occurred in this industry between the years 2004 and 2011- merger of British Airways-Iberia and the Continental-United merger. With a rise in joint ventures and strategic alliances popularity, their complexity and range of alternatives also increases. Thus, there is profound necessity for advisers to alert the parties in the airline industry the probable occurrences in the future. There is also need to understand the various circumstances and structures associated with these ventures and alliances. Structures of ventures include; an incorporated company, partnership and trading trust. Strategic alliances are less formal; also they might involve collaboration agreement. All ventures in general have one thing in common which, involve the fundamental aspect of a relationship working. Joint ventures and strategic alliances have continued to be in style world wide across all industry and specific to the airline industry. Notable points in the realization of effective and strategic achievements in this area are; legal advisors of mergers and acquisitions have the obligation of keeping up date with the ways and changes of the idea at hand. This will ensure that companies get to know both the profit and the risks behind getting into mergers and acquisitions, as well as, combined ventures and strategic alliances.

The Case of the West Memphis 3 Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The of the West Memphis 3 - Case Study Example Such questions as to how they were able to feel confident in theory that they would have put together from those assumptions and have that become the case they would ultimately be able to form. For criminal prosecution, evidence based on factual findings is fear greater than that which would have been obtained through assuming something to be true or incorrect. In that not only were there assumptions made very soon after the crime was discovered to have been committed, but the police would have been approaching potential suspects based on such information with questionable validity and relevance. In the offset, the case against the resulting suspects would appear to be tenuous at best. As it stands, the events leading up to the arrest and prosecution of the three men in question for the heinous crimes committed against the three young boys, would lack the necessary means of just and righteous prosecution. To the citizens of West Memphis, it would have been a great relief to see the apprehension and subsequent prosecution occur. Based on the question of assumptions being made, the linkage of the three accused to the murders, in part by their alleged connection to a Satanica l group and also the behaviors of the groups themselves, would lead to further questions involving whether or not the young men did in fact belong to such a group and if those groups partook and sought to encourage such behavior on the part of its membership. The citizens of West Memphis were relieved that the monsters that had committed these heinous crimes had been apprehended and justice would be served. There was a great deal of anger in the community directed towards these three adolescents, supposedly involved in Satanic cults, who were accused of killing three innocent boys as part of a Satanic ritual. Rumors of Satanic groups had abounded in this dominantly Baptist community for decades. Details of their exploits were well known although there was never any proof of any murders actually having been performed in the past. (Steel, Ch. 1). With everything thus far, the case against the three youths appeared to lack strength. While the details were to have been known throughout the community at large, there would have been no proof whatsoever as to whether or not these groups would have taken part in ritualistic murders as part

7 questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

7 questions - Essay Example In question 2, Jasmine can disaffirm the earrings, tickets to a concert and down payment for the used car due to her age. The case would not be any different if the items were used or she waited for a period of one month before returning them as long as the time agreed on the contract did not elapse. For instance, she could return the tickets to the concert after the one month provided that they had not expired. In question 3, the contract can be ratified through Jasmine writing or starting to confirm that she intends to be bound by the terms of the contract. Moreover, the action of her continuing to make the monthly payments can be termed as ratification of the contract. Her mother would be liable for the contract if Jasmine fails to adhere to its terms and the court proves that she failed to supervise her daughter properly; a factor that caused her to expose others to unreasonable risk of harm. In 4 (a), the contract is not enforceable because it exceeds the legal maximum interest rates which are set to facilitate business transactions while keeping the economy healthy. In 4 (b), in most States gambling is illegal because it might run afoul some applicable criminal laws hence any contract involving it is unenforceable. This factor renders the purchase of the slot machine to be used for gambling unenforceable. In 4 (c), the contract is enforceable because it involves revenue generation but the contractor would be expected to pay fine for working without a license. In 4 (d), the contract is unenforceable because it compromises the safety standards that are set to protect the health of the users. In question 5, Alex can make use of the substantive unconscionability as a legal defense in arguing that the contract with his former employer provided unfair benefits. He would term the contract to have had prevented achievement of equal benefits for both him and his former employer. In question 6, exculpatory clause is a legal provision that releases

Social dance Essay Example for Free

Social dance Essay Dance does not leave behind clearly identifiable physical artifacts such as stone tools, hunting implements or cave paintings. It is not possible to say when dance became part of human culture. Dance has certainly been an important part of ceremony, rituals, celebrations and entertainment since before the birth of the earliest human civilizations. Archeology delivers traces of dance from prehistoric times such as the 9,000 year old Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka paintings in India and Egyptian tomb paintings depicting dancing figures from circa 3300 BC. One of the earliest structured uses of dances may have been in the performance and in the telling of myths. It was also sometimes used to show feelings for one of the opposite gender. It is also linked to the origin of love making. Before the production of written languages, dance was one of the methods of passing these stories down from generation to generation. [2] Another early use of dance may have been as a precursor to ecstatic trance states in healing rituals. Dance is still used for this purpose by many cultures from the Brazilian rainforest to the Kalahari Desert. [3] Sri Lankan dances goes back to the mythological times of aboriginal yingyang twins and yakkas (devils). According to a Sinhalese legend, Kandyan dances originate, 250 years ago, from a magic ritual that broke the spell on a bewitched king. Many contemporary dance forms can be traced back to historical, traditional, ceremonial, and ethnic dance. Partner Dancing in Art Dance at Bougival by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1882–83) Eadweard Muybridges phenakistoscope A Couple Waltzing (c. 1893) Dance classification and genres. Main articles: List of basic dance topics and List of dances Dance categories by number of interacting dancers are mainly solo dance, partner dance and group dance. Dance is performed for various purposes like ceremonial dance, erotic dance, performance dance, social dance etc. Dancing and music See also: Category:Music genres Many early forms of music and dance were created and performed together. This paired development has continued through the ages with dance/music forms such as: jig, waltz, tango, disco, salsa, electronica and hip-hop. Some musical genres also have a parallel dance form such as baroque music and baroque dance whereas others developed separately: classical music and classical ballet. Although dance is often accompanied by music, it can also be presented independently or provide its own accompaniment (tap dance). Dance presented with music may or may not be performed in time to the music depending on the style of dance. Dance performed without music is said to be danced to its own rhythm. Ballroom dancing is an art although it may incorporates many fitness components using an artistic state of mind. Saman Dance from Gayo people of Sumatra, Indonesia Morris dancing in the grounds of Wells Cathedral, Wells, England An amateur dancesport competition at MIT Professional dancers at the Tropicana Club, Havana, Cuba, in 2008 Dance studies and techniques See also: Dance theory, Choreography, and Dance moves In the early 1920s, dance studies (dance practice, critical theory, Musical analysis and history) began to be considered an academic discipline. Today these studies are an integral part of many universities arts and humanities programs. By the late 20th century the recognition of practical knowledge as equal to academic knowledge lead to the emergence of practice research and practice as research. A large range of dance courses are available including: Professional practice: performance and technical skills Practice research: choreography and performance Ethnochoreology, encompassing the dance-related aspects of anthropology, cultural studies, gender studies, area studies, postcolonial theory, ethnography, etc. Dance therapy or dance-movement therapy. Dance and technology: new media and performance technologies. Laban Movement Analysis and somatic studies Academic degrees are available from BA (Hons) to PhD and other postdoctoral fellowships, with some dance scholars taking up their studies as mature students after a professional dance career. Dance competitions A dance competition is an organized event in which contestants perform dances before a judge or judges for awards and, in some cases, monetary prizes. There are several major types of dance competitions, distinguished primarily by the style or styles of dances performed. Major types of dance competitions include: Competitive dance, in which a variety of theater dance styles—such as acro, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and tap—are permitted. Open competitions, which permit a wide variety of dance styles. A popular example of this is the TV program So You Think You Can Dance. Dancesport, which is focused exclusively on ballroom and latin dance. Popular examples of this are TV programs Dancing with the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing. Single-style competitions, such as highland dance, dance team, and Irish dance, which only permit a single dance style. Today, there are various dances and dance show competitions on Television and the Internet. Dance occupations There are different careers connected with dancing: Dancer, dance teacher, dance sport coach, dance therapist and choreographer. Dancer Dance training differs depending on the dance form. There are university programs and schools associated with professional dance companies for specialised training in classical dance (e. g.Ballet) and modern dance. There are also smaller, privately owned dance studios where students may train in a variety of dance forms including competitive dance forms (e. g. Latin dance, ballroom dance, etc. ) as well as ethnic/traditional dance forms. Professional dancers are usually employed on contract or for particular performances/productions. The professional life of a dancer is generally one of constantly changing work situations, strong competition pressure and low pay. Professional dancers often need to supplement their income, either in dance related roles (e.g. , dance teaching, dance sport coaches, yoga) or Pilates instruction to achieve financial stability. In the U. S. many professional dancers are members of unions such as the American Guild of Musical Artists, the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association. The unions help determine working conditions and minimum salaries for their members. Dance teachers Dance teacher and operators of dance schools rely on reputation and marketing. For dance forms without an association structure such as Salsa or Tango Argentino they may not have formal training. Most dance teachers are self employed. Dancesport coaches Dancesport coaches are tournament dancers or former dancesports people, and may be recognised by a dance sport federation. Choreographer Choreographers are generally university trained and are typically employed for particular projects or, more rarely may work on contract as the resident choreographer for a specific dance company. A choreographic work is protected intellectual property. Dancers may undertake their own choreography.

Organizational Structure The Formation Of An Organization

Organizational Structure The Formation Of An Organization Organizational structure is very much initial and essential step in the formation of an organization. When individuals are well aware about structure like departments, authorities and responsibilities division they work very efficiently and in good manner. Many schools of thought define organizational structure. The researcher found (dictionary.com 2010) unique definition of organizational structure that it is a form of an organization that is apparent in the way functions, departments, divisions and people link together and interact. Organization structure may be represented by an organization chart, it reveals vertical operational responsibilities, and horizontal linkages. Organizational structure may be much complex due to its size and its geographic dispersal The Researcher realized that organization structure consists on departments, functions and divisions which based on individuals workers at their selected positions. They are all linked together and they are all responsibility at their own working capacity and works in their span of working as a creative part of organization. And intricacy in organizational structure depends upon its capacity, its business worth, its geographical location, its choice of business and many other conditions which effect internally or externally on the organization. As the same statement (George Jones, 2005) also defines organizational structure as it is the relationship between the management team and the workforce for performing formal task and reporting. Structure of organization designed by the management team and the basic inspiration is the motivation of employees to work hard with best coordination for doing desired work George and Jones explained the organizational structure as relationship of management team and the individual work force which plays their role at their best. Management also motivates the senior and junior support staff on their efforts and the main task is coordination for best results in favor of organization. Coordination depends on best communication style exercised within the organization and (Hall 1987) also defines organizational structure as communication flows, interaction of individuals and best use of power relationship for all the activities of organization. In the light of above views the organizational structure is complex design of individuals at different positions, different departments and divisions, with appropriate coordination and communication between employees for best and working in stipulated time period in reasonable cost. At present age the need of organizational structure very much essential, but think about early ages of human life or during the evolutio n of society and economy the need of organization and organizational structure exists, and scholars of this evolutionary group initialized the idea of organizational structure in what sense. The researcher found some references about the history of organizational structure and presented here under History Organizational structure has background from ancient times. Collectors and hunters used to manage tribal organizations. At the next step of revolution of economic history it was observed that through clerical strength industrialists developed structures of organizations at that time. Organizational structures have different types as the revolution of economies and described as: Pre-Bureaucratic Structures With the development of economies the concept of entrepreneurial business raised, at this time organizational structures are called pre-bureaucratic structures. Most of the operations directed and controlled by unitary structure and the strategic leader makes all key decisions. But these structures have very low standardization of tasks. The researcher realized that most decisions taken by single person either at very minor level. This may be fits for entrepreneur or sole proprietor ship where business scale may be high but working span based on single decision maker. Supervision of Organizational structure totally summarized by Entrepreneur and all the employees followed the instructions for doing their job with neglecting the results which may be in favor or oppose of business. Due to this reason the level of standardization exists in minor sense in pre-bureaucratic structure. Set pattern, style of working enhance working efficiency and these were initial frame work of standardization. Bureaucratic Structures (Burns and Stalker 1961) indicates organization structures which have certain degree of standardization. Degree of standardization creates the sense of quality maintenance for products and services. (Chandler 1962, 1977) and williamson (1975, 1985) also comment on the shifting of organizational structure from unitary to multi-divisionary structures for market positioning and resource allocation among divisions, because many organizations enhances business at multinational basis and style of structure suite to them. The researcher further observed about standardization in organizational structure and found the term degree of standardization and its benefit also. Degree may help to improve and maintain the quality of product or service. The researcher realized that shifting to flat structure for marketing positioning already applied in organizations. The researcher tried to find the effect of shifting on multi-divisionary structures for enhancement in degree of standardization, due to reducing in implementation time or cost.. Post-Bureaucratic Structures (Donnellon, Hecscher, 1994) initiates the post bureaucratic organization theory which may include total quality management, culture management and matrix management. The ideas of post bureaucratic structures specifically contrast with the weberà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s ideal type bureaucracy. (Grey C, Garsten C) also describes the post bureaucratic organization as such type of organization where decisions are based on dialogue and consensus rather than authority and command. It is used to encourage participation and help to empower people who normally experience oppression in groups. Some researchers studied that how simple structures could be used to generate improvisational outcomes in product development (Miner et al, 2000). The researcher found the good examples of companies which shifts from unitary structures to typical bureaucracy like shell Group and when the management converted the structure to matrix the company failed in market. Starbuck empowers employees to make their own decisions and train them to develop both hard and soft skills. Some experts initiates the matrix structure as multinational design (Robbin, judge2007) which maintains coordination among products, functions and geographic, and the same design adopted by many global companies like Toyota, Procter and gamble and Uniliver. Over the last decade the competition, global trends, customer demands and many other factor set the mind of business person that many companies has become flatter in which less hierarchical divisions involved which is necessary for survival of the organization. After that another approach introduced and today organization structures designed as per business strategy and the new styles developed in the formation of organizational structures. These are functional structures, divisional structures, Team, Network and Boundary less Structures. Functional Structure (Miles, Snow 1992) describes this structure. This style of organizational structure describes the specific activity of business. The organization engaged the employee for specialized set of tasks. In some businesses, when standardized goods and services made at large volume and low cost the functional structure will best fit the operations. In functional structures coordination and specialization of task are centralized which produce a limited amount of products or services efficient and predictable. The advantage of this structure is most useful for those industries which involved in manufacturing of heavy machinery, Electrical equipment and tools which have standardized technical specs. Likewise at the other side functional structures are helpful for organizations provide specific services to their customers. Most of the service provider companies adopt the same structure for their particular scope of work, specified customers, isolated style of workings and pre-determined targets within stipulated time period. Divisional Structure (Theraja 2008) consider the style in his book. Divisional structure also known as product structure. Each organizational function is grouped into division. Like an industry makes products of same nature like textile industry which invloves spinning, dying , knittting, Weaving units they consider as individual division as per their activities for each unit. Each division within a divisional structure contains all the necessary resources and functions within it. Divisions can be categorized from different points of view. There can be made a distinction on product/service basis (different products for different customers: households or companies) or on geograpical basis (like UAE and Asian Division). Matrix Structure In matrix structure induviduals grouped by both function and product. Structure can combine the best operations of structures which followed separately at their areas. Excellent practice followed in a matrix organization, and the management frequently uses teams of employees to accomplish work, in order to take advantage of the strengths, as well as make up for the weaknesses, of functional and decentralized forms. Matrix structure is amongst the purest of organizational structures, a simple lattice emulating order and regularity demonstrated in nature. As project matrix divided into three categories stated in below: Weak / Functional Matrix: in this type of structure functional manager manage the resources and asssigned project area. Organization limitize the project manager and he is only responsible to oversee the cross- functional aspects of the porject. Balanced / Functional Matrix: Such type of structures the best aspects of functional and projectized organizations merged. It is the responsibility of project manager to oversee the project. project manager and the functional managers equally powered from the higher management. In some situations it is consider the most difficult system to maintain as the sharing power is delicate proposition. Strong/Project Matrix: Project manager is primarily responsible for the project. Functional managers provide technical expertise and assign resources as needed. Team: (Theraja 2007) Newest concept of organizational structures os team. If the organization have hierarchical or flat sturctures the management works as team. An organization gathered a set of people who synergize individual competencies to achieve unique dimensions, the quality of organizational structure revolves aropund the comptencies of teams in totality. In banking concept of floor financing emerged and management creates a team which have common interest to sell more cars through leasing. Team works for maximum car selling through leasing facility to resonsible and rapport individuals . Network: (Walker 2007) Managers in network structures spend most of their time coordinating and controlling external relations, usually by electronic means. Many businesses involves in this structures and concerned staff engaging in network to sell more strategy for a porduct and service. Boundary less Structure: (Andreson 2007) discuss this type of organizational structure that it is such type of organizational structures have no boundary of their business links. They have virtual business entity which engaged in 24 hrs business on internet. This means while the core of the organization can be small but still the company can operate globally be a market leader in its niche.Many businessman follow this type of strategy and have good range of products displays through internet and makes more profit to sell these products at different levels and different quantity but same quality and price. Magnificient companies develop, modify and change their organizational structures so that they align with their strategies. For the last decades most of the organization shifting back to flatter structures. Being at risk of losing profits or even going bankrupt due to the major financial downturn today, a lot of companies are moving to flatter structures. Losing profit at the basis of cost enhancement and other factors which caused loss in diversed shapes but as per ethics each and every organizational structure has common determinants which observed by organization in formation of organizational structure or shifting from existing structure to another one. These determinants are dicussed as below Detereminants of oganizational structure In every organization, management care about all the determinants when creates organizational structure. Main determinants of organizational structure are 1. The Environment Reseracher found many school of thoughts about determinants of organizational structure like (Burns and Stalker 1961) says that environmental conditions plays prominent role for appropriateness of organizational structure. Further stated by (Lawrence and Lorsh 1967) that performance of such companies much better if their internal capabilities and characteristics matches with environmental requirements. Reseracher realized environment arround the organization or business affected in both sense negative or positive. Some internal environments also conserve the resources and help to use in right manner or some time caused deffciency or decline. 2. The Size of the organization (Stephen P. Borgatti, 1996) stated that organization size consists on number of personnel., output, capcacity and resources. Also explained that when the size increased the structures and actitivities also increased but concentration of power decreased. When organziation tends to enhancement its volume as working capacity, extension in services or products they have already made, personnel in shape of making new divisions or resources which are in shape of fund flows the structure direclty proportionate with it and increased with the size of organization but concentration of power may be decreased. Planned organization have best solution for concentration of power, they authorized appointed person at their span of working. The authorized person is competent and skilled to take immediate decision as best choice for organization growth. 3. Technology In current scenario the communication technology is very essential for organzational strucutre. Researcher found the view of different authors like (Parsons 1951) says that coordination and communication processes importance increased at each level, either managerial, technical or institutional. It considers very complex issue in organization and in all dynamics of organization environment (Emery and Trist,1960). In some other school of thought technology is one of the internal important factor of organization. In any organization managerial porcesses and technology has relationship and technology determines the way of organizational management.Technology determines the principles, theories and structures of organization (Zareei Matin, 2003, p-155). Resarcher agreed with this statement and observed that communication technology in organization plays prominent role for managerial activities. Further realized that communication technology raised at each level in organizational structur e with growth of organization. The Organization Strategy: (Fe`rery 2006) said that strategy consists on three dimension which were called dynamics of strategy, these are value, parimeter and imitation. Researcher realized that all of three factors exercised by organizational structure and also realized that best fit between organizational strategy, structure and management process make it a successful organization (Raymond Miles and Charles Snow 1992). The researcher found that strategies and structure has complex relationship in organization and growth of organization possible in the sense that strategy chosen for business as per requirement of organizational structure or sometime there may be remarkable change required in organizational structure as per market demand. During research another point explored by researcher and gathered the infromation about organizational structure affects on culture of organization and discussed below. Effect of organizational structure on organization culture Reseracher tried to found the effect of strucutre on culture and achieved suggestion that in change process of organization culture is an integral part (R.Dension and K. Mishra 1995) Sub headings Community organizing practice The Organizerà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s role Practice Keys Quality standards In an organizational structure monitoring of absolute application of quality standards is very important task and most of the firms exercised it carefully. The researcher observed some standards relevant to the population of study like implementation time, implementation cost, motivation, monitoring, communication and systematic approach. The researcher gathered infromation about these quality standards from different sources relevant to the study and discussed in following Frame work on literature review Introduction History/Types Determinants effect on Culture Organizational Structure and Standardization Quality standards Application in current structure ISO 9001, 14001 Implementation of ISO in current structure

Country of Origin Meat Labeling :: essays research papers

A large problem that has arose in our country is Country of Origin (COO) meat labeling. Imported meat is not labeled with its origin and has become a great problem because of the lack of universal packaging and processing laws. The United States imports meat from 26 foreign countries. This means when you buy a package of hamburger from your local grocery store it could contain meat from anywhere in the world. Other countries meat isn’t the same quality as US meat. Some meat comes from countries such as china where it is legal to feed livestock ground up bone meal from scraped animals. In which that bone meal can carry such diseases such as mad cow disease or a variety of other ailments. Other variances to US policy are things such as pesticides (rodent killer), insecticides (bug killer), and herbicides (weed killer). And when these poisons are used around livestock, they eat them also and are incorporated into the meat you buy at the supermarket. Furthermore, some foreign countries have no sanitation in the way livestock are produced. Some are grown on disease and urine infected water and food. So without labeling of meat origins, the consumer does not know what they are buying which should be immediately changed. The opposition to meat labeling laws claims it is â€Å"too much regulation and cost to gyrate through unnecessary protocols just to label the meat†. But obviously the opposition really has no defense and just doesn’t want their product to plummet once the truth is shown to the consumer. Once labels are applied to meat countries with notorious standards and unsanitary practices will be justly shut out of the market.

The Philippine Local Fiscal Administration in a Decentralized Setup

Decentralization in the Philippines took three forms- devolution, deconcentration and delegation. As Carino affirms, the framers of the 1987 Constitution institutionalized decentralization with the end-view of realizing democracy and development especially at the grassroots level. Devolution paved way for the transfer of political power from the central government to the local government units.This transfer of power and functions was accompanied by the provision of a higher Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), broader tax base and a just share in the national wealth to finance devolved responsibilities and provision of various goods and services. This was accompanied by deconcentration which is the transfer of administrative powers and functions from central offices of government agencies to the field offices at the regional, provincial, and municipal/city level.In consonance with the concept that local government units are more responsive to the needs of their communities, deconcentrat ion was institutionalized vis-a- vis devolution as a means for national government agencies (NGAs) to provide assistance to LGUs by setting standards in the implementation of various programs and monitor the operation and services of the LGUs along the different socio-economic and political dimensions.Contrary to the past practices wherein the central government through the national government agencies (NGAs) exercises a degree of control in the implementation of programs at the LGU level, deconcentration aims to lessen, if not remove, the control from the national government and replace it with supervisory functions. Ideally, through deconcentration, NGAs set standards and supervise LGU’s provision of various services to the community (i. e. DOH and LGU health services).Decentralization in the Philippines also took the form of delegation, or what other author calls as â€Å"debureaucratization†. This was the result of the surmounting clamor for participatory governanc e and active citizenship during the ouster of the late President Ferdinand Marcos through the People’s Power Revolution and even prior to and after the said historic event. The author of the Consitution saw it fit, as a response to the call of the times, to put greater emphasis on the involvement of non- government organizations, people’s organizations, and the private sector in governance.In this way, democracy and development was believed to be realized when the voices of the marginalized, poor and other people aggrupations are heard and considered in decision-making at the different government level. In contrast to the experience of other countries, decentralization in the Philippines took a complete form. This may be attributed to the political atmosphere in the 1980’s- 1900’s conducive to decentralization and democratic form of government. Colombia deconcentrated its state services but placed a limit in the delegation and devolution of powers.Same ca n be said with the experiences of Mexico and Togo. The Philippines also has a legal framework conducive to democratic decentralization. Decentralization throbs in the Article X of the 1987 Constitution where the Congress is mandated to enact a Local Government Code which â€Å"shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization†. Countries like Spain and China lack this legal framework despite substantial decentralization.This means that decentralization in the Philippines possesses a degree of â€Å"permanency† that would ensure the continuity in LGUs’ exercise of devolved powers and functions. In the words of Katorobo, decentralization in the Philippines has a â€Å"more stable environment† (Katorobo, 2004). The system of decentralization in the country is also more responsive to the needs of the local community. Unlike the experiences of India, China and Russia where powers and functions were only devolved at the state and regional levels, decentralization in the Philippines reaches down to the basic unit of government, the barangays.Due to our country’s bent towards democracy, the Philippines has a â€Å"higher form of decentralization† as compared to other countries (Ibid. ). The central government has transferred more powers and functions to the local governments and has provided more avenues for civil society engagement in local governance. Role of Local Fiscal Administration in a Decentralized Setup The transfer of powers and functions to local government units (LGUs) necessitates the transfer and redistribution of financial resources. LGUs need sources and means to finance devolved services.Thus, the Local Government Code of 1991 provided LGUs with an increase in the IRA share, broader tax base, and a just share in the national wealth. The redistribution of financial resources is essential for LGUs to realize local development as more r esponsive services are provided to the community. Local fiscal administration plays an important role in the attainment of local development as well as in the attainment of national goals. LGUs have to maximize powers and functions particularly their taxing powers and other functions in line with revenue generation and resource allocation to hasten development at the local level.A good local fiscal administration is needed to realize inclusive growth and poverty reduction as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2011- 2016. Improvements in the different aspects of local fiscal administration- systems, structures, processes, officials and personnel, and policy environment- is a means for the local government to obtain higher income levels to finance local government operations and services intended to uplift living conditions in the communities.As stated in the Handbook of Local Fiscal Administration in the Philippines by Celestino, et. al. , these improvements may come in the form of new technology, good staffing patterns, adequate skills of personnel, heightened awareness of LGUs of available credit facilities, enhanced capacity of LGU for development planning, and the presence of political will among others.These contribute to increased LGU revenues and improved delivery of services to the community. Ultimately, poor living conditions and issues on human development (i. e.  health diseases, malnutrition, illiteracy, unemployment, underemployment, environmental degradation, etc. ) are addressed when LGUs are able to provide more than adequate services. Improvements along these areas have an intrinsic value to the society. A healthier and educated population is a way of eradicating poverty. Same is true with the provision and generation of jobs at the local level. Same can be said with efforts to protect and preserve ecological balance in any given community. These contribute to the achievement of inclusive growth and eradication of poverty.Local Fisca l Administration 20 Years after the Code’s Enactment A closer look at the 20- year Philippine experience of decentralization,however, shows that the country has succeeded only to a certain extent in its decentralization efforts. Llanto, in his discussion paper, â€Å"The Assignment of Functions and Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations in the Philippines Twenty Years after Decentralization†, has observed that expenditure responsibilities with benefits confined within the territorial jurisdiction of local governments were correctly assigned to LGUs.By these, he means that the Code correctly devolved functions and responsibilities on social demands and concerns that LGUs are in the best positions to respond to. He also mentioned that the Code ensured a clear tax- expenditure assignment. Nonetheless, despite success stories on decentralization particularly on local fiscal autonomy, Llanto observed pressing issues that need to be addressed if the country has to succeed in its decentralization efforts. These issues are: 1. The conduct of regular local public expenditure review 2. The use of poverty index, human development index, or resource indicator instead of the equal sharing criteria. 3. The improvement of local tax administration. 4. The review and updating of local tax codes. 5. The institutionalization of a monitoring and reward system to recognize good local government performance in fiscal administration. 6. The avoidance of the imposition of unfunded mandates by the identification of source of funding apart from the coffers of the local government units 7. The alliance building/ resource pooling among LGUs for activities and services with inter-jurisdictional spillovers.There is still a lot of work to be done in our pursuit of successful decentralization and the attainment of local development. Legislators and other policy makers have to pause and seriously consider the issues which surfaced in our first 20 years of decentralization. I believe that if we are to make any progress, incremental steps have to be taken towards countering these issues and challenges. And there is no importune time than the present to start providing interventions to the multiple concerns that confront the Philippine decentralization system.

Family System Theory Essay

Human Beings depend on each other to survive and thrive. Whether in family group, business or organizational networks, relationships have the potential to be the resources for accomplishing important goal. Our interactive process can become a hindrance or a source of a productive action. Families are considered systems because they are made up of interrelated elements or objectives, they exhibit coherent behaviours, they have regular interactions and they are interdependent on each other. This is apparent in the relationship between flowers and bees, where bees use the flowers as a source of food, and the flowers depend on the inter-flower traffic that the bees provide to spread their pollen and insure healthy genetic diversity within the flower community. These two species are interconnected and cannot be understood in isolation. If the bees become damaged, the flowers suffer, and vice versa. When any part of such a network is altered or damaged, it affects all the other parts of that network, for all are interconnected (Dombeck & Wells, 2006). The Family Systems insight is that what is true about flowers and bees is also true of human relationships. People live in families and social groupings, and depend upon one another for the means that insure their mutual survival, including (as Maslow has taught us) food clothing and shelter, but also safety, belonging and social support. Family members are interconnected: Every person within a family has a role to play within the life of the family as a whole. Alteration or damage to one family member affects the entire family, for all are interconnected. A change in one persons functioning can be followed by reciprocal changes in the functioning of others in the family. Family systems theory views the family as an emotional unit that implies a deep, multi-generational connection between family members that significantly influences behaviors of its members outside of their conscious awareness. Family Systems theory or Bowen theory is based on three main assumptions: clients problematic behavior may serve a function or purpose for the family clients problematic behavior may be a function of the families inability to operate productively the maladaptive behavior may be a symptom of dysfunctional patterns handed from generations I find the family systems theory to be the most practical and effective approach towards making positive changes within the family unit. Unlike other theories, Family Systems theory focuses on the entire family unit instead of a particular individual, family structure , a developmental stage, crisis or a behavior causing the dysfunction in the family. The theory provides a holistic and a realistic view of the problem and how best it can be treated by assisting the family members in realizing the problem and using the family as its own resource to solve the problem. Research has shown that incorporating Family System theory into therapeutic practice can enhance the recovery of the client and the family as a whole.

I Have a Dream Essay

Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15th 1929. He was a pastor, activist and the prominent leader in the African American civil rights movement and is often presented as a heroic leader in the history of modern American liberalism. He is most famous for his speech called â€Å"I have a dream†. It is about not being segregated or discriminated against and to have equal rights between white and black people. It is now recognized as one of the greatest speeches in history. Martin Luther King used a number of rhetorical devices in his speech. The main rhetorical device used throughout the speech is repetition and parallelism. In each paragraph he repeats different sentences to emphasize what he is saying. He repeats phrases such as ‘one hundred years later’, ‘we can never be satisfied’, ‘I have a dream’ and ‘now is the time’ to make the listener remember the parts he wants to emphasize. It is effective because the people are anticipating it so then they can join in. Also later on in life people will look back at the speeches and remember it for certain phrases because of the repetition. Martin Luther King also uses inclusive pronouns in his speech, for example we, our and addressing the audience as brothers and sisters. ‘The sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.† He makes the audience feel as though it is there duty as well to overcome the discrimination and try and make all the southern states of America united and equal. He also makes the audience feel like it is their dream too and not just his. Martin Luther used different parts of the English language to enhance the meaning of his speech and bring out the details. The different rhetorical devices, allusions to historic documents, and metaphors seemed to have brought about the emotions that King was trying to arouse in his listeners. This helped him influence his listeners towards wanting equality for all and changing what was happening in the present so they didn’t repeat things in the past.

Article two Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Article two - Essay Example Engaging in corporate responsibility gives the company a better image and consumers will want to engage more in the products being offered ( Crane, 21). Social responsibility can take different forms, the most popular being committing funds or resources for important social aspects. An example is donating money towards funding a facility for the blind. Another form of social responsibility is producing goods and services that are in the best interest of the whole community such as environmental friendly products or use of safe manufacturing materials. According to (Crane, 79) the best form of corporate social responsibility should integrate the two forms mentioned above. Produce environmental friendly products and funding charitable activities. Conclusively, the benefits of social responsibility include easy government relations. Companies have a more positive outlook if they take social responsibility seriously. No problems or campaigns will be launched against such companies. It also benefits the public relations by shaping consumer image and acting as a branding tool. Last it provides a positive environment in the working place. The employees are more productive knowing that they are engaging with a company that cares about the society (crane,

How did the era of the slingshot dragster serve to help drag racing Essay

How did the era of the slingshot dragster serve to help drag racing evolve from primarily a participant sport to more of a grandstand spectator event - Essay Example The racing grounds were smooth and could accommodate many vehicles at the same time. However, the slingshot experienced considerable transformation with time (Reyes 57). Drag racing in the 1950s was America’s extreme sport and the NHRA Drag Racing Championship was the renowned festival of characters, speed and color. Today, it remains unparalleled by any other automotive sport area. The slingshot had a fair share of its disadvantages that had for the longest time been highlighted by the media. For instance, many of the slingshot drivers in most cases experienced painful burns and at times disfigured faces and hands and to a greater extent they lost their dear lives. The reason for that was because fuel, oil or a mixture of both ignited and as a result blow on them. Notwithstanding the injuries and loss of lives, slingshot still remained a revered king of dragsters. However, there were plans to come up with an engine of a rear design but the inventors wanted to develop something bigger and better than the slingshot and could once and for all erase the slingshot (Reyes 68). Don Garlits one of the greatest dragster legends came up with a design that would put the engine and the fuel motor behind him. Partnering with Connie Swingle, they put their heads together and made a breakthrough in achieving what would later slow down the ratio of steering. While the new vehicle would be a sigh of relief to the drivers, there were still some who claimed that locating the cockpit forward was disorienting. After a series of tests under the belt, the sleek car which had a simple appearance was favored only that it’s motor was situated between the rear wheels and the driver. The building of the chassis of such a vehicle was demanding more so producing a rear engine. The concept of the rear engine proved to be forever more effective and the cars with the rear engine grew in length, size and that epitomized evolution into a colossus of the current top fuel (Reyes